A COMPENDIUM OF THE DOCTRINES OF THE GOSPEL.
FRANKLIN D. RICHARDS,
One of the Twelve Apostles of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day
Saints, and
ELDER JAMES A. LITTLE,
COMPILERS AND PUBLISHERS.
Second Stereotype Edition.
SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH:
1884
Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1882, by JAMES A.
LITTLE AND FRANKLIN D. RICHARDS, In the office of the Librarian of
Congress at Washington, D.C.
PREFACE.
We consider the Bible, Book of Mormon, Book of Doctrine and Covenants,
Pearl of Great Price and sayings of Joseph, the Seer, our guides in
faith and doctrine. The first four have been adopted as such by a vote
of the Saints in General Conference. Reference to other writings are
only for illustration of the subject.
We have sought to furnish the best available material for the use of
the Elders. It is for them to seek for the wisdom of the Holy Spirit to
enable them to use it with discretion.
On most of the subjects treated, only a portion of the passages that
refer to them have been cited, but we have endeavored to use the best.
We designed to make the Compendium sufficiently elaborate to give it a
wide range of usefulness, and, at the same time, not make it so large
as to be burdensome to the Elders who travel and preach the Gospel.
Practically, we have aimed to get up a book that would contain a great
amount of information for its bulk.
The arguments on each subject are so plain and direct, that, we trust,
they may be made available by the most inexperienced Elders. At the
same time, the references and citations are considered sufficient
for the more advanced student to acquire a thorough knowledge of the
subjects treated on.
The references in small type are not designed to be verbatim, but
only to embody, as near as may be, the leading idea of the passage
referred lo. They should be studied before being used. The passages
included within the usual quotation marks, thus, " ", are designed to
be correctly quoted, and may be used without referring to the original.
We are indebted to Elder George Reynolds for the carefully prepared
Chronology of the Book of Mormon. It is evidently the result of much
study and thought, and as such is entitled to credence.
While we have aimed at accuracy, we should be pleased to have our
friends inform us of any material error they may discover.
We expect our labors will elicit some criticism, but we trust the
thoughtful and experienced will allow much for the complicated
character of the work.
THE COMPILERS.
INDEX.
Articles of Faith
Atonement, The
Apostacy of the Primitive Church
Angels
Angel of the Lord
Angels, Ministering
Angels, Fallen
Apostles--The First Presidency and Twelve
Apostles, The Twelve
Baptism, Necessity of
Baptism, Mode of
Baptism, Object of
Baptism for the Dead
Book of Mormon--Evidences of its Divine Authenticity
Book of Mormon Chronology
Christ's Second Coming
Christ's Church, Name of
Consecration, Stewardship, United Order
Church Chronology
Dispensation of the Fulness of Times
Destruction of the Wicked
Evangelists, or Patriarchs
Fall of Adam, The
Free Agency of Man
Faith Faith in God the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost
Faith in the Holy Priesthood, Necessity of
Faith in Continual Revelation
Foreordination--Election
Gathering of Israel
Gods, Plurality of
God a Personage
God, The True and Living
Gems from History of Joseph Smith
Israel a chosen people
Joseph Smith, as a Fulfiller of Bible Prophecies
Joseph Smith, as a Fulfiller of Book of Mormon Prophecies
Joseph Smith, as a Fulfiller of His Own Prophecies
Jerusalem of the Eastern Hemisphere, The
Jerusalem, New
Laying on of Hands for Ordination
Laying on of Hands for the Gift of the Holy Ghost
Laying on of Hands for Healing the Sick
Latter-day Saints' Emigration
Marriage--A Divine Institution, and designed to be Eternal
Marriage--Plurality of Wives
Marriage--Concubines
Millennial Reign
Miracles
Ordinances, Covenants, etc., Eternal
Priesthood, The Holy
Priesthood, Aaronic
Priesthood, Patriarchal
Pre-existence of Spirits
Passover, or Sacrament
Repentance
Remission of Sins
Resurrection, The
Resurrection at Christ's Resurrection
Resurrection at the Second Coming of Christ
Resurrection at the End of the World
Resurrection of the Body that is Laid Down
Records of the Jaredites
Records mentioned in the Bible and not in it
Records of the Nephites
Scattering of Israel, The
Spirit of God, or Holy Ghost
Spiritual Gifts
Signs and Tokens
Sabbath Day, The
Spirits in prison
Tithing
Temples and Sacred Places
The Book of Mormon
Visions and Dreams
A COMPENDIUM OF THE DOCTRINES OF THE GOSPEL.
ARTICLES OF FAITH.
1. We believe in God, the Eternal Father, and in His Son, Jesus Christ,
and in the Holy Ghost.
2. We believe that men will be punished for their own sins, and not for
Adam's transgression.
3. We believe that, through the atonement of Christ, all mankind may be
saved, by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the Gospel.
4. We believe that these ordinances are: First, Faith in the Lord
Jesus Christ; second, Repentance; third, Baptism by immersion for the
remission of sins; fourth, Laying on of hands for the Gift of the Holy
Ghost.
5. We believe that a man must be called of God, by "prophecy, and by
the laying on of hands," by those who are in authority, to preach the
Gospel and administer in the ordinances thereof.
6. We believe in the same organization that existed in the primitive
church, viz: apostles, prophets, pastors, teachers, evangelists, etc.
7. We believe in the gift of tongues, prophecy, revelation, visions,
healing, interpretation of tongues, etc.
8. We believe the Bible to be the word of God, as far as it is
translated correctly; we also believe the Book of Mormon to be the word
of God.
9. We believe all that God has revealed, all that he does now reveal,
and we believe that he will yet reveal many great and important things
pertaining to the Kingdom of God.
10. We believe in the literal gathering of Israel and in the
restoration of the ten tribes. That Zion will be built upon this
continent. That Christ will reign personally upon the earth, and that
the earth will be renewed and receive its paradisic glory.
