,,scrap ,,book ,,of ,,mormon ,,literature ,,vol4 ,,ii ,religious ,tracts ,published by ,ben4 ,e4 ,rich ,we have gathered posies1 ,from other men's flowers2 ,nothing but the thread that ,binds them is ours4 i ,,general ,,index ,,statement ,,from ,,josiah ,,quincy1 ,,mayor ,,of ,,boston1 #ahde-ahdi1 ,,concerning ,,an ,,interview ,,had ,,in #ahdd ,,with ,,joseph ,,smith1 ,,the ,,mormon ,,prophet3 ,some of the ,sayings and ,predictions ,made by the ,prophet ,joseph ,smith--,a ,letter to ,mr4 ,wentworth from the ,prophet in ,answer to a ,request from ,him for a ,statement of ,belief1 to ,be ,published in the ,chicago ,democrat--,the ,prophet's ,assassination--,extracts from ,governor ,ford's ,history of ,illinois ,concerning the ,martyrdom1 with ,comments4--,compiled by ,ben4 ,e4 ,rich1 #c4 ,,dedication ,,of ,,palestine3 ,the ,prayer4--,by ,apostle ,orson ,hyde1 #cf4 ,,the ,,resurrection3 ,purpose of ,man's ,existence--,component ,parts of ,body ,never ,destroyed--,literal ,resurrection--,testimony of ,resurrection by ,ezekiel1 ,job1 ,daniel1 ,luke1 ,john1 ,matthew1 ,paul--,book of ,mormon ,prophet's ,testimony of the ,resurrection1 ,abinadi1 ,jacob1 ,amulek1 ,alma1 ,samuel1 ,words of ,jesus1 ,moroni--,testimony of ,joseph ,smith--,extract from the ,prophecy of ,enoch4--,by ,president ,brigham ,young1 #dj4 ,,celestial ,,family ,,organization4--,by ,parley ,p4 ,pratt in ,his ,publication1 ,the ,prophet1 published in ,new ,york ,city1 #ahde1 #eb4 ,,salvation ,,for ,,the ,,living ,,and ,,the ,,dead3 ,liberality of the ,mormon ,faith--,characteristics of ,true ,religion--,universal ,salvation--,but ,one ,god and ,one ,faith--,sincerity ,not ,conclusive ,evidence of ,truth--,oneness of the ,church of ,christ--,true ,gospel ,again ,revealed from ,heaven--,gospel ,will ,be ,preached to ,every ,soul--,but ,few ,will ,be ,lost--,salvation for the ,dead--,different ,degrees of ,glory--,liberality of the ,gospel--,everlasting ,punishment--,work in the ,spirit ,world--,cherish ,no ,evil ,feeling--,a ,discourse by ,charles ,w4 ,penrose1 ,delivered in the ,tabernacle1 ,salt ,lake ,city1 ,sunday ,afternoon1 ,august #ai1 #aijj1 #ei4 ,,mormonism ,,judged ,,by ,,its ,,effects3 ,testimony of ,converts--,effects of ,mormonism--,preaching the ,gospel--,mormons a ,happy ,people--,mormonism ,causes ,unity--,education--,natural ,benefits ,derived from ,mormonism--,by ,charles ,w4 ,penrose1 in ,millennial ,star1 #ahhf1 #gh4 ii ,,the ,,re-,,organized ,,church ,,vs4 ,,salvation ,,for ,,the ,,dead3 ,claims of ,the ,re-organized ,church--,keys for ,vicarious ,work ,restored--,baptism for ,dead ,commenced--,temples ,built--,keys ,bestowed ,upon the ,twelve ,apostles--,church ,rejected with ,its ,dead--,baptism for the ,dead ,discontinued by ,josephites--,importance of the ,work for the ,dead--,dead ,judged ,out of ,records--,prophet ,preaches on ,work for ,dead--,early ,prophets ,preached ,salvation for the ,dead--,necessity of ,temples--,sacred ,ordinances ,must ,be ,performed in the ,temple--,an ,editorial from the ,times and ,seasons ,written by the ,prophet ,joseph ,smith on ,salvation for the ,dead--,by ,joseph ,f4 ,smith1 ,jr1 #hc4 ,,acknowledge ,,your ,,faults4--,by ,elder ,orson ,f4 ,whitney1 in ,millennial ,star1 #ahhb1 #ajj4 ,,an ,,interview ,,in ,,the ,,atlanta ,,constitution ,,on ,,the ,,mormon ,,faith3 ,book of ,mormon--,what the ,book of ,mormon ,teaches--,first ,principles--,gifts of the ,holy ,ghost--,prophecy--,authority--,apostasy --,restoration--,organization-- ,ecclesiastical ,government--,necessity of ,baptism--,mode of ,baptism--,infant ,baptism--,salvation for the ,dead--,eternal and ,everlasting ,punishment--,graded ,salvation and ,damnation--,personality of the ,godhead--,atonement and ,fall--,bible ,alone ,not ,sufficient--,marriage--,morality of the ,mormons--,belief in a ,personal ,satan--,future ,punishment--,the ,earth to ,be ,purified--,by ,elder ,ben4 ,e4 ,rich1 #ajc4 ,,two ,,letters ,,to ,a ,,baptist ,,minister3 ,rev4 ,j4 ,whitcomb ,brougher1 ,pastor ,first ,baptist ,church1 ,chattanooga1 ,tenn41 ,delivered ,two ,sermons from ,his ,pulpit ,upon ,mormonism4 ,they were tirades of falsehoods and misrepresentations from beginning to end2 they were filled with much bitterness and hatred1 and during one of his sermons he came as near advocating mob violence as he dared4 ,these wholesale attacks called out the following open letters to the minister1 which appeared in the ,chattanooga ,news4 7,there were so many calls for copies of these letters1 and to meet the demands they were published in pamphlet form47 ,christ's ,church ,always ,evily ,spoken ,against--,spaulding ,manuscript ,story--,restoration of the ,gospel--,christ's ,second ,coming--,the ,existence of a ,god--,god ,has a ,body1 ,parts and ,passions--,belief in ,many ,gods--,is ,mormonism a ,system of ,lust--,mormons ,live in ,their ,own ,homes--,loyalty of the ,mormons--,authority--,are ,we to a ,unity--,baptism ,is ,essential--,false ,charges--,missionary ,work--,the ,book of ,mormon--,elder ,ben4 ,e4 ,rich1 #abb4 ,,mormons ,,and ,,mormonism3 ,the ,mormon ,people1 ,their ,industry1 ,education and ,morals--,what ,is ,thought of ,these ,people by a ,non-,mormon of ,many ,years ,residence ,among ,them--,by ,their ,fruits--,like the ,pilgrim ,fathers--,their ,staff and ,comfort--,what ,they ,accomplished in ,thirty-two ,years--,education--,morals--,cause of ,persecution--,the ,new ,crusade--,disfranchisement of ,mormons--,political ,conditions--,b4 ,h4 ,roberts ,case--,lecture by ,charles ,ellis1 a ,non-,mormon1 #ade4 iii ,,prophets ,,and ,,apostles ,,necessary3 ,tendency of ,mankind to ,accept ,dead ,prophets and ,reject ,living ,ones--,prophecy ,fulfilled--,revelation ,necessary--,necessity of ,officers in the ,church--,by the late ,president ,geo4 ,q4 ,cannon1 in the ,millennial ,star1 #ahff1 #afh4 ,,comprehensive ,,salvation1 ,,or ,,the ,,gospel ,,to ,,living ,,and ,,dead3 ,first ,principles--,authority--,miraculous ,gifts--,organization--,apostasy--,resto ration--,the ,gospel ,preached to the ,spirits of the ,departed--,different ,degrees of ,glory--,turning the ,hearts of the ,fathers to the ,children1 and the ,children to the ,fathers--,by ,john ,nicholson1 #agd4 ,,the ,,means ,,of ,,escape1 ,,or1 ,,existing ,,evils ,,and ,,their ,,cure3 ,christ's ,second ,coming--,restoration--,visions of the ,prophet--,priesthood ,restored--,persecution--,growth of the ,church--,missionary ,work--,the ,gathering--,by ,elder ,john ,nicholson1 #aie4 ,,the ,,latter ,,day ,,prophet3 ,prophets ,needed and ,should ,be ,expected--,organism of the ,church of ,christ--,effects of ,obedience to the ,doctrines ,introduced by ,joseph ,smith--,the ,book of ,mormon ,authentic--,modern ,prophecy and ,its ,fulfilment--,by ,elder ,john ,nicholson1 #bjj4 ,,the ,,gospel ,,opens ,,communication ,,with ,,jehovah3 ,necessity of ,adversity--,angels ,have ,appeared in the ,last ,days--,heaven--,condition of the ,world--,paragraphs from a ,sermon ,delivered by ,president ,john ,taylor1 ,june #ab1 #ahec1 #bba4 ,a ,,word ,,of ,,advice3 ,elders' ,authority--,their ,attitude ,toward ,ministers--,rely ,upon ,spirit of ,god--,advice to ,missionaries--,by ,elder ,parley ,p4 ,pratt1 in ,millennial ,star1 #ahdf1 #bbf4 ,a ,prophet of ,latter ,days4 ,a ,,glorious ,,thought3 ,should ,prophets ,be ,expected in ,our ,day--,god's ,word ,indicates that a ,prophet ,should ,come--,prophets ,sent to ,announce ,all ,important ,events--,positive ,promise of the ,lord to ,send a ,messenger--,necessity of ,prophets and ,apostles in the ,church--,church ,founded ,upon ,prophets and ,apostles--,power ,given ,apostles and ,prophets--,object of ,inspired ,men in the ,church--,how ,long ,they ,should ,remain--,is the ,canon of ,scripture ,full--,without ,modern ,revelation ,bible ,prophecies ,cannot ,be ,fulfilled--,treatment of ,prophets in ,past ,ages--,jesus a ,stumbling ,stone--,many ,prophets ,rejected--,persecution to ,follow ,all ,inspired ,teachers--,conclusions ,drawn from ,scriptures ,quoted--,elder ,edwin ,f4 ,parry1 ,liverpool1 ,england1 #bcj4 iv ,,was ,,joseph ,,smith ,a ,,prophet8 ,testimony of ,his ,works--,judging by the ,fruits--,joseph ,smith's ,claim--,his ,claim ,compared with ,scripture--,predictions that the ,gospel ,should ,be ,restored--,joseph ,smith ,treated the ,same as ,ancient ,prophets--,account of ,some of ,his ,works--,bible ,prophecies ,fulfilled--,church ,organization the ,same as ,formerly--,same ,doctrines as in ,former ,days--,the ,holy ,ghost ,received--,how to ,obtain ,proof--,outward ,proofs--,testimony of ,witnesses--,ancient ,prophecies ,being ,fulfilled--,the ,gathering of ,israel--,gathering ,peculiar to ,latter-,day ,saints--,events in the ,history of the ,saints--,words of the ,psalmist ,fulfilled--,isaiah's ,prediction ,fulfilled--,a ,prophecy of ,malachi--,salvation for the ,dead--,facts ,proven--,elder ,edwin ,f4 ,parry1 ,liverpool1 ,england1 #bce4 ,,joseph ,,smith',s ,,works3 ,evidence of ,his ,inspiration--,scriptural ,tests--,prediction of the ,angel--,none ,can ,stop ,god's ,work--,a ,marvelous ,work--,testimony of ,disinterested ,men--,prophecy ,about ,war--,fulfilled ,twenty-eight ,years ,afterwards--,predicted ,men's ,lives ,would ,be ,spared--,the ,saints' ,exodus ,foretold--,gathering ,predicted--,joseph ,smith as an ,expounder of ,scripture--,church ,organization--,all ,his ,works ,proclaim ,him a ,prophet--,elder ,edwin ,f4 ,parry1 ,liverpool1 ,england1 #bed4 ,,the ,,book ,,of ,,mormon3 ,an ,evidence of the ,inspiration of ,joseph ,smith--,its ,purport--,impossible to ,write ,without ,divine ,aid--,prophecies in the ,book of ,mormon--,a ,bible6 ,a ,bible6--,isaiah's ,prophecy--,book ,gives a ,test of ,its ,truth--,attested by ,direct ,evidence--,testimony of ,three ,witnesses--,testimony of ,witnesses ,unchanged--,testimony of ,eight ,witnesses--,secular ,proof of the ,book of ,mormon--,colonists from the ,tower of ,babel--,origin ,before the ,christian ,era--,of ,hebrew ,origin--,indian ,customs--,indian ,practice ,resembling the ,passover--,tradition of a ,sacred ,book--,acquainted with the ,old ,testament ,record--,tradition of ,moses--,tradition of ,eve--,tradition of the ,flood--,led by ,youngest ,brother--,engraved on ,plates of ,metal--,egyptian ,writings--,evidences of ,advanced ,civilization--,ruins ,discovered--,indians ,all of ,one ,origin--,ruins in ,yucatan--,ancient ,glass ,jar--,a ,ruined ,city--,ancient ,coins and ,implements--,destruction at the ,time of the ,crucifixion--,ruins on the ,ridge of a ,mountain--,destroyed by the ,action of ,heat--,remains ,found ,under ,lava ,beds--,discovery of a ,hidden ,city--,evidences of ,great ,eruptions--,the ,messiah ,known to the ,ancient ,inhabitants of ,america--,the ,cross as an ,emblem--,knowledge of the ,godhead--,tradition of the ,christ--,strong ,proofs of the ,truth of the ,book of ,mormon--,conclusion--,elder ,edwin ,f4 ,parry1 ,liverpool1 ,england1 #bfj4 ,,marks ,,of ,,the ,,church ,,of ,,christ3 ,the ,outward ,signs by ,which ,it ,may ,be ,known--,outward ,signs by ,which ,christ's ,gospel ,may ,be ,known--,character of ,his ,church--,knowledge the ,outcome of ,true ,faith--,how ,it ,may ,be ,obtained--,an ,illustration--,parable of the ,sower--,where ,is the ,true ,gospel and ,church of ,christ8--,by ,edwin ,f4 ,parry1 ,liverpool1 ,england1 #bia4 ,,signs ,,of ,,christ',s ,,second ,,coming3 ,what the ,bible ,says ,concerning ,his ,advent--,what the ,saviour and the ,ancient ,prophets ,say ,concerning ,it--,the ,many ,things to ,take ,place ,before that ,great ,event--,the ,signs ,already ,appearing--,by ,elder ,edwin ,f4 ,parry1 ,liverpool1 ,england1 #cjd4 v ,,saved ,,by ,,grace ,,through ,,obedience3 ,important ,questions ,concerning ,salvation ,answered by the ,word of ,god--,bible ,teachings ,upon ,this ,subject--,important ,questions ,concerning ,salvation ,answered by the ,word of ,god--,salvation ,free to ,all ,who ,will ,obey--,faith ,alone ,will ,not ,save--,true ,faith ,cannot ,be ,separated from ,works of ,obedience--,illustrations of ,salvation by ,grace--,by ,elder ,edwin ,f4 ,parry1 ,liverpool1 ,england1 #cac4 ,,the ,,beginning ,,of ,,the ,,gospel ,,of ,,jesus ,,christ3 ,rules ,that ,must ,be ,observed by ,all ,who ,enter ,christ's ,church--,what ,is ,salvation--,our ,own ,sins--,what ,is the ,gospel--,the ,first ,rule--,faith--,nature of ,faith--,power of ,faith--,necessity of ,miraculous ,gifts--,existence of ,faith ,shown by ,works--,another ,evidence of ,faith--,the ,second ,rule--,repentance--,meaning of ,repentance--,necessity of ,repentance--,the ,third ,rule--,baptism--,true ,mode of ,baptism--,what ,baptism ,is ,for--,other ,purposes of ,baptism--,the ,baptism of ,infants--,those ,who ,have ,died ,without ,baptism--,baptism a ,test of ,obedience--,the ,fourth ,rule--,laying ,on of ,hands--,necessity of ,laying ,on of ,hands--,office of the ,holy ,spirit--,rules ,herein ,explained--,by ,elder ,edwin ,f4 ,parry1 ,liverpool1 ,england1 #cba4 ,,an ,,angel ,,with ,,the ,,gospel3 ,rev4 #ad3 #f1 #g1 ,analyzed--,angel ,moroni's ,mission ,not ,completed--,angels--,judgments to ,come ,upon the ,world--,by ,elder ,orson ,pratt1 in ,millennial ,star1 #ahff1 #ccc4 ,,the ,,prophet ,,joseph ,,smith ,,on ,,doctrine3 ,extracts from a ,sermon ,delivered at ,nauvoo1 ,june #bg1 #ahci1 ,taken from the ,historical ,record--,first ,principles--,purpose of the ,gifts of ,tongues--,resurrection and ,eternal ,judgment--,election--,effects of the ,holy ,ghost ,upon ,gentiles--,effects of the ,holy ,ghost ,upon the ,seed of ,abraham--,the ,other ,comforter1 #ccg4 ,,the ,,latter-,,day ,,saints ,,and ,,the ,,world3 ,the ,godhead--,testimony of ,john1 ,peter1 ,stephen--,the ,personality of ,god--,testimony of ,abraham1 ,moses1 ,thomas1 ,zechariah1 ,paul1 ,joseph ,smith--,faith and ,works--,testimony of ,paul1 ,john1 ,james--,repentance--,testimony of ,paul1 ,noah1 ,abraham1 ,jonah1 ,john--,water ,baptism--,testimony of ,paul1 ,john1 ,nicodemus1 ,peter1 ,paul--,the ,holy ,ghost--,testimony of ,john the ,baptist1 ,john1 ,paul--,baptism for the ,dead--,testimony of ,peter1 ,paul--,divine ,authority--,testimony of ,paul1 ,peter--,by ,elder ,william ,a4 ,morton1 #cdj4 ,a ,,congressman',s ,,opinion ,,of ,,the ,,prophet3 ,from the ,historical ,record--,the ,prophet in ,washington ,during the ,year #ahdj1 #djd4 ,,an ,,announcement ,,concerning ,,the ,,church ,,of ,,jesus ,,christ ,,of ,,latter-,,day ,,saints4--,by ,heber ,j4 ,grant1 ,tokyo1 ,japan1 #dje4 vi ,,corner ,,stones ,,of ,,reorganization3 ,a ,few ,facts ,concerning ,its ,founders ,compiled from ,early ,church ,history--,history of ,william ,marks--,revelation to ,james ,j4 ,strong ,given ,january #g1 #ahdi--,record of ,zenos ,h4 ,gurley--,jason ,w4 ,briggs1 ,another ,founder of the ,new ,organization--,authority--,by ,german ,e4 ,ellsworth1 #djh4 ,,is ,,belief ,,alone ,,sufficient3 ,knowledge of ,god ,necessary to ,be ,saved--,must ,obey the ,gospel--,works ,necessary--,love ,manifest by ,keeping the ,commandments--,faith and ,works ,necessary--,by ,j4 ,h4 ,paul1 #dbc4 ,,the ,,church ,,of ,,jesus ,,christ ,,of ,,latter-,,day ,,saints3 ,its ,religion1 ,history1 ,condition and ,destiny--,antagonism ,due to ,misrepresentation--,the ,fulness of the ,everlasting ,gospel--,the ,godhead--,men ,judged by ,their ,works--,the ,atonement--,the ,gospel ,ordinances--,faith1 ,repentance1 ,baptism--,baptism for the ,dead--,the ,holy ,ghost--,divine ,authority--,officers--,spiritual ,gifts--,the ,apostasy--,the ,book of ,mormon--,revelation--,restoration of the ,gospel--,other ,doctrines--,a ,glance at ,history--,present ,condition--,future ,destiny--,the ,gospel ,message--,by ,james ,h4 ,anderson1 #aijb1 #dbi4 ,a ,,word ,,about ,,succession3 ,from ,saturday ,news--,was ,not ,necessary to ,ordain ,president ,young to ,office of ,president of ,church--,the ,prophet ,intended ,hyrum to ,be the ,next ,president ,had ,he ,lived--,all the ,keys of ,authority ,bestowed ,upon the ,heads of the ,twelve ,apostles by ,joseph ,smith--,brigham ,young ,accepted by ,people as ,second ,president of ,church1 #dfj4 ,,the ,,gospel ,,pioneer3 ,faith--,repentance--,baptism--,laying on of ,hands for ,imparting the ,holy ,ghost--,authority to ,preach and ,administer--,by ,william ,jefferies1 #dfd4 ,,glad ,,tidings ,,of ,,great ,,joy3 ,faith in ,god and ,jesus ,christ--,repentance--,baptism--,the ,holy ,ghost--,organization--,we ,believe in ,continuous ,revelation from ,god--,obey the ,doctrine of ,christ--,by ,apostle ,george ,teasdale1 #dhd4 ,,suggestions ,,to ,,elders3 ,care in ,administering ,sacrament--,baptismal ,ceremony--,laying on of ,hands and ,blessing ,sick--,words to ,be ,used in ,baptizing--,words ,used in ,confirming a ,person a ,member of the ,church--,administering to the ,sick--,anointing with ,oil--,by ,elder ,b4 ,h4 ,roberts1 in ,millennial ,star1 #ahhh1 #dhh4 ,,the ,,gospel ,,of ,,jesus ,,christ3 ,all ,truth ,included in the ,gospel of ,jesus ,christ--,the ,gospel ,plan ,comprehends ,more ,than ,this ,planet--,gospel ,taught ,prior to ,christ's ,advent--,faith--,repentance--,baptism by ,immersion--,gift of the ,holy ,ghost--,only ,one ,gospel ,plan--,evidence of ,apostasy--,gospel ,plan a ,perfect ,one--,exclusive ,plan--,man ,saved by ,gaining ,knowledge--,faith and ,works ,necessary--,importance of the ,message of the ,humble ,elders--,by ,elder ,orson ,f4 ,whitney1 in ,millennial ,star1 #ahhb1 #dib4 vii ,,the ,,misuse ,,of ,,power4--,by ,apostle ,orson ,f4 ,whitney1 in ,millennial ,star1 #ahhb1 #eaj4 ,,happiness ,,for ,,the ,,sorrowful4--,by ,apostle ,orson ,pratt1 ,millennial ,star1 #ahhf1 #ead4 ,,the ,,straight ,,and ,,narrow ,,way3 ,doctrine the ,savior ,taught--,first ,principles--,faith and ,works--,repentance--,baptism--,object of ,baptism--,subjects ,fit for ,baptism--,mode of ,baptism--,gift of the ,holy ,ghost--,the ,blood of ,christ--,authority--,salvation for the ,dead--,by ,elder ,ephraim ,h4 ,nye1 #eaf4 ,a ,,mother',s ,,influence3 ,a ,few ,words ,about the ,findings and the ,birth of ,joseph ,f4 ,smith1 #ece4 ,,is ,,baptism ,,essential ,,to ,,salvation8 #edj4 ,,alleged ,,objectionable ,,features ,,in ,,the ,,religion ,,of ,,latter-,,day ,,saints3 ,discoveries ,made in ,south ,america ,corroborating ,claims of the ,book of ,mormon--,apostles and ,prophets--,signs ,following the ,believers--,ordinance of ,baptism ,changed--,by ,elder ,charles ,w4 ,staynor1 #edb4 ,,latter-,,day ,,saints ,,follow ,,the ,,teachings ,,of ,,the ,,saviour3 ,address ,delivered at the ,salt ,lake ,tabernacle ,sunday1 ,december #be1 #aiaj1 by ,president ,joseph ,f4 ,smith--,adam's ,mission on ,earth--,temporal ,death--,coming of ,christ--,the ,second ,death--,christ ,both ,god and ,man--,first ,born in the ,spirit1 ,only ,begotten of the ,father in the ,flesh1 ,immortal ,father1 ,mortal ,mother1 thus ,were ,joined ,together in ,him ,forever1 ,both ,god and ,man--,resurrection--,spirit and ,body of ,christ--,preaching to ,spirits in ,prison--,broadness of ,god's ,plan of ,salvation--,all ,will ,be ,resurrected--,free ,agency of ,man--,saviour in ,america--,elements of ,spirituality--,book of ,mormon--,doctrines of ,christ--,saviour's ,birthday1 #eed4 viii ,,doctrinal ,,index ,adam's mission on earth1 #eed4 ,adam taught to offer sacrifice1 #eef4 ,administering to ,sick1 #dij4 ,adversity1 ,necessity of1 #bbb4 ,ancient ,prophets predict ,christ's ,second ,coming1 #cjf4 ,angel with the ,gospel1 #ccc4 ,angels appear in last days1 #bbc4 ,anointing with ,oil1 #dia4 ,apostasy1 #ajh1 #agf1 #dde4 ,apostasy1 ,evidence of1 #ejb4 ,apostles and ,prophets1 #ede4 ,archaeological discoveries corroborating claims of ,book of ,mormon1 #bha4 ,articles of ,faith1 ,how they came to be written1 #bj4 ,atonement1 ,the1 #aag1 #cad1 #dcd4 ,authority1 #ag1 #ajg1 #acb1 #adc1 #big1 #cie1 #ddb1 #dhj4 ,baptism1 #aag1 #bic1 #cbf1 #cgc1 #dcg1 #dgd1 #dhe1 #ebj4 ,baptism ,changed1 ,mode of1 #eeb4 ,baptism essential to ,salvation1 #edj4 ,baptism for ,dead commenced1 #hd4 ,baptism for the ,dead1 #aha1 #dci4 ,baptism for the ,dead done away with by ,josephites1 #hg4 ,baptism1 ,infant1 #aac1 #cbi4 ,baptism1 ,mode of1 #aac1 #cbf1 #dih1 #ebe4 ,baptism1 ,necessity of1 #aab1 #acc1 #adb4 ,baptism1 ,purpose of1 #cbg1 #eba4 ,baptism1 ,subjects fit for1 #ebb4 ,baptismal ceremony1 #dhi4 ,belief alone not sufficient1 #aah1 #dbc4 ,believers1 ,signs follow the1 #edg4 ,book of ,mormon1 #ajd1 #adj1 #bjf1 #bci1 #bfj1 #ddf1 #edc1 #efb4 ,book of ,mormon's coming forth fulfills ancient prophecy1 #baj4 ,book of ,mormon1 ,discoveries in ,south ,america corroborate claims of1 #edd4 ,book of ,mormon gives test of its truth1 #bfd4 ,book of ,mormon teaches1 ,what the1 #aje1 #bji4 ,book of ,mormon1 ,the coming forth of the1 #bjg4 ,book of ,mormon published1 #bji4 ,book of ,mormon1 ,what it is1 #ddh4 ,briggs1 ,jason ,w41 ,record of1 #dah4 ,but few will be lost1 #fg4 ,christ's birthday1 #efg4 ,christ1 ,blood of1 #ebg4 ,christ both ,god and man1 #eee-eeg4 ,christ's ,father immortal and mother mortal1 #eeh4 ,christ first born in spiritual creation1 #eeh4 ,christ only begotten in flesh of ,god1 #eeh4 ,christ's second coming1 #abf1 #aif1 #cjd4 ,christ spoken evil against in primitive days1 #abd4 ,christ visits ,western ,hemisphere1 #bac4 ,church founded upon ,apostles and ,prophets1 #bca4 ,church1 ,growth of1 #aig1 #dec4 ,church ,organization1 #bei4 ,church property seized1 #def4 ,church rejected with its dead1 #hg4 ,comforter1 ,the other1 #cch4 ,corroborative ,book of ,mormon evidence by ,non-,mormons1 #bfh4 ,creation1 spiritual1 #eee4 ,crusade against ,mormons1 #aeh4 ,dead judged out of records1 #ij4 ,dead ,prophets accepted and living ,prophets rejected1 #afh4 ,death1 ,temporal1 #eee4 ,death1 ,the second1 #eeg4 ,dedication of ,palestine1 #cf4 ,degrees of ,glory1 #gb1 #ahe4 ,disfranchisement1 #afj4 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of1 #djh4 ,repentance1 #cbd1 #cff1 #dcf1 #dga1 #dhd1 #dih1 #eah4 ,repentance1 ,death bed1 #ae4 ,repentance1 ,necessity of1 #cbe4 ,restoration of ,gospel1 #fe1 #ajh1 #abe1 #agf1 #aif1 #bcg1 #dea4 ,resurrection1 ,the1 #dj1 #eeh4 ,revelation1 #bjf1 #dej4 ,revelation1 ,necessary1 #ae1 #ah1 #agj4 ,revelations1 ,chap4 #ad2 #f-g verses analyzed4 ,roberts1 ,b4 ,h41 case1 #afb4 ,sacrament1 ,care in administering1 #dhh4 ,salvation1 #af1 #cba4 ,salvation for ,dead1 #fi1 #hc1 #ic1 #aad1 #agi1 #bec1 #eca4 ,salvation and ,education1 #cbj4 ,salvation1 ,exclusive1 #agh1 #ejc4 ,salvation for ,living and ,dead1 #ei4 ,salvation1 ,plan of1 #af4 ,salvation1 ,universal1 #fj1 #cac1 #efa4 ,satan1 ,personal1 #abj4 ,saved by grace through obedience1 #cac4 ,signs of ,christ's coming to appear1 #cje1 #cah4 ,sincerity not conclusive evidence of truth1 #fc4 ,spaulding ,manuscript story1 #abd4 ,spirit and ,body1 #ag4 ,spirit world1 ,work in the1 #ge4 ,spirits1 #aj1 #ab4 ,succession1 #dfj4 ,suggestions to ,elders1 #dhh4 ,temples built1 #he1 #aia4 ,temples1 ,necessity of1 #id4 ,ten ,commandments1 ,the1 #bic4 ,testimonies of people healed1 #bdd4 ,testimony of converts1 #gh4 ,testimony of ,prophet by disinterested men1 #bef4 ,testimony proving ,book of ,mormon to be divine1 #bfd4 ,traditions of ,indians show that they had a knowledge of ,god and the ,gospel1 #bhf4 ,truth1 #ab4 ,unity in ,church of ,christ1 #fd4 ,vicarious work1 #ahi4 ,virtuous1 ,seek to be1 #af4 ,vision1 ,prophet's first1 #ba1 #bjg4 ,visions1 ,other1 of the prophet1 #ba1 #aig1 #bjh1 #bch4 ,witnesses of ,book of ,mormon1 #bac1 #bfe1 #ddh4 ,words used in confirming persons members of ,church1 #dij4 ,work for the ,dead1 ,importance of1 #hi4 ,works1 ,necessary1 #dbd4 ,world1 ,condition of people of the1 #bbd4 ,young1 ,brigham1 accepted as ,president by vote of people1 #dfb4 ,young1 ,brigham1 not ordained to office of ,president of ,church1 #dfj4 #a #b #c ,a ,,statement ,,from ,,josiah ,,quincy1 ,,mayor ,,of ,,boston1 #ahde-ahdi1 ,,concerning ,,an ,,interview ,,had ,,in #ahdd ,,with ,,joseph ,,smith1 ,,the ,,mormon ,,prophet4 ,some of the ,sayings and ,predictions ,made by the ,prophet ,joseph ,smith--,a ,letter to ,mr4 ,wentworth ,from the ,prophet in ,answer to a ,request ,from ,him for a ,statement of ,belief1 ,to ,be ,published in the ,chicago ,democrat--,the ,prophet's ,assassination2 ,extracts ,from ,gov4 ,ford's ,history of ,illinois ,concerning the ,martyrdom1 ,with ,comments4 ,compiled by ,ben ,e4 ,rich4 ,josiah ,quincy1 from whose ,figures of the ,past we quote1 was born in ,boston in #ahjb4 ,he was the ,mayor of ,boston from #ahde to #ahdi4 ,he was graduated from ,harvard in #ahba and took his master's degree in #ahbd4 ,he died in #ahhb1 soon after he wrote ,figures of the ,past4 ,the work was taken from his diary and from letters written at the time of his visit to ,nauvoo4 ,if the foretelling of future events that could not possibly have been seen by human wisdom--events too1 that from outward appearance were very unlikely to come to pass2 if the prediction of such events and their subsequent fulfilment evidences a true prophet1 then ,joseph ,smith must have been a true prophet4 ,in #ahdd ,josiah ,quincy visited the ,prophet ,joseph ,smith at ,nauvoo4 ,they conversed upon questions of government and the ,prophet offered a solution of the slavery question #d which ,josiah ,quincy1 in #ahhb1 declared the history of our country justified4 ,it is by no means impossible that some future textbook1 for the use of generations yet unborn1 will contain a question something like this3 ,what historical ,american of the #aith century has exerted the most powerful influence upon the destiny of his countrymen8 ,it is by no means impossible that the answer to that interrogatory may be thus written3 ,joseph ,smith1 the ,mormon prophet4 ,and the reply1 absurd as it doubtless seems to most men now living1 may be an obvious commonplace to their descendants4 ,history deals in surprises and paradoxes quite as startling as this4 ,a man who established a religion in this age of free debate1 who was1 and is to-day1 accepted by hundreds of thousands as a direct emissary from the ,most ,high1 such a human being is not to be disposed of by pelting his memory with unsavory epithets4 ,fanatic1 impostor1 charlatan1 he may have been2 but those hard names furnish no solution to the problem he presents to us4 ,fanatics and impostors are living and dying every day1 and their memory is buried with them2 but the wonderful influence which this founder of religion exerted and still exerts1 throws him into relief before us1 not as a rogue to be criminated1 but as a phenomenon to be explained4 ,the vital questions ,americans are asking each other to-day have to do with this man and with what he has left us4 ,is there any remedy heroic enough to meet the case1 yet in accordance with our national doctrines of liberty and toleration1 which can be applied to the doctrine now advanced by the sect which he created8 ,the possibilities of the ,mormon system are unfathomable4 7,josiah ,quincy1 ,figures of the ,past47 ,in #ahee1 when men's minds had been moved to their depths on the question of slavery1 ,ralph ,waldo ,emerson declared that it should be met with in accordance with the interests of the ,south and the settled conscience of the ,north4 ,it is really not a great task1 a great fight for this country to accomplish1 to buy that property of the planter--the ,united ,states will be brought to give every inch of their public lands for a purpose like this4 ,we who can look back upon the terrible cost of the fratricidal war which put an end to slavery1 now say that such a #e solution of the difficulty would have been very worthy of a ,christian ,statesman4 ,but if the retired scholar was in advance of his time when he advocated this disposition of the public property in #ahee1 what shall ,i think of the political and religious leader who had committed himself1 in print1 as well as in conversation to the same course in #ahdd8 ,if the atmosphere of men's opinions was stirred by such a proposition when war clouds were discernible in the sky1 was it not a statesmanlike word eleven years earlier when the heavens looked tranquil and beneficent8 7,josiah ,quincy1 ,f4 of ,p47 ,the ,prophet also saw that war would devastate this land and prophesied that we shall soon have war and bloodshed2 that men shall hunt the lives of their own sons2 brothers kill brothers2 mothers shall be against daughters4 ,he prophesied that this war should begin with the rebellion of ,south ,carolina1 and that it should cause the death of many souls2 that the ,southern ,states should be divided against the ,northern ,states1 and that the ,southern ,states should call upon other nations1 even ,great ,britain1 to help them2 that slaves should rise against their masters and that they should be marshaled and disciplined for war4 ,as late as #ahhb ,josiah ,quincy marveled at the literal fulfilment of this prophecy4 ,he remarked the fact that ,ralph ,waldo ,emerson proposed the same solution of the slave question1 in #ahee1 that the ,prophet had proposed eleven years earlier1 in #ahdd4 ,this prophecy on war was made in #ahcb by the ,prophet and published to the world many years before his conversation with ,josiah ,quincy4 7,comment47 ,give every man his constitutional freedom and the ,president full power to send an army to suppress mobs1 and the ,states authority to repeal and impugn that relic of folly which makes it necessary for the ,governor of the ,state to make the demand of the ,president for troops1 in case of invasion or rebellion4 ,joseph ,smith4 ,josiah ,quincy1 ,commenting on this ,statement ,said3 ,it is needless to remark how later events showed the executive weakness that ,mr4 ,smith pointed out--the weakness that cost thousands of valuable lives and millions of treasure4 ,born in the lowest ranks of poverty1 without book-learning1 and with the homeliest of all human names1 he had made #f himself at the age of thirty-nine a power upon the earth4 ,of the multitudinous family of ,smith1 none had so won human hearts and shaped human lives as this ,joseph4 ,his influence1 whether for good or evil1 is potent to-day1 and the end is not yet4 ,if the reader does not know what to make of ,joseph ,smith1 ,i cannot help him out of the difficulty2 ,i myself stand helpless before the puzzle4 7,josiah ,quincy1 ,f4 of the ,p47 ,i am a rough stone4 ,the sound of the hammer and chisel were never heard on me until the ,lord took me in hand4 ,i desire the learning and wisdom of heaven alone4 7,joseph ,smith47 ,some of ,his ,views on ,government4 ,the ,constitution of the ,united ,states is a glorious standard2 it is a heavenly banner2 it is like a great tree under whose branches men from all climes can be shielded from the burning rays of an inclement sun3 and ,mormon as well as ,presbyterian1 and every other denomination have equal rights to partake of the fruits of this great tree of our national ,liberty4 ,petition1 also1 ye goodly inhabitants of the slave ,states1 your legislators to abolish slavery by the year #ahej1 or now1 and save the abolitionist from reproach and ruin1 infamy and shame4 ,pray ,congress to pay every man a reasonable price for his slaves out of the surplus revenue arising from the sale of public lands4 ,break off the shackles from the poor black man and hire him to labor like other human beings3 ,for an hour of virtuous ,liberty on earth is worth a whole eternity of bondage4 ,for the accommodation of the people in every state and territory let ,congress show their wisdom by granting a national bank1 with branches in each state and territory1 where the capital stock shall be held by the nation for the mother bank and by the states and territories for the branches1 and #g whose officers and directors shall be elected by the people4 ,the net gains of the mother bank should be applied to the national revenue and that of the branches to the ,states' and ,territories' revenues4 ,when the people petition for a ,national ,bank1 ,i would use my best endeavors to have their prayers answered1 and establish one on national principles to save taxes1 and make them the controllers of its ways and means4 ,let the people of the whole ,union1 whenever they find a promise made by the candidate that is not practiced as an officer1 hurl the miserable sycophant from his exaltation1 as ,god did ,nebuchadnezzar1 to crop the grass of the field with a beast's heart among the cattle4 ,let the penitentiaries be turned into ,seminaries of learning1 where intelligence1 like the angels of heaven1 would banish such fragments of barbarism4 ,more economy in the ,national and ,state ,government would make less taxes among the people2 and more honesty and familiarity in societies would make less hypocrisy and flattery in all branches of the community2 and open1 frank1 candid decorum toward all men in this boasted land of liberty would beget esteem1 confidence1 union and love2 and the neighbor from any state or any country1 whatever color1 clime1 or tongue1 could rejoice when he put his foot on the sacred soil of freedom and exclaim3 ,the very name of ,america is fraught with friendship4 ,thus create confidence6 ,restore freedom6 ,break down slavery6 ,banish imprisonment for debt1 and be in love1 fellowship and peace with all the world6 ,remember that honesty is not subject to law2 the law is made for transgressors4 ,were ,i the ,president of the ,united ,states1 by the voice of a virtuous people1 ,i would honor the old paths of the #h venerated fathers who carried the ark of ,government upon their shoulders with an eye single to the glory of the people2 and when that people petitioned to abolish slavery in the slave states1 ,i would use all honorable means to have their prayers granted1 and give liberty to the captive by paying the ,southern gentleman a reasonable equivalent for his property1 that the whole nation might be free indeed4 ,rigor and seclusion will never do as much to reform the propensities of man as reason and friendship4 ,when ,egypt was under the superintendency of ,joseph it prospered1 because he was taught of ,god2 when they oppressed the ,israelites1 destruction came upon them4 ,when the children of ,israel were chosen with ,moses at their head1 they were to be a peculiar people1 among whom ,god should place ,his name2 their motto was1 ,the ,lord is our law-giver2 the ,lord is our ,judge2 the ,lord is our ,king1 and ,he shall reign over us4 ,while in this state they might truly say1 ,happy is that people1 whose ,god is the ,lord4 ,their ,government was a theocracy2 they had ,god to make their laws and men chosen by ,god to administer them2 ,he was their ,god1 and they were ,his people4 ,moses received the ,word of the ,lord from ,god himself2 he was the mouth of ,god to ,aaron1 and ,aaron taught the people1 in both civil and ecclesiastical affairs2 they were both one1 there was no distinction2 so it will be when the purposes of ,god are accomplished2 when the ,lord shall be ,king over the whole earth1 and ,jerusalem ,his throne4 ,the law shall go forth from ,zion1 and the word of the ,lord from ,jerusalem4 ,this is the only thing that can bring about the restitution of all things spoken of by all the holy prophets since the world was2 the dispensation of the fullness of times1 when ,god shall gather together all things in one4 ,other attempts to promote universal peace and happiness in the human family have proved abortive2 every effort has failed2 every plan and design has fallen to the ground2 it needs the wisdom of ,god1 the intelligence of ,god1 the power of ,god to accomplish this4 ,the world has had a fair trial for six thousand years2 the ,lord will try the seventh thousand1 himself2 ,he whose right it is will possess the ,kingdom and reign until ,he has put all things under #i ,his feet2 iniquity will hide its hoary head2 ,satan will be bound1 and the works of darkness destroyed2 righteousness will be put to the line1 and judgment to the plummet1 and ',he that fears the ,lord will alone be exalted in that day4' ,we do not believe it is just to mingle religious influence with civil government1 whereby one religious society is fostered and another proscribed in its spiritual privileges1 and the individual rights of its members as citizens1 denied4 ,we believe that no government can exist in peace except such laws are framed and held inviolable as secured unto each individual the free exercise of conscience1 the right and control of property1 and the protection of life4 ,meddle not with any man for his religion2 for all government ought to permit every man to enjoy his religion unmolested4 ,no man is authorized to take away life in consequence of difference of religion1 which all laws should govern and protect4 ,it has been the design of ,jehovah from the commencement of the world1 and is ,his purpose now1 to regulate the affairs of the world in ,his own time1 and to stand at the head of the universe1 and take the reins of government in ,his own hands4 ,when that is done1 judgment will be administered in righteousness2 anarchy and confusion will be destroyed1 and nations will learn war no more4 ,it is for want of this great governing principle that all this confusion has existed4 ,we believe that every man should be honored in his station2 rulers and magistrates1 as such1 being placed for the protection of the innocent1 and the punishment of the guilty2 and that to the laws1 all men owe respect and deference1 as without them peace and harmony would be supplanted by anarchy and terror2 human laws being instituted for the express purpose of regulating our interests as individuals and nations1 #aj between man and man1 and divine laws given of heaven1 prescribing rules on spiritual concerns1 for faith and worship1 both to be answered by man to his ,maker4 ,we believe that all men are bound to sustain and uphold the respective governments in which they reside1 while protected in their inherent and inalienable rights by the laws of such governments4 ,miscellaneous ,thought on ,many ,subjects4 ,seek to know ,god in your closet2 call upon ,him in your field4 ,the sacrifice required of ,abraham in the offering up of ,isaac shows that if a man would attain to the keys of the ,kingdom of an endless life1 he must sacrifice all things4 ,when ,god offers a blessing or knowledge to man1 and he refuses to receive it1 he will be damned4 ,spirits are eternal4 ,at the first organization in heaven we were all present1 and saw the ,savior chosen and appointed1 and the plan of salvation made1 and we sanctioned it4 ,when you climb a ladder1 you must begin at the bottom and ascend step by step until you arrive at the top2 and so it is with the principles of the ,gospel2 you must begin with the first and go along until you have learned all the principles of exaltation4 ,it should be the duty of elders1 when they enter into any house1 to let their labors and warning voice be to the master of that house2 and if he receives the ,gospel1 then he may extend his influence to his wife1 also1 that peradventure she may receive the ,gospel2 but if the man receive not the ,gospel and give his consent that his wife may receive it1 then let her #aa receive it2 but if the man forbid his wife1 or his children before they are of age1 to receive the ,gospel1 then it shall be the duty of the elder to go his way and use no influence against him2 and let the responsibility be upon his head4 ,there is never a time when the spirit is too old to approach ,god4 ,knowledge saves a man1 and in the world of spirits no man can be exalted but by knowledge4 ,so long as a man will not give heed to the commands1 he must abide without salvation4 ,here1 then1 is eternal life--to know the only wise and true ,god2 and you have got to learn how to be gods yourselves1 and to be kings and priests to ,god1 the same as all ,gods have done before you1 namely1 by going from one small degree to another1 and from a small capacity to a great one2 from grace to grace1 from exaltation to exaltation1 until you attain to the resurrection of the dead1 and are able to dwell in everlasting burnings1 and to sit in glory1 as do those who sit enthroned in everlasting power4 ,when the ,twelve1 or any other witnesses1 stand before the congregation of the earth1 and they preach in the power and demonstration of the spirit of ,god1 and the people are astonished and confounded at the doctrine and say3 ,that man has preached a powerful discourse1 a great sermon--then let that man or those men take care that they are humble and ascribe the praise and glory to ,god and ,the ,lamb2 for it is by the power of the ,holy ,priesthood and ,holy ,ghost that they have power thus to speak4 ,what art thou1 ,o man1 but dust8 ,and from whom dost thou receive thy power and blessings but from ,god8 ,if you wish to go where ,god is1 you must be like ,god1 or possess the principles which ,god possesses1 for if we are not drawing toward ,god in principle1 we are going from ,him and drawing toward the devil4 ,a man is saved no faster than he gets knowledge1 for if he does not get knowledge1 he will be #ab brought into captivity by some evil power4 ,it needs revelation to assist us1 and give us knowledge of the things of ,god4 ,every principle proceeding from ,god is eternal and any principle which is not eternal is of the devil4 ,the sun has no beginning nor end2 the rays which proceed from himself have no bounds1 consequently are eternal4 ,so it is with ,god4 ,if the soul of man had a beginning it will surely have an end4 ,in the translation without form and void it should read1 empty and desolate4 ,the word created should be1 formed1 or organized4 ,intelligence1 or the light of truth1 was not created or made1 neither indeed1 can be4 ,all truth is knowledge of things as they are1 and as they were1 and as they are to come4 ,all spirit is matter1 but it is more fine and pure4 ,ye were also in the beginning with the ,father4 ,we have no claim in our eternal compact1 in relation to eternal things1 unless our actions and contracts and all things tend to this end4 ,the elements are eternal1 and spirit and element1 inseparably connected1 receiveth a fullness of joy1 and when separated1 man cannot receive a fullness of joy4 ,the first ,comforter1 or ,holy ,ghost1 has no other effect than pure intelligence4 ,it is powerful in expanding the mind1 #ac enlightening the understanding1 and storing the intellect with present knowledge4 ,judah must return1 ,jerusalem must be rebuilt1 and the temple1 and water come out from under the temple1 and the waters of the ,dead ,sea be healed4 ,it will take some time to build the walls of the city and the temple1 etc42 and all this must be done before the ,son of ,man will make ,his appearance4 ,there will be wars and rumors of wars1 signs in the heaven above and on the earth beneath1 the sun turned into darkness and the moon to blood1 earthquakes in divers places1 the seas heaving beyond their bounds2 then will appear one grand sign of the ,son of ,man in heaven4 ,but what will the world do8 ,they will say it is a planet1 a comet1 etc4 ,he that receiveth light and continueth in ,god1 receiveth more light1 and that light groweth brighter and brighter until the perfect day4 ,study and learn and become acquainted with all good books1 and with languages1 tongues and people1 for it is impossible for a man to be saved in ignorance4 ,we have turned the barren1 bleak prairies and swamps into beautiful towns1 farms and cities1 by our industry2 and the men who seek our destruction and cry thief1 treason1 riot1 are those who themselves violate the laws1 steal and plunder from their neighbors1 and seek to destroy the innocent1 heralding forth lies to screen themselves from the just punishment of their crimes by bringing destruction upon innocent people4 ,if a people1 a community1 or a society1 can accumulate wealth1 increase a worldly fortune1 improve in science and arts1 rise to eminence in the eyes of the public1 surmount difficulties so much as to bid defiance to poverty and wretchedness1 it must be a new creation1 a race of beings superhuman4 ,but in all #ad our poverty and want1 we have yet to learn for the first time1 that we are not industrious and temperate1 and wherein we have not always been the last to retaliate or resent an injury1 and the first to overlook and forgive4 ,we have been driven time after time1 and that without cause2 and smitten again and again1 and that without provocation2 until we have proved the world with kindness1 and the world has proved us1 that we have no designs against any man or set of men2 that we injure no man2 that we are peaceable with all men1 minding our own business1 and our business only4 ,we have suffered our rights and our liberties to be taken from us2 we have not avenged ourselves for those wrongs2 we have appealed to magistrates1 to sheriffs1 to judges1 to the ,government and to the ,president of the ,united ,states--all in vain2 yet we have yielded peacefully to all these things4 ,we have not complained at the ,great ,god2 we murmured not1 but peacefully left all1 and retired into the back country1 in the broad and wild prairies1 in the barren and desolate plains1 and there commenced anew2 making the desolate places to bud and blossom as the rose4 ,whatever ,god requires is right1 no matter what it is1 although we may not see the reason thereof until long after the events transpired4 ,time and experience will teach us more and more how easily falsehood gains credence with mankind in general1 rather than the truth2 but especially in taking into consideration the plan of salvation4 ,the plain simple truth of the ,gospel of ,jesus ,christ never has been discerned nor acknowledged as the truth1 except by a few--among whom were 'not many wise men after the flesh1 not many mighty1 not many noble2' whilst the majority have contented themselves with their own private opinions1 or have adopted those of others1 according to their address1 their philosophy1 their formula1 their policy1 or their fitness may have attracted their attention or pleased their taste4 ,but1 sir1 of all the criterions whereby we may judge of the vanity of these things1 one will always be found true1 namely1 that we will always find such characters glorifying in their own wisdom and their own works2 whilst the humble saint gives all the glory to ,god the ,father1 and to ,his ,son ,jesus ,christ1 #ae whose yoke is easy1 and whose burden is light1 and who told ,his ,disciples that unless they became as little children1 they could not enter the ,kingdom of ,heaven4 ,we consider that when a man scandalizes his neighbor1 it follows1 of course1 that he designs to cover his own iniquity2 we consider him who puts his foot upon the neck of his benefactor an object of pity rather than revenge1 for in so doing he not only shows the contraction of his own mind1 but the wickedness of his heart also4 ,the infidel will grasp at every straw for help until death stares him in the face1 and then his infidelity takes its flight1 for the realities of the eternal world are resting upon him in mighty power2 and when every earthly support and prop fails him1 he then sensibly feels the eternal truths of the immortality of the soul4 ,we should heed warning and not wait for the death-bed to repent4 ,as we see the infant taken away by death1 so may the youth and middle-aged1 as well as the infant1 be called into eternity4 ,let this1 then1 prove as a warning to all1 not to procrastinate repentance1 or wait until upon the death-bed1 for it is the will of ,god that man should repent and serve ,him in health and in the strength and power of his mind1 in order to secure ,his blessings1 and not wait until he is called to die4 ,the time has come that elders should go forth1 and each must stand for himself in all meekness1 in sobriety1 and preach ,jesus ,christ and ,him crucified2 not to contend with others on account of their faith1 or systems of religion1 but pursue a steady course4 ,salvation comes not without a revelation2 it is in vain for anyone to minister without it4 ,no man is a minister of ,jesus ,christ without being a prophet4 ,no man can be a minister of ,jesus ,christ except he has the testimony of ,jesus2 and this is the ,spirit of ,prophecy4 ,it is for us to be righteous1 that we may be wise and #af understand1 for none of the wicked shall understand2 but the wise shall understand1 and they that turn man to righteousness shall shine as the stars for ever and ever4 ,there is a law irrevocably decreed in heaven before the foundation of this world1 upon which all blessings are predicted2 and when we obtain a blessing from ,god1 it is by obedience to the law upon which it is predicted4 ,love is one of the chief characteristics of ,deity1 and ought to be manifested by those who aspire to be the sons of ,god4 ,a man filled with the love of ,god is not content with blessing his family alone1 but ranges through the whole world anxious to bless the whole human race4 ,salvation means a man's being placed beyond the power of all his enemies4 ,be virtuous and pure2 be men of integrity and truth2 keep the ,commandments of ,god and then you will be able to understand the difference between right and wrong--between the things of ,god and the things of man2 and your path will be like that of the just1 which shineth brighter and brighter unto the perfect day4 ,the great ,jehovah contemplated the whole of the events connected with the earth1 pertaining to the plan of salvation1 before it rolled into existence1 or before the morning stars sang for joy2 the past1 the present1 the future were1 and are1 with ,him one eternal now4 ,there are three independent principles3 ,the ,spirit of ,god2 the ,spirit of ,man1 and the ,spirit of the ,devil4 ,all men have power to resist the devil4 ,in tracing the thing to the foundation1 and looking at it #ag philosophically1 we shall find a very material difference between the body and the spirit2 the body is supposed to be organized matter1 and the spirit1 by many1 is thought to be immaterial1 without substance4 ,with this latter statement we should beg leave to differ1 and state that the spirit is a substance2 that it is material1 but that it is more pure1 elastic1 and refined matter than the body2 that it existed before the body1 and will exist separate from the body1 when the body will be mouldering in the dust2 and will in the ,resurrection be again united with it4 ,ever keep in exercise the principle of mercy1 and be ready to forgive our brother on the first intimations of repentance1 and asking forgiveness2 and should we even forgive our brother1 or even our enemy1 before they repent or ask forgiveness1 our ,heavenly ,father would be equally as merciful unto us4 ,if ,god has established ,his authority1 and ,his divine will is made known through that authority to the ,church1 and any member refuses to receive it1 he cuts himself off from the ,church2 from the benefits of the ,holy ,priesthood1 and from the fellowship and favor of ,god1 and becomes a castaway4 ,to be a ,latter-day ,saint requires sacrifice of worldly aims and pleasures2 requires fidelity1 strength of character1 love of truth1 integrity to principle and zealous desire to see the triumphant march of truth4 ,all men who become heirs of ,god and joint heirs of ,jesus ,christ will have to receive the fullness of the ordinances of ,his ,kingdom2 and those who will not receive all the ordinances will come short of the fullness of that glory1 if they do not lose the whole4 ,there is no other way beneath the heaven that ,god hath ordained for man to come to ,him1 except through faith in ,jesus ,christ1 repentance and baptism for the remission of sins2 #ah then follows the promise of the gift of the ,holy ,ghost4 ,any other course is in vain4 ,where there is no change of priesthood1 there is no change of ordinances1 says ,paul4 ,if ,god has not changed the priesthood and the ordinances1 howl1 ye sectarians6 ,if ,he has1 when and where has ,he revealed it8 ,have ye turned revelators8 ,why then deny revelation8 ,how consoling to the mourners1 when they are called to part with a husband1 wife1 or father1 mother1 child or dear relative1 to know that although the earthly tabernacle is laid down and dissolved1 they shall rise again to dwell in everlasting burnings in immortal glory1 not to sorrow1 suffer or die any more2 but they shall be heirs of ,god and joint heirs with ,jesus ,christ4 ,by the power of ,god ,i translated the ,book of ,mormon from hieroglyphics1 the knowledge of which was lost to the world2 in which wonderful event ,i stood alone1 an unlearned youth1 to combat with the worldly wisdom and multiplied ignorance of eighteen centuries1 with a new revelation1 which--if they would receive the everlasting gospel--would open the ears of more than eight hundred millions of people and make plain the old paths1 where if a man walk in all the ordinances of ,god1 blameless1 he should inherit eternal life4 ,if the ministers of religion had a proper understanding of the doctrines of eternal judgment1 they would not be found attending the man who had forfeited his life1 and injured the laws of the country by shedding innocent blood1 for such characters cannot be forgiven until they have paid the last farthing2 the prayers of all the ministers in the world cannot close the gates of hell against a murderer--unconditional election to eternal life was not taught by the apostles4 ,no unhallowed hand can stop the work of ,god from #ai progressing4 ,persecution may rage1 mobs may combine1 armies may assemble1 calumny may defame2 but the truth of ,god will go forth boldly1 nobly and independently1 until it has penetrated every continent and visited every clime1 swept over the country and sounded in every ear till the purposes of ,god shall be accomplished and the great ,jehovah shall say the work is done4 ,we cannot be perfect without the fathers4 ,we must have revelations from them1 and we can see that the doctrine of revelation as far transcends the doctrine of no revelation as knowledge is above ignorance2 for one truth revealed from heaven is worth all the sectarian notions in existence4 ,we believe that religion is instituted of ,god1 and that men are answerable to ,him1 and ,him only1 for the exercise of it unless their religious opinions brought them to infringe upon the rights and liberties of others2 but we do not believe that human law has the right to interfere in prescribing rules of worship to bind the consciences of men1 nor dictate forms for public or private devotion2 that the civil magistrate should restrain crime1 but never control conscience2 should punish guilt1 but never suppress the freedom of a soul4 ,we have ever held ourselves amenable to the law2 and for myself ,i am ever ready to conform to and support the laws and ,constitution1 even at the expense of my life4 ,i have never in the least offered any resistance to the law or lawful process1 which is a well-known fact to the public4 ,posterity will yet do us the justice1 when our persecutors are equally low in the dust with ourselves1 to hand down to succeeding generations the virtuous acts and forbearance of a people who sacrificed their reputations for their religion and their earthly fortunes and happiness to preserve peace4 ,men profess to prophesy4 ,i will prophesy that the signs #bj of the coming of the ,son of ,man are already commenced4 ,we shall soon have war and bloodshed4 ,as for perils which ,i am called to pass through1 they seem but a small thing to me1 as the envy and wrath of men have been my common lot all the days of my life2 and for what cause it seems mysterious1 unless ,i was ordained before the foundation of the world for some good end1 or bad1 as you may choose to call it4 ,at the request of ,mr4 ,john ,wentworth1 editor and proprietor of the ,chicago ,democrat1 the ,prophet wrote the following statement4 ,mr4 ,wentworth requested a statement of the faith of the ,saints for the use of a ,mr4 ,bostow1 who was writing a history of ,new ,hampshire4 ,i was born in the town of ,sharon1 ,windsor ,county1 ,vermont1 on the #bcrd day of ,december1 ,a4 ,d4 #ahje4 ,when ten years old my parents removed to ,palmyra1 ,new ,york1 where we resided about four years1 and from thence we removed to the town of ,manchester4 ,my father was a farmer and taught me the art of husbandry4 ,when about fourteen years of age1 ,i began to reflect upon the importance of being prepared for a future state1 and upon inquiring the plan of salvation1 ,i found that there was a great clash in religious sentiment2 if ,i went to one society they referred me to one plan1 and another to another2 each one pointing to his own particular creed as the summum bonum of perfection2 considering that all could not be right1 and that ,god could not be the author of so much confusion1 ,i determined to investigate the subject more fully1 believing that if ,god had a ,church it would not be split up into factions1 and that if ,he taught one society to worship one way1 and administer in one set of ordinances1 ,he would not teach another1 principles which were diametrically opposed4 ,believing the word of ,god1 ,i had confidence in the declaration of ,james--,if any man lack wisdom1 let him ask of ,god1 who giveth to all men liberally and upbraideth not1 and it shall be given him4 ,i retired to a secret place in a grove1 and began to call upon the ,lord2 while fervently engaged in supplication1 my mind was taken away from the objects with which ,i was surrounded1 and ,i was enwrapped in a heavenly #ba vision1 and saw two glorious personages1 who exactly resembled each other in features and likeness1 surrounded with a brilliant light which eclipsed the sun at noon day4 ,they told me that all religious denominations were believing in incorrect doctrines1 and that none of them were acknowledged of ,god as ,his ,church and ,kingdom3 and ,i was expressly commanded to go not after them1 at the same time receiving a promise that the fulness of the ,gospel should at some future time be made known unto me4 ,on the evening of the #bast of ,september1 ,a4 ,d4 #ahbc1 while ,i was praying unto ,god1 and endeavoring to exercise faith in the precious promises of ,scripture1 of a sudden a light like that of day1 only of a far purer and more glorious appearance and brightness1 burst into the room1 indeed the first sight was as though the house was filled with consuming fire2 the appearance produced a shock that affected the whole body2 in a moment a personage stood before me surrounded with a glory yet greater than that with which ,i was already surrounded4 ,this messenger proclaimed himself to be an angel of ,god1 sent to bring the joyful tidings that the covenant which ,god made with ancient ,israel was at hand to be fulfilled1 that the preparatory work for the second coming of the ,messiah was speedily to commence2 that the time was at hand for the ,gospel in all its fulness to be preached in power1 unto all nations that a people might be prepared for the ,millennial reign4 ,i was informed that ,i was chosen to be an instrument in the hands of ,god to bring about some of ,his purposes in this glorious dispensation4 ,i was also informed concerning the aboriginal inhabitants of this country and shown who they were1 and from whence they came2 a brief sketch of their origin1 progress1 civilization1 laws1 governments1 of their righteousness and iniquity1 and the blessings of ,god being finally withdrawn from them as a people1 was made known unto me2 ,i was also told where were deposited some plates on which were engraven an abridgment of the records of the ancient ,prophets that had existed on this continent4 ,the angel appeared to me three times the same night and unfolded the same things4 ,after having received many visits from the angels of ,god unfolding the majesty and glory of the events that should transpire in the last days1 on the morning of the #bbnd of ,september1 ,a4 ,d4 #ahbg1 the angel of the ,lord delivered the records into my hands4 ,these records were engraven on plates which had the appearance of gold1 each plate was six inches wide and eight #bb inches long1 and not quite so thick as common tin4 ,they were filled with engravings1 in ,egyptian characters1 and bound together in a volume as the leaves of a book1 with three rings running through the whole4 ,the volume was something near six inches in thickness1 a part of which was sealed4 ,the characters on the unsealed part were small1 and beautifully engraved4 ,the whole book exhibited many marks of antiquity in its construction1 and much skill in the art of engraving4 ,with the records was found a curious instrument1 which the ancients called ,urim and ,thummim1 which consisted of two transparent stones set in the rim of a bow fastened to a breast plate4 ,through the medium of the ,urim and ,thummim ,i translated the record by the gift and power of ,god4 ,in this important and interesting book the history of ancient ,america is unfolded1 from its first settlement by a colony that came from the ,tower of ,babel1 at the confusion of languages to the beginning of the fifth century of the ,christian ,era4 ,we are informed by these records that ,america in ancient times had been inhabited by two distinct races of people4 ,the first were called ,jaredites1 and came directly from the ,tower of ,babel4 ,the second race came directly from the city of ,jerusalem1 about six hundred years before ,christ4 ,they were principally ,israelites1 of the descendants of ,joseph4 ,the ,jaredites were destroyed about the time that the ,israelites came from ,jerusalem1 who succeeded them in the inheritance of the country4 ,the principal nation of the second race fell in battle toward the close of the fourth century4 ,the remnant are the ,indians that now inhabit this country4 ,this book also tells us that our ,savior made ,his appearance upon this continent after ,his resurrection2 that ,he planted the ,gospel here in all its fulness1 and richness1 and power1 and blessing2 that they had ,apostles1 ,prophets1 ,pastors1 ,teachers1 and ,evangelists2 the same order1 the same ,priesthood1 the same ordinances1 gifts1 powers1 and blessings1 as were enjoyed on the eastern continent1 that the people were cut off in consequence of their transgressions1 that the last of their ,prophets who existed among them was commanded to write an abridgment of their prophecies1 history1 etc41 and to hide it up in the earth1 and that it should come forth and be united with the ,bible for the accomplishment of the purposes of ,god in the last days4 ,for a more particular account ,i would refer to the ,book of ,mormon1 which can be purchased at ,nauvoo1 or from any of our ,traveling ,elders4 ,as soon as the news of this discovery was made known1 #bc false reports1 misrepresentation and slander flew1 as on the wings of the wind1 in every direction2 the house was frequently beset by mobs and evil designing persons4 ,several times ,i was shot at1 and very narrowly escaped1 and every device was made use of to get the plates away from me2 but the power and blessing of ,god attended me1 and several began to believe my testimony4 ,on the #fth of ,april1 #ahcj1 the ,church of ,jesus ,christ of ,latter-day ,saints was first organized in the town of ,fayette1 ,seneca ,county1 ,state of ,new ,york4 ,some few were called and ordained by the ,spirit of revelation and prophecy1 and began to preach as the ,spirit gave them utterance1 and though weak1 yet were they strengthened by the power of ,god1 and many were brought to repentance1 were immersed in the water1 and were filled with the ,holy ,ghost by the laying on of hands4 ,they saw visions and prophesied1 devils were cast out1 and the sick healed by the laying on of hands4 ,from that time the work rolled forth with astonishing rapidity1 and ,churches were soon formed in the ,states of ,new ,york1 ,pennsylvania1 ,ohio1 ,indiana1 ,illinois1 and ,missouri2 in the last named ,state a considerable settlement was formed in ,jackson ,county3 numbers joined the ,church and we were increasing rapidly2 we made large purchases of land1 our farms teemed with plenty1 and peace and happiness were enjoyed in our domestic circle1 and throughout our neighborhood2 but we could not associate with our neighbors who were1 many of them1 of the basest of men1 and had fled from the face of civilized society1 to the frontier country to escape the hand of justice1 in their midnight revels1 their ,sabbath breaking1 horse racing and gambling2 they commenced at first to ridicule1 then to persecute1 and finally an organized mob assembled and burned our houses1 tarred and feathered and whipped many of our brethren1 and finally drove them from their habitations2 who1 houseless and homeless1 contrary to law1 justice1 and humanity1 had to wander on the bleak prairies till the children left the tracks of their blood on the prairie2 this took place in the month of ,november1 and they had no other covering but the canopy of heaven1 in this inclement season of the year2 this proceeding was winked at by the government1 and although we had warranty deeds for our land1 and had violated no law1 we could obtain no redress4 ,there were many sick1 who were thus inhumanly driven from their houses1 and had to endure all this abuse and to seek homes where they could be found4 ,the result was1 that a great many of them being deprived of the comforts of life1 #bd and the necessary attendances1 died1 many children were left orphans2 wives1 widows2 and husbands1 widowers2 our farms were taken possession of by the mob1 many thousands of cattle1 sheep1 horses and hogs were taken1 and our household goods1 store goods1 and printing press and type were broken1 taken1 or otherwise destroyed4 ,many of our brethren removed to ,clay1 where they continued until #ahcf1 three years2 there was no violence offered1 but there were threatenings of violence4 ,but in the summer of #ahcf these threatenings began to assume a more serious form2 from threats1 public meetings were called1 resolutions were passed1 vengeance and destruction were threatened1 and affairs again assumed a fearful attitude1 ,jackson ,county was a sufficient precedent1 and as the authorities in that county did not interfere1 they boasted that they would not in this3 which on application to the authorities we found to be too true1 and after much violence1 privation1 and loss of property we were again driven from our homes4 ,we next settled in ,caldwell and ,davies ,counties1 where we made large and extensive settlements1 thinking to free ourselves from the power of oppression1 by settling in new counties1 with very few inhabitants in them2 but here we were not allowed to live in peace1 but in #ahch we were again attacked by mobs1 an exterminating order was issued by ,governor ,boggs1 and under the sanction of law1 an organized banditti ranged through the country1 robbed us of our cattle1 sheep1 horses1 hogs1 etc41 many of our people were murdered in cold blood1 the chastity of our women was violated1 and we were forced to sign away our property at the point of the sword2 and after enduring every indignity that could be heaped upon us by an inhuman1 ungodly band of marauders1 from twelve to fifteen thousand souls1 men1 women and children were driven from their own firesides1 and from lands that they had warranty deeds of1 houseless1 friendless1 and homeless 7in the depths of winter7 to wander as exiles on the earth1 or to seek an asylum in a more genial clime1 and among a less barbarous people4 ,many sickened and died in consequence of the cold and hardships they had to endure2 many wives were left widows1 and children orphans1 and destitute4 ,it would take more time than is allotted me here to describe the injustice1 the wrongs1 the murders1 the bloodshed1 the theft1 misery and woe that has been caused by the barbarous1 inhuman1 and lawless proceedings of the ,state of ,missouri4 ,in the situation before alluded to1 we arrived in the ,state of ,illinois in #ahci1 where we found a hospitable people and #be a friendly home2 a people who were willing to be governed by the principles of law and humanity4 ,we have commenced to build a city called ,nauvoo1 in ,hancock ,county4 ,we number from six to eight thousand here1 besides vast numbers in the county around1 and in almost every county of the ,state4 ,we have a ,city ,charter granted us1 and charter for a ,legion1 the troops of which now number #a1ejj4 ,we have also a charter for a ,university1 for an ,agricultural and ,manufacturing ,society1 have our own laws and administrators1 and possess all the privileges that other free and enlightened citizens enjoy4 ,persecution has not stopped the progress of truth1 but has only added fuel to the flame1 it has spread with increasing rapidity2 proud of the cause which they have espoused1 and conscious of their innocence1 and of the truth of their system1 amidst calumny and reproach1 have the ,elders of this ,church gone forth1 and planted the ,gospel in almost every ,state in the ,union2 it has penetrated our cities1 it has spread over our villages1 and has caused thousands of our intelligent1 noble1 and patriotic citizens to obey its divine mandates1 and be governed by its sacred truths4 ,it has also spread into ,england1 ,ireland1 ,scotland and ,wales2 in the year of #ahdj1 where a few of our missionaries were sent1 over five thousand joined the ,standard of ,truth2 there are numbers now joining in every land4 ,our missionaries are going forth to different nations1 and in ,germany1 ,palestine1 ,new ,holland1 the ,east ,indies1 and other places1 the ,standard of ,truth has been erected2 no unhallowed hand can stop the work from progressing1 persecutions may rage1 mobs may combine1 armies may assemble1 calumny may defame1 but the truth of ,god will go forth boldly1 nobly1 and independent1 till it has penetrated every continent1 visited every clime1 swept every country1 and sounded in every ear1 till the purposes of ,god shall be accomplished1 and the ,great ,jehovah shall say the work is done4 #a4 ,we believe in ,god1 the ,eternal ,father1 and in ,his ,son ,jesus ,christ1 and in the ,holy ,ghost4 #b4 ,we believe that men will be punished for their own sins1 and not for ,adam's transgression4 #c4 ,we believe that1 through the atonement of ,christ1 all mankind may be saved1 by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the ,gospel4 #bf #d4 ,we believe that the first principles and ordinances of the ,gospel are3 ,first1 ,faith in the ,lord ,jesus ,christ2 second1 ,repentance2 third1 ,baptism by immersion for the remission of sins2 fourth1 ,laying on of ,hands for the ,gift of the ,holy ,ghost4 #e4 ,we believe that a man must be called of ,god1 by prophecy1 and by the laying on of hands by those who are in authority1 to preach the ,gospel and administer in the ordinances thereof4 #f4 ,we believe in the same organization that existed in the primitive church--namely3 ,apostles1 ,prophets1 ,pastors1 ,teachers1 ,evangelists1 etc4 #g4 ,we believe in the gift of tongues1 prophecy1 revelation1 visions1 healing1 interpretation of tongues1 etc4 #h4 ,we believe the ,bible to be the ,word of ,god as far as it is translated correctly2 we also believe the book of ,mormon to be the ,word of ,god4 #i4 ,we believe all that ,god has revealed1 all that ,he does now reveal1 and we believe that ,he will yet reveal many great and important things pertaining to the ,kingdom of ,god4 #aj4 ,we believe in the literal gathering of ,israel and in the restoration of the ten tribes2 that ,zion will be built upon this 7the ,american7 continent2 that ,christ will reign personally upon the earth1 and that the earth will be renewed and receive its paradisiacal glory4 #aa4 ,we claim the privilege of worshipping ,almighty ,god according to the dictates of our conscience1 and allow all men the same privilege1 let them worship how1 where1 or what they may4 #ab4 ,we believe in being subject to kings1 presidents1 rulers1 and magistrates in obeying1 honoring and sustaining the law4 #ac4 ,we believe in being honest1 true1 chaste1 benevolent1 virtuous1 and in doing good to all men2 indeed1 we may say that we follow the admonition of ,paul4 ,we believe all things1 we hope all things1 we have endured many things1 we hope to be able to endure all things4 ,if there is anything virtuous1 lovely1 or of good report or praiseworthy1 we seek after these things4 ,joseph ,smith4 ,comment4 #bg ,what a stupendous work has been accomplished through his instrumentality6 ,and what an immeasurable benefit has it been to that part of the human family which has laid hold of the blessings offered6 ,his active service in the work1 though limited to but fifteen years1 when he gave his life a sacrifice for ,truth1 has made his name known throughout the entire civilized world2 and as the angel told him1 it is known for good and evil4 ,those whose prejudices1 fed on popular denunciations and accusations which have their origin in untruthful breasts of wicked and depraved men1 have kept them under the clouds of ignorance and misunderstanding regarding him and his mission1 hold his name in disrepute2 while those who have heeded not the libelous and slanderous cries of his enemies1 but have probed to the root of the truth in the matter1 and consequently understood him as he was and his mission as it actually is1 hold his name in honor1 whether they have obeyed the ,gospel or not2 but those who revere his memory most1 hold it sacred before men1 and thank ,god for his noble life and his faithful work1 are those who have heard and obeyed the ,gospel of ,jesus ,christ as it was restored to the earth through ,him1 and during their whole lives have lived righteously before the ,lord1 true and steadfast to every covenant they have made with ,him4 ,in reviewing the results of his labors effected by the aid of ,god's power manifested in him1 as we see them today in the perfected ,church of ,christ1 its influence upon the world1 the achievements of those who have embraced the truth1 and the favorable condition of the saints generally1 certainly of the literal fulfilment of the prediction of the prophet of old that in the last day ,god would establish a marvelous work and a wonder1 forces itself clearly upon our minds4 ,and in view of all that has been accomplished through the ,prophet ,joseph ,smith1 and the far-reaching effects of his labors1 even his bitterest enemies and those who most vigorously combat the system ,god established through him1 are forced to a realization of the truth of ,josiah ,quincy's contention that of all ,americans in the nineteenth century1 none among them have exerted so great an influence upon the destinies of their countrymen as has ,joseph ,smith1 the ,mormon ,prophet6 and to-day more than ever before1 should the world appreciate the value of ,mr4 ,quincy's declaration concerning him1 that such a human being is not to be disposed of by pelting his memory with unsavory epithets4 ,his life was devoted to #bh the cause of humanity1 according as ,god directed him2 and although the world will not acknowledge it1 nevertheless there are nearly half a million earnest1 sincere and honest-hearted men and women who know he was a prophet of the most high ,god1 and that which he declared to the world under the spirit of the ,almighty is the ,gospel of ,jesus ,christ1 with its gifts1 its blessings1 and its powers restored for the salvation and exaltation of man4 ,thank ,god for the noble life and the faithful labors of his humble and obedient servant1 ,joseph ,smith6 7,elders ,journal1 ,vol4 #d1 pages #adf-g47 ,those who have not been enclosed within the walls of prison without cause or provocation1 can have but little idea how sweet the voice of a friend is6 ,one token of friendship from any source whatever1 awakens and calls into action every sympathetic feeling2 it brings up in an instant everything that is past2 it seizes the present with the avidity of lightening2 it grasps after the future with the fierceness of a tiger2 it moves the mind backward and forward1 from one thing to another1 until finally all enmity1 malice1 hatred1 and past differences1 misunderstandings and mismanagements1 are slain victorious at the feet of hope4 ,joseph ,smith1 claiming to be an inspired teacher1 faced adversity such as few men have been called to meet1 enjoyed a brief season of prosperity such as few men have ever attained1 and finally1 forty-three days after ,i saw him1 went cheerfully to a martyr's death4 ,when he surrendered his person to ,governor ,ford in order to prevent the shedding of innocent blood1 the ,prophet had a premonition of what was before him4 7,josiah ,quincy in ,figures of the ,past47 ,premonitions of ,death4 ,when at the hotel at ,carthage1 a prisoner in the hands of mob officials1 he asked if he looked like a desperate character4 ,they replied that his outward appearance seemed to indicate exactly the opposite1 but they could not tell what was in his heart4 ,very true1 gentlemen1 you cannot see what is in my heart1 and you are therefore unable to judge my intentions1 #bi but ,i see what is in your hearts1 and ,i will tell you what ,i see4 ,i can see that you thirst for blood and nothing but my blood will satisfy you4 ,it is not for crime of any description that ,i and my brethren are continually persecuted and harassed by our enemies1 but there are other motives1 and some of them ,i have expressed so far as relates to myself4 ,i prophesy in the name of the ,lord that you shall witness scenes of blood and sorrow to your entire satisfaction4 ,many of you who are now present shall have an opportunity to face the cannon's mouth from sources you think not of4 ,if they take my life1 ,i shall die an innocent man1 and my blood shall cry from the ground for vengeance1 and it shall yet be said of him1 ',he was murdered in cold blood4' ,i am going like a lamb to the slaughter1 but ,i am calm as a summer morning4 ,i have a conscience void of offence toward ,god and toward all men4 ,his ,assassination4 ,a statement from ,thomas ,ford1 ,governor of ,illinois in #ahdd3 ,i desire to make a brief but true statement of the recent disgraceful affair at ,carthage1 in regard to the ,smiths1 so far as circumstances have come to my knowledge4 ,the ,smiths1 ,joseph and ,hyrum1 have been assassinated in jail1 by whom is not known4 ,i pledged myself for their safety1 and upon the assurance of that pledge they surrendered as prisoners4 4 4 4 ,the compliance of the ,mormons with every requisition made upon them1 failed of their purpose4 ,the pledge of security to the ,smiths was not given upon my individual responsibility4 ,before ,i gave it1 ,i obtained a pledge of honor by a unanimous vote from the officers and men under my command1 to sustain me in performing it4 ,if the assassination of the ,smiths was committed by any portion of them1 they have added treachery to murder1 and have done all they could to disgrace the ,state1 and sully the public honor4 ,on the morning of the day the deed was committed1 we had proposed to march the army under my command into #cj ,nauvoo4 ,i1 however1 discovered1 on the evening before1 that nothing but utter destruction of the city would satisfy a portion of the troops2 and that if we marched into the city1 pretext would not be wanting for commencing hostilities4 ,the ,mormons had done everything required1 or that ought to have been required of them4 ,for these reasons1 ,i decided1 in a council of officers1 to disband the army1 except three companies1 two of which were retained as guards for the jail4 ,with the other company ,i marched into ,nauvoo1 to address the inhabitants there4 4 4 4 ,i performed this duty1 and then set out to return to ,carthage4 ,when ,i had marched about three miles1 a messenger informed me of the occurrences at ,carthage4 7,signed7 ,thomas ,ford1 ,governor and ,commander-in-,chief4 ,governor ,ford1 in his ,history of ,illinois1 admits that he pledged ,joseph ,smith1 and fourteen others for whose arrests warrants had been issued1 the protection of the ,state if they would leave ,nauvoo and go to ,carthage for trial upon the charge of treason4 ,acting upon this pledge1 they left ,nauvoo1 a city of #af1jjj ,saints who had armed themselves against mob violence1 and went to ,carthage4 ,here they were met by ,governor ,ford and the ,state militia4 ,at the dictation of a ,justice of ,peace1 who vastly exceeded his legal authority1 they were taken from the hotel and placed in ,carthage jail4 ,again the ,governor pledged them protection4 ,he planned to go to ,nauvoo with the entire force under his command1 but found that the men under him were anxious to go to ,nauvoo to exterminate the ,saints and he determined to discharge the militia1 except three companies4 ,in the morning of the day of the assassination he started for ,nauvoo with two of these companies1 leaving the third 7the ,carthage ,grays7 to guard the jail4 ,of this company the ,governor said3 ,i knew that this company were the enemies of the ,smiths1 yet ,i had confidence in their loyalty and integrity1 because their captain was universally spoken of as a most respectable citizen and honorable man4 ,yet the ,governor knew that in his presence and upon the arrival of the ,prophet these same men had rebelled against their captain4 ,before reaching ,nauvoo1 rumors of the intended assassination came to him in such numbers that he determined to send one of the companies with him back to ,carthage1 but they did not reach the city as an organized body4 ,at ,carthage1 #ca preparations were being made on every hand for the assassination4 ,the captain of the ,carthage ,grays left his company for fear of his life and1 quoting again from ,governor ,ford's ,history of ,illinois3 ,communication was established between the conspirators and the company who were stationed some distance from the jail1 and it was arranged that the eight men on guard should have their guns charged with blank cartridges1 and fire at the assailants when they attempted to enter the jail4 ,in the afternoon1 and while ,governor ,ford was addressing the ,saints in ,nauvoo upon law and order1 a mob of bloodthirsty men1 with faces blackened and consciences stilled1 charged the jail and assassinated the ,prophet ,joseph ,smith and ,patriarch ,hyrum ,smith1 his brother4 ,they were in an upper room of the jail accompanied by ,apostles ,john ,taylor and ,willard ,richards4 ,each fell wounded with four balls and ,apostle ,taylor was also four times wounded4 ,the ,prophet fell from the window and a ruffian placed his body against the well curbing1 where four men at a distance of a few paces fired upon his prostrate body4 ,the ,christian world has hitherto regarded the growth of ,mormonism with a kind of an air of indifference1 but1 unfortunately1 they may yet awaken to feel its power4 ,it is not at all improbable that within the course of a century some great orator may arise1 some man gifted like the ,apostle ,paul1 who will make the name of the martyr prophet ring even as does the name of ,christ1 and it is not impossible that ,sharon1 ,palmira1 ,manchester1 ,kirtland1 ,far ,west1 ,adam-on-,diahmon1 ,ramus1 ,nauvoo1 and the ,carthage ,jail may become holy and venerable names1 places of classic interest1 in another age1 like ,jerusalem1 the ,garden of ,gethsemane1 the ,mount of ,olives and ,mount ,calvary to the ,christian1 and ,mecca and ,medina to the ,turk4 ,and in that event the author of this history feels degraded by the reflection that the humble ,governor of an obscure ,state1 who would otherwise be forgotten in a few years1 stands a fair chance1 like ,pilate and ,herod1 by their official connection with the true religion1 of being dragged down to posterity with an immortal name1 hitched on to the memory of a miserable impostor4 ,there may be those whose ambitions would lead them to desire an immortal name in history1 even in those humbling terms4 ,i am not of that number4 7,governor ,ford's ,history of ,illinois47 #cb ,yes1 ,governor ,ford1 you are of that number1 your name does go down through the generations of time1 righteously coupled with that of ,pontius ,pilate1 caused by your official connection with the death of a true ,prophet of ,god4 ,your treachery1 in plighting to him the protection of the ,state of ,illinois1 and then leaving him in the hands of confederate murderers1 preserves your name in history1 only to be hated and despised by those who abhor the existence of treachery4 ,joseph ,smith relied upon your solemn pledge as the ,governor of a great ,state1 that he should be protected4 ,he was basely betrayed1 together with his beloved brother ,hyrum1 and went to a martyr's grave4 ,his name is held throughout every civilized nation upon the earth as a ,prophet1 ,seer and ,revelator1 while you became an object of charity1 and now occupy a pauper's grave1 having been buried as a public charge4 ,it is not often that a man occupying the exalted position of ,governor1 lives to see himself despised1 and fed by the hand of charity2 but ,god gave you this fate1 and during the last moments of your miserable life you must have had a strong testimony that ,joseph ,smith was a ,prophet of ,god4 ,mormonism is now so firmly established that it claims the respectful attention of the world4 ,it has survived not only the violence which murdered its ,prophets1 burned the houses of ,saints1 laid waste the fields and destroyed their temples1 but also an exodus which1 for the distance covered and the dangers encountered1 has not a parallel in ancient or modern history4 ,nearly every nation under the whole heaven has given to the new faith some of her sons and daughters4 ,what the ,christian church is to the world to-day in point of numbers of followers and kindliness of feeling1 the ,church of ,jesus ,christ of ,latter-day ,saints will be to future generations4 ,its destiny is to roll until it shall fill the whole earth3 ,it had its beginning when ,god spoke to ,joseph ,smith out of the heavens and ,he will finish what ,he has begun4 ,another ,prophecy4 ,august #f1 #ahdb4 ,i prophesied that the ,saints would continue to suffer much affliction1 and would be driven to the ,rocky ,mountains1 and many would apostatize1 others would be put to death by our persecutors1 or lose their lives in consequence of exposure or disease1 and some of you will live to go and assist in #cc making settlements and building cities and see the ,saints become a mighty people in the midst of the ,rocky ,mountains4 ,how literally this prophecy has been fulfilled6 ,to-day the church numbers hundreds of thousands of prosperous1 happy people in the midst of several ,rocky ,mountain ,states4 ,millions of dollars have been spent in establishing and maintaining schools3 millions in the erection of churches1 ,tabernacles and ,temples4 ,through the most wonderful system of irrigation in the world1 the desert has been made to produce in abundance2 the waste places have become fruitful1 and the wilderness made to blossom as the rose4 ,to-day the colonizer is asking the secret of the system that has made it possible to establish thousands of peaceful towns and cities in those mountain valleys1 and he will not understand that the voice of revelation established this western empire and that the ,spirit of ,god preserves its unity4 ,brigham ,young1 ,successor to the ,prophet ,joseph ,smith4 ,to accuse us of being unfriendly to the government is to accuse us of hostility to our religion1 for no item of inspiration is held more sacred with us than the ,constitution under which she acts4 ,john ,taylor1 ,second ,successor to the ,prophet ,joseph ,smith4 ,it was through and by the power of ,god1 that the fathers of this country framed the ,declaration of ,independence1 and also that great palladium of human rights1 the ,constitution of the ,united ,states4 ,there is nothing of a bigoted1 narrow-contracted feeling about that instrument2 it is broad and comprehensive4 ,wilford ,woodruff1 ,third ,successor to the ,prophet ,joseph ,smith4 ,the ,lord inspired the men who framed the ,constitution of our country1 and has guarded the nation from its foundation4 #cd ,lorenzo ,snow1 ,fourth ,successor to the ,prophet ,joseph ,smith4 ,the spirits dwelling within our bodies are immortal and will always exist4 ,our individuality and our identity will always continue2 we will be ourselves and will continue advancing in wisdom1 intelligence and power worlds without end4 ,joseph ,f4 ,smith1 ,fifth ,successor to the ,prophet ,joseph ,smith4 ,it was part of the design of the ,almighty when ,he influenced the fathers to leave the old world and come to this continent2 ,he had a hand in the establishment of this government2 ,he inspired the framers of the ,constitution and the fathers of this nation to contend for their liberty4 ,when we remember that ,mr4 ,quincy had the rare opportunity of being personally and intimately acquainted with the great men of ,america1 of his period2 that he was acquainted with ,lafayette1 and that ,john ,quincy ,adams1 the ,second ,president of the ,u4 ,s41 was his personal friend when he was a young man2 his statement that ,joseph ,smith was one of two men from whom there emanated a certain peculiar moral stress and compulsion which he had not felt in other men1 has peculiar significance4 ,in his chapter on ,joseph ,smith1 in ,figures of the ,past1 ,mr4 ,quincy comments as follows upon the resemblance between ,joseph ,smith and ,elisha ,r4 ,potter of ,rhode ,island1 whom he met in ,washington in #ahbf4 ,the likeness was not such as would be recognized in a picture1 but rather one that would be felt in a grave emergency4 ,of all men ,i have met1 these two seemed best endowed with that kingly faculty which directs1 as by intrinsic right1 the feeble or confused souls who are looking for guidance4 ,this it is just to say with emphasis2 for the reader will find so much that is puerile and even shocking in my report of the prophet's conversation that he might #ce never suspect the impression of rugged power that was given by the man4 99 99 99 ,the prophet's hold upon you seemed to come from the balance and harmony of temperament which reposes upon a large physical basis4 ,in the chapter on ,washington in #ahbf1 ,mr4 ,quincy writes the following3 ,mr4 ,potter seemed to carry about with him a certain homespun certificate of authority1 which made it natural for lesser men to accept his conclusions4 ,oddly enough1 ,i have met only one other individual who impressed me as possessing the same sort of personal power1 and he was one whose place in history is certain when the lives of greater and better men are covered by oblivion2 for the muse of history postpones the claims of statesmen and poets to those of the founders of religions1 who1 for good or evil1 are more potent factors in the destiny of mankind4 ,hereafter ,i may give an account of my visit to ,joseph ,smith1 in his holy city of ,nauvoo4 ,it is now sufficient to mention that when ,i made the acquaintance of the ,mormon prophet1 ,i was haunted with a provoking sense of having known him before2 or1 at least1 of having known some one whom he greatly resembled4 ,and then followed a painful groping and peering into the dark backward and abysm of time1 in search of a figure that was provokingly undiscoverable4 ,at last the ,washington of #ahbf came before me1 and the form of ,elisha ,r4 ,potter thrust itself through the gorges of memory4 ,yes1 that was the man ,i was seeking2 yet the resemblance1 after all1 could scarcely be called physical1 and ,i am loath to borrow the word impressional from the vocabulary of spirit mediums4 ,both were of commanding appearance1 men whom it seemed natural to obey4 ,wide as were the differences between the lives and characters of these ,americans1 there emanated from each of them a certain peculiar moral stress and compulsion which ,i have never felt in the presence of others of their countrymen4 ,the position of ,mr4 ,potter in his native ,state has now faded to a dim tradition4 ,it was of the authoritative kind which belongs to men who bear from nature the best credentials4 #cf ,,dedication ,,of ,,palestine4 ,at a general conference of the church held at ,nauvoo1 ,april #fth1 #ahdj1 ,apostles ,orson ,hyde and ,hyrum ,e4 ,page were called to go on a mission to ,jerusalem for the purpose of dedicating that land for the gathering of the ,house of ,judah4 ,they started upon this important mission but ,elder ,page failed to continue the journey beyond the border of the ,united ,states4 ,apostle ,hyde therefore set out alone and accomplished the labor assigned at said conference4 ,in a letter dated at ,alexandria1 ,november #bbnd1 #ahda1 addressed to ,parley ,p4 ,pratt1 ,brother ,hyde1 said3 ,a few minutes now offer for me to write1 and ,i improve them in writing to you4 ,i have only time to say that ,i have seen ,jerusalem precisely according to the vision which ,i had4 ,i saw no one with me in the vision2 and although ,elder ,page was appointed to accompany me there1 yet ,i found myself there alone4 ,the ,lord knows that ,i have had a hard time1 and suffered much1 but ,i have great reason to thank ,him that ,i enjoy good health at present1 and have a good prospect before me of soon going to a civilized country1 where ,i shall see no more turbans or camels4 ,the heat is most oppressive1 and has been all through ,syria4 ,i have no time to tell you how many days ,i have been at sea without food1 or how many snails ,i have eaten2 but if ,i had had plenty of them1 ,i should have done very well4 ,all this is contained in a former letter to you written from ,java4 99 99 99 ,on ,saturday morning1 ,october #bdth1 a good while before day1 ,i arose from sleep and went out of the city1 as soon as the gates were opened1 crossed the brook ,cedron1 and went upon the ,mount of ,olives1 and there in solemn silence1 with pen1 ink and paper1 just as ,i saw in the vision1 offered up the following prayer to ,him who lives forever and ever3 ,o ,thou6 who art from everlasting to everlasting1 eternally and unchangeably the same1 even the ,god who rules in the heavens above1 and controls the destinies of men on the earth1 wilt thou not condescend through thine infinite goodness and royal favor1 to listen to the prayer of thy servant which he this day offers up unto thee in the name of the ,holy child ,jesus1 upon this land where the ,son of ,righteousness sat in blood1 and thine ,anointed ,one expired4 ,be pleased1 ,o ,lord1 to forgive all the follies1 weaknesses1 vanities and sins of thy servant1 and strengthen him to resist all future temptations4 ,give him prudence and discernment that he may avoid the evil1 and a heart to choose the good2 give him fortitude to bear up under trying and adverse circumstances1 and grace to endure all things #cg for thy name's sake1 until the end shall come1 when all the ,saints shall rest in peace4 ,now1 ,o ,lord6 ,thy servant has been obedient to the heavenly vision1 which thou gavest him in his native land2 and under the shadow of thine outstretched arm1 he has safely arrived in this place to dedicate and consecrate this land unto ,thee1 for the gathering together of ,judah's scattered remnants1 according to the predictions of the holy prophets--for the building up of ,jerusalem again after it has been trodden down by the ,gentiles so long1 and for rearing a temple in honor of thy name4 ,everlasting thanks be ascribed unto thee1 ,o1 ,father6 ,lord of heaven and earth1 that thou hast preserved thy servant from the dangers of the seas1 and from the plague and pestilence which have caused the land to mourn4 ,the violence of many has also been restrained1 and thy providential care by night and by day has been exercised over thine unworthy servant4 ,accept1 therefore1 ,o ,lord1 the tribute of a grateful heart for all past favors1 and be pleased to continue thy kindness and mercy towards a needy worm of the dust4 ,o thou1 who didst covenant with ,abraham1 thy friend1 and who didst renew that covenant with ,isaac1 and confirm the same with ,jacob1 with an oath that thou wouldst not only give this land for an everlasting inheritance1 but that thou wouldst also remember their seed forever4 ,abraham1 ,isaac and ,jacob have long since closed their eyes in death1 and made the grave their mansion4 ,their children are scattered and dispersed abroad among the nations of the ,gentiles like sheep that have no shepherd1 and are still looking forward for the fulfillment of those promises which thou didst make concerning them2 and even this land1 which once poured forth nature's richest bounty1 and flowed1 as it were1 with milk and honey1 has1 to a certain extent1 been smitten with barrenness and sterility since it drank from murderous hands the blood of ,him who never sinned4 ,grant1 therefore1 ,o ,lord1 in the name of thy well beloved ,son1 ,jesus ,christ1 to remove the barrenness and sterility of this land1 and let springs of living water break forth to water its thirstly soil4 ,let the vine and the olive produce in their strength1 and the fig tree bloom and flourish4 ,let the land become abundantly fruitful1 when possessed by its rightful heirs2 let it again flow with plenty to feed the returning prodigals who come home with a spirit of grace and supplication2 upon it let the clouds distill virtue and richness1 and let the fields smile with plenty4 ,let the flocks and the herds greatly increase and multiply upon the mountains and hills2 and let thy great kindness conquer and subdue the unbelief of thy people4 ,do thou take from them their stony heart1 and give them a heart of flesh2 and may the ,son of thy favor dispel the cold mists of darkness which have beclouded their atmosphere4 ,incline them to gather in upon this land according to thy word4 ,let them come like clouds and like doves to their windows4 ,let the large ships of nations bring them from the distant isles2 and let kings become their nursing fathers1 and queens with motherly fondness wipe the tear of sorrow from their eyes4 ,thou1 ,o ,lord1 did once move upon the heart of ,cyrus to show favor unto ,jerusalem and her children4 ,do thou now also be pleased to inspire the hearts of kings and the powers of the earth to look with a friendly eye towards this place4 ,and with a desire to see thy righteous purposes executed in relation thereto4 ,let them know that it is thy good pleasure to restore the kingdom unto ,israel--raise up ,jerusalem as its capital1 and constitute her people a distinct nation #ch and government1 with ,david thy servant1 even a descendant from the loins of ancient ,david1 to be their king4 ,let that nation1 or that people who shall take an active part in behalf of ,abraham's children and in the raising up of ,jerusalem1 find favor in thy sight4 ,let not their enemies prevail against them1 neither let pestilence or famine overcome them1 but let the glory of ,israel overshadow them1 and the power of the highest protect them2 while that nation or kingdom that will not serve thee in this glorious work must perish according to thy word--',yea those nations shall be utterly wasted4' ,though thy servant is now far from his home1 and from the land bedewed with his earliest tears1 yet he remembers1 ,o ,lord1 his friends who are there1 and family1 whom for thy sake he has left4 ,though poverty and privation be our earthly lot1 yet ah6 do ,thou richly endow us with an inheritance where moth and rust do not corrupt1 and where thieves do not break through and steal4 ,the hands that have fed1 clothed or shown favor unto the family of thy servant in his absence1 or that shall hereafter do so1 let them not lose their reward1 but let a special blessing rest upon them1 and in thy kingdom let them have an inheritance when thou shalt come to be glorified in this society4 ,do thou also look with favor upon all those through whose liberality ,i have been enabled to come to this land2 and in the day when thou shalt reward all people according to their works1 let these also not be passed by or forgotten1 but in time let them be in readiness to enjoy the glory of those mansions which ,jesus has gone to prepare4 ,particularly do thou bless the stranger in ,philadelphia1 whom ,i never saw1 but who sent me gold1 with a request that ,i should pray for him in ,jerusalem4 ,now1 ,o ,lord1 let blessings come upon him from an unexpected quarter1 and let his basket be filled1 and his store-house abound with plenty1 and let not the good things of the earth be his only portion1 but let him be found among those to whom it may be said1 ,thou hast been faithful over a few things1 and ,i will make thee ruler over many4 ,o my ,father in heaven6 ,i now ask thee in the name of ,jesus to remember ,zion1 with all her stakes1 and with all her assemblies4 ,she has been grievously afflicted and smitten2 she has mourned2 she has wept2 her enemies have triumphed and have said--',ah1 where is thy ,god8' ,her priests and prophets have groaned in chains and fetters within the gloomy walls of prison1 while many were slain1 and now sleep in the arms of death4 ,how long1 ,o ,lord1 shall iniquity triumph1 and sin go unpunished8 ,do thou arise in the majesty of thy strength1 and make bare thine arm in behalf of thy people4 ,redress their wrongs1 and turn their sorrow into joy4 ,pour the spirit of light and knowledge1 grace and wisdom1 into the hearts of her prophets1 and clothe her priests with salvation4 ,let light and knowledge march forth through the empire of darkness1 and may the honest in heart flow to their standard1 and join in the march to go forth to meet the ,bridegroom4 ,let a peculiar blessing rest upon the ,presidency of thy ,church1 for at them are the arrows of the enemies directed4 ,be thou to them a sun and a shield1 their strong tower and hiding place2 and in the time of distress or danger be thou near to deliver4 ,also the quorum of the ,twelve1 do thou be pleased to stand by1 for thou knowest the obstacles which we have to encounter1 the temptations to which we are exposed and privations which we must suffer4 ,give us1 therefore1 strength according to our day1 and help us to bear a faithful #ci testimony of ,jesus and ,his ,gospel1 and to finish with fidelity and honor the work which thou hast given us to do1 and then give us a place in thy glorious kingdom4 ,and let this blessing rest upon every faithful officer and member in thy ,church4 ,and all the glory and honor will we ascribe to ,god and the ,lamb for ever and ever4 ,amen4 99 99 99 99 99 ,on the top of ,mount ,olives ,i erected a pile of stones as a witness according to the ancient custom4 ,on what was anciently called ,mount ,zion1 where the ,temple stood1 ,i erected another1 and used the rod according to the prediction upon my head4 ,i have found many ,jews who listened with intense interest4 ,the idea of the ,jews being restored to ,palestine is gaining ground in ,europe almost every day4 ,jerusalem is strongly fortified with many cannons upon its walls4 ,the wall is ten feet thick on the sides that would be most exposed1 and four or five feet where the descent from the wall is almost perpendicular4 ,the number of inhabitants within the walls is about twenty thousand4 ,about seven thousand of this number are ,jews1 the balance being mostly ,turks and ,armenians4 ,many of the ,jews who are old go to this place to die1 and many are coming from ,europe into this ,eastern world4 ,the great wheel is unquestionably in motion1 and the word of the ,almighty has declared that it shall roll4 99 99 99 ,speaking editorially of ,elder ,hyde's mission and the dedicatory prayer offered1 ,brother ,parley ,p4 ,pratt said3 ,through his persevering exertions1 and the prayer offered up on the ,mount of ,olives1 the land is now consecrated and dedicated to the ,lord for the restoration of ,israel4 ,it would seem by the war which is raging in that country that the ground is being disencumbered of the ,catholics and other barbarian tribes1 and is being vacated for the ,jews1 while seven thousand now dwell in ,jerusalem1 and great numbers of others in other parts of that land4 ,but ,o6 when we read the prayer offered up on the holy mount--the same place where ,jesus often prayed1 yea the mount from which ,he ascended1 and upon which ,he will again set ,his feet--when we reflect that ,god's covenant people 7,israel7 were prayed for there--that ,zion and all her sufferings were rendered there--that the chains and fetters which we have worn1 the dungeons where we have been confined for the testimony of ,jesus1 were mentioned there before the ,lord--and that prayer recorded both in heaven and on earth to stand as an imperishable memorial to all generations1 and to be answered speedily upon the wicked--when we reflect upon all these things1 our feelings are too intense for utterance2 they cannot be written2 but when the nations behold it fulfilled1 and ,zion and ,jerusalem become the joy of the whole earth1 then will this prayer and the mission connected with it come to honorable remembrance4 ,which may the ,god of ,abraham1 ,isaac and ,jacob speedily grant1 in the name of ,jesus ,christ4 #dj ,,the ,,resurrection4 ,a ,discourse by ,brigham ,young1 ,president of the ,church of ,jesus ,christ of ,latter-,day ,saints1 ,delivered in the ,new ,tabernacle1 ,salt ,lake ,city1 ,at the ,general ,conference1 ,october #hth1 #ahge4 ,i wish to present to the ,latter-day ,saints the doctrine of the resurrection in its true light4 ,to satisfy the philosophy of my own mind in regard to this doctrine1 ,i shall be under the necessity of commencing with the works of ,god as we find them in the beginning1 or rather the beginning of the history we have of the earth4 ,we admit the history that ,moses gives of the creation or organization of this earth1 as stated in his writings1 to be correct4 ,the philosophy of my mind1 with all the experience ,i have gained by observation and knowledge of facts1 tells me that there is nothing made1 formed or fashioned without a ,being to make1 form or fashion the same4 ,then my own reasoning teaches me that myself as a mechanic1 with all others upon this earth1 and those also who dwell in the heavens1 when we commence any work of mechanism1 have an object in the same4 ,god had an object in view when ,he framed this earth and placed vegetation and all creatures upon it1 and man was brought here for the high object of an increase of wisdom1 knowledge1 understanding1 glory and honor--each and every person1 creature or thing in its own order and time1 that all may harmonize together and receive this glory and honor4 ,the particles that compose the earth were brought together for a certain purpose by its great ,author4 ,this purpose was1 and still is1 to bring this earth and all things upon it into a higher state of glory and intelligence4 ,in the beginning there were laws given by which all nature was to be governed or controlled4 ,it is true that man transgresses these laws1 and would change them if he had the power to do so4 ,but there are laws which he cannot disturb1 and which operate regardless of man's actions4 ,among these is the law which pertains to the resurrection of the body of man and also to the resurrection of the earth2 #da for this earth has to undergo a great change1 or1 in other words1 has to be resurrected4 ,abel1 the martyr1 was the first man of whose death we have any account4 ,he brought his offering to the ,lord and was accepted4 ,this proves that he was a righteous man1 and by his righteousness he so far sanctified the particles of this earth that comprised the component parts of his body that they became entitled to a glorious resurrection1 which he undoubtedly obtained when ,jesus arose4 ,if ,abel had been eaten by dogs or lions1 the component parts of his body never could have gone to compose the component parts of any other bodies4 ,why8 ,because the laws which govern the elements would not permit this to be done4 ,the question may be asked1 ,do not the particles that compose man's body1 when returned to mother earth1 go to make or compose other bodies8 ,no1 they do not4 ,some philosophers have asserted that the human body changes every seven or ten years4 ,this is not correct1 for it never changes2 that is1 the substances of which it is composed do not pass off and other particles of matter come and take their place4 ,neither can the particles which have comprised the bodies of men become parts of the bodies of other men1 or of beasts1 fowls1 fish1 insects or vegetables4 ,they are governed by a divine law1 and though they may pass from the knowledge of the scientific world1 that divine law still holds and governs and controls them4 ,man's body may be buried in the ocean1 it may be eaten by wild beasts1 or it may be burned to ashes1 and they be scattered to the four winds1 yet the particles of which it is composed will not be incorporated into any form of vegetable or animal life1 to become a component part of their structure4 ,are they gross1 tangible1 and1 in their organized capacity1 subject to decay and change8 ,yes1 and if buried in the earth1 they undergo decomposition and return to mother earth2 but it is no matter how minute the particles are1 they are watched over and will be preserved until the resurrection1 and at the sound of the trumpet of ,god every particle of our physical structures necessary to make our tabernacles perfect will be assembled1 to be rejoined with the spirit1 every man in his order4 ,not one particle will be lost4 ,i have a few questions to ask the philosophical world1 those especially who are well skilled in chemistry3 ,is this earth1 the air and the water1 composed of life1 or do they1 or any portion of them1 consist of inanimate matter1 or of that that has no life in itself8 ,another question3 ,if the earth1 air and water are composed of life1 is there any intelligence in this life8 #db ,the philosopher may take his own time to answer these questions1 and when he has satisfied himself he may ask himself again3 ,are those particles of matter life2 if so1 are they in possession of intelligence according to the grade of their organization8 ,as far as we are concerned1 we suggest the idea that there is an eternity of life1 an eternity of organization1 and an eternity of intelligence from the highest to the lowest grade1 every creature in its order1 from the ,gods to the animalculae4 ,bear in mind1 you who are believers in the resurrection or in the works of ,god1 that man has sought out many inventions and has striven hard to learn the mysteries of ,god and godliness by his worldly wisdom1 yet there are many things which science1 with all its tests1 cannot find out4 ,matter may be divided into an infinitude of atoms1 until they pass beyond the power of the microscope to discover them1 and the most skilful chemist who dwells upon the earth knows not whither they go4 ,my position is1 and which ,i declare to the ,latter-day ,saints1 it is beyond the power of man1 without revelation from ,god1 with all his science to know whether these particles that compose our bodies go into other creatures to form the component parts of their bodies1 or whether they merely pass into the already organized body to resuscitate it and contribute to its sustenance4 ,i declare to the ,latter-day ,saints1 and to all living upon the earth who have intelligence to understand1 that the particles that comprise the component parts of our bodies will never enter into other bodies to form the elements of their bodies2 but these very identical particles that now compose our bodies will be resurrected and come together by the power of the trump of ,god and will be re-united to form the body--excepting the blood1 which will not be necessary to our existence in an immortal state--and then be prepared to receive the spirit1 preparatory to their exaltation4 ,query3 ,would not the particles that compose the body of our ,savior1 according to their intelligence1 oppose the idea of becoming a part of any other body but ,his8 ,again3 ,would not the ,saints1 who are faithful in magnifying the ,priesthood of the ,son of ,god1 object to the particles which now compose their bodies1 and which they have sanctified through obedience to that ,priesthood1 entering into and forming parts of other bodies than their own--bodies which their spirits had not possessed and of which they knew nothing in this life8 ,although some may think that the substances of which our bodies are composed are borrowed for our use during this mortal existence1 it is not so1 neither will they be thrown off #dc at death1 never to be restored2 and though in the resurrection the bodies of the righteous will be raised immortal and free from all corruption1 they will be none the less tangible or perceptible to the touch of those who are permitted to handle them4 ,the question may be asked3 ,will the bodies of those who do not observe the laws of ,god1 and which are not sanctified by obedience to them1 come forth in the resurrection8 ,undoubtedly they will2 but not at the same time nor to the same glory that they do who observe the laws of ,god4 ,the earth1 also1 abideth the law and filleth the measure of its creation1 and though it shall die1 it shall be resurrected in glory1 a sanctified creation1 suitable for the residence of celestial beings4 ,the elements will be burned and purified1 and be renewed2 but not one atom of earth's organism will be lost2 for that which is governed by law shall be preserved by law4 ,and for everything which our ,god has created ,he has prescribed laws4 ,there is nothing so minutes as to escape ,his notice1 there is no creation so immense as to transcend the bounds of ,his power2 all are alike subject to the operation of ,his decrees4 ,he called matter from chaos and created the earth1 and the heavens are studded with planets1 the glorious workmanship of ,his hands4 ,he has hung those mighty orbs in space1 and their courses are fixed4 ,and by the exercise of ,his power the original elements which have formed the bodies of men will be brought forth in the resurrection--bone to bone1 sinew to sinew1 flesh to flesh1 not one hair shall be lost--and all this in obedience to law1 that the substances which have formed the tabernacles of men1 or of beasts1 or of fowls1 or of fish1 shall not be intermingled or lost2 but shall be all restored to their own places1 though they may have been swallowed up in the depths of the sea1 or have been scattered to the four winds of heaven4 ,to illustrate these facts connected with the resurrection of the body1 we will quote from the revelations which the ,lord has given to ,his children3 ,the ,testimony of ,ezekiel4 ,the hand of the ,lord was upon me1 and carried me out in the ,spirit of the ,lord1 and set me down in the midst of the valley which was full of bones1 ,and caused me to pass by them round about3 and1 behold1 there were very many in the open valley2 and1 lo1 they were very dry4 ,and ,he said unto me1 ,son of man1 can these bones live8 ,and ,i answered1 ,o ,lord ,god1 thou knowest4 ,again ,he said unto me1 ,prophesy upon these bones1 and say unto them1 ,o ye dry bones1 hear the word of the ,lord1 #dd ,thus saith the ,lord ,god unto these bones3 ,behold1 ,i will cause breath to enter into you1 and ye shall live2 ,and ,i will lay sinews upon you1 and will bring up flesh upon you1 and cover you with skin1 and put breath in you1 and ye shall live2 and ye shall know that ,i am the ,lord4 ,so ,i prophesied as ,i was commanded3 and as ,i prophesied1 there was a noise1 and behold a shaking1 and the bones came together1 bone to his bone4 ,and when ,i beheld1 lo1 the sinews and the flesh came up upon them1 and the skin covered them above3 but there was no breath in them4 ,then said ,he unto me1 ,prophesy unto the wind1 prophesy1 son of man1 and say to the wind1 ,thus saith the ,lord ,god3 ,come from the four winds1 ,o breath1 and breathe upon these slain1 that they may live4 ,so ,i prophesied as ,he commanded me1 and the breath came into them1 and they lived1 and stood upon their feet1 an exceeding great army4 ,then ,he said unto me1 ,son of man1 these bones are the whole house of ,israel2 behold1 they say1 ,our bones are dried1 and our hope is lost2 we are cut off for our parts4 ,therefore prophesy and say unto them1 ,thus saith the ,lord ,god3 ,behold1 ,o my people1 ,i will open your graves1 and cause you to come up out of your graves1 and bring you into the land of ,israel4 ,and ye shall know that ,i am the ,lord1 when ,i have opened your graves1 ,o my people1 and brought you up out of your graves1 ,and shall put my ,spirit in you1 and ye shall live1 and ,i shall place you in your own land3 then shall ye know that ,i the ,lord have spoken it1 and performed it1 saith the ,lord4--,ezekiel xxxvii3 #a-ad4 ,the ,testimony of ,job4 ,for ,i know that my ,redeemer liveth1 and that ,he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth3 ,and though after my skin worms destroy this body1 yet in my flesh shall ,i see ,god3 ,whom ,i shall see for myself1 and mine eyes shall behold1 and not another2 though my reins be consumed within me4--,job xix3 #be-bg4 ,the ,testimony of ,daniel4 ,and many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake1 some to everlasting life and some to shame and everlasting contempt4--,daniel xii3 #b4 ,the ,testimony of ,luke4 ,now that the dead are raised1 even ,moses shewed at the bush1 when he calleth the ,lord the ,god of ,abraham1 and the ,god of ,isaac1 and the ,god of ,jacob4--,luke xx3 #cg4 ,and as they thus spake1 ,jesus ,himself stood in the midst of them1 and saith unto them1 ,peace be unto you4 ,but they were terrified and affrighted1 and supposed that they had seen a spirit4 ,and ,he said unto them1 ,why are ye troubled8 and why do thoughts arise in your hearts8 ,behold my hands and my feet1 that it is ,i myself3 handle me1 and see3 for a spirit hath not flesh and bones1 as ye see me have4 ,and when ,he had thus spoken1 ,he shewed them ,his hands and ,his feet4 #de ,and while they yet believed not for joy1 and wondered1 ,he said unto them1 ,have ye here any meat8 ,and they gave ,him a piece of a broiled fish1 and of an honeycomb4 ,and ,he took it1 and did eat before them4--,luke xxiv3 #cf-dc4 ,the ,testimony of ,john4 ,but ,thomas1 one of the twelve1 called ,didymus1 was not with them when ,jesus came4 ,the other disciples therefore said unto him1 ,we have seen the ,lord4 ,but he said unto them1 ,except ,i shall see in ,his hands the print of the nails1 and put my finger into the print of the nails1 and thrust my hand into ,his side1 ,i will not believe4 ,and after eight days again ,his disciples were within1 and ,thomas with them3 then came ,jesus1 the doors being shut1 and stood in the midst1 and said1 ,peace be unto you4 ,then saith ,he to ,thomas1 ,reach hither thy finger1 and behold my hands2 and reach hither thy hand1 and thrust it into my side3 and be not faithless1 but believing4--,john xx3 #bd-bg4 ,verily1 verily1 ,i say unto you1 ,the hour is coming1 and now is1 when the dead shall hear the voice of the ,son of ,god3 and they that hear shall live4 ,marvel not at this3 for the hour is coming1 in the which all that are in the graves shall hear ,his voice1 ,and shall come forth2 they that have done good1 unto the resurrection of life2 and they that have done evil1 unto the resurrection of damnation4--,john v3 #be1 #bh1 #bi4 ,blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection3 on such the second death hath no power1 but they shall be priests of ,god and of ,christ1 and shall reign with ,him a thousand years4 ,and the sea gave up the dead which were in it2 and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them3 and they were judged every man according to their works4--,revelations xx3 #f1 #ac4 ,the ,testimony of ,matthew4 ,and the graves were opened1 and many bodies of the saints which slept arose1 ,and came out of the graves after ,his resurrection1 and went into the holy city1 and appeared unto many4--,matthew xxvii3 #eb1 #ec4 ,the ,testimony of ,paul4 ,for our conversation is in heaven2 from whence also we look for the ,savior1 the ,lord ,jesus ,christ3 ,who shall change our vile body1 that it may be fashioned like unto ,his glorious body1 according to the working whereby ,he is able even to subdue all things unto ,himself4--,philippians iii3 #bj1 #ba4 ,but if the ,spirit of ,him that raised up ,jesus from the dead dwell in you1 ,he that raised up ,christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by ,his ,spirit that dwelleth in you4--,romans viii3 #aa4 #df ,therefore we are buried with ,him by baptism into death2 that like as ,christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the ,father1 even so we also should walk in newness of life4 ,for if we have been planted together in the likeness of ,his death1 we shall be also in the likeness of ,his resurrection4--,romans vi3 #d1 #e4 ,for if the dead rise not1 then is not ,christ raised3 ,and if ,christ be not raised1 your faith is vain2 ye are yet in your sins4 ,then they also which are fallen asleep in ,christ are perished4 ,if in this life only we have hope in ,christ1 we are of all men most miserable4 ,but now is ,christ risen from the dead1 and become the first fruits of them that slept4 ,for since by man came death1 by man came also the resurrection of the dead4 ,for as in ,adam all die1 even so in ,christ shall all be made alive4 ,but some man will say1 ,how are the dead raised up8 and with what body do they come8 ,thou fool1 that which thou sowest is not quickened1 except it die3 ,and that which thou sowest1 thou sowest not that body that shall be1 but bare grain1 it may chance of wheat1 or of some other grain3 ,but ,god giveth it a body as it hath pleased ,him1 and to every seed his own body4 ,all flesh is not the same flesh3 but there is one kind of flesh of men1 another flesh of beasts1 another of fishes1 and another of birds4 ,so also is the resurrection of the dead4 ,it is sown in corruption1 it is raised in incorruption3 ,it is sown in dishonor1 it is raised in glory3 it is sown in weakness1 it is raised in power3 ,it is sown a natural body2 it is raised a spiritual body4 ,there is a natural body1 and there is a spiritual body4--#a ,corinthians xv3 #af-bb2 #ce-ci2 #db-dd4 ,for if we believe that ,jesus died and rose again1 even so them also which sleep in ,jesus will ,god bring with ,him4 ,for this we say unto you by the word of the ,lord1 that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the ,lord shall not prevent them which are asleep4 ,for the ,lord ,himself shall descend from heaven with a shout1 with the voice of the archangel1 and with the trump of ,god3 and the dead in ,christ shall rise first4--#a ,thessalonians iv3 #ad-af4 ,the ,testimony of ,abinadi4 ,and if ,christ had not risen from the dead1 or have broken the bands of death1 that the grave should have no victory1 and that death should have no sting1 there could have been no resurrection4 ,but there is a resurrection1 therefore the grave hath no victory1 and the sting of death is swallowed up in ,christ3 ,he is the light and the life of the world2 yea1 a light that is endless1 that can never be darkened2 yea1 and also a life which is endless1 that there can be no more death4 ,even this mortal shall put on immortality1 and this corruption shall put on incorruption1 and shall be brought to stand before the bar of ,god1 to be judged of ,him according to their works1 whether they be good or whether they be evil4--,book of ,mosiah1 xvi3 #g-aj4 #dg ,the ,testimony of ,jacob4 ,for as death hath passed upon all men1 to fulfill the merciful plan of the great ,creator1 there must needs be a power of resurrection1 and the resurrection must needs come unto man by reason of the fall2 and the fall came by reason of transgression2 and because man became fallen1 they were cut off from the presence of the ,lord2 ,wherefore it must needs be an infinite atonement2 save it should be an infinite atonement1 this corruption could not put on incorruption4 ,wherefore1 the first judgment which came upon man1 must needs have remained to an endless duration4 ,and if so1 this flesh must have laid down to rot and to crumble to its mother earth1 to rise no more4 ,o the wisdom of ,god6 ,his mercy and grace6 ,for behold1 if the flesh should rise no more1 our spirits must become subject to that angel who fell from before the presence of the eternal ,god1 and became the devil1 to rise no more4 ,and because of the way of deliverance of our ,god1 the ,holy ,one of ,israel1 this death of which ,i have spoken1 which is the temporal1 shall deliver up its dead2 which death is the grave4 ,and this death of which ,i have spoken1 which is the spiritual death1 shall deliver up its dead2 which spiritual death is hell2 wherefore1 death and hell must deliver up their dead1 and hell must deliver up its captive spirits1 and the grave must deliver up its captive bodies1 and the bodies and the spirits of men will be restored one to the other2 and it is by the power of the resurrection of the ,holy ,one of ,israel4 ,o how great the plan of our ,god6 ,for on the other hand1 the paradise of ,god must deliver up the spirits of the righteous and the grave deliver up the body of the righteous2 and the spirit and the body is restored to itself again1 and all men become incorruptible1 and immortal1 and they are living souls1 having a perfect knowledge like unto us in the flesh2 save it be that our knowledge shall be perfect4--#b ,nephi1 ix3 #f-h2 #aa-ac4 ,the ,testimony of ,amulek4 ,for behold1 the day cometh that all shall rise from the dead and stand before ,god1 and be judged according to their works4 ,now there is a death which is called a temporal death2 and the death of ,christ shall loose the bands of this temporal death1 that all shall be raised from this temporal death2 ,the spirit and the body shall be re-united again in its perfect form2 both limb and joint shall be restored to its proper frame1 even as we now are at this time2 and we shall be brought to stand before ,god1 knowing even as we know now1 and have a bright recollection of our guilt4 ,now this restoration shall come to all1 both old and young2 both bond and free1 both male and female1 both the wicked and the righteous2 and even there shall not so much as a hair of their heads be lost2 but all things shall be restored to its perfect frame1 as it is now1 or in the body4--,book of ,alma1 xi3 #da-dd4 ,the ,testimony of ,alma4 ,but this much ,i say1 that there is a space between death and the resurrection of the body1 and a state of the soul in happiness or in misery1 until the time which is appointed of ,god that the dead shall #dh come forth1 and be re-united1 both soul and body1 and be brought to stand before ,god1 and be judged according to their works2 ,yea1 this bringeth about the restoration of those things of which have been spoken by the mouths of the prophets4 ,the soul shall be restored to the body1 and the body to the soul2 yea1 and every limb and joint shall be restored to its body2 yea1 even a hair of the head shall not be lost1 but all things shall be restored to their proper and perfect frame4--,book of ,alma1 xl3 #ba-bc4 ,the ,testimony of ,samuel4 ,for behold1 ,he ,jesus surely must die1 that salvation may come2 yea1 it behooveth ,him1 and becometh expedient that ,he dieth1 to bring to pass the resurrection of the dead1 that thereby men may be brought into the presence of the ,lord2 ,yea1 behold this death bringeth to pass the resurrection1 and redeemeth all mankind from the first death4--,book of ,helaman1 xiv3 #ae1 #af4 ,the ,words of ,jesus4 ,and it came to pass that ,he ,jesus said unto ,nephi1 bring forth the record which ye have kept4 ,and when ,nephi had brought forth the records1 and laid them before ,his1 ,he cast ,his eyes upon them and said1 ,verily ,i say unto you1 ,i commanded my servant ,samuel1 the ,lamanite1 that he should testify unto this people1 that at the day that the ,father should glorify ,his name in me1 that there were many saints who should arise from the dead1 and should appear unto many1 and should minister unto them4 ,and ,he said unto them1 were it not so8 ,and ,his disciples answered ,him and said1 ,yea1 ,lord1 ,samuel did prophesy according to ,thy words1 and they were all fulfilled4 ,and ,jesus said unto them1 ,how be it that ye have not written this thing1 that many saints did arise and appear unto many1 and did minister unto them8 ,and it came to pass that ,nephi remembered that this thing had not been written4 ,and it came to pass that ,jesus commanded that it should be written2 therefore it was written according as ,he commanded4--#c ,nephi1 xxiii3 #g-ac4 ,the ,testimony of ,moroni4 ,and because of the redemption of man1 which came by ,jesus ,christ1 they are brought back into the presence of the ,lord2 yea1 this is wherein all men are redeemed1 because the death of ,christ bringeth to pass the resurrection1 which bringeth to pass a redemption from an endless sleep1 from which sleep all men shall be awoke by the power of ,god1 when the trump shall sound2 and they shall come forth1 both small and great1 and all shall stand before ,his bar1 being redeemed and loosed from this eternal band of death1 which death is a temporal death4--,book of ,mormon1 ix3 #ac4 ,words of ,jesus in ,book of ,doctrine and ,covenants4 ,now1 verily ,i say unto you1 that through the redemption which is made for you is brought to pass the resurrection from the dead4 ,and the spirit and the body is the soul of man4 #di ,and the resurrection from the dead is the redemption of the soul2 ,and the redemption of the soul is through ,him who quickeneth all things1 in whose bosom it is decreed that the poor and the meek of the earth shall inherit it4 ,therefore it must needs be sanctified from all unrighteousness1 that it may be prepared for the celestial glory2 ,for after it hath filled the measure of its creation1 it shall be crowned with glory1 even with the presence of ,god the ,father2 ,that bodies who are of the celestial kingdom may possess it forever and ever2 for1 for this intent was it made and created1 and for this intent are they sanctified4 ,and again1 verily ,i say unto you1 the earth abideth the law of a celestial kingdom1 for it filleth the measure of its creation1 and transgresseth not the law4 ,wherefore it shall be sanctified2 yea1 notwithstanding it shall die1 it shall be quickened again1 and shall abide the power by which it is quickened1 and the righteous shall inherit it3 ,for notwithstanding they die1 they also shall rise again a spiritual body4 ,they who are of a celestial spirit shall receive the same body which was a natural body2 even ye shall receive your bodies1 and your glory shall be that glory by which your bodies are quickened4 ,and there shall be silence in heaven for the space of half an hour1 and immediately after shall the curtain of heaven be unfolded1 as a scroll is unfolded after it is rolled up1 and the face of the ,lord shall be unveiled2 ,and the saints that are upon the earth1 who are alive1 shall be quickened1 and be caught up to meet ,him4 ,and they who have slept in their graves shall come forth2 for their graves shall be opened1 and they also shall be caught up to meet ,him in the midst of the pillar of heaven3 ,they are ,christ's1 the first fruits3 they who shall descend with ,him first1 and they who are on the earth and in their graves1 who are first caught up to meet ,him3 and all this by the voice of the sounding of the trump of the angel of ,god4--,doctrine and ,covenants1 lxxxviii3 #ad-bj2 #be-bh2 #ie-ih4 ,for a trump shall sound both long and loud1 even as upon ,mount ,sinai1 and all the earth shall quake1 and they shall come forth1 yea1 even the dead which died in me1 to receive a crown of righteousness1 and to be clothed upon1 even as ,i am1 to be with me1 that we may be one4 ,and the end shall come1 and the heaven and the earth shall be consumed and pass away1 and there shall be a new heaven and a new earth1 ,for all old things shall pass away1 and all things shall become new1 even the heaven and the earth1 and all the fulness thereof1 both men and beasts1 the fowls of the air1 and the fishes of the sea2 ,and not one hair1 neither mote1 shall be lost1 for it is the workmanship of mine hand4 ,but1 behold1 verily ,i say unto you1 before the earth shall pass away1 ,michael1 mine archangel1 shall sound his trump1 and then shall all the dead awake1 for their graves shall be opened1 and they shall come forth2 yea1 even all4--,doctrine and ,covenants1 xxix3 #ac2 #bc-bf4 ,for the day cometh that the ,lord shall utter ,his voice out of heaven2 the heavens shall shake and the earth shall tremble1 and the trump of ,god shall sound both long and loud1 and shall say to the #ej sleeping nations1 ,ye saints arise and live2 ye sinners stay and sleep until ,i shall call again4--,doctrine and ,covenants1 xliii3 #ah4 ,but before the arm of the ,lord shall fall1 an angel shall sound his trump1 and the saints that have slept shall come forth to meet me in the cloud2 ,wherefore if ye have slept in peace1 blessed are you1 for as you now behold me and know that ,i am1 even so shall ye come unto me and your souls shall live1 and your redemption shall be perfected1 and the saints shall come forth from the four quarters of the earth4--,doctrine and ,covenants1 xlv3 #de1 #df4 ,yea1 and blessed are the dead that die in the ,lord from henceforth when the ,lord shall come1 and old things shall pass away1 and all things become new1 they shall rise from the dead and shall not die after1 and shall receive an inheritance before the ,lord1 in the holy city4 ,and he that liveth when the ,lord shall come1 and has kept the faith1 blessed is he2 nevertheless it is appointed to him to die at the age of man2 ,wherefore children shall grow up until they become old1 old men shall die2 but they shall not sleep in the dust1 but they shall be changed in the twinkling of an eye2 ,wherefore for this cause preached the apostles unto the world the resurrection of the dead4--,doctrine and ,covenants1 lxiii3 #di-eb4 ,extract ,from ,a ,revelation to the ,prophet ,joseph4 ,and in that day ,adam blessed ,god and was filled1 and began to prophesy concerning all the families of the earth1 saying1 ,blessed be the name of ,god1 for because of my transgression my eyes are opened1 and in this life ,i shall have joy1 and again in the flesh ,i shall see ,god4--,pearl of ,great ,price1 p4 #aj4 ,extract ,from ,the ,prophecy of ,enoch4 ,and righteousness will ,i send down out of heaven3 and truth will ,i send forth out of the earth1 to bear testimony of mine ,only ,begotten2 ,his resurrection from the dead2 yea1 and also the resurrection of all men4--,pearl of ,great ,price1 p4 #ba4 ,the ,testimony of ,joseph ,smith4 ,as concerning the resurrection1 ,i will merely say that all men will come forth from the grave as they lie down1 whether old or young2 there will not be added one cubit to their stature1 neither taken from it2 all will be raised by the power of ,god1 having spirit in their bodies and not blood4--,march #bj1 #ahdb2 ,history of ,joseph ,smith4 ,there are two kinds of beings in heaven1 viz3 angels1 who are resurrected personages1 having bodies of flesh and bones4 ,for instance1 ,jesus said1 ,handle me and see1 for a spirit hath not flesh and bones as ye see me have4 #b4 ,the spirits of just men made perfect--they who are not resurrected1 but inherit the same glory4 ,when a messenger comes1 saying he has a message from ,god1 offer him your hand1 and request him to shake hands with you4 #ea ,if he be an angel1 he will do so1 and you will feel his hand4 ,if he be the spirit of a just man made perfect1 he will come in his glory2 for that is the only way he can appear4 ,ask him to shake hands with you1 but he will not move1 because it is contrary to the order of heaven for a just man to deceive2 but he will still deliver his message4 ,if it be the ,devil as an angel of light1 when you ask him to shake hands1 he will offer you his hand1 and you will not feel anything2 you may therefore detect him4 ,these are three grand keys whereby you may know whether any administration is from ,god4--,thursday1 ,february #i1 #ahdc2 ,history of ,joseph ,smith4 ,doctrine and ,covenants1 cxxxix4 ,whatever principle of intelligence we attain unto in this life1 it will rise with us in the resurrection2 ,and if a person gains more knowledge and intelligence in this life through his diligence and obedience than another1 he will have so much the advantage in the world to come4 ,there is a law1 irrevocably decreed in heaven before the foundations of this world1 upon which all blessings are predicted2 ,and when we obtain any blessing from ,god1 it is by obedience to that law upon which it is predicted4 ,the ,father has a body of flesh and bones as tangible as man's2 the ,son also3 but the ,holy ,ghost has not a body of flesh and bones1 but is a personage of spirit4 ,were it not so1 the ,holy ,ghost could not dwell in us4 ,a man may receive the ,holy ,ghost1 and it may descend upon him and not tarry with him4--,sunday1 ,april #b1 #ahdc2 ,history of ,joseph ,smith4 ,doctrine and ,covenants1 cxxx3 #ah-bc4 ,to a remark of ,elder ,o4 ,pratt's1 that a man's body changes every seven years1 ,president ,joseph ,smith replied3 ,there is no fundamental principle belonging to a human system that ever goes into another in this world or in the world to come3 ,i care not what the theories of men are4 ,we have the testimony that ,god will raise us up1 and ,he has the power to do it4 ,if any one supposes that any part of our bodies1 that is1 the fundamental parts thereof1 ever goes into another body1 he is mistaken4--,friday1 ,april #g1 #ahdc2 ,history of ,joseph ,smith4 ,speaking of the eternal duration of matter1 ,i said--,there is no such thing as immaterial matter4 ,all spirit is matter1 but it is more fine or pure1 and can only be discerned by purer eyes4 ,we cannot see it2 but when our bodies are purified1 we shall see that it is all matter4--,wednesday1 ,may #ag1 #ahdc2 ,history of ,joseph ,smith1 ,doctrine and ,covenants1 cxxxi3 #g1 #h4 ,as the ,father hath power in ,himself1 so hath the ,son power in ,himself1 to lay down ,his life and take it again1 so ,he has a body of ,his own4 ,the ,son doeth what ,he hath seen the ,father do2 then the ,father hath some day laid down ,his life and taken it again2 so ,he has a body of ,his own1 each one will be in ,his own body2 and yet the sectarian world believe the body of the ,son is stuffed into the ,father's4 ,gods have an ascendancy over the angels1 who are ministering servants4 ,in the resurrection1 some are raised to be angels2 others are raised to become ,gods4--,sunday1 ,june #aa1 #ahdc2 ,history of ,joseph ,smith4 #eb ,,celestial ,,family ,,organization4 ,by ,parley ,p4 ,pratt in ,his ,publication1 ,the ,prophet1 ,published in ,new ,york ,city1 #ahde4 ,man is an eternal being1 both in regard to his material organization and his mind and affections4 ,the resurrection from the dead restores him to life with all his bodily and mental powers and faculties1 and 7if quickened by the celestial glory7 consequently associates him with his family1 friends and kindred1 as one of the necessary links of the chain which connects the great and royal family of heaven and earth in one eternal bond of kindred affection and association4 ,the order of ,god's government1 both in time and in eternity1 is patriarchal2 that is1 it is a fatherly government4 ,each father who is raised from the dead and made a partaker of the celestial glory in its fullness1 will hold lawful jurisdiction over his own children and over all the families which spring of them to all generations1 forever and ever4 ,we talk1 in this ignorant age1 of children becoming of age1 as it is called2 and we consider when they are of age they are free from the authority of their father4 ,but no such rule is known in the celestial law and organization1 either here or hereafter4 ,by that law a son is subject to his father forever and ever1 worlds without end4 ,again1 we have a rule now established in the earth by which a woman becomes the wife of a man1 and is bound by law to him till death shall separate4 ,but in the celestial order it is not so1 for the plainest of all reasons1 viz41 the celestial order1 is an order of eternal life2 it knows no death and consequently makes no provision for any4 ,therefore all its covenants and contracts are eternal in their duration1 and calculated to bind the several members of a family in one eternal union4 ,in order to illustrate this subject and make it perfectly plain to the most simple capacity we must leave death entirely out of the consideration1 and look at men and families just as we would look at them if there was no death4 ,this we can do with the greatest propriety because the time was when there was no death1 and the time will be again in which there will be no death4 #ec ,our venerable father ,adam took our mother ,eve for a wife when the human family and the world in which they lived was as free from death as ,god and ,his throne4 ,we would now inquire what kind of contract was made between them1 and also how long was it to endure8 ,was it after the power and union of an endless life8 or was it made to serve a momentary purpose1 till death shall separate8 ,the answer is obvious4 ,this marriage contract must have been eternal1 or else it must have admitted the sinful as well as cruel idea of a divorce and final separation during their lives2 for let it be borne in mind they had no death in view and no idea of ever being subject to death1 even for a moment1 at the time the contract was made4 ,again1 ,paul opens a mystery1 viz41 that we shall not all sleep in the dust2 but those who live at a certain time will be changed in a moment1 in the twinkling of an eye1 and will be caught up to meet the ,lord and so ever be with ,him4 ,now as some of these will doubtless be husbands and wives1 we would inquire when their marriage contract will be fulfilled and come to an end8 ,they agreed to be each others till death should separate 7that is1 if they were married by the usual ceremonies which now exist74 ,and behold1 death cannot separate them2 for the change from mortal to immortal will be instantaneous4 ,again1 ,christ came to deliver those who through fear of death were all their life time subject to bondage4 ,therefore1 after the resurrection men live1 and live forever1 as though death had never been4 ,in view of this1 ,god declares himself to be the ,god of ,abraham1 ,isaac and ,jacob1 who have once died2 and yet he claims not to be the ,god of the dead1 but of the living4 ,again1 ,paul speaks of another great mystery1 viz41 that every man should love his wife even as ,christ loves the ,church4 ,now we would inquire whether the love and consequent union of ,christ and ,his ,church is to come to an end by death1 and a final separation take place in the world to come8 or whether1 on the other hand1 the union is more perfect and complete in the other life than it is in this8 ,all agree that the love and union of ,christ and the ,church is eternal1 and that it not only continues in the other world1 but it is made perfect there4 ,this being the case1 it leads us to the irresistible conclusion that the love and union of a man and his wife should extend into1 and even be more perfect in eternity1 or else ,paul was very wrong in telling every man to love his wife even as ,christ loves the ,church4 ,having #ed established the fact or principle of eternal union between a man and his wife1 we will now proceed to establish the eternal relationship and authority on one hand and obedience on the other1 that will exist between parents and children4 ,to illustrate this principle we have a beautiful and plain precedent4 ,jesus ,christ and ,his ,father continue to be one in their affection and union since ,he rose from the dead2 and ,he still yields obedience to the commands of ,his ,father1 and has also revealed that ,he will continue to do so1 when ,he has put down death1 and all rule and authority and power4 ,then shall the ,son also be subjected to the ,father4 ,we hear nothing in all this subject about ,jesus ,christ ever being of age so as to be free from all further obligation to obey ,his ,father2 but on the contrary it is clearly revealed that ,he will always be subjected to ,him4 ,now this same ,jesus prayed to ,his ,father1 as testified by the ,apostle ,john1 that ,his disciples and those who believed on their words might be one even as ,christ and ,his ,father are one2 not only one with ,god and ,christ1 but also one with each other in the same manner and in the same sense that they are one4 ,now suppose1 in fulfillment of this prayer1 a man and his children were ,his disciples2 and finally in the eternal world1 they became one with each other in precisely the same sense that ,christ and ,his ,father are one1 would not these children be subject to their father in the same manner as ,christ is subject to ,his ,father8 ,certainly they would4 ,we have also a most beautiful practical illustration of the principles of continued authority on the part of the father and obedience on the part of the children in this life1 in the family of ,jacob4 ,his sons were1 many of them1 advanced in years so far as to become heads of families at the time of going to ,egypt for corn4 ,and yet they all set an example of obedience to their father1 insomuch that they would not take ,benjamin with them without his consent1 even if they starved to death4 ,it appears1 too1 that ,abraham had the entire control of his son ,isaac's matrimonial affairs1 although ,isaac was forty years of age at the time of his marriage with ,rebecca4 ,having now established the fact that the celestial order is designed not only to give eternal life1 but also to establish an eternal order of family government1 founded upon the most pure and holy principles of union and affection1 we will take a review of the celestial family of man as it will exist in the restoration of all things spoken of by the ,holy ,prophets4 ,first3 ,his most gracious and venerable majesty1 ,king ,adam1 with his royal consort1 ,queen ,eve1 will appear at the #ee head of the whole great family of the redeemed1 and will be crowned in their midst as a king and priest forever after the ,son of ,god4 ,they will then be arrayed in garments white as snow and will take their seats on the throne1 in the midst of the paradise of ,god on the earth1 to reign forever and ever4 ,while thousands of thousands stand before him1 and ten thousand times ten thousand minister unto him4 ,and if you will receive it1 this is the order of the ,ancient of days--the kingdom prepared and organized to meet ,jesus when ,he comes4 ,this venerable patriarch and sovereign will hold lawful jurisdiction over ,abel1 ,enoch1 ,noah1 ,abraham1 ,isaac1 ,jacob1 ,joseph1 ,moses1 the prophets1 apostles1 ,saints of all ages and dispensations1 who will all reverence and obey him as their venerable father and lawful sovereign4 ,they will then be organized1 each over his own department of the government1 according to their birthright and office1 in their families1 generations and nations4 ,each one will obey and be obeyed according to the connection which he sustains as a member of the great celestial family4 ,thus the gradation will descend in regular degrees from the throne of the ,ancient of days with his innumerable subjects1 down to the least and last ,saint of the last days who may be counted worthy of a throne and sceptre1 although his kingdom may1 perhaps1 only consist of a wife and single child4 ,such the order and organization of the celestial family1 and such the natures of the thrones1 principalities and powers1 which are the rewards of diligence4 ,this kingdom1 organized and established upon the earth in its beauty and order1 will be ready for the ,son of man4 ,he will then come in the clouds of heaven and receive it to himself4 ,adam and all the patriarchs1 kings and prophets will still be subject unto ,christ1 because ,he was in the eternal world1 the first born of every creature1 and the beginning of the creation of ,god4 ,hence in the patriarchal order1 ,he rules by right of birth4 ,if ,i tell you earthly things and ye believe not1 how shall ye believe if ,i tell you of heavenly things8 ,i might enlarge on the subject by connecting the family of ,adam with other branches of ,christ's kingdom1 and of the celestial family in other planets and worlds1 many of which are older and much larger than our earth1 but peopled by branches of the celestial family1 who are of the same kindred and race that we are1 viz41 the sons and daughters of ,god4 ,i might also tell you of the continued exertions of creative power by which millions of new worlds will yet be formed and peopled by ,king ,adam and his descendants1 in the name1 and by the authority of ,jesus ,christ1 and by virtue of the ,holy ,priesthood which is after the power #ef of the endless life1 without beginning of days or end of years1 and thus go on enlarging and multiplying1 conquering and to conquer1 till ,abraham's seed becomes numerous as the sand2 and till the ,saint of the last days possess a kingdom and dominion of his own posterity1 vastly more numerous than ,king ,adam will possess in the great restoration of all things pertaining to this little earth4 ,but you are not able to receive heavenly things as yet1 and therefore forbear1 and let the things of the earth suffice at least for the present1 and till the ,saints should be counted worthy of endowment and of an entrance into the sanctuary of our ,god4 ,for there shall the greater things be made manifest to those who are not overcome and are counted worthy4 ,i now wish to say a few words on the subject of matrimony and also on the subject of raising and educating children4 ,who that has had one glimpse of the order of the celestial family and of the eternal connections and relationships which should be formed here in order to be enjoyed there2 who that has felt one thrill of the energy and power of eternal life and love which flows from the divine spirit of revelation1 can ever be contented with the corrupt pleasures of a moment which arise from the unlawful connections and desires8 ,or what ,saint who has any degree of faith in the power of the resurrection and of eternal life1 can be contented to throw themselves away by matrimonial connection with sectarians or other worldlings who are so blind that they can never secure an eternal union by the authority of the ,holy ,priesthood which has power to bind that which shall be bound in heaven8 ,by such a union1 or by corrupt1 unlawful and unvirtuous connections and indulgences they not only lose their own celestial crown and throne1 but also plunge their children into ruin and darkness1 which will probably cause them to neglect so great salvation for the sake of the love and the praise of the world and the traditions of men4 ,o my friends--my brethren and sisters1 and especially the younger class of our community6 ,i beseech you in the fear and love of ,god and entreat you in view of eternal glory and exaltation in this kingdom1 to deny yourselves all the corrupt and abominable practices and desires of the world and the flesh1 and seek to be pure and virtuous in all your ways and thoughts1 and not only so1 but make no matrimonial connections or engagements till you have asked counsel of the ,spirit of ,god in humble prayer before ,him2 till you know and understand the principles of eternal life and union sufficiently to act wisely and prudently1 and in that way that #eg will eventually secure yourself and companion and your children in the great family circle of the celestial organization4 ,i would now say to parents that their own salvation1 as well as that of their children1 depends to a certain extent on the bringing up of their children1 and educating them in the truth1 that their traditions and early impressions may be correct4 ,no parent who continues to neglect this after they themselves have come to the knowledge of the truth1 can be saved in the celestial kingdom4 ,i would earnestly recommend that all sectarian books1 tracts1 pictures1 paintings1 etc41 which are not according to the truth1 be removed from the family circle of the ,saints1 and that their children be not suffered to read them1 at least till the truth has taken hold of their minds sufficiently that they may be able to contrast the one with the other2 and to perceive the difference4 ,sectarian sermons and their manner of worship and their ,sunday schools1 are also a great damage to children1 being well calculated to rivet upon their young and tender minds the most vague1 mysterious and erroneous notions and principles which may prevent their ever being open to the conviction of the truth4 ,and even if they should embrace the truth afterwards1 and they find their perceptive faculties so blunted and beclouded by early impressions and traditions1 that it will continue to retard their progress in the comprehension of the truth1 insomuch that many of its plainest and simplest principles will either remain entirely unperceived by them or else be seen through a glass darkly1 as it were1 and thus lose much of their force and beauty4 99 99 99 ,in regard to matrimony1 ,i suppose some will tell me that in the resurrection they neither marry nor are given in marriage4 ,that is true1 for the best of all reasons--because they do it here2 and thus bind on earth that which shall be bound in heaven1 and that too by ,god's own authority2 and this being the world of preparation and that the world of enjoyment4 ,therefore there is no need of doing it in that world4 ,those who do not understand and attend to the ordinances and authority of ,god in this world1 neither by themselves nor by proxy1 are not counted worthy to enjoy the celestial glory in the world to come2 therefore1 they must remain as they are1 and never enjoy that sweet union and exaltation which is prepared for the ,saints of the ,most ,high4 ,thus are all judged according to