Without price, and as a matter of love for the work in hand, these brethren proceeded with the compilation, had four typewritten copies prepared, nicely bound and titled, and were privileged, sometime before the death of the President, to offer him the first typewritten copy of the work, with their love and gratitude for his life, his example, and his inspired teachings, as well as for his gentle kindness and constant helpfulness to each of them. Needless to say, the presentation and the work were gladly accepted and gave President Smith great delight. The Committee on Study for the Priesthood Quorums, being apprised by the compilers of the work, conceived the idea, under the initiative of Elder David O. McKay, of the Council of the Twelve, of making it a text book for the Priesthood. The volume is now presented to the Melchizedek Priesthood Quorums of the Church for their study and consideration. To accompany it is "A Guide" for the direction of teachers and students, and adopted for convenience in reference and study. The sermons and writings of President Joseph F. Smith teach, in wisdom and moderation, practically every essential doctrine of the Latter-day Saints concerning the present life and the life hereafter. Not only that, but they abound in helpful counsel and advice on everyday practices in right living, stated in simple and persuasive language. President Smith's sermons and writings breathe the true spirit of the Gospel, are sound as gold in tenet and precept, and express the will of the Master in every word. Gathered, classified, arranged, and printed as in this volume, they constitute a compendium of the doctrine and teachings of the Church that we believe will stand as a safe guide for its members for generations to come. In presenting this compilation to the public, we are confident that every reader will be fully repaid in its perusal, containing, as it does, rich and vital selections from the sayings, teachings and sermons of one of the foremost prophets of the Lord in the Dispensation of the Fulness of Times. COMMITTEE ON COURSES OF STUDY FOR THE PRIESTHOOD. SALT LAKE CITY, MAY, 1919. CONTENTS CHAPTER I Truth, the Foundation Our Hope Founded on Truth--The Gospel Founded in Truth--Truth, the Foundation--Man Saved by Truth--Gospel Truth Cannot be Superseded--Man's Greatest Achievement--Truth and Righteousness Will Prevail--Reality of the Faith of the Saints--Meaning of Science--All Truth From God--The Saints May Know the Truth--How Truth May be Known--How Man Lays an Imperishable Foundation of Truth--Reward of All Honest People--The Gospel is Simple--Our Knowledge is Limited--Blessings for the Love of Truth CHAPTER II The Eternal Nature of the Church, the Priesthood, and Man