John A. Widtsoe Quotes - 376 quotes

John A. Widtsoe (1872-1952) was a Norwegian-American scientist, author, and religious leader. Born in Frøya, Norway, he immigrated to the United States with his family in 1883. Widtsoe was a prominent figure in both academia and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church). He earned... show more

 Joseph Smith … departed from the notion that God is a Being foreign to nature and wholly superior to it. Instead, he taught that God is part of nature, and superior to it only in the sense that the electrician is superior to the current that is transmitted along the wire. The great laws of nature are immutable, and even God cannot transcend them.
- John A. Widtsoe
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 Scientific success does not rest upon the degree to which every law is explained; but rather in the degree to which every discovered law is obeyed and applied for man's advancement.

- John A. Widtsoe

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 The correct conclusion from this doctrine is that all the forces of nature are supported by intelligent action. This leads of necessity to order in nature. Blind forces, acting independently of intelligence, could not have brought about the perfect order that appears everywhere in the universe. Every atom of matter; every particle of ether is endowed with a form of intelligence. All the attractions, repulsions and equilibriums among natural objects are modes of expression of the force of intelligence. The explanations of the mysteries of nature will be greatly simplified when the "Mormon" doctrine of the position of intelligence in universal phenomena is clearly understood by scientific workers.

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 A person may be able to serve in the advancement of the whole race of man, only when there is a unity of purpose and effect, which can be secured only by organization.

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 God and man are of the same race, differing only in their degrees of advancement. True, to our finite minds, God is infinitely beyond our stage of progress. Nevertheless, man is of the order of Gods, else he cannot know God.

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 Simply: the earth plan is for all men; if all are not given full opportunity to hear and embrace it, the purposes of the Lord for his children will fail.

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 Chaos is abhorrent to the intelligent mind

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 This doctrine does not permit of the interpretation that a lower intelligence, such as that of an animal, may in time become the intelligence of a man. "It remaineth in the sphere in which I, God, created it."[A] The horse will ever remain a horse, though the intelligence of the animal may increase. To make any of the constituent parts or forces of an animal, part of the intelligence of a man, it would be necessary to disorganize the animal; to organize the elements into a man, and thus to begin over again.

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 Repeated reading and study of the Abrahamic account, as revealed through Joseph Smith, make it certain beyond doubt that the intent is to convey the idea that the creative periods included much time, and that, at the end of each period, the measure of night and day, was applied to the period, in order that its length might be determined. Whether or not the different creative periods represented days to the mighty beings concerned in the creation, we do not know, and it matters little to the argument of this article.[A]

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 According to this doctrine, the socalled Fall of Adam was indispensable to the evolving of organized intelligences that should have a complete acquaintance with all nature, and a full control over their free agencies. If laws were broken, it was done because of the heroism of the first parents, and not because of their sinfulness.

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 Conditions that may be likened to the atonement are found in science. Suppose an electrical current, supplying a whole city with power and light, is passing through a wire. If for any reason the wire is cut the city becomes dark and all machines driven by the current cease their motion. To restore the current, the ends of the broken wire must be reunited. If a person, in his anxiety to restore the city to its normal conditions, seizes the ends of the wire with his bare hands, and unites them, he probably will receive the full charge of the current in his body. Yet, as a result, the light and power will return to the city; and one man by his action, has succeeded in doing the work for many.

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 The progress of intelligent beings is a mutual affair. A lone God in the universe cannot find great joy in his power.

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 The more completely law is obeyed the greater the consciousness of perfect joy.

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 In this estate, both the spirit matter and the grosser matter composing our final bodies are represented by their essences, and therefore permit perfect freedom and ease of movement and thought. These celestial bodies, as they are called, connect the intelligence with all parts of the universe, and become mighty helps in the endless search for truth. This is the third estate of man.

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 ...eternal truths encompassing all that man is or may be, cannot be expressed literally, nor is there in the temple any attempt to do this. On the contrary, the great and wonderful temple service is one of mighty symbolism.

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 God is in no sense the Creator of natural forces and laws; He is the director of them.

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 This volume is based on the conviction that there is no real difference between science and religion.

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 Most probably, the power acquired in the life before this is transmitted to some degree to the earthlife. We may well believe, therefore, that the differences in the quality and characteristics of men, may be traced, in part at least, to the pre-existent lives.

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 Did he receive his knowledge from well educated persons, who kept themselves in the background? No documentary evidence has been found to substantiate such a view. Primarily, it is unlikely that men of intelligence and education would hide behind an ignorant boy, from the time he was fourteen until his death at thirty-nine years of age.

- John A. Widtsoe

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 If God had spoken the special language of science, the unlearned Joseph Smith would not, perhaps, have understood. Every wise man explains that which he knows in the language of those to whom he is speaking, and the facts and theories of science can be quite easily expressed in the language of the common man. It is needless to expect scientific phraselogy in the writings of Joseph Smith.

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 Joseph Smith taught, and the Church now teaches, that all space is filled with a subtle, though material substance of wonderful properties, by which all natural phenomena are controlled. This substance is known as the Holy Spirit. Its most important characteristic is intelligence. "Its inherent properties embrace all the attributes of intelligence."[A] The property of intelligence is to the Holy Spirit what energy is to the gross material of our senses.

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 Nevertheless, though men are not evil because they refuse to accept the Gospel, they retard themselves of necessity, when they fail to obey the law; and thereby they invite upon themselves the punishment that comes without fail to all who are not in full harmony with the great, controlling universal laws.

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 The family is the basis of society on earth, and as there must be organization among intelligent beings, someone must be spokesman for the family. In the family, the man is the spokesman presiding authority, and, therefore, the Priesthood is bestowed upon him.

- John A. Widtsoe

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 When a man's whole time is taken by the Church, he gets his support from the Church.

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 Those who refuse to accept truth, or to abide by law, will gradually take less and less part in the work of progression. They will be left behind, while their intelligent fellows, more obedient, will go on.

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 A Church without authority is limp and helpless. Authority is the final test of a true Church. Does it attempt to officiate for God? Does its Priesthood possess authority?

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 The scientist, likewise, begins with the things that are made and proceeds "from faith to faith," gaining "here a little, and there a little," until a faith is reached which, to him who has not followed its growth, may seem absurd in its loftiness.

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 In practice, the first office in the Priesthood, that of Deacon, is conferred on boys twelve years of age or over; and on mature men, recently converted to the Church. When the boy or man has proved himself faithful, he is ordained successively to the higher offices in the Priesthood. Thus the Church provides progressive experience and advancement for those holding the Priesthood … Men may, of course, be ordained to any office in the Aaronic Priesthood, irrespective of earlier ordination, but usually it is better to advance men in regular order through the various offices from Deacon to Priest.

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 Joseph Smith probably did not know the poisonous nature of tobacco in 1833.

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 In any case, at a time when it was but vaguely known that tobacco contained a poisonous principle, it would have been extremely hazardous for the reputation of an impostor to have claimed a revelation from God, stating distinctly the injurious effects of tobacco.

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 The supremacy of faith in all human affairs is universally recognized. Faith is understood to be the first guiding principle of life, the motive power of achievement. Whether in science, business, the professions and the arts, or in religion, faith is the basic principle of action. The entrance into the house of truth is the same, whether it be the cottage of science or the palace of religion.

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 In justice to Darwin, it should be said that he in nowise claimed that natural selection was alone sufficient to cause the numerous changes in organic form and life; but, on the contrary, held that it is only one means of modification.

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 The relation of the theory of natural selection to the law of evolution is not established; that man and the great classes of animals and plants have sprung from one source is far from having been proved; that the first life came upon this earth by chance is as unthinkable as ever.

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 Those who have no religion at all become the playthings of unknown forces.

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 In a broad sense, the philosophy, according to which a man orders his life, may be called that man's religion. It may or jay not involve the idea of God or an organized body of believers. If it guides a life, it is that life's religion, whether it leads to weakness or to strength.

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 It is unreasonable to do only what is fully understood.

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 Such high authority, based on increasing intelligent knowledge, may be called absolute authority. All other forms of authority, and many forms exist, must be derived form absolute authority, for it is the essence of all authority. Nothing in the universe is absolutely understood, and absolute authority does not mean that full knowledge or full power has been gained over anything in the universe. Forever will the universe reveal its secrets. By absolute authority is meant the kind of authority that results directly from an intelligent understanding of the things over which authority is exercised.l Authority can therefore, be absolute only so far as the knowledge goes, and will become more absolute as more knowledge is obtained. The laws of God are never arbitrary; they are always founded on truth.

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 Mistakes are most likely to be made by officials who will not qualify themselves for their work.

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 By experience he has learned that control of natural forces is obtained only when their laws are understood.

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 Not only in chemistry are such transcendent truths required. The fundamental conception of physics requires, if possible, a larger faith. The explanations of modern physics rest largely upon the doctrine of the universal ether. This ether is everywhere present, between the molecules and atoms; in fact the things of the universe are, as it were, suspended in the ocean of ether. This ether is so attenuated that it fills the pores of the human body without impressing itself upon our consciousness, yet some of its properties indicate that its elasticity is equal to that of steel. As shown in chapter 5, the most eminent scientists of the day declare that the existence of this world-ether is one of the few things of which men may be absolutely sure. Yet the ether cannot be seen, heard, tasted, smelled or felt. To our senses it has neither weight nor substance. To believe the existence of this ether requires a faith which is certainly as great as the greatest faith required by Mormon theology.

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 Certainly, no man can progress in science unless he has faith in the great inductions of scientific men. Faith is as indispensable for scientific progress as for theological advancement. In both cases it is the great principle of action.

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 Repentance means adopting new habits; not simply turning from old ones.

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 The doctrine of the use of the Urim and Thummim is in perfect harmony with the established law of modern science, that special media are necessary to bring the unknown world within the range of man's senses. To believers in the Bible, the use of the Urim and Thummim can offer no obstacles, and to those who possess a rational conception of God—that he is the Master of the universe, who works his will by natural means—it cannot be more difficult to believe that God's will may appear through the agency of special "stones in silver bows," than to concede that invisible ether waves, become luminous when they fall upon a piece of uranium glass. The virtue possessed by the latter glass is no more evident than is the virtue claimed by Joseph Smith to be possessed by the Urim and Thummim.

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 The man who has turned from his sins, may learn of a law, which he has never violated, yet which if obeyed, means progress for him. If he does not follow such a law, but remains neutral in its presence, he certainly is a sinner. To repent from such sin, is to obey each higher law as it appears. In the spiritual life, it is impossible for the person who desires the greatest joy to remain passive in the presence of new principles. He must embrace them; live them; make them his own.

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 In every such case, the obedience yielded to the new knowledge is a kind of repentance. When a person, in religion or science, ceases to break law, he ceases from active evil; when he accepts a new law, he ceases from passive evil. No repentance can be complete which does not cease from both active and passive evil.

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 The gift of the Holy Ghost is a gift of intelligence.

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 It would be possible to carry the comparisons into every scientific action without strengthening the argument. In science, if a person has faith, repentance and is baptized, that is obeys, he will receive added intelligence, which is the equivalent of the Gift of the Holy Ghost as taught in theology. The four fundamental laws for the guidance of the individual are identical in Mormon theology, and in modern science.

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 The Church, by his adherence to these laws and ordinances, gives a man a means of testing himself as to this attitude towards the whole plan.

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 In the words of Spencer, "All things are growing or decaying, accumulating matter or wearing away, integrating or disintegrating."[A] This, then, is the greatest known fundamental law of the universe, and of all things in it—that nothing stands still, but either progresses (evolution), or retrogrades (dissolution). Now, it has been found that under normal conditions all things undergo a process of evolution; that is, become more complex, or advance.

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 They were stated seventy years ago, yet it is only recently that the Latter-day Saints have begun to realize that they are identical with recently developed scientific truths; and the world of science is not yet aware of it. However, whenever such harmony is observed, it testifies of the divine inspiration of the humble, unlearned boy prophet of the nineteenth century.

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 The absence of the language, details and methods of science in the Prophet's writings proves him unfamiliar with the written science of his day.

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 Matter is eternal, its form only can be changed.

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 No doctrine taught by Joseph Smith is better understood by his followers than that matter in its elementary condition is eternal, and that it can neither be increased nor diminished. As early as May, 1833, the Prophet declared that "the elements are eternal,"[A] and in a sermon delivered in April, 1844, he said "Element had an existence from the time God had. The pure principles of element are principles which can never be destroyed; they may be organized and reorganized, but not destroyed. They had no beginning, and can have no end."

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 Sex, which is indispensable on this earth for the perpetuation of the human race, is an eternal quality which has its equivalent everywhere. It is indestructible. The relationship between men and women is eternal and must continue eternally. In accordance with the Gospel philosophy there are males and females in heaven. Since we have a Father who is our God, we must also have a mother, who possesses the attributes of Godhood. This simply carries onward the logic of things earthly, and conforms with the doctrine that whatever is on this earth, is simply a representation of great spiritual conditions, of deeper meaning than we can here fathom.

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 If at will he could bring to his aid visible, supernatural beings, to tide him over his difficulties, his need of self-development and self-dependence would become very small, and the man would not grow strong.

- John A. Widtsoe

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 The Lord Himself in these latter days has spoken of the place and mission of Adam: “ … Michael, or Adam, the father of all, the prince of all, the ancient of days” (D&C 27:11; 88:112; 116:1). “The Lord God … hath appointed Michael your prince, and established his feet, and set him upon high, and given unto him the keys of salvation under the counsel and direction of the Holy One” (D&C 78:15-16). These are eloquent words, which could not well have been spoken of a sinner; only of one who has filled his mission well … We the children of Adam and Eve, may well be proud of our parentage.

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 God must be, therefore, in possession of other agencies whereby his will may be transmitted to his pleasure to the uttermost confines of space. The chief agent employed by God to communicate his will to the universe is the holy spirit, which must not be confused with the Holy Ghost, the personage who is the third member of the Godhead. The holy spirit permeates all the things of the universe, material and spiritual. By the holy spirit the will of God is transmitted. It forms what may be called the great wireless system of communication among the intelligent beings of the universe. The holy spirit vibrates with intelligence; it takes up the word and will of God as given by him or by his personal agents, and transmits the message to the remotest parts of space.

