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Latest revision as of 13:00, 13 April 2024
Articles of Faith
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Different versions of the Articles of Faith
Summary: There is a version of the 13th Article of Faith that originally contained this phrase: "But an idle or lazy person cannot be a Christian, neither have salvation. He is a drone, and destined to be stung to death and tumbled out of the hive."
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- Question: Why are there different versions of the Articles of Faith?
- Question: Is it true that there used to be fourteen Articles of Faith?
Text of various versions of the Articles of Faith
Summary: Various summaries of LDS belief and practice are included here for comparison and reference
Jump to details:
- Articles of Faith: 1834 (Cowdery)
- Articles of Faith: 1836 (Joseph Young)
- Articles of Faith: 1840 (Orson Pratt)
- Articles of Faith: 1842 (Orson Hyde)
- Articles of Faith: 1842 (Wentworth letter)
- Articles of Faith: 1849 (Flanigan)
- Articles of Faith: 1853 (Haven)
- Articles of Faith: 1853 (Findly)
- Articles of Faith: 1855-57(John Taylor)
Articles of Faith: 1834 (Cowdery)
Source: Oliver Cowdery, "Address," Latter Day Saints' Messenger and Advocate 1 no. 1 (October 1834), 2.
Articles of Faith: 1834 (Oliver Cowdery)
That our principles may be fully known we here state them briefly:
We believe in God, and his Son Jesus Christ. We believe that God, from the beginning, revealed himself to man; and that whenever he has had a people on earth, he always has revealed himself to them by the Holy Ghost, the ministering of angels, or his own voice. We do not believe that he ever had a church on earth without revealing himself to that church: consequently, there were apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers, in the same.—We believe that God is the same in all ages; and that it requires the same holiness, purity, and religion, to save a man now, as it did anciently; and that as HE is no respecter of persons, always has, and always will reveal himself to men when they call upon him.
We believe that God has revealed himself to men in this age, and commenced to raise up a church preparatory to his second advent, when he will come in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.
We believe that the popular religious theories of the day are incorrect; that they are without parallel in the revelations of God, as sanctioned by him; and that however faithfully they may be adhered to, or however zealously and warmly they may be defended, they will never stand the strict scrutiny of the word of life.
We believe that all men are born free and equal; that no man, combination of men, or government of men, have power or authority to compel or force others to embrace any system of religion, or religious creed, or to use force or violence to prevent others from enjoying their own opinions, or practicing the same, so long as they do not molest or disturb others in theirs, in a manner to deprive them of their privileges as free citizens—or of worshiping God as they choose, and that any attempt to the contrary is an assumption unwarrantable in the revelations of heaven, and strikes at the root of civil liberty, and is a subversion of all equitable principles between man and man.
We believe that God has set his hand the second time to recover the remnant of his people, Israel; and that the time is near when he will bring them from the four winds, with songs of everlasting joy, and reinstate them upon their own lands which he gave their fathers by covenant.
And further: We believe in embracing good wherever it may be found; of proving all things, and holding fast that which is righteous.
This, in short, is our belief, and we stand ready to defend it upon its own foundation when ever it is assailed by men of character and respectability. And while we act upon these broad principles, we trust in God that we shall never be confounded!
Neither shall we wait for opposition; but with a firm reliance upon the justice of such a course, and the propriety of disseminating a knowledge of the same, we shall endeavor to persuade men to turn from error and vain speculation; investigate the plan which heaven has devised for our salvation; prepare for the year of recompense, and the day of vengeance which are near, and thereby be ready to meet the Bridegroom!
OLIVER COWDERY. Kirtland, Ohio, October, 1834.
Articles of Faith: 1836 (Joseph Young)
Source: Joseph Young cited in John Hayward, The Religious Creeds and Statistics (1836): 139-140; cited in John W. Welch and David J. Whittaker, "’We Believe…’. Development of the Articles of Faith," Ensign 9/9 (September 1979): 51-55.
‘This Church was organized on the 6th of April, 1830, in the State of New York, and its principal articles of faith are,
‘1. [1] A belief in one true and living God, the creator of the heavens and the earth, and in his Son Jesus Christ, who came into this world 1800 years since, at Jerusalem; was slain, rose from the dead, ascended on high, and now sits on the right hand of the Majesty in the heavens; [3] that through the atonement thus wrought out, all men may come to God and find acceptance; all of which they believe is revealed in the holy Scripture.
