=7. The Fall Fore-known.=--"'Mormonism' accepts the doctrine of the Fall, and the account of the transgression in Eden, as set forth in Genesis; but it affirms that none save Adam shall ever have to account for Adam's disobedience; that mankind in general are absolutely absolved from the responsibility for that 'original sin,' and that each shall answer for his own transgressions alone. That the Fall was foreknown of God,--that it was the accepted means by which the necessary condition of mortality should be inaugurated; and that a Redeemer was provided before the world was. That general salvation, in the sense of redemption from the effects of the Fall, comes to all without their seeking it; but that individual salvation or rescue from the effects of personal sins is to be acquired by each for himself, by faith and good works through the redemption wrought by Jesus Christ."--_The Philosophy of Mormonism_: The Author; Improvement Era, Vol. IV, pp. 465-466. =8. The Fall a Process of Physical Degeneracy.=--For a concise treatment of this topic see "Jesus the Christ," pp. 19 and 29. LECTURE IV. THE ATONEMENT, AND SALVATION. =Article 3.=--We believe that through the atonement of Christ, all mankind may be saved, by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the gospel. THE ATONEMENT. =1. The Atonement of Christ= is taught as a leading doctrine by all sects professing Christianity. The expression is so common a one, and the essential point of its signification is so generally admitted, that definitions may appear to be superfluous; nevertheless, there is a peculiar importance attached to the use of the word atonement, in a theological sense. The doctrine of the atonement comprises proof of the divinity of Christ's earthly ministry; and the vicarious nature of His death, as a fore-ordained and voluntary sacrifice, intended for and efficacious as a propitiation for the sins of mankind, thus becoming the means whereby salvation may be obtained.