hese civilizations which are described in the book to have chariots and swords and all types of fantastic things, have never been proven to exist by archeological discoveries. Historians alike tend to disbelieve the claims of these civilizations. In number 8 of the Articles of Faith, the church signifies the importance of this book, " . . . we also believe the Book of Mormon to be the Word of God." In the Book of Mormon, a record with detailed description is given to the appearance and visitation of Jesus Christ the Savior to the people on the American Continent, following His death and resurrection in Jerusalem. The Doctrine and Covenants or books of Commandments contain modern day revelations, written mostly verbatim as given by God to Joseph Smith. They deal with some great variety subjects pertaining to the organization of the church: its name, special instructions to many men in the beginning of its history; the counsel on diet and health; explanations on the life to come; and instruction on the authority to act and perform ceremonies in the name of God, such as baptism, the laying on of hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost and many others. The Pearl of Great Price is the fourth of the Four Standard Works of the church. It contains many selections from the revelations, translations, and narrations of Joseph Smith. The latter part or second section of the book contains a translation of some ancient records which came into Joseph Smith's possession. These records were on papyrus and came from the catacombs of Egypt. They are the words of Abraham, written by his own hand while he was in Egypt. These papyri were later destroyed in the great Chicago fire. The Articles of Faith give a basic outline of the Mormon Doctrine. 1. We believe in God, the Eternal Father, and in His Son, Jesus Christ, and in the Holy Ghost. 2. We believe that men will be punished for their sins, and not for Adam's transgressions. 3. We believe that through the At...
