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PHILOSOPHY OF JOSEPH SMITH'S TEACHINGS. A SUGGESTIVE STUDY.

BY EDWIN F. PARRY.

The writings and teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith and the revelations given through him present many strong evidences that he was inspired of heaven A study of his life and works is a worthy pursuit for any young man. The prophetic utterances of the Prophet— such as have been or are being fulfilled — are not the only proofs of his inspiration. The wisdom and philosophy of his teachings afford additional testimony to the fact that he was divinely enlightened. In the world generally, only men of mature years, of wide ex- perience, and ripe scholarship, are regarded as philosophers. It

has been said that a man's mind does not begin to be philosophical until he is past forty years of age. Joseph Smith fell a martyr at the age of thirty- eight, and yet the wisdom of the doctrines he ad- vanced is equal to that of the most profound thinkers the world has ever known. Take for an illustration this one gem of philos- ophy from the writings of the Prophet: "There is a law irrevocably decreed in heaven before the foun- dations of this world, upon which all blessings are predicated;- and when we obtain any blessing from God, it is by obedience to that law upon which it is predicated." Those of experience will be convinced, on due consideration, that this is true philosophy— a wise axiom. It is a key to the treasury of heavenly knowledge, for it opens the door to the store-