there is to learn of him and his ways. We hold that the doctrine
of continuous revelation from God is not less philosophical and
scientific than scriptural.



CHAPTER II

The Latter-day Saints affirm that the authority to act in the
name of God--the Holy Priesthood--has been restored to earth in
this dispensation and age, in accordance with the inspired
predictions of earlier times. But, it may be asked, what
necessity was there for a restoration if the Priesthood had been
once established upon earth? None indeed, had it never been
taken away. A general apostasy from the primitive Church is
conceded in effect by some authorities in ecclesiastical history;
though few admit the entire discontinuance of priestly power, or
the full suspension of authority to operate in the ordinances of
the Church. This great apostasy was foretold. Paul warned the
Saints of Thessalonica against those who claimed that the second
coming of Christ was then near at hand: "For," said he, "that day
shall not come except there come a falling away first." (II
Thess. 2:3.) "Mormonism" contends that there has been a general
falling away from the Church of Christ, dating from the time
immediately following the apostolic period. We believe that the
proper interpretation of history will confirm this view; and,
moreover, that the inspired scriptures foretold just such a
condition.[5]

[Footnote 5: See "The Great Apostasy: Considered in the Light of