Compendium of the Faith and Doctrines of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints

from the leading publications of the Church, places in the hands of the Elders convenient means of comparing these publications with the Scriptures, and of proving that they teach the same doctrines. I also trust that it will be found of great value to those who may wish to search after the rich stores of knowledge which our various publications contain, the study of which has, no doubt, been often neglected on account of the great labour which has heretofore been necessary to find the most important Revelations, Discourses, Articles, &c., on the leading Doctrines of the Church.

But few will probably fully appreciate the difficulties attendant on the first compilation of a work of this kind. To break new ground-to bring the most important passages from several different publications to bear on nearly fifty different subjects-has required much time and patient research. That it might be much improved, I am well aware; but if it prove an efficient aid to the Elders in their labours to spread the Truth, and an assistant to those who love to search after the principles of salvation, and supply in some measure the want that has been felt for a work of the kind, the general objects for which it was commenced will have been attained.

I have only endeavoured to assist others in their efforts to obtain the implements with which to combat the powers of darkness, and it will require great care on their part to use them at all times with wisdom. They should endeavour to give everything its proper weight and bearing, and discriminate carefully between the Bible, Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants, and other writings which

are considered by the authorities of the Church as direct Revelation, and Discourses and Articles referred to which are not so authenticated.

The Appendix has been added with the hope that the information it contains will often be found useful to the student. The Chronologies, if not as complete as they might have been made under more favourable circumstances, will, I trust, prove to be of some utility, and may, in the future, serve as a foundation for something of the kind more perfect.

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