The Articles of Faith / A Series of Lectures on the Principal Doctrines of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints

by James E. Talmage

LECTURE I.

Introductory.

1. What is Theology? (State, 1, derivation of the word; 2, extent of the science.)

2. Compare Theology and Religion.

3. Define the "Articles of Faith." (Give:—1, circumstance of their origin, see note, p. 24; 2, their readoption by the Church; 3, their necessary incompleteness as an expression of our belief.)

4. Name the standard works of the Church.

5. State the principal incidents connected with the parentage, birth, and youth of the Prophet Joseph Smith.

6. Give the circumstances of Joseph Smith's prayerful search for truth.

7. Describe his first vision.

8. What prominent feature of modern sectarian teaching, regarding the personality of the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ, was disproved by this vision?

9. How was Joseph's statement of his vision received by sectarian teachers of that time?

10. Describe the visitations of Moroni to Joseph Smith. (Give:—1, dates; 2, most important messages delivered by the angel.)

11. Describe the re-establishment of the Church through the ministry of Joseph Smith in the present dispensation.

12. Relate the circumstances of the martyrdom of Joseph and his brother Hyrum.—(Doc. and Cov. cxxxv.)

13. Show the importance of the Divine authenticity of Joseph Smith's calling, in respect to the claims made for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

14. Summarize the evidence of Divine authority in the work accomplished by Joseph Smith.

15. Give instances of the fulfillment of ancient prophecy in his work.

16. Show the Divine source of Joseph Smith's authority in the priesthood.

17. Show the validity of the claim made, that he was a true prophet. (Give:—1, the Lord's test of a true prophet; 2, give instances of important prophecies uttered by Joseph Smith and already fulfilled.)