the deeds done in the body2 and that which they sow they shall also reap4 ,if they choose in this world to follow the wicked lusts and pleasures of the moment by unlawful connections2 or if they choose to be #eh united after the manner of this world by being joined with a companion who is not worthy of an eternal covenant and of the seal of the living ,god1 why then1 the consequence is1 that they enjoy the things of this world and the pleasures and passions thereof2 but death closes the scene and eternity finds them poor wanderers and outcasts from the commonwealth of the celestial family and strangers to the covenant of promise4 ,their former covenants come to an end with their life1 and in that world they can neither marry nor be given in marriage2 consequently they must remain unassociated in family capacity1 and1 therefore1 have no kingdom over which to reign1 nor any possible means of increasing their own glory4 ,there will be weeping1 wailing and gnashing of teeth indeed2 for who can endure eternal disappointment8 ,who can endure to be forever banished and separated from father1 mother1 wife1 children1 and every kindred affection1 and from every family tie8 ,for none of our relationships will be recognized by the authorities in this world1 unless secured to us here in an everlasting covenant which cannot be broken1 and sealed by the constituted authorities of the living ,god4 ,well did the ,lord promise by the mouth of the ,prophet ,malachi that ,he would send ,elijah the ,prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the ,lord2 and that he should turn1 seal1 or bind the hearts of the fathers to the children and the hearts of the children to the fathers1 lest the whole earth should be smitten with a curse4 ,and if you will receive it1 ,elijah the prophet has been sent in these last days to man on the earth1 and has conferred the keys of the sealing power that others might go forth in ,his ,spirit1 power and ,priesthood1 and seal both on earth and in heaven4 ,but they have done unto some of them whatever they listed1 and even so many others perhaps suffer under their cruel hand4 ,but the keys are on the earth and shall not be taken from it till the sealing is accomplished4 ,therefore1 ,o ye ,saints of the ,most ,high6 build the ,temple and sanctuary of our ,god1 and gather together thereunto4 ,for there1 saith the ,lord1 will ,i reveal unto you the fullness of mine ordinances pertaining to the ,holy ,priesthood and preparation1 by which the living and the dead may be redeemed and associated in the exalted principles of eternal life and joy4 ,amen4 #ei ,,salvation ,,for ,,the ,,living ,,and ,,the ,,dead4 ,liberality of the ,mormon ,faith4 ,a ,discourse by ,charles ,w4 ,penrose4 ,delivered in the ,tabernacle1 ,salt ,lake ,city1 ,sunday ,afternoon1 ,august #ai1 #aijj4 ,reported by ,arthur ,winter4 ,i am thankful for the opportunity of meeting with the ,latter-day ,saints in this ,tabernacle1 and ,i trust that our assembling together will not be in vain1 but be profitable to all of us4 ,i have been called upon to address the congregation4 ,i desire to do so under the influence of that ,spirit which guides into all truth1 and which makes plain the things of ,god to the minds of men4 ,i trust that this ,spirit will not only rest upon me1 to enlighten my mind and to give me words which will be of benefit to those who hear1 but that it may also rest upon the congregation1 that we may be able to see eye to eye4 ,characteristics of ,true ,religion4 ,one mark of true religion is a regard for the welfare of other people4 ,true religion does not make people selfish4 ,it creates in their hearts a feeling of chanty and a desire to bless2 not to injure in any way1 not to wish the downfall or hurt of a fellow creature1 but rather to desire his uplifting1 and benefit1 and comfort1 and joy4 ,our ,heavenly ,father created the earth upon which we live for the comfort and happiness of ,his creatures4 ,the plan of salvation1 which was prepared before the foundations of the world1 was designed for the improvement1 the benefit and the ultimate salvation of all ,his sons and daughters4 ,when we have a desire in our hearts to bless and benefit mankind1 we have the right side4 ,when we feel a spirit of revenge1 of retaliation1 and a desire to do harm1 that is not of ,god1 but is from beneath4 ,our ,lord and ,savior ,jesus ,christ1 we are told1 came into the world1 not to condemn the world1 but that the world through ,him might be saved4 ,that was the purpose of the coming of our ,savior ,jesus ,christ in the flesh1 and of the atonement that ,he wrought out for mankind by ,his death on the cross4 ,the #fj spirit of ,christ is the spirit of salvation1 the spirit of blessing1 the spirit to do good1 to improve the condition of the human race1 and to prepare us all for the presence of our ,eternal ,father and to enjoy the glory of ,his kingdom4 ,universal ,salvation4 ,one of the great differences between the faith of the ,latter-day ,saints and that of most of the denominations called ,christian is that the ,latter-day ,saints teach that salvation is for all people1 of all ages1 of all races1 of all colors1 who can be saved4 ,the doctrine that the ,lord has revealed through ,his servant the ,prophet ,joseph ,smith is that salvation is to come unto all1 and that none will be lost who can possibly be redeemed2 that the plan of salvation is as broad as the fall of man4 ,our first parents broke a divine law1 and through their disobedience death came into the world4 ,as by disobedience of one man sin1 and death as the wages of sin1 came into the world1 so by the atonement and obedience of one1 life and salvation will ultimately come to all the family of ,adam4 ,as in ,adam all die1 so in ,christ shall all be made alive4 ,this doctrine was enunciated by the ,apostle ,paul in his epistle to the ,corinthians4 ,the full meaning of that is not explained in the old scriptures1 neither is it understood generally in the ,christian world1 but it was revealed in great plainness to the ,prophet ,joseph ,smith and ,sidney ,rigdon4 ,i will not read to you the vision which was given to them1 explaining this doctrine of salvation1 but will perhaps read a few verses of it1 so that the full extent of the plan of salvation may be comprehended to some little degree by the congregation4 ,let me say1 first1 that the book from which ,i am about to read contains some of the revelations of ,god to the ,church of ,jesus ,christ of ,latter-day ,saints in this age of the world1 and we regard these as ,scripture4 ,we believe in the ,bible4 ,we believe that holy men of old wrote and spoke as they were moved upon by the ,holy ,ghost4 ,we also believe that the same ,spirit in this age of the world will make plain the things of ,god exactly in the same way as they were revealed in former times4 ,in other words1 we believe that the ,spirit is the same in all ages1 and that ,god and ,christ are the same yesterday1 today and forever4 ,if ,god could reveal ,his word through ,prophets in ancient times1 certainly ,he can reveal ,his word1 through ,prophets in modern times4 ,if not1 why not8 ,what reason is there that ,god should not make #fa manifest ,his truth in the nineteenth century as well as in the first century1 or in times before the beginning of the ,christian era8 ,has the ,eternal ,father ceased to have power to make ,himself manifest8 ,has ,he bound ,himself with an oath and promise that ,he would not speak again1 after ,he revealed ,himself through the ,prophets and ,apostles in the first age of the ,christian era and before that time8 ,if so1 where is ,his word and promise recorded8 ,i know of nothing of the kind in the book that is supposed to contain the ,holy ,scriptures4 ,the ,bible contains some few things revealed by the ,lord through ,his servants in former days1 and by reading it carefully ,i find that it contains an abundance of promises that in the last times1 in the times of the restitution of all things spoken of by the holy ,prophets since the world began1 in the dispensation of the fullness of times in which ,god is to gather together in one all things that are in ,christ1 there is to be more light1 more revelation1 more manifestation of the power of ,god1 greater miracles and greater outpouring of the ,spirit and the knowledge of ,god1 until the time shall come when a man shall not have to say to his neighbor1 ,know ye the ,lord1 for all shall know ,him1 from the least unto the greatest1 and the knowledge of ,god shall cover the earth as the waters cover the great deep2 so the prophets of old predicted4 ,this being so there is nothing unscriptural or unreasonable in the idea that ,god should reveal ,his word in this age of the world as ,he revealed it in former times1 and as it was customary with ,him when ,he had any special work to perform among the children of men1 or any special truth to reveal1 to raise up a prophet or prophets through whom ,his word was communicated1 that in the last days ,he should act in the same way1 seeing that ,he is an unchangeable ,being4 ,we testify that in the nineteenth century our ,heavenly ,father has been pleased to open the heavens once more1 and to send ,his ,son ,jesus ,christ1 our ,redeemer1 with a message of life and light1 similar to that which ,he proclaimed when ,he tabernacled in mortality4 ,we testify that angels have come down from the courts of glory1 bringing light and truth for the enlightenment and salvation of all the human family1 and a message to be carried to every nation1 kindred1 tongue and people4 ,we recognize the fact that throughout ,christendom there are various religious societies1 composed in the main of good people1 and having among them very talented men1 some of whom minister in the name of the ,lord without authority1 #fb while others explain the ,gospel according to their understanding of it--which is very limited2 and that there are people of all sects and denominations who desire to serve the ,lord and walk in ,his ways1 but who cling to the notions and ideas which have been handed down to them by tradition4 ,we do not wish to interfere with any of them in their religious rights and privileges4 ,we recognize the right of every man to worship ,god according to the dictates of his own conscience1 and think that people ought not to be molested in that worship1 and that they should be perfectly free to carry out their religious convictions1 so long as they do not infringe upon the rights and liberties of others4 ,that is the line we draw1 and when men step beyond that1 then the secular law ought to step in and protect people in the exercise of their rights1 and from the designs and wicked acts of those who seek to infringe upon them4 ,but ,one ,god and ,one ,faith4 ,but while we recognize this1 we do not lose sight of this one great fact1 which all people should consider2 that as there is but one ,god for us to worship1 there can be but one true religion4 ,a variety of ,gods might introduce a variety of creeds2 but there is one ,god even the ,father1 of whom are all things1 and one ,lord ,jesus ,christ1 by whom are all things4 ,therefore1 the religion of ,god and ,christ must be one4 ,truth is not divided against itself4 ,truth and error will clash1 but truth and truth will always harmonize4 ,anything that ,god reveals must be true1 for ,he is truth2 and everything that comes by the way of ,jesus ,christ1 ,his beloved ,son1 must be true1 for ,he is the way1 the truth and the life4 ,no error will be introduced into the world under the direction of the ,father1 or of the ,son4 ,and the ,holy ,ghost is the ,spirit of truth4 ,it guides into all truth4 ,it takes of the things of the ,father and of the ,son and reveals them unto men4 ,it will not substantiate or reveal any error2 but it will manifest truth and make it plain4 ,therefore1 all that is error in the world1 whether it be among ,christians or pagans1 is not of ,god1 and is not recognized of ,him4 ,it will not lead to ,god2 it will not benefit mankind2 but it will do injury4 ,it is the truth that exalts1 that ennobles1 and that will save mankind4 ,falsehood and error will not4 ,anything that is contrary to truth cannot be of ,god1 but may be of that ,evil ,one1 who was a liar from the beginning4 #fc ,sincerity ,not ,conclusive ,evidence of ,truth4 ,that there is an abundance of error in the ,christian world as well as some truth1 must be patent to everybody who has investigated the conditions of mankind in the present day1 because these multifarious sects and denominations are discordant4 ,they do not unite--except on special occasions when they meet together to denounce the ,mormons2 they can unite on that question sometimes4 ,the spirit of division1 strife and contention exists among people called ,christians as well as among people called ,pagans4 ,that fact alone makes it evident that there is a great deal of error existing in what is called ,christendom4 ,that is because these various systems which have been established are the inventions of men4 ,they may have been good men who started these different sects--,i will not judge that matter2 that is with the ,eternal ,judge--but these sects were the offspring of men4 ,these men may have read the ,scriptures1 and have entertained certain ideas founded upon their reading2 and they may have established these different systems in accordance with their sincere ideas of what was right4 ,but sincerity of itself is not a conclusive evidence of truth4 ,the heathen is just as sincere in his idol worship as the ,christian is in his various modes of bowing down to ,deity2 and certainly the ,latter-day ,saints have manifested their sincerity before the whole world as well as before the heavens4 ,the ,elders of this ,church who go out into the world to proclaim the ,gospel as they understand it1 manifest their sincerity4 ,yet our ,christian friends will not recognize them as ,christians1 nor believe that they are right4 ,they go out without purse or scrip1 without fee or reward4 ,they are not paid for their work4 ,they make sacrifice of home and its comforts1 and leave their loved ones behind1 and go to face a frowning world1 to meet persecution and obloquy1 and sometimes imprisonment1 stripes and death4 ,what for8 ,to proclaim that which they know in their hearts is true4 ,they are sincere enough1 but that does not prove that they are right4 ,our ,christian friends will acknowledge that4 ,on the other hand1 the sincerity that may be exhibited in the various ,christian sects by the people who compose the members1 and by the preachers who teach them1 is not of itself an evidence that they are right or that they have the truth4 ,but the fact that they are divided and conflicting is proof enough that there is a great deal of error among them4 ,now1 that which comes from ,god is truth4 ,if ,jesus #fd ,christ has a church on the earth under ,his direction and inspiration1 containing men whom ,he has appointed1 who hold ,his authority1 who are sent by ,his word1 and who have the divine authority to administer in the name of the ,father1 and of the ,son1 and of the ,holy ,ghost1 that church will have the truth4 ,it will not have error intermingled with it1 because it will be directed by ,christ1 being ,his ,church4 ,men may build up a church and call it the ,church of ,christ1 but that does not make it so2 it is the church of the men who organized it4 ,if ,john ,wesley--a good man1 as ,i believe with all my heart1 a mighty man1 who did a great and good work in the earth--organized a religious society and called it the ,church of ,christ1 that does not make it so1 and it is nothing more than the church of ,john ,wesley4 ,if other good men assemble together and agree on points of doctrine and organize a religious society that society is theirs4 ,it is not ,god's unless ,he ordered it1 revealed it1 and accepted it4 ,oneness of the ,church of ,christ4 ,i think that these simple ideas will be received by this congregation and by any reasonable person4 ,if ,jesus ,christ had a church on the earth in the first century1 it was the ,church that ,he established4 ,there is evidence that ,he did establish a church4 ,by reading the ,new ,testament it is plain that ,he organized it ,himself2 therefore it was ,his ,church4 ,he placed in it apostles1 prophets1 evangelists1 pastors and teachers1 7so we read in the epistle to the ,ephesians1 #dth chapter17 for the perfecting of the ,saints1 for the work of the ministry1 for the edifying of the body of ,christ2 till we all come in the unity of the faith1 and of the knowledge of the ,son of ,god4 ,these men were sent out to preach the ,gospel without purse or scrip4 ,they were commanded to go into all the world and preach the ,gospel to every creature4 ,and the principles which they taught were the principles of ,jesus ,christ4 ,the plan of salvation that they introduced was divine4 ,it was not their own4 ,when ,paul preached to the ,gentiles and ,peter preached to the ,jews1 they preached the same ,gospel1 the same doctrine1 by the same ,spirit4 ,the people who received their word and repented of their sins1 believing in the ,lord ,jesus ,christ1 were all baptized by one spirit into one body4 ,there was but one body1 no matter how many members there were in it2 there was but one church1 no matter how many branches there might be to it4 ,the ,church was one1 the ,gospel was one1 the ,god they worshipped was #fe one1 the ,savior was one4 ,there was one ,lord1 one faith1 one baptism1 one ,god and ,father of all2 and the path that they walked in was the one way marked out by the ,lord ,jesus ,christ1 who said1 ,wide is the gate and broad is the way1 that leadeth to destruction1 and many there be which go in thereat2 because straight is the gate1 and narrow is the way1 which leadeth unto life1 and few there be that find it4 ,these men whom the ,lord placed in ,his ,church had the word of the ,lord4 ,god revealed ,himself unto them4 ,jesus ,christ manifested ,himself unto them4 ,this is one of the characteristics of the ,church4 ,it was in communication with its ,divine ,author4 ,the spirit that came down from heaven was in these men2 not only in them1 but in the body of the ,church4 ,the whole body was quickened by it1 led by it1 and inspired by it4 ,therefore the truth was in the ,church4 ,but there came a great change after the ,apostles were slain4 ,darkness came in like a flood and overspread the earth1 as the prophet of old foresaw when he said that darkness would cover the earth and gross darkness the people4 ,because of that darkness which has overspread the earth has come the condition that exists in the ,christian world today4 ,true ,gospel ,again ,revealed ,from ,heaven4 ,now1 in this age of the world1 ,i repeat1 our ,heavenly ,father has been pleased to reveal ,himself again4 ,hear it6 oh1 ye people6 ,as sure as the sun shines in the heavens1 as sure as we are in this ,tabernacle this afternoon1 the ,mighty ,god1 even the ,lord1 hath spoken1 and is calling the earth from the rising of the sun to the going down thereof4 ,his word to all people is that the ,gospel in its purity has been restored2 ,his ,church has been set up again on the earth1 under ,his personal direction2 ,apostles1 ,prophets1 ,evangelists1 ,pastors and ,teachers once more are endowed with the ,spirit that comes from on high1 and all people who receive their testimony and are obedient to the ,gospel are baptized by one spirit into one body1 whether they be ,jew or ,gentile1 bond or free1 and they are all made to partake of one ,spirit4 ,this ,gospel and the proclamation thereof is to all the world1 to every creature4 ,this is the commandment of ,god to ,his servants in the ,church of ,jesus ,christ of ,latter-day ,saints4 ,and all people will hear the sound thereof1 no matter how much it may be opposed4 ,the ,elders of this ,church1 going out as the servants of ,god did of old1 are endowed with the same authority1 the same power1 and the same right to #ff administer in the name of the ,father1 and of the ,son1 and of the ,holy ,ghost4 ,and the word of ,christ is to them as it was to the early ,apostles3 ,he that receiveth you receiveth me1 and he that receiveth me receiveth ,him that sent me4 ,and he that rejecteth you rejecteth ,him that sent me4 ,the word of the ,lord to all people everywhere is to turn from their wickedness1 from their corruptions1 from their false creeds1 from their bowing down to anything that is not ,god1 from the notions and ideas of men that have been preached in the world for the doctrines of ,christ1 and come unto ,god their ,eternal ,father in humility1 in contrition1 repenting of their sins1 confessing them1 and forsaking them4 ,gospel ,will ,be ,preached ,to ,every ,soul4 ,this is a corrupt age4 ,the world is full of evil4 ,that perhaps may be considered an extravagant term1 for there is without doubt a great deal of good in the world as well as evil2 but ,i mean to say that evil abounds everywhere4 ,take your ,christian cities--those that have the most churches and chapels dedicated to ,christian service--and sin1 corruption1 vice1 and evils that are unmentionable1 abound in them4 ,the word of ,god to all people is to repent1 and turn from iniquity1 and come unto the ,lord1 that they may be saved4 ,this ,gospel will be preached to every nation1 tongue and people4 ,the barriers that are now in the way of the progress of the servants of ,god will be broken down4 ,war1 plague1 pestilence1 famine1 earthquake1 the devouring fire1 the cyclone and the whirlwind will be agencies in the hands of an offended ,deity to open up the way for the spread of the ,gospel of ,jesus ,christ4 ,nations that today sit in darkness will hear it1 and the ,christian nations will hear it2 for the word of the ,lord is to the priest as well as to the people1 to the king as well as to the peasant1 to those in high places as well as to those who grovel in filth and dirt on the earth or beneath its surface4 ,to all people everywhere this ,gospel is to go4 ,those nations where it is now impossible to proclaim the ,gospel freely will be so overturned in the providences of our ,father in this fast age1 that all nations will be opened and the ,elders of this ,church will carry the message to the uttermost parts of the earth4 ,now in regard to people who will not receive the ,gospel when it is presented to them4 ,when they reject it1 they reject the ,lord4 ,but are they to be everlastingly lost and destroyed8 ,if so1 only a few people among the great family of the ,eternal #fg ,father would obtain the blessings of salvation4 ,what ,i will read to you from this book relates to the final condition of the human race4 ,as ,i said1 ,i will not attempt to read the whole of it2 it would take too long4 ,i will read only a few verses4 ,but ,i recommend all people to read it fully4 ,i consider it the most glorious manifestation of light and truth concerning the future of mankind that has ever been put in print4 ,there is nothing in the ,bible equal to this manifestation from ,god1 of ,his plans and purposes regarding ,his children who dwell on the earth4 ,the first part of this revelation contains the statement that ,joseph ,smith and ,sidney ,rigdon1 being in the ,spirit on the #afth day of ,february1 #ahcb1 were surrounded by ,his power and light1 and they beheld the ,father seated upon ,his throne1 and ,jesus ,christ1 ,his ,son1 at ,his right hand1 and the angels that surround the throne and worship before their face4 ,the ,lord manifested in this vision the conditions of the human family in the world to come1 who will be partakers of the various degrees of glory--the celestial glory1 the terrestrial glory1 and the telestial glory4 ,the part ,i wish to read is this3 ,and this is the ,gospel1 the glad tidings which the voice out of the heavens bore record unto us3 ,that ,he came into the world1 even ,jesus1 to be crucified for the world1 and to bear the sins of the world1 and to sanctify the world1 and to cleanse it from all unrighteousness2 ,that through ,him all might be saved whom the ,father had put into ,his power and made by ,him1 ,who glorifies the ,father1 and saves all the works of ,his hands1 except those sons of perdition1 who deny the ,son after the ,father has revealed ,him2 ,wherefore ,he saves all except them3 they shall go away into everlasting punishment1 which is endless punishment1 which is eternal punishment1 to reign with the devil and his angels in eternity1 where their worm dieth not1 and the fire is not quenched1 which is their torment4 ,and the end thereof1 neither the place thereof1 nor their torment1 no man knows4 7,doctrine and ,covenants1 section #gf1 vs4 #dj-de47 ,but ,few ,will ,be ,lost4 ,my friends1 the great truth is declared in this revelation that ,jesus ,christ will ultimately save ,,all mankind1 except a few who are called the sons of perdition1 who deny the ,son after the ,father has revealed ,him4 ,this is a very different idea of the plan of salvation to that which is entertained by most if not all our ,christian friends1 who say that we are very illiberal4 ,they have an idea that the ,latter-day ,saints are very exclusive and illiberal in their religion4 ,i wish to #fh say here that there is no creed in ,christendom which is so liberal as that which is believed in by the ,latter-day ,saints4 ,we do not hold that all who differ with us in regard to the principles of salvation will be irretrievably lost4 ,we do not consign our ,christian friends1 as they do us1 to an everlasting hell1 to frizzle and fry in brimstone and fire while eternity comes and goes2 not at all4 ,we do not believe that our ,eternal ,father will condemn any person who acts according to his sincere belief and who endeavors1 as far as he can1 to understand and practice what is true4 ,the understanding and the practice of truth is that which exalts2 and the time will come--according to our faith--when everybody who dwells on the earth1 and those who have dwelt here and have gone away1 will hear the sound of this one ,gospel2 for1 as ,i said1 there can be but one ,gospel1 one way of salvation1 and all those who do not get into that one way are in the broad way4 ,there are millions and millions of heathens who never heard the name of ,jesus ,christ4 ,what is to become of them all8 ,there are millions of ,jews who reject ,jesus ,christ as the ,savior of the world4 ,are they all to be lost eternally8 ,they will be1 according to the doctrines of some of our very liberal ,christian friends4 ,according to their doctrines1 no one will be saved who does not believe in ,jesus ,christ4 ,and they have warrant for that in the ,scripture2 for there is none other name given under heaven whereby men can be saved1 than the name of ,christ ,jesus4 ,that being true1 all who do not hear the name of ,jesus ,christ and believe in ,him will be condemned4 ,if1 therefore1 only while men dwell in the flesh they may hear the name of ,christ and have the privilege of obeying ,his ,gospel1 then the vast majority of the human race1 the sons and daughters of the ,eternal ,god1 will be doomed to everlasting punishment1 according to the modern creeds4 ,but according to what the ,lord has shown to this ,church by revelation1 this ,gospel will be preached to every creature4 ,if people do not hear it while they dwell in the flesh1 they will hear it after they leave the body4 ,that is contrary to the doctrine of modern ,christendom1 ,i am aware4 ,it comes right in contact with one of the tenets of faith of all ,christian sects4 ,they do not believe in the doctrine of preaching to men after they are dead4 ,they do not believe that there is salvation for mankind after they leave this body4 ,to use expressions common with them1 ,as the tree falls1 so it lies2 as death meets us1 so judgment finds us2 ,there's #fi no repentance in the grave1 or pardon offered to the dead4 ,that is modern ,christianity4 ,salvation ,for the ,dead4 ,but that is not the ,christianity of ,christ4 ,i would direct the attention of my friends to the book of the ,prophet ,isaiah4 ,i will not take time to turn to it this afternoon4 ,read the #fast chapter1 #ast verse1 and you will find there this prophecy concerning the coming of the ,redeemer3 7,see also #dbnd chapter1 #gth verse47 ,the ,spirit of the ,lord ,god is upon me2 because the ,lord hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek2 he hath sent me to bind up the broken-hearted1 to proclaim liberty to the captives1 and the opening of the prison to them that are bound2 to proclaim the acceptable year of the ,lord4 ,jesus ,christ accepted that as a prediction concerning ,himself1 as you will read in the ,gospel according to ,st4 ,luke1 7iv1 #ah7 by getting up in the synagogue on the ,sabbath day and reading that ,scripture to the ,jews1 testifying that it referred to ,himself4 ,jesus1 while ,he dwelt in the flesh1 preached good tidings to the meek4 ,he healed the sick2 ,he comforted those that mourned2 ,he bound up the brokenhearted4 ,but how about proclaiming liberty to the captives1 and the opening of the prison to them that were bound8 ,the ,apostle ,paul says that when ,jesus was raised up on high ,he led captivity captive1 and gave gifts unto men4 ,how did ,he lead captivity captive8 ,why1 ,peter explained it1 but the eyes of the ,christian world have been closed to it for hundreds of years4 ,in the #crd chapter of the #ast ,epistle of ,peter1 #ah-bj vs41 we read3 ,for ,christ also hath once suffered for sins1 the just for the unjust1 that ,he might bring us to ,god1 being put to death in the flesh1 but quickened by the ,spirit3 by which also he went4 ,now1 mark it4 ,he was put to death in the flesh2 ,he was quickened by the ,spirit2 and ,he went--where8 ,our ,christian friends say ,he went up to heaven4 ,that is a mistake1 because ,jesus after ,his resurrection1 when ,he appeared to ,mary in the garden1 said1 ,touch me not2 for ,i am not yet ascended to my ,father4 7,john xx1 #ag47 ,where did ,he go1 ,peter8 ,let us hear what he says3 ,by which also ,he went and preached unto the spirits in prison4 ,yes2 ,isaiah said ,he should preach deliverance to the captives1 and the opening of the prison to them that were #gj bound4 ,he went and preached unto the spirits in prison4 ,who were they1 ,peter8 ,he tells us3 ,which sometime were disobedient1 when once the longsuffering of ,god waited in the days of ,noah1 while the ark was a preparing4 ,now1 if we will take that just as it stands1 and leave out the interpretations given by uninspired men and the nonsense preachers weave around it to mystify1 we can understand it right enough4 ,jesus ,christ was put to death in the flesh2 ,he was quickened by the ,spirit2 ,his body lay in the sepulchre1 while ,he went and preached to the spirits in prison1 who had been there since the days of the flood4 ,what did ,he preach to them8 ,we can find that out by reading the sixth verse of the next chapter of this epistle3 ,for1 for this cause was the ,gospel preached also to them that are dead1 that they might be judged according to men in the flesh1 but live according to ,god in the spirit4 ,here is an account of what was preached to them and the object of the preaching4 ,he preached the ,gospel to them1 the same ,gospel that ,he preached in the flesh4 ,he preached it to them that they might be judged as men in the flesh are1 because they had the same ,gospel preached to them4 ,they could not be judged like men in the flesh unless they had the same ,gospel preached to them as men in the flesh had4 ,the heathen who never heard the ,gospel cannot be judged like those who have heard it2 but if they hear it in the spirit1 then they can be judged in the same way as other men are judged in the flesh2 and they may live according to ,god in the spirit1 because they can repent and receive that ,gospel4 ,this is clear and plain to those who desire to understand it4 ,but when men do not want the truth2 when men live by publishing falsehoods2 when men preach for hire and divine for money1 and their craft is in danger1 they do not want to see it1 nor do they want their congregations to perceive it4 ,we can thus understand what ,i read to you just now from this modern revelation4 ,jesus ,christ died for the sins of the world1 and ,he will eventually save all1 except a few who are called the sons of perdition1 who deny the ,son after the ,father has revealed him1 who sin against the ,holy ,ghost1 and against light and truth1 and who are irredeemable4 ,but all things that can be saved will be2 for our ,god is a great economist4 ,everything in ,his universe is put to a good use1 and nothing is lost4 ,not a particle of matter is annihilated4 ,you may burn a #ga substance and destroy its present form1 but the particles thereof remain1 the original elements abide2 they are indestructible1 and ,god has a use for them somewhere in ,his universe4 ,our ,heavenly ,father will save everything that can be saved1 and ,he will put it somewhere where it can be of use4 ,all ,his sons and daughters1 at some time or other in the eternity to come1 will hear the ,gospel1 and will bow the knee2 for as we are told in the ,new ,testament1 ,as ,i live1 saith the ,lord1 every knee shall bow to ,me1 and every tongue shall confess to ,god4 ,and also3 ,every tongue shall confess that ,jesus ,christ is ,lord to the glory of ,god the ,father4 7,philip1 ii3 #b47 ,and then when they do bow the knee and receive ,christ as their ,redeemer1 ,he will redeem and save them2 ,he will take them out of the prison house1 and ,he will lead captivity captive1 again and again1 until every son and daughter of ,adam's race who can be saved will be brought out of hell and death1 darkness and despair1 suffering and punishment1 and placed somewhere where they can enjoy existence and glorify their ,god and be of benefit to one another4 ,that is the ,gospel of ,jesus ,christ as revealed to the ,latter-day ,saints4 ,that is the ,gospel in which we delight4 ,salvation6 ,oh1 the joyful sound6 ,we do not wish to condemn2 we do not wish to injure2 we do not wish to curse2 we do not wish to revile our enemies4 ,we are glad in the thought that even those who revile us1 and persecute us1 and say all manner of evil against us falsely for ,christ's sake1 will some day or other understand the truth as it is2 and we hope1 as instruments in the hands of ,god1 that we will peradventure be chosen to help them out of darkness1 out of despair and punishment1 when they have paid their dues1 because the authority that ,god has revealed continues and abides4 ,it seals on earth and it is sealed in heaven4 ,it does not depart with the body4 ,the men whom ,god has called in this generation to labor for ,his cause1 when they die and lay their bodies down1 like their ,great ,master will go into the spirit world where there are myriads of people who need enlightenment--,christians1 pagans1 heathens1 all races1 all tribes1 all tongues4 ,the work of the servants of ,god is to them in the spirit as well as to men in the flesh4 ,they are to preach the ,gospel to every creature1 and the sound thereof will go to the uttermost bounds of the spiritual world as well as to the natural world2 and every immortal spirit1 son or daughter of the great ,eternal ,father1 will have an opportunity to bow the knee and accept the truth4 #gb ,different ,degrees of ,glory4 ,but they will not all be saved in the same degree of glory4 ,that would be unjust4 ,god is just as well as merciful4 ,his mercy balances with ,his justice1 and ,his justice with ,his mercy4 ,one will not rob the other4 ,there are eternal principles from which even ,he cannot swerve and still be ,god4 ,god must govern ,himself by the eternal principles of right4 ,this ,he teaches to ,his children1 and so far as we conform to that1 so far will be our power1 our glory1 our joy and our exaltation in worlds to come4 ,the ,gospel is preached to men and women in the flesh2 and if they repent1 and are baptized in the name of the ,father1 and of the ,son1 and of the ,holy ,ghost1 by one having divine authority1 and receive the ,holy ,spirit by the laying on of hands1 as a gift of ,god to enlighten their minds and guide them into all truth1 and they abide in it and are really baptized into ,christ1 then when ,christ appears in ,his glory they will be with ,him1 and be numbered as ,his jewels4 ,they will be ,christ's at ,his coming4 ,they will have part in the first resurrection4 ,they will be clothed with glory1 immortality and eternal life4 ,they will dwell in the presence of the ,father and of the ,son forever4 ,they will be crowned with the power of ,his might4 ,those who belong to them1 if also faithful1 will share this glory with them--the husband with the wife1 the parents with the children4 ,the beginning of their glory will be the foundation of their family government1 under their ,eternal ,father1 for ever and ever2 and their increase in numbers1 in power1 in might1 in dominion1 in intelligence1 in everlasting progress1 in all that is good and beautiful and happifying1 will have no end4 ,this is in the celestial glory--the glory that is typified by the sun4 ,then there are others who receive not the ,gospel of ,christ in the flesh1 but afterwards receive it in the spirit2 they will receive a terrestrial glory1 typified by the moon4 ,there will be millions of the heathen nations1 who knew not ,god on the earth1 but who will receive the truth in the other world1 and they will inherit a glory of the kind that ,i have here briefly alluded to4 ,then there is a vast number1 which cannot be counted by mortal man1 who will be thrust down to punishment4 ,justice will claim its own4 ,some will be beaten by a few stripes1 and some by many stripes4 ,some will be forgiven in the next world for sins that they did not repent of in this world1 and others may have to pay the uttermost farthing4 ,eternal justice will deal out to every soul that which should be his2 for all shall be judged #gc according to their works4 ,but through the power of the atonement of our ,lord ,jesus ,christ1 when they are willing to accept it and to conform to the principles of eternal life1 they will be brought out of their punishment and sorrow1 and they will be placed in a degree of glory suited to their capacity and condition4 ,that glory is called the glory of the stars2 and as one star differs from another star in glory1 so also will be their several conditions4 ,eternal justice and eternal mercy will each operate in every individual case1 and a just and righteous judge will deal out that which belongs to all4 ,he will not judge as men do1 by the sight of the eye and the hearing of the ear2 but ,he will judge according to justice and righteousness and according to the motives and intents of the hearts of the children of men4 ,men strive to do right sometimes and fail4 ,god will judge them accordingly4 ,there are people born with certain tendencies and proclivities2 there are others who have environments around them which almost impel them to do that which is evil4 ,god will comprehend all this1 and judge accordingly4 ,he will deal out to every man as his works shall be1 and according to the desires of his heart and his efforts to do good or to do evil4 ,he who wilfully does evil will reap evil4 ,there is an eternal law of compensation1 which ,god cannot turn aside and be ,god4 ,every tree will bring forth its own fruit4 ,every seed will bear of its kind4 ,he that sows to the flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption2 but he that sows to the ,spirit shall of the ,spirit reap life eternal4 ,liberality of the ,gospel4 ,this1 ,i think1 is a very liberal ,gospel4 ,but we do not claim credit for it1 my friends4 ,this was not invented by the boy ,prophet ,joseph ,smith1 who was proclaimed an ignoramus1 a fool1 an idiot1 a knave4 ,no1 he did not invent this beautiful doctrine that ,i have been briefly proclaiming this afternoon4 ,it was revealed from on high4 ,it came by the voice of ,god from the eternal heavens4 ,it is too good for a man to originate4 ,it is ,godlike2 it is ,christlike2 it is broad1 beautiful1 and grand4 ,it reaches the whole of the human race1 from ,adam1 our father1 down to the last person born on this globe4 ,the heathen1 the ,christian1 the ,jew1 the pagan1 the ,mohamedan1 the infidel1 the skeptic1 the agnostic1 all people1 all races1 all tongues1 all tribes--all shall hear the ,gospel4 ,every ear shall tingle with the sound thereof4 ,some may say1 how can an ear tingle in the spirit8 ,my friends1 perhaps you do not know much about these things that are #gd called spiritual4 ,the spirit of man is an entity1 a personality1 a substance4 ,it is not a mere myth1 a breath4 ,true1 it is a more refined substance than that which composes our body1 so much so that we cannot comprehend it in our present condition4 ,but when the spirit goes out of the body it is an individual1 in the same shape and form as the body1 because the body is conformed to the spirit4 ,sometimes the spirit is temporarily conformed to the body in deformed persons2 but these are exceptional cases4 ,the spirit of man is a son of ,god1 made in ,his image and likeness4 ,jesus was the express likeness of the ,father1 and we are ,his brothers and sisters4 ,he is the oldest1 the beginning of the creation of ,god1 the first born of every creature in the spirit1 and the only begotten in the flesh4 ,when the spirit leaves the body1 there is an individual1 capable of progress1 capable of hearing1 capable of receiving or rejecting1 an individual with agency1 with power to do good and power to do evil4 ,and these spirits will be gathered together in classes4 ,each spirit1 when it leaves the body1 will gravitate to its proper place1 just as naturally as things gravitate on this globe towards the center thereof4 ,it will be so in the spiritual world2 for earthly things are after the pattern of heavenly things4 ,thus each individual will have an opportunity1 at some time1 of hearing and receiving the truth4 ,and1 thank ,god1 we have the assurance that the time will come when the great mass of the human family will cheerfully bow the knee to the ,great ,eternal ,father and accept ,jesus ,christ1 the ,elder ,brother1 as their ,redeemer4 ,they will receive the ,gospel in the spirit1 if they did not in the flesh2 and then they will be judged according to their works4 ,the ,father will find a place for them all1 somewhere in ,his great universe1 where they can be happy1 where they can fill the measure of their creation1 where they can progress forever1 learn more and more1 become better1 brighter and more glorious1 and unite with ,him in ,his great and glorious purposes concerning ,his children4 ,this is the ,gospel of ,christ as we understand it4 ,now contrast that1 my dear friends1 for a moment1 with the religion that is commonly taught in the ,christian world by people who say that we are illiberal4 ,what do they tell us8 ,if you do not believe in ,jesus ,christ while you dwell in the flesh1 when you die you will go to hell4 ,what is hell8 ,it is a place of burning torment1 where you will welter in misery so great that no tongue can tell it1 forever and forever1 and there will be no end to it4 ,and some of them will tell you that ,god1 before the foundations of the earth1 in the very #ge beginning1 chose a few out of the rubbish of nature to be saved and exalted to ,his divine glory1 and the rest were doomed to everlasting condemnation and ceaseless misery in flames and torment with the devil and his angels4 ,which is the more liberal doctrine of the two8 ,everlasting ,punishment4 ,but what about this everlasting punishment8 ,does not the ,bible teach everlasting punishment8 ,yes4 ,if ,i had time ,i would read something from ,section #ai of this ,book of ,doctrine and ,covenants in regard to that2 but ,i will briefly allude to it4 ,the ,lord revealed to ,joseph ,smith that eternal punishment is ,god's punishment1 because ,god is eternal4 ,the meaning of that is this3 ,an eternal ,being1 having eternal laws1 has also eternal penalties2 and those who will not obey the laws must suffer the penalties4 ,the penalty will abide forever1 because it is eternal2 but a man will not suffer it forever4 ,each individual will receive of that punishment that which eternal justice will mark out as his due4 ,to illustrate it in a simple way3 ,here we have a penitentiary4 ,some men go in there for six months and when their time expires they come out2 but the penitentiary still abides4 ,it is there for all transgressors4 ,men go in there for a year1 or two years1 as the case may be1 and when they have served their term they come out2 but the penitentiary still remains4 ,so with the judgments of our ,eternal ,father4 ,he is endless1 eternal2 ,his laws are eternal4 ,his punishment is eternal4 ,but ,he is just1 and ,he will give to all who disobey ,his laws just that meed of eternal punishment which they ought to have1 and no more4 ,they will be judged according to their works4 ,if they are worthy of but few stripes1 they will not have many2 if they are worthy of many1 they will not get off with a few4 ,if they ought to pay the uttermost farthing without being forgiven1 they will have to pay it4 ,if there are circumstances in their case which warrant forgiveness after a certain amount of punishment1 the ,lord will forgive them and deliver them4 ,work in the ,spirit ,world4 ,the organization of ,his ,church is for the proclamation of the ,gospel1 not only in the flesh1 but also in the spirit4 ,the ,church on earth is united with the ,church behind the veil4 ,the ,prophet ,joseph ,smith1 who was martyred for the word of ,god and testimony of ,jesus and who sealed his testimony with his blood1 and his brother ,hyrum1 opened the door #gf of salvation to the spirit world for the last dispensation1 as ,christ opened it for the time that ,he went there4 ,our ,apostles1 ,elders and brethren who have followed1 who have laid down their lives for the truth1 who have been worn out in the service of ,god and in laboring for the salvation of mankind1 are also laboring there among the hosts that sit in darkness4 ,we who still remain in the flesh expect1 when our earthly work is done1 to follow on2 and the priesthood which the ,almighty has given us wherewith to labor for the uplifting and salvation of mankind in the flesh1 will be our authority and power when we pass behind the veil and mingle with the spirits of the departed4 ,the ,gospel will be preached to every creature1 whether in the body or out of the body1 the quick and the dead4 ,christ preached the ,gospel to those that were dead as well as to the quick1 and we expect to follow in ,his footsteps1 according to ,his promise1 ,he that believeth in me1 the works that ,i do shall he do also2 and greater works than these shall he do1 because ,i go to the ,father4 ,my friends1 ,i have only just touched on the outer rim of this great theme of salvation4 ,our ,heavenly ,father prepared the plan of salvation before this earth rolled into being1 before the cornerstones thereof were laid1 when the morning stars sang together and all the sons of ,god shouted for joy1 and when ,jesus1 our ,elder ,brother1 the ,lamb slain from the foundation of the world1 was prepared for the sacrifice to come in the meridian of time4 ,and ,lucifer1 who was cast down with his hosts1 and who leads men astray1 will not gain the victory4 ,he will not triumph over the ,redeemer4 ,christ will destroy death1 and him that hath the power of death1 which is the devil2 and1 as ,i have read to you1 ,he will redeem all that the ,father hath placed in ,his power--all ,his brothers and sisters4 ,they in the spirit will be brought out of darkness and punishment1 and they will all reach some condition in the places prepared of ,god4 ,in the many mansions that there are in the ,father's kingdom they will all find a place1 after they have paid the penalty1 where they can bow the knee to the ,lord and be happy2 for though ,adam fell that men might be1 men are that they may have joy4 ,god has created us to give us happiness and pleasure4 ,cherish ,no ,evil ,feeling4 ,my brethren and sisters1 let us take care that having received the ,gospel1 we are led by the spirit thereof and are kind to one another1 and that we cherish the spirit of #gg kindness to the world1 even to those who may persecute us1 and deride us1 and say all manner of evil against us falsely4 ,do not cherish the spirit of retaliation and revenge in your hearts4 ,vengeance is mine3 ,i will repay1 saith the ,lord4 ,it is not for us to take vengeance4 ,let us entertain the kindest feelings we can4 ,where it is appropriate1 let us say as ,jesus did1 ,father1 forgive them2 they know not what they do4 ,oh6 ,i wish that ,i could say that with regard to some of those who speak evil of us--that they know not what they do2 ,i would cherish in my heart a feeling of sympathy and pity for them2 but ,i know to the contrary4 ,many of them know what they are doing2 and when they speak falsely against us they do it wilfully1 with a knowledge that they are telling that which is untrue4 ,but even then we leave them in the hands of our ,eternal ,father2 for ,he will deal out a righteous judgment to all4 ,we can afford to pity them2 for they will reap the consequences of their wicked acts1 as sure as the sun rises and sets1 and as sure as justice will have its own4 ,let us be kind to one another4 ,let us help one another on the road of life1 and be a comfort and a blessing to those with whom we associate1 instead of a curse4 ,put away all our evil feelings1 our jealousies1 our faultfinding1 our irritability1 our disposition to say and do things that are bad1 and let the ,spirit that comes from ,christ our ,redeemer flow down into our souls and quicken and enlighten us4 ,i know that that ,spirit is in the ,church4 ,i know it is a reality4 ,i know this ,church is the ,church of ,christ1 that ,he has established it1 that ,he is with it1 and that ,his revelations and ,his ,spirit are in it4 ,i know it by experience4 ,i know what ,i am talking about1 just as sure as ,i know that ,i am standing here4 ,i know this work will prosper and go on4 ,barriers may be raised in its way2 its enemies may come against it like a flood1 and weapons may be formed to attack it2 but no weapon that is formed against it shall prosper1 and the tongue that rises in judgment against it ,god will condemn4 ,the truth will be triumphant2 the ,gospel will be preached to every creature2 the honest will be gathered out2 the kingdom of our ,god will be built up2 ,christ our ,redeemer will come2 the earth will be redeemed from sorrow1 from sin1 and from the power of ,satan1 and ,jesus will reign in ,mount ,zion and ,jerusalem1 and before ,his ancients gloriously1 and a rich reward shall come to all those who are faithful in ,him4 ,may ,god help us to perform our part in this great and glorious work1 and may we obtain the crown in the kingdom of our ,father1 for ,christ's sake4 ,amen4 #gh ,,mormonism ,,judged ,,by ,,its ,,effects4 ,by ,elder ,c4 ,w4 ,penrose1 ,in ,millennial ,star1 #ahff4 ,as every tree is known by its fruits1 so every principle may be known by its influences1 and every system by its effects4 ,mormonism has been introduced into the world upwards of thirty-six years2 and although no fair opportunity has been granted1 for the development of its influences1 yet by its inherent vitality1 it has forced itself into notice and power2 and its effects have been sufficiently manifested1 to enable us to judge the nature of the cause that produced them4 ,first1 let us examine the effects produced upon the minds of those who embrace ,mormonism4 ,one of the promises held out by its advocates1 is that those who obey its precepts shall come to a knowledge of the truth4 ,now this is a blessing which professing ,christians of modern times are sadly deficient of4 ,they believe1 they hope1 they desire1 but do not come to any definite knowledge in relation to ,god and their position before him4 ,but those who have embraced ,mormonism1 in every place where you meet them1 whether in ,britain1 ,france1 ,switzerland1 ,germany1 ,scandinavia1 ,africa1 ,india1 ,america1 or the islands of the sea1 all testify that they know they have embraced the truth1 that their sins are remitted1 and that they are accepted of ,god1 and brought into communion with ,him4 ,doubt has fled from them1 and faith has grown into knowledge4 ,another effect of ,mormonism is1 that it abolishes the fear of death4 ,all its faithful adherents will testify that the terror of death has entirely departed from them4 ,the great mass of mankind are haunted with a dread of entering upon that undiscovered country1 from whose bourne no traveler returns4 ,even to the most pious members of the various ,christian sects1 there is something awful and terrible in death4 ,this fear brings the whole world into bondage2 but ,mormonism bringing knowledge to the mind1 liberates it from doubt and fear1 and establishes the soul in the liberty of the ,gospel4 ,mormonism creates or induces faith in the human soul4 ,this faith is exhibited practically4 ,when the ,mormons are sick1 they send for the ,elders of the ,church1 who anoint #gi them with oil1 and lay their hands upon them1 believing in the promise of ,god that the prayer of faith shall save the sick1 and the ,lord shall raise them up4 ,in thousands of instances their faith has been effectual2 disease has fled before it2 the eyes of the blind have been opened1 the tongue of the dumb has been unloosed1 the ears of the deaf have been unstopped1 the lame man has leaped like the hare1 and the spirit of life1 invoked by the power of faith1 has forced the ,king of ,terrors to relax his grasp and retire from his intended victim4 ,scores of thousands of the ,mormons have braved the perils of the treacherous sea1 and encountered the dangers of the wild prairies1 and the mountain heights1 in obedience to the commandment of ,god1 because of their faith in ,his promises to them4 ,few of them would have left the homes of their forefathers1 but for this faith4 ,numbers of them had a natural and intense dread of the briny deep1 until ,mormonism animated them with faith to go anywhere1 or do anything that ,god commanded them1 relying upon ,his guidance and protection4 ,by the faith with which ,mormonism has inspired them1 the ,elders of ,israel have gone forth1 without purse or scrip1 to the four quarters of the globe1 preaching the ,gospel of ,life and ,salvation1 looking to ,god for their daily support1 and for wisdom to acquire a knowledge of languages1 and customs1 and nations1 and men2 exhibiting in their labors1 a faith unparalleled in the history of the world4 ,if believing the promises of ,god were accounted for righteousness in ,abraham1 so it will be in the ,saints of this dispensation1 who have proved by their faith and their works1 that they are in very deed the children of ,abraham4 ,mormonism also produces peace of mind in all who are faithful to its principles4 ,that inestimable boon for which millions seek in vain1 is found in ,mormonism4 ,it is one of its pre-eminent effects4 ,the soul1 freed from its load of long-accumulated guilt1 lifted up from the depths of fear and doubt1 into a perfect consciousness of its freedom1 lit up by the lamp of the spirit of truth1 strengthened by a full knowledge of its acceptance with ,god1 feels a soft1 gentle calm gathering around it like a heavenly halo1 centering to its inmost depths1 and establishing therein the peace of ,god which passeth all understanding4 ,the result of these several effects of ,mormonism1 united upon the mind1 is the grand desideratum of humanity1 viz41 happiness4 ,the pursuit of happiness is the great motive power of all exertion4 ,the ,mormons we make bold to say1 are the happiest people to be found upon the face of the earth4 #hj ,living without the fear of death1 believing that there is no phase of existence more important than the present1 they work to enjoy life today1 having no dread of tomorrow4 ,understanding through the teachings of ,mormonism that all things in the universe which are calculated to impart joy1 are ordained of ,god for ,his creatures1 they seek lawfully to obtain them1 and to use them without abusing them4 ,they can rejoice in the midst of the most trying circumstances4 ,while misrepresented1 ridiculed1 persecuted1 abused1 and deprived of their just rights1 they richly enjoy the happiness which their enemies ineffectually strive to obtain4 ,the absence of sadness and grief from their countenances is so noticeable1 that the pious1 long faced1 ,miserable sinners of the various sects declare1 with uplifted eyes that the ,mormons have no religion in them4 ,happiness fills their hearts1 gladness smiles upon their faces1 and joy sparkles in their eyes4 ,mormonism has the power of uniting its adherents in a manner very different and far superior to any other system in the world4 ,the unity of the ,mormons is noticed and acknowledged by their bitterest enemies1 while1 at the same time1 the disunion among all other religious bodies1 and political organizations1 is admitted and deplored4 ,there is a spirit in ,mormonism1 which leads its followers into unity of sentiment1 belief and action4 ,no matter how varied their opinions before2 no matter how diverse their sentiments1 when they embrace ,mormonism1 they are all baptized by one spirit into one body2 they have one ,lord1 one faith1 and one baptism1 and one hope of their calling4 ,they are inspired with a desire to gather from all the countries of the earth to one place1 and to act in concert together1 to accomplish one object1 viz41 to build up the universal kingdom of the one ,god4 ,this power of unity is so great1 that all the efforts made by its opponents to dissolve or weaken it1 are perfectly futile1 and in fact only serve to defeat their intended object1 rendering its unity more compact1 and consequently its strength more potent and enduring4 ,mormonism is the pioneer of intelligence4 ,mark the path of its travel1 whether by its own free will1 marching forth to fight its way among the nations1 or driven out from the haunts of men1 staining its track with its own blood2 wherever it has paused for a season1 or made a permanent location1 newspapers1 schools1 organizations for improvement1 etc41 start into life and flourish4 ,it is a friend to all true art and real science1 and wars against nothing but that which debases and destroys4 #ha ,mormonism has taken many thousands of poor1 honest people1 who were miserably dragging out their almost worthless existence1 in poverty and servitude1 and placed them in a position to become independent1 free and comfortable1 with an object in life to stimulate them to virtuous and intelligent action4 ,it has transplanted them from the over-crowded1 badly-governed1 and vice-reeking countries of the ,old ,world1 into the virgin soil1 the pure atmosphere1 and the free institutions of the ,new ,world1 and that in a new part1 where there is room to move1 and where the corruptions of modern civilization find no element on which to flourish4 ,it has given them an inheritance upon the earth1 a spot they can call their own1 and bequeath to their children1 and it has given them a voice in all affairs which concern their well being and progress4 ,it will continue the good work of emancipation1 and bring joy and gladness to the honest among the down trodden millions4 ,mormonism has solved the great problem of the social evil1 and has shown the world how a community can exist and thrive1 in the nineteenth century1 without a loathsome ulcer of female prostitution4 ,it has given a practical answer to the difficult question of adequate female employment1 and shown how every woman can have opportunity to fill the measure of her creation1 and become an honorable wife and happy mother1 instead of pining in single misery1 toiling for a scanty meal1 or wasting a short and shameful life1 in pandering to the filthy lusts of the worst men4 ,mormonism has planted itself in a spot given up by all the world to the solitude of barbarism1 and has developed the sudden wealth of a vast region supposed to be barren and worthless4 ,its effects may be seen in the fruitful fields1 the lovely orchards1 the tasteful dwellings1 the handsome stores1 the stately public building1 tabernacles and school houses1 the pleasant shade trees1 the sweet scented flowers1 and the life bearing water courses1 and also may be heard in the hum of industry1 the stir of trade1 and melody of the song of praise1 and the harmony of musical instruments1 in more than a hundred towns and cities1 where nineteen years ago not a single human habitation could be seen1 save the rude wick-e-up of the wandering ,indian1 nor a sound of human life could be heard except the horrid yell of the red man1 shrieking through the affrighted air1 and awakening the startled echoes in the stillness of the mountains4 ,its effects may be seen in the order1 peace1 unity1 sobriety1 virtue1 intelligence1 faith1 fortitude1 wealth1 and happiness of its followers1 the most #hb law-abiding1 ,god-fearing1 truth-loving and practical people upon the face of the earth4 ,are not the fruits borne by the tree of ,mormonism1 in the short space of thirty-six years from the planting of the seed1 good1 sound and abundant8 ,and is not every tree known by its fruits8 ,mormonism is a stem planted by the hand of the ,lord2 watered by the blood of ,saints and of ,prophets2 it flourishes gloriously4 ,its roots are striking deeper every day1 and its thriftly branches shoot forth vigorously4 ,the blasts of hell cannot wither it2 the fire of the world's wrath cannot touch it2 but while every tree that the ,father has not planted shall be rooted up1 this plant of renown1 which is the kingdom of heaven1 growing up on the face of the earth1 shall stretch out its mighty boughs1 and yield forth its precious fruit1 till the whole earth reposes under its shelter1 and the heavenly ones shall lodge in the branches thereof4 ,we have been driven time after time1 and that without cause2 and smitten again and again1 and that without provocation2 until we have proved the world with kindness1 and the world has proved us1 that we have no designs against any man or set of men2 that we injure no man2 that we are peaceable with all men1 minding our own business1 and our business only4 --,joseph ,smith1 ,september1 #a1 #ahch4 #hc ,the ,reorganized ,church vs4 ,salvation ,for the ,dead4 ,by ,joseph ,f4 ,smith1 ,jr4 ,and ,saviors shall come up on ,mount ,zion to judge the ,mount of ,esau and the ,kingdom shall be the ,lords4 ,obadiah1 #bast verse4 ,the so-called ,reorganized church1 which is so bitter in its antagonism towards the ,church of ,jesus ,christ of ,latter-day ,saints1 has claimed from its beginning to be teaching and practicing the doctrines of the ,gospel as they were revealed from ,god through the ,prophet ,joseph ,smith4 ,its officers declare that they are walking in the footsteps of the martyred ,seer2 hewing closely to the line1 and observing in all things the commandments which were given from ,god through his instrumentality1 without variation1 change1 or loss of power from all that pertains to the salvation of the human family in this dispensation of the fullness of times4 ,their foundation is built upon the absurd and misty claim that the ,church of ,jesus ,christ of ,latter-day ,saints1 which was established ,april #f1 #ahcj1 through the labors of ,joseph ,smith the ,prophet and the will of ,god1 was rejected with its dead for transgression of its members1 and that the ,reorganized church is a new organization #a which ,god raised up to succeed the original--but as they would have us believe1 rejected--,church4 ,it is not my purpose to discuss the foolish question of the rejection of the ,church1 but to examine the ,reorganite position in regard to salvation for the dead2 and to show their lack of harmony with the teachings of the ,church of ,jesus ,christ of ,latter-day ,saints pertaining to the dead1 as those teachings have been revealed through the latter-day ,prophet4 ,it stands to reason that if the ,lord rejected ,his ,church with its dead because of transgression1 or any other cause #hd whatever1 that ,he would not raise up a substitute church to carry on ,his work on earth and still keep the dead--who could in no wise be held responsible for the rejection--in suspension1 and deny to them the privilege of receiving the ordinances of the ,gospel by proxy according to the revealed plan of ,god as it was ordained from before the foundations of the world were laid1 as a means of salvation to those who die without a knowledge of the ,gospel4 ,to any reasonable mind this truth would need no argument4 ,yet the ,reorganized church declares that the ,lord did this very thing2 and in the light of the revelations given to the ,prophet ,joseph as well as those in the ancient ,scriptures1 which bear on this subject of salvation for the dead1 their declaration is fatal to their organization2 it stamps it as fraudulent and their officers as impostors4 ,a church without salvation for the dead1 according to the revealed will of ,god to the ,prophet ,joseph ,smith1 cannot be the ,church of ,christ4 ,when the ,angel ,moroni appeared to ,joseph ,smith on the night of ,september #ba1 #ahbc1 he imparted to the youthful ,seer many truths of the greatest importance pertaining to the restoration of the ,gospel and the establishment of the ,church which1 the angel said1 was about to take place4 ,these instructions were of such weight that they were repeated twice more that night and again the following day1 in order that this young man1 upon whose shoulders the burden of the latter day work should rest1 might be sufficiently impressed with the greatness and importance of his mission4 ,among the instructions given by the angel at this time1 the doctrine of salvation for the dead had an important part4 ,this heavenly messenger said that the prophecy of ,malachi the ,prophet was about to be fulfilled1 and he quoted the fourth chapter of ,malachi1 but with this variation3 ,for1 behold1 the day cometh that shall burn as an oven1 and all the proud1 yea1 and all that do wickedly shall burn as stubble2 for they that come shall burn them1 saith the ,lord of hosts1 that it shall leave them neither root nor branch4 99 99 99 ,behold1 ,i will reveal unto you the ,priesthood1 by the hand of ,elijah the prophet1 before the coming of that great and dreadful day of the ,lord4 ,and he shall plant in the hearts of the children the promises made to their fathers1 and the hearts of the children shall turn to their fathers2 if it were not so1 the whole earth would be utterly wasted at his coming4 7,history of the ,church1 ,vol4 ,i1 page #ab47 ,at that time the full meaning and glory and significance of this instruction were not understood by the ,prophet1 although it made a deep impression on his mind4 ,on the #c;d day of ,april1 #ahcf1 it was fulfilled1 for ,elijah the ,prophet #he appeared in the ,kirtland ,temple to ,joseph ,smith and ,oliver ,cowdery1 and conferred upon them this ,priesthood and the keys of the salvation for the dead stating that-- ,behold the time has fully come1 which was spoken of by the mouth of ,malachi1 testifying that he 7,elijah7 should be sent before the great and dreadful day of the ,lord come4 ,to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children1 and the children to their fathers1 lest the whole earth be smitten with a curse4 ,therefore the keys of this dispensation are committed into your hands1 and by this ye may know that the great and dreadful day of the ,lord is near1 even at the doors4 7,doc4 and ,cov4 #aaj3 #ac-af4 ,history of ,reorganized ,church1 ,vol4 #b1 page #dg47 ,following the bestowal of this ,priesthood with its keys1 the spirit of salvation for the dead was poured out in abundance upon the heads of the ,prophet and his people whose hearts began to turn toward their dead fathers4 ,after the ,church settled in ,nauvoo1 baptism for the dead was instituted1 the ,lord1 at first1 permitting the ordinance to be performed in the ,mississippi river1 but later revealing to the ,saints that the proper place for this and other rites for the salvation of the dead1 must be performed in a ,temple built purposely for such ordinances1 and that only in times of their extreme poverty could these ordinances be performed elsewhere by ,his people4 ,such a temple the ,saints were commanded to build1 and on the #bast of ,november1 #ahda1 baptisms for the dead1 which had been discontinued in the river at ,nauvoo by command of ,god1 ,october #c1 #ahda1 were resumed in the font of the ,lord's ,house1 which had been dedicated for that purpose4 #b ,these ordinances continued to be performed until the ,temple was completed and the ,saints were driven from ,nauvoo4 ,the spirit of ,elijah's work1 which had rested so mightily upon the ,prophet ,joseph1 continued with ,brigham ,young and the ,mormon people during their travels in the wilderness1 and when they arrived in the valleys of the ,rocky ,mountains1 the first commandment to them from the ,lord1 was to build a ,temple to ,his name1 where the ordinances of salvation for the living and for the dead could be performed4 ,this work was done as speedily as possible and from that day to the present the spirit of ,temple building and of ,temple work for the salvation of mankind has continued with the ,church4 ,this action on the part of the ,church under the leadership of the successors of ,joseph ,smith is in harmony with the ,scriptures and the teachings and commandments given to the #hf ,prophet4 ,he declared that baptism for the dead--the opening of the prison house to them that sit in darkness1 and the proclamation of liberty to the captives--was the most glorious of all subjects belonging to the everlasting ,gospel1 and so greatly was he wrought upon by this work that the subject occupied his mind almost constantly before his death4 ,moreover1 a short time before his martyrdom1 the ,prophet bestowed upon the ,twelve ,apostles--who constitute the second quorum in the ,church--all the keys and all the ordinances and ,priesthood necessary for them to hold in order to carry on this great and glorious work of universal salvation4 ,that the ,twelve did receive these keys and powers1 we learn from the following quotations from the ,times and ,seasons4 ,orson ,hyde1 one of that quorum1 said3 ,before ,i went east on the #dth of ,april 7#ahdd7 last1 we were in council with ,brother ,joseph almost every day for weeks1 said ,brother ,joseph in one of those councils1 there is something going to happen2 ,i don't know what it is1 but the ,lord bids me to hasten and give you your endowment before the ,temple is finished4 ,he conducted us through every ordinance of the ,holy ,priesthood1 and when he had gone through with all the ordinances he rejoiced very much1 and said1 now if they kill me you have got all the keys1 and all the ordinances and you can confer them upon others1 and the hosts of ,satan will not be able to tear down the ,kingdom as fast as you will be able to build it up2 and now1 said he1 on your shoulders will the responsibility of leading this people rest4 7,times and ,seasons1 ,vol4 #e1 page #fea47 ,this testimony is corroborated by the testimony of ,elder ,wilford ,woodruff1 which is found in the same volume1 page #fih1 wherein he says3 ,and when they 7the ,twelve7 received their endowment1 and actually the keys of the ,kingdom of ,god1 and oracles of ,god1 keys of revelation1 and the pattern of heavenly things2 and thus addressing the ,twelve 7,joseph7 exclaimed1 ',upon your shoulders the ,kingdom rests1 and you must round up your shoulders and bear it1 for ,i have had to do it until now4' ,sister ,bathsheba ,w4 ,smith1 wife of ,george ,a4 ,smith1 one of the ,twelve to whom these keys were given1 was present in the council meetings above referred to1 and in an affidavit1 dated ,november #ai1 #aijc1 says3 ,in the year #ahdd1 a short time before the death of the ,prophet ,joseph ,smith1 it was my privilege to attend a regular prayer circle meeting in the upper room over the ,prophet's store4 ,there were present at this meeting most of the ,twelve ,apostles1 their wives and a number of other prominent brethren and their wives4 ,on that occasion the ,prophet arose and spoke at great length1 and during his remarks ,i heard him say that he had conferred on the heads of #hg the ,twelve ,apostles all the keys and powers pertaining to the ,priesthood1 and that upon the heads of the ,twelve ,apostles the burden of the ,kingdom rested1 and that they would have to carry it4 ,having shown the consistency of the ,church of ,jesus ,christ of ,latter-day ,saints with regard to the doctrine of salvation for the dead2 and having shown that the keys of this work1 and all other keys pertaining to the salvation of mankind have continued with the ,church1 we will now consider the attitude of the ,reorganization in relation to this grand and eternal principle of the redemption of the dead4 ,at first the founders of the ,reorganized church appeared to favor it and declared that when the ,reorganization was established that this principle would be practiced1 for as the rejection of the church produced an effect on the dead1 said they1 as well as on the living1 so will the reorganization4 #c ,but when the reorganization took place the change that was promised in regard to the dead was not fulfilled1 and since that time to the present day--over forty-five years--baptism for the dead1 ,temple building and ,temple work1 have never been1 by that organization1 practiced or entertained4 ,in fact they have turned about face and have rejected peremptorily the doctrine of baptism for the dead and now declare that it is not binding on them4 ,in a resolution adopted by that church1 ,april #i1 #ahhf1 the following startling declaration was made3 ,that as to the alleged ',temple building and ceremonial endowments therein1' that we know of no ,temple building1 except as edifices wherein to worship ,god1 and no endowment except the endowment of the ,holy ,spirit of the kind experienced by the early saints on ,pentecost day4 ',baptism for the dead' referred to belongs to those local questions of which the body has said by resolution3 ',that the commandments of a local character1 given to the first organization of the church are binding on the ,reorganization only so far as they are either reiterated or referred to as binding by commandment to this church4' ,and that principle has neither been reiterated nor referred to as a commandment4 #d ,in ,february1 #aijd1 the president of that organization declared that baptism for the dead was a permissive rite1 #e and that it was taken from the ,church1 and if subsequently it was to be engaged in1 said he1 and enjoyed by the same people1 it must be restored again by revelation and command1 and could not be assumed as being held over by suffrance4 ,we do not #hh know of any revelation or command authoritatively promulgated renewing the privilege4 ,his statement is a flat acknowledgment that he does not hold the keys of this work and that they can only be received by revelation4 ,that he does not hold the keys is true4 ,that he did not receive them from his father he admits1 #f and ,william ,marks1 ,william ,w4 ,blair and ,zenas ,h4 ,gurley1 who ordained him to his office of president of the ,reorganized church1 never held them4 ,they could only be obtained from the ,prophet ,joseph ,smith1 and from him1 as has been shown1 the ,twelve received them in #ahdd4 ,young ,joseph might truthfully have gone further and declared that if the privilege was taken away1 before it could again be practiced with authority and power that the keys of the ,priesthood which were held by ,elijah would again have to be restored4 ,his statement is an unqualified admission that the work of ,elijah was performed in vain4 ,he challenges that prophet's statement1 that the time had fully come4 ,he acknowledges that1 in spite of all the efforts of the ,reorganization in the attempt to save souls1 the whole earth is in danger of being smitten with a curse and utterly wasted at the coming of the great and dreadful day of the ,lord1 which is near1 even at the doors4 ,if this statement of the president of the ,reorganized church is true1 then the members of his church stand in jeopardy every hour2 darkness covers the face of the earth2 there is no salvation for the children of men2 the word of the ,lord has failed1 and destruction awaits the earth and her inhabitants4 ,in declaring that baptism for the dead was a permissive rite he shows a willful lack of understanding pertaining to the great eternal plan of salvation which was revealed through his ,prophet father4 ,in declaring that baptism was a local commandment to the ,saints at ,nauvoo1 not binding on the members of the ,reorganization the members of his church acknowledge that the hand of ,jehovah is not guiding them2 that they are floundering in the mire of unbelief and ignorance4 ,they make light of one of the most glorious subjects belonging to the everlasting ,gospel4 ,yes1 the authorities of the ,reorganized church have declared by conference resolution that baptism for the dead is #hi not binding on them because it was a local commandment1 and has never been reiterated nor referred to as a commandment6 ,judged by the ,reorganite standards of faith and doctrine will this statement bear the light of investigation8 ,baptism a local commandment1 not binding on the ,saints6 ,to the law and the testimony1 said ,isaiah1 if they speak not according to this word1 it is because there is no light in them4 ,in section #abh of the ,doctrine and ,covenants 7sec4 ,,cx ,reorganite edition71 verse #ag1 in a revelation #g to the ,prophet ,joseph ,smith1 we read the following3 ,i will give you a quotation from one of the ,prophets1 who had his eye fixed on the restoration of the priesthood1 the glories to be revealed in the last days1 and in an especial manner this most glorious of all subjects belonging to the everlasting gospel1 viz43 the baptism for the dead2 for ,malachi says1 last chapter1 verses #e1 #f1 ',behold ,i will send you ,elijah the prophet1 before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the ,lord2 and he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children1 and the heart of the children to their fathers1 lest ,i come and smite the earth with a curse4' ,not only is the ,priesthood which was revealed by ,elijah the ,prophet1 pertaining to the most glorious of all subjects belonging to the everlasting ,gospel1 but it is of the most importance1 for the ,prophet ,joseph says3 ,the greatest responsibility in this world that ,god has laid upon us1 is to seek after our dead4 ,the apostle says they without us cannot be made perfect4 ,now ,i will speak of them3 ,i say to you1 ,paul1 you cannot be perfect without us2 ,it is necessary that those who have gone before1 and those who come after us should have salvation in common with us1 and thus hath ,god made it obligatory to man4 ,hence ,god said he would send ,elijah4 7,times and ,seasons1 #f3 #faf47 ,moreover1 at the conference of the ,church held ,october #c1 #ahda1 he presented1 ,baptism for the dead as the only way that men can appear as saviors on ,mount ,zion4 ,the proclamation of the first principles of the ,gospel was a means of salvation to men individually1 and it was the truth1 not men1 that saved them2 but men by actively engaging in rites of salvation substitutionally1 become instrumental in bringing multitudes of their kin into the kingdom of ,god4 99 99 99 ,there is #ij a way to release the spirit of the dead2 that is by the power and authority of the ,priesthood--by binding and loosing on earth4 ,this doctrine appears glorious inasmuch as it exhibits the greatness of divine compassion1 and benevolence in the extent of the plan of human salvation4 ,this glorious truth is well calculated to enlarge the understanding1 and to sustain the soul under troubles1 difficulties1 and distresses4 99 99 99 ,this doctrine1 he said1 presents in a clear light the wisdom and mercy of ,god1 in preparing an ordinance for the salvation of the dead1 being baptized by proxy1 their names recorded in heaven1 and they judged according to the deeds done in the body4 ,this doctrine was the burden of the ,scriptures4 ,those ,saints who neglect it1 in behalf of their deceased relatives1 do it at the peril of their own salvation4 7,times and ,seasons1 ,vol4 #b1 pages #egg-egh1 also ,history of ,reorganized ,church1 ,vol4 #b1 pages #ede-edf47 ,now1 whom shall we believe8 ,the ,reorganized church that has rejected baptism for the dead1 declaring it to be a local commandment not binding on them1 or the ,prophet ,joseph ,smith who declares that it is the burden of the ,scriptures1 and that if we neglect it it is at the peril of our own salvation8 ,the significance of this principle is even more emphatically expressed in section #abh of the ,doctrine and ,covenants 7,,cx ,reorganite edition74 ,let me quote3 ,verse #e4 ,you may think this order of things to be very particular1 but let me tell you1 that they are only to answer the will of ,god1 by conforming to the ordinance and preparation that the ,lord ordained and prepared before the foundation of the world1 for the salvation of the dead1 who should die without a knowledge of the ,gospel4 ,verse #h4 ,for out of the books shall your dead be judged1 according to their own works1 whether they themselves have attended to the ordinances in their own propria persona or by means of their own agents1 according to the ordinance which ,god has prepared for their salvation from before the foundation of the world1 according to the records which they have kept concerning their dead4 ,verse #ae4 ,and now1 my dearly beloved brethren and sisters1 let me assure you that these are principles1 in relation to the dead and the living1 that cannot be lightly passed over1 as pertaining to our salvation1 for their salvation is necessary and essential to our salvation1 as ,paul says concerning the fathers1 'that they without us cannot be made perfect1 neither can we without our dead be made perfect4' ,verse #ah4 ,it is sufficient to know 99 99 99 that the earth will be smitten with a curse1 unless there is a welding link of some kind or other1 between the fathers and the children1 upon some subject or other1 and behold what is that subject8 ,it is the baptism for the dead4 ,for we without them cannot be made perfect2 neither can they without us be made perfect4 ,neither can they nor we be made perfect without those who have died in the ,gospel also2 for it is necessary in the ushering in of the dispensation of the fullness of times1 which dispensation is now beginning to usher in1 that a whole and complete and perfect union and welding together of dispensations1 and keys1 and powers1 and glories should take place1 and be revealed1 from the days of ,adam even to the present time2 and not #ia only this1 but those things which never have been revealed from the foundation of the world1 but have been kept hid from the wise and prudent shall be revealed unto babes and sucklings in this the dispensation of the fullness of times4 ,from the original manuscript history of the ,prophet ,joseph ,smith1 now in the ,historian's office1 ,salt ,lake ,city1 ,i obtain the following under date of ,january #bj1 #ahdd3 ,preached at the southwest corner of the ,temple to several thousand people1 although the weather was somewhat unpleasant4 ,my subject was the sealing of the hearts of the fathers to the children1 and the hearts of the children to the fathers4 ,of this discourse a synopsis was reported by ,elder ,wilford ,woodruff1 from which the ,prophet ,joseph records the following in that history3 ,the ,bible says1 ',i will send you ,elijah the ,prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the ,lord2 and he shall turn the hearts of the fathers to the children1 and the hearts of the children to their fathers1 lest ,i come and smite the earth with a curse4' ,now1 the word turn here should be translated bind1 or seal4 ,but what is the object of this important mission8 or how is it to be fulfilled8 ,the keys are to be delivered1 the spirit of ,elijah is to come1 the ,gospel to be established1 the ,saints of ,god to be gathered1 ,zion built up1 and the ,saints to come up as saviors on ,mount ,zion4 ,but how are they to become saviors on ,mount ,zion8 ,by building their temples1 erecting their baptismal fonts1 and going forth and receiving all the ordinances1 baptisms1 confirmations1 washings1 anointings1 ordinations1 and sealing powers upon their head1 in behalf of all their progenitors1 who are dead1 and redeem them that they may come forth in the first resurrection and be exalted to thrones of glory with them2 and herein is the chain that binds the hearts of the fathers to the children1 and the children to the fathers1 which fulfills the mission of ,elijah4 ,and ,i would to ,god that this ,temple was now done1 that we might go into it1 and go to work and improve our time1 and make use of the seals while they are on earth4 ,the ,saints have not too much time to save and redeem their dead1 and gather together their living relatives1 that they may be saved also1 before the earth will be smitten1 and the consummation decreed falls upon the world4 ,i would advise all the ,saints to go to with their might and gather together all their living relatives to this place1 that they may be sealed and saved1 that they may be prepared against the day that the destroying angel goes forth2 and if the whole ,church should go to with all their might to save their dead1 seal their posterity1 and gather their living friends1 and spend none of their time in behalf of the world1 they would hardly get through before night would come when no man can work4 ,on the #abth of ,may1 #ahdd1 the ,prophet ,joseph said3 ,it is not only necessary that you should be baptized for your dead1 but you will have to go through all the ordinances for them1 same as you have gone through to save yourselves4 ,there will be #add1jjj #ib saviors on ,mount ,zion1 and with them an innumerable host that no man can count4 ,we learn from the foregoing quotations the following important facts pertaining to the salvation of the dead3 #a4 ,salvation in behalf of the dead is the binding or sealing of the hearts of the fathers and the children1 the welding link4 7,doc4 and ,cov41 #abh3 #ah1 ,reorganite edition ,,cx3 #ah47 #b4 ,it is the most glorious subject belonging to the everlasting ,gospel4 7,doc4 and ,cov41 #abh3 #ag1 ,reorganite edition ,,cx3 #ag47 #c4 ,it is the greatest responsibility in this world that ,god has laid upon us--to seek after our dead4 7,times and ,seasons1 ,vol4 #f1 page #faf47 #d4 ,it is obligatory to man4 7,times and ,seasons1 ,vol4 #f1 page #faf47 #e4 ,without it the whole earth and its inhabitants would be smitten with a curse4 7,malachi #d3 #f4 ,doc4 and ,cov4 #abh3 #ah1 ,reorganite edition1 ,,cx3 #ah47 #f4 ,it is an eternal doctrine prepared before the foundation of the world4 7,doc4 and ,cov4 #abh3 #e1 #h1 #ah1 ,reorganite edition ,,cx3 #e1 #h1 #ah47 #g4 ,it is the burden of the ,scriptures4 7,times and ,seasons1 ,vol4 #b1 page #egh1 ,reorganite church history1 ,vol4 #b1 page #edf47 #h4 ,if we neglect it it is at the peril of our own salvation4 7,times and ,seasons1 ,vol4 #b1 page #egh1 ,reorganite church history1 ,vol4 #b1 page #edf47 #i4 ,through it we become saviors on ,mount ,zion1 and may save multitudes of our kin4 7,times and ,seasons1 ,vol4 #b1 page #egg1 ,reorganite church history1 ,vol4 #b1 page #ede47 #aj4 ,we without our dead and our dead without us cannot be saved with a perfect salvation4 7,doc4 and ,cov4 #abh3 #ah1 ,reorganite edition ,,cx3 #ah47 #aa4 ,we cannot lightly pass this doctrine over as pertaining to our salvation4 7,doc and ,cov4 #abh3 #ae1 ,reorganite edition ,,cx3 #ae47 #ab4 ,the time granted to the ,saints to redeem their dead and gather and seal their living relatives before the earth shall be smitten with a curse1 is none too long4 7,history of ,joseph ,smith1 ,january #bj1 #ahdd47 ,now1 my ,reorganite friends1 in the face of this how dare you presume to circumscribe1 limit and profane this doctrine of salvation for the dead8 ,why do you call this eternal and most glorious principle a permissive rite1 a local commandment8 and declare before ,god that it is not binding on you8 ,god has declared it to be ordained before the foundations of the world were laid for the salvation of the dead who die without a knowledge of the ,gospel--an eternal principle1 the burden of the ,scriptures1 obligatory to man4 ,are you in harmony with the word of ,god8 ,were your leaders inspired to declare in the face of ,jehovah's commands that this eternal principle was a local commandment not given to them as a commandment8 ,binding only on the ,saints at ,nauvoo8 ,do you not fear and tremble for your own salvation in neglecting #ic the salvation of your dead8 ,if the ,jews who lived in the days of ,christ will have to answer for all the righteous blood shed upon the earth from the blood of righteous ,abel unto the blood of ,zacharias1 son of ,barachias1 because they neglected the salvation of their dead as well as their own salvation1 pray tell1 what will your punishment be8 7,see ,times and ,seasons1 ,vol4 #c1 pages #gfj-gfa47 ,remember that you without your dead cannot be made perfect4 ,confronted by this evidence1 for you to declare that your leaders are inspired and that yours is the ,church of ,christ1 is most preposterous6 ,that the salvation of the dead is a ,bible doctrine practiced by the ancient ,saints1 we learn from the writings of ,peter 7,i ,peter #c3 #ah-bj7 and ,paul 7,i ,cor4 #ae3 #bi71 and the ,revelator ,john 7,rev4 #bb3 #ab74 ,isaiah prophesied of it 7,is4 #db3 #f1 #g and #fa3 #a1 #b71 and our ,redeemer taught it to the ,jews 7,john #e3 #bh1 #bi71 not as a local commandment1 but as an eternal ,truth and a principle of the greatest importance to the whole human family4 ,and for that reason ,christ also hath suffered for sins1 the just for the unjust1 that he might bring us to ,god1 being put to death in the flesh1 but quickened by the spirit1 by which also he went and preached 7not in vain7 unto the spirits in prison4 ,the keys of the ,priesthood belong to the presiding officer of the ,church and must be held in order that the ordinances of a perfect salvation may be administered to the ,saints and in behalf of the dead4 ,the keys of the ,priesthood could only be received from the one who held them1 the ,prophet ,joseph ,smith1 who received them from the heavens4 ,any man claiming to be the ,president of the ,high ,priesthood without these keys is an imposter4 ,we have been given a key by which the impostor may be detected1 for we have the word of the ,lord that1 ,the great and grand secret of the whole matter1 and the summum bonum of the whole subject that is lying before us1 consists in obtaining the power of the ,holy ,priesthood4 ,for him to whom these keys are given there is no difficulty in obtaining a knowledge of facts in relation to the salvation of the children of men1 both as well for the dead as for the living4 7,doc4 and ,cov4 #abh3 #aa1 ,reorganite edition ,,cx3 #aa47 ,this declaration from the ,lord through the ,prophet ,joseph ,smith is most explicit4 ,we may ask3 ,has the president of the ',reorganized' church obtained this ,priesthood8 ,no1 he has not6 ,then there is no wonder that he cannot obtain knowledge of the facts in relation to the salvation of the children of men1 both as well for the dead as for the living4 #id ,if he had obtained the keys would it be possible for him to lead his people for more than forty-five years without a knowledge of this power which the ,lord through the ,prophet declares is not difficult for him who holds the keys and the powers of the ,holy ,priesthood1 and which is the sealing and binding power1 and in one sense of the word the keys of the kingdom which consists in the keys of knowledge8 ,if he held these keys would it be possible that this grand and glorious principle would have been neglected for so long a time when his father the ,prophet declared that in this day there was not too much time to save and redeem the dead and gather the living relatives that they also may be saved1 before the consummation decreed falls upon the world8 ,would it be possible1 if he held these keys1 for him to declare that this doctrine was a local commandment1 a permissive rite1 not binding on the ,saints8 ,verily ,no6 ,the ,lord declared in #ahdb1 that ,he was about to restore to earth many things pertaining to the ,priesthood 7,doc4 and ,cov4 #abg3 #e1 ,reorganite edition ,,cix3 #e71 and that only in ,temples could the fullness of the ,priesthood be restored 7,doc4 and ,cov4 #abd3 #bh1 ,reorganite edition ,,cvii3 #aj74 ,did the word of the ,lord fail8 ,did the ,lord make a mistake8 ,if the contention of the ,reorganized church is true1 ,he did4 ,but ,latter-day ,saints know better4 ,on our part we will accept the word of the ,lord4 ,since the ,reorganized church does not build ,temples1 and knows of no temple building except as edifices wherein to worship ,god and no endowment except the endowment of the ,holy ,spirit of the kind experienced by the early ,saints on ,pentecost day1 it is to be expected that their president should be ignorant of the fullness of the ,priesthood and therefore experience great difficulty in obtaining knowledge4 ,if the elders of that church had read in the ,,cvii section of their ,doctrine and ,covenants 7,l4 ,d4 ,s4 edition #abd3 #ci-db7 they would have discovered that the doctrine of ceremonial endowments is there taught most plainly3 ,therefore1 verily ,i say unto you1 that your anointings1 and your washings1 and your baptisms for the dead1 and your solemn assemblies1 and your memorials for your sacrifices1 by the sons of ,levi1 and for your oracles in your most holy places1 wherein you receive conversations1 and your statutes and judgments1 for the beginning of the revelations and foundation of ,zion1 and for the glory1 honor and endowment of all her municipals1 are ordained by the ordinances of my holy house1 which my people are always commanded to build unto my holy name4 ,and verily ,i say unto you1 let this house 7,nauvoo ,temple7 be #ie built unto my name1 that ,i may reveal mine ordinances therein1 unto my people2 for ,i deign to reveal unto my ,church1 things which have been kept hid from before the foundation of the world2 things that pertain to the dispensation of the fullness of times2 and ,i will show unto my servant ,joseph all things pertaining to this house and the ,priesthood thereof4 ,now1 if all the foregoing passages are true--and they must be if ,joseph ,smith was a ,prophet of ,god1 which he was--then these things pertaining to the ,priesthood were revealed to him2 and salvation for the dead is just as binding on us and just as important as salvation for the living4 ,one depends upon the other1 and they are binding on all the children of men4 ,the ,church of ,jesus ,christ of ,latter-day ,saints cannot teach one without the other1 for they are inseparable4 ,a house divided against itself cannot stand4 ,repent1 therefore1 and receive the ,gospel1 save yourselves with your dead by becoming saviors on ,mount ,zion1 before the consummation decreed falls upon the earth2 and by hearkening to these things1 you will not be smitten with a curse1 nor utterly wasted when the dreadful day of the ,lord does come4 ,brethren1 shall we not go on in so great a cause8 ,go forward and not backward4 ,courage1 brethren2 and on1 on to the victory6 ,let your hearts rejoice and be exceedingly glad4 ,let the earth break forth into singing4 ,let the dead speak forth anthems of eternal praise to the ,king ,immanuel1 who hath ordained before the world was1 that which would enable us to redeem them out of their prison2 for the prisoner shall go free6 7,doc and ,cov4 #abh3 #bb1 ,reorganite ,doc4 and ,cov4 #aaj3 #bb47 ,an ,editorial ,from the ,times and ,seasons ,written by the ,prophet ,joseph ,smith4 ,the great designs of ,god in relation to the salvation of the human family are very little understood by the professedly wise and intelligent generation in which we live2 various and conflicting are the opinions of men concerning the plan of salvation2 the requisitions of the ,almighty2 the necessary preparations for heaven2 the state and condition of departed spirits2 and the happiness1 or misery that is consequent upon the practice of righteousness and iniquity according to their several notions of virtue1 and vice4 ,the ,mussulman condemns the heathen1 the ,jew and the ,christian1 and the whole world of mankind that rejects his ,koran as infidels1 and consigns the whole of them to perdition4 ,the ,jew believes that the whole world that rejects his faith1 and are not circumcised are ,gentile dogs1 and will be damned4 ,the heathen are equally as tenacious about their #if principles1 and the ,christian consigns all to perdition who cannot bow to his creed and submit to his ipse dixit4 ,but while one portion of the human race are judging and condemning the other without mercy1 the great ,parent of the universe looks upon the whole of the human family with a fatherly care1 and paternal regard4 ,he views them as ,his offspring2 and without any of those contracted feelings that influence the children of men1 causes ,his sun to rise on the evil and the good1 and sends ,his rain on the just and the unjust4 ,he holds the reins of judgment in ,his hands2 ,he is a wise lawgiver1 and will judge all men not according to the narrow contracted notions of men1 but according to the deeds done in the body whether they be good or evil2 or whether those deeds were done in ,england1 ,america1 ,spain1 ,turkey1 ,india3 ,he will judge them not according to what they have not1 but according to what they have2 those who have lived without law will be judged without law1 and those who have a law will be judged by that law2 we need not doubt the wisdom and intelligence of the great ,jehovah4 ,he will award judgment or mercy to all nations according to their several deserts1 their means of obtaining intelligence1 the laws by which they are governed2 the facilities afforded them of obtaining correct information2 and ,his inscrutable designs in relation to the human family2 and when the designs of ,god shall be made manifest1 and the curtain of futurity be withdrawn1 we shall all of us eventually have to confess1 that the ,judge of all the earth has done right4 ,the situation of the ,christian nations after death is a subject that has called forth all the wisdom and talent of the philosopher and the divine2 and it is an opinion which is generally received1 that the destiny of man is irretrievably fixed at his death2 and that he is made either eternally happy1 or eternally miserable1--that if a man dies without a knowledge of ,god1 he must be eternally damned1 without any mitigation of his punishment1 alleviation of his pain or the most latent hope of a deliverance while endless ages shall roll along4 ,however orthodox this principle may be1 we shall find that it is at variance with the testimony of holy writ2 for our ,savior says that all manner of sin1 and blasphemy shall be forgiven men wherewith they shall blaspheme2 but the blasphemy against the ,holy ,ghost shall not be forgiven1 neither in this world1 nor in the world to come2 evidently showing that there are sins which may be forgiven in the world to come2 although the sin of blasphemy cannot be forgiven4 ,peter also in speaking concerning our ,savior says that ,he went and preached unto spirits in prison1 which sometime were disobedient1 when once the long suffering of ,god waited in the days of ,noah4 ,i ,pet4 iii3 #ai1 #bj4 ,here then1 we have an account of our ,savior preaching to the spirits in prison2 to spirits that had been imprisoned from the days of ,noah2 and what did ,he preach to them8 that they were to stay there8 ,certainly not2 let ,his own declaration testify3 ',he hath sent me to heal the broken hearted1 to preach deliverance to the captives1 and recovering of sight to the blind1 to set at liberty them that are bruised4 ,luke iv3 #ah4 ,isaiah has it3 ,to bring out the prisoner from the prison1 and them that sit in darkness from the prison house4 ,is4 xlii3 #g4 ,it is very evident from this that ,he not only went to preach to them1 but to deliver1 or bring them out of the prison house4 ,isaiah in testifying concerning the calamities that will overtake the inhabitants of the earth says3 ,the earth shall reel to and fro like a drunkard1 and shall be removed like a cottage2 and the transgressions thereof shall be heavy upon it2 and it shall fall and not #ig rise again4 ,and it shall come to pass in that day1 that the ,lord shall punish the hosts of the high ones that are on high1 and the kings of the earth upon the earth4 ,and they shall be gathered together as prisoners are gathered in the pit1 and shall be shut up in prison1 and after many days shall they be visited4 ,thus we find that ,god will deal with all the human family equally2 and that as the antediluvians had their day of visitation1 so will those characters referred to by ,isaiah1 have their time of visitation and deliverance1 after having been many days in prison4 ,the great ,jehovah contemplated the whole of the events connected with the earth1 pertaining to the plan of salvation1 before it rolled into existence1 or ever the morning stars sung together for joy1 the past1 the present and the future1 were1 and are with ,him one eternal now2 ,he knew of the fall of ,adam1 the iniquities of the antediluvians1 of the depth of iniquity that would be connected with the human family2 their weakness and strength1 their power and glory1 apostasies1 their crimes1 their righteousness and iniquity2 ,he comprehended the fall of man and their redemption2 ,he knew the plan of salvation and pointed it out2 ,he was acquainted with the situation of all nations and with their destiny2 ,he ordered all things according to the counsel of ,his own will1 ,he knows the situation of both the living and the dead1 and has made ample provision for their redemption according to their several circumstances and the laws of the ,kingdom of ,god1 whether in this world1 or in the world to come4 ,the idea that some men form of the justice and mercy of ,god1 is too foolish for an intelligent man to think of2 for instance it is common for many of our orthodox preachers to suppose that if a man is not what they call converted1 if he dies in that state1 he must remain eternally in hell without any hope3-- ,infinite years in torment must he spend ,and never1 never1 never1 have an end4 ,and yet this eternal misery is made frequently to rest upon the merest casualty1--the breaking of a shoe-string1 the tearing of a coat of those officiating1 or the peculiar location in which a person lives may be the means indirectly of his damnation1 or the cause of his not being saved4 ,i will suppose a case which is not extraordinary3 ,two men who have been equally wicked1 who have neglected religion1 are both of them taken sick at the same time2 one of them has the good fortune to be visited by a praying man1 and he gets converted a few minutes before he dies2 the other sends for three different praying men1 a tailor1 a shoemaker and a tinman4 ,the tinman has a handle to solder on to a can2 the tailor a button-hole to work on some coat that is needed in a hurry2 and the shoemaker has a patch to put on somebody's boot2 they none of them can go in time1 the man dies and goes to hell2 one of these is exalted to ,abraham's bosom2 he sits down in the presence of ,god1 and enjoys eternal1 uninterrupted happiness1 while the other who was equally as good as he1 sinks to eternal damnation1 irretrievable misery and hopeless despair2 because a man had a boot to mend1 the button-hole of a coat to work1 or a handle to solder on to a saucepan4 ,the plans of ,jehovah are not so unjust2 the statements of holy writ so visionary2 nor the plan of salvation for the human family so incompatible with common sense2 at such proceedings ,god would frown with indignation1 angels would hide their heads in shame2 and every virtuous1 intelligent man would recoil4 ,if human laws award to each man his deserts1 and punish all #ih delinquents according to their several crimes2 surely the ,lord will not be more cruel than man1 for ,he is a wise ,legislator and ,his laws are equitable1 ,his enactments more just and ,his decisions more perfect than those of man2 and as man judges his fellow man by law1 and punishes him according to the penalty of that law1 so does the ,god of heaven judge according to the deeds done in the body4 ,to say that the heathen would be damned because they did not believe the gospel would be preposterous2 and to say that the ,jews would all be damned that do not believe in ,jesus1 would be equally absurd2 for how can they believe on him of whom they have not heard2 and how can they hear without a preacher2 and how can he preach except he be sent2 consequently neither ,jew nor heathen can be culpable for rejecting the conflicting opinions of sectarianism1 nor for rejecting any testimony but that which is sent of ,god1 for as the preacher cannot preach except he be sent1 so the hearer cannot believe without he hears a sent preacher2 and cannot be condemned for what he has not heard2 and being without law will have to be judged without law4 ,when speaking about the blessings pertaining to the gospel1 and the consequences connected with disobedience to its requirements1 we are frequently asked the question1 ,what has become of our fathers8 ,will they all be damned for not obeying the gospel1 when they never heard it8 ,certainly not4 ,but they will possess the same privilege that we here enjoy1 through the medium of the everlasting ,priesthood1 which not only administers on earth but in heaven1 and the wise dispensations of the great ,jehovah2 hence those characters referred to by ,isaiah will be visited by this ,priesthood1 and come out of their prison1 upon the same principle as those who were disobedient in the days of ,noah1 were visited by our ,savior 7who possessed the everlasting ,melchisedek ,priesthood7 and had the gospel preached to them by ,him in prison2 and in order that they might fulfill all the requisitions of ,god1 their living friends were baptized for their dead friends1 and thus fulfilled the requirement of ,god which says3 ,except a man be born again of water1 and of the spirit he can in no wise enter into the kingdom of heaven2 they were baptized of course1 not for themselves1 but for their dead4 ,crysostum says that the ,marchionites practiced baptism for the dead1 after a catachumen was dead they hid a living man under the bed of the deceased2 then coming to the dead man they asked him whether he would receive baptism1 and he making no answer1 the other answered for him1 and said that he would be baptized in his stead2 and so they baptized the living for the dead4 ,the church of course at that time was degenerate1 and that particular form might be incorrect1 but the thing is sufficiently plain in the ,scriptures1 hence ,paul1 in speaking of the doctrine1 says1 ,else what shall they do which are baptized for the dead1 if the dead rise not at all8 why are they then baptized for the dead8 ,i ,cor4 #ae3 #bi4 ,hence it was that so great a responsibility rested upon the generation in which our ,savior lived2 for1 said ,he1 ,that upon you may come all the righteous blood shed upon the earth from the blood of righteous ,abel1 unto the blood of ,zacharias1 son of ,barachias1 whom ye slew between the temple and the altar4 ,verily ,i say unto you1 all these things shall come upon this generation4 ,matt1 xxiii3 #ce1 #cf4 ,hence as they possessed greater privileges than any other generation1 not only pertaining to themselves but to their dead1 their sin was greater1 as they not only neglected their own salvation but that #ii of their progenitors1 and hence their blood was required at their hands4 ,and now as the great purposes of ,god are hastening to their accomplishment and the things spoken of in the prophets are fulfilling1 as the ,kingdom of ,god is established on the earth1 and the ancient order of things restored1 the ,lord has manifested to us this duty and privilege1 and we are commanded to be baptized for our dead1 thus fulfilling the words of ,obadiah when speaking of the glory of the latter day4 ,and saviors shall come up on ,mount ,zion to judge the remnant of ,esau2 and the kingdom shall be the ,lord's4 ,a view of these things reconciles the ,scriptures of truth1 justifies the ways of ,god to man1 places the human family upon an equal footing1 and harmonizes with every principle of righteousness1 justice and truth4 ,we will conclude with the words of ,peter3 ,for the time past of our life may suffice us to have wrought the will of the ,gentiles4 99 99 99 ,for1 for this cause was the gospel preached also to them that are dead1 that they might be judged according to men in the flesh1 but live according to ,god in the spirit4--,times and ,seasons1 ,vol4 #c1 pages #gei-gfa4 ,that moment that men seek to build up themselves1 in preference to the kingdom of ,god1 and seek to hoard up riches1 while the widow and the fatherless1 the sick and afflicted around they are in poverty and want1 it proves that their hearts are weaned from their ,god4 --,brigham ,young4 ,we glory in our tribulation1 because we know that ,god is with us1 that ,he is our friend1 and that ,he will save our souls4 ,we do not care for them that can kill the body2 they cannot harm our souls4 --,joseph ,smith1 ,december #af1 #ahah4 ,footnotes3 #a4 ,in a number of articles by ,zenas ,h4 ,gurley1 one of the founders of the ,reorganized church1 in the ,saints ,herald1 ,vol4 ,i1 the ,reorganization is referred to as a new organization of the ,church4 ,this agrees with the statement of the president of that church1 in the ,saints ,herald1 ,feb4 #ag1 #aijd4 ,said he3 ,the ,church1 using the word to mean the ,church rejected1 has not been again received4 #b4 ,the font was dedicated ,november #h1 #ahda1 by ,president ,brigham ,young in the presence of and under the direction of the ,prophet ,joseph ,smith4 ,millennial ,star #ah3 #gdd-gde4 #c4 ,history of ,reorganized church1 ,vol4 #c1 page #bde4 #d4 ,conference resolutions pamphlet of ,reorganized church1 page #hb4 #e4 ,editorial in ,saints ,herald1 ,feb4 #ag1 #aijd4 #f4 ,in his testimony before the ,circuit ,court1 at ,kansas ,city1 in the ,temple ,lot suit1 he said3 ,no1 sir1 ,i did not state that ,i was ordained by my father2 ,i did not make the statement4 ,i was not ordained by my father as his successor2 according to my understanding of the word ordain1 ,i was not4 ,plaintiff's ,abstract1 page #gi1 paragraph #abf4 #g4 ,in a communication from the president of the ,reorganized church1 which is now in the hands of the writer1 the statement is made that there is nothing in sections #abg and #abh 7,,cix and ,,cx ,reorganite edition7 of the ,doctrine and ,covenants1 to indicate that they are revelations4 ,these articles refer only to the baptism for the dead4 ,the ,prophet ,joseph1 however1 in these articles on baptism for the dead declares that they are revelations4 ,see sec4 #abg1 verses #d1 #f1 #h and #aj2 also #abh1 verse #b4 #ajj ,,acknowledge ,,your ,,faults4 ,by ,elder ,orson ,f4 ,whitney in ,millennial ,star1 #ahhb4 ,he that humbleth himself shall be exaulted4--,jesus4 ,if there is one thing more than another in the character of a great man which challenges respect and admiration1 and proves most conclusively his worthiness to the title1 it is the readiness with which he acknowledges a fault1 confesses an error1 and manifests sincere repentance for wrong-doing4 ,we would not be understood as affirming that none are great but those who evince this disposition1 for that would be to the exclusion of many whose virtues well merit consideration and esteem2 but we do feel confident in asserting that among the great they are the greatest1 among the noble the noblest1 and among the admired1 most deserving of admiration4 ,many people consider it an evidence of weakness to acknowledge a mistake or to own that they are ever in the wrong1 and flatter themselves with the idea that they display true courage and heroic firmness by refusing to repent of an evil act1 by declining to concede a personal imperfection1 or persisting in a mistaken belief or practice after having been convinced of the error of their course4 ,a more egregious blunder could scarcely be committed4 ,the facts are exactly to the contrary4 ,it is weakness which induces anyone1 after having been persuaded of an error1 to still cling to that error4 ,it is not courage1 it is cowardice1 not firmness1 but stubbornness1 which prevents a person from acknowledging a fault1 or repenting of an evil deed4 ,the man of genuine courage is he who dares confess his follies and imperfections2 the soul of strength and firmness1 which everybody must honor and admire1 is the one which forsakes and resists the allurements of evil1 and stands up for the right in the face of every opposing power or influence4 ,various opinions are entertained as to what constitutes greatness of character4 ,with the ignorant masses it would be aristocratic rank1 high official station1 or the possession of unlimited wealth2 with the more enlightened classes1 military prowess or great intellectual achievements2 but to the true ,christian there is but one idea worthy to be accepted as a #aja criterion of guidance in the carving out and formation of a perfect character4 ,the noblest ,being that ever walked the earth1 could claim no worldly rank or aristocratic title2 the mightest character the world has ever seen came neither to dazzle by intellectual brilliance nor to devastate with fire and sword2 the wealthiest and greatest of all the sons of ,god had not bread to eat nor where to lay his aching head4 ,he was one who preached purity of mind and lowliness of heart1 and practiced what he preached with all consistency4 ,he taught his followers that moral worth was superior to mental endowment2 that humility1 not haughtiness1 was characteristic of nobility on high2 that all who would be masters hereafter1 must expect to be servants in this probation2 that it was far more heroic to save than to slaughter mankind1 and that the chief lesson of life was to learn to sacrifice earthly things in order to lay up treasures in heaven4 ,he taught that repentance of sins must necessarily precede redemption therefrom1 since it was impossible for sin to inherit ,his holy kingdom4 ,he exhorted to beware of self-righteousness1 and declared that the publican1 who with bended head and humility of heart cried out1 ,god be merciful unto me a sinner1 was more to be justified than the proud and boastful ,pharisee1 who1 instead of confessing his sins and humbly suing for forgiveness1 stood erect in self-righteous conceit1 thanking the ,lord that he had no sins1 and congratulating himself that he was pure and holy in the eyes of that being whose voice calls all men to repentance1 and declares that all who say they are without sin deceive themselves and the truth is not in them4 ,two classes of ,pharisees abound in modern society2 those who actually imagine they are without fault1 and those who1 though conscious of defects1 stubbornly refuse to acknowledge them4 ,the former1 enveloped in pious vanity and lulled into fancied security by the delusive hope that their souls are already saved1 sit down in the very midst of the fight1 take off their armor and lay aside their weapons1 as complacently as if the battle was already won2 while the others1 like the inmates of a beleaguered city1 conscious of weakness and certain of eventual defeat1 but wilfully preferring death and dishonor to the merciful alternative of an honorable surrender1 entrench themselves behind the weak walls of arrogance and pride1 and await the onslaught of the all-conquering foe4 ,poor dupes of priestcraft and iniquity6 ,the blind worshipper of self1 however rapt in the ecstasies of sanctified egotism1 will find too late that the warfare against sin ends only with life itself1 and that hopes of salvation1 without truth for a #ajb basis and reason for a guide1 are as ineffectual as faith without works or zeal without judgment4 ,as for those who knowingly wed themselves to error1 loving darkness rather than light1 and choosing the paths of sin to the ways of righteousness1 the day of their disaster is near4 ,the battering rams of eternal truth will soon be leveled at their crumbling walls1 the refuge of lies will be swept away1 and the acts of folly and wickedness they were once ashamed to confess1 proclaimed in a voice of thunder from the house tops4 ,it is a great mistake to suppose anything is to be lost by acknowledging sin1 and covenanting to forsake it forever4 ,on the contrary1 everything is to be gained4 ,god has declared that he cannot look upon sin with the least degree of allowance4 ,how then can a man please ,god if he will not repent of his sins8 ,how can he repent if he will not acknowledge that he has sins8 ,and how can he claim that he has no sins without branding himself as a liar and consequently as a sinner in the sight of heaven8 ,it is the act of a hero to acknowledge an error4 ,it is the act of a coward to deny or resent a righteous accusation4 ,herod was a coward when he imprisoned and beheaded ,john the ,baptist for reprimanding him for committing the crime of adultery4 ,david was never more a hero than when1 on being accused of a similar misdeed1 he humbly acknowledged his transgression4 ,the contrast is sublime4 ,herod1 the petty tetrarch1 with the instincts of a guilty coward1 resenting the imputation and wreaking vengeance upon his accuser2 ,david1 the illustrious monarch1 with a thousand fold his power and prestige1 bending from his throne before one of the meanest of his subjects1 and humbly confessing the crime of which he was accused4 ,david before ,goliath was not so brave a man as ,david before ,nathan the ,prophet4 ,deprive him of one dark stain upon his life1 and the royal son of ,jesse stands out as one of the grandest characters in the history of the world4 ,a king1 wealthy and powerful1 a warrior1 mighty and renowned1 a poet whose genius was the literary splendor of his age2 but as a king he was never greater1 as a warrior never mightier1 as a poet never grander or more sublimely pathetic1 than when he bowed his head and wept1 exclaiming1 ,i have sinned against the ,lord4 #ajc ,,an ,,interview ,,in ,,the ,,atlanta ,,constitution ,,on ,,the ,,mormon ,,faith1 ,with ,ben4 ,e4 ,rich1 of ,the ,church of ,jesus ,christ of ,latter ,day ,saints4 7,from the ,atlanta ,constitution1 ,march #bf1 #ahii47 ,the ,mormon conference held in ,atlanta during the past week was fairly well attended1 and the elders were assigned to their new fields of labor1 and have left the city in pairs4 ,it is the policy of the ,mormon church to send their elders out two by two1 traveling without purse or scrip2 they receive no remuneration1 so far as earthly reward is concerned1 for the labor performed in the missionary field4 ,they are called from the farm1 from the store and other avocations of life to go to the various parts of the earth and proclaim the gospel as they understand it2 remaining from two to three years1 or until they are honorably released to return to their homes4 ,elder ,ben4 ,e4 ,rich is ,president of the ,southern ,states ,mission1 and has charge of the elders traveling in the states of ,virginia1 ,tennessee1 ,kentucky1 ,alabama1 ,louisiana1 ,mississippi1 ,florida1 ,south ,carolina1 ,north ,carolina and ,georgia4 ,he was present at the conference just closed1 and gave ,the ,constitution the following interview concerning the doctrines of the ,mormon faith4 ,we present the same to our readers1 as ,mormonism from a ,mormon standpoint3 ,reporter--,mr4 ,rich1 ,i understand you are an ,elder in the ,mormon ,church4 ,why is it called by that name8 ,elder ,ben4 ,e4 ,rich--,i am an ,elder in the ,church of ,jesus ,christ of ,latter ,day ,saints4 ,that is its proper title1 as recognized by all its members4 ,the word ',mormon' is taken from #ajd the ,book of ,mormon4 ,it is the name of a prophet of ,god who lived on the ,american continent several hundred years ago1 and who compiled and abridged the writings of other prophets who preceded him1 and left his record1 which was buried in a hill and was obtained by the ,prophet ,joseph ,smith in this century and translated by him1 through the gift and power of ,god4 ,oh1 that ,i suppose is the ,mormon ,bible8 ,no1 sir2 the ',mormon' ,bible is the same as that which is received throughout ,christendom1 commonly known as the ,king ,james translation4 ,we use no other ,bible4 ,the ,book of ,mormon is a record of the history and revelations of ,god to the people who formerly inhabited the ,western ,hemisphere1 while the ,bible records the history and revelations given upon the ,eastern continent4 ,they both run together and harmonize1 being inspired with the same spirit1 but they are separate and distinct1 and the ,book of ,mormon is not called the ,bible by the ,latter ,day ,saints4 ,well1 is not the ,book of ,mormon an addition to the ,bible1 and is it not in violation of the last chapter in the ,bible1 which says1 ',if any man shall add unto these things1 ,god shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book8' 7,rev4 xxii3 #ah47 ,it is an addition to the ,bible in one sense of the term1 but not in the sense of the prohibition which you have cited4 ,man is forbidden to add to the words of the book which ,john the ,beloved wrote by divine command1 and is called the ,apocalypse1 or ,book of ,revelation4 ,compilers place that book last in the canon of scripture1 but scholars state that the epistles of ,john were written later than the ,revelation4 ,be that as it may1 ,john himself must proclaim further revelation after writing the book1 for he was told while in the vision1 ',thou must prophesy again before many peoples and nations and tongues and kings4' 7,rev4 x3 #aa47 ,there is no contradiction in this1 because ,god1 through ,his servants1 or in any way ,he pleases1 may reveal ,his will1 give commandments and manifest light and truth4 ,it is preposterous to think that ,god sealed up ,his own lips when ,he merely forbade man to add to what ,he reveals4 ,that is a standing commandment1 as it was embodied in the ,mosaic law4 ',ye shall not add unto the word which ,i command you1 neither shall ye diminish aught from it4' 7,deut4 iv3 #b47 ,the common rendering of the words in the ,book of ,revelation when applied to the law given thousands of years before1 would make all the prophets and apostles and ,jesus ,christ ,himself transgressors of the commandment4 ,it #aje simply means that when ,god reveals anything1 man shall not add to or take from that which ,he communicates4 ,but1 seeing that we have the word of ,god1 the ,bible1 and ,christian churches teaching what is in the ,bible1 what need is there of another church and another revelation8 ,the very fact that there are so many conflicting churches1 all professing to establish their opposing creeds upon the ,bible1 is evidence of itself that something more is needed1 to set mankind right on the doctrine of ,christ and make the word of ,god plain to the common understanding4 ,no two churches or religious organizations understand the ,scriptures alike4 ,even preachers of the same denomination disagree as to the meaning of certain passages1 and ,christendom1 so-called1 is therefore a very ,babel of confusion4 ',god is not the author of confusion4' 7,i4 ,cor4 xiv3 #cc47 ,but1 do you mean to say that the ,book of ,mormon will set these matters right and clear up all that is obscure in the ,bible8 ,no1 we do not make any such claim as that4 ,the ,book of ,mormon merely discloses what was taught on this land centuries ago by divine commandment and revelation1 as the ,bible relates what was taught ages ago in ,palestine1 except that the ,book of ,mormon is very much plainer and couched in much simpler language4 ,but it is valuable as casting light on the ,jewish scriptures and in being the record of ,god's dealings with a large portion of the human family1 who could not be reached by the prophets and apostles who ministered on the ,eastern ,hemisphere4 ,it gives an account of a visit made by ,jesus ,christ after ,his resurrection1 to the people on this land1 and the establishment among them of ,his church1 organized on the same pattern as the church in ,palestine1 with the same doctrines1 ordinances1 gifts and blessings4 ,all this being made much more definite than it is in the ,jewish scriptures1 the ,book of ,mormon is therefore a great aid to the understanding of ,christian truth4 ,but we do not depend upon any book for the gospel which we preach or the order of the church to which we belong4 ,do you not1 then1 take your doctrines1 authority and church discipline from either the ,book of ,mormon1 or the ,bible or both8 ,no1 sir4 ,everything in our church organization1 its principles1 ordinances1 authority and administrations1 has been revealed directly from ,heaven in the nineteenth century4 ,we refer to the ,bible and the ,book of ,mormon to show that our church and all pertaining to it are exactly similar to what #ajf ,christ set up and organized when ,he was on earth in both hemispheres and that ,he is 'the same yesterday1 today and forever4' ,how is your church organized1 and wherein does it differ from other ,christian churches8 ,it is actually and really the ,church of ,jesus ,christ1 because it is organized under ,christ's direct supervision and commandment1 ,he having revealed ,himself to ,joseph ,smith1 the ,prophet1 and having continued to communicate the will of the ,father by revelation down to the present time4 ,the church is composed of persons who1 having come to the years of accountability1 have been led to believe in ,god the ,father1 in ,his ,son ,jesus ,christ1 and in the ,holy ,spirit1 have repented of their sins and have been baptized or buried in water by immersion for the remission of sins1 and have received the gift of the ,holy ,ghost by the laying on of the hands of persons divinely authorized to administer in the name of ,jesus ,christ4 ,they are entitled through faith and obedience to these ordinances to the enjoyment of all the gifts1 manifestations1 revelations1 signs1 healings and other blessings which belonged to the primitive ,christian church1 the members of which were called ,saints4 ,those disciples of the ,savior were called ',christians' in derision by their enemies1 just as the ,latter ,day ,saints are nicknamed ',mormons' in these times4 ,but1 do they really have these gifts1 and were they not all done away with after the days of the apostles8 ,they do enjoy all those gifts and manifestations according to their faith and fidelity1 the ,lord1 through ,his spirit dividing to every one severally as ,he wills4 7,see ,i ,cor4 xii47 ,if those gifts were done away after the days of the apostles it was because living faith had departed and a dead form had taken its place4 ,in support of the 'done away' idea the words of ,paul in ,i ,corinthians xiii3 #h1 are quoted3 ',charity never faileth1 but whether there be prophecies they shall fail1 whether there be tongues they shall cease1 whether there be knowledge it shall vanish away1' but they neglect to add verses #i and #aj1 which are part of the ,apostle's statement4 ,he says3 ',for we know in part1 and we prophesy in part1 but when that which is perfect is come then that which is in part shall be done away4' ,so then it is not until that which is perfect is come that these gifts are to be done away4 ,to emphasize this the ,apostle adds 7xiii3 #ab73 ',now ,i know in part1 but then shall ,i know even as also ,i am known4' ,he follows this up by saying3 ',follow after charity and desire spiritual gifts1 but rather that we may prophesy4' ,and again he says3 #ajg ',wherefore brethren covet to prophesy and forbid not to speak with tongues' 7xiv3 #a-ci74 ,that which is perfect is not yet come1 unless it be perfect confusion1 and instead of advancing toward the perfection of which the ,apostle spoke1 modern ,christianity has lost the gifts which he exhorted them to desire and strive for4 ,the ,church of ,jesus ,christ of ,latter ,day ,saints seeks after the gifts and enjoys them1 and in that respect differs from orthodoxy1 so-called ,christianity4 ,is there any other difference between your church and others8 ,yes1 there is this essential difference--for one thing1 the authority to preach and administer the ordinances of the gospel held by the early apostles and others has been restored and is now held by the apostles and elders and other ministers in the ,church of ,jesus ,christ of ,latter ,day ,saints1 and that church has in it apostles1 and prophets1 evangelists1 pastors1 teachers1 bishops1 elders1 deacons1 and all the officers which we read about in the ,new ,testament4 7,see ,i ,corinthians xii3 #bh2 ,ephesians iv3 #aa-ab2 ,i ,timothy iii3 #a-h2 ,titus i3 #e47 ,but did not ,jesus give authority to all ,his ministers when ,he said1 ',go ye into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature8' ,if you will read the chapter from which you quote1 you will see that this authority given by the ,savior was only to the eleven apostles--one of the twelve having betrayed ,him--whom he had called and ordained for the work of the ministry and whom he afterwards endowed with power from on high4 ,they had authority when so directed by the ,holy ,ghost to ordain others to assist them in the work of the ministry1 but1 as commanded in ,hebrews v3 #e1 ',no man taketh this honor unto himself1 but he that is called of ,god as was ,aaron4' ,it is only by revelation and commandment of ,god that men are authorized to minister in ,his name4 ,modern ministers repudiate the doctrine of immediate revelation1 and declare that there has been no divine communication by revelation since ,john received his vision on the island1 ,patmos4 ,they1 therefore1 cut themselves off from divine authority and proclaim themselves man-made ministers1 teaching by their own learning and destitute of that divine inspiration which is essential to an authorized minister of ,christ4 ,in this you will see a wide difference between the organization and authority of the ',mormon' church and the churches of discordant ,christendom4 ,you say that the authority of the apostleship and #ajh ministry has been restored4 ,that implies that it had been lost or taken away8 ,certainly4 ,the early apostles predicted an apostacy and departure from the true faith and the introduction of heresies by false teachers1 and their prophecies were literally fulfilled4 7,see ,acts xx3 #bi-cj2 ,galatians i3 #f-i2 ,,ii4 ,thessalonians ii3 #a-ab2 ,i4 ,timothy iv3 #a-c2 ,,ii4 ,timothy iii3 #a-g2 ,,ii4 ,peter ii3 #a-c2 ,revelation xii3 #a-f2 ,revelation xiv3 #h47 ,after the apostles were slain and other men holding authority departed from the earth1 darkness came in upon the churches1 persecution had its influence in driving many persons into the beggarly elements of the world1 paganism began to be mingled with the remnant of true ,christianity1 the ,roman state1 which had fought the church1 became amalgamated with what was left of it1 and priestly power foreign to the spirit of ,christ was exalted1 clothed with purple and fine linen1 the ordinances were changed1 the pure spirit of the gospel departed1 human authority took the place of the divine1 the apostacy became general and finally universal4 ,papal power held sway everywhere until the ,reformation1 when schisms and new theories divided ,christendom1 and sects have multiplied from that time until the present1 none of the leaders of these movements claiming to have received revelations from ,god1 but all giving their own interpretations to the dead letter of former divine communications1 and thus while there have been hosts of good people and many learned and pious preachers1 the authority of the apostleship and priesthood of the primitive ,christian church has not been had among men1 and so 'confusion worse confounded' has come upon the world1 and heathen and professing ,christian are alike1 without divine authority4 ,in what way do you claim this authority has been restored8 ,in the first place1 the angel whom ,john saw in the vision1 as recorded in ,revelation xiv3 #f-g1 came to ,joseph ,smith and revealed 'the everlasting gospel to be preached to every nation1 kindred1 tongue and people4' ,the first principles of the ,gospel are1 faith in ,god1 and in ,jesus ,christ ,his ,son1 repentance of all sin1 baptism by immersion in water for the remission of sins1 and the gift of the ,holy ,ghost by the laying on of hands4 ,baptism and the laying on of hands1 to be effectual1 must be administered by divine authority4 ,this having been withdrawn from the earth centuries ago1 it could only be restored by divine communication4 ,therefore1 in the next place1 ,john the ,baptist1 who was beheaded after acting as the #aji forerunner of ,christ1 was sent from heaven as the forerunner of ,christ's second advent1 and ordained ,joseph ,smith and ,oliver ,cowdery 7,may #ae1 #ahbi71 to the authority and priesthood which ,he held when on earth4 ,they were thus commissioned to baptize each other4 ,they could also preach repentance and baptize all who received their word1 but they could not confirm them by the laying on of hands4 ,subsequently1 however1 they were visited by the apostles ,peter1 ,james and ,john1 who were pillars of the early ,christian church1 holding the keys of the kingdom1 and they ordained ,joseph and ,oliver to the ,holy apostleship--the higher or ,melchisedek priesthood1 with power to confer the ,holy ,ghost upon baptized believers1 and to usher in the last dispensation1 'the dispensation of the fullness of time1' spoken of in ,ephesians i3 #aj4 ,under this authority the ,church of ,jesus ,christ of ,latter ,day ,saints was organized in the state of ,new ,york1 ,april #f1 #ahcj1 six members conforming to the laws of the state in signing papers for its incorporation4 ,the gospel was preached1 repentant believers were baptized1 the ,holy ,ghost was poured out upon them1 the sick were healed1 the heavens were opened1 visions and dreams and divine manifestations1 with the gift of tongues1 interpretations1 prophecy1 wisdom1 knowledge1 discerning of spirits and numerous revelations1 were the consequence1 and the union thus promoted became a marvel to unbelievers4 ,as the work progressed elders were ordained under the same authority who went out without purse and scrip1 as did the servants of ,god of old1 meeting with the same kind of success and the same sort of persecution4 ,thus the church was built up1 and under divine direction was set in order on the same pattern as the church which ,christ and ,his apostles organized in person4 ,will you explain the order of that organization as it now exists in your church8 ,yes1 sir4 ,the apostleship is the highest office in the church4 ,it holds the keys of the priesthood after the order of ,melchisedek and includes all the lesser offices in the church4 ,three apostles stand at the head and are called the first presidency1 that is to say one man is the president of the whole church1 having the power and the right to receive revelations from ,god for its guidance and to regulate its affairs in all the world4 ,he has two counselors1 and this trinity is the highest presiding authority in the church on earth4 ,next are the twelve apostles1 or special witnesses of ,jesus ,christ1 #aaj holding authority to open the door of the gospel to all nations1 and under the direction of the first presidency1 to regulate its affairs in all nations4 ,they have the same authority1 power and spirit as the apostles of old and act in a similar capacity in the latter days4 ,next to them are the seventies1 seventy elders ordained and appointed for the purpose are organized into a quorum or council1 seven of their number being their presidents4 ,there are a large number of these quorums of seventy in the church1 each quorum having seven presidents of its own1 but all being under the supervision of the first seven presidents of the seventies4 ,they form an appendage to the apostleship and act under the direction of the twelve apostles1 as missionaries in all the world4 ,they are expected to be minute men and to go when called and preach the gospel1 without salary or any earthly reward4 ,the high priests are a body of church officers to minister in the organized branches of the church1 as presiding officers or standing ministers among the saints1 the elders who are not of the seventies are also standing ministers1 appendages to the high priesthood and are organized into quorums1 each numbering ninety-six and presided over by three of their number1 a president and two counselors4 ,all these orders which ,i have named are included in the higher or ,melchisedek priesthood4 ,next in order come the priests after the order of ,aaron1 having authority to baptize1 administer the ,lord's supper1 preach1 teach1 expound1 exhort and invite all to come unto ,christ2 also to visit the members of the church and instruct them in church duties4 ,forty-eight of these priests form a quorum1 presided over by three of their number4 ,as appendages to their office1 there are the teachers and the deacons4 ,twenty-four of the teachers form a quorum1 presided over by three of the number4 ,they are to watch over the church1 see that there is no iniquity in it and assist the priests in their duties1 but they cannot administer ordinances4 ,twelve deacons form a quorum1 presided over by three of their number4 ,their duty is to attend to the smaller temporalities of the branches of the church where they reside4 ,the offices of priest1 teacher and deacon are in the lesser or ,aaronic priesthood1 the chief officer of which is the bishop4 ,a bishop should be a lineal descendant of ,aaron1 but in the absence of such a descendant a high priest in the ,melchisedek order may be set apart and appointed to act in that capacity4 ,the church in ,zion1 that is1 the place where saints are gathered1 is organized in this way4 ,each settlement of the saints form a bishop's ward1 over which a bishop and two #aaa counselors1 who are also high priests set apart for that position1 are appointed to take charge4 ,they take care of the temporal affairs of the church in their ward1 look after the poor1 give advice to all that seek for it1 and as high priest preside over public meetings and have the oversight of church affairs in their locality generally4 ,they also form a spiritual court to hear charges against accused members and decide upon them after hearing evidence on both sides4 ,in cases of dispute between church members which cannot be settled by the parties or with the aid of the visiting teachers1 the bishopric try the case and render a decision which must be according to justice and equity4 ,if either of the parties is dissatisfied an appeal can be taken to the high council of the stake of which the ward forms a part4 ,usually all the wards in a county are organized into what is called a stake of ,zion4 ,this is presided over by a high priest with two counselors appointed and set apart for the purpose4 ,the high council which is also organized in each stake of ,zion is composed of twelve high priests set apart to that office and with the stake presidency1 forming a court of appeal1 to which cases from the bishops' courts may be taken and where justice may be secured4 ,they are also original tribunals for decisions in doctrines and discipline4 ,the decisions of the high council are final1 unless on revision by the first presidency error is discovered when the case may be remanded for a new trial4 ,the benefits of these church tribunals are had without cost to any of the parties1 all these church officers serving without remuneration4 ,all the stakes of ,zion are under the direction of the presidency of the church and are visited by them or by the apostles1 and quarterly conferences are held in each of them for general instruction and for making such changes as many be necessary to their proper management4 ,the officers named are also presented before the people in conference assembled for their votes1 every member1 male and female1 having a voice in church affairs1 and they vote upon the acceptance or rejection of those officers4 ,at the general conferences1 held semiannually1 the first presidency1 apostles and all leading officials of the church are also presented for the approval or disapproval of the body of the church4 ,outside of ,zion each mission has a president who takes charge of all its affairs1 and each branch of the mission has a branch president1 amenable to a conference president1 and he to the president of the mission1 who also directs the labors of the traveling elders1 missionaries sent to labor in the field4 ,thus the whole church is so organized that each officer has his #aab defined place and sphere of authority and the whole system inspired by one spirit moves like a well regulated living body1 the president or head of the whole church1 who is a prophet1 a seer and a revelator1 directing it under divine authority and inspiration4 ,what is the attitude of your church in regard to other ,christian denominations8 ,it recognizes truth wherever it is found4 ,it regards all human effort for the development and promulgation of truth as good and blessed of ,deity4 ,it recognizes the benefits which have come to mankind through the labors of good men and women everywhere1 no matter what sect they belong to or what language they speak4 ,but it has no affiliation with error4 ,truth and error will not combine4 ,there can be but one ,church of ,jesus ,christ1 no matter how many branches it may have nor how many members4 ,it is unreasonable and also unscriptural to say that the one living and true ,god1 and ,jesus ,christ whom ,he has sent1 would establish a number of discordant contending religions4 ,the good intentions1 sincerity of motives and pious acts of men and women are no proof of themselves that they are divinely authorized4 ,they are to be admired and respected for what they are1 but this should not deceive any one as to what they are not4 ,heathendom as well as ,christendom furnishes striking illustrations of purity of conduct and sincerity1 but in neither instance does this prove correctness of principle or divinity in organization4 ,christ when on earth established but one church4 ,all others were outside of its pale4 ,it is the same today4 ,there is only one true ,church of ,christ1 and it is that which ,he ,himself has established and which ,he recognizes and directs4 ,all others are the institutions of men1 to be valued for what they are worth1 but not to be viewed as divinely established4 ,the ,church of ,jesus ,christ of ,latter ,day ,saints has no quarrel with any of them2 it does not attempt to deprive them of any light they may have1 but only endeavors to correct their errors and bring them into greater light1 that they may receive greater blessings1 with full and complete salvation in the kingdom of ,god4 ,is it necessary for preachers and members of other churches to be baptized anew in order to enter your church and be saved8 ,the voice of ,god is to all people1 without exception1 repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of ,jesus ,christ for the remission of sins1 and you shall receive the gift of the ,holy ,ghost and shall know that you have received #aac the truth and that ,god and ,jesus ,christ ,his ,son have manifested themselves in this age of the world1 and can be approached as of old1 and that the blessings and gifts enjoyed in former days may be had in their fulness in these days4 ,this is the only way of salvation and in this church is the only divine authority to administer the ordinances of salvation4 ,they who receive this gospel and endure unto the end will be saved2 they who wilfully reject it will be condemned4 ,is it necessary that baptism should be administered by total immersion8 ,will not sprinkling or pouring water upon the candidate be sufficient8 ,baptism means immersion4 ,it is a burial in water and afterwards the coming forth into a new life4 ,it is symbolical of death and the resurrection4 ,paul said3 ',therefore we are buried with ,him by baptism into death2 that like as ,christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the ,father1 even so we also should walk in newness of life4 ,for if we have been planted together in the likeness of ,his death1 we shall be also in the likeness of ,his resurrection' 7,roman vi3 #d-e74 ,the believer becomes dead to sin by repentance2 he is buried from the old life by baptism4 ,coming from the womb of water into the air1 he is born of water4 ,through remission of sins given in baptism1 but proceeding from the atonement1 he is born of the water and is thus prepared as a new creature in ,christ ,jesus to receive the ,holy ,ghost and thus be born of the spirit4 ,jesus said when on earth1 ',except a man be born of water and of the spirit he cannot enter into the kingdom of ,god4' 7,john iii3 #e47 ,he set the example4 ,he was baptized by ,john1 ,his forerunner1 in the river ,jordan4 ,when ',he came up straightway out of the water the heavens were opened and the spirit of ,god descended like a dove and lighted upon ,him4' ,thus ,he was born of the water and of the spirit and left us an example that we should follow in ,his steps4 ,all other forms of baptism are inventions of men1 and are not recognized of ,god2 nor is this form1 accepted of heaven unless administered by one who has the divine right to do so1 in the name of the ,father1 and of the ,son1 and of the ,holy ,ghost4 ,the ,lord accepts only such ordinances as are performed by ,his authority and according to ,his commandment4 ,would you baptize infants by immersion8 ,we would not baptize infants at all4 ,that would be a mockery in the sight of ,god4 ,faith and repentance must precede baptism4 ,infants cannot believe and they have nothing to repent of4 ,jesus did not baptize little children1 but laid ,his hands on them and blessed them1 saying1 ',of such is the #aad kingdom of heaven' 7,matthew xix3 #ac-ae74 ,we give names to infants and bless them after this pattern1 but do not baptize children until they come to years of accountability1 are able to understand right from wrong1 to believe in ,christ and repent of their sins4 ,we baptize no children less than eight years of age4 ,if the world has been without divine authority1 and the ordinances you speak of are necessary for salvation1 do you mean to say that all the millions of good people who have died since the days of the early apostles and elders are lost8 ,no1 we do not believe any such monstrous thing4 ,i might ask you what has become of all the millions of good people in heathen lands1 and other places where the name of ,jesus ,christ was never preached4 ,we are told in ,scripture that there is 'no other name given under heaven whereby we must be saved' 7,acts iv3 #ab74 ,but ,i will answer you directly4 ,god has revealed that the gospel of ,jesus ,christ will be preached to every creature4 ,those who do not hear it in this life1 will hear it in the life to come4 ,the idea that ,god's mercies extend only to the narrow sphere of this mortal life1 is unworthy of ,him whose 'tender mercies are over all ,his works1' and whose justice and mercy endure forever4 ,when ,jesus was put to death in the flesh1 he was quickened by the spirit1 and as the ,scriptures tell us1 ',he went and preached to the spirits in prison1 which sometimes were disobedient when once the long suffering of ,god waited in the days of ,noah1 while the ,ark was preparing' 7,i ,peter iii3 #ah-bj74 ,this shows that spirits after they leave the body can be preached to and instructed4 ,the purpose of this is shown by ,peter in the fourth chapter1 sixth verse4 ,he says3 ',for this cause was the gospel preached also to them that are dead1 that they might be judged according to men in the flesh1 but live according to ,god in the spirit4' ,thus all mankind will have the opportunity of hearing the one true and everlasting gospel1 either in the body or out of the body4 ,it is the intelligent immortal entity in the body which receives or rejects light and truth and is the responsible being4 ,it is no less a thinking1 sentient1 responsible person when out of the body than when clothed with mortality4 ,the spirit can believe or disbelieve1 repent or remain unregenerate1 bow to the divine command or persist in rebellion4 ,but the earthly ordinances belong to this material world1 and therefore cannot be performed in spirit spheres4 ,yet ,jesus declared1 'except a man be born of water and of the spirit he cannot enter into the kingdom of ,god4' ,baptism1 the laying on of hands and similar ceremonies must therefore be #aae attended to by some one on earth for and in behalf of the dead4 ,this is what the ,apostle ,paul referred to when teaching the ,corinthians the doctrine of the resurrection4 ,he asked3 ',else what shall they do which are baptized for the dead1 if the dead rise not at all8 ,why are they then baptized for the dead' 7,i4 ,cor4 xv3 #bi74 ,it is clear from this that the ,corinthian saints understood baptism for the dead better than the resurrection of the dead4 ,we do not1 however1 depend on that ,scripture or any other ancient writing for this doctrine4 ,it has been revealed from heaven in these latter days1 and everything pertaining to that sacred ordinance has been made known2 and the temples which have been erected by the saints in ,zion1 at immense cost1 have been reared with a special view to the solemnization of ordinances in behalf of the dead4 ,but what will become of people who reject what you call the one only plan of salvation8 ,will they be doomed to eternal woe8 ,do you believe in everlasting punishment8 ,everlasting punishment is ,god's punishment4 ,that is to say1 as ,god is eternal and ,his law is eternal1 there is punishment eternally ready for the transgressor4 ,but the justice and mercy of ,god are also eternal4 ,therefore as every man is to be judged according to his works 7,rev4 xx3 #ab71 those who are worthy of many stripes will receive their measure of that eternal punishment1 and those who are worthy only of a few stripes will receive but their portion4 ,some will be forgiven in this world through repentance and obedience1 others in the next world1 and some will have to pay the uttermost farthing4 7,luke xii3 #dg-dh2 ,matt1 v3 #bf2 ,i4 ,tim4 v3 #bd2 ,matt1 xii3 #cb2 ,i4 ,john v3 #af47 ,they who sin against the ,holy ,ghost by denying it after having received it1 who wilfully sin against light and truth and become fully possessed of the evil one so that they cannot repent1 are 'sons of perdition' for whom there is no redemption4 ,they are doomed with the devil and his angels forever4 ,all the rest will be brought forth in the due time of the ,lord in the ages to come and placed in some degree of happiness and glory4 ,do you believe then that there will be different degrees of glory in heaven8 ,i certainly do4 ,will not justice so determine8 ,is not every man to be judged according to his works8 ,would it be right for the good1 the true1 the just and the pure to reap no fruit from their tree of righteousness8 ,is not every soul better for the doing of that which is right1 and the worse for the doing of that which is wrong1 and will ,god be less fair #aaf and equitable than man8 ,have you not read what ,paul says3 ',there is one glory of the sun1 and another glory of the moon1 and another glory of the stars4 ,for one star differeth from another star in glory2 so also is the resurrection of the dead8' 7,i4 ,cor4 xv3 #da-db47 ,the glory of the sun1 which is the celestial glory1 is for those who receive the gospel1 are baptized into ,christ1 remain faithful to the end1 overcome all things1 and therefore inherit all things1 come forth in the first resurrection and are made kings and priests unto ,god and ,his ,christ forever 7,rev4 xx3 #d-f74 ,they become like the ,father and the ,son1 dwell in their presence and partake of their glory4 ,what do you mean by that8 ,how can man be like ,god8 ,is ,he not a spirit without form1 immaterial and incomprehensible8 ,that is a dogma of spurious ,christianity1 mingled with vain philosophy4 ,jesus ,christ was the express image of the ,father4 ,man also is made in the image of the ,father and the ,son4 ,jesus ,christ1 after ,his resurrection1 when he ascended to the ,father1 was in the same form and shape and appearance as when in mortality4 ,those who are in ,christ are to be like him in every respect4 7,heb4 i3 #c2 ,i4 ,john iii3 #a-b2 ,phil1 iii3 #ba47 ,god is a spirit2 so also is man4 7,job xxxii3 #h47 ,but the ,father is a person1 just as the ,son is1 one being like the other in all respects4 ,jesus is a spirit1 dwelling in a spiritual body2 the ,father is the same1 but the ,holy ,spirit which proceeds from the ,father and the ,son permeates space and by it ,god is omnipresent4 ,our ,father1 the ,father of ,our ,lord ,jesus ,christ1 who is our ,elder ,brother1 made us all after ,his own image and likeness 7,gen4 i3 #bg74 ,it is strange that professing ,christians who regard ,jesus ,christ as ,god and admit ,his personality1 form and tangible shape1 are horror-stricken when the ,latter ,day ,saints declare that ,god the ,father is a similar being1 that statement being borne out by the ,scriptures of the ,old and ,new ,testaments4 ,the ,father1 the ,son and the ,holy ,ghost1 