11. We claim the privilege of worshiping Almighty God according to the
dictates of our conscience, and allow all men the same privilege, let
them worship how, where, or what they may.
12. We believe in being subject to kings, presidents, rulers and
magistrates, in obeying, honoring and sustaining the law.
13. We believe in being honest, true, chaste, benevolent, virtuous,
and in doing good to all men; indeed, we may say that we follow the
admonition of Paul, "We believe all things, we hope all things;" we
have endured many things, and hope to be able to endure all things. If
there is anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report, or praiseworthy,
we seek after these things.--JOSEPH SMITH.
THE FALL OF ADAM.
"Honor thy Father and thy Mother." This was one of the ten special
commandments given to Israel, during a grand display of God's power and
glory on Mount Sinai.
In the past centuries of darkness it appears to have lost its
significance with the Christian world. They do not appear to realize
that honor is due to the first parents of the human race. They have
been long taught that Adam and Eve were great transgressors, and have
mourned over the fact that they partook of the forbidden fruit and
brought death into the world.
There is no possibility that the fall of man was an accident or chance,
any more than was his creation. If an accident, then why was Christ
prepared from before the foundation of the world as a propitiation for
sin, and to open up the way for man to immortality?
Christ's mediation was a sequence of the fall. "Him hath God exalted
with his right hand to be a Prince and a Savior, for to give repentance
to Israel, and forgiveness of sins;" Acts 5. 31. Without the fall
there would have been no broken law, and therefore nothing to repent
of; and there could be no forgiveness of sin without the atonement of
Christ.
The Book of Mormon makes this subject very plain: "And now, behold,
if Adam had not transgressed, he would not have fallen; but he would
have remained in the garden of Eden. And all things which were created,
must have remained in the same state which they were, after they were
created; and they must have remained for ever, and had no end. And they
would have had no children; wherefore they would have remained in a
state of innocence, having no joy, for they knew no misery; doing no
good, for they knew no sin;" 2 Nephi 2. 22, 23.
It is evident, not only from this passage, but from all that is
recorded on this subject, that, if Adam and Eve had not attained to a
knowledge of evil, by partaking of the forbidden fruit, the human race
could not have existed under present conditions. It is also evident,
that without a knowledge of both good and evil, man would be incapable
of exercising a free agency, and therefore not capable of independent,
self-reliant action--a necessary condition for development and progress.
We, the children of Adam, have no right to bring accusations against
the Patriarch of the race. But father, we should rejoice with them,
that through their fall and the atonement of Jesus Christ, the way
of eternal life has been opened up to us. It was after an angel had
administered to Adam, and made known to him the atonement through the
Only Begotten Son of the Father, that he and Eve gave expression to
their joy, in view of the glorious future of the race.
"And in that day Adam blessed God and was filled, and began to prophesy
concerning all the families of the earth, saying, Blessed be the name
of God, for because of my transgression my eyes are opened, and in this
life I shall have joy, and again in the flesh I shall see God. And Eve,
his wife, heard all these things and was glad, saying, Were it not for
our transgression we never should have had seed, and never should have
known good and evil, and the joy of our redemption, and the eternal
life which God giveth unto all the obedient;" Pearl of Great Price,
page 10.
The principle of obedience could only be developed in man through the
fall, and only through that can they realize the joys of redemption
and eternal life. The woman fell first, and led Adam out of Eden and
the presence of the Lord. "Adam was not deceived, but the woman being
deceived was in transgression;" 1 _Tim_. 2. 14.
When the Lord asked Adam if he had eaten of the fruit of the tree, of
which he had commanded him that he should not eat, he replied, "The
woman whom thou gavest _to be_ with me, she gave me of the tree, and
I did eat;" _Gen_. iii, 12. Adam had been previously commanded to
multiply and replenish the earth, and he could not do so unless he
remained with Eve. She, being deceived, forced upon him the necessity
of partaking of the forbidden fruit with her, or of remaining in a
condition where it would have been impossible to fulfil the first great
commandment of the Father.
Bible.
_Gen_. 3. gives a general account of the fall of man.
15 enmity between the seed of the woman and that of the serpent.
16 woman to bring forth children in sorrow, and be subject to her
husband.
19 man to labor for his bread, and to return to the ground.
22 man became as the Gods, knowing good and evil.
_Rom_. 5. 12 by one man sin came into the world and death by sin.
Book of Mormon.
_Alma_ 12. 22, 23 by the fall all mankind became lost.
_Chap_. 42 explains the plan for the exaltation of man through the fall
of Adam, and the atonement of Jesus Christ.
_Mormon_ 9. 12 by Adam came the fall of man, because of the fall came
Jesus Christ and the redemption.
Doctrine and Covenants.
_Sec_. 29. 36 Adam being tempted of the devil, for the devil was before
Adam.
40 Adam partook of the forbidden fruit, and became subject to the devil.
41 through the fall Adam became spiritually dead.
Pearl of Great Price.
Pages 7, 8. a general account of the fall of man.
_See our Article on Atonement, and also an examination and elucidation
of the mediation and atonement of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ: by
Prest. John Taylor_.
_Article, by O. Pratt, Mil. Star. Vol. 28. pages 577, 593 and 609_.
_Article by C. W. Penrose, Mil. Star, Vol. 29, page 645. Sermon by O.
Pratt, Journal of Discourses Vol. I, page 328_.
FREE AGENCY OF MAN.
The doctrine of free agency is plainly elucidated in the written
revelations from God. The plan for man's redemption was predicated on
his fall.
No law could have been given to our first parents, and no penalty
affixed for the breaking of a law, unless they had been free to act
without constraint. The liberty to choose was given by the Creator to
the progenitors of the race, and that liberty has been fully recognized
in all his dealings with their posterity.
