The Salt Lake herald-Republican. [volume] (Salt Lake City, Utah) 1909-1918, 1909-11-22

James Monigan to the effect that in theol-
ogy there was no limit to the heights
which might be reached, and that prog
ress in spiritual lines must be eternal,
Mr. Roberts said the MOrmons would
recognize Immediately that this was
Mormon doctrine, although the professor
quoted might not have known that ne
was confirming utterances made seventy
five years ago by Joseph Smith
Mr.. Roberts called attention to some
of the doctrines concerning mankind that
were promulgated by Joseph smith, say
ing that at that time it was thought
norant worm, conceived in sin and shaped
in iniquity. He said Joseph smith De
parted from that idea by proclaiming that
man was son of God by right and not
bv adoption. and that man was capable
of infinite progress and a joint heir with
Jesus Christ to all that God possessed:
Mr. Roberts said that, although learned
men had said that in the beginning COD
had created man, this was not so. In
support of this statement he read from
the writings of Joseph Smith, in winch
the organizer of the Mormon church said
that the existence of the spirit OF man
was co-eternal with God. Mr.. Roberts
also quoted the preface to the Gospel
of st. John: "In the beginning was the
Word, and the Word was with God and
the Word was Cod" saying that this
gave Scriptural proof of the c0-eternal
existence of man. He said that when
Joseph Smith expressed this view it was
called blasphemy of the worst sort
Providence s'Methods Effective.
Quoting further from the statements
Of college professors, Mr.. Roberts said
they were unconsciOusly bearing test-
mony to the truth of MormOnism, and
he sometimes thought that God S indirect
methods for disseminating His truth
were more effective than the methods
used by the church or the methods used
by God through the means of the church.
Mr. Roberts said that If there was any
such thing as the resurrection of man
after death ii must be granted that after
resurrection man, as the representative of
God on earth. would be more like Him
in the after life From Corinthians XIV.
Mr.. Roberts read the statement of st.
Paul to the effect that IF Christ was
not risen from the dead. then is our faith
dead and without hope"
Mr.. Roberts also quoted from Sir Oliver
Lodges Science of Christianity" on the
plurality of the universe, and compared
the theories of the English scientist and
scholar with the words of Joseph Smith
In giving his reasons for the discussion
Mr.. Roberts said it meant TO the Nor
mons a confirmation of their faith in
the church and the doctrines promulgated
by Joseph Smith three-Quarters of a CEN
fury ago. To others, Mr.. Roberts said, 1t
meant that it fixed a consciousness Of
the reality of God; a consciousness of the
divinity of man, and a consciousness that
our spirits are of a divine nature Fur
that man was a stranger on earth. and
that we came from more exalted sphere.
To know the truth, he said planted man
on a firmer foundation, and the thought
Of failure was banished, and strength to
grow and conquer difficulties was given.
John r. Winder of the first presidency
presided at the services. The invocation
was by William McLachlan.