Gospel Doctrine: Selections from the Sermons and Writings of Joseph F. SmithSmith, Joseph F. (Joseph Fielding)
Religion
Gospel Doctrine: Selections from the Sermons and Writings of Joseph F. Smith
Smith, Joseph F. (Joseph Fielding)
Latter Day Saint churches
There is one other element to be considered in this matter of harmony,
as a doctrine of the Church, which may not operate in other community
efforts of men; and that is, the living presence and effective force
of the Holy Spirit. That Spirit, it must be remembered, is, by way of
preeminence, called "The Spirit of Truth, which proceedeth from the
Father." He teaches all things; and brings to the remembrance of the
Saints all the instructions of the Master. He guides into all truth,
and as in all truth there is unity or harmony, so, it is believed
that if the Saints are in possession of this Spirit, the harmony in
the Church of Christ will {163} be superior to the harmony that can
be looked for or hoped for, in any other organization whatsoever. And
because the Saints have free access to the Holy Spirit, and may walk
within his light and fellowship and possess the intelligence which he
is able to impart, a stricter harmony among the Saints may be insisted
upon than in any other organization of men whatsoever. For the same
reason, lack of harmony may be more severely censured and persistent
opposition and rebellion more justly denounced and swiftly punished.
In all things, however, patience and charity must be exercised--and no
less in seeking the perfect harmony we hope for, than in other things.
The present state of imperfect knowledge, the struggle it is for all
men to live on those spiritual heights where they may be in communion
with God, must be taken into account and due allowance made for human
weakness and imperfection. So that, while the existence of that degree
of harmony essential as a working principle in the Church must always
be imperatively demanded, beyond that, the Church, in the manner of
harmony, may well afford to exercise forbearance and charity towards
all its members until the day of more perfect knowledge shall arise
upon the Saints; a day when, through a wider effusion and a deeper
penetration of the Holy Spirit they may be brought to stand in perfect
harmony with each other and with God.--_Improvement Era,_ 1904-5, Vol.
8, pp. 209-215.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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