Editor’s Table: Old Forms vs. New

Editor's Table Old Forms vs. New Everywhere there is a pronounced tendency to change from old forms, tried and found successful, to new, untried and questionable ones. It seems natural that the human mind is ever reaching out for something new, — a condition in itself commendable where the purpose is to continue to build upon the foundations of established truth and not to tear down the old and the true for the novelty of rebuilding foundations that are uncertain and untrustworthy. This tendency toward the new and the different led the ancient saints, or at least those who directed them, to lose the spirit of the gospel, until it was only a comparatively short time after the death of the Savior when the principles that he sought to establish were changed in form and spirit and resulted in a complete apostasy from the truth. It required a restoration of the gospel in our day to bring men back to its fundamental principles, in spirit, form and practice. This was accomplished by the revelations of the Lord to the Prophet Joseph Smith, and in the establishment of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Now there are those who argue from this fact that Joseph the Prophet was averse to old forms, that he was an iconoclast as far as religious principles and thoughts were concerned, since he destroyed the old and set up the new standard. Then they go on to say, if it was right for him to overturn existing conditions, is it not also proper for us to become progressive, cast aside conservatism and old things, to follow new thoughts and ideas? They argue that the conflict between the old and new which today so prevails in the religious activities of life is a scientific necessity — a mere expression of human nature differentiating men into conservatives, whom they are pleased to call fossilized, who cling to old notions ; and the progressives, who seek to build upon new thought.

EDITOR'S TABLE 737 I think it is wrong- to count Joseph the Prophet one who fought old forms, in the sense that he established new principles and doctrines. He fought existing religious forms, it is true, but he merely became the means in God's providence to restore the old truths of the everlasting gospel of Jesus Christ, the plan of salvation, which is older than the human race. It is true, also, that his teachings were new to the people of his day, because they had apostatized from the truth, — but the principles of the gospel are the oldest truths in existence. They were new to Joseph's generation, as they are in part to ours, because men had gone astray, been cast adrift, shifted hither and thither by every new wind of doctrine which cunning men — so-called progressives— had advanced. This made the Prophet Joseph a restorer, not a destroyer, of old truths. And this does not justify us in discarding the simple, fundamental principles of the gospel and running after modern doctrinal fads and notions. It is perhaps well to understand and be informed upon these in order that those who teach may know how to meet and overcome error, but the everlasting gospel embraces the essentials of life and salvation, and contains all the truths needful to redeem the human race, if its principles are understood and applied. This is particularly the case, since the Lord has provided an organization more perfect than was ever conceived by man, giving us the Holy Spirit, and prophets and apostles to provide inspired instructions, to direct us, and to interpret doctrines and principles. It is well not to be too anxious to take up new ideas in religious matters which are contrary to, or not contained in, the revelations of God. Before advocating and adopting such innovations they should be tested and compared with those foundation principles of truth that the Lord has revealed and that have been found sane, safe, and sound. These thoughts apply also in politics. Just now there is much agitation in political circles. Certain classes of politicians would have us change some of the fundamental principles of the Constitution which, for more than a century and a quarter, has been a bulwark of power, and a safe protection for the government and the people. Whether this government shall remain representative or whether the people shall instead adopt the new thought.and seek to govern directly, is a vital question now before the nation The

738 IMPROVEMENT ERA wise decision of our fathers provided a government by representation, and we believe the people should guard this principle with jealousy, lest, by its overthrow, the irresponsible and unthinking shall spread ruin and anarchy throughout the land. While we agree that the great need today is men and women everywhere who will stand for progress, and the overthrow of gigantic blunders and wrongs that may and evidently do curse the world and prevent the coming of the millennium and the perfect social order ; yet, when advancement and progress shall come, if it is to prevail, it will be in harmony with the eternal truths of the gospel ; and, politically, with the inspired principles of the constitution of our country. The remedy for social and other evils will not be reached nor found in the vagaries of religious charletans and would-be reformers, nor in the political rantings and dark byways of anarchy and socialism. The Latter-day Saints as a people are not Socialists, and neither individually nor in our organizations are revolutionary tendencies, religious or political, encouraged ; we believe in the gospel of Jesus Christ ; "We believe in being subject to kings, presidents, rulers, and magistrates, in obeying, honoring and sustaining the law," until He comes to rule and reign, whose right it is to reign as King of Kings and Lord of Lords. Joseph F. Smith.