The Royal Road to Happiness

THE ROYAL ROAD TO HAPPINESS By Elder Stephen L. Richards, of the Council of the Twelve [Each Sunday evening at 9 o'clock, a 25 -minute sermon, with song and music, lasting about an hour, constitute the radio program at station K F P T, Salt Lake City, Utah, as explained and illustrated in this number of the Era, by Earl J. Glade. The following sermon was delivered on Sunday evening, Dec. 14. Hundreds sat in their homes in Salt Lake City, as doubtless they did in other cities and places miles away, and listened to the clear voice and intelligent presentation of a few fundamentals of "Mormonism," by Elder Richards. Those not so privileged will surely be entertained and instructed by reading. — Editors.] Ladies and Gentlemen : Friends of an Invisible Audience: I know of no better way to greet you than to use the customary salutation of the Englishman calling over the telephone, "Are you there?" In a certain sense, it seems entirely fitting that a talk over the radio should be given on the Sabbath day, because it surely re- quires the exercise of the religious principle of faith to believe that one is addressing a body of listeners. It is an experience that tends to enhance one's appreciation of his eyes. Now, I have no difficulty whatever in imagining the presence oi Prof. Lund who stands before me. I can assure you that he and his singers make a substantial body of listeners even if others are not in the audience. Assuming, however, that many are "listening in" on these proceedings and that you are set to hear some of the religious views entertained by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, I hope you will indulge me with a consideration of a brief discussion of some principles of the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ, as I have come to see them and know them. You will not offend me if you sleep a little or move about or even speak disapprovingly of that which you may hear. I cannot see you nor hear you. You see, this method of preaching has its advantages even to the speaker! We interpret the gospel in terms of life and living. We do not look upon it in any sense as an aggregation of theoretical abstraction set up to be debated about and made the subject of contention or even admiration. We regard it as a program for the activities of life— a criterion by which relative values in life may be adequately deter- mined the power of God unto salvation, here and hereafter. Because of this intensely practical interpretation, we have been charged with being materialistic in our conceptions and practices. Our critics, I am sure, fail to get our true viewpoint. We are materialistic only in the sense that we regard personality and all matter as resultant

284 IMPROVEMENT ERA from the creative genius of God and as subject to the body of law and principle embraced within the gospel of our Lord and Master. The story and philosophy of life as set forth in the ancient scrip- tures and amplified by and through modern scripture and revelation we accept. We accept it as a body of light and truth, giving us knowledge of the past and future and of our relationship to God, man, and things, but its real vitality to us lies in the application of its saving principles to your life and to mine. In such a conception we find no difficulty in discovering a program for every aspect of living. Indeed, with us the gospel fulfils the whole circle of human require- ments in such manner as to insure success, joy, and salvation. May we consider a few of the fundamentals. It provides a law pf health, and surely men everywhere will agree that health is essential to happiness. This law of health is based, primarily, on a conception of the status of the human body which is probably peculiar to ourselves and our theology. We regard the body of man as a tabernacle of flesh wherein is housed the spirit of man which is the literal offspring of the Father. The body is given of God, as the spirit is, at least in the sense that he has made provision for it, and apparently so highly regarded it as to cause it to be created in his own image. To one who so regards the body, it takes on a religious or spiritual significance. It becomes no longer a mere thing of clay. It is the repository, at least during mortality, of life itself, the greatest gift of God to man. No man, therefore, with impunity may misuse or abuse it. Any violation of the organic laws which control it will be visited, not only with the direct penalty which is expressed in terms of bodily disorder and suffering, but also with unnatural spiritual reaction which may often be more hurt- ful to a true state of health than mere physical discomfiture. Re- member, please, that I am speaking of one who entertains the concep- tion of the body which I have mentioned. Such a person cannot knowingly injure his body without offering effront to God who gave it to him. His body is sacred to him, and he has a sacred obligation to protect and preserve it, for the fulfilment of the pur- poses of his life. We believe that the Lord, in his infinite wisdom, foresaw that the great temptations to men would be those of the flesh, and to fortify them jn their struggle to resist these temptations he made it possible for the spirit to have dominion and control over the body, so that the training and education of the spirit and intelligence of man must contribute to the health and well-being of his body. We are aware, of course, that much has been written and said on the inter-relationship and inter-dependence of body, mind, and spirit, and it is far from our purpose here to enter into any discussion of such abstruse subjects. I hope, however, that enough has been said to indicate why it is that our Church places such great emphasis