2.‘ [4] That God requires all men, wherever his gospel is proclaimed, or his law known, to repent of all sins, forsake evil, and follow righteousness; that his word also requires men to be baptized, as well as to repent; and that the direct way pointed out by the Scriptures for baptism, is immersion. After which, the individual has the promise of the gift of the Holy Spirit…. This gift of the Holy Spirit, was anciently bestowed by the laying on of the apostles’ hands: [5] so this church believes that those who have authority to administer in the ordinances of the gospel, have this right and authority….
3.[10] That God will, in the last days, gather the literal descendants of Jacob to the lands anciently possessed by their fathers; that he will lead them as at the first, and build them as at the beginning…. [7] And that, as men anciently saw visions, dreamed dreams, held communion with angels, and conversed with the heavens, so it will be in the last days, to prepare the way for all nations, languages and tongues, to serve him in truth.
‘4. That the time will come when the Lord Jesus will descend from heaven, accompanied with ten thousand of his saints; that a mighty angel will lay hold on the dragon, bind him, cast him into the pit….
5. They believe in the resurrection of the body; that all men will stand in the presence of God, and be judged according to the deeds, or works, done in this life.’”
Articles of Faith: 1840 (Orson Pratt)
Source: Orson Pratt, An Interesting Account of Several Remarkable Visions (Edinburgh, Scotland: Ballantyne and Hughes, 1840), ??. off-site off-site Full title GL direct link [citation needed]
We now proceed to give a sketch of the faith and doctrine of this Church.
First, We believe in God the Eternal Father,and in his Son Jesus Christ, and in the Holy Ghost, who bears record of them, the same throughout all ages and for ever.
We believe that all mankind, by the transgression of their first parents, and not by their own sins, were brought un- [p. 25] der the curse and penalty of that transgression, which consigned them to an eternal banishment from the presence of God, and their bodies to an endless sleep in the dust, never more to rise, and their spirits to endless misery under the power of Satan; and that, in this awful condition, they were utterly lost and fallen, and had no power of their own to extricate themselves therefrom.
We believe, that through the sufferings, death, and atonement of Jesus Christ, all mankind, without one exception, are to be completely, and fully redeemed, both body and spirit, from the endless banishment and curse, to which they were consigned, by Adam's transgression; and that this universal salvation and redemption of the whole human family from the endless penalty of the original sin, is effected, without any conditions whatsoever on their part; that is, that they are not required to believe, or repent, or be baptized, or do any thing else, in order to be redeemed from that penalty; for whether they believe or disbelieve, whether they repent or remain inpenitent, whether they be baptized or unbaptized, whether they keep the commandments or break them, whether they are righteous or unrighteous, it will make no difference in relation to their redemption, both soul and body, from the penalty of Adam's transgression. The most righteous man that ever lived on the earth, and the most wicked wretch of the whole human family, were both placed under the same curse, without any transgression or agency of their own, and they both, alike, will be redeemed from that curse, without any agency or conditions on their part. Paul says, Rom. v. 18. "Therefore, as by the offence of one, judgment came upon ALL men to condemnation; even so, by the righteousness of one, the free gift came upon ALL men unto the justification of life." This is the reason, why ALL men are redeemed from the grave. This is the reason, that the spirits of ALL men are restored to their bodies. This is the reason that ALL men are redeemed from their first banishment, and restored into the presence of God, and this is the reason that the Saviour said, John xii. 32, "If I be lifted up from the earth I will draw ALL men unto me." After this full, complete, and universal redemption, restoration, and salvation of the whole of Adam's race, through the atonement of Jesus Christ, without faith, re- [p. 26] pentance, baptism, or any other works, then, all and every one of them, will enjoy eternal life and happiness, never more to be banished from the presence of God, IF they themselves have committed no sin: for the penalty of the original sin can have no more power over them at all, for Jesus hath destroyed its power, and broken the bands of the first death, and obtained the victory over the grave, and delivered all its captives, and restored them from their first banishment into the presence of his Father; hence eternal life will then be theirs, IF they themselves are not found transgressors of some law.
We believe that all mankind, in their infant state, are incapable of knowing good and evil, and of obeying or disobeying a law, and that, therefore, there is no law given to them, and that where there is no law, there is no transgression; hence they are innocent, and if they should all die in their infant state, they would enjoy eternal life, not being transgressors themselves, neither accountable for Adam's sin.
