Joseph Smith, a Master of Simplicity

Today's post is short (compared to my usual ones) in honor of the idea that just a few short words can contain a thought so profound that you can spend years pondering its meaning.

I am always amazed by the ability Joseph Smith had to sum up deep doctrine and revolutionary concepts in a very few words.  I think things were just so clear and simple to him that he could put it in terms even a child could understand.  His succinct sermons have the ability to make you ponder deeply and continuously if you let your mind turn them over.

These brief statements are mind-bending and soul-changing when you consider their full meaning and ramifications.  All are attributed to the Prophet Joseph Smith.

"If men do not comprehend the character of God, they do not comprehend themselves."

"Search your hearts, and see if you are like God.  I have searched mine, and feel to repent of all my sins."

"It is the privilege of the children of God to come to God and get revelation."

"We don't ask any people to throw away any good they have got; we only ask them to come and get more."

"A man is saved no faster than he gets knowledge."

"It mattereth not whether the principle is popular or unpopular, I will always maintain a true principle, even if I stand alone in it."

"Wise men ought to have understanding enough to conquer men with kindness."

"It is not wisdom that we should have all knowledge at once presented before us; but that we should have a little at a time; then we can comprehend it."

"Mercy should go hand in hand with reproof."

"A long pull, a strong pull, and a pull all together."

"I have no enmity against any man. I love you all; but I hate some of your deeds."

"In knowledge there is power.  God has more power than all other beings, because he has greater knowledge."

"God judges men according to the use they make of the light which he gives them."

"We need the temples more than anything else."

"Love is one of the chief characteristics of Diety, and ought to be manifested by those who aspire to be the sons of God."

"God dwells in eternity and does not view things as we do."

"I never told you I was perfect; but there is no error in the revelations which I have taught."

"Unity is power."

I hope you enjoy these thoughts as much as I have.  They have given me something to think about for a long time, and I expect to continue to learn from them for a long while yet.