Teachings of George Albert Smith Edited by Robert McIntosh, Susan McIntosh Bookcraft, 1996. Hardcover: 204 pages. ISBN: 1-57008-235-9 Suggested retail price: $14.95 (US) Genre: Non-fiction Audience: LDS Adults (Particularly Helpful for Teachers)
Reviewed by: Thomas R. Valletta

The Teachings of George Albert Smith includes a selection of some of his more relevant teachings relating to the Family, the Church and society at large. The book is divided into eleven chapters with the following headings: God the Father and His Son Jesus Christ; The Plan of Salvation; The Church and the Kingdom of God; Principles and Ordinances of the Gospel; The Divine Family Unit; The Gospel of Love; Sharing the Gospel; The Saints and the Government; The Last Days; Testimonies of George Albert Smith; and Three Occasions When George Albert Smith's Life Was Preserved. The book also includes a fine introduction entitled "Overview of the Life and Ministry of the George Albert Smith," a chronology of the "Highlights in the Life of George Albert Smith," and an adequate index.

As might be expected, this kind of a book is more useful as a reference tool than a summer evening's light read. Teachers and speakers in the Church will find it particularly helpful. A brief review of the content will follow, with all page references referring to the book.

As the eighth President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, his administration began in 1945, when the Church numbered less than one million and had fewer than 185 Stakes. The United States and the world was trying to recover from the devastating effects of another world war. The Church was in obscurity, nestled mainly in the Intermountain West.

Born 4 April 1870 to John Henry Smith and Sarah Farr, little George Albert spent much of his younger years playing near Temple Square in Salt Lake City. With his pioneer and apostolic pedigree, he was raised in a believing and faith-nurishing home. Spiritual experiences were prevalent in the life of George Albert, even in his teens. For example, his patriarchal blessing given by Zebedee Coltrin, promised the thirteen-year-old that, among other glorious blessings: "thou shalt be a mighty prophet in the midst of the sons of Zion. And the angels of the Lord shall administer unto you. . . . And thou shalt be wrapped in the visions of the heavens. . . ." (pp. xix.)

As an Apostle for forty-two years and President of the Church for six, George Albert Smith gave innumerable sermons. It must have been challenging for the editors to review such an abundance of material and limit their selections to a book-size length. Although much of what is contained in Teachings of George Albert Smith is not particularly striking or unexpected from a believing and faithful Latter-day Saint, there are many times when a reader can detect the distinctive flair or insight that only George Albert Smith could provide. A few excerpts from the book should provide sufficient illustration of the point.

If you have received the witness that has come to me and know as I know that our Heavenly Father has revealed himself to the children of men, that he is a personal God, that we are created in his image, that our spirits were begotten by him, that he has given us an opportunity to dwell upon the earth and receive a physical tabernacle, in order that we may be prepared to return into his presence and live eternally with him, I say, if you have received that assurance, then you have a foundation upon which you may build your faith. (1)

I thank [my Heavenly Father] for the knowledge that has been burned into my soul; I know that my Heavenly Father lives, I know that Jesus Christ is the Savior of mankind, and that there is no other name under heaven whereby men and women may be exalted but the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord. (8)

Those who criticize Church leaders will be in the power of the adversary. The Presidency of the Church have counseled us today. They are the representatives of our Heavenly Father, not only to this people, but they represent him to all the people of the earth. We would do well if we would magnify and honor these men he has placed at our head. They are men with human frailties, they will make mistakes, but if we will be as charitable to the mistakes that they make as we are to our own failures and mistakes, we will see their virtues as we see our own. I stand here to plead with you, my brethren and sisters, not to permit words of criticism or of unkindness to pass your lips about those whom the Lord has called to lead us. Do not be found in the companionship of those who would belittle them or weaken their influence among the children of men. If you do, I can say to you that you will find yourselves in the power of the adversary. You will be influenced by him to go as far as possible from the pathway of truth, and if you do not repent you may find when it is too late that you have lost the 'pearl of great price.' Because of your selfishness and your blindness you will have been led away, and your loved ones who have given their very lives in order that you might enjoy the blessings of the gospel of Jesus Christ will be sorrowing on the other side of the veil because of your weakness and your folly. (73)

Our greatest treasures in the celestial kingdom will be our children. We may desire the wealth of the world, but the most important treasures that we have are the sons and daughters that God sends to our homes. I want to say to the Latter-day Saints one of the responsibilities of every married couple is to rear a family to the honor and glory of God. Those who follow the customs and habits of the world in preference to that blessing will someday find that all the things they have struggled for are wasted away like ashes . . . (117)

Missionary service brings peace and happiness beyond understanding. It is not an easy task; it is not a pleasant thing, perhaps, to be called out into the world, to leave our dear ones, but I say to you that it will purchase for those who are faithful, for those who discharge that obligation as they may be required, peace and happiness beyond all understanding, and will prepare them that, in due time, when life's labor is complete, they will stand in the presence of their Maker, accepted of him because of what they have done. (159)

One of my favorite statements of George Albert Smith is also one for which he is most known. It is generally referred to as "George Albert Smith's Creed." You may remember, it is as follows:

I would be a friend to the friendless and find joy in ministering to the needs of the poor.

I would visit the sick and afflicted and inspire in them a desire for faith to be healed.

I would teach the truth to the understanding and blessing of all mankind.

I would seek out the erring one and try to win him back to a righteous and a happy life.

I would not seek to force people to live up to my ideals but rather love them into doing the thing that is right.

I would live with the masses and help to solve their problems that their earth life may be happy.

I would avoid the publicity of high positions and discourage the flattery of thoughtless friends.

I would not knowingly wound the feelings of any, not even one who may have wronged me, but would seek to do him good and make him my friend.

I would overcome the tendency to selfishness and jealousy and rejoice in the successes of all the children of my Heavenly Father.

I would not be an enemy to any living soul.

Knowing that the Redeemer of mankind has offered to the world the only plan that will fully develop us and make us really happy here and hereafter, I feel it not only a duty but also a blessed privilege to disseminate this truth. (138-139)

Hopefully, these quotes and this summary will aid in your decision of whether to obtain this book. In my opinion, having the opportunity see and feel a little more of George Albert Smith's heart and mind is worth the price of the book.

Tom Valletta