We believe that all mankind, in consequence of the fall, after they grow up from their infant state, and come to the years of understanding, know good and evil, and are capable of obeying or disobeying a law, and that law is given against doing evil, and that the penalty affixed is a second banishment from the presence of God, both body and spirit, after they have been redeemed from the FIRST banishment and restored into his presence.
We believe, that the penalty of this second law can have no effect upon persons who have not had the privilege, in this life, of becoming acquainted therewith; for although the light that is in them, teaches them good and evil, yet that light does not teach them the law against doing evil, nor the penalty thereof. And although they have done things worthy of many stripes, yet the law cannot be brought to bear against them, and its penalty be inflicted, because they can plead ignorance of, but by the law of their conscience, the penalty thereof being a few stripes.
We believe that all who have done evil, having a knowledge of the law, or afterwards, in this life, coming to the knowledge thereof, are under its penalty, which is not [p. 27] inflicted in this world, but in the world to come. Therefore such, in this world, are prisoners, shut up under the sentence of law, awaiting, with awful fear, for the time of judgment, when the penalty shall be inflicted, consigning them to a second banishment from the presence of their Redeemer, who has redeemed them from the penalty of the FIRST law. But, enquires the sinner, is there no way for my escape? Is my case hopeless? Can I not devise some way by which I can extricate myself from the penalty of this SECOND law, and escape this SECOND banishment? The answer is, if thou canst hide thyself from the all-searching eye of an Omni-present God, that he shall not find thee, or if thou canst prevail with him to deny justice its claim, or if thou canst clothe thyself with power, and contend with the Almighty, and prevent him from executing the sentence of the law, then thou canst escape. If thou canst cause repentance, or baptism in water, or any of thine own works, to atone for the least of thy transgressions, then thou canst deliver thyself from the awful penalty that awaits thee. But, be assured, O sinner, that thou canst not devise any way of thine own to escape, nor do any thing that will atone for thy sins. Therefore, thy case is hopeless, unless God hath devised some way for thy deliverance; but do not let despair seize upon thee: for though thou art under the sentence of a broken law, and hast no power to atone for thy sins, and redeem thyself therefrom, yet there is hope in thy case; for he, who gave the law, has devised a way for thy deliverance. That same Jesus, who hath atoned for the original sin, and will redeem all mankind from the penalty thereof, hath also atoned for thy sins, and offereth salvation and deliverance to thee, on certain conditions to be complied with on thy part.
We believe that the first condition to be complied with on the part of sinners is, to believe in God, and in the sufferings and death of his Son Jesus Christ, to atone for the sins of the whole world, and in his resurrection and ascension on high, to appear in the presence of his Father, to make intercessions for the children of men, and in the Holy Ghost, which is given to all who obey the gospel.
That the second condition is, to repent, that is, all who believe, according to the first condition, are required to [p. 28] come humbly before God, and confess their sins with a broken heart and contrite spirit, and to turn away from them, and cease from all their evil deeds, and make restitution to all they have in any way injured, as far as it is in their power.
That the third condition is, to be baptized by immersion in water, in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, for remission of sins; and that this ordinance is to administered by one who is called and authorized of Jesus Christ to baptize, otherwise it is illegal, and of no advantage, and not accepted by him; and that it is to be administered only to those persons, who believe and repent, according to the two preceding conditions.
And that the fourth condition is, to receive the laying on of hands, in the name of Jesus Christ, for the gift of the Holy Ghost; and that this ordinance is to be administered by the apostles or elders, whom the Lord Jesus hath called and authorized to lay on hands, otherwise it is of no advantage, being illegal in the sight of God; and that it is to be administered only to those persons, who believe, repent, and are baptized into this church, according to the three preceding conditions. These are the first conditions of the gospel. All who comply with them receive forgiveness of sins, and are made partakers of the Holy Ghost. Through these conditions, they become the adopted sons and daughters of God. Through this process, they are born again, first of water, and then of the spirit, and become children of the kingdom--heirs of God--saints of the most High--the church of the first-born--the elect people, and heirs to a celestial inheritance, eternal in the presence of God. After complying with these principles, their names are enrolled in the book of the names of the righteous.
They are then required to be humble, to be meek and lowly in heart, to watch and pray, to deal justly; and inasmuch as they have the riches of this world, to feed the hungry and clothe the naked, according to the dictates of wisdom and prudence; to comfort the afflicted, to bind up the broken-hearted, and to do all the good that is in their power: and besides all these things, they are required to meet together as often as circumstances will admit, and partake of bread and wine, in remembrance of the broken [p. 29] body, and shed blood of the Lord Jesus; and, in short, to continue faithful to the end, in all the duties enjoined upon them by the word and spirit of Christ.
