"Love is one of the chief characteristics of Deity, and ought to be manifested by those who aspire to be the sons of God. A man filled with the love of God, is not content with blessing his family alone, but ranges through the whole world, anxious to bless the whole human race" (Joseph Smith Jr., Dec. 15, 1840; in Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 1969], 174).

"All I can offer the world is a good heart and a good hand" (Joseph Smith Jr., July 9, 1843; in Teachings, 313).

Thursday, April 9, 2009

Wednesday, April 9, 1969

A great apathy seems to be spreading over the face of the world. People no longer seem to firmly believe in anything, just agnostically clinging to some particular tradition, saying all churches are good and equal and lead back to God. The religions of the day are so blandly watered down and popularized that little is left to satisfy the needs of the people. It seems that even in most quarters religious intolerance has disappeared, not because of more tolerance but because of more apathy.

Joseph Smith taught that only a religion requiring the sacrifice of all things had the power to save and exalt the souls of men. Thus The Church of Jesus Chirst of Latter-day Saints stands alone, as it claims, as the only church of God upon the earth, with the power and authority to bring about the eternal life of man.

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