To assist those who are learning about the Church and its doctrine, Elder John B. Dickson of the Seventy offered a brief synopsis of 10 gospel principles.

"The situation [for] many of you may be like that of my deceased father-in-law . . . who joined the Church in 1960," said Elder Dickson during the Sunday afternoon session. "He had been raised in a wonderful Christian home; reading the Bible and adhering to Christian principles was a part of life. As he examined the Church he was able to retain truths formerly acquired, while enjoying a rich treasure of additional knowledge," he said. He elaborated on the 10 principles:

1. God the Father and His Son Jesus Christ have a plan of happiness for the human family.

   "We proclaim that there truly is a God in heaven and that the human family lived with Him in a pre-mortal existence."

2. Jesus Christ organized His Church during His mortal ministry.

   "The Bible helps us understand that Jesus organized His Church with apostles, prophets, pastors, teachers and other Church officials who held the priesthood."

3. The Church of Christ and many simple truths were lost.

   "Several Bible prophets declared that there would be a 'falling away' from the true gospel, a time when there would be a 'famine' regarding the word of God."

4. The hearts of men and a location were prepared for a restoration of the gospel.

   Great reformers helped set the stage for open religious dialogue. The U.S. Constitution prepared a location for the Restoration.

5. Latter-day events were anticipated by the prophets of old.

   "Old Testament prophets spoke of the last days as an era when all the ordinances and blessings of the gospel would be available to man."

6. The gospel of Jesus Christ has been restored in its fulness.

   "We declare that the great restoration. . . began in 1820 when the Lord called on. . . Joseph Smith to re-establish the Church."

7. Another witness of Christ has been given to our generation.

   In 1827, Joseph Smith received ancient metal plates from which the Book of Mormon was translated.

8. The family can be eternal.

   The family is central to the Creator's plan for the eternal destiny of His children.

9. People have been called of God to teach you.

   Approximately 60,000 young men and women are called to teach interested parties about the doctrine of the Church.

10. You can know with assurance that these things are true.

    "[The Lord] will manifest the truth of it unto you, by the power of the Holy Ghost," Elder Dickson concluded.