"It is the duty and privilege of the saints thus organized upon the everlasting gospel, to believe in and enjoy all the gifts, powers, and blessings which flow from the Holy Spirit. Such, for instance, as the gifts of revelation, prophecy, visions, the ministry of angels, healing the sick by the laying on of hands in the name of Jesus, the working of miracles, and, in short, all the gifts as mentioned in Scripture, or as enjoyed by the ancient saints." We believe that inspired apostles and prophets, together with all the officers as mentioned in the New Testament, are necessary to be in the Church in these days.
We believe that there has been a general and awful apostasy from the religion of the New Testament, so that all the known world have been left for centuries without the Church of Christ among them; without a priesthood authorized of God to administer ordinances; that every one of the churches has perverted the gospel; some in one way, and some in another. For instance, almost every church has done away "immersion for remission of sins." Those few who have practised it for remission of sins, have done away with the ordinance of the "laying on of hands" upon baptized believers for the gift of the Holy Ghost. Again, the few who have practised this last ordinance, have perverted the first, or have done away the ancient gifts, and powers, and blessings, which flow from the Holy Spirit, or have said to inspired apostles and prophets, we have no need of you in the body in these days. Those few, again, who have believed in, and contended for the miraculous gifts and powers of the Holy Spirit, have perverted the ordinances, or done them away. Thus all the churches preach false doctrines, and pervert the gospel, and instead of having authority from God to administer its ordinances, they are under the curse of God for perverting it. Paul says, Gal. i. 8, "Though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed."
We believe that there are a few, sincere, honest, and humble persons, who are striving to do according to the best of their understanding; but, in many respects, they [p. 30] err in doctrine, because of false teachers and the precepts of men, and that they will receive the fulness of the gospel with gladness, as soon as they hear it.
The gospel in the "Book of Mormon," is the same as that in the New Testament, and is revealed in great plainness, so that no one that reads it can misunderstand its principles. It has been revealed by the angel, to be preached as a witness to all nations, first to the Gentiles, and then to the Jews, then cometh the downfall of Babylon. Thus fulfilling the vision of John, which he beheld on the Isle of Patmos, Rev. xiv. 6, 7, 8, " And I saw," says John, "another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people, saying, with a loud voice, Fear God, and give glory to him, for the hour of his judgment is come: and worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters. And there followed another angel, saying, Babylon is fallen, is fallen, that great city, because she made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication."
Many revelations and prophecies have been given to this church since its rise, which have been printed and sent forth to the world. These also contain the gospel in great plainness, and instructions of infinite importance to the saints. They also unfold the great events that await this generation; the terrible judgments to be poured forth upon the wicked, and the blessings and glories to be given to the righteous. We believe that God will continue to give revelations by visions, by the ministry of angels, and by the inspiration of the Holy Ghost, until the saints are guided unto all truth, that is, until they come in possession of all the truth there is in existence, and are made perfect in knowledge. So long, therefore, as they are ignorant of any thing past, present, or to come, so long, we believe, they will enjoy the gift of revelation. And when in their immortal and perfect state--when they enjoy "the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ"--when they are made perfect in one, and become like their Saviour, then they will be in possession of all knowledge, wisdom, and intelligence: then all things will be theirs, whether incipalities or powers, thrones or dominions; and, i [p. 31] short, then they will be filled will all the fulness of God. And what more can they learn? What more can they know? What more can they enjoy? Then they will no longer need revelation.
We believe that wherever the people enjoy the religion of the New Testament, there they enjoy visions, revelations, the ministry of angels, &c. And that wherever these blessings cease to be enjoyed, there they also cease to enjoy the religion of the New Testament.
We believe that God has raised up this church, in order to prepare a people for his second coming in the clouds of heaven, in power, and great glory; and that then the saints who are asleep in their graves will be raised, and reign with him on earth a thousand years.
And now we bear testimony to all, both small and great, that the Lord of Hosts hath sent us with a message of glad tidings--the everlasting gospel, to cry repentance to the nations, and prepare the way of his second coming. Therefore repent, O ye nations, both Gentiles and Jews, and cease from all your evil deeds, and come forth with broken hearts and contrite spirits, and be baptized in water, in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, for remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit, by the laying on of the hands of the Apostles or Elders of this church; and signs shall follow them that believe, and if they continue faithful to the end, they shall be saved. But woe unto them, who hearken not to the message which God has now sent, for the day of vengeance and burning is at hand, and they shall not escape. Therefore, REMEMBER, O reader, and perish not!
