Gospel Themes A Treatise on Salient Features of "MORMONISM" Written for, and Dedicated to, the High Priests, Seventies and Elders of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints By ELDER ORSON F. WHITNEY Of the Council of the Twelve Apostles SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH 1914 PREFACE AND DEDICATION. This little book was written and compiled at the request of the General Priesthood Committee, under the sanction of the First Presidency of the Church, for the use and benefit of the Priesthood Classes, throughout the Stakes and Wards of Zion. The treatise, "Gospel Themes," represents the best effort I could make under the circumstances in which that effort was put forth. Many interruptions occurred, consequent upon the performance of other duties, and I had no opportunity to submit the manuscript to a committee of revision, prior to publication; the usual course with works of this character. I was barely able to get it ready for the printer within the time allotted for its preparation. But I tried to be accurate, and am not aware that I made any mistakes. While lacking the help of a revisory committee, I received, and hereby gratefully acknowledge, valuable suggestions from Elders David O. McKay and Edward H. Anderson, members of the Priesthood Committee, and from others whom I consulted. Moreover, Brother Anderson was with me in proof-reading the work, and in engineering it through the press. My aim has been, not to give exhaustive treatment to any subject, but to throw in sight certain themes, and dwell briefly upon points of doctrine, prophecy, history, and illustration, that I thought would be helpful to the brethren of the Priesthood--those who are studying the Gospel at home, and those who are preaching it abroad. To both classes this volume is affectionately dedicated. THE AUTHOR. Salt Lake City, Christmas, 1913. CONTENTS. THE STORY OF GOD. Chapter 1.--A Divine Plan for Human Progress Chapter 2.--Eternal Nature of Gospel Principles Chapter 3.--The Fall and Redemption Chapter 4.--The Gods in Council Chapter 5.--Creation of the Earth Chapter 6.--Elect of Elohim THE WAY OF SALVATION. Chapter 1.--The Law of Obedience Chapter 2.--Faith Chapter 3.--Faith (Continued) Chapter 4.--Repentance Chapter 5.--Water and Spirit Birth Chapter 6.--Purpose and Effects of Baptism Chapter 7.--Mode and Cleaning of Baptism PRIESTHOOD AND CHURCH GOVERNMENT. Chapter 1.--Divine Authority Chapter 2.--Divine Authority (Continued) Chapter 3.--The Church Organization THE GOSPEL DISPENSATIONS. Chapter 1.--Introductory Chapter 2.--The Adamic Period Chapter 3.--Enoch and Zion Chapter 4.--Noah and the Deluge Chapter 5.--Abraham Chapter 6.--Moses and Aaron Chapter 7.--The Lamb of God Chapter 8.--Dawn of the Last Dispensation DISPERSION AND GATHERING OF ISRAEL. Chapter 1.--A Chosen People Chapter 2.--Israel's Mission Chapter 3.--To the Ends of the Earth