The Moral Liberal

Called Unto Liberty, John A. Widtsoe, 20th Century Sermons

There is much idle talk about a new day that requires new ways of living. True, our age has marvelous possessions for human comfort, never known before. However, the laws under which these inventions and discoveries may be used are identical with those recognized as vital in ages past. The telephone does not abrogate the law of honesty; the radio does not transcend love. In the new days there is but one day—the day of justice and righteousness. Thus, for example, work has been, is, and always will be the only means of producing true wealth; and thrift and economy are as necessary today as in any other age.

New tasks do confront us, but they are accomplished with the old tools. There will always be new frontiers to pass. Now that the desert has been tamed, the problem is to live happily in the desert with our new-found knowledge. Now that we no longer travel with covered wagons, we must learn how to live well with automobiles at our command. In every such changing aspect of life, we shall and must be directed by unchanging timeless guides of conduct.

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Source: John A. Widtsoe. As quoted by Albert E. Bowen in the “Church Welfare Plan,” 1946,  p 21. John A. Widtsoe (1872-1952) was a noted author, scientist, and academician, and a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints from 1921 until his death.