The man who is baptized into the kingdom of heavenly bodies by grinding the lenses right, is enabled to learn many new facts concerning the nature and motions of celestial bodies; and thus receives intelligence. He who obediently winds the wire correctly around the iron core, may generate a current of electricity with which many mighty works may be accomplished. Do not these men, as their intelligences are expanded, receive a Gift of the Holy Ghost, as a reward for their obedience to the demands of nature?
It would be possible to carry the comparisons into every scientific action without strengthening the argument. In science, if a person has faith, repentance and is baptized, that is obeys, he will receive added intelligence, which is the equivalent of the Gift of the Holy Ghost as taught in theology. The four fundamental laws for the guidance of the individual are identical in Mormon theology, and in modern science.
Just why the laying on of hands should be necessary to complete the ordinance of baptism is not known, any more than the reasons are known for the results that follow the numberless relations that may be established by mortal man. However, the dogma of the Gift of the Holy Ghost, is logically the fourth step in attaining scientific salvation.
Thus, each of the minor laws of Mormonsim might be investigated, and be shown to have a scientific counterpart. For the purpose of this volume, however, a more extended consideration of the laws governing the actions of the individual, is unnecessary.
It has already been remarked that the nature of the mission of Joseph Smith made it unlikely that references to scientific matters, and much less to isolated scientific facts, obtainable by proper methods of experimentation should be found in the writings of the Prophet. Nevertheless, in a revelation given March 8, 1883, statements are made that can now be connected with facts of science, not generally or not at all known, at the time the revelation was received.
"Inasmuch as any man drinketh wine or strong drink among you, it is not good, * * * strong drinks are not for the belly but for the washing of your bodies."[A]
[Footnote A: Doctrine and Covenants, 89:5, 7.]
[Sidenote: The doctrine that alcohol is injurious to man is scientific.]