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 It is conceivable that the thunders and the lightnings, the movements of the heavenly bodies, the ebb and flow of the oceans, and all the phenomena known to man, are only manifestations of the will of God as transmitted and spread by the measureless, inexhaustible, all-conducting holy spirit.

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 Every officer of the Priesthood or auxiliary organizations, though properly nominated, holds his position in the Church only with the consent of the people. Officers may be nominated by the Presidency of the Church, but unless the people accept them as officials, they cannot exercise the authority of the offices to which they have been called. All things in the Church must be done by common consent. This makes the people, men and women, under God, the rulers of the Church.

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 A Church which separates itself from the actually, daily life o the man does not acknowledge the essential unity of the universe and is not founded on man's intelligent conceptions of the constitution of the universe. The Church, therefore, must possess a system of laws that compliance with which will enabled a man or his fellows to test his progress and spiritual condition, which, in turn, will be a guide for his future work.

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 Besides, it is the common law of the universe that when intelligent beings are organized, as of one body, they progress faster, individually and collectively.

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 The gospel of Jesus Christ comprehends all other knowledge. It is the philosophy that explains the whole of man's relationship to the universe. It invites the deepest study and severest scrutiny.

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 Therefore, that the earth-work may be done authoritatively, God has delegated the necessary authority to man.

- John A. Widtsoe

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 If the work of the Church were delegated to a few members, it would probably be reasonable for a few men to hold the Priesthood. When, however, every member must or should take upon himself a part of the active work of the Church, it is necessary that every man hold the authority of the Priesthood so that he may authoritatively perform the necessary acts in the propaganda of truth.

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 The restraint of man in the exercise of authority derived from eternal laws, is as compelling as the restraint of nature, because they are parts of the same whole.

- John A. Widtsoe

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 As observed in chapters two and three, Joseph Smith taught that the energy of matter or of ether is a form of intelligence. If, according to this doctrine, matter and ether are intelligent; then life also must reside in all matter and ether. Hence everything in the universe is alive. Further, since all force is motion, universal motion is universal life. The difference between rock, plant, beast and man is in the amount and organization of its life or intelligence. For instance, in harmony with this doctrine, the earth must possess intelligence or life. In fact the Prophet says "the earth……shall be sanctified; yea, notwithstanding it shall die, it shall be quickened again, and shall abide the power by which it is quickened."[A] The statement that the earth shall die and shall be quickened again, certainly implies that the earth possess life, though, naturally, of an order wholly different from that of men or other higher living things.

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 ...it does not follow that all men are equal in all particulars.

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 It is hardly correct to say that he was in harmony with the law; the law as stated by the world of science was rather in harmony with him. Let it be observed that Joseph Smith enunciated the principle of the conservation of the energy, or intelligence as he called it, of the universe, in May, 1833, ten years before Dr. Joule published his famous papers on energy relations, and fifteen or twenty years before the doctrine was clearly understood and generally accepted by the learned of the world.

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 Let it be also remembered that the unlearned boy from the backwoods of New York state, taught with the conviction of absolute certainty that the doctrine was true, for God had revealed it to him. If God did not reveal it to him, where did he learn it, and whence came the courage to teach it as an eternal truth?

- John A. Widtsoe

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 Since that day, the question concerning the value of alcohol in any form has been greatly agitated, and much new light has been obtained. This is not the place to examine this famous controversy, but a few quotations from authoritative books, which are not controversial in their nature, will show the coincidence between the position of science, and the doctrine of Joseph Smith, in respect to this matter.

- John A. Widtsoe

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 President Brigham Young has left an interesting paragraph that confirms the statement that according to "Mormon" doctrine, all matter is intelligent, and that man is superior only because of his higher organization. "Is this earth, the air and the water, composed of life…..?……If the earth, air and water, are composed of life is there any intelligence in this life?….Are those particles of matter life; if so, are they in possession of intelligence according to the grade of their organization?……We suggest the idea that there is an eternity of life, an eternity of organization, and an eternity of intelligence from the highest to the lowest grade, every creature in its order, from the Gods to the animalculae."[A]

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 This whole doctrine means that God is the organizer of worlds, and all upon them. He is not the Creator of the materials and forces of the universe, for they are eternal; He is the master buidler who uses the simple elements of nature for his purposes. It is also plain that, according to "Mormon" doctrine, there is no special life force. The intelligence residing in a stone is in quality, as far as it goes, the same as the intelligence possessed by man. But, man is so organized that a greater amount of intelligence, a fullness of it, centers in him, and he is as a consequence essentially and eternally different from the stone. President Young also said, "The life that is within us is a part of an eternity of life, and is organized spirit, which is clothed upon by tabernacles, thereby constituting our present being, which is designed for the attainment of further intelligence. The matter comprising our bodies and spirits has been organized from the eternity of matter that fills immensity."[A]

- John A. Widtsoe

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 Without going into further details, it is readily seen that the teachings of Joseph Smith, in 1833, in relation to the value of tea and coffee in human drinks, harmonizes with the knowledge of today. Moreover, he was in advance, in the certainty of his expressions, of the scientists of his day. It is true that caffein had been found in coffee and tea a few years before the revelation of 1833, but the physiological action of the drug was not known until many years afterwards. Besides, as in the case of tobacco, the Church leaders in speaking against the use of tea and coffee did not mention the poisonous principle that had recently been discovered in them; thus revealing their ignorance of the matter.

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 It must have been hundreds of thousands of years since the first life was placed upon earth.

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 Joseph Smith, the humble, unlearned, despised boy, unfamiliar with books and the theories of men, stated with clear and simple certainty, if his works be read with the eye of candid truth, this fundamental truth of geological science and the Bible, long before the learned of the world had agreed upon the same truth.[A]

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 It may be remarked that other geological doctrines were taught by the Prophet, that science has since confirmed. One of these was discussed by Dr. J.E. Talmage in the Improvement Era, Vol. 7, p. 481.

- John A. Widtsoe

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 Nevertheless, rocks and trees and beasts, are for the use of man, to be used by him in moderation and with wisdom. Man is at the head of the creations on earth. It is his duty to make proper use of them all. Whoever teaches that any part of the universe is not for the benefit of man, is in error.

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 God is the Master, who, because of his great knowledge, knows how to use the elements, already existing, for the building of whatever he may have in mind. The doctrine that God made the earth or man from nothing becomes, therefore, an absurdity.

- John A. Widtsoe

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 This doctrine, which seems self-evident now, also evidences the divine inspiration of the Prophet Joseph. At the time this revelation was given, food chemistry was not understood; and, in fact, it was not until about 1860, that the basis upon which rests our knowledge of food chemistry, was firmly established. We now know that every plant contains four great classes of compounds: mineral substances, fats, sugars and starches, and protein, or the flesh-forming elements. We further know that no plant can live and grow without containing these groups of nutrients. It is also well understood that these substances are necessary for the food of the animal body, and that animal tissues are, themselves, composed of these groups, though in different proportions.

- John A. Widtsoe

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 The use of tea and coffee in health is now generally condemned by the best informed persons in and out of the medical profession. Dr. W. Gilman Thompson says, "The continuance of the practice of drinking coffee to keep awake soon results in forming a coffee or tea habit, in which the individual becomes a slave to the beverage. * * * Muscular tremors are developed, with nervousness, anxiety, dread of impending evil, palpitation, heartburn, dyspepsia and insomnia. * * * It produces great irritability of the whole nervous system and one may even overexcite the mind."[A] While it is true that one cup of coffee or tea does not contain enough caffein to injure the system, yet the continual taking of these small doses results in a weakening of the whole system, that frequently leads to premature death.

- John A. Widtsoe

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 Standing alone, this fact might be called a chance coincidence, a result of blind fate. But recalling that it is one of many similar and even more striking facts, what shall be said, Has ever impostor dared what Joseph Smith did? Has ever false prophet lived beyond his generation, if his prophecies were examined? Shall we of this foremost age accept convincing, logical truth, though it run counter to our preconceived notions? Glorious were the visions of Joseph the Prophet; unspeakable would be our joy, should they be given to us.

- John A. Widtsoe

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 The doctrine of God, as taught by Joseph Smith, is the noblest of which the human mind can conceive. No religion ascribes to God more perfect attributes than does that of the Latter-day Saints. Yet the Church, asserts that God was not always what he is today. Through countless ages he has grown towards greater perfection, and at the present, though in comparison with humankind, he is omniscient and omnipotent, he is still progressing. Of the beginning of God, we have no record, save that he told his servant Abraham, "I came down in the beginning in the midst of all the intelligences thou hast seen."[A]

- John A. Widtsoe

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 Professor Huxley, who, from early manhood, was an eminent and ardent supporter of the Darwinian hypothesis frankly says, "I adopt Mr. Darwin's hypothesis, therefore, subject to the production of proof that physiological species may be produced by selective breeding; and for the reason that it is the only means at present within reach of reducing the chaos of observed facts to order."[A] After writing a book to establish the descent of man from apes, Professor Huxley is obliged to confess that "the fossil remains of man hitherto discovered do not seem to take us appreciably nearer to that lower pithecoid form, by the modification of which he has, probably, become what he is."[B]

- John A. Widtsoe

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 The supreme intelligence and perfected will of the universe, God, has attained His position by obedient recognition of the conditions of the law of progression.

- John A. Widtsoe

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 The eternal spiritual body, united with this eternal material body, then constituted a suitable home for eternal intelligence, whereby it might be able, under the law of evolution to attain the greatest conceivable knowledge and power.

- John A. Widtsoe

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 The Mormon answer to this question lies in the Mormon doctrine of the plan of salvation. There can be no attempt to harmonize the Mormon plan with that of science, for science has none; but, that the Mormon plan of salvation is strictly scientific, and rests upon the irrevocable laws of the universe can certainly be demonstrated.

- John A. Widtsoe

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 Perfection comes only when matter, spirit and intelligence are associated.

- John A. Widtsoe

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 Fundamental, in the doctrines of Joseph, is the statement that all intelligence is eternal; and that God at the best is the organizer of the spirits of men. The ether of science has been compared with the Holy Spirit of Mormonism. The spirit body may be likened to an ether body of man, and is the condition of his original existence. From the original condition, at man's spiritual birth, under the law of evolution he has steadily grown in complexity, which means in power.

- John A. Widtsoe

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 For man's perfection, it then became necessary that his spiritual body should be clothed with a material one, and that he should become as familiar with the world of matter, as he had become with the world of spirit. God, as the supreme intelligence, who desired all other spirits to know and become mighty, led in the formulation of the plan, whereby they should obtain knowledge of all the contents of the universe.

- John A. Widtsoe

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 Mr. Spencer concludes that all evidence agrees in showing that "every object, no less than the aggregate of objects, undergoes from instant to instant some alteration of state."[A] That is to say that while the universe is one of system and order, no object remains exactly as it is, but changes every instant of time.

- John A. Widtsoe

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 Marvelous is this view of the founder of "Mormonism." Where did he learn in his short life, amidst sufferings and persecution such as few men have known, the greatest mysteries of the universe!

- John A. Widtsoe

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 Nevertheless conscious man can not endure confusion. From out the universal mystery he must draw, at least, the general controlling laws, that proclaim order in the apparent chaos; and especially is he driven by his inborn and unalterable nature, to know, if he can, his own place in the system of existing things.

- John A. Widtsoe

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 In on particular, however, the Gospel goes beyond the teachings of modern science. The gospel teaches that, associated with the universal energy that vivifies universal matter, and possible identified with it, is universal intelligence, a force which is felt wherever matter and energy are found, which is everywhere. The forces of the universe do not act blindly, but are expressions of a universal intelligence. That a degree of intelligence is possessed by every particles of energized matter cannot be said; nor is it important. The great consideration is that, since intelligence is everywhere present, all the operations of nature, from the simplest to the most complex, are the products of intelligence. We may even conceive that energy is only intelligence, and that matter and intelligence, rather than matter and energy, are two fundamentals in the Universe!

- John A. Widtsoe

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 If, in common with men, animals and plants were created spiritually, it may not be an idle speculation that the lower forms of life will advance, in their respective fields, as man advances in his. However, a statement in the above quotation must not be overlooked, "It remaineth in the sphere in which I, God, created it." This would preclude any notion that by endless development a plant may become an animal, or that one of the lower classes of animals become a high animal, or a man. Is not this the place where, perhaps, the evolution of science has failed? All things advance, but each order of creation within its own sphere. There is no jumping from order to order. The limits of these orders are yet to be found.

- John A. Widtsoe

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 It matters little what tasks men do in life, in only they do them well and with all their strength . In a n infinite universe, one cannot possibly learn all or do all, at once. A beginning must be made somewhere, and corner, department by department, space by space, all will be known and conquered. In the end, all must be explored, and whether one begin in the east or the west cannot matter much. The big concern is to what extent a man offer himself, mind and body, to his work. Upon that will growth depend.

- John A. Widtsoe

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 While it is folly for man to attempt to unravel in detail the mystery of the past, yet it is only logical to believe that progressive God has not always possessed his present position.

- John A. Widtsoe

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 Adam and Eve, in view of the great sacrifices they made to make the Great Plan a reality, are the great hero and heroine of human history.

- John A. Widtsoe

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 His Godhood, however, was attained by the use of his power in simple obedience to the laws he discovered as he grew in experience.

- John A. Widtsoe

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 Spencer's belief that one period of evolution follows another[A] is brought strongly to mind in contemplating the doctrine of Joseph Smith that man, and other things, had first a spiritual existence, now an earthly life, then a higher existence after death. Is not the parallelism strong—and may it not be that here, also, the "Mormon" prophet could have shown the learned philosopher the correct way?

- John A. Widtsoe

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 Those who are led to study this rational theology in the light of the best knowledge and soundest thought, will enter a fertile field, and will find a surprising harmony between the Gospel and all discovered truth.

- John A. Widtsoe

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 The right of an individual can never transcend the rights of the community.

- John A. Widtsoe

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 Knowledge is given directly by a superior intelligence only when it becomes indispensable.

- John A. Widtsoe

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 Two different truths can not be parallel with respect to the same thing.

