martyrdom have been its portion, but these tribulations it
accepts, knowing well that to bear such has been the lot of the
true Church in every age.

"Mormonism" is more than a code of morals; it claims a higher
rank than that of an organization of men planned and instituted
by the wisdom and philosophy of men, however worthy. It draws a
distinction between morality and religion; and affirms that human
duty is not comprised in a mere avoidance of sin. It regards the
strictest morality as an indispensable feature of every religious
system claiming in any degree divine recognition; and yet it
looks upon morality as but the alphabet from which the words and
sentences of a truly religious life may be framed. However
euphonious the words, however eloquent the periods, to make the
writing of highest worth there must be present the divine
thought; and this, man of himself cannot conceive.

It affirms that there was a yesterday as there is a today, and
shall be a tomorrow, in the dealings of God with men; that

Through the ages one increasing purpose runs;

and that purpose,--the working out of a divine plan, the ultimate
object of which is the salvation and exaltation of the human
family.

The central feature of that plan was the earthly ministry and
redeeming sacrifice of the Christ in the meridian of time; the
consummation shall be ushered in by the return of that same
Christ to earth as the Rewarder of righteousness, the Avenger of