The Government of God.
By John Taylor,
One of the Twelve Apostles of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
"O let the nations be glad and sing for joy: for thou shalt judge the people righteously, and govern the nations upon earth."—Psalm lxvii. 4.
Liverpool: Published by S. W. Richards, 15, Wilton Street.
London: Sold at the Latter-Day Saints' Book Depot, 35, Jewin Street; and by all booksellers.
MDCCCLII.
London: Printed by W. Bowden 5, Bedford Street, Holborn.
Contents.
Preface
Chapter I. The Wisdom, Order, and Harmony of the Government of God.
Chapter II. The Government of Man.
Chapter III. On the Incompetency of the Means Made Use of by Man to Regenerate the World.
Chapter IV. What Is Man? What Is His Destiny and Relationship to God?
Chapter V. The Object of Man's Existence on the Earth; and His Relationship Thereto.
Chapter VI. Man's Accountability to God.
Chapter VII. The Lord's Course in the Moral Government of the World.
Chapter VIII. Whose Right Is It to Govern the World? Who Has Governed It?
Chapter IX. Will Man Always Be Permitted to Usurp Authority Over Men, and Over the Works of God? Will the World Remain for ever Under a Curse, and God's Designs Be Frustrated?
Chapter X. Will God's Kingdom Be a Literal or a Spiritual Kingdom?
Chapter XI. The Establishment of the Kingdom of God upon the Earth
Chapter XII. The Effects of the Establishment of Christ's Kingdom, or the Reign of God upon the Earth.
Preface
It was Elder Taylor's intention to superintend the publishing of The Government of God in person, previous to his departure for Great Salt Lake City last spring; but the numerous cares attending the French and German Missions, of which he was President; the translation of the Book of Mormon into the French and German languages; the establishment of L'Etoile du Déseret at Paris, and Zions Panier at Hamburg; together with a multitude of other business connected with the welfare of the Kingdom of God, rendered it impossible.
The manuscript was therefore handed to me by Elder Taylor, with a request to superintend the printing of the work, which I have done to the best of my ability.
Considering the disadvantages arising from the Author's absence during the reading of the proofs, I believe it is as correctly rendered, as was possible from a manuscript copy.
The Work is now before the Public, and from one portion at least it will meet with a cordial reception, treating as it does upon the theme most dear to their hearts—the Reign of Righteousness and Peace.
From other portions it will meet with varied reception, but will nevertheless lead the minds of all to contemplate the glory of that time when the Messiah, even Jesus, shall come with all his holy angels, and sit upon the throne of his glory, and govern all nations upon earth.
James Linforth. Liverpool, August, 1852.
