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A Voice of Warning and Key to the Science of Theology
Elder Parley P. Pratt’s two books—A Voice of Warning and Key to the Science of Theology—were among the first books published proclaiming the Restored Gospel. They have been in print for more than one hundred and fifty years and are still widely known and quoted—remaining favorites among students of the Gospel everywhere. THIS EDITION RESTORES THE TEXT FROM THE FIRST EDITIONS.
297 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 20, 2015
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About the author
Parley P. Pratt
88 books17 followersParley Parker Pratt, Sr. was an early leader of the Latter Day Saint movement whose writings became a significant early nineteenth-century exposition of the Latter Day Saint faith.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
August 14, 2017
Alas, Parley, I wanted to like your book...
Perhaps in the pioneer era, when this was the "most important non-canonical book" in the church, the language and logic would have been more compelling. But I found it incredibly long-winded and rambling. The chapter headings seemed promising, but the evidence Parley Pratt used to prove his points was not what I would have expected. For example, when he talked about the apostasy and restoration he went on forever about Nebuchadnezzar's dream and quoted extensively from the Old Testament, but didn't touch much on anything from the apostolic letters or more recent history, which I find much more relevant to the topic.
I was almost embarrassed by his naiveté in regards to archeological finds, though I recognize it's easy to feel intellectually superior when the field of archeology has advanced nearly 200 years since his day. He seemed to believe that the uncovering of Palenque and some earthen mounds in the Mississippi Valley were absolute proof of the Book of Mormon (though he didn't sound much different from my tour guide at Tulum in that regard...)
Anyway, there are good reasons today's missionaries don't teach from this tract, not the least of which is that it would put investigators to sleep. It's mildly interesting as a historic artifact, but I don't recommend it as a testimony strengthener!
2.5 stars.
Perhaps in the pioneer era, when this was the "most important non-canonical book" in the church, the language and logic would have been more compelling. But I found it incredibly long-winded and rambling. The chapter headings seemed promising, but the evidence Parley Pratt used to prove his points was not what I would have expected. For example, when he talked about the apostasy and restoration he went on forever about Nebuchadnezzar's dream and quoted extensively from the Old Testament, but didn't touch much on anything from the apostolic letters or more recent history, which I find much more relevant to the topic.
I was almost embarrassed by his naiveté in regards to archeological finds, though I recognize it's easy to feel intellectually superior when the field of archeology has advanced nearly 200 years since his day. He seemed to believe that the uncovering of Palenque and some earthen mounds in the Mississippi Valley were absolute proof of the Book of Mormon (though he didn't sound much different from my tour guide at Tulum in that regard...)
Anyway, there are good reasons today's missionaries don't teach from this tract, not the least of which is that it would put investigators to sleep. It's mildly interesting as a historic artifact, but I don't recommend it as a testimony strengthener!
2.5 stars.
May 14, 2019
This was an interesting book to read. You can tell that Parley P. Pratt was a preacher. He quotes a LOT of scripture. However, it wasn't quite as powerful as I was expecting it to be. I think a lot of the arguments that he makes in the book are now so ingrained in the general knowledge of the church and even, partly, in the world that this book is a bit outdated. There were certainly some really good parts. I liked the chapter about the Book of Mormon the best. But in general I think reading a more modern book of a similar theme might be more beneficial. It is good to read from a historic context.
April 12, 2021
An 1800's Religious Tract of Second Advent
Although this religious tract was widely distributed, read, advocated, and contested during the last 60 years of the 1800s, it is no longer known or studied except by scholars of US religious history or by a studious few of Latter Day Saint believers. Written by an enthusiastic original member of the twelve apostles of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, this short evangelical work promotes many of the emerging faith's primary beliefs using traditional 19th century argumentative styles, popular at the time.
As a religious artifact of the times (with some minor commentray), this work is a good example of the religious zeal and beliefs of a new American religion promoting restorationism. As with many religious tracts written to then current audiences, this short publication now serves best as a reference point against which more current publications from Latter Day Saint leaders might be compared and contrasted.
For students of Christian missionary publications, this short work highlights key differences between early Mormonism and other Christian denominations in the form of religious debate, rather than as more conciliatory attempt to find the core of common beliefs as the basis of unity.
Accordingly, although once a vital and potentially inspiring read, this work's value now lies in its historical context, something that requires analysis among other contemporary publications. Although many of the major themes of Pratt's original tract continue to be advocated by current Latter Day Saints, the "warning" tone and title have been replaced with works more focused on the faith's core doctrines and beliefs of God, hope, service,, and spiritual living.
I appreciate that these older documents are still available for those wanting access to original sources for study and review; however, the average reader might not see the same value or relevance of audiences 150 plus years ago.
The Audible narration was utilitarian, lacking emotional emphasis and varied pacing, limiting its potential value as a reading supplement to general audiences wanting to be entertained.
Although this religious tract was widely distributed, read, advocated, and contested during the last 60 years of the 1800s, it is no longer known or studied except by scholars of US religious history or by a studious few of Latter Day Saint believers. Written by an enthusiastic original member of the twelve apostles of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, this short evangelical work promotes many of the emerging faith's primary beliefs using traditional 19th century argumentative styles, popular at the time.
