We, as Latter-day Saints, believe
that the spirits that occupy these tabernacles have form and likeness similar to
the human tabernacle. Of course there may be deformities existing in connection
with the outward tabernacle which do not exist in connection with the spirit
that inhabits it. These tabernacles become deformed by accident in various
ways, sometimes at birth, but this may not altogether or in any degree deform
the spirits that dwell with them, therefore we believe that the spirits which
occupy the bodies of the human family are more or less in the resemblance of
the tabernacle . . . (JOD 15:242 | December
15, 1872)
