The Mormon Apocrypha

          The poem below was included in the first edition of the Pearl of Great Price, published in 1851 along aside texts like the book of Abraham and Joseph Smith History. It was written by John Jaques, a convert to the church in England. He wrote it in response to Pilate's question to Jesus in John 18. While not officially canonized, it was put to music and made into a hymn titled " Oh Say, What is truth?" which is still in the hymnbook today.           The most interesting part of the poem is the last stanza, as it answers the question posed at the beginning. Truth is the sum of existence, always existing, never changing. Something as true then as it is now. Truth John Jaques Oh say, what is truth? 'Tis the fairest gem That the riches of worlds can produce, And priceless the value of truth will be when The proud monarch's costliest diadem Is counted but dross and refuse. Yes, say, what is truth? 'Tis the brightest prize...

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, also known as the LDS Church or the Mormon church, is only a little less than two hundred years old. But within that short period of time, her members have written hundreds of pieces of material pertaining to the nature of God and religion. From sermons to visions, from lecture to discourses, a large body of spiritual works were created.  They are apocryphal in nature, not considered scripture by the leading authorities of the church. These works could help someone on their spiritual journey. Others might contain teachings contrary to the church as well. This blog seeks to cover these texts and see what we can learn from them using the gift of the spirit outlined in Doctrine and Covenants section 91.     Every Monday and Thursday, starting on May 12, we will go over everything from Dedicatory prayers to the lectures of faith.  And at the end of this journey, I will see if I can publish an "Official" Mormon Apocrypha, a...