George A. Smith Quotes

Powerful George A. Smith for Daily Growth

About George A. Smith

George Alfred Townsend Smith, born on August 19, 1830, in Nauvoo, Illinois, was an influential American author, editor, and religious leader who played a significant role in Mormonism and the development of Utah's literary scene during the 19th century. Raised by devout Mormons, Smith joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at a young age. His family was forced to flee persecution, eventually settling in Salt Lake City, Utah, where Smith became involved in newspaper publishing and journalism. He served as the editor of "The Juvenile Instructor," the official publication for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints' Young Men's Mutual Improvement Association, from 1879 to 1890. Smith was a prolific writer who authored numerous articles, essays, books, and poems. His most notable works include "The Improvement Era," a magazine published by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, where he served as editor for 27 years, and "Gospel Doctrine," a collection of lessons based on the scriptures that continues to be used in Sunday School classes within the church. Smith's writings were deeply influenced by his faith and reflect his commitment to promoting Mormon beliefs and values. He was also an advocate for education and played a crucial role in the establishment of Brigham Young University. George A. Smith passed away on March 20, 1875, but his literary legacy continues to influence both Mormonism and American literature. His contributions to religious journalism, education, and literature have left an indelible mark on the cultural landscape of Utah and beyond.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"The power of God is made manifest in the weakness of His servants."

This quote by George A. Smith implies that the strength and power of God are demonstrated not through divine might alone, but also through the human vessels who serve Him. In other words, it suggests that the seemingly weak or insignificant can act as conduits for divine power to manifest in the world. The message encourages humility, faithfulness, and the understanding that one's personal struggles or limitations do not limit the impact of God's power in their lives and actions.

"I say unto you that the rights of the priesthood are inseparably connected with the powers of heaven, and that the powers of heaven cannot be controlled nor handled only upon the principles of righteousness."

This quote by George A. Smith emphasizes the connection between religious authority (the "priesthood") and moral righteousness in Mormon theology. He suggests that divine powers or blessings ("the powers of heaven") can only be effectively wielded or controlled through adherence to principles of righteousness. In other words, those who hold the priesthood are expected to act righteously to access and use the spiritual power granted by this position.

"If we would but obey God, not a hair of our heads would be harmed; neither would the least leaf fall from our trees."

This quote by George A. Smith emphasizes the protective nature of divine guidance in one's life. The phrase "not a hair of our heads" signifies that if we follow God's will, we shall be preserved physically, while "neither would the least leaf fall from our trees" implies that our possessions and resources will also remain secure. In essence, it suggests that obedience to God ensures safety and stability in all aspects of life.

"The Lord is not unrighteous; he will do no wrong to his servants."

This quote emphasizes the belief that God, being perfectly just, does not have the propensity to cause harm or injustice towards His followers. It suggests a strong faith in God's benevolence and moral integrity, implying that any trials or difficulties faced by God's servants are not due to divine wrongdoing but rather part of a larger plan or learning experience. This quote offers comfort and reassurance to those who feel God is by their side during challenging times.

"The Lord will never forsake his work, and let it go down to destruction. But he will accomplish his purposes in all things if we are faithful unto him."

This quote by George A. Smith emphasizes the divine commitment and faithfulness of God towards His work, suggesting that He won't allow it to perish. The implication is that God has a plan or purpose for every action and event (His "work"), and regardless of the obstacles, difficulties, or challenges faced, if individuals remain faithful to Him, He will ensure the fulfillment of that purpose in all things. In other words, even when situations seem dire, one can trust in God's divine intervention and perseverance to achieve His ultimate goals.

The whole mystery of temptation is to have sins suggested to us, and to be swept after them by a sudden enthusiasm, which sometimes feels as strong as the Spirit of God ever made in us the enthusiasm for virtue.

- George A. Smith

Strong, Feels, Which, Suggested

Power and position often make a man trifle with the truth.

- George A. Smith

Truth, Power, Often, Trifle

Into every soul, however purged and fenced, evil appears to have as much freedom of entrance as God Himself.

- George A. Smith

Soul, However, Appears, Purged

There is no truth which the prophets press more steadily upon Israel than that all their national life lies in the sight and on the care of God.

- George A. Smith

Life, More, Which, Steadily

Our enemies are our evil deeds and their memories, our pride, our selfishness, our malice, our passions, which by conscience or by habit pursue us with a relentlessness past the power of figure to express.

- George A. Smith

Deeds, Which, Figure, Malice

The heart which finds life in material wealth is usually certain to go farther and seek for more in the satisfaction of base and sullen appetites.

- George A. Smith

Wealth, Which, Farther, Base

Lives are changed by a moment's listening to conscience, by a single and quiet inclination of the mind.

- George A. Smith

Listening, Mind, Single, Changed

God is stronger than their strength, more loving than their uttermost love, and in so far as they have loved and sacrificed themselves for others, they have obtained the infallible proof, that God too lives and loves and gives Himself away.

- George A. Smith

Love, Strength, Away, Infallible

Man does find in Nature deliverance from himself, oblivion of his past, with peace and purity!

- George A. Smith

Himself, Deliverance, His, Oblivion

Yet none use their words more recklessly than the strong, who have not been sobered by the rebuffs and uncertainties of life.

- George A. Smith

Strong, Been, Use, Recklessly

Let those who, still in their youth, have preserved their faith and fullness of hope, keep looking up.

- George A. Smith

Keep, Still, Preserved, Fullness

We must seek the loving-kindness of God in all the breadth and open-air of common life.

- George A. Smith

Religion, Common, Must, Breadth

Happiness, contentment, the health and growth of the soul, depend, as men have proved over and over again, upon some simple issue, some single turning of the soul.

- George A. Smith

Health, Some, Over, Contentment

The seasons come up undisturbed by crime and war.

- George A. Smith

War, Seasons, Come, Crime

To us sin has not become any less of a mystery or a pain.

- George A. Smith

Pain, Mystery, Less, Sin

Jesus Christ tells us that a man cannot be wrong if he argues towards God from what he finds best in himself.

- George A. Smith

Best, Jesus Christ, Christ, Jesus

If we have a heart for the magnitudes of life, it will not seem vain to believe that God Himself should guard it.

- George A. Smith

Will, Himself, Guard, Vain

If you're searching for quotes on a different topic, feel free to browse our Topics page or explore a diverse collection of quotes from various Authors to find inspiration.