THE ROYAL ROAD TO HAPPINESS 285 upon the law of health, and that very important commandment which has been so widely expounded and so ardently advocated throughout the whole history of the Church, commonly known as the Word of Wisdom. Time will not permit an analysis of that revelation, given to Joseph Smith now nearly a century ago, but I do not hesitate to make the statement, without fear of successful contradiction, that all of its provisions its injunctions and its teachings, have now found sanction and corroboration in investigations and discoveries of science and in the experiences of the race. I hope that enough has been said to give to you some idea of the earnestness and sincerity of the endeavor of the Church throughout these many years to induce men and women to refrain from taking into their organic systems the poisons and unhealthful ingredients of tobacco, alcohol, tea, coffee and other deleterious concoctions. We urge boys and men not to smoke, not only because of well known and thoroughly proved in- jurious consequences to their brains and bodies, but also because we have learned through long observation that when boys begin to smoke they cease to pray and soon become estranged from those wholesome, helpful influences and contacts so essential to the de- velopment of power and the realization of the finer objectives of life. That the health of the world is inseparably associated with the spiritualization of humanity we entertain no doubt. If Joseph Smith had made no contribution other than the Word of Wisdom, his mission in the world and that of the Church he was instrumental in establish- ing would have been fully justified. He did make other and very valuable contributions. . Those contributions were largely in the form of interpretations and applica- tions of principles. The principles of the gospel of Jesus Christ were in the earth before his coming. They had been set down, in part at least, in the scriptures, and it remained for the prophet of these latter days, through inspiration and revelation, to make the principles of the gospel vital to men. Our conception of the relationships of men we derived from this inspired source as part and parcel of the gospel of Jesus Christ. These relationships, involving as they do the institutions of govern- ment, society, business, and the home, are surely vital to the happiness and welfare of man. Perhaps our teaching of the gospel has not brought forward much that is new, but it has served to vitalize, and make real fundamental, principles which the Savior taught and ex- emplified in his living during his ministry among mankind. This, at least, has been the case among a substantial number of people who have accepted these interpretations and attempted to live them for a period now covering nearly a century. We believe literally in the fatherhood of God and the brother- hood of man. We believe, too, that man should be treated like a brother and act like a son. If the human family is a family,

286 IMPROVEMENT ERA family ties and family obligations should control. They involve respect and love for father and for brother. We lay this simple doctrine, so persistently and forcefully taught by the Master, at the base of all proper human relationships. Respect and reverence for God the Father, conscious recognition of his authority, his love and his mercy, are essential and indeed indispensable, in our thinking, to that attitude and psychology which may be relied upon to respect law and governmental authority and to yield obedience thereto. From the inception of the Church its members have been taught and urged to respect the governmental authority under which they live and obey the laws of country. The obligations so imposed upon them have been sacred in character, and particularly in America, be- cause the leaders of the Church have always maintained and the people have accepted the doctrine that the Lord in his providence caused the founders of this great government to receive inspiration for the establishment of its righteous institutions as set forth in our constitution. It is to us a Christian nation where Christian right- eousness must and will prevail. Loyalty to country is part of our creed. If such conceptions of government were entertained by all of the citizens, may I ask, would it be difficult to enforce the law? Would our institutions be endangered? Is such an interpretation of re- ligious belief or principle in any way inimical to the best interests of society? Is it not, on the other hand, such an attitude toward country, law, and social institution that we must have in men to insure harmo- nious living in the great group of society that inhabit the earth? Some critics of the Christian doctrine as applied in solution of the problems of humanity, say that it is superficial; that it fails to take into consideration the natural instincts and tendencies of the race, and that it is unscientific and unsound. They say that men are born to contention, rivalry and warfare, and that it is instinctive in man to kill his brother to accomplish his own survival. They say it, but have they proved it? Are we not justified, from the observations of history and from our own observations limited as they are in time and extent, in believing that it is possible for men to live together in peace, and that when they so live they are happy? Of course, if we are not logically justified in reaching this con- clusion it would seem futile to search for any plan to govern human Relationship, since those relations mu*st need result, from native, inherent tendencies, in hatred, discord and killing. Now I am not pessimistic enough to point out such a dismal prospect for the race. We are taught that man is that he might have joy, and while we are not unmindful of the effect of blood strain and inherited tendencies, we are optimistic and hopeful enough to believe that man may eventually master himself, his appetites, his passions and his weaknesses. For this great achievement, and it will be his greatest achievement, he must have help. We are convinced

