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
Jesus in ancient times sent his disciples forth to preach the gospel
to every creature, saying they that believed and were baptized should
be saved, but they that believed not should be damned. And said he,
"These signs shall follow them that believe: In my name shall they
cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; they shall take up
serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them;
they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover." These are
the promises made anciently, and there are thousands in this territory
and in this congregation who can bear testimony that they have realized
the fulfilment of these promises in this day. The healing of the sick
among us has become so common that it is apparently but little thought
of. We have also seen the lame made to walk, and the blind to receive
their sight, the deaf to hear, and the dumb to speak. These things we
have seen done by the power of God and not by the cunning or wisdom of
men; we know that these signs do follow the preaching of the gospel.
Yet these testimonies of its truth are but poor and weak when compared
with the whisperings of the still small voice of the Spirit of God. The
latter is a testimony that none who enjoy it can deny; it cannot be
overcome, for it brings conviction to the heart that cannot be reasoned
away or disproved, whether it can be accounted for on philosophical
principles or not. This testimony comes from God and convinces all
to whom it is given in spite of themselves, and is worth more to men
than any sign or gift beside, because it gives peace and happiness,
contentment and quiet to my soul. It assures me that God lives, and if
I am faithful I shall obtain the blessings of the celestial kingdom.
Is this unscriptural or contrary to reason or to any revealed truth?
No, it is in compliance with and in corroboration {103} of all revealed
truth known to man. The Lord Almighty lives, and he operates by the
power of his Spirit over the hearts of the children of men and holds
the nations of the earth in his hands. He created the earth upon which
we dwell, and its treasures are his; and he will do with us according
as we merit. As we are faithful or unfaithful, so will the Almighty
deal with us, for we are his children, and we are heirs of God and
joint heirs with Jesus Christ.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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