Gospel Doctrine

Description

We are destined and foreordained to become like God, and unless we do become like him we will never be permitted to dwell with him. Blessings. . . are never discovered in the path of selfishness. The Lord is all the way through this work, and every fiber of it is in his keeping and is moved by his. . . Power and by the inspiration of his holy spirit. That is my testimony to you. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the freest institution in the world. Though he never wrote a book, Joseph F. Smith, sixth president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (1901-1918), has for decades been one of the most widely quoted gospel scholars in the history of the Church. President Harold B. Lee, eleventh president of the Church, said, "When I want to seek for a more clear definition of doctrinal subjects, I have usually turned to the writings and sermons of President Joseph F. Smith." Gospel Doctrine was first published in 1919 as a course of study for Melchizedek Priesthood quorums. It has subsequently gone through numerous printings and is truly a classic in Mormon literature. In a publisher's preface for this Classics in Mormon Literature edition of Gospel Doctrine, a great-grandson of Joseph F. Smith, Joseph Fielding McConkie, summarizes the value of his work, "Gospel Doctrine stands in a class of its own as a reference book and as a source of edification to the Latter-day Saint reader. Within the covers of this book one will find scripture, prophecy, wise counsel, and good doctrine. Truly it is a book that edifies."