Articles of Faith: 1842 (Orson Hyde)
Source: Orson Hyde, Ein Ruf aus der Vüste, Eine Stimme aus dem Schoose der Erde. Kurzer Ueberblick des Ursprungs und der Lehre der Kirche "Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints" in Amerika, Gekannt von Manchen Unter der Benennung: "Die Mormonen." [published in 1960 in English as A Cry from the Wilderness, a Voice from the Dust of the Earth] (Frankfurt am Main, Germany, 1842), ??. [citation needed]
Articles of Faith: 1842 (Wentworth letter)
Letter sent by Joseph Smith to John Wentworth, (1 March 1842); Times and Seasons 3/9 (1 March 1842): 709-710; reprinted in History of the Church 4:537. Canonized as 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 1st, Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ; 2d, Repentance; 3d, Baptism by immersion for the remission of sins; 4th, Laying on of hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost.
[5] We believe that a man must be called of God by "prophesy, and by 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, &c.
[7] We believe in the gift of tongues, prophesy, revelation, visions, healing, interpretation of tongues &c.
[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 T, and that the earth will be renewed and receive its paradasaic glory.
[11] We claim the privilege of worshipping 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 thing, 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.
Articles of Faith: 1849 (Flanigan)
Source: J.H. Flanigan, Mormonism Triumphant! Truth Vindicated. Lies Refuted, The Devil Mad, and Priestcraft in Danger!!! Being a Reply to Palmer’s Internal Evidence Against the Book of Mormon (Liverpool: Printed by R. James, 1849): 32
Latter-day Saints’ Faith
We believe in God the eternal Father, and his son Jesus Christ, and in the Holy Ghost.
We believe that through the atonement of Christ all mankind may be saved, by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the gospel.
We believe that these ordinances are:--1st. Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. 2nd. Repentance. 3rd. Baptism by immersion for the remission of sins. 4th. Laying on of hands for the gift of the Holy Spirit. 5th. The Lord’s Supper.
We believe that men must be called of God by inspiration, and by laying on of hands by those who are duly commissioned to preach the gospel and administer in the ordinances thereof.
We believe in the same organization that existed in the primitive church, viz., apostles, prophets, pastors, teachers, evangelists, &c.
We believe in the powers and gifts of the everlasting gospel, viz., the gift of faith, discerning of spirits, prophecy, revelation, visions, healing, tongues, and the interpretation of tongues, wisdom, charity, brotherly love, &c.
We believe the word of God recorded in the bible, we also believe the word of God recorded in the Book of Mormon, and in all other good books.
We believe all that God has revealed, all that he does now reveal, and we believe that he will yet reveal many more great and important things pertaining to the kingdom of God and Messiah’s second coming.
We believe in the literal gathering of Israel, and in the restoration of the ten tribes; that Zion will be established upon the western continent, that Christ will reign personally upon the earth a thousand years, and that the earth will be renewed and receive its paradisiacal glory.
We believe in the literal resurrection of the body, and that the dead in Christ will rise first, and that the rest of the dead live not again until the thousand years are expired.
We claim the privilege of worshipping Almighty God according to the dictates of our conscience unmolested, and allow all men the same privilege, let them worship how or where they may.
We believe in being subject to kings, queens, presidents, rulers, and magistrates, in obeying, honouring, and sustaining the law.
We believe in being honest, true, chaste, temperate, benevolent, virtuous, and upright, 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 very many things, and hope to be able to ‘endure all things.’ Everything virtuous, lovely, praiseworthy, and of good report we seek after, looking forward to the ‘recompense of reward.’
Articles of Faith: 1853 (Haven)
Source: David J. Whittaker [Historians Corner, edited by James B. Allen], "Early Mormon Imprints In South Africa," Brigham Young University Studies 20 no. 4 (Summer 1980), 401-416. Original: Jesse Haven, Some of the Principle Doctrines or Belief of the Church (Cape Town, South Africa, 1853), PAGES? [citation needed]
The appearance in Cape Town, South Africa, on 8 June 1853 of Some of the Principal Doctrines of Belief of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints marks the printed beginnings of the Mormon missionary effort in that area of the world. Its author, Jesse Haven, was the first president of the South African Mission of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Called during a special missionary conference in Salt Lake City on 28-29 August 1852….
