Deseret evening news. [volume] (Great Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1867-1920, 1901-10-17
A PRACTICAL RELIGION.

In a recent issue Of the Denver Post
there was an editorial on the policy OF
the eMormon" leaders, After speaking
in complimentary manner OF the
thrift and commercial sagaclty dis
PLAYED in Salt Lake by the Saints II
asserted that there has been quite q
little worldliness mixed up with their
rodliness.n It also complained Of the
little regard Mormon or Gentle has
for the old relics Of the sturdy genera
ton which laid the foundation for the
present State Of Utah" And further
remarked that walls are going to ruin
and old buildings are being torn down
to make way for more ambitious mod
ern structures"
These are rather singular objections
10 come from non" Mormon source
Usually, people who are opposed to our
faith try to make II appear that we are
welded to old notions and objects ana
that we are progressive. Indeed,
II Is not infreQuent to notice claims
that Salt Lake is indebted to GENTLE
ideas and wealth for the modern struc'
lures which help TO make up the
strength and Importance of our city
The Post talks q great deal about the
sentimental side of this question ana
considers that 10 be of the utmost
Importance" and that II ought TO De
sfostered by the leaders of the NOR
mon Church, in preference to the ma
terlal advancement exhibited In new
and expensive residences and other
marks Of wealth and prestige,
1t is perhaps TO be regretted that
some of the relics Of by-gone times
which form landmarks Of the early set
Element OF these valleys, are passing
from view. Some Of them ought to be
and no doubt will be preserved, as
to the labors and lives OF
the hardy pioneers who laid the founda,
tons OF this commonwealth. But II
surely cannot be reasonably urged
against the people here, whether Nor
mon" or Gentle" that they avail
themselves OF the skill and ingenuity |
displayed IN modern Improvements OF
very kind THESE are marks OF vitality |
md progress among any people. Their
ABSENCE is sign OF stagnation or de-
,ay. II seems to US that the very indi-
cations objected to by the Denver Post
Ire credit marks to the people Of Utah.
The idea that the "worldliness mixed
lp with eodliness," which that paper
observes In the policy Of our leaders,
Is anything detrimental or discordant,
Is very great mistake. Religion Is
not necessarily devoid Of interest in
what ere called temporal things.
'Mormonism' is a practical system. II
''No wv NshriSh VI thtii SNhNllltHlhl |
IDEAS and spiritual theories II Is an
everyday affair. While Il relates to the
Iuture. It applies TO the present, II II
adapted &c man in his mortal condl-
lion. The abstraction which passes for
religion In great many modern
minds, IL a very poor substitute Cor the
religion Of Christ which is meant for
mankind as they are,
We are not at present mere spiritual
pr ETHEREAL creatures, Man Is a dual
being, His body is as much a reality
rs His spirit and His spirit as much
80 as HIS body. The needs Of both
must be supplied. That which con-
tributes to the happiness and improve
ment Of one part has a necessary eff
feet upon the other part. But there
q 50 radical a difference between the
Two, although they are united in one,
That each needs rules and regulations
adapted 10 II In its own
sphere. "Mormonism" is both spiritual
Ind physical. 1t bears upon both time
Ind eternity. 1t directs people how to
iet today; Individually as members OF
family, as parts Of society, as units
n the great sum Of progressive human
ny building up, improving and beau
afying the face OF the earth for present
inioyment and the elevation Of the
ace 1t also reveals the purposes of
he Eternal Father for the everlasting
'xaliation OF His children in the un.
lying future. II ministers 10 mans
Whole nature, and therefore enters into
his needs and advancement today as
Wen as his preparation for the elorles
u immortality and spiritual bliss
old structures viii have to 90 ana
make way for those that are better
adapted to increasing needs and Inn.
proved designs In the same way anti
luatfd notions which increased lleh,
and knowledge have exposed as or.
'oneous, will have TO be swept aside
w the Introduction Of advanced
thoughts and revelations from ,be
source Of true intelligence. 1t win be
ouhd as time rolls on and the clouds
u prejudice are dispersed that ayor.
nonism" is progressive and full OF VI.
sll'y' fitted for the latest centuries OF
he worlds history, and eminent in an
ma, Is bright and beautiful and good.
'0'h temporarily and spiritually.
The DIVORCE QUESTION