doctrines of the Church, for, as declared in one of the
"Articles," belief in continuous revelation from Heaven is a
characteristic feature of "Mormonism." Yet it is to be noted
that no doctrine has been promulgated, which by even strained
interpretation could be construed as antagonistic to this early
declaration of faith. Nor has any revelation to the Church yet
appeared in opposition to earlier revelation of this or of
by-gone dispensations.

To most of the declarations in the Articles of Faith, many sects
professing Christianity could confidently pledge allegiance; to
many of them, all Christian organizations could and professedly
do subscribe. Belief in the existence and powers of the Supreme
Trinity; in Jesus Christ as the Savior and Redeemer of mankind;
in man's individual accountability for his doings; in the
acceptance of sacred writ as the Word of God; in the rights of
Worship according to the dictates of conscience; in all the moral
virtues;--these professions and beliefs are as a common creed in
the realm of Christendom. There is no peculiarly "Mormon"
interpretation, in the light of which these principles of faith
and practise are viewed by the Latter-day Saints, except in a
certain simplicity and literalness of acceptance--gross
literalness, unrefined materialism, it has been called by some
critical opponents.

The gospel plan as accepted and taught by the Latter-day Saints
is strikingly simple; disappointing in its simplicity, indeed, to
the mind that can find satisfaction in mysteries alone, and to
him whose love for metaphor, symbolism, and imagery are stronger
than his devotion to truth itself, which may or may not be thus