The Atonement

EDITOR'S TABLE. > 551 monizes with sound morality and increases faith in Deity, finds favor with us, no matter where it may be found." A good motto for young people to adopt, who are determined to delve into philosophic theories, is to search all things, but be careful to hold on only to that which is true. The truth persists, but the theories of philosophers change and are overthrown. What men use today as a scaffolding for scientific purposes from which to reach out into the unknown for truth, may be torn down tomorrow, having served its purpose; but faith is an eternal princi- ple through which the humble believer may secure everlasting solace. It is the only way to find God. Joseph F. Smith. "The Atonement." "The Atonement" is the title of the text for the fourth year- book in the Seventies' Course in Theology, just issued from the press of the Deseret News, a book of 160 pages, by B.H. Roberts, of the First Council of Seventy. It is designed for the study course of the Seventies throughout the Church for the present year. The first four chapters deal with the relationship of the atonement to intelligences — eternal intelligences and progress. The year book, number two, has dealt with the subject of In- telligences, though the application is used differently in the fourth year book, and hence the repetition. The principle set forth in the present manual will pertain to the relationship of these intel- ligences to the doctrine of the atonement and the expiatory suf- fering and death of Christ. The writer has approached his theme from a somewhat new standpoint. Ordinarily the discussion of the subject is begun with the birth of Christ, when he appeared on the earth as the son of Mary, but the author in this treatment has begun with those eternal intelligences that were to be affected by this earth-life, by the fall, by the atonement, and by the hope of eternal life which God promised before the earth began. The council in heaven is therefore next considered; man's redemption, the war in heaven, and free agency, the advent of men on earth, the fall, and, the revelation of the plan for man's salvation, follow

in natural order. The doctrine of the atonement in ancient times, through the ages, and in the New Testament scriptures, is then taken up, and so, finally, to the consideration of the various events and laws that enter into the great theme of the atonement and which compose its philosophy and motive force. The subject has a greater importance than writers heretofore upon theological topics have considered, judging by the paucity of treatises thereon. Only a limited edition of President John Tay- lor's Mediation and Atonement has been circulated, and this is practically the only work in our Church thus far devoted entirely to this principle, although the atonement is of such importance that one may well count it the heart of the gospel. This new work is therefore presented to the Seventies, the special witnesses for the Lord Jesus Christ, as a new field for re- search in which this paramount doctrine is treated in such detail as has never before been set forth in the history of the literature of our Church. Undoubtedly the study will prove difficult; but the care which has been exercised in this book's compilation, the straightforwardness and completeness of the text, and the enlight- ening side-lights that have been thrown upon the main arguments throughout the wort , will all tend to intensify interest in the study, and so make it easier and more attractive. Thus, while the study of the Seventies for this year is somewhat difficult because new, it is very entertaining, instructive and faith-promoting to those who are willing to search deep for the truth. In the appendix of the book are. found a chapter on soteriology, and epitomized views of other religious organizations and teachers than the Latter-day Saints, on the atonement. These are divided into the Catholic view, the Protestant view, and what the author calls the "Modern Liberal View," which latter may be explained as the conclusion of those who advocate what is called "higher critic;sm" and the doctrine of evolution. While the text in the main body of the book is complete in itself, it has been sub-divided into topics, with introductory an- alyses and special texts, with references to Church and other works, mainly Church works, that treat upon the subject. The scripture-reading exercises are continued as heretofore. Alto- gether the student must find great profit and satisfaction in the