As the Patriarch of the race entailed on it an experimental knowledge
of good and evil, through sufferings and death, so, through the
sufferings and death of the Only Begotten Son, they are redeemed from
the effects of his transgression, independent of any act of theirs.
Man was created in the image of God, with the possibility of becoming
like him. But he cannot attain to that position without a knowledge of
good and evil. Through the act of the Father he has attained to that
knowledge; through the act of the Son he is delivered from the effects
of original transgression.
Thus, with the privilege of exercising his free agency, he is placed on
an equality with the parents of the race, and has the choice of good or
evil for himself, with the results of that choice. If he chooses evil,
a second death will be the result. If the good, it will prove to be the
way to all the powers, glories and exaltations that the Gods enjoy, in
whose image man is created.
The Book of Mormon is very plain on this subject: "Wherefore, men are
free according to the flesh; and all things are given them which are
expedient unto man. And they are free to choose liberty and eternal
life, through the great mediation of all men, or to choose captivity
and death, according to the captivity and power of the devil;" 2 _Nephi_
2. 27.
Bible.
_Gen_. 2. 17 in the day thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die.
3, 6 Eve eat of the fruit of the tree and gave to her husband and he
did eat. 12, 17.
4. 7 if thou doest well thou shalt be accepted.
Book of Mormon.
1 _Nephi_ 6. 4 that I may persuade men to come to God.
2 _Nephi_ 2. 16 Lord gave unto man that he should act for himself.
10. 23 ye are free to act for yourselves.
_Mos_. 2, 33 if he listeth to obey him, the same drinketh damnation.
_Alma_ 3. 26 reap eternal happiness or misery, according to the spirit
they obey.
12. 31 in a state to act according to their will.
13. 3 being left to choose good or evil.
29. 4, 5 he allotteth to man according to their wills.
30. 9 a man's privilege to believe in God or not.
41. 3, 4 evil or good is restored to men, as they have chosen.
_Hel_. 14. 30 ye are permitted to act for yourselves.
Doctrine and Covenants.
_Sec_. 10. 66 may come and partake of the waters of life freely.
29. 35 Adam to be an agent to himself. 36.
39 men must needs be tempted, or they could not be agents to
themselves. _Sec_. 58. 27, 28.
98. 8 I, the Lord, make you free.
Pearl of Great Price.
_Page_ 7. thou mayest choose for thyself. Satan sought to destroy the
agency of man.
16. given to men to know good and evil; they are agents to themselves.
17. many have believed and become sons of God; many have not believed
and perished.
_See a sermon by B, Young, J. of D., Vol. I., page I_.
_Sermon by B. Young, J. of D., Vol. 3, page 80_.
,, _by O. Pratt, J. of D. Vol. I, page 328_.
,, _by D. H. Wells, J. of D. Vol. 9, page 259_.
THE ATONEMENT.
The word atonement signifies deliverance, through the offering of a
ransom, from the penalty of a broken law. The sense is expressed in
_Job_ 33. 24: "Deliver him from going down to the pit: I have found a
ransom."
As effected by Jesus Christ, it signifies the deliverance, through
his death and resurrection, of the earth and everything pertaining
to it, from the power which death has obtained over them through the
transgression of Adam.
The following passage is very comprehensive on the atonement of Christ:
"And the end shall come, and the heaven and the earth shall be consumed
and pass away, and there shall be a new heaven and a new earth, for all
old things shall pass away, and all things shall become new, even the
heaven and the earth, and all the fulness thereof, both men and beasts,
the fowls of the air, and the fishes of the sea; and not one hair,
neither mote, shall be lost, for it is the workmanship of mine hand;"
_Doc. & Cov_. 29. 23-25. In the revelations of St. John we read, "And
he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new;" 21. 5.
The righteous could not inherit all things in their immortal, exalted
condition, if all things were not resurrected to immortality as well as
themselves.
The Apostle Paul quite comprehensively sums up the results of Christ's
death and resurrection: "But now is Christ risen from the dead, and
become the first fruits of them that slept. For since by man _came_
death, by man _came_ also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam
all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive;" I _Cor_. 15. 21,
22. That is, death having come on all men through the disobedience of
Adam, so must all be raised to immortality and eternal life through the
death and resurrection of Christ.
Paul also asserted that "the last enemy _that_ shall be destroyed _is_
death;" _Verse_ 26. John the Revelator declares that he saw death and
hell cast into the lake of fire; _Rev_. 20. 14.
The atonement, as wrought out by Jesus Christ, further signifies that
he has opened up the way for man's redemption from his own sins,
through faith in Christ's sufferings, death and resurrection. The
Apostle Paul well expresses this, "For all have sinned, and come short
of the glory of God; being justified freely by his grace through the
redemption that is in Christ Jesus: whom God hath set forth _to be_ a
propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness
for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of
God; to declare, _I say_, at this time his righteousness: that he might
be just, and the Justifier of him which believeth in Jesus;" _Rom_. 3.
23-26.
These passages evidence that redemption from death, through the
sufferings of Christ, is for all men, both the righteous and the
wicked; for this earth, and for all things created upon it. The
whole tenor of the Scriptures assure us, that while they may be sure
of resurrection from death, regardless of their personal acts, yet
they will be rewarded for their works, whether they be good or evil,
and that redemption from personal sins can only be obtained through
obedience to the requirements of the Gospel, and a life of good works.
The transgression of Adam being infinite in its consequences, those
consequences cannot be averted, except through an infinite atonement.
The Prophet Nephi makes this very plain: "Wherefore it must needs be
an infinite atonement; save it should be an infinite atonement, this
corruption could not put on incorruption. Wherefore, the first judgment
which came upon man, must needs have remained to an endless duration.
And if so, this flesh must have laid down to rot and to crumble to
its mother earth, to rise no more. O the wisdom of God! his mercy and
grace! For behold, if the flesh should rise no more, our spirits must
become subject to that angel who fell from before the presence of the
eternal God, and became the devil, to rise no more.
