The Journal of Discourses is a 26-volume collection of public sermons by early leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church), first published between 1854 and 1886 in England. The content of the speeches is an important part of the historical record of the LDS Church and Mormonism during the 19th century.
The sermons were presented at the Salt Lake Tabernacle and the Bowery in Salt Lake City, Utah Territory, and were transcribed and published by George D. Watt and other stenographers. Over the course of more than 30 years, over 200 individuals contributed speeches to the Journal of Discourses. The Journal of Discourses was the most important and extensive of the 19th-century sermon series published by the LDS Church.
Volumes 1 through 3 were published between 1854 and 1856 in Liverpool, England. Volume 4 was published in 1857 in Liverpool. Volumes 5 through 13 were published between 1858 and 1871 in Liverpool and London. Volumes 14 through 16 were published in London between 1873 and 1875. Volumes 17 through 26 were published in Liverpool between 1883 and 1886.
The Journal of Discourses has been described as “a remarkable chronicle of early Mormon thought” that provides “a vivid picture of the turmoil and expanding theology of a dynamic young church”. However, the LDS Church has stated that the Journal of Discourses is not an official publication of the church.
In the preface to volume 1, the purpose and scope of the Journal of Discourses is explained:
“The Public in general we presume are aware, from report, that the Latter-day Saints in Utah, at their General Conferences, have a verbatim report published of the discourses delivered by the Presidency and other members of the Church; but the world without are not in possession, to any great extent, of these reports. It is for the purpose of giving them a wider spread, that the present Volume of the “Journal of Discourses” has been issued.”
The preface goes on to state:
“The “Journal of Discourses” is a vehicle of doctrine, counsel, and instruction to all people, but especially to the Saints. It follows, [then,] that the views of the contributors to its pages are their own, and not necessarily the official position of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The volumes represent the expenditures of vast resources and many donated hours.”
The Journal of Discourses includes sermons on a variety of theological, historical, doctrinal, and practical subjects. Topics include obedience, faith, tithing, repentance, premortal existence, resurrection, priesthood, race, polygamy, and Book of Mormon geography.
Some of the more notable discourses include an 1854 sermon by Brigham Young in which he taught that Adam was the father of Jesus Christ and the Heavenly Father of mankind. Other significant discourses discuss the denial of priesthood to black men, the law of consecration, and the Adam–God theory.
Because the Journal of Discourses represents a record of the early Latter Day Saint movement, it is considered an important source for early church history. However, not everything recorded in the Journal of Discourses was necessarily doctrine. The LDS Church has stated:
“The Journal of Discourses includes interesting historical information and discussions of gospel principles by leaders of the nineteenth-century Church. However, it also includes statements of doctrine as well as opinions and explanations of doctrine by individual speakers which are not considered authoritative today.”
In summary, the Journal of Discourses is:
- A 26-volume collection of public sermons by early LDS Church leaders
- Published between 1854-1886 in England
- Contains over 200 speeches from over 30 different people
- The most extensive 19th century sermon series published by the LDS Church
- Provides insight into early Mormon thought and history
- Not considered an official publication or authoritative doctrine by the modern LDS Church
While not official doctrine, the Journal of Discourses offers a unique window into the development of Mormonism during a dynamic time in the church’s history. The sermons provide understanding about what early church leaders taught on a variety of gospel topics. This makes the Journal an important resource for scholars seeking to understand 19th century Mormonism. However, readers should exercise caution in deriving official church doctrine solely from the Journal due to its unofficial nature.
Jesus said in Matthew 7:15-20: “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. You will recognize them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? So, every healthy tree bears good fruit, but the diseased tree bears bad fruit. A healthy tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a diseased tree bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Thus you will recognize them by their fruits.” (ESV)
This passage provides a warning about false prophets and teaches that we can recognize them by their fruits – by looking at the results of their teachings. This principle can be applied when examining the Journal of Discourses. While it provides interesting historical insight, readers should be cautious about viewing everything in it as authoritative doctrine. The truthfulness of the teachings can be evaluated by comparing them with official LDS doctrine and the Bible.
