The Mormon Apocrypha

  The contributor was a monthly periodical of the LDS church between 1879-1896. It was founded by Junius Wells and was primarily for the Youth organizations at the time. Below is an article from an 1880 issue, written by W. W. Taylor. How easy it is to talk. To quote Brother Millen Atwood's favorite phrase: " Talking is the easiest part of our religion," or in other words, to tell others how they should perform their duties. Yet with all the advice that is given, how much 'of it is practically applied? There seems to be a natural desire in man at least to be considered good, and to have the reputation of exercising a good influence over others, and whether this is the cause for it or not, a disposition to teach or advise others very generally exists. How naturally the question arises: "Does he practice what he preaches?" and what a difference in the effects of his teaching does the answer have. The Elders in going abroad to preach to the nations of the earth...

I once again return to the work of Orson F. Whitney. This one is from the April 1908 conference and discusses the purpose and nature of the Gospel. The Gospel has been around since the beginning and is meant to save everyone. Elder Orson F. Whitney The Gospel of Salvation. — A ladder to eternal life. — Joseph Smith's authority. — The mighty problem of Mormonism. — Redemption of the living and the dead. — The Latter-day Saints the friends of humanity. Two ministers of the Christian church were once conversing together, and one of them asked the other this question: " Why is it, my friend, that the people love to hear you preach, and why is it that they do not love to hear me? Why is your chapel always crowded with eager worshipers, while mine is always nearly empty? " His friend answered him in these words: " I believe it is because I am always telling the people that if they will pursue a certain course they shall be saved, while you are always telling them that if t...

After Joseph Smiths death, many churches spung up from his church. Most went to Utah with Brigham Young, many went up to Wisconsin and Michigan to follow James Strang, and some joined the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day saints. But within rural Illinois, there were a collection of congregations not affiliated with any group. In the spring of 1853, the congregations joined together, vowing to continue the original teachings of the church. In 1863, the were officially organized as a single church, under the leadership of Granville Hendrick. Hendrick was ordained as a prophet, seer and revelator, though he later distanced himself from the term as he thought it was unscriptural. They soon relocated to Independence, Missouri and bought the land Joseph Smith prophesied at temple would be built on known as the temple lot. Today, there they are still in Independence, and still own the Temple Lot, despite getting into a lawsuit with the RLDS Church. Temple Lot Plaque The Church...

Based in Monongahela, Pennsylvania, The Church of Jesus Christ, also known as the Bickertonite Church, is the third largest branch of the restoration. After the martyrdom of Joseph Smith, Sidney Rigdon created his own church in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania. After a while, Rigdon left for Greencastle, leaving behind those who did not follow him.  A branch of those left behind was organized under William Bickerton, who said he was called by God in a vision to preach the Gospel. He was called to preside over the church and called apostles to preside with them. The church was incorporated into Pennsylvania in 1865 with the name "The Church of Jesus Christ." Nowadays, they have over 20,000 members across multiple countries. William Bickerton The Church of Jesus Christ has many differences with the LDS Church. They only use the Book of Mormon and the King James Bible within the scriptural canon. The Church is organized with Twelve apostles, Seventy Evangelists, and elders. Deacons and d...

The Priesthood is an important part of the Restored Gospel. Many sermons have been delivered about it. Below is one such address, delivered by Lorenzo Snow in the Tabernacle in Salt Lake City, on April 7, 1861. It is a matter of rejoicing to me, brethren and sisters, that I have the privilege of assembling here with you in a Conference capacity, contemplating the growth of the kingdom of the Almighty which has been upon the earth for the past thirty-one years, and considering the progress that this people have made in knowledge, power, and intelligence. We meet together in this capacity from time to time. Twice in a year we have always the same privilege. After considering the past, and seeing the improvements we have made, as a people and as individuals, it is a matter of importance to us to consider ourselves, to see whether we are making such progress as is required  of us—to learn if we are keeping pace with the times and the improvements that are being made by the leading men ...

What the Gospel means is a very important question to answer. Previously, I gave an answered from the reorganized church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. It is only fitting to have an answer from the LDS Church. This response to the question was found in the 26th volume of the Journal of Discourses and was delivered  by Lorenzo Snow, fifth prophet of the LDS church. In addressing an assembly of Saints I expect the benefit of their prayers, without the ceremony of asking; being assured they are aware, as well as I am, that our teachings and administrations in the Gospel of life are blest according to our faith and prayers, and the diligence and patience we bestow. I propose to make some general observations upon the Gospel and its administrations, and in relation to its effects when received, and the important blessings derived by this community, through its divine power and virtue. This Gospel, which God has commanded us to offer to the world, is an order or system of things, ...