Chapter II: Introduction

President Joseph F. Smith incidentally stated on one occasion that when he should pass away, unlike many of his brethren, he would leave no written work, by which he might be remembered. It was his modest way of viewing his own ministry and literary labors, for President Smith would live in the hearts of the people even if he had said nothing for the printed page; but on the contrary, it was discovered that there are volumes in print, though at that time it had not been gathered and was therefore not so well known.

One of the compilers of this volume, Dr. John A. Widtsoe, listening to his remark, thought to himself, "certainly it cannot be true that he has left no written work." He then decided to look into his published writings and sermons, conceived the idea of making extracts from them and arranging these extracts by subjects and in chapters, in the form of a book. The result is this splendid volume now presented to the public under the title GOSPEL DOCTRINE.

Doctor John A. Widtsoe interested his brother, Prof. Osborne J. P. Widtsoe, also Albert E. Bowen, Doctor F. S. Harris, and Joseph Quinney, in the work of compiling and classifying from the voluminous writings and sermons of President Smith, such extracts as would bear upon the subjects chosen for consideration--subjects covering a wide range in gospel doctrine and philosophy, as taught by the Latter-day Saints. Lorenzo N. Stohl generously paid the expenses of the work.

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

Eternal Nature of Plan of Salvation--Gospel Principles are Eternal--Pre-existing States--Spirit Memories--The Immortality of Man--Man Eternally Responsible--Our Indestructible, Immortal Identity--No New Principles in the Gospel--Fountain of Truth--Eternity of the Spirit of man--Purposes of Almighty Unchangeable

CHAPTER III

Revelation

Value of the Spirit of Revelation--The Spirit of Inspiration--The Spirit of Revelation Enjoyed by All--New Revelation--When to Expect New Revelation--How the Lord Reveals His Purposes Concerning the Church--Modern Revelation is Necessary--Theory and Divine Revelation--Revelation and Legal Evidence--Proper Channels for Revelation--The Doctrine and Covenants--How to Read the Bible--Persecution Follows Revelation

CHAPTER IV

Free Agency

The Latter-day Saints a Free People--The Use of Freedom and Human Judgment--Latter-day Saints Should Exercise Free Agency--How to Obtain Blessings of God

CHAPTER V

God and Man

God has Directed His Latter-day Work--A Personal Knowledge of God--God Speaks to the Honest in Heart--God Constantly Mindful of us--God's Will to Exalt Man--God's Right to Rule in the World--The Lesson in Natural Calamities--Extent of God's Power--Beware of Limiting God--Misfortune and Evil Not Attributable to the Will of God--God's Warfare--We are in God's Image--God's Rest--Importance of Being Under the Influence of the Holy Spirit--Holy Ghost, Holy Spirit, Comforter--God Inspires Man to Know and to Do--Trust in God--I Know that My Redeemer Lives--Our Personal Responsibility--The Church a Democratic Institution--How to Secure God's blessings--Jesus is the Son--Jehovah, the First-born--Nothing Temporal with God--The Important Consideration

CHAPTER VI

The Purpose and the Mission of the Church

The Kingdom of God Defined--"Mormonism" Defined--The Mission of the Church--The Plan of Life Restored--Our Mission is to Save--The Gospel Message--We are as Leaven--Man Insignificant Compared to Cause--Where the Gospel Spirit Leads--The Fruits of True Religion--Latter-day Saints Possess the Spirit of Salvation--May Israel Flourish--The Work of the Lord Will Grow--The Kingdom of God to Continue--Zion Established to Remain--The Progress of God's Work Cannot be Stopped--Divinity of the Gospel--The Gospel All Comprehensive--Let Your Light Shine--No Cause for Worry--The Gospel a Shield from Terror--The Gospel Trumpet--What Church Leaders Advocate--Our Message one of Love--Whence? Whither?--Latter-day Saints are Law-Abiding

CHAPTER VII

The First Principles of the Gospel

How the Sinner May be Cleansed--Fallacy of Death-Bed Repentance--The Change that Comes with Repentance and Baptism--The Necessity of Baptism--When to Baptize Children--Through Atonement Sins are Washed away--Conditions for Baptism--The First Principles of the Gospel