A key to succession in the presidency of the Church, and a complete ready reference for the missionary

Preface

This little work contains a collection of important citations and quotations on the principles of the gospel and succession in the Presidency of the Church. It has been compiled from material collected while in actual service in the mission field.

The rapid expansion of the missionary work and the many church duties at home, demand a practical ready reference. A number of such references already exist in the private journals and index books of the returned missionaries, but have failed to come before the public for the use of future workers. Realizing the value of such a work, the compilation of this book has been undertaken, and its preparation has been interesting to me, and I hope the results may prove interesting and beneficial to those who use it.

The aim has been to make the work brief, but comprehensive. Most, if not all, of the important subjects of the gospel as used in missionary work are here presented, and have been selected with considerable care.

Attention is called to the carefully arranged index at the beginning of the book. It consists of a great number of pages, and thus forms a key to the entire work. Any important item can be readily found by referring to the index. It is certain this feature will be welcomed, and appreciated the more it is used.

Part one, which follows the index, is the Ready Reference for the Missionary. An important feature connected with this is the alphabetical arrangement of the subjects. The value of this is apparent.

The work here outlined is not a compilation of items thrown together for the purpose of filling the book, but is a careful selection of choice, practical references suitable for the missionary and active church worker.

There is also foun'l ^'n this part, a bird's eye view of the Church from the birth of Joseph Smith in 1805 to his death at Carthage in 1844. The great land-marks and items of interest showing the progress of the Church are given in chronological order, and is full of the most important facts in Church History.

At the close of part one is appended a collection of over two hundred citations used in a debate in August,

1908, between the author and J. F. Curtis of the Reorganized Church. This will be found of value to those who may meet the "aggressors" or care to learn of their position in regard to Succession in the Presidency.

Part two consists of quotations carefully selected from many rare publications, such as the Millennial Stars from 1840 to 1854, Times and Seasons, published in Nauvoo, Journals of Discourses, the Life of Parley P. Pratt, Life of the Prophet by Edward W. Tullidge, History of Illinois by Governor Ford, who was the Chief Executive at the time the Saints were in Illinois, Records of Hancock County giving the Sworn Statement of Joseph Smith the Martyr, as to whom his Successor in office shall be, Records in Historian's Office, Salt Lake City, Saints Herald, a publication of the Reorganized Church, Letters from President Joseph Smith of said Church, showing his position and reasons for the stand he. has taken. Numerous other works have been freely used in the compilation of this work.

The subject matter here contained is replete with interesting historical events which prove beyond a doubt that succession in the Presidency of the Church belongs where the revelations of God designate.

THE AUTHOR.

Contents

Ready Reference, part ona

Citations used in a four nights' debate on "Succession

in the Presidency."

Excerpts from early church works, part two.