O how great the goodness of our God, who prepareth a way for our escape
from the grasp of this awful monster; yea, that monster, death and
hell, which I call the death of the body, and also the death of the
spirit;" 2. _Nephi_ 7, 8, 10. "There is one thing, however, which the
atonement does for us, immediately upon our entrance into this mortal
life; it sets us free from the first spiritual death."
"As in Adam all died spiritually, even so in Christ all, in their
infancy, are made alive spiritually. Christ, by the atonement, became
the life and the light of men; he is the true light by which all are
lighted who come into the world. Without this light all would have
suffered in the eternal night of darkness, from which there would
have been no return. But little children, by the atonement, are made
alive, and are all subjects of salvation, being redeemed by the blood
of Christ from the fall, being pure, and spotless, and innocent, and
thus are made heirs of the kingdom of heaven. This redemption from the
spiritual death upon all mankind in their infant state, is brought
about without any conditions on the part of the creature; it is wrought
out by the free grace of Christ alone, without works;" _O. Pratt_.
"I say unto you, that little children are redeemed from the foundation
of the world through mine Only Begotten: wherefore, they cannot sin,
for power is not given unto Satan to tempt little children, until they
begin to become accountable before me;" _Doc. & Cov_. 29. 46, 47.
"Wherefore, it came to pass that the devil tempted Adam, and he partook
the forbidden fruit and transgressed the commandment, wherein he became
subject to the will of the devil, because he yielded unto temptation.
Wherefore I the Lord God caused that he should be cast out from the
Garden of Eden, from my presence, because of his transgression, wherein
he became spiritually dead, which is the first death, even that same
death, which is the last death, which is spiritual, which shall be
pronounced upon the wicked when I shall say--Depart, ye cursed. But,
behold, I say unto you, that I the Lord God gave unto Adam and unto his
seed that they should not die as to the temporal death, until I the
Lord God should send forth angels to declare unto them repentance and
redemption, through faith on the name of mine Only Begotten Son. And
thus did I, the Lord God, appoint unto man the days of his probation
that by his natural death he might be raised in immortality unto
eternal life, even as many as would believe; and they that believe
not unto eternal damnation, for they cannot be redeemed from their
spiritual fall, because they repent not; for they will love darkness
rather than light, and their deeds are evil, and they receive their
wages of whom they list to obey;" _Doc. & Cov_. 29. 40-45.
Bible.
_Isa_. 45. 22 look unto me and be ye saved.
53. 10 when thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin.
63. 9 he, redeemed them and carried them all the days of old.
_Matt_. 1. 21 Jesus shall save his people from their sins.
18. 11 the Son of Man hath come to save that which was lost.
_John_ 1. 29 the Lamb of God which taketh away the sin of the world.
3. 14, 15 even so must the Son of Man be lifted up. 16.
4. 42 this is Christ the Savior of the world.
12. 32 if I be lifted up I will draw all men to me.
_Acts_ 5. 31 him hath God exalted to be a Prince and Savior.
_Chap_. 13. 23.
_Rom_. 3. 24 being justified through the redemption that is in Christ
Jesus.
25 whom God hath sent forth to be a propitiation. 26
5. 6 in due time Christ died for the ungodly. 8-11.
15 if through the offence of one many be dead, the gift of grace by one
man, Christ Jesus, hath abounded to many. 18.
6. 23 the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ.
8. 32 spared not his own Son but delivered him up for us all.
11. 26 there shall come out of Zion a deliverer.
1 _Cor_. 1. 30 Christ Jesus who is made to us sanctification and
redemption.
5. 7 for even Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us.
2 _Cor_. 5. 18 who hath reconciled us to himself, by Jesus Christ.
_Gal_. 3. 13 Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law.
4. 4, 5 God sent his Son to redeem them that were under the law. 7.
_Eph_. 1. 7 in whom we have redemption through his blood. _Col_. 1. 14.
5. 2 as Christ also hath loved us, and given himself for us.
1 _Tim_. 1. 15 faithful saying, that Christ came into the world to save
sinners.
2. 5 one God, one Mediator between God and man, the man Christ Jesus.
4. 10 we trust in the living God who is the Savior of all men.
_Titus_ 2. 14 who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us.
_Heb_. 5. 9 being made perfect, he became the author of eternal
salvation.
7. 25 able to save them that come to God by him.
9. 26, 28 so Christ was once offered to bear the sins of the world.
1 _Peter_ 1. 19 with the blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish.
3. 18 Christ hath once suffered for our sins, the just for the unjust.
1 _John_ 1. 7 the blood of Christ cleanseth from all sin.
2. 2 he is the propitiation for the sins of the world.
4. 9 God sent his son into the world that we might live through him. 14.
_Rev_. 5. 9 and hath redeemed us by his blood, out of every nation.
Book of Mormon.
1 _Nephi_ 11. 27 I looked and beheld the Redeemer of the world 33.
12. 11 made white in the blood of the Lamb.
15. 14 the very points of his doctrine, that they may come to him and
be saved.
2 _Nephi_ 1. 10 if the day come, they reject the Messiah. 15.
2. 3 thou art redeemed, for thou hast beheld, that, in the fulness of
time he cometh to bring salvation to men.
9. 21, 22 he suffereth the pains of all men.
25, 26 the atonement satisfies the demands of justice, on those without
law.
10. 25 may God raise you from everlasting death by the power of the
atonement.
26. 24 layeth down his own life, that he may draw all men to him.
31. 21 no other name given whereby men can be saved.
_Jacob_ 4. 15-17 Jews will reject the only foundation on which they can
build.
_Omni_ 1. 26 come to Christ and partake of the power of his redemption.
_Mos_. 4. 6-9 the atonement which has been prepared from the foundation
of the world for all who have been, or will be.
27. 25 becoming his sons and daughters. 30.
