1922-06-22—Millennial Star—The Message of Mormonism
The Message of Mormonism
- Millennial Star, June 22, 1922, p. 389
The "Message" of Mormonism
President Charles W.Penrose presided and Elder B. H.Roberts was the speaker at the Tabernacle. Salt Lake City, Sunday afternoon, the 21st ult. The invocation was by Elder Rodney Badger, and Elder George H. Wallace, of the Ensign stake, pronounced the benediction. Professor J. J. McClellan was at the organ console and Professor A. C. Lund directed the choir.
The services began with the congregation and choir singing the hymn "0 ye mountains high," after which the choir sang an anthem.
President Penrose, in announcing Elder Roberts as the speaker, informed the congregation that he had lately been called to preside over the Eastern States mission and expected to leave within a very short time.
Elder Roberts said it is truly a pleasure to meet witb the saints in the Tabernacle. He declared he was grateful for the appointment he had received, but said he wasfearful that his frieuds may be disappointed in what he would be able to accomplish. It is with a most humble spirit, he said, that he undertakes this work. He said lie realized it is a great, work as the mission includes twelve states and the District of Columbia, with a population of thirty-three million.
It is a question. Elder Roberts said, what kind of message should be taken to a nation such as this ; a nation most enlightened, a nation in the vanguard of progress, one that has doubtless reached the crest of civilization. "The responsibility," he declared, "is most appalling. But these people need a message, for there is still a great field for enlightenment. When one thinks of that great Avar which involved most all Christian nations and the failure afterwards to gain a lasting peace, it docs indeed seem there lias been an unaccountable postponement of that peace proclaimed by the Savior.
"When all these things are taken into consideration it can plainly be seen there is still need of light and truth.
" I have become convinced that what the world needs is not the wisdom of man, but the wisdom of God. And to carry this message becomes our duty.
"One of the things that will go farthest in setting the world right is to promote a belief in God.
"The Scriptures teach us the personality of God. God was manifest in the flesh, the same as in the spirit, in the personality of Jesus Christ.
" This was God's revelation to the world. Though there may be many who profess a knowledge of the Scripture, there has been a wide departure and men have taught that God is not a personage but a spirit.
"Here stand the people of the world confused as to these two conceptions. One a personage and the other a widely diffused personality that fills all space.
"A revelation through Joseph Smith gave us to understand that the spirit which is everywhere present is the light of Christ which proceeds from the presence of God to fill the immensity of space, so that we may hold to the personality of Christ and at the same time believe in the light of Christ.
"This is the message that 'Mormonism' has for the world, a reconciliation of those two conceptions."
Elder Roberts said he had delved into all classes of theology, but had failed to find a clear, definite statement of the purposes of God.
"While one may hear a multitude of voices say "lo here' and 'lo there,'" he said, "you will not find one authoritative statement of the purpose of God in the creation of this earth.
" ' Mormonism ' has a message on this subject so strong that it cannot easily be broken and one that is easily understood, the purpose being to have man gain eternal life, that the individual may have a fullness of joy, and that he may return to the presence of God.
" Our mortal life was brought to pass that there may be a union of spirit and element, that progress may be made up the great highway of God into his everlasting presence.
" Man's spiritual life depends upon his union with God. It was the breaking of this union which brought about the spiritual death of man.
"There is also another message Ave have for this country. God has decreed that this is a land of promise, but whosoever shall possess it shall serve God, and if they do not do this they shall be swept off.
"This is the message, and is it not worth while to engage in a work that will bring this nation unto repentance and save it from the destruction which has been predicted if it hearkens not unto the word of God ?
"It is a great responsibility, but we must deliver the message or stand condemned before God. God give us strength and courage to perform this labor."
After the conclusion of Elder Roberts' address the services were concluded by the choir singing the anthem "Behold the Son of Glory." — Deseret News.