As a religious artifact of the times (with some minor commentray), this work is a good example of the religious zeal and beliefs of a new American religion promoting restorationism. As with many religious tracts written to then current audiences, this short publication now serves best as a reference point against which more current publications from Latter Day Saint leaders might be compared and contrasted.
For students of Christian missionary publications, this short work highlights key differences between early Mormonism and other Christian denominations in the form of religious debate, rather than as more conciliatory attempt to find the core of common beliefs as the basis of unity.
Accordingly, although once a vital and potentially inspiring read, this work's value now lies in its historical context, something that requires analysis among other contemporary publications. Although many of the major themes of Pratt's original tract continue to be advocated by current Latter Day Saints, the "warning" tone and title have been replaced with works more focused on the faith's core doctrines and beliefs of God, hope, service,, and spiritual living.
I appreciate that these older documents are still available for those wanting access to original sources for study and review; however, the average reader might not see the same value or relevance of audiences 150 plus years ago.
The Audible narration was utilitarian, lacking emotional emphasis and varied pacing, limiting its potential value as a reading supplement to general audiences wanting to be entertained.
April 18, 2011
This book is similar to A Marvelous Work and a Wonder but written around a hundred and twenty years prior. The author makes a flawless case for Mormonism. Through reason and logic he proves that the church is true. I found it interesting to read something that was used during the early years of the church.
This book was written during the 1830's so at times I felt the author's prose was a little difficult to follow. I found myself rereading paragraphs quite frequently to better understand the material. If you are looking for a book making a case for Mormonism I would recommend A Marvelous Work and a Wonder by LeGrand Richards, it is a little more current and relevant for our day.
This book was written during the 1830's so at times I felt the author's prose was a little difficult to follow. I found myself rereading paragraphs quite frequently to better understand the material. If you are looking for a book making a case for Mormonism I would recommend A Marvelous Work and a Wonder by LeGrand Richards, it is a little more current and relevant for our day.
June 15, 2020
One statement I was impressed with is, "Faith comes from hearing, Knowledge comes from obeying."
November 7, 2025
A fantastic book in order to gain an understanding of what those early saints viewed as the important aspects of the gospel. As a historical book it offers much in the way of discovering the zeitgeist. For the most part the message is completely consistent with what the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints teaches today.
At one point Parley Pratt gives a summary of evidences that by our modern standards are extremely outdated. There are a few other points in the book at which it is clear that it was written in the 19th century.
At one point Parley Pratt gives a summary of evidences that by our modern standards are extremely outdated. There are a few other points in the book at which it is clear that it was written in the 19th century.
August 31, 2025
Apparently this was a big deal to read in early church history. I think the painful audio presentation I possessed made this hard to focus on. Lots of good teachings and information presented. Felt like struggling through a painful institute assignment just to get it done because of the poor audio. I'll have to try again at a later date (perhaps read a hard copy) to see if I feel any differently after getting through the book.
December 30, 2024
Written in the early days of the church, this book carries an authoritative and combative tone. Good information and well-written in general, but a very different style from today. Just seeing that difference in style was interesting.
August 31, 2021
5 stars for keys to the science of theology and 4 to voice of warning. Parley P. Pretty writes beautifully.
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July 15, 2022I don't remember reading this, but I accidentally added it to J4's goodreads account as currently reading on 25 January 2022. Will need to skim or reread and then review.
August 16, 2020
This is Pratt's attempt to prove to the Christian world of the late 1800s that many of the doctrines and practices that were taught by Christ are no longer found in Christianity, but can be found in the restored Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He quotes large sections of scripture and then explains them line by line, which got quite tedious to read, but he clearly had extensive knowledge of the Bible. Many of his arguments seemed pretty solid to me, others not as much. A few of the conclusions he came to at the time are now outdated and no longer taught by the Church. Over all an interesting and sometimes inspiring read but it's not to be taken as an authority on doctrines of the Church of Jesus Christ of LDS.
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September 14, 2009This book has been out of print for some time now. I went to a great book store in Logan Utah with family this summer in search of this book. The ordered it for us. I have read this before but decided I needed a copy for myself. It is ironic that it still applies today. It was first published in 1837.
February 24, 2020
Great insights, esp. on the Holy Ghost.
It must be remembered that this is the work of a man personally acquainted with Joseph Smith for quite some time. This is Parley P. Pratt's (quite accurate) version of "The science of theology revived by him [Joseph, and] will never decline, nor will its keys be taken from the earth."
It must be remembered that this is the work of a man personally acquainted with Joseph Smith for quite some time. This is Parley P. Pratt's (quite accurate) version of "The science of theology revived by him [Joseph, and] will never decline, nor will its keys be taken from the earth."
January 17, 2014
For a book that was written over 100 years ago, it was surprising to me how relevant it is. I need to read and study this book again. There was so much to learn that a single reading only scratches the surface. I highly recommend it.
April 9, 2009
I especially enjoy the second half of this book.
June 23, 2009
Like I told a stranger, "It's a missionary tract from the 1800's"; and that's just what it is.
January 27, 2012
For my LDS friends......
November 12, 2015
Always a classic - always has been and always will be. Few people can do what Pratt has done.
February 13, 2016
Although I found the book interesting. It was ultimately hard to understand, and basically gibberish.
June 4, 2018
As influential as this was when it was first written, I'm afraid it hasn't aged well.
May 23, 2019
My review/summary is at my family blog https://joymeta.blogspot.com/2019/05/...
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews