The first part of the book discusses the origins, development, and belief systems of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It explores the life of the founder Joseph Smith, the challenges faced by early converts, and the establishment of the Church as an institution within American society. Talmage begins with a brief background on Joseph Smith, detailing his early life, the circumstances surrounding his religious revelations, and the resulting formation of the Church. He outlines the foundational spiritual experiences that shaped the perceptions of early Latter-day Saints, illustrating the intense religious turmoil of the time. This sets the stage in the second half of the book for a deeper exploration of the relationship between Latter-day Saint Church history and its philosophical underpinnings, as well as the societal challenges faced by the Latter-day Saints. 136 pages