_Alma_ 7. 12 take upon him death that he may loose the bands of death.
11. 39, 40 the eternal Father shall come into the world to redeem his
people.
34. 11-16 the law of Moses fulfilled in the infinite atonement of
Christ.
39. 18 as necessary that the plan of salvation should be made known to
this people, as to their children?
_Hel_. 5. 9-12 will not redeem his people in their sins, but from their
sins.
3 _Nephi_ 12. 17 in Christ is the law of Moses fulfilled. 21, 22.
_Ether_ 3. 14 was prepared from the foundation of the world to redeem
my people.
12. 33 to the laying down of thy life, that thou mightest take it again.
_Moroni_ 8 he that says little children need baptism setteth at naught
the atonement of Christ.
Doctrine and Covenants.
_Sec_. 18. 11 Lord suffered the pain of all men that they might come to
him.
23. 25 Jesus Christ, the only name given under heaven whereby men can
be saved.
19. 16 I, God, have suffered these things for all, that they might not
suffer.
20. 26, 27 not only those who believed after he came in the meridian of
time.
29. 42 Lord gave to Adam and his seed that they should not die until
the plan of redemption was declared to them.
46 little children are redeemed from the foundation of the world.
_Sec_. 74. 6, 7. _Sec_. 93. 38.
76. 41-44 Jesus was crucified that all might be saved, except the sons
of Perdition.
Pearl of Great Price.
_Page_ 1. My Only Begotten is and shall be the Savior.
3. For this is my work and my glory, to bring to pass the immortality
and eternal life of man.
9. Wherefore, thou shalt do all that thou doest in the name of the Son,
and thou shalt repent and call upon God in the name of the Son evermore.
16. Jesus Christ the only name given whereby salvation shall come.
17. Plan of salvation to all men through the blood of mine Only
Begotten.
_See An examination and elucidation of the mediation and atonement of
Jesus Christ; by Prest. J. Taylor_.
_Articles on the fall and atonement, by O. Pratt, Mil. Star, Vol. 28,
pages 577, 593 and 609_.
_Sermon by O. Pratt, J. of D., Vol. 1, page 280_.
_" " " " 2, Page 328_.
_" " " " 2, page 368_.
_" B. Young, J. of D. Vol. 3, page 80_.
_Article by W. Woodruff, Mil. Star, Vol. 6, page 113_.
_Article by C. W. Penrose, Contributor, Vol. 2, page 362_.
FAITH.
"Faith is the first principle of revealed religion and the foundation
of all righteousness." "Now faith is the substance (assurance) of
things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen;" _Heb_. 11. 1, _Doc.
and Cov., Lecture on Faith_, 1. 1-8. That to use the word assurance,
instead of substance, would be the proper rendering of the above
passage, is evident from the 22d verse of the previous chapter: "Let us
draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith."
Faith begets trust and confidence. "In whom we have boldness and access
with _confidence_ by the faith of him;" (Jesus Christ.) _Eph_. 3.
12. Faith is the gift of God. "Saved through faith; and that not of
yourselves: _it is_ the gift of God;" 2. 8. "To another faith by the
same Spirit;" 1 _Cor_. 12. 9. "But to think soberly, according as God
hath dealt to every man the measure of faith;" _Rom_. 12. 3. _Moroni_
10. 11.
Through repentance, baptism and the laying on of hands man may receive
the Holy Ghost. It will open his spiritual vision and he will begin to
comprehend himself, the object of his creation, and his affinity to
his Heavenly Father. Then through the further observance of all the
ordinances of the Gospel, will the righteousness of God be revealed to
him, from faith to faith, until by keeping the commandments and seeking
after knowledge through the inspirations of the Holy Ghost, in time, he
will reach that assurance of faith which is unto eternal life.
The _Lectures on Faith_, by Joseph Smith, Jun., in _Doc. and Cov_.,
may justly be considered the most elaborate treatise on the subject
in the sacred writings. They are written in such simplicity, that
they can be easily understood by all who will honestly study them,
to obtain a knowledge of the nature of faith. Their fulness, their
comprehensiveness, is one of the many evidences of the Divine
inspiration of the Prophet Joseph.
The first lecture shows that faith is an assurance that men have of the
existence of things that they have not seen, and that it is an element
of power. "It is the principle by which Jehovah works, and through
which he exercises power over all temporal as well as eternal things."
The second lecture informs us how faith, in the beginning was based
on a knowledge of God and his attributes, and that faith in God has
existed in man in proportion to that knowledge.
The third lecture teaches us that to exercise faith in God, man must
have an idea that he exists, and also of his character and attributes.
He must, as well, feel an assurance that he is living in accordance
with the will of God. Consequently, those who fail to obtain this
knowledge by living in the spirit and power of the Gospel, cannot
exercise a true and understanding faith in God, no matter what their
pretentions.
Lecture fourth treats of the connection between correct ideas of God's
attributes, of his Knowledge, Faith or Power, Justice, Judgment, Mercy
and Truth; and the exercise of faith unto salvation, in a rational
being.
The fifth lecture shows the necessity of faith in God the Father, and
in his Son Jesus Christ.
Lecture sixth evidences the necessity of men knowing that their course
of life is in accordance with the will of God, in order to exercise
faith in him unto salvation. "It was this that enabled the ancient
Saints to endure all their afflictions and persecutions, and to take
joyfully the spoiling of their goods, knowing (not believing merely)
that they had a more enduring substance. _Heb_. 10. 34.
The seventh lecture treats of the effects of faith. That working
by faith is working by mental exertion instead of physical force;
illustrating the fact by numerous examples. It also elucidates the
principle that the mental powers are far superior to the physical
forces of nature, and that through them the power of faith is
manifested.
FAITH IN GOD THE FATHER, THE SON, AND THE HOLY GHOST.
Bible.