SOME OF THE PRINCIPAL DOCTRINES, &c.
"We believe in God the Eternal Father, and in His Son Jesus Christ, and in the Holy Ghost."
We believe that God is a distinct personage, having body and parts like man, for we read that God said "Let us make man in our own image, after our likeness."
We believe the personage of God, can no more than the person of man, be in two separate and distinct places at the self same instant of time.
We believe the personage of God is filled with the Holy Ghost, and this Holy Ghost or Spirit of God, is diffused through all space, and by this spirit, God is every where present beholding the works of his hands.
"We believe that men will be punished for their own sins, and not for Adam's transgression."
We believe Christ atoned for the original sin of Adam, therefore little children that die, without one exception, will be saved.
"We believe that through the atonement of Christ all mankind may be saved by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the Gospel.
"We believe that these ordinances are; 1st. Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ; 2nd. Repentance, 3rd. Baptism by immersion for the remission of Sins; 4th. Laying on of hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost.
"We believe that a man must be called of God by "prophecy, and by laying on of hands" by those who are in authority to preach the gospel and administer in the ordinances thereof.
"We believe in the same organization that existed in the primitive Church, viz. Apostles, Prophets, Pastors, Teachers, Evangelist, &c.
"We believe in the gifts of tongues, prophecy, revelation, visions, healing, interpretation of tongues, &c.
"We believe the Bible to be the Word of God as far as it is translated correctly," and a history of the House of Israel.
"We believe the Book of Mormon to be the Word of God," and a history of the branch of one of the Tribes of Israel, viz: the Tribe of Joseph, it also contains a short history of a people called "Jaredites."
"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.
"We believe in the literal gathering of Israel, and in the restoration of the Ten Tribes. That Zion will be built upon the American continent. That Christ will reign personally upon the earth, and that the earth will be renewed and receive its paradisiac glory."
We believe in the baptism for the dead, a doctrine spoken of by Paul but not explained. This doctrine when rightly and fully understood, appears one of the most glorious doctrines revealed for the salvation of the human family.
We believe in future rewards and punishments, and that mankind will be rewarded according to their works or deeds done in the body. Paul speaks of three different glories, viz. "One glory of the Sun, and another glory of the Moon, and another glory of the Stars," to one of these glories all of the human family will go, except those who commit the unpardonable sin; for them there is no kingdom of glory, but they will become the sons of Perdition, and will have no forgiveness in this world nor in that which is to come. All the human family, except these sons of Perdition, by the death and resurrection of Christ, will be redeemed in the own due time of the Lord from the power of the devil, and be brought into one of the above glories. Paul speaks of being "caught up to the third heaven," showing distinctly that there are three different degrees of glory.
We believe that those who obtain the glory of the Sun, will enjoy the presence of God and His Son Jesus Christ.
We believe that those who will be like the glory of the Moon, will enjoy the "presence of the Son, but not the fulness of the Father."
We believe those who will be like the glory of the Stars, will not enjoy the presence of the Father neither of the Son, but will receive the "Holy Spirit through the ministration" of the other glories, and will also be administered to by Angels. These will not come forth in the first resurrection, but will be shut up in prison through the millennial reign of Christ and His Saints upon the earth, after which, they will be brought forth to inherit a glory they have lived for.
We believe God has raised up a Prophet to whom He has revealed the fullness of the everlasting gospel, and as the forerunner of the second coming of Christ upon the earth.
We believe the Lord is now sending forth His servants for the last time to prune His vineyard,--calling upon all to repent and be baptized for the remission of sins.
We believe as soon as a person receives and obeys the gospel, it is his duty, as soon as circumstances will permit, to gather out from amongst the wicked, and go to the place the Lord has appointed for the gathering of His people in the last days.
We believe the judgments of God, such as war, famine, pestilence, &c. are soon to be poured out upon the nations of the earth. Therefore the Lord is now saying by His Servants, "Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues."
We believe woman is naturally more virtous, pure, and religiously disposed than man, therefore, more women than men, will receive and obey the gospel in the last days, and be gathered to Zion.
We believed there has been a law revealed, by which a man in Zion, and in Zion only, or at the place the Lord has commanded His people to gather, can have more than one wife; and this law is under the strictest regulations.
We believe this law is not given to gratify the lusts of men but given for the exaltation of both men and women,--giving to every woman the privilege of filling up the measure of her creation, and lawfully, and honorabley and virtuously obeying the first and great command, "Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth."
