=9. Restoration of the Gospel.=--Plainly the vision-prophecy of John (Rev. xiv, 6, 7), relating to the restoration of the gospel to earth, could not refer to the gospel record preserved in the Holy Bible, for that record has remained in the possession of mankind. As stated in our text (page 14) a partial fulfilment is found in the visitation of Moroni and the restoration of the Book of Mormon, which is to us of modern times a new scripture, and one containing a fuller record of "the everlasting gospel." However, a record of the gospel is not the gospel itself. Authority to administer in the saving ordinances of the gospel is essential to the effective preaching and administration thereof; this was restored through John the Baptist, who brought the Aaronic Priesthood, and through Peter, James, and John who brought again to earth the Melchizedek Priesthood (see pp. 193, 194 herein). For commentary on Rev. xiv, 6, 7, see "The Great Apostasy," p. 168. LECTURE II. GOD AND THE GODHEAD. =Article 1.=--We believe in God, the Eternal Father, and in His Son, Jesus Christ, and in the Holy Ghost. =1. The Existence of God.=--Since faith in God constitutes the foundation of religious belief and practice, and inasmuch as a knowledge of the attributes and character of Deity is essential to an intelligent exercise of faith in Him, this subject claims first place in our study of the doctrines of the Church.