First, let it be remembered that the term “Mormon,” with its derivatives, is not the official designation of the Church with which it is usually associated.  The name was originally applied in a spirit of derision, as a nick-name in fact, by the opponents of the Church; and was doubtless suggested by the title of a prominent publication given to the world through Joseph Smith in an early period of the Church’s history.  This, of course, is the Book of Mormon.  Nevertheless, the people have accepted the name thus thrust upon them, and answer readily to its call.  The proper title of the organization is “The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.”  The philosophy of “Mormonism” is declared in the name.  The people claim this name as having been bestowed by revelation and therefore that, like other names given of God as attested by scriptural instances, it is at once name and title combined.

The Church declines to sail under any flag of man-made design; it repudiates the name of mortals as a part of its title, and thus differs from Lutherans and Wesleyans, Calvinists, Mennonites, and many others, all of whom, worthy though their organizations may be, elevating as may be their precepts, good as may be their practises, declare themselves the followers of men.  This is not the church of Moses nor the prophets, of Paul nor of Cephas, of Apollos nor of John; neither of Joseph Smith nor of Brigham Young.  It asserts its proud claim as the Church of Jesus Christ.

It refuses to wear a name indicative of distinctive or peculiar doctrines; and in this particular, it differs from churches Catholic and Protestant, Presbyterian, Congregationalist, Unitarian, Methodist and Baptist; its sole distinguishing features are those of the Church of Christ.

In an effort to present in concise form the cardinal doctrines of this organization, I cannot do better than quote the so-called Articles of Faith of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, which have been in published form before the world for over half a century.[4]

[Footnote 4:  For extended treatment of “Mormon” doctrine see “The Articles of Faith:  a Series of Lectures on the Principal Doctrines of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints,” by James E. Talmage.  Published by the Church:  Salt Lake City, Utah; 485 pp.]

    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 own
    sins, and not for Adam’s transgression.

    3.  We believe that, through the atonement of Christ, all
    mankind may be saved, by obedience to the laws and
    ordinances of the gospel.