though one in purpose1 design and act1 are separate and distinct personalities4 ,the ,son came from the ,father1 prayed to the ,father1 obeyed the ,father1 went back to the ,father and sat at ,his right hand1 and sent the ,holy ,spirit after ,he left the earth to be a ,comforter to ,his disciples4 ,jesus prayed that all who believed on ,him should become one1 as ,he and the ,father are one 7,john xvii3 #bj-ba74 ,this shows that the unity of the ,godhead is not identity of person1 as many believe1 and it is clear to those who understand1 that ,our ,heavenly ,father is an individual1 just as ,christ is1 and we shall all be when brought into their #aag presence4 ,we worship the ,father1 in the name of the ,son1 under the influence of the ,holy ,ghost1 and expect to fully comprehend them all in the future and perfect state4 ,this is life eternal1 that they might know ,thee1 the only true ,god1 and ,jesus ,christ whom thou hast sent' 7,john xvii3 #c74 ,you have spoken of the atonement of ,christ for the sins of mankind1 and yet you insist upon baptism for the remission of sins4 ,how do you reconcile these two doctrines8 ,there is nothing in them at variance with each other4 ,the atonement of ,christ was for two purposes4 ,first1 for original sin1 that is1 the sin committed by our first parents in the garden of ,eden2 and second1 for actual sins1 that is1 those committed by mankind individually4 ,atonement for the first is unconditional1 for the second it is conditional4 ,the posterity of ,adam had nothing to do with the atonement for that sin4 ,its consequence was death1 not only to ,adam1 but to all his descendants4 ,the atonement will bring life to every creature of ,adam's race4 ',for as in ,adam all die1 even so in ,christ shall all be made alive4' 7,i4 ,cor4 xv3 #bb47 ',the first man ,adam was made a living soul1 the last ,adam was made a quickening spirit 7verse #de74 ,jesus said1 ',marvel not at this1 for the hour is coming in the which all that are in the graves shall hear ,his voice and shall come forth4 ,they that have done good unto the resurrection of life1 and they that have done evil unto the resurrection of damnation' 7,john v3 #bh-bi74 ,this shows that although every one who died through ,adam's fall will be raised from the dead through ,christ's atonement1 'some will be raised to everlasting life and some to shame and everlasting contempt' 7,daniel xii3 #b74 ,this is because the atonement for actual sins committed by mankind was made conditionally1 that is1 conditioned on their reception of ,jesus ,christ as their ,savior1 manifested by obedience to ,his ,gospel4 ,the righteous and the wicked will all be raised from the dead1 but they will then all be judged according to their works4 ',he that believeth and is baptized shall be saved2 he that believeth not shall be damned' 7,mark xvi3 #af74 ,remission of sin comes through the atonement4 ',without the shedding of blood there is no remission of sin' ,heb4 ix3 #bb74 ,but this remission is given in baptism preceded by repentance and faith4 ,the first condition is faith in ,christ1 the second is repentance1 the third is baptism4 ,that baptism is for the remission of sins4 7,see ,mark i3 #d2 ,acts ii3 #cg-ch2 ,i4 ,pet4 iii3 #ba47 ,that is why baptism is essential and why ,jesus told ,nicodemus3 ',except a man be born of water and of the spirit1 he cannot enter into the kingdom of ,god' 7,john iii3 #e74 ,the baptized1 #aah repentant believer receives remission of sins1 is a new creature and ready for the reception of the ,holy ,ghost or birth of the spirit4 ,this1 as ,i have explained to you1 is conferred by the laying on of hands by men having divine authority4 ,thus you see remission of sins is through the atonement1 but is given in baptism4 ,and thus there is no discrepancy between the two doctrines4 ,but how do you understand this scripture1 and others to the same purport1 ',god so loved the world that ,he gave ,his only begotten ,son1 that whosoever believeth in ,him should not perish1 but have everlasting life8' 7,john iii3 #af47 ,does not that show that belief in ,christ is alone sufficient for salvation8 ,no1 it does not1 for verse #e of the same chapter from which you quote makes birth of water and of the spirit essential4 ,the key to this whole question is in the meaning of belief in ,christ4 ,jesus said3 ',he that believeth on ,me1 the works that ,i do shall he do also' 7,john xiv3 #ab74 ,he also said3 ',not every one that saith unto me1 ,lord1 ,lord1 shall enter into the kingdom of heaven but he that doeth the will of my ,father which is in heaven4' ,also he said3 ',every one that heareth these sayings of mine1 and doeth them not1 shall be likened unto a foolish man which built his house upon the sand' 7,matthew vii3 #ba-bg74 ',faith without works is dead1 and it is only by works that faith is made manifest' 7,james ii3 #ag-bf74 ,belief in ,christ comprehends belief in ,his doctrine1 manifested by obedience to ,his gospel4 ,any other kind of faith is spurious1 dead and of no effect4 ,peter proclaimed ,christ's gospel1 being full of the ,holy ,ghost1 and he taught the people first to believe in ,christ1 and when they showed faith and asked what they should do1 he answered3 ',repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of ,jesus ,christ for the remission of sins1 and ye shall receive the gift of the ,holy ,ghost' 7,acts ii3 #cg-ch74 ,if ,peter had been a modern minister1 he would have said in answer to the question1 ',men and brethren1 what shall we do8'--as may be heard from almost every pulpit nowadays1 ',poor sinners1 you can do nothing2 ,christ has done it all4 ,only believe and you shall be saved and heaven is yours forever4' ,but ,peter taught ,christ's gospel1 which is a gospel of good works1 proceeding from living faith4 ,when ,christ sent him and the other apostles to proclaim that gospel he said3 ',go ye1 therefore1 and teach all nations1 baptizing them in the name of the ,father1 and of the ,son and of the ,holy ,ghost1 teaching them to observe all things whatsoever ,i have commanded you' 7,matt1 xxviii3 #ai-bj74 #aai ,paul is supposed to be the author of the doctrine of salvation by faith alone without works4 ,but by reading his epistle to the ,romans1 which is quoted chiefly in that direction1 it will be seen that it was the works of the law of ,moses that ,paul showed were insufficient1 and that the first essential to salvation was faith in ,christ1 but not a dead faith2 it was one that led to obedience1 as ,christ taught3 ',man shall not live by bread alone1 but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of ,god' 7,matthew iv3 #d74 ,and that ,paul believed in the efficacy of good works1 ,romans ii3 #c-aj1 of which ,i shall quote but two verses3 ',tribulation and anguish upon every soul of man that doth evil1 of the ,jew first1 and also of the ,gentile4 ,but glory1 honor and peace to every man that worketh good1 to the ,jew first1 and also to the ,gentile4' ,there is nothing1 in my opinion1 so conducive to sin as the absurd and anti-,christian doctrine that mere belief in the atonement of ,christ will absolve people of the grossest sins and crimes and fit them for the presence of ,him who is pure and holy4 ,it is a soul-destroying heresy1 the invention of men and contrary to ancient as well as modern revelation4 ,it is generally supposed that the ,mormons have lax ideas of morality and peculiar marriage customs4 ,what is the truth of these charges8'' ,there are no people in the world who have stricter ideas and rules concerning morality than the ,latter ,day ,saints have4 ,sexual relations outside of marriage are considered a deadly sin4 ,violations of chastity are viewed as next to murder in enormity4 ,chastity is enjoined upon both male and female4 ,a young man should be as pure as a young woman4 ,one has no more license than the other as to morals under ,mormon teachings4 ,we believe that the union of the sexes in marriage is essential to perfection4 ',neither is the man without the woman1 neither the woman without the man1 in the ,lord' 7,i4 ,cor4 xi3 #aa74 ,the celestial kingdom where ,god and ,christ dwell is a state of perfection4 ,those who enter into that glory will be perfect4 ,therefore we believe in celestial marriage1 which is eternal marriage--the marriage that was solemnized between ,adam and ,eve by the ,almighty in the ,garden of ,eden4 ,they were immortal beings4 ,death had not entered into the world4 ,there was no sin1 therefore there was no death4 ,the immortal pair were made one flesh4 ,no man could put them asunder4 ,that was an eternal union4 ,if they were separated by death1 which was the wages of sin1 they were reunited through the atonement of the ,savior1 and thus restored to their former condition4 ,so1 in the #abj resurrection they will not be married or given in marriage1 for they were united in celestial marriage before they became mortal4 ,the ,lord has revealed in this age of the world that order of celestial or eternal marriage1 so that what is sealed by it on earth is sealed in heaven1 and remains in and after the resurrection4 ,the husband will be restored to the wife and the wife to the husband1 and together as one they will enter1 if worthy1 into the fulness of the glory of the ,lord4 ,if a man thus married should temporarily lose his wife by death1 and should marry another by the same law1 they would both be his in the world to come4 ,previous to the enactment of laws forbidding polygamy and punishing it as a crime1 the church taught the doctrine of plural marriage1 and to a small extent comparatively it was practiced under the most sacred covenants and obligations of chastity and purity4 ,but since those laws1 after much litigation and much suffering on the part of many persons1 were declared constitutional by the supreme court of the ,united ,states the practice of marrying more than one wife1 in violation of our laws1 has ceased2 the ,president of our church issued a ,manifesto to this effect4 ,no matter what may be preached or published to the contrary1 what ,i say to you is the truth1 which you can depend upon4 ,polygamous or plural marriages are forbidden by the constitution of the state of ,utah and a penalty of #ejj fine and five years imprisonment is imposed upon those who violate this provision4 ,one of our doctrines is that we must obey the constitutional laws of the land4 ,we1 therefore1 submit and leave the result with the ,lord4 ,but what ,god hath joined together1 no man can put asunder4 ,therefore1 marriages solemnized by ,his authority and commandment will continue1 if the parties are faithful1 in this world and in the world to come4 ,but the parties are under solemn obligations to preserve themselves for each other only1 and sexual crimes and immoralities are viewed by the ,latter ,day ,saints with the utmost abhorrence4 ,what about heaven and hell8 ,do you believe when people die they go either to heaven or to hell1 or do you deny hell and disbelieve in a devil8 ,we believe in a personal ,satan1 as we believe in a personal ,deity4 ,the being who deceived ,eve and tempted ,jesus is a fallen spirit1 the embodiment of the principle of evil as ,god is the embodiment of all that is good4 ,a principle in the abstract is of no force or effect4 ,there must be some being through which it is manifest4 ,we do not believe in the mythological evil one with horns and hoofs1 nor in a literal bottomless pit of fire and brimstone4 ,but we believe that there #aba are many evil spirits who1 under that being called the devil and ,satan1 tempt human beings and lead them astray if possible1 and who are enemies to ,christ and to the truth4 ,they will eventually be banished from this earth when ,christ's work of salvation is made complete4 ,hell is a place and condition of torment1 in which the suspense and remorse and anguish of soul of the wicked1 waiting for judgment and not knowing what their fate will be1 is as 'the worm that dieth not and the fire that is not quenched4' ,this they will endure as long as justice demands1 and until they repent and turn to ,god and are perfectly willing to obey ,him4 ,when they are released1 in future ages1 their destiny will be as they have fixed it themselves by their own acts and according to the eternal principles of justice and mercy extended by the all-wise ,judge1 the eternal ,father4 ,we believe in heaven as a place and a condition4 ,this earth1 when it is redeemed and restored to its paradisaic state1 will be a heaven4 ,sin1 darkness1 sorrow1 pain and death will be banished from it4 ,the righteous in their glorified1 resurrected state will dwell upon it in everlasting peace and joy4 ,after it has been purified with fire and made a new earth1 righteousness will dwell in it4 ,the thorn and the brier having departed1 the fig tree and the myrtle tree will bloom and bear fruit in the place thereof4 ,the enmity between man and brute will be no more4 ,there will be nothing to hurt or destroy4 ,the flowers of ,eden will blossom1 the tree of life will bear its glorious fruits1 the river of life will flow forth from the throne of ,god2 the globe itself will be as a sea of glass mingled with fire4 ,christ will dwell upon it as ,king2 the ,father will visit it and grace it with ,his presence4 ,everything that is upon it1 above it1 around it and beneath it will be sanctified1 beautiful and glorified1 and praise to ,god and the ,lamb will ascend from every part and from every creature1 ,satan and his hosts will be vanquished1 and ,adam and his posterity will be redeemed from the curse and everything that hath breath will glorify the great ,creator2 every knee will bow and every tongue confess that ,jesus is the ,lord1 to the glory of ,god the ,father1 and ,he will be all in all4 #abb ,,two ,,letters ,,to ,a ,,baptist ,,minister4 ,rev4 ,j4 ,whitcomb ,brougher1 pastor ,first ,baptist ,church1 ,chattanooga1 ,tenn41 delivered two sermons from his pulpit upon ,mormonism4 ,they were tirades of falsehoods and misrepresentations from beginning to end2 they were filled with much bitterness and hatred1 and during one of his sermons he came as near advocating mob violence as he dared4 ,these wholesale attacks called out the following open letters to the minister1 which appeared in the ,chattanooga ,news4 7,there have been many calls for copies of these letters1 and to meet these demands they are now published in pamphlet form47 ,chattanooga1 ,tenn41 ,dec4 #be1 #ahii4 ,rev4 ,j4 ,whitcomb ,brougher1 ,chattanooga1 ,tenn4 ,my ,dear ,sir3--,upon my return from ,chicago ,friday evening my attention was called to an article in the ,chattanooga ,news of ,dec4 #ah1 #ahii1 purporting to be a partial report of a sermon delivered by you1 in your church1 the ,first ,baptist1 on the the subject of ,mormonism and ,polygamy4 ,i take it from what parties who were present have told me that the report is substantially correct4 ,i am an ,elder in the ,church of ,jesus ,christ of ,latter-day ,saints1 in charge of the ,mormon ,missionary work in the south1 headquarters in this city1 and as a representative of the people whom you have without foundation so unjustly charged with being all that is unholy1 ,i feel it a duty1 so far as possible in a short letter1 to disprove your unwarranted attack4 ,with a desire to be fair ,i hope1 as a matter of justice1 that you will deign to read and consider what follows as a reply to the very unkind things you have said about an honest1 ,god-fearing people4 ,there are two sides to every question1 and the good book1 which you claim to take for your rule of faith and practice1 says he that judgeth a matter before he heareth it is not wise4 ,it is apparent1 from the newspaper report1 that you are either woefully ignorant of what the world is pleased to nickname ,mormonism1 or else you are filled with prejudice and #abc prompted by sinister motives4 ,certainly no intelligent1 fair-minded person would make the statements attributed to you on that ,sunday evening1 in this enlightened age1 if only a casual investigation of the subject in hand had been made4 ,we admit that1 like the ,saints #ahjj years ago1 we are everywhere spoken evil against1 and your sermon has the appearance of being conceived in the gall of bitterness1 and contains all the earmarks of certain tracts that have been written and widely distributed by our enemies4 ,the ,news stated you handled the subject without gloves1 and ,i trust that if occasionally1 in the course of this letter1 ,i exhibit the bare knuckles1 you will not be offended4 ,i assure you that my only desire in writing this is to set you right1 if you are after truth1 on the question of salvation2 and to correct the general impression can any good come out of ,nazareth created against my people by the many falsehoods circulated about them4 ,your first misstatement is that ,mormonism is based on a tissue of lies4 ,did you have the ,bible in view when you said this1 or where did you obtain the information8 ,had you1 before delivering your sermon1 ever conversed with a ,mormon8 ,have you ever read any of our works1 treating on the founding and the fundamental principles of the religion you are seeking to belittle and trample in the mire8 ,you failed to quote any authority for this extraordinary assertion1 and surely you would not go to the writings of a ,methodist minister1 or the writing of some enemy of ,mormonism1 as authority on our belief4 ,if you wished to learn of the ,catholic faith would it be fair to obtain your information from a ,presbyterian clergyman8 ,in all fairness should not the rule you apply to others apply to us8 ,you have simply quoted from our enemies4 ,by using that rule of reasoning we can even do away with the resurrection of the ,master1 for did not the ,roman soldiers say that ,christ was not resurrected1 but that while they slept the friends of the ,redeemer came and stole the body away8 ,only the friends of ,christ said ,he was risen1 and you build your faith on what our ,savior and ,his friends said4 ,in handling this question why did you not take the ,bible1 the rule of your faith and practice1 and expose ,mormonism principle by principle8 ,perhaps you have profited by the experience of others before you and are too wise to undertake such a large contract8 ,our faith would be popular today if it had only a form of godliness1 and we defy you or any other man to prove from the ,bible1 or the great book of reason1 that ,mormonism is based on a tissue of lies4 ,you say that ,joseph ,smith was an idle1 vicious disreputable #abd young man1 etc4 ,again1 we ask from what source did you receive your information8 ,again the answer comes back1 from our enemies4 ,joseph ,smith was an honest1 sober1 industrious young man1 and we furnish just as many reputable witnesses to this effect as you can furnish that he was the embodiment of all that was bad4 ,why1 the enemies of our ,savior said ,he was a winebibber1 a blasphemer1 etc4 ,did that prove ,him such8 ,in the case of ,christ you would answer no1 but in the case of ,joseph ,smith we presume you would say yes4 ,according to a brass tablet1 found in the year #abhj among a quantity of records of the ,kingdom of ,naples1 in the city of ,aquilla1 ,pontius ,pilate sentenced ,jesus to be nailed to the cross for six reasons1 as follows3 #a4 ,jesus is a disturber of the peace4 #b4 ,jesus has taught the people sedition4 #c4 ,jesus is an enemy of the laws4 #d4 ,jesus calls ,himself the ,son of ,god4 #e4 ,jesus calls ,himself the ,king of ,israel4 #f4 ,jesus disturbed the worship of the temple by leading a mob of people with palms in their hands4 ,this sounds very much like the usual charges made against ,joseph ,smith and the ,mormon ,elders1 at the present time1 does it not8 ,joseph ,smith sealed his testimony with his blood4 ,he was dragged before the courts of the land1 by his enemies1 some forty-eight times1 and the courts always pronounced him not guilty4 ,go to the court records and see4 ,his enemies admitted they could not reach him through the law1 and declared that powder and ball should4 ,evidently you have heard of the ,book of ,mormon1 for you mention it4 ,get one and read it1 and then you will be better able to tell what the ,latter-day ,saints claim for that sacred book4 ,you claim the ,book of ,mormon found its origin in the old ,solomon ,spaulding ,,mss4 ,your reference to this long since exploded theory as accounting for this book gives one who is the least bit informed a key to the ancientness of the falsehoods from which you preached your sermon4 ,after you have read the ,book of ,mormon go to ,oberlin college1 ,oberlin1 ,o41 and there examine the old ,spaulding ,,mss41 and compare the two2 then1 if you are wise1 you will never rehash that old dried up argument again4 ,the ,book of ,mormon does not conflict in points of doctrine with the ,bible1 and it gives a history of the people who once inhabited this continent1 accounting for the origin of the ,american ,indians4 #abe ,you again display your ignorance of the subject in hand when you say that we place ,joseph ,smith above ,jesus ,christ4 ,a greater falsehood never was told1 but we are pleased to inform you that we believe ,joseph ,smith to be a ,prophet of ,god1 and that he was the instrument in the hand of ,god in restoring again the ,gospel to earth4 ,is this a crime8 ,if we believed more in ,joseph ,smith than in ,jesus1 would we not have named the church after him1 as some of our enemies have named theirs after their founders1 instead of calling it the ,church of ,jesus ,christ of ,latter-day ,saints8 ,you know on one occasion the ,saints were asking ,paul about the second coming of our ,savior1 and ,paul1 in second ,thes4 #b3 #c-d1 said that ,he 7,jesus7 was not to come until or except there should be a falling away first1 showing that there was to be an apostasy from the ,gospel4 ,space will not permit me to quote the many other passages in the ,bible proving that there was to be an apostasy1 and that in the latter days a restoration was to take place1 as per the dream of ,nebuchadnezzar1 interpreted by ,daniel1 and according to ,revelations1 #adth chapter1 #fth verse1 the restoration was to be made by an angel4 ,now1 if that restoration has not been made1 it is yet to be made1 and believers in the ,bible at least should be looking for that angel which was to fly through the midst of heaven4 ,no doubt you believe that we are living in the latter days1 and we ask1 is there anything unreasonable1 especially if we consider ,holy ,writ1 in our claiming that the angel seen by ,john has flown1 appeared to ,joseph ,smith1 and thus fulfilled the prophecy that the ,gospel was to be restored8 ,we can give you an abundance of ,scripture to prove our point1 and if you would read our literature you would have a much more intelligent conception of ,mormonism and ,polygamy4 ,to truth seekers1 those who are willing to lay aside hatred1 prejudice1 and investigate1 we say we are prepared to give reason and ,scripture to prove every doctrine we advocate4 ,robert ,ingersoll says1 in his ,best ,argument ,against ,christianity1 that there is more proof for the miracles of ,joseph ,smith than there is for those performed by ,christ4 ,another proposition laid down by you is ,its doctrines are likewise ,,pernicious ,,and ,,blasphemous4 ,then you quote from the ,journal of ,discourses and dilate upon our belief in the materiality of ,god1 etc4 ,we are very sorry to know that you deny the existence of a ,god that is to some extent comprehensible1 and you again make yourself ridiculous in the eyes of those who know something of both #abf sides of the question4 ,you put it down as blasphemy to believe it possible that we1 the children 7remember children7 of ,god1 can become like unto our ,father4 ,did you ever analyze ,our ,father which art in heaven8 ,your rule of faith and practice says man was created in the image of ,god4 ,it further says that ,jesus1 our elder brother1 was in the image of ,god1 so much so that ,he said he that hath seen me hath seen the ,father4 ,why did ,he say this8 ,because ,jesus was in the express image of the ,father1 and in seeing one1 we would virtually see the other4 ,jesus had flesh and bones1 a body like ours1 and the ,bible informs us that ,he ascended into heaven after ,his resurrection1 having the same body that ,he had at the time of ,his crucifixion4 ,jesus was so much like other men that ,he was called the carpenter's son1 and for daring to say ,he was the ,son of ,god ,his enemies hanged ,him on the cross4 ,now1 as ,jesus was like we are1 and is like we are1 having a body of flesh and bones1 and is in the express image of the ,father1 must not ,god have a body of flesh and bones8 ,how will you twist the ,scripture to make ,him out otherwise8 ,what do you think of ,jesus becoming so corrupt as to eat fish after ,his resurrection8 ,are you prepared to say ,he did not8 ,do you remember that the angel said 7,acts #a3 #aa71 ,ye men of ,galilee1 why stand ye gazing up into heaven8 this same ,jesus1 which is taken up from you into heaven1 shall so come in like manner as ye have seen ,him go into heaven8 ,jesus went away into heaven with a body of flesh and bones4 ,do you think ,he will return1 as promised1 with a body of flesh and bones1 or do you think ,he will be just a shadow8 ,now1 is it blasphemy1 according to ,scripture1 to believe ,god to be a tangible being1 with body1 parts and passions8 ,are we criminals1 and to be ostracized from society1 for believing in the ,bible8 ,we refer to a living1 practical belief4 ,in your researches of the ,bible perhaps you have relied too much on ,commentaries 7private interpretations of the ,scripture71 and if you will call at our office we will be pleased to point out to you many essential truths which apparently have escaped your notice1 and which space will not permit giving in this short communication4 ,you will remember that the wise men took issue with ,jesus1 and that ,he chose the illiterate fisherman to be ,his chief ,apostle4 ,is it not possible that the wise men of today might learn wisdom pertaining to salvation from the humble ,mormon ,elder8 ,pardon the digression4 ,i said that you denied #abg ,,the ,,existence ,,of ,a ,,god1 and if the above is not sufficient ,i will now prove it to you4 ,you are in a worse condition than the infidel1 because the infidel says ,i don't know1 while a definition of your ,god implies a pure and simple nothing1 an immaterial being4 ,you charge us with believing in a material ,god--gross materiality you call it1 a ,god with body parts and passions1 etc41 which from what you have read above1 you will see we are pleased to acknowledge4 ,from your charge we can take it in no other way1 and arrive at no other conclusion than that you believe in a ,god without body1 parts and passions1 and as the definition goes1 nowhere present yet everywhere present1 etc4 ,the definition of your ,god ,,reminds ,,me ,,of ,a ,,story4 ,at a circus one clown asked a brother clown if he had ever seen nothing4 ,the answer was in the negative4 ,well1 says the first1 ,i will show it to you2 shut your eyes4 ,the second shut his eyes and the first said3 ,what do you see8 ,the answer came nothing4 ,just as ,i expected1 said the first2 you have seen it1 open your eyes4 ,now1 ,brother ,brougher1 shut your eyes and what do you see8 ,nothing1 of course2 well1 that's him4 ,the mysterious ,santa ,claus is not in it with such a being4 ,let me ask now seriously1 can you conceive of anything immaterial8 ,pray how are we to know a being without a body1 parts or passions8 ,john says it is life eternal to know ,god1 but it is a puzzler to figure out how we can know a being that is everywhere present and yet nowhere present4 ,are you not mistaken8 ,of course the things of ,god are understood by the ,spirit of ,god1 but it surely would take a very strong pair of spiritual spectacles to see a being that is nowhere present1 without parts or body to see4 ,perhaps you will turn away from this in disgust1 and impatiently say that ,i don't understand the beauty of your ,god1 but how can ,i understand the beauty if it has none8 ,can you figure anything but zero out of it8 ,come1 be honest 7if you can't be decent71 and forsake your idol4 ,there are many passages in the ,bible to prove that ,,god ,,has ,a ,,body1 ,,parts ,,and ,,passions1 flesh and bones1 just as have ,his children4 ,for instance1 ,adam heard the voice of the ,lord1 ,gen4 #c3 #i-aj4 ,he must have a voice4 ,god talked with ,noah1 ,gen4 #h3 #ac-ba1 and remembered1 ,noah1 #h-a4 ,so ,he must have a mouth1 tongue and a memory4 #abh ,abraham ate and talked with the ,lord1 ,gen4 #ah4 ,jacob saw ,god face to face4 ,moses talked to ,him as one speaks with a friend1 ,ex4 #cc-aa4 ,moses saw ,his back parts1 ,ex4 #bc2 the heavens are the works of ,thine hands1 ,heb4 #a3 #aj2 and ,john says in ,revelation1 first chapter1 that ,god has a head1 and that ,he has hair like wool4 ,from these passages we learn that ,god has a face1 back parts1 head1 hair1 hands1 etc41 and it ought to be conclusive evidence of ,god being a reasonable being4 ,then the ,bible is full of passages telling us of the love1 mercy1 hatred1 etc41 of our ,father in heaven1 which are all passions1 are they not8 ,we have only referred to a few quotations on this point1 but before closing the subject ,i cannot refrain from quoting ,deut4 #d3 #bh1 which says that the time should come when the children of ,israel should so far degrade themselves as to worship gods1 the work of men's hands1 wood and stone1 which neither see nor hear1 nor eat nor smell4 ,can you get any inference from this ,scripture other than that ,god is possessed of all these faculties8 ,are you certain you are not an ,israelite1 come to fulfill the above prophecy8 ,can you show one passage of ,scripture to prove that ,god has neither body1 parts1 nor passions8 ,no1 you cannot4 ,you make the terrible charge that ,,we ,,believe ,,in ,,many ,,gods4 ,we solemnly plead guilty to believing in many ,gods4 ,if this is a crime it is time for a new translation of the ,holy ,scriptures4 ,does not the good book say and ,god said1 let us make man in our own image8 ,what are you going to do with the words us and our in this ,scripture8 ,does this not prove a plurality of ,gods8 ,ex4 #ae-aa says who is like unto ,thee1 ,o ,lord1 among the gods8 ,deut4 #aj-ag3 ,lord1 your ,god is ,god of gods and ,lord of lords4 ,paul also refers to the ,king of ,kings and the ,lord of ,lords1 #a ,tim4 #f-ae1 also see #b ,chron4 #b-e1 ,psalms #hf-h1 ,dan4 #b-dg1 ,dan4 #d-h1 ,dan4 #aa-cf4 ,if you desire any more ,scripture on this subject we will be pleased to give you chapter and verse4 ,notwithstanding we believe that there are many ,gods1 we worship only one ,god1 the ,father of ,jesus ,christ4 ,our enemies do not put it in this light1 do they8 ,the ,devil is anxious to have you believe a lie and be damned4 ,you next prate about ,mormonism being ,a ,,system ,,of ,,lust and that social purity is almost an unknown quantity in #abi ,utah1 and sing the old familiar song about polygamy4 ,don't you think you could do better by looking closer to home8 ,if the truth were known you would probably find more polygamy 7on the ,european plan7 than ever was known among the ,mormons 7on the ,patriarchal plan74 ,in fact1 you say adultery and fornication are destroying the nation4 ,we agree with you that these evils exist to an alarming extent1 but most emphatically deny that there is any more cause1 at least1 to make the ,mormons a special object of purity work than there is to purify other communities4 ,if ,mormonism is indeed a monster1 as you claim1 and if social purity1 as you assert1 is almost unknown among us1 then what a horrible condition the ,mormon people must be in4 ,but stay2 the ,master says ,by their fruits ye shall know them4 ,mormonism goes into the entire civilized world1 and in this age1 as in the days of ,christ1 it is the poor1 and you will claim the ignorant1 who embrace it4 ,very well1 ,mormonism takes them to a place where you claim social purity is almost unknown2 what a horrible condition these poor1 ignorant1 deluded creatures must be in in a few years4 ,now1 listen1 ,brother ,brougher3 #ij per cent1 of the ,mormon people ,,live ,,in ,,their ,,own ,,homes and upon their own farms4 ,utah stands equal to ,massachusetts in education--the rate of illiteracy is about #c per cent4 ,she stands head and shoulders above #ij per cent1 of the states in the union when it comes to educational facilities1 and until the advent of what you call civilization came to ,christianize us poor heathens1 there were no brothels or saloons in ,utah4 ,and yet1 social purity1 you say1 is almost unknown among us4 ,i leave the public to judge the tree by its fruits1 and in passing your wholesale libel upon men1 women and children1 will drop you by saying from the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh4 ,to your heart let me say thou shalt not lie1 and thou shalt not bear false witness1 while to your mouth let me prescribe soap and water4 ,i do not care to ,,discuss ,,polygamy with you1 because there is a law in ,tennessee against teaching it1 and punishing those who do teach it2 we should obey the law1 and right here let me inform you that the twelfth article of our faith reads3 ,we believe in being subject to kings1 presidents1 rulers1 and magistrates1 in obeying1 honoring and sustaining the law4 ,this part of our religion is taught and as carefully kept as any other part of our religion4 ,however1 #acj ,roberts will be cast out of the ,house of ,representatives1 and you ministers who are to receive congratulations for accomplishing this mighty victory over ,b4 ,h4 ,roberts should keep your sleeves rolled up until you succeed in also banishing the polygamous ,bible from the national headquarters4 ,the ,bible teaches polygamy1 and1 looking through your eyeglasses1 is therefore antagonistic to the purity of the ,american home1 and a law breaker1 in the state of ,tennessee4 ,i enter this complaint against the ,divine record1 and will now proceed to convict the prisoner at the bar4 ,in accusing the ,bible of being antagonistic to purity in the ,american home1 by charging that it teaches polygamy1 ,i ask that1 in addition to the evidence which ,i shall produce1 all the evidence introduced against ,roberts be accepted and made a part of the case4 ,now1 if ,i can establish that the ,bible is a teacher of polygamy1 ,i contend ,i have made my case1 and ask that the law be enforced and the offending parts of the ,bible cast out4 ,abraham was a polygamist and the friend of ,god4 ,god knew he was a polygamist when ,he made him ,his friend4 ,jacob had four wives1 and their polygamous sons1 we are informed1 are to be honored by having their names inscribed over the pearly gates of the beautiful city4 ,suppose you were to fool ,saint ,peter and get into heaven1 how would you feel clasped to the bosom of the polygamous ,abraham8 ,do you suppose that you can sufficiently humble yourself to go in at one of those polygamous gates and mingle with the polygamous sons of ,jacob8 ,moses had more than one wife1 and yet he was a ,prophet of ,god4 ,just think of a polygamist leading the chosen people of the ,lord4 ,all the ,judges of ,israel and all her chosen kings which were appointed by ,god1 including ,saul1 ,david and ,solomon1 were polygamists1 and the descendants of these polygamists were highly honored of the ,lord4 ,the ,prophet ,samuel1 and even ,jesus1 our ,saviour1 came through polygamous lineage4 ,the ,bible also says that polygamous relations shall exist in the last days when men would become decimated1 that their scarcity would cause seven women to take hold of one man and desire to be called by his name to take away their reproach1 ,isa4 #d-a4 ,are we not informed that ,david did not sin except in the case of ,uriah1 the ,hittite8 ,did not the ,lord say through ,nathan the prophet that ,he1 the ,lord1 had given ,david ,saul's wives8 ,if all these parties could find favor with ,god1 although they were polygamists and ,god knew it1 would it be unscriptural to believe that polygamists might find favor with our ,heavenly ,father in these days8 ,the ,bible does not say that we shall have no more than one wife1 #aca and can we get anything else out of these instances than that the ,bible sanctions polygamy8 ,of course you will say that ,paul says a ,bishop is to be the husband of one wife1 but we ask does he say a ,bishop cannot have more than one wife8 ,now1 from these passages of ,scripture1 ,i ask that the prisoner1 the ,bible1 be convicted and be punished under the laws of ,tennessee4 ,we are charged with being ,,disloyal ,,and ,,un-,,american4 ,to substantiate this statement would you bring forth the record of the famous ,utah batteries in the ,philippines8 ,or would you point to the ,mormon battalion in the war with ,mexico1 or to the raising of the ,stars and ,stripes on ,ensign ,peak1 when the ,mormon ,pioneers entered ,salt ,lake valley8 ,kindly furnish proof4 ,your rule of faith and practice says by their fruits ye shall know them1 and we are perfectly willing to be judged by that rule1 in loyalty as in all other things4 ,to create a greater impression upon your hearers1 ,i am also informed that you said we would be willing to pay the railroad fare of any of the fair mothers and daughters of this land to ,utah1 if they could but be induced to identify themselves with the monstrous and destroying system4 ,did you believe that when you said it8 ,we again ask for proof4 ,remember that the burden of proof falls on the accuser4 ,this is only another of the falsehoods circulated about the ,latter-day ,saints1 and you cannot point to a single instance4 ,we do not coax1 or persuade1 or inveigle people into our church4 ,we lay before them the principles of the ,gospel1 and if they want to accept them1 all well and good1 we rejoice over it2 but if they do not choose to accept it1 we do not send them to the bottom of a bottomless pit1 there to fall into a lake of fire and brimstone and burn1 and sizzle and fry forever and forever4 ,your hell is as big a monstrosity as your ,god4 ,incomprehensible1 unfathomable1 beyond the bounds of time and space1 reason and everything else4 ,i must not forget the preface of your remarks to the effect that there were some things about the ,mormon church that ,,must ,,be ,,given ,,up before it could be looked upon as a ,christian church4 ,what constitutes a ,christian8 ,is it not one who lives up to the ,gospel of ,christ8 ,we are very anxious to be set right2 if we are wrong1 we would like you to take your rule of faith and #acb practice and point out to us wherein we differ with the ,bible4 ,i have made somewhat of a study of the teachings of our ,savior and would be pleased to have you answer the following questions1 keeping in view the injunction of ,isaiah1 to the law and to the testimony1 and if they speak not according to these words it is because there is no light in them2 also the word of ,paul to the ,galatian ,saints to the effect that if any man preach any other ,gospel than that which he preached1 let him be accursed4 ,first1 where does the ,bible give you authority to call your church ,the ,first ,baptist8 ,in ,ephesians #e3 #bc-bd it is recorded as wives take husbands' names1 so the church takes the ,savior's name 7,jesus ,christ72 how do you harmonize that passage with the name of your church8 ,can you find any other name given ,god's people than ,saints of the ,most ,high8 ,,who ,,called ,,you ,,to ,,preach8 ,paul says1 ,heb4 #e-d1 and no man taketh this honor unto himself but he that is called of ,god as was ,aaron4 ,remember ,paul says no man1 and you know ,aaron was called by revelation through a ,prophet of ,god4 ,were you called by a ,prophet of ,god8 ,if you say the ,bible gives you authority to preach1 then any man can get a ,bible and thereby have authority to preach1 baptize and minister in the ordinances of the ,gospel4 ,on the same principle1 and with as much propriety1 ,i could purchase a law book and set myself up to be a justice of the peace1 or ,governor of ,tennessee4 ,is this not so8 ,now1 therefore1 ye are no more strangers and foreigners1 but fellow-citizens with the ,saints1 and of the household of ,god2 and are built upon the foundation of the ,apostles and ,prophets1 ,jesus ,christ ,himself being the chief corner-stone in whom all the building fitly framed together groweth into an holy temple in the ,lord4 7,eph4 #b3 #a4h-ba47 ,no one will dispute that the foundation of ,apostles and ,prophets is revelation4 ,christ said to ,peter3 ,upon this rock ,i will build my church1 and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it4 ,is your church founded on revelation--living1 modern1 and not dead8 ,and ,he gave some1 ,apostles2 and some1 ,prophets2 and some1 evangelists2 and some1 pastors and teachers2 for the perfecting of the ,saints1 for the work of the ministry1 for the edifying of the body of ,christ2 till we all come in the unity of the faith1 and of the knowledge of the ,son of ,god1 etc4 7,eph4 #d47 ,have you ,prophets and ,apostles in your church8 ,these officers were #acc to remain in the church until we all come into a unity of the faith4 ,,are ,,we ,,to ,a ,,unity8 ,surely you and ,i are not in a unity of the faith1 and what about the hundreds of other denominations claiming to be the true followers of ,christ8 ,do we need perfecting and edifying8 ,if so1 we must need ,prophets1 and ,apostles1 and all the other officers mentioned by ,paul1 to perfect us1 and to keep us from being driven and tossed to and fro by every wind of doctrine4 ,can you find any ,scripture changing this order of things8 ,you cannot4 ,do you believe that signs shall follow the believers1 as recorded in ,mark1 #afth chapter8 ,we have no record of this promise to the believers being repealed1 and ,paul says 7,i ,cor41 #acth chapter71 that spiritual gifts were to remain in the church until that which is perfect is come4 ,has perfection come8 ,peter says 7,acts #b3 #ch7 that baptism is for the remission of sins4 ,do you believe it8 ,you teach that ,,baptism ,,is ,,not ,,essential to salvation1 and that it is only an outward sign of an inward grace4 ,jesus says1 ,mark #af3 #af3 ,he that believeth and is baptized shall be saved3 but he that believeth not 7and consequently is not baptized7 shall be damned4 ,peter commanded the people on the day of ,pentecost to be baptized4 ,peter was the chief ,apostle and had the power to bind on earth and it should be bound in heaven4 ,does this not make baptism a command of ,god8 ,if it is a command of ,god is it not essential to salvation8 ,if this is not essential1 why not do away with that part of the commission which commands ,his disciples to go and preach8 ,are you sure the teachings of your church are in strict accord with the ,divine record8 ,james says1 #e3 #ad-af3 ,is any sick among you1 let him call for the ,elders of the church2 and let them pray over him1 anoint him with oil in the name of the ,lord2 and the prayer of faith shall save the sick1 and the ,lord shall raise him up2 and if he have committed sins1 they shall be forgiven him4 ,do you call for the ,elders8 ,you took for ,,your ,,subject ,,last ,,night ,if ,christ should come to ,chattanooga1 where would ,he go8 ,now1 ,brother ,brougher1 stand up4 ,if ,he should come1 where would ,he go8 ,he commanded that ,his ,gospel should be #acd made free and ,his ministers should travel without purse or scrip4 ,if ,he were hunting for ,his friends1 would ,he call upon those who declare that ,his promises have fallen to the ground unfulfilled1 and that the blessings do not follow the believers8 ,he has placed ,apostles and ,prophets in the church1 with a decree that they should remain until we all come to a unity of the faith4 ,would ,he call those ,his friends who declare they are no longer needed and are not to remain until we all come to a unity of the faith8 ,he told the generation to whom ,he came 7#ahjj years ago7 that their great sin consisted in worshiping dead ,prophets1 while they persecuted those who believed in living oracles4 ,would ,he call on those who engage in the same business today8 ,he never resorted to abuse for an argument4 ,if ,he came would ,he love those who do8 ,he was not a character assassin4 ,would ,he love those who are8 ,but stay1 we do not know where ,he would go1 or whom ,he would call upon1 because when ,he was here before1 ,he said3 ,i came not to call the righteous1 but sinners1 to repentance1 and ,he might say that ,his mission was not entirely finished1 and we cannot tell where ,he would go1 but you might possibly see him4 ,now1 ,brother ,brougher1 just a word4 ,did you ever listen to an argument against ,mormons from the standpoint of ,scripture and reason8 ,no1 you never have and you never will4 ,did it ever occur to you that it was a most cowardly ambition which induces you to attack a party in a place and at a time when retaliation would have been anything but decent8 ,if so1 will you grant us the privilege of defending ourselves from the pulpit and before that congregation which were so disgraced by your tirade on ,sunday evening8 ,now1 in conclusion1 let me say that we are not here to stir up strife1 but we propose to defend ourselves whenever attacked2 so ,i close1 wishing you a merry ,christmas and a happy ,new ,year4 ,,ben4 ,e4 ,,rich4 ,chattanooga1 ,tenn41 ,dec4 #be1 #ahii4 ,rev4 787 ,j4 ,whitcomb ,brougher1 ,chattanooga1 ,tenn4 ,my ,dear ,sir3--,your second installment of abuse1 falsehood and misrepresentation1 called ,is ,mormonism ,anti-,christian1 ,i see1 by the ,news of ,jan4 #a1 was duly delivered1 as per previous announcement4 ,as some well-meaning people might take your performance in earnest1 ,i hope you will take it in #ace good part if ,i make a brief reply before the incident is closed4 ,i am glad that this is a country of free speech1 free thought1 and religious liberty1 even though narrow-minded religious bigots cannot comprehend this basic principle of our heaven-born government1 and sometimes abuse it4 ,american history tells us that during the revolutionary days of ,america's struggle for independence the ,british once had ,gen4 ,marion and his little band of struggling patriots surrounded2 that the ,british1 in order to tantalize the starving patriots1 fired wheat from their cannon into the ,american camp1 and as ,i have authentic evidence of having descended from one of those hungry defenders of the flag1 and also that ,i have proof1 beyond truthful contradiction1 that my progenitor was once a member of ,george ,washington's body guard1 ,i trust you will have no serious objections to my calling myself an ,american by birth1 and entitled to a small portion of the freedom of speech and thought guaranteed to ,americans by our constitution4 ,should there be any objections upon the possible ground that your progenitors possibly have been on the other side of that fight1 ,i pray you to let family feuds1 for this occasion at least1 be buried4 ,no people on earth love liberty and true ,americanism more than my people1 and no people realize to a greater extent that the favorite weapons brought against truth are1 generally1 ridicule and billingsgate2 and in a vain attempt to successfully answer my former letter you liberally employed this unsavory method with the hope of laughing the case out of court4 ,we have not been accustomed to throwing mud in order to bolster up our cause1 but in this case1 if ,i should stoop to a little ridicule1 avoiding slush1 ,i hope you and the public will pardon me4 ,i understand from parties who witnessed your performance last ,sunday night1 that the recital of your little piece would have done much credit to a ,punch and ,judy show2 but1 shorn of its stagey effects and set in cold type1 without even a moving picture accompaniment1 ,i hope that ,i may be forgiven if ,i do not fully appreciate the force of your masterful 787 logic4 ,i have no doubt that the thinking people of this city can1 without any assistance1 distinguish between inflated sophistic bombast1 and logic2 but a little airing and brushing always takes away the mold1 removes the rubbish and gives things a more healthful appearance4 ,now1 as the physician said to his patient1 just hold still1 and ,i will not insert the knife deeper than is absolutely necessary4 ,you claim to be a true representative of the meek and lowly ,master1 who said ,he came not to call the righteous1 but sinners1 to repentance4 ,you are loud in condemning us as #acf sinners2 yet you said1 in your letter to the ,news1 announcing your attack upon me and my faith1 that you were not here to convert the ,latter-day ,saints1 that the work was not worth the candle4 ,how very ,christ-like6 ,what a humble follower of the ,lamb1 and how faithfully you endeavor to follow the example of the ,master1 who said there was more joy in heaven over one sinner who repenteth than over ninety and nine that needed no repentance2 but pardon me--,i had forgotten that we are now living in modern times1 and are told by such eminent divines as yourself that the ,bible does not mean what it says4 ,in the same letter1 mentioned above1 you also declare you are not here for the purpose of proselyting1 which means1 of course1 that you do not intend to waste your time by calling anyone to repentance4 ,in view of this1 may ,i ask1 is your mission here simply to love ,jesus for #a1hjj per year1 and not for a blessed cent less8 ,great man6 ,paul told ,timothy that the time would come when they would heap to themselves teachers1 having itching ears1 and ,i suppose it becomes necessary1 in order that these words might be fulfilled1 for some one to be engaged in tickling ears1 even though it becomes rather expensive4 ,of course ,i understand that the march of progression changes things1 and perhaps this doctrine of ,christ1 that the physician is not for the whole but for the sick1 has evolved as completely as the ,golden ,rule1 for we now have it1 at least to a very large extent1 ,do others or they will do you1 and do it first4 ,the theory is just the same as it used to be1 but it is only1 as you say1 symbolic or a figure of speech1 the practical part having been done away with--we have no need of thee4 ,through force of habit 7we presume71 in your brief note to the ,news you again charged us with creeping into houses and leading captive silly women1 laden with sins1 etc4 ,knowing it impossible to furnish proof1 you hide behind the miserable subterfuge that you have only time to sound the key of warning4 ,our challenge still holds good that you cannot point to a single instance4 ,you think it a shame and a disgrace that ,chattanooga is the headquarters for our missionary work in the south1 and no doubt if the solid element of this community1 as you assert1 thought likewise1 you would favor and advocate burning us at the stake4 ,however1 as you are a newcomer here1 ,i feel that you are excusable1 in a measure1 for this rash and un-,american statement4 ,we know1 as well as you1 like our ,master and the ,former ,day ,saints1 we are not popular1 and we can also take consolation that in the world's history #acg non-conformists to popular opinion have always been placed in the selfsame category4 ,for a good many years1 over twenty1 we have had our headquarters here1 and it is strange that1 before your advent1 the good people of this city did not discover that we were a disgrace and a detriment to this city4 ,during the time we have been located here we have been associated1 in a business way1 with not a few representative men of ,chattanooga1 and believe we enjoy their confidence as being honest1 paying our bills1 etc41 and have heard no complaints of any of them missing their wives or daughters1 or of any charge being lodged against any of our representatives of conduct unbecoming true ladies or gentlemen4 ,our expenditures in this city amount to something like #be1jjj per year1 and ,i may be excused for mentioning this item1 in that you mentioned money on ,sunday night in various ways4 ,i wish briefly to explain this1 knowing full well your ambition to misjudge and misrepresent us in this1 as in other matters4 ,we have laboring in this mission about #ejj ,elders1 sometimes more and sometimes a little less1 and in coming here they are called from the plow1 the smithy1 the work-bench1 the machine shop1 the counting room1 the mine1 and the various avocations of life4 ,some of them leave lucrative position1 worth to them1 in some instances1 one or two thousand dollars per year1 or more1 while others again are the sons of poor widows and men of humble circumstances financially1 but all willing to battle for the ,gospel4 ,now1 these men leave their homes1 all that is dear to a human1 and come among strangers1 unto them1 a strange land1 to preach an unpopular doctrine2 to be hated and despised1 sometimes brutally treated1 because of their convictions1 traveling without purse or scrip1 and depending upon ,god to raise up friends to give them a place to sleep and something to eat4 ,these men give their time to the church free of charge1 and pay their own expenses1 such as clothing1 railroad fare1 literature1 etc41 necessary to carry on their work4 ,when an ,elder arrives in this city he is assigned to his field of labor1 and remains in the field usually from two to three years2 when1 in the course of his labors1 it is necessary for him to have books1 tracts1 clothing1 and other supplies1 he sends here for us to send him these needed articles1 while the money to pay for the same1 if the ,elder is unable to bear the expense himself1 is forwarded here by relatives and friends1 or in some cases by brothers and sisters in the church at his home4 ,this explains how we dispose of money in this city4 ,some of our ,elders have been shot to death by mobs1 some #ach have been cruelly beaten1 while others have died in the harness of natural causes4 ,could you do as these men do for your religion8 ,could you stand to be held up to the derision of the world1 leave a comfortable home and work without a salary1 derided by such men as yourself1 and your mother charged with being worse than a harlot2 all for the love of the ,master's cause8 ,some of our ,elders now in the field were with the rough riders in the late war with ,spain1 others were with the ,utah batteries in the ,philippines1 and some of them returned home about the time the call to arms was sounded1 in just enough time to discard their ,prince ,albert coats and don the uniform of ,uncle ,sam4 ,is this disloyalty8 ,could you do as much for your religion and your country8 ,we try to mind our own business1 and if the good people of this city or any other place do not care to come out and hear me or any other ,mormon ,elder preach1 that is their business4 ,all ,i ask is fair play and nothing more4 ,giving the people an opportunity to hear the ,gospel is a large part of the mission of a servant of ,god1 and when it has been preached in all the world for a witness1 then shall the end come1 then will it be said1 as it was said once before by our ,master1 how oft would ,i have gathered you1 but ye would not4 ,i remember1 too1 that ,jesus said3 ,wide is the gate and broad is the way that leadeth to destruction1 and many there be that go in thereat2 while straight is the gate and narrow is the way which leadeth unto life1 and few there be that find it4 ,christ also said that people would kill ,his disciples and think they were doing ,god's service1 and that all who would follow ,him must needs suffer persecution4 ,are you persecuted8 ,is it right to look for the true ,church of ,christ in popularity8 ,when a church becomes popular and persecution ceases1 one of the promises of our ,savior ceases to be fulfilled1 for persecution is one of the marks by which we are to know the true church1 says the ,bible4 ,don't you think it is time to begin to look for the cause of the trouble8 ,what do you really sacrifice for the cause of the ,master8 ,you misunderstand me when you try to make believe that ,i claim my arguments are new4 ,they are old1 very old1 and are the same as those used by ,paul and ,peter4 ,i hope you will not misrepresent me on that point again4 ,they may not be ,christian1 in the accepted use of the term today1 but1 #aci according to ,scripture1 they were accepted as ,christian over #a1hjj years ago4 ,i did not think ,i hit so hard when ,i asked for a chance to give my side of the story before your congregation2 ,i have always been taught to hear both sides before passing judgment1 and perhaps it might not be amiss to say here that it is somewhat of a custom among my people to loan1 as you would put it1 preachers of other denominations their churches1 congregations1 and a choir to sing for them4 ,there would be no objection even to the ,rev4 ,dr4 ,talmage1 so lovingly quoted by you1 preaching in our great ,tabernacle at ,salt ,lake ,city1 if he desired to do so1 and be furnished with a congregation numbering thousands and a choir of #ejj voices to sing for him4 ,i thought your superior 787 ,christianity would make you as fair and generous as the despised ,mormons1 but ,i see ,i overestimated you4 ,our large ,tabernacle at ,salt ,lake ,city seats from ten to twelve thousand1 our organ is second largest in the world1 and our choir1 as ,i stated above1 consists of #ejj voices4 ,we think our singers are of the best1 as they were given the second prize at the world's fair 7the first prize being carried off by the famous ,welsh singers74 ,no minister of good character has ever been denied a hearing in that building1 and among the many who have occupied our famous pulpit ,i mention the following prominent churchmen1 representing various denominations3 ,bishop ,kingsley1 of ,ohio4 ,rev4 ,a4 ,n4 ,fisher1 of ,nevada4 ,dr4 ,tiffany1 of ,iowa4 ,dr4 ,allen1 of ,wyoming4 ,rev4 ,hiram ,mc,kee1 of ,missouri4 ,dr4 ,j4 ,h4 ,vincent1 of ,new ,york4 ,gen4 ,booth1 of the ,salvation ,army1 ,london4 ,mr4 ,d4 ,l4 ,moody4 ,dr4 ,reiner1 of ,new ,york4 ,perhaps these eminent divines would have been refused a hearing had the ,mormon people been as narrow and contracted as some of their enemies4 ,when you advise your congregation not to go to hear us1 is it not good proof that you are afraid to have your people find out the truth about us and learn the true nature of our faith8 ,as expected1 you made no effort to expose the principles we teach from reason and the ,scripture2 you claim it would take a lifetime to expose the errors of ,mormonism4 ,well1 #adj now1 ,brother1 don't you think you are a little bit inconsistent8 ,did you not speak before you thought8 ,just think what would be accomplished if you could only prove ,mormonism to be false4 ,we are informed by our enemies1 and they preach it to the people1 that the very existence of our government and free institutions is threatened by this ,mormon octopus1 and often has it been pointed out1 by preachers and politicians1 that we already control four or five states1 almost a sufficient number of senators to give us a balance of power in the ,united ,states senate4 ,then the ,rev4 ,t4 ,c4 ,iliff1 and other of our enemies1 who are proselyting in ,utah1 say if it were not for our leaders we would be good people2 and that it is our priestcraft that makes us bad2 fully admitting that they think we have a soul to save4 ,don't you think you could afford to try and call us to repentance8 ,is it not worth the candle8 ,inasmuch as ,dr4 ,iliff was in this city a few months back1 lecturing on ,mormonism1 soliciting donations1 is it not possible that some of ,chattanooga's good people gave of their means to be used in converting us heathens1 and no doubt we were considered worth the candle8 ,would it not be well worth a man's life to prove ,mormonism false1 if it would save the nation from going to pieces and be the means of saving some #cjj1jjj or #djj1jjj or more souls for ,jesus8 ,ministers all over the country are crying that thousands are being won over to the ,mormon faith every year1 and would it not be worth the candle to check this mighty stream of human souls1 which1 as you say1 are going to certain destruction8 ,as to ,joseph ,smith1 you rehashed the same old stuff1 which ,i have already answered1 but ,i should have thought you would have remembered to tell the people1 in your eagerness to be fair1 what such men as ,josiah ,quincy1 ,george ,bancroft1 the historian1 and other prominent and well known men say4 ,in another column we have taken pains to give a few sayings in our favor from men of undoubted veracity1 but as they are not clippings from your style of authors perhaps they will not suit you4 ,however1 they will go to show that there are two sides to this question1 as well as every other question4 ,on the ,book of ,mormon you manufacture another ,spaulding story with a hope of covering your defeat on this point1 but we want to say to you here that the manuscript of ,oberlin college is the very manuscript of which it was falsely said years ago furnished the inspiration for the ,book of ,mormon1 and as ,president ,fairchild said in his affidavit and account #ada of the manuscript published in the ,new ,york ,world1 the opponents of ,mormonism will have to look elsewhere for an explanation of the ,book of ,mormon4 ,you admitted to two of our young men who called on you a few days ago1 that you had never read anything about us except from our enemies4 ,solomon says he that judgeth a matter before he heareth it is not wise4 ,how ,solomon-like you are4 ,you felt very badly because ,i did not break the law1 so you could prosecute me for teaching polygamy1 didn't you8 ,you remind me of a booby1 who1 in playing with his big brother1 cried out1 ,ma1 he won't let me hit him4 ,solomon and ,david both sinned1 we admit1 but you took special pains not to tell the audience when they transgressed4 ,but then this was necessary in order to keep your clay brick logic from going to pieces4 ,does the fact that ,god has a body1 parts and passions1 debar ,him from being an intelligent being1 omnipresent1 etc48 ,the glory of ,god is intelligence1 and ,he1 being a real live ,god1 and not a nonentity1 would ,his materiality prohibit ,him from controlling the intelligences for the just governing of ,his children and the universe8 ,let us look at your syllogism4 ,a brick is made of clay1 a man is made of clay1 therefore a man is a brick4 ,now let us construct one from the ,bible1 taking care to have our premises correct4 ,all sons are in the image of their fathers1 ,jesus was a ,son1 therefore ,he was in the 'express' image of ,his ,father4 ,now1 ,brother ,brougher1 what was the image of ,his ,father8 ,jesus had a body of flesh and bones--can you explain or ridicule it away8 ,if the words ,god is a spirit mean that ,he has neither body1 parts or passions1 then are we to dispense with our body1 parts and passions in order to worship ,him in spirit and in truth8 ,when you find some quotation in the ,bible that suits your idea1 you seem to be willing to take the words literally4 ,if the symbolical or figurative parts of the ,bible are so plain1 why is there such a wide difference of opinion1 among the learned even1 as to its teachings8 ,i remember that ,peter declared that no prophecy of the ,scripture is of any private interpretation4 ,i do not mention this by way of belittling your great knowledge of interpretation and for calling me a fool for taking the book literally1 but speak of it that the public might know how ignorant and how very little ,peter really knew about how to read the ,bible4 ,you say ,mark #af3 #af is spurious1 to justify yourself in not believing baptism to be essential to salvation1 don't you8 #adb ,only believe and you shall be saved2 you may just as well say to the farmer1 only believe in planting and your crop will grow4 ,but let us see where your declaration that this part of the ,bible is spurious leads us4 ,there are other passages of ,scripture which say baptism is essential to salvation4 ,are they also spurious8 ,john #c3 #e reports ,jesus saying to ,nicodemus1 except a man be born of water and of the spirit1 he cannot enter the kingdom of ,god4 ,matthew says1 #c3 #ac-ae1 that it was necessary for our ,savior to be baptized in order to fulfill all righteousness4 ,jesus also says1 ,matt4 #bh1 in giving the ,apostles their commissions to go to teach all nations1 baptizing them that believe2 and ,paul also enumerates in ,heb4 #f that baptism is a doctrine of ,christ4 ,we are told that it was necessary for ,paul to be baptized1 likewise the jailor1 the people at ,ephesus1 the people at ,samaria1 the eunuch1 and even a man as just as was ,cornelius could not escape1 and according to ,st4 ,luke1 some rejected the counsel of ,god against themselves1 not being baptized4 ,according to the practice generally in vogue1 is it not about time for a revision of the ,bible1 that the offending parts may be cast out8 ,ought you not to use your potent influence to accomplish this end1 as ,i contended in my former letter8 ,you charge me falsely with misquoting ,mark #af3 #af1 because ,i placed within the quotation an interpolation in brackets1 and if this is misquoting ,i surely had no intention of doing so4 ,any school boy would have known that the words in brackets were mine4 ,you say the passage does not mean what my interpolation indicated1 but you failed to point out what it did mean4 ,look at it again1 even if it is spurious and of no consequence4 ,the words belief and baptism are placed on even terms by our ,savior1 and there is no other conclusion but that the believer must be baptized 7unless it is one of your figures of speech74 ,this being true1 the unbeliever very naturally would not be baptized and be damned1 as ,christ says1 in consequence of unbelief and nonconformity to this ordinance4 ,really1 brother1 over whose shop should the sign ,all kinds of turning and twisting done here be placed8 ,i am perfectly willing to leave that to an intelligent public4 ,you entertained your congregation last ,sunday evening by relating to them a pretty fable about a jackass1 who was in the woods braying4 ,it was nicely related and caused much laughter and mirth2 and no one could become offended by a jackass story2 therefore1 kindly allow me the same privilege1 ,brother ,brougher1 as ,i also have a jackass story4 ,once upon a time there was a jackass who imagined he #adc was preaching the same ,gospel that was taught many hundreds of years ago2 he stood before a large1 fashionable congregation of people and started to bray4 ,he opened his mouth and said3 ,oh1 money1 oh1 money1 thy praises ,i'll sing2 thou art my ,savior1 my ,god and my ,king2 'tis for thee that ,i preach1 'tis for thee that ,i pray1 and make a collection twice each ,sabbath day4 ,money's my creed1 and ,i won't pray without it1 the heavens are closed against those who doubt it ,this is the essence of popular religion1 come regular to church and be plucked like a pigeon4 ,i'll have carriages1 horses1 servants and all1 ,i'm not going to foot it like ,peter and ,paul2 neither1 like ,john1 feed on locusts and honey1 so out with your purse and down with your money4 ,i gather my knowledge from wisdom's great tree1 and the whole of my trinity is ,d4 ,d4 and ,c42 dimes1 dollars and cents are all that ,i crave1 from the first step on earth to the brink of the grave4 ,in the cold earth ,i may soon be laid low1 to sleep with the just1 that have gone long ago2 ,i shall slumber in peace till the great resurrection1 and be first on my legs to make a collection4 ,then he blessed the contribution boxes and the show closed4 ,now1 dear brother1 don't you think that my jackass story equals yours1 and contains a better moral8 ,i am sure it is just as funny2 so now we are even1 on jackass stories1 anyhow4 ,we see how careful the nations of the earth are in throwing their protecting arms around the principle of authority2 how careful they are that all representatives acknowledged by them are endowed with proper authority from their respective governments4 ,in this nation of ours no man has the right to initiate a foreigner into the government unless he be endowed with authority1 beyond the question of a doubt2 the government would undoubtedly punish any man who might read of a commission given to others1 and then take the authority unto himself to initiate foreigners into the government of the ,united ,states4 ,we see the same careful protection thrown around the principle of authority throughout the different states of the union2 throughout the different counties of the state1 and throughout all the different cities of the various counties4 ,all will admit that without this strict attention to authority1 there would be no law1 no order and no protection4 ,out of all known governments the great government of ,god1 according to our opinion1 is the only one that treats the principle of authority in a careless and reckless manner4 ,anciently a prophet of ,god1 through the principle of revelation1 called ,aaron to the ministry2 at a later period1 an ,apostle of ,jesus #add ,christ said that no man was to take this honor unto himself save he be called of ,god1 as was ,aaron4 ,yet men of our day will read where men were commissioned by ,jesus ,christ eighteen hundred years ago1 with authority to initiate foreigners into the great government of ,god1 and by virtue of that authority1 given to others1 they take the honor unto themselves2 while declaring that the great ,god has sealed up the system of revelation2 and through the heavens1 as you say1 being as brass above our heads1 no man can be called1 as was ,aaron4 ,in the face of all this1 any man purchasing a ,bible1 which contains that commission once given to others1 imagines he is called of ,god to preach the ,gospel2 and the result is we are living in a babel of confusion2 ,god says ,he is not the author of confusion4 ,of course ,i realize these words of mine will have no weight upon you1 but they may be read by some fair-minded1 thinking man1 who may stop1 ponder and investigate4 ,by innuendo you advocated mob violence in your sermon last ,sunday night4 ,do you think it was becoming to a man who professes to be a representative of the meek and lowly ,one whose mission was peace on earth and good will to man8 ,in carefully looking over the history of this ,mission for a number of years back and noting the number of mobbings to which our ,elders have been subjected1 and the number is not small1 we find by careful comparison that #ij per cent of the mobbings have been led in person or inspired by so-called ,christian ministers4 ,do you think you were serving ,god on the ,sabbath when you so nearly sanctioned brute force against a people who have never harmed you or any of the good people of ,chattanooga8 ,do you really believe that such a course will make you popular with the liberty-loving and law-abiding population of your new home8 ,think over the matter carefully and perhaps you will admit you over-reached yourself a little4 ,you took for your text1 ,answer a fool according to his folly4 ,in closing allow me to respectfully present you with the words of our ,master1 ,he who calleth his brother a fool is in danger of hell fire4 ,respectfully1 ,ben ,e4 ,rich4 #ade ,,mormons ,,and ,,mormonism4 ,the ,mormon ,people1 ,their ,industry1 ,education and ,morals--,what is ,thought of ,these ,people by a ,non-,mormon of ,many ,years' ,residence ,among ,them4 ,lecture by ,charles ,ellis1 a ,non-,mormon4 ,no cause has so often led to strife as bigotry of religious devotees4 ,in no name has hate so largely gathered harvest of death as in that of ,god4 ,no prophet ever proclaimed a new word of the ,infinite who was not met with abuse4 ,many of the noblest men who have stood ,god-tongued on earth have received not only vilification1 but martyrdom4 ,not one of them has escaped the cry of infidel1 atheist1 impostor4 ,even ,jesus was crucified as a malefactor4 ,his simple religion of love for ,god and to man was lost in a cobra-filled jungle of theology4 ,for more than #ahjj years ,christianity has not been the religion of ,christ4 ,the ,christianity that boasts of having civilized the world is a mass of dogmatic bran that makes poor bread of life--intellectually a bran-mash for hidebound bigots who send all but a predestined and foreordained baker's dozen to eternal torment because they will not take the medicine4 ,it has been itself partially civilized by the natural development of the human mind1 but is still much like that white sepulchre1 fair to see1 but full of lying dogmas1 hypocrisy and sham4 ,into this cloaca of pretence1 the ,mormons say ,god sent ,joseph ,smith to destroy its rot with the quicklime of a new revelation from heaven of priesthood1 prophecy and providence4 ,the ,lord ,god ,omnipotent1 so the story runs1 came to this youth and informed him that the ,gospel of ,jesus had been lost to the world through the wickedness of men2 that the religions of the present were a sham1 that the churches were all wrong1 and that the true ,gospel would be restored for the salvation of mankind through him4 ,it is not surprising that ,mormonism met with obloquy from its birth4 ,it would have been marvelous had not that obloquy become violence when the new dispensation showed a #adf degree of success that roused the fears of the evangelical churches1 out of which converts to the new sect were taken4 ,the ,mormon missionaries of those early years believed the fullness of time had come1 and that the ,lord was speedily to appear1 sweep false ,christianity from the earth and establish ,his own kingdom4 ,they believed it their duty to cry aloud1 to warn the nations4 ,the boldness of the proclamation that all churches were without recognition in the sight of ,god1 and the only true ,gospel was this new dispensation1 was enough to arouse an opposition that has never wholly ceased and is now raging more fiercely than ever4 ,the rapid growth of the new old faith embittered the sects and carried them to the shedding of innocent blood1 for many of the early ,mormons suffered martyrdom for their faith4 ,yet the blood of martyrs is still the seed of the church4 ,it is immaterial here whether ,mormonism was born of ,god or of man4 ,i am not discussing its origin4 ,no matter what its source1 it was sure to meet opposition4 ,had it come with such pomp that the world could have beheld angelic heralds1 it would have been denounced as vile4 ,it has been so with the founders of all religions4 ,the prophets are always stoned1 ,the ,buddha was accused of consorting with courtesans4 ,jesus' enemies said harlots were ,his chosen companions4 ,mahomet was the called slave of an ambitious mistress4 ,garrison and ,phillips were denounced as infidels and atheists4 ,joseph ,smith was branded a fraud and lecher4 ,but as time rolls away from the days when an agitator lived1 hatred of him is forgotten and he is remembered in the results of his agitation4 ,the ,buddha preceded ,jesus many centuries and has a following today of #djj1jjj1jjj4 ,jesus is buried beneath a mountain of dogma1 but #cjj1jjj1jjj are seeking eternal life in ,his name4 ,mahomet came #gjj years later and his people number #agj1jjj1jjj4 ,only sixty-nine years ago came ,joseph ,smith1 and his following is already half a million4 ,give ,mormonism #a1bjj years1 as ,mohammedanism has had1 or #a1ijj years1 as ,christianity has had1 and what was said of its founder will be forgotten1 but his following may then compare satisfactorily with what the older faiths accomplished4 ,had ,joseph ,smith never declared himself a polygamist he would have been killed4 ,the sects were too fanatical in the wild west to permit so active a rival to exist4 ,had the ,mormons remained east of the ,missouri1 ,brigham ,young would have been killed and the church would have been destroyed #adg by wholesale massacre4 ,it was only their isolation among the mountains that saved ,mormonism and the ,mormons from annihilation4 ,even that would not have saved them had they not increased so rapidly by conversions and immigration that before their enemies realized their growth they had become too strong to be removed4 ,they have survived the hate that carried off their leader at ,nauvoo4 ,they have proved themselves sublime stayers4 ,they have nobly earned the right to the home they have made in the great ,american desert1 and they are entitled to full liberty of conscience to practice their religion1 as well as to the same protection the nation gives to all other churches4 ,if people must follow some leader in the name of ,god it makes little difference what his name1 when or whence he came1 as far as the national government is concerned4 ,as long as his followers are honest1 industrious1 virtuous and progressive they will advance from existing to better conditions1 whether they follow ,moses1 ,jesus1 ,mahomet1 ,calvin or ,joseph1 and our government1 guaranteeing rights of conscience to all1 cannot dictate what their religion shall be4 ,no matter what ,joseph ,smith may have been1 the people of the ,united ,states should not allow themselves to be governed1 by what was said against him1 in their judgment of the ,mormon and ,mormonism1 as they are now4 ,by ,their ,fruits4 ,if history is reliable many of the popes were steeped in crime1 yet we do not condemn the ,catholic church of today by that history4 ,protestantism has done many cruel things in red-handed fanatical rage1 but we do not now hold it responsible for crimes of its past4 ,the daily press frequently tells of crimes committed by ministers of the ,gospel1 but we do not condemn the class for the misdeeds of some of its members4 ,neither should we condemn the ,mormons and ,mormonism of today for what their enemies said of them forty1 fifty or sixty years ago4 ,put ,joseph ,smith down1 then1 as one of the men who have started new systems of religion1 and judge him now by the results of his system1 as we judge all others4 ,many of the ,jews are grand people1 notwithstanding some of their leaders ages ago were bad4 ,there are many excellent men and women in the churches1 notwithstanding the fact that ,christianity has drenched the earth in blood4 ,mohammedanism has done a great work among its people1 #adh notwithstanding all ,christendom looks upon its founder as an impostor4 ,tried thus1 what can be said of the ,mormons and ,mormonism8 ,into the ,desert4 ,it would be manifestly unfair to judge either ,mormons or ,mormonism by that stormy career which preceded the hegira to ,utah4 ,mormonism had no opportunity to show its merits in a country where its enemies gave it little time to act save in self-defense4 ,it was aggressive in its denunciation of existing churches as ungodly frauds and they attacked it with violence1 kept it acting on the defensive1 forced it from place to place1 and finally drove it out of the ,united ,states4 ,having at last found a spot a thousand miles from a ,christian and subject only to the possible encroachments of ,indian tribes1 less barbarous than eastern ,christians had been towards them1 the ,mormons and ,mormonism were1 for the first time in their history1 in a condition to show what the people and their religion were4 ,when ,brigham ,young and his band of searchers for the new ,holy ,land entered the valley of the ,great ,salt ,lake there was no white man there to give them a welcome1 and therefore no alleged ,christian present to disturb their hope4 ,they had traveled far and fared hard4 ,as they emerged from a rugged canyon the magnificent valley before them was the most inviting spot they had seen1 and the leader chose it at once as their future home4 ,along the mountain streams1 that ran gurgling through the valley to lose themselves in the saltest sea upon the earth1 there was pasturage for the cattle1 but for the men1 exiles from so-called ,christian civilization1 there was nothing save an opportunity to gird their loins1 forget their hunger and compel the stubborn glebe to yield them food4 ,like the ,pilgrim ,fathers4 ,when the ,pilgrims landed in ,plymouth ,bay they met such a welcome of dreary desolation as the ,mormons received in the ,salt ,lake ,valley4 ,as the ,pilgrims crossed the ,atlantic to find a land where they could practice their religion1 so had the ,mormons crossed the plains of the continent4 ,but they must live4 ,in all this wide mountain land no furrow had been turned4 ,it was mid-summer and the wanderers had little to carry them through the approaching winter4 ,they must close with the opportunity and stake all on the hazard4 ,they put in crops and the seed baked in the hot earth or the frost #adi came before anything could mature4 ,they made huts to shelter themselves against the winter1 built a wall to guard against ,indian attacks 7or was it the ,christians they had fled from at ,nauvoo7 and pulled through until spring came1 and then they went out upon the foothills and dug the roots of the sago lily for food4 ,they planted and watered and saw their seed spring and saw crickets come down upon the green spots1 like ,missouri and ,illinois ,christians1 and devour their hope4 ,they fought crickets1 made irrigating ditches1 cleared off sage1 increased their fields1 smothered grasshoppers1 praised the ,lord and grew until1 in five years1 the valley had become a hive of busy human bees1 not a drone among them all1 and hundreds of baby bees crawling about the open doors of humble homes in which patient1 plodding1 hopeful1 prayerful women were the grandest heroes of all4 ,but the people crowded in so rapidly that for a dozen years or more all were harassed by hard want4 ,luxuries there were none4 ,it was one long1 ceaseless struggle to live4 ,women who came then as little girls have pictured to me the cheerless years of their young lives here when all were poor4 ,their ,staff and ,comforts4 ,what sustained those people in that long ordeal8 ,faith1 the strongest power in all the world4 ,their religion was an enthusiasm4 ,to them ,god was a living presence4 ,he had called them4 ,he had led them forth from persecution4 ,he would remain their friend and they must succeed4 ,without that faith they would never have come--having it they could not fail4 ,but to my mind a very important adjunct was the pluck that has made the white race superior to obstacles and the master spirits of the world4 ,when we consider what the ,mormons underwent to achieve success here their constancy and heroism deserve sublimest commendation1 and they who will not concede this because the ,mormons will not send them to congress or subscribe their creeds are not true ,americans--have never known the meaning and the glory of our religious freedom4 ,we honor the ,pilgrims for their heroism in crossing the ocean and founding a home in the forest of the new world4 ,why8 ,not because of their religion4 ,they were bigots and sometimes murderers4 ,they tortured1 killed1 or banished men and women who would not accept their theology4 ,we may despise their religion1 but we must honor their courage and be thankful for their success4 ,without them we never #aej would have had our government1 the light of the world and the hope of mankind4 ,but their base of supplies in ,europe was nearer to them1 more accessible1 than were the stores from which the early ,mormons could draw4 ,the ,pilgrims had means2 the ,mormons had none4 ,when driven from ,nauvoo many of them were so destitute that agents were sent through the east soliciting aid to save the people from starvation1 and one of these agents was ,lorenzo ,snow1 now ,president of the ,mormon ,church4 ,hundreds of the famished refugees died1 in #ahdf1 along the malaria-poisoned bottoms of the ,missouri river4 ,from robbery1 murder and exile in ,missouri and ,illinois to success and independence in ,utah1 the history of the ,mormons is a record of privation1 hardship and endurance unequalled since the days of the ,moors in ,spain1 the ,huguenots in ,france1 and the ,protestants in ,holland1 when murder sought to exterminate all heresy in the name of the ,catholic church for the glory of ,god4 ,it was the same spirit in the ,protestant heart that sought the destruction of ,mormonism4 ,but no religion can be wholly bad or lacking in points of great merit that could produce the magnificent results that have sprung from the ,mormon occupation of ,utah4 ,in ,thirty-,two ,years4 ,briefly1 now1 let us see what the ,mormons did in ,utah through the years when they were nearly the entire population and while the industries and the progress were almost wholly their own4 ,in #ahhj1 thirty-two years after the arrival of the ,mormons in ,utah1 they had #i1deb farms1 the average size being twenty-seven acres4 ,the population of the territory was then #adc1ifc1 of which #aae1jjj were ,mormons1 #ii per cent of whom were living in homes of their own4 ,to bring this land into productive farms there had to be done an inconceivable amount of work that was not directly productive4 ,the land was covered with sagebrush and other wild shrubs and grasses that made it as hard to clear as swamp land in the east4 ,in addition to clearing the land it had to be lined with ditches to carry water to the growing crops4 ,on those #i1deb farms there were several thousand miles of ditching4 ,all of this work was dead capital4 ,it was the plant of the farmers and was put in solely by the toil of a people who never knew when it was sundown4 ,but it was done and the farms were yielding great crops of small grain1 corn1 potatoes--all the #aea vegetables of garden and field1 and the fruits--apples1 pears1 plums1 apricots1 peaches1 grapes1 berries--everything that the climate would sustain4 ,live stock had risen from zero to millions in the shade of the mountain4 ,there were herds of sheep1 cattle and horses1 and the great ,american lard producer was not wanting4 ,home manufactories were prosperous at several points4 ,stores were in evidence everywhere4 ,zion's ,co-operative ,mercantile ,institution was the center of a magnificent trade at ,salt ,lake1 extending throughout the territory4 ,temples had been built or were under construction at four points in the territory4 ,meeting houses had been erected in every direction4 ,academies were being started in ,salt ,lake1 ,logan and ,provo4 ,the people were united and persistent in their determination to succeed1 and under the guiding will of ,brigham ,young this most remarkable effort of colonization had been quietly carried forward in spite of the continual harassment of the people by government officials1 goaded by the anti-,mormon ministers of the east4 ,in thirty-two years the exiled ,mormons had become too strong to be despoiled again1 and all that time this alleged destroyer of the ,american home1 polygamy1 was being practiced1 and thousands of the most intelligent1 honest1 virtuous and industrious men and women of the state today were the offspring of such marriage relations4 ,why do not the ,mormon haters of today attempt to destroy the force of this fact8 ,because they know that they would fail4 ,education4 ,a common charge against the ,mormons for years1 and revived now1 was that they were ignorant1 illiterate and had no use for schools save to teach their theological dogmas4 ,but in #ahgj1 only twenty-three years after the first ,mormon immigration1 the percentage of school attendance in ,utah was higher than in ,pennsylvania1 ,new ,york and ,massachusetts4 ,in #ahha the school population of ,utah1 from #f to #ah years of age1 was #dc1cec and the average daily attendance was #dd per cent4 ,there were then #cie schools in ,utah4 ,in #ahhh the commissioner of schools1 a government official1 reports #cdd school districts and #dfj public schools in ,utah4 ,the school population was #ed1idc1 of which #dg1cga were ,mormons4 ,the number of scholars enrolled was #cb1ihh1 of which #cj1gba were ,mormons4 ,the value of district school property was #edb1gee1 and the amount paid for teachers in the public schools for the year ending ,june #cj1 #ahhh1 was #bic1jhe4 ,yet the #aeb anti-,mormon still screeches his old cry that those were ,mormon schools4 ,let us see4 ,the school commissioner referred to was not only a ,united ,states official1 but he was also a non-,mormon4 ,yet he reported that the #dfj public schools of ,utah were non-sectarian4 ,then he enumerated eighty-nine denominational schools1 of which only four were ,mormon4 ,the text books used in the schools1 a list of which was given1 set at rest the charge that ,mormons were opposed to education2 and the average of education of those who were trained in them is proof that they were not theological schools4 ,according to the ,united ,states census for #ahhj the percentage of persons in ,utah of #aj years and upward who could not read was five4 ,in ,rhode ,island at the same time it was seven1 and in the ,united ,states at large thirteen4 ,the average illiteracy in ,mormon ,utah1 thirty-two years after its settlement by people absolutely without means and obliged to toil early and late to find a mere subsistence1 was less than in twenty states and territories in the union4 ,the growth of schools in ,utah is full of evidence that the ,mormons were the friends of education4 ,remember that for years there was no money in ,utah1 yet the people built houses in which they lived1 as well as hundreds of meeting houses4 ,the first meeting houses were boweries--posts set in the ground1 a flat roof of poles shingled with bushes cut in foliage4 ,i have seen several of these old places of worship4 ,but as soon as practicable every ecclesiastical ward had its dobe meeting house1 which was also school house4 ,but ,utah's best crop would soon overflow any ordinary ,mormon meeting house and more school room would become necessary4 ,on ,sunday the bishops of a ward would say3 ,my brothers and sisters1 we need more school room in this ward4 ,what will you do to provide it8 ,i will give a team ten days4 ,i will give a thousand 'dobes4' ,i will give two weeks' work4 ,i will give twenty bushels of wheat4 ,thus it would go1 and the school room would come as a labor of love and without the passing of a dollar4 ,today there are no people in the nation so eager to learn as are many of the young ,mormons whom ,i have met in my travels about ,utah4 ,the ,state ,university1 the public schools1 all schools are full4 ,the ,mormon ,church has its special schools1 as other sects have in ,utah1 and their theology has its place in the studies1 but the ,mormons have no desire to introduce #aec ,mormon theology into the public schools and are opposed to the introduction of any other theology1 as of course they should be4 ,morals4 ,in #ahgf there were thirteen counties in ,utah without saloon1 brewery1 gambling house1 brothel1 lawyer1 doctor1 beggar1 parson or politician1 and the population was exclusively ,mormon4 ,in the winter of #ahha-b there were fifty-one prisoners in the ,utah penitentiary4 ,only five were ,mormons1 and yet the ,mormon population of the territory exceeded that of the anti-,mormon #ejj per cent4 ,from #ahgg to #ahhb the jail of ,salt ,lake county received only three ,mormons4 ,in #ahha there were #a1jbj arrests in ,salt ,lake ,city1 of which #ajc were ,mormon men and boys and six ,mormon women2 #feg non-,mormon men and #aid non-,mormon women4 ,in #ahhb the number of arrests in the same city was #a1efa1 of which #ahh were ,mormons and #a1cgc non-,mormons4 ,in that year there were sixty-six barrooms in the city1 and sixty of them were kept by non-,mormons4 ,there were fifteen billiard and bowling rooms and seven gambling houses1 all kept by non-,mormons4 ,the above1 as well as the following statistics1 are taken from ,the ,palantic1 published by ,a4 ,m4 ,musser from the ,utah penitentiary records for the year ending ,june #cj1 #ahhd4 ,mr4 ,musser showed that1 with the population of ,utah #hc per cent ,mormon and the non-,mormon population only #ag per cent1 there were thirteen ,mormon and seventy-eight non-,mormon prisoners--a difference of #fjj per cent in favor of the ,mormons4 ,add to this the difference in percentage of population1 and we have over #a1jjj to one in favor of ,mormon morality as compared with that of the non-,mormon population of that period4 ,it should be understood that the above statement is not intended to characterize the whole non-,mormon population4 ,all through the ,utah years there have been non-,mormons here who were the most exemplary people4 ,they came in to stay1 to engage in business1 to make homes4 ,they have never engaged in the local disputes4 ,they have never been anti-,mormons4 ,because they would not join the raid against the people they were for years sneered at as jack-,mormons4 ,the criminal element referred to in these statistics as non-,mormons1 it is safe to say1 should have been put down as anti-,mormons4 ,when the first edition of this pamphlet was issued the #aed anti-,mormon paper of the city and several anti-,mormon parsons of ,utah and ,canada undertook to answer these statistics by claiming that the ,mormons referred to were all ,latter-day ,saints1 while none of the non-,mormons were ,christians4 ,for answer ,i will say that the record shows that of the seventy-eight non-,mormons in the ,utah penitentiary and referred to above1 forty-five were members of ,christian churches4 ,to show that this class of ,utah non-,mormons were not worse than ,christians generally1 ,i refer to statistics furnished the ,deseret ,news recently by ,ephraim ,ainsworth4 ,in #ahhi ,ohio had #idb convicts in penitentiary--#hbf of them belonged to ,christian churches4 ,in #ahic ,canada had #aa1haj convicts--,catholics1 #d1cie2 ,church of ,england1 #c1fba2 ,methodists1 #a1fbd2 ,presbyterians1 #a1die2 other sects1 #fih2 ,atheists1 none4 ,in #ahif the ,kansas penitentiary had #cdc ,methodists1 #da ,presbyterians1 #fa ,campbellites1 other sects #ab4 ,in #ahif the ,michigan state reformatory had as inmates #bbf ,methodists1 #hd ,baptists1 #ca ,episcopalians1 #bh ,congregationalists1 #ah ,united ,brethren1 #bbi ,catholics1 #fe ,presbyterians4 ,from the ,tennessee state prison1 no date given1 is reported #hgc convicts--#hgj ,christians and three who would not state their religion4 ,thirty years ago a ,unitarian minister named ,hatch made a careful investigation of criminal statistics of the ,united ,states and ,territories and published the statement that #g per cent of male convicts in the penitentiaries of the country were ministers4 ,utah has had her full share of them in the last thirty years1 though she has kindly permitted them to run away1 making no attempt to capture them1 save in the case of a parson who killed his victim1 cut her body up and attempted to burn it4 ,a reward was offered for him1 but he is probably sending heretics to hell yet for ,christ's sake4 ,it is said there are none righteous1 no1 not one2 that is1 we all live in glass houses perhaps4 ,if the faces of children are an index to the morals and self-control of parents1 many ,mormons have only to point to their offspring to prove their own general purity4 ,indeed1 it would be difficult to find finer types of manhood and womanhood that are to be seen among the ,mormons1 and this applies as well to polygamous as to monogamous offspring4 ,right here1 at the risk of being misunderstood1 ,i want to say a word about ,mormon polygamy4 ,it was not established for the gratification of lust1 as has been so often averred1 but was1 ,i think1 a conscientious effort to improve humanity by stirpiculture4 ,it was the only considerable effort ever so #aee made among civilized people4 ,i think it would have been better to have given it a scientific instead of a theological basis4 ,in the country at large monogamous marriage has long been degenerating4 ,with its degradation society must sink to conditions that must eventually1 if not arrested1 destroy our civilization4 ,religion may insure humanity against fabled fire after death1 but it cannot breed out defects of will and taints of blood4 ,nobility of person1 life1 character is born1 not made by creeds4 ,humanity can never be ,godlike or fit for the kingdom until it is bred up from its sometimes lower than beastly level4 ,mormon polygamy was the beginning of such an effort4 ,it has been killed by ignorant prejudice4 ,but soon or late the world will see the infinite need of wisdom and science in the production and development of children1 and then it will be understood that the marriage system must be reconstructed4 ,mormon polygamy was not the beastly thing a nation of adulterers called it4 ,it grew out of the belief that life is eternal1 that there can be no marrying in the future life2 that women not married here can never marry1 but must be the servants of those who were married on earth for all time here and hereafter4 ,it grew out of the belief that woman gains her exaltation in the kingdom with her husband1 and he in part through the excellence of his family4 ,it was the ,mormon women who wanted polygamy4 ,but no woman would enter that relation through lust4 ,she could only enter it by conquering her passions1 and in doing that she prepared herself to become a divine mother4 ,it is only when women can learn to do this and compel men to respect their rights in gestation1 as all other female mammals do their mates1 that mankind can be saved from--itself4 ,i am not advocating ,mormon polygamy1 but the physical improvement of humanity as the natural and also the scientific basis of mental and moral improvement4 ,sometime this great truth will receive the recognition denied it now4 ,i come back now and say that1 taking polygamy and all into careful consideration1 the morals of the ,mormon people have always been as good as the best in the nation1 and through the thirty-two years when the population of ,utah was almost wholly ,mormon and this people had not come under the influence of those who wanted saloons1 brothels and dance halls opened to tempt young ,mormons1 their morals were infinitely superior to anything to be found in the rag-tag-and-bobtail element that for years existed on the #aef western frontier and found in ,utah the only oasis of the mountains4 ,had the ,mormons been ,methodists the praises sung over their success in ,utah would have been heard around the world4 ,but if they had been ,methodists they would not have been driven out of the ,united ,states4 ,had they been bogus ,christians they would have been too busy sending other people to hell to have ever thought of colonizing on a barren desert #a1jjj miles from heretics4 ,the sublime industry and heroic achievements of the ,mormons among the mountains of the west have been studiously ignored and viciously misrepresented1 not because of any real or suspected immorality or menace to the ,american home1 but simply and solely because they were heretics to other sects4 ,anti-,mormonism never did and does not now care for polygamy--it hates the ,mormon ,church4 ,a mean1 whiskey-guzzling government official in ,utah once said to me3 ,damn 'em1 all 'e rights 'e ,morm's hez is t' pay taxes6 ',fthey don' like that ,i'm gitout6 ,that was for years the anti-,mormon spirit in ,salt ,lake ,city4 ,the struggle was to get control and tax the ,mormons out4 ,that1 too1 was done largely4 ,that is1 many of the poorer ,mormons were forced to leave their homes in the city on account of increased taxation levied by anti-,mormon officials4 ,that old spirit is now revived by this new crusade1 not because of polygamy but because the ,mormons were compelled to take the power to levy taxes out of the hands of their enemies4 ,a popular impression has been craftily created by the anti-,mormons of ,utah that its priesthood and polygamy are the cause of all hostility to ,mormonism4 ,the shallowness of the pretense is easily seen when you consider that the most vicious of anti-,mormons accept the ,bible as the infallible word and will of ,god4 ,yet the ,bible teaches priesthood and polygamy4 ,hence priesthood and polygamy cannot be the secret of anti-,mormonism4 ,the ,protestants have been trying for a century to get ,god into our national constitution and to make ,jesus ,christ the ruler of the nation4 ,catholics and ,protestants outnumber ,mormons a thousand to one4 ,as long as they believe in theocracy they cannot quarrel with the ,mormons for holding the same belief4 ,but if they were afraid the ,mormons might get into the kingdom ahead of them they would become jealous1 and jealousy is the womb of hate4 ,the evangelical churches fought ,mormonism from its appearance1 not because of polygamy and priesthood1 for there was neither #aeg priesthood nor polygamy in it then1 but because it was a more enticing faith than their own4 ,mormonism was running smoothly and growing rapidly without original sin1 total depravity and eternal torment as its steady theological diet4 ,therefore1 it was infidelity4 ,therefore1 it must be destroyed4 ,advocates of the undying worm1 the lake of fire and the endless roast drove the ,mormons out of the ,united ,states4 ,when they made the ,utah desert a prosperous land1 adventurers crowded in to make speculation and riot among them1 but found them united against invaders4 ,that was put down against them4 ,yet a people driven into exile five times would be idiotic not to unite for their own protection1 and1 as soon as possible1 prepare themselves to refuse to be driven again4 ,when their old enemies learned what advancement the ,mormons had made in ,utah they came to send them to perdition again1 but it was too late4 ,then they raised the outcry against polygamy4 ,that brought in the aid of congress1 the destruction of the incorporated church and the confiscation of church property1 but did not crush ,mormonism4 ,a thousand polygamists went to the penitentiary1 and still ,mormonism would not collapse4 ,the ,mormons did not hanker after salvation from a hot spell in another life4 ,they were too busy4 ,they had hell enough here4 ,there was no brimstone in their conception of the hereafter4 ,a few might falter1 but the mass stood by their faith1 submitted as best they could to the insolence of their enemies1 waiting upon the ,lord to rescue them4 ,then came the scheme to disfranchise them4 ,disfranchisement was the culmination of forty years of effort to conquer the ,mormons4 ,if this calamity should fall the people would be at the mercy of unscrupulous legislators who would practice the sentiment of him who said all the rights the ,mormons had were to pay taxes or git out4 ,before this danger the leader yielded and declared that to save the people from ruin he would take no more plural wives 7he was then about #ij7 himself and would advise his people to do likewise4 ,that was in ,september1 #ahjj4 ,two weeks later the church1 in conference1 accepted the advice of its president that polygamous marriages should cease4 ,then it was seen that the ,mormons would not abandon their homes--that their persecutors should not grow rich upon property the fleeing ,saints must sacrifice4 ,they had conquered by yielding1 and there was no other scheme to be sprung upon them4 ,those who hoped to crush ,mormonism were forced to accept the situation4 ,the old political status #aeh disappeared and ,mormons and ,gentiles came together as democrats or republicans1 each party seeking to gain control of available public offices4 ,men who had for years studied how they might throw increased difficulties upon the ,mormons were tumbling over each other in their eagerness to reach the ,mormon leaders1 to profess their profound esteem and to make known their willingness to aid the ,latter ,day ,saints by accepting office at their hands4 ,the new love was touching1 but it was sincere8 ,we shall see4 ,the ,mormons were rejoiced to find at last an atmosphere of at least seeming peace about them1 and gladly gave their old enemies the offices they desired4 ,the offices secured1 the men who were going to boom ,utah proceeded to a recklessness of improvement that increased public debt and taxes to an alarming degree4 ,the ,mormons disliked to protest2 they could not grin1 so they bore it with long1 sober faces4 ,then statehood was secured and the ,mormons began to elect their own more cautious men4 ,the new lovers1 chiefly office seekers1 scented defeat4 ,the old snarl appeared4 ,startled politicians appealed to willing ministers who needed funds sadly--and the old outcry against the ,mormons and polygamy was revived in #ahih4 ,the ,new ,crusade4 ,what basis is there for this renewed fight against the ,mormons8 ,when ,wilford ,woodruff declared that he would advise the people to cease plural marriages1 and when his advice was accepted by vote of the church1 there were men living in ,utah who were already in polygamy4 ,most of them were old men1 but there were young and middle-aged men who had more than one wife4 ,all through the government fight against polygamy these men had lived with their wives as far as they could in secrecy4 ,would they be likely to abandon their wives when peace had been received8 ,to the ,mormons1 marriage is one of the most sacred of their ordinances4 ,it is solemnized by a priest in the name of ,god4 ,it is sealed in heaven also and is to continue forever4 ,the true ,mormon cannot ignore the claims of his plural wife without being false to his vows and his ,god4 ,no manifesto of ,wilford ,woodruff1 no vote of conference1 could annul a plural marriage or engage that any ,mormon should cease to care for his plural wives4 ,this fact was as well known by every non-,mormon in ,utah in #ahij as it is today4 ,it was understood by every gentile politician1 by every #aei representative of the government1 by every minister in ,utah1 that polygamists had been all along secretly living with their polygamous wives4 ,all knew that this would continue1 yet all agreed that no further notice should be taken of the matter and polygamy should be left to die its natural death4 ,that understanding reached1 no further effort was made to arrest cohabs4 ,polygamists lived openly with their wives and1 as was expected1 children were here and there born--in one instance1 at least1 we have heard of twins4 ,so matters stood from the close of #ahij for seven years4 ,in #ahig we had a semi-centennial celebration of the arrival of the pioneer ,mormons4 ,in that jubilee ,mormons and non-,mormons all joined heartily1 including the ministers who have since become rabid anti-,mormons2 including also the editor of the anti-,mormon paper who was so harmonious then that he delivered an address when the ,brigham ,young statue was unveiled1 who was so inspired by the holy ghost or some other spirit 7he is more familiar with other spirits7 as to declare in his paper that the ,mormons had founded the new civilization4 ,yet at that very moment he and all non-,mormons in ,utah knew that those who were in polygamy when the manifesto was issued1 in #ahij1 had been living openly with their wives for seven years and that children were being born in some of the families4 ,no objection was made1 ,i repeat1 until the ,mormons1 to stay the increase of public debt1 began to fill important public offices with prudent men of their faith4 ,there is no evidence that the church had anything to do with this4 ,it was the work of men who owned property1 and were anxious to protect it4 ,that this is true is seen in subsequent political action4 ,a majority of the ,mormons are democrats4 ,the democrats were rapidly getting control of the state4 ,in the municipal election of ,salt ,lake last ,november the republicans elected their ticket over a known democratic majority of voters4 ,why8 ,because the republicans ran their canvass on the line of the anti-,mormon elections of a decade ago--the gentile democrat voted the republican ticket4 ,that is1 while the ,mormons have kept the compact made when the people divided on national party lines1 in #ahia1 the others have largely broken it and we have now the democratic and republican parties with the republican party working as an anti-,mormon party largely4 ,the excitement in ,washington over the fact that the republican ,utah postmasters at ,provo and ,logan have been all along in the same boat with democratic ,roberts is amusing because of the frantic efforts of men to show that they did not know that those men were #afj old polygamists and had been living with their wives since the manifesto of #ahij4 ,of course they knew it4 ,no man could have lived in ,utah since #ahij without knowing it4 ,from #ahij until statehood came ,united ,states district attorney and marshal for ,utah knew it1 and yet so generally was it understood that the old condition was to be left to die of old age that those officers made almost no effort to disturb cohabs4 ,the postmasters in ,provo and ,logan were chosen because they were influential republicans1 and their wives did not count--then4 ,the anxiety over them now is that this excitement will defeat the hope of the republicans to carry ,utah in #aijj1 and when this whole matter is analyzed it is found that the anti-,mormon agitators of ,utah1 with one exception1 are republicans1 and the exception is a democrat who1 having most earnestly defended the ,mormons ten years1 was not recognized by them when they were distributing political offices4 ,the ,catholics in ,utah are democrats and they have taken no part in this crusade4 ,but the evangelical ministers and sects are republicans4 ,the ministers have worked hard for #be years to save the ,mormons and yet have never saved one who was in good standing in his own church4 ,when polygamy was given up1 eastern interests in ,utah missions fell1 funds went low and the wolf was howling in the back yard4 ,the politicians who had lived for years on salaries as government officers or later in state or city offices were in the same fix--they had to raise hell or starve--they did the first and1 if ,i am not much mistaken1 will do the second also or--git out4 ,amnesty4 ,to make clear the subsequent action of the chief factor in the new crusade it is necessary to call attention to what is known as the amnesty4 ,by act of congress polygamous ,mormons were disfranchised4 ,when peace was declared these men wanted their disability removed4 ,a well-meaning but not sagacious ,mormon took it upon himself to secure that result4 ,he went for advice to the man who had tried for years to obtain the disfranchisement of all ,mormons4 ,that person seems to have expected such a visit4 ,he advised a petition to the ,president of the ,united ,states for amnesty4 ,the unsuspecting ,mormon swallowed the hook and asked his adviser to write such a petition4 ,it was1 perhaps1 already written4 ,the adviser1 swearing he would never consent1 consented and the petition was produced4 ,it was carried at once to ,president ,woodruff1 lying sick at home4 ,the sick man1 unable to even #afa read the petition1 signed it4 ,with his name attached it was taken to the ,apostles and all signed4 ,the petition went to ,washington1 and1 after much unavoidable delay1 was granted4 ,but the course of the writer of the petition1 in the new crusade1 his continual use of his petition against the ,mormons1 might possibly be taken as evidence that he was shrewdly forging a weapon that he might use against his quondam friends if his love for them should grow cold1 or if his ambition were not satisfied4 ,that is1 it was well known here that when statehood should come to ,utah ,the-man-who-wrote-the-petition would be a candidate in the first state legislature for the office of ,united ,states senator4 ,it was necessary1 therefore1 to have a republican legislature4 ,to that end the writer of the petition exerted himself to defeat the democratic party in the election of #ahie4 ,the democrats were frothing over a suspicion that prominent ,mormon church officials were secretly aiding the republicans4 ,democrats were crying bad faith on the part of the church4 ,the-man-who-wrote-the-petition defended the church officers and charged the democrats with intent to give ,utah a black eye2 with a desire to keep immigrants from coming here2 with the awakening of unworthy suspicions against us all2 with trying to alarm the country2 with committing an outrage4 ,a few days before election1 in #ahie1 ,the-man-who-wrote-the-petition1 the man who1 for more than a year1 has found nothing too scurrilous to publish against the ,mormons1 the man who expected to be elected to the senate in ,january1 #ahif1 said3 ,there is not a man1 woman or child in ,utah who for one moment thinks there is any agreement or thought of restoring polygamy1 or that it could be possible even if such a thought was in the mind of a few bigots4--,salt ,lake ,tribune1 ,october #ai1 #ahie4 ,there is going to be no revival of polygamy2 there is going to be no return to church rule4 7,the same1 ,oct4 #bb1 #ahie47 ,the legislature was republican1 but ,the-man-who-wrote-the-petition was not in it4 ,in the race for senatorship he was shut out in first heat4 ,that straw of ingratitude broke the candidate's editorial back and he seems to have waited for an opportunity to use his petition4 ,the ,deseret ,news says he was paid for it at the time it was written1 or1 perhaps1 concocted1 but the action of the legislature was a deadly frost and the bloom of his young love for the ,mormon church was killed4 #afb ,the ,secret ,opened4 ,in #ahig1 the ,mormons1 aided and abetted by many of the most influential non-,mormons1 made a non-partisan effort to secure much needed municipal reforms4 ,the movement was largely successful1 but was hotly denounced by the office seekers of the republican and democratic parties as a trick of the church to restore political control over its people4 ,in ,salt ,lake ,city the feeling was bitter and an attempt was made to resurrect the anti-,mormon liberal party4 ,failing in that1 the excited politicians appealed to the clergy4 ,a ,presbyterian paper in ,salt ,lake began the publication of sundry articles running back into early ,mormon literature1 culling the crudities1 slips and discrepancies to be found therein and using them to condemn the ,mormons and ,mormonism of today--a course that would be paralleled by attacking the ,presbyterians of the present with the fanaticism1 folly and worse of no papacy days4 ,this publication was scattered over the country and started up the smouldering non-,mormon fire4 ,the smoke encouraged the clergy in ,utah to believe that there actually might be something in their sensational talk about polygamy4 ,then they got together in the summer of #ahih and adopted a series of resolutions declaring that plural marriages are still being contracted1 that the ,mormons control the state1 injure the public schools1 and that old ,mormon ,utah is on deck again4 ,a few weeks later came the state democratic convention to nominate candidates and ,b4 ,h4 ,roberts was nominated for congress4 ,he was one of the men who were in polygamy when plural marriage was stopped4 ,from the day of ,roberts' nomination the writer of that petition found his opportunity and from then until now has not ceased to vilify the ,mormons4 ,he insisted that the election of ,roberts would create a storm and then created it himself--a very common trick of false prophets4 ,he revelled in his petition4 ,that is1 he sprung the trap he himself had set4 ,i think he was trying to force the ,mormon church to declare for the election of the republican ticket1 for there was to be another election of a senator in #ahii4 ,in addition to his use of the petition he reprinted the testimony of ,president ,woodruff before a ,master of ,chancery and tried to prove that the manifesto of #ahij prohibited cohabitation among those then in polygamy4 ,he knew that the president of the church could not annul a marriage4 ,he knew that the hearing was held preliminary to a decree restoring what #afc remained of the escheated church property4 ,he knew that property was worth millions of dollars and the church needed it4 ,there was not an attorney engaged in that hearing who did not want the church to get back its property4 ,there was not a non-,mormon in ,utah then mean enough to wish that the church might not get it4 ,but there must be a record to the effect that polygamy had been given up4 ,so ,president ,woodruff consented to say that he included cohabs in his manifesto4 ,at that time the editor of the ,salt ,lake ,tribune was friendly1 as ,i have shown1 and although it now seeks to brand ,president ,woodruff as a liar it said then that the manifesto went only to the point of plural marriages1 and added we believe that the rule laid down has been as sacredly kept by this people as it would have been done by any other people2 that the ,mormons and ,gentiles have a right to say that the change amounts to a transfiguration4 ,the measureless infamy of the disappointed office seeker now seeking to pile odium upon the honored dead will be a fitting monument to his malodorous memory in ,utah for years to come2 and if our good old friend did stretch the truth to save that property it was a lie like that of ,hugo's nun1 the recording angel dropped a tear upon the slate and rubbed it out4 ,all this insanity of excitement through the country over alleged polygamous marriages has been created by a few men who are now laughing over their success in fooling the people4 ,they have hunted these mountain states over--have imported special aid from ,new ,york--have declared that plural marriages are being contracted1 and yet have not been able to find one case4 ,defeated in that they have arrested several men for unlawful cohabitation and advertised that as proof of polygamous marriages4 ,avowing1 with maledictions upon it1 that polygamy is the twin-relic of barbarism and must die1 they yet will not let it die1 but drag it from its senile sleep1 enhorse and caparison it like a waxen image of some old ,catholic saint and lead it in triumphal procession through the land to excite the clamor of women gone hysterical through brooding in nightly loneliness over the clandestine amours of their monogamous husbands with other women more charming than themselves6 ,if polygamy were permitted to die a natural death the evangelical churches would lose their last foothold against the rising tide of ,mormonism4 ,it is not polygamy that disturbs them1 but the steady growth of the ,mormon church4 ,right or wrong1 there is a current running to the ,mormon church with #afd increasing volume and velocity4 ,the ,mormon church and faith have been a boon to hundreds of thousands as poor as were those who heard ,jesus gladly4 ,it is today nearer to being a successful effort to inaugurate the ,brotherhood of ,man than anything ever tried4 ,in ,conclusion1 ,i want to say that what is here presented does not err from truth and was not written with either knowledge or consent of any member of the ,mormon church4 ,it stands upon my personal knowledge4 ,i am not a member of any church1 and view all sects philosophically4 ,i cannot perceive that any religion has been of divine origin1 in the theological sense of the terms4 ,to my mind they are all human1 very human1 in their origin4 ,but1 conceding to all the rights of intellectual liberty ,i claim for myself1 ,i question not the right of the people to any religion that satisfies them4 ,in so far as creeds and dogmas impose upon credulity1 ,i claim the right to protest4 ,thus ,i have long protested against ,calvanism in all its varieties as a wholly unjustifiable cruelty forced upon humanity through its ignorance and fear4 ,i gladly admit that theology1 like everything else1 is subject to the progressive influence of the ages1 and realize that the ,god of ,calvin is not as mean as he was #djj years ago--has been much improved in the last #ajj years under our free government and public education4 ,i cheerfully concede that all theologians mean to be honest in the dogmas they create1 and ,i believe that all churches sincerely endeavor to hold their people to defined standards of moral life4 ,but ,i lay this against them--that they would have men and women practice moral living1 not for itself1 but to secure a definite reward after we have ceased to live here1 a reward called salvation from threatened ills and horrors that exist only in the excited imagination of ignorance and superstition4 ,it is childish--it is the mother bribing her boy with bread and jam1 or frightening him with threats of the bad man4 ,you see1 then1 that ,i am one of that class of persons called by all the professors of all the thousand and one varieties of so-called ,christianity an infidel4 ,it is the easiest thing in the world to call people by opprobrious names1 as the history of these unpopular ,mormons makes manifest4 ,in fact1 no new thought appears that is not infidelity to some older one--no new issue that is not maligned by the satisfied believer in some old one4 ,the term infidel1 as applied to persons who think for themselves1 do their own business with the ,infinite1 and #afe decline proffered rewards based on fear of ,god1 is one of merit rather than reproach4 ,jesus was the great infidel of his time--crucified for truth derided by the prevailing orthodoxy of his day4 ,there are two kinds of infidelity in the world4 ,one comes by growing up out of existing beliefs1 the other by falling below them4 ,the only harmful infidelity exists in the churches1 and consists of professing one code of morals and living another4 ,for instance1 all ,christians call ,sunday the ,lord's day and pretend to keep it holy1 a sacred day devoted to the worship of ,god4 ,yet half of them1 in this country1 keep it as a day of frolic and dissipation4 ,that does not harm the day1 does not injure ,god1 but it makes hypocrites of professing ,christians4 ,they are infidels who have fallen below their religion4 ,for instance1 again1 take the seven million names of ,american people who petitioned congress to expel the ,utah congressman4 ,it is safe to say a large percentage of the signers were children who did not know what they were doing1 but whose names were taken by ,christian adults with intent to deceive4 ,a long study of religions convinces me that all mean to do good1 yet fail1 in great part1 because they work for a wrong purpose4 ,that is1 they work1 not for this life1 but for one to be sometime somewhere above the stars1 in a locality that has never been more than a myth2 and the object of working for that unreality is to escape another mythical locality below the earth1 in the earth1 or somewhere else equally uncertain4 ,this would do in a world peopled with ignorant savages1 but will not do for intelligent men and women4 ,this fact is recognized by the churches4 ,they spend their money chiefly to carry their religion to the heathen1 realizing that it is useless at home4 ,the religions of the world need reconstructing4 ,they have much to learn and unlearn4 ,i know of no church working so zealously for what it believes to be the good of humanity as ,mormonism4 ,i know its leaders1 its system1 its work4 ,its directors1 as a whole1 are sincere1 conscientious1 clean1 honest men4 ,if they err1 it is not from evil intent4 ,to them the presence of ,god is a living faith4 ,it may be an error1 but the faith is there1 and the work is the result4 ,mormonism is peculiar in this3 it does not regard this life as a preparation for an eternity of idle psalm-singing in a future existence ,lord-knows-where1 but a school of moral training for an eternal life right here after the resurrection4 ,to this end it aims to make its people intelligent1 capable1 honest1 moral1 successful now1 as the proper means of reaching the greatest #aff happiness then4 ,this may be a practical basis for a possible end4 ,its enemies say it is based on fraud4 ,well1 it is said they cannot demonstrate that ,christianity was not based on fraud--cannot demonstrate that ,jesus ever existed4 ,but ,christianity is here1 and1 whether ,he lived or not1 it will remain4 ,if it should transpire that ,joseph ,smith was not the founder of ,mormonism1 that the engraved plates had no existence1 ,mormonism is here1 the faith is here1 and it too will remain4 ,we can only dismiss all questions of fraud and choose--the best4 ,the best is that which is most beneficent in practical helpfulness4 ,tried thus1 ,mormonism possesses merit that cannot be ignored by any who would concede equal rights--fair field and no favors--to all4 ,i see in it what to me are weaknesses1 but in what system do they not exist8 ,they are the weaknesses of its youth and are being outgrown--would be outgrown faster but for the malevolent opposition that drives it back upon itself4 ,but let no enemy of ,mormonism flatter himself that it can be killed by vituperation4 ,it is the most remarkable movement in the religious world since the days of ,mahomet--the most wonderful religious movement in forty generations4 ,the thunder and lightning of its enemies cannot strike it down4 ,it must fall1 if fall it must1 as other religions have fallen--by its own decay after it has lived its natural life4 ,keeping ,roberts out of congress will not arrest its course1 and it is highly probable that the time will come when the ,american people who want no church interference with our national government may be glad to have the aid of the now maligned ,mormons4 ,consider that there are today #a1gjj young ,mormons tramping over this continent in city1 town and hamlet--young men who are so circumspect in all their deportment that not even the most bitter enemies of their faith have the hardihood to raise their voices against them--young men who are steadily making the fundamental principles of their faith known to the people4 ,there has been nothing like it in the world for hundreds of years1 nothing in so-called ,christian countries since the steady persistence of the ,protestants on the continent and in ,great ,britain1 and it is going to produce great results4 ,the ,mormons might be called the non-,conformists of this country and in spite of all efforts to the contrary they are going to wield an influence upon its future4 ,one of the ,utah men in ,washington fighting the ,mormons was honest enough to tell the truth when he said in a public meeting3 ,it is not polygamy but ,mormonism we want to check4 ,but it won't check or #afg warp and is growing1 and ,i write with a growing interest in its success4 ,in #agah there came #ijj non-,conformists from ,ulster county1 ,ireland1 to ,boston4 ,they were ,scotch-,irish ,protestants seeking religious freedom4 ,they introduced the ,irish potato in ,new ,england4 ,some of them gave to older ,yankees a few potatoes with instructions for planting them4 ,they grew1 blossomed1 and bore fruit1 but the ,yankees cooked the seed balls and said they found them anything but good4 ,next spring when spading up their gardens they found the potato crop4 ,mormonism presented to ,christian sects a new theological potato1 so to speak4 ,they tried it1 ate the wrong end of the growth and denounced it4 ,but there will come a new spring in which old sectarian gardens will be plowed up and then the real fruits of ,mormonism will be discovered--and will be found to be both palatable and healthful4 ,where there is no change of priesthood1 there is no change of ordinances1 says ,paul4 ,if ,god has not changed the ordinances and the priesthood1 howl ye sectarians6 ,if ,he has1 when and where has ,he revealed it8 ,have ye turned revelators8 ,then why deny revelation8 --,joseph ,smith1 ,the ,prophet4 ,all who live according to the best principles in their possession1 or that they can understand1 will receive peace1 glory1 comfort1 joy1 and a crown that will be far beyond what they are anticipating4 ,they will not be lost4 --,brigham ,young4 #afh ,prophets and ,apostles ,necessary4 ,by the ,late ,president1 ,george ,q4 ,cannon1 in ,millennial ,star1 #ahff4 ,the assertions made by the ,latter-day ,saints that ,god has raised up a ,prophet and ,apostles in these days1 who have the authority to teach and instruct men in the principles of ,his kingdom1 and that their teachings and counsels are entitled to consideration and obedience1 are statements that are looked upon by many to be little less than blasphemous4 ,many cannot conceive how individuals1 who are apparently so sane and possessed of good judgment on other subjects1 should be so visionary1 and so wholly absorbed in the strange belief of there being men who hold this power on the earth in these days4 ,they1 nevertheless1 believe that men clothed with this power have existed upon the earth at various times1 who were inspired to speak and write2 and they are quite willing to receive the writings1 said to be theirs1 upon very slight testimony1 and rest all their hopes of future and eternal blessedness upon their veracity4 ,they have an idea that it is perfectly reasonable to believe in the words of the ,apostles and ,prophets who lived thousands of years ago1 and they think that1 were they alive now1 they could place all reliance and confidence in their words as the word of ,god4 ,peter1 ,james and ,john1 with their brethren1 are looked up to as having been something superior to mortal1 and many1 forgetting that they were but human1 think that it would only be necessary1 did they live now1 for them to declare this message and state that they were empowered to teach it1 and men without the slightest demur would instantly embrace its doctrines4 ,this professed admiration of dead ,prophets and ,seers1 however1 is not confined to this generation alone2 it was a characteristic of other generations4 ,the ,jews1 when ,jesus was in their midst1 would build and adorn the tombs of the ,prophets #afi whom their fathers had slain1 and say that if they had lived in the days of their fathers they would not have persecuted or killed them1 while at the same time they were thirsting for the blood of the ,son of ,god1 and they did not rest until ,he had shared the same fate with the ,prophets whom they so ostentatiously honored4 ,but what is there visible at the present time from which we can infer that were any of the ancient ,prophets or ,apostles in the midst of this generation1 they would be any better treated1 or their teachings given more heed to1 than they were in the generation in which they lived8 ,the present ideas of professing ,christians--that the canon of ,scripture is full--and that there is no further need of direct revelation--would not admit of their recognizing a ,prophet or an ,apostle1 should they be so fortunate as to have one sent into their midst4 ,they are1 in this respect1 in a similar situation to the ,jews at the time of the advent of the ,messiah4 ,they were in possession of the writings of the ,prophets1 and held them as the present sects of ,christendom hold the ,bible4 ,their writings were their oracles1 and they indulged in the idea1 as the modern sects do about the ,bible1 that they contained all that was necessary to lead them to salvation1 until ,shiloh should come1 without the aid of any ,prophets or ,apostles to act as living oracles in their midst4 ,they doubtless imagined that they were warranted in this belief by their sacred ,scriptures1 in the same manner that many at the present day imagine that the present ,scriptures1 composed of the writings of the ancient ,prophets and ,apostles1 warrant them in rejecting all further revelation4 ,this misapprehension of the ,jews was followed by terrible results2 they ceased to have a national existence1 and they were scattered and dispersed abroad4 ,if the ,scriptures the ,jews had and the ,scriptures we at present have are examined1 it will be found that there is a greater amount of evidence in our possession in favor of the idea of living oracles1 or ,prophets and ,apostles1 being raised up and inspired in these days1 than there was among the ,jews in the days of the ,apostles to support them in believing that they would make their appearance at that time4 ,in fact the ,scriptures cannot be fulfilled until these things take place4 ,prophecy upon prophecy has been uttered and recorded1 pointing clearly and definitely to the last days--to the time when ,god should again set ,his hand the second time to recover the remnants of ,his people2 when ,he would send for many fishers and they would fish them1 and for #agj many hunters and they would hunt them2 when ,his ,kingdom would again be built up1 and their judges be restored as at the first1 and their counsellors as at the beginning2 when many nations would be seized with the desire to go up to the mountain of the ,lord1 to the house of the ,god of ,jacob1 that they might be taught in ,his ways and be able to walk in ,his paths4 ,to fulfill these prophecies--which were1 no doubt1 given with the expectation of their being as literally accomplished as the prophecies in relation to the ,messiah which the ,jews misapprehended--men holding power and authority equal with the men of old who were called to perform similar works1 have to be raised up2 and if they are raised up and inspired1 they must have equal power to teach1 counsel and direct the children of men1 and their teachings1 counselings1 and directions will be as obligatory upon mankind as the teachings1 counselings and directions of the ancients4 ,since the creation of man and the first revelation of ,god's will unto him1 we have no account of the ,lord ever having a people upon the earth1 or a system which ,he recognized as being ,his1 without also having men of this description--men with whom ,he could communicate1 and through whom ,his mind and will could be made known to the people4 ,they were the living oracles1 possessing living ,priesthood1 through which they could obtain light and intelligence from the ,almighty1 to expound with authority to the children of men2 and their words1 whether delivered orally or written1 were equally binding upon the people with the words of any preceding servant of ,god4 ,that this was the case all sacred history bears abundant evidence4 ,the necessity of inspired men1 in order that the prophecies may be fulfilled1 must be apparent4 ,man has always been the instrument which the ,lord has used to accomplish ,his purposes4 ,but apart from the prophecies which set forth in unmistakable language1 that the days of revelation and intercourse between the ,deity and man will again be restored1 there is an abundance of evidence to prove that there cannot be a ,church of ,christ on the earth without having ,prophets and ,apostles as its officers4 ,they were not to be confined to the early days of ,christianity alone1 but were to be continued until all should come to the unity of the faith1 unto the knowledge of the ,son of ,god2 they were to be as necessary for the perfecting of the ,saints1 for the work of the ministry1 and for the edifying of the body of ,christ1 as evangelists1 pastors and teachers are4 ,to assert that #aga ,prophets and ,apostles are no longer needed would be to assert that evangelists1 pastors and teachers are likewise unnecessary4 ,the great head of the ,church1 in its organization1 had a definite object in placing these officers in ,his ,church and that object could not be accomplished except by their perpetuity4 ,when these officers ceased to be recognized then the ,church ceased to be the ,church of ,christ4 ,it would be considered a very great departure from the spirit of the ,gospel to assert that pastors and other ministers--such for instance as teachers and evangelists--were no longer needed2 and yet the evidence necessary to support their recognition as officers of the ,church proves that not only they are necessary1 but that ,prophets and ,apostles also are required4 ,the proofs brought forward to substantiate the idea that ,prophets and ,apostles are no longer needed will apply with much force to the other officers in the ,church2 and if the necessity for one or two of the callings in the ,church has ceased to be1 it can easily be proved that there is no further necessity for the remainder4 ,the belief that these callings are no longer needed has been inculcated in ,christendom by both precept and example4 ,a false ,christianity has flourished for centuries1 and men have been taught to rely upon it as the religion of ,jesus1 and not seeing these callings filled in it1 it has required but little persuasion to cause them to fall into the erroneous belief that they were only designed for the days when ,christianity was first preached4 ,if one1 more inquiring and penetrating than his fellows1 should ascertain by a perusal of the ,scriptures1 that there was nothing to discountenance the idea of the perpetuity of such callings1 and should make inquiries to know why they did not at present exist1 his doubts would be removed by pointing him to ,christianity as it exists around him1 flourishing and yet destitute of these offices2 and its existence without them must be received as evidence that the ,lord had altered the organization of ,his ,church and deemed these offices unnecessary4 ,men instead of making their belief conform to the ,bible have endeavored to distort it and make it correspond with their ideas and systems2 when the plainly written word would not admit of that they have endeavored to hide their errors and the incorrectness of their position1 by stating that the ,scriptures have a spiritual meaning--and they do not literally mean what their language denotes1 but they require to be spiritualized to be understood4 ,miserable subterfuge6 ,what a cunning device of the adversary of souls and his agents1 to #agb entrap and deceive mankind6 ,impress upon the people that these are no longer necessary1 and they will cease to look for them2 persuade them to believe that the word of ,god has a different meaning from the one apparent on its face1 and they will see nothing condemnatory of sin and the commission of gross wrong2 ,satan's victory and triumph will then be easy4 ,the correctness of the position we have assumed in stating that ,prophets and ,apostles are as necessary in the ,church of ,christ now as they ever were1 is not at all affected by the truth or falsity of the doctrines we believe in and teach4 ,because the ,latter-day ,saints believe in these things does not detract one iota from their truth4 ,these officers would be indispensably necessary1 wherever a ,church of ,christ existed1 if we as a people1 were extinct4 ,if men believe the ,bible they must believe as ,latter-day ,saints1 and if there is a ,church of ,christ upon the earth there must of necessity be ,prophets and ,apostles1 and if there are ,prophets and ,apostles1 they have the right to teach and instruct mankind in the principles of the ,lord's ,kingdom1 and their teachings and counsels are entitled to consideration and obedience4 ,a great many find considerable fault with the ,latter-day ,saints because they rely so much upon the words of their ,prophets and ,apostles4 ,they think it decidedly anti-republican2 and some1 to give vent to superabundance of their spleen1 occasionally call ,brigham ,young and his brethren hard names1 because they1 being men1 make themselves equal with the ,apostles4 ,these individuals1 with their present feelings1 had they lived in any other generation when ,prophets and ,apostles were upon the earth1 would have taken a precisely similar course to oppose them4 ,it is not the individuals they are warring against--though many of them1 no doubt1 think that it is--but it is the principle4 ,how much more republican would we be1 if we paid no attention to their teachings1 than we are at present8 ,can not we exercise our rights and privileges as republicans1 to as full an extent by doing right as by doing wrong--by being obedient to the will of the ,almighty as by being disobedient8 ,the ,latter-day ,saints cannot fail to hearken to and have confidence in the words of their leaders1 so long as they believe as they do about the necessity of ,prophets and ,apostles1 and the authority they hold2 and while they retain this belief1 the only thing that will destroy this confidence is to prove that they do not hold this authority1 and are not ,apostles and ,prophets4 ,so long #agc as we know that men have this authority it makes but little difference to us what their names may be4 ,and the moment the ,latter-day ,saints became convinced that ,joseph and ,brigham ,young were ,apostles of ,jesus ,christ1 they were as willing to believe their testimony and to hearken to their counsel and teachings1 as they would have been to have believed and hearkened to those of the ancient ,apostles4 ,if we could see our heavenly ,father1 we should see a being similar to our earthly parent1 with this difference3 our ,father in heaven is exalted and glorified4 ,he has received ,his thrones1 ,his principalities and powers1 and ,he sits as a governor1 as a monarch1 and overrules kingdoms1 thrones and dominions that have been bequeathed to ,him1 and such as we anticipate receiving4 ,while ,he was in the flesh1 as we are1 ,he was as we are4 --,brigham ,young4 ,whatever ,god requires is right1 no matter what it is1 although we may not see the reason thereof until long after the events transpire4 --,joseph ,smith1 ,august #be1 #ahdb4 #agd ,,comprehensive ,,salvation1 ,,or ,,the ,,gospel ,,to ,,the ,,living ,,and ,,the ,,dead4 ,by ,john ,nicholson4 ,an ,elder of the ,church of ,jesus ,christ of ,latter-,day ,saints4 ,first ,principles--,authority--,miraculous ,gifts--,organization--,apostasy--,resto ration--,the ,gospel ,preached to the ,spirits of the ,departed--,different ,degrees of ,glory--,turning the ,hearts of the ,fathers to the ,children1 and the ,children to their ,fathers4 ,honest professing ,christians1 of every creed1 must freely admit that the position of the ,latter-day ,saints in regard to what are called the first principles of the doctrine of ,christ is invulnerable4 ,they must acknowledge that faith in ,god1 the ,eternal ,father1 in ,his ,son ,jesus ,christ and the divinity of ,his mission1 and in the ,holy ,ghost1 is unquestionably ,scriptural4 ,they must accede also that repentance of sins1 as preparatory to their remission1 occupies the same ,biblical position4 ,neither can they consistently question the object of baptism1 being for the remission of sins--,repent and be baptized every one of you1 in the name of ,jesus ,christ1 for the remission of sins4 ,nor can the mode 7immersion7 be questioned by them4 ,paul1 in his epistle to the ,romans1 likens baptism1 administered in the proper form1 to the burial and resurrection of ,christ2 a very beautiful figure--immersion in the liquid element4 ,no other method bears the remotest resemblance to being buried and resurrected4 ,nor do #age unprejudiced investigators for religious truth deny that the baptism of true ,christianity1 as taught and administered by ,john the ,baptist1 ,christ and ,his disciples1 was intended1 not for infants1 but only for those persons who had reached the years of accountability4 ,this must be obvious1 because before people were baptized for the remission of sins it was necessary1 as a preparation1 that they should believe and repent1 a process impossible to little children4 ,the latter being1 according to the ,savior1 of the ,kingdom of ,heaven1 have no sins to remit1 for no unclean thing can enter the heavenly kingdom4 ,sinfulness is uncleanness4 ,it is easy for the ,saints to show that the ordinance administered in the ,church of ,jesus ,christ of ,latter-day ,saints1 of the ,laying on of hands for the gift of the ,holy ,ghost1 is strictly a ,bible practice4 ,read1 for instance1 the #hth chapter of the ,acts1 and numerous other passages1 ,then laid they their hands upon them and they received the ,holy ,ghost4 #a ,the necessity of authority to enable man to represent ,jesus on the earth in the ministry of the ,gospel1 is also admitted freely by the unprejudiced4 ,the absence of such authority among the lifeless sects is conspicuous4 ,paul lays down an unqualified rule upon this point3 ,no man taketh this honor unto himself1 but he that is called of ,god1 as was ,aaron4 ,aaron was called of ,god by revelation from ,him1 through the ,prophet ,moses4 ,the sects of to-day repudiate revelation and its necessity1 and how therefore can they be in possession of an authority that can only be given by that means8 ,it is impossible4 #b ,honest-hearted people who profess a belief in the ,bible cannot and do not deny that a true ,church of ,christ must necessarily enjoy the fruits of the ,spirit4 ,these are the gifts enumerated by ,paul in the #abth chapter of ,corinthians4 ,how can a belief in such things be repudiated when they existed in the primitive ,church1 which was the genuine ,church of ,christ1 established by ,himself8 ,if the true ,church is extant now1 its peculiarities and blessings must be the same4 #c ,it surely will be admitted that the ,church will not only be the same in doctrine1 ordinances1 spirit1 gifts and authority1 #agf but also in organization and officers4 ,hence1 as in primitive times1 it will incorporate apostles1 prophets1 and other inspired men1 who were given to the ,church to edify its members until they all come to a unity of the faith4 ,it may be well to ask how a ,church could be the ,church of ,christ denuded of some of its most conspicuous doctrines1 ordinances1 spirit1 gifts1 officers and organization4 #d ,in fact so wide is the gulf that separates the true ,church--that described in the ,scriptures--from the repudiative1 revelationless1 spiritless1 disjointed churches of the day that it is difficult to discover even a remote resemblance4 ,but these things are very plain and clear4 ,they must be obvious to fair1 candid truth-lovers4 ,and as that is the only class whom the glorious light of revealed ,gospel truth will be likely to impress with its beauty1 it is to such that we1 in the present writing1 appeal4 ,how clear is the wide discrepancy between the primitive ,church1 the true ,church1 and the sects of ,christendom in every feature4 ,how often we have listened to exclamations of astonishment from the lips of persons when this remarkable difference was first explained to them by the elders of the ,church of ,jesus ,christ of ,latter-day ,saints4 ,they have wondered that so potent a fact did not strike them before4 ,this amazement has been increased when their attention has been called to the predictions of the inspired apostles and prophets regarding the apostasy from the ancient faith of the ,saints4 ,in fact ,paul positively declares1 in the #bnd chapter of #bnd ,thessalonians that ,that day 7meaning the second coming of ,christ7 shall not come except there come a falling away first4 ,but it is not our purpose to elaborate upon this subject1 preferring that our readers should peruse the ,scriptures relating to it1 guided by the passages to which their attention is directed by note4 #e ,the seeker after religious truth turns to the glorious promise of a restoration of the ancient order of the ,church of ,christ1 as to a ray of sunshine penetrating the surrounding gloom4 ,jesus ,christ1 teaching his disciples upon the signs of his coming1 predicted1 as among the indications of the approach of the great event1 the preaching of ,this ,gospel of the ,kingdom for a witness4 ,john the ,revelator1 while gazing down the flowing stream of time1 saw not only the restoration of the ,gospel1 but the manner of its being committed to man1 #agg 7by a holy angel74 ,the angel who showed him these things was not an imaginative being1 depicted according to the fancy of an artist4 ,he was one of the prophets who had kept the faith and gone into the presence of ,god1 at whose command he visited the ,revelator4 ,but let the reader search the ,scriptures upon these points1 for we speak according to the law and the testimony4 ,the foregoing truths have been frequently and ably set forth in various writings of the ,church of ,jesus ,christ of ,latter-day ,saints and are constantly laid before the public in plainness by the elders in their preaching of the word of ,god4 ,this being the case it is not our present purpose to enter upon an elaboration of them4 ,our position1 thus far1 being established upon a sound scriptural basis1 we will undertake to answer some objections which leap into the minds of some inquirers in opposition to the claims of the ,latter-day ,saints to being in possession of the pure ,gospel restored4 ,from what we have already shown it cannot be truthfully denied that the ,scriptures faithfully describe the doctrines1 principles1 ordinances1 powers1 gifts1 organization and authority enjoyed by the ,church established by ,christ and his ancient apostles4 ,all ,bible believers must admit that that ,church was a true one1 having been set up under the personal supervision and by direction of the ,divine ,master himself4 ,the fact also stares all people broadly in the face that between that true and ancient ,church and the sects of so-called ,christendom1 now existing1 there is an irreconcilable difference in almost every respect4 ,the only logical conclusion that can be reached in reasoning upon such a condition is1 that the primitive ,church being the true one1 having divine sanction and approval1 all churches differing from it must necessarily be spurious4 ,however unpalatable so evident a situation may be to professing ,christians1 it should be accepted by them with becoming grace and composure that they may be prepared for the revelation to come4 ,god is consistent and truthful in all his ways1 and what he says he will do1 whether by his own voice or by the utterances of his inspired servants1 he will fulfil4 ,our readers1 if they be consistent ,bible believers1 are constrained to accept of the fact presented in the sacred record1 that the ,lord did purpose1 subsequent to a great apostasy1 to reveal from heaven the true order of the ,gospel4 ,this belief being established in their minds1 probably the chief difference in their position and ours is that while they merely admit the #agh existence of such a precious prophetic promise we advance a step further1 taking the ground that it has been fulfilled4 ,the message we declare is that ,god raised up the ,prophet ,joseph ,smith1 to whom and to others he sent angels who conferred upon them the authority of the ,holy ,priesthood1 enabling them to legally officiate in the ordinances of the ,gospel4 ,we announce that ,god has set up1 in this age1 by revelation1 the true ,church of ,christ1 to prepare the way for his second coming1 which is near at hand4 #f ,a prominent objection urged against the ,latter-day ,saints is that they are exclusive in their views4 ,they are charged with being contracted in their opinions4 ,this arises from their claim to being the only people having the true plan of salvation4 ,if our readers will calmly weigh the matter1 they will be free to admit that as in all other respects they resemble the ancient ,church of ,christ1 so they do in this4 ,the disciples of the ,lord held that they were right and1 as a logical sequence1 all others were wrong1 because all systems differing from one that is correct must necessarily be spurious4 ,the ancient ,saints were correct in this position1 for as they presented the light to the world1 the existing sects had no longer an excuse for remaining in darkness4 ,if the ,latter-day ,saints are in possession of the same saving principles1 their position in regard to the sects of this day is the same4 ,the ,redeemer himself was exceedingly exclusive1 as witness the decisive quality of his language to ,nicodemus1 ,except a man be born of water and of the ,spirit1 he cannot enter into the kingdom of ,god4 ,this was a definite rule1 laid down by the highest authority1 to which not the slightest intimation of an exception was made4 ,all must receive the genuine baptism of water and of the ,spirit1 the former administered by immersion1 and the latter by the laying on of hands1 or remain forever outside the pale of ,god's heavenly ,kingdom4 ,this is unqualified exclusiveness1 based upon the laws which have been revealed from heaven1 and which are eternal in their nature and effects4 ,but the objector1 unwilling to release an apparently feasible opposing point1 may say he can see where this exclusiveness might be justifiable in its application to the generations of men living when the genuine plan of salvation was upon the earth4 ,those living contemporaneously with the ,gospel plan might respond to the invitation to come and bask in its saving sunshine4 #agi ,the justice1 however1 of placing a bar to the entrance into ,god's kingdom in the way of people who are not living on this earth when the oracles and ,gospel of the ,redeemer are upon it1 is questioned4 ,it is argued that surely a just ,god could not and would not exclude from the benefits of saving truth the myriads of honest souls who have lived out their brief hour in this sphere according to the best light they possessed1 and passed along to the next4 ,those who raise this point ,do err1 not understanding the ,scriptures4 ,the great ,gospel plan is both comprehensive and grand4 ,it is worthy of the ,great ,being who instituted it for the redemption of ,his children4 ,but how ignorant1 because of sectarian gloom and apostasy1 are the people concerning the magnitude of the ,gospel scheme1 and the far-reaching nature of its saving power and principles4 ,by the magic touch of truth1 aided by the scriptures1 we hope to shed a ray of light upon this subject4 ,we propose to show that the ,gospel is not only applicable in the process of saving the living1 but includes within its broad folds1 salvation for the dead4 ,the reader need not be startled at this proposition4 ,it is strongly supported by the ,bible1 which1 if he profess to be a ,christian1 he should surely be ready to accept as competent authority4 ,the preaching of the ,gospel of life and salvation is not confined to this life4 ,glad tidings of great joy are also conveyed to the spirits of the dead1 in the sphere in which they dwell pending the resurrection of their bodies4 ,in addition to ,his mission on earth the ,redeemer performed another in the spirit world4 ,before ,he consummated ,his mortal ministry by suffering an ignominious death1 he spoke of his prospective labors in the sphere beyond1 when he said1 ,verily1 verily1 ,i say unto you1 the hour is coming and now is1 when the dead shall hear the voice of the ,son of ,god3 and they who hear shall live4 7,john v1 #be47 ,some will1 in a contumacious spirit1 contend that he spoke in a figurative sense1 of the dead in trespasses and sins4 ,this is an untenable position1 for why should he speak of a purpose to do in the future that which he was at the same moment engaged in1 being then in the act of addressing the unrepentant ,jews8 ,but the #bhth verse of the same chapter is sufficient to explode the flimsy subterfuge4 ,it shows that he had reference to those whose bodies were at that time sleeping in the comb1 ,marvel not at this2 for the hour is coming1 in the which all that are in their graves shall hear his voice4 ,this was spoken too1 in connection with an assertion that #ahj those who were obedient should come forth at the resurrection of the just4 ,let not the reader suppose that the subject of salvation for the dead is merely treated upon by a few passages of scripture4 ,in ,peter's #ast epistle iii chapter1 #ahth and #aith verses1 there is a definite statement to the effect that after ,christ was put to death in the flesh1 he was quickened by the spirit1 by which also he went and preached to the spirits in prison4 ,the object of this preaching to the departed spirits of men is plainly defined in the #fth verse of the following chapter1 being ,that they be judged according to men in the flesh but live according to ,god in the spirit4 ,the object was the same as that of the declaration of the words of life to the living2 to bring the ungodly to repentance and newness of life4 ,even the ,protestant religion does not entirely ignore the visit of the ,redeemer of the world to the shades of the departed1 although the recognition of the important fact is given in an undefined and ambiguous way4 ,this is because of a lack of understanding1 in the absence of the spirit of revelation1 of the ,scriptures4 ,the great truths of the ,bible can only be comprehended by the investigator being in possession of a portion of the spirit that inspired the speakers and writers of the divine record4 ,however1 the #crd and #dth ,articles of ,religion state that ,christ died for us and was buried1 so also is it to be believed that he went down into hell4 ,also that he rose again from death1 took again his body of flesh and bones1 wherewith he ascended into heaven4 ,it will be seen that the sphere which ,peter informs us is for the confinement of the spirits of departed humanity1 is denominated in the ,articles of ,faith1 as hell1 but both point to a visit by ,christ to a place or condition differing essentially from heaven or earth4 ,this position is borne out by the ,savior's own declaration to ,mary1 when he forbade her to touch him1 for the reason that he had not yet ascended to ,his ,father4 ,this shows he had not yet been to heaven4 ,he had been engaged in the work entrusted to ,him by the ,father1 among the intelligences that had once existed on the earth4 ,this accounts for the remark of ,jesus1 while hanging upon the cross1 to the thief who suffered a similar fate at the same time3 ,to-day shalt thou be with me in paradise4 ,some unadvisedly suppose the thief went direct to heaven4 ,on the contrary it is evident he went to a place where departed spirits abide until the resurrection4 ,christ1 as we have shown by the remarks of ,peter1 went to #aha such a place1 in the spirit1 during the time intervening between ,his crucifixion and resurrection4 ,the word paradise1 therefore stands for such a place1 for on the same day on which the promise was made to the thief1 the latter's spirit was to be in the ,redeemer's presence4 ,there he could be taught of the ,lord of heaven and earth and1 if so disposed1 ,live according to ,god in the spirit4 ,the reader may endeavor to find other objections to our proposition that the saving message and power of the ,gospel reaches the dead who die in ignorance of it4 ,he may take issue with us upon the saying of the ,savior1 heretofore quoted1 ,except a man be born of water and of the spirit1 he cannot enter the kingdom of ,god4 ,this1 being a rule devoid of exception1 it may be a question as to how those who have died without a knowledge of the ,gospel can possibly gain an entrance into the heavenly kingdom1 in view of the impracticability of a spirit's being baptized by immersion1 or born of water4 ,we at once admit that a spirit cannot personally comply with this ordinance1 excepting in one way4 ,a departed intelligence can have that ordinance performed by substitute1 and his acceptance of that performance will constitute1 according to the statutes of the ,gospel1 compliance with the law1 and entitle him to the privileges of the kingdom of ,god4 ,we trust the reader will not suddenly1 in his feelings1 object to the vicarious administration of the ordinance of baptism in water4 ,baptism for the dead is ,scriptural1 and is a saving provision of the ,almighty ,god1 showing the magnitude of ,his mercy4 ,let us turn our attention to the #aeth chapter of ,corinthians4 ,paul offers strong reasoning in support of the resurrection of the body4 ,one of the most potent of his points was that if the heretics who declaimed against that sublime doctrine were right1 the ordinance of the being baptized for the dead would be a useless performance4 ,paul was1 of course1 right1 for the chief object of such an ordinance must be to entitle the dead1 among other blessings1 to a part in the resurrection4 ,this agrees with the announcement of ,jesus1 to the effect that the dead would soon hear his voice1 and they who did good would have part in the resurrection of the just4 ,here are the words of ,paul3 ,else what shall they do which are baptized for the dead1 if the dead rise not at all8 ,why are they then baptized for the dead8 ,thus even the dead are not exempt from the exceptionless rule laid down by ,christ1 that the birth of water and of the spirit is an imperative condition of entrance into the kingdom of ,god4 ,the only difference between the living and the dead is that the #ahb former are required to receive it in person and the latter by proxy4 ,how easy for the reader to say1 ,i do not believe one person can do anything in connection with salvation that will affect another4 ,but were such an objection valid1 the whole fabric of ,christianity would be swept away4 ,that saving plan is built upon this very principle4 ,as in ,adam all die1 so in ,christ shall all be made alive 7#a ,cor4 xv1 #bb74 ,the atonement is a vicarious work4 ,who shall say that ,christ has not done a saving work for us8 ,he died that we might live6 ,the principle of one being representing another runs throughout the whole of the dispensations of ,god to men4 ,we have already stated that the atonement was vicarious1 and this is the foundation of ,christianity4 ,the whole mission of the ,savior was a work based on the law of substitution in another respect4 ,he came as the representative of the ,father4 ,he represented neither himself nor his own doctrine4 ,my doctrine is not mine1 but his that sent me4 ,if any man will do his 7the ,father's7 will1 he shall know of the doctrine1 whether it be of ,god1 or whether ,i speak of myself1 7,john vii1 #af1 #ag74 ,how often ,he announced1 in the meekness of his spirit1 ,i came not to do my own will1 but the will of my ,father who sent me4 ,he was the substitute1 deputy or representative of that ,great ,being who1 after his baptism in water1 at the hands of ,john1 to fulfill all righteousness1 proclaimed him his ,son4 ,so is the law of substitution exhibited in the sending forth of the ancient disciples4 ,they were the representatives of ,jesus ,christ1 to perform ,his work1 not their own4 ,neither had they power to do any work save it was in ,his name1 so that through them as ,his deputies or substitutes1 did ,he accomplish ,his purposes4 ,so emphatically did they represent ,him that those who rejected them committed the rebellious crime1 in that act1 of rejecting ,him1 and consequently of rejecting the ,father also4 ,thus it will be seen that substitution runs through the whole superstructure of genuine ,christianity1 and cannot be consistently cast aside or even treated slightingly4 ,the first object of baptism is that the repentant believer receiving it may obtain a remission of sins4 ,if this be the result sought and gained by obedience to this law in the case of a living person1 so must it be in the cases of the dead who receive this ordinance by the law of substitution4 ,paul says we are buried with ,christ by baptism into his death2 that like as ,christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the #ahc ,father1 even so we also should walk in newness of life1 7,rom4 vi1 #d74 ,thus1 in connection with the baptism for the remission of sins1 the disciple engages to refrain from evil-doing in future1 by adopting a newness of life4 ,so also do the spirits of the departed1 whom ,peter informs us had the ,gospel preached unto them1 that they1 might reform1 by living according to ,god4 ,the reader may be seized with a momentary feeling of astonishment at the innovatory character of this doctrine upon existing so-called ,christian systems of religion4 ,the latter1 so far as ,protestantism is concerned1 teach that the condition of human intelligences cannot be affected1 so far as a reformatory process is concerned1 after death4 ,jesus ,christ1 speaking of the sin against the ,holy ,ghost1 said1 that ,all manner of sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven unto men1 excepting this one4 ,of this unpardonable offence ,he said3 ,it shall not be forgiven him1 neither in this world1 neither in the world to come 7,matt1 xii1 #ca1 #cb74 ,this announcement of the ,redeemer implies the application of a forgiveness or remission of sins in the world to come4 ,else what would be the use of stating it as a fact that this special sin could not be forgiven in the world to come4 ,why thus particularize it in reference to the future life1 unless it were an exception to the rule8 ,the only sensible inference to be drawn from the statement is that other sins are forgiven in the future life4 ,the plain meaning of the passage is that all other sins shall be forgiven either here or hereafter4 ,the mode of obtaining that forgiveness or remission of evils committed is the same in the case of the dead as the living1 being through the application of the law of baptism1 received by proxy by the former and in person by the latter4 ,were it suited to our purpose1 we might show that every law of the ,gospel1 being eternal1 compliance alone with the conditions of the same brings the promised blessing4 ,the application of the statutes of heaven is universal1 whether to the living or the dead4 ,if the latter are required to have the law of baptism attended to in their behalf to entitle them to a remission of sins1 so must the birth of the spirit be undergone to ensure for them an entrance into the kingdom of ,god4 ,for1 ,except a man be born of water and of the spirit1 he cannot enjoy that blessed privilege4 ,if the vicarious principle in the ,gospel plan require the birth of the water for departed spirits1 so also must the laying on of hands be received in the same manner--by substitute4 ,thus we might go on to exhibit to the admiring contemplation of the lovers of truth #ahd the exceeding greatness of the scheme of redemption1 consistent1 yet simple in every part4 ,showing also the mercy and justice of the ,most ,high1 who has provided for the eternal peace of all his children who will obey his laws4 ,let us contemplate for a moment those contracted systems which confine the application of the saving power of the ,gospel to this life1 as compared with the infinitely broad plan of which ,christ is the head4 ,every professing ,christian pretends to believe that ,there is none other name under heaven given among men1 whereby we must be saved1 except that of ,christ4 ,myriads of human intelligences come upon this earth and pass away without ever hearing of the name of the ,savior4 ,are these immortal beings to be kept in outer darkness throughout eternity8 ,while revolving ages roll around1 shall no ray of salvation ever illumine the gloom of their prison house8 ,and this because they did not bow in submission to a name with the sound of which their ears had never been saluted8 ,where would be the justice of such a state of facts8 ,yet salvation can only be made attainable through the name of our blessed ,savior4 ,let us rather consider the magnanimity and justice of our ,heavenly ,father1 by admitting that the gates and everlasting doors are lifted up1 and the message of the ,king of ,glory carried to the captives1 that they may be set free4 ,how otherwise would we suppose that the ,redeemer could be the ultimate victor1 conquering death1 hell and the grave1 triumphing over the unavailing efforts of the ,devil to drag humanity down to eternal darkness4 ,the number of human intelligences receiving the message of ,christ in this life is insignificant compared with the teeming hosts who either never heed or never hear ,his name4 ,yet it is only through his name that redemption can be procured4 ,therefore were the ,gospel trumpet not sounded1 nor salvation offered in the spheres beyond1 it would not be ,christ but the arch-adversary who would1 in the great day of the ,lord1 sound the note of victory4 ,salvation for the dead as well as the living is not only ,scriptural1 but it appeals to our reason1 as the only scheme consistent in magnitude and mercy with the character and attributes of the ,king of ,heaven4 ,we have shown1 in the foregoing pages1 that the preaching of the ,gospel to1 and the vicarious performance and administration of its eternal ordinances for the dead1 are in strict harmony with the doctrines of the holy ,scriptures4 ,the application of the saving principles of the ,divine system to the #ahe dead has been clearly explained as a necessity1 to make the work of human redemption complete1 rendering our ,great ,captain1 ,christ1 the triumphant victor1 and ,satan the prostrate1 vanquished foe4 ,the mighty host of the redeemed1 as compared with those who will be destroyed as vessels of wrath1 will be as the vastness of the oceans to the insignificant stream4 ,those doomed to everlasting ostracism from each and all of the mansions and kingdoms of the ,father1 prepared as places of glory and rest for ,his children1 will be comparatively few1 as all manner of sin shall be forgiven unto men1 either in time or eternity1 except the one crime which is unto eternal death--the sin against the ,holy ,ghost4 ,a just and merciful ,god has not created man that he might forever endure eternal misery1 but rather that he might dwell in realms of everlasting joy4 ,it is generally taught that after death there are but two separate and distinct divisions--heaven and hell--into the first of which the righteous are admitted1 and into the second the wicked are thrust4 ,in either one it is believed1 by most professing ,christians1 that there are no degrees of bliss or exaltation on the one hand1 or exquisiteness of torture on the other4 ,but how such unreasonable views can be entertained1 in the face of the plain declaration of ,scripture1 is not easily accounted for4 ,in explanation of the grand fact that there were many dwelling places in the sphere beyond1 ,jesus said to his disciples1 ,in my ,father's house are many mansions2 if it were not so ,i would have told you4 ,i go to prepare a place for you1 7,john xiv1 #b74 ,in the following verse ,jesus assigns as a reason for this preparation that it was for the purpose of having them dwell in ,his presence1 ,that where ,i am there ye may be also4 ,there can be no other inference drawn from this statement than that there will be others who will dwell in the mansions of the ,father1 the kingdoms of our ,god1 who will not enjoy the exalted privilege of being in the immediate presence of the ,redeemer4 ,how beautiful is the explanation of the ,apostle ,paul upon the doctrine of degrees4 ,speaking of the condition of those who have died and shall be again quickened into life by the power of the resurrection1 he says3 ,there are also celestial bodies1 and bodies terrestrial1 but the glory of the celestial is one1 and the glory of the terrestrial is another4 ,there is one glory of the sun1 and another glory of the moon1 and another glory of the stars2 for one star differeth #ahf from another star in glory4 ,so also is the resurrection of the dead 7#a ,cor4 xv1 #dj-db74 ,here are three distinct degrees1 mansions or kingdoms that are spoken of1 and how appropriately are they compared to the shining orbs that illumine the heavenly expanse4 ,the analogous figure used to convey to the mind a glimmering of the innumerable differences that will exist in the third grade of the final abodes of human intelligences1 immediately impresses the mind with the minuteness of detail in the provisions of the divine scheme1 in the wonderful adaptability to the capacities and conditions of an infinite variety of individualities4 ,not only is there a condition of future existence that will be as the stars compared with the greater lights that revolve in space1 but in that plane of existence there shall be differences as peculiar and apparently as numerous as those which characterize the shining worlds4 ,in speaking of the merciful providence of the ,most ,high in preparing ultimate abodes suited to the capacities of ,his children1 surely ,paul was a good authority4 ,not only was he able to speak advisedly by the manifestations of the ,spirit of ,truth1 that was in him by virtue of his holy apostleship1 but he had1 while still a dweller in mortality1 been made an actual partaker of the glories of the other world4 ,he had received a foretaste of the exquisiteness of heavenly bliss1 having been1 by the goodness of ,god1 made a visitant to one1 at least1 of the future degrees4 ,speaking of his personal experience1 he said3 ,i knew a man in ,christ above fourteen years ago1 7whether in the body1 ,i cannot tell2 ,god knoweth27 such an one caught up to the third heaven 7#b ,cor4 xii1 #b74 ,taking this statement1 as all professing ,christians should1 as worthy of credence1 the only logical conclusion to be arrived at is that there are at least three heavens1 the mention of a third rendering the existence of two others imperative4 ,for our part we will accept the statement of an authority like ,paul in preference to that of a wholesale combination of uninspired expounders and commentators1 who stand upon different ground from that taken by him4 ,those who sleep in ,christ shall be raised from the dead at ,his coming with power and great glory1 in the latter days4 ,they shall reign with him on the earth a thousand years4 ,during that blissful period the vicarious work for the dead shall proceed1 until the work of redemption shall be complete1 and all1 at the end of that time of rest1 the thousand years--one clay with the ,lord1--the dead1 both small and great1 shall be raised4 ,then shall come the judgment4 ,the #ahg sons of ,god1 the intelligences whom ,he created for ,his glory1 shall be assigned to the mansions and kingdoms for which they have fitted themselves1 by their course in this life and while in the spirit4 ,and all shall acknowledge that ,god is just1 and merciful1 and full of loving kindness1 and shall give glory to ,him who sitteth upon the throne and to the ,lamb forever and ever4 ,there is an unbroken harmony between the teachings and announcements of ,jesus and all the ancient prophets and apostles with those of ,joseph ,smith1 who was raised up to usher in the great last dispensation4 ,this beautiful blending should strike the investigator as remarkable4 ,he should inquire whether a system so complete could possibly be the product of mere human ingenuity4 ,it certainly is a most striking and unusual phenomenon4 ,this unanimity of doctrine1 principle and sentiment is all the more astounding in view of the otherwise heterogeneous1 discrepant and conflicting religious maelstrom presented by so-called ,christendom4 ,this blending of the teachings of the ancients with those of the modern prophet is at least refreshingly new in this age of frenzied religious perplexity4 ,let us consider the statements of ,joseph ,smith in regard to the future conditions of the human family1 side by side with the utterances of the ,savior and the ,apostle ,paul4 ,at ,hiram1 ,portage ,county1 ,ohio1 ,u4 ,s4 ,a41 the modern prophet and ,sidney ,rigdon were permitted to behold a glorious vision1 by which their minds were opened to a comprehension of this great subject4 ,a portion of what they saw they were commanded to write and is published in section #gf of the latest edition of the ,book of ,doctrine and ,covenants4 ,concerning those who place themselves beyond the pale of redemption1 by committing the sin against the ,holy ,ghost1 it is written3 ,thus saith the ,lord concerning all those who know my power and have been made partakers thereof1 and suffered themselves1 through the power of the devil1 to be overcome1 and to deny the truth and defy my power--,they are they who are the sons of perdition1 of whom ,i say that it had been better for them never to have been born1 for they are vessels of wrath1 doomed to suffer the wrath of ,god1 with the devil and his angels in eternity2 concerning whom ,i have said there is no forgiveness in this world nor in the world to come4 ,speaking of those who shall come forth in the resurrection of the just1 it is stated3 ,they are they who received the testimony of ,jesus1 and believed on his name and were baptized #ahh after the manner of his burial1 being buried in the water in his name1 and this according to the commandment which he has given1 that by keeping the commandments they might be washed and cleansed from their sins1 and receive the ,holy ,spirit by the laying on of the hands of him who is ordained and sealed unto this power1 etc4 ,these are they whose bodies are celestial1 whose glory is that of the sun1 even the glory of ,god1 the highest of all1 whose glory the sun of the firmament is written of as being typical4 ,and again we saw the terrestrial world1 and behold and lo1 these are they who are of the terrestrial1 whose glory differs from that of the ,church of the ,first ,born1 who have received the fullness of the ,father1 even as that of the moon differs from the sun in the firmament4 ,behold these are they who died without law1 and also they who are the spirits of men kept in prison1 whom the ,son visited1 and preached the ,gospel unto them1 that they might be judged according to men in the flesh1 who received not the testimony of ,jesus in the flesh1 but afterwards received it4 ,these are they who are honorable men of the earth1 who were blinded by the craftiness of men4 ,these are they who receive of ,his glory but not of ,his fullness4 ,these are they who receive of the presence of the ,son1 but not of the fullness of the ,father2 wherefore their bodies are terrestrial1 and not bodies celestial1 and differ in glory as the moon differs from the sun1 etc4 ,and again we saw the glory of the telestial1 which glory is that of the lesser1 even as the glory of the stars differs from the glory of the moon in the firmament4 99 99 99 ,these are they who shall not be redeemed from the devil1 until the last resurrection1 until the ,lord1 even ,christ the ,lamb shall have finished his work4 ,whether the reader receive our testimony to the fact that ,joseph ,smith was a prophet or not1 he at least cannot truthfully deny that between his teachings and those of the ,bible there is a connecting chain binding them together in a harmonious whole4 ,not only is this beautiful blending manifested in the statements made in the foregoing pages1 but in all the great principles enunciated by the latter-day prophet4 ,the more the candid truth-seeker investigates the subject1 the more will this unanimity become apparent1 as a result of his unprejudiced researches4 ,all the holy prophets1 from the beginning of the world1 have taken up the theme of the glorious coming of the ,son of ,man in the latter days1 to reign on the earth4 ,in connection with this stupendous event they have depicted1 in graphic and prophetic measure1 the terrible scenes that are to precede it4 ,the wicked who will not listen to the mandates of heaven are to be swept from the earth by judgments1 as with the overwhelming rush of a flood4 ,famine1 plague1 pestilence1 war1 commotions1 uprisings and destructions1 in all the most appalling forms1 will visit those who delight in revelling in the #ahi filth of iniquity that now rises as an offence in the sight of the hosts of heaven4 ,the period of those tribulations1 which have already begun to appear1 has been characterized as the ,great and dreadful day of the ,lord4 ,this fearful time1 when the wicked shall slay the wicked1 is a necessity as a preparatory process before the coming of the ,king of ,kings4 ,a millennium--a reign of righteousness and peace--would be an impossibility with myriads of human beings on the earth that are sunk in the slough of corruption1 delighting in deeds of violence and strife4 ,they repent not1 and to introduce purity and peace1 those whose lives are in contravention of1 instead of in harmony with those conditions1 must be blotted out of existence4 ,therefore it is decreed in the heavens that those who remain at ,his coming will be those only who will bow to ,his sceptre1 deporting themselves in accordance with righteousness and truth4 ,were it not for the realization of a glorious promise the earth1 because of the corruption of those living upon it1 would be smitten with an irretrievable curse4 ,the nature of that promise is set forth in the #eth and #fth verses of the last chapter of ,malachi3 ,behold1 ,i will send you ,elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the ,lord4 ,and he will turn the heart of the fathers to the children1 and the heart of the children to their fathers1 lest ,i come and smite the earth with a curse4 ,what a beautiful and singular harmony is presented between the nature of this great promise and the principles set forth in the present writing--the ,gospel to the dead as well as the living4 ,in the dispensation of the meridian of time1 introduced by the ,redeemer in person1 the heavenly message of glad tidings was1 as herein exhibited1 not only to men dwelling in the flesh1 but also to those living in the spirit4 ,the ,latter-day ,saints claim that the latter-day dispensation was opened by the raising up of the ,prophet ,joseph ,smith4 ,that great and good man1 and his brother ,hyrum1 ,patriarch of the ,church1 met a fate similar to that of the ,savior4 ,they were slain by a furious mob of religious bigots1 for no other reason than asserting that ,god had again spoken from heaven as of old4 ,like the ancient prophets they clung to their integrity with their latest breath1 and sealed their testimony with their blood4 ,but1 like their great ,master1 their mission was not confined to the sphere of the living4 ,as in ,his case1 it extended also to that of the spirits of the departed4 ,hence1 when the prophet had accomplished the work by revelation from ,god1 of setting up the true ,church of ,christ1 with #aij apostles and prophets1 high priests1 seventies1 elders1 priests1 teachers1 deacons1 and every other officer1 and all the necessary councils1 courts and other organizations1 as in former days1 he was called hence to open up a new and later dispensation in the life beyond4 ,the work he had been the honored instrument in inaugurating here could be perpetuated1 under divine guidance1 by those remaining behind who held similar priesthood and authority to that which had been conferred upon him1 and which belongs to him in eternity4 ,that same commission that enabled him to perform a work here1 is of effect in the realms beyond the grave4 ,thus an unbroken chain is formed1 welding the visible ,church of the ,first ,born on this side with the same eternal system behind the veil4 ,by this means there is established a common bond of union between the children--the obedient in this generation--and the fathers who have passed to the other sphere4 ,malachi1 whom we have quoted1 spoke the words of inspiration1 and we claim they have received a literal fulfillment4 ,if our reader profess to be a believer in the ,bible he must1 to be consistent1 either accept as a truth that ,elijah the prophet has come1 or that he will come some time in the future4 ,seeing the finger of prophecy points to the coming of that departed prophet1 for a special purpose1 our claim that his visit is an accomplished fact is worthy of investigatory consideration4 ,we declare that he actually appeared to the ,prophet ,joseph ,smith and ,oliver ,cowdery1 in a temple that had been reared by the ,latter-day ,saints1 and dedicated to the ,lord for holy purposes1 at ,kirtland1 ,state of ,ohio1 ,united ,states of ,america4 ,this visitation occurred on the #crd of ,april1 #ahcf4 ,they were visited by others of the ancient prophets successively on the same occasion1 each conferring upon them the keys and authority pertaining to his special dispensation1 that all the powers pertaining to each might be incorporated in the most stupendous of them all--that of the latter days to prepare for the coming of the ,son of ,man4 ,we quote from the account of the event1 given on page #dje of the latest edition of the ,book of ,doctrine and ,covenants3 ,after this vision had closed1 another great and glorious vision burst upon us1 for ,elijah the prophet1 who was taken to heaven without tasting death1 stood before us and said--,behold1 the time has fully come1 which was spoken of by the mouth of ,malachi1 testifying that he 7,elijah7 should be sent before the great and dreadful day of the ,lord come1 to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children1 and the children to the fathers1 lest the whole earth be smitten with a curse4 #aia ,therefore the keys of this dispensation are committed into your hands1 and by this ye may know the great and dreadful day of the ,lord is near1 even at the doors4 ,from the hour that that glorious vision was opened to the view of those whose eyes were favored to behold it1 the effects of the visit of the great ,elijah took root1 until the outspreading branches from the seed then sown have extended to the uttermost parts of the earth4 ,a great work is in progress1 but because darkness covers the earth and gross darkness the people1 the world comprehend it not4 ,this is because they are not repentant1 neither are they born of water and of the spirit1 without which process man cannot even see1 to say nothing of entering1 the kingdom of ,god4 ,the elders of the ,church of ,jesus ,christ of ,latter-day ,saints are carrying the ,gospel to the nations1 travelling without purse and scrip1 as in olden times4 ,great companies of those who believe their testimonies are departing for the gathering place of the ,church1 month by month and year by year4 ,a leading influence that causes them to wend their way to the appointed land where the latter-day ,zion is to be built up1 is the turning of their hearts to the fathers who have passed before them without the privilege of embracing the plan of salvation on the earth4 ,baptism1 confirmation and other ordinances can only be attended to in holy structures called temples1 reared to the ,most ,high for sacred purposes4 ,the ,saints flock together to aid in the rearing of such buildings1 that they may enter them and officiate for the fathers who have gone before1 that they may be judged according to men in the flesh1 live according to ,god in the spirit1 and have part in the blessings and privileges of the ,gospel of the ,redeemer4 ,thus are the words of ,malachi fulfilled1 in the turning of the hearts of the children to the fathers4 ,the children are manifesting their solicitude for the salvation of the dead by their works4 ,the ,saints1 in the fruitful valleys of the mountains of the north-western portion of ,america1 are engaged in the building of temples to the ,god of ,heaven1 and they operate in full faith of co-operation on the part of the fathers for whom they are working4 ,they have abundant evidence that the turning of their hearts to the fathers is met with a responsive reciprocal echo from the spirits of the departed1 to whom the ,gospel is being preached4 ,one temple1 devoted to the performance of vicarious and other ordinances1 is completed and two others are in the course of construction4 ,it is a portion of the faith of the ,saints also that the great work of redemption of the dead will be prosecuted throughout #aib the ,millennial reign1 until1 at the end of the thousand years of peace1 ,christ shall have put all things under his feet1 being the great conqueror of death1 hell and the grave4 ,when the great work of redemption is completed1 ,he will present the ,kingdom1 in its perfection1 to ,his ,father1 who shall tell ,his ,only ,begotten to retain it and reign over it for ever and ever4 ,we are aware of our inability to present even a remote portrayal of the greatness of the glorious plan arranged in heaven for the redemption of humanity4 ,but however faint the result of our endeavor1 it is perhaps sufficient to show that the saving plan bears upon it the stamp of ,deity4 ,it is a system that1 because of its magnitude1 magnanimity and beauty1 appeals to the intellectual1 moral and religious nature of man4 ,and when the hosts of the redeemed shall sing the new song of praise to ,god and the ,lamb1 it will be the manifestation of a clear comprehension of so grand a scheme1 taking within its broad folds not only living races of men but1 stretching wide into eternity1 embracing all things that were1 that are1 and that still lie in the bosom of the future4 ,summary4 ,it may be well to consider what1 in the foregoing pages1 we have been successful in establishing4 ,the points which have been the most conspicuously and clearly defined may be stated as follows3 ,firstly4--,that the true ,church of ,christ is1 in the nature of its doctrines1 principles1 authority1 gifts1 power and organization1 peculiar and distinct from all other systems4 ,secondly4--,that the sects claiming to be ,christian widely differ in numerous essential vital particulars from the true ,church as described in the ,scriptures1 this discrepancy being sufficient to invalidate their claim to being the ,churches of ,christ4 ,it would be illogical and unscriptural to assume that anything that differs from that which is true can possibly be in itself correct4 ,thirdly4--,that apostasy from the original and pure order of the ,gospel as established by ,christ and ,his divinely commissioned servants1 is clearly foretold in ,holy ,writ2 and that the discrepant condition of professing ,christian ,churches is an existing proof of the genuine character of those predictions4 ,fourthly4--,that a latter day restoration of the true ,gospel is prophetically promised in the ,scriptures4 ,the setting up1 #aic by revelation1 of the ,church of ,jesus ,christ of ,latter-day ,saints1 after the ancient pattern1 sustains the validity of the prophecies given to that effect4 ,fifthly4--,that the comprehensive and far-reaching nature of the ,gospel renders it applicable to the whole human race2 that1 consistent with its intrinsically liberal character1 it provides for the correct teaching1 improvement and ultimate salvation of the dead as well as the living4 ,this fact alone should cause a sentiment of adoration to ascend to ,god from the heart of every human being to whom it is communicated4 ,sixthly4--,that the sectarian dogma of one universal heaven and hell1 making but two distinct ultimate abodes for the multifarious grades of human intelligences1 is an unscriptural fallacy1 inconsistent with the just decree that men shall be rewarded according to their works4 ,seventhly4--,that the ,scriptures promise a visit1 before the end of the rule of wickedness1 from ,elijah the ,prophet1 to restore the keys and powers pertaining to the turning of the hearts of the children to the fathers1 etc4 ,in verification of the claim put forth by the ,saints that that prediction has been fulfilled1 the feelings of the children are being strongly inclined to their progenitors4 ,eighthly4--,that the propositions advanced are not only sustained by appeals to reason1 but are so markedly scriptural that we are surely not claiming too much in assuming that the professed believer in ,holy ,writ is left with but two alternatives to choose from4 ,he must either discard the sacred record as unworthy of his retention1 or accept of the doctrines and principles herein set forth and clearly established4 ,appeal and ,testimony4 ,we appeal to every unconverted soul to whose notice these words shall be brought1 to stop and reflect upon the importance of the message we declare4 ,the note of warning is not to one nation or people1 but to this whole generation of men4 ,the proclamation of the ,gospel1 that was to be delivered by a holy angel in the latter days1 was to be to every nation1 kindred1 tongue and people4 ,it was to be universal4 ,none were to be exempt2 not even those who would be professed followers of the ,savior1 for all were to be1 at the time of the beginning of the restitution of all things1 out of the way of the ,true ,shepherd4 ,reader1 we appeal to you to step forward and1 with an unbiased mind1 investigate1 that you may be able to intelligently #aid decide whether or not the claim of the ,church of ,jesus ,christ of ,latter-day ,saints be legitimate or otherwise4 ,be fearless of the world's despising1 for this was the independent position assumed by the former-day disciples of the ,redeemer4 ,think of the great prize that awaits him who listens to the voice of the ,true ,shepherd1 rather than to the alluring popular praise of the multitude1 and endures to the end4 ,we not only plead with you to consider the eternal welfare of your own soul1 but1 in the name of ,jesus ,christ1 we testify to you that ,god the ,eternal ,father1 has at last broken the speechless gloom of centuries4 ,he has spoken from heaven and established his authority on the earth4 ,if you have1 by evil and false reports regarding the ,saints1 been surrounded by prejudice1 break down the repulsive barrier4 ,draw the bolts and throw open the shutters of your mind1 that the glorious sunlight of eternal truth may enlighten your soul with its illuminating beams4 ,remember the ,saints of former days3 how they were vilified1 abused1 maltreated and murdered for the truth's sake4 ,search diligently for the truth as it is in ,christ1 and when you have found it1 treasure it as a gem of priceless value4 ,it will lead you to seek for a duly commissioned servant of the ,most ,high ,god1 and inspire you to request him1 after you have repented of your sins1 to baptize you for the remission of the same1 and to lay hands upon your head that you may receive the gift of the ,holy ,ghost2 for thus did the ancients4 ,your thus becoming like a little child1 by obedience to the ,lord's will1 makes you a citizen of the kingdom of ,god1 and by continued faithfulness1 you can know1 and not merely believe1 that the doctrine1 instead of being human1 is divine4 ,liverpool1 ,england1 ,january #abth1 #ahhj4 ,footnotes3 #a4 ,first ,principles--,john iii1 #e2 ,luke vii1 #bi2 ,mark xvi1 #ae1 #ae2 ,matt4 xxviii1 #ai2 ,acts ii1 #ch1 #ci2 x1 #dh2 ,mark i1 #d2 ,luke iii1 #c2 ,acts xxii1 #af2 ,matt4 iii1 #f2 ,acts viii1 #ab1 #cf1 #ch2 ,rom4 vi1 #d2 ,john iii1 #bc4 #b4 ,authority ,needed--,heb4 v1 #d2 ,luke xxiv1 #di2 ,acts xiii1 #b-d2 ,rom4 x1 #ad1 #ae4 #c4 ,gifts--#a ,cor4 xii chap42 ,john xiv1 #bf2 ,acts xix1 #f2 ,mark xvi1 #ag1 #ah4 #d4 ,organization--,eph4 iv4 #aa-ac2 #a ,cor4 xii1 #ad-ae2 #ag-bi4 #e4 ,apostasy--,isaiah xxiv1 #e2 #a ,tim4 iv1 #a-c2 #b ,tim4 iii1 #a-e2 iv1 #c1 #d2 #b ,thess4 ii1 #a-c4 #f4 ,restoration--,rev4 iv1 #a2 xiv1 #f1 #g2 xxii1 #h1 #i12 ,matt4 xxiv1 #ad4 #aie ,,the ,,means ,,of ,,escape1 ,,or1 ,,existing ,,evils ,,and ,,their ,,cure4 ,by ,john ,nicholson4 ,an ,elder of the ,church of ,jesus ,christ of ,latter-,day ,saints4 ,now learn a parable of the fig tree3 ,when his branch is yet tender1 and putteth forth leaves1 ye know that summer is nigh2 ,so likewise ye1 when ye shall see all these things1 know that it is near1 even at the doors4--,matt4 xxiv4 #cb1 #cc4 ,we live in strange times4 ,human affairs are hastening to a crisis4 ,international struggles are imminent1 nation rising against nation1 for supremacy and existence4 ,civilized governments are threatened by an internal and destructive agency1 in the form of communism4 ,this secret combination assumes different names and forms1 according to the fancy of its devotees and the various stages of its advancement4 ,it is ,communism in ,france1 ,socialism in ,germany1 ,internationalism in ,spain and ,italy1 ,nihilism in ,russia1 and similar sentiments and principles are cloaked under a variety of titles in ,america and the ,united ,kingdom of ,great ,britain4 ,these societies are opposed in spirit to all the restraints of law2 they are an increasing power1 causing thrones to totter and soon1 through their agency1 governments will crumble and fall4 ,on ,february #ith1 #ahca1 the great ,prophet of the latter-days received a revelation from ,god1 on this subject4 ,he was told to instruct the elders of the ,church who should go to the east1 to teach them that shall be converted to flee to the west1 and this in consequence of that which is coming upon the earth1 and of secret combinations4 ,the prophecies in the ,book of ,mormon are plain on this subject1 stating that secret combinations to get power and gain1 should be among the nations in the latter times1 and would be a sign that the destruction of those governments in which they should exist would be near at hand4 ,the prevailing conflict between capital and labor is #aif irrepressible1 strikes being of almost daily occurrence4 ,the increase of labor-saving machinery is creating over-stocked markets4 ,this and other causes create a decline in trade for which there is no cure4 ,consequently the condition of the poorer classes grows from bad to worse4 ,they will continue in that situation until driven1 by desperation1 to deeds of violence1 scenes of anarchy and bloodshed will ensue and ,babylon shall fall4 ,the merchants of the earth shall weep and mourn over her2 for no man buyeth her merchandise any more 7see ,rev41 chap1 xviii74 ,secularism and infidelity are sweeping over the nations like a mighty flood4 ,having broken through the restraining influence of religious feeling1 the masses are plunging into a vortex of ruin1 by indulgence in every species of iniquity4 ,crime is increasing with such rapidity that the cities of the world are fairly reeking with corruption4 ,the earth is in commotion with the news of famines1 pestilence1 wars and rumors of war4 ,it has almost come to the point when men's hearts are failing them for fear1 and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth4 7,luke xxi1 #bf47 ,the present phase of things is because the world has been for centuries and is now in apostasy from the true order of the ,gospel4 ,isaiah 7xxiv1 #e71 being enabled to behold1 by prophetic power1 the existing condition of affairs1 said3 ,the earth also is defiled under the inhabitants thereof2 because they have transgressed the laws1 changed the ordinance1 broken the everlasting covenant4 ,speaking of what should be previous to the second coming of ,christ1 ,paul said 7ii4 ,thess4 ii4 #c71 ,let no man deceive you by any means2 for that day shall not come1 except there come a falling away first1 and that man of sin be revealed1 the son of perdition4 ,the reader may say3 ,i can clearly see the perplexing dilemma the world has reached1 but it is easier to point out an evil than the means of escape from it4 ,it is not our intention to leave the matter in a maze of doubt1 for as surely as ,god1 through ,his servants1 predicted the falling away1 when men should have a form of godliness but denying the power thereof2 so also1 by the voice of revelation1 did ,he proclaim that1 in the latter times it would be restored4 7,rev4 xiv4 #f47 ,and ,i saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven1 having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth1 and to every nation1 kindred1 tongue and people4 ,also1 in telling his disciples what should be the signs of his coming1 ,christ gave as one of them 7,matt4 xxiv4 #ad73 ,and #aig this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations2 and then shall the end come4 ,we make the solemn declaration that the fullness of the everlasting ,gospel1 with all its gifts1 authority1 and blessings has been restored1 through the instrumentality of the ,prophet ,joseph ,smith1 in this age4 ,this restoration came not by the will or power of man1 but by the power of the ,living ,god4 ,we extract the following from an article under the head of ,church ,history1 written in #ahdb1 by ,joseph1 the ,prophet3 ,i was born in the town of ,sharon1 ,windsor ,county1 ,vermont1 ,u4 ,s4 ,a41 on the #bc;d of ,december1 ,a4 ,d4 #ahje4 ,when ten years old my parents removed to ,palmyra1 ,new ,york1 where we resided about four years1 and from thence removed to the town of ,manchester1 ,u4 ,s4 ,a4 ,my father was a farmer and taught me the art of husbandry4 ,when about fourteen years of age1 ,i began to reflect upon the importance of being prepared for a future state1 and1 upon inquiring the plan of salvation1 ,i found that there was a great clash in religious sentiments4 ,believing the word of ,god1 ,i had confidence in the declaration of ,james1 ',if a man lack wisdom let him ask of ,god1 who giveth to all men liberally and upbraideth not1 and it shall be given him1' ,i retired to a secret place in a grove and began to call upon the ,lord4 ,while fervently engaged in supplication1 my mind was taken away from the objects with which ,i was surrounded1 and ,i was enwrapped in a heavenly vision1 and saw two glorious personages who exactly resembled each other in features and likeness1 surrounded with a brilliant light1 which eclipsed the sun at noon-day4 ,they told me that all religious denominations were believing in incorrect doctrines1 and that none of them was acknowledged of ,god as ,his ,church and ,kingdom4 ,and ,i was expressly commanded to 'go not after them2' at the same time receiving a promise that the fullness of the ,gospel should at some future time be made known unto me4 ,on the #bast of ,september1 ,a4 ,d4 #ahbc1 ,joseph ,smith was visited by an angel from the courts of glory1 who instructed him further regarding the coming forth of the work of the ,lord in the last days4 ,this heavenly messenger informed him concerning certain plates that were hid in a hill1 and on which was recorded the history of two races of people who had inhabited the ,american ,continent1 one descended from a small colony that was led out of ,jerusalem about #fjj years ,b4 ,c42 and the other from a company that was led to the ,american ,continent by the power of ,god1 at the time the ,lord confounded the language of the people who built the ,tower of ,babel4 ,those records1 together with the ,urim and ,thummim1 by means of which sacred instruments he was enabled to translate them1 were committed to him1 producing what is known as the ,book of ,mormon4 ,this record is in exact harmony with the doctrine and principles contained in the ,scriptures of #aih the ,old and ,new ,testaments1 and embodies many prophecies that have been fulfilled1 many that are now being verified and others relating to events still in the future4 ,on the #aeth of ,may1 #ahbi1 ,joseph ,smith and ,oliver ,cowdery were visited by ,john the ,baptist1 an angelic messenger from ,god1 by whom they were ordained to the ,aaronic ,priesthood1 which holds the keys of the ministering of angels and the gospel of repentance and of baptism by immersion for the remission of sins4 ,subsequently1 by direct revelation from ,god1 they were ordained to the ,melchisedek ,priesthood1 which holds the keys of the laying on of the hands for the reception of the ,holy ,ghost4 ,they were also commissioned to ordain others to the same great authority and to organize the ,church of ,jesus ,christ of ,latter-day ,saints1 which was done on the #fth day of ,april1 #ahcj1 in the town of ,fayette1 ,seneca ,county1 ,state of ,new ,york1 ,united ,states of ,america4 ,from that time the work spread in every direction1 the word being confirmed by signs following the believers1 as it was anciently1 when holy men of old went forth administering among the people by the power and authority of the ,god of ,israel4 ,in ancient times nearly the whole of the ,prophets1 and the ,saviour ,himself and ,his ,apostles1 were the objects of bitter persecution4 ,the introduction of the same principles1 in this age1 has produced the same effect4 ,from the time ,joseph ,smith received his first vision till now1 the work which he was the honored instrument in establishing has met with the most intense opposition4 ,the ,saints were robbed1 plundered1 and many of them slain by ruthless mobs in the ,states of ,new ,york1 ,ohio1 ,missouri and ,illinois1 the ,prophet himself and his brother1 ,hyrum ,smith1 having been martyred in cold blood1 on the #bgth of ,june1 #ahdd1 in the last named ,state4 ,finally the ,saints1 being driven from the haunts of civilization1 sought out a home in the northwestern wilds of ,america1 which1 by the practical working out of the principles for the espousal of which they were derided1 driven1 and everywhere spoken evil against1 they are fast causing to blossom as the rose1 by the blessing of ,god4 ,the ,saints1 under the organization of the ,church of ,christ1 as it existed anciently1 with ,apostles and ,prophets1 ,high ,priests1 ,seventies1 ,elders1 ,bishops1 ,priests1 ,teachers1 ,deacons1 ,helps1 ,governments1 etc41 are establishing a purer and better order of society than exists anywhere else on the earth4 ,they are progressing1 by the application of measures for the benefit of the whole people1 to that unity that will prepare them #aii to receive the ,lord ,jesus ,christ1 whose coming we declare to be near at hand4 ,strikes and other evils that are distracting the social systems abroad are unknown among them4 ,the ,saints are nearing a union of sentiment and action that causes peace to abound among them and comparative plenty to prevail4 ,under the guiding spirit of inspiration from ,god1 the people are being educated to a higher standard of morality in its broadest sense1 including the business relations of life4 ,by the gradual introduction of co-operative institutions1 involving mutual interests1 they are successfully progressing to the desirable point of unity in temporal as well as spiritual things4 ,they are building up settlements1 towns and cities1 in which peace prevails and the hum of industry and song of rejoicing are heard4 ,they are erecting ,temples and ,tabernacles for the administration of the sacred ordinances and the worship of the ,true and ,living ,god4 ,this noble work is being done by people of a great variety of nationalities1 heretofore of different customs and habits1 speaking different languages1 but infused with one spirit1 into which they have been baptized1 which is the ,spirit of ,christ4 ,the ,elders of the ,church of ,jesus ,christ of ,latter-day ,saints are not hirelings1 who divine for money4 ,at the call of the ,saviour1 they cheerfully sacrifice the interests of business and the comforts and endearments of home1 going forth1 like the disciples of old1 to every part of the world where they can find an opening4 ,their message is to call upon the people to believe in ,god1 the ,eternal ,father and in ,his ,son1 ,jesus ,christ2 to repent of their sins1 be baptized in water1 by immersion1 for the remission of the same1 receive the laying on of hands for the reception of the ,holy ,ghost and obey the great command--,come out of her1 my people1 that ye be not partakers of her sins and that ye receive not of her plagues4 7,rev4 xviii4 #d47 ,many thousands are heeding the warning and are gathering from the nations with the ,church year by year1 for this is the ark of safety provided for the righteous from the abominations and calamities of the last days4 ,hear it1 ,o ye inhabitants of the earth1 for we bear witness1 in the name of ,jesus ,christ1 that ,god has again spoken from the heavens and revealed the everlasting ,gospel1 for the salvation of all who believe and obey4 ,it is a law of the ,scriptures that in the mouths of two or three witnesses shall every word be established1 and there are tens of thousands who can testify to the truth of these things4 ,liverpool1 ,england1 ,november #aeth1 #ahgh4 #bjj ,the ,latter-,day ,prophet4 ,by ,john ,nicholson4 ,an ,elder of the ,church of ,jesus ,christ of ,latter-,day ,saints4 ,prophets ,needed and ,should be ,expected--,organism of the ,church of ,christ--,effects of ,obedience to the ,doctrines ,introduced by ,joseph ,smith--,the ,book of ,mormon ,authentic--,modern ,prophecy and its ,fulfillment4 ,was ,joseph ,smith an authorized prophet of ,god8 ,this is a question of momentous importance4 ,like every matter involving the weal or woe of mankind1 the answer should not be given in haste4 ,the evidence should be carefully scanned and weighed before a decision is reached4 ,he who jumps at conclusions regarding men and things1 whether for or against1 without a scrutinizing examination1 is liable to err in judgment4 ,such a person is likely also to be guilty of injustice4 ,in addition to the vital interests involved1 that kindly liberality that should characterize the behavior of man to his fellow1 requires that a plea in behalf of the divinity of the mission of ,joseph ,smith should be candidly and impartially considered4 ,the popular voice is against the validity of the claim of ,joseph ,smith to being a true prophet4 ,public sentiment on such a subject has no force4 ,if it have any bearing upon it at all it must be favorable1 because of precedents4 ,if popular repudiation is evidence against the genuineness of ,joseph ,smith's claim1 it would be equally sensible to recognize its potency as directed against the rejected ,redeemer of the world1 whose sufferings and death were effected by the tide of the popular will4 ,the same may be as readily applied to nearly the whole of the holy prophets since the world began1 against whom the waves of popular feeling1 as a rule1 surged like the waters of an angry sea4 #bja ,the prevailing idea regarding prophets is that1 in the language of the generality of so-called ,christian teachers1 they are not needed now4 ,they were merely required to establish the ,church of ,christ in its incipiency4 ,of course some excuse must be advanced for the non-existence of divinely commissioned and inspired men in the various churches4 ,it would not do to say such men are needed1 because the question as to why they do not have them would immediately arise4 ,however1 we think it is not only an easy matter to show1 scripturally1 that such men are not only needed1 but that the existence of the true ,church of ,christ without them is an absolute impossibility4 ,we direct the reader to the #dth chap1 of ,paul's ,epistle to the ,ephesians4 ,the #hth verse says3 ,when he 7,christ7 ascended up on high1 he led captivity captive and gave gifts unto men4 ,now read from the #aath to the #adth verse1 inclusive3 ,and he gave some1 apostles2 and some1 prophets2 and some1 evangelists2 and some1 pastors and teachers2 for the perfecting of the ,saints1 for the work of the ministry1 for the edifying of the body of ,christ2 till we all come to a unity of the faith1 and of the knowledge of the ,son of ,god1 unto a perfect man1 unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of ,christ4 ,that we henceforth be no more children1 tossed to and fro1 and carried about with every wind of doctrine1 by the sleight of men1 and cunning craftiness1 whereby they lie in wait to deceive4 ,take the assertions of the apostate so-called ,christian ,churches in regard to the non-essentiality of inspired apostles and prophets and place them in juxtaposition with the teachings of ,paul1 and what do we discover8 ,we observe the widest discrepancy between them4 ,those inspired men were given to the ,church for the perfecting of the ,saints4 ,consequently1 before it can be established that they are no longer needed it must first be proved that the ,saints or members of the ,church have reached perfection4 ,to claim that this is the case would be too glaringly absurd in the face of existing facts4 ,imperfection being the evident condition of the professors of what is termed ,christian religion1 the necessity of the agencies appointed of ,god to bring about a more perfect state must be admitted as reasonable and scriptural4 ,another object of the existence in the ,church of inspired apostles and prophets1 etc41 was the work of the ministry4 ,they being appointed of ,god1 and not of men1 for that purpose1 to assume that because they do not exist in the churches is sufficient evidence that they are not required is equal to an #bjb assumption that the work of the ministry is unnecessary4 ,the untenable claim that men endowed with divine authority and prophetic gifts were only necessary in the rise of the primitive ,church flies before the scriptural statement that they were to remain till we all come to a unity of the faith4 ,an unprejudiced1 dispassionate ,christian reasoner will at once freely admit that the present distracted1 divided1 embittered1 controversial condition of ,christendom presents anything else than a united state1 which inspired men were commissioned1 by heavenly teachings1 to bring about4 ,the desirableness of that unity is most clearly defined1 in the reason that1 we henceforth be no more children1 tossed to and fro and carried about by every wind of doctrine1 by the sleight of men4 ,that is plainly the present condition of religious affairs1 the people being wafted about by every whimsical1 sensational breeze of doctrine4 ,it is made a matter of lucrative trade by mercenary individuals1 to play upon the wayward1 flitting religious sentiments of the misguided masses4 ,we say to the people1 be not deceived by those who make merchandise of the souls of men1 by teaching the repudiation of inspired apostles and prophets4 ,those holy men can alone relieve the earnest worshipper from being engulfed in the turbulent sea of doubt and place his feet upon the steadfast rock of certainty4 ,there can be no question as to the present existence of prophets1 through whom the will of ,god could be taught1 being desirable4 ,then1 the ,almighty being just and unchangeable1 why should it be considered unlikely that ,he should give good gifts to men now as well as anciently8 ,if the people now are as deserving as the ancients were1 why should the present generation be denied the enjoyment of equal privileges in relation to being divinely taught8 ,surely there can be no reason4 ,among the innumerable unfounded false popular impressions regarding the ,latter-day ,saints is one to the effect that they do not believe in the teachings of the ,old and ,new ,testaments4 ,some of the more ignorant people go so far in misconception of their true character as to be imbued with the utterly preposterous idea that they do not even believe in the ,savior at all4 ,the very name of the organization--the ,church of ,jesus ,christ of ,latter-day ,saints--a title we claim to have been given by revelation from ,god1 should be enough to explode the latter fallacious view4 ,and in regard to the belief of the ,saints in the teachings and doctrines of the ,bible1 the organism of the ecclesiastical body should be evidence enough on that point4 ,all the officers and councils named in the ,new ,testament are included in it2 hence there are apostles1 high priests1 #bjc seventies1 elders1 bishops1 priests1 teachers and deacons1 the duties and functions of those several offices of the genuine priesthood being clearly understood and defined4 ,it is required that every officer should understand the character of his position and the relationship he sustains in it towards all other authorities1 producing the most desirable unity and beautiful harmony4 ,this symmetrical perfection1 this shapely figure1 the result of the most exquisite niceness of organization and completely detailed definition of the functions of each portion of the body-religious is1 in our view1 a very decided evidence of the divinity of the mission of the great prophet of the nineteenth century4 ,it accords with the frequently recurring scriptural figure by which the true ,church of ,christ is compared1 in its perfection of parts and harmonious blending of divisions1 to the human body4 ,the preservation of this completeness is an absolute necessity4 ,how can the human bodily structure be deemed perfect when it is decapitated1 when denuded of its extremities1 or when the trunk is lacerated or divided into pieces8 ,no detached part can1 in its separate capacity1 be denominated a body1 neither can the organism be called perfect when deprived of even the most inferior of its members4 ,how then1 on the same ground1 can a church1 as compared to a body1 be called the ,church of ,christ if it repudiate or is devoid of apostles1 prophets1 high priests1 seventies and other vital parts that1 according to ,new ,testament teachings1 comprise necessarily the most important portions of that harmonious organization inaugurated among men by the ,savior of the world and ,his ancient apostles8 ,how anxious the ,apostle ,paul was to impress upon the minds of the people the positiveness of the necessity for the preservation of the organization of the ,church in its entirety4 ,hear what he says on the subject1 #a ,cor4 xii4 #ad-ba3 ,for the body is not one member1 but many4 ,if the foot shall say1 ,because ,i am not the hand1 ,i am not of the body2 is it therefore not of the body8 ,and if the ear shall say1 ,because ,i am not the eye1 ,i am not of the body2 is it therefore not of the body8 ,if the whole body were an eye1 where were the hearing8 ,if the whole were hearing where were the smelling8 ,but now hath ,god set the members every one of them in the body1 as it hath pleased him4 ,and if they were all one member1 where were the body8 ,but now are they many members1 yet but one body4 ,and the eye cannot say unto the hand1 ,i have no need of thee2 nor again the head to the feet1 ,i have no need of you4 #bjd ,to show that ,paul had special reference1 in his advocacy of the preservation of the body in the perfection of its parts1 to the officers and gifts of the ,church1 it will profit the reader to peruse the #bgth and #bhth verses of the same chapter3 ,now ye are the body of ,christ1 and members in particular4 ,and ,god hath set some in the ,church1 first apostles1 secondarily prophets1 thirdly teachers1 after that miracles1 then gifts of healings1 helps1 governments1 diversities of tongues4 ,after this pattern has the ,church1 revealed anew in this age1 been set up through the instrumentality of the young man ,joseph ,smith who1 like his ,divine ,master1 was slain on account of the testimony he bore to a perverse generation2 and our reader may well pause and ask himself the vital question1 where else in all the world can ,i find a church similar to that of ancient times8 ,but we hasten to explain other and equally potent evidences that establish the divinity of ,joseph ,smith's mission and the validity of his claim to being a prophet4 ,we will first consider the character of his teachings and administrations and their effects upon those who accept them4 ,he announced that the ,kingdom of ,heaven was at hand2 that the ,lord was about to commence ,his marvelous latter-day work1 by preparing for the coming of the ,savior4 ,he and his associate apostles and prophets taught the same ,gospel that ,christ and the ancient apostles preached3 ,faith in ,god the ,eternal ,father1 in ,his ,son ,jesus ,christ1 repentance of sins1 baptism1 by immersion1 for the remission of sins1 and the laying on of the hands of those holding divine authority for the bestowal of the ,gift of the ,holy ,ghost4 ,the elders of the ,church constantly preached these doctrines and they are explained so clearly in many pamphlets and more extensive published works1 that it is not our purpose to enter upon an elaborate dissertation regarding them in this writing4 ,in fact so plainly are these the doctrines taught by ,christ and ,his apostles1 in the same order as they are given in the preceding paragraph1 that a labored explanation in support of them should be unnecessary to convince any consistent1 intelligent1 professing ,christian that they are strictly biblical1 and1 without exception1 absolutely essential4 ,what we wish more particularly to refer to now is the promise given to the obedient believers of the bestowal upon them of the ,holy ,ghost4 ,no impostor could make such an offer without subjecting himself to the certainty of discovery4 ,here was a distinct assertion that a clearly defined effect would be produced by a plainly stated cause1 the former being the #bje reception of the ,holy ,ghost1 produced by obedience to the doctrines and ordinances before enumerated4 ,here was an offer exactly similar to that made to the people in ancient times4 ,christ and the ancient apostles promised that the obedient should know of the doctrine1 and miraculous signs should follow the believer4 ,they laid their hands upon them and they received the ,holy ,ghost4 ,how easy it is to test this matter4 ,the question now to be considered is this3 ,is the promised effect really produced upon those who obey the doctrines taught by ,joseph ,smith and incorporated in the faith and practice of the ,church he was instrumental in establishing8 ,if the affirmative of this question can be proved1 then it follows that he was indeed a prophet of the ,living ,god1 specially raised up and appointed4 ,what greater evidence could be given than the testimony of those who have tested the efficacy of the promise for themselves4 ,as to the extent and existence of this proof we have but to refer the reader to the scores of thousands of members and officers of the ,church of ,jesus ,christ of ,latter-day ,saints4 ,these will unhesitatingly testify that1 as an effect of their obedience1 they have received the ,comforter1 the ,holy ,ghost1 by whose operations it has been manifested to their minds that ,god has begun a marvelous work in the earth1 having commenced to set up the ,kingdom whose existence is prophetically predicted in the second chapter of ,daniel4 ,an application to this source will also inform the inquirer that the gifts promised to believers exist in the ,church of ,jesus ,christ of ,latter-day ,saints4 ,proceeding upon the legitimate assumption that the effect of obedience to the requirements of the doctrines of faith1 repentance1 baptism for the remission of sins1 and the laying on of hands1 does produce the promised imparting of the ,holy ,ghost1 what is the proper conclusion8 ,it must be that ,joseph ,smith was a true ,prophet1 for the reason that the giving of the ,holy ,ghost necessarily shows divine recognition4 ,no such effect could possibly result from the teachings and administrations of an impostor4 ,the reader may say that he is not willing to accept of the testimony of the ,latter-day ,saints1 on the ground of the probability of their being interested witnesses4 ,what reason would he have for supposing then1 that he would have received the evidence of the ,former-day ,saints8 ,they were open to the same objection1 if it be one1 and they had no more proof to advance that their claim was valid than is now offered in support of the same ,gospel restored in its power in these days4 ,one thing is very evident in this connection3 there is but one #bjf process by which the position of the ,latter-day ,saints can be consistently refuted4 ,that is by the testing method1 which is open to all4 ,it consists of implicit compliance with the conditions stated to be requisite to insure a personal testimony or witness to the obedient4 ,until the opponents of the divine system take this course1 consistency would appear to demand that they hold their peace1 lest they be1 ignorantly or otherwise1 found fighting against ,god4 ,however1 as the ,saints know1 experimentally1 that honest truth-seekers receive1 through obedience1 the witness of the ,spirit1 they know the work they are engaged in is secure from successful assault from that method4 ,the reader has probably been heretofore misled regarding the faith and doctrines professed by the ,latter-day ,saints1 and may consequently be surprised at their being identical with the teachings of the ,bible4 ,he has perhaps been under the impression that the ,old and ,new ,testaments were discarded and what is known as the ,book of ,mormon adopted instead4 ,such an impression1 which is only too general1 is altogether erroneous4 ,it is true1 however1 that1 in addition to the ,bible1 the ,saints accept the ,book of ,mormon as a divine revelation1 it being in accordance with the genius of their faith1 to adopt whatever the ,almighty chooses to offer for the information and salvation of ,his children4 ,we are aware that1 in consequence of the false teachings of uninspired men1 who teach for hire and divine for money1 the people generally have a prejudice against receiving any revelations not contained in the ,bible4 ,they have been erroneously informed that the canon of ,scripture is full1 and ,god would no more speak to ,his children1 but preserve the gloom of an unbroken silence towards them4 ,what an unnatural and unreasonable doctrine this is6 ,yet1 to delude the ignorant into an acceptance of this discouraging dogma1 those who drag religion down to the degrading position of a mere mercantile basis1 triumphantly quote the #ahth and #ajth verses of the last chapter of ,revelation3 ,if any man shall add unto these things1 ,god shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book2 and if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy1 ,god shall take away his part out of the book of life1 and out of the holy city1 and from the things which are written in this book4 ,to offer this passage as evidence of the fullness of the scriptural canon is exceedingly absurd4 ,it simply had reference to the enlargement or reduction of the book of ,john's prophecy1 for at the time it was written the ,bible had not been #bjg compiled4 ,consequently it could have no reference to the ,old and ,new ,testaments1 which are a compilation of various books4 ,it is certainly right that man should not1 with impunity1 add to or take from what ,god has revealed1 although the ,almighty can certainly do so at any time1 according to ,his good will and pleasure4 ,however1 should the ,lord1 in ,his mercy1 reveal another book or prophecy1 it would be distinct of itself and not necessarily an addition to one that ,he had already given1 and might relate to another subject1 as in the case of books in general1 which are books of themselves and not mere additions to others4 ,there is a regrettable lack of information regarding the ,book of ,mormon in the world at large4 ,it will be profitable to first consider the manner in which this record was1 by the matchless power of ,god1 brought to the light4 ,this will necessarily have to be done briefly4 ,if the reader desire more detailed particulars1 he can obtain them by a perusal of more elaborate writings1 which can be had through any of the authorized agents of the ,church4 ,in the year #ahbj1 when ,joseph ,smith was in the fifteenth year of his age1 he resided1 with his parents and other members of the family1 in the town of ,manchester1 ,ontario ,county1 ,new ,york1 ,united ,states of ,america4 ,there was1 in that vicinity1 at that time1 a religious revival1 causing him to be seriously impressed with a desire to serve ,god4 ,the conflict of jarring sects caused him perplexity as to which he would be justified in joining4 ,being struck with the reasonableness of the scriptural promise that ,god would give wisdom to those who asked ,him for it in faith1 he retired to a wood or grove1 and prayed for the information of which he felt he stood so much in need4 ,in answer to his fervent and simple petition1 a glorious vision opened to the gaze of the suppliant youth4 ,a radiant pillar of fire appeared1 descended and encircled him about4 ,in the midst of this brilliant column were two glorious personages1 the brightness of whose presence was beyond the power of human description1 eclipsing that of the sun when he shines in noonday splendor4 ,one of those heavenly beings spoke to ,joseph1 calling him by name and saying1 pointing to the other1 ,this is my beloved ,son1 hear him4 ,joseph1 when sufficiently recovered from the sensations that possessed him1 inquired which of all the sects he should join4 ,the personage who addressed him commanded him to identify himself with none1 as all had gone astray1 and were an abomination in ,his sight4 ,they draw near to ,me with their lips1 #bjh but their hearts are far from ,me2 they teach for doctrine the commandments of man1 having a form of godliness1 but they deny the power thereof4 ,he was also told many other things of great importance4 ,how forcibly the honest inquirer must be struck with the clearness with which the position of the sects was portrayed by these holy beings--the ,father and the ,son4 ,religious professors have a form of worship but deny revelation1 and the power of godliness made manifest by the exercise of miraculous gifts2 they also repeat printed prayers which1 being manufactured by others1 cannot proceed from the hearts of those who mechanically utter them4 ,joseph obeyed the command he received1 to abstain from joining any of the religious denominations4 ,on the night of ,september #bast1 #ahbc1 after having retired to bed1 he was engaged in fervent prayer to the ,almighty for the forgiveness of his sins1 and a manifestation that would satisfy his mind as to his standing before the ,lord4 ,while thus employed a personage of great beauty1 dressed in white raiment1 presented himself before him4 ,the room was lighted up by the glory of his presence1 the brightness of the light being most intense in close proximity to the person of this heavenly being4 ,the name of this visitant was ,moroni4 ,he told ,joseph that ,god had a work for him to do that would cause his name to be spoken of for good or evil among all people4 ,we will here quote from the personal history of the prophet3 ,he said there was a book deposited1 written upon gold plates1 giving an account of the former inhabitants of this continent1 and the source from whence they sprang4 ,he also said that the fullness of the everlasting ,gospel was contained in it1 as delivered by the ,savior to the ancient inhabitants2 also that there were two stones in silver bows--and these stones1 fastened to a breastplate1 constituted what is called the ,urim and ,thummim--deposited with the plates2 and the possession and use of these stones were what constituted seers in ancient or former times2 and that ,god had prepared them for the purpose of translating the book4 ,this holy messenger gave ,joseph many precious instructions relative to the coming forth of the record1 and the setting up and establishment of the work of ,god in the last days1 quoting several passages from the prophecies of the ,bible1 notably the third chapter of ,malachi2 eleventh chapter of ,isaiah2 third chapter of ,acts2 second chapter of ,joel1 from the twenty-eighth to the last verse4 ,these predictions1 he stated1 were soon to be fulfilled4 ,joseph was also shown1 by #bji the opening of the vision of his mind1 by the power of the ,almighty1 the place where the plates were deposited4 ,he was visited twice subsequently by the same personage1 the same night1 and on each occasion the instructions given on the first visit were repeated4 ,passing over many intermediate circumstances which transspired up to the time of the plates with the ,urim and ,thummim being committed to the charge of the youthful prophet1 it must suffice1 in the present writing1 to state that he received them from the ,angel ,moroni1 on the #bbnd day of ,september1 #ahbg4 ,the prophet copied a number of the characters1 which were very finely engraved on the plates1 and1 by means of the ,urim and ,thummin1 translated some of them4 ,these were taken by ,martin ,harris1 to ,professor ,anthon1 of ,new ,york1 who stated that the translation was correct4 ,on being shown the portion of the transcript that was not translated1 he said the characters were ,egyptian1 ,chaldiac1 ,assyriac and ,arabic1 and that they were genuine characters4 ,the professor gave ,mr4 ,harris a certificate to that effect1 but on learning that the young man ,joseph had the plates revealed to him by an angel1 he demanded it back and tore it up1 saying there was no such thing now as ministering of angels4 ,he requested that the plates be brought to him and he would translate them4 ,mr4 ,harris replied that a portion of them was sealed and he was forbidden to bring them4 ,professor ,anthon retorted1 ,i cannot read a sealed book4 ,mr4 ,harris also visited ,dr4 ,mitchell1 whose statement coincided with that of ,professor ,anthon1 regarding the genuineness of the characters and translation4 ,in the midst of great difficulties and perplexities1 out of all of which ,joseph and the friends the ,lord raised up to him were delivered by ,his matchless power1 the work of translation was completed and the ,book of ,mormon was finally published1 in the early part of the year #ahcj4 ,limited space will not admit of a detailed account of the narrative portion of this remarkable record4 ,this information can best be gained from the ,book itself4 ,it contains an account of the doings of the righteous and the wicked of the ancient inhabitants of ,america4 ,it includes information relative to the dealings of ,god with the people1 describing the works of many mighty prophets1 seers and revelators4 ,the sayings of these inspired men have slumbered in the dust for ages1 but have spoken again from the ground in deep and piercing tones1 in accordance with the recorded promise of our #baj heavenly ,father regarding the accomplishment of ,his marvelous work in the latter days4 ,the ,prophet ,isaiah must have beheld the coming forth of this record as a testimony to all men of the care which the ,almighty has exercised over the nations of men1 in every part of the earth1 in all ages4 ,hear his words as found in the #bith chap41 #aath to #adth verse3 ,and the vision of all is become to you as the words of a book that is sealed1 which men deliver to one that is learned1 saying1 ,read this ,i pray thee3 and he saith1 ,i cannot1 for it is sealed4 ,and the book is delivered to one that is not learned1 saying1 ,read this ,i pray thee3 and he saith1 ,i am not learned4 ,wherefore the ,lord said1 forasmuch as this people draw near me with their mouth1 and with their lips do honor me1 but have removed their hearts far from me1 and their fear toward me is taught by the precept of men4 ,therefore1 behold1 ,i will proceed to do a marvelous work among this people1 even a marvelous work and a wonder3 for the wisdom of their wise men shall perish1 and the understanding of their prudent men shall be hid4 ,so truly have the words of ,isaiah received a verification1 that some portions of the passage just quoted read like a record made subsequent to the transpiration of the events to which they allude4 ,in the interview between ,mr4 ,harris and the learned ,professor ,anthon1 the latter actually said1 ,i cannot read a sealed book4 ,the youthful ,joseph1 diffident and unlearned1 was enabled1 by the gift and power of the ,almighty1 to read the historic narrative of the mighty races of the past1 and give to the world a book1 the authenticity of which is proved by evidences that cannot be successfully controverted4 ,the unlearned youth received the power to accomplish this because the set time had come for the fulfillment of the promise of the ,most ,high to begin a marvelous work in the earth2 not by the esteemedly wise and learned1 but by humble instruments1 that no flesh might glory in ,his presence4 ,many people appear to be contracted in their views regarding the dealings of the ,almighty with ,his children4 ,they conclude that the ,bible must necessarily be the only record of signal manifestations of the power of ,omnipotence in behalf of mankind4 ,such a view is biblically incorrect1 for that good book speaks of the great works to be performed in the gathering of ,israel in the latter days4 ,it is reasonable to anticipate that when those occurrences take place1 an account of them will be written and published1 that it may be perused with #baa wonder and thanksgiving by future generations4 ,the record thus made will be as clearly sacred history as the ,bible itself4 ,the question as to the origin of the ,american ,indians is a subject of deep interest to many advanced minds4 ,investigation for information bearing upon it has received a powerful impetus by discoveries of the ruins of vast cities and gigantic aqueducts1 requiring the exercise of great architectural and engineering skill in their construction4 ,these and other relics of past races1 abounding in ,central1 the southern part of ,north1 and in ,south ,america1 give indisputable evidence of these regions having been inhabited1 many centuries ago1 by multitudinous enlightened populations that had attained a high state of civilization4 ,the ,book of ,mormon1 which gives an authentic history of those peoples1 dissolves the mystery that heretofore enshrouded this department of research4 ,it tells who those people were and from whence they sprang4 ,it tells of a small colony1 by commandment of ,god and led by ,his all-powerful hand1 leaving ,jerusalem1 and after hazardous journeyings landing on the shores of ,america4 ,it gives an account also of another party1 consisting of ,jews1 going to the same continent subsequently1 and amalgamating with the descendants of the first colonizers4 ,a brief historical sketch is also given of a colony that left the ,tower of ,babel at the time of the confusion of languages4 ,the existence of the ruins indicating the former presence of great populations1 well advanced in arts and manufactures1 was unknown to ,joseph ,smith when he translated the ,book of ,mormon1 yet the closest scrutiny and comparison that have yet been given have failed to show a single discrepancy betwixt the record he was the instrument in bringing forth and publishing and even the most recent discoveries1 to which we have not space1 however1 to refer4 ,these ruins give unmistakable proof that remarkably advanced races have dwelt on the ,american ,continent in the ages of the past4 ,how reasonable it is to suppose that our ,heavenly ,father should have manifested ,himself to them as ,he did on the ,eastern ,hemisphere4 ,and if it be fair to infer that ,he did so exhibit ,his goodness and loving-tenderness1 the subsequent inference that a record of these divine operations would be kept is equally so4 ,how natural also to expect that ,he1 as in the case of the ,bible1 would not suffer such a history to be lost1 but rather that ,he would preserve it for the general benefit of erring humanity1 that they might have additional testimony concerning a crucified and risen ,redeemer4 ,if the world would receive it1 what a powerful combination the #bab two records--the ,bible and ,book of ,mormon--would make4 ,the one relates to the dealings of ,god with ,his people in the eastern part of the world1 and the other in the west4 ,they both harmonize1 each testifying of the same everlasting plan of salvation1 through the atonement of our ,lord and ,savior ,jesus ,christ4 ,hear the words of ,ezekiel1 #cgth chap41 #aith verse3 ,say unto them1 ,thus saith the ,lord ,god2 behold1 ,i will take the stick of ,joseph1 which is in the hand of ,ephraim1 and the tribes of ,israel1 his fellows1 and will put them with him1 even with the stick of ,judah1 and make them one stick1 and they shall be one in mine hand4 ,it is well understood that the meaning of stick is a book or record1 the ,jewish custom being to have the law and history written upon a long scroll of parchment1 rolled upon a stick4 ,the ,book of ,mormon is the stick of ,joseph4 ,with the exception of the ,book of ,ether1 relating to the ,jaredites1 who sprang from a colony that left the ,tower of ,babel at the time of the confusion of languages1 the record gives the history of a branch of the house of ,joseph1 ,lehi1 the head of the little colony that emigrated from ,jerusalem to ,america six hundred years before ,christ1 being a lineal descendant of ,manasseh4 ,according to revelations given in these days1 the overwhelming majority of the people composing the ,church of ,jesus ,christ of ,latter-day ,saints are of the blood of scattered ,ephraim1 to whose hands the record or stick of ,joseph is confided1 as prophesied by ,ezekiel4 ,we hold that ,jesus ,christ not only manifested ,himself to ,his disciples at ,jerusalem1 establishing ,his fold--,his ,church--in that region1 that ,his sheep might be protected and fed1 but ,he did the same in other parts of the earth4 ,is ,he not the ,shepherd of all those who are willing to serve ,him8 ,did ,he not say to ,his ancient ,jewish disciples1 ,go ye into all the world and preach the ,gospel to every creature8 ,he required them to go to every part of the earth that was then known on the eastern hemisphere4 ,this did not include the ,american ,continent4 ,are we to infer from this that1 because of the inability of these witnesses1 from lack of geographical or other information1 which ,god1 in ,his wisdom1 may have seen fit to withhold from them1 the peoples of the great western continent should be left without a knowledge of a crucified and risen ,redeemer8 ,surely this would be tantamount to an imputation of injustice against ,omnipotence1 as there is no other name under heaven whereby salvation can be obtained except that of ,jesus4 #bac ,with the loving ,redeemer the welfare of ,his sheep1 or disciples1 was ,his constant theme and anxiety4 ,on one occasion ,he was conversing on this subject with ,his ,jerusalem flock1 when ,he uttered the following statement1 as recorded in ,john #ajth chap41 #aeth and #afth verses3 ,as the ,father knoweth me1 even so know ,i the ,father2 and ,i lay my life down for the sheep4 ,and other sheep ,i have which are not of this fold2 them also ,i must bring1 and they shall hear my voice2 and there shall be one fold and one shepherd4 ,the plain inference to be drawn from this clear statement is that there were other sheep or people who would become disciples of ,christ that had not yet heard ,his voice1 but should hear it4 ,it is evident also that the ,palestine disciples were unacquainted with the sheep to whom the ,savior alluded4 ,he here expressed ,his intention to establish1 among those other sheep1 ,his fold1 or ,church1 similar to the one in ,palestine1 comprising apostles1 prophets1 seventies1 elders1 and all the other officers1 gifts and powers1 the fold of ,christ being the same wherever found1 there being but one fold and one shepherd4 ,the question now to be considered is1 ,who were the other sheep to whom ,jesus referred8 ,the ,book of ,mormon unfolds this mystery4 ,from page #eja to #edj of the last edition of that record will be found an account of the visit of the ,redeemer to the ,nephites1 shortly after ,his crucifixion and resurrection at ,jerusalem4 ,it is one of the most beautiful and pathetic narratives it has been our lot to peruse4 ,his wonderful ministrations and exhibitions of power are described in simple but explicit language1 and details of ,his selection of twelve special witnesses or disciples1 and the organization of ,his fold1 or ,church1 are given4 ,this history1 replete with divine instruction1 explains the import of the remark of ,jesus to ,his disciples at ,jerusalem4 ,he informed the ,nephites of the statement ,he made to the ,jews in reference to them1 and said the reason ,he did not tell them more was because of the weakness of the faith of ,his flock in ,palestine4 ,he also informed the ,nephites that ,he had received a commandment from the ,father to visit the ,ten ,tribes of ,israel4 ,in the mouths of two or three witnesses shall every word be established1 are the words of the sacred book4 ,what shall we say then about the evidence of the witnesses whose testimony is appended to the ,book of ,mormon8 ,three men1 besides the ,prophet ,joseph ,smith1 solemnly declare to all people that they beheld with their eyes the plates with engravings1 containing the record1 and the angel who manifested #bad them2 also that they heard the voice of ,god from heaven declaring these things to be true and faithful and commanding them to bear record concerning them to all the world4 ,none of these witnesses have ever denied their testimony4 ,oliver ,cowdery and ,martin ,harris have gone behind the veil1 but ,david ,whitmer1 at this date1 still lives4 ,he severed his connection with the ,church1 but still bears a disinterested testimony to the truth of the solemn statement published in connection with the ,book of ,mormon4 ,no longer since than ,september1 #ahgh1 ,elders ,orson ,pratt and ,joseph ,f4 ,smith visited ,mr4 ,whitmer1 who was residing in ,richmond1 ,missouri1 ,u4 ,s4 ,a41 and at the interview he gave many interesting details in reference to the angelic ministration1 the plates and other important matters4 ,an account of the visit was published in numbers #di and #ej of ,vol4 #dj of the ,millennial ,star4 ,he has also been interrogated by many persons having no connection with the ,church1 his testimony being unvarying as to the ,divine authenticity of the ,book of ,mormon4 ,eight other witnesses testify to having beheld and handled the plates and seen the hieroglyphical engravings thereon4 ,true1 wicked1 designing men have endeavored to destroy the validity of this testimony by fabricating absurd stories regarding the origin of the ,book of ,mormon4 ,this is an old device of ,satan and his emissaries to cover up the truth and destroy the work of ,god4 ,such machinations are similar to the attempt that was made by leading ,jews to induce the ,roman soldiers to state that the body of ,christ had been carried away1 so that a belief in ,his resurrection might be stifled4 ,the testimony of the witnesses stands unimpeached1 and is in force in all the world1 being directed to every nation1 kindred1 tongue and people4 ,the social structures of the nations are being undermined and threatened by a strange revolutionary movement4 ,thrones and empires seem to be almost trembling in the balance4 ,this is notably the case with the great ,russian despotism4 ,the spirit of murder and incendiarism seems to be in the air1 filling the high ones of the earth with affright4 ,foul murder and destructive fire are born of the plottings of secret societies1 organized for purposes of assassination1 power and plunder4 ,all civilized nations are more or less affected by this hideous affliction1 which hangs over some of them like an incubus4 ,it is a sign of the times4 ,the prophet ,moroni1 by whose hands the plates of the ,book of ,mormon were hid up in the ,hill ,cumorah1 wrote concerning this very condition4 ,he knew that his words would come forth and be published to the ,gentiles1 #hae in the latter days1 and he directed a prophetic statement to them1 which will be found on page #ehh of the last edition3 ,wherefore1 ,o ye ,gentiles1 it is wisdom in ,god that those things should be shown unto you1 that thereby ye may repent of your sins1 and suffer not these murderous combinations to get above you1 which are built up to get power and gain1 and the work1 yea1 even the work of destruction come upon you4 99 99 99 ,wherefore the ,lord commandeth you when ye shall see these things come among you1 that you shall awake to a sense of your awful situation1 because of this secret combination which shall be among you4 ,the same prophet also says3 ,and whatsoever nation shall uphold such secret combinations1 to get power and gain1 until they shall spread over the nation1 behold1 they shall be destroyed4 ,what could be plainer than the fulfilment of these predictive words1 establishing the prophetic character of the record4 ,if the objector should interpose that he does not believe this prediction was made fourteen hundred years ago1 that would not help his side of the question1 as it would be a mere shifting of the prophetic mantle from the shoulders of ,moroni to those of ,joseph ,smith4 ,at the time the book was translated and published those secret murderous combinations were almost non-existent compared with their present extent1 foothold and power4 ,they now exist to a greater or less degree in all nations1 and will continue to increase until they create what the ,book of ,mormon terms a great division among the people1 and every man's hand will be against his neighbor4 ,at ,kirtland1 ,ohio1 ,u4 ,s4 ,a41 ,feb4 #i1 #ahca1 a revelation was given through ,joseph1 the ,seer1 on this very subject1 the following passage occurring3 ,and behold1 it shall come to pass that my servants shall be sent forth to the east and to the west1 to the north and to the south2 and even now1 let him that goeth to the east1 teach them that shall be converted to flee to the west1 and this in consequence of that which is coming on the earth1 and of secret combinations4 ,let the inhabitants of the earth take warning1 for as the ,lord liveth and ,he has spoken by the mouths of ,his prophets1 a dark and evil day is at the doors4 ,god has decreed that the earth shall not much longer groan under the oppressive influence of misrule and misery4 ,it is stated in the ,book of ,mormon that the prophets among the ancient ,nephites1 being permitted to behold1 by prophetic power1 that their descendants would drift into great wickedness1 and in consequence1 be destroyed by the ,almighty1 as ,he had decreed that every people upon that land who would #baf not keep ,his laws should be swept away when they should be fully ripe in their abominations4 ,they therefore1 by faith and prayer1 to the ,father in the name of ,jesus ,christ1 obtained a promise that a remnant should remain1 and that the record which had been kept should be preserved1 and carried to them by the ,gentiles in the latter days4 ,we prefer to give the exact words of the prophet ,nephi1 which will be found on page #abb1 latest edition3 ,and now ,i would prophesy somewhat more concerning the ,jews and the ,gentiles4 ,for after the book of which ,i have spoken 7,book of ,mormon7 shall come forth1 and be written unto the ,gentiles1 and sealed up again unto the ,lord1 there shall be many which shall believe the words which are written2 and they shall carry them forth unto the remnant of our seed4 ,and then shall the remnant of our seed know concerning us1 how that we came out from ,jerusalem1 and that they are descendants of the ,jews4 ,and the ,gospel of ,jesus ,christ shall be declared among them2 wherefore they shall be restored unto the knowledge of their fathers1 and also to the knowledge of ,jesus ,christ1 which was had among their fathers1 and then shall they rejoice1 for they shall know that it is a blessing unto them from the hand of ,god2 and their scales of darkness shall begin to fall from their eyes2 and many generations shall not pass away among them1 save they shall become a white and delightsome people4 ,these words have received a literal fulfillment4 ,in the first place1 many have believed the words which are written1 the tens of thousands of ,latter-day ,saints who have accepted the ,book of ,mormon as an authentic record bearing ample witness to that fact4 ,this prophecy was uttered over two thousand years ago1 and yet the facts incorporated are as plain as if penned subsequent to their accomplishment4 ,the skeptic may say he does not believe in the ancient character of the record1 and therefore of the prophecy2 but that it originated with ,joseph ,smith4 ,that would not make the position of the unbeliever much more tenable1 as it would be merely shifting the prophetic gift to other shoulders1 for the ,book of ,mormon was published before the ,church of ,jesus ,christ of ,latter-day ,saints was organized1 and consequently before ,joseph ,smith could possibly have known1 by ordinary natural means1 that many would believe the words of the book4 ,but1 to the other portion of the prediction4 ,the book or history has been carried to the remnant1 by the ,gentiles4 ,from shortly subsequent to the organization of the ,church a good deal of missionary labor was performed by the elders among #bag the ,lamanites1 in the hope of bringing them to a knowledge of the ,gospel4 ,but all efforts to penetrate their darkened minds appeared futile4 ,the message appeared to fall upon ears of stone4 ,evidently the time1 in the providence of the ,almighty1 for that race1 who had fallen so low in the scale of being1 to accept of the knowledge that was had among their fathers1 had not arrived4 ,suddenly however1 as the sun breaks over the eastern horizon1 dispelling the gloom of night1 a light broke forth among them4 ,without effort or influence from any human source they came forward in large numbers1 declaring they had received heavenly visitations1 indicating plainly to them that they must go to the elders of the ,church1 be baptized by them1 by immersion1 in water1 for the remission of sins1 forsake their evil and idle habits1 and seek for the counsel of the servants of ,god4 ,the applications for baptism and instruction were first made to ,elder ,george ,h4 ,hill1 of ,ogden1 and ,elder ,w4 ,h4 ,lee1 of ,grantsville1 as many as three hundred waiting upon the former at one time4 ,the movement appeared to be simultaneous in many places1 east1 west1 north and south4 ,it commenced in the summer of #ahgd1 and has been steadily developing ever since4 ,for the benefit of these people1 who are descendants of a branch of the house of ,israel1 three large farms have been secured by the ,church of ,christ1 one in ,malad ,valley1 ,northern ,utah1 another in ,tooele ,county1 to the westward1 and another in ,thistle ,valley1 in the ,south4 ,they are beginning to cultivate the soil1 and take on the habits of civilization1 thus commencing to fulfil the predictions of the ,book of ,mormon concerning them4 ,the report of a conference held in the town of ,ephraim1 ,san ,pete ,county1 ,utah1 ,u4 ,s4 ,a41 by ,president ,john ,taylor and other authorities1 last winter 7#ahgi-hj71 is before us4 ,it tells of a ,relief ,society in ,thistle ,valley1 composed of white and ,indian women in about equal numbers1 and of their industry and philanthropy in donating means for the building of a ,temple to the ,most ,high4 ,it was also represented1 by ,elder ,spencer1 who has the oversight of the ,indians in ,thistle ,valley1 that the ,lamanitish brethren and sisters were as willing as the white members of the ,church to aid in every good work4 ,these may be viewed as small matters1 but they are cited from the midst of a multitude of evidences showing the educational1 softening and modifying tendency of the ,gospel of ,jesus ,christ1 as preached by the servants of ,god1 and which #bah the ancient prophets declared would be received by these hitherto degraded people1 the aborigines of ,america1 and lift them to a more enlightened plane of life4 ,it will be seen that the leaven has already commenced to actively work among them1 verifying the genuine character of the prophecies concerning them4 ,whatever manifests the authenticity of the ,book of ,mormon1 supports the claim of ,joseph ,smith to being a prophet of the ,living ,god4 ,before leaving this part of the subject1 we will refer to a fact that must strike the reader as a strong evidence of the prophetic correctness of the ,book of ,mormon1 and1 consequently1 of the genuineness of the claim that ,joseph ,smith was sent of ,god4 ,the book states that the ,savior gave it as a sign that when the ,lamanites 7,american ,indians7 should begin to believe its contents1 the work of the ,father1 to prepare the way for the gathering of the whole house of ,israel should commence4 ,we will quote the #gth verse of the #bast chapter of #crd ,nephi1 page #ebg latest edition ,b4 ,m43 ,and when these things come to pass1 that thy seed shall begin to know these things1 it shall be a sign unto them1 that they may know that the work of the ,father hath already commenced unto the fulfilling of the covenant which he has made unto the people who are of the house of ,israel4 ,also the #bhth verse3 ,yea1 and then shall the work commence1 with the ,father1 among all nations1 in preparing the way whereby his people may be gathered home to the land of their inheritance1 and they shall go out from all nations4 ,as shown in the foregoing1 the aborigines have already begun to believe1 and to manifest the accuracy of the sign we have but to point to the political events in connection with the ,east that have occurred during the last five years4 ,in that time there has transpired the ,russo-,turkish war1 the ,berlin ,treaty1 incorporating political freedom for the ,jews in ,roumania2 the ,anglo-,turkish ,convention1 including the cession of the ,island of ,cyprus to ,great ,britain1 and the establishment of a ,british protectorate over that portion of the ,ottoman dominion which includes ,palestine4 ,these are all occurrences confined within the limited period which has expired since the ,lamanites began to believe and receive the ,gospel4 ,it requires no straining of points to reconcile these events with the commencement of the preparatory work of the ,father for the gathering of the remnants of ,his ancient people to their own land4 ,the ,jews themselves are beginning to recognize this fact4 ,so also are many professing ,christians1 who1 although #bai destitute of authority from ,jesus ,christ and devoid of the ,gospel of faith1 repentance1 baptism for the remission of sins1 and the laying on of hands for the gift of the ,holy ,ghost in its fullness1 have some faith in the fulfillment of the prophecies relating to the gathering of ,israel4 ,we think it proper to state1 incidentally1 that since the original translation into ,english1 the ,book of ,mormon has been translated into and published in ,welsh1 ,danish1 ,french1 ,german1 ,italian1 the language of the ,sandwich ,islanders1 and ,swedish4 ,it has also been translated into and a portion of it published in the ,spanish language4 ,joseph ,smith1 the great latter-day prophet1 announced to the world fifty years ago1 that the fullness of the ,gentiles would come in and ,israel be restored to the lands of their inheritance in the same generation existing when he made the prediction2 or1 that there were persons then living who would not sleep in death until all should be fulfilled in relation to the covenant made with the house of ,jacob4 ,but it is not till now1 when the tree is so plainly putting forth its buds1 that some of the more orthodox ,bible believers among the sects are beginning to observe the portentous character of the signs of the times4 ,the fulfilled predictions of ,joseph ,smith are very numerous4 ,but we are only enabled in the present writing1 to comparatively do little more than touch upon his prophetic character4 ,a prophet is a person illuminated1 instructed1 or inspired by ,god to announce future events4 ,we have1 we believe1 succeeded in showing that such was the calling for which ,joseph was divinely selected4 ,among the subjects upon which ,joseph ,smith was called to exercise the prophetic gift was the wars that were1 in this generation1 to produce upon the earth1 the most terrible scenes of destruction and carnage4 ,we here present an extract from a revelation given ,dec4 #beth1 #ahcb3 ,verily1 thus saith the ,lord1 concerning the wars that will shortly come to pass1 beginning at the rebellion of ,south ,carolina1 which will eventually terminate in the death and misery of many souls4 ,the days will come that war will be poured out upon all nations1 beginning at that place4 ,for behold the ,southern ,states shall be divided against the ,northern ,states1 and the ,southern ,states will call upon other nations1 even the nation of ,great ,britain1 as it is called1 and they also shall call upon other nations1 in order to defend themselves against other nations2 and thus war shall be poured out upon all nations4 ,we presume our reader is aware that the first shot of the ,american war of the rebellion was fired in ,south ,carolina1 #bbj and that during the progress of that fratricidal and bloody conflict1 the ,southern ,confederacy sent ,messrs4 ,mason and ,slidell to the ,court of ,st4 ,james1 with full powers to treat with the ,british ,government to secure the aid of the latter in accomplishing the object of the secession from the ,union of ,states4 ,these are matters of history4 ,these two representatives of the ,confederacy were brought into more than ordinary notoriety by the fact of their having been taken1 by federal authority1 from the deck of a ,british vessel1 but subsequently liberated on demand of the government of ,great ,britain4 ,the fact that ,joseph ,smith prophesied the breaking out of the ,american war1 together with some striking details connected with it1 twenty-nine years before its occurrence1 cannot be denied1 the prediction having been published to the world almost ever since it was enunciated4 ,this stamps him as a foreteller of future events4 ,as the declaration is given with such exactness1 it could not have been the result of mere human ingenuity or foresight4 ,in fact1 so absent was the general anticipation of such a disaster that the production was treated with ridicule1 contempt and scorn1 as soon as published4 ,from whence came ,joseph's gift to foresee and foretell8 ,it must have emanated from a power and intelligence greater than that naturally possessed by man4 ,it is evident that his mind was illuminated by the ,god of ,heaven4 ,the other portion of the prediction relating to ,great ,britain will also be fulfilled1 as well as every word that has been uttered by the gift and power of the ,most ,high4 ,she will yet call upon other nations4 ,the tocsin of war will sound and armed hosts will meet in the crash of battle1 for war will be poured out upon all nations4 ,this is the great day of preparation for the controversy of the ,lord of ,hosts with the inhabitants of the earth4 ,europe is alive with armed men4 ,she is bristling with bayonets and fearful of the approach of the inevitable conflict4 ,perplexity and distress already appear4 ,these are but the beginning of sorrows4 ,knowing what is coming upon the earth1 a day of calamity1 we call upon all men and women to receive the message of the ,gospel1 restored to the earth in this generation1 through the instrumentality of a prophet4 ,we call upon all to repent1 be baptized by one holding authority by immersion in water for the remission of sins1 and receive the ,holy ,ghost1 by the laying on of hands4 ,we testify1 in the name of ,jesus ,christ1 that this is the will of ,god1 manifested in these days1 by revelation and commandment4 ,liverpool1 ,england1 ,april #fth1 #ahhj4 #bba ,,the ,,gospel ,,opens ,,communication ,,with ,,jehovah4 ,paragraphs from a sermon delivered by ,president ,john ,taylor1 ,june #ab1 #ahec4 ,we contemplate with joy that the heavens have been opened1 that truth has been revealed2 and the power of ,god developed2 that angels have manifested themselves1 that the glory of the eternal world has been made known1 and that we have been made participators in that light1 glory1 and intelligence which ,god has been pleased to reveal for the blessings1 salvation and exaltation of the human family in this time and throughout all eternity4 ,we believe that ,god has set ,his hand in these last days to accomplish ,his purposes1 to gather ,his elect from the four winds1 even to fulfill the words which ,he has spoken by all the holy prophets1 to redeem the earth from the power of the curse1 to save the human family from the ruins of the fall1 and to place mankind in that position which ,god designed them to occupy before this world came into existence1 or the morning stars sang together for joy4 ,i know1 that as other men1 we have our trials1 afflictions1 sorrows and privations2 we meet with difficulties2 we have to contend with the world1 with the powers of darkness1 with the corruptions of men1 and a variety of evils2 yet1 at the same time through these things we have to be made perfect4 ,it is necessary that we should have a knowledge of ourselves1 of our true position and standing before ,god1 and comprehend our strength1 our weakness1 our ignorance and intelligence1 our wisdom and our folly1 that we may know how to appreciate true principles1 and comprehend1 and put a proper value upon all things as they present themselves before our minds4 ,it is necessary that we should know our own weaknesses1 and the weaknesses of our fellow-men2 our own strength1 as well as the strength of others2 and comprehend #bbb our true position before ,god1 angels and men2 that we may be inclined to treat all with due respect1 and not to over-value our own wisdom or strength1 nor deprecate it1 nor that of others1 but put our trust in the living ,god1 and follow after ,him1 and realize that we are ,his children1 and that ,he is our ,father1 and that our dependence is upon ,him1 and that every blessing we receive flows from ,his beneficent hand4 ,it was necessary when the ,savior was upon the earth1 that ,he should be tempted in all points1 like unto us1 and be touched with the feeling of our infirmities1 to comprehend the weaknesses and strength1 the perfections of poor fallen human nature4 ,and having accomplished the thing ,he came into the world to do2 having had to grapple with hypocrisy1 corruption1 weakness1 and imbecility of man2 having met with temptation and trial in all its various forms1 and overcome1 ,he has become a faithful ,high ,priest to intercede for us in the everlasting ,kingdom of ,his ,father4 ,he knows how to estimate and put a proper value upon human nature1 for ,he having been placed in the same position as we are1 knows how to bear with our weaknesses and infirmities1 and can fully comprehend the depth1 power1 and strength of the afflictions and trials that men have to cope with in this world1 and thus understanding and by experience1 ,he can bear with them as a father and an elder brother4 ,confusion1 disorder1 weakness1 corruption1 and vice of every kind are abounding1 and the whole world seems to be confused and retrograding4 ,the human family have departed from the principles which ,god has laid down for their guidance1 direction and support2 they have forsaken ,him the fountain of living waters1 and hewn out to themselves cisterns1 broken cisterns1 that can hold no water4 ,have we united with this ,church because we expect to become more honorable in the eyes of the world8 ,no4 ,i think this work would have been the last ship we should have boarded1 if that had been what we sought4 ,nothing but a sterling desire to do the will of ,god will cause men to endure the contumely and reproach of their fellow men1 and associate themselves with the people denominated ,latter-day ,saints or ,mormons4 ,if ,i knew no other religion than the religions that are propagated abroad1 ,i would not be a religious man at all1 but ,i would lay it all aside1 as something beneath my notice1 and worship ,god as the great ,supreme of the ,universe1 according to my own judgment1 independent of the opinions of man1 #bbc and without having any regard to the ridiculous dogmas taught in the world4 ,we believe that angels have appeared1 that the heavens have been opened4 ,we believe in the eternal principles1 in an eternal ,gospel1 an eternal ,priesthood1 in eternal communications and associations4 ,everything associated with the ,gospel that we believe in is eternal4 ,if hell is a place of misery1 and heaven a place of happiness1 ,i want to know how to escape the one1 and obtain the other4 ,if ,i cannot know something about these things which are to come in the eternal world1 ,i have no religion1 ,i would not have any1 ,i would not give a straw for it4 ,it would be too low and groveling a consideration for a man of intelligence1 in the absence of this knowledge4 ,if there is a ,god1 ,i want a religion that supplies some means of certain tangible communication with ,him4 ,if there is a heaven1 ,i want to know what sort of a place it is4 ,if there are angels1 ,i want to know their nature1 and their occupation1 and of what they are composed4 ,if ,i am an eternal being1 ,i want to know what ,i am to do when ,i get through with time2 whether ,i shall plant corn and hoe it1 or be engaged in some other employment4 ,i do not want any person to tell me about a heaven that is beyond the bounds of time and space1 a place that no person can possibly know anything about1 or ever reach1 if they did4 ,i do not wish any person to frighten me nearly to death1 by telling me about a hell where sinners are roasted upon gridirons1 and tossed up by devils upon pitchforks1 and other sharp-pointed instruments4 ,these notions are traditionary1 and have come from the old mother church4 ,i love to view the things around me2 to gaze upon the sun1 moon and stars2 to study the planetary system1 and the world we inhabit2 to behold their beauty1 order1 harmony1 and the operations of existence around me4 ,i can see something more than that mean jargon1 those childish quibbles1 this heaven beyond the bounds of time and space1 where they have nothing to do but sit and sing themselves away to everlasting bliss1 or go and roast on gridirons4 ,there is nothing like that to be found in nature--everything is beautifully harmonious1 and perfectly adapted to the position it occupies in the world4 ,whether you look at birds1 beasts1 or the human system1 you see something exquisitely beautiful and harmonious1 and worthy of the contemplation of all intelligence4 ,what is man's wisdom in comparison to it8 ,i could not help but believe there was a ,god1 if there was no such thing as religion in the world4 #bbd ,if the ,kingdoms of ,god were governed by the same confused order of things that are characteristic of the governments of this world1 we would have had planet dashing against planet in wild confusion1 and millions of their inhabitants sent to desolation in a moment4 ,man is an intelligent being1 but how far does his intelligence fall short of that which regulates the world6 ,he cannot even govern himself1 he never was able to do it1 and never will be able until he receives that wisdom and intelligence which comes from ,god4 ,if every man can obtain intelligence of that kind1 and from that source1 which governs the world1 and supplies all its wants2 if he can receive it from ,god1 as his instructor1 he is then able to govern himself1 possessing intelligence which he now knows nothing about2 and intelligence which indeed is worthy of ,god and man4 ,if ,i cannot have a portion of that intelligence and that wisdom1 if the great ,eloheim cannot impart a portion of that spirit to me1 and teach me the same lessons that ,he understands1 ,i want nothing to do with a system of theology at all4 ,i believe in every true principle that is imbibed by any person or sect1 and reject the false4 ,if there is any truth in heaven1 earth1 or hell1 ,i want to embrace it1 ,i care not what shape it comes in to me1 who brings it or who believes in it1 whether it is popular or unpopular4 ,truth1 eternal truth1 ,i wish to float in and enjoy4 ,if any man under the heavens can show me one principle of error that ,i have entertained1 ,i will lay it aside forthwith1 and be thankful for the information4 ,on the other hand1 if any man has got any principle of truth1 whether moral1 religious1 philosophical1 or of any other kind1 that is calculated to benefit mankind1 ,i will promise him ,i will embrace it1 but ,i will not partake of his errors along with it4 ,if you have got a thing that nobody can overturn1 but can be sustained everywhere2 that bids defiance to the wisdom and intelligence of the world to find one fault in it1 you must say it is right1 until it is proven to be wrong4 ,if ,i have got principles which are out of the power of man to prove false1 ,i consider they are right1 and ,i stand upon them as a sure foundation4 ,the world is confused1 it is in darkness and ignorance1 and knows nothing about ,god1 ,his purposes1 designs1 or the object of ,his creations4 ,god knows how to touch my understanding1 and how to touch theirs2 and if they live and die without a knowledge of ,god1 and ,his law1 we are told that they will be judged according to the light they have1 and not #bbe according to that they have not4 ,those that have lived without law1 will be judged without law4 ,if a man cannot stand up in the defense of truth1 to the death1 it is not worth having1 and he is not a man who is acknowledged or considered worthy among the ,saints4 ,those who have received pure and heavenly principles1 and lived up to them1 and kept the celestial law of ,god1 will enjoy a celestial ,kingdom4 ,those who have not attained to this perfection but can obey a terrestrial law1 will receive a terrestrial glory1 and enjoy a terrestrial ,kingdom1 and so on4 ,but ,i believe1 furthermore1 that there are eternal grades of progression1 which will continue worlds without end1 and to an infinity of enjoyment1 expansion1 glory1 progression1 and of everything calculated to ennoble and exalt mankind4 ,love is one of the chief characteristics of ,deity1 and ought to be manifested by those who aspire to be the sons of ,god4 ,a man filled with the love of ,god is not content with blessing his family alone1 but ranges through the whole world anxious to bless the whole human race4 --,joseph ,smith1 ,the ,prophet4 ,if we are here by chance1 if we happened to slip into this world from nothing1 we shall soon slip out of this world to nothing2 hence nothing will remain4 --,brigham ,young4 #bbf ,a ,,word ,,of ,,advice4 ,by ,elder ,p4 ,p4 ,pratt1 in ,millenial ,star1 #ahdf4 ,as the ,elders and others in the ,kingdom of ,god go forth in the discharge of their duties1 in proclaiming the word of the ,lord and in administering in the ordinances of the ,kingdom of ,god1 they will doubtless find the enemy always on the alert to ensnare them if possible and bring them and their mission into contempt4 ,there will be found a great need for wisdom on all occasions1 that the enemy may not gain the advantage over them4 ,in the first place we would advise the ,elder1 or whatever else he may be1 never to lose sight of his high calling of ,god in ,jesus ,christ--never to forget the authority of that portion of the ,priesthood which has been conferred upon him4 ,we do not give this advice in order that the brother might be puffed up with the idea of the dignity of his calling1 by no means2 neither will the contemplation of it produce that effect1 for inasmuch as we are called of ,god according to the order of ,his ,kingdom1 therefore1 we of ourselves have not assumed the office which we hold1 neither do we usurp an authority to which we have no legal claim2 and since it is entirely of the ,lord and not of ourselves1 we shall be led to glorify ,him and look for the assistance of ,his spirit in discharging the varied duties of the same4 ,but now if an officer of the ,church be brought into contact with some one opposed to the work of the ,lord1 and he forgets his ,priesthood and calling1 what is the result8 ,he is left to his own resources as an individual1 which in many cases may not equal those of his adversary1 and thus he may suffer an apparent defeat in the eyes of others1 and the influence of the principles of truth may be lessened thereby4 ,in our own experience with the ministers of the day1 we have found them very desirous of evading the great first principles of salvation1 by calling for evidence of the truth of the ,book of ,mormon1 which were we to furnish1 as might be done1 both with regard to internal and external evidence1 as well as the researches of travelers accumulating a mass of #bbg proof as abundant as can be brought in testimony of anything1 yet it would be deemed insufficient4 ,and why8 ,we answer1 because spiritual things are spiritually discerned2 and as no man knoweth the things of a man1 save the spirit of man which is in him1 even so the things of ,god knoweth no man but the spirit of ,god4 ,and inasmuch as the ,book of ,mormon is a divine record1 so assuredly would the individual be unable to discern the same4 ,but he might reply that he believed the ,scriptures of the ,old and ,new ,testaments1 and was satisfied with the evidence adduced in their favor2 yes1 and so would he have believed in the ,book of ,mormon had it been in existence with him and he had been taught to reverence it in a manner similar to the ,bible2 or we would carry it farther and say1 had the person's lot been cast in ,turkey1 he would have grown up in a full belief in the authenticity of the ,koran of ,mahomet4 ,but it is not such an evidence as this that can give satisfaction to the ,saint of ,god4 ,multitudes express their belief and full confidence that ,jesus was the ,savior of men1 but it is a conviction that has been instilled into the mind in early youth1 and has grown with their growth2 yet still it is not an evidence that will satisfy a child of ,god4 ,we read that no man can say that ,jesus is the ,christ1 but by the ,holy ,ghost1 and on the same principle no man can speak as to the true nature of the ,scriptures1 ,book of ,mormon1 or any other sacred record1 but on the same principle2 we might therefore reason with persons until doomsday1 who are not in the covenant1 and yet fail to convince them4 ,we see then the absurdity of being led into a snare of this kind2 it is neither more nor less than this1 as it were laying aside our ,priesthood and the duties of it1 to endeavor by our own abilities to convince a man that we hold before him the light of truth1 at the same time that he has no organs of vision to discern it4 ,but there is a ground on which the servant of the ,lord can stand securely2 he can speak of the alienated condition of mankind1 he can teach the great law of adoption into the ,kingdom of ,god1 and he can bear a faithful testimony of the reality of ,christianity and of the signs following the believer4 ,he may enlarge on his knowledge of the ,scripture by the reception of that spirit by which alone the truth can be known1 and if he be successful in securing obedience to the first principles of truth1 the work will be accomplished with regard to establishing the truth of the ,book of ,mormon1 as well as every other portion of sacred writ4 ,we have not made these remarks because evidence cannot #bbh be adduced1 but to show the irrationality of endeavoring to make a man see without eyes1 or in other words1 without the capability of discerning truth when placed before him4 ,let1 therefore1 every servant of the ,lord bear with him at all times a consciousness of his ,priesthood and calling1 and when he is so circumstanced as to find it of no avail1 his labor in that quarter is finished2 for if he be not successful in the discharge of his legitimate authority and duty1 it will be utterly in vain to seek to effect conviction in any mind by falling back upon his own acquired resources4 ,if we know anything of our own assurance we would most assuredly say that the power by which success is accomplished is to be found in connection with a proclamation of the fullness of the ,gospel4 ,christianity has been presented to mankind as a mere speculative theory1 without the power of godliness accompanying it1 and when on the contrary it is presented in all its glorious fullness and reality to the honest-hearted1 it becomes an agency of power which will either prove effective1 or it will be in vain to resort to other means4 ,let individuals but conceive for once the glorious reality of truth1 stripped of every mixture of error1 and they will turn in disgust from the mere theoretical and heartless system with which beforetime they may have been associated4 ,we do not think it will be out of place here to give a word of caution1 though we have frequently done it before1 in relation to the exercise of wisdom in all the public labors of the servants of the ,lord4 ,let them watch narrowly that ,satan deceives them not by causing them to lose sight of the object of their mission and calling in the proclamation of salvation1 and leading them to enlarge and dilate upon the erroneous systems of the day4 ,perhaps there is no habit in which the servant of the ,lord becomes so blinded as this when he has once indulged in it4 ,the absurdities in connection with modern creeds and systems are so numerous that they appear apparently endless in the contemplation1 and if the devil can so far deceive a person as to lead him to forget the ,gospel and turn his attention to them1 he will take their attention1 then he will take care that he lacks not for matter on the subject4 ,there is nothing to be accomplished by such a mode of proceeding1 save to exasperate the feelings of individuals1 and prevent them from receiving at our hands the word of life which we have to offer4 ,we make these remarks as cautionary to all1 and when we call to mind1 as the result of our own experience1 the individuals #bbi who were the most prone to indulge in such a course1 we find them now ranked among the apostates from the truth2 and as their spirit at that time was to destroy rather than to build up1 so it is with them now1 and they will seek to overthrow the ,kingdom of ,god with as much zest as they once labored to overthrow the varied systems around them4 ,but it may be asked1 have we not in the ,christian warfare1 power to pull down the strongholds of sin and ,satan8 ,truly we have2 but how is it most effectively accomplished8 ,we answer by the establishment of the principles of truth1 by exhibiting the glorious ,gospel of salvation1 and until the hearers themselves shall appreciate its truth and beauty and turn in disgust from the deformity of those systems with which they have been connected4 ,let us draw a parallel case3 ,we know that the ,kingdom of ,god in these last days shall be established1 that it shall be built up and never come to an end2 but while conscious of this important fact1 would it be our business to go to every court in ,europe or the world and decant upon the evils of their various governments1 and that in consequence of the false principles upon which they are based1 they must come to destruction2 certainly wisdom would not dictate such a course1 but instead thereof1 let us who have embraced truth seek to build up the ,kingdom by a proclamation of those principles which shall fit men to become citizens of the same1 and teaching the great principle of gathering1 that they may be delivered from judgment1 and in ,mount ,zion and in ,jerusalem find salvation therefrom4 ,there is an honor1 a dignity1 and a responsibility connected with the ,priesthood which we would wish should never be forgotten2 it is nothing less than to be ambassadors of ,jesus ,christ and when successful in that embassy the reward shall be to shine as the stars in the firmament and as the sun forever and forever4 #bcj ,a ,,prophet ,,of ,,latter ,,days4 ,,by ,,elder ,,edwin ,f4 ,,parry1 ,,liverpool1 ,,england4 ,a ,,glorious ,,thought4 ,would it not be joyful news to the seeker after truth to be assured that a prophet had been raised up in latter days8 ,how glorious would be the thought that the ,lord had again spoken from heaven6 ,the direct word of ,god to man in this age ought to be sufficient to settle all disputes concerning the way of salvation4 ,,should ,,prophets ,,be ,,expected ,,in ,,our ,,day8 ,is it in accordance with scripture to expect prophets to come in these latter days8 ,let us search the scriptures and learn what they teach4 ,,god',s ,,word ,,indicates ,,that ,a ,,prophet ,,should ,,come4 ,the ,bible is a record of ,god's dealings with ,his prophets in past ages4 ,it shows that ,he always raised up such men whenever ,he intended to perform any special work among mankind4 ,one of the ancient prophets declared3 ,surely the ,lord ,god will do nothing1 but he revealeth his secret to his servants the prophets4 7,amos #c3 #g7 ,the whole book of divine scripture confirms these words of ,amos4 ,whenever it mentions an important event in the world's history it speaks of a prophet in connection with it4 ,,prophets ,,sent ,,to ,,announce ,,all ,,important ,,events ,before destroying the earth with a flood the ,lord sent ,noah to cry repentance unto the people1 that they might escape destruction if they would obey him4 ,in all following ages of which the ,bible speaks to the ,lord sent prophets to warn the people before ,he brought destruction upon them4 ,the ,savior says1 #bca ,but as the days of ,noe were1 so shall also the coming of the ,son of man be4 7,matthew #bd3 #cg74 ,this being true we are to expect that some prophet will be sent to warn the world of the destruction of the wicked4 ,that the wicked will be destroyed at that time is evident4 ,st4 ,paul says that when the ,savior comes ,he will take vengeance upon them that know not ,god1 and that obey not the gospel of our ,lord ,jesus ,christ4 7,,ii ,thessalonians #a3h74 ,,positive ,,promise ,,of ,,the ,,lord ,,to ,,send ,a ,,messenger4 ,the ,prophet ,malachi1 speaking in the name of the ,lord1 says3 ,behold1 ,i will send my messenger and he shall prepare the way before me3 and the ,lord1 whom ye seek1 shall suddenly come to his temple4 7,malachi #c3a74 ,this is another proof that a divine messenger is to be sent to prepare the way for the coming of the ,lord4 ,that this passage does not refer to ,his first coming is shown by the following verse1 which reads1 ,but who may abide the day of his coming8 and who shall stand when he appeareth8 for he is like a refiner's fire1 and like fullers' soap4 7,malachi #c3 #b74 ,,necessity ,,of ,,prophets ,,and ,,apostles ,,in ,,the ,,church4 ,the words of ,jesus show that inspired prophets and apostles are necessary in ,his ,church4 ,he commanded ,his disciples in these words1 ,go ye therefore1 and teach all nations1 baptizing them in the name of the ,father1 and of the ,son1 and of the ,holy ,ghost3 ,,teaching ,,them ,,to ,,observe ,,all ,,things ,,whatsoever ,i ,,have ,,commanded ,,you4 7,matthew #bh3 #ai1 #bj74 ,if all things whatsoever ,jesus commanded are to be taught today how can one teach them unless he be inspired of ,god8 ,it needs a prophet to reveal these things anew to mankind1 for the ,bible does not contain ,,all the teachings and doings of the ,savior4 ,st4 ,john in speaking of the doings of ,jesus1 says that even the world itself could not contain the books that should be written4 7,john #ba3 #be74 ,,church ,,founded ,,upon ,,prophets ,,and ,,apostles4 ,the ,apostle ,paul gives us to understand that ,christ's church is founded upon apostles and prophets3 ,now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners1 but fellow-citizens with the saints1 and of the household of ,god2 and are #bcb ,,built ,,upon ,,the ,,foundation ,,of ,,the ,,apostles ,,and ,,prophets1 ,,jesus ,,christ ,,being ,,the ,,chief ,,corner ,,stone4 7,ephesians #b3 #ai1 #bj74 ,,power ,,given ,,apostles ,,and ,,prophets4 ,apostles and prophets in olden times were men who received power from the ,lord to act in ,his name4 ,and when he called unto him his twelve disciples1 he gave them power against unclean spirits1 to cast them out1 and to heal all manner of sickness and all manner of disease4 7,matthew #aj3 #a74 ,whatsoever ye shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven2 and whatsoever ye shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven4 7,matthew #ah3 #ah74 ,they were also men who spake as they were moved by the ,holy ,ghost4 7,,ii ,peter #a3 #ba74 ,,object ,,of ,,inspired ,,men ,,in ,,the ,,church4 ,st4 ,paul tells why apostles and prophets and other officers are in the ,church4 ,for the perfecting of the saints1 for the work of the ministry1 for the edifying of the body of ,christ3 4 4 that we henceforth be no more children1 tossed to and fro1 and carried about with every wind of doctrine1 by the sleight of men1 and cunning craftiness1 whereby they lie in wait to deceive4 7,ephesians #d3 #ab1 #ad74 ,,how ,,long ,,they ,,should ,,remain4 ,he shows plainly that these inspired officers should remain in the ,church of ,christ till we all come in the unity of the faith1 and of the knowledge of the ,son of ,god4 7,ephesians #d3 #ac74 ,as that condition has not yet been attained1 there is still need of apostles and prophets to bring mankind to the unity of the faith4 ,this desirable state cannot be brought about without living apostles and prophets1 who are inspired of ,god4 ,people are divided in their opinions about the meaning of many things written by ancient apostles and prophets1 and they will not unite without receiving new revelation to enlighten them4 ,some may be led to think prophets are no longer needed in the ,church because of the words of ,paul3 ,whether there be prophecies1 they shall fail4 4 4 ,for we know in part1 and we prophesy in part4 ,but when that which is perfect is come1 then that which is in part shall be done away4 7,i ,corinthians #ac3 #h1 #i1 #aj74 ,the time he speaks of1 when that which is perfect is come1 has not yet arrived4 ,when it does come prophecies may fail or be done away2 but that time will be when they #bcc shall teach no more every man his neighbor1 and every man his brother1 saying1 ,know the ,lord2 for they shall know me1 from the least of them unto the greatest of them1 saith the ,lord4 7,jeremiah #ca3 #cd2 ,hebrews #h3 #aa74 ,,is ,,the ,,canon ,,of ,,scripture ,,full8 ,the following words of ,st4 ,john are supposed by some to imply that no more revelation is to be given3 ,for ,i testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book1 ,if any man shall add unto these things1 ,god shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book4 7,revelation #bb3 #ah74 ,the apostle here only warns man against adding to the words of the prophecy of his book4 ,he says nothing about the ,bible as a whole2 nor does he say that ,god will not add any more revelations to ,his word4 ,,without ,,modern ,,revelation ,,bible ,,prophecies ,,cannot ,,be ,,fulfilled4 ,the ,bible contains many predictions concerning marvelous events to take place in latter days1 just before or at the time of the second coming of ,christ4 ,the ,gospel of the ,kingdom is to be preached in all the world as a witness to all nations4 7,matthew #bd3 #ad2 ,revelation #ad3 #f74 ,the ,lord's elect is to be gathered from the uttermost parts of the earth4 7,mark #ac3 #bg2 ,isaiah #aa3 #aa1 #ab74 ,the house of the ,lord is to be established in the top of the mountains4 7,isaiah #b3 #b1 #c2 ,micah #d3 #a1 #b74 ,the ,lord is to set up a ,kingdom which shall never be destroyed1 nor left to other people4 7,daniel #b3 #dd74 ,the gifts of the gospel as enjoyed in the days of ,christ's former apostles are to be restored4 7,isaiah #ce3 #e1 #f74 ,according to the ancient predictions1 many other great things are to take place in latter days4 ,but how can they be accomplished unless the ,lord directs what is to be done by revealing ,his secret unto ,his servants the prophets1 and by sending ,his messenger to prepare the way before ,him8 ,sufficient proof has been given to show that apostles and prophets should be in the ,church of ,christ1 and that we should expect prophets to be raised up by the ,lord in these latter days4 #bcd ,,treatment ,,of ,,prophets ,,in ,,past ,,ages4 ,the scriptures furnish abundant evidence to prove another peculiar fact respecting the ,lord's holy prophets4 ,that is1 they have always been misunderstood1 reviled1 persecuted and spoken evil of4 ,jesus says to ,his disciples1 ,blessed are ye when men shall revile you1 and persecute you1 and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely1 for my sake4 4 4 4 ,,for ,,so ,,persecuted ,,they ,,the ,,prophets ,,which ,,were ,,before ,,you4 7,matthew #e3 #aa1 #ab74 ,our ,savior ,himself met with the same kind of treatment4 ,he is spoken of as a stumbling stone and rock of offense4 ,,jesus ,a ,,stumbling ,,stone4 ,the ,gospel narrative as given by the four evangelists1 shows very clearly that ,he was indeed a stumbling stone to the ,jewish nation4 ,he did mighty miracles before their eyes4 ,they were in possession of the prophecies concerning ,his coming and ministry2 but ,he did not fulfill their preconceived and erroneous ideas of what they expected of ,him1 and so they refused to accept ,him as their ,redeemer4 ,,many ,,prophets ,,rejected4 ,the ,prophet ,noah was rejected by all in his day except his own family4 ,his message1 no doubt1 was regarded as a very strange and extraordinary one4 ,it was hard to accept4 ,no such thing as a flood covering the entire earth was known up to that time1 and how could they accept his warning only through simple faith8 ,when ,moses1 under the direction of the ,lord1 undertook to free the ,israelites from bondage in ,egypt the people whom he was sent to deliver murmured against him1 notwithstanding the ,lord performed such mighty wonders in their behalf4 ,when ,jeremiah and ,ezekiel predicted the downfall of ,jerusalem in their day they were not believed4 ,the historian ,josephus says that ,zedekiah1 the king1 refused to believe the prophets because ,jeremiah foretold that he1 the king1 should be taken captive to ,babylon1 while ,ezekiel said he should not see ,babylon4 ,these two prophecies seemed to disagree1 so ,zedekiah made this apparent disagreement an excuse for not believing either of the two prophets4 ,yet they were both correct in their utterances4 ,the king was taken to ,babylon1 but he never saw the city1 for his eyes were put out before he arrived there4 #bce ,,persecution ,,to ,,follow ,,all ,,inspired ,,teachers4 ,the words of ,jesus to ,his disciples about the prophets before them being persecuted convey the idea that those who should follow would get the same reception4 ,if they have persecuted me1 they will also persecute you4 7,john #ae3 #bj74 ,so says the ,savior to ,his apostles2 and so it was4 ,they were persecuted and put to death4 ,it is reasonable to believe that other prophets might be treated in a similar manner4 ,if it is to be as in the days of ,noah at the time of the coming of the ,son of man1 then we may expect that the great majority of mankind will reject the message of salvation proclaimed to them by the prophets which the ,lord will send4 ,,conclusions ,,drawn ,,from ,,scriptures ,,quoted4 ,the scriptures pointed out in the foregoing clearly show these facts3 #a4 ,,that ,,prophets ,,are ,,sent ,,by ,,the ,,lord ,,to ,,announce ,,all ,,important ,,events ,,connected ,,with ,,his ,,purposes4 #b4 ,,that ,a ,,prophet ,,should ,,be ,,raised ,,up ,,in ,,latter ,,days ,,to ,,prepare ,,for ,,christ',s ,,second ,,coming4 #c4 ,,that ,,apostles ,,and ,,prophets ,,are ,,always ,,necessary ,,in ,,the ,,church ,,of ,,christ4 #d4 ,,that ,,the ,,true ,,church ,,is ,,built ,,upon ,,apostles ,,and ,,prophets4 #e4 ,,that ,,the ,,canon ,,of ,,scripture ,,was ,,not ,,completed ,,in ,,former ,,days4 #f4 ,,that ,,without ,,new ,,revelation ,,the ,,bible ,,prophecies ,,cannot ,,be ,,fulfilled #g4 ,,that ,,in ,,all ,,past ,,ages ,,prophets ,,have ,,been ,,persecuted4 ,,was ,,joseph ,,smith ,a ,,prophet8 ,,testimony ,,of ,,his ,,works4 ,the passages of scripture already given prove beyond question that a prophet is to be raised up to prepare the way before the coming of the ,lord4 ,if the ,bible prophecies are to be fulfilled we are certainly justified in believing that this should be the case4 ,so far as known only one man of the nineteenth century claimed to be the inspired messenger sent to prepare the way #bcf of the ,lord4 ,his name was ,joseph ,smith4 ,he was born on the #bcrd day of ,december1 #ahje1 in ,sharon1 ,windsor ,county1 ,vermont1 7,u4 ,s4 ,a47 ,,judging ,,by ,,the ,,fruits4 ,let us test the claims he made by the teachings of the scriptures1 and see if they are worthy of acceptance4 ,beware of false prophets1 says the ,savior2 then ,he adds1 ,ye shall know them by their fruits4 4 4 ,a good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit1 neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit4 7,matthew #g3 #ae1 #af1 #ah74 ,this test which the ,savior gives is a good one to be guided by4 ,,joseph ,,smith',s ,,claim4 ,joseph ,smith claimed that when between fourteen and fifteen years of age1 while praying for religious guidance1 he had a vision in which he saw both ,god the ,father and ,his ,son ,jesus ,christ4 ,he described them as two glorious personages in the form of man and exactly resembling each other in features4 ,they told him that all religious denominations at that time were believing in incorrect doctrines1 and that none of them was acknowledged of ,god as ,his church and kingdom2 and they promised that the fullness of the ,gospel should at some future time be made known unto him4 ,,his ,,claim ,,compared ,,with ,,scripture4 ,there is nothing contrary to scripture in this claim4 ,that ,god is a personage in form like a man harmonizes with what the ,bible says3 ,so ,god created man in his own image1 in the image of ,god created he him2 male and female created he them4 7,genesis #a3 #bg74 ,that ,jesus ,christ was in feature like ,his ,father is stated by ,st4 ,paul3 ,being the brightness of his glory1 and the express image of his person4 7,hebrews #a3 #c74 ,that holy beings appear to men is also scriptural4 ,the ,savior appeared to ,paul4 7,acts #bb3 #f-aa74 ,cornelius saw in vision an angel of ,god4 7,acts #aj3 #a-f74 ,that the various churches of the day were believing incorrect doctrine and were not acceptable unto the ,lord1 is also #bcg apparent when their teachings are compared with the doctrines of the ,bible4 #a ,,predictions ,,that ,,the ,,gospel ,,should ,,be ,,restored4 ,that the fullness of the ,gospel should be restored to the earth in latter days is predicted in the scriptures4 ,when ,jesus was asked by ,his disciples what should be the sign of ,his second coming1 and of the end of the world1 ,he replied ,this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations2 and then shall the end come4 7,matthew #bd3 #ad74 ,the ,apostle ,john in reference to events that should take place in latter days1 says3 ,and ,i saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven1 having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth1 and to every nation1 and kindred1 and tongue1 and people1 saying with a loud voice1 ,fear ,god1 and give glory to him2 for the hour of his judgment is come4 7,revelation #ad3 #f1 #g74 ,the ,prophet ,daniel foretells that the kingdom of ,god shall be set up in the latter days4 ,he says1 ,and in the days of these kings shall the ,god of heaven set up a kingdom1 which shall never be destroyed3 and the kingdom shall not be left to other people1 but it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms1 and it shall stand forever4 7,daniel #b3 #dd74 ,the ,prophet ,isaiah predicts that the ,gospel blessings shall be enjoyed in the last days1 when the house of ,israel is to be gathered4 ,if the miraculous blessings of the ,gospel are restored then it will be evident that the fullness of the ,gospel will be also be restored4 ,isaiah says concerning the time when the ransomed of the ,lord shall return1 and come to ,zion with songs and everlasting joy upon their heads3 ,then the eyes of the blind shall be opened1 and the ears of the deaf shall be unstopped4 ,then shall the lame man leap as an hart1 and the tongue of the dumb sing4 7,isaiah #ce3 #e1 #f74 ,speaking of what the ,lord will do when ,israel is gathered in the latter days1 ,jeremiah records these the ,lord's words3 ,i will give you pastors according to mine heart1 which shall feed you with knowledge and understanding4 7,jeremiah #c3 #ae74 ,if pastors according to the ,lord's heart are to feed the people with knowledge and understanding1 they will surely reveal #bch to the people the true ,gospel of ,christ4 ,that these scriptural passages have reference to the restoration of the fullness of the ,gospel in latter days will be made more plainly apparent as we proceed1 and show their actual fulfillment4 ,,joseph ,,smith ,,treated ,,the ,,same ,,as ,,ancient ,,prophets4 ,as soon as ,joseph ,smith made known what he had seen in this vision1 he was ridiculed1 reviled and persecuted4 ,this persecution and manifestation of hatred towards him continued throughout his life4 ,being only fourteen years of age when it commenced it certainly could not have been because of any wrong he had done4 ,as with the ,savior1 he was hated without a cause1 and in fulfillment of the words of ,jesus1 he was persecuted for righteousness' sake4 ,this treatment given him is of itself an outward proof that he was an inspired man4 ,,account ,,of ,,some ,,of ,,his ,,works4 ,some years later this young man received other visions and instructions1 an account of which is herewith given in his own language3 ,on the evening of the #bast of ,september1 ,a4 ,d41 #ahbc1 while ,i was praying unto ,god1 and endeavoring to exercise faith in the precious promises of scripture1 on a sudden1 a light like that of day1 only of a far purer and more glorious appearance arid brightness1 burst into the room3 indeed the first sight was as though the house was filled with consuming fire4 ,the appearance produced a shock that affected the whole body4 ,in a moment a personage stood before me surrounded with a glory yet greater than that with which ,i was already surrounded4 ,this messenger proclaimed himself to be an angel of ,god sent to bring the joyful tidings that the covenant which ,god made with ancient ,israel was at hand to be fulfilled1 that the preparatory work for the second coming of the ,messiah was speedily to commence2 that the time was at hand for the gospel in all its fullness1 to be preached in power unto all nations1 that a people might be prepared for the millennial reign4 ,i was informed that ,i was chosen to be an instrument in the hands of ,god to bring about some of ,his purposes in this glorious dispensation4 ,i was also informed concerning the aboriginal inhabitants of this country1 and shown who they were1 and from whence they came2 a brief sketch of their origin1 progress1 civilization1 laws1 governments1 of their righteousness and iniquity1 and the blessings of ,god being finally withdrawn from them as a people was made known unto me4 ,i was also told where there were deposited some plates1 on which were engraven an abridgment of the records of the ancient prophets that had existed on this continent4 ,the angel appeared to me three times the same night1 and unfolded the same things4 ,after having received many visits from the angels of ,god1 unfolding the majesty and glory of the events that should transpire in the #bci last days1 on the morning of the #bbnd of ,september1 ,a4 ,d41 #ahbg1 the angel of the ,lord delivered the records into my hands4 ,these records were engraven on plates which had the appearance of gold4 ,each plate was six inches wide and eight inches long1 and not quite as thick as common tin4 ,they were filled with engravings1 in ,egyptian characters1 and bound together in a volume1 as the leaves of a book1 with three rings running through the whole4 ,the volume was something near six inches in thickness1 a part of which was sealed4 ,the characters on the unsealed part were small and beautifully engraved4 ,the whole book exhibited many marks of antiquity in its construction1 and much skill in the art of engraving4 ,with the records was found a curious instrument1 which the ancients called ',urim and ,thummim1' which consisted of two transparent stones set in the rim of a bow fastened to a breastplate4 ,through the medium of the ',urim and ,thummim' ,i translated the record1 by the gift and power of ,god4 ,in this important and interesting book the history of ancient ,america is unfolded1 from its first settlement by a colony that came from the tower of ,babel at the confusion of languages1 to the beginning of the fifth century of the ,christian era4 ,we are informed by these records that ,america in ancient times had been inhabited by two distinct races of people4 ,the first were called ,jaredites1 and came directly from the tower of ,babel4 ,the second race came directly from the city of ,jerusalem1 about six hundred years before ,christ4 ,they were principally ,israelites1 of the descendants of ,joseph4 ,the ,jaredites were destroyed about the time that the ,israelites came from ,jerusalem1 who succeeded them in the inheritance of the country4 ,the principal nation of the second race fell in battle towards the close of the fourth century4 ,the remnant are the ,indians that now inhabit this country4 ,this book also tells us that our ,savior made ,his appearance upon this continent after ,his resurrection1 that ,he planted the gospel here in all its fullness1 and richness1 and power1 and blessing2 that they had apostles1 prophets1 pastors1 teachers and evangelists2 the same order1 the same ,priesthood1 the same ordinances1 gifts1 powers and blessings as were enjoyed on the eastern continent2 that the people were cut off in consequence of their transgressions2 that the last of their prophets who existed among them was commanded to write an abridgment of their prophecies1 history1 etc41 and to hide it up in the earth1 and that it should come forth and be united with the ,bible for the accomplishment of the purposes of ,god in the last days4 ,for a more particular account ,i would refer to the ,book of ,mormon4 ,as soon as the news of this discovery was made known1 false reports1 mis-representations and slander flew1 as on the wings of the wind1 in every direction2 the house was frequently beset by mobs and evil designing persons4 ,several times ,i was shot at1 and very narrowly escaped1 and every device was made use of to get the plates away from me1 but the power and blessing of ,god attended me1 and several began to believe my testimony4 ,on the #fth of ,april1 #ahcj1 the ,church of ,jesus ,christ of ,latter-day ,saints was organized in the town of ,fayette1 ,seneca ,county1 ,state of ,new ,york4 ,some few were called and ordained by the spirit of revelation and prophecy1 and began to preach as the ,spirit gave them utterance1 and1 though weak1 they were strengthened by the power of ,god1 and many were brought to repentance1 were immersed in the water1 and were filled with the ,holy ,ghost by the #bdj laying on of hands4 ,they saw visions and prophesied1 devils were cast out1 and the sick healed by the laying on of hands4 ,,bible ,,prophecies ,,fulfilled4 ,the statements in the foregoing quotation are all in harmony with ,bible prophecies4 ,first4--,that an angel should come in latter days to restore the everlasting ,gospel to the earth is foretold in the passage already quoted from the writings of ,st4 ,john4 7,revelation #ad3 #f1 #g74 ,second4--,that a preparatory work should be done before the second coming of the ,messiah is evident from the ,savior's words4 7,matthew #bd3 #ad1 #ca74 ,third4--,that a chosen messenger should be sent of the ,lord to prepare ,his way before ,his second coming is predicted by an ancient prophet4 7,malachi #c3 #a74 ,fourth4--,that a favored people of the ,lord1 aside from the ,jews1 dwelt upon the earth in the days of the ,savior1 is to be inferred from the ,bible4 ,the ,savior said to ,his disciples3 ,other sheep ,i have1 which are not of this fold3 them also ,i must bring1 and they shall hear my voice2 and there shall be one fold1 and one shepherd4 7,john #aj3 #af74 ,it is believed by some that the other sheep ,christ mentioned were the ,gentiles that accepted the ,gospel through the teachings of ,his ,apostles4 ,this cannot be ,his meaning1 for ,he had no other sheep among the ,gentiles1 for none of them1 of which there is any record1 believed at that time4 ,he also said3 ,i am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of ,israel 7,matthew #ae3 #bd74 ,there is no account of ,him going to visit the heathen1 or of the latter hearing ,his voice4 ,the remarkable volume known as the ,book of ,mormon gives an account of the ,savior's visit to the other sheep which ,he declared should hear ,his voice4 ,fifth4--,that the record of this chosen people of the western world shall be joined with that of the ,jews1 is alluded to by ,ezekiel in the following language3 ,moreover1 thou son of man1 take thee one stick1 and write upon it1 ,for ,judah1 and for the children of ,israel his companions3 then take another stick1 and write upon it1 ,for ,joseph1 the stick of ,ephraim1 and for all the house of ,israel ,his companions3 ,and join them one to another into one stick2 and they shall become one in thine hand4 ,and when the children of thy people shall speak unto thee1 saying1 ,wilt thou not show us what thou meanest by these8 ,say #bda unto them1 ,thus saith the ,lord ,god2 ,behold1 ,i will take the stick of ,joseph1 which is in the hand of ,ephraim1 and the tribes of ,israel his fellows1 and will put them with him1 even with the stick of ,judah1 and make them one stick1 and they shall be one in mine hand4 ,and the sticks whereon thou writest shall be in thine hand before their eyes4 7,ezekiel #cg3 #af-bj74 ,in ancient times writings were rolled upon sticks and a record received the name stick4 ,the ,bible is a record of the ,jews1 or ,judah and his companions1 while the ,book of ,mormon is a record of the descendants of ,joseph4 ,since the latter book has been brought to light the two have practically become one in the hands of the ,lord4 ,proofs that the ,book of ,mormon is authentic and divine will be given in another chapter4 ,sixth4--,the sacred instruments called the ,urim and ,thummim1 which ,joseph ,smith says he used in the translation of the ancient writings1 are named in the scriptures4 7,exodus #bh3 #cj74 ,that they were used for the purpose of getting information from a divine source is also evident from the ,bible4 7,numbers #bg3 #ba2 ,i ,samuel #bh3 #f74 ,the scriptures mention them as being connected with a breastplate4 7,leviticus #h3 #h74 ,,church ,,organization ,,the ,,same ,,as ,,formerly4 ,seventh4--,the character of the church which the ,lord commanded ,joseph ,smith to organize is strictly in harmony with the church of ,christ of former days4 ,it was established by revelation from ,god1 as ,jesus said ,he would build ,his church when ,he declared to ,peter1 ,blessed art thou1 ,simon ,bar-jona3 for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee1 but my ,father which is in heaven4 ,and ,i say unto thee1 that thou art ,peter1 and upon this rock ,i will build my church4 7,matthew #af3 #ag1 #ah74 ,this rock1 mentioned in the above quotation refers to the principle of revelation by which ,peter knew ,jesus was the ,son of ,god4 ,further in harmony with the description of the church of ,christ as contained in the ,bible this latter-day church was built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets1 with ,jesus ,christ as the chief corner stone1 7,ephesians #b3 #bj73 for the ,lord revealed anew to ,joseph ,smith that there should be first apostles1 secondarily prophets1 etc41 as described by ,paul 7#a ,corinthians #ab3 #bh74 ,besides this1 as ,joseph ,smith testifies1 those who were called to assist him in the ministry #bdb were called and ordained by the spirit of revelation and prophecy1 as men were anciently4 7,acts #ac3 #a-c2 #ad3 #bc2 ,hebrews #e3 #d74 ,,same ,,doctrines ,,as ,,in ,,former ,,days4 ,those who believed in the ,gospel as taught by this latter-day prophet1 were called upon to repent of their sins1 then they were immersed in the water1 or baptized1 and were filled with the ,holy ,ghost by the laying on of hands4 ,those who complied with the requirements which ,joseph ,smith said were necessary in order to enter into the ,church of ,christ1 received the ,holy ,ghost under his administration4 ,this fact is indisputable evidence that he was authorized of ,god4 ,it also shows that his teachings were just the same as those of the former apostles1 for they taught the same order of principles of initiation into the church of ,christ4 7,acts #b3 #ch2 ,hebrews #f3 #a1 #b74 ,,the ,,holy ,,ghost ,,received4 ,it may be asked1 what proof can be given that those who obey the ordinances of the ,gospel as taught by ,joseph ,smith receive the ,holy ,ghost4 ,in answer it can be said that they enjoy the promised blessings or fruits of the ,spirit4 ,they receive a knowledge that the doctrine is of ,god1 as promised by the ,savior4 ,jesus answered them1 and said1 ,my doctrine is not mine1 but his that sent me4 ,if any man will do his will1 he shall know of the doctrine1 whether it be of ,god1 or whether ,i speak of myself4 7,john #g3 #af1 #ag74 ,st ,paul says1 ,the fruit of the ,spirit is love1 joy1 peace1 long-suffering1 gentleness1 goodness1 faith1 meekness1 temperance4 7,galatians #e3 #bb1 #bc74 ,all these blessings they also partake of4 ,,how ,,to ,,obtain ,,proof4 ,anyone who desires to be assured that these blessings are enjoyed as claimed can satisfy himself by obeying the same doctrines in humility1 and receiving the same blessings2 for as the ,apostle ,peter declared1 ,the promise is unto you1 and to your children1 and to all that are afar off1 even as many as the ,lord our ,god shall call4 7,acts #b3 #ci74 #bdc ,no stronger proof of the fact can be received than that of actual experience4 ,this evidence is within reach of all that are sincere in their inquiries and desirous of learning the truth4 ,,outward ,,proofs4 ,as outward proof that the ,holy ,ghost is received by those who obey the ordinances of the ,gospel as advocated by ,joseph ,smith and by the ,church of ,jesus ,christ of ,latter-day ,saints1 they enjoy the spiritual gifts promised to the believers4 ,as ,joseph ,smith states1 after the ,church was organized its members saw visions and prophesied1 devils were cast out1 and the sick healed by the laying on of hands4 ,these gifts were promised by ,christ as signs following the believers1 7,mark #af3 #ag1 #ah72 and ,st4 ,paul says they were in the church in the days of the apostles4 7,i ,corinthians #ab74 ,as evidence that the miraculous gifts of the ,gospel are in the ,church of ,jesus ,christ of ,latter-day ,saints1 the following testimonies given by persons who have recently witnessed or experienced the gifts are inserted4 ,they are only a few among the many hundreds that might be offered if space would allow4 ,,testimony ,,of ,,witnesses4 ,the following letter was addressed to the editor of the ,millennial ,star1 a ,latter-day ,saint magazine1 published at #db ,islington1 ,liverpool1 ,england3 ,with pleasure ,i write to inform you that through the administration of ,elders ,c4 ,measom and ,g4 ,,ii4 ,meadows1 on ,sunday1 ,march #g1 #ahig1 and by the power of ,god after being confined to my bed for two years suffering greatly with pains in my head1 etc41 ,i was enabled to get up and walk into the next room1 where ,i partook of refreshments and sat up for six hours4 ,i have been free from pain since the pain left me1 which was before their hands were removed from my head4 ,i am fifty-one years of age1 and have been brought up in the ,church of ,england4 ,since the ,elders named came to labor in this district1 ,i have had frequent conversations with them1 which1 with the loan of books1 has enabled me to have faith to believe that ,god would use them as ,his instruments for my recovery4 ,i am not a member of the ,church of ,jesus ,christ of ,latter-day ,saints1 but hope to be so shortly4 ,yours respectfully1 ,mrs4 ,e4 ,bond4 ,castle ,hill1 ,warwick1 ,march #i1 #ahig4 ,the subjoined article is a testimony from outside the ,church1 impartial and unimpeachable4 ,it appears in the ,zanesville1 ,o41 ,daily ,signal of ,december #bjth1 #ahig1 under the caption ,a ,modern ,miracle4 #bdd ,mr4 ,matthew ,gray of the seventh ward is perhaps the happiest person in ,zanesville to-day2 so he seemed1 at least1 when seen at his pleasant ,abington ,avenue home by a ,signal representative at an early hour this morning4 ,and1 too1 there is nothing strange or remarkable about ,mr4 ,gray's happiness1 though it was the result of one of the strangest and most remarkable faith tests ever enacted in this city2 and the story of ,mr4 ,gray's miraculous cure of a relentless affliction will be read with much interest4 ,in ,october1 three years ago1 ,matthew ,gray was stricken with paralysis1 the terrible disease affecting his entire left side4 ,for a year to the month ,mr4 ,gray was able to walk with the help of crutches1 but during the following ,october1 two years ago1 he was the recipient of a second stroke of paralysis1 and from that time until yesterday ,mr4 ,gray had been deprived of all use of his left side1 the entire left portion of his body being apparently dead1 his left arm being limp and palsied at his side and his left foot and leg were in the same inanimate condition4 ,such1 in brief1 has been ,matthew ,gray's condition for more than three years1 and two years of that time he has either sat helplessly in his large arm chair or has lain in bed seemingly waiting for the death angel to relieve him of his suffering4 ,last ,thursday two visitors1 peculiarly clad1 knocked at the ,gray homestead and were granted admission to the afflicted man's chamber4 ,these visitors were two ,mormon ,elders who have been in ,zanesville for the past few weeks1 and whose mission to the ,clay city has been regarded with only passing interest4 4 4 4 4 ,now for the interesting part of the story1 related to a ,signal reporter by ,mr4 ,gray himself1 and given as near as possible in his own words3 ',last ,friday four ,mormon ,elders called at my home here4 ,they were very genteel in appearance and actions and asked me if ,i wouldn't like to look over some of their tracts1 etc41 and also asked me if ,i would not let them cure me by faith4 ,i consented and they impressed upon me very strongly that ,i should not have faith in them but should place all my faith in ,god as it was through ,him and not them that my cure would be accomplished4 ,this liberal statement on their part and their own sincerity aided me materially1 for ,i always knew that ,god alone could cure me1 and1 do you know1 ,i have always thought that ,god would cure me4 ',as ,i said before1 ,i consented and they set ,sunday afternoon at #b o'clock for the time of holding the meeting1 and additionally stated that from then1 ,friday morning1 until after the faith meeting they would not eat anything1 as a period of fasting seemed necessary4 ',sunday afternoon1 or yesterday afternoon1 at #b o'clock the four ,elders came here to my home and after repeatedly instructing me to put my faith in ,god they knelt at my bedside in prayer1 my wife being the sixth occupant of the room4 ',following this first prayer1 and while ,i was sitting here in my big arm chair1 one of the ,elders liberally anointed my head with oil--sacred oil--and after that was done they formed a circle around my chair1 each one placing his right hand on my head and all placed their left hands on each other's shoulders4 ,i had perfect faith in all that they were doing1 and1 while each of the four ,elders earnestly #bde prayed1 ,i1 too1 bent my head in reverence and appealed with all the faith at my command to ,god for deliverance from my affliction4 ',finally they concluded and one of the ,elders commanded me to walk4 ,all at once ,i became possessed of an almost superhuman desire to get up and walk1 and when ,i tried to1 after my muscles quivered for a brief instant1 ,i raised my left arm and then stood up4 ,i took a step and found ,i could move my left leg4 ,i took another step and walked out into the kitchen and back4 ,after awhile ,i made the round trip to the kitchen again and while on the third trip1 my left ankle turned slightly and ,i sat down4 ',while ,i am profusely thankful to the four ,elders for the interest that they manifested in my case1 ,i want it distinctly understood that ,i look to ,god as my deliverer and not to them4' ,when seen by the ,signal representative this morning1 ,mr4 ,gray was sitting in his big arm chair with his left foot in a bucket of hot water--a household remedy for sprains4 ,to illustrate the extent of his cure the happy gentleman shook hands with the writer1 using first his right hand and next his left hand1 and the latter member1 which for three years had remained dead almost at his side1 contained a strong and hearty grip4 ,many times he raised his left arm above his head and waved it to and fro to illustrate the positive use he had of the member1 and while relating the above experience he gesticulated as freely with his left arm as with the right4 ,many times he lifted the left foot from the water without any apparent effort and accompanied the pleasant movement with a smile almost glorious in its extent and meaning4 ,matthew ,gray is a well-known citizen of ,zanesville4 ,he was born and raised in ,muskingham ,county and he and his good wife have reared a family of ten children1 all but one of whom reside in the county4 ,edward ,f4 ,turley1 one of the ,latter-day ,saint ,elders who administered to ,mr4 ,gray1 relates the circumstances of the remarkable healing in a letter to the ,deseret ,news1 written from ,zanesville1 ,ohio1 on ,december #bj1 #ahig4 ,his version is as follows3 ,last ,thursday while out tracting ,i met a lady very much opposed to us4 ,among other things1 she said3 ',if you people have power to heal the sick as you claim1 why don't you heal this man next door1 who has been an invalid for twenty-nine months4 ,he hasn't been on his feet for that length of time4' ,i said to the person that the signs followed the believers to-day as much as anciently4 ,i called on this gentleman1 ,matthew ,gray1 who has been an invalid for twenty-nine months4 ,i asked him if he had faith enough to believe that he could be healed by the power of ,god4 ',yes1' said he4 ,i told him we would be there on ,sunday at #b p4m4 ,we called according to appointment4 ,less than three minutes after the administration he commenced shaking4 ,his whole frame shook4 ,he commenced rising up in his chair4 ,his wife then threw her arms around him and they both shouted3 ',bless the ,lord4 ,the ,savior has come6 ,i know these are the servants of the ,lord4' ,father1 mother and a grown daughter were so overjoyed that they wept4 ,the man walked into the kitchen three times4 ,for twenty-nine months his entire left #bdf side had been paralyzed4 ,the three persons bore testimony that this was the first time their father had walked for twenty-nine months4 ,the ,deseret ,news1 a paper issued in ,salt ,lake ,city1 ,utah1 of ,february #bd1 #ahih1 publishes a letter1 written by a ,united ,states soldier stationed at ,fort ,huachuca1 ,arizona4 ,the writer's name is ,arthur ,m4 ,swigart4 ,his letter is dated ,february #i1 #ahih1 and reads as follows3 ,while living in ,denver ,i had the fortune to become acquainted with some of the ,saints there4 ,after being thoroughly convinced of the authenticity of the ,gospel as taught by them1 ,i made application for baptism1 but before the day appointed for this ordinance to take place ,i threw my left knee out of joint and fractured my knee cap4 ,i was a soldier at the time and was taken to the government hospital1 where ,i spent nine weeks1 and was pronounced a cripple for life by ,major ,munn1 surgeon ,u4,s4,a4 ,on the second day of ,july1 #ahig1 ,i was baptized by ,elder ,h4 ,s4 ,ensign1 and when ,i came up from the water ,i was a sound man2 and on ,december #af1 #ahig1 ,i stood the examination at the recruiting office at ,evansville1 ,indiana1 and am again in the service of the ,united ,states4 ,if you deem my testimony worthy of publication and think by it some may be led to investigate the truths of our precious ,gospel1 please publish it4 ,below is an extract from a letter written by ,henry ,coulam1 a ,latter-day ,saint missionary who was at the time of writing 7,december #a1 #ahif71 in ,bradford1 ,yorkshire1 ,england3 ,while laboring in ,keighly last winter1 and going with tracts from house to house1 ,i came to a lady standing outside by the door4 ,she asked me if ,i had something good4 ,i answered1 ,yes1 at the same time giving her a tract entitled ',the ,only ,way to be ,saved4' ,i then commenced to talk to her about the ,gospel1 and of its restoration with its gifts and blessings4 ,she invited me into the house1 where ,i found her two daughters1 one of whom1 a young lady of about seventeen years1 was lying in bed1 and had been home from her work two weeks4 ,the mother said to me1 ',mr41 ,i want you to lay hands on my girl3 ,i do not want to lose her4' ,i told her that the signs were for those who believed1 and explained more fully to her the ,gospel and its blessings for those who lived up to its blessings4 ,she replied1 ',mr41 ,i know you have the authority and if you will administer to my daughter1 she will get better4' ,after talking further to her and seeing that she was sincere1 ,i turned to the daughter and asked her if she had faith and wished me to administer to her4 ',yes1' she answered4 ,i went back to my lodgings1 got a bottle of consecrated oil and returned to the house4 ,the mother and ,i knelt down by the bed and ,i offered a short prayer1 after which ,i anointed the daughter with oil1 and rebuked the disease4 #bdg ,in four days from that time1 the young lady went to her work1 and has continued to do so4 ,elder ,c4 ,l4 ,galbraith1 another ,latter-day ,saint missionary1 writing from ,south ,shields1 ,june #c1 #ahig1 relates a case of healing by the power of the ,lord3 ,not long since ,i was in ,sunderland attending our meetings which we hold every ,sunday afternoon and evening4 ,after the first meeting ,i walked to ,ryhope1 where ,i partook of a meal with a friend4 ,on my return in company with some members of the ,church we passed by an aged sister's home4 ,after we had passed the house ,i said to those with me1 ',i feel like ,i should have called in to see ,sister ,chalder1 but we have not time4' ,we continued on some distance when ,i again felt impressed more strongly than before to return4 ,i turned to the brethren who were with me and said1 ',we must go back4' ,we turned and did so4 ,on entering we found ,sister ,chalder lying in bed and very sick indeed2 in fact those present thought her time had come1 as she is far past the appointed lease of life4 ,when she recognized us her countenance brightened and she endeavored to speak to us4 ,her voice was very weak1 and we had to draw near to her in order to distinguish what she said4 ',i am so glad you have come6' she repeated1 ',i have been praying to ,god that you might come1 that ,i might be healed4' ,those present with the old lady did not believe as we do4 ,the gentleman1 whose name was ,woodruff1 said1 ',i do not believe in the ordinance of laying on hands for the healing of the sick4' ,i told him to remain and see whether ,god would not keep ,his promise wherein ,he said by the mouth of ,his ,apostle ,james3 ',is any sick among you8 let him call for the elders of the ,church2 and let them pray over him1 anointing him with oil in the name of the ,lord3 and the prayer of faith shall save the sick1 and the ,lord shall raise him up4' 7,james #e3 #ad1 #ae74 ,after the ordinance ,sister ,chalder raised up and said she was better4 ,mr4 ,woodruff said1 ',this is my first time to see anything like that4' ,he was as white as a corpse4 ,to-day he is a living testimony that she was healed4 ,so did all present say they knew it was the power of ,god made manifest4 ,thousands of other miracles have been witnessed by those who have obeyed the ,gospel4 ,the blind have received their sight1 the dumb have been made to speak1 the deaf have had their hearing restored1 and the sick have been healed of all manner of diseases4 ,in short1 all the promises made by the ,savior to the believers have been realized by the ,latter-day ,saints as fully as they were by the former-day ,saints4 ,to these facts there are thousands of living witnesses to-day4 ,many of those who have witnessed these manifestations of ,god's goodness1 and many others who have received them1 #bdh have had their testimonies published to the world1 and there are many such testimonies on record in the printed literature of the ,church4 ,,ancient ,,prophecies ,,being ,,fulfilled4 ,some five months after the organization of the ,church of ,jesus ,christ of ,latter-day ,saints the ,prophet ,joseph ,smith received a revelation from the ,lord which among other things declared3 ,and ye are called to bring to pass the gathering of mine elect1 for mine elect hear my voice and harden not their hearts2 wherefore the decree hath gone forth from the ,father1 that they shall be gathered in unto one place upon the face of this land1 to prepare their hearts and be prepared in all things against the day when tribulation and desolation are sent forth upon the wicked2 for the hour is nigh1 and the day soon at hand when the earth is ripe3 and all the proud1 and they that do wickedly1 shall be as stubble1 and ,i will burn them up1 saith the ,lord of ,hosts1 that wickedness shall not be upon the earth4 ,,the ,,gathering ,,of ,,israel4 ,the gathering of ,israel in the last days is predicted by many of the ancient prophets4 ,jeremiah records these words of the ,lord3 ,i will take you one of a city and two of a family1 and ,i will bring you to ,zion3 and ,i will give you pastors according to mine heart1 which shall feed you with knowledge and understanding4 7,jeremiah #c3 #ad1 #ae74 ,and ,i will gather the remnant of my flock out of all countries whither ,i have driven them1 and will bring them again to their folds2 and they shall be fruitful and increase4 7,jeremiah #bc3 #c74 ,other prophets make similar predictions4 ,the ,savior said to ,his disciples that ,his elect should be gathered together from the four winds1 from one end of the heaven to the other4 ,st4 ,john says3 ,and ,i heard another voice from heaven1 saying1 ,come out of her1 my people1 that ye be not partakers of her sins1 and that ye receive not of her plagues4 7,revelation #ah3 #d74 ,the evidence that this revelation ,joseph ,smith claimed to have received is genuine is in the fact that the elect are being gathered4 ,ever since the revelation was made known the ,latter-day ,saints have been gathering to a designated place4 ,true to the prediction of ,jeremiah1 those who accept the ,gospel and gather to ,zion are very frequently one of a city1 and two of a family4 ,the further fulfillment of the same #bdi prophecy1 they are being fed with knowledge and understanding4 ,the ,latter-day ,saints are taught to understand the ,gospel for themselves1 so that they do not need to depend upon others1 and each one is thereby fitted to teach its principles4 ,the way is also pointed out to them whereby they can receive a knowledge from heaven of the truth of the doctrines they are taught1 so that they are not deluded nor misled by the teachings of men4 ,the pastors who feed them with this knowledge and understanding are according to the ,lord's heart1 in this much at least3 they labor to save mankind through the love they have for them4 ,they do not teach for hire1 nor divine for money4 ,their services are given freely1 and the ,gospel is taught by them without money and without price4 ,the gathering of the ,lord's people one of a city1 and two of a family1 brings about many conditions which the ,savior said would be the result of the preaching of ,his gospel2 and in numerous cases the ,latter-day ,saints realize in their own experiences1 the fulfillment of such words as the following spoken by the ,savior3 ,think not that ,i am come to send peace on earth3 ,i came not to send peace1 but a sword4 ,for ,i am come to set a man at variance against his father1 and the daughter against her mother1 and the daughter in law against her mother in law4 ,and a man's foes shall be they of his own household4 7,matthew #aj3 #cd1 #cf74 ,and ye shall be betrayed both by parents1 and brethren1 and kinsfolks1 and friends4 7,luke #ba3 #af74 ,the ,latter-day ,saints are not of the world in their ways4 ,they are taught to strictly abstain from the sinful practices in the world1 and are therefore looked upon as a peculiar people4 ,as the ,savior said would be the case1 because they are not of the world1 the world hate them1 and often persecute them4 ,they rejoice1 however1 in the promise of ,jesus1 which they find to be true3 ,there is no man that hath left house1 or brethren1 or sisters1 or father1 or mother1 or wife1 or children1 or land1 for my sake1 and the gospel's1 but he shall receive an hundredfold now in this time1 houses1 and brethren1 and sisters1 and mothers1 and children1 and lands1 with persecutions2 and in the world to come eternal life4 7,mark #aj3 #bi1 #cj74 ,,gathering ,,peculiar ,,to ,,latter-,,day ,,saints4 ,it is a significant fact that there are no other people than the ,latter-day ,saints who make any profession that they have been commanded of the ,lord to gather1 nor are there any #bej others who are making any efforts with such an object in view4 ,there is something remarkable about this gathering4 ,when people accept the ,prophet's teachings they get the spirit of gathering1 and they have to be restrained from going in too great haste4 ,while a love for kindred and for native country is natural to the human heart1 those who receive the truth of this newly revealed ,gospel1 become filled with the desire to leave all and gather with the ,saints4 ,this is a strong proof that the ,lord is working upon the hearts of mankind to bring about the fulfillment of ,his words through the ancient prophets2 and it proclaims the divine calling of ,joseph ,smith4 ,the ,latter-day ,saints also believe that the ,jews will eventually be gathered to ,jerusalem1 as has been predicted in past ages4 ,the ,prophet ,joseph ,smith taught this1 and took steps toward the accomplishment of that great event4 ,,events ,,in ,,the ,,history ,,of ,,the ,,saints4 ,after being driven from their homes several times1 and enduring all manner of persecution for the sake of their religion1 the ,latter-day ,saints were finally compelled to leave the confines of civilization and seek a home in the unknown wilderness of the western part of ,america4 ,by divine guidance they were led to the valleys of the ,rocky ,mountains4 ,without any knowledge of the country they planted themselves in the valley of the ,great ,salt ,lake in what is now known as the ,state of ,utah4 ,here in a desolate waste they determined to make their home1 notwithstanding the fact that adventurers who were better acquainted with the country1 declared that no civilized men could live there4 ,,words ,,of ,,the ,,psalmist ,,fulfilled4 ,the journey of the ,latter-day ,saints to this their new home1 as well as many other events of their experience1 appear to be a fulfillment of ancient prophecy4 ,the ,psalmist says3 ,o give thanks unto the ,lord1 for he is good3 for his mercy endureth for ever4 ,let the redeemed of the ,lord say so1 whom he hath redeemed from the hand of the enemy2 and gathered them out of the lands1 from the east1 and from the west1 from the north1 and from the south4 ,they wandered in the wilderness in a solitary way2 they found no city to dwell in4 ,hungry and thirsty1 their soul fainted in them4 ,then they cried unto the ,lord in their trouble1 and he delivered them out of their distresses4 ,and he led them forth by the right way1 that they might go to a city of habitation4 7,psalm #ajg74 #bea ,the ,latter-day ,saints are the only religious body that has been gathered out from the east1 and from the west1 and from the north1 and from the south4 ,as before stated they are the only people who advocate the doctrine of gathering4 ,when driven1 by persecution1 from their homes in ,nauvoo1 ,illinois1 they were redeemed from the hand of the enemy1 they wandered in the wilderness in a solitary way1 and they found no city to dwell in4 ,they experienced hunger and thirst1 and their soul fainted in them4 ,the ,lord led them forth by the right way1 for they knew nothing themselves of the place to which they were being led4 ,eventually they came to a place designated by the prophet of the ,lord as the spot on which to build a city of habitation4 ,there they established themselves1 and through the marvelous blessings of the ,lord1 the wilderness has been redeemed and the desert made to blossom as the rose4 ,,isaiah',s ,,prediction ,,fulfilled4 ,two of the ancient prophets make this prediction3 ,and it shall come to pass in the last days1 that the mountain of the ,lord's house shall be established in the top of the mountains1 and shall be exalted above the hills2 and all nations shall flow unto it4 ,and many people shall go and say1 ,come ye1 and let us go up to the mountain of the ,lord1 to the house of the ,god of ,jacob2 and he will teach us of his ways1 and we will walk in his paths3 for out of ,zion shall go forth the law1 and the word of the ,lord from ,jerusalem4 7,isaiah #b3 #b1 #c2 ,micah #d3 #a1 #b74 ,the state of ,utah1 and the surrounding country occupied by the ,latter-day ,saints is situated on what is called the back bone of the ,american ,continent1 in the tops of the mountains4 ,in ,salt ,lake ,city1 the headquarters of the ,church of ,jesus ,christ of ,latter-day ,saints1 there stands a temple erected and dedicated to the name of the ,lord4 ,in three other cities of ,utah are similar buildings1 all of which are raised to the name of the ,most ,high1 by the ,latter-day ,saints2 and by the way1 they are the only temples in the world dedicated to the ,lord1 and in which the holy ordinances pertaining to ,his house are performed4 ,the mountain on which the temple built by the ,latter-day ,saints stands is established in the top of the mountains1 exalted above the hills1 and people from all nations are flowing unto it as they are being gathered out from the four winds1 from one end of heaven to the other4 ,many people1 as the prophet predicted1 go and say ,come ye1 and let us go #beb up to the mountain of the ,lord1 to the house of the ,god of ,jacob1 and they are being taught ,his ways1 by men who understand them through the revelations received from ,him3 for they believe in present revelation1 and enjoy that gift among the others of the true ,gospel of ,christ4 ,it may be contended that this and the other prophecies concerning the gathering of ,israel refer to the gathering of the ,jews to ,jerusalem4 ,it is true that there are predictions that the ,jews shall be gathered to ,jerusalem1 but throughout the scripture prophecies there are two places of gathering mentioned--,zion and ,jerusalem4 ,both places are mentioned in the quotation given above4 ,the prophet also says3 ,o ,zion1 that bringest good tidings1 get thee up into the high mountain4 ,there are no high mountains in ,jerusalem4 ,the top of the highest mountain peak in all of ,palestine is #cca feet below the valley of the ,great ,salt ,lake1 in which ,salt ,lake ,city is situated4 ,a ,,prophecy ,,of ,,malachi4 ,the following prediction is one made by an ancient prophet3 ,behold1 ,i will send you ,elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the ,lord3 and he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children1 and the heart of the children to their fathers1 lest ,i come and smite the earth with a curse4 7,malachi #d3 #e1 #f74 ,the ,prophet ,joseph ,smith testifies that this was fulfilled on the third day of ,april1 #ahcf4 ,at that time the body of the ,church of ,jesus ,christ of ,latter-day ,saints was situated in ,kirtland1 ,ohio1 where they had erected a temple to the ,lord4 ,it was in this temple that the vision was received by ,joseph ,smith and ,oliver ,cowdery1 in which the ,prophet ,elijah appeared unto them4 ,they describe his appearance and message as follows3 ,after this vision had closed1 another great and glorious vision burst upon us1 for ,elijah the prophet1 who was taken to heaven without tasting death1 stood before us1 and said--,behold1 the time has fully come1 which was spoken of by the mouth of ,malachi1 testifying that he 7,elijah7 should be sent before the great and dreadful day of the ,lord come4 ,to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children1 and the children to the fathers1 lest the whole earth be smitten with a curse4 ,therefore the keys of this dispensation are committed into your hands1 and by this ye may know that the great and dreadful day of the ,lord is near1 even at the doors4 #bec ,,salvation ,,for ,,the ,,dead4 ,through the ,prophet ,joseph ,smith was revealed the doctrine of salvation for the dead1 a doctrine that had not been understood in the world for many centuries until he taught it4 ,it is nevertheless a scriptural doctrine1 and is referred to by ,peter3 ,for ,christ also hath once suffered for sins1 the just for the unjust1 that he might bring us to ,god1 being put to death in the flesh1 but quickened by the ,spirit3 by which also he went and preached unto the spirits in prison2 which sometime were disobedient1 when once the longsuffering of ,god waited in the days of ,noah1 while the ark was a preparing1 wherein few1 that is1 eight souls were saved by water4 7,i ,peter #c3 #ah-bj74 ,it is also referred to by ,paul3 ,else what shall they do which are baptized for the dead1 if the dead rise not at all8 ,why are they then baptized for the dead8 7,i ,corinthians #ae3 #bi74 ,preaching the ,gospel to the dead is referred to in several places in the scriptures4 7,john #e3 #be1 #bh2 ,i ,peter #d3 #f74 ,that one person can perform a ,gospel ordinance for and in behalf of another accords with the teachings of the scriptures4 ,christ did vicarious work for all mankind when ,he atoned for the sins of the world4 ,by that atonement ,he brought about the resurrection from the grave1 and made man's eternal salvation possible1 as declared by the ,apostle ,paul3 ,as in ,adam all die1 even so in ,christ shall all be made alive4 7,i ,corinthians #ae3 #bb74 ,also in these words3 ,being made perfect1 he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him4 7,hebrews #e3 #i74 ,it is evident from the teachings of the ,savior that there is a necessity for such a provision in the plan of redemption4 ,christ emphatically declared that a man cannot enter the kingdom of heaven without baptism4 ,he said to ,nicodemus1 ,except a man be born of water and of the ,spirit1 he cannot enter into the kingdom of ,god4 7,john #c3 #e74 ,in sending ,his disciples to teach all nations1 ,he commanded them to baptize those who believed4 ,many good people have died without baptism1 not having had the privilege of being baptized in this life2 as they cannot themselves attend to that ordinance after death1 there is a way provided for them #bed to receive admission into the kingdom of heaven4 ,the ,savior has declared1 they cannot do so without baptism2 therefore someone else must attend to that ordinance for them4 ,those who die without the privilege of receiving the ,gospel will have an opportunity to hear and accept it in the spirit world1 and the outward ordinances necessary to salvation can be attended to in their behalf by living persons4 ,since this doctrine has been revealed1 the hearts of the children have been turned to their fathers1 for many thousands of those who have accepted the doctrine have manifested their solicitude for the welfare of their dead ancestors by having the necessary ordinances performed for them in the temples which the ,latter-day ,saints have built for that purpose4 ,,facts ,,proven4 ,it has been shown in the foregoing-- ,that the ,claims made by ,joseph ,smith are in ,harmony with the ,holy ,scriptures4 ,that the ,doctrines ,he ,taught are the same as those of the ,savior and ,his ,disciples4 ,that a ,number of ,ancient ,predictions have been ,fulfilled ,through his ,ministry4 ,that the ,lord's work begun by the ,ministry of ,joseph ,smith is ,destined to bring about the ,fulfillment of all the inspired prophecies concerning the ,latter ,days4 ,that the ,church of ,jesus ,christ of ,latter-day ,saints ,possesses the same ,characteristics as that of ,former ,days4 ,,joseph ,,smith',s ,,works4 ,,evidence ,,of ,,his ,,inspiration4 ,,scriptural ,,tests4 ,the ,bible tells how true and false prophets may be known3 ,the prophet which prophesieth of peace1 when the word of the prophet shall come to pass1 then shall the prophet be known1 that the ,lord hath truly sent him4 7,jeremiah #bh3 #i74 #bee ,when a prophet speaketh in the name of the ,lord1 if the thing follow not1 nor come to pass1 that is the thing which the ,lord hath not spoken1 but the prophet hath spoken it presumptuously3 thou shall not be afraid of him4 7,deuteronomy #ah3 #bb74 ,if a man prophesies and his prophecy is fulfilled1 he is to be regarded as a true prophet4 ,if he prophesies and his predictions are not fulfilled1 he should be counted as a false prophet4 ,let us apply this scriptural test to the words of ,joseph ,smith4 ,,prediction ,,of ,,the ,,angel4 ,the prophecy which he records as having been made by the first angel who visited him3 that his name should be had for good and evil among all nations1 kindreds and tongues2 or that it should be both good and evil spoken of among all people1 is a proof of inspiration4 ,that prediction has been fulfilled4 ,among all people who have heard his teachings there have been some who have accepted them and have spoken good about his name1 while those who have rejected his message have invariably spoken evil of him4 ,not being satisfied to leave him alone1 they have maliciously defamed his character and denounced him4 ,,none ,,can ,,stop ,,god's ,,work4 ,in a revelation given to the ,prophet at an early day1 the ,lord said1 ,and the voice of warning shall be unto all people1 by the mouths of my disciples1 whom ,i have chosen in these last days4 ,,and ,,they ,,shall ,,go ,,forth ,,and ,,none ,,shall ,,stay ,,them1 for ,i the ,lord have commanded them4 ,at a later date the ,prophet wrote these words3 ,no unhallowed hand can stop the work from progressing4 ,persecution may rage1 mobs may combine1 armies may assemble1 calumny may defame1 but the truth of ,god will go forth boldly and independently till it has penetrated every continent1 visited every clime1 swept every nation and sounded in every ear1 till the purposes of ,god shall be accomplished and the ,great ,jehovah shall say the work is done4 ,in nearly every country to which they have gone1 vigorous efforts have been made from time to time to stop the ,latter-day ,saints from preaching the ,gospel1 but true to the ,lord's promises these attempts to hinder ,his work have failed in every instance1 and ,his work still goes on4 #bef ,a ,,marvelous ,,work4 ,in the very first revelations given by the ,lord through ,joseph ,smith1 even before the ,church was organized1 it was declared that a marvelous work is about to come forth among the children of men4 ,there are hundreds of thousands of people who have associated themselves with that work who can testify that it is most marvelous in its character4 ,aside from these people there are many of the most intelligent men of the century who have declared in their public utterances and have placed themselves on record by their writings that there is something very wonderful about the work established through ,joseph ,smith4 ,,testimony ,,of ,,disinterested ,,men4 ,mr4 ,josiah ,quincy1 an eminent ,american scholar1 in his interesting work entitled ,figures of the ,past1 gives his estimation of the great prophet in these words3 ,it is by no means improbable that some future text-book1 for the use of generations yet unborn1 will contain a question something like this3 ,what historical ,american of the nineteenth century has exerted the most powerful influence upon the destinies of his countrymen8 ,and it is by no means impossible that the answer to that interrogatory may be thus written3 ,,joseph ,,smith1 ,,the ,,mormon ,,prophet4 ,and the reply1 absurd as it doubtless seems to most men now living1 may be an obvious commonplace to their descendants4 ,history deals in surprises and paradoxes quite as startling as this4 ,the man who established a religion in this age of free debate1 who was and is to-day accepted by hundreds of thousands as a direct emissary from the ,most ,high--such a rare human being is not to be disposed of by pelting his memory with unsavory epithets4 4 4 ,the most vital questions ,americans are asking each other to-day have to do with this man and what he has left us4 4 4 4 ,burning questions they are1 which must give a prominent place in the history of the country to that sturdy self-asserter whom ,i visited at ,nauvoo4 ,joseph ,smith1 claiming to be an inspired teacher1 faced adversity such as few men have been called to meet1 enjoyed a brief season of prosperity such as few men have ever attained1 and finally1 forty-three days after ,i saw him1 went cheerfully to a martyr's death4 ,hon4 ,john ,a4 ,cockerill1 a ,united ,states ,senator1 in an article published in the ,cosmopolitan1 a ,new ,york magazine1 says1 in reference to ,utah1 and its people1 and their leader ,brigham ,young3 ,thus1 within the short space of half a century1 a great ,state has sprung up in the land1 as it were1 before our eyes4 ,its fame1 with that of its founder1 has become world-wide4 4 4 ,it is seldom given to the founder of a state that the body which he has organized #beg shall grow to such marvelous completeness and maturity within fifty years4 ,,prophecy ,,about ,,war4 ,the following revelation was given to ,joseph ,smith on the #beth of ,december1 #ahcb3 ',verily1 thus saith the ,lord1 concerning the wars that will shortly come to pass1 beginning at the rebellion of ,south ,carolina1 which will eventually terminate in the death and misery of many souls4 ,the days will come that war will be poured out upon all nations1 beginning at that place2 ,for behold1 the ,southern ,states shall be divided against the ,northern ,states1 and the ,southern ,states will call on other nations1 even the nation of ,great ,britain1 as it is called1 and they shall also call upon other nations1 in order to defend themselves against other nations2 and thus war shall be poured out upon all nations4 ,,fulfilled ,,twenty-,,eight ,,years ,,afterwards4 ,the great civil war between the southern and northern ,states of ,america was a literal fulfillment of the prophetic utterance1 so far as it referred to the first conflict4 ,that war began with the bombardment of ,fort ,sumter in the harbor of ,charleston1 ,south ,carolina1 on the #abth day of ,april1 #ahfa1 over twenty-eight years after the prediction was made1 and it terminated in the death and misery of many souls1 for the loss of life it caused is estimated at fully #a1jjj1jjj men4 ,history shows that the ,southern ,states did call upon ,great ,britain and other nations for assistance1 as predicted by the ,prophet4 ,,predicted ,,men',s ,,lives ,,would ,,be ,,spared4 ,in ,november1 #ahch1 ,joseph ,smith and several of his brethren were tried by a court-martial of their enemies1 and were condemned to be shot in the presence of their families and friends4 ,to all human appearances there was no hope for them to be spared alive4 ,they were prisoners in the hands of an infuriated mob2 their death sentence had been passed1 the hour of execution set1 and preparations for carrying out the sentence were being made4 ,with this terrible fate impending the ,prophet told his fellow-prisoners to be of good cheer1 as the ,lord had made it known to him that not one of them should die4 ,the mob disagreed among themselves as to how the execution should be proceeded with1 and the falsely condemned men1 after a lengthy imprisonment1 regained their liberty4 ,thus were the ,prophet's words verified4 #beh ,,the ,,saints' ,,exodus ,,foretold4 ,on ,august #f1 #ahdb1 when the ,latter-day ,saints were situated in ,illinois1 their great leader wrote in reference to a previous utterance of his3 ,i prophesied that the ,saints would continue to suffer much affliction and would be driven to the ,rocky ,mountains1 many would apostatize1 others would be put to death by our persecutors1 or lose their lives in consequence of exposure or disease1 and some of you will live to go and assist in making settlements and build cities and see the ,saints become a mighty people in the midst of the ,rocky ,mountains4 ,every statement in the foregoing prediction was subsequently fulfilled4 ,mobs continued to afflict the ,saints until they were forced to abandon their homes4 ,many apostatized1 and others were put to death by their persecutors1 or lost their lives in consequence of exposure4 ,the ,prophet himself1 with his brother ,hyrum1 was martyred less than two years after the prophecy was uttered2 and his own martyrdom was a fulfillment of a prophecy he made4 ,when1 to save a massacre of the ,saints he delivered himself up to the pretended requirements of the law1 being promised protection by the governor of the ,state1 he said3 ,i am going like a lamb to the slaughter2 but ,i am calm as a summer's morning2 ,i have a conscience void of offense towards ,god1 and towards all men4 ,i shall die innocent and it shall yet be said of me--he was murdered in cold blood4 ,this prediction concerning his own death is all the more remarkable from the fact that he had been arrested upon false charges many times before this4 ,but1 being entirely innocent1 it was impossible to convict him of any crime4 ,the premonition he had when he surrendered to the demands of the ,governor of ,illinois1 when he said ,i am going like a lamb to the slaughter1 was the unerring inspiration of ,god1 which had ever been his guide through life4 ,the country the ,prophet referred to as the ,rocky ,mountains was but little known at the time he spoke of it2 and the ,indian traders1 and trappers who were familiar with the country said nothing could be raised there1 and it was totally unfit for the establishment of a community of people4 ,five years after the prophecy was made many of the ,saints were settled in the ,rocky ,mountains1 and they and their descendants are becoming a mighty people in the midst thereof4 #bei ,,gathering ,,predicted4 ,on the #aath of ,september1 #ahca1 the ,lord said through ,joseph ,smith1 ,for behold1 ,i say unto you that ,zion shall flourish1 and the glory of the ,lord shall be upon her1 and she shall be an ensign unto the people1 ,,and ,,there ,,shall ,,come ,,unto ,,her ,,out ,,of ,,every ,,nation ,,under ,,heaven4 ,in #ahca1 when the above words were uttered1 the ,church of ,jesus ,christ of ,latter-day ,saints was composed of people who were converted in the neighborhood where the ,prophet and other leading men operated--only a small portion of the ,united ,states4 ,since then the work has spread throughout the world1 and there are now gathered with the ,saints people from nearly every nation under heaven4 ,,joseph ,,smith ,,as ,,an ,,expounder ,,of ,,scripture4 ,the manner in which he expounded the scriptures of the ,old and ,new ,testaments1 and in which he harmonized passages that were apparently contradictory1 and made every ,bible doctrine so plain to the understanding1 is strong proof that he was inspired of ,heaven4 ,no theologian of recent times has been able to do this as has been done by ,joseph ,smith1 although many learned men have made the attempt4 ,,church ,,organization4 ,the wonderful church organization which was effected through him is in itself an evidence of his divine inspiration4 ,if a builder should succeed in erecting one of the most magnificent structures the world has ever seen1 without any previous training and without any plans to guide him1 he would be looked upon as the most remarkable genius that ever was known4 ,the church organization instituted by ,joseph ,smith is like a complete structure1 perfect in every detail1 and yet built up piece by piece without any preconceived plan being drawn up or experiment being made1 so far as the ,prophet was concerned4 ,the only idea he had of the grand system he was putting in order was revealed to him at various times as occasion required4 ,but when the whole order of church government was revealed it was discovered to be perfect1 and though the ,church has now existed for sixty-eight years there has never arisen any occasion for changing the order laid down in the beginning4 ,its workings have been harmonious in every detail2 and should the ,church increase #bfj in numbers indefinitely there would be no occasion for making any change in the system revealed through the ,prophet ,joseph ,smith4 ,,all ,,his ,,works ,,proclaim ,,him ,a ,,prophet4 ,a thorough acquaintance with the works of ,joseph ,smith must convince the student of them that he was truly a ,prophet of ,god4 ,if it be denied that he was such1 how shall the superior wisdom that prompted his words and actions be accounted for8 ,his ideas of theology1 of philosophy1 of statesmanship1 and even astronomy and other branches of learning1 were far in advance of what was known to the world in his day2 and since then many of his doctrines have been accepted by the learned1 and advocated as new discoveries4 ,the most reasonable way of accounting for the wonderful works of ,joseph ,smith is to acknowledge that he was a ,prophet of ,god1 sent as a divine messenger to open up the dispensation of the fullness of times1 and to prepare for the second coming of the ,lord ,jesus ,christ1 whose glorious reign is near at hand4 ,,the ,,book ,,of ,,mormon4 ,,an ,,evidence ,,of ,,the ,,inspiration ,,of ,,joseph ,,smith4 ,,its ,,purport4 ,before the ,church of ,jesus ,christ of ,latter-day ,saints was organized1 the ,prophet ,joseph ,smith brought forth a book--the most remarkable work of the age4 ,it purports to give an account of the ancient people of the ,american continent and the dealings of the ,lord with them4 ,the ,prophet claimed that it was translated by the power of the ,lord from writings engraved upon plates that had the appearance of gold4 ,the plates were found buried on the side of a hill in ,new ,york state1 and their whereabouts was revealed to the ,prophet by an angel4 ,this explanation of the origin of the book1 called the ,book of ,mormon1 was most incredible to many of those who heard it1 for angels had long since ceased to visit mankind2 and they had been taught that the age of prophets and revelation was past4 ,but the fact that the book was in existence could not be denied1 for it was printed and published to the #bfa world4 ,to charge ,joseph ,smith or any other man or set of men with having written it for the purpose of deception would be equal to attributing to man super-human wisdom1 and ability that is possessed only by heavenly beings4 ,it would be giving him much less credit for supernatural ability to accept his own claim that he was merely inspired of the ,lord to bring the book forth2 for all the learned men in the world could not by their own wisdom produce such a work as the ,book of ,mormon4 ,as evidence of this assertion1 it is only necessary to become acquainted with the contents of the book4 ,if a person will take the pains to read it he will find it refers in the course of the narrative it contains1 to many facts of history1 and numerous geographical and geological statements4 ,besides1 it teaches religious doctrines1 and records a great many prophecies4 ,,impossible ,,to ,,write ,,without ,,divine ,,aid4 ,now just consider what an impossible task it would be for any man1 without divine aid1 to write an historical narrative of this character4 ,it is filled with hundreds of statements concerning history1 geography1 geology1 and religion1 and yet does not contain one assertion regarding any of these subjects that does not agree in perfect harmony with what is known respecting them4 ,it might be claimed that with a great amount of research it would be possible for a writer to do this2 its statements agree also with every fact respecting the topics it mentions1 that has become known during the many years of research since the ,book was published1 and that1 too1 in this age of critical investigation4 ,again1 the book contains as much reading matter as does the ,old ,testament4 ,it is a continuous1 unbroken history of a people for a thousand years1 written originally by a succession of historians4 ,facts mentioned by one writer are referred to quite frequently by another1 so that it would be no easy matter for a most careful writer with all the ingenuity that man is capable of exercising to originate a work of such character and magnitude without it making contradictions of itself4 ,,prophecies ,,in ,,the ,,book ,,of ,,mormon4 ,whatever success an impostor might have in deceiving people with a fictitious book1 there are some things he cannot do4 ,should he succeed in making the book consistent with all known truths of history1 science and religion1 he would find it impossible to make accurate predictions concerning #bfc the future4 ,this power is not possessed by man1 unless conferred upon him by the ,lord4 ,the ,book of ,mormon cannot therefore be classed among human impositions1 for it contains prophecies that were not fulfilled at the time it was published1 but that have since been verified4 ,speaking of the coming forth in this age of the record which he compiled1 the ,prophet ,mormon says1 ,and it shall come in a day when the blood of saints shall cry unto the ,lord1 because of secret combinations and the works of darkness4 ,the ,book of ,mormon was printed before the ,church of ,jesus ,christ of ,latter-day ,saints was organized1 so that it could not be told at that time1 except by inspiration that the blood of saints in the present age should cry unto the ,lord1 because of the works of darkness4 ,there was no religious persecution going on at that time2 but it was not long before the blood of many of the ,latter-day ,saints was shed as the result of persecution4 ,a ,,bible6 ,a ,,bible6 ,the ,prophet ,nephi1 referring also to the period when the record should be revealed in the latter time1 and when the ,lord should proceed to recover ,his chosen people1 the house of ,israel1 records the words of the ,lord to him as follows3 ,and my words shall hiss forth unto the ends of the earth1 for a standard unto my people1 which are the house of ,israel4 ,and because my words shall hiss forth1 many of the ,gentiles shall say1 a ,bible6 a ,bible6 ,we have got a ,bible1 and there cannot be any more ,bible4 ,since the publication of the ,book of ,mormon the ,lord's words have gone forth unto the ends of the earth1 and the ,latter-day ,saints who have carried ,his words and declared them in nearly all countries have usually been answered with these words1 ,a ,bible6 a ,bible6 ,we have got a ,bible1 and there cannot be any more ,bible4 ,the general belief is that the ,bible is the only book in existence containing the word of the ,lord4 ,,isaiah',s ,,prophecy4 ,the ,prophet ,nephi reiterates the prediction recorded in the twenty-ninth chapter of ,isaiah1 concerning the coming forth of a book1 and which the ,latter-day ,saints maintain refers to the ,book of ,mormon4 ,the prophecy is as follows3 ,and the vision of all is become unto you as the words of a book that is sealed1 which men deliver to one that is learned1 saying1 ,read this1 ,i pray thee3 and he saith1 ,i cannot2 for it is sealed3 and the #bfc book is delivered to him that is not learned1 saying1 ,read this1 ,i pray thee3 and he saith1 ,i am not learned4 ,wherefore the ,lord said1 ,forasmuch as this people draw near me with their mouth1 and with their lips do honor me1 but have removed their heart far from me1 and their fear toward me is taught by the precept of men3 therefore1 behold1 ,i will proceed to do a marvelous work among this people1 even a marvelous work and a wonder3 for the wisdom of their wise men shall perish1 and the understanding of their prudent men shall be hid4 4 4 4 4 ,and in that day shall the deaf hear the words of the book1 and the eyes of the blind shall see out of obscurity1 and out of darkness4 7,isaiah #bi3 #aa1 #ab1 #ac1 #ad1 #ah74 ,the first part of this prophecy was literally fulfilled when a man named ,martin ,harris1 with the permission of ,joseph ,smith1 took a copy of some of the characters from which the ,book of ,mormon was translated--the words of a book--to ,professor ,anthon1 a learned professor of languages in ,new ,york ,city1 and the latter made the statement1 ,i cannot read a sealed book4 ,unwittingly1 he used almost the identical words of ,isaiah's prediction4 ,and the book is delivered to him that is not learned1--this was fulfilled when the book was delivered to ,joseph ,smith1 an unlearned youth4 ,how accurately this prophecy was fulfilled is shown by the fact that the words of the book were delivered to the man that was learned1 while the book itself was delivered to him that was not learned4 ,the portion of the prophecy which reads3 ,therefore1 behold ,i will proceed to do a marvelous work among this people1 even a marvelous work and a wonder1 is also being fulfilled4 ,the work done by the ,lord through the instrumentality of ,his servant ,joseph ,smith and the ,latter-day ,saints1 is looked upon as marvelous even by those who do not believe ,joseph ,smith to be a prophet1 nor the ,latter-day ,saints to be inspired of ,heaven1 for this work attracts the attention of the whole world4 ,an acquaintance with what the ,lord has done and with what is now being done through their ministry is of sufficient importance to be called a marvelous work and a wonder4 ,the ,gospel has been preached in nearly all the civilized and several of the uncivilized nations1 a church has been established that attracts the attention of all the world1 and its name and the prophet's name are known among every nation2 a commonwealth has been built up that has won the admiration of all that are acquainted with it2 people from all nations have been gathered together to form this commonwealth2 and missionaries by the thousands are sent to proclaim to mankind everywhere the glad tidings of the marvelous work4 #bfd ,since the restoration of the ,gospel with all its blessings in these latter days the remainder of ,isaiah's words have been verified4 ,the deaf have been healed and enabled to hear the words of the book1 and the blind have had their sight restored1 and have thus been enabled to see out of obscurity1 and out of darkness4 ,,book ,,gives ,a ,,test ,,of ,,its ,,truth4 ,the last chapter in the ,book of ,mormon contains these words3 ,and when ye shall receive these things1 the records contained in the ,book of ,mormon ,i would exhort you that ye would ask ,god1 the eternal ,father1 in the name of ,christ1 if these things are not true2 and if ye shall ask with a sincere heart1 with a real intent1 having faith in ,christ1 he will manifest the truth of it unto you1 by the power of the ,holy ,ghost4 ,here is a promise that no impostor would dare to make1 for he could not expect it to be fulfilled1 and it would only furnish a means of detecting his deception4 ,the spirit in which the ,book of ,mormon is written is of such a nature that it impresses the reader with the honesty and earnestness of the writer4 ,its language is very plain1 showing that the writer made no attempt at literary embellishment1 but had only one object in view1 which was to state the simple facts1 and make the ,gospel plain for the benefit of mankind4 ,the style of the writing is peculiar to itself1 and different from all other writings extant4 ,these facts concerning the character of the book prove its authenticity4 ,,attested ,,by ,,direct ,,evidence4 ,the truth of the ,book of ,mormon is attested by the strongest direct evidence that it is possible to obtain4 ,to show this it will perhaps be as well to consider what constitutes direct evidence4 ,evidence is understood to be the means of proving an unknown or a disputed fact4 ,there is what is called circumstantial evidence and direct evidence4 ,the first is that kind of testimony which deals with circumstances that are connected with the fact to be proven4 ,as1 for example1 footprints in the snow1 are proof to an observer of them that someone has been where the snow lies since it fell1 although the observer has not seen any person there4 ,the marks in the snow are circumstantial evidence that he is correct in his conclusion4 ,direct evidence is the testimony of a witness to what he has seen1 felt1 or known by his own senses4 #bfe ,it is a question of dispute whether direct or circumstantial evidence is the stronger1 though the first is usually considered so4 ,as against direct evidence it is claimed that witnesses may be mistaken1 deceived or may wilfully falsify1 while circumstances it is said cannot mislead4 ,the evidences already set forth to prove the truth of the ,book of ,mormon are what would be called circumstantial4 ,the only evidence mankind have1 aside from inspiration1 that the ,bible is true is indirect or circumstantial4 ,what is unique about the ,book of ,mormon is that it is sustained by direct testimony1 corroborated by circumstantial evidence which proves that the witnesses were not mistaken nor deceived1 and that they did not tell falsehoods4 ,following the title page of the ,book of ,mormon is printed the testimony of three witnesses1 who give their deposition in the following earnest and emphatic words3 ,,testimony ,,of ,,three ,,witnesses4 ,be it known unto all nations1 kindreds1 tongues1 and people unto whom this work shall come1 that we1 through the grace of ,god the ,father1 and our ,lord ,jesus ,christ1 have seen the plates which contain this record1 which is a record of the people of ,nephi1 and also of the ,lamanites1 their brethren1 and also of the people of ,jared1 who came from the tower of which hath been spoken2 and we also know that they have been translated by the gift and power of ,god1 for his voice hath declared it unto us2 wherefore we know of a surety that the work is true4 ,and we also testify that we have seen the engravings which are upon the plates2 and they have been shown unto us by the power of ,god1 and not of man4 ,and we declare with words of soberness1 that an angel of ,god came down from heaven1 and he brought and laid before our eyes1 that we beheld and saw the plates1 and the engravings thereon2 and we know that it is by the grace of ,god the ,father1 and our ,lord ,jesus ,christ1 that we beheld and bear record that these things are true2 and it is marvelous in our eyes1 nevertheless the voice of the ,lord commanded us that we should bear record of it2 wherefore1 to be obedient unto the commandments of ,god1 we bear testimony of these things4 ,and we know that if we are faithful in ,christ1 we shall rid our garments of the blood of all men1 and be found spotless before the judgment-seat of ,christ1 and shall dwell with him eternally in the heavens4 ,and the honor be to the ,father1 and to the ,son1 and to the ,holy ,ghost1 which is one ,god4 ,amen4 ,oliver ,cowdery1 ,david ,whitmer1 ,martin ,harris4 ,no stronger testimony of the existence of a fact ever has been or can be given than this4 ,nothing less than a direct revelation from heaven to an individual personally can furnish him more convincing proof than is given by the testimony of #bff these three witnesses4 ,what greater evidence can one ask or desire than this8 ,here is the most solemn statement made by three men1 of sound mind and strict veracity who say the voice of ,god declared unto them that the ,book of ,mormon was translated by the gift and power of ,god1 and that an angel from heaven showed them the plates from which the record was translated1 and that they know it to be true4 ,such testimony would be ample to establish a claim in any court on earth4 ,,testimony ,,of ,,witnesses ,,unchanged4 ,many years after the first publication of the ,book of ,mormon with the names of the three witnesses attached1 a gentleman inquired of ,oliver ,cowdery if he believed the ,book of ,mormon to be true4 ,the questioner read from the book the names of the three witnesses1 and exclaimed1 ,mr4 ,cowdery1 do you believe this book8 ,no1 sir1 was ,cowdery's reply4 ,but1 said the gentleman1 your name is attached to it1 and you declare here that you saw an angel1 and also the plates from which the book purports to be translated2 and now you say you don't believe it4 ,which time did you tell the truth8 ,mr4 ,cowdery replied1 ,my name is attached to that book and what ,i there have said is true4 ,i did see this2 ,i know ,i saw it1 and faith has nothing to do with it1 as a perfect knowledge has swallowed up the faith which ,i had in the work1 knowing1 as ,i do1 that it is true4 ,a few days previous to his death ,david ,whitmer1 another of the witnesses1 called his family and a number of his friends together and delivered to them his dying testimony4 ,to his physician he said1 ,dr4 ,buchanan1 ,i want you to say whether or not ,i am in my right mind before ,i give my last testimony4 ,the doctor replied1 ,yes1 you are in your right mind1 for ,i have just had a conversation with you4 ,then1 addressing all who were gathered at his bedside1 he said1 ,now you must be faithful in ,christ4 ,i want to say to you all that the ,bible and the record of the ,nephites 7,book of ,mormon17 are true1 so you can say that you have heard me bear my testimony on my deathbed4 ,all be faithful in ,christ and your reward will be according to your works4 ,god bless you all4 ,my trust is in ,christ forever1 worlds without end4 ,amen4 ,martin ,harris1 the third witness1 continued to testify to #bfg the truth of his statement concerning the ,book of ,mormon until the day of his death1 which occurred ,july #aj1 #ahge4 ,the three men were regarded by their neighbors as strictly truthful and honest4 ,,testimony ,,of ,,eight ,,witnesses4 ,besides the three above named witnesses1 there are eight others whose testimony concerning the ,book of ,mormon is given to the world4 ,their testimony is as follows3 ,be it known unto all nations1 kindreds1 tongues1 and people unto whom this work shall come1 that ,joseph ,smith1 ,jr41 the translator of this work1 has shewn unto us the plates of which hath been spoken1 which have the appearance of gold2 and as many of the leaves as the said ,smith has translated1 we did handle with our hands2 and we also saw the engravings thereon1 all of which has the appearance of ancient work1 and of curious workmanship4 ,and this we bear record with words of soberness1 that the said ,smith has shewn unto us1 for we have seen and hefted1 and know of a surety that the said ,smith has got the plates of which we have spoken4 ,and we give our names unto the world1 to witness unto the world that we have seen2 and we lie not1 ,god bearing witness of it4 ,christian ,whitmer1 ,hiram ,page1 ,jacob ,whitmer1 ,joseph ,smith1 ,sen41 ,peter ,whitmer1 ,jr41 ,hyrum ,smith1 ,john ,whitmer1 ,samuel ,h4 ,smith4 ,,secular ,,proof ,,of ,,the ,,book ,,of ,,mormon4 ,proof that the ,book of ,mormon is authentic will also establish the divine mission of the ,prophet ,joseph ,smith4 ,herewith are presented some of the external or outside evidences of the truth of that remarkable work known as the ,book of ,mormon4 ,the principal statements contained in the ,book of ,mormon concerning which there is a possibility of confirmation or corroboration in the annals of modern exploration and research are these3 #a4 ,that ,america was once peopled by a colony who went from ,asia at the time of the confusion of tongues1 when the inhabitants of the earth undertook to build the ,tower of ,babel2 and that these colonists and their descendants flourished for a period of some sixteen or seventeen centuries1 being a highly civilized race1 but finally became extinct4 #b4 ,that ,america was again peopled1 this time by a colony of the ,hebrew race which came from ,jerusalem #fjj years ,b4 ,c4 ,that they observed the laws of ,moses1 had a record of the creation1 the flood1 etc4 #bfh #c4 ,that they1 too1 developed into a great and highly civilized commonwealth4 #d4 ,that they had a knowledge of the coming of the ,christ1 and that ,he appeared unto them and taught them the ,gospel4 #e4 ,that terrible convulsions and destruction of life and property took place at the time of ,christ's crucifixion4 ,,colonists ,,from ,,the ,,tower ,,of ,,babel4 ,the ,book of ,mormon states that a man named ,jared1 and his brother1 and their families1 with some other men and their families1 being led by the ,lord1 went from the great tower1 at the time the ,lord confounded the language of the people1 and crossed over to ,america in barges4 ,there they multiplied and became a great nation1 spreading over the land northward1 or ,north ,america4 ,finally1 about #fjj years before ,christ the nation became extinct through internal warfare4 7,see ,book of ,ether74 ,josephus1 the ,jewish historian1 speaking of the events at the time of the dispersion from the ,tower of ,babel says ,after this they were dispersed abroad1 on account of their languages1 and went out by colonies everywhere2 and each colony took possession of that land which they light upon1 and unto which ,god led them2 so that the whole continent was filled with them1 both the inland and maritime countries4 ,there were some also who passed over the sea in ships1 and inhabited the islands4 --,antiquities of the ,jews1 ,book ,i1 ,chapter #e4 ,this account of course does not state specifically that any colony went to ,america1 but it says that colonies went ,,everywhere1 and that some of the people went in ships to distant lands1 and to places where ,god led them4 ,that two distinct races of civilized beings inhabited ancient ,america is testified to by a number of archaeologists and explorers4 ,a correspondent to the ,st4 ,louis 7,missouri7 ,globe-,democrat writing from ,tombstone1 ,arizona1 in #ahie1 says3 ,the remarkable picture rocks and boulders1 with strange symbols upon them1 left by the pre-historic races of ,arizona1 have been the cause of much discussion among those who have seen them as to who these ancient hieroglyphic-makers were4 ,these rock records may be divided into three different kinds1 which1 it is thought1 were made by two different races4 ,the first1 or very ancient race1 left records on rocks1 in some instances of symbols only1 and in other instances of pictures and symbols combined4 ,the later race1 which came after the first race had vanished1 made only crude representations of animals1 birds or reptiles1 not using symbols or combinations of lines4 #bfi ,chamber's ,encyclopaedia1 under the subject heading ,nicaragua contains this statement3 ,nicaragua1 like the states north of it1 was a center of ,aztec civilization2 but the ,aztecs were preceded by another race likewise civilized1 who have left stone sculptures and monumental remains4 ,that the origin of the extinct race which formerly inhabited ,north ,america is believed by students of ,american antiquity to date back to the time of the building of the ,tower of ,babel the following gives evidence3 ,one of the arts known to the builders of ,babel was that of brickmaking4 ,this art was also known to the people who built the works in the ,west4 ,the knowledge of copper was known to the people of the plains of ,shinar2 for ,noah must have communicated it1 as he lived a hundred and fifty years among them after the flood4 ,also copper was known to the antediluvians4 ,copper was also known to the authors of the western monuments4 ,iron was known to the antediluvians4 ,it was also known to the ancients of the ,west4 ,however1 it is evident that very little iron was among them1 as very few instances of its discovery in their works have occurred2 and for this very reason1 we draw a conclusion that they came to this country very soon after the dispersion4--7,priest's ,american ,antiquities1 #ahcc74 ,the following is from ,rev4 ,d4 ,lowry's ,reply to ,official ,inquiries respecting the ,aborigines of ,america1 written in #ahdh1 and given in ,schoolcraft's ,ethnological ,researches1 c41 vol4 iii41 published in #ahec4 ,in view of the best light and information which ,i have been able to collect on the subject1 my opinion is that the earliest inhabitants of ,america were the descendants of ,ham1 the youngest son of ,noah2 and that ,,the ,,first ,,settlement ,,was ,,made ,,shortly ,,after ,,the ,,confusion ,,of ,,tongues ,,at ,,the ,,building ,,of ,,the ,,tower ,,of ,,babel4 ,moses tells us that about that period 'the ,lord scattered the people abroad upon the face of the whole earth4' 7,gen4 #b3 #h1 #i74 ,america1 then1 according to this portion of sacred history1 was at that time re-occupied by man2 for the writer could not have meant by 'all the earth' only about one-half of it4 ,professor ,t4 ,h4 ,lewis1 an archaeologist of ,st4 ,paul1 ,minnesota1 7,u4 ,s4 ,a471 who a few years since1 made some explorations among the mounds and earthworks of ,north ,dakota1 is of the opinion that there were two separate races in ,ancient ,america4 ,he derived this opinion from examining mounds and their contents1 which are found in that locality and in many other parts of ,north ,america4 7,correspondent to ,denver ,news1 #ahij47 ,professor ,f4 ,w4 ,putnam1 in an article in the ,century ,magazine for ,march1 #ahij1 on ,prehistoric ,remains in the ,ohio ,valley1 advocates his belief1 based upon discoveries and #bgj observations in ancient burying grounds1 that two races have inhabited ,america in olden times1 and that one originated from the north and the other from the south4 ,the ,book of ,mormon makes it clear that the ,jaredites occupied that part of the country known as ,north ,america1 7,see ,book of ,omni1 #a3 #bc71 while the race that succeeded them originated in ,south ,america1 but spread towards the north4 7,see ,book of ,alma1 #bb3 #cj-cd74 ,a correspondent writing to the ,new ,york ,herald from ,san ,diego1 ,california1 under date of ,december #aj1 #ahdi1 says3 ,unlike anything heretofore discovered on this continent1 or indeed in the whole world1 we here have presented to our views1 as we now firmly believe1 the unbroken history of a people that existed not only for a great length of time since the building of the ,egyptian pyramids1 but contemporary with them1 and1 what is more wonderful still1 far back and yet still farther into the mazes of antiquity4 ,in ,harper's ,weekly for ,october1 #ahgi1 7published in ,new ,york71 is an article by ,henry ,c4 ,walsh1 entitled ,copan3 a ,city of the ,dead4 ,in it he says3 ,during the progress of the excavations made by the last ,peabody expedition ,mr4 ,gordon discovered a stone pavement at the southern end of the great plaza4 ,by digging downwards he came to the walls and chambers of a building more ancient than and of a different character from those now above the surface4 ,here were found tablets inscribed with characters varying materially from those on the known monuments4 ,in the adjoining structures above ground were found blocks of stone1 used in the construction1 which had evidently been cut from older sculptures4 ,all this points to successive periods of occupation1 of which there are other evidences4 ,,origin ,,before ,,the ,,christian ,,era4 ,the ,book of ,mormon states that about #fjj years before the birth of ,christ a small colony of the ,hebrew race left ,jerusalem and was led by the ,lord to the shores of ,america4 ,this colony was composed1 on the commencement of its journey1 of two heads of families1 ,lehi and ,ishmael1 their wives and children1 and a man named ,zoram4 ,they observed the law of ,moses1 and took with them a record of their forefathers1 containing the five books of ,moses1 giving an account of the creation of the world1 of ,adam and ,eve1 and also of the ,jews from the beginning down to the commencement of the reign of ,zedekiah1 king of ,judah4 ,this record was engraved on plates of brass4 ,the youngest of the four sons of ,lehi1 ,nephi by name1 was the leading spirit in the company4 ,he also commenced a record of their doing1 which he engraved #bga upon plates of metal in the language of the ,egyptians1 and in what their descendants called reformed ,egyptian characters4 7,see ,i ,nephi1 also ,mosiah #a3 #d1 and ,mormon #i3 #cb-cc74 ,that the origin of the ,american ,indians dates back to some period before the ,christian era is testified to by a number of archaeologists4 ,professor ,waterman1 of ,boston1 ,massachusetts1 in a lecture delivered in the ,fine ,arts ,academy1 ,bristol1 in #ahdi1 speaking of the time the forefathers of the ,indians went to ,america1 says3 ,when and whence1 then1 did they come8 ,albert ,galatin1 one of the profoundest philologists of the age1 concluded that1 so far as language afforded any clue1 the time of their arrival could not have been long after the dispersion of the human family4 ,dr4 ,morton1 after a series of investigations of many of the human crania found in the sepulchral mounds concluded that they must have dated back at least #bjjj or #cjjj years4 ,it would not seem that all the family to which they belonged came with them1 as they were but representatives of a people still in existence in the ,old ,world1 or who had become extinct since they emigrated4 ,this people could not have been created in ,africa1 for its inhabitants were widely dissimilar to those of ,america2 nor in ,europe1 which was without a native people agreeing at all with ,american races3 then to ,asia alone could they look for the origin of the ,american4 ,not only does the above quotation express the opinion of scholars that the race referred to originated before the ,christian era1 but that it originated in ,asia1 which agrees with the statements in the ,book of ,mormon4 ,the following is taken from the ,abb ,don ,lorenzo ,hervas' ,letter to the ,abb ,clavigero upon the ,mexican ,calendar1 translated by ,cullen and published in ,england in #aghg3 ,this ,calendar has not been the discovery of the ,mexicans1 but a communication from some more enlightened people2 and as the last are not to be found in ,america1 we must seek for them elsewhere1 in ,asia or in ,egypt4 ,this supposition is confirmed by your affirmation1 that the ,mexicans had their ,calendar from the ,toltecas 7originating from ,asia71 whose year1 according to ,boturini1 was exactly adjusted by the course of the sun1 more than a hundred years before the ,christian era4 ,dr4 ,wendell ,mees1 of ,ithaca1 ,new ,york1 in an article published in a ,scandinavian paper1 ,verdens ,gang1 sets forth his views in regard to the origin of the ,aztecs1 or ancient inhabitants of ,mexico4 ,he is of the belief that they went over to ,america as early as the fourth century before ,christ4 ,,of ,,hebrew ,,origin4 ,the evidences that the ,american ,indians are of ,hebrew origin are quite numerous and most conclusive4 #bgb ,the following is from ,adair's ,history of the ,american ,indians1 published in ,london1 in #agge3 ,all the various nations of ,indians seem to be of one descent4 ,they call a buffalo1 in their various dialects1 by one and the same name1 ',yanasa4' ,and there is a strong similarity of religious rites and of civil and martial customs among all the various ,american nations of ,indians we have any knowledge of on the extensive continent1 as will soon be shown4 ,their language is copious and very expressive1 for their narrow orbit of ideas1 and full of rhetorical tropes and figures1 like the orientalists4 4 4 4 ,from the most exact observations ,i could make in the long time ,i traded among the ,indian ,americans1 ,i was forced to believe them lineally descended from the ,israelites1 either while they were a maritime power or soon after the general captivity3 the latter1 however1 is the most probable4 444 ,as the ,israelites were divided into tribes1 and had chiefs over them1 so the ,indians divide themselves4 ,each tribe forms a little community within the nation2 and as the nation hath its particular symbol1 so hath each tribe the badge from which it is denominated4 ,the sachem of each tribe is a necessary party in conveyances and treaties1 to which he affixes the mark of his tribe1 as a corporation with us doth their public seal4 ,if we go from nation to nation among them1 we shall not find one who doth not lineally distinguish himself by his respective family4 4 4 4 ,every town has a state-house1 or synedrion1 as the ,jewish sanhedrim1 where1 almost every night1 the head men convene about public business4 4 4 4 ,these ,indian ,americans pay their religious devoir to ,loak ,ishtohoollo-,aba1 'the great1 beneficent1 supreme1 holy spirit of fire1' who resides 7as they think7 above the clouds1 and on earth also with unpolluted people4 ,he is with them the sole author of warmth1 light1 and of all animal and vegetable life4 ,they do not pay the least perceivable adoration to any images1 or to dead persons1 neither to the celestial luminaries1 nor evil spirits1 nor any created being whatsoever4 4 4 4 ,they flatter themselves with the name hottuh oretoopah1 'the beloved people1' because their supposed ancestors1 as they affirm1 were under the immediate government of the ,deity1 who was present with them in a very particular manner1 and directed them by prophets1 while the rest of the world were aliens and outlaws to the covenant4 4 4 4 ,the ,indian language and dialects appear to have the very idiom and genius of the ,hebrew4 ,their words and sentences are expressive1 concise1 emphatical1 sonorous1 and bold1 and often1 both in letters and signification1 synonymous with the ,hebrew language4 4 4 ,they use many plain religious emblems of the ,divine names1 ,yohewah1 ,yah1 and ,ale2 and these are the roots of a prodigious number of words through their various dialects4 4 4 ,in conformity to1 or after the manner of the ,jews1 the ,indian ,americans have their prophets1 high priests1 and others of a religious order4 ,as the ,jews had a sanctum sanctorum1 or most holy place1 so have all the ,indian nations4 4 4 4 4 ,the ,indian tradition says that their forefathers were possessed of an extraordinary divine spirit1 by which they foretold things future1 and controlled the common course of nature2 and this they transmitted to their offspring1 provided they obeyed the sacred laws annexed to it4 4 4 4 ,as the prophets of the ,hebrews had oracular #bgc answers1 so the ,indian magi 7who are to invoke ,yo ,he ,wah and mediate with the supreme holy fire1 that he may give seasonable rains71 have a transparent stone of supposed great power in assisting to bring down the rain4 4 4 4 ,the ,hebrews offered daily sacrifice4 4 4 4 ,the ,indians have a similar religious service4 4 4 4 ,the ,indians have among them the resemblance of the ,jewish sin offering and trespass-offering4 4 4 4 ,the ,indians observe another religious custom of the ,hebrews in making a peace-offering4 4 4 4 ,they always celebrate the annual expiation of sins in their religious temples4 ,the red ,hebrews imagine their temples to have such a typical holiness1 more than any other place1 that if they offered up the ,annual ,sacrifice elsewhere1 it would not atone for the people4 4 4 4 ,the ,hebrews had various ablutions and anointings1 according to the ,mosaic ritual1 and all the ,indian nations constantly observe similar customs from religious motives4 4 4 4 ,in the coldest weather1 and when the ground is covered with snow1 against their bodily ease and pleasure1 men and children turn out of their warm houses or stoves1 reeking with sweat1 singing their usual sacred notes1 ,yo1 ,yo1 c41 at the dawn of day1 adoring ,yo ,he ,wah1 at the gladsome sight of the morn2 and thus they skip along1 echoing praises1 till they get to the river1 when they instantaneously plunge into it4 4 4 4 ,this law of purity 7bathing in water7 was essential to the ,jews1 and the ,indians to this day would exclude the men from religious communion who neglected to observe it4 4 4 4 ',tis well known that oil was applied by the ,jews to the most sacred as well as common uses3 their kings1 prophets1 and priests1 at their inauguration and consecration1 were anointed with oil4 4 4 4 ,like the ,jews1 the greatest part of the ,southern ,indians abstain from the most things that are in themselves1 or in general apprehension of mankind1 loathsome1 or unclean4 4 4 4 ,they reckon all birds of prey and birds of night to be unclean and unlawful to be eaten4 4 4 ,none of them will eat of any animal whatsoever1 if they either know or suspect that it died of itself4 4 4 4 ,they reckon all those animals to be unclean that are either carnivorous or live on nasty food1 as hogs1 wolves1 panthers1 foxes1 cats1 mice1 rats4 4 4 4 ,the ,indians1 through a strong principle of religion1 abstain in the strictest manner from eating the blood of any animal4 4 4 4 ,the ,indian marriages1 divorces1 and punishments of adultery still retain a strong likeness to the ,jewish laws and customs in these points4 4 4 4 4 ,many other of the ,indian punishments resemble those of the ,jews4 4 4 ,the ,indians strictly adhere more than the rest of mankind to that positive1 unrepealed law of ,moses1 ',he who sheddeth man's blood1 by man shall his blood be shed4' 4 4 4 ,there never was any set of people who pursued the ,mosaic law of retaliation with such a fixed eagerness as these ,americans4 4 4 ,they forgive all crimes at the ,annual ,atonement of sins1 except murder1 which is always punished with death4 4 4 4 ,the ,israelites had cities of refuge1 or places of safety1 for those who killed a person unawares and without design4 4 4 4 ,according to the same particular divine law of mercy1 each of these ,indian nations have either a house or town of refuge1 which is a sure asylum to protect a manslayer1 or the unfortunate captive1 if they can once enter into it ,before the ,indians go to war1 they have many preparatory ceremonies of purification and fasting1 like what is recorded of the ,israelites4 4 4 4 ,the ,indian ark is deemed so sacred and dangerous to be touched1 either by their own sanctified warriors or the spoiling enemy1 that they durst not #bgd touch it upon any account4 4 4 4 ,the warriors consider themselves as devoted to ,god1 apart from the rest of the people1 while they are at war accompanying the sacred ark with the supposed holy things it contains4 4 4 4 ,when they return home victorious over the enemy1 they sing the triumphal song to ,yo ,he ,wah1 ascribing the victory to him1 according to a religious custom of the ,israelites1 who were commanded always to attribute their success in war to ,jehovah1 and not to their swords and arrows4 ,the ,indian manner of curing their sick is very similar to that of the ,jews4 ,they always invoke ,yo ,he ,wah a considerable space of time before they apply any medicines1 let the case require ever so speedy an application4 ,the more desperately ill their patients are1 the more earnestly they invoke the ,deity on the sad occasion4 4 4 4 ,the ,indians deem the curing their sick or wounded a very religious duty1 and it is chiefly performed by their supposed prophets and magi1 because they believe they are inspired with a great portion of divine fire4 4 4 4 ,the surviving brother1 by ,mosaic law1 was to raise seed to a deceased brother who left a widow childless1 to perpetuate his name and family1 and inherit his goods and estate1 or be degraded4 ,the ,indian custom looks the very same way2 yet it is in this as in their law of blood--the eldest brother can redeem4 4 4 ,emanuel de ,moraes and ,acosta affirm that the ,brazilians marry in their own family or tribe4 ,and ,jo4 de ,laet says they call their uncles and aunts 'fathers and mothers1' which is a custom of the ,hebrews and of all our ,north ,american ,indians2 and he assures us they mourn very much for their dead1 and that their clothes are like those of the early ,jews4 4 4 ,acosta writes that the clothes of the ,south ,american ,indians are shaped like those of the ancient ,jews4 4 4 ,laet1 7in his description of ,america71 and ,escarbotus assure us they often heard the ,south ,american ,indians to repeat the sacred word ,halliluiah1 which made them admire how they first attained it4 ,and ,malvenda says that the natives of ,st4 ,michael had tombstones1 which the ,spaniards digged up1 with several ancient ,hebrew characters upon them4 ,peter ,martyr writes that the ,indian widow married the brother of her deceased husband1 according to the ,mosaic law4 4 4 4 ,robert ,williams1 the first ,englishman in ,new ,england1 who is said to have learned the ,indian language1 in order to convert the natives1 believed them to be ,jews4 ,squier's ,antiquities of the ,state of ,new ,york1 published in ,buffalo1 in #ahea1 confirms a number of the statements made by ,adair1 which are reproduced in the above extracts from his ,history of the ,american ,indians4 ,squier's work also mentions other similarities that exist between the customs of the ,israelites and the ,indians4 ,,indian ,,customs4 ,schoolcraft's ,ethnological ,researches1 ,vol4 ,i 7published in #ahea7 says respecting some of the ,indians' customs3 ,in regard to the manners1 customs1 habits1 c1 of the wild tribes of the ,western territory1 a true and more correct type than any ,i have ever seen may be found in the ancient history of the ,jews or #bge ,israelites after their liberation from ,egyptian bondage4 ,the ',medicine ,lodge' of the ,indian may be compared to the place of worship or tabernacle of the ,jews2 and the sacrifices1 offerings1 purifications1 ablutions1 and anointings may be all found amongst and practiced by those people4 ,the manner of mourning for a deceased relative is very similar to that of the ,israelites4 4 4 4 ,there could be very numerous and similar analogies made between the manners and customs of those people and those of the ,jews4 ,the following is taken from ,civero and ,von ,tscudi's ,peruvian ,antiquities1 translated from the original ,spanish by ,dr4 ,hawks1 and published in ,new ,york in #ahed4 ,like the ,jews1 the ,indians offer their first fruits2 they keep their new moons1 and the feast of expiations at the end of ,september1 or in the beginning of ,october2 they divide the year into four seasons1 corresponding with the ,jewish festivals4 ,according to ,charlevoix and ,long1 the brother of a deceased husband receives his widow into his house as a guest1 and after a suitable time considers her as a legitimate consort4 ,in some parts of ,north ,america circumcision is practiced1 and of this ,acosta and ,lopez de ,gomara make mention4 ,but that which most tends to fortify the opinion as to the ,hebrew origin of the ,american tribes1 is a species of ark1 seemingly like that of the ,old ,testament2 this the ,indians take with them to war3 it is never permitted to touch the ground1 but rests upon stones or pieces of wood1 it being deemed sacrilegious and unlawful to open it or look into it4 ,the ,american priests scrupulously guard their sanctuary1 and the high priest carries on his breast a white shell adorned with precious stones1 which recalls the ,urim of the ,jewish high priest2 of whom we are also reminded by a band of white plumes on his forehead4 ,,indian ,,practice ,,resembling ,,the ,,passover4 ,it is not generally known that there is a marvelous coincidence between the traditional stories of the ,north ,american ,indians and the ,bible story of the ,israelites in ,egypt4 ,for instance1 in the spring of each year1 about the time of the ,jewish ,passover1 a white dog--the animal must be without spot and blemish--is sacrificed by the ,blood ,indians of ,north-,west ,canada4 ,the coincidence would be greater if a sheep were used2 but there are no sheep in the territory1 and hence a white dog is used4 ,the blood of the animal is then sprinkled on the entrances to the ,indian tepees or wigwams4 ,the flesh1 of the animal is afterwards roasted at midnight1 and the whole camp partake of it1 with loins girt1 and in full marching order1 just as the ,israelites did in the time of ,pharaoh4 ,when the food has been eaten1 the entire camp silently march into the woods1 a distance of several miles4 ,there the medicine-men go apart1 and privately plant some tobacco-seed1 the fruit of which1 when ripe1 is used for the same ceremony the following year4 ,this is a marvelous coincidence1 and the missionaries to that region say the custom has been handed down from times immemorial4 ,this curious tradition is now published for the first time4--,sunday ,companion1 ,november #bh1 #ahif4 #bgf ,,tradition ,,of ,a ,,sacred ,,book4 ,a work on the origin of the ,american ,indians1 by ,c4 ,colton1 7,london1 #ahcc71 says respecting their traditional belief3 ,they assert that a book was once in possession of their ancestors1 and along with this recognition they have traditions that the ,great ,spirit used to foretell to their fathers future events2 that ,he controlled nature in their favor2 that angels once talked with them2 that all the ,indian tribes descended from one man1 who had twelve sons2 that this man was a notable and renowned prince1 having great dominions2 and that the ,indians1 his posterity1 will yet recover the same dominion and influence4 ,they believe1 by tradition1 that the spirit of prophecy and miraculous interposition1 once enjoyed by their ancestors1 will yet be restored to them1 and that they will recover the book1 all of which has been so long lost4 ,this tradition is a remarkable corroboration of the record contained in the ,book of ,mormon4 ,the testimony on record to prove that the ,ancient ,indians are of ,israelitish origin is too voluminous to reproduce here4 ,the above is sufficient and conclusive4 ,lord ,kingsborough's great work on the ,antiquities of ,mexico1 published in #ahcj-cg1 was written especially to prove that the ,indians were ,israelites4 ,,acquainted ,,with ,,the ,,old ,,testament ,,record4 ,that the ancient inhabitants of ,america were acquainted with the record of many events recorded in the ,old ,testament is amply shown by their traditions1 their paintings1 books and inscriptions4 ,lord ,kingsborough says concerning the ,mexican ,indians3 ,i cannot fail to remark that one of the arguments which persuades me to believe that this nation descends from the ,hebrews is to see the knowledge they have of the book of ,genesis4 4 4 4 4 ,it is impossible on reading what ,mexican ,mythology records of the war in heaven1 and the fall of ,zontemoque and other rebellious spirits2 of the creation of light by the word of ,toncatlecuti1 and of the division of the waters2 of the sin of ,yzclacolinhqui1 and his blindness and his nakedness2 and of the temptation of ,suchequecal and her disobedience in gathering roses from a tree1 and the consequent misery and disgrace of herself and all her posterity1 not to recognize scriptural analogies4 ,but the ,mexican tradition of the deluge is that which bears the most unequivocal marks of having been derived from a ,hebrew source4 ,this tradition records that a few persons escaped in the ,ahuchueti1 or ark of fir1 when the earth was swallowed up by the deluge1 the chief of whom was named ,palecath of ,cipaquetona3 and he invented the art of making wine2 that ,xelua1 one of his descendants1 or at least one of those who escaped in the ark1 was present at the building of a high tower1 which the succeeding generation constructed with a view of escaping from the deluge1 should it #bgg again occur3 the ,toncatlecutli1 incensed at their presumption1 destroyed the tower by lightning1 confounded their language and dispersed them2 and that ,xelua led a colony to the new ,world4--,mexican ,antiquities1 ,vol4 ,,vi1 p4 #dja4 ,,tradition ,,of ,,moses4 ,the same writer also makes the following statement respecting the ancient ,americans' knowledge of the story of ,moses3 ,a very remarkable representation of the ten plagues which ,god sent on ,egypt1 occurs in the eleventh and twelfth pages of the ,borgian ,ms4 ,moses is there painted1 holding up in his left hand his rod1 which became a serpent2 and1 with a furious gesture1 calling down the plagues upon the ,egyptians4 ,these plagues were frogs1 locusts1 lice1 flies1 etc41 all of which are represented in the pages referred to2 but the last and most dreadful were the thick darkness which overspread ,egypt for three days1 and the death of the firstborn of the ,egyptians4 ,the curious symbol of one serpent swallowing up others1 likewise occurs in the nineteenth page of the same ,ms4 ,it is not extraordinary that the ,mexicans1 who were acquainted with one portion of the exodus--that relating to the children of ,israel journeying from ,egypt--should also not have been ignorant of another4 ,,tradition ,,of ,,eve4 ,bernardino de ,sahagun1 a ,franciscan missionary and historian of the sixteenth century1 author of ,historia ,universal de ,nueva ,espaia1 says concerning the ,aztec tradition of ,eve3 ,this woman was the first who existed in the world1 and the mother of the whole human race2 who was tempted by the serpent who appeared to her in the terrestrial paradise1 and discoursed with her1 to persuade her to transgress the command of ,god1 and that is likewise true1 that after having committed sin1 etc41 she bore a son and a daughter at the same birth1 and that the son was named ,cain and the daughter ,calmana2 and that afterwards she brought forth a second birth1 ,abel1 and his sister ,delborah1 so that she bore them by twin birth4 ,prof4 ,short1 in his ,north ,americans of ,antiquity1 page #bch1 quotes from the native writer1 ,intellxochitl1 as follows3 ,,tradition ,,of ,,the ,,flood4 ,it is found in the histories of the ,toltecs1 that this age and first world1 as they call it1 lasted seventeen hundred and sixteen years2 then men were destroyed by tremendous rains and lightnings from the sky1 and even all the land1 without exception of anything1 and the highest mountains were covered up and submerged in water 'caxolmoletli' or fifteen cubits1 and here they add other fables of how men came to multiply from the few who escaped from this destruction in a toptlipetlacali1 this word signifies a close chest4 #bgh ,no tradition has been more widely spread among nations than that of a ,deluge4 4 4 4 ,it was the received notion under some form or other1 of the most civilized people in the ,old ,world1 and of the barbarians of the ,new4 ,the ,aztecs combined with this some particular circumstances of a more arbitrary character1 resembling the accounts of the east4 ,they believed that two persons survived the ,deluge1 a man named ,coxcox and his wife4 ,their heads are represented in ancient painting1 together with a boat floating on the waters at the foot of a mountain4 ,a dove is also depicted1 with a hieroglyphical emblem of language in his mouth1 which he is distributing to the children of ,coxcox1 who were born dumb4 ,the neighboring people of ,michoacan1 inhabiting the same high plains of the ,andes1 had a still further tradition1 that the boat in which ,tegpi1 their ,noah1 escaped1 was filled with various kinds of animals and birds4 ,after some time1 a vulture was sent out from it1 but remained feeding on the dead bodies of the giants which had been left on the earth1 as the waters subsided4 ,the little humming bird1 huitzitzilin1 was then set forth1 and returned with a twig in his mouth4 ,the coincidence of both these accounts with the ,hebrew and ,chaldean narratives is obvious4--,conquest of ,mexico1 by ,w4 ,h4 ,prescott1 7pages #dfc-d74 ,,led ,,by ,,youngest ,,brother4 ,fernando ,montesinos1 the ,spanish historian of ,peru says of the ,peruvians3 ,that nation was originated by a people led by four brothers1 the youngest of these brothers assumed supreme authority1 and became the first of a long line of sovereigns4 7,see ,book of ,mormon1 ,book of ,jacob1 #a3 #i-aa74 ,,engraved ,,on ,,plates ,,of ,,metal4 ,a writer by the name of ,c4 ,w4 ,wandell says3 ,there can be no well-founded objection to the ,nephite record1 from the material on which it is engraved2 for the gold plate worn on ,aaron's head1 on which was written ',holiness to the ,lord1' proves that the idea was known to them4 ,bishop ,watson says3 ',the ,hebrews went so far as to write their sacred books in gold1 as we may learn from ,josephus compared with ,pliny4' 7,watson's ,bib4 and ,theo4 ,dic4 ,art4 ,writings74 ,nor is the modern1 book-like form of the volume any argument against its antiquity2 for ,bishop ,watson in the same place says3 ',those books which were inscribed on tablets of wood1 lead1 brass or ivory were connected together by rings at the back1 through which a rod was passed to carry them4' ,,egyptian ,,writings4 ,a writer in the ,foreign ,quarterly ,review for ,october1 #ahcf1 says3 ,lastly1 the eye of the antiquarian cannot fail to be both attracted and fixed by evidences of the existence of two great branches of the #bgi hieroglyphical language--both having striking affinities with the ,egyptian1 and yet distinguished from it by characteristics perfectly ,american4 ,one is the picture-writing peculiar to the ,mexicans1 and which displays several striking traits of assimilation to the anaglyphs1 and the historical tablets of the ,egyptian temples4 ,the second is a pure hieroglyphical language1 to which little attention has hitherto been called1 which appears to have been peculiar to the ,tultecan or some still more ancient nation that preceded the ,mexicans2 which was as complete as the ,egyptian in its double constituency of a symbolic and a phonetic alphabet1 and which1 as far as we can judge1 appears to have rivalled the ,egyptian in its completeness1 while in some respects it excelled it in its regularity and beauty4 ,dr4 ,august ,le ,plongeon1 the eminent archaeologist of ,new ,york1 in the ,review of ,reviews for ,july1 #ahie1 announces the discovery of the sacred alphabet of the ,mayas 7the ,indian tribe of ,central ,america7 is practically identical with that of the ,egyptians1 and that the grammatical structure of the two tongues is strikingly similar1 many words and characters having the same meaning in both4 ,his conclusion is that both these people acquired the art of writing from a common source4 ,this is in strict harmony with the statements made in the ,book of ,mormon4 ,nephi states in the first chapter of his book 7,book or ,mormon1 page #a7 that he made his record1 which was sacred1 in the language of the ,egyptians4 ,mosiah confirms this statement 7,mosiah #a3 #d72 and ,mormon says that it was written in characters which his people called reformed ,egyptian1 7,mormon #i3 #cb74 ,the ,book of ,mormon states that the descendants of the colonists from the ,tower of ,babel and of those from ,jerusalem attained to a high degree of civilization1 were acquainted with many arts2 and also that they became very wicked1 and destroyed each other in fiercely-fought battles4 7,see ,mormon1 chapter #f2 also ,ether1 #ae3 #b74 ,the record gives the information that the first nation cultivated all kinds of fruit and grain2 that they manufactured silk and fine linen1 and possessed gold1 silver and other precious things2 that they had domestic animals1 such as cattle1 sheep1 goats1 swine1 horses1 elephants and others4 7,see ,book of ,ether1 #i3 #ag1 #ah1 #ai74 ,the second nation found these same animals in the country 7see ,i ,nephi #ah3 #be74 ,it is also recorded that the latter people built cities 7,alma #ba3 #b7 and temples 7,,ii ,nephi #e3 #af72 that they had coins of gold and silver 7,alma #i3 #d-ai71 and used these and other metals in the arts1 7,jarom #a3 #h72 and that many records were kept by the people1 7,helaman #c3 #ac74 ,the evidences that the ancient peoples of ,america were #bhj highly civilized are numerous and undisputable4 ,only a very few of the many descriptions of ancient ruins discovered in various parts of ,america are given in the following extracts3 ,,evidences ,,of ,,advanced ,,civilization--,,ruins ,,discovered4 ,much has been done in recent years to throw light upon the history of the ancient races of the east1 but comparatively little interest has been taken1 even by ,american archaeologists and scientists1 in the ancient and marvelous civilization whose traces are to be found scattered over our continent1 particularly in ,central ,america and ,mexico4 ,that a civilization once flourished in these regions1 much higher than any of the ,spanish conquerors found upon their arrival1 there can be no doubt4 ,by far the most important work that has been done among the remains of the old ,maya civilization has been carried on by the ,peabody ,museum of ,harvard ,college1 through a series of expeditions it has sent to the buried city now called ,copan1 in ,spanish ,honduras4 ,in a beautiful valley near the borderland of ,guatemala1 surrounded by steep mountains and watered by a winding river1 the hoary city lies wrapped in the sleep of ages4 ,the ruins at ,copan1 although in a more advanced state of destruction than those of the ,maya cities of ,yucatan1 have a general similarity to the latter in the design of the buildings and in the sculptures1 while the characters in the inscriptions are essentially the same4 ,it would seem1 therefore1 that ,copan was a city of the ,mayas2 but if so it must have been one of their most ancient settlements1 fallen into decay long before the cities in ,yucatan reached their prime4 ,the ,maya civilization was totally distinct from the ,aztec or ,mexican2 it was an older and also a much higher civilization4 ,so far the ,peabody expeditions have confined their attention to the temples and palaces1 and though for several seasons quite a little army of natives has been engaged in excavating1 yet the work that has been accomplished amounts to little in comparison with that which remains to be done4 ,to clear the main structure alone will be the work of years4 ,could the vast structures be restored1 our greatest buildings would seem as pygmies in comparison2 and certainly no city of the modern world could boast such a profuseness and richness of carved and sculptured ornamentations4 --,henry ,c4 ,walsh1 in ,harper's ,weekly1 ,october1 #ahig4 ,,indians ,,all ,,of ,,one ,,origin4 ,mr4 ,bradford in his researches into the origin of the red race1 adopts the following conclusions in regard to the ancient occupants of ,north ,america3 ,that they were all of the same origin1 branches of the same race and possessed of similar customs and institutions4 ,that they were populous and occupied a great extent of territory4 ,that they had arrived at a considerable degree of civilization1 were associated in large communities and lived in extensive cities4 ,that they possessed the use of many of the metals1 such as lead1 copper1 gold1 and silver1 and probably the art of working in them4 ,that they sculptured in stone and sometimes used that material in the construction of their edifices4 #bha ,that they had the knowledge of the arch of receding steps2 of the art of pottery1 producing urns and utensils formed with taste and constructed upon the principles of chemical composition2 and the art of brick-making4 ,that they worked the salt springs1 and manufactured salt4 ,that they were an agricultural people1 living under the influence and protection of regular forms of governments4 ,that they possessed a decided system of religion1 and a mythology connected with astronomy1 which1 with its sister science1 geometry1 was in the hands of the priesthood4 ,that they were skilled in the art of fortification4 ,that the epoch of their original settlement in the ,united ,states is of great antiquity2 and ,that the only indications of their origin to be gathered from the locality of their ruined monuments1 point toward ,mexico4 --,baldwin's ,ancient ,america4 ,,ruins ,,in ,,yucatan4 ,yucatan is the grave of a great nation that has mysteriously passed away and left behind no history4 ,every forest embosoms the majestic remains of vast temples1 sculptured over with symbols of a lost creed1 and noble cities1 whose stately palaces and causeways attest in their mournful abandonment the colossal grandeur of their builder4 ,they are the gigantic tombs of an illustrious race1 but they bear neither name nor epitaph4 ,the conscience-stricken awe with which the ,indian avoids them as he relates a confused tradition of a whole people extinguished in blood and fire by his forefathers--a ferocious and cannibal race delighting in human sacrifices--are all that even conjecture can say of the manner in which the ancient occupants of ,yucatan were blotted1 en masse1 from the page of existence4 ,the barbarous exterminators remained the masters of the country1 and built them rude huts under the shadow of those immense edifices which are still the marvel and the mystery of ,yucatan4 ,on many of these singular edifices is stamped the blood-red impress of a human hand--a fit symbol of the rule of blood to which it has so constantly been the victim4 ,this 'bloody hand' was imprinted with evident purpose on the still yielding stucco of the new-built walls1 and presents every line and curve in life-like distinctness2 but the explanation of the symbol is unknown4--,new ,york ,sun1 ,june #h1 #ahdh4 ,,ancient ,,glass ,,jar4 ,in the shaft of ,j4 ,l4 ,duncan and ,co41 on the ridge between the ,middle and ,south ,yubas1 in this county1 at the distance of #agf feet below the surface of the ground1 was found1 on the #bfth ,december1 a curiously-fashioned glass bottle or jar1 which was dug up in hard cement4 ,after removing the reddish coating1 an eight of an inch thick1 which attached to the outside1 and thoroughly washing it1 it was found to be of a light color and perfectly transparent4 ,it somewhat resembled a small-sized pickle-jar1 but has a longer neck and a flat bottom4 ,it must have been lying in the silent spot where it was found for many hundred years4--,nevada ,journal4 ,a ,,ruined ,,city4 ,i must not1 however1 forget to mention that there has lately been discovered1 in the province of ,vera ,paz1 #aej miles north-east #bhb of ,guatemala1 buried in a dense forest1 and far from any settlements1 a ruined city1 surpassing ,copan or ,palenque in extent and magnificence1 and displaying a degree of art to which none of the structures of ,yucatan can lay claim4--,from a letter by ,mr4 ,e4 ,g4 ,squier1 read before the ,american ,ethnological ,society1 ,october #ag1 #ahdi4 ,,ancient ,,coins ,,and ,,implements4 ,while some hands were digging out a cellar in ,botetourt ,county1 ,va41 they came upon a quantity of coin1 consisting of some eight pieces1 in an iron box about #ad inches square4 ,the coin was larger than a dollar1 and the inscription in a language wholly unknown to any person in the vicinity4 ,upon digging down some #af inches lower1 they came to a quantity of iron implements of singular and heretofore unseen shape4 ,several scientific gentlemen have examined into the matter1 and have come to the conclusion that the coins1 together with the other curiosities1 must have been placed there at an extremely early date1 and before the settlement of the country4 --,new ,york ,despatch4 ,the ,book of ,mormon states that at the time of the ,savior's crucifixion a great and terrible destruction took place upon the continent of ,america4 ,it also contains a record of the ,savior's appearance and ministry on that continent after ,his resurrection4 7,see ,,iii ,nephi74 ,,destruction ,,at ,,the ,,time ,,of ,,the ,,crucifixion4 ,concerning the destruction that occurred at the time of the crucifixion1 the record says3 ,and it came to pass in the thirty and fourth year1 in the first month1 in the fourth day of the month1 there arose a great storm1 such an one as never had been known in all the land2 ,and there was also a great and terrible tempest2 and there was terrible thunder1 insomuch1 that it did shake the whole earth as if it was about to divide asunder2 ,and there were exceeding sharp lightnings1 such as never had been known in all the land4 ,and the city of ,zarahemla did take fire2 ,and the city of ,moroni did sink into the depths of the sea1 and the inhabitants thereof were drowned2 ,and the earth was carried up upon the city of ,moronihah1 that in the place of the city thereof1 there became a great mountain2 ,and there was a great and terrible destruction in the land southward4 ,but behold1 there was a more great and terrible destruction in the land northward2 for behold1 the whole face of the land was changed1 because of the tempest1 and the whirlwinds1 and the thunderings1 and the lightnings1 and the exceeding great quaking of the whole earth2 ,and the highways were broken up1 and the level roads were spoiled1 and many smooth places became rough1 ,and many great and notable cities were sunk1 and many were #bhc burned1 and many were shook till the buildings thereof had fallen to the earth1 and the inhabitants thereof were slain1 and the places were left desolate2 ,and there were some cities which remained2 but the damage thereof was exceeding great1 and there were many in them who were slain4 7,ill ,nephi #h3 #e-ae74 ,,ruins ,,on ,,the ,,ridge ,,of ,a ,,mountain1 ,mr4 ,william ,niven1 a well-known ,american mineralogist of ,new ,york gives the following account of discoveries he made in the mountains of the state of ,guerrero1 ,mexico4 ,his exploring trip was taken in the year #ahid3 ,about noon we camped at a spring in a deep canyon4 ,the guide promised to show us the first sign of ruins at a place called ,yerba ,buena4 ,we soon saw the first evidences of pre-historic structures1 which1 however1 were little more than foundations4 ,but the surprise at the top of the hill removed all doubts of the ,indian's veracity1 for there before us was what was once evidently a great temple1 occupying a space of #bjjx#cjj feet4 ,climbing to the top of one tower ,i found it covered with charcoal dust to the depth of eighteen inches4 ,then we mounted our horses and traveled till dusk1 nearly ten miles1 among the ruins of what was at one time a great city4 ,the houses1 substantially built of stone and lime1 had been from fifty to eighty feet square4 ,the ruins were found only on the ridges of the mountains1 while on the sides near the summit were visible many foundations4 ,after descending from the summit #djj or #ejj feet there were no signs of ruins of any description4 4 4 4 ,the ruins which ,i was fortunate enough to discover in ,guerrero are very extensive--much more so than ,i at first supposed4 ,at a rather rough estimate ,i should say that territory of over #ijj square miles was literally covered1 foot by foot1 with sections of ruins4 ,every ridge and hilltop bore the remains of ancient temples1 some of them mammoth in proportions4 4 4 4 ,the ruins have the appearance of belonging to one vast city1 and subsequent investigations bore out my first impressions on the matter4 ,during the time ,i was occupied in excavating ,i visited the ruins of twenty-two temples1 with altars in the centre of all of them from five to twenty feet high and from ten to fifteen feet square4 ,mr4 ,niven1 in giving his opinion about the destruction of the great city says3 ,who were these people and how came they to disappear ,i cannot answer4 ,my impression is that once upon a time the country was one vast plain4 ,it was probably submerged by a titanic convulsion of nature1 and with it disappeared its people and their primitive civilization4 ,later the land was thrust up again1 as we see it now1 a barren1 desolate waste4 ,as the nearest water supply is several miles distant1 and that only a small spring1 it is evident that some great transformation in nature has taken place since the land was populated4 ,how the ruined city visited by ,mr4 ,niven came to be located upon mountain ridges can be understood from what is #bhd recorded in the ,book of ,mormon4 ,the city of ,moronihah is mentioned as one which was destroyed by being covered with earth and a mountain being raised in place of it4 ,it is quite probable that this pre-historic city situated in the interior of ,mexico met a similar fate to that of ,moronihah1 and was thrown up into its present position by some mighty upheaval of the earth's crust1 for it is not at all likely that the city was originally built upon a mountain4 ,mr4 ,niven's impression that the country was once a vast plain is consistent with what may be inferred from the account given in the ,book of ,mormon2 and his belief that the remarkable transformation of the country was caused by some great convulsion of nature is also in harmony with the statements made in the sacred book1 and goes to confirm the truth of it4 ,,destroyed ,,by ,,the ,,action ,,of ,,heat4 ,another testimony to the destruction that took place1 evidences of which still remain1 is given in the following extract from the ,san ,francisco ,herald3 ,captain ,walker assures us that the country from the ,colorado to the ,rio ,grande1 between the ,gila and ,san ,juan1 is full of ruined habitations and cities1 most of which are on the table-land4 4 4 4 ,on that occasion he had penetrated about midway from the ,colorado into the wilderness1 and had encamped near the ,little ,red ,river1 with the ,sierra ,blanca looming up to the south1 when he noticed at a little distance1 an object that induced him to examine further4 ,as he approached1 he found it to be a kind of citadel1 around which lay the ruins of a city more than a mile in length4 ,it was located on a gentle declivity that sloped towards ,red ,river1 and the lines of the streets could be distinctly traced1 running regularly at right angles with each other4 ,the houses had all been built of stone1 but all had been reduced to ruins by the action of some great heat1 which had evidently passed over the whole country4 ,it was not an ordinary conflagration1 but must have been some fierce1 furnace-like blast of fire1 similar to that issuing from a volcano1 as the stones were all burnt--some of them almost cindered1 others glazed as if melted4 ,this appearance was visible in every ruin he met with4 ,a storm of fire seemed to have swept over the whole face of the country1 and the inhabitants must have fallen before it4 ,in the centre of this city we refer to rose abruptly a rock of #bj or #cj feet high1 upon the top of which stood a portion of the walls of what had once been an immense building4 ,the outline of the building was still distinct4 4 4 4 ,all the south end of the building seemed to have been burnt to cinders and to have sunk to a mere pile of rubbish4 ,even the rock on which it was built appeared to have been partially fused by the heat4 ,,remains ,,found ,,under ,,lava ,,beds4 ,in an article which appeared in the ,san ,francisco ,bulletin several years ago1 ,dr4 ,d4 ,l4 ,yates1 says3 #bhe ,it was said that ,california possesses some of the oldest known relics on the continent4 ,the first authenticated record of the original occupants was found on the ,table ,mountain region in ,tuolumne ,county1 and is of an age prior to the great volcanic outburst4 ,fossil remains of the rhinoceros and an extinct horse are found under the lava layers forming the ,table ,mountains1 which are #a1djj feet thick1 #a1gjj feet wide and many hundreds of feet high1 where the river beds have been washed out and have been covered again to the depth of from three thousand to four thousand feet more since the flow of the lava4 ,this lava rests on a bed of detritus1 which is often entered by running tunnels4 ,the human relics and stone implements found in these formations give evidence of human habitants differing from any known since4 ,there have been found spear heads1 a pipe of polished stone1 two scoops of steleitic rock 7resembling the grocer's scoop71 an implement of aragonite1 resembling an unbent bow1 but the use of which is unknown and cannot be conjectured1 a stone needle1 with notches at the larger end1 and the finest charmstones that have ever been found4 ,there have been brought to light the fossils of nine mastodons1 twenty elephants1 various pachyderms in the ,table ,mountains1 numerous evidences of animal life in the calcareous formations in the ,texas flats1 obsidian spear heads1 fossils of the elephant1 horse and camel about ,hornites1 bones and evidences of pre-historic human industry in ,tulare1 and in ,trinity and ,siskiyou many proofs of the contemporaneous existence of man and extinct mammals4 ,,discovery ,,of ,a ,,hidden ,,city4 ,the ,philadelphia ,record1 z1 few years ago published the following despatch from ,fort ,davis1 ,texas3 ,a strange discovery has been lately made by a surveying party of the ,kansas ,city1 ,el ,paso and ,mexico ,railroad1 at a point in ,southern ,mexico1 not very far from ,las ,cruces4 ,here1 amid a tremendous lava flow1 a veritable sea of obsidian or black glass1 a hidden city has been discovered4 4 4 4 ,the obsidian1 molten or black glass at the moment of cooling evidently became agitated1 for it now lies in ragged waves and billows of fantastic shape1 some of the ridges from twelve to fourteen feet high and capped like the sea waves with a combing crest of greenish white4 ,the action of the winds and elements have literally burned some parts of this region into powdered dust4 ,at the northern extremity1 where the unknown city lies partly uncovered1 the ruins of gigantic stone buildings peer forth into the light of day4 ,some of these buildings are simply tremendous4 4 4 4 ,the whirlwind and sand augers have scooped out the dust1 and thus exposed the city4 ,no legend or story exists to show how or when it was founded1 or whether it was abandoned or destroyed4 ,the latter seems most likely1 and probably1 too by an earthquake1 at some remote period which threw the lava and fire up4 ,no volcano is known to exist in the neighborhood4 ,,evidences ,,of ,,great ,,eruptions4 ,many discoveries have been made that give evidence of great eruptions in ,america4 ,the ,san ,francisco ,herald stated #bhf some years ago that ,mr4 ,butterfield1 in running a tunnel in ,table ,mountain1 near ,sonora1 ,california1 found a trunk of a large pine tree1 one hundred and ten feet from the surface of the ground4 ,morse's ,universal ,geography states that in ,cincinnati the stump of a tree was found ninety-nine feet below the surface of the ground1 and another stump containing marks of an axe and iron rust was found ninety-four feet deep in the earth4 ,ancient implements have been found at various depths in the earth1 and in widely separated parts of the country1 which all go to confirm the account given in the ,book of ,mormon concerning what happened upon the ,american continent at the time of the crucifixion4 ,,the ,,messiah ,,known ,,to ,,the ,,ancient ,,inhabitants ,,of ,,america4 ,james ,wells1 ,d4,d41 in the ,sunday ,magazine1 says3 ,a ,savior1 at once human and divine1 has a supreme place in the creed of the ,red-man4 ,the thoughtful ,indians also felt the pressure of the solemn facts and needs of life4 ,they groped in the darkness1 and stretched forth hands of entreaty to ,god4 ,in their deep need1 they yearned for a teacher and helper2 and somehow or other1 they believed that he had come1 or would yet come to them4 ,they had dim1 confused suggestions and cravings that could find their realization only in ,christ4 ,their traditions are rich in myths and legends which cluster round ,hiawatha1 the messenger and representative of ,god4 ,they regard ,hiawatha as the relative of the ,great ,spirit and they call him 'uncle1' that is1 kinsman4 ,schoolcraft has collected the ,hiawatha legend in a very interesting book4 ,hiawatha was a sort of ,red ,indian ,messias4 ,though a heavenly being he was born a child on earth1 and his birth was wondrous4 ,he came into the world long ago and instituted 'the ,grand ,medicine4' ,he had super-human powers1 and used them all to bless men4 ,in sending him1 the ,creator smiled upon ,his helpless children4 ,all the evil spirits strove against him1 but he conquered them and gained strength from the struggle4 ,he used to spend days in fasting and prayer1 and he went about continually doing good4 ,he prophesied that1 after he had left them1 they would take to quarreling and fighting1 and that they would be driven from their hunting-grounds far westward4 ,he told them of the isles of the blest and the land of the hereafter4 ,they also believe that he conducts souls to the other world2 and they expect him to come again to the earth4 ,,the ,,cross ,,as ,,an ,,emblem4 ,prescott1 in his ,conquest of ,mexico1 page #dfe1 speaks of the astonishment of the ,catholic priests1 who accompanied the expedition of ,cortez1 and found ,christian rites practiced by ,indians4 ,he says3 #bhg ,they could not suppress their wonder1 as they beheld the cross1 the sacred emblem of their own faith1 raised as an object of worship in the temples of ,anahuac4 ,they met with it in various places2 and an image of a cross may be seen at this day1 sculptured in bas-relief on the walls of one of the buildings of ,palenque1 while a figure bearing some resemblance to that of a child is held up to it1 as if in adoration4 ,their surprise was heightened1 when they witnessed a religious rite which reminded them of the ,christian communion4 ,on these occasions1 an image of the tutelary deity of the ,aztecs was made of flour of maize mixed with blood1 and1 after consecration by the priests1 was distributed among the people1 who1 as they ate it1 'showed signs of humiliation and sorrow1 declaring it was the flesh of the ,deity4' ,how could the ,roman ,catholic fail to recognize the awful ceremony of the eucharist8 4 4 4 4 4 ,with the same feeling they witnessed another ceremony1 that of the ,aztec baptism4 4 4 4 ,the ,jewish and ,christian schemes were strangely mingled together1 and the brains of the good fathers were still further bewildered by the mixture of heathenish abominations1 which were so closely intertwined with the most orthodox observances4 ,in their perplexity they looked on the whole as the delusion of the devil1 who counterfeited the rites of ,christianity and the traditions of the chosen people1 that he might allure his wretched victims for their own destruction4 ,,knowledge ,,of ,,the ,,godhead4 ,las ,casas1 bishop of ,chiapa1 relates in his apology1 which is in ,ms41 in the convent of ,st4 ,dominic1 that when he passed through the kingdom of ,yucatan1 he found there a respectable ecclesiastic1 of mature age2 he charged him to proceed into the interior of their country1 giving him a certain plan of instruction1 in order to preach to them3 at the end of a year1 thus he wrote to the bishop--he had met with a principal lord1 who informed him that they believed in ,god1 who resided in heaven1 even the ,father1 the ,son1 and the ,holy ,spirit4 ,the ,father was named ,yeona1 the ,son ,bahab1 who was born of a virgin1 named ,chibirias1 and that of the ,holy ,spirit was called ,euach4 ,bahab1 the ,son1 they said1 was put to death by ,euporo1 who scourged ,him1 and put on ,his head a crown of thorns1 and placed ,him with ,his arms stretched upon a beam of wood1 and that on the third day ,he came to life1 and ascended into heaven1 where ,he is with the ,father2 that immediately after the ,euach came in ,his place as a merchant1 bringing precious merchandise1 filling those who would with gifts and graces1 abundant and divine4--,antiquities of ,mexico4 ,the virgin is represented by the ,indian paintings1 of whom the great ,prophet should be born1 and that ,his own people would reject and meditate evil against ,him1 and would put ,him to death2 accordingly ,he is represented in the paintings with ,his hands and feet tied to the tree4--,monarquia ,indiana4 ,,tradition ,,of ,,christ4 ,rosales in the ,history of ,chili1 says1 ,the inhabitants of this extreme southern portion of ,america1 situated at the distance of so many thousand miles from ,new ,spain1 and who did not employ paintings to record events1 accounted for their knowledge of some doctrines of ,christianity by saying1 that in #bhh former times they had heard their fathers say1 a wonderful man had come to that country1 wearing a long beard1 with shoes and a mantle such as the ,mexicans carry on their shoulders1 who performed many miracles1 cured the sick with water1 caused it to rain that their crops of grain might grow1 kindled fire at a breath1 healing the sick1 and giving sight to the blind1 and that he spoke with as much propriety and elegance in the language of their country1 as if he had always resided in it1 addressing them in words very sweet and new to them1 telling them that the ,creator of the universe resided in the highest place of heaven1 and that many men and women resplendent as the sun dwelt with ,him4 ,,baptism ,,known4 ,herrera1 a ,spanish historian of the sixteenth century1 in his history of ,america1 volume #d1 page #agb1 says1 ,baptism was known in ,yucatan2 the name they gave it signified to be born again4 ,,strong ,,proofs ,,of ,,the ,,truth ,,of ,,the ,,book ,,of ,,mormon4 ,the foregoing testimony taken from the works of secular writers confirms in a remarkable manner the historical part of the ,book of ,mormon1 and is a strong proof that that record is authentic4 ,much more evidence of a similar character is to be had1 but space will not admit of it here4 ,the proof adduced in support of the authenticity of the ,book of ,mormon by the discoveries and observations of modern explorers is made the more forcible by the fact that they who have furnished it were not believers in the divinity of the book4 ,many1 if not all of them1 published to the world the results of their researches1 and their conclusions respecting them1 without knowing anything about the contents of the book1 and therefore they had no predilection for it4 ,it might be truthfully added that among all the discoveries made that furnish any information respecting the ancient ,americans nothing has been found to conflict with or disprove any assertion contained in that most remarkable volume1 the ,book of ,mormon4 ,,conclusion4 ,no attempt has been made herein to present an exhaustive treatise on ,joseph ,smith's divine mission4 ,the evidences of his inspiration have been referred to very briefly2 and hundreds of other proofs equally strong1 and which are well known1 have not even been mentioned4 ,the ,latter-day ,saints do not1 however1 depend upon outward evidences for their knowledge that ,joseph ,smith was a #bhi prophet4 ,they have placed their trust in the promise of the ,savior1 as recorded by ,john3 ,my doctrine is not mine1 but his that sent me4 ,if any man will do his will1 he shall know of the doctrine1 whether it be of ,god1 or whether ,i speak of myself4 ,they have also accepted the admonition of the ,apostle ,james3 ,if any of you lack wisdom1 let him ask of ,god1 that giveth to all men liberally1 and upbraideth not2 and it shall be given him4 ,they have sought to do the will of the ,lord1 and have prayed to ,him for wisdom and their prayers have been answered4 ,they have received a testimony from above that the ,gospel as revealed anew through the ,prophet ,joseph ,smith is true4 ,this same source of divine information is open to every one who will humble himself1 and will obey the ,gospel1 with an honest desire to serve the ,lord4 ,,index ,,of ,,chapter ,,contents ,,on ,,this ,,tract4 ,,chapter ,i4 ,a ,glorious ,thought--,should ,prophets be ,expected in our day8--,god's ,word ,indicates that a ,prophet should ,come--,prophets sent to ,announce all ,important ,events--,positive ,promise of the ,lord to send a ,messenger--,necessity of ,prophets and ,apostles in the ,church--,church ,founded upon ,prophets and ,apostles--,power given ,apostles and ,prophets--,object of ,inspired ,men in the ,church-,how long they should ,remain--,is the ,canon of ,scripture ,full8--,without ,modern ,revelation ,bible ,prophecies ,cannot be ,fulfilled--,treatment of ,prophets in ,past ,ages--,jesus a ,stumbling ,stone--,many ,prophets ,rejected--,persecution to ,follow all ,inspired ,teachers--,conclusions ,drawn from ,scriptures ,quoted4 ,,chapter ,,ii4 ,was ,joseph ,smith a ,prophet8--,testimony of ,his ,works--,judging by the ,fruits--,joseph ,smith's ,claim--,his ,claim ,compared with ,scripture--,predictions that the ,gospel should be ,restored--,joseph ,smith ,treated the same as ,ancient ,prophets--,account of ,some of his ,works--,bible ,prophecies ,fulfilled--,church ,organization the ,same as ,formerly--,same ,doctrines as in ,former ,days--,the ,holy ,ghost ,received--,how to ,obtain ,proof--,outward ,proofs--,testimony of ,witnesses--,ancient ,prophecies ,being ,fulfilled--,the ,gathering of ,israel--,gathering ,peculiar to ,latter-day ,saints--,events in the ,history of the ,saints--,words of the ,psalmist ,fulfilled--,isaiah's ,prediction ,fulfilled--,a ,prophecy of ,malachi--,salvation for the ,dead--,facts ,proven4 #bij ,,chapter ,,iii4 ,joseph ,smith's ,works--,evidence of his ,inspiration--,scriptural ,tests--,prediction of the ,angel--,none can ,stop ,god's ,work--,a ,marvelous ,work--,testimony of ,disinterested ,men--,prophecy about ,war--,fulfilled #bh years ,afterwards--,predicted ,men's ,lives ,would be ,spared--,the ,saints' ,exodus ,foretold--,gathering ,predicted--,joseph ,smith as an ,expounder of ,scripture--,church ,organization--,all his ,works ,proclaim him a ,prophet4 ,,chapter ,,iv4 ,the ,book of ,mormon--,an ,evidence of the ,inspiration of ,joseph ,smith--,its ,purport--,impossible to ,write ,without ,divine ,aid--,prophecies in the ,book of ,mormon--,a ,bible6 ,a ,bible6--,isaiah's ,prophecy--,book ,gives a ,test of its ,truth--,attested by ,direct ,evidence--,testimony of ,three ,witnesses--,testimony of ,witnesses ,unchanged--,testimony of ,eight ,witnesses--,secular ,proof of the ,book of ,mormon--,colonists from the ,tower of ,babel--,origin ,before the ,christian ,era--,of ,hebrew ,origin--,indian ,customs--,indian ,practice ,resembling the ,passover--,tradition of a ,sacred ,book--,acquainted with the ,old ,testament ,record--,tradition of ,moses--,tradition of ,eve--,tradition of the ,flood--,led by ,youngest ,brother--,engraved on ,plates of ,metal--,egyptian ,writings--,evidences of ,advanced ,civilization--,ruins ,discovered--,indians all of ,one ,origin--,ruins in ,yucatan--,ancient ,glass ,jar--,a ,ruined ,city--,ancient ,coins and ,implements--,destruction at the time of the ,crucifixion--,ruins on the ,ridge of a ,mountain--,destroyed by the ,action of ,heat--,remains ,found under ,lava ,beds--,discovery of a ,hidden ,city--,evidences of ,great ,eruptions--,the ,messiah ,known to the ,ancient ,inhabitants of ,america--,the ,cross as an ,emblem--,knowledge of the ,godhead--,tradition of the ,christ--,strong ,proofs of the ,truth of the ,book of ,mormon--,conclusion4 ,footnotes3 #a4 ,see ,tract ,no4 #c1 ,marks of the ,church of ,christ4 #bia ,,marks ,,of ,,the ,,church ,,of ,,christ4 ,,the ,,outward ,,signs ,,by ,,which ,,it ,,may ,,be ,,known4 ,,by ,,edwin ,f4 ,,parry1 ,,liverpool1 ,,england4 ,,outward ,,signs ,,by ,,which ,,christ ,s ,,gospel ,,may ,,be ,,known--,,character ,,of ,,his ,,church ,,knowledge ,,the ,,outcome ,,of ,,true ,,faith--,,how ,,it ,,may ,,be ,,obtained--,,an ,,illustration--,,parable ,,of ,,the ,,sower--,,where ,,is ,,the ,,true ,,gospel ,,and ,,church ,,of ,,christ8 ,,many ,,forms ,,of ,,religion4 ,there are many religions in the world4 ,teachers of one form of religion will tell us they are right4 ,those who teach another form will make the same claim for themselves4 ,all religions have some truth1 or people would not believe in them4 ,,only ,,one ,,perfect ,,religion4 ,the ,savior taught only one form of religion4 ,that one is called the ,gospel of ,jesus ,christ4 ,it embraces all truth1 and contains nothing but truth4 ,there is one body1 and one ,spirit1 even as ye are called in one hope of your calling2 one ,lord1 one faith1 one baptism1 one ,god and ,father of all4 7,ephesians #d3 #d1 #e1 #f74 ,,jesus ,,christ ,,the ,,author ,,of ,,salvation4 ,all ,christians believe that salvation is only to be gained through ,jesus ,christ1 the ,savior of the world4 #bib ',i am the way1 the truth1 and the life2 no man cometh unto the ,father1 but by me4 7,john #ad3 #f74 ,for there is none other name under heaven given among men1 whereby we must be saved4 7,acts #d3 #ab74 ,the holy scriptures justify us in rejecting all religions that do not teach belief in ,christ4 ,,which ,,religion ,,contains ,,all ,,truth8 ,there are many varieties of religion even among ,christian believers4 ,but the whole truth is what we want4 ,none but the true ,gospel can be acceptable to the ,lord4 ,seek ye first the kingdom of ,god and his righteousness4 7,matthew #f3 #cc74 ,how are we to know which religion contains all truth8 ,,the ,,bible ,,will ,,guide ,,us4 ,the ,bible will assist us in making this discovery4 ,it tells us many things which ,jesus taught as ,his ,gospel4 ,any teaching contrary to what ,he gave cannot be true4 ,though we1 or an angel from heaven1 preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you1 let him be accursed4 7,galatians #a3 #h74 ,the ,gospel which the ,savior taught has not changed4 ,it is the same to-day as it was when ,he dwelt upon the earth4 ,,faith ,a ,,doctrine ,,of ,,christ4 ,the first and principal doctrine taught by ,christ was faith4 ,god so loved the world1 that he gave his only begotten ,son1 that whosoever believeth in him should not perish1 but have everlasting life4 7,john #c3 #af74 ,our ,savior knew that if people truly had abiding faith in ,him they would follow ,him4 ,they would love ,him and obey all ,his teachings4 ,he that believeth on me1 the works that ,i do shall he do also4 7,john #ad3 #ac74 ,if a man love me1 he will keep my words4 7,john #ad3 #bc74 ,,repentance ,,necessary4 ,another commandment taught by ,christ was that of repentance4 #bic ,true repentance is sorrow for sins and a turning away from them4 ,the first words recorded of the ,savior's preaching were3 ,repent3 for the kingdom of heaven is at hand4 7,matthew #d3 #ag74 ,deep humility always accompanies true faith and repentance4 ,without it men cannot be saved4 ,whosoever shall not receive the ,kingdom of ,god as a little child shall in no wise enter therein4 7,luke #ah3 #ag74 ,in the days of ,christ's ministry1 those who believed on ,him and sincerely repented of their sins were then ready to receive the next ordinance of the ,gospel4 ,they were humble and willing to obey4 ,,baptism4 ,christ was baptized ,himself4 ,he told ,john it was necessary for ,him to fulfill all righteousness4 ,he taught that it was necessary for all men to be baptized4 ,except a man be born of water and of the ,spirit1 he cannot enter into the kingdom of ,god4 7,john #c3 #e74 ,he that believeth and is baptized shall be saved4 7,mark #af3 #af74 ,christ's disciples also taught the same4 ,when those who believed ,peter's preaching on the day of ,pentecost asked what they should do to be saved1 he replied1 ,repent1 and be baptized every one of you in the name of ,jesus ,christ for the remission of sins1 and ye shall receive the gift of the ,holy ,ghost4 7,acts #b3 #ch74 ,these passages of scripture prove that ,jesus and ,his disciples taught baptism4 ,,the ,,holy ,,spirit4 ,the last passage quoted shows that the gift of the ,holy ,ghost was to be given to those who obeyed the principles of faith1 repentance and baptism4 ,,the ,,ten ,,commandments4 ,the teachings of the ,savior show that it is necessary to observe the ten commandments given through ,moses4 ,upon one occasion a man asked what good thing he should do to gain eternal life4 ,jesus replied1 ,keep the commandments1 and then named some of them4 7,matthew #ai3 #ag1 #ah74 #bid ,,other ,,commandments4 ,besides the ten commandments1 the ,savior gave new ones which ,he said should be obeyed4 ,many of these are recorded in the fifth1 sixth and seventh chapters of ,matthew4 ,,test ,,doctrines ,,by ,,christ',s ,,word4 ,in our search for the true ,gospel we can safely reject any teaching that does not agree with ,christ's word4 ,anyone who says we can be saved without obeying ,his commandments is in error4 ,whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments1 and shall teach men so1 he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven4 7,matthew #e3 #ai74 ,he that saith1 ,i know him1 and keepeth not his commandments1 is a liar1 and the truth is not in him4 7,i ,john #b3 #d74 ,any teacher who adds to these any doctrines of men is a false teacher1 and should not be followed4 ,in vain do they worship me1 teaching for doctrines the commandments of men4 7,mark #g3 #g74 ,,many ,,claim ,,to ,,be ,,true ,,teachers4 ,the teachers of many forms of religion claim that they teach these doctrines of the ,gospel of ,christ4 ,how are we to decide which one is right8 ,,how ,,false ,,teachers ,,may ,,be ,,known4 ,the ,savior has furnished a test by which we can prove false teachers4 ,he says1 ,beware of false prophets4 7,matthew #g3 #ae74 ,he further adds1 ,ye shall know them by their fruits4 7#aj74 ,by their fruits means by their works or by their teachings4 ,false prophets or teachers teach falsehoods1 and their works are evil4 ,true prophets teach truth1 and live righteously4 ,they will not teach anything contrary to the words of the ,savior4 ,,how ,,true ,,believers ,,may ,,be ,,known4 ,the ,savior tells us how we might know true believers4 ,he says1 ,these signs shall follow them that believe2 ,in my name shall they cast out devils2 they shall speak with new tongues2 they shall take #bie up serpents2 and if they drink any deadly thing it shall not hurt them2 they shall lay hands on the sick1 and they shall recover4 7,mark #af2 #ag1 #ah74 ,the nineteenth verse of the sixteenth chapter of ,mark states that these signs did follow the believers in the days of ,christ's early apostles4 ,these signs are outward evidences that people are true believers in the ,gospel4 ,the absence of them is a proof that faith is lacking1 for the same cause will always produce the same effect4 ,,other ,,proofs4 ,if a person truly believes in the ,gospel1 sincerely repents of his sins1 is baptized for the remission of sins1 and has hands laid upon him for the reception of the ,holy ,ghost1 he should know that he has received the true ,gospel4 ,jesus answered them1 and said1 ,my doctrine is not mine1 but his that sent me4 ,if any man will do his will1 he shall know of the doctrine1 whether it be of ,god1 or whether ,i speak of myself4 7,john #g3 #af1 #ag74 ,,office ,,of ,,the ,,holy ,,spirit4 ,the ,holy ,ghost was promised to those who obeyed the ,gospel4 ,to all who receive it1 it bears witness to the truth of the ,gospel4 ,but when the ,comforter is come1 whom ,i will send unto you from the ,father1 even the ,spirit of truth1 which proceedeth from the ,father1 he shall testify of me4 7,john #ae3 #bf74 ,howbeit when he1 the ,spirit of truth1 is come1 he will guide you into all truth4 7,john #af3 #ac74 ,if people receive the ,holy ,ghost they will be led into all truth1 according to the promise of ,christ4 ,if they are led into all truth they will be led to understand and believe alike4 ,,how ,,the ,,savior',s ,,disciples ,,may ,,be ,,known4 ,jesus told how ,his disciples may be known3 ,a new commandment ,i give unto you1 ,that ye love one another2 as ,i have loved you that ye also love one another4 ,by this shall all men know that ye are my disciples1 if ye have love one to another4 7,john #ac3 #cd1 #ce74 ,when people are divided in their religious views it shows that they do not love each other1 and are not the disciples of ,christ4 ,if they did love each other they would be united4 ,if they possessed the ,holy ,spirit they would be joined together in love4 #bjf ,the fruit of the ,spirit is love1 joy1 peace1 longsuffering1 gentleness1 goodness1 faith1 meekness1 temperance4 7,galatians #e3 #bb1 #bc74 ,,the ,,church ,,jesus ,,organized4 ,when ,jesus dwelt upon the earth ,he organized a church4 ,those who believed on ,him and obeyed the ,gospel became members of that one church4 ,,st4 ,,paul ,,describes ,,it4 ,the ,apostle ,paul told the ,ephesian saints they were established upon the foundation of apostles and prophets4 ,now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners1 but fellow-citizens with the saints1 and of the household of ,god2 and are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets1 ,jesus ,christ himself being the chief corner stone4 7,ephesians #b3 #ai1 #bj74 ,he had reference in these words to the church of ,christ4 ,,the ,,church ,,compared ,,to ,a ,,man',s ,,body4 ,he again likened the church to the body of a man4 7,i ,corinthians #ab74 ,he showed that the members of the church were like the members of a man's body1 and altogether they made a complete whole4 ,for as the body is one1 and hath many members1 and all the members of that one body1 being many1 are one body3 so also is ,christ4 ,for by one ,spirit are we all baptized into one body1 whether we be ,jews or ,gentiles4 7,i ,corinthians #ab3 #ab1 #ac74 ,st4 ,paul continues by explaining that all the members of the body of ,christ1 or officers of the church of ,christ1 are dependent upon each other1 and each is needed in his place4 ,one cannot do without the other1 any more than a man's body can be complete without every limb and organ4 ,,officers ,,named4 ,this same apostle names some of the officers of the church of ,christ4 ,he also names in the same connection some of the gifts that are always to be found in that church4 ,and ,god hath set some in the church1 first apostles1 secondarily prophets1 thirdly teachers1 after that miracles1 then gifts of healings1 helps1 governments1 diversities of tongues4 7,i ,corinthians #ab3 #bh74 ,,what ,,these ,,officers ,,were ,,for4 ,in another place he tells the reason for having these officers in the church4 #big ,for the perfecting of the saints1 for the work of the ministry1 for the edifying of the body of ,christ4 4 4 4 ,that we henceforth be no more children1 tossed to and fro1 and carried about with every wind of doctrine4 7,ephesians #d3 #ab1 #ad74 ,these officers were to continue in the church1 till we all come to the unity of the faith1 and of the knowledge of the ,son of ,god4 7,eph4 #d3 #ac74 ,,need ,,of ,,apostles ,,and ,,prophets4 ,people differ in their opinions regarding the ,gospel4 ,there is1 therefore1 a need of apostles and prophets to declare the word of ,god to them4 ,his revealed word will settle all differences and bring those who believe on it to a unity of the faith4 ,,what ,,st4 ,,paul',s ,,words ,,prove4 ,the scriptures just quoted prove that apostles and prophets must always be in the church of ,christ4 ,any church not founded upon apostles and prophets1 with ,christ as the chief corner stone1 is not the true church of ,christ4 ,any religious organization that rejects these and the other officers mentioned as belonging to ,christ's church1 or does away with the miracles1 gifts of healing1 helps1 governments1 and diversities of tongues1 is not the true church4 ,,power ,,to ,,do ,,miracles4 ,when ,jesus called unto ,him twelve apostles ,he gave them power against unclean spirits1 to cast them out1 and to heal all manner of sickness and all manner of disease4 7,matthew #aj3 #a74 ,when ,he sent them out to preach the ,gospel1 ,he told them to say1 ,the kingdom of heaven is at hand4 ,he also told them to ,heal the sick1 cleanse the lepers1 raise the dead1 cast out devils4 7,matthew #aj3 #g1 #h74 ,,authority ,,to ,,act ,,in ,,christ',s ,,name4 ,men have no right to choose for themselves to be ,christ's apostles or ministers of ,his ,gospel4 ,he said to ,his disciples1 ,ye have not chosen me1 but ,i have chosen you1 and ordained you4 7,john #ae3 #af74 ,st4 ,paul says concerning the holy priesthood of ,christ1 ,no man taketh this honor unto himself1 but he that is called of ,god1 as was ,aaron4 7,hebrews #e3 #d74 #bih ,he also says1 ,god hath set some in the church1 first apostles1 secondarily prophets1 thirdly teachers4 7,i ,corinthians #ab3 #bh74 ,this shows that it was not man's right to place men in positions in the church1 unless ,god authorized them to do so4 ,jesus said ,john the ,baptist was the greatest of prophets1 yet he did not presume to baptize with the ,holy ,ghost1 although he had the right to baptize with water4 ,john understood that men should be specially authorized to act in any calling4 ,,result ,,of ,,acting ,,without ,,authority4 ,we read in the scriptures1 7,acts #a3 #ac-ag71 that certain ,jews at one time undertook to act in the name of the ,lord4 ,they tried to cast out evil spirits4 ,but they had no authority1 and were overpowered by the evil spirits1 and duly punished for taking upon themselves to act in the name of the ,messiah without authority4 ,,conclusions ,,drawn ,,from ,,passages ,,mentioned4 ,from the scriptures mentioned1 together with many others of like character1 we may conclude that ,christ's true apostles have power over unclean spirits and over diseases4 ,they also have authority to act in ,his name4 ,we can as well conclude that those who think it unnecessary to be authorized to minister in the ordinances of the ,gospel are in error4 ,men may without authority attempt to teach the same doctrines as ,jesus taught2 they may organize a church after the same pattern2 and some may even perform miracles by the power of the evil one1 as did the magicians before ,pharaoh in the days of ,moses2 but without authority from heaven to do so their pretensions are vain4 ,we may justly reject any who may have a form of godliness but deny the power thereof4 ,,all ,,true ,,disciples ,,persecuted4 ,the disciples of ,christ were told that they would have to suffer persecution4 ,the ,savior informed them that this should be the case1 and led them to expect it4 ,if ye were of the world1 the world would love his own3 but because ye are not of the world1 but ,i have chosen you out of the world1 therefore the world hateth you4 4 4 ,if they have persecuted me1 they will also persecute you4 7,john #ae3 #ai1 #bj74 ,woe unto you1 when all men shall speak well of you3 for so did their fathers to the false prophets4 7,luke #f3 #bf74 #bii ,the ,apostle ,paul says1 ,all that will live godly in ,christ ,jesus shall suffer persecution4 7,,ii ,timothy #c3 #ab74 ,,outward ,,signs ,,of ,,the ,,true ,,church4 ,most of the marks pointed out herein are outward signs by which the true ,gospel and church of ,christ may be known4 ,the disciples of ,jesus may always be recognized by the following signs which have already been pointed out3 ,they will ,obey and ,teach the ,ordinances that ,christ has said ,must be ,obeyed4 ,those ,ordinances are3 ,first1 ,faith in the ,lord ,jesus ,christ2 ,second1 ,repentance2 ,third1 ,baptism by ,immersion for the ,remission of ,sins2 ,fourth1 ,laying on of ,hands for the ,gift of the ,holy ,ghost4 ,they will ,teach the ,necessity of ,obeying all the ,lord's ,commandments4 ,the ,signs or ,blessings ,promised the ,believers will ,follow them1 ,they will be ,united1 and will ,love one ,another4 ,they will be ,organized into a ,church after the ,pattern ,mentioned in the ,scriptures4 ,they will have ,apostles and ,prophets at their ,head1 who will have ,power and ,authority to ,act in ,christ's ,name4 ,they will be ,persecuted as ,long as ,wickedness ,reigns in the ,earth4 ,,faith ,,needed4 ,the pointing out of the marks by which the disciples of ,christ are to be known may assist one in searching for the truth4 ,but faith on the part of the individual himself is needed to guide him4 ,it is very important to salvation4 ,,how ,,to ,,get ,,faith4 ,the question may be asked1 how can this faith so necessary to salvation be gained8 ,faith cometh by hearing1 and hearing by the word of ,god4 7,romans #aj3 #ag74 ,when one hears the ,gospel of ,christ--the glad tidings of #cjj great joy--naturally he should wish it were true1 because it is so good4 ,that wish or desire will help greatly to awaken belief in his mind4 ,when a person hopes a thing is true he becomes interested in finding out if it be true4 ,prejudice is a foe to faith4 ,it often causes one to turn away from that which is good4 ,,knowledge ,,of ,,the ,,gospel ,,necessary ,,to ,,salvation4 ,it is necessary for every individual to know for himself concerning the truth of the ,gospel of ,christ4 ,this is life eternal1 that they might know thee the only true ,god1 and ,jesus ,christ1 whom thou hast sent4 7,john #ag3 #c74 ,there is a way to get this knowledge4 ,that way is similar to the way in which we obtain other knowledge4 ,it is by putting works with our faith4 ,hereby we do know that we know him1 if we keep his commandments4 7,i ,john #b3 #c74 ,faith comes by hearing1 knowledge by doing4 ,knowledge is the result of faith4 ,,how ,,knowledge ,,is ,,gained4 ,when a child is told that he can learn to read and write by following the instructions of his teacher he is likely to believe it4 ,if he is told so by his parents or some one whose word he can rely upon he will believe with much assurance or confidence1 which is called faith4 ,that faith causes him to act4 ,he follows the instructions of his teacher1 and in time learns to read and write4 ,his faith is then turned to knowledge4 ,he does not depend upon the testimony of some one else4 ,he knows from actual experience that the arts of reading and writing can be learned by taking the course marked out4 ,it is the same with the ,gospel4 ,when it is obeyed it brings knowledge to the individual4 ,,growth ,,of ,,faith ,,illustrated ,,by ,a ,,parable4 ,one of our ,savior's parables shows very beautifully how the word of ,god1 when received in the heart1 begins to grow and expand4 ,in ,his parable of the sower ,he likens the word of ,god1 or the ,gospel1 to a seed4 7,luke #h3 #e-af74 ,embodied within a tiny seed is the germ or source of a most marvelous power4 ,it is one of the greatest forces of the natural world4 ,under proper conditions that little mite of matter is capable of the most remarkable development4 ,when #cja a gardener obtains a precious kind of seed1 or one that will produce a desirable fruit1 he will preserve it with care4 ,he will thoroughly prepare the soil in which he plants it1 and will do all in his power to favor its growth4 ,the desire to receive the good fruit he has been told it will produce makes him hope that the seed is good4 ,that hope or wish will inspire him with enough faith to make the test4 ,in due time after planting he finds that the seed has commenced to grow4 ,it puts forth tiny leaves that appear above the soil1 and his faith is strengthened4 ,he is assured that the seed had the germ of life within it when he received it4 ,he continues to favor its growth1 by keeping down the weeds1 by protecting it from the scorching heat of the sun and the blighting breath of the wind and frost4 ,by doing this the gardener sees that the plant continues to increase in size and strength4 ,thread-like roots