There is no subject of popular comment on which there is so little
general information as that called "Mormonism." This little work is
designed to explain, in a simple way, leading features of "Mormon"
doctrine. The terms "Mormon" and "Mormonism" are not strictly correct
as usually applied. They are inappropriately derived from the Book
of Mormon, which is a work containing the history of the former
inhabitants of the American continent, written at different times by
various persons and finally compiled by a prophet named Mormon and
inscribed upon metallic plates, which were hidden in the earth to come
forth in the latter days, for the enlightenment of mankind in relation
to the origin of the Indian tribes of this land, and as a testimony
that Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified by the Jews, is indeed the
Messiah, the Son of the living God.
This record, giving an account of the dealings of the Almighty with the
people it describes, and whose origin and travels, wars and industries,
customs and religion, progress and decay it graphically relates,
was taken from its hiding place by Joseph Smith in obedience to the
revelation and commandment of God and was translated into the English
language through a heavenly gift bestowed upon that favored man. Those
who believe in the divinity of the book are commonly called "Mormons,"
and the doctrines which they hold are known as "Mormonism." But it is
as inconsistent to call people "Mormons," who believe in the writings
of Mormon, as it would be to call them Isaiahs, or Jeremiahs, or Peters
or Pauls, because they believe in the scriptures written by those
inspired men.
The Church which has been organized under direction from the same
heavenly Power that revealed the Book of Mormon, is entitled the Church
of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Its members, then, should not
be called "Mormons," but Latter-day Saints. The members of the church
established by Jesus and His apostles, as will be seen by reference
to the New Testament, were called Saints. The term "Christians" was
applied to them in derision, and was first used at Antioch. The members
of the restored Church of Christ are called Latter-day Saints to
distinguish them from their brethren and sisters of former times. But
as "Christians" came to be the common appellation of the former-day
saints, so "Mormons" has come to be the title generally bestowed upon
the Latter-day Saints, and is used herein only in that sense.
In the twelve leaves which are plucked from the tree of life and
herewith sent forth for the healing of the nations from the effects of
error and false doctrine, will be found a sweet and sovereign balm for
spiritual disorders. And by receiving them, a desire will be created
for further gatherings of the same foliage. They will serve to open the
eyes of those who have been in spiritual darkness and are yet anxious
for the light, and as a preparation for the attainment of that vital
power which makes all things new, and quickens and animates earthly
beings with celestial life and light.
We ask for the principles here presented, the careful consideration
of thoughtful minds, and confidently invite comparison with those
utterances of the Jewish prophets and apostles which are contained in
the Bible. References to those scriptures will be found at the end of
this work, arranged to correspond with each chapter or "leaf."
The young people among the Latter-day Saints will obtain, by a perusal
of this little book, an understanding of the fundamental principles of
the system which has cost the blood of martyred Prophets and Apostles
to establish. And it will be found useful in the missionary field, as a
sower of those seeds of truth which, if widely scattered, will surely
fall upon some good ground and bring forth fruit for the service of the
Master.
We invoke upon this little work the Spirit of the most high God, to
whose cause it is dedicated, that wherever it may go light may spring
forth to the joy of those who desire the truth, and that by its means
many people may be directed into the way which leads to the tree of
life, enjoy its luscious fruit and gain the gift of endless lives
wherein redeemed man is exalted and the eternal God is glorified.