PROPHETS Ancient and Modern SPEAK is a reference document which provides a topical arrangement of the vast majority of outstanding scriptural quotes of principles, truths, key figures, and familiar stories from the following:

1. The Old and New Testaments, with particular comprehensive focus on the four Gospels, to also include minimal introductory context for clarification.

2. The Book of Mormon, itself a document translated from engraved writings of prophets in Ancient America on metallic plates, and in modern times delivered to and translated by the young prophet Joseph Smith, Jun. through divine means.

3. The Doctrine and Covenants, a compilation of one hundred and thirty–eight revelations given primarily to the prophet Joseph Smith, Jun.

4. The Pearl of Great Price, visions and acquired papyrus, having been revealed and translated by divine means through the prophet Joseph Smith, Jun.

5. Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, a book compiled by the later prophet Joseph Fielding Smith, including background and source information for each entry. (See End Notes)

6. Proclamations to the world, by Joseph Smith, Jr. and other contemporary prophets regarding preeminent doctrines.

The organization of several thousand entries in PROPHETS Ancient and Modern SPEAK, all considered pure scripture, is a modest attempt to gather comprehensively and representatively from the above-stated books and documents, the plain and precious truths revealed anciently and in relatively current times. The entries are arranged alphabetically under nearly sixteen hundred topic or subject headings, with cross-referencing throughout, and with many being placed under multiple related headings, to facilitate ease of access. Meticulous documentation is provided throughout the entire document.

In the years since its first publication in 1830, the Book of Mormon has been taken in translated versions to most countries throughout the world, not only matching its Biblical companion in a vast world distribution, but more importantly, in presenting the gospel and teachings of Jesus Christ in its fullness and purity. Indeed, The Book of Mormon provides throughout, another witness of Jesus Christ, as well as clear validation of the Bible—revealing much which has been taken out of the Bible over the centuries.

The Doctrine and Covenants and Pearl of Great Price have also been revealed, translated and distributed in a vast and similar extent throughout the world. Countless volumes have been written about the above-listed books ranging from a child’s animated versions to highly sophisticated, technical, archaeological and scientific studies of their early backgrounds and authenticity. Further, millions of followers testify of the truth and validity of Joseph Smith, Jr. as being the prophet through whom the Book of Mormon, the Doctrine and Covenants and the Pearl of Great Price have come into modern hands, declaring the Book of Mormon particularly as a book which will bring a person closer to God than any other book!

PROPHETS Ancient and Modern SPEAK has been compiled and topically organized to help a reader readily find the ennobling truths taught by ancient and modern prophets alike. The topic entries, arranged alphabetically, draw from the above-mentioned sources, and are presented in relatively full context.

PROPHETS Ancient and Modern SPEAK in no way proposes to replace the value of a person’s reading and enjoying the full text of the Old and New Testaments, The Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants or Pearl of Great Price themselves. Therein are innumerable stories and text which present live and gripping images that touch people’s hearts, and are foundational in building a powerful conviction in millions regarding the truth of the teachings therein.

What makes PROPHETS Ancient and Modern SPEAK so valuable in a person’s study of the scriptures is the immediate facility it offers in readily finding pertinent and sacred truths and references on a vast array of meaningful subjects found in the sources drawn from, whether for personal or presentational use. The well-known and late author W. Cleon Skousen well promoted the idea that “…the greater mind is not the one that remembers the most, but the one that can find it when he wants it.”