It is important to examine what the leadership taught a
dozen decades ago because many early doctrines and practices
have been greatly modified or abandoned.
Click on links below to see scans of actual documents.
The Book of Mormon
- Joseph Smith - Book of Mormon contains the "fulness
of the gospel of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles and to the
Jews also" Doctrine and Covenants 20:8-9 (April
1830)
- Joseph Smith - "I told the brethren that the Book of
Mormon was the most correct of any book on earth, and
the keystone of our religion, and a man would get nearer
to God by abiding by its precepts, than by any other
book." History of the Church, vol. 4, p. 461
(1841)
- Orson Pratt - "The Book of Mormon claims to be a
divinely inspired record. ... This book must be either
true or false. If true, it is one of the most important
messages ever sent from God to man ...
"If false, it is one of the most cunning, wicked, bold, deep-laid impositions ever palmed upon the world ...
"If, after rigid examination, it be found an imposition, it should be extensively published to the world as such... " Divine Authenticity of the Book of Mormon, p. 1 (1850)
- Orson Pratt:
Question. Does the Book of Mormon agree with the Bible?
Answer. Both books being of Divine origin, they will of course agree; for God never disagrees with himself;"
Q. Does the Book of Mormon contain any additional light not contained in the Bible?
A. The whole volume, without exception to any of its parts, contains additional light and truth." The Seer, p. 212 (1854)
- Orson Pratt:
Q. Is there any benefit to be derived from the prophetical and doctrinal portions of the Book of Mormon?
A. Yes: in this respect, the book is infinitely more valuable than all other books in the world written by human wisdom. The doctrines and prophecies, contained in it, are so very definite, pointed, and plain, that no ambiguity or uncertainty is left upon the mind in regard to the way of salvation, and the events that are to transpire so far as they are predicted.
Q. But is not the Jewish Record or Bible equally as plain?
A. No: The Seer, p. 213 (1854)
- Orson Pratt - "But those who have read this book
will bear me record that their minds have been forever
set at rest, in regard to doctrine so far as the
ordinances of the kingdom of God are concerned.
"... So in regard to every other principle of the doctrine of Christ -- it is set forth in such great plainness that it is impossible for any two persons to form different ideas in relation to it, after reading the Book of Mormon." Journal of Discourses, vol. 15, p. 188 (1872)
- Orson Pratt - Quote continues from previous page: "You may ask, Why this plainness? Because it was translated by the power and gift of God;" Journal of Discourses, vol. 15, p. 189 (1872)
The Bible
- Joseph Smith - "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. 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."
Pearl of Great Price,
Articles of Faith, 8-9 (1842)
- Brigham Young - "We receive what is said to have
been written by one of the ancient Apostles, (why I
make this peculiar remark is because this
congregation heard brother O. Pratt scan the
validity of the Bible, and I thought by the time he
got through, that you would scarcely think a Bible
worth picking up and carrying home, should you find
one in the streets) ...
"The Bible is good enough as it is ..." Journal of Discourses, vol. 3, p. 116 (1855)
- Brigham Young - If he were a divine and determined the Bible was translated incorrectly he would correct it as soon as possible so all people might know the truth. "Take the Bible, then, as it is. If it is not translated correctly, wait until it is." Journal of Discourses, vol. 13, p. 250 (1870)
The Doctrine & Covenants
- Joseph Smith - "Search these commandments,
for they are true and faithful, and the
prophecies and promises which are in them shall
all be fulfilled. What I the Lord have spoken, I
have spoken, and I excuse not myself; ... but
all shall be fulfilled, whether by mine own
voice or by the voice of my servants, it is the
same." Doctrine and Covenants 1:37-38
(November 1, 1831)
- Joseph Smith - "... We do not present this
little volume with any other expectation than
that we are to be called to answer to every
principle advanced ..."
Doctrine and
Covenants, p. iv (1835 ed.)
- Daniel H. Wells - "The Book of Doctrine and
Covenants informs us that things will be
revealed, in this the dispensation of the
fullness of times, that have been kept hidden
from before the foundation of the world. Should
we be surprised, then, when a new principle is
manifested among us from the Lord through the
channel of the holy Priesthood?"
Journal of
Discourses, vol. 18, p. 98 (1875)
- "What Scriptures Do We Have Today — The
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
accepts four books as scripture: the Bible, the
Book of Mormon, the Doctrine and Covenants, and
the Pearl of Great Price. These books are called
the standard works of the Church. The inspired
words of our living prophets are also accepted
as scripture." Gospel Principles, p. 52
(1992)