Joseph Smith the Prophet-Teacher: A DiscourseRoberts, B. H. (Brigham Henry)
Religion
Joseph Smith the Prophet-Teacher: A Discourse
Roberts, B. H. (Brigham Henry)
Latter Day Saint churches -- Apologetic works; Smith, Joseph, Jr., 1805-1844
"Worlds without number have I created. * * * Behold, there are many
worlds that have passed away by the word of my power, and there are
many that now stand, and innumerable are they to man. * * * The
heavens, they are many, and they cannot be numbered unto man; * * *
and as one earth shall pass away, and the heavens thereof, even so
shall another come, and there is no end to my works, neither to my
words."
This passage implies constant movement in this infinite universe. The
statement, "As one earth shall pass away and the heavens thereof, even
so shall another come," corresponds somewhat to the modern scientist's
notion of "evolution and devolution." Also with his statement that
"Substance is everywhere and always in uninterrupted movement and
transformation; nowhere is there perfect repose and rigidity; yet the
infinite quantity of matter and of eternally changing force remains
constant." And now I must ask you to accept a somewhat hurriedly
stated conclusion as to the effect of these changes going on in the
universe, gathered, indeed, from the teaching of our Prophet, but
without specific quotation, namely, that the tendency of this movement
in the universe, the organization and then the disintegration of
worlds and world-systems is in the direction of the development of,
and for the increase of the power and glory of truly immortal
Intelligences. This conclusion is required by the philosophy of Joseph
Smith.
THE EXISTENCE OF GOOD AND EVIL: Respecting Good and Evil, our Prophet
taught: "There must needs be an opposition in all things. If it were
not so, righteousness could not be brought to pass; nor wickedness,
nor holiness, nor misery; neither good nor bad, therefore, all things
must needs be [in the absence of these opposite existences] a compound
in one."
It will require but little reflection to establish the truth of this
doctrine. Good implies its opposite, evil. Law, which carries with it
the idea of order, implies disorder, and takes measures against it. We
become conscious of the truth of the doctrine here announced at every
turn. In the astronomic order it is seen in the centripetal and
centrifugal forces--the holding together and the flying apart forces.
In chemistry it is manifest in the composing and decomposing forces;
in positive and negative electricity. It is seen in light and
darkness; heat, cold; movement, repose; joy, sorrow; pleasure, pain;
and so following. Our Prophet's teaching on this line runs to the
extent that existence itself is made to depend upon it, this antinomy
of things. Listen:
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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