“Strange theories, however devoid of truth and contrary to divine revelation, find plenty of advocates and believers so long as they are put forth in the name of science…

“Adam was no gorilla, no squalid savage of doubtful humanity; but a perfect man in the image of God. When placed on the earth he was immortal. Eve was no degraded, loathsome creature; but a lovely, admirable being, a suitable partner for an immortal man…

“The most perfect men and women on earth to-day are physically far beneath their great progenitors, Adam and Eve. We are not the offspring of monkeys, but are the children of God and Jesus is our brother. The Book of Mormon shows us how the Lamanites became the degraded beings they are. Revelation informs us also concerning the negroes. They are not more perfect than their ancestors; they have not been progressing towards a better type; but have fallen by the transgression of some of their parents, far below what they were originally.”

George Q. Cannon, Juvenile Instructor (Salt Lake City, UT: Deseret Sunday School Union, 31 January 1874), 30.