We believe on the account of the wars that are soon to be amongst the nations of the earth, the the wicked will slay the wicked,--men will be killed off, and the women will flee to Zion for safety; then this prophecy will be fulfilled, "And in that day seven women shall take hold of one man, saying, we will eat our own bread, and wear our own apparel; only let us be called by thy name, to take away our reproach." Isaiah.--4th.--1st. Does a woman take the name of a man unless she is married to him?
We believe in marrying for time and for all eternity; and this ordinance must be attended to in this life, if it is not, husband and wife will be deprived of each other in the life to come. "For in the resurrection they neither marry, nor are given in marriage, but are as the Angels of God in Heaven," that is, "they remain separately and singly, without exaltation, in their saved condition, to all eternity," and "are appointed angels in heaven, which angels are ministering servants, to minister for those who are worthy of a far more, and an exceeding, and an eternal weight of glory."
"We claim the privilege of worshiping Almighty God according to the dictates of our own conscience, and allow all men the same privilege let them worship how, where, or what they may.
"We believe in being subject to Kings," Queens, "Presidents, Rulers, Magestrates" and all who are in authority over us, "and in obeying, honoring and sustaining the law."
"We believe in being honest, true, chaste, benevolent, virtous, and in doing good to all men."
"We believe in seeking after truth, and are willing to receive and embrace it, from any and every one that has truth to impart.
Articles of Faith: 1853 (Findly)
Source: Hugh Findly [Findlay], The Mormons or Latter-day Saints (Bombay, India, 1853), PAGES?? [citation needed]
Articles of Faith: 1855-57(John Taylor)
Source: "A Short Account of the Faith and Doctrines of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints," The Mormon [edited by John Taylor from February 17, 1855 to September 19, 1857]; reprinted Deseret News 13. 51 (September 14, 1864): 395.
We believe in God, the Eternal Father, and in his Son Jesus Christ, and in the Holy Ghost, who bears record of them forever.
We believe that all mankind, through the transgression of our first parents, were brought under the curse and penalty of transgression, but that through the sufferings, , death and atonement of Jesus Christ, all are to be redeemed from any effects of original transgression; that as they were placed under a penalty without any act of their own, so they were delivered from it precisely on the same terms. ‘For as by the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so, by the righteousness of one, the free gift came upon all men unto the justification of life’ [Romans 5. 18]
We believe that little children are innocent, and not under transgression; that they are incapable of obeying any law, not believing good or evil; and Jesus says, ‘Of such are the kingdom of heaven; but they, when they arrive at years of maturity, and know good from evil, and are capable of obeying or disobeying a law; if they then transgress, they will be condemned for breaking a known law.
We believe that no man will be condemned for not obeying a law that he does not know; and that consequently millions of the human family who have never had the gospel are better off than those who have had that privilege, and disobeyed it. That mankind will be judged according to what they have, and not according to that they have not done ‘according to the deeds done in the body.’
We believe that faith in God, and in the sufferings, death and atonement of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, and in his resurrection and ascension on high, and in the Holy Ghost, which is given to all who obey the gospel, and is one of the first conditions.
That the next is to repent of—to confess, and to turn away from their sins, and make restitution to all whom they have injured, as far as it is in their power.
'That the third is to be baptized by immersion in water, in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, ‘for remission of sins.’ And that this ordinance must be performed by one having authority, or otherwise it is of no avail.
'The fourth is, to receive the laying on of hands, in the name of Jesus Christ, for the gift of the Holy Ghost. And this ordinance must also be administered by the Apostles, or Elders, whom the Lord Jesus has called to lay on hands, nor then it is it of any advantage except to those persons who have complied with the afore-named three conditions.
'We believe that the Holy Ghost is the same now, as it was in the apostolic days formerly, and that when a church is organized, it is their privilege to have all the gifts, powers and blessings which flow from the Holy Spirit.
‘Such, for instance, as the gifts of revelation, prophecy, visions, the ministry of angels, healing the sick by the laying on of hands in the name of Jesus, the working of miracles, and, in short, all the gifts as mentioned in Scripture, or as enjoyed by the ancient saints.’
We believe that baptized apostles and prophets, together with all the officers as mentioned in the New Testament, are necessary to be in the Church in these days.
