We will not attempt here to dwell on the infinitude of the past, or to fathom the mysteries of a continuation of great centres of influence succeeding each other in the rounds of eternal progress, but content ourselves with what appears evident from revelation, reason, and experience. These are sufficient to guide man in the way of eternal life.

Not only do the Old and New Testament, and other ancient and modern revelations through the Holy Priesthood assert the facts, but mankind of every grade, condition, and religion, whether Christian, Jew, Mahomedan, or Pagan, all believe in leading the personages or influences which are the sources of good and evil. One of these is God the Father, Michael or Adam, from whose loins the earth is peopled, and who is now labouring for the redemption of his children. The great captain of evil is Satan, formerly Lucifer, but now a fallen "Son of the Morning," who with his followers are diligently labouring to destroy the works of God by reducing them to a like condition with themselves. . . . God is not only the fountain of life, light, and knowledge, and the embodiment of every quality which makes up greatness, goodness, power, and majesty, but He has the most thorough and complete practical knowledge of everything pertaining to this earth, from the foundation through all its grand superstructure, including every individual organization which exists upon it, and the laws which govern them all in their numerous spheres He understands the relative positions, bearings, and influences which exist between the earth and the planetary words, and systems which surround them. . . . He knew the spirits of men before they came here, and the great object to be accomplished in their union with mortal bodies. He comprehends the origin and effects of all the imperfections, trials, and afflictions, and the full extent and power of all the evil, with which man has to combat in his low estate. He has learned all these things by thorough practical experience, by handling, suffering, and realizing them, even as His creatures now do, therefore He has had hands to labour, a body to suffer, a spirit to be chastened, and a soul to appreciate. He has had every evil in every form to contend with, temptations to resist, desires, passions, and propensities to subdue and overcome. He has had death to suffer and to conquer, a resurrection to rejoice in, and has been added upon with celestial power and glory. This is the God with whom we have to do, and who stands at our head to do battle with the powers of darkness and assist us, His children, to overcome, that we may receive a like glory with Himself and live in His presence.