In the year 1820, the area around Manchester, New York was caught up in “an unusual excitement on the subject of religion.” Joseph Smith noted that it “created no small stir and division amongst the people.” He further noted that: Notwithstanding the great love which the converts to these different faiths expressed at the time … Read more
Although all is not gold that shines, any more than every religious creed is sanctioned with the so eternally sure word of prophecy, satisfying all doubt with “Thus saith the Lord;” yet, “by proving contraries,” truth is made manifest,” and a wise man can search out “old paths, wherein righteous men held communion with Jehovah, … Read more
The other day I asked this question to my 89-year-old mother. Her answer was, “I don’t believe that for a minute. She knew exactly what she was doing.” It is impossible to know the precise degree to which Eve may have made her decision (about eating the fruit) by being swayed by Satan’s temptations or … Read more
In Matthew, chapter 10, Jesus gave his Twelve Apostles instructions before sending them out to preach the Gospel. He warned them that they would be made to suffer by other Jews (Matthew 10: 16-18), but that they should continue to speak out. Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be … Read more
A little learning is a dangerous thing; Drink deep, or taste not the Pierian spring: There shallow draughts intoxicate the brain, and drinking largely sobers us again. Alexander Pope Both the diagram and the quotation above illustrate the human tendency to think we know more than we do. They do not discourage learning, but remind … Read more
It is impossible for a man to be saved in ignorance. Doctrine and Covenants 131:6 Let him that is ignorant learn wisdom by humbling himself and calling upon the Lord his God, that his eyes may be opened that he may see, and his ears opened that he may hear; Doctrine and Covenants 136:32 Simply … Read more
Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding. Proverbs 3:13 Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding. Proverbs 4:7 How much better is it to get wisdom than gold! and to get understanding rather to be chosen than silver! Proverbs 16:16 Wisdom, … Read more
And as all have not faith, seek ye diligently and teach one another words of wisdom; yea, seek ye out of the best books words of wisdom; seek learning, even by study and also by faith. Doctrine and Covenants 88:118 Too many people in the Church refuse to listen to new ideas, consider other points … Read more