_Gen_. 15. 6 Abraham believed in God and he counted it to him for
righteousness. _Rom_. 4. 3; _Gal_. 3. 6.
_Exod_. 4. 5 that they may believe that the God of their fathers hath
appeared unto thee.
_Num_. 20. 12 ye believed me not; ye shall not bring this congregation
into the land.
_Psalm_ 119. 66 teach me judgment and knowledge, for I have believed
thy commandments.
_Prov_. 16. 20 whoso trusteth in the Lord, happy is he.
_Jonah_ 3. 5 so the people of Nineveh believed God.
_John_ 1. 12 to as many as believed on him he gave power to become the
sons of God.
3. 15 that whosoever believeth in him should not perish.
4. 42 know that this is the Christ, the Savior of the world.
5. 24 he that believeth on him that sent me hath everlasting life.
8. 24 if ye believe not I am he, ye shall die in your sins. 31.
11. 25 he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live.
26, 27, 40-48.
13. 19 when it comes to pass ye may believe I am he. _Chap_. 14. 29.
14. 1 ye believe in God believe also in me. _Chap_. 10. 11.
16. 9 of sin because they believe not on me. 27, 30, 31.
17. 8 they have believed thou didst send me.
20. 29 blessed are they who have not seen, and yet have believed. 31.
_Acts_ 8. 29 the Spirit said to Philip, go near and join thyself to him.
37 eunuch answered, I believe Jesus Christ is the Son of God.
10. 43 all the prophets witness that whosoever believe in him shall
receive remission of sins.
13. 39 by him all that believe are justified from all things, &c.
14. 23 they commended them to the Lord on whom they believed.
16. 31 believe on Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved.
19. 4 should believe on him who should come after him.
20. 21 testifying to Jews and Greeks faith towards Jesus Christ.
27. 25 Paul said, I believe God; that it shall be as was told me.
_Rom_. 1. 16 Gospel of Christ the power of God unto salvation.
17 therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith.
The just shall live by faith.
3. 26 the justifier of him who believeth in Jesus. _Chap_. 4, 5.
4. 24 if we believe in him that raised Jesus from the dead.
6. 8 if we be dead with Christ, we believe we shall live with him.
8. 26, 27 the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us, according to
the will of God.
9. 33 a rock of offence, they that believe on him shall not be ashamed.
_Chap_. 10. 4, 11.
10. 9 believe God has raised Christ from the dead, thou shalt be saved.
14 how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard?
2 _Cor_. 1. 9 not trust in ourselves, but in God who raiseth the dead.
_Gal_. 2. 20 I live by the faith of the Son of God, who gave himself
for me.
_Col_. 1. 4 faith in Christ and love for all the Saints.
1 _Tim_. 1. 16 for a pattern for those who should hereafter believe on
him.
3. 16 God manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, believed on
in the world, received up into glory.
4. 10 who is the Savior of all men, especially of those who believe.
_Titus_ 3. 8 they who believe in God might maintain good works.
_Heb_. 3. 18 they that believe not should not enter into his rest.
_James_ 2. 19 thou believest there is one God; devils believe and
tremble.
1 _Peter_ 1. 21 by him believe in God that raised him from the dead, &c.
1 _John_ 4. 16 we have believed the love God hath for us.
5. 10 he that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself.
Book of Mormon.
1 _Nephi_ 10. 6, 17 which power he received by faith on the Son of God.
2 _Nephi_ 11. 6, 7 my soul delighteth in proving to my people, that,
save Christ should come, all men must perish.
25. 25 because of our faith we are made alive in Christ. 26.
26. 8 forward to Christ with steadfastness, they are they who shall not
perish.
31. 19 ye have not come thus far except by unshaken faith in Christ.
32. 5 receive the Holy Ghost, it will show you what ye shall do.
33. 4 my words persuade them to believe in Jesus. 7, 10.
_Jacob_ 3. 1 pray to God with great faith.
7. 3 Sherem, knowing that I, Jacob, had faith in Christ, who should
come.
_Enos_ 1. 8 he said to me, because of thy faith in Christ.
_Jarom_ 1. 11 persuading them to believe in the Messiah to come.
_Mos_. 4. 2 for we believe in Christ who shall come.
8. 18 God has provided means that man through faith might work mighty
miracles.
_Alma_ 5. 15 do you exercise faith in the redemption of him who created
you? 48.
13. 10-31 an exhortation to repentance and faith in Christ. _Chap._ 22.
14.
25. 15 they looked forward to the coming of Christ.
27. 27 the Lamanites were firm in the faith of Christ.
44. 3 is done to us because of our religion and faith in Christ.
46. 41 those who died in the faith of Christ are happy in him.
48. 13 Moroni was a man who was firm in the faith of Christ.
_Hel_. 3. 35 they grew firmer and firmer in the faith of Christ.
5. 9 no way a man can be saved, only through Christ who shall come. 47.
3 _Nephi_ 11. 32 the Holy Ghost bears record of the Father and Son. 34,
35, 36.
12. 19 that ye shall believe in me and repent of your sins.
17. 8 I see that your faith is sufficient that I should heal you. 20.
19. 9 they desired that the Holy Ghost be given unto them.
28 thou hast purified these whom I have chosen because of their faith.
29, 35.
27. 19 none can enter the kingdom unless they wash their garments in
the blood of Christ, by faith. 20.
_Chap_. 28. The three Nephite disciples of Jesus had the faith that
enabled them to receive a change in their bodies, that they might
remain on the earth until his coming.
4 _Nephi_ 1. 48 being constrained by the Holy Ghost, Ammaron hid up the
records.
_Mormon_ 7. 7 Father, Son and Holy Ghost are one God. 10.
_Ether_ 5. 4 the Father, Son and Holy Ghost beareth record. _Chap_. 12.
41.
12. 10 by faith they of old were called after the holy order of God.
