Book excerpt: This work has been written in the hope that it may prove of service to missionary elders in the field, to classes and quorum organizations engaged in the study of theological subjects at home, and to earnest investigators of the teachings and claims of the restored Church of Jesus Christ. This religious book is written by James E. Talmage, an English chemist, geologist, and religious leader who served as a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church) from 1911 until his death. Contents: Introduction: The Establishment of the Church of Christ The Apostasy Predicted Early Stages of the Apostasy Causes of the Apostasy.—External Causes Considered Causes of the Apostasy.—External Causes, Continued Causes of the Apostasy.—Internal Causes Internal Causes.—Continued Results of the Apostasy.—Its Sequel