Elder Carlos H. Amado spoke about how Joseph Smith's history exemplifies five principles of coming to know God.

The history of Joseph Smith teaches an individual to have a sincere desire to know the truth, learn the importance of reading the scriptures, learn the value of prayer, discover the blessing of meditation and experience the joy of going to church.

"Since Joseph Smith first recorded it (his history), it remains as a blessing and a gift of faith for the sincere believer; it is an open invitation for those who look for the truth, and a permanent challenge to the unbeliever," Elder Amado said.

Sincere desire is key to understanding God and gaining a testimony through the Holy Ghost, said Elder Amado.

Joseph Smith demonstrated the five principles mentioned, giving everyone a simple and effective way to draw closer to God.

"It is our responsibility to strengthen, day by day, the impressions which we feel through the Spirit, constantly applying these five principles," Elder Amado said.

Copyright Brigham Young University 7 Apr 2002