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
I have traveled somewhat among the nations preaching the gospel, and
have seen something of the conditions of the world, and to a certain
extent have become acquainted with the feelings of men, and with the
religions of the world. I {96} am aware that the gospel, as revealed in
the Bible, cannot be found in the world; the ordinances of that gospel
are not administered in any church except the Church of Jesus Christ
of Latter-day Saints. If we make ourselves acquainted with the tenets
of the religious world we shall find that they have not the gospel nor
its ordinances; they have a form of godliness, and I have no doubt, are
as sincere as we who have obeyed the gospel as revealed from heaven in
these days. But they are devoid of the knowledge which we possess,
and it is from the fact that they deny the source by which they might
receive this knowledge--namely, revelation from Jesus Christ. In their
minds they have closed up the heavens; they declare that God has
revealed all that is necessary, that the canon of scripture is full,
and that no more will be revealed. Believing thus, they close up the
avenue of light and intelligence from heaven; and this will continue so
long as they continue in their present course of unbelief. They will
not listen to the testimony of men who tell them that the Lord lives
and that he is able to reveal his will to man today, as ever. They will
not heed this testimony, consequently they close the door of light and
revelation. They cannot advance, nor learn the ways of God nor walk in
his paths.
We testify that the barriers which separated man from God have been
overcome, that the Lord has again communicated his will to man. "But,"
says one, "how shall we become acquainted with these things? How can
we know that you are not deceived?" To all such we say, repent of your
sins in all sincerity, then go forth and be baptized, and have hands
laid upon you for the gift of the Holy Ghost, and the Spirit will
bear record to you of the truth of our testimony, and you will become
witnesses of it as we are, and will be able to stand forth boldly and
testify to the world as we do. This was the path pointed out by Peter
and the apostles on the day of Pentecost, when the Spirit of the Lord
Almighty {97} rested upon them with great power to the convincing of
the hearts of the people who cried out, "Men and brethren, what shall
we do?" And Peter said unto them, "Repent, and be baptized, every one
of you, in the name of Jesus Christ, for the remission of sins, and
ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost." This was the counsel
given them, and inasmuch as they obeyed it, they were entitled to the
testimony of the Holy Spirit which would bring peace and happiness,
reveal to them their duties, and enable them to understand their
relationship to God.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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