1 Ne. 15:24; 2 Ne. 25:22; 29:11; Morm. 8:12; refer in this text to Moro.10:3-5
“The Book of Mormon (is) the most correct of any book of earth, and the keystone of our religion, and a man would get nearer to God by abiding by its precepts, than by any other book.” (Joseph Smith, History of Church 4:461)
“The Prophet’s expression that ‘the Book of Mormon is the keystone of our religion’ means precisely what it says. The keystone is the central stone in the tip of the arch. If that stone is removed, then the arch crumbles, which, in effect, means that Mormonism … stands or falls with the truth or the falsity of the Book of Mormon… . If the Book of Mormon is true, our message to the world is truth; the truth of this message is established in and through this book.” (Bruce R. McConkie, Conference Report, Apr. 1961, p. 39)
“What is the major purpose of the Book of Mormon? To bring men to Christ and to be reconciled to him… . [It] helps us draw nearer to God. Is there not something deep in our hearts that longs to draw nearer to God, to be more like Him in our daily walk, to feel His presence with us constantly? If so, then the Book of Mormon will help us do so more than any other book. It is not just that the Book of Mormon teaches us truth, though it indeed does that. It is not just that the Book of Mormon bears testimony of Christ, though it indeed does that, too. But there is something more. There is a power in the book which will begin to flow into your lives the moment you begin a serious study of the book. You will find greater power to resist temptation. You will find the power to avoid deception. You will find the power to stay on the strait and narrow path… . When you begin to hunger and thirst after those words, you will find life in greater and greater abundance.” (Ezra Taft Benson, Ensign, Nov. 1984, pp. 6-7)
“May I admonish you to participate in a program of daily reading and pondering of the scriptures… . The Book of Mormon will change your life. It will fortify you against the evils of our day. It will bring a spirituality into your life that no other book will.” (Ezra Taft Benson, Ensign, May 1986, p. 43)
“It is the book that will save the world and prepare the sons of men for joy and peace here and now and everlasting life in eternity.” (Bruce R. McConkie, Conference Report, Oct. 1983, p. 107)
“I feel certain that if, in our homes, parents will read from the Book of Mormon prayerfully and regularly, both by themselves and with their children the spirit of that great book will come to permeate our homes and all who dwell therein. The spirit of reverence will increase; mutual respect and consideration for each other will grow. The spirit of contention will depart. Parents will counsel their children in greater love and wisdom. Children will be more responsive and submissive to that counsel.” (Ezra Taft Benson, Ensign, Nov. 1986, p. 7)
“Success in righteousness, the power to avoid deception and resist temptation, guidance in our daily lives, healing of the soul—these are but a few of the promises the Lord has given to those who will come to his word.” (Ezra Taft Benson, Ensign, May 1986, p. 82)
“Now, in our day, the Lord has revealed the need to reemphasize the Book of Mormon to get the church and all the children of Zion out from under the condemnation—the scourge and judgement (see D&C 84:54-58)… . I bless you with increased understanding of the Book of Mormon. I promise you that from this moment forward, if we will daily sup from its pages and abide by its precepts, God will pour out upon each child of Zion and the Church a blessing hitherto unknown.” (Ezra Taft Benson, Conference Report, Apr. 1986)
“He [Pres. Benson] has spoken prophetically and wonderfully on many things, but his most oft-repeated message to the people of the Church has been, ‘Read the Book of Mormon.’ Why? Because he knows that the reading of this sacred testament will bring us closer to God and that there is no greater need among us than this. Could there be a call from a prophet more timely than this call? One need only look at the filth and rot that are sweeping over the world in the form of pornographic movies, pornographic videocassettes, pornographic television, to see the need for a great and powerful and moving counter-force for righteousness.” (Gordon B. Hinckley, Ensign, May 1992, p. 53)