Progress of Man

by Joseph Fielding Smith

When the disciples inquired of the Lord concerning the signs of his second coming, he gave them a comparison between the fig tree putting forth its leaves and the signs of distress among the nations. There were to be wars and rumors of wars; distress and perplexity among the nations; signs in the earth and in the heavens. These would be of such nature that all should be able to understand them. Today we are witnesses of all these things. The Lord gave this generation a solemn warning when he said: "And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your heart be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares."

We are living in perilous times. There is a rapidly growing disrespect and disregard for law and order in the world. Many are contending for great changes in governments. Greed has entered the hearts of most men. Tyranny has raised its head and oppression has descended like a cloud over much of the earth. Governments are being overthrown and there are great changes with blood and carnage in the offing.

Because of these grave conditions the members of the Board of the Genealogical Society of Utah thought it would be timely to have a course of study giving a brief outline of man's history on the earth, including some thoughts relative to his government, divine and human, and showing that God rules among the nations, and that in time Jesus Christ will come to rule upon the earth, which rule will endure forever.

Acknowledgment is here given to Elder Archibald F. Bennett, our faithful secretary, and to Assistant Historian August William Lund, for their untiring efforts and assistance in the preparation of this work.

Salt Lake City, Utah Joseph Fielding Smith.

October 24, 1936.

Genres: Religion, Lds

530 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 1964

About the author

Joseph Fielding Smith, Jr. was the tenth president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church) from 1970 until his death. He was the son of Joseph F. Smith, who was the sixth president of the LDS Church. His grandfather was Hyrum Smith, brother of LDS Church founder Joseph Smith, Jr., who was Joseph Fielding's great-uncle.

Reviews

[William Nixon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Read!

A prophet of God reveals the Destiny of man and our progress. Humbly read and pray about his message. Glory be the Father and the Son and the Holy Ghost.

[Ethan Chappell · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was interesting to see the view of world history in the eyes of a prophet of God. The Constitution of the United States was a big focus and the end of the world.

[Craig · Rating 5 out of 5]

"The Progress of Man" was written by Elder Joseph Fielding Smith (then an Apostle) in 1936 as a lesson text for the classes of the Genealogical Society of Utah. It is an outline history of man interpreted in light of revelation. It is the story of Man's progress in life upon the earth until he reaches his exaltation in the celestial kingdon, having overcome all things in compliance with divine, eternal law. It is also a story of the despotic, wicked governments of fallen man which have been extant on the earth since the days of Adam. Notwithstanding the wickedness of most governments during the earth's history, the Kingdom of God and of Heaven will prevail, and one day the earth will be celestialized and become the habitation of all celestial and exalted beings who lived on it during their mortal probation.

[goddess · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting and thought-provoking book. Definitely not one that could or should be read quickly (500+ pages), as there are many concepts to contemplate. This book covers many topics that have to do with this earth and its development, and the progress of man (hence the title): The Govt of God, the Nephites and Lamanites, the Discovery of America, the American Revolution, the mission of the United States, the destiny of man, etc. I enjoy these kind of books, because I like having things put in perspective and viewed as an overall 'big picture'.

[Jack Nieporte · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book