In conclusion let us summarize this grand key, these “Fourteen Fundamentals in Following the Prophet”, for our salvation depends on them.
1. The prophet is the only man who speaks for the Lord in everything.
2. The living prophet is more vital to us than the standard works.
3. The living prophet is more important to us than a dead prophet.
4. The prophet will never lead the church astray.
5. The prophet is not required to have any particular earthly training or credentials to speak on any subject or act on any matter at any time.
6. The prophet does not have to say “Thus Saith the Lord,” to give us scripture.
7. The prophet tells us what we need to know, not always what we want to know.
8. The prophet is not limited by men’s reasoning.
9. The prophet can receive revelation on any matter, temporal or spiritual.
10. The prophet may advise on civic matters.
11. The two groups who have the greatest difficulty in following the prophet are the proud who are learned and the proud who are rich.
12. The prophet will not necessarily be popular with the world or the worldly.
13. The prophet and his counselors make up the First Presidency—the highest quorum in the Church.
14. The prophet and the presidency—the living prophet and the First Presidency—follow them and be blessed—reject them and suffer.
I testify that these fourteen fundamentals in following the living prophet are true. If we want to know how well we stand with the Lord then let us ask ourselves how well we stand with His mortal captain—how close do our lives harmonize with the Lord’s anointed—the living Prophet—President of the Church, and with the Quorum of the First Presidency.
Ezra Taft Benson
(Address given Tuesday, February 26, 1980 at Brigham Young University)
Please don’t use my post as a springboard for you diatribe against the Mormon Church, do your business elsewhere, and don’t forget to wash your hands after you are finished. My point was that three people (namely Barbour, Jindal, and now Plain) that are listed for as experts for the National Council are people mentioned for the next presidential campaign and whom I would support.
I also said I thought the stated goals for the National Council were worthy of support/discussion by members of this forum and asked if there was a preferred alternative to the National Council for us to become involved. My questions were why are real experts not listed for these areas of consideration, I mentioned the Heritage Foundation as one possible source and Steve Forbes comes to mind as a consultant on economic matters. I am interested in the stated of the National Council and was hoping it could be on this forum, I am not interested in insults, petty bickering or personal vendettas.
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Our National Panel of Experts:
Governor Haley Barbour
Governor Jeb Bush
Governor Bobby Jindal
Senator John McCain
Governor Mitt Romney
May 4 - Cantor Announces Governor Palin to Join National Council for a New America Panel of Experts
1. Economy: Real Solutions for Economic Recovery
2. Healthcare: Building a 21st Century, Patient-Centered System
3. Education: Preparing Our Children to Succeed
4. Energy: Solutions for Energy Independence
5. National Security: Defending American Liberty and Freedom