THE ROYAL ROAD TO HAPPINESS 287 that that help lies in the gospel plan, and is freely available to every man who will receive it. Some say, too, that Christianity has been tried as a remedy for human ills and has failed. That statement we flatly contradict, although, we are aware that our contradiction may give offense to some. We construe Christianity to embrace the principles of life and conduct, taught and practiced by the Savior during his ministry among men. We find a pronounced difference between those prin- ciples and certain doctrines and practices set out and established by men, long subsequent to Christ's ministry, based upon an interpreta- tion of his teachings and work which we regard to be wholly un- warranted. We are obliged to admit with the critic of so-called Christianity that no inconsiderable part of the misery and suffering of humanity in the last two thousand years has been occasioned by perverted notions of those who have professed to be followers of the Savior. After making such an admission it is not at all un- likely that the critic of Christianity and its methods shall ask of us, what assurance have we that your interpretation of Christ's message and your establishment and maintenance of his Church shall vary in result from former experiences? Our best answer to that question, it seems to me, is that for now nearly a hundred years the result of the work of the Church and the message it has proclaimed has been at variance with those results heretofore obtained in the Christian churches, at least in large measure. I recognize that that state- ment legitimately calls for the submission of proof, and I regret that this occasion does not afford opportunity to go into some detail to furnish that proof. I must content myself with the submission of some questions which may serve in their answers to furnish some of the proofs desired. Will those of you who know us — surely no others are qualified to answer — please speak? Do you know of a people who, as a people, over a century of time, have been freer from internal contention? And, conversely, do you know of a people who have been more loyal to their leaders, their institutions and one another? Do you know of a people more sincere and earnest in their religious convictions, who more nearly live to their professions and who make greater and more willing sacrifices for the faith within them? Do you know of a people who do more in proportion to their means and ability to disseminate among others the message in which they believe? Have you ever heard of anything comparable to our missionary system? Do you know of any people who have more nearly reduced their religious belief to temporal practices by way of community cooperation, mutual aid, and social advantage? Have you in mind any religious group who have been more suc- cessful in colonizing a new country and developing its resources? Do you know of any people more devoted to country and more ioyal to the institutions of government? Do you know of any