_Moroni_ 6. 4 were wrought upon and cleansed by the power of the Holy
Ghost. _Chap_. 7. 32.
8. 7-9 the word of the Lord came by the power of the Holy Ghost. 26.
10. 4-7 the truth will be manifested by the power of the Holy Ghost.
Doctrine and Covenants.
_Sec_. 18. 18 ask the Father in faith and you shall receive the Holy
Ghost. 19.
41. 3 by prayer of faith ye shall receive my law.
44. 2 if they exercise faith in me I will pour my Spirit on them.
45. 8 to those that believe on my name, gave I power to obtain eternal
life.
136. 42 Be diligent in keeping all my commandments lest your faith fail
you.
Pearl of Great Price.
_Page_ 2. Moses declared to Satan that he would worship only the God of
glory. God blessed Moses for his faith in him.
9. Adam and Eve called on the name of the Lord and offered sacrifice.
Thou shalt call upon God in the name of the Son for evermore.
13. Adam hearkened to the voice of God and glorified his name.
17. many believed and became the sons of God, many believed not and
perished.
21. Enoch asked the Lord that he would have mercy on Noah and his seed,
inasmuch as he was God and he knew him.
24. Noah walked with God, and all his three sons, also.
29. through faith in the Lord, Abraham left Ur to go into the land of
Canaan.
NECESSITY OF FAITH IN THE HOLY PRIESTHOOD.
In every dispensation in which God has made known his will to man, it
has been done through a living, inspired Priesthood. Passages from the
sacred writings might be multiplied, indefinitely, on this subject. But
this is not necessary, inasmuch as all the sacred records attest the
necessity of an inspired Priesthood, and obedience to it on the part of
the people, if they would understand the will of the Lord concerning
them.
Fifteen centuries of the history of Israel, from the Exodus to the
destruction of Jerusalem by the Romans, is a record of adversity
through disobedience to seers and prophets, and of prosperity, the
result of listening to their teachings.
Mankind, with a wide range of religious tenets, are instinctively
imbued with a sentiment of reverence and obedience to those who
minister in the ordinances of religion. After the apostacy of the early
apostolic church, it had a strong hold on the minds of the people
during the supremacy of the Romish church.
We may consider that this doctrine began to lose its hold on the masses
of the people, professing Christianity, after the Reformation and the
splitting up of the Christian world into a great multiplicity of sects.
With the introduction of the Gospel and the Holy Priesthood, through
Joseph Smith, Jun., the necessity of faith in a living Priesthood is
daily being made more apparent to the Latter-day Saints.
Bible.
_Exod_. 4. 1 Moses answered, they will not believe. 8, 9, 30, 31.
14. 31 Israel believed the Lord and his servant Moses.
19. 9 that the people hear when I speak to thee, and believe thee for
ever.
32. 19-34 the golden calf, and the intercession of Moses for the people.
_Num_. 12. 2 hath the Lord, indeed, spoken only by Moses?
_Deut_. 9. 19, 20 the Lord hearkened to me; I prayed for Aaron also.
_Josh_. 1. 5 as I was with Moses, so I will be with thee.
2 _Chron_. 20. 20 believe his prophets, so shall ye prosper.
_Amos_ 3. 7 but he revealeth his secrets to his servants the prophets.
_Jonah, Chap_. 3. the Ninevites saved by the preaching of Jonah.
_Matt_. 10. 14, 15 more tolerable for Sodom and Gomorrah, than for
those who will not hear your words.
40 he that receiveth you receiveth me.
_Luke_ 1. 19 sent to speak to thee, and shew thee these glad tidings.
45.
10. 16 he that heareth you heareth me. 29.
24. 25 O fools, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have
spoken.
_John_ 5. 46 had ye believed Moses, ye would have believed me.
13. 20 he that receiveth whomsoever I send, receiveth me.
17. 20 but for them, also, which shall believe on me through their word.
1 _Thess_. 2. 13 when ye received from us, ye received it as the word
of God.
_Heb_. 2. 2 for if the word spoken by angels was steadfast?
Book of Mormon.
_Jacob_ 1. 19 taking the responsibility of answering the sins of
the people, if we did not teach them the word of the Lord with all
diligence.
2. 2 responsibility of magnifying my office, to rid my garments of your
sins.
_Mos_. 2. 28 to assemble together, that I might rid my garments of your
blood.
3 _Nephi_ 12. 1, 2 blessed are ye if ye give heed to the words of these
twelve, whom I have chosen.
13. 25 ye are they whom I have chosen to minister to this people.
15. 12 ye are my disciples, and a light to this people.
Doctrine and Covenants.
_Sec_. 1. 4 voice of warning to all people, by the mouth of my
disciples.
8, 9 to them is given power to seal, both on earth and in heaven.
14 they who will not hear prophets and apostles shall be cut off. 17,
30.
2. 1 I will reveal to you the Priesthood, by the hand of Elijah.
3. 9 thou art Joseph, and wast chosen to do the work of the Lord.
_Sec_. 5. 2, 10, 11-18.
10. 33 Satan thinks to overpower your testimony.
19. 13 keep my commandments which you have received by J. Smith, Jun.
24. 4 if they receive them not, I will curse instead of blessing them.
28. 2 no one to receive revelations for the church but J. Smith, Jun. 3.
7 J. Smith, Jun., has the keys of the revelations which are sealed,
until I shall appoint another in his stead.
29. 4 ye are chosen out of the world to declare my Gospel. 7, 10, 12.
42. 61 J. Smith. Jun., to receive revelation, and know the mysteries.
69.
43. 3-5 none but Joseph Smith, Jun., appointed to receive revelation.
12.
52. 9 saying none other things than those which the prophets and
apostles have written.
58. 45 behold they shall push the people together from the ends of the
earth.
64. 5 the keys of the mysteries shall not be taken from J. Smith, Jun.
65. 2 the keys of the kingdom are committed to man on the earth.
