“The Presidency and a number of the Apostles are beset, continually, with letters of inquiry, asking questions about almost numberless and nameless subjects. On one occasion, having been importuned by a young man who was almost a professional questioner, and having submitted to his queries, continuously, for a number of months, I came to the conclusion that I would make this proposition to him. My proposition was this, and I repeat it to the Bishops and Presidents and to the Latter-day Saints everywhere: If you have a question to ask, or some problem that you are not sure you are able to solve, I would suggest to you that you figure it out yourselves and reach the very best conclusion that you can of the matter; and then, if you are still not quite satisfied with it, and you cannot get sufficient of the Spirit of the Lord to reveal to you the absolute truth, as to whether you are right or wrong, just submit to us your conclusion, and we think we can answer that a good deal easier and quicker than we can solve your questions in the way they are generally put to us.”
– Joseph F. Smith, 1910
“Professional questioner.” I suspect that this continues today, as the practice is still discouraged. If you answer one question, you are likely to just encourage the questioner, although it does leave you hanging when you can’t get an answer even from your local leaders. There is also the issue that JFS was a man of certitude, and not much doubt, at least in his public persona. I know his letters on occasion do open a window on a more introspective man, but not often.
Might make a fun post, Kevin, to present some of the “letters of inquiry” I’ve run across to illustrate the many (and often odd) questions they got!
This appears to be a variation on the “study it out in your mind” direction given on the transltion process, making it of general application. It is always best to think before you ask. Otherwise you probably don’t even know what really need to ask about.
I think that would be a very interesting post! Also, I have to say, I have only been reading your blog for a month now, but I absolutely love it. Thanks for sharing your research with us!
Welcome to Keepa, Anna! I promise to get back to writing posts and not only relying on other people’s writings in the past, soon.
Ha! This is great. It totally makes sense as a precursor to the modern policy of “please just take it to your bishop and stake president.” If the GAs were overwhelmed by questions in 1910, and the FP and Q of 12 are the same size are now that they were then, but the Church is many times larger, it really makes sense where such a policy would come from.