There is a reason why one man is born black and with other disadvantages, while another is born white with great advantages. The reason is that we once had an estate before we came here, and were obedient, more or less, to the laws that were given us there. Every soul coming into this world came here with the promise that through obedience he would receive the blessings of salvation. No person was foreordained or appointed to sin or to perform a mission of evil. No person is ever predestined to salvation or damnation.
Every person has free agency .
Doctrines of Salvation was originally published in 1954. When President Smith made this statement, Blacks faced great disadvantages in the United States. Segregation was widespread and Blacks did not enjoy equal opportunities with whites. They should be equal in the matter of education. They should not be barred from obtaining knowledge and becoming proficient in any field of science, art or mechanical occupation.