How I felt as a closet atheist at BYU. : exmormon. Mormons make bad friends - one of the qualities of a good friend is that you can discuss things with them that are important to you, whether they agree with your opinion or not. : exmormon. Freedom and Free Enterprise ~ Wake Up, Saints! At the time this talk was given, in 1965, Elder Ezra Taft Benson had been an apostle of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for 22 years. President David O. McKay, then President of the Church, listened as part of the audience as it was given.
Elder Benson had left the Cabinet of Pres. Eisenhower just 4 years prior, after serving as the Secretary of Agriculture for 8 years. My soul is subdued and my feeling a bit tender as I look into your faces tonight. Breathes there the man with soul so dead Who never to himself hath said, This is my own, my native land! ...and so on. 'Tis fine to see the Old World, and travel up and down Among the famous palaces and cities of renown, To admire the crumbly castles and the statues of the kings But now I think I've had enough of antiquated things... And so tonight, I appreciate more than I can say this opportunity to speak to you frankly as an American; one who prizes his citizenship in this blessed land. Mr. 1. First, what is man? 2. 3. LDS FAIR Apologetics Homepage. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.