spread out in all directions beneath the soil to secure hold therein1 as well as to procure sustenance for its life and growth ,a tender twig shoots upward to receive additional sustenance from the air and the sunlight4 ,day by day and year by year the plant continues to grow and gain strength1 until eventually it becomes a mighty tree4 ,the heat of the sun now only causes it to grow the stronger1 and the fierce winds to make its root more firmly planted1 so that no ordinary force can resist its power of expansion4 ,in due season the tree produces fruit of its kind4 ,its seeds ripen and fall to the earth1 and they in turn grow1 and thus the species is perpetuated forever4 ,with the ripening of the fruit the faith of the man who planted the tree is ripened into perfect knowledge4 ,he knows what was told him about the seed was true1 having thoroughly tested it4 ,,word ,,of ,,god ,,like ,a ,,seed4 ,the word of ,god1 or the ,gospel of ,jesus ,christ1 is in character like the seed4 ,as the seed contains within it such great physical force1 so the word of ,god possesses most wonderful spiritual power4 ,when the ,gospel of ,christ is heard by one who has a desire to obtain its fruits1 that desire will awaken within him a spark of belief4 ,that belief will cause him to prepare his heart for the reception of the word of ,god4 ,he will plant it there by seeking to obey its teachings4 ,when once planted there1 if cherished1 shielded and protected it will grow4 ,its effect will be similar to that of #cjb the seed buried in good soil4 ,its roots of faith will sink deep in the heart and become firmly planted there4 ,hope1 like a tender twig1 will spring heavenward4 ,by this the person will know that the seed was good ,day by day and year by year it will strengthen1 until neither the heat of temptation nor the storms of adversity can disturb it or uproot it from the heart4 ,it1 too1 in time will bring forth fruit1 the fruit of eternal life4 ,such is the wonderful character of the word of ,god1 or the ,gospel of ,jesus ,christ4 ,,where ,,is ,,the ,,true ,,gospel ,,and ,,church ,,of ,,christ8 ,the reader may ask the question1 ,is the ,gospel of ,christ1 with all its attendant powers1 gifts and blessings1 upon the earth to-day8 ,if it is1 it must be of the character described herein4 ,it must be the same as it was anciently1 for it is everlasting and unchangeable in its nature4 ,,it ,,is ,,upon ,,the ,,earth4 ,there is a church that claims to teach the very same doctrines that ,christ taught4 ,its members claim to enjoy the same blessings promised the believers4 ,they claim to have the same organization1 with living apostles and prophets at the head4 ,these officers claim to have received the same power and authority as ,christ's first apostles had4 ,they and their followers have been evil spoken of and persecuted for their religion ever since they were first organized as a church4 ,they manifest all the outward signs by which the followers of ,christ may be known4 ,they make the same promises as the former disciples of ,jesus made to those who obey the ,gospel4 ,the many thousands who have accepted their teachings and obeyed them testify that the promises made to them have been received4 ,,their ,,claims ,,different ,,to ,,all ,,others4 ,the claims of the members of this ,church are different from those of all other professors of religion4 ,they claim to have received their doctrines and their authority direct from heaven1 by the visitation of holy angels4 ,there is no other source from which it could be received4 ,the name by which this ,church is known is the ,church of ,jesus ,christ of ,latter-day ,saints4 ,the ,lord in a revelation commanded ,his latter-day disciples to take upon themselves this name4 ,the message of the restoration to earth of the true ,gospel of ,christ is a glorious one4 ,all who hear it should rejoice in #cjc the contemplation that the ,lord has again spoken from heaven4 ,the message is such a good one that all mankind should desire and hope that it is true4 ,if they will do this1 they will be led to investigate it4 ,then they will learn for themselves that it is indeed the ,gospel of ,christ4 ,the ,elders of the ,church of ,jesus ,christ of ,latter-day ,saints1 bear witness to the truth of this divine message which they are proclaiming to the nations of the earth4 ,they kindly ask all to lay aside prejudice and examine their claims in the spirit of humility and prayer4 ,do you suppose that this people will ever see the day that they will rest in perfect security1 in hopes of becoming like another people1 nation1 state1 kingdom or society8 ,they never will4 ,christ and ,satan never can be friends4 ,light and darkness will always remain opposites4 --,brigham ,young4 ,though our religious principles are before the world1 ready for the investigation of all men1 yet we are aware that the sole foundation of all the persecution against us has arisen in consequence of calumnies and misconstructions1 without foundation in truth or righteousness4 --,joseph ,smith4 #cjd ,,signs ,,of ,,christ',s ,,second ,,coming4 ,,what ,,the ,,bible ,,says ,,concerning ,,his ,,advent4 ,,by ,,elder ,,edwin ,f4 ,,parry1 ,,liverpool1 ,,england4 ,,what ,,the ,,savior ,,and ,,his ,,apostles ,,and ,,the ,,ancient ,,prophets ,,say ,,concerning ,,it--,,the ,,many ,,things ,,to ,,take ,,place ,,before ,,that ,,great ,,event--,,the ,,signs ,,already ,,appearing4 ,,scriptural ,,proof ,,that ,,he ,,will ,,come4 ,the holy scriptures supply many proofs that ,christ will again come to earth4 ,after ,his resurrection ,he appeared to ,his disciples1 and was seen of them forty days4 ,then he was taken up2 and a cloud received him out of their sight4 ,while the disciples were looking towards heaven as ,he went up1 two men 7angels7 in white apparel stood by them and said3 ,ye men of ,galilee1 why stand ye gazing up into heaven8 this same ,jesus1 which is taken up from you into heaven1 shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven4 7,acts #a3 #aa74 ,,manner ,,of ,,his ,,appearance4 ,christ's second coming will be both glorious and terrible4 ,they shall see the ,son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory4 7,matthew #bd3 #cj2 ,mark #ac3 #bf2 ,luke #ba3 #bg74 ,for the ,son of man shall come in the glory of his ,father with his angels2 and then he shall reward every man according to his works4 7,matthew #af3 #bg2 ,mark #h3 #ch74 ,and to you who are troubled rest with us1 when the ,lord ,jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels1 in flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not ,god1 and that obey not the ,gospel of our ,lord ,jesus ,christ3 who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the ,lord1 and from the glory of his power4 7,,ii ,thessalonians #a3 #g1 #h1 #i74 ,,time ,,of ,,his ,,coming4 ,the day and the hour of the ,messiah's coming is not known4 ,but of that day and that hour knoweth no man1 no1 not the angels #cje which are in heaven1 neither the ,son1 but the ,father4 ,take ye heed1 watch and pray3 for ye know not when the time is4 7,mark #ac3 #cb1 #cc74 ,,many ,,signs ,,of ,,his ,,coming ,,to ,,appear4 ,the ,bible foretells many things that shall take place before the ,savior comes to reign in glory upon the earth4 ,,wars1 ,,famines ,,and ,,earthquakes4 ,christ's disciples asked ,him to tell them what should be the sign of ,his coming1 and of the end of the world4 ,he answered them in these words3 ,take heed that no man deceive you4 ,for many shall come in my name1 saying1 ,i am ,christ2 and shall deceive many4 ,and ye shall hear of wars and rumors of wars3 see that ye be not troubled3 for all these things must come to pass1 but the end is not yet4 ,for nation shall rise against nation1 and kingdom against kingdom2 and there shall be famines1 and pestilences1 and earthquakes1 in divers places4 7,matthew #bd3 #d1 #e1 #f1 #g74 ,,gospel ,,of ,,the ,,kingdom ,,to ,,be ,,preached4 ,in addition to this he mentioned another sign4 ,he said3 ,and this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations2 and then shall the end come4 7,matthew #bd3 #ad74 ,these words have no reference to the ministry of ,christ's former disciples4 ,the end of the world1 or the end of the reign of wickedness1 did not follow their preaching4 ,the ,savior certainly referred to a time in the future4 ,he spoke of a special message of the ,gospel of the kingdom to be restored in latter days1 otherwise the preaching of it would not be a witness or sign to all nations of the near approaching end1 as ,he said it should be4 ,,john',s ,,prophecy4 ,the beloved ,apostle ,john1 in the book of ,revelation1 foretells many things that should take place after the time of his writings4 ,one thing he describes in these words3 ,and ,i saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven1 having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth1 and to every nation1 and kindred1 and tongue1 and people1 saying with a loud voice1 ,fear ,god1 and give glory to him2 for the hour of his judgment is come4 7,revelation #ad3 #f1 #g74 ,john evidently refers to the same event as does the ,savior4 ,the coming of an angel with the ,gospel message for all nations1 as predicted by ,john1 should be in the hour of ,god's #cjf judgment4 ,that is at the same time referred to by ,jesus1 when ,he said wars and rumors of wars1 famines1 pestilences1 and earthquakes should occur2 for these things are some of ,god's judgments4 ,,predictions ,,of ,,daniel4 ,the ,prophet ,daniel also foretells a similar event1 which he says1 shall be in the latter days4 ,after describing the image ,nebuchadnezzar saw in his dream1 ,daniel explains the meaning of it4 ,he says the image represented ,nebuchadnezzar's kingdom and the kingdoms that should be built up after it4 ,the fourth great kingdom--the ,roman power--should be divided1 and a number of kingdoms should grow out of it4 ,then he declares a wonderful event shall take place4 ,he says3 ,and in the days of these kings shall the ,god of heaven set up a kingdom1 which shall never be destroyed3 and the kingdom shall not be left to other people1 but it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms1 and it shall stand for ever4 7,daniel #b3 #dd74 ,,what ,,daniel ,,refers ,,to4 ,some may think this prophecy refers to the establishing of the kingdom of heaven on earth in the days of ,christ's first coming4 ,this cannot be the case4 ,god's kingdom at that time did not break in pieces and consume the one great kingdom then existing--the ,roman empire4 ,on the other hand the worldly powers1 which ,st4 ,john describes as a beast1 made war with the saints1 and overcame them1 and got power over all kindreds1 and tongues and nations4 7,revelation #ac3 #g74 ,the kingdom referred to by ,daniel1 as he plainly says shall not be left to other people1 while the ,gospel of the kingdom in the days of ,christ's former ,apostles was rejected by the ,jews and left to other people4 ,it was taken to the ,gentiles4 ,,conclusions ,,drawn ,,from ,,these ,,predictions4 ,the ,apostle ,john1 in speaking of the great event of the future1 says he heard voices in heaven saying-- ,the kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our ,lord1 and of his ,christ2 and he shall reign for ever and ever4 7,revelation #aa3 #ae74 ,this is also in harmony with ,daniel's prediction about the kingdom of ,god being set up in the latter days4 #cjg ,as all these prophecies so nicely agree1 we are forced to the conclusion that the ,gospel of ,christ is to be preached in all the world in latter days as a witness1 or sign1 of the coming of the ,messiah and the establishment of ,his kingdom4 ,,god',s ,,elect ,,to ,,be ,,gathered4 ,other significant events should precede the ,savior's second coming4 ,he mentions them also3 ,but in those days1 after the tribulation1 the sun shall be darkened1 and the moon shall not give her light1 and the stars of heaven shall fall1 and the powers that are in heaven shall be shaken4 4 4 4 4 4 ,and then shall he send his angels1 and shall gather together his elect from the four winds1 from the uttermost part of the earth to the uttermost part of heaven4 7,mark #ac3 #bd1 #be1 #bg2 ,matthew #bd3 #bi1 #ca74 ,st4 ,luke adds that there shall be upon the earth distress of nations1 with perplexity2 the sea and the waves roaring2 men's hearts failing them for fear1 and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth4 7,luke #ba3 #be1 #bf74 ,that all these things shall be signs of ,his coming is to be understood from what the ,savior adds3 ,when ye shall see all these things1 know that it is near1 even at the doors4 7,matthew #bd3 #cc2 ,mark #ac3 #bi2 ,luke #ba3 #ca74 ,,ancient ,,prophecies ,,concerning ,,the ,,last ,,days4 ,more than twenty of the ancient prophets and apostles whose writings are in the ,bible predict events that shall happen in the last days1 or near the time of ,christ's second coming4 ,many of them prophesy concerning the gathering of the ,lord's chosen people1 the descendants of ,israel4 ,they not only foretell the gathering of the ,jews but also the whole house of ,israel4 ,some of the other tribes as well as that of ,judah are scattered among all nations4 ,the ,prophet ,jeremiah says concerning this gathering3 ,therefore1 behold1 the days come1 saith the ,lord1 that it shall no more be said1 ,the ,lord liveth1 that brought up the children of ,israel out of the land of ,egypt2 but1 ,the ,lord liveth1 that brought up the children of ,israel from the land of the north1 and from all the lands whither he had driven them3 and ,i will bring them again into their land that ,i gave unto their fathers4 ,behold1 ,i will send for many fishers1 saith the ,lord1 and they shall fish them2 and after will ,i send for many hunters1 and they shall hunt them from every mountain1 and from every hill1 and out of the holes of the rocks4 7,jeremiah #af3 #ad1 #ae1 #af74 #cjh ,the ,prophet ,isaiah says3 ,and it shall come to pass in that day1 that the ,lord shall set his hand again the second time to recover the remnant of his people4 4 4 4 4 ,and he shall set up an ensign for the nations1 and shall assemble the outcasts of ,israel1 and gather together the dispersed of ,judah from the four corners of the earth4 7,isaiah #aa3 #aa1 #ab74 ,the ,prophets ,isaiah and ,micah declare3 ,it shall come to pass in the last days1 that the mountain of the ,lord's house shall be established in the top of the mountains1 and shall be exalted above the hills2 and all nations shall flow unto it4 ,and many people shall go and say1 ,come ye1 and let us go up to the mountain of the ,lord1 to the house of the ,god of ,jacob2 and he will teach us of his ways1 and we will walk in his paths3 for out of ,zion shall go forth the law1 and the word of the ,lord from ,jerusalem4 7,isaiah #b3 #b1 #c2 ,micah #d3 #a1 #b74 ,,gathering ,,of ,,israel ,a ,,sign ,,of ,,christ',s ,,coming4 ,from what the prophets have said it is evident that this gathering of ,israel shall be connected with ,christ's reign upon earth1 and will therefore be a sign of ,his coming4 ,the ,prophet ,ezekiel predicts that ,israel shall be gathered1 and in the same connection declares the word of the ,lord1 saying3 ,i will place them1 and multiply them1 and will set my sanctuary in the midst of them forever4 7,ezekiel #cg3 #bf74 ,the setting of the ,lord's sanctuary in the midst of them forever must have reference to the establishing of ,his kingdom never more to be thrown down4 ,in connection with this gathering ,isaiah speaks of a time when enmity among the animal creations shall cease1 and when the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the ,lord1 as the waters cover the sea1 7,isaiah #aa3 #i71 indicating that the gathering will be near the time when peace and righteousness shall prevail upon the earth4 ,,signs ,,following ,,the ,,believers4 ,that the blessings of the ,gospel1 which were in the church in the days of ,christ and ,his apostles1 will be restored at the time when the gathering of ,israel shall take place is shown by what ,isaiah foretells3 ,then the eyes of the blind shall be opened1 and the ears of the deaf shall be unstopped4 ,then shall the lame man leap as an hart1 and the tongue of the dumb sing4 7,isaiah #ce3 #e1 #f74 ,a ,,messenger ,,to ,,appear4 ,there is still another sign to mark the coming of the #cji ,messiah4 ,the whole volume of sacred scripture gives proof that it will be manifest4 ,the ,prophet ,malachi1 repeating the ,lord's words to him concerning ,his coming in glory1 says3 ,behold1 ,i will send my messenger1 and he shall prepare the way before me3 and the ,lord1 whom ye seek1 shall suddenly come to his temple1 even the messenger of the covenant1 whom ye delight in3 behold1 he shall come1 saith the ,lord of hosts4 7,malachi #c3 #a74 ,the following verse shows that this prophecy does not refer to ,christ's first coming3 ,but who may abide the day of his coming8 and who shall stand when he appeareth8 for he is like a refiner's fire1 and like fuller's soap4 7,malachi #c3 #b74 ,it appears from this prediction of ,malachi that the ,lord will send a messenger to prepare the way for ,his second coming1 as was done at the time of ,his first coming4 ,it is reasonable to believe this1 for it is in full harmony with the teachings of the scriptures4 ,the ,prophet ,amos says3 ,surely the ,lord ,god will do nothing1 but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets4 7,amos #c3 #g74 ,,abundance ,,of ,,scripture ,,to ,,prove ,,it4 ,the whole ,bible history bears witness to the truth of these words of ,amos4 ,it is a record of ,god's dealings with mankind through the agency of his servants the prophets1 ,the sacred book tells us nothing concerning the things of ,god but what has been revealed by ,his holy prophets4 ,in connection with all important events it relates1 we read of some inspired men appearing4 ,these prophets were raised up to deliver special messages from the ,lord direct to the people4 ,from time to time the ,lord has such messages to declare to mankind4 ,in all past ages ,he has proclaimed them by the mouths of ,his prophets4 ,the ,lord spoke to these men with ,his own voice1 sometimes face to face1 sometimes from the midst of a cloud or from a burning bush1 and at other times by a voice from heaven4 ,before the ,lord destroyed the inhabitants of the earth with a flood1 ,he raised up the ,prophet ,noah to warn the people of the danger they were in1 and to point out to them a way of escape4 ,when the ,lord was about to raise up a chosen people of the posterity of ,abraham1 ,he told that patriarch of ,his intention4 #caj ,he also renewed the promise to ,jacob1 by speaking unto him1 and ,jacob prophesied concerning his posterity4 ,after the children of ,israel became slaves to the ,egyptians1 and when the ,lord was about to free them1 ,he revealed ,his intentions to the ,prophet ,moses4 ,he chose this man to prepare the people for deliverance and to lead them out of ,egypt4 ,when the ,jews were about to be taken captives by the ,babylonians1 prophets were sent to warn them of their danger4 ,jeremiah and ,ezekiel were two of those prophets4 ,the people heeded not their warning1 and many were slain or taken as prisoners4 ,when the ,lord was about to destroy ,nineveh1 unless the people repented of their sins1 ,he sent the ,prophet ,jonah to call them to repentance4 ,the people listened to and obeyed his words and were saved4 ,when the ,jewish kingdom was about to be entirely overthrown for the last time1 ,john the ,baptist and the ,savior ,himself appeared to point out the way for the people's salvation2 but they were rejected by the great majority4 ,,the ,,future ,,determined ,,by ,,the ,,past4 ,jesus says about ,his second advent3 ,but as the days of ,noe were1 so shall also the coming of the ,son of man be4 7,matthew #bd3 #cg74 ,as ,noah was sent to warn the people of the approaching flood in his day1 is it not reasonable to expect that a prophet will be sent in the latter days to warn the people of the destruction of the wicked1 when the ,savior comes to take vengeance upon them8 ,the ,bible fully establishes the fact that all important things done by the ,lord in past ages have been preceded by the appearance of inspired prophets4 ,surely the greatest event of the world's history--,christ's glorious reign on earth--will be preceded by the appearance of divinely inspired messengers6 ,,signs ,,enumerated4 ,scriptural testimony has been presented in the foregoing to show that a number of signs of ,christ's second coming will be made manifest to the world before ,his appearance takes place3 ,there will be ,wars and ,rumors of ,wars1 ,famines1 and ,pestilences1 and ,earthquakes4 #caa ,the ,gospel of the ,kingdom shall be ,preached in all the ,world for a ,witness unto all ,nations4 ,the ,sun and ,moon shall be darkened1 the ,stars of ,heaven shall ,fall1 and the ,powers of ,heaven shall be ,shaken4 ,the ,lord's ,chosen ,people will be ,gathered4 ,the ,house of the ,lord shall be established in the ,top of the ,mountains4 ,all the ,gifts and ,blessings of the ,gospel shall be ,restored4 ,a ,messenger shall ,come to ,prepare the ,way ,before the ,lord4 ,,appearance ,,of ,,the ,,signs4 ,the order in which these signs will appear is not clearly stated in the scriptures4 ,it is consistent to believe that several will be apparent at once4 ,famines and pestilences often occur as the results of war4 ,the preaching of the ,gospel and the gathering of the ,lord's elect will take time1 and may proceed together4 ,it is plainly evident that before the preaching or the gathering the ,lord's authorized messenger must appear to begin the work and to show how the ,lord desires it carried out4 ,,signs ,,already ,,apparent4 ,the wars and rumors of wars1 the rising of kingdom against kingdom1 the distress of nations1 and the famines1 pestilences1 and earthquakes of the present time proclaim that ,,the ,,coming ,,of ,,the ,,lord ,,is ,,near1 ,,even ,,at ,,the ,,doors4 ,the desire awakened among the ,jews to return to ,jerusalem1 and the efforts being made for them to do so1 are also witnesses that ,,the ,,time ,,of ,,their ,,redemption ,,draweth ,,nigh4 ,,who ,,believes ,,these ,,things4 ,but what about the messenger to prepare the way before the ,lord8 ,how about the preaching of the ,gospel of the kingdom in all the world8 ,where are the gifts and blessings of the ,gospel--the signs to follow the believers8 ,where are the chosen people being gathered8 ,and where is the house of the ,lord being established8 ,in this age of unbelief who is looking for the fulfillment of these important events which must surely come to pass8 ,well might the ,savior ask the question3 ,when the ,son of #cab ,man ,cometh1 shall he find faith on the earth8 ,as the days of ,noe were1 so shall also the coming of the ,son of man be4 ,there were but few believers in ,noah's day4 ,a ,,people ,,preparing ,,for ,,christ',s ,,coming4 ,the ,latter-day ,saints claim that the divinely inspired messenger has come to prepare the way before the ,lord4 ,they know that the gifts1 powers and blessings of the ,gospel have been restored1 for they are partakers of them4 ,among them the eyes of the blind have been opened1 the ears of the deaf unstopped1 and the lame healed4 ,their missionaries in a humble way have been proclaiming the ,gospel of the kingdom for over sixty years2 and thousands of them are among the nations of the earth declaring it at the present time4 ,many of those who have believed their message have been gathered out from all nations1 from the four winds1 from the islands of the sea1 from the mountains and hills1 and the holes of the rocks4 ,they have built the ,lord's house in the top of the mountains1 where all nations shall flow unto it1 as they are now doing4 ,there they are being taught the ,lord's ways1 that they might more fully walk in ,his paths4 ,the claims of the ,latter-day ,saints are worthy of the earnest and prayerful consideration of all who are seeking to prepare for the coming of the ,lord4 ,we have turned the barren1 bleak prairies and swamps into beautiful towns1 farms and cities1 by our industry2 and the men who seek our destruction and cry thief1 treason1 riot1 are those who themselves violate the laws1 steal and plunder from their neighbors1 and seek to destroy the innocent1 heralding forth lies to screen themselves from the just punishment of their crimes by bringing destruction upon innocent people4 --,joseph ,smith4 #cac ,,saved ,,by ,,grace ,,through ,,obedience4 ,,important ,,questions ,,concerning ,,salvation ,,answered ,,by ,,the ,,word ,,of ,,god4 ,,edwin ,f4 ,,parry1 ,,liverpool ,,england4 ,,bible ,,teachings ,,upon ,,this ,,subject--,,important ,,questions ,,concerning ,,salvation ,,answered ,,by ,,the ,,word ,,of ,,god ,,salvation ,,free ,,to ,,all ,,who ,,will ,,obey--,,faith ,,alone ,,will ,,not ,,save--,,true ,,faith ,,cannot ,,be ,,separated ,,from ,,works ,,of ,,obedience--,,illustrations ,,of ,,salvation ,,by ,,grace4 ,,is ,,salvation ,,free ,,to ,,all8 ,the ,bible plainly says that it is4 ,st4 ,paul tells us that our ,savior ,will have all men to be saved4 7,i ,timothy #c3 #d74 ,john tells us that ,god so loved the world1 that he gave his only begotten ,son1 that whosoever believeth in him should not perish1 but have everlasting life4 ,for ,god sent not his ,son into the world to condemn the world2 but that the world through him might be saved4 7,john #c3 #af1 #ag74 ,,are ,,all ,,men ,,sinners8 ,the ,bible says so4 ,there is none righteous1 no1 not one4 7,romans #c3 #aj74 ,for there is not a just man upon earth1 that doeth good1 and sinneth not4 7,ecclesiastes #g3 #bj74 ,if we say that we have no sin1 we deceive ourselves1 and the truth is not in us4 7,i ,john #a3 #h74 ,,what ,,is ,,the ,,lord',s ,,invitation ,,and ,,promise ,,to ,,sinners8 ,he invites them to come unto ,him1 and promises them rest unto their souls and forgiveness of their sins4 ,come unto me1 all ye that labor and are heavy laden1 and ,i will #cad give you rest4 ,take my yoke upon you1 and learn of me2 for ,i am meek and lowly of heart3 and ye shall find rest unto your souls4 ,for my yoke is easy1 and my burden is light4 7,matthew #aa3 #bh-cj74 ,come now1 and let us reason together1 saith the ,lord2 though your sins be as scarlet1 they shall be as white as snow2 though they be red like crimson1 they shall be as wool4 7,isaiah #a3 #ah74 ,,can ,,sinful ,,man ,,save ,,himself8 ,no4 ,the ,apostle ,paul says salvation is the gift of ,god1 7,ephesians #b3 #h72 he also says1 ,the wages of sin is death2 but the gift of ,god is eternal life4 7,romans #f3 #bc74 ,,then ,,by ,,what ,,means ,,can ,,man ,,be ,,saved8 ,only through the grace of ,god1 which means by ,his goodness1 favor1 or kindness4 ,for by grace are ye saved through faith2 and that not of yourselves3 it is the gift of ,god3 not of works1 lest any man should boast4 7,ephesians #b3 #h1 #i74 ,,does ,,this ,,mean ,,that ,,we ,,are ,,to ,,do ,,nothing8 ,certainly not1 for the next verse of ,st4 ,paul's writing states that we must perform good works4 ,for we are his workmanship1 created in ,christ ,jesus unto good works1 which ,god hath before ordained that we should walk in them4 7,ephesians #b3 #aj74 ,,what ,,is ,,this ,,gift ,,of ,,god ,,which ,,brings ,,salvation ,,to ,,man8 ,it is the atonement made by ,jesus ,christ1 by which ,he took away the sin of the world4 ,for ,christ also hath once suffered for sins1 the just for the unjust1 that he might bring us to ,god4 7,i ,peter #c3 #ah74 ,behold the ,lamb of ,god1 which taketh away the sin of the world4 7,john #a3 #bi74 ,,from ,,what ,,is ,,man ,,saved ,,by ,,christ',s ,,atonement8 ,first1 from the effects of ,adam's fall1 which is death4 ,for since by man came death1 by man came also the resurrection of the dead4 ,for as in ,adam all die1 even so in ,christ shall all be made alive4 7,i ,corinthians #ae3 #ba1 #bb74 ,second1 from the sins man himself commits1 provided he accepts the grace which ,christ offers4 #cae ,and he is the propitiation for our sins3 and not for ours only1 but also for the sins of the whole world4 7,i ,john #b3 #b74 ,,how ,,can ,,man ,,receive ,,the ,,great ,,gift ,,of ,,salvation ,,from ,,sin8 ,only by obeying the ,gospel of ,jesus ,christ2 that is1 by doing what ,he has commanded4 ,there is no other way4 ,st4 ,paul says of ,christ3 ,being made perfect1 he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him4 7,hebrews #e3 #i74 ,the ,savior ,himself says3 ,not every one that saith unto me1 ,lord1 ,lord1 shall enter into the kingdom of heaven2 but he that doeth the will of my father which is in heaven4 7,matthew #g3 #ba74 ,if ye love me1 keep my commandments4 7,john #ad3 #ae74 ,he that hath my commandments1 and keepeth them1 he it is that loveth me3 and he that loveth me shall be loved of my ,father1 and ,i will love him1 and will manifest myself to him4 7,john #ad3 #ba74 ,,shall ,,we ,,be ,,judged ,,according ,,to ,,our ,,belief ,,or ,,according ,,to ,,our ,,obedience8 ,the scriptures tell us that every man will be rewarded according to his works4 ,for the ,son of man shall come in the glory of his father with his angels2 and then he shall reward every man according to his works4 7,matthew #af1 #bg74 ,who will render to every man according to his deeds3 to them who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honor and immortality1 eternal life3 but unto them that are contentious1 and do not obey the truth1 but obey unrighteousness1 indignation and wrath4 7,romans #b3 #f1 #g74 ,and ,i saw the dead1 small and great1 stand before ,god2 and the books were opened2 and another book was opened1 which is the book of life3 and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books1 according to their works4 ,and the sea gave up the dead which were in it2 and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them3 and they were judged every man according to their works4 7,revelation #bj3 #ab1 #ac74 ,,what ,,will ,,be ,,the ,,penalty ,,of ,,disobedience8 ,the ,apostle ,paul says the ,lord ,jesus will take vengeance upon those who obey not the ,gospel of ,christ4 ,and to you who are troubled rest with us1 when the ,lord ,jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels1 in flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not ,god1 and that obey not the gospel of our ,lord ,jesus ,christ4 7,,ii ,thessalonians #a3 #g1 #h74 #caf ,the ,apostle ,james says people deceive themselves if they do not the things the ,lord commands3 ,be ye doers of the word1 and not hearers only1 deceiving your own selves4 7,james #a3 #bb74 ,what doth it profit1 my brethren1 though a man say he hath faith1 and have not works8 can faith save him8 ,if a brother or sister be naked1 and destitute of daily food1 and one of you say unto them1 ,depart in peace1 be ye warmed and filled2 notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body2 what doth it profit8 7,james #b3 #ad1 #ae1 #af74 ,the ,apostle ,john gives this testimony concerning those who obey the ,lord3 ,blessed are they that do his commandments1 that they may have right to the tree of life1 and may enter in through the gates into the city4 7,revelation #bb3 #ad74 ,,are ,,not ,,mankind ,,cleansed ,,from ,,sin ,,by ,,the ,,blood ,,of ,,jesus8 ,yes1 if they follow ,him1 that is1 keep ,his commandments4 ,this then is the message which we have heard of him1 and declare unto you1 that ,god is light1 and in him is no darkness at all4 ,if we say that we have fellowship with him1 and walk in darkness1 we lie1 and do not the truth3 but if we walk in the light1 as he is in the light1 we have fellowship one with another1 and the blood of ,jesus ,christ his ,son cleanseth us from all sin4 7,i ,john #a3 #e1 #f1 #g74 ,,does ,,the ,,obedience ,,which ,,the ,,lord ,,requires ,,mean ,,belief ,,only8 ,no2 for true belief1 or faith1 cannot be separated from works4 ,jesus says1 ,he that believeth on me1 the works that ,i do shall he do also4 7,john #ad3 #ab74 ,not every one that saith unto me1 ,lord1 ,lord1 shall enter into the kingdom of heaven2 but he that doeth the will of my ,father which is in heaven4 7,matthew #g3 #ba74 ,and why call ye me1 ,lord1 ,lord1 and do not the things which ,i say8 7,luke #f3 #df74 ,ye are my friends1 if ye do whatsoever ,i command you4 7,john #ae3 #ad74 ,the ,apostle ,james also tells us1 ,even so faith1 if it hath not works1 is dead1 being alone4 7,james #b3 #ag74 ,knowing that a man cannot show that he has faith except by his works1 this ,apostle adds3 ,show me thy faith without thy works1 and ,i will show thee my faith by my works4 7,james #b3 #ah74 #cag ,to make it plain that a belief without works is not a living faith and will not save1 he says1 ,the devils also believe and tremble4 7,james #b3 #ai74 ,,what ,,works ,,are ,,required ,,with ,,our ,,faith8 ,the ordinances of the ,gospel1 such as repentance1 baptism and the laying on of hands1 and all the works of righteousness ,god has commanded4 ,jesus says concerning repentance and baptism1 ,repent3 for the kingdom of heaven is at hand4 7,matthew #d3 #ag74 ,except ye repent1 ye shall all likewise perish4 7,luke #ac3 #e74 ,he that believeth and is baptized shall be saved4 7,mark #af3 #af74 ,the ,apostle ,peter says1 ,repent1 and be baptized every one of you in the name of ,jesus ,christ for the remission of sins1 and ye shall receive the gift of the ,holy ,ghost4 7,acts #b3 #ch74 ,in regard to works of righteousness ,christ says3 ,except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and ,pharisees1 ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven4 7,matthew #e3 #bj74 ,he that endureth to the end shall be saved4 7,matthew #aj3 #bb74 ,upon this subject the ,apostle ,peter writes3 ,add to your faith virtue2 and to virtue knowledge2 and to knowledge temperance2 and to temperance patience2 and to patience godliness2 and to godliness brotherly kindness2 and to brotherly kindness charity4 7,,ii ,peter #a3 #e-g74 ,,does ,,any ,,part ,,of ,,the ,,bible ,,teach ,,that ,,man ,,can ,,be ,,saved ,,without ,,works8 ,no4 ,the passages that some people suppose teach such a doctrine are not fully understood by them4 ,paul and ,silas said to the jailer1 when he asked them what he should do to be saved1 ,believe on the ,lord ,jesus ,christ1 and thou shalt be saved and thy house4 7,acts #af3 #ca74 ,they knew that the jailer could not truly believe without obeying4 ,that he did obey is shown by the words that follow3 ,and he took them the same hour of the night1 and washed their stripes2 and was baptized1 he and all his1 straightway4 7,acts #af3 #cc74 ,on the day of ,pentecost the ,apostle ,peter repeated these words from the prophecy of ,joel3 #cah ,and it shall come to pass1 that whosoever shall call on the name of the ,lord shall be saved4 7,acts #b3 #ba74 ,but on the same occasion he commanded every one of them to repent and be baptized4 7,acts #b3 #ch74 ,st4 ,paul says1 ,a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law4 7,romans #c3 #bh74 ,it is made plain by other remarks which he makes in the same connection that he refers to the ,jewish law1 and not to deeds of righteousness1 nor ,gospel ordinances4 ,in no place does the ,bible teach that faith without works will save4 ,,an ,,illustration4 ,suppose a farmer were told these words by a friend3 ,if you only had a horse1 you might do much more work4 ,the farmer would at once understand that his friend meant that he should not only procure a horse1 but that he should feed it1 and use it in the harness in order to get the work performed4 ,he would be considered a very foolish man if he merely bought the horse1 and never fed it or used it1 simply because his friend did not say the words ,you must feed it and make use of it after you get it4 ,the horse would soon die1 and then be of no use to the owner if he treated it in such a way4 ,anyone who says he believes in ,jesus ,christ and never obeys ,his commandments has but a dead faith1 which is of no more use to him than is a dead horse to a farmer4 ,,what ,,knowledge ,,does ,,the ,,bible ,,say ,,is ,,necessary ,,to ,,eternal ,,life8 ,a knowledge of our ,father in heaven1 and our ,redeemer4 ,this is life eternal1 that they might know thee the only true ,god1 and ,jesus ,christ1 whom thou hast sent4 7,john #ag3 #c74 ,,can ,,this ,,knowledge ,,be ,,obtained ,,without ,,obedience ,,to ,,the ,,commandments ,,of ,,the ,,lord8 ,it cannot4 ,the ,apostle ,john says3 ,hereby we do know that we know him1 if we keep his commandment4 ,he that saith1 ,i know him1 and keepeth not his commandments1 is a liar1 and the truth is not in him4 7,i ,john #b3 #c1 #d74 #cai ,,can ,,there ,,be ,,more ,,than ,,one ,,way ,,of ,,salvation1 ,,or ,,more ,,than ,,one ,,true ,,gospel ,,and ,,church ,,of ,,christ8 ,no4 ,the ,savior taught only one way1 and organized but one church4 ,he says3 ,i am the way1 the truth and the life3 no man cometh unto the ,father1 but by me4 7,john #ad3 #f74 ,he that entereth not by the door into the sheepfold1 but climbeth up some other way1 the same is a thief and a robber4 7,john #aj3 #a74 ,st4 ,paul says concerning the one ,gospel of ,christ3 ,though we1 or an angel from heaven1 preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you1 let him be accursed4 7,galatians #a3 #h74 ,the same ,apostle says concerning the ,church of ,christ3 ,there is one body1 and one ,spirit1 even as ye are called in one hope of your calling2 one ,lord1 one faith1 one baptism4 7,ephesians #d3 #d1 #e74 ,st4 ,john gives this warning against those who teach not the necessity of abiding in ,christ1 that is obeying all ,his doctrines3 ,if there come any unto you1 and bring not this doctrine1 receive him not into your house1 neither bid him ,god speed3 for he that biddeth him ,god speed1 is partaker of his evil deeds4 7,,ii ,john #aj1 #aa74 ,,if ,,ordinances ,,and ,,commandments ,,must ,,be ,,obeyed ,,how ,,are ,,mankind ,,saved ,,by ,,grace1 ,,which ,,is ,a ,,free ,,gift8 ,the ,gospel plan is given through the grace of ,god4 ,it is a gift to man4 ,if man refuses to obey it he rejects the gift1 which is the only means of his salvation4 ,i am not ashamed of the gospel of ,christ3 for it is the power of ,god unto salvation to every one that believeth4 7,romans #a3 #af74 ,,truths ,,declared ,,by ,,the ,,word ,,of ,,god4 ,the passages already given are from the writings and sayings of divinely inspired apostles and prophets4 ,they are the words of ,god1 for these men spake as they were moved by the ,holy ,ghost4 ,with many other passages in the ,bible they prove that-- ,salvation is ,free to all4 ,all men are ,sinners4 #cbj ,the ,lord ,invites all ,sinners to come to ,him1 and ,promises them ,forgiveness4 ,sinful man ,cannot save ,himself4 ,he can only be ,saved by the ,grace of ,god4 ,he can only partake of the ,full ,grace of ,god by ,obeying the ,gospel of ,christ4 ,obedience means to ,keep the ,commandments as well as to ,believe4 ,the ,bible ,teaches no other way of ,salvation4 ,,salvation ,,and ,,education4 ,the ,gospel which redeems from sin may be likened unto a course of education which redeems from ignorance4 ,the two are so near alike that if we understand the one we may be able to understand the other4 ,sometimes wealthy men establish schools that are free to the public4 ,all who desire to get an education are invited to receive it freely4 ,it might be said that it is by the grace or kindness of these men that those who accept their offer are educated4 ,but to receive the education they offer so freely one must comply with the rules of the school4 ,he cannot enter unless he is willing to do so4 ,after he has entered the pupil must obey the instructions given or he never will gain the education offered1 although it is offered freely4 ,salvation in the kingdom of heaven is very much the same4 ,it is offered to all freely1 but to receive it one must accept of the conditions upon which it is tendered2 and he must gain it by obedience to the instructions of the ,savior1 who made salvation free to mankind4 ,,sin ,,and ,,debt4 ,sin may be likened unto a debt4 ,sometimes men get into debt and are unable to pay what they owe4 ,suppose a man in this condition was told by the man to whom he was in debt that he would be forgiven if he would agree to certain conditions4 ,such a man would not expect forgiveness unless he made the promise and kept his agreement4 ,all men are sinners before the ,lord1 and they cannot free themselves from their sins4 ,the ,savior1 however1 promises them forgiveness on condition of their obedience to ,his commandments4 ,how then can we expect to receive forgiveness unless we accept ,his offer and obey ,his word8 #cba ,,the ,,beginning ,,of ,,the ,,gospel ,,of ,,jesus ,,christ4 ,,rules ,,that ,,must ,,be ,,obeyed ,,by ,,all ,,who ,,enter ,,christ',s ,,church4 ,,by ,,elder ,,edwin ,f4 ,,parry1 ,,liverpool1 ,,england4 ,,what ,,is ,,salvation8 ,salvation means redemption from eternal death1 and deliverance from the effects of sin4 ,it is the gift of ,god to man4 ,for by grace are ye saved through faith2 and that not of yourselves3 it is the gift of ,god4 7,ephesians #b3 #h74 ,adam's transgression1 or original sin1 brought eternal death upon mankind4 ,the atonement made by the ,savior made redemption from that eternal death general or universal2 that is1 all will be redeemed from it4 ,both good and bad will be resurrected4 ,for since by man came death1 by man came also the resurrection of the dead4 ,for as in ,adam all die1 even so in ,christ shall all be made alive4 7,i ,corinthians #ae3 #ba1 #bb74 ,,our ,,own ,,sins4 ,salvation from our own sins is a special blessing of our ,heavenly ,father4 ,it is offered freely1 but all who desire it must accept it upon the condition specified4 ,that condition is obedience to the ,gospel of ,jesus ,christ4 ,,what ,,is ,,the ,,gospel8 ,the ,gospel of ,jesus ,christ is called the plan of salvation4 ,it is a system of rules by complying with which salvation may be gained2 hence it is called in the scriptures the power of ,god unto salvation4 #cbb ,there are many systems or branches of knowledge known to man1 such as that of music1 of chemistry1 of mathematics1 of geometry1 etc4 ,by learning and practicing the rules of one of these systems a person can receive the benefits to be had from that particular system4 ,by learning and practicing the rules of the ,gospel we can receive the blessing it offers1 which is salvation4 ,to enjoy the privileges and blessings of civilized society children have to learn the rules or customs of civilized people4 ,this they do by obeying the teachings they receive from their parents4 ,if an uncivilized man wishes to associate with civilized people1 and enjoy their company1 he must be willing to obey their teachings1 or the rules of their society4 ,the ,gospel of ,jesus ,christ leaches the rules of conduct that are to be observed by all who are saved in the kingdom of heaven4 ,these rules are simple1 but they are very strict4 ,they must be obeyed4 ,,the ,,first ,,rule--,,faith4 ,the first rule or principle of the ,gospel is faith in ,god4 ,the ,apostle ,paul says3 ,without faith it is impossible to please him3 for he that cometh to ,god must believe that he is1 and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him4 7,hebrews #aa3 #f74 ,it is shown in the above passage that we cannot come to ,god without believing that ,he exists1 and also that ,he rewards them that diligently seek ,him4 ,in order to believe that ,god rewards all that seek ,him1 we must trust ,him1 or have confidence in ,his word4 ,that is1 we must rely upon ,his promises4 ,this is the full meaning of faith4 ,the same apostle gives this definition of faith3 ,faith is the substance assurance of things hoped for1 the evidence of things not seen4 7,hebrews #aa3 #a74 ,the reason why it is impossible to please ,god without faith is because ,he desires that ,his children should come unto ,him1 that they might be saved4 ,it pleases ,him when they keep ,his commandments1 while ,he is displeased when they are disobedient4 ,,nature ,,of ,,true ,,faith4 ,true faith is sometimes called living faith4 ,it is capable of growing4 ,when exercised it becomes stronger4 ,when we #cbc trust in the ,lord we prove to ourselves that ,he can be relied upon4 ,we learn that ,his word can be depended upon1 and so our confidence in ,him is increased4 ,by the continued exercise of faith in ,god it becomes a principle of great power4 ,men by it have influence with the ,lord4 ,by it they are enabled to do many marvelous things4 ,jesus says1 ,if thou canst believe1 all things are possible to him that believeth4 7,mark #i3 #bc74 ,if ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed1 ye shall say unto this mountain1 ,remove hence to yonder place2 and it shall remove2 and nothing shall be impossible unto you4 7,matthew #ag3 #bj74 ,what things soever ye desire1 when ye pray1 believe that ye receive them1 and ye shall have them4 7,mark #aa3 #bd74 ,,power ,,of ,,faith4 ,st4 ,paul mentions many great things done by the power of faith1 and speaks of a number of men of old who through faith subdued kingdoms1 wrought righteousness1 obtained promises1 stopped the mouths of lions1 quenched the violence of fire1 escaped the edge of the sword1 out of weakness were made strong1 waxed valiant in fight1 turned to flight the armies of the aliens4 7,hebrew #aa3 #cc1 #cd74 ,knowing the great power of living faith1 the ,savior promised with assurance that marvelous blessings should follow all who believe on the ,lord4 ,these blessings1 ,he said1 should be signs or evidences of their belief4 ,these signs shall follow them that believe2 in my name shall they cast out devils2 they shall speak with new tongues2 they shall take up serpents2 and if they drink any deadly thing1 it shall not hurt them2 they shall lay hands on the sick1 and they shall recover4 7,mark #af3 #ag1 #ah74 ,all these blessings were enjoyed by believers in former days4 ,they are also received by true believers to-day4 ,the result of faith is always the same4 ,if it was possible for miracles to be performed by the power of faith in ancient times it is equally possible to do the same by faith at the present time4 ,,necessity ,,of ,,miraculous ,,gifts4 ,it is necessary that the signs or gifts of the ,gospel should follow believers in our day as well as in past ages4 ,they furnish a proof of our faith4 ,if our faith is not sufficient to bring to us the temporal blessings of ,god which we need or desire1 then we have cause to fear that our faith is not strong enough to bring to us eternal salvation4 ,it is possible for a #cbd person to be mistaken in estimating his own faith4 ,sometimes people over-estimate their strength1 and only learn of their mistake when they make some test of it4 ,persons can also overestimate the faith they possess1 and if they do not test it they may deceive themselves4 ,faith1 like bodily strength1 can only be developed or increased by exercising it2 and a person once possessing faith may lose it by disuse1 as one loses his strength of muscle when it is not exercised4 ,,existence ,,of ,,faith ,,shown ,,by ,,works4 ,true faith is always made manifest by works4 ,when a person has faith in the ,lord he will show it by his works of obedience2 that is by keeping the commandments of ,god4 ,it is useless for any one to profess that he has faith1 if he does not show it by his obedience4 ,the ,savior asks the question1 ,why call ye me1 ,lord1 ,lord1 and do not the things which ,i say8 7,luke #f3 #df74 ,the ,apostle ,james says we deceive ourselves if we are not doers of the word3 ,be ye doers of the word1 and not hearers only1 deceiving your own selves4 7,james #b3 #bb74 ,he further adds that it is not profitable to say we have faith and do not perform works1 and that the best way to show our faith is by our works3 ,what doth it profit1 my brethren1 though a man say he hath faith1 and have not works8 can faith save him8 ,if a brother or sister be naked1 and destitute of daily food1 and one of you say unto them1 ,depart in peace1 be ye warmed and filled2 notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body2 what doth it profit8 ,even so faith1 if it hath not works1 is dead1 being alone4 ,yea1 a man may say1 ,thou hast faith1 and ,i have works2 shew me thy faith without thy works1 and ,i will shew thee my faith by my works4 ,thou believest that there is one ,god2 thou doest well3 the devils also believe1 and tremble4 7,james #b3 #ad-ai74 ,,another ,,evidence ,,of ,,faith4 ,true faith can be recognized by another proof or test4 ,when it is obtained it causes its possessor to be very humble4 ,it is always accompanied with humility4 ,it convinces its possessor that he is a sinner1 and he feels penitent4 ,,the ,,second ,,rule--,,repentance4 ,repentance is the second rule or principle of the ,gospel of ,christ4 ,it naturally follows faith in ,god and ,jesus ,christ4 ,true faith leads to repentance of sin as one step up a ladder leads to the next4 #cbe ,,meaning ,,of ,,repentance4 ,according to the teachings of the scriptures1 to repent means to feel sorrow for sins committed and to turn away from them2 that is to do them no more4 ,st4 ,paul1 in writing to the ,corinthian saints1 says to them concerning their repentance3 ,now ,i rejoice1 not that ye were made sorry1 but that ye sorrowed to repentance3 for ye were made sorry after a godly manner that ye might receive damage by us in nothing4 ,for godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of2 but the sorrow of the world worketh death4 7,,ii ,corinthians #g3 #i1 #aj74 ,the same apostle in exhorting the ,ephesians to repent told them what they should do1 or how they should repent4 ,he says1 ,let him that stole steal no more4 7,ephesians #d3 #bh74 ,one who sincerely repents will also seek to make restitution for wrongs done4 ,if he has stolen he will return1 if possible1 that which he has taken4 ,such is the full meaning of repentance--to forsake sin4 ,,necessity ,,of ,,repentance4 ,repentance is very necessary to salvation in the kingdom of heaven4 ,those who have been led to exercise faith in the ,lord are under great condemnation if they do not repent4 ,they are in rebellion against ,him and cannot receive ,his approbation4 ,unless they turn from their sins they are not fit subjects for ,his kingdom4 ,both ,john the ,baptist and ,jesus began their labors in the ministry by calling upon the people to repent4 ,in those days came ,john the ,baptist1 preaching in the wilderness of ,judea1 and saying1 ,repent ye3 for the kingdom of heaven is at hand4 7,matthew #c3 #a1 #b74 ,from that time ,jesus began to preach1 and to say1 ,repent3 for the kingdom of heaven is at hand4 7,matthew #d3 #ag74 ,john refused to baptize those who came to him1 without repenting1 and told them to bring forth fruits meet for repentance4 7,matthew #c3 #g1 #h74 ,neither faith nor baptism will benefit a person unless he repents also4 ,the object of the ,gospel is to bring mankind back to ,god4 ,through sin they are separated from ,him4 ,your iniquities have separated between you and your ,god1 and your sins have hid his face from you4 7,isaiah #ei3 #b74 #cbf ,to return to ,him it is necessary to put away sin--to repent of it4 ,know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of ,god8 7,i ,corinthians #f3 #i74 ,except ye repent1 ye shall likewise perish4 7,luke #ac3 #c74 ,it is only upon certain conditions that the blood of ,christ cleanseth from all sin3 ,if we walk in the light1 as he is in the light1 we have fellowship one with another1 and the blood of ,jesus ,christ his ,son cleanseth us from all sin4 7,i ,john #a3 #g74 ,in order to walk in the light we must turn away from the dark paths of sin4 ,,the ,,third ,,rule--,,baptism4 ,repentance alone does not remit sin1 yet every one who is truly penitent desires that his sins be remitted4 ,it is through the atonement of ,jesus ,christ that a remission of sins is obtained4 ,to make that atonement effective to each individual the ,savior has instituted an ordinance4 ,by obeying that ordinance1 after repenting of his sins1 a person can receive a remission or forgiveness of them4 ,,true ,,mode ,,of ,,baptism4 ,the ordinance for the remission of sins is called baptism4 ,the meaning of the word baptize is to immerse or dip4 ,the only proper mode of baptism is by immersion4 ,all the baptisms described in the ,new ,testament were performed by immersion4 ,st4 ,matthew says concerning the baptism of ,jesus3 ,and ,jesus1 when he was baptized1 went up straightway out of the water4 7,matthew #c3 #af74 ,this shows that ,he must have gone down into the water4 ,and ,john also was baptizing in ,aenon near to ,salim1 because there was much water there4 7,john #c3 #bc74 ,this is also a proof that ,john baptized by immersion4 ,the baptism of the eunuch by ,philip is described thus in the ,bible3 ,they went down both into the water1 both ,philip and the eunuch2 and he baptized him4 ,and when they were come up out of the water1 the ,spirit of the ,lord caught away ,philip4 7,acts #h3 #ch1 #ci74 #cbg ,this1 again1 shows the manner of baptism practiced by the ,savior's disciples4 ,st4 ,paul writes3 ,know ye not1 that so many of us as were baptized into ,jesus ,christ were baptized into his death8 ,therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death3 that like as ,christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the ,father1 even so we also should walk in newness of life4 ,for if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death1 we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection4 7,romans #f3 #c1 #d1 #e74 ,the apostle here likens baptism to the burial and resurrection of ,christ4 ,any ordinance called baptism performed in some other way is not in the likeness of ,christ's death and resurrection1 and is not baptism at all4 ,all the early church historians testify that baptism by immersion was practiced during the first centuries after ,christ4 ,,what ,,baptism ,,is ,,for4 ,the following passages of scripture show that baptism is for the remission of sins3 ,john did baptize in the wilderness1 and preach the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins4 7,mark #a3 #d74 ,and he came into all the country about ,jordan1 preaching the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins4 7,luke #c3 #c74 ,then ,peter said unto them1 ,repent1 and be baptized every one of you in the name of ,jesus ,christ for the remission of sins4 7,acts #b3 #ch74 ,the scriptures tell of no ordinance or means by which a remission of sins can be obtained without baptism4 ,faith and repentance are not sufficient4 ,the ,bible says of ,john the ,baptist's ministry3 ,all the people that heard him1 and the publicans1 justified ,god1 being baptized with the baptism of ,john4 ,but the ,pharisees and lawyers rejected the counsel of ,god against themselves1 being not baptized of him4 7,luke #g3 #bi1 #cj74 ,it appears from this that those who refuse to be baptized reject the counsel of ,god against themselves4 ,to do this is a great sin1 and the only way to repent of it is to obey the counsel of ,god1 and the counsel of ,god is to be baptized4 ,cornelius1 who is described as a devout man1 and one that feared ,god1 and who was visited by an angel from heaven was commanded to be baptized4 7,acts #aj3 #dh74 ,this shows #cbh that baptism is necessary for all mankind1 no matter how righteous they may be4 ,,other ,,purposes ,,of ,,baptism4 ,jesus said it was necessary for ,him to be baptized1 in order to fulfill all righteousness1 though ,he was without sin3 ,then cometh ,jesus from ,galilee to ,jordan unto ,john1 to be baptized of him4 ,but ,john forbade him1 saying1 ,i have need to be baptized of thee1 and comest thou to me8 ,and ,jesus answering said unto him1 ,suffer it to be so now3 for thus it becometh us to fulfill all righteousness4 7,matthew #c3 #ac1 #ad1 #ae74 ,if it was becoming or proper that the ,savior1 who was without sin1 should obey this ordinance1 how much more becoming and necessary it is for all mankind1 who are in sin1 to follow ,him and be baptized6 ,baptism is one of the ordinances by which persons are admitted into the church of ,christ1 as shown by the following scriptures3 ,then they that gladly received his word were baptized3 and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls4 7,acts #b3 #da74 ,except a man be born of water and of the ,spirit1 he cannot enter into the kingdom of ,god4 7,john #c3 #e74 ,to be born of water one must be baptized in water4 ,upon another occasion ,jesus said1 ,he that believeth and is baptized shall be saved3 but he that believeth not shall be damned4 7,mark #af3 #af74 ,in no part of the scripture is it stated that man can be admitted into the church of ,christ or be saved without baptism4 ,it is an ordinance binding upon all who have reached the age of accountability4 ,the words of ,jesus to the thief on the cross1 ,to-day shalt thou be with me in paradise1 7,luke #bc3 #dc71 are believed by some to mean that the thief was promised salvation without complying with the ordinance of baptism4 ,the ,apostle ,peter says ,christ1 after being put to death in the flesh1 went and preached unto the spirits in prison2 which sometime were disobedient1 when once the long-suffering of ,god waited in the days of ,noah4 7,i ,peter #c3 #ah1 #ai1 #bj74 ,three days after ,his crucifixion1 and after ,he was resurrected1 ,jesus said to ,mary3 ,touch me not2 for ,i am not yet ascended to my ,father4 7,john #bj3 #ag74 ,this proves that ,christ did not go to heaven on the day ,he told the thief he would be with #cbi ,him in ,paradise2 if ,he did not1 then it is evident that the thief did not4 ,,the ,,baptism ,,of ,,infants4 ,the baptism of infants is not an ordinance of ,christ's church4 ,he never instituted such a practice1 and does not require it nor approve of it4 ,baptism as has been shown1 is for the remission of sins1 and for admission into the kingdom of ,god4 ,it must follow faith and repentance4 ,infants are without sins2 they are unable to exercise faith1 or to understand repentance4 ,concerning them ,jesus says3 ,suffer the little children to come unto me1 and forbid them not3 ,,for ,,of ,,such ,,is ,,the ,,kingdom ,,of ,,god4 7,mark #aj3 #ac1 #ad74 ,,those ,,who ,,have ,,died ,,without ,,baptism4 ,if this ordinance is so essential to salvation1 it might be asked1 what becomes of those good people who die without baptism1 not knowing it is necessary8 ,will they be lost8 ,it might also be asked1 ,what will become of those good people who die without believing on the ,lord ,jesus ,christ1 never having heard of ,him8 ,let the scriptures answer these questions3 ,and this is the condemnation1 that light is come into the world1 and men loved darkness rather than light1 because their deeds were evil4 7,john #c3 #ai74 ,where no law is1 there is no transgression4 7,romans #d3 #ae74 ,for sin is the transgression of the law4 7,i ,john #c3 #d74 ,that servant which knew his ,lord's will1 and prepared not himself1 neither did according to his will1 shall be beaten with many stripes4 ,but he that knew not1 and did commit things worthy of stripes shall be beaten with few stripes4 ,for unto whomsoever much is given1 of him shall be much required4 7,luke #ab3 #dg1 #dh74 ,these passages of scripture are sufficient to make it clear that people are not condemned until they1 after having the privilege of complying with the law of ,god1 reject it4 ,the ,lord in ,his infinite mercy has provided means by which all who die without the privilege of hearing and obeying the ,gospel may be saved by future compliance4#a ,but those who do hear it and refuse to obey its teachings simply because other good people before them who died without #ccj the opportunity did not comply with them in this life1 will surely be under condemnation4 ,,baptism ,a ,,test ,,of ,,obedience4 ,the fact that baptism is a commandment of ,god should be enough to convince any one that it must be observed4 ,it is not an unreasonable requirement4 ,the ,lord promises salvation to those who obey ,him4 ,baptism is one of the tests of obedience4 ,nothing but a lack of faith1 repentance and humility will cause one to object to baptism4 ,an unwillingness to submit to baptism is a proof that faith and repentance have not been complied with4 ,baptism therefore serves as a test of one's faith and repentance1 just as repentance is a test of faith4 ,a spirit of repentance and humility proves that we have faith2 and an honest desire to accept baptism proves that we manifest faith1 repentance and humility4 ,when these three rules or principles have been sincerely obeyed we are prepared for the next one4 ,by complying with it the ,lord's approval of our course is to be received4 ,,the ,,fourth ,,rule--,,laying ,,on ,,of ,,hands4 ,following the ordinance of baptism by immersion in water for the remission of sins1 is that of laying on of hands for the reception of the ,holy ,ghost4 ,the manner of conferring the ,holy ,ghost in the days of the apostles was by the ordinance of laying on of hands1 as the following passages will show3 ,then laid they their hands on them1 and they received the ,holy ,ghost4 7,acts #h3 #ag74 ,when ,simon saw that through laying on of the apostles' hands the ,holy ,ghost was given1 he offered them money4 7,acts #h3 #ah74 ,when ,paul had laid his hands upon them1 the ,holy ,ghost came on them2 and they spake with tongues1 and prophesied4 7,acts #ai3 #f74 ,those who truly believe1 sincerely repent of their sins1 and are baptized by one having authority are entitled to receive this ordinance of laying on of hands for the reception of the ,holy ,ghost4 ,if it is performed by one called of ,god1 that is1 one having authority to administer ,his ordinances1 the ,lord will sanction the act by bestowing the gift of the ,holy ,ghost upon those who receive the ordinance4 ,,necessity ,,of ,,laying ,,on ,,of ,,hands4 ,the scriptures show that it is very essential that this ordinance be received by all who accept the ,gospel of ,christ4 ,like that of baptism1 it is one by which mankind are admitted #cca into the church of ,god4 ,when the people of ,samaria accepted ,philip's testimony and were baptized1 ,peter and ,john were sent to lay hands upon them1 that they might receive the ,holy ,ghost4 7,acts #h3 #ad-ag74 ,if it was not necessary that the people of ,samaria should have this ordinance attended to the apostles would not have gone to the trouble of sending ,peter and ,john unto them for that purpose4 ,,office ,,of ,,the ,,holy ,,spirit4 ,the influence of the ,holy ,spirit may be felt by men and women who have not complied with all these rules of the ,gospel4 ,the ,spirit of the ,lord leads people to have faith1 to live good lives1 and to perform many good works1 but it will never manifest to any one that his life is fully approved of the ,lord without obeying these ordinances or rules of ,his church4 ,people should not think themselves saved because they have felt the influence of the ,holy ,ghost prompting them to do right4 ,if they do not obey its promptings by keeping the commandments of ,christ1 that ,spirit will not remain with them4 ,the ,lord says1 ,my spirit shall not always strive with man4 7,genesis #f3 #c74 ,jesus said to ,his disciples1 ,i will pray the ,father1 and he shall give you another ,comforter2 that he may abide with you forever4 7,john #ad3 #af74 ,this promise of a ,comforter to abide with them forever was on condition of obedience1 as may be learned by reading what follows in the same chapter of ,john's ,gospel4 ,jesus further promised that the ,holy ,ghost would lead ,his disciples into all truth3 ,when he1 the ,spirit of truth1 is come1 he will guide you into all truth3 for he shall not speak of himself2 but whatsoever he shall hear1 that shall he speak3 and he will show you things to come4 7,john #af3 #ac74 ,in order to be guided into all truth1 and to receive the other blessings conferred by the ,holy ,spirit1 we must obey these first principles of truth that have been mentioned4 ,unless we do this we never can make further progress4 ,,rules ,,herein ,,explained4 ,in the foregoing the first principles of the ,gospel of ,christ have been briefly explained1 namely4 #a4 ,faith in ,god and in ,his ,son ,jesus ,christ4 #b4 ,repentance4 #ccb #c4 ,baptism by ,immersion1 for the ,remission of ,sins4 #d4 ,laying on of ,hands for the ,gift of the ,holy ,ghost4 ,that this is the order in which these principles were taught by the ,savior and ,his disciples1 is evident from the writings of the ,new ,testament4 ,john the ,baptist first called upon those who believed his word to repent of their sins2 and he refused to baptize those who did not show fruits of repentance4 7,matthew #c3 #b-h74 ,he also promised that after their baptism of water they should receive the baptism of the ,holy ,ghost4 7,matthew #c3 #aa74 ,to those who believed his words1 spoken on the day of ,pentecost1 the ,apostle ,peter said1 ,repent1 and be baptized every one of you in the name of ,jesus ,christ for the remission of sins1 and ye shall receive the gift of the ,holy ,ghost4 7,act #b3 #ch74 ,the people of ,samaria who believed ,philip's preaching were baptized1 both men and women4 7,acts #h3 #ab74 ,afterwards ,peter and ,john were sent to them that they might receive the ,holy ,ghost3 ,then laid they their hands on them1 and they received the ,holy ,ghost 7,acts #h3 #ag74 ,these four rules must be obeyed in order to gain admission into ,christ's church4 ,they are the beginning of the ,gospel of ,jesus ,christ4 ,these doctrines were taught by the ,savior and ,his disciples1 as recorded in the ,bible4 ,there is no other way of entering the ,church of ,christ4 ,anyone who teaches that there is some other way is under condemnation4 ,st4 ,paul says3 ,though we1 or an angel from heaven1 preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you1 let him be accursed4 7,galatians #a3 #h74 ,st4 ,john1 in speaking of the doctrine of ,christ1 says3 ,if there come any unto you1 and bring not this doctrine1 receive him not into your house1 neither bid him ,god speed3 for he that biddeth him ,god speed is partaker of his evil deeds4 7,,ii ,john #aj1 #aa74 ,all the doctrines taught by ,jesus and ,his disciples are believed and taught to-day by the ,church of ,jesus ,christ of ,latter-day ,saints2 and all the blessings and gifts that characterized the primitive church are enjoyed by the ,latter-day ,saints4 #ccc ,footnotes3 #a4 ,for further information upon this subject see tract ,no4 #e1 entitled ,a ,prophet of ,latter ,days4 ,,the ,,angel ,,with ,,the ,,gospel4 ,,by ,,elder ,,orson ,,pratt1 ,,in ,,millennial ,,star1 #ahff4 ,and ,i saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven having the everlasting ,gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth1 and to every nation1 and kindred1 and tongue1 and people1 saying with a loud voice1 fear ,god1 and give glory to him1 for the hour of his judgment is come2 and worship him that made heaven and earth1 and the sea1 and the fountains of waters4--,rev4 #ad3 #f-g4 ,has the angel1 seen in ,john's vision on ,patmos1 yet come8 ,or will he hereafter come8 ,the ,latter-day ,saints are diligently and boldly declaring to the nations that the angel has come1 that he has appeared unto chosen witnesses1 that he has committed the everlasting ,gospel to them1 commanding them to preach it to all people1 to cry with a loud voice that the hour of ,god's judgment is come1 to call upon all to fear ,god1 and give glory to ,him1 and worship ,him1 etc4 ,there are some who have heard this solemn testimony of the servants of ,god1 who are in doubt upon this all important subject4 ,they suppose that the angel himself was to preach this ,gospel to all mankind1 and that the angel himself was to cry with a loud voice1 etc4 ,and because all people have not heard the angel speak1 and have not heard the everlasting ,gospel from his own mouth1 and have not heard him cry with a loud voice1 they suppose he has not come and denounce the ,saints as false witnesses4 ,but let unbelievers candidly investigate the words of the text1 and see if they are justified in drawing this hasty conclusion4 ,by a careless glance at the passage1 one might suppose that the heavenly messenger himself was to do all the work of preaching2 but the words evidently do not warrant such a construction4 ,the angel was to fly having the everlasting ,gospel2 but that he was to preach the same to all people1 is not mentioned in the text2 neither is it1 in that place1 declared that he should publish with a loud voice1 to all nations1 any proclamation4 ,when he left the heavenly worlds and came to earth1 and committed the message he was intrusted with1 into the hands of chosen vessels1 commanding them to preach it1 he had fulfilled his part of the sacred mission1 so far as the introduction of the heavenly message among them was concerned4 #ccd ,the words1 ,to ,preach ,unto ,them ,that ,dwell on the ,earth1 could be fulfilled by other agents1 under the angel's authority and direction2 and the same agency which does the preaching is also commissioned to say1 ,with a ,loud ,voice1 ,fear ,god1 and ,give ,glory to ,him for the ,hour of ,his ,judgment ,is ,come4 ,if the passage had definitely said that the angel who brings the ,gospel should likewise preach it1 with a loud voice1 there would have been some slight foundation for apparent objections to the ,saints' testimony1 but even then the objections would be only apparent1 for this great dispensation is not yet ended1 and there could be no evidence brought that the angel would not1 near the close of the dispensation1 actually publish with a loud voice to all people1 the very hour of ,god's judgment1 in all its fierceness and terror1 so that all people would hear ,his voice4 ,but such a wonderful and miraculous proclamation in the heavens would not preclude the angel from sending agents just prior to prepare a people for so great an event4 ,when we look at the angel's mission1 by the aid of reason1 the conviction at once forces itself upon the mind that he will authorize missionaries to carry the ,gospel to all nations2 otherwise how could believing penitent souls obey the ,gospel ordinances8 ,is it reasonable to suppose that the angel would travel around on the earth1 and baptize1 and confirm by the laying on of hands for the baptism of the ,holy ,ghost1 and minister the sacrament1 and attend to all church ordinances8 ,it is not only reasonable1 but certain1 that the everlasting ,kingdom of ,god will be established on the earth1 through the reception of the ,gospel that the angel brings2 if so1 there must be officers called and ordained1 such as ,apostles1 ,prophets1 etc41 etc41 to minister ordinances2 otherwise1 the everlasting ,gospel1 though proclaimed in the heavens by a mighty angel1 would be of no use4 ,reason1 therefore1 would testify at once1 that the angel at first only brings the ,gospel1 and directs other inspired agents to minister in its numerous ordinances1 to build up the ,kingdom1 to publish with a loud voice the solemn testimony1 that the hour--the terrible hour of ,god's judgment is come4 ,let no one suppose that because the angel has begun the fulfillment of ,john's vision1 that he has fully accomplished all things in relation to it4 ,hear what new revelation says upon the subject4 ,and now1 verily1 saith the ,lord1 that these things might be known among you1 ,o inhabitants of the earth1 ,i have sent forth mine angel flying through the #cce midst of heaven1 having the everlasting ,gospel1 who hath appeared unto some1 and hath committed it unto man who shall appear unto many that dwell on the earth2 and this ,gospel shall be preached unto every nation1 and kindred1 and tongue and people1 and the servants of ,god shall go forth saying with a loud voice1 fear ,god and give glory to ,him1 for the hour of ,his judgment is come2 and worship ,him that made heaven1 and earth1 and the sea1 and the fountains of waters1 calling upon the name of the ,lord day and night1 saying1 ,o1 that ,thou wouldst rend the heavens1 that ,thou wouldst come down1 that the mountains might flow down at ,thy presence4 ,and it shall be answered upon their heads1 for the presence of the ,lord shall be as the melting fire that burneth1 and as the fire which causeth the waters to boil1 etc4 7,doc4 and ,cov4 sec4 #ajh3 par4 #g47 ,this same angel is yet to appear unto many2 his mission therefore is not fully completed4 ,another grand event connected with his mission is to be fulfilled1 when the seven angels sound their trumpets1 in the morning of the seventh thousand years2 then all people1 both in heaven and on earth1 will hear4 ,but we will quote the word of the ,lord3 ,and another trump shall sound1 which is the fifth trump1 which is the fifth angel who committeth the everlasting ,gospel--flying through the midst of heaven1 unto all nations1 kindreds1 tongues1 and people2 and this shall be the sound of his trump1 saying to all people1 both in heaven and in earth1 and that are under the earth2 for every ear shall hear it and every knee shall bow1 and every tongue shall confess1 while they shall hear the sound of the trump1 saying1 fear ,god1 and give glory to ,him who sitteth upon the throne forever and ever2 for the hour of his judgment is come4 ,and again another angel shall sound his trump1 which is the sixth angel1 saying1 she is fallen who made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication2 she is fallen1 is fallen6 7,doc4 and ,cov4 sec4 #g3 par4 #ca-cb47 ,thus we have traced the great mission of the angel1 from the time that he flies with the everlasting ,gospel1 and commits it to man1 until the grand closing up scene of this wicked world1 by the sounding of the seven trumpets4 ,in this last drama the angel of the ,gospel will figure as the fifth in the series4 ,in that awful day1 our friend1 ,mr4 ,william ,brook1 of ,bradford1 who has written to us1 asking questions upon this sublime subject1 will have no more supposed reason to complain1 because the angel has not complied with all his suppositions in regard to his mission4 ,whether in heaven1 #ccf on earth1 under the earth1 or among the hosts of hell1 every ear will hear the sound of the trump1 and every knee bow1 and confess to the glory of ,god1 and acknowledge the power1 authority and majesty of ,him who sits upon the throne1 and of ,his holy angels who go forth at ,his bidding4 ,because ,god has given the keys of the everlasting ,gospel to the fifth angel1 let no one suppose that he alone will act in the great latter-day dispensation4 ,other angels have their missions to perform1 and will assist in the wonderful work4 ,we again quote from the revelations given to that great ,prophet ,joseph ,smith1 taken from his inspired key to ,john's vision on ,patmos4 ,the ,prophet inquires as follows3 ,what are we to understand by the four angels spoken of in the seventh chapter and first verse of the ,revelation8 ,he answers3 ,we are to understand that they are four angels sent forth from ,god1 to whom is given power over the four parts of the earth1 to save life and to destroy2 these are they who have the everlasting ,gospel1 to commit to every nation1 kindred1 tongue and people2 having power to shut up the heavens1 to seal up unto life1 or to cast down to the regions of darkness4 7,pearl of ,great ,price1 p4 #cd47 ,from the ,revelation of ,john and from the inspired writings of other holy men1 it seems that all the powers of heaven are exerted to assist in the magnificent preparations for the coming of the ,king of ,kings and ,lord of ,lords1 to assume ,his rightful authority over this creation4 ,shall the heavens above be aroused to the highest degree of expectation1 and the earth still continue to slumber in midnight darkness8 ,no6 verily no6 ,in the great preparation there must be a union between the heavens and earth4 ,the sons of earth must be awakened from the deep slumbers of ages4 ,tidings from the great courts above must be sent forth by swift messengers1 to the nations2 the voice of heavenly truth must penetrate the darkest corners of the habitable globe2 ancient dynasties and powerful governments must be overthrown2 thrones and kingdoms and empires must be cast down2 and revolution must succeed revolution1 until every ear shall hear and every heart be penetrated with the solemn warning voice1 until all shall know that the great day of the ,lord is at hand4 ,swiftly moving messengers from celestial abodes will freely converse with the sons of ,god on earth2 and every angel and every servant of ,god will know his place1 and understand what part he is to perform in the grand preparation for the eternal union of ,saints on earth with the ,saints of all ages from heaven4 #ccg ,,the ,,prophet ,,joseph ,,smith ,,on ,,doctrine4 ,,extracts ,,from ,a ,,sermon ,,delivered ,,at ,,nauvoo1 ,,june #bg1 #ahci1 ,,taken ,,from ,,the ,,historical ,,record4 ,faith comes by hearing the word of ,god1 through the testimony of the servants of ,god2 that testimony is always attended by the spirit of prophecy and revelation4 ,repentance is a thing which cannot be trifled with every day4 ,daily transgression and daily repentance is not that which is pleasing in the sight of ,god4 ,baptism is a holy ordinance preparatory to the reception of the ,holy ,ghost2 it is the channel and key by which the ,holy ,ghost will be administered4 ,the gift of the ,holy ,ghost by the laying on of hands cannot be received through the medium of any other principle than the principle of righteousness1 for if the proposals are not complied with1 it is of no use1 but withdraws4 ,tongues were given for the purpose of preaching among those whose language is not understood1 as on the ,day of ,pentecost1 etc42 and it is not necessary for tongues to be taught to the ,church particularly1 for any man that has the ,holy ,ghost can speak of the things of ,god in his own tongue as well as to speak in another2 for faith comes not by signs1 but by hearing the word of ,god4 ,the doctrine of the resurrection of the dead and eternal judgment are necessary to preach among the first principles of the ,gospel of ,jesus ,christ4 ,the doctrine of election4 ,st4 ,paul exhorts us to make our calling and election sure4 ,this is that sealing power spoken of by ,paul in other places 7,eph4 #a3 #ac1 #ad73 ,in whom ye also trusted1 that after ye heard the word of truth1 the ,gospel of your salvation1 in whom also1 after that ye believed1 ye were sealed with that holy spirit of promise which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession1 unto the praise of ,his glory1 that we may be sealed up unto the day of redemption4 ,this principle ought 7in its proper place7 to be taught for ,god hath not revealed #cch anything to ,joseph but what ,he will make known unto the twelve1 and even the least ,saint may know all things as fast as he is able to bear them1 for the day must come when no man need say to his neighbor1 know ye the ,lord2 for all shall know him 7who remain7 from the least to the greatest4 ,how is this to be done8 ,it is to be done by this sealing power1 and the other comforter spoken of1 which will be manifest by revelation4 ,there are two comforters spoken of4 ,one is the ,holy ,ghost1 the same as given on the day of ,pentecost1 and that all ,saints receive after faith1 repentance and baptism4 ,this first comforter or ,holy ,ghost has no other effect than pure intelligence4 ,it is more powerful in expanding the mind1 enlightening the understanding1 and storing the intellect with present knowledge1 of a man who is of the literal seed of ,abraham1 than one that is a ,gentile1 though it may not have half as much visible effect upon the body2 for as the ,holy ,ghost falls upon one of the literal seed of ,abraham1 it is calm and serene2 and his whole soul and body are only exercised by the pure spirit of intelligence2 while the effect of the ,holy ,ghost upon a ,gentile is to purge out the old blood and make him actually of the seed of ,abraham4 ,that man that has none of the blood of ,abraham 7naturally7 must have a new creation by the ,holy ,ghost4 ,in such a case there may be more of a powerful effect upon the body1 and visible to the eye1 than upon an ,israelite1 while the ,israelite at first might be far before the ,gentile in pure intelligence4 ,the other comforter spoken of is a subject of great interest1 and perhaps understood by few of this generation4 ,after a person has faith in ,christ1 repents of his sins and is baptized for the remission of his sins1 and receives the ,holy ,ghost 7by the laying on of hands71 which is the first comforter1 then let him continue to humble himself before ,god1 hungering and thirsting after righteousness1 and living by every word of ,god1 and the ,lord will soon say unto him3 ,son1 thou shalt be exalted1 etc4 ,when the ,lord has thoroughly proved him1 and finds that the man is determined to serve ,him at all hazards1 then he will find his calling and his election made sure2 then it will be his privilege to receive the other comforter1 which the ,lord has promised the ,saints1 as recorded in the testimony of ,st4 ,john 7,john #af3 #ab-bg73 ,and ,i will pray the ,father1 and he shall give you another ,comforter1 that he may abide with you forever1 even the ,spirit of truth1 whom the world cannot receive because it seeth him not1 neither knoweth him2 but ye know him1 for he dwelleth with you1 and shall be in you2 ,i will not leave you comfortless1 #cci ,i will come to you4 ,he that hath my commandments and keepeth them1 he it is that loveth me2 and he that loveth me shall be loved by my ,father1 and ,i will love him1 and will manifest myself to him4 ,if a man love me1 he will keep my words1 and my ,father will love him1 and we will come unto him and make our abode with him4 ,now what is this comforter8 ,it is no more nor less than the ,lord ,jesus ,christ ,himself2 and this is the sum and substance of the whole matter3 that when any man obtains this last comforter1 he will have the personage of ,jesus ,christ to attend him1 or appear unto him from time to time1 and even ,he will manifest the ,father unto him1 and they will take up their abode with him1 and the visions of the heavens will be opened unto him1 and the ,lord will teach him face to face1 and he may have a perfect knowledge of the mysteries of the ,kingdom of ,god2 and this is the state and place the ancient ,saints arrived at when they had such glorious visions--,isaiah1 ,ezekiel1 ,john upon the ,isle ,of ,patmos1 ,st4 ,paul in the three ,heavens1 and all the ,saints who held communion with the general assembly and ,church of the ,first ,born4 ,the spirit of revelation is in connection with these blessings4 ,a person may profit by noticing the first intimations of the spirit of revelation2 for instance1 when you feel pure intelligence flowing from you1 it may give you sudden strokes of ideas1 that by noticing it1 you may find it fulfilled the same day or soon2 that is1 those things that were presented unto your minds by the spirit of ,god1 will come to pass2 and thus by learning the spirit of ,god and understanding it1 you may grow into the principle of revelation1 until you become perfect in ,jesus ,christ4 ,an evangelist is a ,patriarch1 even the oldest man of the blood of ,joseph or of the seed of ,abraham4 ,wherever the ,church of ,christ is established in the earth1 there should be a patriarch for the benefit of the posterity of the ,saints1 as it was with ,jacob in giving his patriarchal blessings unto his sons4 #cdj ,,the ,,latter-,,day ,,saints ,,and ,,the ,,world4 ,,by ,,william ,a4 ,,morton4 7,copyright by the ,author47 ,let us dream no dreams and tell no lies1 but go on our way1 wherever it may lead us1 with our eyes open and our heads erect4 ,if death ends all1 we cannot meet it better4 ,if not1 let us enter1 whatever be the next scene1 like honest men1 with no sophistry in our mouths and no masks on our faces4--,sir ,james ,f4 ,stephen4 ,i4--,,the ,,godhead4 ,the ,world3--,we understand1 ,latter-day ,saints1 that you are delighted when an opportunity presents itself which enables you to explain to the world the faith you believe in8 ,latter-day ,saints3--,that is true4 ,we are always ready to give1 to every one that asks of us1 a reason for the hope that is within us2 for1 like the ,apostle ,paul1 we are not ashamed of the ,gospel of ,christ2 for it is the power of ,god unto salvation to every one that believeth4 ,the ,world3--,you testify most positively that you know that ,joseph ,smith was a ,prophet of ,god2 that the ,church of which you are members was established by ,divine revelation4 ,you claim that it is the only ,church on earth which teaches the ,gospel of ,jesus ,christ in its fulness8 ,latter-day ,saints3--,that is our position exactly4 ,we testify that ,god the ,father and ,jesus ,christ ,his ,son appeared to the boy1 ,joseph ,smith1 in the year #ahbj4 ,we further testify that the angel which ,john the ,revelator prophesied would fly in the midst of heaven1 having the everlasting ,gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth1 and to every nation1 and kindred1 and tongue1 and people1 saying with a loud voice1 ,fear ,god1 and give glory to him2 for the hour of his judgment has come3 and worship him that made heaven1 and earth1 and the sea1 and the fountains of water2 7,revelation #ad3 #f-g7 came to ,joseph ,smith1 and delivered to him a record containing the fulness of the ,gospel of the ,son of ,god4 ,we claim that the ,church of ,jesus ,christ of ,latter-day ,saints is1 indeed1 the true ,church of ,christ2 that it was established and named by ,him2 that it has the same officers1 holding the same ,divine authority1 as the primitive ,church1 namely1 ,apostles1 #cda ,prophets1 ,evangelists1 ,pastors1 ,teachers1 etc4 7,eph4 #d3 #aa47 ,we profess to be teaching the very same ,gospel that was taught by ,christ and ,his ,apostles4 ,we contend that there is but one true ,gospel4 ,jesus said1 ,strait is the gate1 and narrow is the way1 that leadeth unto life1 and few there be that find it4 7,matt4 #g3 #ad47 ,paul taught3 ,there is one body1 and one spirit1 even as ye are called in one hope of your calling3 one ,lord1 one faith1 one baptism4 7,eph4 #d3 #d1 #e47 ,he further said3 ,though we1 or an angel from heaven1 preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you1 let him be accursed4 7,gal4 #a3 #h47 ,the ,world3--,well1 we have decided to follow the admonition of the ,apostle ,paul--,prove all things2 hold fast that which is good 7,i4 ,thes4 #e3 #ba7--;and if you have no objection1 we would like to put you on trial and judge you1 according to the law and the testimony1 that we may learn whether the doctrines which you teach are of ,god or whether you speak of yourselves4 ,latter-day ,saints3--,we are quite willing to be put on trial1 and to be judged as you have proposed1 according to the law and the testimony2 for1 as the ,prophet ,isaiah said1 if we speak not according to the law and the testimony there is no light in us4 7,isaiah #h3 #bj47 ,we have many witnesses who are ready and willing to testify in our behalf1 men whose testimony cannot be questioned4 ,they are not men who have followed cunningly devised fables1 but who were eye-witnesses of the things of which they will speak4 ,if it please the court1 we are ready2 let the trial begin4 ,the ,world3--,the first offence with which you are charged is that of teaching that the ,godhead is composed of three separate and physically distinct ,persons4 ,this1 as you must know1 is contrary to the teaching of all the churches1 especially the ,church of ,england4 ,that church teaches that the ,godhead is composed of three ,persons1 namely1 ,father1 ,son1 and ,holy ,ghost1 and that these three are one in substance1 equal in power and glory4 ,here is an extract from the ,book of ,common ,prayer3 ,and the ,catholick ,faith is this3 ,that we worship one ,god in ,trinity1 and ,trinity in ,unity2 neither confounding the ,persons3 nor dividing the substance4 ,for there is one ,person of the ,father1 another of the ,son3 and another of the ,holy ,ghost4 ,but the ,godhead of the ,father1 of the ,son1 and of the ,holy ,ghost1 is all one3 the ,glory equal1 the ,majesty co-eternal4 99 99 99 ,the ,father eternal1 the ,son eternal3 and the ,holy ,ghost eternal4 ,and yet they are not three eternals3 but one eternal4 99 99 99 ,so the #cdb ,father is ,god1 the ,son is ,god3 and the ,holy ,ghost is ,god4 ,and yet they are not three ,gods3 but one ,god4 7,book of ,common ,prayer1 pp4 #ba1 #bb47 ,latter-day ,saints3--,we are aware that that is the teaching of the ,church of ,england1 but it is not in harmony with the teaching of ,christ and ,his disciples4 ,we have a witness named ,john who was intimately acquainted with the ,son of ,god1 whom we consider a most competent authority to speak on this matter4 ,he is ready to be examined4 ,the ,world3--,we will be pleased to hear his testimony4 ,,testimony ,,of ,,john4 ,the ,world3--,what is your name8 ,john3--,my name is ,john1 sometimes called the ,baptist4 ,the ,world3--,we understand that you are a disciple of the ,lord ,jesus ,christ8 ,john3--,i am4 ,the ,world3--,were you personally acquainted with the ,messiah8 ,john3--,i was4 ,i am ,his cousin4 ,i was associated with ,him during ,his ministry4 ,the ,world3--,is it true that you were sent before ,his face to prepare ,his way8 ,john3--,it is4 ,the ,lord sent an angel to my father1 as he prayed in the temple in ,jerusalem1 who promised him a son who would go before the face of the ,lord and make ,his paths straight4 ,i am that son4 ,the ,world3--,were you called of ,god to do that work8 ,john3--,i was4 ,when the angel appeared to my father1 he said unto him1 ,fear not1 ,zacharias3 for thy prayer is heard2 and thy wife ,elizabeth shall bear thee a son1 and thou shalt call his name ,john4 99 99 99 ,and many of the children of ,israel shall he turn to the ,lord their ,god4 ,and he shall go before him in the spirit and power of ,elias1 to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children1 and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just2 to make ready a people prepared for the ,lord4 ,i also cite to you the testimony of ,john as recorded in his ,gospel1 which reads as follows3 ,there was a man sent from ,god whose name was ,john4 7,john #a3 #f47 ,the ,world3--,what was the nature of your mission8 ,john3--,i was sent to preach repentance and water baptism4 ,i preached in the wilderness of ,judaea1 saying unto the people1 ,repent ye3 for the kingdom of heaven is at hand4 7,matt4 #c3 #a1 #b47 #cdc ,the ,world3--,were you able to bring many people unto repentance8 ,john3--,yes1 a great many4 ,mark has made the following record concerning my missionary labors3 ,and there went out unto him all the land of ,judaea1 and they of ,jerusalem1 and were all baptized of him in the river ,jordan1 confessing their sins4 7,mark #a3 #e47 ,the ,world3--,have you ever heard the voice of ,god8 ,john3--,i have1 on several occasions4 ,the ,world3--,mention one of them4 ,john3--,he spoke to me when ,i did not know that ,jesus1 my cousin1 was ,his ,only ,begotten ,son4 ,he said to me1 ,upon whom thou shalt see the ,spirit descending1 and remaining on him1 the same is he which baptizeth with the ,holy ,ghost4 7,john #a3 #cc1 #cd47 ,the ,world3--,did you baptize ,jesus ,christ8 ,john3--,i did4 ,the ,world3--,what took place at ,his baptism8 ,john3--,that which is recorded in ,matthew #c3 #af-ag3 ,jesus when he was baptized1 went up straightway out of the water3 and lo1 the heavens were opened unto him1 and he saw the ,spirit of ,god descending like a dove1 and lighting upon him3 and there came a voice from heaven1 saying1 ,this is my beloved ,son1 in whom ,i am well pleased4 ,the ,world3--,then1 ,john1 according to your testimony1 the three ,personages who constitute the ,godhead are not one in substance1 but are separate and distinct8 ,john3--,they are certainly separate and distinct ,personages4 ,when ,jesus came up out of the water1 after ,his baptism1 and while ,he stood on the bank of the river1 the ,spirit of ,god descended like a dove and lighted upon ,him1 and at the same time the voice of the ,father was heard from heaven1 saying1 ,this is my beloved ,son1 in whom ,i am well pleased4 ,these things ,i both saw and heard3 ,i saw ,jesus on the bank of the river2 ,i saw the ,spirit of ,god descend from heaven like a dove and rest upon ,christ2 ,i heard the voice of ,god out of heaven bear testimony that ,jesus was ,his beloved ,son4 ,the ,world 7to the ,latter-day ,saints73--,the testimony of the witness ,john is certainly very clear and convincing4 ,have you any other witnesses to prove that the ,godhead consists of three separate ,persons8 ,latter-day ,saints3--,we have several4 ,here is the ,apostle ,peter4 ,the ,world3--,we will listen to his testimony4 #cdd ,,peter',s ,,evidence4 ,the ,world3--,your name is ,simon ,peter8 ,peter3--,it is4 ,the ,world3--,are you also one of ,christ's disciples8 ,peter3--,i am one of ,his ,apostles4 ,the ,world3--,prior to your call to the ministry what was your occupation8 ,peter3--,i was a fisherman4 ,the ,world3--,how did you receive your call to the ministry8 ,peter3--,i was called by ,christ ,himself4 ,the ,world3--,is there a record of your ordination8 ,peter3--,there is4 ,you will find it recorded in the ,gospel according to ,saint ,mark1 as follows3 ,and lie ordained twelve1 that they should be with him1 and that he might send them forth to preach4 7,mark #c3 #ad47 ,i am one of the ,twelve4 ,the ,world3--,do you believe that ,god the ,father1 ,jesus ,christ ,his ,son1 and the ,holy ,ghost are three ,persons in one substance8 ,peter3--,i do not4 ,the ,world3--,can you furnish evidence that they are separate ,personages8 ,peter3--,i can4 ,the ,world3--,we will listen to your evidence4 ,peter3--,on one occasion ,jesus took ,james and ,john and me up into a high mountain apart by ourselves1 and there ,he was transfigured before us4 ,his face shone as the sun and ,his raiment became as white as snow4 ,we beheld two heavenly messengers come to ,jesus and talk with ,him4 ,they were ,moses and ,elias4 ,they spoke to ,him of ,his death which ,he should accomplish at ,jerusalem4 ,we were very much astonished at the things which we saw1 and as soon as ,moses and ,elias had departed ,i went to ,jesus and said to ,him1 ,master1 it is good for us to be here3 let us make three tabernacles3 one for thee1 and one for ,moses1 and one for ,elias4 7,luke #i3 #cc47 ,while ,i was speaking a cloud came and overshadowed us1 and there came a voice out of the cloud1 saying1 ,this is my beloved ,son3 hear him4 7,luke #i3 #cd1 #ce47 ,the ,world3--,was there a record made of what took place on the occasion of which you speak8 ,peter3--,there was4 ,it is recorded in the ,gospels of ,matthew1 ,mark and ,luke4 7,matthew #ag2 ,mark #i2 ,luke #i47 ,i #cde also made a record of it in my second general epistle1 as follows3 ,for he received from ,god the ,father honor and glory1 when there came such a voice to him from the excellent glory1 ,this is my beloved ,son1 in whom ,i am well pleased4 ,and this voice which came from heaven we heard1 when we were with him in the holy mount4 7,,ii4 ,peter #a3 #ag1 #ah47 ,jesus1 in speaking to us on one occasion1 said3 ,i came forth from the ,father1 and am come into the world3 again1 ,i leave the world1 and go to the ,father4 7,john #af3 #bh47 ,now1 surely you would not have me interpret ,jesus' saying as meaning that ,he had come from ,himself and was going to return to ,himself8 ,i was with the ,savior during that awful night in the ,garden of ,gethsemane when in the anguish of ,his soul ,he prayed1 ,abba1 ,father1 all things are possible unto thee2 take away this cup from me3 nevertheless not what ,i will1 but what thou wilt4 7,mark #ad3 #cf47 ,i did not understand ,jesus on that occasion to be praying to ,himself4 ,the ,world3--,the witness is excused4 ,the ,latter-day ,saints3--,here are ,james and ,john1 who will corroborate the testimony of ,peter4 ,the ,world3--,james1 you have heard the testimony of the ,apostle ,peter1 what have you to say concerning it8 ,james3--,i corroborate it in every particular4 ,i was also on the mount and heard the voice of ,god bear testimony that ,jesus was ,his ,only ,begotten ,son4 ,the ,world3--,the witness is excused4 ,the ,world3--,john1 you have listened to the testimony of your fellow ,apostles1 what have you to say concerning it8 ,john3--,it gives me pleasure to corroborate it4 ,they have spoken the truth1 and nothing but the truth4 ,i also heard the voice of the ,father saying1 ,this is my beloved ,son1 hear ye him4 ,the ,world3--,that is all4 7,to the ,latter-day ,saints73--,have you any more witnesses8 ,the ,latter-day ,saints3--,we have one more1 a man who laid down his life for the truth's sake2 his name is ,stephen4 ,stephen's testimony4 ,the ,world3--,what is your name8 ,stephen3--,my name is ,stephen4 ,the ,world3--,what position did you hold in the ,christian ,church8 ,stephen3--,i was one of the seven men who were set apart by the ,apostles to look after the temporal needs of the widows in the church4 7,acts #f47 #cdf ,the ,world3--,did you also proclaim publicly the ,gospel1 and bear testimony to the divinity of ,jesus8 ,stephen3--,i did4 ,the ,world3--,how was your testimony received by the people8 ,stephen3--,they denounced me as a blasphemer4 ,on one occasion when ,i was preaching to them they gnashed on me with their teeth4 7,acts #g3 #ed47 ,the ,world3--,what happened at that time8 ,stephen3--,the ,lord filled me with the ,holy ,ghost and opened the heavens to me4 ,the ,world3--,what did you behold when the heavens were opened8 ,stephen3--,i beheld ,god1 and ,jesus standing on the right hand of ,god4 7,acts #g3 #ee47 ,the ,world3--,you say that you saw ,god1 and ,jesus standing on ,his right hand4 ,then1 ,god and ,jesus must be two separate ,beings8 ,stephen3--,certainly4 ,jesus was not standing at ,his own right hand4 ,the ,world3--,you bore testimony to what you saw8 ,stephen3--,i did4 ,the ,world3--,how did the people receive your testimony8 ,stephen3--,it cost me my life4 ,they stoned me to death4 7,acts #g3 #ei1 #fj47 ,the ,world3--,that is all4 ,latter-day ,saints3--,it is not necessary to call any more witnesses4 ,we have proved1 most conclusively1 that ,god the ,father1 ,jesus ,christ the ,son1 and the ,holy ,ghost are three separate and distinct ,personages4 ,john proved that1 when he testified that he saw ,jesus standing on the bank of the ,jordan2 then he beheld the ,spirit of ,god descend from heaven like a dove and rest upon the ,messiah1 and at the same time he heard the voice of ,god testify that ,jesus was ,his ,only ,begotten ,son4 ,peter testified that when ,james and ,john and himself were on the mount with ,jesus they heard the voice of ,god testify that ,jesus was ,his ,beloved ,son4 ,james and ,john corroborated his testimony4 ,stephen testified that he1 being filled with the ,holy ,ghost1 had the heavens opened to him1 and he saw ,god1 and ,jesus standing at the right hand of ,his ,father4 ,the ,world3--,the evidence which you have produced is1 indeed1 incontrovertible4 ,it is1 to be sure1 contrary to the teachings which we have received in the churches and from our fathers4 ,but we now call to mind the words of the #cdg ,prophet ,jeremiah1 ,o ,lord1 my strength and my fortress1 and my refuge in the day of affliction1 the ,gentiles shall come unto thee from the ends of the earth1 and shall say1 ,surely our fathers have inherited lies1 vanity1 and things wherein there is no profit4 7,jeremiah #af3 #ai47 ,,ii4--,,the ,,personality ,,of ,,god4 ,the ,world 7to the ,latter-day ,saints73--,it is true1 then1 as we have been told1 that you believe and teach that ,god the ,father is a personal ,being1 possessing a definite form1 with bodily parts and spiritual passions8 ,latter-day ,saints3--,such is our belief and teaching4 ,the ,world3--,this also is contrary to the teachings of almost every church in ,christendom4 ,the ,church of ,england1 in the first of the ,articles of ,religion1 published in its ,prayer ,book1 says3 ,there is but one living and true ,god1 everlasting1 without body1 parts or passions2 of infinite power1 wisdom and goodness4 ,latter-day ,saints3--,we believe in the ,god of the ,bible1 in the ,god of ,abraham1 and of ,isaac1 and of ,jacob2 the ,god of all the holy ,prophets1 and the ,father of our ,lord and ,savior ,jesus ,christ4 ,we have witnesses whose testimonies cannot be impeached4 ,they are men who can testify from actual experience1 men who saw ,god1 and who conversed with ,him face to face1 and whose testimonies should1 therefore1 be worthy of all acceptation4 ,the ,world3--,we will be pleased to listen to your witnesses4 ,let the first witness be called4 ,latter-day ,saints3--,the first witness who will testify in our behalf is ,abraham1 the father of the faithful and the friend of ,god4 ,abraham's testimony4 ,the ,world3--,what is your name8 ,abraham3--,my name is ,abraham4 ,i was at first called ,abram1 but the ,lord changed my name to ,abraham4 7,genesis #ag3 #e47 ,the ,world3--,have you ever had a revelation from ,god8 ,abraham3--,i have had many4 ,the ,world3--,relate one4 ,abraham3--,when my wife and ,i were residing with my parents in ,haran the ,lord spoke to me1 saying1 ,abram1 get thee out of thy country1 and from thy kindred1 and from thy father's house1 unto a land that ,i will shew then3 and ,i will #cdh make of thee a great nation1 and ,i will bless thee1 and make thy name great2 and thou shalt be a blessing2 and ,i will bless them that bless thee1 and curse him that curseth thee2 and in thee shall all the families of the earth be blessed4 7,genesis #ab3 #a-c47 ,the ,world3--,you were1 of course1 obedient to the ,lord8 ,abraham3--,i was4 ,i took my wife1 ,lot1 my brother's son1 and all those who believed what the ,lord had said to me1 and1 with our substance1 we set out for the land of ,canaan4 ,while we were camped in the plain of ,moreh the ,lord appeared unto me and said1 ,unto thy seed will ,i give this land4 7,genesis #ab3 #g74 ,the ,world3--,were you visited by the ,lord on any other occasion8 ,abraham3--,i was4 ,i was ninety-nine years old at the time4 ,we were living in the plains of ,mamre4 ,the ,lord appeared to me there and said1 ,i am the ,almighty ,god2 walk before me and be thou perfect4 ,and ,i will make my covenant between me and thee1 and ,i will multiply thee exceedingly4 99 99 99 ,as for me1 behold1 my covenant is with thee1 and thou shalt be a father of many nations4 99 99 99 ,and ,i will make thee exceedingly fruitful1 and ,i will make nations of thee1 and kings shall come out of thee4 7,genesis #ag3 #a-f47 ,i am testifying of things which ,i have seen with my own eyes2 ,i saw the ,lord and talked with ,him face to face1 as one man talks with another4 ,the ,world3--,we have no further questions to ask the witness4 ,latter-day ,saints3--,we have another witness who is prepared to give as strong and as irrefutable evidence as the previous one4 ,his name is ,moses4 ,the ,world3--,we will listen to his testimony4 ,,testimony ,,of ,,moses4 ,the ,world3--,your name is ,moses8 ,moses3--,it is4 ,the ,world3--,where were you born8 ,moses3--,i was born in ,egypt1 of ,hebrew parents4 ,the ,world3--,it is true that at the time of your birth ,pharaoh made a decree that all the male children of the ,hebrews were to be thrown into the river ,nile8 ,moses3--,it is4 ,the ,world3--,how did you escape the fate of the others8 ,moses3--,my mother made a little ark of bulrushes1 daubed it with slime and pitch1 and placing me in it she took it down #cdi and left it on the flags by the river's brink4 ,in a short time ,pharaoh's daughter came down to the river4 ,seeing the ark1 she requested her maid to fetch it4 ,on removing the cover1 she beheld me in tears4 ,her heart was touched1 and she decided to keep me as her own child4 ,my sister ,miriam1 who was in hiding near by1 came forward and proffered to get a nurse for the baby4 ,the king's daughter gave her permission to do so1 so she went and brought my mother4 ,when my mother arrived1 ,pharaoh's daughter said to her1 ,take this child away and nurse it for me1 and ,i will give thee thy wages4 7,exodus #b3 #i47 ,so my mother had the pleasure of raising her own child1 and was well paid for doing so4 ,when ,i was grown ,i was taken to the court of ,pharaoh1 and adopted by his daughter4 ,i was treated as though ,i were her own son and was taught in all the learning of the ,egyptians4 ,the ,world3--,you did not take very well to ,egyptian court life8 ,moses3--,i did not2 ,i would much rather have been with my own people4 ,i finally ran away from ,pharaoh and went to ,midian1 where ,i fell in love with and married ,zipporah1 a daughter of ,jethro1 a priest of ,midian4 7,exodus #b3 #ba47 ,the ,world3--,what occupation did you follow8 ,moses3--,i was a sheep-herder2 ,i tended the flocks of my father-in-law4 ,the ,world3--,we have been told that on one occasion while you were herding the sheep you had a heavenly manifestation2 is the report true8 ,moses3--,it is4 ,while ,i was tending the sheep one day ,i beheld a burning bush4 ,i went over to see the strange sight1 and as ,i approached the bush ,god called unto me out of the midst of the bush and said1 ,moses1 ,moses4 ,and ,i said1 ,here am ,i4 ,and ,he said1 ,draw not nigh hither2 put off thy shoes from off thy feet1 for the place whereon thou standest is holy ground4 ,moreover he said1 ,i am the ,god of thy father1 the ,god of ,abraham1 the ,god of ,isaac1 and the ,god of ,jacob4 7,exodus #c3 #d-f47 ,on hearing that1 ,i hid my face2 for ,i was afraid to look upon ,god4 ,then the ,lord said unto me1 ,i have surely seen the afflictions of my people which are in ,egypt1 and have heard their cry by reason of their taskmasters2 for ,i know their sorrows4 99 99 99 ,go1 and gather the elders of ,israel together1 and say unto them1 ,the ,lord ,god of your fathers1 the ,god of ,abraham1 of ,isaac1 and of ,jacob1 appeared unto me1 saying1 ,i have surely visited you1 and seen that which is done to you in ,egypt and ,i have said1 ,i #cej will bring you up out of the affliction of ,egypt4 99 99 99 unto a land flowing with milk and honey4 7,exodus #c47 ,the ,world3--,did you do as the ,lord commanded you8 ,moses3--,i did1 and the ,lord1 in ,his infinite mercy1 and by many signs and wonders1 brought the children of ,israel up out of ,egypt into their own land4 ,the ,world3--,have you ever seen ,god8 ,moses3--,i have4 ,on one occasion ,i talked with ,him face to face4 ,i was in the tabernacle at the time4 ,a cloudy pillar descended and stood at the door of the tabernacle1 and the ,lord talked with me4 ,and all the people saw the cloudy pillar stand at the tabernacle door3 and all the people rose up and worshiped1 every man in his tent door4 ,and the ,lord spake unto me face to face1 as a man speaketh unto his friend4 7,exodus #cc3 #i-ab47 ,later ,he hid me in the cleft of a rock1 and as ,he passed by1 in ,his glory1 ,i beheld ,his back parts4 7,exodus #cc3 #bb-bc47 ,the ,world3--,did any of your associates ever see ,god8 ,moses3--,yes1 ,aaron1 ,nadab1 ,abihu and seventy of the elders of ,israel and myself saw ,him on one occasion4 7,exodus #bd3 #i1 #aj47 ,the ,world3--,is it true that you spent forty days and forty nights with the ,lord on ,mount ,sinai8 ,moses3--,it is4 ,it was on that occasion that ,he gave me two tables of stone on which ,he had written with ,his own finger the ten commandments for the children of ,israel4 ,the ,world3--,moses1 we recognize you as one who is fully competent to speak on this important matter4 ,you have seen the ,lord a number of times2 you have talked with ,him face to face2 you have been with ,him for forty days and forty nights at one time2 now1 we would like you to describe to us1 just as plainly as you can1 the true and the living ,god4 ,moses3--,i tell you in plainness and in all truth1 that ,god is just like a perfect man4 ,if you could see ,god today you would see ,him just as ,abraham saw ,him1 just as ,i saw ,him1 in the form of man1 for man was made in the image of ,god4 7,genesis #a3 #bg47 ,the ,world3--,thank you2 that is all4 ,latter-day ,saints 7to the ,world73--,surely the testimony of these two witnesses ought to be enough to convince you that the ,god whom we worship--a ,god with body1 parts and passions--is1 indeed1 the true ,god1 the ,god of the ,bible4 ,but these are not all our witnesses4 ,we have others1 whose testimony we desire you to hear4 #cea ,the ,world3--,let them come forward4 ,latter-day ,saints3--,thomas1 the ,world desires to hear your testimony4 ,,testimony ,,of ,,thomas4 ,the ,world3--,were you acquainted with the ,lord ,jesus ,christ when ,he was on the earth8 ,thomas3--,i was4 ,the ,world3--,what position did you hold in the ,church of ,christ8 ,thomas3--,i was an ,apostle4 ,the ,world3--,did you see the ,savior after ,his resurrection8 ,thomas3--,i did4 ,i at first considered the news too good to be true4 ,when the other ,apostles told me that they had seen the risen ,lord1 ,i said1 ,except ,i see in his hands the print of the nails1 and put my finger into the print of the nails1 and thrust my hand into his side1 ,i will not believe4 ,the ,world3--,did ,christ show ,himself to you after that8 ,thomas3--,he did4 ,eight days later ,i was with the ,apostles in a house in ,jerusalem when the ,savior appeared in our midst4 ,as soon as ,he entered the room ,he said1 ,peace be unto you4 ,then turning to me1 ,he said1 ,thomas1 reach hither thy finger1 and behold my hands2 and reach hither thy hand1 and thrust it into my side3 and be not faithless1 but believing4 7,john #bj3 #bf1 #bg47 ,i recognized ,him at once1 and ,i exclaimed1 ,my ,lord and my ,god6 ,the ,world3--,you saw the print of the nails in ,his hands1 and the mark of the spear in ,his side8 ,thomas3--,i did4 ,the ,world3--,then1 ,he must have appeared to you in the same body in which ,he was crucified8 ,thomas3--,he did1 in the very same body of flesh and bones1 but quickened by ,spirit4 7,luke #bd3 #ci47 ,the ,world3--,did you see ,him after that6 ,thomas3--,i did1 a number of times4 ,one evening ,simon ,peter1 ,nathaniel of ,cana1 the sons of ,zebedee1 two other disciples and ,i went out fishing4 ,we fished the entire night1 but caught nothing4 ,as we were returning in the morning1 we saw a man1 as we supposed1 standing on the shore4 ,he asked us if we had any meat1 and we answered that we had not4 ,he told us to cast our net on the right side of the ship4 ,we did so1 and to our astonishment we caught one hundred and fifty-three fishes4 ,john was the first to recognize the man on the shore1 and as soon as he saw who ,he was1 he #ceb exclaimed1 ,it is the ,lord6 ,on hearing that1 ,peter jumped into the sea and swam to the shore4 ,we were delighted to meet our beloved ,redeemer once again4 ,the ,lord had prepared a fire of coals1 and had some fish cooked4 ,he invited us to come and dine with ,him1 which we did1 and ate heartily of bread and fish4 ,that was the third time that ,jesus showed ,himself to us after ,his resurrection4 7,john #ba47 ,the ,world3--,were you present at the ascension of ,christ8 ,thomas3--,i was4 ,the ,world3--,tell us what took place on that occasion4 ,thomas3--,just before ,his ascension ,he said to us1 ,ye shall receive power1 after that the ,holy ,ghost is come upon you3 and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in ,jerusalem1 and in all ,judaea1 and in ,samaria1 and unto the uttermost part of the earth4 7,acts #a3 #h47 ,as soon as ,he had finished speaking ,he was taken up1 and a cloud received ,him out of our sight4 ,as we stood gazing after ,him1 two men dressed in white apparel appeared1 and1 addressing us1 said1 ,ye men of ,galilee1 why stand ye gazing up into heaven8 this same ,jesus1 which is taken up from you into heaven1 shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven4 7,acts #ast chap47 ,the ,world3--,that is all1 ,thomas4 ,latter-day ,saints 7to the ,world73--,we have proved by the last witness1 an ,apostle of the ,lord ,jesus ,christ1 that ,christ arose from the grave in the same body which was nailed to the cross1 but immortalized2 in that body ,he appeared to ,his disciples2 in that same body ,he made a fire of coals on the shore and prepared food1 which ,he ate with ,his disciples2 in that same body ,he ascended into heaven2 in that same body ,he shall come again to the earth4 ,the ,world3--,what evidence have you that ,christ shall come again in ,his crucified body8 ,latter-day ,saints3--,we have the testimony of the ,prophet ,zechariah4 ,the ,world3--,we will hear what he has to say4 ,,testimony ,,of ,,zechariah4 ,the ,world3--,your name is ,zechariah8 ,zechariah3--,it is4 ,the ,world3--,were you a ,prophet in ,israel8 ,zechariah3--,i was so honored of the ,lord4 ,the ,world3--,did you prophesy concerning the second coming of ,christ8 #cec ,zechariah3--,i did4 ,i prophesied and said1 ,and his feet shall stand in that day upon the ,mount of ,olives1 which is before ,jerusalem on the east1 and the ,mount of ,olives shall cleave in the midst thereof toward the east and toward the west1 and there shall be a very great valley2 and half of the mountain shall remove toward the north1 and half of it toward the south4 7,zechariah #ad3 #d47 ,and one shall say unto him1 ,what are these wounds in thine hands8 ,then he shall answer1 ,those with which ,i was wounded in the house of my friends4 7,zechariah #ac3 #f47 ,the ,world3--,we will excuse the witness4 ,latter-day ,saints3--,we have another witness whose testimony we would like you to hear2 his name is ,paul4 ,the ,world3--,we will be pleased to listen to his testimony4 ,,testimony ,,of ,,paul4 ,the ,world3--,your name is ,paul8 ,paul3--,it is4 ,the ,world3--,are you an ,apostle of the ,lord ,jesus ,christ8 ,paul3--,i am4 ,the ,world3--,have you ever seen ,christ8 ,paul3--,i have4 7,i ,cor4 #ae3 #h47 ,the ,world3--,what is your testimony concerning ,christ8 ,paul3--,it is the same as that of ,thomas and the rest of the ,apostles--that ,he has a body of flesh and bones4 ,the ,world3--,what is your testimony concerning ,god1 the ,father of ,christ8 ,paul3--,i testify that as ,christ is so is ,his ,father4 ,i wrote to the ,hebrew saints on this matter1 as follows3 ,who being the brightness of ,his glory1 and the express image of ,his person1 and upholding all things by the word of ,his power1 when ,he had ,himself purged our sins1 sat down on the right hand of the ,majesty on high4 7,heb4 #a3 #c47 ,christ said on one occasion3 ,he that hath seen ,me hath seen the ,father4 ,the ,world3--,we have no further questions to ask the witness4 ,latter-day ,saints3--,we now respectfully ask you to listen to the testimony of the young prophet1 ,joseph ,smith4 ,the ,world3--,we have heard a great deal concerning that young man4 ,it has been reported that he declared he had seen ,god the ,father and ,his ,son ,jesus ,christ4 ,latter-day ,saints3--,such1 indeed1 was his testimony1 and tens of thousands of us have received testimonies from the ,lord that he spoke the truth4 #ced ,the ,world3--,we will hear him for ourselves4 ,,testimony ,,of ,,joseph ,,smith4 ,the ,world3--,your name is ,joseph ,smith1 ,jr48 ,joseph ,smith3--,it is4 ,the ,world3--,are you the founder of the ,church of ,jesus ,christ of ,latter-day ,saints8 ,joseph ,smith3--,i was simply an humble instrument in the hands of the ,lord in re-establishing1 according to the revelations of ,god1 the ,church of ,christ upon the earth4 ,the ,world3--,so1 you profess to have received revelations from ,god8 ,joseph ,smith3--,i do4 ,more than that3 ,i have seen ,god and ,his ,son ,jesus ,christ1 and have talked with them4 ,the ,world3--,we are desirous of hearing from your own lips your testimony concerning this matter4 ,joseph ,smith3--,realizing that ,i1 as well as all other men1 shall have to stand some day before the judgment bar of ,god to be judged according to my works1 my testimony in this case shall be the truth1 and the truth only1 ,god being my witness4 ,i was born in the year of our ,lord one thousand eight hundred and five1 on the twenty-third day of ,december1 in the town of ,sharon1 ,windsor county1 state of ,vermont4 ,my father1 ,joseph ,smith1 ,senior1 left the state of ,vermont1 and moved to ,palmyra1 ,ontario 7now ,wayne7 county1 in the state of ,new ,york1 when ,i was in my tenth year1 or thereabouts4 ,in about four years after my father's arrival in ,palmyra1 he moved with his family into ,manchester1 in the same county of ,ontario4 ,his family consisted of eleven souls1 namely--my father1 ,joseph ,smith2 my mother1 ,lucy ,smith 7whose name1 previous to her marriage1 was ,mack1 daughter of ,solomon ,mack72 my brothers1 ,alvin 7who died ,november #aith1 #ahbd1 in the #bgth year of his age71 ,hyrum1 myself1 ,samuel ,harrison1 ,william1 ,don ,carlos2 and my sisters1 ,sophronia1 ,catherine1 and ,lucy4 ,some time in the second year after our removal to ,manchester1 there was in the place where we lived an unusual excitement on the subject of religion4 ,it commenced with the ,methodists1 but soon became general among all the sects in that region of country4 ,indeed1 the whole district of country seemed affected by it1 and great multitudes united themselves to the different religious parties1 which created no small stir and division amongst the people1 some crying1 ,lo1 here8 and others1 ,lo1 there6 ,some were contending for the ,methodist faith1 some for the ,presbyterian1 #cee and some for the ,baptist4 ,for notwithstanding the great love which the converts to these different faiths expressed at the time of their conversion1 and the great zeal manifested by the respective clergy1 who were active in getting up and promoting this extraordinary scene of religious feeling1 in order to have everybody converted1 as they were pleased to call it1 let them join what sect they pleased--yet when the converts began to file off1 some to one party and some to another1 it was seen that the seemingly good feelings of both the priests and the converts were more pretended than real2 for a scene of great confusion and bad feeling ensued2 priest contending against priest1 and convert against convert2 so that all their good feelings one for another1 if they ever had any1 were entirely lost in a strife of words and a contest about opinions4 ,i was at this time in my fifteenth year4 ,my father's family was proselyted to the ,presbyterian faith1 and four of them joined that church1 namely--my mother ,lucy2 my brothers ,hyrum and ,samuel ,harrison2 and my sister ,sophronia4 ,during this time of great excitement1 my mind was called up to serious reflection and great uneasiness2 but though my feelings were deep and often poignant1 still ,i kept myself aloof from all these parties1 though ,i attended their several meetings as often as occasion would permit4 ,in process of time my mind became somewhat partial to the ,methodist sect1 and ,i felt some desire to be united with them2 but so great were the confusion and strife among the different denominations1 that it was impossible for a person young as ,i was1 and so unacquainted with men and things1 to come to any certain conclusion who was right and who wrong4 ,my mind at times was greatly excited1 the cry and tumult were so great and incessant4 ,the ,presbyterians were most decided against the ,baptists and ,methodists1 and used all the powers of either reason or sophistry to prove their errors1 or1 at least1 to make the people think they were in error4 ,on the other hand1 the ,baptists and ,methodists in their turn were equally zealous in endeavoring to establish their own tenets and disprove all others4 ,in the midst of this war of words and tumult of opinions1 ,i often said to myself1 ,what is to be done8 ,who of all these parties are right2 or1 are they all wrong together8 ,if any one of them be right1 which is it1 and how shall ,i know it8 ,while ,i was laboring under the extreme difficulties caused by the contests of these parties of religionists1 ,i was one day reading the ,epistle of ,james1 first chapter and fifth verse1 which reads3 ,if any of you lack wisdom1 let him ask of ,god1 that giveth to all men liberally1 and upbraideth #cef not1 and it shall be given him4 ,never did any passage of scripture come with more power to the heart of man than this did at this time to mine4 ,it seemed to enter with great force into every feeling of my heart4 ,i reflected on it again and again1 knowing that if any person needed wisdom from ,god1 ,i did2 for how to act ,i did not know1 and unless ,i could get more wisdom than ,i then had1 ,i would never know2 for the teachers of religion of the different sects understood the same passages of scripture so differently as to destroy all confidence in settling the question by an appeal to the ,bible4 ,at length ,i came to the conclusion that ,i must either remain in darkness and confusion1 or else ,i must do as ,james directs1 that is1 ask of ,god4 ,i at length came to the determination to ask of ,god1 concluding that if ,he gave wisdom to them that lacked wisdom1 and would give liberally1 and not upbraid1 ,i might venture4 ,so1 in accordance with this1 my determination to ask of ,god1 ,i retired to the woods to make the attempt4 ,it was on the morning of a beautiful1 clear day1 early in the spring of eighteen hundred and twenty4 ,it was the first time in my life that ,i had made such an attempt1 for amidst all my anxieties ,i had never as yet made the attempt to pray vocally4 ,after ,i had retired to the place where ,i had previously designed to go1 having looked around me1 and finding myself alone1 ,i kneeled down and began to offer up the desires of my heart to ,god4 ,i had scarcely done so1 when immediately ,i was seized upon by some power which entirely overcame me1 and had such an astonishing influence over me as to bind my tongue so that ,i could not speak4 ,thick darkness gathered around me1 and it seemed to me for a time as if ,i were doomed to sudden destruction4 ,but1 exerting all my powers to call upon ,god to deliver me out of the power of this enemy which had seized upon me1 and at the very moment when ,i was ready to sink into despair and abandon myself to destruction--not to an imaginary ruin1 but to the power of some actual being from the unseen world1 who had such marvelous power as ,i had never before felt in any being--just at this moment of great alarm1 ,i saw a pillar of light exactly over my head1 above the brightness of the sun1 which descended gradually until it fell upon me4 ,it no sooner appeared than ,i found myself delivered from the enemy which held me bound4 ,when the light rested upon me ,i saw two personages1 whose brightness and glory defy all description1 standing above me in the air4 ,one of them spake unto me1 calling me by name1 and said1 pointing to the other--,this is my beloved ,son1 hear him6 ,my object in going to enquire of the ,lord was to know #ceg which of all the sects was right1 that ,i might know which to join4 ,no sooner1 therefore1 did ,i get possession of myself1 so as to be able to speak1 than ,i asked the personages who stood above me in the light1 which of all the sects was right--and which ,i should join4 ,i was answered that ,i must join none of them1 for they were all wrong2 and the personage who addressed me said that all their creeds were an abomination in his sight2 that those professors were all corrupt2 that they draw near to me with their lips1 but their hearts are far from me2 they teach for doctrine the commandments of men1 having a form of godliness1 but they deny the power thereof4 ,he again forbade me to join with any of them2 and many other things did he say unto me1 which ,i cannot write at this time4 ,when ,i came to myself again1 ,i found myself lying on my back1 looking up into heaven4 ,some few days after ,i had this vision1 ,i happened to be in company with one of the ,methodist preachers1 who was very active in the beforementioned religious excitement2 and1 conversing with him on the subject of religion1 ,i took occasion to give him an account of the vision which ,i had had4 ,i was greatly surprised at his behavior2 he treated my communication not only lightly1 but with great contempt1 saying1 it was all of the devil1 that there were no such things as visions or revelations in these days2 that all such things had ceased with the apostles1 and that there would never be any more of them4 ,i soon found1 however1 that my telling the story had excited a great deal of prejudice against me among professors of religion and was the cause of great persecution1 which continued to increase2 and though ,i was an obscure boy1 only between fourteen and fifteen years of age1 and my circumstances in life such as to make a boy of no consequence in the world1 yet men of high standing would take notice sufficient to excite the public mind against me1 and create a bitter persecution2 and this was common among all the sects--all united to persecute me4 ,it caused me serious reflection then1 and often has since1 how very strange it was that an obscure boy1 of a little over fourteen years of age1 and one1 too1 who was doomed to the necessity of obtaining a scanty maintenance by his daily labor1 should be thought a character of sufficient importance to attract the attention of the great ones of the most popular sects of the day1 and in a manner to create in them a spirit of the most bitter persecution and reviling4 ,but strange or not1 so it was1 and it was often the cause of great sorrow to myself4 ,however1 it was nevertheless a fact that ,i had beheld a vision4 ,i have thought since1 that ,i felt much like ,paul1 when he made #ceh his defence before ,king ,agrippa1 and related the account of the vision he had when he saw a light1 and heard a voice2 but still there were but few who believed him2 some said he was dishonest1 others said he was mad2 and he was ridiculed and reviled4 ,but all this did not destroy the reality of his vision4 ,he had seen a vision1 he knew he had1 and all the persecution under heaven could not make it otherwise2 and though they should persecute him unto death1 yet he knew1 and would know to his latest breath1 that he had both seen a light1 and heard a voice speaking unto him1 and all the world could not make him think or believe otherwise4 ,so it was with me4 ,i had actually seen a light1 and in the midst of that light ,i saw two personages1 and they did in reality speak to me2 and though ,i was hated and persecuted for saying that ,i had seen a vision1 yet it was true2 and while they were persecuting me1 reviling me1 and speaking all manner of evil against me falsely for so saying1 ,i was led to say in my heart3 ,why persecute me for telling the truth8 ,i have actually seen a vision1 and who am ,i that ,i can withstand ,god1 or why does the world think to make me deny what ,i have actually seen8 ,for ,i had seen a vision2 ,i knew it1 and ,i knew that ,god knew it1 and ,i could not deny it1 neither dared ,i do it1 at least ,i knew that by so doing ,i would offend ,god1 and come under condemnation4 ,the ,world3--,then1 according to your testimony1 ,god the ,father1 and ,jesus ,christ are two distinct ,personages8 ,joseph ,smith3--,that is my testimony4 ,the ,father has a body of flesh and bones as tangible as man's2 the ,son also3 but the ,holy ,ghost has not a body of flesh and bones1 but is a personage of spirit4 ,were it not so1 the ,holy ,ghost could not dwell in us4 ,the ,world3--,so that if we were to see ,god now1 we would see ,him in the form of man8 ,joseph ,smith3--,you would4 ,if the veil was rent today1 and the ,great ,god1 who holds this world in its orbit1 who upholds all worlds and all things by ,his power1 was to make ,himself visible--,i say1 ,if you were to see ,him today1 you would see ,him like a man in form--like yourselves in all the person1 image1 and very form as a man2 for ,adam was created in the very fashion1 image1 and likeness of ,god1 and received instruction from1 and walked1 talked1 and conversed with ,him1 as one man talks and communes with another4 ,the ,world3--,the witness is excused4 ,latter-day ,saints3--,this closes our case4 ,you have heard the testimonies of ,abraham1 ,moses1 ,thomas1 ,zechariah1 ,paul1 #cei and ,joseph ,smith4 ,the testimonies of these servants of the ,lord are similar in every respect4 ,you cannot reject the testimony of ,joseph ,smith without rejecting the testimonies of the others4 ,we pray you1 give heed to these things2 for this is life eternal3 to know the living and true ,god1 and ,jesus ,christ1 whom ,he has sent4 ,,iii4--,,faith ,,and ,,works4 ,the ,world3--,what are the first principles and ordinances of your religion8 ,latter-day ,saints3--,the first principles and ordinances of our religion are these3 ,first1 ,faith in the ,lord ,jesus ,christ2 second1 ,repentance2 third1 ,baptism by immersion for the remission of sins2 fourth1 ,laying on of hands for the gift of the ,holy ,ghost4 ,the ,world3--,do you believe that good works must accompany faith in order for men to obtain salvation8 ,latter-day ,saints3--,we do4 ,we maintain that belief alone is not sufficient to bring salvation to any man4 ,faith without works is dead4 ,faith is the first principle of the ,gospel of ,christ3 it is the foundation upon which every other principle and ordinance rests4 ,you remember1 the ,apostle ,paul said1 ,but without faith it is impossible to please him3 for he that cometh to ,god must believe that he is1 and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him4 7,heb4 #aa3 #f47 ,the ,world3--,well1 we have been taught that all a person has to do in order to be saved is to believe on the ,lord ,jesus ,christ4 ,that is the ,gospel which ,paul and ,silas preached to the ,philippian jailor and his household4 ,when the jailor asked ,paul and his companion what he should do to be saved1 they answered1 ,believe on the ,lord ,jesus ,christ and thou shalt be saved4 7,acts #af3 #cj1 #ca47 ,latter-day ,saints3--,no1 that is only part of the ,gospel which ,paul and ,silas preached to the jailor and his house4 ,they did not stop at belief1 as the majority of preachers do in these days4 ,but here is the ,apostle ,paul2 he can speak for himself4 ,,testimony ,,of ,,paul4 ,the ,world3--,paul1 when the ,philippian jailor asked you and ,silas what he should do to be saved1 what did you tell him8 ,paul3--,we told him to believe on the ,lord ,jesus ,christ1 and he would be saved1 and also his house4 7,acts #af3 #ca47 ,the ,world3--,we thought so4 ,now1 if the jailor and his #cfj household had simply to believe on the ,lord ,jesus ,christ in order to gain salvation1 why should other people have to do more8 ,paul3--,but we did not tell the jailor and his household that that was all they had to do4 ,we taught them other doctrines besides belief in ,christ2 we taught them the ordinance of baptism4 ,here is what the record says3 ,then he 7the jailor7 called for a light1 and sprang in1 and came trembling1 and fell down before ,paul and ,silas1 and brought them out1 and said1 ,sirs1 what must ,i do to be saved8 ,and they said1 ,believe on the ,lord ,jesus ,christ1 and thou shalt be saved1 and thy house4 ,and they spake unto him the word of the ,lord1 and to all that were in his house4 ,and he took them the same hour of the night1 and washed their stripes2 and was baptized1 he and all his straightway4 7,acts #af3 #bi-cc47 ,the ,world3--,you have spoken truly1 ,paul4 ,we see that1 according to the record1 after you had told the jailor to believe on the ,lord ,jesus ,christ1 you taught him and his household other commandments of the ,lord1 among them baptism4 ,one more question3 ,did you preach to the people that ,jesus ,christ was the author of eternal salvation8 ,paul3--,i did4 ,the ,world3--,and ,jesus ,christ1 the author of eternal salvation1 taught this doctrine1 that ,god so loved the world1 that he gave his only begotten ,son1 that whosoever believeth in him should not perish but have eternal life8 ,paul3--,he did4 ,but you have quoted only part of what ,i said and only part of what ,christ said4 ,i did not tell the people that ,christ had become the author of eternal salvation to all those who would simply believe in ,him4 ,here is what ,i said3 ,though he were a ,son1 yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered2 and being made perfect1 he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him4 7,heb4 #e3 #h1 #i47 ,jesus did not tell the people that they would have eternal life by simply believing in ,him4 ,this is what ,he said3 ,not every one that sayeth unto me1 ,lord1 ,lord1 shall enter into the ,kingdom of ,heaven2 but he that doeth the will of my ,father which is in heaven4 7,matt #g3 #ba47 ,now1 it would appear from this that there were people in the days of the ,savior who believed1 as thousands of people believe today1 that they could get into the ,kingdom of ,god by simply believing in ,christ1 and calling ,him ,lord1 ,lord4 ,and in order to disabuse their minds of that erroneous belief4 ,jesus made use of the words which ,i have just quoted4 ,now1 do you think that ,i1 or any other servant of the ,lord1 would #cfa preach salvation through belief alone when ,christ had condemned such doctrine8 ,on one occasion ,he said3 ,and why call ye me1 ,lord1 ,lord1 and do not the things which ,i say8 ,whosoever cometh to me1 and heareth my sayings1 and doeth them1 ,i will shew you to whom he is like3 he is like a man which built an house1 and digged deep1 and laid the foundation on a rock3 and when the flood arose the stream beat vehemently upon that house1 and could not shake it3 for it was founded upon a rock4 ,but he that heareth1 and doeth not1 is like a man that without a foundation built an house upon the earth2 against which the stream did beat vehemently1 and immediately it fell2 and the ruin of that house was great4 7,luke #f3 #df-di47 ,here is a ,gospel not only of believing1 but of doing3 a ,gospel1 not of faith alone1 but of faith and works4 ,the ,world3--,we dare not dispute what you have said2 were we to do so1 we would be disputing the words of ,christ4 ,permit us1 however1 to ask you another question4 ,paul3--,certainly4 ,the ,world3--,isn't it a fact that ,christ1 when ,he was upon the cross1 and just as ,he was about to give up the ghost1 said1 ,it is finished8 ,paul3--,that is true4 ,the ,world3--,did ,christ not mean that ,he had done all that was necessary for man's salvation8 that ,he had paid the price of man's redemption1 and that there was nothing left for mankind to do8 ,paul3--,part of what you have said is1 indeed1 true3 ,christ atoned for our sins on ,calvary's cross2 ,he died that we might live1 and that ,he might present us1 pure and spotless1 to the ,father4 ,but when ,he said1 ,it is finished1 ,he did not mean that from that time henceforth and forever mankind would have nothing whatever to do but to believe in ,him1 and by that simple assent of their minds obtain eternal life and an everlasting inheritance in the ,kingdom of ,his ,father4 ,he meant that ,his sufferings were at an end2 ,he meant that ,he had drunk the bitter cup to the dregs2 ,he meant that ,he had done the will of the ,father1 and had thus become1 as ,i told the ,hebrew ,saints1 the author of eternal salvation to all those who would obey ,him4 ,after ,christ had risen from the dead ,he tarried for forty days with ,his disciples1 during which time ,he taught them many things pertaining to the ,kingdom of ,god4 ,in giving them their commission1 ,he said to them1 ,go ye1 therefore1 and teach all nations1 baptizing them in the name of the ,father1 and of the ,son1 and of the ,holy ,ghost3 teaching them to observe all things whatsoever ,i have #cfb commanded you4 7,matt4 #bh3 #ai-bj47 ,so you see1 ,christ did not tell ,his ,apostles to tell the people that all they had to do was to believe in ,him3 they were to teach them to observe all things whatsoever ,he had commanded them4 ,the ,world3--,did you write an epistle to the ,ephesians8 ,paul3--,i did4 ,the ,world3--,here is an extract from it to which we desire to call your attention3 ,for by grace are ye saved through faith1 and that not of yourselves1 it is the gift of ,god3 not of works1 lest any man should boast4 7,eph4 #b3 #h1 #i47 ,did you write that8 ,paul3--,i did4 ,the ,world3--,what did you mean by writing in this way to the ,ephesians8 ,paul3--,merely this1 and nothing more3 the ,ephesians1 as well as many others1 thought to justify themselves by the works of the law--by circumcision1 for instance4 ,they did not understand that the law had been fulfilled in ,christ1 and so they wanted to continue in the practice of dead works4 ,these ,i condemned1 but ,i never spoke one word against the commandments of the ,lord ,jesus ,christ4 ,on the contrary1 ,i exhorted the people to perform good works4 ,this is what ,i wrote to the ,ephesians3 ,knowing that whatsoever good thing any man doeth1 the same shall he receive of the ,lord1 whether he be bond or free4 7,ephesians #f3 #h47 ,i wrote practically the same thing to ,titus4 ,here is an extract from my letter to him3 ,this is a faithful saying1 and these things ,i will that thou affirm constantly1 that they which have believed in ,god might be careful to maintain good works4 7,titus #c3 #h47 ,surely you do not think that ,i would write to the ,ephesians one time condemning good works1 and write afterwards to them and also to ,titus commending good works8 ,the works that ,i condemned were dead works1 such as circumcision2 but ,god forbid that ,i should advise anyone against keeping all the commandments of the ,lord ,jesus ,christ4 ,jesus said that he who would break one of the least of ,his commandments1 and teach men to do so1 the same would be called least in the ,kingdom of ,heaven4 ,the ,world3--,that is all1 ,paul4 ,latter-day ,saints3--,perhaps you would like to hear the testimony of the ,apostles ,john and ,james8 ,the ,world3--,certainly1 if they can give us any additional light on the subject4 ,latter-day ,saints3--,john1 we would be pleased to have #cfc you tell ,the ,world whether you consider good works essential to salvation4 ,,john',s ,,testimony4 ,john3--,i am more than pleased to speak on this important matter4 ,as an ,apostle of the ,lord ,jesus ,christ1 ,i taught the people to do the will of ,god as it had been laid down by the ,savior4 ,the ,world3--,it is recorded in the ,gospel which bears your name that ,christ said1 ,god so loved the world that he gave his only ,begotten ,son1 that whosoever believeth in him should not perish1 but have everlasting life8 ,john3--,that is correct4 ,the ,world3--,did you not infer from that that all a man had to do in order to be saved was to believe in ,christ8 ,john3--,i did not2 for ,christ1 just a little while before1 had said to ,nicodemus1 who knew that ,jesus was a ,teacher sent of ,god3 ,except a man be born of water and of the ,spirit1 he cannot enter the kingdom of ,god4 7,john #c3 #e47 ,there is something more than belief in those words4 ,the ,world3--,did you not teach the people that the blood of ,jesus ,christ would cleanse them from all sin8 ,john3--,i did2 but it was on the condition that they walked as ,christ walked4 ,this is what ,i said3 ,if we walk in the light1 as he is in the light1 we have fellowship one with another1 and the blood of ,jesus ,christ his ,son cleanseth us from all sin4 7,i ,john #a3 #g47 ,after ,christ had taught us the principles of the ,gospel1 ,he said to us3 ,if ye know these things1 happy are ye if ye do them4 7,john #ac3 #ag47 ,again ,he said to us3 ,verily1 verily1 ,i say unto you1 ,he that believeth on me the works that ,i do shall he do also4 7,john #ad3 #ab47 ,the ,lord gave me a vision when ,i was on the ,isle of ,patmos3 and ,i saw the dead1 small and great1 stand before ,god2 and the books were opened2 and another book was opened1 which is the book of life3 and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books1 according to their works4 7,rev4 #bj3 #ab47 ,in the face of all these things1 how could ,i believe that belief alone in ,christ was all that was necessary for salvation8 ,the ,world3--,the witness is excused4 ,,testimony ,,of ,,james4 ,the ,world3--,james1 were you commissioned by the ,lord ,jesus ,christ to preach ,his ,gospel8 ,james3--,i was4 #cfd ,the ,world3--,did you not teach the people that all that was necessary in order to attain to salvation was belief in the ,lord ,jesus ,christ8 ,james3--,how dare ,i teach such doctrine when the ,lord had instructed us to teach them to observe all things whatsoever ,he had commanded us8 ,the ,world3--,then1 you believe that in order for a man to procure salvation he must have works with his faith8 ,james3--,i do most assuredly4 ,i taught the people that faith without works is dead4 ,surely you have read my epistle1 wherein ,i said3 ,what doth it profit1 my brethren1 though a man say he hath faith1 and have not works8 can faith save him8 ,if a brother or sister be naked1 and destitute of daily food1 and one of you say unto them1 ,depart in peace1 be ye warmed and filled2 notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body2 what doth it profit8 ,even so faith1 if it hath not works1 is dead1 being alone4 ,yea1 a man may say1 ,thou hast faith1 and ,i have works3 shew me thy faith without thy works1 and ,i will shew thee my faith by my works4 99 99 99 ,but wilt thou know1 ,o vain man1 that faith without works is dead8 99 99 99 ,for as the body without the spirit is dead1 so faith without works is dead also4 7,james #b3 #ad-ah1 #bj1 #bf47 ,the ,world3--,this is certainly strange doctrine to us4 ,we have been taught from childhood that all we had to do to be saved was to believe in the ,lord ,jesus ,christ4 ,james3--,you say that that is what the preachers have taught you8 ,the ,world3--,it is4 ,the only gospel that we have been taught is the gospel of ,belief ,alone4 ,we have never been taught that we had to do anything towards our salvation4 ,james3--,you have been deceived by false teachers1 whom ,paul prophesied would rise up in the last days4 ,here is the prophecy3 ,for the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine2 but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers1 having itching ears2 and they shall turn away their ears from the truth and shall be turned into fables4 7,,ii ,timothy #d3 #c1 #d47 ,the ,world3--,paul truly prophesied as you have said2 but do you think his prophecy applies to the preachers of the present time8 ,james3--,i would prefer that you answer that question yourselves4 ,i believe that ,i can make this matter very plain to you4 ,supposing a man were to come to you at the present time and tell you that good works were not at all essential to #cfe salvation1 that all you had to do to be saved was to believe in the ,lord ,jesus ,christ2 and after he had gone out three ,apostles of the ,lord ,jesus should come in and tell you that belief alone would not save you1 that you would have to couple works with your faith1 which of these men would you believe8 ,the ,world3--,that scarcely needs an answer3 we would1 of course1 believe the ,apostles4 ,james3--,i thought as much4 ,well1 ,paul1 ,john and ,i have told you1 just as plainly as it is possible for us to do1 that belief alone will not save you3 that you must have works as well as faith4 ,and as you have told me that you believe our words1 ,i would advise you1 if you do not wish to deceive yourselves1 to be doers of the word1 as well as hearers of it4 ,the ,world3--,thank you1 ,james4 ,that is all4 ,latter-day ,saints3--,the words of the ,apostles are very plain1 indeed2 ,james told us that what the spirit is to the body so works are to faith2 and that as the body without the spirit is dead1 so faith without works is dead also4 ,we would advise you to accept the teachings of ,christ and of ,his inspired ,apostles4 ,the ,world3--,in the face of all these ,scriptures1 we cannot see how our preachers can teach that good works are not essential to salvation4 ,latter-day ,saints3--,we are not at all surprised at their doing so4 ,if the ,scriptures are to be fulfilled1 we must expect to see men arise speaking perverse things1 and drawing away disciples after them4 ,it has been clearly proven that ,christ and ,his ,apostles taught that men would have to couple good works with their faith if they expected to get salvation4 ,now1 any doctrine contrary to the teaching of ,christ and ,his ,apostles is the doctrine of men4 ,but as it was in the days of the ,savior1 so it is today4 ,christ said of the people in ,his day3 ,this people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth1 and honoreth me with their lips2 but their heart is far from me4 ,but in vain they do worship me1 teaching for doctrines the commandments of men4 7,matt4 #ae3 #h1 #i47 ,the ,world3--,we are very thankful to you for calling our attention to these plain and precious truths1 and the next time that we are visited by our ministers we will request them to tell us who gave them authority to preach that good works are not essential to salvation1 when the ,lord ,jesus ,christ and ,his ,apostles taught that they are4 ,for our ministers have most assuredly taught us that the ,lord would not accept of any good works that we might do4 ,latter-day ,saints3--,then ,he has changed since the days #cff of the early ,apostles4 ,do you not remember what happened to ,cornelius8 ,cornelius was not like the people of the present day1 for he believed in having good works with his faith2 and instead of the ,lord being displeased with him for performing good works1 ,he sent an angel from heaven to tell him that his prayers and his alms had come up for a memorial before ,god4 7,acts #aj3 #d47 ,now1 if all the ministers in the world told you that good works are not essential to salvation1 all you would have to do would be to turn to this ,scripture1 and there you could show them how the ,lord had so approved of a man's good works that ,he sent an angel from heaven to tell him that ,he had accepted of them1 and to tell him of other things which were necessary for him to do4 ,and1 if that were not sufficient1 you could refer them to the writings of the ,apostle ,peter1 who said3 ,and besides this1 giving all diligence1 add to your faith virtue2 and to virtue knowledge2 and to knowledge temperance2 and to temperance patience2 and to patience godliness2 and to godliness brotherly kindness2 and to brotherly kindness charity4 ,for if these things be in you and abound1 they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our ,lord ,jesus ,christ4 ,but he that lacketh these things is blind1 and cannot see afar off1 and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins4 ,wherefore the rather1 brethren1 give diligence to make your calling and election sure3 for if ye do these things ye shall never fall3 for so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our ,lord and ,savior ,jesus ,christ4 7,,ii ,peter #a3 #e-aa47 ,,iv4--,,repentance4 ,the ,world3--,you say1 ,faith in ,god and in ,his ,son ,jesus ,christ is the first principle of the ,gospel1 and the second is ,repentance8 ,latter-day ,saints3--,yes1 the second principle of the ,gospel is repentance4 ,the ,world3--,what do you understand the term repentance to mean8 ,latter-day ,saints3--,repentance is a deep1 sincere1 heartfelt sorrow for sin1 producing a reformation of life4 ,it is1 in a word1 ceasing to do evil and learning to do well4 ,here is the ,apostle ,paul1 who will be pleased to speak upon this important subject4 ,,testimony ,,of ,,paul4 ,paul3--,i speak from experience concerning this most essential #cfg principle of the ,gospel of ,christ4 ,i was1 as you all know1 a most unrelenting persecutor of the ,saints4 ,i had even gone so far as to assent to the death of the faithful ,stephen4 ,i was on my way to ,damascus1 with letters from the high priest1 authorizing me to bring bound to ,jerusalem all those whom ,i found professing faith in ,jesus ,christ4 ,i verily believed that ,i was doing ,god service4 ,as ,i neared ,damascus1 the ,lord checked me in my evil course and called me to repentance4 ,he declared that by persecuting ,his saints ,i was persecuting ,him1 and told me to desist from my ungodly work4 ,on hearing the word of the ,lord1 my soul was rilled with remorse1 and ,i immediately turned round and1 by a life consecrated to ,christ and ,his cause1 sought to atone for my past offences4 ,the ,world3--,was it the ,lord1 then1 who led you to repentance8 ,paul3--,it was1 for repentance is one of the most precious gifts of ,god to men4 ,through the atonement of the ,lord ,jesus ,christ that choice gift has been purchased for poor1 fallen humanity4 ,but1 ,i would have you understand1 that ,god is jealous of all ,his gifts4 ,he does not bestow them where they would not be appreciated4 ,repentance1 like every other gift of ,god1 has been promised to men on certain conditions4 ,the ,world3--,please tell us what these conditions are4 ,paul3--,one of the conditions is that men will manifest a desire to cease from sin1 and to work righteousness in the sight of ,god4 ,the ,lord1 speaking through ,isaiah the prophet1 made a promise unto the children of men that if they would seek ,him they would find ,him1 and that if they would forsake their evil ways and thoughts and turn unto ,him1 ,he would pardon their transgressions4 ,i quote from the writings of the prophet3 ,seek ye the ,lord while he may be found1 call ye upon him while he is near3 let the wicked forsake his way1 and the unrighteous man his thoughts3 and let him return unto the ,lord1 and he will have mercy upon him2 and to our ,god1 for he will abundantly pardon4 7,isaiah #ee3 #f1 #g47 ,thus we see that the gift of repentance is promised men on condition that they seek the ,lord and forsake their evil ways and thoughts4 ,the ,lord has assured us that ,he has no pleasure whatever in the death of a sinner4 ,speaking to the house of ,israel by the mouth of the ,prophet ,ezekiel1 ,he said3 ,say unto them1 as ,i live1 saith the ,lord ,god1 ,i have no pleasure in the death of the wicked2 but that the wicked turn from his way and live3 turn ye1 turn ye from your evil ways2 for why will ye die1 ,o house of ,israel8 ,again1 when ,i say unto #cfh the wicked1 ,thou shalt surely die2 if he turn from his sin1 and do that which is lawful and right2 if the wicked restore the pledge1 given again that he had robbed1 walk in the statutes of life1 without committing iniquity2 he shall surely live1 he shall not die4 ,none of his sins that he hath committed shall be mentioned unto him3 he hath done that which is lawful and right2 he shall surely live4 7,ezek4 #cc3 #aa1 #ad-af47 ,but1 behold1 a greater than ,ezekiel has testified to the same thing4 ,here are the words of ,jesus ,christ1 the ,author of eternal salvation3 ,i came not to call the righteous1 but sinners to repentance4 7,luke #e3 #cb47 ,i say unto you1 that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth1 more than over ninety and nine just persons1 which need no repentance4 7,luke #ae3 #g47 ,the ,world3--,thank you1 ,paul1 for your testimony4 ,latter-day ,saints3--,we have another witness who was called by the ,lord to preach repentance to the people of his generation4 ,the ,world3--,we are ready to listen to his testimony4 ,,testimony ,,of ,,noah4 ,the ,world3--,what is your name8 ,noah3--,my name is ,noah4 ,the ,world3--,were you called by the ,lord to preach repentance unto the people in your day8 ,noah3--,i was4 ,the ,lord beheld that the wickedness of the children of men was great upon the earth4 ,they had entirely turned away from the holy commandments which had been delivered unto them4 ,they took pleasure in all manner of wickedness and abominations4 ,they were1 as are millions of the human family at the present time1 lovers of pleasure more than lovers of ,god4 ,the ,lord saw that the imaginations of their hearts were evil continually1 and that they would surely perish if they did not turn from their wicked1 reprobate ways4 ,therefore1 ,he called me to be a preacher of righteousness1 and commissioned me to go forth and cry repentance unto that wicked and perverse generation4 ,i was commanded to build an ark1 into which ,i was to take all those who would hearken unto my words and turn unto the ,lord4 ,i was obedient unto the heavenly commandment1 and went forth among the people1 crying repentance unto them1 and warning them to flee from the wrath to come4 ,i preached not alone by precept1 but by my works also4 ,i immediately set to work to construct the ark1 and during the one hundred #cfi and twenty years while the ark was being prepared1 ,i cried aloud and spared not4 ,o1 how my soul was grieved when ,i beheld the hardness of the hearts of the people1 for ,i knew that ,god would not be mocked1 that ,he would not strive with them forever1 but that ,he would surely destroy them if they did not repent of their sins4 ,the ,world3--,what success did you meet with1 ,noah1 in your preaching8 ,noah3--,practically none4 ,my words seemed to them as idle tales4 ,they spurned the message which ,i brought them from their merciful ,creator4 ,they ate1 they drank1 they bought1 they sold1 they married and were given in marriage up till the very day that ,i and my family--eight souls in all--entered the ark1 and the ,lord shut the door4 ,even now1 ,i fancy ,i can hear their scoffs and scorns1 their mockings and derisions1 as we bade them a last farewell till we would meet them at the judgment bar of ,god4 ,then was the word of the ,lord fulfilled1 and ,his righteous judgments were poured out upon those wicked people and they perished from the earth4 7,gen4 #f3 #g47 ,and now1 in closing my testimony1 ,i will say to you1 that ,god has not changed3 ,he is the same yesterday1 today and forever2 ,he does not look upon sin with the least