I desire to say that Mormonism, as it is called, is still, as always, nothing more and nothing less than the power of God unto salvation, unto every soul that will receive it honestly and will obey it. I say to you, my brethren, sisters, and friends, that all Latter-day Saints, wherever you find them, provided they are true to their name, to their calling and to their understanding of the Gospel, are people who stand for truth and for honor, for virtue and for purity of life, for honesty in business and in religion, people who stand for God and for His righteousness, for God’s truth and His work in the earth, which aims for the salvation of the children of men for their salvation from the evils of the world, from the pernicious habits of wicked men and from all those things that degrade, dishonor or destroy, or tend to lessen the vitality, and life, the honor, and godliness among the people of the earth.
— Joseph F. Smith, April 1910
Quoted by a man who,as a 10 year old boy,saw his father carted home on a wagon with a fatal bullet wound. He had every right to hold vengeance and anger but he realized it would only “lessen the vitality” of future generations zeal for life.
Cheers to Joseph F.
Ardis,
I find you as one who is ‘true to your name and calling.’ I am thankful to you for your work and very grateful to enjoy your writing. May you be greatly blessed in this holiday season and always.
That is an encouraging thing to read, charlene. Thank you.