Joseph Smith as Scientist by John A. Widtsoe

Author:John A. Widtsoe
Language: eng
Format: mobi
Tags: Religion
Publisher: Bookcraft

Science Furnishes An Equivalent of the Gift of the Holy Ghost.

If the equivalents of faith, repentance and baptism are irrevocable laws for the individual who studies science, the question arises, Is there also, a scientific equivalent for the Gift of the Holy Ghost? Even a superficial view of the matter will reveal such an equivalent. To use again the illustrations employed in the preceding chapter, if the chemist has obeyed natural law in producing hydrogen, that is, has been baptized into the kingdom of hydrogen, he may by the proper use and study of the gas obtained, add much to his knowledge. He may learn that it is extremely light; that it forms an explosive mixture with air; that it will destroy many vegetable colors, and will burn with an almost invisible flame. Thus, the possession of the gas enlarges the knowledge and develops the intelligence of the scientist. Is not this another form of the Gift of the Holy Ghost?

The man who is baptized into the kingdom of heavenly bodies by grinding the lenses right, is enabled to learn many new facts concerning the nature and motions of celestial bodies; and thus receives intelligence. He who obediently winds the wire correctly around the iron core, may generate a current of electricity with which many mighty works may be accomplished. Do not these men, as their intelligences are expanded, receive a Gift of the Holy Ghost, as a reward for their obedience to the demands of nature?

It would be possible to carry the comparisons into every scientific action without strengthening the argument. In science, if a person has faith, repentance and is baptized, that is obeys, he will receive added intelligence, which is the equivalent of the Gift of the Holy Ghost as taught in theology. The four fundamental laws for the guidance of the individual are identical in Mormon theology, and in modern science.

Just why the laying on of hands should be necessary to complete the ordinance of baptism is not know, any more than the reasons are known for the results that follow the numberless relations that may be established by mortal man. However, the dogma of the Gift of the Holy Ghost, is logically the fourth step in attaining scientific salvation.

Thus, each of the minor laws of Mormonism might be investigated, and be shown to have a scientific counterpart. For the purpose of this volume, however, a more extended consideration of the laws governing the actions of the individual, is unnecessary.

Chapter XIII.

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