Matthias F. Cowley’s "Talks on Doctrine" is a set of enlightening discourses that delve into the essential standards and doctrines of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church). Matthias F. Cowley, a prominent leader in the LDS Church within the overdue nineteenth and early 20th centuries, authored this book to offer readability and belief into the ideals and teachings of the religion. In "Talks on Doctrine," Cowley explores a wide range of theological subjects, including the nature of God, the divinity of Jesus Christ, the importance of faith, repentance, and baptism, and the importance of temples and ordinances in the LDS lifestyle. Cowley's discourses are grounded in the foundational scriptures of the LDS Church, including the Book of Mormon and the Doctrine and Covenants, and draw upon his great understanding of Mormon doctrine and records. The book serves as a precious useful resource for each individuals of the LDS Church seeking a deeper information of their faith and non-members interested by getting to know about Mormon ideals. Cowley's clear and engaging style of writing, coupled along with his authoritative understanding of LDS doctrine, makes "Talks on Doctrine" a long-lasting and informative work in the realm of Mormon literature, contributing to a higher knowledge of the religion and its teachings.
Matthias Foss Cowley (August 25, 1858 – June 16, 1940) was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church) Quorum of the Twelve Apostles from 1897 to 1905. He resigned from the Quorum of the Twelve because he refused to accept the church's prohibition of plural marriage. He and John W. Taylor are the most recent LDS Church apostles to resign from their positions. Cowley was born in the Utah Territory city of Salt Lake City. On October 7, 1897, church president Wilford Woodruff consecrated him as an apostle. Moses Thatcher, who had been ousted from the Quorum in the April 1896 general conference, was replaced by him. Cowley was well-known in the church for his doctrinal sermons. Cowley resigned from the Quorum of the Twelve on October 28, 1905, at the request of church president Joseph F. Smith, since his membership in the hierarchy jeopardized the church's position in the Reed Smoot hearings. Cowley was well-known for performing marriages that violated the church's 1890 Manifesto, which forbade the formation of new plural marriages.