68. 4 whatsoever they shall speak when moved upon by the Holy Ghost
shall be scripture and the power of God unto salvation.
75. 20 and they receive you not, shake off the dust of your feet.
81. 2 to J. Smith, Jun., I have given the keys belonging to the
Presidency.
84. 64 every soul that believes on your words shall receive the Holy
Ghost. 74.
89 whoso receiveth you receiveth me. 90-95. _Sec_. 99. 2-4.
90. 3, 4 the keys of the kingdom never to be taken from J. Smith, Jun.
Through him the oracles to be given to the church. 6, 14-16.
103. 25 whomsoever ye curse I will curse.
35 J. Smith, Jun., to organize the kingdom, and establish the children
of Zion.
110. 16 the keys of this dispensation are committed into your hands.
112. 15 the keys which I have given unto him, and also to youward,
shall not be taken from him till I come. 16-21, 30-32.
121. 36 the rights of the Priesthood are inseparably connected with the
powers of heaven.
124. 58 my servant, Joseph, in thee shall the kingdoms of the earth be
blessed.
128 the Twelve hold the keys of the kingdom upon the four corners of
the earth.
133. 26 the prophets of the north countries shall hear his voice, and
shall no longer stay themselves.
136. 37 ye shall behold it if ye are faithful in keeping all my words,
from the days of Adam to Joseph Smith, Jun., whom I called on by my
angels.
Miscellaneous Passages.
_Hab_. 2. 4 the just shall live by faith. _Rom_. 1. 17. _Gal_. 3. 11.
_Heb_. 10. 38.
_Matt_. 6. 30 shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith?
_Luke_ 12. 28.
8. 10 not found so great faith, no, not in Israel. _Luke_ 7. 9.
17. 20 if ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed.
21. 21 if ye have faith, not only do this, but say to this mountain.
_Mark_ 4. 40 how is it that ye have no faith?
_Luke_ 18. 8 when the Son of man cometh shall he find faith on the
earth?
_Acts_ 15. 9 purifying their hearts by faith.
26. 18 inheritance among those who are sanctified by faith.
_Rom_. 3. 3 shall unbelief make the faith of God without effect? 27.
4. 5 his faith is counted to him for righteousness. 9-16.
10. 17 so then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
14. 22 hast thou faith? have it to thyself before God. 23.
1 _Cor_. 2. 5 that your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men.
16. 13 watch ye, stand fast in the faith, be strong.
2 _Cor_. 4. 13 we having the same spirit of faith.
5. 7 for we walk by faith, not by sight.
_Gal_. 3. 2 received ye the spirit by works of the law, or by faith?
5-25.
5. 5 we wait for the hope of righteousness by faith. 6, 22.
_Eph_. 6. 16 above all taking the shield of faith. 23.
_Phil_. 3. 9 the faith of Christ the righteousness which is of God by
faith.
1 _Thess_. 1. 3 remembering without ceasing your work of faith.
5. 8 putting on the breastplate of faith and love.
2 _Thess_. 1. 4 we glory for your patience and faith in your
persecutions. 11.
1 _Tim_. 1. 5 of a good conscience and faith unfeigned. 14, 19. _Chap_.
3. 9.
2 _Tim_. 3. 8 men of corrupt minds reprobate concerning the faith. 10.
4. 7 I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.
_Titus_ 1. 13 rebuke sharply that they may be sound in the faith.
_Heb_. 4. 2 the word did not profit, not being mixed with faith.
6. 1 not laying again the foundation of repentance and faith.
_Chap_. 11. by faith the worlds were created, the violence of fire
quenched, the armies of the aliens put to flight, kingdoms subdued, &c.
12. 2 looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith.
_James_ 1. 6 let him ask in faith, nothing wavering.
2. 5 hath not God chosen the poor of this world, rich in faith.
5. 15 the prayer of faith shall save the sick.
1 _Peter_ 1. 5 kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation.
7, 9, 21.
5. 9 whom resist steadfast in the faith.
2 _Peter_ 1. 5 add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge.
1 _John_ 5. 4 this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our
faith.
_Jude_ 3. Earnestly contend for the faith once delivered to the Saints.
_Rev_. 13. 10 here is the patience and faith of the Saints. _Chap_. 14.
12.
Book of Mormon.
1 _Nephi_ 7. 12 the Lord can do all things for men through their faith.
16. 28 the pointers on the ball worked according to their faith. 29.
2 _Nephi_ 1. 10 having power given them to do all things by faith.
27. 23 God works not among the children of men save it be according to
their faith.
_Jacob_ 1. 5 manifest to us by faith, what should happen to our people.
_Enos_ 1. 12-18 through faith Enos obtained a promise that the records
should be preserved to come forth to the Lamanites.
_Mos_. 4. 6 that salvation might come to him who continues in faith to
the end. 21, 30.
_Alma_ 7. 6 look forward for the remission of sins, with an everlasting
faith.
12. 30 plan of salvation made known according to men's faith. 33, 34,
37.
13. 2, 3, 4 men called to the Holy Priesthood according to their faith.
18. 35 the Spirit gives knowledge and power according to faith.
32. 18 I ask, Is this faith? if a man knoweth a thing, he has no cause
to believe. 21, 26, 27.
28-43 faith illustrated by a parable of a seed.
57. 21-27 through faith the young Ammonites were preserved in battle.
_Hel_. 5. 20-52 deliverance of Nephi and Lehi from prison through their
great faith.
6. 1 the Lamanites exceeded the Nephites in righteousness on account of
their great faith.
_Mormon_ 3. 12 it was without faith because of the hardness of their
hearts.
8. 24 he knoweth their faith, for in his name could they remove
mountains.
_Ether_ 3. This chapter gives an account of great manifestations to the
brother of Jared, on account of his great faith.
12. 4-33 many examples given of the power of faith.