---
title: Key to the Science of Theology
description: 1855 book by Parley P. Pratt, a Mormon apostle, presenting his account of Mormon doctrine; first published at Liverpool.
authors:
  - Pratt, Parley Parker
collections:
  - theology
tags:
  - theology
  - doctrine
  - 19th-century
  - mormon-writings
published: "1855"
publisher: F. D. Richards
publisher_place: Liverpool
edition: First edition (Liverpool, 1855)
language: en
type: book
reference: 'Parley P. Pratt, *Key to the Science of Theology* (Liverpool: F. D. Richards, 1855), "Title Page and Contents."'
source:
  url: https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/35470
  identifier: gutenberg-35470
  scan: "Internet Archive scan of the same 1855 Liverpool edition: https://archive.org/details/keytoscienceofth00parl"
  transcription: "Project Gutenberg eBook #35470, proofread by the Mormon Texts Project from the 1855 Liverpool edition. The Gutenberg header, license and credits are not included. The text is verbatim, including its italics; printed page numbers are not present in this transcription."
curator_note: Treated as a Mormon primary source, included for historical and doctrinal study; inclusion does not imply endorsement.
rights:
  status: public-domain
  basis: 1855 publication (Liverpool); published before 1931, so public domain in the United States
  source: https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/35470
  publication_year: 1855
  note: Project Gutenberg text of the 1855 first edition.
---

# Title Page and Contents

Frontispiece.

> Fly—fly—these thoughts on the lightning car,  
> With the speed of light to the realms afar!  
> Mount—mount the car with the horse of fire;  
> Outstrip the wind, he will never tire,  
> Let the wild bird scream as he lags behind,  
> And the hurricane a champion find.  
> Search the darkest spot where mortals dwell:  
> With a voice of thunder the tidings tell,  
> Proclaim the dawn of a brighter day,  
> When the _King of kings_ shall his sceptre sway.  
> Bid pain, and anguish, and sorrow cease,  
> And open the way for the _Prince of Peace_.  
> He will conquer death, bid mourning flee,  
> And give to the nations a _Jubilee_.

KEY TO THE SCIENCE OF THEOLOGY:

DESIGNED AS

An Introduction

TO THE FIRST PRINCIPLES OF SPIRITUAL PHILOSOPHY; RELIGION; LAW AND GOVERNMENT; AS DELIVERED BY THE ANCIENTS, AND AS RESTORED IN THIS AGE, FOR THE FINAL DEVELOPMENT OF UNIVERSAL PEACE, TRUTH AND KNOWLEDGE.

BY PARLEY P. PRATT.

> O Truth divine! what treasures unrevealed,  
> In thine exhaustless fountains are concealed!  
> Words multiplied; how powerless to tell,  
> The infinitude with which our bosoms swell.

Liverpool: F. D. RICHARDS, 15, WILTON STREET.

London: L.D SAINTS' BOOK DEPOT, 35, JEWIN ST., CITY, AND ALL BOOKSELLERS.

1855.

ENTERED AT STATIONERS' HALL.

J. Sadler, Printer, 1, Moorfields, Liverpool.

CONTENTS.

Preface

CHAPTER I.

Theology—its definition—historical illustrations

CHAPTER II.

Decline and loss of this science among the Jews

CHAPTER III.

> Progress, decline and final loss of the science of Theology among  
> the Gentiles—foreshadowings of its restoration for the ushering in  
> of the Millennium

CHAPTER IV.

> Rise, progress, decline and loss of the science of Theology on the  
> Western Hemisphere, as brought to light by the late discovery of  
> Ancient American Records

CHAPTER V.

Keys of the mysteries of the Godhead

CHAPTER VI.

Origin of the Universe

CHAPTER VII.

Destiny of the Universe

CHAPTER VIII.

Key of Knowledge, Power and Government

CHAPTER IX.

> Revival, or restoration of the science of Theology, in the present  
> age

CHAPTER X.

Keys of initiation in practical Theology

CHAPTER XI.

Philosophy of Miracles

CHAPTER XII.

Angels and Spirits

CHAPTER XIII.

Dreams

CHAPTER XIV.

The world of Spirits

CHAPTER XV.

> Resurrection, its times and degrees—first, second and third  
> heavens; or, the Telestial, Terrestrial and Celestial kingdoms

CHAPTER XVI.

> Further remarks on man's physical and intellectual  
> progress—Philosophy of will, as originating, directing and  
> controlling all voluntary animal motion—astounding facts, in  
> relation to the speed, or velocity of motion, as attainable by  
> physical man—intercommunication of the inhabitants of different and  
> distant planets

CHAPTER XVII.

Laws of marriage and procreation