2 88 IMPROVEMENT ERA people who have made better provision for the educational, spiritual, and temporal needs of its members? Does not the reputation of the members of our Church for business integrity, dependability, in- dustry and thrift compare favorably with any other group? The next question, I repeat, is only to those who know us. Do you know any people on the earth whose young men in particular and whose membership generally are as virtuous, free from immoral and unrighteous practices, as clean minded and as wholesome? I do not know how you will answer these questions. It is my belief, however, that those who do not belong to our Church, who have lived among us, who have been neighbors to us, and who have dealt with us and know our manner of living, if they will speak without prejudice, the facts as they have found them, will furnish the proof for the assertion I have ventured to make, namely, that the gospel we teach and try to live differs from the Christianity pro- fessed and practiced in the civilized world for several hundred years preceding the advent of "Mormonism." We maintain that Christianity has not failed, because it has never been tried. We have an abiding conviction that it will successfully regulate and govern the affairs and relationships of men, if it can be applied to them. It is gratifying to note that there is an increasing tendency on the part of men engaged in business and other pursuits, outside the Church, to recognize the vitality of Christian principles in all commercial and social relationships. They do not always call it by its right name. Sometimes, it seems to me, there is an aparent, almost a studied, effort to conceal the true authorship of the principles involved. It is spoken of as the spirit of service, a square deal, the golden rule of business, etc. If men were at all frank, they would not hesitate to call it what it is, the Spirit of Christ and his teachings. It is founded upon the principle of the brotherhood of man. It contemplates unselfish devotion to the interests of others, the losing of one's life for others, that in the end he may gain it. Wise business men everywhere and students of society proclaim it indispensable for the achievement of the highest ideals in industry and civilization. The principle is just as applicable to nations and peoples as to individuals. A large portion of the disorders and troubles of the world arise from the fact that collective selfishness and hatred are not regarded to be as reprehensible as the same qualities expressed by one individual. Let us hope that some progress is being made in the spiritualization of the world and in the acceptance of Christian principle as a working basis for the solution of its problems. In discussing the application of the principles of the gospel to the affairs of men one institution of society must come in for special mention. That institution is the home. If there is one place on earth where Christian virtue is more needed than in any other, it is in

THE ROYAL ROAD TO HAPPINESS 289 the home. Trre home is and must always continue to be the great- est single conservator of righteousness. It sets the ideals and standards for the nation. Its influence permeates every phase of human activity, and the biologists will tell you, and truly, too, that it determines, almost entirely, the very trend of civilization. It is needless and inopportune here to point out the necessity for Christian virtues in the home and home life. I shall merely make a statement which em- bodies an appeal. It is this: Parents who teach their children and train them in the true principles of Christianity, bringing them to a knowledge of Jesus Christ as Friend, Brother and Savior, are the greatest assets of the nation and the world today, because there will go forth from their homes and from their homes only, men and women who will have in their hearts the love of humanity and the vision to do the world's work and elevate the race to the achieve- ment of its high and glorious destiny. I do not mean to say that there are not good homes which are not Christian, but I do firmly believe that the world is dependent upon the Christian home to supply the Spirit of Christ which must save the world. I should like much to pursue this engaging subject. It is a favorite theme with me, but time forbids. I desire to bring to your attention but one additional item. It is our conviction that the spirit and principles of the Savior will not be and cannot be widely accepted and made applicable in the af- fairs of life without a recognition and acceptance of God the Father as the supreme Ruler of the universe and also his divine Son, Jesus Christ, as the Savior and Redeemer of mankind, together with the authority and power which they have conferred upon men to establish and maintain the Church of Christ and administer the ordinances of his holy gospel. The acceptance of a part of the truths of the gospel may be helpful in the affairs of men, but nothing short of the whole truth will make men free. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter- day Saints has been endowed with the whole truth and with Christ's power to save the souls of men. The truth and that power are essential to the joy and exaltation of man. I realize that it seems a presumptuous thing to make the statement that our institution is the sole repository on earth of this precious truth and power. We do not make it boastfully or arrogantly; we assert it only because we are commanded so to do and because we can in no other way dis- charge our duty to men in pointing out to them where they may find the truth and salvation. Our one great desire in this work is to be of service to our fellowmen. We can perform no service for them comparable to that of bringing into their hearts and souls a con- viction of the divinity of the gospel of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. It is the pearl of great price. It is the royal road to hap- piness. It is the Master Work of the ages. It means life in its fulness and exaltation. God grant that the hearts of men may be responsive to its appeal. Amen.