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KNOW THE TRUTH

JOSEPH SMITH III, Prophet of the Restoration! 1860-1914

Truth does not suffer from investigation; error alone flourishes in the dark; and resists examination. Its ways are "in the dark" because it is of evil. The result of investigation is to bring out, to make plain, that the superiority of truth and right may appear, in contrast to the designs and weaknesses of wrong and error. Jesus said, "Everyone that doeth evil hateth the light ... lest his deeds should be reproved. But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest that they are wrought in God."

The church and its ministry are confronted by active and wily opposers of the truth. Is it the true policy to shut off all discussion simply because articles take on something of a controversial nature? Certainly not. But if so, how could the people be educated to see and be prepared to expose the false positions of their opponents? People who simply read one side of a matter are not strong advocates of their own principles. Not knowing the positions urged against their beliefs, they are unprepared either to fully appreciate the truth or to defend it. Truth appears in its superiority when attacked by error; it shines out clearly and strongly by contrast, and its heights and depths are seen and understood and the faith of the believer is confirmed as he more fully comprehends its immovable character. The Apostle Paul commended some as full grown men in Christ because by reason of "exercise" of their "senses," or powers of mind, they were able to discern between good and evil.

It is stated in the word that the disciple shall be led and guided into all truth. The Latter Day Saint who is so undeveloped as to be unable to discern where the truth lies in any question, has not yet come to the full measure of his development; and until he exercises his powers of mind. in study, in prayer, and in diligent application in the line of privilege and duty, will not reach the condition of understanding and usefulness designed. Christ is the pattern in all things. And, He was not only good in heart; He was also intelligent, and was thus able to comprehend and to meet the conditions everywhere prevailing against Him.

The gospel comprehends the elevation of the saints by spiritual, moral and general education. We shall not be made free until we "know the truth." "They shall all be taught of God," is the prophetic statement concerning the people of God. Salvation without understanding, without knowledge, without ability to discriminate and to reach correct conclusions upon all questions in which the saints are to act, in matters pertaining to church and other duties, is an anomaly. Salvation without knowledge is unscientific, untrue. A Latter Day Saint who cannot reach a correct conclusion, or who does not so do concerning matters upon which he or she is obliged to act according to his moral agency, in the interests of branch, district, or general work, is to that decree unprepared to do his part in the interests of the work. He "falls down" before responsibilities when, had he been sufficiently developed, he could have acted in the interests of the work.

The policy of crying down discussion is one of the Devil's favorite themes. He is pleased when people are willing to glide along easily and dreamily without knowing just where they are, what they are doing, or where they are going. It is the people who think and act from an understanding of law that he is afraid of He cannot easily mislead those who, acquainted with God's law, humbly but firmly refuse to be led by what is in opposition to it; and who, having acquainted themselves with the misleading and deceptive devices of the enemy of truth, understand his tactics and are able to detect them - to discern their real character!

All our people should study the revelations of God to the church, and become familiar with them. They should know what they are doing and why they act. The Lord can scarcely be pleased with less than this. He designs the development of all His children - He is no respecter of persons; He is. however, a respecter of character; and Christlike character includes information, knowledge, intelligence, goodness. The greatest things in the universe are heart and mind - love and intelligence. The glory of God is intelligence. The Apostle Paul wrote to the early saints, "Do ye not know that the saints shall judge the world? And if the world shall be judged by you, are ye unworthy to judge angels? How much more things that pertain to this life?" The idea that men should not judge at all - not discriminate - is erroneous. Jesus, in the Inspired Translation, is thus quoted: "Judge righteous judgment." To render a proper judgment requires care, and justness, and considerateness, and information; all of which are commendable and strictly essential to the "perfect man."

We believe in investigation. It was well expressed by the statement of a minister at one of our General Conferences: 'We are here to cut "gordian knots,' and to solve problems." No subject of import is beyond the realm of proper investigation, and criticism, and analysis. We plead for open, unhampered full investigation. It means death to tyranny and error, but life to the race by manifestation of the truth.

When the people become well posted in the revelations of God, including the Bible, the Book of Mormon, and the Doctrine and Covenants, they will be better able to comprehend the purposes of God and the work of the church, and to stand by the ministry in the execution of their work. The ministry will also be moved upon to occupy higher ground, to lead the way upward and onward in the principles of life and godliness. Let the good work of investigation go on in the interests of the church and of man universal.