“Try the Spirits” Joseph Smith, Times and Seasons, 1 April 1842

Recent occurrences that have transpired amongst us render it an imperative duty devolving upon me to say something in relation to the spirits by which men are actuated. It is evident from the apostle’s writings that many false spirits existed in their day, and had “gone forth into the world,” and that it needed intelligence […]

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Docs

The Internet contains millions of documents. In the world today there is no shortage of information. In all of this knowledge, the indispensable wisdom of the ages is often lost. The Joseph Smith Foundation Docs will contain the most fundamental and critical documents that every Christian can and should study. Categories Document Type

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First Presidency Message of October 1942

James R. Clark, Messages of the First Presidency, Vol.6, pp.170-185; Improvement Era 45:686-87, 757-59, 762-65; 767, November 1942; Liahona, the Elders’ Journal 40:194-203, October 13, 1942. Read by President J. Reuben Clark, Jr., at the first session of the 113th Semi-annual Conference, Saturday, October 3, 1942, in the Tabernacle, Temple Square, Salt Lake City. To […]

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David O. McKay Evolution Letter – February 15, 1957

On February 15, 1957 the President of the Church, David O. McKay, penned a letter to William Lee Stokes claiming that “On the subject of organic evolution the Church has officially taken no position.”  However, this statement contradicted the The Origin of Man: 1909 First Presidency Message “which expresses the Church’s doctrinal position on these […]

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Lines on the Assassination (Eliza R. Snow)

Lines on the Assassination By Eliza R. Snow On the Assassination of Generals Joseph Smith and Hyrum Smith, First Presidents of the Church of Latter-day Saints, who were Massacred by a Mob, in Carthage, Hancock county, Illinois, on the 21th, June, 1844. And when he had opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar, […]

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Peter, My Brother

By Elder Spencer W. Kimball Today I wish to talk about my brother, my colleague, my fellow apostle—Simon Barjona or Cephas or Peter the Rock. Some time ago a newspaper in a distant town carried an Easter Sunday religion editorial by a minister who stated that the presiding authority of the early-day church fell because […]

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Historical Scriptural Statements on Race

Moses 7:8, 22 8 For behold, the Lord shall curse the land with much heat, and the barrenness thereof shall go forth forever; and there was a blackness came upon all the children of Canaan, that they were despised among all people. . . . 22 And Enoch also beheld the residue of the people […]

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Sermon delivered at Nauvoo temple grounds on Friday May 12, 1844

Sources: Thomas Bullock report, George Laub journal, S. W. Richards record and the Joseph Fielding journal Sermon delivered at Nauvoo temple grounds on Friday May 12, 1844   Bullock Report Laub Journal Richards Record Fielding Journal The Savior has the words of Eternal life–nothing else can profit us– there is no salvation in believing an […]

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The Charted Course of the Church in Education

President J. Reuben Clark, Jr. August 8, 1938 With the approval of the First Presidency of the Church, JRC gave this address to Church seminary and institute leaders and others. The group was assembled at Aspen Grove near Provo Canyon as part of Brigham Young University’s Summer School Program. The address has been referred to […]

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A Moral Challenge to the West – A World Wide Battle

The Honorable Ezra Taft Benson Delivered to the International Freedoms Conference. Philadelphia. Pennsylvania. October 26, 1979 The Honorable Ezra Taft Benson LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, delegates and guests: You accord me a great honor by extending this invitation to address you at your Third International Freedoms Conference. Although I could not be with you at your […]

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The Proper Role of Government

The Honorable Ezra Taft Benson Former Secretary of Agriculture [The Eisenhower Administration – ed.] Published in 1968 Men in the public spotlight constantly are asked to express an opinion on a myriad of government proposals and projects. “What do you think of TVA?” “What is your opinion of Medicare?” How do you feel about Urban […]

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To the Fathers in Israel

President Ezra Taft Benson November 1987 My dear brethren, I am grateful to be here with you in this glorious assembly of the priesthood of God. I pray that the Spirit of the Lord will be with me and with you as I address you on a most vital subject. This evening I would like […]

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To the Mothers in Zion

President Ezra Taft Benson 22 February 1987 I rejoice in the opportunity of being with you this evening. I have been touched by the beautiful music and the splendid instructions we have received. There is no theme I would rather speak to than home and family, for they are at the very heart of the […]

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