Chapter 8

The Unity of the Universe

(Read the Seventh Article of Faith)

Belief in an unseen world is the foremost result of man’s modern search for truth. Indeed, the past three centuries are notable for their exploration of the world that cannot be known directly through man’s five senses. The telescope, microscope, electroscope, spectroscope, and numerous other aids to man’s senses have revealed a vast world wholly beyond the unaided power of man to discover.

Domains wholly different from the world in which man lives have been invaded. The atomic world, of an order far distant from the material universe, and the subatomic world, yet farther away, where electrons rule and matter and energy commingle, are being laid bare through their effects to the understanding of man. The world of mind has likewise been subjected to such study, and unexpected marvels have appeared.

The unseen world seems to be illimitable. Every new aid to man’s senses becomes the door to another unbounded science. A new courage has entered the hearts of men. It is felt that knowledge may be added to knowledge throughout the ages, if men but seek it; that the endless search for truth wilt be endlessly rewarded; that the well of truth can never run dry.

Thus it has come about that the old distinction between the visible and the invisible worlds is fading away. There is but one universe, of many manifestations, some of which may be known directly by man, others by aids to his normal powers. But, no part of the universe is beyond man’s ultimate discovery.

The so-called spiritual world is but a special manifestation, probably the most fundamental of our one universe. Joseph Smith so implied when he said, “All spirit is matter, but it is more fine and pure.” If that be so, the world of “spirit” may be known by man if he possess the necessary aids, comparable to the radio tube that makes possible the conversion of electrical impulses into words.

This view, strange and foreign to men at large a century ago, seems necessary and rational to men of our day.

The unseen world exists and is explorable in all of its divisions by suitable instruments. The Urim and Thummim of the ancients converted messages of the spirit into understandable human terms. The “two stones set in silver bows” made symbols engraven on golden plates appear in the language known to Joseph Smith. The claim by the Prophet that he needed such help is an evidence of the rationality of the process as of his honesty.

The common aids to human senses—the telescope and the like—are made by man of available materials. However, man, himself, possessed of an organization superior to all else on earth, may become sensitive to influences from the unseen world. This possibility is now recognized by reputable workers in the field of science. Many phenomena of earth can be explained in no other way. Clairvoyance and its related experiences are being subjected to orderly, scientific study. This field of investigation has led to a new branch of psychology. More and more it is becoming recognized that the constitution of man is such as to permit him to serve as a “converter” of spiritual impressions into comprehensible material terms.

This possibility was set forth clearly by Joseph Smith, the Prophet: “All spirit is matter, but it is more fine and pure, and can only be discerned by purer eyes; we cannot see it, but when our bodies are purified we shall see that it is all matter.” The lens of the telescope must be ground properly; and by the same token man must fit himself to receive spiritual impressions. Let it be remembered that the Prophet Joseph Smith at first “enquired of the Lord through the Urim and Thummim,” but later, as he became more fit, laid aside the assisting instrument, and became, himself, a medium through whom the voice of God could be heard.

Such a conception of the possibility of intercommunication among the various parts of the one universe, makes the doctrine of spiritual gifts easily comprehended. In fact, it would have reflected upon the integrity of the system ushered in by the Prophet Joseph Smith if these gifts of the spirit had not been frankly avowed and accepted. Man’s communication with the intelligent beings in the invisible world becomes a natural experience, one to be expected by those who are in a suitable condition for reception.

Revelation becomes, then, the speech of the universal intelligent power, God, or the guidance of man, a speech that may be received and understood only by those having “purer eyes,” that is, who by self-effort or by divine means have been fitted for the necessary receptivity. Visions are but another type of revelation, accorded probably in harmony with personal development. Prophecy implies that the prophet is an instrument through which the unseen universe speaks to the visible universe. “Speaking in tongues” and interpreting “tongues” are likewise special forms of the voice of God to his children on earth. He who blesses the sick in accordance with the divine formula stands as the means through which healing power flows from the spiritual world into the ailing material body. There is really no mystery about spiritual gifts, perhaps only a wonder that they are ever questioned.

Such communications with the spiritual domain occur only for definite purposes. Intelligence implies plan and purpose. Revelation, visions, and prophetic utterances are given when needed, and then only. The gift of tongues is of chief value when one needs to make himself understood in a language foreign to him, or as a testimony of spiritual truth. Healing of the sick is always conditional upon the divine purpose for those who are suffering. People who are “hearing and seeing things,” when no purpose demands, are probably suffering from hallucinations.

Spiritual gifts can be expected only when men are properly “purified,” or “tuned,” to use a radio comparison. Faith, repentance, obedience to law, purity of life, these and conformity to all Gospel requirements, and especially prayer tor the gift, effect the changes necessary for spiritual communication. Not only must there be a purpose in the manifestation of such gifts, but men must be worthy to receive them. Let no man deceive himself on that score. This was clearly understood by Moses who first declares that he saw God because “the glory of God” was upon him; and then explains that “now mine own eyes have beheld God; but not my natural, but my spiritual eyes.” Such a transformation, which to some degree is needed to become sensitive to spiritual manifestations, is based primarily upon a righteous life.

Closely associated with the gifts of the spirit is the authority of the Priesthood. The Holy Spirit moves upon all men, but those who possess the Priesthood have official authority, if they are otherwise prepared, to receive revelation and other gifts from the Source of Truth and use them for the benefit of those who are in need. The Priesthood, properly received and respected, effects profound changes in the man, which make him as it were a ready conductor of the stream of spiritual power.

In the organized Church of Christ all things are done in order. Therefore, the man who presides over the Church, and he alone, can or will receive revelations from God for the Church as a whole. It is so with all officers of the Church, each may claim spiritual guidance within his assigned field, but no farther. Nevertheless, all may win support in their personal affairs, or manifestations for their personal comfort. The unity and continuity of the universe are beautifully set forth in many of the revelations to the Prophet Joseph Smith. For example “the spirit giveth light to every man that cometh into the world; and the spirit enlighteneth every man through the world, that hearkeneth to the voice of the spirit.” In Section 50 of the Doctrine and Covenants, dealing with the spiritual relationship among humanity, it is stated that, “He that receiveth the word by the Spirit of truth receiveth it as it is preached by the Spirit of truth. Wherefore he that preacheth and he that receiveth. understand one another, and both are edified and rejoice together.” The implication of unity is there made very clear.

One warning must be given. Both good and evil forces operate in the invisible as in the visible world. Both may communicate with men in accordance with the conditions in which they have placed themselves. Men are sometimes deceived by evil communications. Yet, it need not be so, for sure tests have been given. Here is one, beautiful in language and thought: “That which doth not edify is not of God, and is darkness. That which is of God is light; and he that receiveth light, and continueth in God, receiveth more light; and that light groweth brighter and brighter until the perfect day.”

QUESTIONS AND PROBLEMS

1. What seems to you to be a chief evidence of the existence of an unseen world?

2. How may a person receive communications from the unseen world?

3. What is the purpose of the spiritual gifts of the Church?

4. How may a person recognize deceiving, evil forces from out the unseen world?

5. Why is the doctrine of the unity of the universe necessary in the Gospel of Jesus Christ?

6. What is the function of the Priesthood in all spiritual experiences?