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This devotional address entitled Absolute Truth was given on September 6th of 1977 by Spencer W. Kimball, then president of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

My beloved brothers and sisters, what a joy it is to be with you on your first devotional.

I'm glad to be here and I greet you with my affection and deep-seated love.

I wrote some time ago a letter to a disbeliever.

Much of what was said in that letter has been on my mind lately, and I wish to share

the substance of the thoughts in this talk to you. With that explanation,

you will understand the point of view assumed and the style in which it was given.

Speaking to this young man who was battling with his thoughts, I said, Dear John, you're resisting and arguing against the truths of the gospel have given me grave concern.

I realize I cannot convince you against your will, but I know I can help you if you will only listen. If I made

call to your attention some salient truths, and if you will listen with a prayer and a desire

to know if what I say is true, I would not, even if I could, force your thinking,

for free agency is the basic law of God.

And each one must assume the responsibility for his own response.

But certainly each of us must do his part in influencing for good those who might need some assistance.

The Lord said unto Enoch, behold these thy brethren, they are the workmanship of my own hands,

and I gave unto them their knowledge in the day

I created them, and in the Garden of Eden gave I unto man his free agency.

I have lain awake many long hours contemplating, and after many fervent prayers on my

bended knees, hopeful that I may say the right thing and that you would receive it in

this humble spirit in which it is given.

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