- John A. Widtsoe

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 In life, all must choose at times. Sometimes, two possibilities are good; neither is evil. Usually, however, one is of greater import than the other … The greater must be balanced against the lesser. The greater must be chosen, whether it be law or thing. That was the choice made in Eden.

- John A. Widtsoe

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 It becomes necessary, therefore, to determine if there is associated with power, gifts that make worth while the eternal searching out of knowledge in order that greater power may be won.

- John A. Widtsoe

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 The more advanced the intelligence, the greater the number of laws that are understood to which adaptation may be made, and therefore the greater the possibility of joy.

- John A. Widtsoe

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 In the path of eternal progression, there are, of course, degrees of achievement. Though the powers of every living soul will remain undiminished, they who have won an exaltation in the celestial kingdom alone will have the blessing of increase of their kind. That is the great blessing vouchsafed to those who learn most, do best, and bend their will to the purposes of the Lord. What then is eternal progress? It is an eternity of active life, increasing in all good things, toward the likeness of the Lord. It is the highest conceivable form of growth.

- John A. Widtsoe

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 The actual method by which Jesus was enabled to make mortal bodies immortal, is not known to us. Neither can we understand just why the shedding of the Savior's blood was necessary for the accomplishment of this purpose. Like the work of Adam, the exact nature of the atonement is unknown. Still, throughout this plan of Salvation, every incident and accomplished fact are strictly rational. There is no talk of a God, who because of his own will, and in opposition to natural laws, placed man on earth.

- John A. Widtsoe

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 Can any other system of theology produce an explanation of the presence of man on earth, which connects earthly life with the time before and the time after, on the basis of the accepted laws of the universe?

- John A. Widtsoe

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 Under this [Divine] program the individual is of foremost importance … The Lord has formulated the plan of salvation; he offers His help, but each individual must act for himself in winning the salvation offered. Measurably, with the aid of the Lord, each one of us “works out his own salvation”; and we must each face the consequences of our disobedience to law.

- John A. Widtsoe

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 Flawless seems the structure reared by the Mormon Prophet. Had he been an imposter, human imperfection would have revealed itself somewhere.

- John A. Widtsoe

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 The Urim and Thummim were not used alone for translation, but most of the early revelations were obtained by their means. Speaking of those days, the Prophet usually says: "I enquired of the Lord through the Urim and Thummim, and obtained the following."[A] The "stones in silver bows" seemed, therefore, to have possessed the general power of converting manifestations of the spiritual world into terms suitable to the understanding of Joseph Smith.

- John A. Widtsoe

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 A plan for our welfare may be laid out, a path made, and a program arranged; but it depends upon ourselves whether we shall fit into the plan, travel the path, or hear the program. To a large extent, therefore, the destiny of a person is determined by himself. The mercy and grace of God have made the plan and path and program available; but their use depends on the man himself. It is by the exercise of this right that man may rise to his divine destiny.

- John A. Widtsoe

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 It is a noteworthy fact that the Prophet does not enter into an argument to prove the necessity of the use of the Urim and Thummim. Only in an incidental way, as he tells the straightforward story of his life, does he mention them; and with a simplicity that argues strongly for his veracity, does he assume that, of course, they were necessary and were used as he recounts. A shrewd imposter, building a great theological structure as is the Church founded by Joseph Smith, would have appreciated that difficult questions would be asked concerning the seer stones, and would have attempted to surround them with some explanation. Joseph Smith offers no defense for the use of these instruments; neither does the scientist excuse himself for using uranium glass, in the study of certain radiations.

- John A. Widtsoe

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 The Prophet did not always receive his revelations by the assistance of the Urim and Thummim. As he grew in experience and understanding, he learned to bring his spirit into such an attitude that it became a Urim and Thummim to him, and God's will was revealed without the intervention of external means. This method is clearly, though briefly, expressed in one of the early revelations:

- John A. Widtsoe

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 How long man remained in the first estate, is not known. Undoubtedly, however , it was long enough to enable him to become thoroughly familiar with the manifestations of all forms of the spirit substance. Only when education in this division of the universe was completed were we permitted to enter the next estate.

- John A. Widtsoe

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 Consequently, the spirits passed out of the spirit world, and were born into the world of earthly things, the world we now occupy, as men and women clothed upon by a body consisting of gross matter, so that intimate familiarity with the nature of possibilities of gross matter might be acquired. This is called the second estate of man.

- John A. Widtsoe

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 The same principle holds with the holy spirit. The giver and the receiver must be "tuned" alike, that is, must be in harmony, if the messages are to pass readily and understandingly from one to the other. The clearness of the message depends wholly upon the degree to which this tuning approaches perfect harmony.

- John A. Widtsoe

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 The endowments given to members of the Church in the temples are, essentially, courses of instruction relative to man's existence before he came on this earth, the history of the creation of the earth, the story of our first earthly parents, the history of the various dispensations of he Gospel, the meaning of the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, the story of the restoration of the Gospel, and the means and methods whereby joy on this earth and exaltation in heaven may be obtained. To make this large story clear and impressive to all who partake of it, every educational device, so far known to man, is employed; and it is possible that nowhere, outside of the temple, is a more correct pedagogy employed. Every sense of man is appealed to, in order to make the meaning of the Gospel clear, from the beginning to end.

- John A. Widtsoe

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 God is a personal being of body — a body limited in extent. He cannot, therefore, at a given moment be personally everywhere. Time and space surround him as they surround us.

- John A. Widtsoe

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 As the spirits, by their own act has not brought upon themselves death, so by their own act they should not conquer it.

- John A. Widtsoe

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 The many must devise laws whereby individual and community progress are simultaneous. It is the full right of the individual to exercise his will in any way that does not interfere with the laws made fro the many; and, under proper conditions, the laws for the many are of equal value to the individual. Under the law we are free.

- John A. Widtsoe

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 Temple work is the safety of the living and the hope of the dead.

- John A. Widtsoe

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 All men are therefore of identical origin. Absolute uniformity prevails among the children of men, so far as their origin is concerned.

- John A. Widtsoe

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 Likewise, the destiny of all the spirits sent to earth, is the same.

- John A. Widtsoe

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 Each and all of the numerous forces in the universe may be subjected to the will of man.

- John A. Widtsoe

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 The holy spirit fills all things, and by its means the thoughts and minds of these increasing intelligent beings re everywhere felt. Intelligence permeates the universe.

- John A. Widtsoe

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 The fate of the sons of perdition is not known. There will be few of them, for few know so much as to fall so low. The suggestion has been made, by Brigham Young and others that they will lose all that they have gained in the long journey, from the dim beginning. They must start over again. But their fate is sealed from us. In this matter we must accept God’s own declaration: “Eternal punishment is God’s punishment. Endless punishment is God’s punishment.”

- John A. Widtsoe

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 It seems to be well established that the earth as a whole, is a living organism.

- John A. Widtsoe

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 When this conviction grows upon a man, and he reaches out for a fuller understanding of it, his spiritual sense develops, new worlds are opened to him and he conforms to the intelligent love which made the Great Plan possible.

- John A. Widtsoe

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 The support of education is, indeed, a test of the truthfulness of the Church.

- John A. Widtsoe

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 God has never given a temporal commandment.

- John A. Widtsoe

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 This means that, no matter what work a man may give himself, providing it is honorable and he do it with all his might, he may rest secure that on the last great day, the work will be transmuted into spiritual values, and as such will be written into the eternal record. The quality and not the kind of work is the final test of man's achievements.

- John A. Widtsoe

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 All work is holy, and, well done, will bring its own reward here and in the hereafter.

- John A. Widtsoe

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 The "Mormon" Prophet taught, further, that the individual is organized intelligence; that the organization is the instrument whereby intelligence may be concentrated, focussed and directed. Man is superior to beasts because his organization permits a greater use of the universal force of intelligence. Under the law of evolution, man's organization will become more and more complex. That is, he will increase in his power of using intelligence until in time, he will develop so far that, in comparison with his present state, he will be a God. Conversely, God, who is a superior organization, using and directing the force of intelligence, must at one time have possessed a simpler organization. Perhaps, at one time He was only what man is to-day. God, in "Mormon" theology, is the greatest intelligence; it will always remain the greatest; yet, it must of necessity, under the inexorable laws of the universe, grow.

- John A. Widtsoe

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 Consequently, all who are or have been, or will be assembled on earth, have a common purpose. Absolute uniformity prevails among men so far as their fundamental purpose is concerned.

- John A. Widtsoe

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 In fundamental principles, in gifts and blessings, in spiritual opportunities, as required or offered by the church, men are stripped of all differences, and stand as if they were equal before God. This is equality of opportunity.

- John A. Widtsoe

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 One hundred years have passed since Joseph, honored and chosen of God, entered the school of life. Face to face with God, Joseph learned the Gospel, planned before the foundations of the world were laid, and he taught it to a careless world. It is not Joseph Smith's philosophy; but God's code of fundamental laws, which the world is laboriously deciphering in the beautifully written pages of nature. Is it any wonder that the philosophy is perfect?

- John A. Widtsoe

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 Nevertheless, to accept a place in society-not always the place one desires; to do well the work that is near at hand - not always the work one wishes; to love and to cherish the work, and to forget oneself in the needs of others, all that is not always easy. Such a life means subjection of self which can be accomplished only if there is a clear understanding of the plan of salvation.

- John A. Widtsoe

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 The great problem of every age is how to keep together, as one body, the many who, because of their differing wills, have become different in their powers and attainments.

- John A. Widtsoe

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 The pre-existent progress depended upon self effort, those who exerted their wills most, made the greatest progress; moreover, those who had led the most righteous lives, and had been most careful of their gifts, had acquired greatest strength - consequently, at the time of the great council, though the spirits were in the general, of one class, they differed greatly in the details of their attainments, in the righteousness of their lives, in the stability of their purpose, and in their consistent devotion to the great truth of their lives.

- John A. Widtsoe

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 Yet, it must be remembered that predestination can not be compelling. Man's free agency, the great indestructible gift, always remains untrammeled.

- John A. Widtsoe

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 It is most likely that those who, on earth, accept the highest truth of life, find the gospel attractive, and are most faithful in the recognition of law, are those who, in the pre-existent state, were most intelligent and obedient.

- John A. Widtsoe

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 “The self-called liberal [in the Church] is usually one who has broken with the fundamental principles or guiding philosophy of the group to which he belongs. … He claims membership in an organization but does not believe in its basic concepts; and sets out to reform it by changing its foundations. … “It is folly to speak of a liberal religion, if that religion claims that it rests upon unchanging truth.” And then Dr. Widtsoe concludes his statement with this: “It is well to beware of people who go about proclaiming that they are or their churches are liberal. The probabilities are that the structure of their faith is built on sand and will not withstand the storms of truth.”

- John A. Widtsoe

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 In order that absolute fairness may prevail and eternal justice may be satisfied, all men to attain the fitness of their joy must accept these earthly ordinances. There is no water baptism in the next estate, nor any conferring of the gift of the Holy Ghost by the laying on of earthly hands. The equivalents of these ordinances prevail no doubt in every estate, but only as they are given on this earth can they be made to aid, in their onward progress, those who have dwelt on earth.

- John A. Widtsoe

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 If so much work is done, so much time and energy expended and so much care bestowed upon the salvation of the dead, how much more should we help and support and love the living. The living must always be man's first concern.

- John A. Widtsoe

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 It has already been said that sex is an eternal principle. The equivalent of sex has always existed and will continue forever. As the sex relation, then, represents an eternal condition, the begetting of children is coincidentally an eternal necessity.

- John A. Widtsoe

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 Joseph Smith taught space is filled with a substance comparable to the ether of science.

- John A. Widtsoe

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 By the doctrine of the ether, it is made evident all the happenings in the universe are indelibly inscribed upon the record of nature. A word is spoken. The air movements that it causes disturbs the ether. The ether waves radiate into space and can never die. Anywhere, with the proper instrument, one of the waves may be captured, and the spoken word read. That is the simple method of wireless telegraphy. It is thus that all our actions shall be known on the last great day. By the ether, or the Holy Spirit as named by the Prophet, God holds all things in His keeping. His intelligent will radiates into space, to touch whomsoever it desires. He who is tuned aright can read the message, flashed across the ether ocean, by the Almighty. Thus, also, God, who is a person, filling only a portion of space is, by His power carried by the ether, everywhere present.

- John A. Widtsoe

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 It is not only for the joy and satisfaction of humanity that the sex relation, with the possibility of begetting offspring, prevails on earth, but as much for the fulfillment of the eternal great plan. It becomes a necessary duty, for all wedded persons who dwell on earth, to bring children into the world. This is the greatest and holiest and most necessary mission of man, with respect to the waiting spirits. Fatherhood and motherhood become glorified in the light of the eternal plan of salvation.

- John A. Widtsoe

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 As the family develops so will society, as a whole, develop.

- John A. Widtsoe

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 It is one of the rewards of intelligent development, that we may be to other spiritual beings, what our God has been to us.

- John A. Widtsoe

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 An individual who will no obey the community laws should move out of the community. Those who remain must yield obedience to the laws established for the public good. This was well brought out in the Great Council, when Lucifer fell because he was not one with the community. In that great day, as in our day, the many had the right to demand that their good be considered as of primary importance.

- John A. Widtsoe

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 Knowledge, concentrated into wisdom, is the end of existence. To those who live according to God's law, knowledge will come easily. It will continue to come to his people, until it shall be the most intelligent among the nations. The Lord has said it.

- John A. Widtsoe

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 However, whatever else the Prophet Joseph Smith was, he most certainly was in full harmony with the scientific principle that the universe is controlled by law.

- John A. Widtsoe

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 Joseph Smith taught that other worlds are inhabited.

- John A. Widtsoe

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 "Mormonism" teaches and has taught from the beginning that all knowledge must be included in the true theology.

- John A. Widtsoe

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 Because of its comprehensive philosophy, "Mormonism" will survive all religious disturbances and become the system of religious faith which all men may accept without yielding the least part of the knowledge of nature as discovered in the laboratories or in the fields.

- John A. Widtsoe

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 "Mormonism" is deeply and rationally spiritual...

- John A. Widtsoe

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 This quotation gives undoubted evidence of the prophet's belief that space is filled with some substance which bears important relations to all natural phenomena. The word substance is used advisedly; for in various places in the writings of Joseph Smith, light, used as above in a general sense, means spirit,[A] and "all spirit is matter, but it is more fine and pure.

