The End of Times - Mormonism: Smith's Death/His Articles of the Faith
Over the years the Mormon churched moved to many locations. These included Ohio, Illinois and Missouri. In the 1840's Smith had made a home for himself in Illinois, where his group was reaching large numbers. This became of great concern to some of the local people. A mob gathered against Smith and on June 27, 1844 he was murdered by the mob. After a lengthy trial those accused were acquitted and the Mormon Church was faced with a serious dilemma.
Obviously it was clear that they were not safe where they were at, but in addition they also wondered who would lead them now. Two of Joseph Smith's brothers had died just months prior to his murder, and the issue of who would control the direction of the church became murkier. It became clear that Brigham Young was to become the successor, but he was not in Navuoo, IL where Smith had set up the headquarters of the church. Therefore some others attempted to seize control for themselves. While most later followed the direction of Young, a schism had developed and would lead to a permanent division amongst groups.
In 1845 Young began moving the church westward, enduring many harsh winters along the way. During the journey, Young reorganized the leadership of the church. This led to a series of schisms into new churches. William Brickerton took one group and formed the Church of Jesus Christ. Alpheus Cutler formed the Church of Christ. Eventually Young reached Salt Lake City, Utah where he and his followers permanently settled and built the headquarters to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.
While the church has evolved over the years, the teachings of Joseph Smith have remained the central elements upon which the faith has grown. Smith taught thirteen essential elements of the faith that have remained unchanged since he wrote them. They are:
We believe in God, the Eternal Father, and in His Son, Jesus Christ, and in the Holy Ghost.
We believe that men will be punished for their own sins, and not for Adam's transgression.
We believe that through the Atonement of Christ, all mankind may be saved, by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the Gospel.
We believe that the first principles and ordinances of the Gospel are: first, Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ; second, Repentance; third, Baptism by immersion for the remission of sins; fourth, Laying on of hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost.
We believe that a man must be called of God, by prophecy, and by the laying on of hands, by those who are in authority to preach the Gospel and administer in the ordinances thereof.
We believe in the same organization that existed in the Primitive Church, viz., apostles, prophets, pastors, teachers, evangelists, etc.
We believe in the gift of tongues, prophecy, revelation, visions, healing, interpretation of tongues, etc.
We believe the Bible to be the word of God as far as it is translated correctly; we also believe the Book of Mormon to be the word of God.
We believe all that God has revealed, all that He does now reveal, and we believe that He will yet reveal many great and important things pertaining to the Kingdom of God.
We believe in the literal gathering of Israel and in the restoration of the Ten Tribes; that Zion will be built upon this [the American] continent; that Christ will reign personally upon the earth; and, that the earth will be renewed and receive its paradisiacal glory.
We claim the privilege of worshiping Almighty God according to the dictates of our own conscience, and allow all men the same privilege, let them worship how, where, or what they may.
We believe in being subject to kings, presidents, rulers, and magistrates, in obeying, honoring, and sustaining the law.
We believe in being honest, true, chaste, benevolent, virtuous, and in doing good to all men; indeed, we may say that we follow the admonition of Paul-We believe all things, we hope all things, we have endured many things, and hope to be able to endure all things. If there is anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy, we seek after these things.