The spirit of the sacredness inherent in the subject has been a constant companion of the writer throughout his pleasing labor, and he reverently invokes the same as a minister to the readers of the volume.
The second edition of this work appeared in December, 1915, and the third in March, 1916. The third edition presented several minor alterations in wording and contained additional notes and references. Succeeding issues, including the fifth which was printed on India paper, and the present edition are practically uniform with the third.
Historicity of Jesus the Christ.--Scope and purpose of the present treatise
PREEXISTENCE AND FOREORDINATION OF THE CHRIST.
Antemortal existence of spirits.--Primeval council in heaven.--Rebellion of Lucifer.--His defeat and expulsion.--Free agency of man insured.--The Beloved Son chosen to be the Savior and Redeemer of mankind
Spirits of diverse capacities.--Entrance of sin into the world foreseen.--God's foreknowledge not a determining cause.--Creation of man in the flesh.--Fall of man.--Atonement necessary.--Jesus Christ the only Being eligible as Redeemer and Savior.--Universal resurrection provided
The Godhead.--Jesus Christ the Word of power.--Jesus Christ the Creator.--Jehovah.--The Eternal I AM.--Proclamations of Jesus Christ by the Father
Biblical prophecies.--Revelation to Enoch.--The Prophet predicted by Moses.--Sacrifices as prototypes.--Book of Mormon predictions
Significance of the designation.--Epitome of Israel's history.--Jews in vassalage to Rome.--Scribes and rabbis.--Pharisees and Sadducees.--Other sects and parties
GABRIEL'S ANNUNCIATION OF JOHN AND OF JESUS.
Angelic visitation to Zacharias.--Birth of John the forerunner.--Annunciation to Mary the Virgin.--Mary and Joseph.--Their genealogies.--Jesus Christ heir to the throne of David
Birth of Jesus Christ.--His presentation in the temple.--Visit of the magi.--Herod's evil designs.--The Child taken into Egypt.--Birth of Christ made known to Nephites.--Time of the birth
Jesus to be called a Nazarene.--At the temple when twelve years of age.--Jesus and the doctors of the law.--Jesus of Nazareth
John the Baptist.--The voice in the wilderness.--Baptism of Jesus.--The Father's proclamation.--Descent of the Holy Ghost.--Sign of the dove.--Temptations of Christ