The Claims Of The Church He Had...

the claims of the Church; he had also introduced the saving principles into his life, as suggested by the Savior, when he said: ¶

"My doctrine is not mine, but his that sent me. ¶

Do the will of the Father and know the truth "If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself." (John 7:16-17.) This teaching is sound and logical. ¶

Those who live the gospel and introduce it into their daily lives will find no reason to deny its power to save and uplift mankind. The gospel teaches that life after death is a reality. ¶

There is a spirit world. The antedeluvians were there when Jesus taught the gospel among them. ¶

It is a place of reunion when mortal life is ended. We will meet our loved ones there, and I believe we will recognize them and mingle with them. ¶

Death is not the end. It is a forward step in the program to bring us back to God, who is our Father. ¶

Knowledge of truth grows with constant study I was 16 years old when I first read the Book of Mormon. Each time I have read it since then, it has been more appealing, more satisfying, and more reassuring about the mystery of life and death and the purpose and objective of our sojourn in mortality. ¶

The gospel plan is in operation in the world. It is being presented as it was 1,900 years ago, with similar results and manifestations. ¶

From the beginning to the end, the Book of Mormon, which is at your disposal and mine, is a builder of faith in the true and living God and in his son, Jesus Christ. All of us need to strengthen our faith. It has given to the world a clearer concept of the Savior, his mission, and his position in the eternal plan to save and exalt God's children. Nothing has been brought forth during my life that has weakened my faith in that divine plan and in the story told by Joseph Smith the Prophet. ¶

Slowly, but surely, prejudice and antagonism are breaking down, and the light of God's truth is penetrating the dark places of the earth. The criticism and bigotry of the past are melting away, and the purifying and ennobling power of the restored gospel is touching the hearts of humanity. ¶

Today, 12,000 missionaries are inviting people everywhere to investigate the gospel message as thoroughly and carefully as did Elder John A. Widtsoe. ¶

He left no stone unturned to determine its validity and divinity. ¶

Who will evaluate this great man's power and influence as a missionary in Europe and elsewhere? His literary contributions are tremendous, and his sermons and writings on gospel themes would fill volumes. ¶

A progressive religion The Church presents a progressive religion. We are constantly moving to higher ideals. We existed before we came to earth. Our future life is inseparably connected with this life here on earth. ¶

Those who destroy the divinity of Christ must also contend with and destroy his servants, like Paul, the Apostle to the Gentiles; like the Book of Mormon, which is a witness to all men that Jesus is the Christ. The Apostle Paul provides the same convincing evidence as the Book of Mormon that Christ lived, that he died on the cross, and that he rose from the dead. Paul heard the voice of the Redeemer; he was baptized for the remission of his sins and became a messenger of life and salvation to the Jews and the Gentiles. This great man, a servant of God, as was Dr. John A. Widtsoe, has given purpose and significance to your life and mine. His message was from God, and God enlightens this world through the prophets whom he has chosen. ¶

May our hearts go to God. May we be true and faithful and devoted to our sacred covenants, and may we do our part to build up his kingdom upon the earth, I pray in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen. ¶