The Gospel Kingdom: Selections from the Writings and Discourses of John Taylor, Third President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Da

I originally read this book about 30 years ago and recently re-read it. John Taylor was the 3rd president of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, and was a close friend of Joseph Smith and Brigham Young. He was with Joseph Smith when he was murdered and was also severely wounded at that time. This book is a collection of John Taylor's writings compiled by G. Homer Durham. The writings are grouped by subject and come from his addresses from the Journal of Discourses, books he published, and periodicals he edited. The writings cover the time period from the 1840's through his death in 1887. The six major divisions of this book are as follows: 1) Some Latter Day Saint Philosophy; 2) The Gospel Message; 3) Priesthood: The Government of God; 4) The Kingdom of God; 5) The Kingdom of God and the Kingdoms of Men; and 6) Some Personal Reflections and Footnotes. I enjoy John Taylor's preaching and writing styles; he conveys his ideas very clearly. It was interesting to see what he focused on, a large portion of the book focuses on the organization of the church. This was a time in the early part of the church where the duties of the priesthood were still being defined. Included are many foundational talks setting up the systems that we have today. I really enjoyed the personal reflections part of the book where he discussed his relationship with Joseph Smith and Brigham Young, and discussed the martyrdom of Joseph Smith and other historical events. I highly recommend this book for students of LDS doctrine, history, and those wanting to learn more of John Taylor.