- John A. Widtsoe

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 Since ordinary means were beyond his power, how did he acquire his knowledge? How was he able to look into the future, and reveal its secrets? "Ah," says a new philosopher, "I have it, he was epileptic, and had trances, during which his visions appeared;" and the philosopher proceeds to write a book proving his theory to be correct.[A] What a pitiful attempt to push the question into the region of the unknown; and at the same time, what a splendid acknowledgment of the fact that the life and labors of Joseph Smith transcend ordinary human explanations! Do epileptics, in their phantasms, see orderly systems of truth, which are carried into effect in their days of health and sanity? Does the epileptic see the truth that shall be revealed in the coming ages, and teach it with a stately soberness of language which admits of no uncertainty? If so, then might the race well long for the time when the great gift of healthful, reasoning imagination shall be exchanged for the ghastly disease of epilepsy. Folly of follies! The life, writings and works of Joseph Smith are healthy, above all else; no trace of physical, or mental, or spiritual disease can be found in them. His teachings are given as eternal truths revealed by the God of nature; and they rise loftily above the vague theorizings of the investigator, or the uncertain gibberish of the diseased intellect. Clearness, reason, logic in method and execution, characterize the teachings and works of Joseph Smith. Have such qualities ever indicated disease?

- John A. Widtsoe

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 Under the influence of the Holy Spirit, the boy Joseph grew into a man, whose mind was filled with the great vision of the contents and the destiny of the universe, including the future lot of mankind. No man has had a nobler education than that received by Joseph Smith.

- John A. Widtsoe

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 The ether of science though material is essentially different from the matter composing the elements. So, also, in Mormon theology, is the Holy Spirit different from the grosser elements. In science there is a vast distinction between the world of the elements, and that of the ether; in theology, there is an equally great difference between the spiritual and material worlds. Though the theology of Joseph Smith insists that immaterialism is an absurdity, yet it permits no overlapping of the earthly and the spiritual.

- John A. Widtsoe

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 However that may be, it is certain that Joseph Smith, in the broad and rational statement of the existence of an omnipresent, material though subtle substance, anticipated the workers in science. In view of that fact, it is not improbable that at some future time, when science shall have gained a wider view, the historian of the physical sciences will say that Joseph Smith, the clear-sighted, first stated correctly the fundamental physical doctrine of the universal ether.

- John A. Widtsoe

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 We know things only by their effects; the essential nature of matter, ether and energy is far from our understanding.

- John A. Widtsoe

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 Thus arose the occult sciences, so called,—alchemy, astrology, magic, witchcraft, and all other similar abominations of the intellect. Such beliefs made the logical study of nature superfluous, for any apparent regularity or law in nature might at any time be overturned by a person in possession of a formula of the black art or a properly treated broomstick.

- John A. Widtsoe

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 It is perhaps less surprising to find that Joseph Smith believed that there are other peopled worlds than ours. For instance, "The reckoning of God's time, angel's time, prophet's time, and man's time, is according to the planet on which they reside,"[A] which distinctly implies that other planets are inhabited. Another passage reads, "The angels do not reside on a planet like this earth, but they reside in the presence of God, on a globe like a sea of glass and fire."[B]

- John A. Widtsoe

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 First, he believed that stellar bodies are distributed throughout space. "And worlds without number have I created."[A] "And there are many kingdoms; for there is no space in which there is no kingdom."[B] He is further in harmony with modern views in that he claims that stars may be destroyed, and new ones formed. "For, behold, there are many worlds that have passed away by the word of my power."[C] "And as one earth shall pass away, and the heavens thereof, even so shall another come."[D]

- John A. Widtsoe

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 It is not strange that men who have learned to look at the universe in this lofty manner should go a step farther, beyond the actually known, and suggest that some of these countless heavenly bodies must be inhabited by living, thinking beings. Sober, thoughtful truthseekers, who never advance needlessly a new theory, have suggested, in all seriousness, that other worlds than ours are peopled. For instance, "What sort of life, spiritual and intellectual, exists in distant worlds? We can not for a moment suppose that our little planet is the only one throughout the whole universe on which may be found the fruits of civilization, warm firesides, friendship, the desire to penetrate the mysteries of creation."[A]

- John A. Widtsoe

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 In another place the same thought is expressed. "The sun, moon or stars; all the times of their revolutions; all the appointed days, months, and years, and all the days of their days, months, and years, and all their glories, laws, and set times, shall be revealed."[A]

- John A. Widtsoe

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 We know that God is a personage in whose image man is made; that He has a body of spiritual substance; and that His divine attributes are reflected In man’s nature ... But He, of Himself, is not everywhere present. Even we poor, mundane, men and women operate through agents—machines or messengers. We use the telegraph or telephone, and now, the radio, to transmit our thoughts to far away places. We need not go there in person. About such a conception there is nothing really mysterious. This is the key to the misunderstanding which has vexed and is vexing many a seeker after God. He and His power have been confused, until the worship due Him has been given to His power.

- John A. Widtsoe

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 Paul’s definition makes faith also a moving force. There can be no faith unless we venture out to discover the “substance hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” It implies that we must seek faith for ourselves, or it will not have value, or come to stay. Faith is a product of individual action. Like all other good things, it is a reward of self-effort. It must be found by oneself. It cannot be borrowed or stolen from another ... The more faith is examined, the more it becomes an active, prayer[ful], hopeful force, that drives us, without doubt, to an active search for truth. It is a universal principle that leads to human progress.

- John A. Widtsoe

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 Our career in the spirit world is often spoken of as man’s first estate … The next step in the education of these intelligent beings was, therefore, to teach them familiarity with gross matter … This is called the second estate of man … We pass out of this [second estate], but reappear in another world [spirit world]. For a brief time we are separated for our earth–worn body, but finally we shall become possessed of [resurrected] bodies, composed of both kinds of universal matter. In this [third] estate, spirit-matter and the grosser matter of earth of our final bodies are represented by their essences, which permit perfect freedom and ease of movement and thought. These celestial bodies, as they are called, connect the intelligence of man with all parts of the universe, and become mighty helps in the endless search for truth. This is the third estate of man. Such then are the three estates, and, so far as known, all the estates of man.

- John A. Widtsoe

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 The seen and the unseen worlds are closely connected. One assists the other. Those who fail to partake of the privileges and blessings of temple work deprive themselves of some of the choicest gifts within the keeping of the Church.

- John A. Widtsoe

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 “For the purpose of perfecting the plan, a council of the Gods, or perfected intelligences was called. It was decided to organize an earth from available materials, and place the spirits on it, clothed with bodies of the grosser elements.

- John A. Widtsoe

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 In one of the generally accepted works of the Church, the energy of nature is actually said to be the workings of the Holy Spirit. The passage reads as follows: "Man observes a universal energy in nature—organization and disorganization succeed each other—the thunders roll through the heavens; the earth trembles and becomes broken by earthquakes; fires consume cities and forests; the waters accumulate, flow over their usual bounds, and cause destruction of life and property; the worlds perform their revolutions in space with a velocity and power incomprehensible to man, and he, covered with a veil of darkness, calls this universal energy, God, when it is the workings of his Spirit, the obedient agent of his power, the wonder-working and life-giving principle in all nature."

- John A. Widtsoe

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 It is not sufficient for the contentment of man that he gather knowledge, and add fact to fact. All new information must be compared with other information, so that conclusions may be drawn, and new knowledge brought into view. By this process of reasoning, on the basis of acquired knowledge, man may rise by sure steps to a high degree of understanding. Man must train himself, with all his might, to use this wonderful faculty of reason, so that he may intelligently read new knowledge from all he learns. A fact, of itself, is lifeless; only when it is compared with other facts, does it leap into life, and show forth its hidden meaning.

- John A. Widtsoe

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 Joseph Smith, the Prophet, wrestled with the problem of the judgments to be passed on men in the hereafter. He had grown up under the erroneous cruel beliefs of that day. In answer the Lord said that “Eternal punishment is God’s punishment. Endless punishment is God’s punishment.” That is, the punishment to be meted out to erring man will be done by God, who has declared Himself above all things to be a God of love. In the words of Brigham Young: “The punishment of God is God-like.”

- John A. Widtsoe

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 So thoroughly permeated with the holy spirit is the immensity of space that every act and word and thought is recorded and transmitted everywhere, so that all who know how to read may read. Thus we make an imperishable record of our lives. To those whose lives are ordered well this is a blessed conception; but to those of wicked lives, it is most terrible. He who has the receiving apparatus, in whose hands the key is held, may read from the record of the holy spirit, an imperishable history of all that has occurred during the ages that have passed in the world's history. This solemn thought, that in the bosom of the holy spirit is recorded all that pertains to the universe— our most secret thought and our faintest hope— helps man to walk steadily in the midst of the contending appeals of his life. We can not hide from the Master.

- John A. Widtsoe

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 Men, beasts and plants—those beings that possess the higher life, differ from inanimate nature, so called, by a higher degree of organization. That is the dogma of "Mormonism," and the doctrine of science. About 1831 Joseph Smith gave this knowledge to the world; a generation later, scientific men arrived independently at the same conclusion.

- John A. Widtsoe

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 The fourth principle in Mormon theology teaches that after baptism, the gift of the Holy Ghost is conferred, which enlightens the mind, clears the intelligence, and brings man nearer the presence of God.

- John A. Widtsoe

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 The central figure of the plan of salvation is Jesus, the Christ. To Him is committed the supervision of the plan—from the making of the earth to the final report of work accomplished.

- John A. Widtsoe

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 The seen and the unseen worlds are closely connected. One assists the other.

- John A. Widtsoe

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 I have the feeling … that those who give themselves with all their might and main to this work receive help from the other side, and not merely in gathering genealogies. Whoever seeks to help those on the other side receives help in return in all the affairs of life...

- John A. Widtsoe

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 Let me suggest that the reason why temple building and temple worship have been found in every age, on every hand, and among every people, is because the Gospel in its fullness was revealed to Adam, and that all religions and religious practices are therefore derived from the remnants of the truth given to Adam and transmitted by him to the patriarchs. The ordinances of the temple in so far as then necessary, were given, no doubt, in those early days, and very naturally corruptions of them have been handed down the ages. Those who understand the eternal nature of the gospel—planned before the foundations of the earth—understand clearly why all history seems to revolve about the building and use of temples.

- John A. Widtsoe

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 The Gospel may be said to be ‘The philosophy of Eternalism.’ The Gospel is immersed in the ocean of eternity.

- John A. Widtsoe

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 I look today with half envy upon the youth to whom the doors of new knowledge are being opened. It has been a joy to me that the zest for new and more knowledge has continued with me throughout the years.

- John A. Widtsoe

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 The result appears to be infinitely greater than the cause.

- John A. Widtsoe

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 “Priesthood is to be used for the benefit of the entire human family … Clearly then, every righteous task for the uplift of the race, whether within or without the Church or the household, is a Priesthood activity.”

- John A. Widtsoe

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 The strong man is not afraid to say, "I do not know"; the weak man simpers and answers, "I doubt." Doubt, unless transmuted into inquiry, has no value or worth in the world. Of itself it has never lifted a brick, driven a nail...To take pride in being a doubter, without earnestly seeking to remove the doubt, is to reveal shallowness of thought and purpose.

- John A. Widtsoe

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 "Doubt usually means uncertainty...[you doubt] that a principle of the gospel is correctly interpreted by the speaker. What you really mean is that the evidence in your possession is insufficient to convince you... that the gospel principle has been explained correctly. Doubt arises from lack of evidence.

- John A. Widtsoe

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 The facts of experience, called knowledge, usually pertain to the visible world around us. When we venture into the unseen world, by the use of our subtler faculties, the knowledge thus gained is usually spoken of as faith. Paul made the distinction clear in his famous definition: “Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” Faith then becomes knowledge of a certain kind, won in a certain way. It makes known that which was formerly unknown. When the work of faith is finished, all will be known.

- John A. Widtsoe

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 However, the Church teaches that all human knowledge and all the laws of nature are part of its religious system; but that some principles are of more importance than others in man's progress to eternal salvation.

- John A. Widtsoe

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 Whatever is known, is known through symbols.

- John A. Widtsoe

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 Joseph Smith taught, and the Church now teaches, that all space is filled with a subtle, though material substance of wonderful properties, by which all natural phenomena are controlled. This substance is known as the Holy Spirit. Its most important characteristic is intelligence. "Its inherent properties embrace all the attributes of intelligence."[A] The property of intelligence is to the Holy Spirit what energy is to the gross material of our senses.

- John A. Widtsoe

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 Until the essential nature of infinitude itself shall be understood, man must be content to learn to use unexplained laws. Science is the great explainer, but she explains relations and not the absolute foundations of phenomena.

- John A. Widtsoe

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 Men are directed, no doubt, by beings of higher intelligence, but in that directing,... our wills must be allowed to play their part. There can be no real satisfaction, if it were possible, in advancement which has been forced upon man Lucifer's plan was impossible.

- John A. Widtsoe

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 The Church, then, is a great missionary organization. This, of itself, justifies, the existence of the Church, for it is improbable that any individual would or could undertake the conversion of all the people to eternal truth.

- John A. Widtsoe

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 In other words, they must first acknowledge the existence in the universe of things and powers that may not be sensed directly, but which may be used to accomplish the purposes of man. Such an attitude is required to admit the existence of a God or a plan of salvation.

- John A. Widtsoe

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 After this truth had been demonstrated, it was a necessary conclusion that matter is eternal, and that the quantity of matter in the universe cannot be diminished nor increased. This great generalization, known as the law of the Persistence of Matter or Mass, is the foundation stone of modern science.

- John A. Widtsoe

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 Universal intelligence, comparable to universal energy is indestructible, according to Joseph Smith.

- John A. Widtsoe

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 The seen and the unseen worlds are closely connected. One assists the other. Those who fail to partake of the privileges and blessings of temple work deprive themselves of some of the choicest gifts within the keeping of the church.

- John A. Widtsoe

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 ...those who give themselves with all their might and main to this work receive help from the other side, and not merely in gathering genealogies. Whoever seeks to help those on the other side receives help in return in all the affairs of life.

