Statements of the LDS First Presidency

Book excerpt: In 1851 the LDS First Presidency released the following statement: The unparalleled spread of the gospel, in so short of a space of time, and the rapid gathering of the Saints, is another token of the Messiah's near approach. Almost 150 years later, a new First Presidency concurred: We testify that He will someday return to earth. From 1830 to the present, the highest governing quorum of the LDS Church has regularly issued official declarations of interest to members, usually addressing practical matters of administration, policy, or general admonitions and guidance. Less often, but as important, are its periodic authoritative declarations regarding belief, doctrine, and theology, Statements of the LDS First Presidency assembles the most significant pronouncements in alphabetical order by topic, providing readers easy access to a wide variety of official LDS doctrinal, theological, and related teachings.