“Mormonism,” mis-named though it be, stands for the principles of eternal truth as enunciated by our Lord Jesus Christ, and by His duly commissioned Apostles and Prophets. The basis of “Mormonism” is fairly summarized in the following outline of facts and premises: Eternal existence of a living personal God; Placing of man upon the earth; Transgression and Fall; Absolute need of a Redeemer; Definite plan of salvation; Establishment of the Church in the “meridian of time:” Falling away; Restoration of the Gospel; and Appointed mission of the restored Church. The short essays have been published at weekly intervals through two years; therefore they number one hundred and four. Concise rather than exhaustive treatment has been attempted.
James E. Talmage was born in 1862 in Berkshire England, where he grew up and then joined the Church. He was called as an apostle in 1911 and during his terms he was asked by the First Presidency to reformat the standard works and correct minor errors in the Book of Mormon.
