GOSPEL DOCTRINE
* * * *
SELECTIONS FROM
THE SERMONS AND WRITINGS
OF
JOSEPH F. SMITH
Sixth President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
* * * *
THE DESERET NEWS
SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH
1919
PREFACE
President Joseph F. Smith was so long in the public service of the
Church that his published sermons and writings would fill many
volumes. The difficult problem of the compilers of this volume has
been to make a collection of extracts that would do full justice to
the man and that, at the same time, could be contained in a volume of
moderate size. Every reader who knows Church literature will note the
shortcomings of the work; and none more than the compilers. However,
incomplete as it may be, this collection is well worth while, for it
contains a wealth of gospel wisdom, to instruct, comfort, and inspire
the Saints.
The literature of the Church has been carefully and systematically
searched to discover all of President Smith's public writings and
sermons. Those of a historical nature have not been used in this
collection, as they may well be made into another volume.
The compilers give their thanks to the many who, with hearts full of
love for President Smith, have helped in the work.
The work has reaffirmed to us that prophets, speaking for God, are with
us.
The Compilers.
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