- John A. Widtsoe

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 This establishes an authoritative connection between man and God, the Holy Ghost, by which it is possible to secure, through the active support of the Holy Ghost, more light and power and confidence than man may secure unaided.

- John A. Widtsoe

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 The spirit of man accepted the earth-plan in detail, and if he remembered every step that led to this acceptance, and every detail of the Plan itself, there would not be much reason for the exercise of will in adhering to it.

- John A. Widtsoe

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 Such a law, for instance, is faith, which, in its simple universal meaning, is man's certainty that in the universe is found everything he may desire for his up building and advancement, and that the eternal relations of universal forces will prevail for his good.

- John A. Widtsoe

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 If he will leave his problems behind and in the temple work for himself and for his dead, he will confer a mighty blessing upon those who have gone before, and quite as large a blessing will come to him, for at the most unexpected moments, in or out of the temple will come to him, as a revelation, the solution of the problems that vex his life. That is the gift that comes to those who enter the temple properly, because it is a place where revelations may be expected.

- John A. Widtsoe

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 That the answer is often overwhelmingly greater than the expressed desire, is only a sign of the love of the Giver, and does not remove the necessity of asking as the first step in obtaining what a person desires. It is probable that no request, addressed to a being of superior intelligence, is refused. However, the answer comes at a time and place not predetermined by man.

- John A. Widtsoe

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 By the holy spirit, God is always with us, and "is nearer than breathing, and nearer than hands and feet."

- John A. Widtsoe

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 Much of this work involves authority, which must be settled somewhere if order is to prevail.

- John A. Widtsoe

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 A distinct and real power comes to the individual who has received the Holy Ghost. It is as if he had been given a key to a great an d wonderful building which he enters at his pleasure. However, the key may be kept unused; then the gift has been of no value.

- John A. Widtsoe

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 Such an acknowledgement of the existence of the law of cause and effect does not weaken man; strength lies in an intelligent subjection to rightful restraint, for it has been the condition of progress from the beginning. The recognition of law and the obedience to law are sure signs that intelligent beings are progressing.

- John A. Widtsoe

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 Obedience simply means that whenever a truth is revealed, it is obeyed, which by our previous definitions is a phase of repentance. The man who is active in carrying out that he knows is truth is an obedient man. His active obedience to authority is based on intelligence; and the more knowledge a man has concerning the nature of the law in question, the more thoroughly obedient is he. Obedience is not a characteristic of ignorance.

- John A. Widtsoe

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 Shall a man obey a man? The first consideration in the answer to this question is whether the system which the man in authority represents is based on truth. If so, then intelligent man will be bound to render obedience to the system, even if it is exercised through an imperfect man.

- John A. Widtsoe

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 The moment truth is used, obedience begins. Man and the Church to which he belongs, are active organisms, interested in progress. When truth is given them, promises to use that truth should be required, else all is in vain.

- John A. Widtsoe

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 Readers should distinguish carefully between specific and general meanings of words, as may appear in the sacred books or in gospel discourses. If this is not done, much confusion of thought may arise. In fact, many who have failed to do so, have been led astray from the truth. ... Absurdities of the first order may arise unless the meanings of words are carefully sought. And any statement in doubt should be compared with other statements on the same subject by the same speaker. Then the true meaning will be revealed.

- John A. Widtsoe

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 Man is of limited power; whatever he can not understand or duplicate may be called miraculous; and only in that sense can miracles be allowed. The miracles of the Savior were done only by superior knowledge. Nothing is unnatural.

- John A. Widtsoe

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 We only know that by energy or intelligence gross matter is brought within reach of our senses.

- John A. Widtsoe

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 Intelligence or energy was declared by Joseph Smith in May, 1833, to be eternal: "Intelligence, or the light of truth, was not created or made, neither indeed can be."[A] In the sermon already referred to the Prophet said, "The intelligence of spirits had no beginning, neither will it have an end."

- John A. Widtsoe

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 The statement that man can receive a fullness of joy only when spirit and element are united, is of itself a scientific doctrine of high import. This is a world of matter; and a spiritual man, that is one made only of the universal ether, would not be able to receive fully the impressions that come from the contact of element with element. To enjoy and understand this world, it is necessary for the spirit to be clothed with matter. The ether or spirit world is not within our immediate view; and it is probable that the material world is far away from purely spiritual beings.

- John A. Widtsoe

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 The main effect of disobedience is to weaken, and finally wreck the man who disobeys law. Disobedience and sin are synonymous.

- John A. Widtsoe

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 These brief quotations go to show that the doctrines of the Prophet of the Latter-day Saints are in full accord with the views that distinguish the new astronomy. It is also to be noted that in advancing the theories of universal motion among the stars, and of great stars or suns governing groups of stars, he anticipated by many years the corresponding theories of professional astronomers.

- John A. Widtsoe

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 The equality of man on earth must be the equal opportunity to progress.

- John A. Widtsoe

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 The breadth of this doctrine lies in the fact that it is not absolutely forbidden to eat meat, as in all probability a fanatic, guided by his own wisdom, might have done; yet it must be observed, the implication is clear that it is possible for man to live without meat. Vegetarianism had been taught and practiced long before the days of Joseph Smith; but there had been no direct, positive proof that plants contain all the substances necessary for the sustenance of life. As stated above, it is now known that every class of nutritive substance found in meat is also found in plants. This is in full harmony with the implied meaning of Joseph Smith in the statement regarding the abstaining from meat.

- John A. Widtsoe

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 ...since there are differences of advancement, the spirits who come on earth are placed frequently in positions for which they are best fitted.

- John A. Widtsoe

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 ...is based on fundamental principles that harmonize with the knowledge and reason of man.

- John A. Widtsoe

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 The gospel may be said to be the philosophy of eternalism.

- John A. Widtsoe

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 Men must not be judged, wholly, by their attainments, or by their gifts, but largely by the degree to which they give themselves to the great cause represented by the plan of the major intelligent Being, for the minor beings of the universe.

- John A. Widtsoe

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 Even those of high degree may fall.

- John A. Widtsoe

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 Man asks, Why am I on earth? Science is silent. Up to the present time, many scientific men have not found it necessary to postulate an intelligent force behind the phenomena of nature, which would explain our earthly existence.

- John A. Widtsoe

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 A thoughtful reading of the above quotation clearly shows that Joseph Smith recognized the fundamental truth of food chemistry; namely, that while all plants contain the elements necessary for animal growth, yet the proportions of these elements are so different as to make some plants better adapted than others to a certain class of animals. That the "Mormon" prophet should have enunciated this principle from twenty to thirty years in advance of the scientific world, must excite wonder in the breast of any person, be he follower or opponent of Joseph Smith.

- John A. Widtsoe

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 This second class, often called the spirit matter, is perhaps most important, for it is not unlikely that from it are derived all other forms of matter.

- John A. Widtsoe

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 ...nothing is more certain than that the greatest mystery of nature may at some time be understood.

- John A. Widtsoe

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 THE ETERNAL RECORD: So thoroughly permeated with the holy spirit is the immensity of space that every act and word and thought is recorded and transmitted everywhere, so that all who know how to read may read. Thus we make an imperishable record of our lives. To those whose lives are ordered well this is a blessed conception; but to those of wicked lives, it is most terrible. He who has the receiving apparatus, in whose hands the key is held, may read from the record of the holy spirit, an imperishable history of all that has occurred during the ages that have passed in the world's history. This solemn thought, that in the bosom of the holy spirit is recorded all that pertains to the universe—our most secret thought and our faintest hope—helps man to walk steadily in the midst of the contending appeals of his life. We can not hide from the Master.

- John A. Widtsoe

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 Besides caffein, both tea and coffee contain an astringent known as tannic acid. In coffee this substance is present only in small quantity, but in tea from four to twelve per cent occurs. Tannic acid is the substance found in oak bark, and has the property of making animal tissues hard—that is, makes leather of them. The habitual tea drinker subjects the delicate lining of the stomach and intestines to the action of this powerful drug.

- John A. Widtsoe

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 It is only when man so wills that he hears fully the voice of God; and it is only when a man so wills that he hears the message of the devil. The doctrine that a request must initiate the gift is as true in the relationship that my be established between man and the devil as between man and God.

- John A. Widtsoe

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 He is not a force that can work harm, unless man places himself under the subjection of evil; but, if the devil be allowed a hearing, he may become the master of the man, and lead him downward on the road of retrogression.

- John A. Widtsoe

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 Then, all will seem as if precisely alike. Whether or not we reach a given point at the same time, or all men have a common destiny. As far as the destiny of man is concerned, all are alike.

- John A. Widtsoe

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 This forgetfulness seems reasonable. The spirit of man accepted the earth-plan in detail, and if he remembered every step that led to the acceptance, and every detail of the Plan itself, there would not be much need for the exercise of will in adhering to it. Left as he is, with little memory to steady him, he must exercise all his power to compel surrounding forces to serve him in searching out the past and in prophesying of the future. By such vigorous exercise of his will he develops a more intimate acquaintanceship with the things of the earth.

- John A. Widtsoe

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 Faith is the assurance of the existence of "things not seen."

- John A. Widtsoe

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 For the government of the individual the first principle in Mormon theology is faith. Joseph Smith defined faith in the words of the Apostle Paul, "Now, faith is the substance of things hoped for; the evidence of things not seen." To this the Prophet added "From this we learn that faith is the assurance which men have of things which they have not seen."[A] On this principle, with this definition, many young persons who have ventured upon the sea of unbelief have wrecked the religion of their childhood; for, the human mind, in some stages of its development, is disinclined to accept as knowledge anything that can not be sensed directly.

- John A. Widtsoe

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 Prayer is the first and greatest means of reading God's messages, for by intense prayer man gradually places himself in tune with the infinite so far as his request is concerned.

- John A. Widtsoe

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 In the account of the Creation, given in the Book of Abraham, it is clearly stated that the Gods organized the earth and all upon it from available materials, and as the fitting climax to their labors they "went down to organize man in their own image, in the image of Gods to form him."[A] The creation of man was in part at least the organization of individuals from eternal materials and forces. The nature of that organization is made partly clear by the Prophet when he says "The spirit and the body are the soul of man."[B] The spirit here referred to may be compared to the ether of science, vibrating with the force of intelligence, which is the first and highest of the many forces of nature. The body, similarly, refers to the grosser elements, also fired with the universal energy—intelligence. The word Soul, in the above quotation, means man as he is on earth and is used as in Genesis. Man, according to this, is composed of matter; the spirit which may be likened to ether, and energy. The organization of man at the beginning of our earth history, was only the clothing of the eternal spiritual man with the matter which constitutes the perishable body. In confirmation of this view note another statement, "For man is spirit. The elements are eternal, and spirit and element, inseparably connected, receiveth a fullness of joy, and when separated, man can not receive a fullness of joy."[C] Here also it is taught that man is composed of matter, spirit and energy.

- John A. Widtsoe

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 A man must give himself to the matter devotedly desired, in the form of prayer, and then support it with all his works.

- John A. Widtsoe

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 There is but one nature. All things, visible or invisible, belong to the one universe.

- John A. Widtsoe

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 "Mormonism" teaches that intelligence is the force of forces.

- John A. Widtsoe

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 "Mormonism" has harmonized science and theology in its conception of God. As has been shown earlier in this volume, Joseph Smith taught that the central force of the universe is intelligence. Gravitation, heat, light, magnetism, electricity, chemical attraction, are all various manifestations of the all-pervading force of intelligence. This, it may be seen, is the simple theory advanced by scientists, with the definition of the first force added.

- John A. Widtsoe

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 In the Great Plan there is no provision for the eternal damnation of man.

- John A. Widtsoe

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 The associates of the Prophet are unanimous in saying that his spiritual and intellectual growth was marvelous, from the time that the work of the ministry fell upon him. He was transformed from a humble country lad to a leader among men, whose greatness was felt by all, whether unlearned or educated, small or great. Of himself the Prophet said, "I am a rough stone. The sound of the hammer and chisel was never heard on me until the Lord took me in hand. I desire the learning and wisdom of heaven alone." Certainly, his whole history shows that the great learning which he did manifest was acquired in a manner very different from that followed by the majority of men.

- John A. Widtsoe

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 Meanwhile, no external power will come to man's aid, until he has used his own efforts, and therefore it becomes necessary for men to search out existing genealogies of the human race.

- John A. Widtsoe

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 Man's inequality comes chiefly from the inequality of earth effort.

- John A. Widtsoe

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 Had Joseph Smith been the clever imposter that some claim he was, he probably would not have dealt in any way with the theories of the material world, at least would not have claimed revelations laying down physical laws; had he been the stupid fool, others tell us he was, his mind would not have worried itself with the fundamental problems of nature.

- John A. Widtsoe

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 Likewise, his opinions concerning the motions of celestial objects were very definite and clear. "He hath given a law unto all things by which they move in their times and seasons; and their courses are fixed; even the courses of the heavens and the earth, which comprehend the earth and all the planets. The earth rolls upon her wings, and the sun giveth his light by day, and the moon giveth her light by night, and the stars also giveth their light, as they roll upon their wings in glory, in the midst of the power of God."[A]

- John A. Widtsoe

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 The attempt has been made to sketch, briefly, the relation of "Mormonism" to some features of modern scientific philosophy, and to show that not only do "Mormonism" and science harmonize; but that "Mormonism" is abreast of the most modern of the established views of science, and that it has held them many years—in some cases before science adopted them.

- John A. Widtsoe

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 God's purpose in the Plan will be incomplete so long as one soul remains unconverted.

- John A. Widtsoe

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 The final end of such beings is not known...nevertheless, as they oppose law, they will at last shrivel up and become as if they were not.

- John A. Widtsoe

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 For the purpose of perfecting the plan, a council of the Gods, or perfected intelligences was called. It was decided to organize an earth from available materials, and place the spirits on it, clothed with bodies of the grosser elements.