In 1 Corinthians 14:33, Paul states: “For God is not a God of confusion but of peace. As in all the churches of the saints…” This shows that God seeks order and consistency, not confusion. Therefore, any contradictions between the Journal of Discourses and official church teachings may be a sign that not everything in it represents true doctrine. Scripture reminds us to test all teachings against God’s authoritative Word (Acts 17:11).
In Galatians 1:8-9 Paul says: “But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be accursed. As we have said before, so now I say again: If anyone is preaching to you a gospel contrary to the one you received, let him be accursed.” This is a stern warning against accepting a different gospel even from church authorities. It cautions against uncritically accepting all teachings in the Journal of Discourses without comparing them to the Bible.
The Journal of Discourses is best viewed as a historical record that provides insight into early Mormonism. But readers should exercise caution deriving doctrine solely from it due to its unofficial nature. Teachings should be verified against scripture and official church positions. While valuable for history, the Journal should not supersede the Bible or modern revelation in establishing doctrine.
In summary, the Journal of Discourses is a 26-volume collection of sermons from early LDS Church leaders published between 1854-1886. It offers a unique window into early Mormon thought, but is not considered official church publication or authoritative doctrine today. Readers should exercise caution in deriving doctrine solely from it. Any contradictions with scripture or modern revelation may indicate human error. But the Journal’s glimpse into early church history remains valuable when viewed with an appropriate perspective.
Jesus said in John 8:31-32, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” This emphasizes the importance of continually living by God’s authoritative word rather than relying solely on the teachings of men, even religious leaders. Comparing the Journal of Discourses to biblical truth can help readers discern truth from possible error.
In 2 Timothy 3:16-17 Paul states: “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.” This reminds us that the Bible provides what we need for right teaching and correction. Scripture equips us to evaluate the accuracy of teachings like those in the Journal of Discourses.
1 Corinthians 3:10-11 declares: “According to the grace of God given to me, like a skilled master builder I laid a foundation, and someone else is building upon it. Let each one take care how he builds upon it. For no one can lay a foundation other than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ.” This indicates that Jesus Christ should remain the true foundation of doctrine. The Bible and Christ’s words trump any conflicting teachings in the Journal of Discourses.
In summary, the Journal of Discourses offers insightful history but not authoritative doctrine. Scripture exhorts testing all teachings and reminds that God’s Word equips us for discernment. The Bible and official church positions should take precedence over the Journal in establishing doctrine. With an informed perspective, the Journal can be appreciated for what it is – a window into early Mormon thought.
Hebrews 13:7-9 advises: “Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God. Consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. Do not be led away by diverse and strange teachings…” This encourages examining the teachings and lives of religious leaders but reminds that Christ does not change. We must filter the Journal through this unchanging gospel.
Proverbs 14:15 states: “The simple believes everything, but the prudent gives thought to his steps.” And 1 Thessalonians 5:21 says: “Test everything; hold fast what is good.” These verses encourage thoughtful examination and testing of teachings rather than blind acceptance. The Journal of Discourses should be evaluated with careful discernment against scriptural truth.
In Acts 17:10-11 Luke writes: “The brothers immediately sent Paul and Silas away by night to Berea, and when they arrived they went into the Jewish synagogue. Now these Jews were more noble than those in Thessalonica; they received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so.” This provides a great example of testing all teachings against scripture to determine truth. The Journal should be examined through this same lens.
Finally, 2 Timothy 4:3-4 warns: “For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths.” This reminds that truth matters and we must test teachings rather than seek only what tickles our ears. Scripture must prevail over the Journal.
In conclusion, the Journal of Discourses offers a unique lens into early Mormon thought and history. But it does not represent official church doctrine. Readers should carefully test its teachings against scripture and modern revelation. Its value rests in providing context, not establishing doctrine. Scripture and official church positions must form the foundation for LDS doctrine rather than the speculations of early church leaders. Studied with care and perspective, the Journal can enrich understanding without distorting truth.