‘We believe that there has been a general and awful apostasy from the religion of the New Testament, so that all the known world have been left for centuries without the Church of Christ among them; without a priesthood authorized of God to administer ordinances; that every one of the churches have perverted the gospel; some in one way and some in another. For instance, almost every church has done away’ immersion for remission of sins.’ Those few who have practiced it for remission of sins, have done away the ordinance of the laying on of hands’ upon baptized believers for the gift of the Holy Ghost. Again, the few who have practiced the last ordinance have perverted the first, or have done away the ancient gifts, powers and blessings which flow form the Holy Spirit, or have said to inspired apostles and prophets, we have no need of you in the body in these days. Those few, again, who have believed in and contended for the miraculous gifts and powers of the Holy Spirit, have perverted the ordinance or done them away. Thus, all the churches preach false doctrines and pervert the gospel, and instead of having authority from God to administer its ordinances, they are under the curse of God for perverting it. Paul says, Gal 1. 8, ‘Though we or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you, than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.’
‘We believe that there are a few sincere, honest and humble persons who are striving to do according to the best of their understanding; but, in many respects, they err in doctrine because of false teachers and the precepts of men, and that they will receive the fulness of the gospel with gladness as soon as they hear it.’
'We believe in the Bible, the Book of Mormon, and in living and continued revelation, but we also believe that no new revelation will contradict the old.
‘The gospel in the ‘Book of Mormon’ is the same as that in the New Testament, and is revealed in great plainness, as that no one that reads it can misunderstand its principles. It has been revealed by the angel to be preached as a witness to all nations, first in to the Gentiles, and then to the Jews, then cometh the downfall of Babylon. Thus fulfilling the vision of John, which he beheld on the Isle of Patmos, Rev. 14. 6, 7, 8, ‘And I saw’, says John, ‘another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation and kindred, and tongue, and people, saying, with a loud voice, Fear God, and give glory to him, for the hour of his judgment is come; and worship him that made heaven and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters. And there followed another angel saying, Babylon is fallen, is fallen, that great city, because she made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication.’
‘Many revelations and prophecies have been given to this church since its rise, which have been printed and sent forth to the world. These also contain the gospel in great plainness, and instruction of infinite importance to the Saints. They also unfold the great events that await this generation; the terrible judgments to be poured forth upon the wicked, and the blessings and glories to be given to the righteous. We believe that God will continue to give revelations by visions, by the ministry of angels, and by the inspiration of the Holy Ghost, until the saints are guided into all truth.’
‘We believe that whatever the people enjoy the religion of the New Testament, there they enjoy visions, revelations, the ministry of angels, etc. And that wherever these blessings cease to be enjoyed, there they also cease to enjoy the religion of the New Testament.
‘We believe that God has raised up this church, in order to prepare a people for his second coming in the clouds of heaven, in power, and great glory, and that then the Saints who are asleep in their graves will be raised, and reign with him on earth a thousand years.’
We believe that great judgments await the nations of the earth, on account of their wickedness, and that when the gospel shall have been sufficiently proclaimed, if they reject it, they will be overthrown and destroyed; that plagues, pestilence and famine will be multiplied upon them; that thrones will be cast down, empires overthrown, and nations destroyed; that when the Spirit of God ceases to restrain the people, the world will be full of blood, carnage and desolation; that peace will be taken from the earth, and from among all people, religions and irreligions. ‘It shall be as with the people, so with the priest,’ etc. Isa.
We believe that the Lord will gather his people from among all nations, unto a land of peace, ‘and give them pastors after his own heart, who shall feed them with knowledge and understanding,’ and they shall be the only people upon the earth that shall not be at war with one another.’
‘We believe that the ten tribes of Israel, with the dispersed of Judah, shall soon be restored to their own lands, according to the covenants which God made with their ancient fathers, and that when this great work of restitution shall take place, the power of God shall be made manifest in signs, and wonders, and mighty deeds far exceeding anything that took place in their exodus from Egypt. Jerusalem will be rebuilt, together with a glorious temple, and the Lord shall visit them also, as well as his Saints in Zion. In that day, the name of the Lord shall become great unto the ends of the earth, and all nations shall serve and obey him, for the wicked shall have perished out of the earth.’
We believe in all principles of truth that have been revealed; in all that is now being revealed, and are prepared to receive all that God will reveal.
We believe that the gospel now being preached by the Latter-day Saints is to call the honest in heart out of Babylon, ‘that they partake not of her sins, nor receive of her plagues.’
We believe in morality, chastity, purity, virtue and honesty; and wish to promote the happiness of our fellow men.