In one of his books, The Way to Perfection, President Joseph Fielding Smith wrote of Abraham and some of the customs and events of his lifetime. Following are highlights of some of President Smith's writings:

"Abraham was of the eleventh generation from Noah. Several hundred years had passed since the flood, and people had multiplied and spread over the face of the earth. The civilizations of Egypt, Chaldea, Assyria and the petty nations of Canaan had been established. In the midst of this scattering the true worship of the Father was nearly lost. Sacrifice instituted in the days of Adam and continued in the practice and teaching of Noah, in the similitude of the great sacrifice of the Son of Man, had become perverted. Instead of offering clean animals, such as the lamb and bullock, the apostate nations had dwindled in unbelief to the extent that human sacrifice was offered to their idol gods."Ur of Chaldea, the home of Abraham, was a hot-bed of idolatrous iniquity. In Abraham's own house theses evil practices prevailed, for Terah, his father, was steeped in idolatry. Abraham, therefore, had every opportunity to believe and practice the religion of the heathen, but this he refused to do. In some manner not explained, he had access to the writings of the fathers, and being studious, he learned the doctrines of the fathers and hence to worship the living God. . . .

"Abraham's account of his life is very brief. He says his fathers had turned from their righteousness and the holy commandments which the Lord had given them, to the worshiping of the gods of the heathen, utterly refusing to hearken to His voice.

"In the midst of these idolatrous conditions Abraham saw that he would have to seek another home. He sought for the rights of the fathers. He desired to become a follower of righteousness and a rightful heir to the Holy Priesthood. This he received. [See Abr. 1:3-4.] . . .

"In answer to Abraham's prayer he was led to a new country. Here great blessings were awaiting him. Before he could receive these blessings the Lord had to test him to see if he would be obedient in all things. This extreme test came when Abraham was commanded to offer Isaac, his child of promise, as a sacrifice. The pangs that came to him we may never know. Abraham knew the offering of human sacrifice was an abomination in the sight of God. He had condemned it in Ur, and by so doing had nearly lost his life. He fully understood the law of sacrifice, for he had been taught the fulness of the Gospel. Not only had angels ministered to him but he had talked with God face to face. Abraham had the `book of remembrance' which had come down from the fathers, so he was fully informed in relation to Gospel truth.

"His act in offering Isaac was not influenced in any degree by the idolatrous practices of his time, but was done simply in obedience to the command of the Almighty. Abraham's faith was perfect."