- John A. Widtsoe

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 A definite purpose with respect to humankind emanates from the Godhead. It was clearly stated to Moses “... Behold, this is my work and my glory -- to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man.” Moses 1:39) … Life, then, is more than mere existence; it is “full existence.” Life is active, existence is static. Life is warm; existence, cold. Life uses its powers to secure progress; it moves upward. Existence is today where it was yesterday, or lower. Life is the increasing realization of man's highest ideals. The Lord Himself has made clear the distinction ... when He said, “I am the resurrection, and the life.” (John 11:25) Life in contradistinction to existence has always been the objective of Latter-day Saints. Life, implying a future of endless development, is the ultimate goal of the Church.

- John A. Widtsoe

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 The holy endowment is deeply symbolic. 'Going through the temple' is not a very good phrase; for temple worship implies a great effort of mind and concentration if we are to understand the mighty symbols that pass in review before us. Everything must be arranged to attune our hearts, our minds, and our souls to the work. Everything about us must contribute to the peace of mind that enables us to study and to understand the mysteries, if you choose, that are unfolded before us. We would not give our family dinners out of doors, in the crowd; why should anyone ask us to do our most sacred work in the face of the crowd. ... We live in a world of symbols. We know nothing, except by symbols. We make a few marks on a sheet of paper, and we say that they form a word, which stands for love, or hate, or charity, or God or eternity. The marks may not be very beautiful to the eye. No one finds fault with the symbols on the pages of a book because they are not as mighty in their own beauty and the things which they represent. We do not quarrel with the symbol G-o-d because it is not very beautiful, yet represents the majesty of God. We are glad to have symbols, if only the meaning of the symbols is brought home to us. I speak to you tonight; you have not quarreled very much with my manner of delivery, or my choice of words; in following the meaning of the thoughts I have tried to bring home to you, you have forgotten words and manner. There are men who object to Santa Claus, because he does not exist! Such men need spectacles to see that Santa Claus is a symbol; a symbol of the love and joy of Christmas and the Christmas spirit. In the land of my birth there was no Santa Claus, but a little goat was shoved into the room, carrying with it a basket of Christmas toys and gifts. The goat of itself counted for nothing; but the Christmas spirit, which it symbolized, counted for a tremendous lot. We live in a world of symbols. No man or woman can come out of the temple endowed as he should be, unless he has seen, beyond the symbol, the mighty realities for which the symbols stand.

- John A. Widtsoe

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 No man will change a habit without a satisfactory reason. In fact, all the actions of men should be guided by reason. Repentance then is a kind of obedience or active faith; and is great in proportion to the degree of faith possessed by the individual. Certainly, the repentance of no man can transcend his faith, which includes his knowledge.

- John A. Widtsoe

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 Men say at times that they will do nothing which they do not fully understand, and therefore they will not be baptized. It would be as unreasonable for a man to say that because he does not fully understand why a certain winding of the wire is necessary to produce electricity he will not produce this wonderful natural force. All theology and all science contain laws that must be obeyed in order to obtain certain results, although the full reasons for the required combinations are not understood.

- John A. Widtsoe

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 Aaron (who was a brother of Moses, and also a Levite) with his four sons, were elected first to hold this Lesser Priesthood and to minister in the Priest's office. But this authority was only a part of the powers of the Higher Priesthood, hence it is termed the Lesser. It was, in fact, a new arrangement, something joined on or added to the Melchizedek Priesthood, and hence it is said to be an appendage to the higher Priesthood. It seems probable that Aaron, when he received this Lesser Priesthood, was in the same position (as to Priesthood) that our Presiding Bishop is, holding the Melchizedek as well as the Aaronic or Levitical, the latter being an appendage to the former.

- John A. Widtsoe

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 he essential virtue of baptism is obedience to law. The prime value of any natural law is attained only after obedience has been yielded to it.

- John A. Widtsoe

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 That this is the Mormon view of the effect of the Gift of the Holy Ghost may be amply demonstrated from the standard works of the Church and from the writings of the leading interpreters of Mormon doctrine. Parley P. Pratt in the Key to Theology says, "It quickens all the intellectual faculties, increases, enlarges, expands and purifies all the natural passions and affection * * * *. It develops and invigorates all the faculties of the physical and intellectual man."[B] The Prophet Joseph Smith declared "This first Comforter or Holy Ghost has no other effect than pure intelligence. It is * * * * powerful in expanding the mind, enlightening the understanding, and storing the intellect with present knowledge."[C] Concisely expressed, therefore, Joseph Smith and the Church he restored, teach that the Gift of the Holy Ghost, is a gift of "intelligence."

- John A. Widtsoe

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 Men in all ages have speculated about the things of the universe, and have invented all kinds of theories to explain natural phenomena. In all cases, however, these theories have been supported by experimental evidence, or else they have been proposed simply as personal opinions. Joseph Smith, on the contrary, laid no claim to experimental data to support the theories which he proposed, nor did he say that they were simply personal opinions, but he repeatedly asserted that God had revealed the truths to him, and that they could not, therefore, be false. If doctrines resting upon such a claim can be shown to be true, it is additional testimony of the truth of the Prophet's work.

- John A. Widtsoe

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 When a person opposes righteousness, the worst that can be done isto sever that individual from the organization. The Priesthood has no authority to exercise further punishment. The punishment which comes to those who do wrong is automatic, and will, of itself, find out the sinner

- John A. Widtsoe

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 Meanwhile, the thought stands out prominently, that those who are given the Priesthood, and especially those who are to exercise authority in the offices of the Priesthood, should carefully fit themselves for the work that they have to do. This is the only safe key to authority.

- John A. Widtsoe

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 There can be no doubt from these quotations, as from many others that might be made, that Joseph Smith based his teachings upon the recognition that law pervades the universe, and that none can transcend law. In the material world or in the domain of ether or spirit, like causes produced like effects—the reign of law is supreme.

- John A. Widtsoe

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 Perhaps the best and safest exposition of the philosophy of "Mormonism" is Parley P. Pratt's Key to Theology. In it he states definitely that the spirit of man is organized from the elementary Holy Spirit. "The holiest of all elements, the Holy Spirit, when organized in individual form, and clothed upon with flesh and bones, contains, etc."[A] That the earthly body was likewise organized is equally plain for he says "At the commencement—the elements—were found in a state of chaos."[B] Then man was "moulded from the earth as a brick."[C] Again, "The spirit of man consists of an organization of the elements of spiritual matter,"[D] which finds entrance into its tabernacle of flesh. In another place he defines creation by asking "What is creation? Merely organization…… The material of which this earth was made always did exist, and it was only an organization which took place during the time spoken of by Moses."[E]

- John A. Widtsoe

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 The Church possessing the truth, always fosters, encourages and respects all honest investigation of nature.

- John A. Widtsoe

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 A fact, of itself, is lifeless; only when it is compared with other facts, does it leap into life, and show forth its hidden meaning.

- John A. Widtsoe

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 The statement that man was made from the dust of the earth is merely figurative. It may mean that he was made of universal materials, as is the earth. Likewise, the statement that God breathed into man the breath of life is figurative and refers to the existence of the spirit within the body. The exact process whereby man was placed upon earth is not known with certainty, nor is it vital to a satisfactory understanding of the plan of salvation. We may rest assured that the first man and woman were eternal beings, who subjected themselves to life on earth, so that the process of clothing eternal spirits with mortal bodies might begin.

- John A. Widtsoe

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 On the contrary almost every up to date practitioner recommends the external use of alcohol, as for instance after baths for lowering the temperature of fever patients. In this matter, then, Joseph Smith was in perfect harmony with the latest results of science. It is strange that he, unlearned as he was, should have stated what is now known as truth, so clearly and simply, yet so emphatically, more than seventy years ago, before the main experiments on the effect of alcohol on the human organsim had been made.

- John A. Widtsoe

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 It was in 1828, about five years before Joseph Smith's doctrine with respect to tobacco was given, that nicotine was obtained in a pure state. Many years later the chemists and physiologists learned to understand the dangerous nature of the tobacco poison. It does not seem probable that Joseph Smith had heard of the discovery of nicotine in 1833; the discovery was announced in a German scientific journal, and in those days of few newspapers, scientific news, even of public interest, was not made generally known as quickly as is the case today.

- John A. Widtsoe

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 The operations of the devil and his powers may, therefore, serve some good in giving contrasts for man's guidance. This does not mean that it is necessary for man to accept the suggestions of the evil one, or to commit evil to know truth. On the contrary, every rational impulse resents the thought that a man must know sin so that he may know righteousness better.

- John A. Widtsoe

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 In a universe controlled by intelligence, it is only natural to find everything within the universe moving along towards one increasing purpose.

- John A. Widtsoe

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 Faith or its equivalent is the first principle in every human pursuit. Every onward step implies faith. The scientist in his laboratory performs his experiment with the assurance that something will be learned from it. Newton made his calculations that gave us the law of gravitation, with the assurance that, by so doing, he would learn more than he knew about planetary and stellar worlds. Every inventor, builder, artist, or statesman employs faith in his toil. Therefore, we have our great, advancing civilization.

- John A. Widtsoe

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 No other quest is followed by man with such vigorous persistence, as is that of establishing an intelligible and satisfactory philosophy of earth life.

- John A. Widtsoe

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 The Fall of Adam and the atonement of Jesus Christ are necessary, key concepts of the gospel. Christianity stands or falls with them. Neither of these concepts can be understood except as they are placed in their proper places in the whole plan of salvation. Ye we know that they were equally necessary, as are the beginning and end of a journey.

- John A. Widtsoe

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 For instance, in speaking of the salvation to which all men who live correct lives shall attain, the Prophet says, "For salvation consists in the glory, authority, majesty, power and dominion which Jehovah possesses;"[A] and in another place, "Then shall they be Gods, because they have no end; therefore shall they be from everlasting to everlasting, because they continue; then shall they be above all, because all things are subject unto them. Then shall they be Gods, because they have all power."

- John A. Widtsoe

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 That this is not a sudden elevation, but a gradual growth, is evident from many of the writings of Joseph Smith, of which the following are illustrations. "He that receiveth light and continueth in God, receiveth more light, and that light groweth brighter and brighter until the perfect day."[A] "For if you keep my commandments you shall receive of his fulness, and be glorified in me as I am in the Father; therefore, I say unto you, you shall receive grace for grace."[B]

- John A. Widtsoe

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 The preceding quotations suffice to show that with regard to man, Joseph Smith taught a doctrine of evolution which in grandeur and extent surpasses the wildest speculations of the scientific evolutionist. Yet Joseph Smith taught this doctrine as one of eternal truth, taught him by God. There can be no doubt that the truth behind Spencer's law of evolution, and the doctrine taught by the "Mormon" prophet, are the same. The great marvel is that Joseph Smith, who knew not the philosophies of men, should have anticipated by thirty years or more the world of science in the enunciation of the most fundamental law of the universe of living things.

- John A. Widtsoe

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 God is a person, of form and dimension. Therefore, He cannot, personally, be everywhere present at the same time. But, from His abode issues an influence, filling all space, and permeating every created thing, animate and inanimate. This influence or medium is called the Holy Spirit. It is not to be confused with the Holy Ghost, the third member of the Godhead. Through the Holy Spirit messages are conveyed to the Father to every creature, and from every creature to the Father. It is the means by which all of God’s creations are ever before His eyes and under His control. It is the means of man’s constant access to his Father.

- John A. Widtsoe

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 Adam, the first earth-pupil of God, was taught, as his first lesson, the eternal philosophy overshadowing the existence of man. When Adam had been taught all this, and had accepted the truth, he was baptized, even as men are baptized today, and he received all the other ordinances of the Gospel and was given full authority through the Priesthood conferred upon him to officiate in God's name in all matters pertaining, under the Great Plan, to the welfare of man.

- John A. Widtsoe

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 To summarize the contents of this chapter: Joseph Smith clearly recognized and taught the physiological value of alcohol, tobacco, anticipated the tea and coffee, at a time when scientific world of science discoveries were just beginning to reveal the active principles of these commodities. The probability is that he knew nothing of what the world of science was doing in this direction, at the time the doctrine was taught. Joseph Smith clearly recognized and taught the fundamental truths of food chemistry, and the food relation of vegetable products to man, nearly a generation before scientists had arrived at the same doctrine. Whence came his knowledge?

- John A. Widtsoe

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 In the Great Council then held, of which a dim and distant picture only has been left, the great question was with respect to man’s free agency ... Lucifer proposed that, in spite of man’s will, desires and individuality, man should be supplied with the necessary knowledge of earth conditions. In short, without any effort of their own all men should be forced into salvation … Yet, the spiritual origin of man, and the doctrine that he can advance only by self-effort, make it unthinkable that he should allow himself to be, as it were, blindfolded and directed under compulsion by some greater power.

- John A. Widtsoe

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 Lucifer, son of the morning, through diligent search for truth and the use of it, had become one of the foremost in the assembly of those invited to undertake the experiences of earth. But, in that Great Council, his personal ambition and love of power overcame him. He pitted his own plan and will against the purposes of God. He strove to gain the birthright of his Elder Brother, Jesus the Christ. When his proposition was rejected, he forsook all that he had gained, would not repent of his sin, defied truth, and of necessity lost his place among the followers of God. He was no longer Lucifer, bearer of truth, who walked in light, but Satan, teacher of untruth, who slunk in darkness. He became the enemy of God and of all who try to walk according to the Lord’s commandments.

- John A. Widtsoe

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 The Gospel, or rational theology, is founded on truth, on all truth, for "truth is knowledge of things as they are and as they were, and as they are to come." and "truth has no end". In the building a philosophy of life a man, therefore, can not say that some truth must be considered and other truth rejected. Only on the basis of all truth, that is, all true knowledge, can his religion be built. Further, the perfection of his knowledge, that is, the extent of this truth possessions, will determine the value of his religion to him. Therefore, "it is impossible for a man to be saved in ignorance,: "a man is saved no faster than he obtains knowledge," and "the glory of God is intelligence."

- John A. Widtsoe

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 True freedom, which is full joy, is the complete recognition of law and adaptation to it. Bondage comes from ignorance of law or opposition to it.

- John A. Widtsoe

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 One-third of the spirits present in that vast assembly supported Satan and became enemies of the truth that they had formerly cherished. With him, these rebellious spirits lost their fellowship with the valiant sons of God. What is more, they lost the privilege of obtaining bodies of flesh and blood, without which they cannot gain full power over the forces of the universe. In the face of defeat, and that curse, they have sought from Adam to the present time to corrupt mankind and defeat the Lord’s purposes.

