Discourse, 5 February 1840

  • Source Note
  • Historical Introduction
Page [1]
image
He commenced, by saying, that he knew the prejudices which were abroad in the world against him; but requested us to pay to <​no​> respect to the rumors which were in circulation respecting him and his doctrines. He was accompanied by three or four of his followers. He said— “I will state to you our belief, so far as time will permit.”
I believe, said he, that there is a God, possessing all the attributes ascribed to him by Christians of all denominations. That he reigns over all things in Heaven and on Earth; and that all are subject to his power. He then spoke, rationally, of the attributes of Divinity, such as foreknowledge; mercy, &c &c
He then took up the Bible. I believe, said he, in this sacred volume— In it the Mormon faith is to be found. We teach nothing but what the Bible teaches. We believe nothing but what is to be found in this Book
I believe in the fall of man, as recorded in the Bible. I believe that God fore-knew every thing; but did not fore-ordain every <​thing​>. I deny that fore-ordain and fore-know is the same thing. He fore-ordained the fall of man: But all merciful as he is, he fore-ordained, at the same time, a plan of redemption for all mankind. I believe in the Divinity of Jesus Christ, and that he died for the sins of all men, who in Adam had fallen [p. [1]]
He commenced, by saying, that he knew the prejudices which were abroad in the world against him; but requested us to pay no respect to the rumors which were in circulation respecting him and his doctrines. He was accompanied by three or four of his followers. He said— “I will state to you our belief, so far as time will permit.”
I believe, said he, that there is a God, possessing all the attributes ascribed to him by Christians of all denominations. That he reigns over all things in Heaven and on Earth; and that all are subject to his power. He then spoke, rationally, of the attributes of Divinity, such as foreknowledge; mercy, &c &c
He then took up the Bible. I believe, said he, in this sacred volume— In it the Mormon faith is to be found. We teach nothing but what the Bible teaches. We believe nothing but what is to be found in this Book
I believe in the fall of man, as recorded in the Bible. I believe that God fore-knew every thing; but did not fore-ordain every thing. I deny that fore-ordain and fore-know is the same thing. He fore-ordained the fall of man: But all merciful as he is, he fore-ordained, at the same time, a plan of redemption for all mankind. I believe in the Divinity of Jesus Christ, and that he died for the sins of all men, who in Adam had fallen [p. [1]]
Page [1]