Orson F. Whitney Quotes

Powerful Orson F. Whitney for Daily Growth

About Orson F. Whitney

Orson F. Whitney (1855-1931) was an American educator, poet, and church leader, known primarily for his literary works and contributions to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church). Born on July 24, 1855, in Salt Lake City, Utah Territory, Orson was the son of Parley P. and Virginia Whitney, prominent early members of the LDS Church. Growing up amidst the unique cultural and religious milieu of late-19th-century Utah, his childhood experiences significantly influenced his future writings. Whitney attended Brigham Young Academy (now Brigham Young University) and later served as its principal from 1885 to 1890. It was during this time that he wrote his first published work, "Pioneers and Patriots," a collection of poems honoring the LDS pioneers who settled Utah. In 1890, Whitney was called as an apostle in the LDS Church, a position he held until his death in 1931. As an apostle, he traveled extensively, contributing to the growth and development of the church worldwide. He authored several books on religious topics, including "The Life of Heber C. Kimball" (1891) and "The Foreordained" (1904), a work that discussed the concept of foreordination in Mormonism. Whitney's most famous quote is often considered to be: "The time will come when instead of sending out missionaries from this Church, men will crowd at its doors endeavoring to get in." This prophecy has been widely cited by the LDS Church and continues to resonate today. Orson F. Whitney's life and works reflect his deep faith, love for literature, and commitment to the LDS Church, leaving a lasting impact on both the religious and literary landscape of Utah and beyond.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"The Lord will not be permanently defeated in Zion."

This quote by Orson F. Whitney suggests a profound belief that, despite temporary setbacks or challenges faced within the community of "Zion" (often referenced as an ideal society guided by religious principles), ultimate victory and success will be achieved in the long run. It underscores the idea that divine guidance will ensure the survival and triumph of righteous communities in their pursuit of spiritual growth and unity.


"A single leak will sink a great ship."

This quote emphasizes that even minor problems or oversights, if unaddressed, can lead to catastrophic consequences. Just as a small leak can eventually sink a large and seemingly invincible ship, negligence of seemingly insignificant issues in various aspects of life (e.g., personal, professional, or societal) can ultimately lead to significant failures or downfalls. Therefore, it's essential to pay attention to details and address problems promptly to prevent potential disasters.


"In the due time of the Lord, the truth will come to light, and then the weeds will be rooted out."

This quote by Orson F. Whitney suggests that truth, which may currently be hidden or misunderstood, will eventually be revealed in God's own time. Just as weeds hinder the growth of crops, falsehoods or misunderstandings can obstruct our understanding and progress. However, in due course, these misconceptions will be exposed and removed, allowing the truth to flourish, much like how roots are pulled out when weeds are uprooted from the soil.


"God will fight your battles for you if you will let him."

This quote suggests that when we face challenges or difficulties, we should trust in a higher power to guide us and assist us in overcoming those obstacles. It implies that by surrendering our problems to God, we allow divine intervention and wisdom to help us navigate through the battles of life. In essence, it encourages faith and reliance on a higher power during challenging times, believing that our struggles will ultimately be managed with divine assistance.


"The Church [of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints] is not merely a spiritual organization; it is a political power, wielding its influence and administering its affairs by political methods."

This quote by Orson F. Whitney suggests that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, in addition to being a religious organization, also functions as a significant political force. He implies that it governs itself and manages its affairs through political means, much like a political entity does. This perspective underscores the influence and impact the Church has on society and politics, beyond just spiritual matters.


What has history said of eminence without honor, wealth without wisdom, power and possessions without principle? The answer is reiterated in the overthrow of the mightiest empires of ancient times. Babylon, Persia, Greece, Rome! The four successive, universal powers of the past. What and where are they?

- Orson F. Whitney

Honor, Without, Principle, Answer

The spirit of the gospel is optimistic; it trusts in God and looks on the bright side of things. The opposite or pessimistic spirit drags men down and away from God, looks on the dark side, murmurs, complains, and is slow to yield obedience.

- Orson F. Whitney

Spirit, Away, Side, Yield

Sound moral principle is the only sure evidence of strength, the only firm foundation of greatness and perpetuity. Where this is lacking, no man's character is strong; no nation's life can be lasting.

- Orson F. Whitney

Strong, Principle, Sure, Lacking

Our Heavenly Father is far more merciful, infinitely more charitable, than even the best of his servants, and the Everlasting Gospel is mightier in power to save than our narrow finite minds can comprehend.

- Orson F. Whitney

More, Comprehend, Infinitely, Narrow

Nearly all men and women are poetical, to some extent, but very few can be called poets. There are great poets, small poets, and men and women who make verses. But all are not poets, nor even good versifiers. Poetasters are plentiful, but real poets are rare. Education can not make a poet, though it may polish and develop one.

- Orson F. Whitney

Small, Some, Extent, Poetical

It is my belief that many who think they dislike poetry are really poetical in their natures and are indebted to it, more than they imagine, for the success they may have achieved, even in practical pursuits, and for the enjoyment their lives have afforded them.

- Orson F. Whitney

Dislike, Pursuits, Afforded, Poetical

Jesus of Nazareth was a poet, no less than a prophet, of pre-eminent genius.

- Orson F. Whitney

Genius, Jesus, Than, Nazareth

You parents of the wilful and the wayward! Don't give them up. Don't cast them off. They are not utterly lost. The Shepherd will find his sheep. They were His before they were yours - long before He entrusted them to your care; and you cannot begin to love them as He loves them.

- Orson F. Whitney

Love, Before, Your, Shepherd

The commonest error made in relation to poetry is that it consists simply in verse-making. Many confound the casket of meter and rhyme with the jewel of thought which it encloses, and, perhaps, in some instances, after close investigation, they have found the casket empty and turned away with feelings of disappointment and disgust.

- Orson F. Whitney

Thought, Some, Away, Meter

Poetry is that sentiment of the soul, or faculty of the mind, which enables its possessor to appreciate and realize the heights and depths of human experience. It is the power to feel pleasure or suffer pain in all its exquisiteness and intensity.

- Orson F. Whitney

Mind, Which, Sentiment, Depths

Poetry is the elder sister of history, the mother of language, the ancestress of civilization.

- Orson F. Whitney

Mother, Civilization, Elder

Jesus Christ was a patriot! His country was the world. His laws were the eternal principles of liberty, and his followers, in every age, have been the chosen champions of freedom!

- Orson F. Whitney

Country, Christ, Been, Chosen

Only those ignorant of what poetry means will ask the question: what is it good for?

- Orson F. Whitney

Question, Will, Means, Ignorant

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