- John A. Widtsoe

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 In the Great Plan there is no provision for the eternal damnation of man. At the best, men will be ranged according to their stage of progression—some higher, some lower. In a universe ruled by intelligent beings filled with love for one another, there can be no thought of an endless damnation only as men, by opposition to law, destroy themselves …Those who refuse to accept truth, or to abide by law, will gradually take less and less part in the work of progression. They will be left behind, while their intelligent fellows, more obedient, will go on.

- John A. Widtsoe

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 The gospel is operated on earth under the authority of the Lord …To the care of the Church, the gospel has been committed, together with the Lord’s authority, called the priesthood. Only the Church possessing this authority is the complete church of Christ, and there can be but one. All others lack the necessary authority and are therefore incomplete.

- John A. Widtsoe

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 Without faith we not only do not increase, we may decrease. The business man unable to visualize the probable results of his work becomes a mere blunderer. Or the one without confidence in his venture, becomes harassed with fear. Without faith, the chemist would not fill his test tube, the astronomer would not look through his telescope, the business man would not replenish his stock, the painter would leave his brush on the palette. All would stagnate. Success does not wait on blunderers or fearful ones. The fruits of faith are confidence, courage, certainty, progress—all vital elements of success.

- John A. Widtsoe

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 Naturally, those who enter the celestial kingdom are of various attainments. There is not absolute uniformity anywhere among the children of God. Their innate capacities and their use of the law of free agency make them different, often widely so. Therefore, the members of the highest kingdom are also grouped, according to the Prophet Joseph Smith into three “degrees.” To enter the highest of these degrees in the celestial kingdom is to be exalted in the kingdom of God. Such exaltation comes to those who receive the higher ordinances of the Church, such as the temple endowment, and afterwards are sealed in marriage for time and eternity, whether on earth or in the hereafter. Those who are so sealed continue the family relationship eternally. Spiritual children are begotten by them. They carry on the work of salvation for the hosts of waiting spirits. They who are so exalted become even as the gods. They will be “from everlasting to everlasting, because they continue.” To find entrance to the celestial kingdom, and be exalted therein, form the great hope of every true Latter-day Saint.

- John A. Widtsoe

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 “Without faith, the chemist would not fill his test tube, the astronomer would not look through his telescope, the business man would not replenish his stock, the painter would leave his brush on the palette. All would stagnate. Success does not wait on blunderers or fearful ones. The fruits of faith are confidence, courage, certainty, progress—all vital elements of success.”

- John A. Widtsoe

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 “We know that God is a personage in whose image man is made; that He has a body of spiritual substance; and that His divine attributes are reflected In man’s nature ... But He, of Himself, is not everywhere present. Even we poor, mundane, men and women operate through agents—machines or messengers. We use the telegraph or telephone, and now, the radio, to transmit our thoughts to far away places. We need not go there in person. About such a conception there is nothing really mysterious. This is the key to the misunderstanding which has vexed and is vexing many a seeker after God. He and His power have been confused, until the worship due Him has been given to His power.

- John A. Widtsoe

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 The essence of this statement is that if a person will concentrate his powers so as to come into harmony with God, truth will be revealed to him; and is not that like the tuning of a coil of wire so that it can take up the waves of certain lengths, that may be passing through the ether? If an inert mass of iron can be so tuned, can anyone refuse to believe that man, highly organized as he is, can "tune" himself to be in harmony with the forces of the universe? The universal ether of science is like the Holy Spirit, and the waves or energy of the ether is like the intelligent action of that Spirit controlled by God. Heat, light, magnetism, electricity, and the other forces, become, then, simply various forms of God's speech, any of which may be understood, if the proper means of interpretation is at hand.

- John A. Widtsoe

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 Lucifer, was “an angel of God who was in authority in the presence of God.” He had risen in knowledge, understanding, and power. He was Lucifer, a son of the morning (of light). For his rebellion, there was no excuse. He committed the unpardonable sin in denying that of which he had full and complete knowledge. He became thereby the father of lies. (D&C 76:26, 32-48).

- John A. Widtsoe

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 “The gospel is concerned with individual salvation, not mass salvation ... Lucifer proposed mass salvation, willy nilly, without individual effort. Every man should be saved, irrespective of his desire or fitness. The Lord also offered salvation to all, but on the condition that each individual, by accepting the conditions imposed under God’s never-ending love, must earn his salvation. Lucifer ignored the individual; the gospel makes the individual paramount ... Great is the individual man in the plan of the Lord!.”

- John A. Widtsoe

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 To bring an eternal, free spirit under the bondage of matter and forgetfulness, it was necessary for some one to begin the work, by figuratively speaking, breaking a law, so that the race might by brought under the subjection of death. This may be likened, roughly, to the deliberate breaking, for purposed of repair or extension, of a wire carrying power to light a city. Someone had to divert the current of eternal existence, and thus temporarily bring man's earthly body under the subjection of gross matter. Adam, the first man, was chosen to do this work. By the deliberate breaking of a spiritual law, he placed himself under the ban of earthly death and transmitted to all his posterity the subjection to death. This was the so-called "sin of Adam." To obtain or give greater joys, smaller pains may often have to be endured.

- John A. Widtsoe

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 In one of the generally accepted works of the Church, the energy of nature is actually said to be the workings of the Holy Spirit. The passage reads as follows: "Man observes a universal energy in nature—organization and disorganization succeed each other—the thunders roll through the heavens; the earth trembles and becomes broken by earthquakes; fires consume cities and forests; the waters accumulate, flow over their usual bounds, and cause destruction of life and property; the worlds perform their revolutions in space with a velocity and power incomprehensible to man, and he, covered with a veil of darkness, calls this universal energy, God, when it is the workings of his Spirit, the obedient agent of his power, the wonder-working and life-giving principle in all nature."

- John A. Widtsoe

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 After faith or knowledge has been obtained, the alpha and omega of religious or scientific progress is obedience. The cry of universal nature is, Obedience!

- John A. Widtsoe

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 Viewed in this manner, then, repentance is obedience to law and is active faith. The law, before it is obeyed, must be understood—that is, faith must precede repentance. Therefore, the obedience yielded can increase only with the knowledge or faith of the individual. As the Prophet Joseph Smith stated it, "No man can be saved in ignorance" and "a person is saved no faster than he gains intelligence."

- John A. Widtsoe

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 Wherever the doctrines of "Mormonism" and science meet, they agree. No discord has yet been found between them. Science is daily confirming the truth of the universe—embracing philosophy of the unlearned founder of "Mormonism."

- John A. Widtsoe

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 Joseph Smith taught that the solar system is only one of many—in advance of the astronomers of his day.

- John A. Widtsoe

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 Since these teachings practically imply the definition that God is a superior intelligence evolved from a lower condition, there can be no logical objection to the idea that there are many Gods. Yet, "Mormon" theology acknowledges the supremacy of the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. God transcends all human imagination. He is omniscient, and omnipotent; for His great knowledge enables Him to direct the forces of nature. He is full of love and mercy, because these qualities are attributes of intelligence, which God possesses in the highest degree. The "Mormon" idea of God, is delicate, refined, advanced and reasonable.

- John A. Widtsoe

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 The interesting fact about this matter is, naturally, that in this conception of God, Joseph Smith was strictly scientific. He departed from the notion that God is a Being foreign to nature and wholly superior to it. Instead, he taught that God is part of nature, and superior to it only in the sense that the electrician is superior to the current that is transmitted along the wire. The great laws of nature are immutable, and even God can not transcend them.

- John A. Widtsoe

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 Of simple brilliancy must have been the mind of the Prophet which was able to discover in the forgotten corners of thought the priceless gems of controlling, universal truth.

- John A. Widtsoe

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 It is a surprising fact that a young man of twenty-eight, who had had no educational advantages of schooling, or reading, or society, should state clearly and correctly known laws of science; but it is marvelous that he should state fundamental laws that the workers in science did not discover until many years later. Every honest man, be he friend or enemy, must marvel, and ask, "Whence did this man derive his knowledge?"

- John A. Widtsoe

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 However, the Church teaches that all human knowledge and all the laws of nature are part of its religious system; but that some principles are of more importance than others in man's progress to eternal salvation.

- John A. Widtsoe

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 Statements of scientific detail should not be looked for in Joseph Smith's writings, though these are not wholly wanting; but rather, we should expect to find general views of the relations of the forces of the universe.

- John A. Widtsoe

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 Such quotations, from the men intimately associated or acquainted with the early history of the Church, prove that Joseph Smith taught in clearness the doctrine that a subtle form of matter, call it ether or Holy Spirit, pervades all space; that all phenomena of nature, including, specifically, heat, light and electricity, are definitely connected with this substance. He taught much else concerning this substance which science will soon discover, but which lies without the province of this paper to discuss.

- John A. Widtsoe

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 Was he a man of lively imagination who guessed shrewdly? If so, he was the shrewdest guesser the world has known. All that he said has come true; his bitterest enemies have been unable to prove incorrect statements of facts. Their attacks have always been on the origin of the work, on its ethical ideals (which are largely personal opinions), and on the probability that Joseph Smith was the real founder of "Mormonism"—thus tacitly admitting the greatness of the work. Had he been a guesser, simply, he would have failed somewhere, and thus revealed his weakness. But let any man show one error in the inspired writings of Joseph Smith, even when he dealt with matters which lay far outside of his daily mission. Though thousands of persons have felt impelled to war against "Mormonism," no such error has been found. All human logic denies that he was a guesser.

- John A. Widtsoe

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 It must not be overlooked that the broad statement of this doctrine was made by Joseph Smith, at least as early as 1832, at a time when the explanation of light phenomena on the hypothesis of a universal ether was just beginning to find currency among learned men; and many years before the same hypothesis was accepted in explaining the phenomena of heat and electricity.

- John A. Widtsoe

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 A miracle is a law not understood.

- John A. Widtsoe

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 The two revelations from which these quotations are made, were given to the Prophet in 1832 and 1839 respectively, many years before the fact that all celestial bodies are in motion was understood and accepted by the world of science.

- John A. Widtsoe

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 In the Great Council all spirits which have reached or will reach the earth, were present; and all declared themselves in favor of the Plan. In conformity with this agreement, man is on earth.

- John A. Widtsoe

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 In every philosophy of the universe, the question concerning the primary cause of the phenomena of nature always arises. Ancient and modern philosophers, alike, have discussed the probability of the existence of this primary cause and its properties. Plato, putting the words into the mouth of Socrates, declares, "I do believe in the Gods."[A] Aristotle, the greatest of early thinkers, assumed that a God exists, from whom all other forces are derived. For example, "From a first principle, then, of this kind—I mean, one that is involved in the assumption of a First Mover—hath depended the Heaven and Nature."[B] Spencer, speaking in these latter days, likewise implies the existence of the equivalent of the God of men, thus, "If religion and science are to be reconciled, the basis of reconciliation must be this deepest, widest and most certain of all facts—that the Power which the universe manifests to us is utterly inscrutable."[C]

- John A. Widtsoe

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 In its broadest sense, philosophy includes all that man may know of the universe—of himself and of the things about him. To be worthy of its name, a system of philosophy must possess certain comprehensive, fundamental principles, which if clearly understood, make intelligible to the human mind any or all of the phenomena in the universe. The simpler these foundation principles are, the greater is the system as a philosophy. In the words of Spencer, "Philosophy is knowledge of the highest degree of generality," or "completely unified knowledge."[A]

- John A. Widtsoe

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 Certainly the claim cannot be made that Joseph Smith anticipated the world of science in the recognition of this important principle; but it is a source of marvel that he should so clearly recognize and state it, at a time when many religious sects and philosophical creeds chose to assume that natural laws could be set aside easily by mystical methods that might be acquired by anyone. In some respects, the scientific test of the divine inspiration of Joseph Smith lies here. Ignorant and superstitious as his enemies say he was, the mystical would have attracted him greatly, and he would have played for his own interest upon the superstitious fears of his followers. Instead, he taught doctrines absolutely free from mysticism, and built a system of religion in which the invariable relation of cause and effect is the cornerstone. Instead of priding himself, to his disciples, upon his superiority to the laws of nature, he taught distinctly that "the law also maketh you free."[A] Herein he recognized another great principle—that freedom consists in the adaptation to law, not in the opposition to it.

- John A. Widtsoe

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 The accepted conception that groups or clusters of stars form systems which revolve around some one point or powerful star, was also clearly understood by Joseph Smith, for he speaks of stars of different orders with controlling stars for each order. "And I saw the stars that they were very great, and that one of them was nearest unto the throne of God; and there were many great ones which were near unto it: and the Lord said unto me: These are the governing ones; and the name of the great one is Kolob because it is near unto me—I have set this one to govern all those which belong to the same order as that upon which thou standest."[A] That the governing star, Kolob, is not the sun is evident, since the statement is made later in the chapter that the Lord showed Abraham "Shinehah, which is the sun." Kolob, therefore, must be a mighty star governing more than the solar system; and is possibly the central sun around which the sun with its attendant planets is revolving. The other great stars near Kolob are also governing stars, two of which are mentioned by name Oliblish and Enish-go-ondosh, though nothing is said of the order or stars that they control. The reading of the third chapter of the Book of Abraham leaves complete conviction that Joseph Smith taught that the celestial bodies are in great groups, controlled (under gravitational influence) by large suns. In this doctrine, he anticipated the world of science by many years.

- John A. Widtsoe

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 The endowment is so richly symbolic that only a fool would attempt to describe it; it is so packed full of revelations to those who exercise their strength to seek and see, that no human words can explain or make clear the possibilities that reside in the temple service. The endowment which was given by revelation can best be understood by revelation.

- John A. Widtsoe

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 These gradations in salvation may be innumerable, since all members of the human family are different. The many gradations are however reduced to three classes: (1) the celestial, the highest, as of the sun in glory; (2) the terrestrial, the next, as of the moon; (3) the telestial, the lowest, as of the stars … These kingdoms, though very different, are filled with the children of God the Father. Though those of the lower kingdom have not shown themselves worthy of the fulness of salvation, yet the love of the Father envelops them. Even the glory of the lowest, the telestial, “surpasses all understanding.”

