The Gospel: An Exposition of its First Principles: Revised and Enlarged EditionRoberts, B. H. (Brigham Henry)
Religion
The Gospel: An Exposition of its First Principles: Revised and Enlarged Edition
Roberts, B. H. (Brigham Henry)
Latter Day Saint churches
Such, in brief, are some of the direct testimonies we have from the
Jewish and Nephite scriptures, and from the writings of inspired men in
our own day concerning the existence of God and his Son Jesus Christ.
And surely if human testimony can establish anything--any matter of
fact, then the fact of God's existence is so established. The testimony
comes from such a variety of sources, is delivered in so many different
ages, from the first to the present, yet all blending so harmoniously,
that it leaves nothing to be desired in point of consistency or
harmony, quality or quantity.
Let me here observe, in concluding this chapter, that God is no
respecter of persons; but they who will approach him in faith, as these
characters did, whose testimonies we have been examining, may have
a knowledge of his existence also. But--adapting to my purpose the
language of the Doctrine and Covenants[T]--after any portion of the
human family are made acquainted--either through tradition, or the
testimony of those who have sought and found him--with the important
fact that there is a God who has created and does uphold all things,
the extent of their personal knowledge respecting his character and
glory, will depend upon their diligence and faithfulness in seeking
after him; until, like Enoch, the brother of Jared, Moses, Joseph
Smith, and Oliver Cowdery, they shall obtain faith in God, and power to
behold him face to face.
[Footnote T: Lecture II, on Faith, verse 55.]
CHAPTER XV.
FAITH.--THE CHARACTER OF GOD.
Although belief in the fact that God exists is of first importance, it
is not all that is necessary to an intelligent faith. It is the primary
element, perhaps, but there are others in addition to that which are
needful to a rational exercise of faith--such an exercise of faith that
will lead to eternal salvation in God's Kingdom. Something must be
known of the character of God, of his attributes; for I hold this truth
to be self-evident, that without some knowledge of God's character men
cannot intelligently exercise faith in him. Without that knowledge
faith will ever be imperfect, unsatisfactory, weak and comparatively
unfruitful. Hence, we next proceed to inquire into the character of
Deity, as he has revealed it to his children; and as we are dependent
upon revelation for the knowledge of God's existence, so are we
dependent upon revelation for what knowledge we have of his character.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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