- John A. Widtsoe

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 The Church has ever been mindful of the doctrine that “the glory of God is intelligence” D&C 93:36); and its great objective is to become increasingly like God. The Church could not do otherwise, for the revelations to the Prophet Joseph Smith are replete with instructions to gather knowledge. If education had been found to destroy faith, such support would not have been given it …Education is and must be carried onward fully and abundantly in the Church of Christ. The support of education, is, indeed, one test of the truth of the Church.

- John A. Widtsoe

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 Man is of limited power; whatever he can not understand or duplicate may be called miraculous; and only in that sense can miracles be allowed. The miracles of the Savior were done only by superior knowledge. Nothing is unnatural. All that has been done, man may do as he increases in power. The conception of intelligence guiding the destinies of men, makes it possible that, in our behalf, wonderful things are often done, that transcend our understanding, but which are yet in full and complete harmony with the laws of nature. For ourselves we must discover all of nature that we can. In time of need, when our own knowledge does not suffice, the Master may give his help. Thus, after man has used his full knowledge and failed, the sick may be healed, the sorrowing, comforted, or wealth or poverty may come, provided we draw heavily enough upon the unseen forces about us. Help so obtained is not unnatural. A miracle is simply that which we can not understand, and at which we marvel.

- John A. Widtsoe

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 Doubt...should be a passing condition, must never itself be an end. Doubt as an objective of life is an intellectual and a spiritual offense. A lasting doubt implies an unwillingness on the part of the individual to seek the solution of his problem, or a fear to face the truth.

- John A. Widtsoe

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 Doubt of the right kind -- that is, honest questioning-- leads to faith. Such doubt impels men to inquiry which always opens the door to truth. The scientist in his laboratory, the explorer in distant parts, the prayerful man upon his knees -- these and all inquirers like them find truth. ... Joseph Smith is an excellent example of proper doubt.

- John A. Widtsoe

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 No! Doubt is not wrong unless it becomes an end of life. It rises to high dignity when it becomes an active search for, and practice of, truth.

- John A. Widtsoe

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 Doubt which immediately leads to honest inquiry, and thereby removes itself, is wholesome. But that doubt which feeds and grows upon itself, and, with stubborn indolence, breeds more doubt, is evil."

- John A. Widtsoe

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 It is true that in the beginning of science no faith seems to be required; for every statement is based on experiments and observations that may be repeated by every student; and nothing is "taken on trust." As the deeper parts of science are explored, however, it is soon discovered that in science as in theology, a faith in "things that can not be seen," is an essential requisite for progress. In fact, the fundamental laws of the great divisions of science deal with realities that are wholly and hopelessly beyond the reach of man's five senses.

- John A. Widtsoe

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 Has any man asked us to believe that he can describe the structure of God's dwelling? No principle taught by Joseph Smith requires a larger faith than this.

- John A. Widtsoe

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 It must be sufficient to remark again that Mormonism is strictly scientific in stating as the first principle of the guidance of the individual, that of faith in unseen things; for that is the basic principle for the beginner in modern science.

- John A. Widtsoe

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 Countless forces, surrounding man, are interacting in the universe. By no means can he withdraw himself from them. By experience he has learned that control of natural forces is obtained only when their laws are understood. When a certain thing is done in a certain manner, there is a definite, invariable result. No doubt it has often occurred to an intelligent being that he might wish it otherwise; but that is impossible. The only remedy is to comply with existing conditions, acknowledge the restraint of nature, and gaining further knowledge, put law against law, until the purpose of man has been accomplished. This is the process by which intelligent beings have acquired dominion over nature. Such an acknowledgement of the existence of the law of cause and effect does not weaken man; strength lies in an intelligent subjection to rightful restraint, for it has been the condition of progress from the beginning. The recognition of law and the obedience to law are sure signs that intelligent beings are progressing.

- John A. Widtsoe

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 The chief agent employed by God to communicate his will to the universe is the holy spirit, which must not be confused with the Holy Ghost, the personage who is the third member of the Godhead. The holy spirit permeates all the things of the universe, material and spiritual. By the holy spirit the will of God is transmitted. It forms what may be called the great wireless system of communication among the intelligent beings of the universe. The holy spirit vibrates with intelligence; it takes up the word and will of God as given by him or by his personal agents, and transmits the message to the remotest parts of space. By the intelligent domination and infinite extent of the holy spirit, the whole universe is held together and made as one whole. By its means there is no remoteness into which intelligent beings may escape the dominating will of God. By the holy spirit, God is always with us, and "is nearer than breathing, and nearer than hands and feet." The intelligent earthly manifestations of the holy spirit are commonly spoken of as the natural forces. It is conceivable that the thunders and the lightnings, the movements of the heavenly bodies, the ebb and flow of the oceans, and all the phenomena known to man, are only manifestations of the will of God as transmitted and spread by the measureless, inexhaustible, infinite, all-conducting holy spirit. By the holy spirit, which fills every person, man may obtain information from God. By its means come the messages which transcend the ordinary methods of acquiring knowledge. By it man may readily communicate with God, or God with him. When a person utters his prayer in faith it is impressed upon the holy spirit, and transmitted, so that God may read the man's desire. This doctrine of a rational theology has been duplicated in a modest way by the development of wireless telegraphy. According to science, the universe is filled with a subtle substance called the ether, on the waves of which the message is spread throughout the universe to be taken up by any person who has the proper receiving apparatus.

- John A. Widtsoe

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 Intelligent people cannot long endure such doubt. It must be resolved. ... We set about to remove doubt by gathering information ... Doubt then becomes converted into inquiry or investigation.

- John A. Widtsoe

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 After proper inquiries, using all the powers at our command, the truth concerning the subject becomes known, or it remains unknown to be unraveled perhaps at some future time. The weight of evidence is on one side or the other. Doubt is removed. Doubt therefore can be and should be only a temporary condition. ... As the results of an inquiry appear, doubt must flee.

- John A. Widtsoe

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 Man must not expect direct revelation in matters that he can solve for himself.

- John A. Widtsoe

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 In all cases, however, these theories have been supported by experimental evidence, or else they have been proposed simply as personal opinions. Joseph Smith, on the contrary, laid no claim to experimental data to support the theories which he proposed, nor did he say that they were simply personal opinions, but he repeatedly asserted that God had revealed the truths to him, and that they could not, therefore, be false. If doctrines resting upon such a claim can be shown to be true, it is additional testimony of the truth of the Prophet's work.

- John A. Widtsoe

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 From the organization of the Church to the present day, the pre-existence of man has been taught as a necessary element in the plan of salvation.

- John A. Widtsoe

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 This led to the antiseptic treatment in surgery, which destroys germ life, and leaves the wound absolutely clean. As a consequence the mortality from flesh and other wounds has diminished remarkably. The medical profession repented, or turned away, from its former methods, and the reward was immediately felt. However, before antisceptic surgery was finally and fully established, faith in the practice had to be awakened among the members of the profession.

- John A. Widtsoe

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 In fact, in any department of knowledge, when it is discovered that a law of nature has been violated, it becomes necessary, if further progress is desired, to cease the violation. Should a scientist persist in violation of a known law, he knows that the consequences, great or small will certainly follow.

- John A. Widtsoe

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 Here, a faith is required in "things that can not be seen," and in the properties of these things. True, the scientist does not pretend to describe the atoms in detail, he does not need to do that to establish the certainty of their existence. He looks upon them as ultimate causes of effects that he may note with his physical senses. Does theology require more? Does any sane man in asking us to believe in God, for instance, attempt to describe him in detail?

- John A. Widtsoe

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 Religious success does not rest in the degree to which every law is explained; but rather in the degree to which all known laws are obeyed.

- John A. Widtsoe

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 The more intelligence a man possesses the more authority he may exercise. Hence, "the glory of God is intelligence." This should be clear in the minds of all who exercise authority.

- John A. Widtsoe

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 The mistake made by officers are commonly due to the want of the needed intelligence in the exercise of their duties.

- John A. Widtsoe

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 Another such fundamental law to which man must conform, is that of repentance, which in its larger sense, is merely faith made active.

- John A. Widtsoe

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 Only when the temporal as well as the spiritual life is looked after, can the Church rise to its full opportunity. Only in sound bodies can the spirit experience the highest joy. Only under sound temporal conditions can the Church move on in full gladness.

- John A. Widtsoe

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 Man affect each other, every man is, in a measure, his brother's keeper.

- John A. Widtsoe

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 Seldom is a man greater than his private prayers.

- John A. Widtsoe

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 Even in that happy day he shall not be able to change one law of nature; only by intelligent control may he apply nature's laws to desired ends.

- John A. Widtsoe

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 Looseness of life, between man and woman, is the most terrible of human iniquities, for it leads, assuredly, to the physical decay of the race.

- John A. Widtsoe

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 It is not a far step to the doctrine that after the earth work has been completed, and exaltation in the next estate has been attained, one of the chief duties of men and women will be to beget spiritual children.

- John A. Widtsoe

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 The great, fundamental laws of the Universe are foundation stones in religion as well as in science. The principle that matter is indestructible belongs as much to theology as to geology. The theology which rests upon the few basic laws of nature is unshakable; and the great theology of the future will be such a one.

- John A. Widtsoe

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 Moreover, the order which he taught was of an unchangeable nature, corresponding to the invariable relation between cause and effect. He wrote, "There is a law, irrevocably decreed in heaven before the foundations of this world, upon which all blessings are predicated; and when we obtain any blessing from God, it is by obedience to that law upon which it is predicated."[B] No text book in science has a clearer or more positive statement than this, of the fact that like causes have like effects, like actions like results.

- John A. Widtsoe

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 At the time that Joseph Smith wrote, there was considerable discussion as to whether the laws of the solar system were effective with the stars. The Prophet had no doubts on that score, for he wrote, "And unto every kingdom is given a law; and unto every law there are certain bounds also and conditions."[A]

- John A. Widtsoe

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 It took some time to make them understand that a good teacher does such work as to enable his students to pass, with ordinary diligence.

- John A. Widtsoe

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 Without question, men should seek the work they think they love best, or for which they are best fitted. Yet,' the majority of men can do most work in a satisfactory manner. The work that we finally must do, we should accept in the light of its eternal value. Nevertheless, to accept a place in society— not always the place one desires; to do well the work that is near at hand— not always the work one wishes; to love and to cherish the work, and to forget oneself in the needs of others, all that is not always easy. Such a life means a subjection of self which can be accomplished only if there is a clear understanding of the plan of salvation.

- John A. Widtsoe

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 Only when this is done, will the curtain be rolled up, and the vision of he complete existence given to man.

- John A. Widtsoe

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 Faith is the first principle of revealed religion. It is a form of knowledge.

- John A. Widtsoe

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 ...ultimately, the intelligent will shall control for its own use not only the things of this earth but all forces of the universe.

- John A. Widtsoe

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 Man must not expect direct revelation in matters that he can solve for himself.

- John A. Widtsoe

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 The activity in behalf of the Gospel which began with Adam and continued until Noah, at the time of the great flood, is ordinarily known as the first dispensation of the Gospel

- John A. Widtsoe

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 Man, the highest type of living things, differs from the rock, moreover, in that he possesses the power to exercise his will in directing natural forces. Animals and even plants seem to possess a similar power to a smaller degree. The rock on the hillside is pulled downward by gravitation, but can move only if the ground is removed from beneath it by some external force. Man, on the other hand, can walk up or down the hill, with or against the pull of gravity.

- John A. Widtsoe

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 Unselfishness should characterize the members of the Church

- John A. Widtsoe

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 Every other ordinance is similarly symbolic.

- John A. Widtsoe

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 As the Prophet placed himself in tune with the unknown, he became less dependent on external aids.

- John A. Widtsoe

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 A man who sincerely desires to walk in righteousness need have no fear of the devil.

- John A. Widtsoe

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 The meaning of a word so commonly used should be generally and correctly understood. Yet, subjected to philosophical speculation, truth has often been given diverse meanings, or left befogged in clouds of abstraction.

- John A. Widtsoe

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 No prayer is unheard.

- John A. Widtsoe

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 If the earth is a living organism, it seems more than likely that all things on earth possess a measure of life and intelligence.

- John A. Widtsoe

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 We live only as our bodies allow; and, since our bodies differ greatly, there is in them another source of man's inequality. In fact, the inequality of man comes largely from inequality of body, through which the eternal spirit tries in vain to speak.

- John A. Widtsoe

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 Those who refuse to accept truth or to abide by law, will gradually take less and less part in the work of progression. They will be left behind, while their intelligent fellows, more obedient, will go on.

- John A. Widtsoe

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 Is it any wonder that workers in science, who have been taught the doctrine of an immaterial God who is able to create something from nothing, and to transcend all laws of nature, depart from the faith of their childhood? Truth is truth forever. Scientific truth cannot be theological lie. To the sane mind, theology and philosophy must harmonize. They have the common ground of truth on which to meet.

- John A. Widtsoe

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 There has been endless speaking and writing about ultimate or final truth. It may as well be admitted at once, and without reservation, that mortal man, gathering knowledge through imperfect senses—his only avenues to truth—must remain content, in many fields of endeavor, with partial truth … Nevertheless, the knowledge gained by the bare eye, or by the aid of instruments, reveals truth—partial but glorious truth, fit to stand by the side of all other truth.

- John A. Widtsoe

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 The Great Plan provided that man should come upon earth with the memory of his past taken from him, so that, beginning his earth-life as a child, he might repeat on earth the efforts that earned for him progress in the pre-existent life. Even Adam and Eve forgot the details of their previous lives, for it was necessary that all be under the same law, and that no strength be derived from the memory of pre-existent experiences.

- John A. Widtsoe

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 “God is a person, of form and dimension. Therefore, He cannot, personally, be everywhere present at the same time. But, from His abode issues an influence, filling all space, and permeating every created thing, animate and inanimate. This influence or medium is called the Holy Spirit. It is not to be confused with the Holy Ghost, the third member of the Godhead. Through the Holy Spirit messages are conveyed from the Father to every creature, and from every creature to the Father. It is the means by which all of God’s creations are ever before His eyes and under His control. It is the means of man’s constant access to his Father.

- John A. Widtsoe

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