degree of allowance1 and just as sure as ,god is ,god1 so sure will ,his judgments come upon the inhabitants of the earth in these latter-days if they do not repent and turn from their transgressions4 ,except ye repent1 ye shall all likewise perish4 7,luke #ac3 #c47 ,the ,world3--,that is all1 ,noah4 ,latter-day ,saints3--,we now most respectfully ask you to listen to the testimony of another servant of the ,lord4 ,,abraham',s ,,testimony4 ,the ,world3--,what is your name8 ,abraham3--,my name is ,abraham4 ,the ,world3--,are you prepared to give testimony concerning the matter which is before us8 ,abraham3--,i am4 ,the ,world3--,we will listen to your testimony4 ,abraham3--,it grieves me to have to report that the inhabitants of the cities of ,sodom and ,gomorrah failed to profit by the sad fate which befell the people in the days of ,noah4 ,with the history of the past before them1 showing clearly ,god's hatred of sin1 they added day by day to the cup of their iniquities4 ,their abominations at last became unbearable to the ,lord1 and ,he decreed that ,he would destroy them from #cgj the face of the earth4 ,i shall never forget the day that the ,lord came to me in ,mamre and informed me of ,his intention of destroying the cities of the plains and the inhabitants thereof4 ,my soul was filled with sorrow1 nevertheless ,i knew that all the judgments of the ,lord were just4 ,i besought ,him to grant me favor in ,his sight1 which ,he did4 ,i asked ,him if ,he would spare the city of ,sodom provided fifty righteous souls were found there4 ,he promised me that ,he would spare the city if it contained fifty righteous inhabitants4 ,but alas6 that number could not be found4 ,i plead with the ,lord again and again1 and ,he finally consented to turn away ,his judgments from ,sodom if ten ,god-fearing persons were found in the city4 ,but ten such persons could not be found1 and the ,lord in ,his anger destroyed the inhabitants of those wicked cities and thus blotted out their iniquity from before ,his face4 7,gen4 #ah3 #ai47 ,and as ,he spared not the cities of the plains1 neither will ,he spare any other city or nation that forgets ,god4 ,as ,noah said1 so say ,i1 ,woe unto the inhabitants of the earth if they do not repent4 ,behold1 ere they are aware1 the ,spirit of ,god will cease to strive with them1 and they shall1 by their ungodly deeds1 bring upon themselves swift destruction4 ,the ,world3--,we have listened with interest to your testimony1 ,abraham4 ,you are excused4 ,latter-day ,saints3--,we will now introduce a witness who will show you the great blessings which came to the people of ,nineveh when they turned from their evil ways and began to work righteousness in the sight of the ,lord4 ,,testimony ,,of ,,jonah4 ,the ,world3--,what is your name8 ,jonah3--,my name is ,jonah4 ,the ,world3--,were you called by the ,lord to preach repentance8 ,jonah3--,i was4 ,the word of the ,lord came to me on one occasion1 saying3 ,arise1 go to ,nineveh1 that great city1 and cry against it2 for their wickedness is come up before me4 7,jonah #a3 #b47 ,the ,world3--,did you do as the ,lord commanded you8 ,jonah3--,i did not4 ,i went down to ,joppa1 and there took ship for ,tarshish4 ,the ,lord punished me for my disobedience1 and then ,he said unto me the second time1 ,arise1 go unto ,nineveh1 that great city1 and preach unto it the preaching that ,i bid thee4 7,jonah #c3 #b47 ,so ,i did as the ,lord commanded me4 ,as ,i entered the city ,i began to cry aloud1 ,yet forty days1 and ,nineveh shall be overthrown4 ,so the #cga people of ,nineveh believed ,god and proclaimed a fast1 and put on sackcloth1 from the greatest of them even to the least of them4 ,for word came unto the king of ,nineveh1 and he arose from his throne1 and he laid his robe from him1 and covered him with sackcloth1 and sat in ashes4 ,and he caused it to be proclaimed and published through ,nineveh by the decree of the king and his nobles1 saying1 ,let neither man nor beast1 herd nor flock1 taste any thing2 let them not feed1 nor drink water3 but let man and beast be covered with sackcloth1 and cry mightily unto ,god3 yea1 let them turn every one from his evil way1 and from the violence that is in their hands4 ,who can tell if ,god will turn and repent1 and turn away from his fierce anger1 that we perish not8 ,and ,god saw their works1 that they turned from their evil way2 and ,god repented of the evil1 that he had said that he would do unto them2 and he did it not4 7,jonah #c3 #e-aj47 ,latter-day ,saints3--,the next witness whose evidence we desire you to hear is ,john1 the forerunner of ,christ4 ,,testimony ,,of ,,john4 ,the ,world3--,your name is ,john8 ,john3--,it is4 ,the ,world3--,were you called by the ,lord to preach repentance to the people of your generation8 ,john3--,i was4 ,i was sent before the ,lord to prepare ,his way4 ,i called upon the people to repent of their sins1 for the ,kingdom of ,heaven was at hand4 7,matt4 #c3 #a1 #b47 ,the ,world3--,were you able to bring many to repentance8 ,john3--,yes1 many people of ,judaea and ,jerusalem1 upon hearing the proclamation1 repented1 came forward and confessed their sins1 and were baptized in the river ,jordan4 7,mark #a3 #e47 ,the ,world3--,are we to understand that confession of sins is essential8 ,john3--,such has been the teaching of the servants of the ,lord in every dispensation4 ,without confession of sins repentance is incomplete4 ,here are the words of the inspired teachers3 ,he that covereth his sins shall not prosper1 but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy4 7,prov4 #bh3 #ac47 ,if we say that we have no sin we deceive ourselves1 and the truth is not in us4 ,if we confess our sins1 ,he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins1 and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness4 7,i ,john #a3 #h1 #i47 ,but confession should be accompanied with a promise and determination to sin no more4 ,to confess his sins before ,god will not #cgb benefit a man unless his confession is accompanied with a determination to sin no more4 ,he must covenant with the ,lord that he is willing to forsake sin1 and that in future he will1 with ,his ,divine assistance1 yield to no evil1 but will shun the very appearance of it1 and keep himself unspotted from the world4 ,god cannot be deceived1 and ,he will not pardon those who merely confess their sins1 and still make no effort to forsake them4 ,the ,world3--,repentance is1 therefore1 conditional8 ,john3--,it is4 ,men must be willing to confess their sins and to forsake them4 ,they must also be willing to forgive others4 ,in fact1 ,christ told the people that ,his ,father would not forgive them their trespasses if they in their hearts failed to forgive those who trespassed against them4 ,these are ,his words3 ,if ye forgive men their trespasses1 your ,heavenly ,father will also forgive you2 but if ye forgive not men their trespasses1 neither will your ,father forgive your trespasses4 7,matt4 #f3 #ad1 #ae47 ,and this forgiveness must be without limit4 ,on one occasion ,peter asked the ,lord1 ,how oft shall my brother sin against me1 and ,i forgive him1 till seven times8 ,the ,master answered1 ,i say not unto thee1 until seven times2 but until seventy times seven4 ,on another occasion ,he taught the disciples1 saying1 ,if thy brother trespass against thee1 rebuke him1 and if he repent1 forgive him4 ,and if he trespass against thee seven times in a day1 and seven times in a day turn again to thee saying1 ,i repent1 thou shalt forgive him4 7,luke #ag3 #c1 #d47 ,nowhere are repentance1 confession and forgiveness more beautifully portrayed than in ,christ's parable of the prodigal son4 ,after having wasted his substance in riotous living1 and being brought down so low that he had to satisfy his hunger with swine's food1 the prodigal at last came to himself4 ,he thought of his father's home in which he had spent so many happy years1 of the good things of the earth with which the tables had always been laden1 of the hired servants who waited upon the family4 ,the spirit of repentance entered his heart1 and springing to his feet he exclaimed1 ,i will arise and go to my father1 and will say unto him1 ,father1 ,i have sinned against heaven1 and before thee1 and am no more worthy to be called thy son3 make me as one of thy hired servants4 99 99 99 ,but when he was yet a great way off1 his father saw him1 and had compassion1 and ran1 and fell on his neck1 and kissed him4 99 99 99 ,and the father said to his servants1 ,bring forth the best robe1 and put it on him2 and put a ring on his hand1 and shoes on his feet3 and bring hither the fatted calf and kill it2 #cgc and let us eat1 and be merry3 for this my sen was dead1 and is alive again2 he was lost1 and is found4 7,luke #ae3 #ah-bj1 #ba-bd47 ,in this parable is clearly exhibited the love and mercy of ,god4 ,verily1 he that cometh to ,him shall in nowise be cast out4 ,the ,world3--,we will excuse the witness4 ,latter-day ,saints3--,this is our case4 ,we believe we have proved most conclusively that repentance is essential to salvation4 ,for this ye know1 said the apostle1 that no whoremonger1 nor unclean person1 nor covetous man who is an idolater1 hath any inheritance in the ,kingdom of ,christ and of ,god4 7,eph4 #e3 #e47 ,the ,lord has also said by the mouth of ,john the ,revelator3 ,the fearful1 and unbelieving1 and the abominable1 and murderers1 and whoremongers1 and sorcerers1 and idolaters1 and all liars1 shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone3 which is the second death4 7,rev4 #ba3 #h47 ,we1 therefore1 say unto all men1 ,be not deceived2 ,god is not mocked3 for whatsoever a man soweth1 that shall he also reap4 7,gal4 #f3 #g47 ,we have pointed out all the prominent principles connected with true repentance4 ,and it can easily be seen by every honest heart1 that ,god requires mankind to seek diligently to discern good from evil1 and to ascertain what sins and evils they are guilty of2 to be exercised with a ,godly sorrow that they have ever sinned against so great and good a ,being as ,god2 to make suitable confession before ,god1 for all past sins committed2 and such a confession must be accompanied with a solemn covenant or promise to sin no more2 and the heart should be fixed and immovable in this covenant4 ,all persons who will do these things will have a measure of the ,spirit of ,christ resting upon them1 imparting humility1 and meekness1 and lowliness of heart4 ,but still this repentance does not guarantee to them a remission of sins2 it only prepares the heart to obey properly a great and holy ordinance which ,god has instituted expressly for the remission of sins4 ,we mean the ordinance of baptism4 ,v4--,,water ,,baptism4 ,the ,world3--,do you believe and teach that water baptism is essential to salvation8 ,latter-day ,saints3--,we do4 ,water baptism was commanded by the ,lord1 and we do not teach people that they can get into the ,kingdom of ,heaven by breaking the ,lord's commandments4 ,the ,world3--,well1 we have been taught that baptism is #cgd not at all essential to salvation1 that it is simply an outward sign of an inward grace4 ,latter-day ,saints3--,baptism was instituted before the foundation of the world4 ,it is an ordinance of the everlasting ,gospel1 and by obedience to that ordinance1 coupled with faith1 and sincere repentance1 the ,lord has promised mankind a remission of their sins4 ,we have the testimony of many eminent writers that baptism was practiced by the ,jews1 as a religious ceremony1 ages anterior to the birth of our ,savior4 ,it is said that the ,jews not only circumcised1 but baptized all new converts to their faith2 and that in the days of ,solomon great numbers were proselyted from the surrounding nations1 and were baptized4 ,it is by some supposed that the ,jews1 before ,christ1 did not baptize those of ,jewish descent1 but only such as were proselyted from foreign nations4 ,but it is certain that baptism was administered1 under the law of ,moses1 unto numerous multitudes of ,jews2 for ,john the ,baptist1 who was the legal heir of the ,aaronic ,priesthood1 through the lineage of his fathers1 did administer this rite to thousands of the ,jews for the remission of their sins2 and this1 too1 at a time when the law of ,moses was in full force4 ,even ,jesus ,himself had not yet been baptized4 ,none of the old institution was yet abolished2 and no new institutions were1 as yet1 introduced4 ,and while under the strictest obligations to keep the old law1 ,john was baptizing2 and there went out to him ,jerusalem and all ,judaea1 and all the region round about ,jordan1 and were baptized of him in ,jordan1 confessing their sins4 7,matt4 #c3 #e1 #f47 ,we ask you to hear the testimony of ,paul on this subject4 ,the ,world3--,we will be pleased to hear the ,apostle's evidence4 ,,paul',s ,,testimony4 ,the ,world3--,paul1 did you teach the people that water baptism was practiced by the ,israelites before the days of ,john the ,baptist8 ,paul3--,i did4 ,water baptism is one of the ordinances of the ,gospel--the true ,gospel1 which embraces one ,lord1 one faith and one baptism4 ,that ,gospel was preached to the people in the days of ,abraham2 and also to the ,israelites under ,moses4 ,have you not read what ,i wrote to the ,galatians1 the ,hebrews and the ,corinthians concerning this matter8 ,i quote from my epistles3 ,and the scripture1 foreseeing that ,god would justify the heathen through faith1 preached before the ,gospel unto ,abraham1 saying1 ,in thee shall all nations be blessed4 7,gal4 #c3 #h47 ,for unto us was the ,gospel preached1 as well #cge as unto them3 but the word preached did not profit them1 not being mixed with faith in them that heard it4 7,heb4 #d3 #b47 ,moreover1 brethren1 ,i would not that ye should be ignorant1 how that all our fathers were under the cloud1 and all passed through the sea2 and were all baptized unto ,moses in the cloud and in the sea4 7,i ,cor4 #aj3 #a1 #b47 ,the ,world3--,paul1 you have clearly proved the antiquity of baptism4 ,we will excuse you for the present4 ,latter-day ,saints3--,we can prove to you beyond the possibility of doubt that water baptism is essential to man's salvation4 ,as you know1 nearly all the ,christian sects believe in and practice some form of baptism1 but1 with two or three exceptions1 none of them believe that that ordinance aids1 even in the slightest degree1 in the salvation of the souls of men4 ,this is a mistake4 ,baptism is one of the first ordinances of the ,gospel1 and is as essential to man's salvation as any other ordinance that ,god has ever revealed4 ,the ,world3--,we are ready to hear your witnesses on this matter4 ,latter-day ,saints3--,the first witness that we will introduce is ,john the ,baptist4 ,,testimony ,,of ,,john4 ,the ,world3--,your name is ,john8 ,john3--,it is4 ,the ,world3--,you told us on a former occasion that you were called of ,god to go before ,christ and prepare ,his way4 ,john3--,that is correct4 ,you will find it so recorded in ,john's ,gospel4 7,john #a3 #f47 ,the ,world3--,what did ,god command you to preach to the people8 ,john3--,repentance and water baptism4 ,the ,world3--,you say that ,god sent you to baptize with water8 ,john3--,he did4 ,it is recorded in the scriptures3 ,and ,i knew him not3 but he that sent me to baptize with water1 the same said unto me1 ,upon whom thou shalt see the ,spirit descending1 and remaining on him1 the same is he which baptizeth with the ,holy ,ghost4 7,john #a3 #cc47 ,the ,world3--,what did you tell the people was the object of water baptism8 ,john3--,i told them that it was for the remission of sins4 ,mark and ,luke bear me witness4 ,the former says3 ,john did baptize in the wilderness1 and preach the baptism of repentance for the remissions of sins4 7,mark #a3 #d47 ,luke #cgf says3 ,and he came into all the country about ,jordan1 preaching the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins4 7,luke #c3 #c47 ,the ,world3--,after what manner did you baptize8 ,john3--,as ,i was commanded by the ,lord--by immersion4 ,i took the repentant believers down to the river ,jordan1 and there ,i baptized them by immersing them in the water4 ,the ,world3--,then you do not believe in infant sprinkling8 ,john3--,i do not4 ,it is contrary to the teaching of ,christ and ,his ,apostles4 ,there was but one form of baptism known to them1 that was baptism by immersion for the remission of sins4 ,on one occasion when people applied to me for baptism1 ,i had to take them to ,aenon1 near to ,salim1 because there was much water there4 7,john #c3 #bc47 ,had ,i considered sprinkling just as acceptable to ,god as immersion1 ,i would not have taken the people to ,aenon to be baptized4 ,the ,world3--,you baptized ,jesus ,christ8 ,john3--,i did4 ,the ,world3--,when ,christ applied to you for baptism what did you say8 ,john3--,i said1 ,i have need to be baptized of thee1 and comest thou to me8 ,then ,jesus said to me1 ,suffer it to be so now3 for thus it becometh us to fulfill all righteousness4 7,matt4 #c3 #ad1 #ae47 ,the ,world3--,you say that ,christ requested you to baptize ,him in order that ,he might fulfill all righteousness8 ,john3--,he did4 ,and if the ,son of ,god1 being holy1 had need to be baptized with water that ,he might fulfill all righteousness1 how much more need have mortal men1 they being unholy1 to be baptized8 ,according to the words of the ,savior a man cannot fulfill all righteousness if he fails to comply with the ordinance of baptism4 ,i told the ,pharisees and lawyers that they had rejected the counsel of ,god against themselves by not being baptized4 7,luke #g3 #cj47 ,and as it was in those days1 so it is today--all those who slight this command of the ,lord1 and refuse to be baptized by immersion for the remission of their sins1 will1 like the ,pharisees and lawyers1 reject the counsel of ,god against themselves4 ,the ,world3--,the witness is excused4 7,to the ,latter-day ,saints47 ,when was the method of baptism changed8 ,latter-day ,saints3--,in the third century after ,christ1 in the case of a man named ,novatian4 ,gahan1 a ,catholic historian1 writing of him1 says3 ,having embraced the faith1 he continued a catechumen1 till1 falling dangerously ill1 and #cgg his life being despaired of1 he was baptized in bed1 not by immersion1 which was then the usual method1 but by infusion1 or pouring on of water4 ,the ,world3--,who is your next witness8 ,latter-day ,saints3--,our next witness is the ,jewish ruler ,nicodemus4 ,,testimony ,,of ,,nicodemus4 ,the ,world3--,nicodemus1 had you an interview with ,christ8 ,nicodemus3--,i had4 ,i called upon ,him one night and said to ,him1 ,rabbi1 we know that thou art a teacher come from ,god3 for no man can do these miracles that thou doest except ,god be with him4 7,john #c3 #b47 ,the ,world3--,what did ,christ say in reply8 ,nicodemus3--,he told me that ,i would have to be born again--born of water and of the ,spirit4 ,he spoke most emphatically concerning this matter1 saying1 ,verily1 verily1 ,i say unto thee1 except a man be born of water and of the ,spirit1 he cannot enter into the ,kingdom of ,god4 7,john #c3 #e47 ,the ,world3--,what did you interpret the words born of the water and of the ,spirit to mean8 ,nicodemus3--,i interpreted them to mean the baptism of water and of the ,holy ,spirit4 ,christ was born of the water and of the ,spirit when ,he was baptized2 ,his disciples were born of the water and of the ,spirit1 and the ,savior declared that except a man receive this new birth he cannot enter the ,kingdom of ,god4 ,the ,world3--,we have been taught that the water which ,jesus spoke of was the word of ,god4 ,nicodemus3--,he did not tell me that4 ,i am sure that if ,christ had meant the word of ,god ,he would have said so4 ,christ did not say one thing and mean another4 ,why should men put false sentiments into the mouth of the ,son of ,god8 ,that you may see the absurdity of this interpretation which men have put upon the words of ,christ1 ,i will make a few quotations from the scriptures1 substituting the words word of ,god for the word water3 ,and ,jesus when he was baptized1 went up straightway out of the word of ,god4 ,and ,john was baptizing in ,aenon near to ,salim1 because there were much words of ,god there4 ,and he commanded the chariot to stand still3 and they went down both into the word of ,god4 99 99 99 ,and when they were come up out of the word of ,god4 u ,then answered ,peter1 ,can any man forbid the word of ,god1 that these should not be baptized4 #cgh ,that he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of the word of ,god by the word4 ,the ,world3--,this certainly makes the interpretation appear most absured4 ,but1 do you consider water baptism essential to salvation8 ,nicodemus3--,i do1 most assuredly4 ,i am aware that this doctrine sounds as strange to the people in these days as it did at first to me4 ,but it is1 nevertheless1 true4 ,it was not ,christ's doctrine1 it was the doctrine of the ,father who had sent ,him1 and who had sent ,john also with a similar message4 ,my doctrine is not mine1 said the ,savior1 but his that sent me4 ,if any man will do his will1 he shall know of the doctrine1 whether it be of ,god1 or whether ,i speak of myself4 7,john #g3 #af1 #ag47 ,again ,he said1 ,for ,i have not spoken of myself2 but the ,father which sent me1 he gave me a commandment what ,i should say and what ,i should speak4 ,and ,i know that his commandment is life everlasting2 whatsoever ,i speak1 therefore1 even as the ,father said unto me1 so ,i speak4 7,john #ab3 #di1 #ej47 ,therefore1 when ,christ impressed upon me the necessity of a new birth1 of the water and of the ,spirit1 ,he taught me a commandment which ,he had received from ,his ,father1 and which ,he said was life everlasting4 ,i am surprised that anyone possessed of ordinary intelligence could think for a moment that ,god1 the fountain of all truth and wisdom1 would send ,his ,son down to the earth to teach the children of men ordinances which were not necessary for them to observe4 ,nor can ,i think of anything more foolish than for ,christ to send out missionaries into the world to teach people to observe an ordinance1 which1 when they had obeyed it1 they were no better off than they were before4 ,how dare anyone charge the ,almighty with such folly8 ,the ,world3--,we have no further questions to ask the witness4 ,latter-day ,saints3--,our next witness is the ,apostle ,peter4 ,,peter',s ,,testimony4 ,the ,world3--,were you commissioned by the ,lord ,jesus ,christ to preach ,his ,gospel8 ,peter3--,i was4 ,in sending ,his ,apostles forth to preach the ,gospel1 the ,lord said unto them1 ,go ye therefore1 and teach all nations1 baptizing them in the name of the ,father1 and of the ,son1 and of the ,holy ,ghost3 teaching them to observe all things whatsoever ,i have commanded you3 and #cgi lo1 ,i am with you alway1 even unto the end of the world4 7,matt4 #bh3 #ai1 #bj47 ,the ,world3--,baptism is1 therefore1 a commandment of the ,lord8 ,peter3--,it is1 and ,christ has said1 that he that breaks one of the least of ,his commandments and teaches men to do so1 the same shall be called the least in the ,kingdom of ,heaven4 7,matt4 #e3 #ai47 ,the ,world3--,do you believe water baptism to be essential to man's salvation8 ,peter3--,i do4 ,if it had not been so considered by ,christ1 ,he would not have commanded us to preach it4 ,why send us out to tell people to observe an ordinance of the ,gospel which it mattered not with ,god whether they observed or not8 ,that would not give the ,lord credit for possessing as much intelligence as men2 for no man among you would command his servants to do a certain work when it mattered not whether it was done or left undone4 ,if baptism is not essential to salvation1 then it was needless on the part of ,christ to command ,his ,apostles to preach it4 ,it was a waste of time for us to do so1 for while we were preaching baptism and administering the ordinances we could have employed the time in preaching principles which are essential to men's salvation4 ,you will observe1 ,christ told us to baptize the people in the name of the ,father1 and of the ,son and of the ,holy ,ghost4 ,now1 do you think for a moment that we would have used the names of the ,holy ,trinity in an ordinance in which there was no profit8 ,did ,christ not know that it was written in the ,scriptures1 ,thou shalt not take the name of the ,lord thy ,god in vain1 for the ,lord will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain4 ,if you say that baptism is not essential to salvation1 you make the ,savior of the world a transgressor of ,god's holy commandment1 for what could be more vain than to use the names of the ,holy ,trinity in an ordinance in which there were no virtue1 no salvation8 ,the ,world3--,you1 therefore1 taught the people that it was necessary for them to be baptized8 ,peter3--,i did4 ,with the rest of the ,apostles ,i stood up on the day of ,pentecost before a great multitude of people and declared unto them the message of life and salvation which ,christ had given us to deliver4 ,we spoke under the inspiration of the ,holy ,ghost1 and thousands of people were pricked in their hearts1 and cried out saying1 ,men and brethren1 what shall we do8 ,the ,world3--,what did you tell them8 #chj ,peter3--,i said unto them1 ,repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of ,jesus ,christ for the remission of sins1 and ye shall receive the gift of the ,holy ,ghost4 7,acts #b3 #ch47 ,the same day three thousand souls were added to the ,church4 ,there was a most devout man named ,cornelius1 who resided in ,caesarea1 who prayed to ,god constantly and gave much alms to the people4 ,his prayers and alms came up as a memorial before ,god1 and ,he sent an angel to ,cornelius to tell him to send for me to ,joppa1 and that ,i would tell him words whereby he and his house should be saved4 ,now1 you will remember1 that a short time previous to this ,i had taught thousands of people baptism for the remission of sins4 ,if ,i had taught them false doctrine do you think the ,lord would have sent an angel to ,cornelius to advise him to send for me to teach him the plan of salvation8 ,i told ,cornelius the same things that ,i declared to the people on the day of ,pentecost1 and commanded him and his household to be baptized in the name of the ,lord4 7,acts #aj3 #dh47 ,the ,world3--,that is all1 ,peter4 ,latter-day ,saints3--,we now submit for your consideration the testimony of the ,apostle ,paul4 ,,paul',s ,,testimony4 ,the ,world3--,what is your belief concerning water baptism8 ,paul3--,i believe and have taught that it is an essential ordinance of the ,gospel of ,jesus ,christ4 ,when ,jesus appeared to me on the way to ,damascus1 ,he called me to repentance and told me to go into ,damascus and that ,i would there be told of all things that were commanded of me to do4 ,the ,lord then instructed ,his servant ,ananias to go to me and to tell me to arise and be baptised and wash away my sins1 calling on the name of the ,lord4 7,acts #bb3 #af47 ,so1 you see1 baptism for the remission of sins is not my doctrine1 but the ,lord's4 ,so important is this ordinance in the sight of the ,eternal ,father that ,he withheld the ,holy ,ghost from twelve devout ,ephesians until ,i had re-baptized them4 ,they had been baptized previously1 but not by one holding authority from ,god1 and so their baptism was not valid in ,his sight4 ,how dare ,i teach the children of men that baptism is not essential to salvation when ,he who spake as never man spake had declared1 ,except a man be born of water and of the ,spirit he cannot enter into the ,kingdom of ,god4 ,the ,world3--,we will excuse the witness4 ,latter-day ,saints3--,we have adduced enough evidence to #cha convince every fair-minded person that water baptism is essential to his salvation4 ,we have shown that it was instituted by the ,lord from the beginning of the world for the remission of sins4 ,the ,israelites received the ordinance under the hands of ,moses1 and were all baptized in the cloud and in the sea4 ,john1 the forerunner of ,messiah1 was sent by ,god to preach baptism for the remission of sins4 ,he baptized multitudes of people in the river ,jordan for the remission of their sins4 ,christ the ,son of ,god received baptism at the hands of ,john in order that ,he1 too1 might fulfill all righteousness4 ,jesus told the ,jewish ruler that except a man were born of water and of the ,spirit he could not enter the ,kingdom of ,god4 ,he commanded ,his disciples to ,go and teach all nations1 baptizing them in the name of the ,father and of the ,son and of the ,holy ,ghost4 ,peter1 while preaching under the influence of the ,holy ,ghost1 told the people on the day of ,pentecost to repent and be baptized in the name of ,jesus ,christ for the remission of their sins4 ,the ,lord ,himself sent ,ananias to ,saul of ,tarsus to tell him to arise and be baptised and wash away his sins4 ,we preach the same doctrine that was taught by ,christ and ,his ,apostles1 and say unto you1 ,repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of ,jesus ,christ1 for the remission of sins1 and ye shall receive the gift of the ,holy ,ghost4 ,,vi4--,,the ,,holy ,,ghost4 ,the ,world 7to the ,latter-day ,saints73--,according to the doctrine of your ,church a man must be born of water and of the ,spirit before he can enter the ,kingdom of ,god4 ,latter-day ,saints3--,in this we simply reiterate what ,jesus said to the anxious ,jewish ruler1 ,nicodemus4 ,these are ,his words3 ,verily1 verily1 ,i say unto thee1 except a man be born of water and of the ,spirit1 he cannot enter into the ,kingdom of ,god4 7,john #c3 #e47 ,these are the words of the ,son of ,god1 and whenever ,he speaks all discussion should be closed4 ,the ,world3--,you explained to us in the last examination that being born of the water means being baptized in water3 what are we to understand by being born of the ,spirit8 ,latter-day ,saints3--,to be born of the ,spirit means to be baptized with the ,holy ,ghost4 ,all men must receive these two baptisms before they can become the sons of ,god4 ,by being born of the flesh we become the sons of men3 by being born of the water and of the ,spirit we become the sons of ,god4 ,we desire you to hear the testimony of ,john the ,baptist on this important matter4 #chb ,,testimony ,,of ,,john ,,the ,,baptist4 ,the ,world3--,john1 you told us on two former occasions that you were sent of ,god to prepare the way for ,his ,only ,begotten ,son4 ,what did you teach the people they had to do in order to be accepted of the ,lord and admitted into ,his ,kingdom8 ,john3--,i told them that they would have to repent1 and be baptized in water for the remission of their sins4 ,i promised the people that1 if they would do these things1 when ,christ would come ,he would baptize them with a higher baptism--the baptism of the ,holy ,ghost and of fire4 7,matt4 #c3 #aa47 ,the ,world3--,you baptized the ,christ8 ,john3--,i did4 ,the ordinance was performed in the river ,jordan4 ,as soon as ,jesus came up out of the water the heavens were opened and the ,spirit of ,god descended like a dove and rested upon ,him1 and then was heard the voice of ,god out of heaven1 saying1 ,thou art my beloved ,son1 in whom ,i am well pleased4 7,mark #a3 #i-aa47 ,thus was ,jesus born of the water and of the ,spirit1 and all men must follow the example of the ,redeemer of the world if they expect to become heirs of ,god and joint heirs with ,jesus ,christ4 ,the ,world3--,did you promise the ,holy ,ghost to all those whom you baptized8 ,john3--,i did4 ,i said to them1 ,i indeed baptize you with water unto repentance3 but he that cometh after me is mightier than ,i1 whose shoes ,i am not worthy to bear3 he shall baptize you with the ,holy ,ghost1 and with fire4 7,matt4 #c3 #aa47 ,the ,world3--,you are excused1 ,john4 ,latter-day ,saints3--,our next witness is the ,apostle ,john4 ,,testimony ,,of ,,the ,,apostle ,,john4 ,the ,world3--,you are an ,apostle of the ,lord ,jesus ,christ8 ,john3--,i am4 ,the ,world3--,john the ,baptist promised those who believed in ,christ and who had repented and been baptized for the remission of their sins that the ,messiah would baptize them with the ,holy ,ghost and with fire4 ,did you receive that higher baptism8 ,john3--,i did1 but not until ,christ had fulfilled ,his mission and had returned to ,his ,father4 ,while the ,savior was with us ,he was our ,teacher1 our ,guide and our ,comforter2 but when ,he ascended up on high we received from the ,father the other ,comforter1 the ,holy ,ghost1 who was to #chc abide within us forever4 ,during ,his sojourn with us1 ,jesus referred quite often to the ,divine ,spirit which ,his ,father would confer upon us after ,his departure4 ,on different occasions ,he said to us3 ,but the ,comforter1 which is the ,holy ,ghost1 whom the ,father will send in my name1 he shall teach you all things1 and bring all things to your remembrance1 whatsoever ,i have said unto you4 7,john #ad3 #bf47 ,but when the ,comforter is come1 whom ,i will send unto you from the ,father1 even the ,spirit of truth1 which proceedeth from the ,father1 he shall testify of me4 7,john #ae3 #bf47 ,howbeit when he1 the ,spirit of truth1 is come1 he will guide you into all truth3 for he shall not speak of himself2 but whatsoever he shall hear1 that shall he speak3 and he will show you things to come4 ,he shall glorify me3 for he shall receive of mine1 and shall show it unto you4 7,john #af3 #ac1 #ad47 ,and when they bring you unto the synagogues1 and unto the magistrates1 and powers1 take ye no thought how or what thing ye shall answer1 or what ye shall say3 for the ,holy ,ghost shall teach you in that same hour what ye ought to say4 7,luke #ab3 #aa1 #ab47 ,nevertheless ,i tell you the truth2 it is expedient for you that ,i go away2 for if ,i go not away1 the ,comforter will not come unto you2 but if ,i depart1 ,i will send him unto you4 7,john #af3 #g47 ,and1 behold1 ,i send the promise of my ,father unto you3 but tarry ye in the city of ,jerusalem1 until ye be endued with power from on high4 7,luke #bd3 #di47 ,the ,world3--,how was the ,holy ,ghost conferred upon the people8 ,john3--,through prayer and by the imposition of hands4 ,the ,world3--,did you receive the ,holy ,ghost in this manner8 ,john3--,i did1 and so did the rest of the ,apostles4 ,jesus said to us1 ,and ,i will pray the ,father1 and he shall give you another ,comforter1 that he may abide with you forever4 7,john #ad3 #af47 ,he led us out as far as ,bethany1 where ,he lifted up ,his hands and blessed us2 ,he then breathed on us1 and said1 ,receive ye the ,holy ,ghost4 7,luke #bd3 #ej2 ,john #bj3 #bb47 ,the ,world3--,that is all1 ,john4 ,latter-day ,saints3--,our next witness1 the ,apostle ,peter1 is ready to be examined4 ,the ,world3--,we will listen to his testimony4 ,,peter ,,testifies4 ,the ,world3--,did you also receive from ,christ the promise of the ,holy ,ghost8 #chd ,peter3--,i did4 ,after ,his resurrection1 the ,lord appeared to us as we were assembled together1 and commanded us that we should not depart from ,jerusalem1 but wait for the promise of the ,father1 which1 said ,he1 ye have heard of me4 ,for ,john truly baptized with water2 but ye shall be baptized with the ,holy ,ghost not many days hence4 7,acts #a3 #d1 #e47 ,the ,world3--,when did you receive the gift of the ,holy ,ghost8 ,peter3--,on the day of ,pentecost4 ,the ,apostles were assembled together1 and suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind1 and it rilled all the house where we were sitting4 ,and there appeared unto us cloven tongues like of as fire1 and it sat upon each of us4 ,and we were all filled with the ,holy ,ghost1 and began to speak with other tongues1 as the ,spirit gave us utterance4 7,acts #b3 #b-d47 ,the ,world3--,were the ,apostles the only ones who received the ,holy ,ghost8 ,peter3--,they were not4 ,the ,lord is not a respecter of persons2 in every nation he that feareth ,god and keepeth ,his commandments is accepted of ,him4 ,john assured all his baptized converts that they would receive the baptism of the ,holy ,ghost4 ,after being endowed with the ,divine ,spirit1 the ,apostles stood up before a great multitude of people and bore witness of the resurrection of ,christ4 ,thousands of people1 on beholding the glorious outpouring of the ,holy ,ghost1 and perceiving the power by which we spake1 were pricked in their hearts1 and cried out1 ,men and brethren1 what shall we do8 ,this is what ,i said unto them1 ,repent1 and be baptized every one of you in the name of ,jesus ,christ for the remission of sins1 and ye shall receive the gift of the ,holy ,ghost4 ,for the promise is unto you1 and to your children1 and to all that are afar off1 even as many as the ,lord our ,god shall call4 7,acts #b3 #ch1 #ci47 ,the ,world3--,did ,christ give you authority to confer the ,holy ,ghost upon those who believed on your words and obeyed the ,gospel8 ,peter3--,he did1 and also to the other ,apostles4 ,he said to us3 ,but ye shall receive power1 after that the ,holy ,ghost is come upon you3 and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in ,jerusalem1 and in all ,judaea1 and in ,samaria1 and unto the uttermost part of the earth4 7,acts #a3 #h47 ,after ,his resurrection the ,lord appeared unto us and commissioned us to go forth and preach the ,gospel4 ,go ye into all the world1 said ,he1 and preach the ,gospel to every creature4 ,he that believeth and is baptized shall be saved2 but he that #che believeth not shall be damned4 ,and these signs shall follow them that believe2 in my name they shall cast out devils2 they shall speak with new tongues2 they shall take up serpents2 and if they drink any deadly thing it shall not hurt them2 they shall lay hands on the sick and they shall recover4 7,mark #af3 #ae-ah47 ,the ,world3--,did the people who accepted the ,gospel of ,christ in the days of your ministry receive the gift of the ,holy ,ghost8 ,peter3--,they did4 ,the ,lord confirmed the words of ,his servants by pouring out ,his ,holy ,spirit upon those who repented of their sins and who were baptized by ,divine authority for the remission of their sins4 ,the ,world3--,how was the ,holy ,ghost conferred8 ,peter3--,by prayer and by the imposition of the hands of authorized servants of ,god4 ,the ,world3--,can you refer us to an occasion when the ,holy ,ghost was given to believers8 ,peter3--,on one occasion ,philip went down to ,samaria and preached the ,gospel to the inhabitants of that city4 ,and the people with one accord gave heed unto those things which ,philip spake1 hearing and seeing the miracles which he did4 ,for unclean spirits1 crying with loud voice1 came out of many that were possessed with them2 and many taken with palsies1 and that were lame1 were healed4 99 99 99 ,when they believed ,philip preaching the things concerning the ,kingdom of ,god1 and the name of ,jesus ,christ1 they were baptized1 both men and women4 7,acts #h3 #e-g1 #ab47 ,while ,philip had authority to preach the ,gospel1 and also to baptize1 he did not have authority to confer the ,holy ,ghost4 ,he1 therefore1 sent word to the ,apostles at ,jerusalem1 acquainting them of the work which he had performed in ,samaria1 and requesting them to send men endowed with higher authority1 to confirm the baptized converts and to pray for them that they might receive the ,holy ,ghost4 ,john and ,i were sent down to ,samaria1 and when we met with the converts there we prayed for them1 after which we laid our hands upon them1 and the ,holy ,ghost came upon them4 7,acts #h3 #ad-ag47 ,the ,world3--,we will now excuse you1 ,peter4 ,the ,world3--,we have been taught that the signs spoken of by ,peter were only to follow the ,apostles and the believers in that age2 that they were given to assist in establishing ,christianity2 and that when ,christianity became established they were done away with and were no longer needed4 ,latter-day ,saints3 ,we know that that is the teaching of #chf professed ministers of the ,gospel1 but it is in direct opposition to the teaching of ,christ and ,his ,apostles4 ,christ places ,his preaching1 believing1 salvation1 and the signs that were to follow1 all on an equal footing2 where one was limited1 the other must be2 where one ceased1 the other did4 ,if the language limits the signs to the ,apostles1 it limits salvation to them also4 ,if no others were to have these signs follow them then no others were to believe1 and no others were to be saved4 ,if the language limits these signs to the first age or ages of ,christianity1 then it limits salvation to the first ages of ,christianity1 for one is as precisely as much limited as the other2 and where one is in force1 the other is2 and where one ends1 the other must stop4 ,as well might we say1 preaching of the ,gospel is no longer needed2 neither faith nor salvation2 these were only given at first to establish the ,gospel1 as to say1 the signs are no longer necessary1 they were only given at first to establish the ,gospel4 ,the ,world--,we will now excuse you1 ,peter4 ,latter-day ,saints3--,we have another witness1 the ,apostle ,paul4 ,the ,world3--,we are ready to hear his testimony4 ,,testimony ,,of ,,paul4 ,the ,world3--,paul1 after your conversion did you receive the gift of the ,holy ,ghost8 ,paul--,i did4 ,ananias1 being sent of the ,lord1 came to me in ,damascus1 and placing his hands upon me1 said3 ,brother ,saul1 the ,lord1 even ,jesus1 that appeared unto thee in the way as thou earnest1 has sent me1 that thou mightest receive thy sight1 and be filled with the ,holy ,ghost4 7,acts #i3 #ag47 ,the ,world3--,did anyone ever receive the ,holy ,ghost under your administration8 ,paul3--,yes1 many4 ,on one occasion1 while ,apollos was at ,corinth1 ,i passed through the upper coasts and came to ,ephesus4 ,there ,i found certain disciples who told me that they had been baptized4 ,i asked them if they had received the ,holy ,ghost since they believed1 and they answered that they had not--that they had not even heard of the ,holy ,ghost4 ,i asked them with what baptism they had been baptized1 and they replied1 ,unto ,john's baptism4 ,i told them that ,john verily baptized with the baptism of repentance1 saying unto the people that they should believe on ,him which should come after him1 that is1 on ,christ ,jesus4 ,when they heard this1 they were baptized in the name of the ,lord ,jesus4 ,i #chg then laid my hands upon them and prayed for them that the ,lord would bestow upon them ,his ,holy ,spirit4 ,the ,lord hearkened unto my prayer and acknowledged my administration1 for the ,holy ,ghost came upon them and they spake with tongues and prophesied4 7,acts #ai3 #a-f47 ,timothy also received this precious gift by the laying on of my hands4 7,,ii ,tim4 #a3 #f47 ,the ,world3--,how does the ,holy ,ghost operate upon those who receive it8 ,paul3--,in divers ways4 ,there are diversities of gifts1 but the same ,spirit4 ,but the manifestation of the ,spirit is given to every man to profit withal4 ,for to one is given by the ,spirit the word of wisdom2 to another the word of knowledge by the same ,spirit2 to another faith by the same ,spirit2 to another the gifts of healing by the same ,spirit2 to another the working of miracles2 to another prophecy2 to another discerning of spirits2 to another divers kinds of tongues2 to another the interpretation of tongues2 but all these worketh that one and the selfsame ,spirit1 dividing to every man severally as he will4 7,i ,cor4 #ab3 #d-aa47 ,all these gifts1 and many others1 were enjoyed by the primitive ,christians1 and were inseparably connected with the true ,gospel of ,christ4 ,the ,world3--,did you not write an epistle to the ,corinthian saints in which you told them that the gifts of prophecy1 tongues1 etc41 would cease8 ,paul3--,i did4 ,i told them that such gifts would cease when that which is perfect should come4 ,i read from my epistle3 ,charity never faileth3 but whether there be prophecies1 they shall fail2 whether there be tongues1 they shall cease2 whether there be knowledge1 it shall vanish away4 ,for we know in part1 and we prophesy in part4 ,but when that which is perfect is come1 then that which is in part shall be done away4 99 99 99 ,for now we see through a glass1 darkly2 but then face to face3 now ,i know in part2 but then shall ,i know even as ,i am known4 7,i ,cor4 #ac3 #h-aj1 #ab47 ,i wrote an epistle to the ,ephesians1 in which ,i told them that the spiritual gifts which ,christ had placed in ,his ,church were to continue till we all come to the unity of the faith4 ,the following is an extract from my epistle3 ,wherefore he saith1 when he ascended up on high1 he led captivity captive1 and gave gifts unto men4 ,and he gave some1 apostles2 and some1 prophets2 and some1 evangelists2 and some1 pastors and teachers2 for the perfecting of the saints1 for the work of the ministry1 for the edifying of the body of ,christ3 till we all come in the unity of the faith1 and of the knowledge of #chh the ,son of ,god1 unto a perfect man1 unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of ,christ4 7,eph4 #d3 #h1 #aa-ac47 ,the ,world3--,the witness is excused4 7,to the ,latter-day ,saints73--,do the members of your ,church enjoy the gifts of the ,holy ,ghost8 ,latter-day ,saints3--,they do4 ,we believe in the gifts of the ,holy ,ghost being enjoyed now as much as they were in the days of the ,apostles2 we believe that the revelations of the ,holy ,ghost are necessary to organize the ,priesthood2 that no man can be called to fill any office in the ministry without it2 we also believe in prophecy1 in tongues1 in visions1 in revelations1 in healings2 and that these things cannot be enjoyed without the ,holy ,ghost2 we believe that holy men of old spake as they were moved by the ,holy ,ghost1 and that holy men in these days speak by the same power2 we believe in its being a comforter and a witness-bearer2 that it brings things past to our remembrance1 leads us into all truth1 and shows us of things to come2 we believe that no man can know that ,jesus is the ,christ but by the ,holy ,ghost4 ,the ,world3--,have you received authority from the ,lord to confer the ,holy ,ghost upon those who comply with the laws and ordinances of the ,gospel8 ,latter-day ,saints3--,we have4 ,the authority was conferred upon ,joseph ,smith and ,oliver ,cowdery by the ,apostles ,peter1 ,james and ,john4 ,the ,world3--,have the gifts of the ,holy ,ghost been made manifest in this dispensation8 ,latter-day ,saints3--,they have4 ,on the evening of ,march #bgth1 #ahcf1 ,joseph ,smith met the quorums of the ,priesthood in the ,kirtland ,temple and instructed them respecting the ordinance of the washing of feet1 and in relation to the spirit of prophecy4 ,he called upon the congregation to speak1 and not to fear to prophesy good concerning the ,saints2 for if you prophesy1 said he1 the falling of these hills1 and the rising of the valleys1 the downfall of the enemies of ,zion1 and the rising of the ,kingdom of ,god1 it shall come to pass4 ,do not quench the ,spirit1 for the first one that shall open his mouth shall receive the ,spirit of prophecy4 ,brother ,george ,a4 ,smith arose1 and began to prophesy1 when a noise was heard like the sound of a rushing mighty wind1 which filled the temple1 and all the congregation simultaneously arose1 being moved upon by an invisible power2 many began to speak in tongues1 and prophesy2 others saw glorious visions2 and the ,temple was filled with angels1 which fact the ,prophet declared to the congregation4 ,the people of the neighborhood #chi came running together1 hearing an unusual sound within1 and seeing a bright light like a pillar of fire resting upon the ,temple1 and were astonished at what was transpiring4 7,compendium pp4 #bfg-h47 ,the ,world3--,do you promise the ,holy ,ghost to all those who repent and obey the ,gospel which you preach8 ,latter-day ,saints3--,we do4 ,in sending forth ,his servants in these last days to proclaim the glad tidings of the ,gospel of peace1 the ,lord said3 ,therefore go ye into all the world1 and whatsoever place ye cannot go into ye shall send1 that the testimony may go from you into all the world unto every creature4 ,and as ,i said unto mine apostles1 even so ,i say unto you1 for you are mine apostles1 even ,god's high priests2 ye are they whom my ,father hath given me--ye are my friends2 therefore1 as ,i said unto mine apostles ,i say unto you again1 that every soul who believeth on your words1 and is baptized by water for the remission of sins1 shall receive the ,holy ,ghost2 and these signs shall follow them that believe4 ,in my name they shall do many wonderful works2 in my name they shall cast out devils2 in my name they shall heal the sick2 in my name they shall open the eyes of the blind1 and unstop the ears of the deaf2 and the tongue of the dumb shall speak2 and if any man shall administer poison unto them it shall not hurt them2 and the poison of a serpent shall not have power to harm them4 ,but a commandment ,i give unto them1 that they shall not boast themselves of these things1 neither speak them before the world1 for these things are given unto you for your profit and for salvation4 ,verily1 verily ,i say unto you1 they who believe not on your words1 and are not baptized in water1 in my name1 for the remission of their sins1 that they may receive the ,holy ,ghost1 shall be damned1 and shall not come into my ,father's ,kingdom1 where my ,father and ,i am4 ,and this revelation unto you1 and commandment1 is in force from this very hour upon all the world1 and the gospel is unto all who have not received it4 7,doc4 and ,cov4 #hd3 #fb-ge47 ,all who will1 with honest hearts1 receive the message which we bear--the message that ,god the ,father has in these last days restored through the ministration of angels1 the everlasting ,gospel--shall receive a testimony by the manifestations of the ,holy ,spirit of its ,divine authenticity4 ,and these manifestations shall be such as to give them perfect knowledge of its truth4 ,,vii4 ,,baptism ,,for ,,the ,,dead4 ,latter-day ,saints3--,before proceeding further1 permit us #cij to ask you a question or two3 ,have we not proved1 and that1 too1 beyond all controversy1 that a living1 active and abiding faith in ,god the ,father1 and in ,his ,only ,begotten ,son1 ,jesus ,christ1 is indispensable to man's salvation8 ,the ,world3--,you have shown that1 in order for a man to please ,god1 not to mention being saved of ,him1 he must have faith in ,him1 and in ,his ,son ,jesus ,christ1 the ,savior of the world4 ,latter-day ,saints3--,have we not proven most conclusively that men must repent of their sins and turn away from their iniquities before they can gain access to the ,kingdom of ,god8 ,the ,world3--,sufficient evidence has been given to prove that sincere and genuine repentance must be exhibited in the lives of all men who hope for salvation1 for the decree has gone forth that no unclean thing can enter the ,kingdom of ,heaven4 ,latter-day ,saints3--,have we not proven that the proper mode of baptism is immersion1 and that the object of baptism is for the remission of sins8 ,the ,world3--,the testimony of your witnesses in regard to the mode1 object and essentiality of baptism cannot be refuted4 ,christ's answer to ,nicodemus--,except a man be born of water and of the ,spirit he cannot enter the ,kingdom of ,god--should put an end to all discussion on that subject4 ,latter-day ,saints3--,have we not proven that after a man has complied with the ordinance of baptism1 he must receive the ,holy ,ghost by the laying on of the hands of authorized servants of ,god8 ,the ,world3--,such was the practice in the primitive church4 ,after baptism the ,apostles confirmed the believers by the laying on of hands1 with prayer1 and conferring the ,holy ,ghost4 ,latter-day ,saints3--,these are the first principles of the ,gospel of ,christ1 and the ,apostle ,paul has declared that though we1 or an angel from heaven1 preach any other ,gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you1 let him be accursed4 7,gal4 #a3 #h47 ,the ,world3--,you have laid before us in a most clear and convincing manner the plan of salvation4 ,permit us now to ask you1 ,what is to become of those who have died in ignorance of the ,gospel of ,christ8 ,latter-day ,saints3--,our reply to that question is this3 ,god is a ,god of mercy and justice4 ,he does not seek a crop where there has been no seed sown4 ,all those who have died #cia in ignorance of the ,gospel are in the hands of ,him whose nature and whose name is ,love1 whose desire is that all ,his children may be saved and brought to a knowledge of the truth4 ,he has made provision whereby the glad tidings of great joy which the angel brought to the shepherds on the morning of the ,savior's birth shall be proclaimed unto every son and daughter of ,god4 ,the ,creator has made of one blood all nations that dwell on the earth4 ,there is no respect of persons with ,god4 ,his glorious plan of redemption was not revealed for the benefit of a favored class4 ,when the angel of the ,lord appeared to the shepherds on the plains of ,judaea1 he said unto them1 ,behold1 ,i bring you glad tidings of great joy1 which shall be to all people4 7,luke #b3 #aj47 ,now1 it is an undisputed fact that millions had died before that time without having heard those good tidings1 just as millions have died since whose ears have never been saluted with the good news of the ,savior's birth1 and of the great redemption which ,he purchased for the whole human family by the shedding of ,his most precious blood4 ,who could be so lost to all reason as to think for a moment that ,god would consign to everlasting punishment all those who died in absolute ignorance of ,his ,divine laws8 ,we now ask you1 as ,paul asked the ,roman saints1 ,how then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed8 and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard8 and how shall they hear without a preacher8 7,rom4 #aj3 #ad47 ,but here is the ,apostle ,peter1 a recognized authority on the doctrine of ,christ4 ,hear what he has to say in the subject4 ,,testimony ,,of ,,peter4 ,the ,world3--,peter1 would you have us believe that the ,gospel is preached to those who die in ignorance of its ,divine truths8 ,peter3--,i am surprised to hear you ask such a question when so much has been written on the matter4 ,jesus ,christ came1 not to save the living only1 but the dead also4 ,he declared that if ,he were lifted up from the earth ,he would draw all men unto ,him1 7,john #ab3 #cb71 and that the hour was coming when the dead1 as well as the living1 would hear ,his voice4 7,john #e3 #be47 ,the ,world3--,then1 according to your testimony1 ,christ after having preached the ,gospel to men in the flesh1 went also and preached the same ,gospel to those who had died without having heard of its saving principles8 ,peter3--,he did2 and not to them only1 but also to those #cib who rejected it when it was preached to them on the earth4 ,the ,world3--,this is certainly strange doctrine to us4 ,our ministers have never taught us that the dead could be saved as well as the living4 ,peter3--,that is because they do not understand the ,scriptures4 ,the men who wrote the ,scriptures wrote as they were moved upon by the ,holy ,ghost1 and in order for men to understand the writings of the prophets and other inspired servants of ,god1 they must be in possession of the same ,spirit1 for the things of ,god knoweth no man but by the ,spirit of ,god4 ,if you will permit me1 ,i will endeavor to make the ,scriptures plain to your understanding4 ,noah1 as you all know1 was a preacher of righteousness4 ,he was called by the ,lord to preach the ,gospel to the people of his generation4 ,but they refused to listen to his warning2 they turned deaf ears to his entreaties1 and at last the ,lord came out in judgment upon them and destroyed them from the face of the earth4 ,but did ,he then cast them off forever8 ,no1 indeed4 ,the ,lord does not keep ,his anger forever4 ,he had prepared a place for them1 for in ,his house there are many mansions4 ,he had prepared a prison-house for the wicked and rebellious1 and when the antediluvians were destroyed in the flesh1 their spirits were shut up in the ,lord's prison-house1 where they were kept for thousands of years1 or in other words1 till they had paid the uttermost farthing4 ,the ,world3--,and did those people have the opportunity afterwards of again hearing the ,gospel8 ,peter3--,i am coming to that4 ,i told you those spirits were shut up in prison for thousands of years4 ,now1 ,i do not ask you to accept of my testimony alone concerning this matter4 ,i am going to read to you what ,isaiah the ,prophet has written concerning the ,lord's prison-house and its inmates4 ,here are his words3 ,and they shall be gathered together1 as prisoners are gathered in the pit1 and shall be shut up in the prison1 and after many days shall they be visited4 7,isaiah #bd3 #bb47 ,now1 let us stop for a moment and analyze this ,scripture4 ,there is a depth of meaning in it1 ,i assure you4 ,writing was not done with such ease in ,isaiah's time as it is today4 ,the prophet did not pen the words which ,i have read just for pastime--they were written for our profit and learning4 ,he pointed out most clearly the fate of those who would not hearken to the voice of the ,lord or of ,his servants1 but spent the days of their probation in gratifying their carnal appetites4 ,they were to be gathered together as prisoners1 and shut up in a prison1 where they were to be #cic confined for many days4 ,but they were not to be left without hope4 ,the promise was made that when they had paid the penalty for their misdeeds they would be visited4 ,this1 according to the words of the prophet was part of ,christ's missionary work3 ,he was to preach redemption not only to the living1 but to the dead as well2 ,he was to visit the prisoners in the prison-house and preach deliverance to them4 ,i quote again from his writings3 ,i the ,lord have called thee in righteousness1 and will hold thine hand1 and will keep thee1 and give thee for a covenant of the people1 for a light of the ,gentiles2 to open the blind eyes1 to bring out the prisoners from the prison1 and them that sit in darkness out of the prison-house4 7,isaiah #db3 #f1 #g47 ,now1 ,i desire to remind you that ,christ confirmed this prophecy of ,isaiah4 ,he told the people that it referred to ,him1 and that it would be fulfilled in ,him4 ,standing up in the synagogue in ,nazareth one ,sabbath day ,he quoted ,isaiah's prophecy1 as follows3 ,the ,spirit of the ,lord is upon me1 because he hath anointed me to preach the ,gospel to the poor2 he hath sent me to heal the broken-hearted1 to preach deliverance to the captives1 and recovering of sight to the blind1 to set at liberty them that are bruised1 to preach the acceptable year of the ,lord4 7,luke #d3 #ah1 #ai47 ,so1 you see that part of ,christ's work was to preach deliverance to the captives1 and open the prison to those who were bound4 ,the ,world3--,when did the ,messiah perform that work8 ,peter3--,during the three days that ,his body lay in the tomb4 ,the ,world3--,was ,his ,spirit not with ,his ,father during that time8 ,peter3--,according to ,christ's own testimony it was not4 ,when the ,lord appeared to ,mary1 after ,his resurrection1 ,he told her to touch ,him not1 for ,he had not yet ascended to ,his ,father4 7,john #bj3 #ag47 ,in two epistles which ,i wrote to the ,saints in early days ,i made special reference to ,christ's visit to the spirits in prison4 ,this is what ,i said3 ,for ,christ also hath once suffered for sins1 the just for the unjust1 that ,he might bring us to ,god1 being put to death in the flesh1 but quickened by the ,spirit3 by which also he went and preached unto the spirits in prison2 which sometime were disobedient1 when once the longsuffering of ,god waited in the days of ,noah1 while the ark was a preparing1 wherein few1 that is1 eight souls were saved by water4 7,i ,peter #c3 #ah-bj47 ,for for this cause was the ,gospel preached also to them that are dead1 that they might be judged according to men in the flesh1 #cid but live according to ,god in the spirit4 7,i ,peter #d3 #f47 ,while this doctrine may be strange to you1 it was quite well understood by the ,saints in former days4 ,the ,world3--,we thank you1 ,peter1 for your testimony4 ,latter-day ,saints3--,before calling another witness we will quote to you the comments of ,professor ,a4 ,hinderkoper1 a ,german writer1 and ,bishop ,alford1 on the words of ,peter4 ,the former says3 ,in the second and third centuries every branch and division of the ,christian ,church1 so far as their records enable us to judge1 believed that ,christ preached to the departed spirits4 7,haley's ,discrepancies of the ,bible47 ,bishop ,alford says3 ,i understand these words 7,i ,peter #c3 #ai7 to say that our ,lord in his disembodied state1 did go to the place of detention of departed spirits1 and did there announce ,his work of redemption2 preach salvation in fact1 to the disembodied spirits of those who refused to obey the voice of ,god when the judgment of the flood was hanging over them4 ,we now respectfully ask you to listen to what the ,apostle ,paul has to say on this matter4 ,,paul',s ,,evidence4 ,the ,world3--,paul1 do you believe that the ,gospel is preached to men after they depart this life8 ,paul3--,i do4 ,i corroborate all that the ,apostle ,peter has said concerning salvation for the dead4 ,this doctrine was well understood by the people in our day4 ,jesus1 you remember1 told ,nicodemus that except a man were born of water and of the ,spirit1 he could not enter the ,kingdom of ,god4 ,now1 in those days the people asked the same question that many people ask today1 ,if baptism is essential to salvation1 what is to become of those who have died without having been baptized8 ,had the ,lord failed to make provision for such people1 it would have revealed an imperfection in the plan of salvation1 which is not the case1 for the law of the ,lord is perfect4 ,peter has told you that the ,gospel was preached to the dead2 ,i taught the people the doctrine of baptism for the dead4 ,here is what ,i wrote to the ,corinthians3 ,else what shall they do which are baptized for the dead1 if the dead rise not at all8 why are they then baptized for the dead8 7,i ,cor4 #ae3 #bj47 ,the ,saints in former times believed in and performed a vicarious work for the dead--they were baptized for their dead4 ,but after the death of the ,apostles men transgressed the laws and changed the ordinances of the ,gospel1 in consequence of which darkness covers the earth and gross darkness the minds of the people4 #cie ,the ,world3--,you are excused1 ,paul4 ,latter-day ,saints 7to the ,world73--,we desire to call your attention to a prophecy which was made by ,malachi4 ,he prophesied as follows3 ,behold1 ,i will send you ,elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the ,lord3 and he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children1 and the heart of the children to their fathers1 lest ,i come and smite the earth with a curse4 7,mal4 #d3 #e1 #f47 ,now1 we testify to you1 in all soberness1 that this prophecy has been literally fulfilled4 ,on the #crd day of ,april1 #ahcf1 the ,prophet ,elijah appeared to ,joseph ,smith and ,oliver ,cowdery in the ,kirtland ,temple4 ,addressing them he said3 ,behold1 the time has fully come1 which was spoken of by the mouth of ,malachi2 testifying that ,i should be sent before the great and dreadful day of the ,lord come1 to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children1 and the children to the fathers1 lest the whole earth be smitten with a curse4 ,therefore the keys of this dispensation are committed into your hands1 and by this ye may know that the great and dreadful day of the ,lord is near1 even at the doors4 ,we have built a number of temples1 in which baptism and other ordinances have been performed in behalf of millions of our dead relatives and friends4 ,this is also in fulfillment of the prophecy of ,micah1 who said3 ,but in the last days it shall come to pass1 that the mountain of the house of the ,lord shall be established in the top of the mountains1 and it shall be exalted above the hills2 and people shall flow unto it4 ,and many nations shall come1 and say1 ,come1 and let us go up the mountain of the ,lord1 and to the house of the ,god of ,jacob2 and he will teach us of his ways1 and we will walk in his paths3 for the law shall go forth of ,zion1 and the word of the ,lord from ,jerusalem4 7,micah #d3 #a1 #b47 ,the work for the dead is still in progress4 ,the hearts of the fathers are being turned to the children1 and the hearts of the children to the fathers4 ,blessed are all those who engage in this glorious work1 for great shall be their joy when they meet their loved ones who have passed beyond the veil1 and for whom they stood as saviors upon ,mount ,zion4 ,,viii4--,,divine ,,authority4 ,the ,world 7to the ,latter-day ,saints73--,do you claim to have received authority from the ,lord to preach the ,gospel and administer in the ordinances thereof8 ,latter-day ,saints3--,we do4 ,the ,lord has in these last days restored1 through the ministering of angels1 both the #cif ,aaronic and ,melchisedek ,priesthood1 empowering ,his servants to preach the ,gospel1 baptize repentant believers for the remission of their sins1 confirm them members in ,his ,church1 and by prayer and the imposition of hands call down upon them the ,holy ,ghost4 ,the ,world3--,must a man be called of ,god and divinely appointed before he can preach acceptably the ,gospel of ,jesus ,christ and administer its ordinances8 ,latter-day ,saints3--,he must1 as the ,apostle ,paul and others will testify4 ,,testimony ,,of ,,paul4 ,the ,world3--,paul1 do you consider it absolutely necessary in order for a man to preach the ,gospel and administer in its ordinances1 for him to be called of ,god and ordained by those holding ,divine authority8 ,paul3--,i do4 ,in every dispensation of the world the ,lord has chosen certain men to represent ,him among the people4 ,these ,he called1 either by ,his own voice or by the voice of ,his servants whom ,he had previously chosen4 ,the ,world3--,can you cite us a few examples of the calling of men to the ministry8 ,paul3--,i can4 ,the ,lord called ,noah to be a preacher of righteousness to the people of his generation2 and when they would not hearken to the testimony of ,his authorized servant1 the ,lord destroyed them from the earth4 ,abraham1 ,isaac and ,jacob were called in like manner for the work which the ,lord had appointed them4 ,the ,world3--,how were they called8 ,paul3--,they were called by direct revelation from heaven1 the ,lord speaking to them by ,his own voice4 ,to ,abraham ,he said3 ,get thee out of thy country1 and from thy kindred1 and from thy father's house1 unto a land that ,i will show thee3 and ,i will make of thee a great nation1 and ,i will bless thee1 and make thy name great and thou shalt be a blessing2 99 99 99 and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed4 7,gen4 #ab3 #a-c47 ,isaac and ,jacob were called in a similar manner4 7,gen4 #bh3 #b-e2 #bh3 #aj-ae47 ,the ,world3--,would it be improper for a man to preach the ,gospel and administer its ordinances without his having been divinely commissioned to do so8 ,paul3--,it would1 indeed4 ,no man has a right to take such honor unto himself except he be called of ,god1 as was ,aaron4 ,permit me to read a couple of extracts from my epistles to the ,romans and to the ,hebrews4 ,this is what ,i said3 #cig ,how then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed8 and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard8 and how shall they hear without a preacher8 and how shall they preach except they be sent8 7,rom4 #aj3 #ad1 #ae47 ,and no man taketh this honor unto himself1 but he that is called of ,god1 as was ,aaron4 7,heb4 #e3 #d47 ,the ,world3--,how was ,aaron called to the ministry8 ,paul3--,he was called of the ,lord through the ,prophet ,moses4 ,as you well know1 the ,lord spoke to ,moses out of the burning bush1 commissioning him to go on a mission to ,egypt and deliver the children of ,israel4 ,moses reminded the ,lord that he had an impediment in his speech1 when the ,lord said to him3 ,is not ,aaron the ,levite thy brother8 ,i know that he can speak well4 ,and also1 behold1 he cometh forth to meet thee2 and when he seeth thee he will be glad in his heart4 ,and thou shalt speak unto him and put words in his mouth3 and ,i will be with thy mouth1 and with his mouth1 and will teach you what you shall do4 7,exodus #d3 #ad1 #ae47 ,and the ,lord said to ,aaron1 ,go into the wilderness to meet ,moses4 ,and he went1 and met him in the mount of ,god1 and kissed him4 ,and ,moses told ,aaron all the words of the ,lord who had sent him1 and all the signs which he had commanded him4 7,exodus #d3 #bg1 #bh47 ,the ,world3--,when men are called of the ,lord1 through ,his inspired servants1 to minister unto the people1 is it necessary for them to be ordained and set apart for their respective duties by the laying on of the hands of the ,lord's servants8 ,paul3--,it is4 ,such has been the practice in every ,gospel dispensation4 ,joshua1 the son of ,nun1 was set apart1 as directed of the ,lord1 through the imposition of hands by ,moses4 ,let me read to you what ,moses has written on this matter3 ,and the ,lord said unto ,moses1 take thee ,joshua1 the son of ,nun1 a man in whom is the ,spirit1 and lay thine hands upon him2 and set him before ,eleazar the priest1 and before all the congregation2 and give him a charge in their sight4 ,and thou shalt put some of thine honor upon him1 that all the congregation of the children of ,israel may be obedient4 99 99 99 ,and ,moses did as the ,lord commanded him3 and he took ,joshua1 and set him before ,eleazar the priest1 and before all the congregation3 and he laid his hands upon him1 and gave him a charge1 as the ,lord commanded by the hand of ,moses4 7,num4 #bg3 #ah-bj1 #bb1 #bc47 ,the ,world3--,paul1 in what way were you called to the ministry1 and by whom were you ordained8 ,paul3--,i was called by the ,holy ,ghost1 and was ordained #cih under the hands of ,simeon1 ,lucius and ,manaen4 ,you will find a record of my call and ordination in the #acth chapter of the ,acts of the ,apostles1 as follows3 ,now there were in the church that was at ,antioch certain prophets and teachers3 as ,barnabas1 and ,simeon that was called ,niger1 and ,lucius of ,cyrene1 and ,manaen1 which had been brought up with ,herod the tetrarch1 and ,saul4 ,as they ministered to the ,lord1 and fasted1 the ,holy ,ghost said1 ,separate me ,barnabas and ,saul for the work whereunto ,i have called them4 ,and when they had fasted and prayed1 and laid their hands on them1 they sent them away4 7,acts #ac3 #a-c47 ,the ,world3--,we have no further questions to ask you1 ,paul4 ,latter-day ,saints3--,we now respectfully ask you to hear what the ,apostle ,peter has to say on this very important subject4 ,,peter',s ,,testimony4 ,the ,world3--,were you called of the ,lord and ordained to take part in ,his ministry8 ,peter3--,i was4 ,you will find an account of my call and ordination1 as well as that of the other eleven apostles1 in the third chapter of ,mark's ,gospel4 ,it is as follows3 ,and he goeth up into a mountain1 and calleth unto him whom ,he would3 and they came unto him4 ,and he ordained twelve1 that they should be with him1 and that he might send them forth to preach4 7,mark #c3 #ac1 #ad47 ,ye have not chosen me1 said ,jesus1 but ,i have chosen you1 and ordained you1 that ye should go and bring forth fruit1 and that your fruit should remain3 that whatsoever you shall ask of the ,father in my name1 he may give it you4 7,john #ae3 #af47 ,the ,world3--,must a man be called of ,god and ordained by ,divine authority before he can hold an office in the ,church of ,christ8 ,peter3--,he must4 ,the death of ,judas left a vacancy in the quorum of ,apostles4 ,in choosing his successor we appealed to the ,lord to manifest to us ,his mind and will in the selection of a man to fill the vacancy4 ,there were two men4 ,barnabas and ,matthias1 whom we considered equally worthy of the honor4 ,we presented these two men before the ,lord in prayer and said1 ,thou1 ,lord1 which knowest the hearts of all men1 show which of these two thou hast chosen1 that he may take part of this ministry and apostleship1 from which ,judas by transgression fell1 that he might go to his own place4 7,acts #a3 #bd1 #be47 ,it was revealed to us that ,matthias was #cii the ,lord's choice1 and he was appointed by unanimous vote4 ,the ,world3--,are we to understand from what you have said that it was the desire of the ,lord that ,apostles and ,prophets and all the other officers should continue in the ,church8 ,peter3--,such1 indeed1 was the desire of the ,lord4 ,if it had not been1 ,he would not have appointed a successor to ,judas4 ,the ,world3--,our ministers have told us that ,apostles and ,prophets are not necessary in these days2 that they were placed in the ,church to establish ,christianity1 and that when ,christianity was established they were no longer needed4 ,peter3--,there is nothing in the ,scriptures to warrant such an assertion4 ,on the contrary1 it is most positively stated that the ,lord put these officers in the ,church for the perfecting of the saints1 for the work of the ministry1 for the edifying of the body of ,christ4 ,and they were to remain in the church till we all come in the unity of the faith1 and of the knowledge of the ,son of ,god1 unto a perfect man1 unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of ,christ2 that we henceforth be no more children1 tossed to and fro1 and carried about with every wind of doctrine1 by the sleight of men1 and cunning craftiness1 whereby they lie in wait to deceive4 7,eph4 #d3 #ab-ad47 ,the ,world3--,how was the primitive ,christian ,church organized8 ,peter3--,it was built upon the foundation of apostles and prophets1 ,jesus ,christ himself being the chief corner stone4 7,eph4 #b3 #bj47 ,the ,lord placed in the ,church ,apostles1 ,prophets1 ,evangelists1 ,pastors1 ,teachers1 etc4 7,eph4 #d3 #aa47 ,the ,world3--,the churches of the world are not organized after that pattern8 ,peter3--,they are not4 ,they were not established by ,christ4 ,had ,christ established them1 ,he would have put in them the same officers that ,he put in the early ,christian ,church4 ,the ,churches of the world were established by men4 ,they are named after men4 ,there is ,saint ,paul's ,church1 ,saint ,peter's ,church1 ,saint ,mark's ,church1 ,saint ,luke's ,church1 ,saint ,john's ,church1 etc4 ,the ,world3--,there seems1 therefore1 to have been an apostasy from the primitive ,christian ,church8 ,peter3--,there has4 ,the ,scriptures are replete with prophecies concerning the great apostasy which was to take place after the death of the apostles4 ,permit me to call your attention to a few of them4 ,have you a ,bible at hand8 #djj ,the ,world3--,we have4 ,peter3--,turn to the fourth chapter of ,paul's second epistle to ,timothy and read what he prophesied concerning the apostasy that was to take place4 ,the ,world3--,paul prophesied as follows3 ,for the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine2 but after their own lusts shall they heap unto themselves teachers1 having itching ears2 and they shall turn away their ears from the truth1 and shall be turned unto fables4 7,,ii ,tim4 #d3 #c1d47 ,peter3--,now turn to the #bith chapter of ,isaiah and read what the prophet said concerning the state of the world in the last days4 ,the ,world3--,isaiah prophesied as follows3 ,stay yourselves1 and wonder2 cry ye out1 and cry3 they are drunken1 but not with wine2 they stagger1 but not with strong drink4 ,for the ,lord hath poured out upon you the spirit of deep sleep1 and hath closed your eyes3 the prophets and your rulers1 the seers hath he covered4 ,wherefore the ,lord said1 forasmuch as this people draw near me with their mouth1 and with their lips do honor me1 but have removed their heart far from me1 and their fear toward me is taught by the precept of men2 therefore1 behold1 ,i will proceed to do a marvelous work among this people1 even a marvelous work and a wonder3 for the wisdom of their wise men shall perish1 and the understanding of their prudent men shall be hid4 7,isaiah #bi3 #i1 #aj1 #ac1 #ad47 ,peter3--,how perfectly did ,paul describe the condition of the world at the present time6 ,instead of having inspired ,apostles and ,prophets to reveal to them the mind and will of the ,lord1 and to teach to them the true plan of salvation1 the people have heaped to themselves teachers1 having itching ears1 and they have turned their ears away from the truth and turned them unto fables4 ,when you think of the multitude of jarring and contending sects that are in the world today1 you can see how literally the prophecies of ,paul and ,isaiah have been fulfilled4 ,the ,world3--,were ,paul and ,isaiah the only ones who prophesied concerning an apostasy8 ,peter3--,they were not4 ,there were many others who uttered similar predictions4 ,but ,i ask you to read what ,isaiah further said concerning the apostasy2 you will find it in the twenty-fourth chapter of his book4 ,the ,world3--,isaiah says3 ,the earth also is defiled under the inhabitants thereof2 because they have transgressed #dja the laws1 changed the ordinance1 broken the everlasting covenant4 ,therefore hath the curse devoured the earth1 and they that dwell therein are desolate2 therefore the inhabitants of the earth are burned1 and few men left4 7,isaiah #bd3 #e1 #f74 ,peter3--,notice the similarity in these prophecies3 ,isaiah prophesied that the day would come when the people would transgress the laws1 change the ordinance1 and break the everlasting covenant4 ,paul declared that the time would come when they would not endure sound doctrine1 but would heap to themselves teachers1 having itching ears1 who would turn their ears away from the truth and turn them unto fables4 ,on another occasion ,paul prophesied as follows3 ,for ,i know this1 that after my departure shall grievous wolves enter in among you1 not sparing the flock4 ,also of your own selves shall men arise1 speaking perverse things1 to draw away disciples after them4 7,acts #bj3 #bi1 #cj47 ,paul lived to see the beginning of the terrible apostasy of which he spoke4 ,i marvel1 said he1 writing to the ,galatians1 that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of ,christ unto another gospel3 which is not another2 but there be some that trouble you1 and would pervert the gospel of ,christ4 7,gal4 #a3 #f1 #g47 ,i myself prophesied concerning the apostasy4 ,here is what ,i said3 ,but there were false prophets also among the people1 even as there shall be false teachers among you1 who privily shall bring in damnable heresies1 even denying the ,lord that bought them1 and bring upon themselves swift destruction4 ,and many shall follow their pernicious ways2 by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of4 ,and through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you4 7,,ii ,peter #b3 #a-c47 ,the ,world3--,the prophets and apostles truly foretold an apostasy1 and the divided state of ,christendom--the hundreds of different sects and denominations1 the numerous1 conflicting theories which are being advocated by men for the ,gospel of ,jesus ,christ--bear incontrovertible testimony that such an apostasy has taken place4 ,must this condition continue1 or will there be a restitution8 ,peter3--,there will be a restitution of all things spoken of by the mouth of the holy prophets4 ,the ,world3--,do you think the ,lord will ever send us ,apostles and ,prophets to teach us the true ,gospel of ,christ as it was taught by ,him and ,his inspired servants in ancient days8 ,peter3--,he will1 for so ,he has declared4 ,here is the #djb ,apostle ,john2 ,i pray you1 hear what he has to say concerning the restoration of the ,gospel in the latter days4 ,,john',s ,,testimony4 ,the ,world3--,john1 do you think we will ever be favored with new revelation from ,god8 ,john3--,have you forgotten what ,joel prophesied concerning the last days8 ,he said3 ,and it shall come to pass afterward1 that ,i will pour out my ,spirit upon all flesh3 and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy1 your old men shall dream dreams1 your young men shall see visions4 7,joel #b3 #bh47 ,the ,world3--,then1 we may look for ,prophets to be sent of ,god4 ,john3--,yes1 and angels also will come down from heaven to restore that which was lost4 ,you have heard already of the great apostasy that was to take place2 you have seen how the principles and ordinances of the ,gospel have been perverted2 you see the ,christian world a ,babel of ,confusion4 ,the ,lord knew that all these things would take place1 and ,he decreed that in the last days ,he would set ,his hand again to recover ,his people from their lost and fallen state4 ,he revealed to me that before ,his judgments were poured out upon the inhabitants of the earth ,he would send an angel with the everlasting ,gospel1 to be preached to every nation under heaven4 ,read1 ,i pray you1 what ,i said concerning this matter in the fourteenth chapter of my book4 ,the ,world3--,you wrote as follows3 ,and ,i saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven1 having the everlasting ,gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth1 and to every nation1 and kindred1 and tongue1 and people1 saying with a loud voice1 ,fear ,god1 and give glory to him2 for the hour of his judgment is come3 and worship him that made heaven and earth1 and the sea1 and the fountains of water4 7,rev4 #ad3 #f1 #g47 ,john3--,now1 ,i advise you to look for the fulfillment of the things which the ,lord has spoken by the mouth of ,his holy prophets4 ,the ,world3--,thank you1 ,john2 you are excused4 ,latter-day ,saints3--,now1 we testify to you in words of soberness that the angel which ,john predicted would come to the earth in the last days with the everlasting ,gospel1 has come to the ,prophet ,joseph ,smith4 ,the ,lord also sent heavenly messengers to him and others1 who conferred upon them ,divine #djc authority1 and instructed them concerning the restoration of the true ,church of ,christ on the earth for the last time1 preparatory to the coming of the ,son of ,man4 ,that ,church has been organized after the primitive pattern4 ,in it are inspired ,apostles and ,prophets1 ,evangelists1 ,pastors and ,teachers4 ,it teaches the very same ,gospel that was taught by ,christ and ,his ,apostles2 its members enjoy the same gifts and blessings that were enjoyed by the former-day saints3 they have the gift of prophecy1 revelations1 visions1 healings1 tongues1 interpretation of tongues1 etc4 ,and1 if you desire to know the truth of these things1 we advise you to follow the exhortation of the ,apostle ,james1 when he said1 ,if any of you lack wisdom1 let him ask of ,god1 that giveth to all men liberally1 and upbraideth not2 and it shall be given him4 7,james #a3 #e47 ,our enemies have kicked us1 and cuffed us1 and driven us from pillar to post1 and we have multiplied and increased the more1 until we have become what we are this day4 --,brigham ,young4 ,it is not our business to fight our enemies4 ,there is no man or woman on the face of the earth1 but is our brother or our sister4 ,they are the children of ,god and we are here to bear and forbear with them in their interest and for the glory of ,god4 --,lorenzo ,snow4 #djd ,a ,,congressman',s ,,opinion ,,of ,,the ,,prophet4 7,from the ,historical ,record47 ,in the winter of #ahdj1 the ,prophet ,joseph ,smith went to ,washington1 ,d4 ,c1 to petition the president of the ,united ,states and ,congress to redress the grievances of the ,saints against the people of ,missouri4 ,while at the nation's capital he had several opportunities of speaking in public4 ,on the evening of ,february #e1 #ahdj1 he addressed a large audience4 ,mr4 ,m4 ,l4 ,davis1 a member of ,congress1 was present4 ,in a letter written to his wife the day after1 he gives the following opinion of the ,prophet3 ,i went last evening to hear ,joe ,smith1 the celebrated ,mormon1 expound his doctrine4 ,i1 with several others1 had a desire to understand his tenets as explained by himself4 ,he is not an educated man2 but he is a plain1 sensible1 strong-minded man4 ,everything he says is said in a manner to leave an impression that he is sincere4 ,there is no levity1 no fanaticism1 no want of dignity in his deportment4 ,he is apparently from forty to forty-five years of age1 rather above the middle stature1 and what you ladies would call a very good looking man4 ,in his garb there are no peculiarities2 his dress being that of a plain1 unpretending citizen4 ,he is by profession a farmer1 but is evidently well read4 99 99 99 ,during the whole of his address1 which occupied more than two hours1 there was no opinion or belief that he expressed1 that was calculated1 in the slightest degree1 to impair the morals of society1 or in any manner to degrade and brutalize the human species4 ,there was much in his precepts1 if they were followed1 that would soften the asperities of man toward man1 and that would tend to make him a more rational being than he is generally found to be4 ,there was no violence1 no fury1 no denunciation4 ,his religion appears to be a religion of meekness1 lowliness and mild persuasion4 99 99 99 ,throughout his whole address he displayed strongly a spirit of charity and forbearance4 ,the ,mormon ,bible1 he said1 was communicated to him direct from heaven4 ,if there was such a thing on earth as the author of it1 then he 7,smith7 was the author2 but the idea that he wished to impress was that he had penned it as dictated by ,god4 99 99 99 ,i have changed my opinion of the ,mormons4 ,they are an injured and much abused people4 #dje ,,an ,,announcement ,,concerning ,,the ,,church ,,of ,,jesus ,,christ ,,of ,,latter-,,day ,,saints4 ,,by ,,heber ,j4 ,,grant1 ,,tokyo1 ,,japan4 ,prove all things2 hold fast to that which is good4 #a ,thess4 #e3 #ba4 ,if any of you lack wisdom1 let him ask of ,god1 that giveth to all men liberally1 and upbraideth not2 and it shall be given him4 ,but let him ask in faith1 nothing wavering4 ,for he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea1 driven with the wind and tossed4 ,james #a3 #e1 #f4 ,we1 as duly authorized representatives of the ,church of ,jesus ,christ of ,latter-day ,saints1 have been sent to ,japan for the purpose of teaching the plan of life and salvation1 as it has again been revealed from heaven by the true and living ,god to the ,prophet ,joseph ,smith4 ,we earnestly entreat the people of this nation to fully investigate the message which we have come to deliver4 ,we testify that there is a ,god in heaven who is in very deed the ,father of the spirits of all men4 ,he is the ,creator of heaven and earth1 and all that in them is4 ,he existed before the world was created2 exists today and will exist forever4 ,he is the same yesterday1 today and forever4 ,he is all powerful and to ,his wisdom there is no limit4 ,he is no respecter of persons2 is full of mercy1 love and compassion1 and is forgiving to all those who will repent of sin and seek ,him and serve ,him with full purpose of heart4 ,all men are well aware that compliance with the laws of a nation is absolutely necessary in order to become a citizen thereof1 and the same applies with equal force to those who wish to become citizens of the kingdom of ,god4 ,a knowledge of and compliance with ,god's laws is a matter of the most #djf vital consequence to all men4 ,these laws are contained in the divinely inspired books known as the ,bible and ,book of ,mormon4 ,we feel assured that all who will earnestly and fully investigate will come to a knowledge of the divine authenticity of these records4 ,for many hundreds of years after the creation of the earth ,god appeared in person1 from time to time1 and talked with ,his children and gave instructions as to what was necessary for them to do in order to be worthy1 when this life was ended1 to come back and dwell forever in ,his presence4 ,a little over nineteen hundred years ago ,he sent ,his ,son ,jesus ,christ to the earth to teach mankind the plan of life and salvation4 ,jesus is the ,savior of the world1 and faith on ,his name and obedience to ,his commandments will take us back into the presence of ,god where we shall dwell forever4 ,jesus ,christ called upon all men to repent1 to live lives of righteousness and to be baptized in water for the remission of their sins1 and made them the promise that if they would do this and keep ,his commandments they should know whether the doctrines ,he proclaimed were of ,god or man4 ,in the spring of #ahbj1 ,god and ,his ,son ,jesus ,christ visited the earth and talked with ,joseph ,smith4 ,they afterwards sent heavenly messengers who gave him the necessary instructions and authority to establish on the earth the true ,church of ,christ4 ,some immediately accepted the doctrines which this prophet taught1 but the majority misrepresented his teachings and persecuted him4 ,false charges were preferred against him1 and he was imprisoned many times1 but upon trial was declared innocent of every charge4 ,he lived a life of virtue and uprightness1 maintaining1 in the face of the most bitter opposition1 his testimony as to the truths revealed to him from heaven4 ,finally1 while he was in ,carthage jail1 ,illinois1 ,u4 ,s41 under the pledged protection of the state1 awaiting a trial1 to which he had voluntarily surrendered himself1 the jail was attacked and he was murdered by a mob of wicked men4 ,thus did ,joseph ,smith1 the ,prophet of the nineteenth century1 seal his testimony with his life's blood4 ,dr4 ,david ,nelson in his book1 ,the ,cause and ,cure of ,infidelity1 says3 ,a true prophet is not applauded by a majority of the wicked or by the mass of the depraved4 ,he is generally disliked by those furthest from ,god1 and spoken evil of by those who sink deepest in sin4 ,he is often not only reviled1 but put to death if the laws permit2 but the false prophet is neither stoned nor sawn asunder4 ,he is often extolled greatly by the most dissolute1 and is at least tolerated or praised #djg to some extent by the leaders in depravity or the officers of sin4 ,many people have spoken ill of the ,latter-day ,saints1 or as we are commonly called ,mormons4 ,we ask to be judged not by the false statements of our enemies1 but by the infallible standard1 ,by their fruits ye shall know them4 ,wisdom dictates that no cause should be judged without a hearing1 and least of all when only one side has been heard1 and that the side of its enemies4 ,the history of the ,latter-day ,saints is before the world and speaks for itself4 ,in a tract entitled ,my reasons for leaving the ,church of ,england and joining the ,church of ,jesus ,christ of ,latter-day ,saints1 the writer says3 ,no one who will read the whole history of the ,latter-day ,saints with a truly honest and unprejudiced heart1 and look upon the blessings of prosperity which they at present enjoy1 can for a moment doubt that they are members of a church which is under the direct guidance of ,god through new revelation4 ,i am quite sure that any one who will read with a fair1 and unprejudiced mind the teachings of ,joseph ,smith1 can not but conclude that he must have been inspired1 especially when they consider the fact that all the great and marvelous work which he performed before his martyrdom was accomplished while he was still a young man1 and that he had never enjoyed the privileges of education and experience4 ,we call attention to the last of the accompanying ,articles of our ,faith1 that if there is anything virtuous1 lovely1 or of good report1 or praiseworthy1 we seek after these things1 and advise all men to do likewise4 ,in conclusion1 in all solemnity and humility1 we bear testimony that ,god lives1 that ,jesus ,christ is ,his ,son and the ,savior of the world2 that ,joseph ,smith was the prophet of the true and living ,god1 commissioned to restore again the ,gospel of ,jesus ,christ to the inhabitants of the earth4 ,we once more entreat all men to investigate our message1 and promise1 as did our ,savior1 that all who will repent of sin and obey the ,gospel shall receive a knowledge from ,god of the divinity of the doctrines which we proclaim4 #djh ,,corner ,,stones ,,of ,,reorganization4 ,a ,,few ,,facts ,,concerning ,,its ,,founders ,,compiled ,,from ,,early ,,church ,,history4 ,when men come as servants of ,god1 claiming a divine commission to reorganize the ,church of ,christ1 the searchlight of investigation should be turned upon them4 ,if they bear it there is evidence that they have been sent of ,god4 ,but if inconsistencies hedge their entire course of life it is well for an inquirer after truth to examine their ,,authority4 ,william ,marks1 ,zenos ,h4 ,gurley1 ,william ,w4 ,blair and ,samuel ,powers ordained the ,son of the ,prophet to succeed his father as ,president of the ,church4 ,william ,w4 ,blair and ,samuel ,powers were never members of the original ,church4 ,we1 therefore1 pass them by1 and proceed to bring out a few facts from early ,church history relative to ,marks1 ,gurley and ,briggs1 the two latter being the founders of the ,reorganization4 ,,history ,,of ,,william ,,marks4 ,,william ,,marks was ,president of the ,nauvoo ,stake at the time of the martyrdom of the ,prophet ,joseph1 ,june #bg1 #ahdd4 ,,something ,,from ,,the ,,prophet',s ,,journal4 ,whatever can be the matter with these men 7,law and ,marks78 ,is it that the wicked flee when no man pursueth8 that hit pigeons always flutter8 that drowning men catch at straws8 or that ,presidents ,law and ,marks are absolutely traitors to the ,church1 that mv remarks should produce such excitement in their minds8 ,the people in the town are astonished1 almost every man saying to his neighbor3 ,is it possible that ,brother ,law or ,brother ,marks is a traitor and would deliver ,brother ,joseph into the hands of his enemies in ,missouri8 #dji ,if not1 what can be the meaning of all this8 ,the righteous are as bold as a lion4 ,,marks ,,dropped ,,from ,,his ,,position ,,as ,,president ,,of ,,nauvoo ,,stake4 ,,william ,,marks was dropped from his position as ,president of the ,nauvoo ,stake at a conference of the ,church of ,jesus ,christ of ,latter-,day ,saints1 held ,october #g1 #ahdd4 7,t4 ,s41 ,vol4 #e1 #fib47 ,the whole ,church voted ,,not to sustain him1 excepting two votes4 ,this action was taken because he supported the claims of ,sidney ,rigdon as guardian of the ,church4 ,on ,december #ith1 #ahdd--,nauvoo1 ,illinois1 he acknowledged his error in the following3 ,,notice4 ,after mature and candid deliberation1 ,i am fully and satisfactorily convinced that ,mr4 ,sidney ,rigdon's claims to the ,presidency of the ,church of ,jesus ,christ of ,latter-,day ,saints are not founded in truth4 ,i have been deceived by his specious pretenses and now feel to warn every one over whom ,i may have any influence to beware of him1 and his pretended visions and revelations4 ,,the ,,twelve ,,are ,,the ,,proper ,,persons ,,to ,,lead ,,the ,,church4 7,t4 ,s41 ,vol4 #e1 #gdb47 ,signed ,william ,marks4 ,after making this acknowledgment he was received back into fellowship1 but did not again obtain his former position4 ,he became dissatisfied1 withdrew from the ,church and was excommunicated4 ,,joins ,,the ,,strangite ,,organization ,,and ,,plays ,a ,,leading ,,part4 ,copied from the ,voree ,record1 official record of ,strangle ,church4 ,conference ,april #f1 #ahdf4 ,on motion of ,,william ,,marks1 ,high ,priest and ,president of the ,stake at ,nauvoo1 ,james ,j4 ,strang unanimously called to the ,chair as ,president of the ,conference4 ,on motion of ,elder ,,william ,,marks it was unanimously resolved that this ,church receive1 acknowledge1 and uphold ,,james ,j4 ,,strang as ,president of this ,church1 #daj ,prophet1 ,seer1 ,revelator1 and ,translator with our faith and prayers4 ,on motion of ,elder ,,william ,,marks it was unanimously resolved that we sustain and uphold ,aaron ,smith as ,counselor to ,first ,president by our faith and prayers4 ,on motion of ,elder ,,william ,,marks1 amended on motion of ,elder ,john ,e4 ,page1 it was resolved that the case of ,elder ,rigdon be laid over until the ,october conference for final action and in the meantime a delegation be sent to visit ,elder ,rigdon personally on the matter by appointment and under instructions of the ,first ,presidency4 ,president ,james ,j4 ,strang proposed the appointment of ,,william ,,marks1 ,president pro tempore of the ,high ,priest's quorum1 which1 being put separately to the ,high ,priests and the ,conference at large1 and unanimously approved1 he was thereupon appointed4 ,,marks ,,appointed ,,bishop ,,of ,,strangite ,,church4 ,voree ,record--,conference ,april #hth1 #ahdf4 ,the ,first ,presidency presented ,,william ,,marks for the office of ,,bishop of the ,church1 and on motion of ,apostle ,john ,e4 ,page1 resolved unanimously 7that he7 be sustained4 ,,marks ,,appointed ,,an ,,apostle1 ,,counselor ,,and ,,prophet4 ,voree ,record--,conference ,august #bfth1 #ahdi4 ,brother ,,william ,,marks was then ordained1 consecrated and set apart as ,,apostle of the ,lord1 ,jesus ,christ1 a ,counselor to the ,prophet1 one of the ,first ,presidency1 and a ,,prophet of the ,most ,high ,god1 under the hands of ,president ,,strang and ,adams4 ,,william ,,marks ,,ordained ,,to ,,administer ,,baptisms ,,for ,,dead4 ,voree ,record--,conference of ,august #bfth1 #ahdi4 ,brother ,,william ,,marks was anointed1 ,,ordained and set apart to administer baptisms for the ,dead1 under the hands of ,presidents ,,strang and ,adams4 99 99 99 ,the choir sang a hymn1 after which eucharist was administered4 ,the ,conference then adjourned twenty minutes1 to meet at the water's edge for the purpose of attending to baptisms1 both for the living and the ,,dead4 ,conference #daa assembled pursuant to adjournment4 ,eight were initiated into the ,church by being baptized for a remission of their sins4 ,after which large numbers were baptized for their deceased relatives4 ,adjourned4 ,,revelation ,,of ,,james ,j4 ,,strang ,,given ,,january #g,,th1 #ahdi4 ,hearken1 ,o ye ,saints1 give ear1 for the time to favor ,zion is at hand1 and the time of her redemption draweth near4 ,draw near unto me and learn1 for the ways of men are foolishness before me4 ,behold ye shall be one1 and if ye are not one1 ye are none of mine4 ,and ye shall all speak the same thing4 ,ye are cursed2 ye are confounded because ye have many tongues like unto mystery ,babylon2 and many are running to and fro1 speaking in their own wisdom1 which is folly before me4 99 99 99 ,behold my servant1 ,,william ,,marks1 has gone far ,,astray in departing from me1 yet ,i will give unto him a little space1 that he may return and receive my word1 and stand in his place2 for ,i remembered his works that he has done in the time that is past4 ,if he will return and abide faithful1 ,i will make him great1 and his possessions shall be great1 and he shall possess a city1 and his children shall dwell therein2 a nation shall call him blessed4 99 99 99 ,,he ,,repents4 ,voree ,record--,conference of ,august #beth1 #ahdi4 ,president ,,marks arose and said he felt that he ought to make a confession to the ,saints for ,,not acting in his calling and also to ask their forgiveness4 ,gave a brief history of the course he had pursued after the martyrdom of the ,prophet ,joseph1 testified that he had ever had the fullest confidence in the work of the last days1 and knew it was of ,god1 and was now determined by the help of ,god to go forth in the discharge of ,,his ,,duty and act in the place in which he was called by revelation of ,god through his servant ,,james4 ,president ,geo4 ,j4 ,adams remarked3 ,he rejoiced with joy unspeakable to see an old ,saint coming back willing to do his duty1 spoke very highly of the former faithfulness of ,brother ,marks in the cause of ,god1 how he had kept himself uncontaminated in the midst of the lustful and ungodly1 and concluded by offering the following resolution1 which was sustained unanimously3 ,resolved1 that we will forgive ,brother ,marks and sustain him in his calling by our faith1 confidence1 and prayers4 #dab ,,leaves ,,strang ,,and ,,joins ,,thompson',s ,,organization--,,his ,,own ,,statement4 ,epistle of ,,william ,,marks1 chief evangelical teacher of the school of faith to all the traveling teachers' quorums and classes of said school1 and ,jehovah's presbytery of ,zion1 ,greeting3 ,beloved ,brethren3--,having been chosen and ordained chief evangelical teacher of the school of faith in ,jehovah's presbytery of ,zion1 it becomes my duty to say something by way of encouragement and also by way of instruction to those who are placed under my care and supervision2 and first by way of encouragement1 let me state what ,i know in reference to the work in which we are engaged4 ,in order to do this1 ,i must of necessity refer to my experience in the ,church4 ,i was a member of the ,church some ten years before the death of ,joseph and ,hyrum ,smith4 ,i was appointed ,president of the ,stake in ,kirtland1 ,ohio1 in #ahcg1 and continued in that office at ,kirtland until the fall of #ahch1 when ,i was called by revelation to ,farr ,west1 ,missouri1 but before ,i arrived there the ,saints were ordered to leave the state1 and when the ,stake was organized at ,nauvoo1 in the fall of #ahci1 ,i was appointed ,president thereof1 and continued in that office up to the death of ,joseph the ,prophet4 ,i always believed the work was of divine origin1 and that ,joseph ,smith was called of ,god to establish the ,church among the ,gentiles4 ,during my administration in the ,church ,i saw and heard many things that was practiced and taught that ,i ,,did ,,not ,,believed ,,be ,,of ,,god1 but ,i continued to do and teach such principles as were plainly revealed as the law of the ,church1 for ,i thought that pure and holy principles only would have a tendency to benefit mankind1 therefore1 when the doctrine of polygamy was introduced into the ,church as a principle of exaltation ,i took a decided stand against it1 which stand rendered me quite unpopular with many of the leading ones of the ,church4 7,harbinger and ,organ1 ,vol4 #c1 ,pages #eb-c-d1 ,year #ahec47 ,,again ,,in #ahec ,,marks ,,writes ,,to ,,thompson4 ,shabbona ,grove1 ,de,kalk ,county1 ,feb4 #agth1 #ahec4 ,brother ,c4 ,b4 ,thompson1 ,dear ,sir3--,i have some good news to communicate 99 99 99 ,i organized a quorum at ,batavia4 ,james ,blakeslie #dac was chosen chief1 and ,jehial ,savage1 teacher4 ,i ordained them to their offices1 and they said they had satisfactory evidence that the work is of ,god4 ,i feel as though ,i was well paid4 ,bless and praise the ,lord4 ,yours in the bond of the covenant1 ,signed ,william ,marks4 ,,william ,,marks ,,sent ,,by ,,thompson ,,to ,,locate ,a ,,gathering ,,place4 ,the following appears in the ,harbinger and ,organ of ,dec4 #ajth1 #ahec3 ,st4 ,joseph1 ,mo41 ,aug4 #bd1 #aheb4 ,brother ,thompson3--,i embrace this opportunity to drop a few lines to you to let you know of our whereabouts4 ,i arrived here with ,brother ,childs and on the #bbnd of this month1 found ,brother ,stephens and the most of his family sick2 and he is not able to go with us4 ,from what we can learn of the surrounding country here we think is will be very difficult to obtain a suitable ,,location ,,for ,,the ,,saints ,,to ,,gather ,,to1 near this place on account of the high price of land4 ,we have agreed to start from here tomorrow morning to go north1 probably to the ,bluffs4 99 99 99 ,we shall write you again as soon as we find a location4 99 99 99 ,signed ,william ,marks4 ,,marks ,,changes ,,again ,,and ,,joins ,,john ,e4 ,,page',s ,,organization4 ,the year #ahee finds him in a religions organization with ,john ,e4 ,page and others4 7,history of the ,reorganized ,church1 ,vol4 #c1 #gbd47 ,,on ,,june #aa,,th1 #ahei1 ,,he ,,finds ,a ,,place ,,in ,,the ,,new ,,organization4 ,on the above date he was received into this ,organization subsequently called the ,reorganized ,church on his ,,original baptism into the ,church of ,jesus ,christ of ,latter-,day ,saints4 ,his ,,original ordination was also accepted4 ,in the light of common sense and the following statement found in the ,saints ,herald 7the official organ of the ,reorganization71 what of ,,william ,,marks' authority8 ,,whenever ,,individuals ,,claiming ,,authority #dad ,,under ,,the ,,church ,,as ,,organized ,,by ,,the ,,first ,,joseph ,,became ,,members ,,of ,,any ,,faction ,,they ,,immediately ,,became ,,divested ,,of ,,all ,,authority4 7,saints ,herald1 ,vol4 #d1 ,no4 #aj1 ,page #aeh47 ,why did the ,reorganization receive the ,apostate ,marks on his ,,original baptism and ,,original ordination after he had joined ,the ,strang faction1 ,the ,thompson faction ,the ,page faction and became divested of all authority 7as stated above78 ,and what of the authority of young ,joseph who ,was ordained under the hands of such men1 ,,william ,,marks ,,being ,,mouth8 ,,following ,,is ,,the ,,statement ,,of ,,the ,,prophet ,,concerning ,,apostates3 ,an ,apostate1 or one who has been cut off the ,church and wish to come in again1 the law of the ,church expressly says3 ,that such shall repent and be baptized and be admitted as at first4 7,t4 ,s41 ,vol4 #e1 #geb47 ,,record ,,of ,,zenos ,h4 ,,gurley4 ,,zenos ,h4 ,,gurley was ordained a seventy in ,nauvoo in #ahdd under the direction of ,president ,joseph ,young4 7,record in ,historian's office1 ,salt ,lake ,city47 ,on ,april #fth1 #ahde1 he was made the ,senior ,president of the twenty-first quorum of ,seventy4 7,minutes of #bast quorum47 ,,the ,,president ,,of ,,the ,,reorganization ,,repudiates ,,authority ,,of ,,the ,,man ,,who ,,assisted ,,in ,,his ,,ordination4 ,on the #cast of ,january1 #aije1 ,president of the ,reorganization wrote the following to ,elder ,joseph ,f4 ,smith1 ,jr41 relative to the limitation of the number of ,seventy's quorums3 ,there are no provisions as revelations as law to the ,church for the organization of more than seven quorums of ,seventy2 for that reason we do not recognize as valid any of the ordinations in ,nauvoo in #ahdd-e beyond those of the first seven quorums2 and our teaching is that the number is necessarily limited by direct provision of the law4 #dae ,,gurley ,,endorses ,,the ,,course ,,of ,,the ,,church ,,in #ahdf4 7,one month before the great ,exodus then in preparation47 ,the ,minutes of ,january #crd1 #ahdf 7#bast quorum7 say3 ,zenos ,h4 ,gurley enlarged on the subject of liberally donating to the ,church necessity4 ',god1' said he1 'had so shaped the scheme of salvation as that to be saved and appear approved of ,god1 we must ,,sacrifice ,,of ,,all ,,we ,,possess4' 99 99 99 ,he felt filled with the spirit4 ,,the ,,course ,,the ,,church ,,is ,,pursuing ,,has ,,been ,,spoken ,,of ,,by ,,jesus ,,christ ,,and ,,the ,,holy ,,prophets ,,of ,,olden ,,times4 ,,gurley ,,receives ,,his ,,endowment ,,in ,,the ,,nauvoo ,,temple4 ,,zenos ,h4 ,,gurley arose and said that the ,presidents of the quorum had ,,received ,,their ,,endowment4 ,he observed that it was remarkable for an unusual outpouring of the ,holy ,spirit4 ,he felt for the quorum that they should receive their endowment4 ,the ,church authorities1 the quorum of seventy in succession1 should furnish the people engaged in the endowment1 one day each1 and he wanted the quorum 7#bast7 to acquit themselves from every obligation4 7,minutes of quorum1 ,jan4 #aj1 #ahdf47 ,,gurley ,,on ,,temple ,,work4 ,president ,,zenos ,h4 ,,gurley arose and said3 99 99 99 ',the business before the meeting was the arranging for the donation for the benefit of those of the ,priesthood engaged in the ,temple' 7,,not ,,on ,,the ,,temple1 ,,but ,,in ,,the ,,temple74 ,he beautifully observed that it was his design and also this ,council's1 to exalt the ,twenty-first quorum and the quorum should reciprocally return the favors of the support and influence towards its welfare4 7,minutes of the quorum1 ,january #agth1 #ahdf47 ,president ,,zenos ,h4 ,,gurley arose and said that the business before the meeting 7of the ,twenty-first quorum7 was to select persons to receive their ,,endowments4 ,he had received direction to select ten or twelve to ,,go ,,in ,,the ,,temple4 ,he desired the brethren not to think it partiality to make this selection4 99 99 99 ,the ,saints who have passed through the trials of the ,church were generally rooted and #daf grounded in love and have a witness in their hearts or they would not have remained4 7,minutes of the ,twenty-first quorum1 ,january #beth1 #ahdf47 ,it was ten days after he made this utterance that the ,exodus of the main body of the ,church began1 and this is the last reference we have of ,,zenos ,h4 ,,gurley while connected with the ,church4 ,what became of ,,gurley8 ,because he had not root he withered away4 ,,joins ,,the ,,strangites--,,becomes ,,an ,,ardent ,,worker ,,immediately4 ,,zenos ,h4 ,,gurley writes to a ,brother ,cooper1 ,editor of the ,strangite ,gospel ,herald1 under date of ,january #ajth1 #ahej1 from ,pittsburg ,c4 ,w 41 relating an account of his labors in the ,,strangite ,,church4 ,he closes with these words3 ,the brethren in this place1 though young1 are old enough to dream of ,,beaver 7meaning ,beaver ,island1 ,strang's headquarters74 ,are you going to ,,beaver in the spring8 is the inquiry of many of them4 99 99 99 ,but1 thank ,god1 if we do no more we are rightly paid for our trouble4 ,one of the ,prophets1 speaking in reference to these times1 says1 'a man shall be more precious than fine gold4 ,farewell4' 7,gospel ,herald1 ,page #bgd47 ,,zenos ,h4 ,,gurley writes to the ,gospel ,herald 7,strangite organ7 from ,st4 ,lawrence under date of ,march #aeth1 #ahej3 ,i am now in ,new ,york ,state in company with ,brother ,linnel1 assisting ,brother ,silsby in organizing the brethren and helping them get ready for ,,beaver4 ,we expect seventy or one hundred4 ,will leave here in ,may for that place4 ,i left ,brother ,wright on ,monday last4 99 99 99 7,gospel ,herald1 ,page #bb47 ,,gurley ,,receives ,,an ,,appointment ,,at ,,strangite ,,conference4 ,september #afth1 #ahea4 ,beaver ,island4 ,moved and seconded that ,,zenos ,h4 ,,gurley be appointed to preside over the branches in ,western and ,southern ,wisconsin1 west of ,voree1 by judicial appointment4 ,carried4 99 99 99 7,record of ,conference1 pen written47 #dag ,,gurley ,,excommunicated ,,for ,,heresy ,,from ,,strangites4 ,james ,blakeslie dropped for ,,heresy and ,jahie ,savage for the same1 and their ,priesthood taken from them4 ,,zenos ,h4 ,,gurley1 ,,also ,,priesthood ,,taken ,,from ,,him4 99 99 99 7,voree ,record--,conference at ,enoch's ,grove1 ,beaver ,island1 ,july #i1 #aheb47 ,,doubts ,,followed ,,after ,,excommunication4 ,by #ahea1 after about five years of active service1 he became convinced that ,james ,j4 ,strang was not a ,servant of ,god4 ,manifestations followed which satisfied him that he should help organize another ,church4 ,accordingly1 he and ,jason ,w4 ,briggs united their efforts and organized what is known as the ,,new ,,organization1 which subsequently emerged into the ,re-,organized ,church1 in #ahfj--af years after the ,martyrdom4 ,zenos ,h4 ,gurley1 after following the ,twelve ,apostles as the presiding ,quorum of the ,church1 and holding the position as ,senior ,president of the ,twenty-first ,quorum of ,seventy up to the time of the exodus of the ,church from ,nauvoo1 in #ahdf1 left the ,church and joined ,james ,j4 ,strang1 remaining with this organization until he and ,briggs ,,created ,,the ,,new ,,organization4 ,in #ahfj he assisted ,william ,marks in ordaining the ,president of the ,reorganization4 ,the question naturally arises1 ,,did ,,he ,,have ,,any ,,authority8 ,we prefer to answer this question by simply quoting the statement found in the ,saints ,herald1 ,vol4 #d1 ,page #aeh4 ,whenever individuals claiming authority under ,,the ,,church ,,as ,,organized ,,by ,,the ,,first ,,joseph became members of ,,any ,,faction1 ,,they ,,immediately ,,became ,,divested ,,of ,,all ,,authority4 7,saints ,herald1 ,vol #d1 ,no4 #aj1 ,page #aeh47 ,,gurley',s ,,doubts ,,follow ,,his ,,family4 ,zenos ,h4 ,gurley 7an apostle7 had been able to convert many to this organization1 yet he was not satisfied in his own mind4 ,in connection with ,jason ,w4 ,briggs 7founder of the ,reorganization71 he forsook the ,church they claimed had been built upon revelations from divers persons1 7,saints ,herald ,vol4 #cc1 ,pages #bdh-bdi47 ,the reasons why these men withdrew from the ,reorganization were as follows3 ,that they could not believe in3 #dah #ast--,the literal gathering of the ,church into ,jackson and the adjoining counties in the ,state of ,missouri 7or any one or more places7 known as a local ,zion4 #b;d--,temple building and ceremonial endowments therein4 #c;d--,baptism for the dead4 #dth--,tithing as a law applicable to the ,church4 #eth--,the law of consecration by which individuals are made legal heirs to the ,kingdom of ,zion4 #fth--,a sole mouthpiece of ,god to the ,church4 #gth--,the plenary inspiration of and consequent absolute authority of what are called the sacred books4 #hth--,the doctrine of 'cursing our enemies1' and of 'avenging ,god upon them to the third and fourth generations4' #ith--,to the foregoing may be added the revelation of ,january #ai1 #ahda1 ,section #ajg ,d4 ,c4 7#abd1 our edition71 which enjoins upon the ,church the building of a hotel1 called the ',lord's boarding-house1' for ,joseph ,smith and posterity to dwell in from generation to generation1 as also the promise contained therein1 viz43 ',and as ,i said unto ,abraham concerning the kindreds of the earth1 even so ,i say to my servant ,joseph1 in thee and in thy seed shall the kindreds of the earth be blessed4' ,this1 coupled with the provisions in ,section #dc1 that 'none else should or could receive revelation for the ,church1 and the provision of ,section #ai1 that the ,church shall receive ,joseph's words and commands the same as if from ,god's own mouth1--establish in our judgment a lineal descent of authority equivalent to an imperial dynasty1 which is foreign to the spirit and genius of the ,gospel of ,christ4' ,,jason ,w4 ,,briggs1 ,,another ,,founder ,,of ,,the ,,new ,,organization4 ,jason ,w4 ,briggs1 who was really the founder of the ,reorganization or who1 perhaps1 did more than any other man to bring about that sect1 was born ,june #bjth1 #ahba1 at ,pompey1 ,onondaga ,county1 ,n4 ,y4 ,it is said he joined the church at ,potosi1 ,wis41 about #ahdb1 but we have no history of this man except as we get through the records of the ,reorganization4 ,he remained with the church under the leadership of ,president ,young and the ,twelve until the year #ahdf4 ,it is interesting to note in this regard that the exodus commenced ,february #dth1 #ahdf1 so we are quite safe in saying that this man was one of the ,fair weather friends4 #dai ,,jason ,w4 ,,briggs ,,joins ,,the ,,strangites4 ,after the exodus ,jason ,w4 ,briggs joined ,james ,j4 ,strang and in ,jus organization labored in the ministry quite extensively 7,reorganite ,history #c3 #gcg71 filling short missions to various parts of ,new ,york and in ,wisconsin4 ,in ,september of #ahdi1 with ,b4 ,g4 ,wright1 he organized the ,waukesha branch of ,mr4 ,strang's church 7,hist1 of ,reorganized ,church #c3 #gcg-h47 ,,ordained ,a ,,high ,,priest ,,by ,,james ,j4 ,,strang4 ,resolved unanimously that ,,jason ,w4 ,,briggs be ordained a ,high ,priest4 ,,ordination under the hands of ,president ,james ,j4 ,strang and ,,william ,,marks1 ,president of the stake at ,nauvoo4 7,voree ,record of ,conferences1 ,april #hth1 #ahdf47 ,,following ,,from ,,the ,,northern ,,islander1 ,,july #ca,,st1 #ahea4 ,the following letter was written in answer to one from ,mr4 ,briggs of ,wisconsin4 ,his letter is too scurrilous to appear in print1 therefore we publish only the reply of ,mr4 ,bacon4 ,beaver ,island1 ,july #ahth1 #ahea4 ,mr4 ,briggs3 ,sir3 ,some time since ,i received a letter from you in which you claim to take the liberty to write to me1 on the ground that our acquaintance had been such as to forbid personal enmities2 and1 therefore1 you would carry out the precept3 ',do unto others as you would have others do unto you2' and that ,i was less orthodox in the pretences of ,strang1 etc41 than some others4 99 99 99 ,i will now notice the argument1 powerful as it may be1 which you assert you have found upon examination1 touching the letter of appointment4 ,but what examination can this be1 in which you have found out that you spoke that which was not true8 ,,when ,,you ,,declared ,,in ,,public ,,congregations1 ,,at ,,your ,,own ,,fireside1 ,,and ,,at ,,the ,,fireside ,,of ,,your ,,neighbors1 that ,joseph ,smith wrote with his own hand the ',letter of ,appointment' 7for you saw him in vision7 ,,and ,,your ,,surprise ,,and ,,faith ,,in ,,the ',,knocking ,,spirits' ,,of ,,new ,,york1 ,,from ,,the ,,fact ,,that ,,they 7the spirits7 ,,asserted ,,the ,,same8 #dbj ,,briggs ,,still ,a ,,strangite ,,in #ahdh4 ,jason ,w4 ,briggs represents the ,beloit and ,prairie branches of the ,strangite ,church at the ,conference held in ,voree1 ,wis41 ,october #hth1 #ah-ah4 7,voree ,record of ,conferences1 pen written47 ,,briggs ,,joins ,,with ,,william ,,smith4 ,in #ahej ,briggs left ,mr4 ,strang's organisation and joined with ,william ,smith1 who had himself been a follower of ,mr4 ,strang until excommunicated from that organization for the crime of adultery4 ,in ,william ,smith's ,church ,mr4 ,jason ,w4 ,briggs accepted the position of ,,apostle1 but at the time of the disintegration of ,wm4 ,smith's ,church in #ahea1 he withdrew1 and in #aheb joined with ,zenos ,h4 ,gurley4 ,these two men organized this ,,new ,,organization today known as the ,reorganization4 ,,briggs ,,forsakes ,,the ,,church ,,he ,,organized4 ,although ,jason ,w4 ,briggs had received a ,revelation as he alleges on the #aeth of ,november1 #ahea1 on the prairie some three miles from town of ,beloit1 ,wis41 declaring that ,joseph ,smith of the ,reorganization should preside over the ,high ,priesthood of the ,church1 etc41 on ,march #bhth1 #ahhf1 he severed his connection with the church he claimed was of divine origin and in conversation with ,elder ,m4 ,f4 ,cowley in the presence of ,president ,f4 ,m4 ,lyman and ,elder ,john ,w4 ,taylor in relation to his revelation he said3 ,i ,,wouldn',t ,,like ,,to ,,call ,,it ,a ,,revelation ,,now1 ,,but ,,we ,,learn ,,by ,,experience4 ,reader1 the above facts will be of service to you if you are interested in the ,great ,latter-day work instituted through ,joseph ,smith1 the ,prophet4 ,however things may be elsewhere1 on this earth truth is met everywhere by error4 ,the false has its adherents as well as the true4 ,especially is this so in religion4 ,each individual must sift the grain from the chaff4 ,to those who become earnest in this labor1 ,god has promised help4 ,but without effort1 without faith1 there is no return and men are allowed to settle into that condition which they are satisfied with4 ,the positive search for the unadulterated plan of salvation is not usually made and many are deceived4 ,for this reason most men do not know the pure truth about religion4 ,in the question before us we have the principle of #dba ,,authority to consider1 ,,put ,,what ,,follows ,,to ,,the ,,above ,,test4 ,in the economy of ,god's work is found a ,holy ,priesthood through which ,he deals with mankind4 ,without this ,priesthood the ,church of ,god cannot exist for there would be no one authorized to do the work4 ,the ,ancients1 those who wrote the ,bible1 and others1 held this ,priesthood4 ,christ conferred it upon the ,,apostles1 ,seventies1 etc4 ,the world fell into spiritual darkness and hundreds of religions sprang up after this ,priesthood was taken away4 ,when the time came for the ,restoration of the ,gospel it was necessary that this ,priesthood be restored1 ,peter1 ,james and ,john 7the ancient ,apostles7 being sent to confer the authority they held upon the ,prophet ,joseph ,smith4 ,joseph ,smith1 the ,prophet1 conferred it upon others4 ,at the time of the death of the ,prophet the church was thoroughly organized with twelve apostles1 etc41 who held the same authority the ,twelve held in the days of ,christ1 and to whom the ,lord said in the year #ahcg3 ,for unto you 7the ,,twelve7 and those 7,the ,first ,presidency7 who are appointed with you to be your counselors and your leaders1 is the ,power of this ,,priesthood given for the last days and for the time in the which is the dispensation of the fullness of times4 ,d4 ,c41 ,section #aab3 #cj4 ,and again3 ,the ,twelve traveling ,counselors are called to be ,the ,twelve ,apostles or ,special ,witnesses of the name of ,christ in all the world2 thus differing from other officers in the church in the duties of their calling4 ,and they form a quorum ,,equal ,,in ,,authority ,,and ,,power to the three ,presidents previously mentioned4 ,d4 ,c41 ,section #ajg3 #bc-d4 ,now1 then1 notwithstanding the church had such a commission and such power1 we are told by some that the church fell away immediately after the death of the ,prophet1 and that the three men 7,marks1 ,gurley and ,briggs7 whose record we have given above1 and who were never even members of any general presiding quorum1 were able to apostatize1 join one man made church after another1 be ordained to positions in those churches1 and then possess ,,authority enough to ordain a man a ,prophet1 ,seer and ,revelator and earthly head of the ,church of ,god4 #dbb;,in conclusion1 we wish to say that there is but ,one at a time who holds the keys and the right to receive revelation for the church1 and that man is the ,president of the ,church4 ,when the ,first ,presidency is disorganised through the death of the ,president1 then1 according to revelation1 the ,,twelve ,,apostles become the presiding quorum of the church1 and then if the ,lord has any revelations to give to ,his people they will come through the proper channel--the ,president of the ,twelve4 ,when we see this man1 or that man1 or perhaps that woman or child giving revelations as was the case with the ,reorganisation1 when ,,jason ,w4 ,,briggs1 ,,zenos ,h4 ,,gurley1 ,,henry ,h4 ,,deam1 or the daughter of ,zenos ,h4 ,gurley1 received revelations bearing on the organization of their cult or the regulation of the ,church1 we will know assuredly that these things are not of ,god4 ,the ,constitution of the ,united ,states is a glorious standard2 it is founded upon wisdom2 it is a heavenly banner2 it is like a great tree under whose branches men from every clime can be shielded from the burning rays of an inclement sun2 and ,mormons as well as ,presbyterians1 and every other denomination1 have equal rights to partake of the fruits of this great tree of our national liberty4 --,joseph ,smith1 ,the ,prophet4 #dbc ,,is ,,belief ,,alone ,,sufficient8 ,,elder ,j4 ,h4 ,,paul4 ,there is a very large class of professed ,christians who maintain that if an individual does no more than simply believe in ,christ1 he will be saved eternally in ,god's ,kingdom of glory4 ,we do not purpose to disparage the value of belief or faith1 for these principles occupy a very important position in the plan of human redemption2 but it is the design to show that the doctrine which predicates salvation upon belief only is erroneous1 and consequently dangerous4 ,the evangelist writes3 ,and this is eternal life1 that they might know ,thee the only true ,god1 and ,jesus ,christ1 whom ,thou has sent 7,john xvii3 #c74 ,conjoin this statement with another passage of ,scripture1 which reads thus3 ,and hereby do we know that we know ,him1 if we keep ,his commandments4 ,he that saith1 ,i know ,him1 and keepeth not ,his commandments1 is a liar1 and the truth is not in ,him 7#a ,john ii3 #c1 #d74 ,the teachings of these ,scriptures are--,first3 ,no one can be saved1 or obtain eternal life1 without a knowledge of ,god1 and of ,christ4 ,second3 ,those who fail to keep the commandments of the ,savior do not possess a knowledge of ,god2 and hence the conclusion is inevitable that there is no salvation without obedience to the ,gospel laws and ordinances4 ,this conclusion is in direct harmony with the statements of the ,apostle ,paul1 who says3 ,and to you who are troubled rest with us1 when the ,lord ,jesus shall be revealed from heaven with ,his mighty angels1 in flaming fire1 taking vengeance on them that know not ,god1 and that obey not the ,gospel of our ,lord ,jesus ,christ3 who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the ,lord1 and from the glory of ,his power 7#b ,thess4 i3 #g1 #h1 #i74 ,again3 ,go ye1 therefore1 and teach all nations1 baptizing them in the name of the ,father1 and of the ,son1 and of the ,holy ,ghost1 teaching them to observe all things whatsoever ,i have commanded you 7,matt1 xxviii3 #ai1 #bj74 ,thus the disciples were sent forth with a mission to convert all nations if possible1 and they were instructed to enjoin upon those who became ,christians obedience to all things whatsoever ,christ gave as commandments to the #dbd early ,apostles4 ,his language is so comprehensive that no command can be omitted4 ,know ye therefore that they which are of faith1 the same are the children of ,abraham 7,gal4 iii3 #g74 ,but1 ,if ye were ,abraham's children1 ye would do the works of ,abraham 7,john viii3 #ci74 ,here it is substantially stated that those who have ,christian faith are adopted into the family of ,abraham1 thus becoming his children2 but this privilege is accorded to those only who do the works of ,abraham4 ,how this ancient ,patriarch obtained the right to be called the ,father of the ,faithful is thus set forth3 ,because that ,abraham obeyed my voice1 and kept my charge1 my commandments1 my statutes1 and my laws 7,gen4 xxvi3 #e74 ,these were the works of ,abraham1 and those who are counted worthy to belong to his family1 or to the household of faith1 must also obey ,god's voice1 and keep ,his charge1 commandments1 statutes and laws4 ,according to ,scripture1 no evasion of this requirement is possible2 for those who are ,abraham's children obey the commandments of ,god4 ,st4 ,james speaks to the point under consideration thus3 ,but be ye doers of the word1 and not hearers only1 deceiving your own selves4 ,for if any be a hearer of the word1 and not a doer1 he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass3 for he beholdeth himself1 and goeth his way1 and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was4 ,but whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty1 and continueth therein1 he being not a forgetful hearer1 but a doer of the work1 this man shall be blessed in his deed4 7,james i3 #bb-be74 ,now1 what is the word8 ,st4 ,peter answers this question decisively3 ,being born again1 not of corruptible seed1 but of incorruptible1 by the word of ,god1 which liveth and abideth for ever4 4 4 4 ,but the word of the ,lord endureth for ever1 and this is the word which by the ,gospel is preached unto you 7#a ,peter i3 #bc1 #be74 ,thus we learn that the ,gospel is the word of ,god1 and it liveth and abideth for ever4 ,whosoever1 therefore1 is not a doer of the ,gospel requirements is deceiving himself4 ,notice how particularly the ,apostle states that the blessings of the ,gospel1 or the perfect law of liberty1 are obtained by doing the work enjoined by it4 ,st4 ,paul writes3 ,but ye1 brethren1 be not weary of well doing4 ,and if any man obey not our word by this epistle1 note that man1 and have no company with him1 that he may be ashamed 7#b ,thess4 iii3 #ac1 #ad74 ,the word referred to in ,st4 ,paul's epistle was1 for instance1 that the ,saints should not become weary in well doing1 and he directed that those who #dbe would not obey this commandment should be excluded from the company of ,christians4 ,it is folly for us to suppose that those who disqualify themselves for association with ,saints on earth by neglecting to keep the commandments of the ,lord1 are fitted for the company of ,god1 angels and saints in heaven4 ,whosoever believeth that ,jesus is the ,christ is born of ,god2 and every one that loveth ,him that begat loveth him also that is begotten of ,him4 ,by this we know that we love the children of ,god1 when we love ,god and keep ,his commandments4 ,for this is the love of ,god1 that we keep ,his commandments1 and ,his commandments are not grievous 7#a ,john v3 #a-c74 ,this same writer further says3 ,we know that we have passed from death unto life because we love the brethren4 ,he that loveth not his brother abideth in death 7#a ,john iii3 #ad74 ,there is1 according to this last ,scripture1 not eternal life1 but death abiding in the soul of every one who does not love the brethren2 and the first quotation assures us that where there is such a love1 there is also obedience to the commandments of ,god4 ,we cannot dissever these things1 for the ,almighty has joined them together4 ,it follows1 from the ,scriptures just considered1 that those who fail to obey ,god's ,gospel commandments are abiding in death1 not in life4 ,in conformity with the direct declarations of the ,scriptures which have been produced1 showing that the commandments of ,god must be obeyed1 we observe that the doctrine of obedience to the law is practically enforced4 ,the ,lord expresses condemnation of those whose works are not satisfactory4 ,for instance3 ,and unto the angel of the church in ,sardis write3 ,these things saith he that hath the seven ,spirits of ,god1 and the seven stars2 ,i know thy works1 that thou hast a name that thou livest1 and art dead4 ,be watchful and strengthen the things which remain that are ready to die3 for ,i have not found thy works perfect before ,god 4 4 4 ,and to the angel of the church in ,philadelphia write3 ,these things saith ,he that is holy1 444 ,i know thy works2 behold ,i have set before thee an open door1 and no man can shut it2 for thou hast a little strength1 and hast kept my word1 and hast not denied my name4 7,rev4 iii3 #a1 #b1 #g1 #h74 ,the judgment of the ,lord is herein clearly founded upon the works in these two churches4 ,the first one whose works were imperfect was dead2 the second had an open door set before it because it had kept the word of the ,lord4 ,what the ,lord thus spoke to the ,churches collectively must apply to the individuals comprising the society1 and hence those who shall have an open door 7into heaven7 set before them must keep the commandments of ,god4 ,in these cases ,god proceeded #dbf on the principle referred to in the writings of ,st4 ,james1 that faith is manifested by works 7,james ii3 #ah1 etc474 ,the following passage is also pertinent in this connection3 ,for in ,jesus ,christ neither circumcision availeth nothing1 nor uncircumcision2 but faith which worketh by love 7,gal4 v3 #f74 ,the plain proposition herein affirmed is that nothing avails in ,christ ,jesus but a faith which worketh4 ,it must operate in or by love2 it is manifested by works4 ,if it is not1 it avails nothing1 being dead4 ,god measures faith by works--by the keeping of ,his commandments4 ,the following ,scripture is very decisive3 ,when the ,son of ,man shall come in ,his glory1 and all the holy angels with ,him1 then shall ,he sit upon the throne of ,his glory3 and before ,him shall be gathered all nations3 and ,he shall separate them one from another1 as a shepherd divideth the sheep from the goats3 and ,he shall set the sheep on ,his right hand1 but the goats on the left4 ,then shall the ,king say unto them on ,his right hand1 ,come1 ye blessed of my ,father1 inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world3 for ,i was an hungered1 and ye gave me meat3 ,i was thirsty1 and ye gave me drink3 ,i was a stranger1 and ye took me in3 naked1 and ye clothed me3 ,i was sick1 and ye visited me3 ,i was in prison1 and ye came unto me4 ,then shall the righteous answer ,him1 saying1 ,lord1 when we saw ,thee an hungered1 and fed ,thee8 or thirsty1 and gave ,thee drink8 when saw we ,thee a stranger1 and took ,thee in8 or naked1 and clothed ,thee8 or when saw we ,thee sick1 or in prison1 and came unto ,thee8 ,and the ,king shall answer and say unto them1 ,verily ,i say unto you1 inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren1 ye have done it unto me4 ,then shall ,he say also unto them on the left hand1 ,depart from me ye cursed1 into everlasting fire1 prepared for the devil and his angels3 for ,i was an hungered1 and ye gave me no meat3 ,i was thirsty1 and ye gave me no drink3 ,i was a stranger1 and ye took me not in3 naked1 and ye clothed me not3 sick1 and in prison1 and ye visited me not4 ,then shall they also answer ,him1 saying1 ,lord1 when saw we ,thee an hungered1 or athirst1 or a stranger1 or naked1 or sick1 or in prison1 and did not minister unto ,thee8 ,then shall ,he answer them1 saying1 ,verily ,i say unto you1 inasmuch as ye did it not to one of the least of these1 ye did it not to me4 ,and these shall go away into everlasting punishment3 but the righteous into life eternal 7,matt4 xxv3 #ca-df74 ,this scene1 joyous on the one hand1 but dark and terrible as death on the other1 is a plain revelation of the principle which shall prevail in the court of heaven at the great day of judgment4 ,those whom the ,savior calls cursed1 and whom ,he overwhelms with everlasting punishment1 are not permitted to plead justification by their belief alone4 ,it is an awful question of practical godliness1 of righteous works4 ,the devils themselves believe and tremble1 and those who do no more must take up their miserable abode with them4 ,such is the #dbg decree of ,almighty ,god4 ,the teachings of ,scripture are as plain as they can be expressed in human language1 that those who do not manifest their faith by godly works are under condemnation4 ,we learn further from the ,scriptures that the righteous works specially mentioned in the foregoing quotation are not the only ones required to entitle a person to eternal life4 ,for instance3 ,and when ,he was gone forth into the way1 there came one running1 and kneeled to ,him1 and asked ,him1 ,good ,master1 what shall ,i do that ,i may inherit eternal life8 ,and ,jesus said unto him 4 4 4 ,thou knowest the commandments3 ,do not commit adultery1 ,do not kill1 ,do not steal1 ,do not bear false witness1 ,defraud not1 ,honor thy father and mother4 ,and he answered and said unto ,him1 ,master1 all these ,i have observed from my youth4 ,then ,jesus beholding him1 loved him1 and said unto him1 ,one thing thou lackest3 go thy way1 sell whatsoever thou hast1 and give to the poor1 and thou shalt have treasure in heaven3 and come1 take up the cross1 and follow me 7,mark x3 #ag-ba74 ,a plain question was thus propounded1 and it was definitely answered4 ,christ insisted upon a keeping of the commandments of ,god2 we are to follow ,him--to do as ,he did1 that is1 devote our lives to doing the will of the ,father4 ,the ,savior assured ,his questioner that such was the way to inherit eternal life4 ,this doctrine is pointedly put in ,matthew xix3 #ag1 thus3 ,but if thou wilt enter into life1 keep the commandments4 ,again3 ,he that believeth and is baptized shall be saved 7,mark xvi3 #af74 ,now1 all men believe in the truth of the doctrine taught in the text just quoted1 or they do not4 ,if they do not1 they cannot believe in ,christ as a ,being who is full of grace and truth1 as the ,scripture asserts4 ,if we admit for a moment that ,he comes short in the principle of truth1 we shatter at once the very foundation of belief and confidence1 and doubt is the inevitable result4 ,if ,christ's word is doubted1 there is no confidence in ,him4 ,it follows1 therefore1 that those who do not believe in the truth of the text do not believe in ,christ4 ,but all concede that without this belief no one can obtain eternal life4 ,those who do believe the truth of the text cannot say that belief alone is sufficient for salvation1 since it is expressly stated that he that believeth and is baptized shall be saved4 ,christ's own statement respecting the matter is final with all those that believe in ,him4 ,the following ,scriptures are submitted3 #dbh ,and why call ye me ,lord1 ,lord1 and do not the things which ,i say8 7,luke vi3 #df74 ,but ,he said1 yea1 rather1 blessed are they that hear the word of ,god1 and keep it 7,luke xi3 #bh74 ,and this is the commandment1 that we should believe on the name of ,his ,son ,jesus ,christ1 and love one another1 as ,he gave us commandment4 ,and he that keepeth ,his commandments dwelleth in ,him1 and ,he in him 7#a ,john iii3 #bc1 #bd74 ,if ye love me1 keep my commandments4 ,he that hath my commandments1 and keepeth them1 he it is that loveth me3 and he that loveth me shall be loved of my ,father1 and ,i will love him1 and will manifest myself to him 7,john xiv3 #ae1 #ba74 ,though ,he were a ,son1 yet learned ,he obedience by things which ,he suffered2 and being made perfect1 ,he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey ,him 7,heb4 v3 #h1 #i74 ,what doth it profit1 my brethren1 though a man say he hath faith1 and have not works8 ,can faith save him8 7,james ii3 #ad74 ,he that saith he abideth in ,him ought himself also so to walk1 even as ,he walked 7#a ,john ii3 #f74 ,but wilt thou know1 ,o vain man1 that faith without works is dead8 ,was not ,abraham our father justified by works1 when he had offered ,isaac his son upon the altar8 ,seest thou how faith wrought with his works1 and by works was faith made perfect8 ,and the scripture was fulfilled which saith1 ,abraham believed ,god1 and it was imputed unto him for righteousness3 and he was called the ,friend of ,god4 ,ye see then how that by works a man is justified1 and not by faith only4 ,likewise1 also1 was not ,rahab the harlot justified by works1 when she had received the messengers1 and had sent them out another way8 ,for as the body without the spirit is dead1 so faith without works is dead also 7,james ii3 #bj-bf74 ,blessed are they that do ,his commandments1 that they may have right to the tree of life1 and may enter in through the gates into the city 7,rev4 xxii3 #ad74 ,meddle not with any man for his religion2 for all governments ought to permit every man to enjoy his religion unmolested4 ,no man is authorized to take away life in consequence of difference of religion1 which all laws and governments ought to protect4 --,joseph ,smith4 #dbi ,,the ,,church ,,of ,,jesus ,,christ ,,of ,,latter-,,day ,,saints4 ,,its ,,religion1 ,,history1 ,,condition ,,and ,,destiny4 ,,by ,,james ,h4 ,,anderson1 ,,of ,,salt ,,lake ,,city1 ,,utah4 #aijb4 ,a good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit1 neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit4--,matt4 vii1 #ah4 ,of the religious denominations now in existence among men1 none have attracted such attention from the others as the organization known as ,the ,church of ,jesus ,christ of ,latter-day ,saints1 the members of which are popularly1 though erroneously1 called ,mormons1 because of their belief in the divine authenticity of the ,book of ,mormon1 a record of the ancient inhabitants of ,america4 ,in every nation where the fame of this ,church has spread1 and where its ,elders have appeared to teach their faith1 one feature which stands preeminent is the bitterness with which they are opposed1 without even the opportunity of being heard1 principally by professed believers in ,christianity4 ,some there are who are practical in their adherence to the doctrine of religious toleration1 and whose expansive minds lead them to refrain from passing judgment till they hear the case fairly stated4 ,they hesitate to follow popular clamor1 preferring to ascertain the truth for themselves1 rather than give assent to the voice of prejudice and bigotry which demanded the life of ,jesus of ,nazareth because ,he claimed to be the ,son of ,god4 ,but these are the exception2 the rule has been to accept without question assertions made against the ,latter-day ,saints1 and to decline to listen to anything in the way of denial or justification4 ,with this prominent fact before us1 it is beyond dispute that to this organization above all others in this generation must be applied the saying1 ,for as concerning this sect1 we know that everywhere it is spoken against4 ,doubtless much of this antagonism is due to ignorance of the true belief1 aims and condition of the ,latter-day ,saints4 ,certainly it is largely because of gross misrepresentations by #dcj those who have constituted themselves their enemies4 ,the reason for assuming this position can be left for explanation to those who occupy it4 ,the purpose of the present occasion is not to consider that branch of the subject1 but rather to present the doctrines believed in by the ,latter-day ,saints1 and the reason for that belief4 ,the limited time at our disposal will admit of only a brief exposition of those doctrines2 all who are desirous of more elaborate explanation may obtain it from the published works of the ,church1 and from its ,elders1 who will be pleased to present to investigators the ,gospel message which they are proclaiming to the world4 ,the present opportunity is sufficient for but an abridged statement1 in plain and simple language1 of the religious system under consideration4 ,this ,church presents no formula of religious dogmas4 ,its creed is3 ,the direct revelation of ,god to ,his children4 ,as ,he is without variableness1 and is no respecter of persons1 so ,his laws are unchangeable2 and whatsoever ,he gives by the voice of revelation is a law unto the ,saints4 ,the organization of this ,church was effected at ,fayette1 ,new ,york1 on ,sunday1 the sixth day of ,april1 #ahcj4 ,shortly after this event1 its presiding ,apostle and ,prophet1 ,joseph ,smith1 was asked for a concise statement of what he and his people believed1 and in reply he wrote the following3 ,,articles ,,of ,,faith ,,of ,,the ,,church ,,of ,,jesus ,,christ ,,of ,,latter-,,day ,,saints4 #a4 ,we believe in ,god1 the ,eternal ,father1 and in ,his ,son1 ,jesus ,christ1 and in the ,holy ,ghost4 #b4 ,we believe that men will be punished for their own sins and not for ,adam's transgression4 #c4 ,we believe that through the atonement of ,christ1 all mankind may be saved1 by obedience to the laws1 and ordinances of the ,gospel4 #d4 ,we believe that the first principles and ordinances of the ,gospel are3 ,first1 ,faith in the ,lord ,jesus ,christ2 second1 ,repentance2 third1 ,baptism by immersion for the remission of sins2 fourth1 ,laying on of hands for the gift of the ,holy ,ghost4 #e4 ,we believe that a man must be called of ,god by prophecy1 and by the laying on of hands1 by those who are in authority1 to preach the ,gospel and administer in the ordinances thereof4 #f4 ,we believe in the same organization that existed in the primitive ,church1 viz3 ,apostles1 ,prophets1 ,pastors1 ,teachers1 ,evangelists1 etc4 #dca #g4 ,we believe in the gift of tongues1 prophecy1 revelation1 visions1 healing1 interpretation of tongues1 etc4 #h4 ,we believe the ,bible to be the word of ,god1 as far as it is translated correctly2 we also believe the ,book of ,mormon to be the word of ,god4 #i4 ,we believe all that ,god has revealed1 all that ,he does now reveal1 and we believe that ,he will yet reveal many great and important things pertaining to the ,kingdom of ,god4 #aj4 ,we believe in the literal gathering of ,israel and in the restoration of the ,ten ,tribes4 ,that ,zion will be built upon this continent4 ,that ,christ will reign personally upon the earth1 and that the earth will be renewed and receive its paradisaic glory4 #aa4 ,we claim the privilege of worshiping ,almighty ,god according to the dictates of our conscience1 and allow all men the same privilege1 let them worship how1 where or what they may4 #ab4 ,we believe in being subjects to kings1 presidents1 rulers and magistrates1 in obeying1 honoring and sustaining the law4 #ac4 ,we believe in being honest1 true1 chaste1 benevolent1 virtuous1 and in doing good to all men2 indeed we may say that we follow the admonition of ,paul1 ,we believe all things1 we hope all things1 we have endured many things1 and hope to be able to endure all things4 ,if there is anything virtuous1 lovely or of good report or praiseworthy1 we seek after these things4 ,the position taken by the ,prophet ,joseph ,smith and those who have given heed to the doctrines he presented is that they have no new system of religion to offer to the world1 but that their message is the fulness of the everlasting ,gospel2 the ,gospel which ,paul said was the power of ,god unto salvation1 to every one that believeth2 the ,gospel of which the ,bible bears record1 and which the ,lord ,jesus ,christ and ,his disciples taught as the commandment of ,god to ,his children4 ,while they testify that it is a new revelation to them in this dispensation1 the latter days1 and that they received through heavenly messengers sent from the throne of the great ,jehovah all the knowledge they possess of the plan of salvation1 and also the authority to preach the ,gospel and administer in its ordinances1 they point out that it is the same ,gospel and divine message that was revealed to man in ancient days2 the one faith of which ,paul spake to the ,ephesians2 the ,everlasting ,gospel1 the plan instituted by ,god for the salvation of ,his children--unchangeable1 eternal1 and transcendently perfect4 ,upon this presentation of the case1 then1 are they to be judged4 ,they thus place every principle or doctrine within the field of comparison with the ,holy ,scriptures1 both in the ,old and the ,new ,testament4 #dcb ,,the ,,godhead4 ,the first of the ,articles of ,faith declares a belief in ,god the ,eternal ,father1 and in ,his ,son ,jesus ,christ1 and in the ,holy ,ghost4 ,that is1 that the ,father is a personage of spirit1 glory and power1 possessing all perfection and fulness2 the ,son a personage of tabernacle also1 who is the express image of ,his ,father1 and possesses the same fulness with the ,father1 in whose image also man is created2 and the ,holy ,ghost1 that which bears record of the ,father and the ,son1 the life-giving element in all nature1 the agent of ,god's power1 by which1 through faith1 all things are controlled4 ,these three constitute the ,supreme governing power1 the ,godhead1 and are one--above all1 and in all1 and through all--omnipotent1 omniscient and omnipresent4 ,the idea thus set forth is that in form man is the image of his ,creator4 ,the ,bible contains no suggestion of a similarity in form with any of the other creations of the ,almighty4 ,but with respect to man it is distinctly expressed in ,genesis i3 #bf1 #bg3 ,and ,god said1 ,let us make man in our own image1 after our likeness1 and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea1 and over the fowl of the air1 and over the cattle1 and over all the earth1 and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth4 ,so ,god created man in ,his own image2 in the image of ,god created ,he him2 male and female created ,he them4 ,paul1 in writing of ,god1 says that ,jesus was the express image of ,his person 7,hebrews i3 #c71 being in the form of ,god 7,phil4 ii3 #f74 ,in the record which ,matthew has made of the ,lord's baptism1 he describes the action of the three who constitute the ,godhead3 ,jesus receiving the baptism of water1 the ,spirit of ,god descending like a dove and lighting upon ,him1 and a voice--the voice of the ,father--uttering from heaven1 ,this is my beloved ,son1 in whom ,i am well pleased 7,matt1 iii3 #af1 #ag74 ,the ,redeemer of the world ,himself testifies of their individuality3 ,for as the ,father hath life in ,himself2 so hath ,he given to the ,son to have life in ,himself2 and hath given ,him authority to execute judgment also1 because ,he is the ,son of man 7,john v3 #bf1 #bg72 ,ye have heard how ,i said unto you1 ,i go away1 and come again unto you4 ,if ye loved me1 ye would rejoice because ,i said1 ,i go unto the ,father3 for my ,father is greater than ,i 7,john xiv3 #bh72 ,nevertheless1 ,i tell you the truth2 it is expedient for you that ,i go away2 for if ,i go not away1 the ,comforter will not come unto you2 but if ,i depart1 ,i will #dcc send him unto you 7,john xviii3 #g72 ,but when the ,comforter is come1 whom ,i will send unto you from the ,father1 even the ,spirit of ,truth1 which proceedeth from the ,father1 ,he shall testify of me 7,john xv3 #bf74 ,in the solemn prayer offered up before ,his betrayal1 the ,divine ,master besought ,his ,father1 in behalf of ,his disciples1 ,that they all may be one2 as ,thou1 ,father1 art in me1 and ,i in ,thee1 that they also may be one in us3 that the world may believe that ,thou hast sent me4 ,and the glory which ,thou gavest me ,i have given them2 that they may be one1 even as we are one 7,john xvii3 #ba1 #bb74 ,the unity of purpose and action in all things constitutes the oneness4 ,this union ,jesus sought to bring to ,his ,apostles1 that1 each having his distinct personality1 they might be one1 even as we are one4 ,,men ,,judged ,,by ,,their ,,works4 ,we believe that men will be punished for their own sins1 and not for ,adam's transgression4 ,by this transgression death came into the world1 that men might gain the experience of a mortal probation4 ,but that man should be held responsible for an act in which he had no agency would evidently be an injustice4 ,our ,father1 being a just ,god1 must therefore deal justly with ,his children4 ,what is the doctrine of the ,scriptures respecting the responsibility of men8 ,in ,jeremiah xvii3 #aj1 it is announced3 ,i the ,lord search the heart1 ,i try the reins1 even to give every man according to his ways1 and according to the fruit of his doings4 ,as the laws of truth and justice are inflexible in their operation and effect1 judgment as certainly follows evil as blessings result from good deeds4 ,the beloved ,apostle1 in recording his vision of the judgment1 tells us3 ,and ,i saw the dead1 small and great1 stand before ,god2 and the books were opened3 and another book was opened1 which is the book of life3 and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books1 according to their works4 ,and the sea gave up the dead which were in it2 and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them3 and they were judged every man according to their works 7,rev4 xx3 #ab1 #ac74 ,language can be no plainer to inform mankind of the evidence that will be adduced for or against them at the judgment-seat of ,christ4 ,it will be their deeds2 and from the judgment they will make no appeal1 for they cannot but realize its justice4 ,by the divine law1 man is answerable for his own sins4 #dcd ,he is not compelled to bear the wrongs of another in the reward which he will receive at ,god's judgment4 ,the transgression of ,adam was not ours1 and can have no ill effects upon us2 it rather becomes a blessing by the mercy of ,jehovah4 ,the ,latter-day ,saints believe that1 as by ,adam death came into the world1 without our action1 so is life the free gift to all men1 through the atonement of the ,lord ,jesus4 ,this is the doctrine of the ,bible4 ,paul expresses it thus3 ,wherefore1 as by one man sin entered into the world1 and death by sin2 and so death passed upon all men1 for that all have sinned3 therefore as by the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation2 even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life 7,romans v3 #ab1 #ah74 ,the ,lord has permitted no doubt to remain respecting the sins for which men will be punished and the good for which they will be rewarded4 ,his word is3 ,for the ,son of man shall come in the glory of ,his ,father with ,his angels2 and then ,he shall reward every man according to his works 7,matt4 xvi3 #bg74 ,the testimony which ,he gave to ,john the ,divine on the ,isle of ,patmos was3 ,i will give every one of you according to your works 7,rev4 ii3 #bc74 ,and behold1 ,i come quickly2 and my reward is with me1 to give every man according as his work shall be 7,rev4 xxii3 #ab74 ,,the ,,atonement4 ,we believe that through the atonement of ,christ all mankind may be saved1 by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the ,gospel4 ,by this atonement is brought the victory over death2 the resurrection of the body to life2 the raising of man to a position where he is not subject to death4 ,but it goes farther in the article of faith read4 ,it brings salvation by obedience to the ,gospel4 ,salvation1 then1 is more than a redemption from the fall4 ,the latter comes to man without his agency1 so far as the mere restoration to life is concerned4 ,that is the doctrine which the ,apostles taught3 ,for since by man came death1 by man came also the resurrection of the dead4 ,for as in ,adam all die1 even so in ,christ shall all be made alive 7#a ,cor4 xv3 #ba1 #bb74 ,since the ,savior brought to pass the resurrection and the life1 ,his atonement has a universal application1 and there shall be a resurrection of the dead1 both of the just and unjust 7,acts xxiv3 #ae74 ,does the atonement do more8 ,the ,latter-day ,saints reply in the affirmative4 ,matthew 7chap4 i3 #ba7 records that the #dce angel declared to ,joseph1 when foretelling the birth of the infant ,jesus1 ,for ,he shall save ,his people from their sins4 ,the ,apostle ,peter says3 ,neither is there salvation in any other3 for there is none other name under heaven given among men1 whereby we must be saved 7,acts iv3 #ab74 ,by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the ,gospel1 salvation comes to man2 it is that which is added to the children of men by the atoning blood of the ,redeemer1 when the requirements of ,his ,gospel are complied with4 ,until this is done1 there is no salvation from sin4 ,the ,apostle ,john makes this unequivocal declaration3 ,this then is the message which we have heard of ,him1 and declare unto you1 that ,god is light1 and in ,him is no darkness at all4 ,if we say that we have fellowship with ,him1 and walk in darkness1 we lie1 and do not the truth2 but if we walk in the light1 as ,he is in the light1 we have fellowship one with another1 and the blood of ,jesus ,christ ,his ,son cleanseth us from all sin 7#a ,john i3 #e1 #g74 ,if we would be cleansed from all sin by the blood of ,christ ,jesus1 the condition is that we walk in the light as ,he is in the light4 ,if this be not our course1 the ,apostle says1 we lie and do not the truth4 ,to these teachings is placed the seal and testimony of the ,divine ,master ,himself1 in ,his sermon on the mount3 ,not every one that saith unto me1 ,lord1 ,lord1 shall enter into the kingdom of heaven2 but he that doeth the will of my ,father which is in heaven 7,matt4 vii3 #ba74 ,in vain do ye worship me1 said ,he to those who followed the tradition of men instead of keeping the commandment of ,god 7,mark vii3 #g1 #h74 ,,the ,,gospel ,,ordinances--,,faith4 ,we believe that the first principles and ordinances of the ,gospel are3 ,first--,faith in the ,lord ,jesus ,christ4 ,the principle of faith is the moving cause of all action in intelligent beings4 ,faith in the ,lord is the fundamental principle leading to obedience to ,his will4 ,it is the assurance which we have of unseen things4 ,by its exercise we are alone able to approach the throne of grace4 ,without faith it is impossible to please ,him2 for he that cometh to ,god must believe that ,he is1 and that ,he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek ,him4 7,heb4 xi3 #f74 ,it is not a mere passive belief2 but being a principle of action and power1 it inculcates works in harmony with itself4 ,the ,savior says3 ,let not your heart be troubled2 ye believe in ,god1 believe also in me4 ,verily1 verily1 ,i say unto you1 ,he that believeth on me1 the #dcf works that ,i do shall he do also2 and greater works than these shall he do1 because ,i go unto my ,father 7,john xiv3 #a1 #ab74 ,it is the belief of the ,latter-day ,saints that the ,gospel is the working law of ,christ2 that faith in ,him1 to have life1 must be accompanied by works in accord with the mental exercise of faith4 ,as the ,apostle ,james says3 ,but be ye doers of the word1 and not hearers only1 deceiving your own selves 7i3 #bb74 ,this ,apostle writes1 ,for as the body without the spirit is dead1 so faith without works is dead also2 and in the second chapter of his epistle 7verse #ad-bd7 he states3 ,what doth it profit1 my brethren1 though a man say he hath faith1 and have not works8 ,can faith save him8 ,if a brother or sister be naked1 and destitute of daily food1 and one of you say unto them1 ,depart in peace1 be ye warmed and filled2 notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body2 what doth it profit8 ,even so faith1 if it hath not works1 is dead1 being alone4 ,yea1 a man may say1 ,thou hast faith and ,i have works3 shew me thy faith without thy works1 and ,i will shew thee my faith by my works4 ,thou believest that there is one ,god2 thou doest well3 the devils also believe1 and tremble4 ,but wilt thou know1 ,o vain man1 that faith without works is dead8 ,was not ,abraham our father justified by works1 when he had offered ,isaac his son upon the altar8 ,seest thou how faith wrought with his works1 and by works was faith made perfect8 ,and the scripture was fulfilled which saith1 ,abraham believed ,god1 and it was imputed unto him for righteousness3 and he was called the ,friend of ,god4 ,ye see then how that by works a man is justified1 and not by faith only4 ,the ,lord said1 ,thou shalt love the ,lord thy ,god with all thy heart1 and with all thy soul1 and with all thy mind4 ,this is the first and great commandment 7,matt1 xxii3 #cg1 #ch74 ,he also explains what it is to love ,god3 ,he that hath my commandments1 and keepeth them1 he it is that loveth me3 and he that loveth me shall be loved of my ,father1 and ,i will love him1 and will manifest myself to him 7,john xiv3 #ba74 ,this is faith in and love of ,god3 keeping ,his commandments4 ,,repentance4 ,second--,repentance4 ,to those who1 on the day of ,pentecost1 believed on the ,apostles' words1 and had awakened within their hearts faith in the ,lord ,jesus1 ,peter gave the law of the ,gospel3 ,repent1 #dcg and be baptized every one of you in the name of ,jesus ,christ for the remission of sins1 and ye shall receive the gift of the ,holy ,ghost4 ,for the promise is unto you1 and to your children1 and to all that are afar off1 even as many as the ,lord our ,god shall call 7,acts ii3 #ch1 #ci74 ,this law was universal in its application4 ,it was to all that are afar off1 even as many as the ,lord our ,god shall call4 ,when ,john the ,baptist came in the wilderness of ,judea1 as the messenger before the ,lord1 preaching the beginning of the ,gospel of ,jesus ,christ1 the ,son of ,god1 he proclaimed1 ,repent ye1 for the kingdom of heaven is at hand 7,matt4 iii3 #b74 ,of those who presented themselves for baptism he required conformity to the doctrine which preceded it4 ,if they had not repented1 the ordinance of baptism was refused to them4 ,when many of the ,pharisees and ,sadducees came1 he called them a generation of vipers1 and demanded that they bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance 7,matt4 iii3 #g1 #h74 ,god commandeth all men everywhere to repent--to turn from evil and walk in righteousness1 for therein only is salvation4 ,the ,lord says1 ,except ye repent ye shall all likewise perish 7,luke xiii3 #c74 ,,baptism4 ,third--,baptism by immersion for the remission of sins4 ,to the repentant believer this is the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins taught by ,john the ,baptist 7,mark i3 #d74 ,on the day of ,pentecost1 ,peter pointed the way to salvation1 ,repent1 and be baptized every one of you in the name of ,jesus ,christ for the remission of sins 7,acts ii3 #ch74 ,when the jailer sought to be saved1 ,paul and ,silas spake unto him the word of the ,lord1 and he was baptized1 he and all his1 straightway 7,acts xvi3 #cj-cc74 ,so important is this ordinance for admission into the ,church of ,god1 that the ,lord ,jesus insisted on receiving it at the hands of ,john the ,baptist1 who was authorized to administer it4 ,john had preached that there should come after him ,one who should baptize with the ,holy ,ghost and with fire1 and when ,jesus presented ,himself on ,jordan's banks1 the ,prophet recognized that mightier ,one4 ,he felt his own weakness in the presence of the ,son of ,god1 and said1 ,i have need to be baptized of ,thee1 and comest ,thou to me8 ,but ,jesus knew the law of ,god4 ,he knew that it was necessary for even the ,son of ,man to enter at the door1 and obey the ordinance which ,his ,father had appointed4 ,therefore ,he answered #dch ,john1 ,suffer it to be so now1 for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness 7,matt4 iii3 #ae74 ,then the ,savior of the world went down into the river ,jordan1 and was baptized of ,john4 ,when ,he came out of the water1 there was given that glorious manifestation of the approval by ,his ,father of the act of submission to the divine law1 and lo1 the heavens were opened unto ,him1 and ,he saw the ,spirit of ,god descending like a dove1 and lighting upon ,him3 and lo1 a voice from heaven1 saying1 ,this is my beloved ,son1 in whom ,i am well pleased 7,matt4 iii3 #af1 #ag74 ,if it was necessary for the ,son of ,god1 the ,redeemer of the world1 to receive the ordinance of baptism at the hands of one having authority to administer it1 that ,he might fulfil all righteousness1 wherein can sinful man hope to enter by any other way8 ,and when that act of obedience to law on the part of the ,divine ,master was signalized by the glorious descent upon ,him of the ,holy ,ghost1 and brought forth from the ,eternal ,father the solemn declaration that ,he was well pleased with the ,son who had just passed through the baptism of water1 who among men dare say that the ordinance is vain1 and useless1 and non-essential2 that it is not of paramount importance to those who would do the will of the ,father8 ,the ,lord also declared that the baptism of ,john was the counsel of ,god--this ordinance that was the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins4 ,said ,jesus3 ,all the people that heard him1 and the publicans1 justified ,god1 being baptized with the baptism of ,john2 but the ,pharisees and lawyers rejected the counsel of ,god against themselves1 being not baptized of him 7,luke vii3 #bi1 #cj74 ,as the ,lord went forth in ,his ministry1 preaching the ,gospel of the ,kingdom1 there came to ,him ,nicodemus1 a ruler of the ,jews4 ,to him ,jesus said3 ,except a man be born again1 he cannot see the kingdom of ,god 7,john iii3 #c74 ,nicodemus did not fully comprehend this saying1 and made further inquiry1 receiving a reply in language that none need misunderstand3 ,verily1 verily1 ,i say unto thee1 except a man be born of water and of the ,spirit1 he cannot enter into the kingdom of ,god 7,john iii3 #e74 ,therefore1 when the ,master commissioned ,his disciples and sent them out1 after they had been endowed with power from on high1 the command which they received and obeyed was3 ,go ye1 therefore1 and teach all nations1 baptizing them in the name of the ,father1 and of the ,son1 and of the ,holy ,ghost3 teaching them to observe all things whatsoever ,i have commanded you3 and1 lo1 ,i am with you alway1 even unto the end of the world 7,matt1 xxviii3 #ai1 #bj74 #dci ,in this labor of the ministry1 to which they had been called and ordained of the ,lord1 ,he fulfilled ,his promise1 and was with them3 ,and they went forth and preached everywhere1 the ,lord working with them1 and confirming the word with signs following 7,mark xvi3 #bj74 ,the ,apostles taught3 ,repent1 and be baptized every one of you in the name of ,jesus ,christ for the remission of sins 7,acts ii3 #ch72 ,know ye not1 that so many of us as were baptized into ,jesus ,christ were baptized into ,his death8 ,therefore we are buried with ,him by baptism into death3 that like as ,christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the ,father1 even so we also should walk in newness of life4 ,for if we have been planted together in the likeness of ,his death1 we shall be also in the likeness of ,his resurrection 7,romans vi3 #c-e72 ,buried with ,him in baptism1 wherein also ye are risen with ,him through the faith of the operation of ,god1 who hath raised ,him from the dead 7,col4 ii3 #ab74 ,here1 then1 is the ,gospel doctrine3 ,baptism by immersion for the remission of sins1 performed by one having authority2 the birth1 the burial1 the planting in the watery element1 without which ordinance the ,lord has said that no man can enter the kingdom of heaven4 ,,baptism ,,for ,,the ,,dead4 ,it may be suggested that there are millions of the human family who have not had the opportunity of receiving of the baptism of repentance by one having divine authority--millions who never even heard of the name of ,jesus ,christ4 ,the ,latter-day ,saints believe that the ,gospel provides for all2 that there is and can be no exception2 that every one who will may partake of the waters of life freely2 that ,god is no respecter of persons1 but judges men by their works4 ,a plan of salvation that is adapted to the few1 that does not open the door to every being within the great brotherhood of man1 is unworthy of the ,creator and ,god of the universe4 ,the ,gospel of the ,lord must be perfect1 even as ,he is perfect1 and reach to all humanity4 ,the query is made1 ,how did the thief who died on the cross enter the ,kingdom of ,heaven2 there is no record of his baptism8 ,let the ,scriptures give the answer3 ,and he said unto ,jesus1 ,lord1 remember me when ,thou comest into ,thy kingdom4 ,and ,jesus said unto him1 ,verily ,i say unto thee1 to-day shalt thou be with me in paradise 7,luke xxiii3 #db1 #dc74 ,the ,lord did not say he could enter ,his ,kingdom1 for ,he told ,nicodemus that to do that is was necessary to be born of the #ddj water and of the ,spirit2 but ,he promised the penitent thief that on that day he should be with ,him in paradise4 ,is that not heaven8 ,let us examine and see1 for on the proper ascertainment of this fact depends a great principle of truth4 ,the body of ,jesus was three days in the tomb1 when the spirit again entered into it4 ,when the ,redeemer had risen1 ,mary came to the sepulchre and found that the body of her ,master was not there4 ,she began to inquire1 when she heard a voice which she recognized as that of the ,lord1 to whom she turned4 ,jesus saith unto her1 ,touch me not1 for ,i am not yet ascended to my ,father3 but go to my brethren1 and say unto them1 ,i ascend unto my ,father1 and your ,father2 and to my ,god1 and your ,god 7,john xx3 #ag74 ,here is the testimony of ,jesus ,himself1 that during the three days subsequent to ,his crucifixion1 while ,his body lay in the tomb1 ,his spirit did not go to heaven or the presence of ,his ,father4 ,logically1 it must follow1 neither did that of the thief4 ,where1 then1 did ,he go8 ,as ,jesus was not in ,his ,father's presence during these three days1 where was ,he8 ,the ,scriptures have not left us in doubt upon this point4 ,jesus transferred to ,peter the keys of the ,kingdom of ,heaven1 and placed him at the head of the ,twelve ,apostles4 ,surely he is a competent witness2 he says3 ,for ,christ also hath once suffered for sins1 the ,just for the unjust1 that ,he might bring us to ,god1 being put to death in the flesh1 but quickened by the ,spirit3 by which also ,he went and preached unto the spirits in prison 7#a ,peter iii3 #ah1 #ai74 ,during the time of ,his absence from the body ,he was preaching unto the spirits in prison--the place where the thief also went4 ,this doctrine of preaching the ,gospel to the dead was taught by the ,lord to ,his ,apostles1 just previous to ,his crucifixion3 ,verily1 verily ,i say unto you1 the hour is coming1 and now is1 when the dead shall hear the voice of the ,son of ,god3 and they that hear shall live4 ,marvel not at this3 for the hour is coming1 in the which all that are in the graves shall hear ,his voice 7,john v3 #be1 #bh74 ,on the same subject1 the chief ,apostle says3 ,for for this cause was the ,gospel preached also to them that are dead1 that they might be judged according to men in the flesh1 but live according to ,god in the spirit 7#a ,peter iv3 #f74 ,the dead are to be judged according to men in the flesh2 and1 as the ,lord has declared that except a man be born of the water and of the ,spirit he cannot enter the ,kingdom1 what shall the dead who hear the voice of the ,son of ,god do8 ,is the ,gospel plan imperfect in that it does not provide a way #dda for those who have had no opportunity to receive that birth8 ,god forbid4 ,such an injustice cannot be4 ,paul1 writing to the ,corinthians respecting the resurrection1 says3 ,else what shall they do which are baptized for the dead1 if the dead rise not at all8 ,why then are they baptized for the dead8 7#a ,cor4 xv3 #bi74 ,the answer is complete3 ,the dead may be officiated for by those who dwell in the flesh4 ,this is the doctrine of salvation for the dead1 an important part of the glorious ,gospel that is as broad as the universe1 and from everlasting to everlasting4 ,by receiving the baptism for the dead1 those who have passed into the spirit world have opened to them the door of the ,kingdom of ,heaven4 ,but one man cannot act in the place of another1 is the suggestion that comes4 ,the objector has surely forgotten1 or has not contemplated the great truth that the whole ,gospel plan taught in the ,scriptures rests upon the vicarious atonement of the ,lord ,jesus ,christ4 ,,the ,,holy ,,ghost4 ,fourth--,laying on of hands for the gift of the ,holy ,ghost4 ,when the ,apostle ,peter preached to those who sought salvation1 he said3 ,repent1 and be baptized every one of you in the name of ,jesus ,christ for the remission of sins1 and ye shall receive the gift of the ,holy ,ghost4 ,for the promise is unto you1 and to your children1 and to all that are afar off1 even as many as the ,lord our ,god shall call 7,acts ii3 #ch1 #ci74 ,here is the offer to all of this blessed boon1 the gift of the ,holy ,ghost1 after baptism for the remission of sins4 ,it was to them1 and their children1 and to all that are afar off4 ,there was no exclusiveness in this2 the ,gospel was open to all4 ,by conforming to its laws1 men receive the benefits of their own obedience4 ,it is the great natural order of cause and effect4 ,comply with the conditions1 the result must follow4 ,the sincerely repentant believer1 baptized in the proper manner1 and by an authorized servant of ,god1 is entitled to the gift of the ,holy ,ghost as a matter of right4 ,how is he to receive it8 ,just as did the baptized believers under the ministry of the ,apostles3 ,now1 when the ,apostles which were at ,jerusalem heard that ,samaria had received the word of ,god1 they sent unto them ,peter and ,john3 who1 when they were come down1 prayed for them1 that they might receive the ,holy ,ghost3 7for as yet he was fallen upon none of them3 only they were baptized in the name of the ,lord ,jesus74 ,then laid they their hands on them1 and they received the ,holy #ddb ,ghost 7,acts viii3 #ad-ag72 through laying on of the ,apostles' hands the ,holy ,ghost was given 7v4 #ah74 ,the ,ephesians also were baptized in the name of the ,lord ,jesus4 ,and when ,paul had laid his hands upon them1 the ,holy ,ghost came on them2 and they spake with tongues and prophesied 7,acts xix3 #e1f74 ,of the office of the ,holy ,ghost the ,lord says3 ,howbeit when he1 the ,spirit of ,truth1 is come1 he will guide you into all truth3 for he shall not speak of himself2 but whatsoever he shall hear1 that shall he speak3 and he will show you things to come4 ,he shall glorify me3 for he shall receive of mine1 and shall shew it unto you 7,john xvi3 #ac1 #ad74 ,here is the promise of guidance and revelation by the ,holy ,ghost4 ,its gifts are wisdom1 knowledge1 faith1 healing1 working of miracles1 discernment of spirits1 divers kinds of tongues1 etc4 7#a ,cor4 xii3 #d-aa74 ,wherever the ,holy ,ghost is bestowed1 there are its gifts and graces manifest4 ,,divine ,,authority4 ,we believe that a man must be called of ,god1 by 'prophecy1 and by the laying on of hands1' by those who are in authority1 to preach the ,gospel and administer in the ordinances thereof4 ,the testimony of ,scripture upon this is that ,jesus ordained twelve1 that they should be with ,him1 and that ,he might send them forth to preach1 and to have power to heal sicknesses1 and to cast out devils 7,mark iii3 #ad1 #ae74 ,to ,his ,apostles ,he said3 ,ye have not chosen me1 but ,i have chosen you1 and ordained you1 that ye should go and bring forth fruit1 and that your fruit should remain3 that whatsoever you shall ask of the ,father in my name1 ,he may give it you 7,john xv3 #af72 and of them1 in praying to ,his ,father1 ,he testified3 ,as ,thou has sent me into the world1 even so have ,i also sent them into the world 7,john xvii3 #ah74 ,his ,father had sent ,him and had given ,him authority1 and in like manner ,he gave authority to ,his ,apostles4 ,they in turn commissioned others to act in the ministry--they ordained them ,elders in every church 7,acts xiv3 #bc74 ,as ,paul has said1 ,no man taketh this honor unto himself1 but he that is called of ,god1 as was ,aaron 7,heb4 v3 #d74 ,aaron was called by the voice of ,god1 through ,moses 7,exodus iv3 #ad1 #ae74 ,the acts of those who are authorized to officiate in the ordinances of the ,gospel--to whom are committed the keys of the ,kingdom--are recognized by the ,lord1 and are given full force4 ,whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven2 and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be #ddc loosed in heaven 7,matt1 xvi3 #ai74 ,but those not authorized receive no such recognition4 ,,officers4 ,we believe in the same organization that existed in the primitive ,church1 viz43 ,apostles1 ,prophets1 ,pastors1 ,teachers1 ,evangelists1 etc4 ,the ,apostle ,paul taught that there was one ,lord1 one faith1 one baptism1 and said of the ,redeemer1 ,wherefore ,he saith1 when ,he ascended up on high1 ,he led captivity captive1 and gave gifts unto men4 ,and ,he gave some1 ,apostles2 and some1 ,prophets2 and some1 ,evangelists2 and some1 ,pastors and ,teachers 7,eph4 iv3 #h1 #aa74 ,he also preached3 ,now ye are the body of ,christ1 and members in particular4 ,and ,god hath set some in the ,church1 first ,apostles1 secondarily ,prophets1 thirdly teachers1 after that miracles1 then gifts of healings1 helps1 governments1 diversities of tongues 7#a ,cor4 xii3 #bg1 #bh74 ,god set these in the ,church1 is the ,apostle's testimony4 ,shall man say that they are not proper8 ,the ,lord has never changed the organization2 on the contrary1 these officers were given for the perfecting of the ,saints1 for the work of the ministry1 for the edifying of the body of ,christ3 till we all come in the unity of the faith1 and of the knowledge of the ,son of ,god1 unto a perfect man1 unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of ,christ2 that we henceforth be no more children1 tossed to and fro1 and carried about with every wind of doctrine1 by the sleight of men1 and cunning craftiness1 whereby they lie in wait to deceive 7,eph4 iv3 #ab-ad74 ,is there work for the ministry8 ,are the ,saints yet to be perfected8 ,are we still far from the unity of the faith8 ,are we less than the stature of the fulness of ,christ in the knowledge of ,god8 ,with the present spectacle of jarring sects1 religious discords1 and disputations of doctrines1 no intelligent person would venture to give other than an affirmative reply to these inquiries4 ,there is evidently abundant work for the ministry1 and therefore a necessity for ,apostles1 ,prophets1 and all the officers that ,god has set in ,his ,church4 ,wherever that ,church is organized upon the earth1 there will these officers be found1 with all the authority1 gifts and powers that accompany the offices4 ,the church which has them not is not the ,church of ,christ1 according to the evidence presented by the word of ,god4 #ddd ,,spiritual ,,gifts4 ,we believe in the gift of tongues1 prophecy1 revelation1 visions1 healing1 interpretation of tongues1 etc4 ,these are the gifts of the ,spirit1 which ,christ promised should follow the believers4 ,they are the signs which confirmed the preaching of the ,gospel by the ,apostles3 ,and ,he said unto them1 ,go ye into all the world1 and preach the ,gospel to every creature4 ,he that believeth and is baptized shall be saved2 but he that believeth not shall be damned4 ,and these signs shall follow them that believe3 ,in my name shall they cast out devils2 they shall speak with new tongues2 they shall take up serpents2 and if they drink any deadly thing1 it shall not hurt them2 they shall lay hands on the sick1 and they shall recover4 ,so then after the ,lord had spoken unto them1 ,he was received up into heaven1 and sat on the right hand of ,god4 ,and they went forth and preached everywhere1 the ,lord working with them1 and confirming the word with signs following 7,mark xvi3 #ae-bj74 ,of these are the miracles wrought by our ,lord and ,savior4 ,god hath set in the ,church miracles1 gifts of healings1 helps1 governments1 diversities of tongues 7#a ,cor4 xii3 #bf74 ,never at any time has ,he said they should be done away4 ,he is an unchangeable being1 a ,god of miracles to-day as much as at any period of the world's history4 ,he cannot be otherwise and still occupy ,his exalted position4 ,he cannot be shorn of ,his power to manifest the gifts of ,his ,spirit among the children of men1 when the latter comply with ,his laws4 ,his arm is not shortened1 or ,his power to save diminished4 ,if miracles1 and healings1 and prophecy1 and the other gifts of the ,spirit do not exist among men1 it is for the same reason that in ancient days the ,lord ,jesus1 in ,his own country1 could do no mighty work1 save that ,he laid ,his hands on a few sick folk1 and healed them1 namely1 because of their unbelief 7,mark vi3 #f1 #g74 ,those who dwell on the earth to-day are equally the children of our ,father with those who lived nineteen centuries ago1 and have an equal claim on ,his blessings if they observe ,his laws and exercise the same faith in ,him as did ,his disciples anciently4 ,for the promise is unto you1 and to your children1 and to all that are afar off1 said ,peter1 in his proclamation of the ,gospel1 of which ,paul said1 ,but though we1 or an angel from heaven1 preach any other ,gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you1 let him be accursed 7,gal4 i3 #h74 #dde ,,the ,,apostasy4 ,the ,latter-day ,saints believe that but for the apostasy of the primitive ,christian ,church1 it would have remained with the same organization1 powers and ordinances2 with ,apostles1 ,prophets1 healings1 miracles1 and all the gifts of the ,spirit1 up to the present time4 ,that these ceased to exist among men is proof that there has been a departure from the ,gospel4 ,if the organization had remained it would have been in the same form as ,god placed it1 and the true successors to the ,apostles would have followed their example when they filled the vacancy made in the ,twelve by ,judas's apostasy--by selecting ,matthias to be numbered with the ,apostles 7,acts i3 #bf74 ,but there was no succession to the ,twelve through the generations which succeeded them1 therefore the organization ceased to exist among men4 ,if there was to be an event of such importance in the world's history as a great apostasy1 surely the disciples would have had an intimation of it through the inspiration of the ,holy ,ghost4 ,by reference to their writings we find that they had this knowledge1 and prophesied concerning it4 ,paul wrote to ,timothy that the time would come when men would not endure sound doctrine1 but would heap to themselves teachers1 and turn away from the truth4 7#b ,tim4 iv3 #c1 #d74 ,he also taught that in the last days perilous times should come1 when men should be lovers of pleasure more than lovers of ,god2 having a form of godliness1 but denying the power thereof 7#b ,tim4 iii3 #a-e74 ,to the ,thessalonians was borne this testimony respecting the great apostasy3 ,now we beseech you1 brethren1 by the coming of our ,lord ,jesus ,christ1 and by our gathering together unto ,him1 that ye be not soon shaken in mind1 or be troubled1 neither by spirit1 nor by word1 nor by letter as from us1 as that the day of ,christ is at hand4 ,let no man deceive you by any means3 for that day shall not come1 except there come a falling away first1 and that man of sin be revealed1 the son of perdition2 who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called ,god1 or that is worshipped2 so that he as ,god sitteth in the temple of ,god1 shewing himself that he is ,god4 ,remember ye not1 that1 when ,i was yet with you1 ,i told you these things8 ,and now ye know what withholdeth that he might be revealed in his time4 ,for the mystery of iniquity doth already work3 only he who now letteth will let1 until he be taken out of the way 7#b ,thess4 ii3 #a-g74 ,the mystery of iniquity was making its influence felt at that early day4 ,paul had warned #ddf the people of what was coming2 as he says1 ,when ,i was yet with you ,i told you these things4 ,in the record of the vision given to the ,apostle ,john1 which he says was the revelation of ,jesus ,christ1 we are informed that ,john was shown things which shall be hereafter4 ,of one of the beasts which he saw as typical of a power which should rise up in the earth1 it is said1 ,and it was given to him to make war with the ,saints1 and to overcome them3 and power was given him over all kindreds1 and tongues1 and nations 7,rev4 xiii3 #g74 ,this is some of the scriptural evidence concerning the great power which was to deceive the nations of the earth and pervert the ,gospel by teaching men and women that ,apostles and ,prophets were not necessary1 and that the gifts of the ,holy ,ghost were done away1 till ,christendom has been brought to the apostate condition in which it is to-day4 ,so complete was the work of this mystery of iniquity1 of the beast that made war with the ,saints and overcame them1 that it was necessary for an angel to be sent from heaven with the ,gospel message for mankind4 ,john says of this event3 ,and ,i saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven1 having the everlasting ,gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth1 and to every nation1 and kindred1 and tongue1 and people 7,rev4 xiv3 #f74 ,,the ,,book ,,of ,,mormon4 ,we believe the ,bible to be the word of ,god1 as far as it is translated correctly2 we also believe the ,book of ,mormon to be the word of ,god4 ,for people who believe the ,bible to be the word of ,god to also believe that another record is ,his word1 the two must be consistent with each other4 ,there can be no conflict between them4 ,for both to be the word of ,god1 they must be divinely inspired1 and their teachings be in perfect harmony4 ,while it would by no means be certain that a record which has passed through so many hands as have the ,bible manuscripts1 with a loss of some1 at least1 of the sacred writings1 would contain a reference to another record which was to be made by a separate branch of the ,house of ,israel1 yet it would not be unreasonable to hope that possibly an allusion to it might be found in some of the prophetic writings4 ,this hope is not without foundation with respect to the ,book of ,mormon1 which is a history of a part of the ,house of ,israel1 on the ,american continent4 ,the ,prophet ,ezekiel says3 #ddg ,the word of the ,lord came again unto me1 saying1 ,moreover1 thou son of man1 take thee one stick1 and write upon it1 ,for ,judah1 and for the children of ,israel his companions3 then take another stick1 and write upon it1 ,for ,joseph1 the stick of ,ephraim1 and for all the ,house of ,israel his companions3 and join them one to another into one stick3 and they shall become one in thine hand4 ,and when the children of thy people shall speak unto thee1 saying1 ,wilt thou not show unto us what thou meanest by these8 ,say unto them1 ,thus saith the ,lord ,god3 ,behold1 ,i will take the stick of ,joseph1 which is in the hand of ,ephraim1 and the tribes of ,israel his fellows1 and will put them with him1 even with the stick of ,judah1 and they shall be one in mine hand 7,ezekiel xxxvii3 #ae-ai74 ,the stick of ,judah is the record which we have of the ,jews--the ,bible2 the stick of ,ephraim is the other record1 which we have in the ,book of ,mormon2 and both records have become one in the hand of the ,lord4 ,hosea says that to ,ephraim had been written the great things of the law 7,hosea xiii3 #ab71 and the ,savior informed ,his disciples of others that ,he must visit3 ,and other sheep ,i have1 which are not of this fold3 them also ,i must bring1 and they shall hear my voice2 and there shall be one fold1 and one shepherd 7,john x3 #af74 ,these other sheep were to hear ,his voice--to receive a personal visit from ,him4 ,the history of the coming forth of the ,book of ,mormon is1 briefly stated1 that its existence and whereabouts were revealed to the ,prophet ,joseph ,smith by an angel sent from heaven4 ,this angel said his name was ,moroni1 and that in the year ,a4,d4 #dbj he had buried the sacred record in the hill ,cumorah1 which is located in the northern part of the ,state of ,new ,york4 ,after ,joseph had received several visits and had been instructed by the heavenly messenger1 the plates were entrusted to his care1 with a ,urim and ,thummim for their translation4 ,each plate was six inches wide and eight inches long1 and not quite as thick as common tin4 ,they were filled with engravings in ,egyptian characters1 and bound together in a volume1 as the leaves of a book1 with three rings running through the whole4 ,the volume was something near six inches in thickness1 a part of it being sealed4 ,the characters on the unsealed part were small and beautifully engraved4 ,the whole book exhibited many marks of antiquity in its construction1 and much skill in the art of engraving4 ,the ,urim and ,thummim consisted of two transparent stones set in the rim of a bow fastened to a breastplate4 ,the unsealed portion of the plates was #ddh translated1 and the whole were again taken charge of by the angel4 ,the part which had been translated was published early in #ahcj1 as the ,book of ,mormon1 according to the command of ,god4 ,it is an abridgment made by the ,prophet ,mormon1 father of ,moroni1 from the records of his forefathers4 ,on the title page is this statement3 ,wherefore it is an abridgment of the record of the people of ,nephi1 and also of the ,lamanites2 written to the ,lamanites who are a remnant of the house of ,israel2 and also to ,jew and ,gentile3 written by way of commandment1 and also by the ,spirit of prophecy and of revelation4 ,written and sealed up1 and hid up unto the ,lord1 that they might not be destroyed2 to come forth by the gift and power of ,god unto the interpretation thereof2 sealed by the hand of ,moroni1 and hid up unto the ,lord1 to come forth in due time by the way of ,gentile2 the interpretation thereof by the gift of ,god4 ,an abridgment taken from the book of ,ether also2 which is a record of the people of ,jared2 who were scattered at the time the ,lord confounded the language of the people when they were building a tower to get to heaven2 which is to shew unto the remnant of the ,house of ,israel what great things the ,lord hath done for their fathers2 and that they may know the covenants of the ,lord1 that they are not cast off forever2 and also to the convincing of the ,jew and ,gentile that ,,jesus is the ,,christ1 the ,,eternal ,,god1 manifesting ,himself unto all nations4 ,and now if there are faults1 they are the mistakes of men3 wherefore condemn not the things of ,god1 that ye may be found spotless at the judgment-seat of ,christ4 ,several persons were permitted to view the plates1 among the number being the ,three ,witnesses1 who thus testify of what they saw and heard3 ,the ,testimony of ,three ,witnesses4--,be it known unto all nations1 kindreds1 tongues1 and people unto whom this work shall come1 that we1 through the grace of ,god the ,father1 and our ,lord ,jesus ,christ1 have seen the plates which contain this record1 which is a record of the people of ,nephi1 and also of the ,lamanites1 their brethren1 and also of the people of ,jared1 who came from the tower of which hath been spoken2 and we also know that they have been translated by the gift and the power of ,god1 for ,his voice hath declared it unto us2 wherefore we know of a surety that the work is true4 ,and we also testify that we have seen the engravings which are upon the plates2 and they have been shewn unto us by the power of ,god1 and not of man4 ,and we declare with words of soberness1 that an angel of ,god came down from heaven1 and he brought and laid before our eyes1 that we beheld and saw the plates1 and the engravings thereon2 and we know that it is by the grace of ,god the ,father1 and our ,lord ,jesus ,christ1 that we beheld and bear record that these things are true2 and it is marvellous in our eyes1 nevertheless the voice of the ,lord commanded us that we should bear record of it2 wherefore1 to be obedient unto the commandments of ,god1 we bear testimony of these things4 ,and we know that if we are faithful in ,christ1 we shall rid our garments of the blood of all men1 and be found spotless #ddi before the judgment-seat of ,christ1 and shall dwell with ,him eternally in the heavens4 ,and the honor be to the ,father1 and to the ,son1 and to the ,holy ,ghost1 which is one ,god4 ,amen4 ,oliver ,cowdery1 ,david ,whitmer1 ,martin ,harris4 ,from that testimony they never varied4 ,they were separated from the ,latter-day ,saints1 having departed from the ,church1 to which they belonged for a time after its organization4 ,but nothing could induce them to change their statement4 ,it was true1 and they knew it4 ,in their old age ,oliver ,cowdery and ,martin ,harris returned to the ,church4 ,david ,whitmer never did4 ,he was the last to survive1 his death having occurred in ,january1 #ahhh1 at ,richmond1 ,missouri4 ,when on his deathbed he called his family and friends around him1 and made to them a solemn declaration that he knew the ,book of ,mormon1 and his testimony thereto1 to be true4 ,eight others also testify as follows3 ,the ,testimony of ,eight ,witnesses4--,be it known unto all nations1 kindreds1 tongues1 and people unto whom this work shall come1 that ,joseph ,smith1 ,jun41 the translator of this work1 has shewn unto us the plates of which hath been spoken1 which have the appearance of gold2 and as many of the leaves as the said ,smith has translated1 we did handle with our hands2 and we also saw the engravings thereon1 all of which has the appearance of ancient work1 and of curious workmanship4 ,and this we bear record with words of soberness1 that the saith ,smith has shewn unto us1 for we have seen and hefted1 and know of a surety that the said ,smith has got the plates of which we have spoken4 ,and we give our names unto the world1 to witness unto the world that which we have seen1 and we lie not1 ,god bearing witness of it4 ,christian ,whitmer1 ,hiram ,page1 ,jacob ,whitmer1 ,joseph ,smith1 ,sen41 ,peter ,whitmer1 ,jun41 ,hyrum ,smith1 ,john ,whitmer1 ,samuel ,h4 ,smith4 ,like the three1 they never faltered in maintaining that what they had subscribed to respecting the ,book of ,mormon was the truth1 and was with them an absolute knowledge4 ,of further evidence concerning the authenticity of the ,book of ,mormon1 there is in this sketch an opportunity of saying but little4 ,regarding the external proof1 it must suffice to merely call attention to the developments of archaeological research on the ,american continent4 ,when the ,book of ,mormon was first published it was the accepted theory of the civilized world that #dej ,america was not peopled by any nation of ancient times which had made marked progress in civilization4 ,but subsequently1 from the appearance of ,captain ,dupaix's book in #ahcd-e1 followed by the evidence of ,lord ,kingsborough1 ,stevens and ,catherwood1 ,powell1 and other well-known archaeologists and explorers1 a change came with respect to this matter1 until now there is no doubt of the advanced position reached by ancient ,american civilization1 as well as of the great antiquity of the native ,american races4 ,the ruined temples and crumbling palaces of the ancient cities of ,uxmal1 ,copan1 ,palenque1 ,quiche1 and scores of others1 whose architecture rivals that of any contemporaneous cities of the ,old ,world1 bear silent but incontrovertible testimony to the historical truth of the ,book of ,mormon4 ,with internal evidence of its divine authenticity1 the volume is amply provided4 ,it presents a code of ethics whose purity and godliness are unexcelled by any publication that has seen the light of day4 ,in its pages there are no anachronisms and no contradictions4 ,the various writers are in perfect accord4 ,compared with the great truths of science and nature1 there are no absurdities and no inconsistencies4 ,between it and the ,bible there is complete harmony in doctrine and in prophecy4 ,it is a book that would be profitable reading to any thoughtful person4 ,no intelligent1 honest and sincere seeker after truth can give it thorough examination and consideration1 with an understanding of the circumstances under which it was brought forth1 without being convinced that in giving to the world the ,book of ,mormon1 ,god has wrought one of the greatest miracles of any age or time4 ,,revelation4 ,we believe all that ,god has revealed1 all that ,he does now reveal1 and that ,he will yet reveal many great and important things pertaining to the kingdom of ,god4 ,when the ,lord promised ,his disciples the ,holy ,ghost1 ,he informed them that it would teach them all things 7,john xiv3 #bj72 ,he shall receive of mine1 and shall show it unto you 7,john xvi3 #ad74 ,this was a direct promise of revelation through the medium of the ,holy ,ghost1 therefore belief in revelation is a scriptural doctrine4 ,it is the communication to men of knowledge from ,god3 ,howbeit4 when ,he1 the ,spirit of ,truth1 is come1 ,he will guide you into all truth3 for ,he shall not speak of ,himself2 but whatsoever ,he shall hear1 that shall ,he speak2 and ,he will show you things to come 7,john #dea xvi3 #ac74 ,this is the word of the ,lord--that the ,holy ,ghost should reveal things to come4 ,the same condition which caused the withdrawal of the other gifts of the ,spirit also caused the withdrawal of the gift of revelation4 ,it was because of the apostasy--the unbelief of man4 ,never has the ,lord said that ,he would reveal no more to the children of men4 ,but ,he has forbidden men to add to or take from that which ,he reveals 7,rev4 xxii3 #ah1 #ai74 ,whenever the ,almighty has authorized servants upon the earth1 there is with them the gift of revelation4 ,surely the ,lord ,god will do nothing1 but ,he revealeth ,his secret unto ,his servants the ,prophets 7,amos iii3 #g74 ,the ,apostle says that if a man lacks wisdom1 and asks in faith for ,god to bestow it on him1 ,he will do so liberally 7,james i3 #e1 #f74 ,,restoration ,,of ,,the ,,gospel4 ,the tidings which the ,latter-day ,saints bear to the world are1 that the ,gospel has been restored to earth in this dispensation2 that the present is the time of which ,paul wrote1 that in the dispensation of the fulness of times ,he might gather together in one all things in ,christ1 both which are in heaven and which are on earth2 even in ,him 7,eph4 i3 #aj74 ,it is this restoration which ,john the ,revelator saw in vision on the ,isle of ,patmos1 and of which he says3 ,and ,i saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven1 having the everlasting ,gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth1 and to every nation1 and kindred1 and tongue1 and people1 saying with a loud voice1 ,fear ,god and give glory to ,him2 for the hour of ,his judgment is come3 and worship ,him that made heaven1 and earth1 and the sea1 and the fountains of waters 7,rev4 xiv3 #f1 #g74 ,the ,latter-day ,saints testify that this angel has appeared1 and has restored the ,gospel1 which is now being preached to the nations4 ,it is the same now as anciently1 with all the gifts1 powers and blessings4 ,nothing is lacking4 ,it is presented to all people for their consideration4 ,the most thorough investigation is invited4 ,there is nothing to conceal or hold back4 ,it is not the province of the ,gospel to put its light under a bushel1 but to entreat all men to come forward and test its truth4 ,prove all things2 hold fast that which is good1 was the admonition of the ,apostle ,paul2 the same invitation is extended to-day4 ,men are given intelligence2 they are in possession of reasoning power4 ,it is an insult to ,deity to say that ,he forbids us to use these in seeking for knowledge4 ,he asks for intelligent #deb conformity to the eternal laws of truth1 not for blind obedience to the dogmas of men4 ,he has given to man his free agency4 ,as expressed in the hymn3 ,know this1 that every soul is free ,to choose his life and what he'll be2 ,for this eternal truth is given1 ,that ,god will force no man to heaven4 ,he'll call1 persuade1 direct aright-- ,bless him with wisdom1 love and light-- ,in nameless ways be good and kind1 ,but never force the human mind4 ,freedom and reason make us men2 ,take these away1 what are we then8 ,mere animals1 and just as well ,the beasts may think of heaven or hell4 ,this free agency was recognized by the ,divine ,master who said to the ,jews1 ,search the ,scriptures2 for in them ye think ye have eternal life3 and they are they which testify of me 7,john v3 #ci74 ,to this testimony and counsel of the ,lord the ,latter-day ,saints direct attention4 ,,other ,,doctrines4 ,of the other principles believed in by the ,latter-day ,saints there is not upon this occasion opportunity to speak at length4 ,these are3 ,the gathering of ,israel2 the ,restoration of the ,ten ,tribes2 the support of ,earthly ,governments for the ,protection of ,human ,rights2 the ,building up of ,zion and ,rebuilding of ,jerusalem2 the ,resurrection2 the ,second ,coming of ,christ to reign as ,lord of lords and ,king of kings--all of which are doctrines of the ,bible1 as clearly maintained in its teachings as those which have been spoken of4 ,the ,latter-day ,saints believe--indeed testify that they know they are fulfilling the predicted gathering of ,israel in the last days by the command and power of ,god2 that their gathering on the ,american continent is upon the land of ,zion1 the land of ,joseph1 whose blessings have prevailed unto the utmost bounds of the everlasting hills 7,gen4 xlix3 #bf72 that the mountain of the house of the ,lord is established in the top of the mountains 7,micah iv3 #a74 ,with implicit faith that the ,lord will confirm their testimony1 they declare that ,he has sent ,his messenger before ,him in latter days1 to prepare the way for ,his coming 7,mala4 iii3 #a74 ,it may be well to refer to their ordinance of marriage1 of which there appears to be such a misunderstanding in the world4 ,this can be briefly stated4 ,the ,latter-day ,saints believe #dec that marriage is ordained of ,god2 that ,he has revealed to them its everlasting covenant2 that when the ceremony is performed by ,his authority1 the union of husband and wife is eternal--that it is bound on earth and bound in the heavens4 ,and they twain shall be one flesh3 so then they are no more twain1 but one flesh4 ,what therefore ,god hath joined together1 let not man put asunder 7,mark x3 #h1 #i74 ,it is a covenant that is entered into voluntarily by the parties2 there can be no compulsion in this1 or in any of the ordinances of the ,gospel4 ,with the ,latter-day ,saints the principle of celestial marriage is the union of husband and wife for time and eternity4 ,they believe the family relation exists in the celestial kingdom of ,god4 ,they also have pronounced views upon the purpose of the union of the sexes4 ,they do not believe that its object is the gratification of passion1 but that such an idea is wicked in its inception and damning in its practice4 ,they believe that a departure from the paths of virtue is punishable by the severest penalties1 and that the violation of the marriage covenant is an offense which ranks next to the crime of murder4 ,a ,,glance ,,at ,,history4 ,the ,prophet ,joseph ,smith was born at ,sharon1 ,windsor ,county1 ,vermont1 ,u4 ,s4 ,a41 ,december #bc1 #ahje1 his father being a farmer4 ,in the spring of the year #ahbj1 when ,joseph was a little over fourteen years of age1 he became deeply interested in religious matters4 ,he read the passage in ,james i3 #e3 ,if any of you lack wisdom1 let him ask of ,god1 that giveth to all men liberally1 and upbraideth not1 and it shall be given him4 ,with full reliance upon that promise in the ,divine ,word1 this humble lad prayed to ,god and received the heavenly manifestation4 ,he continued faithful and was instructed by messengers from heaven1 and received and brought forth the ,book of ,mormon4 ,when these facts became known to the people in the vicinity of where he resided1 he was made the object of false and slanderous reports1 and severe persecutions4 ,many attempts were made to kill him1 and every device was used to get the plates from him2 but the ,lord protected him1 and people began to believe his testimony4 ,in #ahbi1 ,john the ,baptist came and ordained him to the ,aaronic ,priesthood2 in the same year the ,apostles ,peter1 ,james and ,john ordained him to the ,apostleship4 ,in obedience to the command of ,god1 the ,church of ,jesus ,christ was once more organized on the earth1 with the promise from the ,lord that it would never again be taken from among #ded men2 that it was restored preparatory to the ushering in of ,christ's millennial reign on earth4 ,some of its members were ordained and sent out to preach4 ,those who received their testimony and were baptized were filled with the ,holy ,ghost by the laying on of hands1 and the word was confirmed with signs following4 ,the ,church rapidly increased in membership1 and branches were organized in many of the ,states4 ,a ,temple was erected in ,kirtland1 ,ohio4 ,the ,state of ,missouri became the principal place for the gathering of the people2 but because they would not join in the practices of the lawless element there1 and were believers in an unpopular religion1 an organized mob drove them from their habitations1 contrary to law1 justice and humanity1 to wander on the bleak prairies1 in wintry weather1 till they left the tracks of their bleeding feet on the frozen ground4 ,men1 women and children were subjected to the most fiendish outrages--starved1 tortured1 butchered4 ,this was in a land that boasted of religious freedom and tolerance6 ,finally1 about twelve thousand who had escaped the exterminating order of ,missouri's mob found a resting place in ,illinois1 and built up the beautiful city of ,nauvoo4 ,but the refuge was only temporary1 for the bigot and the criminal united in a relentless and bloody warfare upon them4 ,less than six years after their expulsion from ,missouri1 their ,prophet was assassinated in ,carthage jail1 while in the hands of the officers of the law1 and under the pledged protection of the governor of the ,state1 ,thomas ,ford4 ,this was on ,june #bg1 #ahdd4 ,joseph ,smith had committed no offense2 he was guilty of no wrong4 ,the law cannot reach him1 but powder and ball shall6 was the cry of his murderers4 ,the blood of the martyred ,prophet and his fellow-religionists still cries to ,god for vengeance6 ,the enemies of the ,saints1 however1 were doomed to disappointment1 for the death of the ,prophet did not stop the work1 or break up the ,church organization4 ,the leadership devolved on the ,twelve ,apostles1 with ,brigham ,young as their ,president2 even greater energy was displayed than before1 and the ,temple at ,nauvoo was soon completed4 ,fiendish plots were laid1 and barbarous plans adopted to blacken the character of the ,mormon people1 and make them appear abominable in the eyes of the public4 ,numerous atrocities were committed by the mobocrats1 who falsely attributed them to the ,saints1 and thus aroused public indignation against them4 ,hoping to secure immunity from these unjustifiable attacks1 they consented to move from the ,state1 the mob agreeing to #dee allow them to remain in peace a given time1 so the exodus could be accomplished4 ,this agreement was soon disregarded by the persecutors1 who were reckless1 and impatient to despoil the ,saints4 ,when a portion of the latter had left ,nauvoo1 the remnant was attacked by an armed force1 and driven into ,iowa in a destitute condition4 ,general ,thomas ,l4 ,kane1 of ,philadelphia1 who passed that way a few days afterward1 related his experience in a lecture before the ,historical ,society of ,pennsylvania4 ,the following is an extract from his address3 ,dreadful1 indeed1 was the suffering of these forsaken beings2 bowed and cramped by cold and sunburn1 alternating as each weary day and night dragged on1 they were1 almost all of them1 the crippled victims of disease4 ,they were there because they had no homes1 nor hospital1 nor poor-house1 nor friends to offer them any4 ,they could not satisfy the feeble cravings of their sick2 they had not bread to quiet the fractious hunger-cries of their children4 ,mothers and babes1 daughters and grandparents1 all of them alike1 were bivouacked in tatters1 wanting even covering to comfort those whom the sick shivers of fever were searching to the marrow4 ,these were ,mormons1 famishing in ,lee ,county1 ,iowa1 in the fourth week of the month of ,september1 in the year of our ,lord #ahdf4 ,the city--it was ,nauvoo1 ,illinois4 ,the ,mormons were the owners of that city1 and the smiling country around4 ,and those who had stopped their plows1 who had silenced their hammers1 their axes1 their shuttles1 and their workshop wheels2 those who had put out their fires1 who had eaten their food1 spoiled their orchards1 and trampled under foot their thousands of acres of unharvested bread--these were the keepers of their dwellings1 the carousers in their ,temple1 whose drunken riot insulted the ears of their dying4 ,out into the trackless ,american wilds1 into an ,indian country1 the ,mormons wended their way1 weary and destitute1 for more than fifteen hundred miles1 their pathway being marked by the graves of their dead4 ,the history of their privations and sufferings is harrowing in the extreme4 ,the lives of not less than a thousand of their number were sacrificed in the relentless persecutions connected with the exodus from ,illinois4 ,but ,god opened their way1 and as a result of their unity1 humility and faith through severe tribulations and deep sorrows1 they were guided to a refuge in the valley of the ,great ,salt ,lake4 ,three years later1 in #ahej1 ,congress created the ,territory of ,utah4 ,under the territorial form of government1 the governor1 secretary1 judges1 marshals1 postmasters1 election and other territorial officers1 are appointed by the ,president of the ,united ,states4 #def ,in their new home1 the ,saints increased in numbers and were beginning to enjoy some of the comforts of life1 as a reward of their toil1 when1 in #aheg1 the national government was induced1 through the misrepresentations of some of its officials1 to send an army against the ,mormons1 who prepared for another exodus1 and to defend themselves4 ,but the time required in such an undertaking gave the government an opportunity to discover that it had been misled and to change its course4 ,the record of the expedition1 with its expenditure of twenty millions of dollars1 stands as a monument of the folly of judging a matter hastily4 ,the current of popular opinion1 however1 had set in strongly against the ,saints1 and it is difficult to change it2 but the majority of those with whom they are now in contact are not the lawless element of ,missouri and ,illinois1 so that the violence of former times is no longer used against the body of the people where they are known4 ,but the adverse feeling caused legislation hostile to them4 ,they bowed to the law1 content to leave the issue between those who raised their hands against them and the ,god of ,israel1 in whose justice1 mercy and omnipotence they have perfect confidence4 ,their ,church property was seized by the government--property which was the voluntary gift of ,church members1 for the support of the poor1 the building of ,temples1 and similar purposes4 ,but with a better understanding of the motives and lives of the ,saints1 the government recognized the great wrong done1 and sought to right it4 ,the forfeited property not wasted in litigation was restored1 adverse legislation ceased1 friendliness superseded an unjust1 mistaken antagonism1 and in #ahif ,utah was admitted to statehood4 ,,present ,,condition4 ,the results of the industry1 integrity and thrift of the ,saints1 as shown by their present condition1 are a complete refutation of the accusations of evil made against them4 ,a corrupt tree cannot bring forth good fruit4 ,utah1 the chief centre of their gathering place1 has a population of #bgj1jjj1 seventy-five per cent1 being ,mormons4 ,ninety percent of the heads of families live in their own houses and on their own lands4 ,the fruitful orchards1 rich fields and farms1 successful industries and beautiful cities1 towns and villages1 present to the view a paradise upon earth2 while the vigor and cheerfulness of old and middle-aged and young betoken the health1 prosperity and happiness which are ,god's own gifts to this people1 in whose hearts dwells more abundantly than in those #deg of any other community that love of ,god and of their fellow men which is the fruit of a pure and noble life in the service of the great ,creator4 ,not alone in ,utah do the ,latter-day ,saints find a home4 ,their hundreds of settlements bedeck the mountain valleys from the province of ,alberta1 in ,canada1 through ,montana1 ,oregon1 ,idaho1 ,nevada1 ,wyoming1 ,utah1 ,colorado1 ,arizona and ,new ,mexico1 in the ,united ,states1 to ,chihuahua1 in ,old ,mexico1 on either side of a line which reaches fifteen hundred miles along the backbone of the ,american continent4 ,as an ecclesiastical organization1 the first officers in the ,church are divinely commissioned ,apostles of the ,lord ,jesus1 and divine authority is possessed by the whole body of ,priesthood1 down to the office of ,deacon4 ,almost the entire male membership of the ,church is included in this classification2 while there are organizations for the women and children4 ,over four hundred districts1 or wards1 are united in larger organizations called ,stakes of ,zion1 all combining in a perfect system4 ,,future ,,destiny4 ,the ,saints have an abiding faith in the future glorious destiny of the work in which they are engaged4 ,from its inception there has been steady and rapid progress4 ,its ,elders have carried the glad tidings to the nations as ,god has given them strength4 ,they have not preached for money nor divined for hire4 ,freely they have received2 freely they give4 ,persecution has followed those who have obeyed the ,gospel1 just as it did anciently4 ,but with each wave of adversity the ,church has grown stronger1 and its opponents have been restricted in their ability to inflict injuries on its members4 ,each successive blow of its foes has fallen more lightly than the one which preceded it2 while the ,saints have been brightened and made better by the experience gained in drawing nearer to the ,lord4 ,no ,latter-day ,saint has any doubt of the ultimate triumph of the principles he has received in the ,gospel4 ,they form the plan of life1 the power of ,god unto salvation4 ,the ,church is organized never again to be overcome4 ,its destiny is to continue to increase until its ,founder and ,head1 the ,lord ,jesus ,christ1 will establish ,his eternal kingdom1 and righteousness shall rule from the rivers to the ends of the earth4 ,,the ,,gospel ,,message4 ,the purpose of the ,gospel is to lead us back to ,god1 improved by the knowledge and experience we have gained4 #deh ,there is no truth in any department of life that is without its pale2 no knowledge that is beyond its reach4 ,its truth is the sum of all existence1 the knowledge of things that have been1 that are1 and that will be4 ,god is truth1 and ,his ,gospel is the plan whereby we may be saved in ,his presence4 ,this is the doctrine that our ,lord and ,savior taught2 this is the message given to the ,latter-day ,saints1 and which they proclaim to the world4 ,they call upon all men to repent and do the will of ,god4 ,they invite sincere seekers after truth everywhere4 ,they present to the world an example of the marvelous power of the ,gospel they have obeyed4 ,by their fruits they show its effects4 ,they have solved the problem of a happy1 prosperous and contented life1 free from sin and sorrow1 from poverty and idleness1 from hatred and hypocrisy4 ,they present to the rest of mankind the example of a people who put into practice their belief in being honest1 industrious1 true1 chaste1 benevolent1 and in doing good to all men4 ,if there is anything virtuous1 lovely1 or of good report1 or praiseworthy1 they seek after those things4 ,to all men they bear the message of the ,gospel which has made them thus4 ,they leave no room for deceit and delusion4 ,they claim to have divine authority and divine principles1 and they offer the proof1 which is in the reach of every true1 honest1 virtuous man and woman4 ,it is the test which the ,lord has commanded them to proffer to mankind1 the same that ,he applied to ,himself3 ,my doctrine is not mine1 but ,his that sent me4 ,if any man will do ,his will1 he shall know of the doctrine1 whether it be of ,god1 or whether ,i speak of myself 7,john vii3 #af1 #ag74 ,there can be no mistake about it1 for if it be not of ,god1 ,he will not give the knowledge4 ,but tens of thousands of ,latter-day ,saints bear witness that they have received the testimony from ,him4 ,it is true1 and we bear you witness now of its truth4 ,hereby we know that we know ,him1 that we keep ,his commandments4 ,the ,apostle ,john says3 ,whosoever transgresseth1 and abideth not in the doctrine of ,christ1 hath not ,god4 ,he that abideth in the doctrine of ,christ1 he hath both the ,father and the ,son4 ,if there come any unto you1 and bring not this doctrine1 receive him not into your house1 neither bid him ,god speed3 for he that biddeth him ,god speed is partaker of his evil deeds 7#b ,john3 #i-aa74 ,that we do bring this doctrine1 and that it is true1 is the testimony which we now give1 and which we will meet before #dei the pleasing bar of the ,great ,jehovah1 the eternal judge of both quick and dead4 ,and may the grace of ,god the ,father1 whose throne is high in the heavens1 and the ,lord ,jesus ,christ1 who sitteth on the right hand of ,his power until all things shall become subject unto ,him1 be and abide forever with those who seek to serve ,him in spirit and in truth4 ,amen4 ,when the day comes in which the ,kingdom of ,god will bear rule1 the flag of the ,united ,states will proudly flutter unsullied on the flagstaff of liberty and equal rights1 without a spot to sully its fair surface2 the glorious flag our fathers have bequeathed to us will then be unfurled to the breeze by those who have power to hoist it aloft and defend its sanctity4 --,brigham ,young4 ,how consoling to the mourners1 when they are called to part with a husband1 wife1 father1 mother1 child or dear relative1 to know that although the earthly tabernacle is laid down and dissolved1 they shall rise again to dwell in everlasting burnings in immortal glory1 not to sorrow1 suffer or die any more2 but they shall be heirs of ,god and joint heirs with ,jesus ,christ4 --,joseph ,smith1 ,the ,prophet4 #dfj ,a ,,word ,,about ,,succession4 7#aijg47 7,from ,saturday's ,news47 ,a correspondent writing from ,parker1 ,idaho1 requests a reply1 through the columns of the ,news1 to the question1 by whom was ,president ,young ordained to the presidency of the ,church8 ,it appears that the emissaries of the ,reorganite faction have discovered in that question a fruitful source of sophistical controversy1 and that they are triumphantly asking it wherever they go4 ,the proper reply is1 he was ordained by the ,prophet ,joseph to that calling1 when the ,prophet1 prompted by the ,holy ,spirit1 conferred upon the ,twelve ,apostles the power and authority he himself had received4 ,the following statement of facts by ,elder ,joseph ,f4 ,smith1 ,jr41 can be verified by the authentic records of the ,church3 ,the ,prophet ,joseph earnestly desired that his brother ,hyrum should live to succeed him in the presidency of the ,church4 ,in the year #ahda1 by command of the ,lord1 he ordained him to this exalted position1 as is quite evident from the following1 section #abd1 verses #id-e1 of the ,doctrine and ,covenants3 ,and from this time forth ,i appoint unto him 7,hyrum ,smith7 that he may be a ,prophet1 and a seer1 and a revelator unto my ,church as well as my servant ,joseph4 ,that he may act in concert also with my servant ,joseph1 and that he shall receive counsel from my servant ,joseph1 who shall show unto him the keys whereby he may ask and receive1 and be crowned with the same blessing and glory1 and honor1 and priesthood1 and gifts of the priesthood1 that once were put upon him that was my servant ,oliver ,cowdery4 ,from this revelation we learn that the ,lord appointed ,hyrum ,smith both as ,patriarch and to act in concert with his brother ,joseph in the presidency of the ,church4 ,in accordance with this revelation1 ,hyrum was so ordained ,january #bd1 #ahda4 ,this was not in the sense of a counselor to #dfa ,joseph1 for at this very appointment ,hyrum was removed as counselor to the president1 and ,william ,law was ordained in his stead4 ,joseph and ,hyrum continued to so act from this time forth until their martyrdom1 ,june #bg1 #ahdd4 ,shortly before the martyrdom the ,prophet tried with all his power to persuade ,hyrum not to accompany him to ,carthage1 knowing full well the fate that awaited them there4 ,had ,hyrum stayed behind and thereby remained in mortality1 he would1 by virtue of his position and ordination received in #ahda1 have become the president of the ,church4 ,his brother intended that this should be 7,times and ,seasons #e3 #fhc71 but through his faithfulness to1 and love for1 his brother1 ,hyrum fell a martyr before the ,prophet ,joseph did4 ,now mark6 ,the ,lord1 who knew that ,hyrum should receive a martyr's crown at ,carthage1 in the winter of #ahdc-d1 commanded the ,prophet to confer upon the heads of the twelve ,apostles every key1 power and principle that the ,lord had sealed upon his head4 ,the ,prophet declared that he knew not why1 but the ,lord commanded him to endow the twelve with these keys and priesthood1 and after it was done1 he rejoiced very much1 saying in substance1 ,now1 if they kill me1 you have all the keys and all the ordinances and you can confer them upon others and the powers of ,satan will not be able to tear down the kingdom as fast as you will be able to build it up1 and upon your shoulders will the responsibility of leading this people rest4 7,times and ,seasons #e3 #fea47 ,in this manner the ,prophet ordained the twelve ,apostles1 which body constitutes the second quorum of the ,church1 equal in authority with the first presidency4 ,doc4 and ,cov4 #ajg3 #bc-bd1 with the keys of the kingdom4 ,brigham ,young was president of the twelve1 and upon him devolved the duty of presiding4 ,therefore1 after the death of ,joseph and ,hyrum ,smith1 the twelve assumed1 by authority of their office1 the duty to preside over the ,church4 ,later1 when through revelation the quorum of the first presidency was reorganized with three presidents--,brigham ,young and ,counselors ,heber ,c4 ,kimball and ,willard ,richards1 they claimed1 and rightfully1 that since they were ordained under the hands of ,joseph ,smith and from him had received all the keys and powers of the priesthood which the ,prophet held1 it would have been superfluous to have been ordained again4 ,they were in this capacity1 however1 sustained by the unanimous vote of the ,saints1 #dfb which was essential to make such ordination of force in the ,church4 ,there is an abundance of testimony to prove that the ,prophet did so ordain the twelve1 some of which can be found in the ,times and ,seasons1 volume #e1 pages1 #efa1 #ffd and #fih2 also in the ,millennial ,star1 volume #aj1 page #aae4 ,we repeat that ,brigham ,young received all the keys1 powers1 authority and priesthood1 that were held by ,joseph ,smith1 that enabled him to preside over the high priesthood1 from the ,prophet ,joseph ,smith in ,nauvoo in the winter of #ahdc-d4 ,this important question was settled long ago by the entire body of the ,saints who accepted the leadership of the twelve1 after the departure of the ,prophet and ,patriarch1 and sustained ,president ,young in his office4 ,it was settled by the approval of the ,almighty of the marvelous work he accomplished1 and which could not have been done without divine aid and guidance4 ,to ascribe the mighty deeds ,brigham ,young performed through the power of the divine ,spirit which rested upon him1 to the spirit that is the originator of secession1 rebellion1 apostasy1 and falsehood1 is to come dangerously near blasphemy4 ,what is it but a repetition of the sin of the adversaries of our ,lord1 who1 although they knew that no man can do the miracles that ,thou doest1 except ,god be with him 7,john1 #c3 #b72 yet proclaimed to the people3 ,he hath an unclean spirit4 7,mark #c3 #cj47 ,what is it but to assail the disciple with a weapon that was in vain directed against the ,master8 ,there was some excuse for difference of opinion on the subject of succession1 immediately after the martyrdom1 because the people were not in possession of full information1 but there is no excuse now4 ,to use a familiar illustration3 ,at the time of an election citizens are expected to have different opinions as to candidates for office2 they are expected to work for those whose views and principles they support4 ,but when the question is settled at the polls1 loyalty demands that all accept the verdict and work together for the common interests of the community4 ,the body of the ,latter-day ,saints having accepted1 as guided by the ,holy ,spirit1 the leadership of the twelve1 there was no longer any valid reason for seeking the leadership of other shepherds4 ,the trouble with some of our reorganized brethren is that they look upon the members of the ,church as a flock of sheep1 that1 like other property1 can be inherited4 ,this is entirely contrary to the fundamental principles of the ,gospel4 ,the ,church belongs to ,christ4 ,the leaders and officers are the servants of the ,lord and the people of the ,lord4 ,it follows #dfc that the ,lord raises up whoever ,he pleases1 to perform the services necessary from time to time4 ,brigham ,young was every way equipped for the peculiar work needed during his time4 ,who could have done what he did8 ,sidney ,rigdon8 ,lyman ,wight8 ,james ,j4 ,strang8 ,or the founders of the so-called reorganized church8 ,let the reader reflect on the facts history records1 and then decide for himself1 remembering that every tree is known by its fruit4 ,love is one of the chief characteristics of ,deity1 and ought to be manifested by those who aspire to be the sons of ,god1 ,a man filled with the love of ,god is not content with blessing his family alone1 but ranges through the whole world1 anxious to bless the whole human race4 --,joseph ,smith4 ,if children have sinned against their parents1 or husbands against their wives1 or wives against their husbands1 let them confess their faults one to another and forgive each other1 and there let the confession stop1 and then let them ask pardon from their ,god4 ,confess your sins to whoever you have sinned against1 and let it stop there4 --,brigham ,young4 #dfd ,,the ,,gospel ,,pioneer4 ,,by ,,wm4 ,,jefferies1 ,,an ,,elder ,,of ,,the ,,church ,,of ,,jesus ,,christ ,,of ,,latter-,,day ,,saints4 ,,faith4 ,faith is the key to knowledge rare1 ,god's choice and priceless gift to man2 ,it is obtained by humble prayer ,and practice of the gospel plan4 ,it opes the door to secrets deep-- ,communes with ,god in nature's sleep4 ,prevails with ,god1 till mortal man ,the glory of the ,lord can scan4 ,a thorough knowledge of the first principles is absolutely essential to the acquirement of a complete understanding of any art or science4 ,for example3 ,how can the student of arithmetic extract the cube root of any given number1 or find the fifth power of another1 without a knowledge of the first or key principles of the science of numbers8 ,now1 if this is true of the arts and sciences1 which1 in the abstract1 do not tend1 directly1 to save a person in the presence of ,god1 how much more is it true in regard to the great science of theology1 which must be well understood and faithfully practiced1 to a given extent1 in order to become a joint-heir with ,jesus to the glory of the ,father8 ,and what science more important than this great science of all sciences8 ,none4 ,and a knowledge of its first principles ranks higher in importance to mortals than any other knowledge attainable by ,adam's fallen race2 for a knowledge of them1 and honest obedience to them1 together with subsequent faithfulness1 will secure a person a knowledge of the ,father and the ,son1 whom to know is life eternal--the greatest gift of ,god to man4 ,hence the great importance of a thorough knowledge of the first principles of the great science of salvation1 which ,i will now make a feeble attempt to briefly explain4 ,the first initiatory principle of the glorious plan of salvation #dfe is faith4 ,the ,apostle ,paul thus defines this principle3 ,now faith is the substance of things hoped for1 the evidence of things not seen4 7,heb4 xi1 #a47 ,modern inspiration defines it thus3 ,faith is the assurance which men have of the existence of things which they have not seen1 and the principle of action in all intelligent beings4 7,doc4 ,cov4 ,lec4 ,i1 ,sec4 i41 #i47 ,and the substance of these quotations--between which there is no conflict--,i understand to be this3 ,faith is the assurance which men have of the existence of things not seen by them in the past1 of the existence of things unseen by them at present1 of the existence of things to be seen or unseen by them in the future1 and the great first cause1 or moving principle of action1 and consequently1 of power1 in all intelligent beings1 whether they are mortal or immortal4 ,now do not be startled1 kind reader1 at this explanation4 ,the great apostle to the ,gentiles says4 ,through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of ,god4 7,heb4 xi1 #c47 ,this is plain4 ,who framed the world8 ,god1 of course2 and ,paul says ,he did it through faith2 therefore1 the assertion is correct1 that faith is the principle of action and power in all intelligent beings whether they are mortal or immortal4 ,faith is produced by evidence4 ,this is true of a false faith as well as of a true faith4 ,a false faith is the product of untrue or incorrect evidence1 and a true faith is produced by truthful evidence2 and1 though there may be instances in which true evidence may fail to produce faith in the skeptical and unbelieving2 and wherein false evidence may fail to create faith even in the over-credulous2 yet when faith1 be it true or false1 is created1 ,i reassert that it is produced by true or untrue evidence4 ,in the attempt to inspire faith in these propositions1 ,i will summon a few of the ancient worthies1 who1 like ,abel1 though dead1 speak to us in their inspired testaments1 giving us evidence which should be faith-creating4 ,when the ,son of ,god tabernacled in the flesh1 ,he went about doing good1 healing the sick1 cleansing the lepers1 raising the dead1 and doing many mighty works in fulfillment of the mission ,he was sent on by ,his ,father2 and while doing these things ,he was scoffed at1 spit upon1 reviled1 and persecuted1 and finally crucified on ,calvary--suspended between ,heaven and earth as though fit for neither4 ,bible-believers need no evidence adduced here to prove this1 for the facts stated are plain and prominent in the ,new ,testament scriptures1 and are well known to them1 no doubt4 ,on the day after the crucifixion1 the ,chief ,priests and ,pharisees felt somewhat troubled and anxious1 and came #dff together unto ,pilate1 saying1 ,sir1 we remember that that deceiver said1 while he was yet alive1 after three days ,i will rise again4 ,command therefore that the sepulchre be made sure until the third day1 lest his disciples come by night1 and steal him away1 and say unto the people1 he is risen from the dead3 so that the last error shall be worst than the first4 ,pilate said unto them1 ye have a watch3 go your way1 make it as sure as you can4 ,so they went1 and made the sepulchre sure1 sealing the stone1 and setting a watch4 7,matt4 xxvii1 #fb-ff47 ,how vain the schemes and operations of frail man6 ,a few more hours pass away4 ,the angel of the ,lord came down from heaven1 filled with the power of ,god1 and armed with the keys of the resurrection4 ,the watch which had been set1 or the keepers1 became as dead men4 ,the resurrection power of ,god was exercised4 ,the lifeless1 mangled body of the lowly ,nazarene was celestialized4 ,the active spirit1 which had been on an important mission to the ,antediluvians1 entered its immortal house1 and the triumphant ,jesus came forth from the silent tomb1 the first fruits of the resurrection1 and the glorious conqueror of death1 hell and the grave4 ,as soon as some of the watch had recovered sufficiently1 they came unto the city1 and shewed unto the ,chief ,priests all the things that were done4 ,and when they were assembled with the elders1 and had taken counsel1 they gave large money unto the soldiers1 saying1 say ye1 ,his disciples came by night1 and stole him away while we slept4 ,and if this come to the governor's ears1 we will persuade him1 and secure you4 ,so they took the money1 and did as they were taught2 and this saying is commonly reported among the ,jews until this day4 7,matt4 xxviii1 #aa-ae47 ,and1 according to the generally accepted chronology1 ,matthew wrote this account about five years after the events occurred4 ,here prejudice1 dishonesty and opposition to the purposes of ,jehovah1 prompted bribery1 and bribery being assured protection from the human penalty for such a crime1 published to the world a lie--a lie1 too1 respecting the most important event that had ever transpired upon this earth1 as effecting the redemption of the fallen race of our great progenitor1 ,adam4 ,matthew says3 ,and this saying is commonly reported among the ,jews until this day2 and ,i may add1 to this day1 too1 for the ,jews not only rejected the ,messiah and put him to death1 and subsequently believed the story of bribed and perjured ,roman soldiers1 but they still deny the accomplishment of the prophecies in the person of ,christ2 alleging that the ,messiah is not yet come2 and this also effects their belief in the first #dfg resurrection1 which is past1 although1 according to the thirteenth article of their creed1 they believe there will be a resurrection of the dead when ,god shall see fit4 ,this false evidence1 given to the ,jewish nation1 produced in that tribe of ,israel a false faith1 which exists to-day1 and which will continue to exist to a great extent among them1 with all its dire consequences1 till ,he shall come in power and glory and stand upon the mount of ,olives2 7,zech4 xiv1 #d47 and they shall look upon ,him whom their fore-fathers pierced2 7,zech4 xii1 #aj47 and the inquiry shall be made3 ,what are those wounds in thine hands8 ,and he shall inform them that those were the wounds with which he was wounded in the house of ,his friends4 7,zech4 xiii1 #f47 ,in view of these things how necessary it is that tradition should be truth4 ,in the beginning the ,lord said3 ,in the day thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die2 and the serpent said3 ,ye shall not surely die2 and both declarations went to posterity1 some believing one and some the other4 ,at the resurrection of the ,son of ,god1 the soldiers said3 ,his disciples stole him while we slept1 and many believed them4 ,others said3 ,he rose again and ascended to ,his ,father1 and a few believed this testimony2 and ,i will now introduce an illustration of this true evidence and true faith4 ,the ,son of ,god had risen from the tomb4 ,the first to discover this was several women1 and the first evidence of the fact to them was1 they found not the body in the sepulcher4 ,the next was the testimony of two angels in shining garments4 ,said they3 ,why seek ye the living among the dead8 ,he is not here1 but is risen1 and they quoted the ,savior's prediction of ,himself1 that ,he should be crucified1 and on the third day ,he should rise again1 which the women remembered4 ,these women reported to the eleven apostles1 who could hardly believe the report1 but ,peter visited the sepulcher1 and found that the body of ,jesus was not there4 ,jesus showed ,himself to some on the way to ,emmaus1 after which1 and on the same day1 ,he appeared to the eleven apostles1 who were somewhat terrified1 and ,he said unto them3 ,why are ye troubled8 ,and why do thoughts arise in your hearts8 ,behold my hands and my feet1 that it is ,i myself1 handle me and see2 for a spirit hath not flesh and bones1 as ye see me have4 ,he further said3 ,have ye here any meat8 ,and they gave him a piece of a broiled fish1 and of an honeycomb4 ,and he took it and did eat before them4 ,he also referred them to ,his own words1 to the words of ,moses and the prophets1 which were fulfilled in ,his crucifixion and resurrection1 #dfh and said ,he1 ,ye are all witnesses of these things4 ,he then instructed them to tarry at ,jerusalem till they were endued with power from on high1 lifted up ,his hands and blessed them1 and ascended into heaven4 7,luke xxiv47 ,here was an accumulation of evidence that ,jesus was resurrected from the dead4 ,he was with the apostles more or less for forty days after ,his resurrection4 7,acts i1 #c47 ,they knew most unmistakably that ,jesus had been resurrected4 ,the evidences were accumulative4 ,they knew also by the revelations of ,god4 ,they were prepared to testify4 ,the day of ,pentecost arrived4 ,the ,holy ,ghost descended upon them in great power--it filled them2 and they stood forth boldly1 as the champions of the risen ,jesus1 as ,his friends and true representatives1 and as men of ,god1 filled with truth and the revelations and power of ,god1 to give the lie to a bribed and perjured soldiery1 and all their accessories1 and to proclaim the truth concerning the resurrection1 the atonement1 the redemption1 and the true plan of salvation for the exaltation of the obedient of all mankind4 ,and ,peter1 as the chief apostle1 is represented as testifying the most in this matter1 and among other things he said this3 ,this ,jesus hath ,god raised up1 whereof we are all witnesses4 7,acts ii47 ,here were eleven men in one body1 besides others1 who were all witnesses of the resurrection of the ,savior of the world4 ,compare their testimony with the testimony of scared1 bribed1 and perjured guards--and what a testimony the latter was6 ,his disciples stole his body while we slept6 ,what wondrous wisdom1 consistency1 and veracity1 characterized the suggestors and buyers of this infamous subterfuge6 ,what elevated manhood was exhibited by these valiant military cat-paws of the ancient anti-,christians6 ,what do men know of things which transpire when they are fast asleep8 ,a parallel need not be sought for only in the history of the highly-enlightened anti-,mormons of the nineteenth century4 ,what was the result of the inspired testimonies of these eleven apostles--,peter standing forth boldly as their principal1 and proclaiming the truth in much power8 ,why1 many were convinced by the power of the ,holy ,ghost1 and the inquiry was made by them3 ,men and brethren1 what shall we do8 ,then ,peter said unto them1 repent and be baptized every one you1 in the name of ,jesus ,christ1 for the remission of sins1 and ye shall receive the gift of the ,holy ,ghost4 ,now1 did any of them show further evidence of conviction8 ,yes1 about three thousand souls were added to the church by baptism1 on that day1 and the ,lord added to the church daily such as #dfi should be saved4 7,acts ii47 ,herein was true evidence and true faith clearly illustrated1 and ,i will now draw an illustration from modern times4 ,in the year of our ,lord1 eighteen hundred and twenty1 the ,lord spoke from the heavens to the boy1 ,joseph ,smith1 then in his fifteenth year4 ,after a seven years' training1 and particularly during the last four of the seven1 the ,lord by ,his angel delivered to him the sacred plates from which was translated the ,book of ,mormon4 ,nearly three years additional schooling was given him in the science of theology1 during which time he translated the ,book of ,mormon by the gift and power of ,god2 and1 on the #fth day of ,april1 #ahcj1 he1 by command of ,god1 organized the ,church of ,jesus ,christ of ,latter-day ,saints4 ,previous to this time1 he had testified more or less1 of his visions and calling1 but from now till his cruel martyrdom in #ahdd1 he boldly proclaimed his divine mission1 and taught the true gospel to the children of men4 ,others associated themselves with him in this glorious testimony and proclamation4 ,many believed their words1 and cast their lot with the much-persecuted people of ,god4 ,this testimony and proclamation of the elders of ,israel have continued2 a people have been gathered together in the tops of the mountains1 in fulfillment of the words of ,isaiah 7,chap4 ii72 and of the words of ,micah 7,chap4 iv72 and in ,utah and other ,territories2 in many ,states of the ,american ,union2 and in many other parts of the earth can be found much true faith1 as the result of correct evidence given by inspiration in these last days4 ,but while this work of presenting true evidence and inspiring true faith has been going on1 the adversary has not been idle4 ,it has been declared that ,joseph ,smith was not a true prophet1 but an impostor4 ,that the ,book of ,mormon was not translated from plates given to ,joseph by an angel of ,god1 but was simply a ,spaulding romance4 ,that1 in short the whole system of ,mormonism is a monster humbug and imposture1 and all its adherents are either deceivers or deceived4 ,editors1 incited by popular clamor and prejudice1 and priests1 inspired by their sable master1 have befouled the filthy stream of misrepresentation1 by publishing dirty falsehoods and sending them broadcast on the earth during the last half a century1 till millions of the human family are prejudiced and misled2 and their responsibility in this matter is equal to that of their prototypes1 the ancient ,scribes1 priests1 and elders who framed the lie and paid their dupes to testify to it--that ,jesus was not resurrected1 but that ,his disciples stole the body while #dgj they slept2 and heaven's condemnation rests upon them for thus using the power of press and pulpit4 ,hence1 to-day there is a vast amount of false faith on the earth1 which has been produced by incorrect evidence concerning some of the most important events which have transpired preparatory to the coming of the ,son of ,man in the clouds of heaven in power and great glory4 ,these facts1 culled from ancient and modern history1 ,i consider sufficient to prove clearly to honest hearts and enlightened minds1 that faith is produced by evidence--a false faith by false evidence1 and a true faith by true evidence4 ,in the foregoing an attempt has been made to show that faith is produced by evidence2 that this is true both of a false faith and a true one2 and that the results are good or bad according as the faith is true or false4 ,and in doing this the principle of faith itself has been taught more or less1 but a few more remarks are necessary4 ,faith in ,god is necessary4 ,but without faith it is impossible to please ,him3 for he that cometh to ,god must believe that ,he is1 and that ,he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek ,him4 7,heb4 xi1 #f47 ,and who can expect to receive salvation from ,god1 if they do not believe in ,him8 ,faith in ,jesus ,christ is necessary4 ,he that believeth on the ,son hath everlasting life3 and he that believeth not the ,son shall not see life3 but the wrath of ,god abideth on him4 7,john iii1 #cf47 ,who can expect the glorious benefits of the atonement1 if they do not believe in the ,savior of the world1 nor in the great atonement which ,he made for poor fallen man8 ,faith in the servants of ,god is necessary1 also4 ,when ,jesus sent ,his servants forth to preach the gospel1 ,he said unto them3 ,he that heareth you heareth me1 and he that despiseth you despiseth me1 and he that despiseth me despiseth ,him that sent me4 7,luke x1 #af47 ,he that receiveth you receiveth me1 and he that receiveth me receiveth ,him that sent me4 ,he that receiveth a prophet in the name of a prophet shall receive a prophet's reward2 and he that receiveth a righteous man in the name of a righteous man shall receive a righteous man's reward4 7,matt4 x1 #dj1 #da47 ,and whosoever shall not receive you1 nor hear your words1 when ye depart out of that house or city1 shake off the dust of your feet4 ,verily ,i say unto you1 ,it shall be more tolerable for the land of ,sodom and ,gomorrha in the day of judgment1 than for that city4 7,matt4 x1 #ad1 #ae47 ,neither ,god the ,father nor ,god the ,son travel among us now to preach and administer #dga for the benefit of ,adam's race1 but they authorize mortal men to do this work2 hence it is necessary to receive them1 treat them kindly1 and have faith in them as the representatives of the ,father and the ,son4 ,faith in the plan of salvation is necessary4 ,the principles of the gospel must be believed in order to obtain their benefits2 some of those principles are set forth briefly in this little pamphlet2 and when these are tested and proven to be of divine origin1 conferring many glorious blessings upon those who obey them1 others can be found suitable to advanced students in the ,lord's school of divinity4 ,the gospel is unchangeable and eternal4 ,it is filled with blessings that are temporal1 spiritual and eternal4 ,it is free for all4 ,and this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world1 for a witness unto all nations1 and then shall the end come4 7,matt4 xxiv1 #ad47 ,i marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of ,christ1 unto another gospel1 which is not another1 but there be some that trouble you1 and would pervert the gospel of ,christ4 ,but though we1 or an angel from heaven1 preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you1 let him be accursed4 ,as we said before1 so say ,i now again1 if any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received1 let him be accursed4 7,gal4 i1 #f-i47 ,blessed are they who believe and live the fullness of the gospel of ,jesus ,christ1 for they shall obtain eternal life in the celestial kingdom of ,god6 ,,repentance4 ,repentance is an evidence ,of living1 saving faith in ,god4 ,the sinner manifesting sense ,in turning from the path he trod-- ,not a sentimental sorrow1 ,felt to-day and gone to-morrow2 ,but--by ,god's help ,i will do right1 ,and shun all wrong with all my might4 ,repentance is the second principle of the gospel of the ,son of ,god4 ,and here it would be well1 perhaps1 to dispose of an objection which some may raise in regard to this being the second principle of the gospel4 ,there are religionists who hold and teach that repentance precedes faith1 and this error ,i will briefly refer to and correct4 ,in the first place1 let the test of reason be applied4 ,if a man does not believe in the existence of a ,god2 nor in the #dgb existence of the laws of ,god2 nor in the penalties for violating those laws2 nor in his own existence after what is believed by him to be the death of both body and spirit2 nor consequently1 if he does not believe in either the power or opportunity to punish him for what some people may call sin1 but which he does not believe is a sin against anybody or anything2 will he be likely to be sorry for anything he has done8 ,will he reform through hope of reward or fear of punishment1 or both combined8 ,will such a man repent of his sins8 ,every reasonable man1 who studies this principle1 will answer with an emphatic1 ,no6 ,but if a man is taught that there is a ,god2 that ,he has revealed laws for the government of the actions of ,his earthly children2 that those laws embody rewards for obedience and punishments for disobedience2 that there is an existence after death has separated body and spirit2 that none can escape the results of their acts1 that all will be judged1 and then rewarded or punished1 according to the deeds done in the body2 and if he believes these teachings1 then he will be likely to cease to do evil and learn to do well--he will repent of his sins1 and strive to serve his ,god faithfully4 ,but if1 after he has been taught as before stated1 he should fail to believe1 then he will not repent1 for he is not prompted by that living faith which produces sincere repentance4 ,and this conclusion is legitimate and clear1 no doubt1 to the unbeclouded and unprejudiced mind of every intelligent and reasonable man4 ,but the testimony of inspiration as well as reason shall be given in this matter1 and this should be conclusive4 ,after the crucifixion of the ,savior1 ,peter became president of the church4 ,to him were given the keys of the kingdom1 and he1 certainly1 understood the order of the principles of the gospel1 just as well as an arithmetician understands the order of the first principles of arithmetic4 ,and what position did he give repentance8 ,did he make it precede faith8 ,on the day of ,pentecost ,peter preached to the assembled multitude4 ,he taught the word of ,god2 he quoted the ,old ,testament scriptures2 he showed that some of them were fulfilled2 he testified that ,jesus was the ,christ2 he declared that they had crucified the ,son of ,god2 he taught the glorious principle of the resurrection2 said he3 ,this ,jesus hath ,god raised up1 whereof we are all witnesses4 and he told them that ,god hath made that same ,jesus1 whom ye have crucified1 both ,lord and ,christ4 ,this testimony of ,peter1 which was accompanied by the convincing power of the ,holy ,ghost1 inspired them with faith in what he taught and prompted the question3 ,men and brethren1 #dgc what shall we do8 ,said ,peter1 in reply3 ,repent and be baptized every one of you1 in the name of ,jesus ,christ1 for the remission of sins1 and ye shall receive the gift of the ,holy ,ghost4 ,they had faith4 ,the preaching had created it4 ,peter knew this4 ,and he then taught them the second1 third and fourth principles of the gospel in their order1 viz43 ,repentance1 remission of sins1 and the reception of the ,holy ,ghost1 thus establishing the order of those principles beyond all cavil or controversy1 and for all time1 for the benefit of ,bible-believers in all their generations throughout the earth4 ,repentance1 then1 is the second principle of the great gospel plan of salvation1 as taught by ,jesus ,christ and ,his apostles4 ,and what is repentance8 ,is it merely sorrow for sin8 ,no4 ,sorrow is a part of it1 but it must be the right kind of sorrow4 ,there is a sorrow which leadeth unto death1 and a sorrow which produces true repentance4 ,read the testimony of the apostle ,paul on this point3 ,for a godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of2 but the sorrow of the world worketh death4 7,,ii ,cor4 vii1 #aj47 ,real sorrow for sin produces true repentance1 and a genuine repentance is a forsaking of sin1 coupled with a burning desire and a strong determination to keep the commandments of ,god1 which will be shown in reformation of life and conduct1 in a prayerful spirit1 and a reliance upon ,god for strength to overcome in every hour of trial and temptation4 ,isaiah taught repentance in these words3 ,let the wicked forsake his way1 and the unrighteous man his thoughts3 and let him return unto the ,lord1 and ,he will have mercy upon him2 and to our ,god for ,he will abundantly pardon4 7,isa4 lv1 #g47 ,the scriptures contain much evidence showing what true repentance is1 and what its fruits are2 and they present us with evidence concerning the repentance which is not genuine1 as instance ,simon the sorcerer4 ,he had believed ,philip's preaching1 and had been baptized2 but ,peter found him in the gall of bitterness and in the bond of iniquity1 and called upon him to repent of his wickedness4 ,repentance means forsaking sin4 ,let him that steals steal no more4 ,let him that has done wrong in any way1 do so no more1 but do right before ,god and man4 ,in the language of the able ,apostle1 ,orson ,pratt1 ,it would be of no use for a sinner to confess his sins to ,god1 unless he were determined to forsake them2 it would be of no benefit to him to feel sorry that he had done wrong1 unless he intended to do wrong no more1 it would be folly for him to confess before ,god that he had injured his fellow-man1 unless he were determined to do #dgd all in his power to make restitution4 ,repentance1 then1 is not only a confession of sins1 with a sorrowful1 contrite heart1 but a fixed1 settled purpose to refrain from every evil way4 ,,baptism4 ,earth's noon arrived6 ,the ,savior came6 ,and was by ,john of ancient fame1 ,baptized in ,jordan's sacred tide1 ,a righteous law to thus abide-- ,example setting to all men ,how they must all be born again3 ,born of water--people hear it6 ,if ,god's kingdom they'd inherit4 ,there are several things connected with baptism which should be well understood before the candidate yields obedience to it4 ,the mode1 the object and the necessity of it4 ,first1 then1 the mode4 ,is sprinkling the correct way to baptize8 ,jesus was the great exemplar4 ,was ,he sprinkled8 ,john the ,baptist baptized by immersion4 ,did ,john baptize in the right way8 ,certainly he did4 ,would ,jesus have gone to an impostor for baptism8 ,would ,he have demanded baptism by immersion of ,john1 if sprinkling were the correct method8 ,and if immersion had been the incorrect method1 would the ,spirit of ,god have descended like a dove upon ,him1 and ,his ,father have uttered ,his approval in these words3 ,this is my beloved ,son1 in whom ,i am well pleased8 ,i think not4 ,john baptized a great many in the river ,jordan4 ,he baptized ,jesus there4 ,and ,jesus1 when ,he was baptized1 went up straightway out of the water4 7,matt4 iii1 #af47 ,john baptized in ,aenon near to ,salim because there was much water there4 7,john iii1 #bc47 ,philip1 acting under the direction of the apostles1 baptized by immersion4 ,in baptizing the eunuch1 ,they went down both into the water1 both ,philip and the eunuch1 and he baptized him4 ,and when they were come up out of the water1 the ,spirit of the ,lord caught away ,philip1 that the eunuch saw him no more4 7,acts1 viii1 #ch1 #ci47 ,if sprinkling were all that was necessary1 ,paul and ,silas need not have taken the jailor and his household out of their house just after midnight to baptize them2 for they could have performed the ordinance in the house1 and a half pint of water would have been plenty for the purpose4 7,acts1 xvi47 ,paul tells the ,romans1 that so many of us as were baptized into ,jesus ,christ were baptized into ,his death2 therefore we are buried with ,him by baptism into death2 that like as ,christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the ,father1 even #dge so we also should walk in newness of life4 ,for if we have been planted together in the likeness of ,his death1 we shall be also in the likeness of ,his resurrection4 7,rom4 vi1 #c1 #d1 #e47 ,now why represent the death of the ,savior1 by becoming dead unto sin8 ,or ,his burial1 by being buried in water in baptism8 ,or ,his resurrection1 by being raised from the liquid grave in baptism1 to walk in newness of life8--,why all this1 if sprinkling were the proper mode of baptism8 ,and these remarks and quotations apply to the erroneous principle of pouring as well as to sprinkling4 ,does either sprinkling or pouring represent a death1 a burial1 or a resurrection8 ,not in the least4 ,but immersion does1 and it is an actual burial in water4 ,jesus said to ,nicodemus3 ,except a man be born of water and of the spirit1 he cannot enter into the kingdom of ,god4 7,john iii1 #e47 ,does sprinkling or pouring represent a birth8 ,no6 but immersion does4 ,coming out of the element of water into the element of air1 is a fair representation of a birth1 and the words of the ,apostle1 ,orson ,pratt1 are very appropriate here4 ,he wrote thus upon this subject3 ,as the embryo must first be immersed in water before it can receive the quickening of the human spirit1 so a man must first be immersed in water before he has the promise of the quickening or life-giving power of the ,holy ,spirit4 ,as the infant is born1 or comes forth from the watery element into a new kingdom or world of existence1 so a man in baptism comes forth from the liquid element of water into the kingdom of ,god's dear ,son1 which is a new state of existence4 ,the ,new ,testament scriptures do not furnish any authority for administering baptism by a sprinkling or pouring2 but the evidences therein contained show most conclusively1 that immersion was the proper mode of baptism as administered to ,jesus1 and practiced by ,his apostles--and who but ,god has authority to change this ordinance8 ,and where is the proof that ,he has ever changed it8 ,it cannot be found2 and immersion stands to-day1 unchanged and unchangeable1 as the proper mode of administering the gospel ordinance of baptism for the benefit of believing and repentant candidates for salvation in the kingdom of ,god4 ,the object of baptism next claims our attention4 ,and what is this ordinance administered for8 ,is it simply an outward sign of an inward grace8 ,baptism was instituted for the remission of sins4 ,john went into all the country about ,jordan1 preaching the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins4 7,luke iii1 #c47 ,after the crucifixion of the ,savior1 ,he #dgf appeared unto the ,eleven and gave them the mission to preach the gospel to every creature2 7,luke xvi1 #ae-ah47 and on the day of ,pentecost1 after being filled with the ,holy ,ghost1 according to the promise of the ,father1 they commenced their great mission4 ,on this occasion they preached to the assembled thousands of many nationalities1 baptism for the remission of sins1 and about three thousand souls were baptized on that day for the special purpose of obtaining the remission of their sins4 ,the testimony of ,paul concerning himself is this3 that ,ananias said unto him3 ,arise1 and be baptized1 and wash away thy sins4 7,acts xxii1 #af47 ,thus it is clearly established1 and that1 too1 by evidence which no ,bible-believer can controvert1 that the ordinance of baptism was established for the remission of sins4 ,the necessity of baptism must be understood4 ,it is taught by some that the observance of this ordinance is optional on the part of the candidate for celestial glory4 ,this is dangerous doctrine4 ,there is no authority for it in the scriptures1 ,jesus and ,his apostles never taught it4 ,it is contrary to their teachings4 ,jesus never included a non-essential principle in the great plan of salvation4 ,had not baptism been necessary1 ,he would not have said to ,his apostles3 ,he that believeth and is baptized shall be saved1 7,mark xvi1 #af74 ,neither would ,he have said to them3 ,go ye1 therefore1 and teach all nations1 baptizing them in the name of the ,father1 and of the ,son1 and of the ,holy ,ghost4 7,luke xxviii1 #ai47 ,baptism is as necessary as remission of sins4 ,it was instituted and placed in the great system of salvation as the ordinance of remission4 ,it was taught1 accepted and administered as such1 on the day of ,pentecost1 to the joy of three thousand souls4 ,paul1 after the light of heaven shone upon him1 and the ,lord said unto him3 ,saul1 ,saul1 why persecutest thou me8 was blind1 repenting1 fasting and praying for three days2 and why did not the ,lord have compassion upon the poor sinner in this deplorable condition1 and forgive him1 without sending him to ,ananias to have the ordinance of baptism administered to him8 ,because ,paul was a sinner4 ,he needed remission of sins4 ,he needed the birth of the water to admit him into the kingdom4 ,and ,jesus honored the law of remission by sending him to one who could administer it effectually1 which ,jesus never would have done if it had not been necessary for ,paul's salvation4 7,acts ix47 ,it is believed by many that a good man will certainly be saved without baptism--the ,lord would not be just if he did #dgg not save him1 even if he were not baptized4 ,now1 ,i presume that but few men can be found who are better1 in a great many respects1 than was ,cornelius of old4 ,he was a devout man1 and one that feared ,god with all his house1 which gave much alms to the people1 and prayed to ,god alway4 7,acts ix41 #b47 ,the ,lord had so much respect for him on account of his goodness1 that ,he sent an angel to him1 who said to him3 ,thy prayers and thine alms are come up for a memorial before ,god4 7,acts x1 #d47 ,certainly1 he was a good man2 and1 according to the notions of many religionists1 such a man ought to be saved1 and will be1 independent of any ordinances4 ,but wait a little4 ,what more did the angel say unto him8 ,said he3 ,and now send men to ,joppa1 and call for one ,simon1 whose surname is ,peter2 he lodgeth with one ,simon a tanner1 whose house is by the sea-side1 he shall tell thee what thou oughtest to do4 7,acts x1 #c1 #d74 ,what6 ,is it possible that a good man like ,cornelius needed to do anything more than he was doing1 in order to be accepted and justified before ,god8 ,it appears that the ,lord thought so2 and it was of such importance1 too1 that ,he sent an angel to tell him what his further duty was4 ,and what was it8 ,peter preached the gospel to him and his household1 after his arrival among them4 ,the ,holy ,ghost fell upon them to bear testimony to ,peter's words1 and as an evidence to ,peter of the favor they enjoyed with the ,lord1 and then he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the ,lord4 7,acts x1 #d1 #h47 ,now1 suppose that ,cornelius and his house had disregarded ,peter's command to be baptized1 could they have been saved8 ,no4 ,why8 ,because the angel told him that ,peter should tell him words whereby he and all his household should be saved4 7,acts xi4 #ad74 ,it is very evident1 therefore1 that baptism for the remission of sins is necessary unto salvation4 ,infant baptism1 as it is erroneously termed1 or infant sprinkling1 should receive a brief notice here4 ,this is not authorized in the scriptures1 neither have any of the ,new ,testament writers alluded to it4 ,some have supposed because in a few instances whole households were baptized1 that possibly there were some infants among them4 ,but this supposition is a very weak foundation upon which to establish an important principle of salvation4 ,in the households of ,lydia1 ,cornelius and the jailor1 there were no infants--at least1 we cannot learn that there were from the history given of them in the ,acts of the ,apostles4 ,in fact1 the evidence is to the contrary4 ,in the case of the jailor1 ,paul and ,silas taught him1 and all that were in his house1 the word of the ,lord4 7,acts xvi1 #cb47 ,in the #dgh household of ,cornelius1 the ,holy ,ghost fell upon them which heard the words of ,peter1 and they spoke with tongues and magnified ,god4 7,acts x47 ,and in the household of ,lydia it is evident there were no infants any more than there were in the other two households1 for these reasons3 ,the gospel is to be preached to individuals4 ,what is the use to preach to infants8 ,they cannot understand it2 they cannot have faith in it2 they cannot repent1 for they have not sinned2 it is no use to baptize them1 for there are no sins to remit4 ,sin is a transgression of the law4 ,they have not transgressed any law1 therefore1 they are without sin4 ,and even had infants any sins to remit1 they could not be remitted by baptism alone1 for faith and repentance must be exercised in connection with baptism1 but infants cannot exercise either4 ,therefore1 it is unreasonable to suppose that the apostles would attempt to teach or baptize infants in the households referred to1 or in any other households--they knew better than to act so foolishly in the sight of ,god4 ,there are others who have supposed that the baptism of infants is in the place of circumcision4 ,but this is merely a conjecture of impostors to deceive the ignorant4 ,the scriptures do not substitute infant baptism for circumcision4 ,there is no connection or similarity between the two principles4 ,they are no more alike than truth and error1 or darkness and light1 or heaven and hell4 ,circumcision is an ancient ceremony or operation performed exclusively on male infants at eight days old2 but baptism is an immersion in water1 of both male and female1 when they have reached an age to be capable of sinning1 believing the gospel when it is taught them1 and repenting of their sins1 so that they may have their past sins remitted according to the laws of ,god4 ,these evidences should be conclusive to all ,bible-believers4 ,,laying ,,on ,,of ,,hands ,,for ,,imparting ,,the ,,holy ,,ghost ,true faith in ,god1 repentance true1 ,sins remitted by immersion2 ,the humble soul is born anew1 ,and the spirit takes possession4 ,by laying on of holy hands1 ,of ,god's own servants here on earth2 ,those who've obeyed the ,lord's commands1 ,will realize the ,spirit's birth4 ,after the candidate for eternal life has been baptized for the remission of his sins1 and has sought unto the ,lord in faith1 honestly repenting of his sins1 and has obtained the forgiveness #dgi of all his past transgressions1 he is entitled to the gift of the ,holy ,ghost4 ,he should seek for it1 for the ,lord has promised that he shall receive it1 but ,he has established a certain ordinance through which ,he bestows this precious gift4 ,that ordinance is the ,laying on of hands4 ,many may question this1 but the scriptures should decide the matter4 ,let us see how ,paul received the ,holy ,ghost4 ,ananias received a mission to visit ,paul1 and entered into the house where he was staying1 and putting his hands on him said3 ,brother ,saul1 the ,lord1 even ,jesus1 that appeared unto thee in the way as thou earnest1 hath sent me1 that thou mightest receive thy sight1 and be filled with the ,holy ,ghost4 7,acts ix4 #ag47 ,but why not fill him with the ,holy ,ghost without any administration of ,ananias1 seeing that he had faith1 and was repenting and fasting and praying before the ,lord8 ,because the ,lord had established an order in the plan of salvation4 ,he had authorized ,his servants to observe that order in ministering the spirit as well as the water1 and they were to minister the spirit by the laying on of hands4 ,how did ,paul administer the spirit8 ,it is possible that he obtained his first lesson1 in the administration of baptism and the laying on of hands1 from ,ananias when he himself was baptized and confirmed2 but1 whether this was his first lesson or not1 he1 no doubt1 learned to administer the ordinances of the gospel correctly4 ,and when he came to ,ephesus and found about twelve men who had been baptized unto ,john's baptism1 they were baptized in the name of the ,lord ,jesus1 and when ,paul laid his hands upon them1 the ,holy ,ghost came on them1 and they spake with tongues1 and prophesied4 7,acts xix4 #a-f47 ,thus1 we see ,paul administered the ,holy ,ghost by the laying on of hands4 ,when ,philip preached to the ,samaritans1 they believed and were baptized both men and women4 ,now when the apostles which were at ,jerusalem heard that ,samaria had received the word of ,god1 they sent unto them ,peter and ,john1 who when they were come down1 prayed for them that they might receive the ,holy ,ghost2 7for as yet he was fallen upon none of them1 only they were baptized in the name of the ,lord ,jesus74 ,then laid they their hands upon them1 and they received the ,holy ,ghost4 7,acts viii1 #ad-ag47 ,now1 as they were apostles of the ,lord ,jesus ,christ1 faithful men whose prayers ,god would hear and answer1 why did not the ,lord bestow upon those ,samaritans the gift of the ,holy ,ghost in answer to the earnest prayers of ,his faithful servants1 without the ordinance of the laying on of hands8 #dhj ,because that would have been contrary to the law laid down for the ministering of the spirit4 ,peter and ,john were anxious that the ,lord should bless their administration for the benefit of those baptized believers4 ,they desired that the ,holy ,ghost should rest down upon them in mighty power4 ,but they could not exercise the authority of the apostleship in and of themselves1 and independently of the ,lord1 hence they prayed for themselves1 no doubt1 and that the ,samaritans might receive the ,holy ,ghost4 ,then they performed the proper ordinance1 ,god honored the administration in answer to their prayer1 and those baptized believers received the ,holy ,ghost4 7,acts viii1 #ag74 ,the laying on of hands1 then1 is the ,lord's ordinance for imparting the ,holy ,ghost to ,his believing1 repentant1 and baptized children1 and ,he has never made it void1 or authorized any man to change it1 or to teach the inhabitants of the earth that it is done away and no longer needed4 ,,authority ,,to ,,preach ,,and ,,administer4 ,god's ,priesthood once dwelt here on earth1 ,and gave to men their gospel birth2 ,many who held it martyrs fell2 ,on earth in peace it could not dwell4 ,but thanks to ,god ,he has again1 ,bestowed ,his ,priesthood upon men2 ,and ,his decree has now gone forth-- ,it shall henceforth remain on earth6 ,the authority to preach the gospel and administer its ordinances1 is a very important matter to be considered in connection with the first principles of the gospel4 ,if those ordinances are administered by divine authority1 the blessings of ,god will attend those administrations2 but if they are not1 it is unreasonable to expect the ,lord will bestow such blessings2 hence1 it is well to ascertain who is in the possession of the authority of ,god1 to act in the name of ,his son ,jesus ,christ1 as ministers of salvation and eternal life to the children of men here on the earth4 ,a man1 to be a servant of ,god1 must be called1 authorized1 and empowered by the ,lord in some way1 or how can he be a servant of ,god8 ,man does not recognize any other man as his servant unless he has appointed and authorized him in some way1 neither does the ,lord4 ,jesus was sent by ,his ,father4 7,john v4 #bc-bd1 vi4 #ch-dj1 xvii1 #ba47 ,the first officers in the ,church of ,christ are apostles4 7,eph4 iv1 #aa47 ,jesus was an apostle4 7,heb4 iii1 v47 ,he #dha called other apostles4 ,said ,he to ,his apostles1 ,ye have not chosen me1 but ,i have chosen you1 and ordained you1 that ye should go and bring forth fruit4 7,john xv1 #af47 ,jesus being sent of ,god1 and being an apostle1 he had a right under the authority of ,his ,father1 to call and ordain other apostles1 and this is the way the apostles obtained the authority of ,god1 to act in the name of ,jesus ,christ1 for the benefit of the human family4 ,under the direction of the ,father and ,his ,son ,jesus ,christ they had authority to call and ordain others2 but without similar authority no man has a right to call and ordain others1 or officiate in any of the ordinances of the gospel of ,jesus ,christ4 ,no man taketh this honor unto himself1 but he that is called of ,god as was ,aaron4 7,heb4 v1 #d47 ,and how was ,aaron called8 ,the ,lord told ,moses to take him to assist in performing a certain work4 7,exod4 iv1 #ad-af47 ,and no man taketh the honor unto himself1 for he must be called by the voice of ,god through a prophet as ,aaron was2 or by ,jesus ,christ as ,his apostles were1 or by an angel of ,god1 as in the case of the calling of ,gideon to deliver ,israel from the ,midianites1 7,judges vi72 or by the ,holy ,ghost1 as were ,barnabas and ,saul1 7,acts xiii1 #b72 or by the direction of the ,almighty1 through the spirit of inspiration1 operating in some legitimate channel4 ,a man must be called1 ordained1 authorized and empowered from on high1 or he is not a servant of ,god4 ,and the calling1 ordaining1 or authorizing1 of one man1 does not call1 ordain1 or authorize another4 ,it takes new revelation in each case4 ,god must designate1 in some way1 the man for ,his service4 ,a man must go forth with authority to preach1 to call to repentance1 to baptize for the remission of sins1 to impart the ,holy ,ghost by the laying on of hands2 and if sins are not remitted1 and the ,holy ,ghost is not imparted1 when the conditions are faithfully observed1 then the administrator is an impostor1 or he is not authorized to preach the fullness of the gospel to the children of men4 ,a man who is commissioned of ,jesus ,christ to proclaim the fullness of the gospel1 and officiate in its ordinances for the benefit of our race1 will promise remission of sins and the gift of the ,holy ,ghost1 in the name of ,jesus ,christ1 and his promise never fails when the conditions are faithfully observed2 but an impostor dare not make any such a promise to the sons of men4 ,he has no authority from ,god to do so1 and if he did make any such promise1 he knows that ,god would not honor it and fulfill it1 for ,he did not authorize him to make it4 ,therefore1 ye sons and daughters of men1 be careful on this #dhb question of authority4 ,try to learn where the true authority exists4 ,be assured that the administrations of a person unauthorized of ,god will be of no benefit to you in time nor in eternity2 but the administrations of a man who is sent of ,god by new revelation1 will bless you in this life1 and you will realize it2 and they will lay the foundation for blessings1 glory1 honor1 power and exaltation1 in the celestial worlds for ever and ever4 ,,concluding ,,remarks4 ,the first or initiatory principles of the gospel1 as herein set forth1 are but very briefly alluded to the treatment of them herein was not designed to be exhaustive4 ,the object was merely to give a few hints1 and by so doing cause curiosity and interest and faith to spring up1 and prompt honest research and prayerful investigation1 which would lead to humble obedience to the laws of ,god4 ,the writer did not prepare this because he had anything new or original to offer4 ,every man who is warned must warn his neighbor4 ,this is the word of ,god4 ,my testimony must be heard4 ,i am not justified before the ,lord if it is not4 ,i must try to clear my garments of the blood of this generation2 hence this little work4 ,i bear my humble testimony that ,god has spoken from the heavens in these last days4 ,the true gospel of salvation is being taught to the children of men by the ,elders of the ,church of ,jesus ,christ of ,latter-day ,saints4 ,they taught that gospel to me4 ,i believed it with all my heart4 ,i embraced it with a sincere and honest purpose to do the will of ,god on the earth4 ,my sins were forgiven through the ordinance of baptism4 ,the ,holy ,ghost was sent down from heaven and rested mightily upon me through the laying on of the hands of the servants of ,god4 ,by that spirit ,i was taught of ,god1 and ,i learned by revelation through its agency that ,god lived1 that ,he had spoken from the heavens1 and that ,he had raised up a mighty prophet in the person of ,joseph ,smith4 ,i knew that the work he had established through that prophet's instrumentality was true1 and that nothing could overthrow it4 ,the holy ,priesthood was conferred upon me4 ,i preached to others1 and officiated in the ordinances of the gospel for their benefit4 ,they also received the remission of sins and the gift of the ,holy ,ghost through my administrations1 and rejoiced in the ,lord4 ,and ,i know that all who will yield humble obedience to the principles of the gospel1 as taught by the ,elders of the ,church of ,jesus ,christ of ,latter-day ,saints1 will receive #dhc the remission of sins and the testimony of ,jesus through the gift of the ,holy ,ghost2 and by this spirit they shall know of the truth of the doctrines they have obeyed4 ,they shall know that the faithful ,elders of ,israel are clothed with the authority of ,almighty ,god1 and they shall bear testimony of these things to the children of men4 ,i bear my humble testimony of these things4 ,god lives4 ,his gospel and authority and plan of salvation are restored to the earth by the administration of holy angels4 ,the heavens are open4 ,man communes with his ,god4 ,the ,millennium dawn is near4 ,the ,son of ,god will soon come in clouds of heaven in power and great glory4 ,he will reward the righteous1 and take vengeance on the wicked1 as saith the scriptures4 ,blessed are they who hear the warning voice of the good shepherds of ,israel1 for they shall escape the judgments the ,lord is about to pour out upon the ungodly2 they shall have joy unspeakable in this life2 and in the life to come they shall enjoy the blessings of immortality in the presence of the ,father and the ,son in the celestial worlds4 ,be virtuous and pure2 be men of integrity and truth2 keep the commandments of ,god1 then you will be able more perfectly to understand the difference between right and wrong--between the things of ,god and the things of men2 and your path will be like that of the just1 which shineth brighter and brighter unto the perfect day4 --,joseph ,smith1 ,the ,prophet4 #dhd ,,glad ,,tidings ,,of ,,great ,,joy4 ,,george ,,teasdale4 ,wilt thou know1 ,o vain man1 that faith without works is dead4 --,james ii4 #bj4 ,we take this means of visiting you1 at your hearths and homes1 to testify to you of the restoration of the ,everlasting ,gospel and the ,holy ,priesthood1 by the visitation of an holy angel in fulfilment of the predictions of the prophets2 to usher in the dispensation of the fullness of times and the establishment of the kingdom of ,god4 ,the ,gospel is the power of ,god unto salvation4 7,rom4 i1 #af1 #ag74 ,and being made perfect ,he 7,christ7 became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him1 7,heb4 v4 #i74 ,its first principles are1 faith1 repentance1 baptism1 and the reception of the ,holy ,ghost4 ,,faith ,,in ,,god4 ,but without faith it is impossible to please him3 for he that cometh to ,god must believe that ,he is1 and that ,he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him 7,heb4 xi4 #f74 ,he that heareth my word1 and believed on ,him that sent me1 hath everlasting life 7,john v4 #bd74 ,for therefore we both labor and suffer reproach1 because we trust in the living ,god 7,i4 ,tim4 iv4 #aj74 ,,faith ,,in ,,jesus ,,christ4 ,and this is ,his commandment2 that we should believe on the name of his son ,jesus ,christ 7,john iii4 #bc74 ,and this is life eternal1 that they might know ,thee the only true ,god1 and ,jesus ,christ whom thou has sent 7,john xvii4 #c74 ,jesus said unto her1 ,i am the resurrection and the life3 he that believeth in me1 though he were dead1 yet shall he live 7,john ix4 #be74 ,for the wages of sin is death3 but the gift of ,god is eternal life1 through ,jesus ,christ our ,lord 7,rom4 vi4 #bc74 ,for there is none other name under heaven given among men1 whereby we must be saved 7,acts iv4 #ab74 ,,repentance4 ,repent and turn yourselves from all your transgressions2 so iniquity shall not be your ruin 7,ezekiel xviii4 #cj74 ,and they went out and preached that men should repent 7,mark vi4 #ab74 ,jesus ,christ preached1 repent ye and believe the gospel 7,mark i4 #ae74 #dhe ,,baptism4 ,ye must be born again 7,john iii4 #g74 ,verily1 verily1 ,i say unto thee1 except a man be born of water1 and of the spirit he cannot enter into the kingdom of ,god 7,john iii4 #e74 ,go ye into all the world1 and preach the ,gospel to every creature4 ,he that believeth and is baptized shall be saved 7,mark xvi4 #ae1 #af74 ,peter said unto them1 ,repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of ,jesus ,christ for the remission of sins 7,acts ii4 #ch74 ,and now why tarriest thou8 ,arise1 and be baptized1 and wash away thy sins1 calling on the name of the ,lord 7,acts xxii4 #af74 ,therefore we are buried with ,him by baptism 7,rom4 vi4 #d74 ,buried with him in baptism 7,col4 ii4 #ab74 ,the like figure whereunto even baptism doth now save us 7,i ,peter iii4 #ba74 ,one ,lord1 one faith1 one baptism 7,eph4 iv4 #e74 ,,the ,,holy ,,ghost4 ,and ye shall receive the gift of the ,holy ,ghost 7,acts ii4 #ch74 ,but the ,comforter1 which is the ,holy ,ghost1 whom the ,father will send in my name1 he will teach you all things 7,john xiv4 #bf74 ,then laid they their hands on them1 and they received the ,holy ,ghost4 ,and when ,simon saw that when through laying on of the ,apostles' hands the ,holy ,ghost was given 7,acts viii4 #ag1 #ah74 ,and when ,paul had laid his hands upon them1 the ,holy ,ghost came on them 7,acts xix4 #f74 ,therefore1 leaving the principles of the doctrine of ,christ1 let us go on unto perfection2 not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works1 and of faith towards ,god4 ,of the doctrine of baptism1 and of laying on of hands 7,heb4 vi4 #b74 ,,organization4 ,now therefore ye 7the ,saints7 are no more strangers and foreigners1 but fellow-citizens with the ,saints1 and of the household of ,god2 and are built upon the foundation of the ,apostles and ,prophets1 ,jesus ,christ himself being the chief corner stone 7,eph4 ii4 #bj74 ,and he gave some1 apostles2 and some1 prophets2 and some1 evangelists2 and some1 pastors and teachers2 for the perfecting of the ,saints1 for the work of the ministry1 for the edifying of the body of ,christ2 till we all come in the unity of the faith1 and of the knowledge of the ,son of ,god 7,eph4 iv4 #aa-ac74 ,now ye are the body of ,christ1 and members in particular4 ,and ,god hath set some in the ,church1 first apostles1 secondarily prophets1 thirdly teachers1 after that miracles1 then gifts of healings1 helps1 governments1 diversities of tongues 7,i ,cor4 xii4 #bg1 #bh74 ,and no man taketh this honor unto himself1 but he that is called ,god1 as was ,aaron3 so also ,christ glorified not ,himself to be an high priest2 but he that said unto ,him1 ,thou art my ,son1 to-day have ,i begotten thee 7,heb4 v4 #d1 #e74 ,wherefore1 holy brethren1 partakers of the heavenly calling1 consider the ,apostle and ,high ,priest of our profession1 ,christ ,jesus 7,heb4 iii4 #a74 ,,we ,,believe ,,in ,,continuous ,,revelations ,,from ,,god4 ,if any of you lack wisdom1 let him ask of ,god1 that giveth to all men liberally 7,james i4 #e1 #f74 ,no man knoweth the ,father but by #dhf revelation from the ,son 7,luke x4 #bb74 ,where there is no vision1 the people perish 7,prov4 xxix4 #ah74 ,surely the ,lord will do nothing1 but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets 7,amos iii4 #g74 ,we believe it is essential to salvation to ,,obey ,,the ,,doctrine ,,of ,,christ4 ,being made perfect1 ,he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey ,him 7,heb4 v4 ix74 ,hath the ,lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as in obeying the voice of the ,lord8 ,behold1 to obey is better than sacrifice1 and to hearken than the fat of rams4 ,for rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry 7,i ,sam4 xv4 #bb74 ,and to you who are troubled1 rest with us1 when the ,lord ,jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels1 in flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not ,god1 and that obey not the gospel of our ,lord ,jesus ,christ2 who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the ,lord1 and from the glory of ,his power 7,,ii ,thess4 i4 #g-i74 ,if we walk in the light as ,he 7,god7 is in the light1 we have fellowship one with another1 and the blood of ,jesus ,christ his ,son cleanseth us from all sin 7,i ,john i4 #g74 ,and every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself1 even as he is pure 7,i ,john iii4 #c74 ,blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly1 nor standeth in the way of the sinners1 nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful4 ,but his delight is in the law of the ,lord3 and in ,his law doth he meditate day and night 7,psalm i4 #a1 #b74 ,when ,john1 the ,revelator1 was upon the ,isle of ,patmos the ,lord revealed the principal events that were to happen upon this earth before ,his second coming4 ,it was ,the revelation of ,jesus ,christ1 which ,god gave to him1 to show unto ,his servants things which must shortly come to pass2 and ,he sent and signified it by ,his angel unto ,his servant ,john 7,rev4 i4 #a74 ,after showing him the apostasy of the primitive church1 and the rise of false systems 7,rev xxii4 and xxiii47 and the fear of ,god being taught by the precepts of men1 as foretold by ,isaiah 7xxix4 #ac1 #ad71 he showed him the restoration of the gospel4 ,he said1 and ,i saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven1 having the everlasting gospel to preach to them that dwell upon the earth1 and to every nation1 and kindred1 and tongue1 and people1 saying with a loud voice1 ,fear1 ,god1 and give glory to him2 for the hour of his judgment is come3 and worship ,him that made heaven1 and earth1 and the sea1 and the fountains of water4 ,daniel declared that in the last days1 the ,god of heaven would set up a kingdom that should never be destroyed #dhg 7,dan4 ii4 #dd74 ,isaiah 7ii4 #b1 #c7 and ,micah 7iv4 #a1 #b7 have both declared that in the last days1 the mountain of the ,lord's house should be established in the tops of the mountains1 and many should say1 let us go up to the house of the ,god of ,jacob1 that they might learn of ,his ways and walk in ,his paths4 ,it is the testimony of the thousands of ,latter-day ,saints1 gathered to the mountains1 that ,god has restored to the earth the everlasting gospel2 that angels have visited the earth1 restoring the ,holy ,priesthood2 that ,joseph ,smith the ,prophet-martyr of the nineteenth century1 was the man honored of ,god1 with others1 to usher in the dispensation of the fullness of times and the restitution of all things1 in fulfillment of the prophets4 ,the ,church of ,christ was again established upon the earth on the #fth day of ,april1 #ahcj2 and1 from that day to the present1 has steadily increased1 notwithstanding the prejudice1 caused by misrepresentation and the refuge of lies1 brought to bear against it1 and the persecution it has gone through4 ,it has been guided to the tops of the mountains1 and is being established in power1 gathering the seed of ,israel from all nations where they have been scattered1 teaching them the ways of the ,lord1 preparing them for the second coming of ,christ1 and offering a home for the oppressed of all nations4 ,all mankind are required to repent1 to seek the ,lord while ,he may be found1 to be baptized for the remission of their sins1 that they may receive the ,holy ,ghost1 the ,comforter1 in ,god's appointed way1 by the laying on of hands2 that they may know these things are true for themselves1 by the revelations of ,god1 and gain a living testimony4 ,if any man will do ,his will 7that of the ,father7 he shall know of the doctrine 7,john vii4 #ag71 and no more be carried about by every wind of doctrine1 by the sleight of men1 and cunning craftiness1 whereby they lie in wait to deceive 7,eph4 iv4 #ad74 ,then flee to ,zion for safety2 as it is written come out of her1 my people1 that ye be not partakers of her sins1 and that ye receive not of her plagues 7,rev4 xviii4 #d1 #e71 ,for wheresoever the carcass is1 there will the eagles be gathered together 7,matt4 xxiv4 #bh74 ,your kind1 prayerful consideration of these truths is earnestly invited4 ,search the scriptures2 surely the signs of the times proclaim the second coming of our ,lord and ,savior to be right at hand1 but who shall stand when he appeareth8 #dhh ,,suggestions ,,to ,,elders4 ,,by ,,elder ,b4 ,h4 ,,roberts1 ,,in ,,millennial ,,star1 #ahhh4 ,in the concluding paragraphs of a revelation on the subject of priesthood1 the ,lord says3 ,now let every man learn his duty1 and to act in the office in which he is appointed1 in all diligence4 ,he that is slothful shall not be counted worthy to stand1 and he that learns not his duty and shows himself not approved1 shall not be counted worthy to stand4 7,doc4 and ,cov41 sec4 cvii4 #ii1 #ajj47 ,we have no doubt but there is a general desire among the brethren of the priesthood to know their duty and then do it2 especially is this the case with the ,elders who have been sent to these lands to preach the ,gospel4 ,the duties and labors of these brethren are varied1 consisting not only of preaching the ,gospel1 but also administering in all the ordinances and ceremonies pertaining to it4 ,they are required at times to baptize people for the remission of their sins1 and to confirm the members of the ,church and bestow upon them the ,holy ,ghost by the laying on of hands4 ,at other times they are called upon to anoint the sick with oil1 or to confirm the anointing performed by others1 and rebuke the sickness or disease1 and bless with life and health those who are afflicted4 ,then they are called upon to administer the sacrament of the ,lord's ,supper1 and all these things should be done decently1 intelligently1 and in order that no reproach or derision may be thrown upon the work of ,god by reason of their awkwardness in any of these things4 ,nor is the derision from strangers1 who may witness any bungling administration in these ceremonies1 the worst evil feared4 ,but any blundering on the part of those who administer is very apt to have an evil effect upon the mind of those receiving the administration1 and sometimes the adversary takes advantage of these things and creates doubts or suspicions in those receiving the ordinance as to the validity or power of the administration4 ,we are acquainted with several #dhi circumstances where the most disastrous results have grown out of this very thing4 ,too much care cannot be exercised in these matters4 ,so far as the ceremony connected with baptism is concerned1 the words to be used are given in the ,scriptures 7see ,book of ,mormon1 ,,iii ,nephi xi1 #bd-bf1 ,doc4 and ,cov41 sec4 xx1 #gb-gd72 so also in blessing the sacrament2 but in the matter of confirming people members of the ,church and bestowing upon them the ,holy ,ghost1 anointing or blessing the sick1 naming and blessing children1 or even of ordaining men to the priesthood and assigning to them their position or office in that priesthood1 we know of no formula that is given in the ,scriptures4 ,the matter seems to be left to the good taste and judgment of those who administer1 without binding them to any set forms4 ,on the whole1 we rather like the idea of these things being so left1 since we can see it gives more liberty for the operations of the spirit of ,god2 that is1 the mind of the administrator being free from stereotyped forms1 he is at liberty to pronounce whatever the ,spirit of the ,lord may put into his heart to say4 ,and where the ,elder has learned his duty and has given these matters careful consideration1 a beautiful and powerful administration is usually the result4 ,but1 unfortunately1 it sometimes happens the ,elders who have never learned well their duty nor considered these things carefully1 are called upon to administer2 and neither judgment nor good taste is liable to dictate what they should say2 and much evil may result from their not knowing how to perform properly these duties4 ,for the benefit of the young and inexperienced ,elders1 and for the older ones1 too1 who may have been careless hitherto in respect to these matters1 we offer the following suggestions3 ,while the form of words are for any ordinance1 as in baptism and the administration of the sacrament1 it should be carefully learned by the ,elders1 that they may be always ready when called upon to officiate4 ,and where no formula is given1 then the objects to be accomplished by the ordinance should be noted1 and such a form of words fixed in the mind as will in the most direct and simple manner attain those objects4 ,we say direct and simple because these are qualities1 excellencies1 we may say1 which enter into all the administrations in the ,gospel4 ,they are characteristics of the whole plan of salvation4 ,in proof of this we ask what could be more simple or direct1 than the ceremony said at baptism3 ,having been commissioned of ,jesus ,christ1 ,i baptize you in the name of #dij ,father and of the ,son and of the ,holy ,ghost4 ,amen4 ,there is not a superfluous word in it1 nor is anything omitted necessary to be said4 ,so with the prayer that is given to be said in blessing the bread and water to be used in the sacrament4 ,so1 too1 these characteristics of directness and simplicity are found in the great model prayer taught by the ,savior to ,his disciples1 and to our own mind this beautiful simplicity and directness of everything associated with the ,gospel is part of its divinity1 and one of the greatest evidences that it emanated from ,god1 who sustains and governs the great universe by the simplest means4 ,in those ordinances1 then1 where the form of words to be used is left for the administrator to choose1 we would say let such a choice be made as will keep those administrations in harmony with the whole spirit of the ,gospel--let simplicity mark their outline2 and let such words be employed as will at once accomplish the object of the ordinance4 ,to illustrate3 ,in confirming a person a member of the ,church1 the ,elder1 calling the person by name1 as he should do1 and then in the name of the ,messiah1 sometimes says3 ,we lay our hands on your head to confirm you a member of the ,church1 etc41 and that you may receive the ,holy ,ghost1 and then goes on and pronounces a number of blessings on the person2 but he neither1 technically speaking1 confirms him a member of the ,church nor bestows on him the ,holy ,ghost4 ,it would be much better to make use of such words as will at once accomplish the object4 ,say1 for example1 after calling the person by name1 ,in the name of ,jesus ,christ we confirm you a member of the ,church1 etc41 and say unto you1 receive ye the ,holy ,ghost4 ,that really covers the ground4 ,but if an ,elder's heart is filled with blessing for the persons to whom he administers1 and the ,spirit prompts him to pronounce blessings upon them for their encouragement1 or the strengthening of their hope and faith and virtue2 or if he is prompted to tell them what particular gift the ,holy ,ghost will develop within them1 or to admonish them against evil1 all well and good2 with one of old we say1 ,quench not the ,spirit1 neither despise prophecy1 but let good taste and judgment and the ,spirit of ,god preside in these things4 ,now1 as to administering to the sick4 ,here1 from the very nature of things1 the manner of administration is left to the judgment of the ,elders officiating4 ,still there are general outlines that may be pointed out even here4 ,the law of the ,lord to the ,saints is that if any of them are sick1 they are to call for the ,elders of the ,church2 and they shall pray #dia for them1 and anoint them with oil1 and the promise is made that the prayer of faith shall save the sick1 and ,god will raise them up4 7,james #e3 #ac-af47 ,it is customary for the ,elders1 when called upon for two or more of them to go1 and anoint with oil1 and it is understood that another will confirm the anointing1 and perhaps will be moved upon to rebuke the disease and bless the sick with life and health4 ,but the one who anoints the sick sometimes not only does what he is appointed to do1 but a great deal more4 ,he both anoints and confirms the anointing1 and pronounces every conceivable blessing upon the head of the one to whom he administers4 ,this would be all right1 if he were alone1 but when another is to follow him it is most perplexing to that ,elder1 as he feels that there is nothing for him to do4 ,let those who are called upon to anoint do that1 and do it in the name of the ,lord1 and to the end that the person may be restored to health2 but let him leave the rebuking of the sickness and the confirming of the anointing to him who shall be assigned to perform that part of the ceremony4 ,another remark1 in passing1 respecting anointing4 ,the law of the ,lord is that the sick should be anointed with oil4 ,we know of no commandment that they should take the oil internally1 and through the anointing the ,spirit of the ,lord will be conducted to the whole system and renovate it and make it whole1 and there is no need of taking it internally4 ,then again some potter around with a spoon as if they were afraid that a drop too much might be used4 ,never mind the spoon4 ,pour on oil from the vessel in which it was consecrated1 and don't be too careful in using it4 ,aaron was anointed with oil1 according to ,david1 until it ran down upon his beard on the skirts of his garments1 and we have no account of his complaining about it4 ,we do not make this reference in order to have the ,elders too lavish in the use of oil1 but we do think more than a drop or two should be used1 and it should not be used as if they were afraid of it4 ,we have not made these remarks for the purpose of binding up the ,elders in their feelings when administering in the ordinances we have named1 but to the end that they may learn their duty in respect of these things1 and have greater liberty of the ,spirit in the administrations1 which can only come by having a consciousness of the ability to do them properly and well4 #dib ,,the ,,gospel ,,of ,,jesus ,,christ4 ,,by ,,elder ,,orson ,f4 ,,whitney1 ,,in ,,millennium ,,star1 #ahhb4 ,the ,gospel of ,christ is the science of salvation4 ,like any other genuine science1 it is based upon eternal truth1 and is the compiled1 epitomized result of experience1 profound research and intelligent reflection4 ,it is the condensed product of divine wisdom1 the summum bonum of celestial knowledge1 the key to all heavenly mysteries1 and the only way that leadeth unto everlasting life4 ,it embraces all truth1 whether known or unknown4 ,it incorporates all intelligence1 both past and prospective4 ,no righteous principle will ever be revealed1 no truth can possibly be discovered1 either in time or in eternity1 that does not in some manner1 directly or indirectly1 pertain to the ,gospel of ,jesus ,christ4 ,it is the way of salvation in this life2 it is the means of exaltation in the life to come4 ,it can never be dispensed with1 for it will never cease to be necessary4 ,it is a medium of never-ending exaltation and advancement4 ,it encompasses all virtue1 and precludes all vice4 ,error cannot invade its dominions1 nor truth transcend its boundaries4 ,eternal life1 because it includes all other gifts1 is called the greatest gift of ,god4 ,the ,gospel of ,jesus ,christ1 because it comprehends all principles of progression1 is the only means by which eternal life may be attained and perpetuated4 ,the principles which compose the ,gospel--not merely the first principles1 but all that have been or will ever be revealed--are self-existent and everlasting in their nature4 ,they have existed from all eternity1 and will endure through all the eternities to come1 for they are absolute1 essential1 uncreated truths1 without beginning of days or end of years1 the same yesterday1 today and forever4 ,concerning the time1 place and method of their compilation--if we may with propriety assume such an event ever to have occurred--the legislative process of appropriation1 arrangement and systemization1 whereby these self-existent laws were rendered subservient to the designs of ,deity1 and made applicable to and operative in #dic the salvation and exaltation of human souls and worlds1 it is not man's present province to inquire4 ,such a question would necessarily involve the consideration of the beginning of ,god's limitless creations1 the beginning of things which to us have no beginning1 a subject so vast and incalculably comprehensive as to be beyond the conception of any intellect of inferior capacity to that ,master mind which designed and organized the heavens and the earths1 and numbered by and known unto whom1 alone1 are all the creations which ,his mighty hand hath made4 ,it should1 therefore1 suffice us to know that the ,gospel in its present form is of inconceivable antiquity2 that ages on ages before the foundations of this earth were laid1 ere the morning stars sang together and all the sons of ,god shouted for joy1 at the hour of its nativity1 this everlasting scheme has been adopted by the heavenly powers as the means of its predestined sanctification2 and moreover that through the application and operations of this same unchangeable1 puissant plan1 millions on millions of worlds1 with all their countless hosts of human and other inhabitants1 had been redeemed and glorified prior to the period when this little planet1 our mother earth1 was numbered among the creations of ,god4 ,nothing could be more at variance with all correct ideas concerning the character and attributes of the great ,creator1 than to suppose the plan of life and salvation to be the peculiar property of any one planet1 of any one people or of any particular period of human history4 ,the simple fact of there being but one such plan in existence--a point which is not conceded as self-evident1 is susceptible of the plainest possible proof--should be sufficient to refute all such attenuated notions4 ,for1 with this fact once admitted1 and a moment's reflection being given to the bewildering myriads of worlds which the ,creator has called into existence1 the numberless multitudes of ,his creatures which people them1 and the almost universally acknowledged love1 providence1 care1 protection and solicitude which the eternal parent continually evinces for the humblest of ,his offspring and all the workmanship of ,his hands1 where is the soul so narrow and so bigoted1 not to say irreverent and profane1 that would dare to deliberately ascribe to such being--a being so wise1 powerful1 impartial1 merciful and magnanimous as ,god is known and recognized to be--so unwise1 weak1 petty1 puny1 unjust and unmerciful a policy as the one we have in reference6 ,and yet1 strange to say1 there are millions of souls who have held1 and other millions who still hold--unless we marvelously misinterpret them #did--opinions of this very character4 ,there are many doubtless who would declare1 without giving the matter a second thought1 that the foregoing arguments in support of the scope and antiquity of the ,gospel were nothing more nor less than stupid nonsense and blasphemous presumption1 and in the same breath would asseverate the truth and consistency of the petty theory which we denounce--and we maintain with good reason--as false and flimsy in every particular1 wholly unfounded in reason or in revelation1 and altogether unworthy of belief4 ,there are those who1 not content with the supposition that the ,gospel is solely the property of this planet1 are as resolutely of the opinion that it dates its origin from that momentous period in the history of the world when the ,son of ,god came down to perform ,his mighty mission1 in the midst of the children of men1 and that previous to that memorable epoch there had been no such plan known1 in any age1 by any portion of the human family4 ,consequently their position1 if they have any1 must be that the all-wise ,legislator who framed the only code of laws whereby eternal life is made obtainable1 allowed four thousand years to pass away1 taking with them into endless torment1 multitudes of ,his begotten sons and daughters1 many of them among the most righteous men and women that have ever walked the earth1 before ,he placed within the reach of fallen humanity the only way possible for men to be saved4 ,such a theory might have done for the dark ages1 or at the present time may suit the narrow views of such as know not ,god nor the things of ,god1 but to all whose understandings have been quickened and enlightened by the high-soaring1 deep-searching ,spirit of ,truth1 such absurd notions are not overfraught with sense and consistency4 ,the idea which seems to prevail that the ,gospel of ,jesus ,christ1 that marvel of all that is wise1 just1 comprehensive and powerful1 was devised for the redemption of a solitary world1 or for the benefit of one1 to the exclusion of another portion of its inhabitants1 is on a par with the ancient but long since exploded hypothesis that the sun1 moon and stars were only temporary luminaries1 hung up in the midst of the firmament1 for the purpose of lighting this little earth through its mortal probation1 and which1 like so many lamps1 whose occupation would be gone1 having survived the necessity of their invention1 would be extinguished and put away forever1 as soon as the earth had completed its temporal career4 ,but happily the light of divine truth1 beaming through the atmosphere of science1 has dispelled that senseless delusion4 #die ,furthermore1 it is now known1 thanks be to ,god for reopening the long closed oracles of eternity1 that not only are there other worlds than this1 but like this1 those other worlds are inhabited1 peopled by beings similar to the occupants of earth1 the population of one planet differing only from those of others in the various degrees of perfection which they have severally attained through the principles of the ,gospel of unceasing progression4 ,by those who have bowed in humility before the fountain of all truth and intelligence1 and taken a fresh draught of the renovating waters of life1 it is now understood that that ,god who never spoke or wrought in vain1 or created anything to subserve a puerile purpose1 instituted the plan of salvation for the temporal and spiritual regeneration1 not only of ,his offspring upon this planet1 but likewise of those upon multitudes of similar planets1 which have been or will yet be brought forth1 redeemed and celestialized by the application of its wonder-making power4 ,it is now definitely known that the ,everlasting ,gospel did not originate on this earth at all1 nor for the first time appear in the midst of mankind when ,john the ,baptist came forth proclaiming its initiatory principles in the wilderness of ,judea4 ,however strange it may have appeared to the bigoted and benighted ,jews1 who for centuries1 through unbelief and hardness of heart1 had been deprived of its gifts and blessings1 it was not by any means a new thing under the sun4 ,its introduction in those days was simply a restoration of the ,gospel1 and that highly favored period was but one among many such dispensations1 and neither the first nor the last which the descendants of ,adam were destined to receive4 ,it was simply the dispensation of the meridian of time1 during which the sacrificial ,lamb1 slain from the foundation of the world1 descended from celestial glory to pay the penalty of man's original sin1 and by the retroactive and proactive virtue of ,his atonement1 make it possible1 through obedience to ,his ,gospel1 for all men in all ages to be saved4 ,is it a thing so strange and unaccountable to the ,christian world1 that such men as ,adam1 ,enoch1 ,noah1 ,abraham and other ancient worthies who walked and talked with ,god1 as friend to friend1 and were clothed upon with the fullness of the authority of ,his ,holy ,priesthood1 should have been vouch-safed the precious privilege of yielding obedience to the ,gospel of ,jesus ,christ--the only name given under heaven whereby man can be saved8 ,were ,peter1 ,james1 ,john1 ,paul and others who happened to be living upon the earth when the ,savior came and were permitted to partake of the blessings #dif which flow from obedience to the principles of eternal life1 more worthy of that privilege than their predecessors1 the more ancient patriarchs and prophets of ,god8 ,such an idea is repugnant to reason1 and utterly unentitled to credence or respect4 ,let those continue to cherish such thoughts who persist in rejecting the genuine faith and perpetuate the narrowness of their minds by shutting out the soul expanding influences of the gift of the ,holy ,ghost4 ,for our own part we prefer to know otherwise1 to rejoice in the conviction obtained through compliance with the ,gospel of the ,son of ,god1 that this same everlasting1 unchangeable plan of redemption1 without which no man can be elevated to the presence of his ,maker1 was known to the human family at various times during the intervening ages between the creation and the coming of ,christ1 and in every instance was revealed and established for the identical purposes which induced its institution in the days of the ,savior1 and for which it has again1 for the last time1 been brought back to earth in this the dispensation of the fullness of times4 ,it is true that the ,holy ,bible1 which all ,christians profess to believe1 and which so far as correctly translated1 the ,latter-day ,saints actually do believe1 though plainly foretelling the ,gospel's restoration in the latter days1 is more or less silent upon the subject of the dispensations preceding the meridian of time4 ,but it is also true that that good old book is silent upon a great many other important points1 thanks to the interpolations1 erasions1 alterations and rejections of uninspired translators1 commentators and compilers1 to whose unauthorized1 blind and blundering administrations in the premises1 are largely due the endless divisions1 discords and differences1 which have raked and rent asunder the religious world for centuries4 ,but independent of the taciturnity of the ,scriptures1 and aside from the incontrovertible evidence furnished by modern revelation1 we respectfully submit to the consideration of all candid1 unbiased believers in ,god and the ,gospel of ,salvation1 whether the views we maintain1 compared with the opinions we oppose1 are not more consistent with reason1 more harmonious with the ,spirit of ,holy ,writ1 and more perfectly in unison with all advanced ideas respecting the wisdom1 power1 justice1 mercy and magnanimity of ,almighty ,god8 ,from the foregoing observations concerning the character1 origin1 object1 powers and possibilities of the great science of salvation1 the inquiring mind would naturally be led to the consideration of the question1 ,what is the ,gospel of ,jesus ,christ8 or1 in other words--since the impracticability of completely #dig answering so comprehensive an interrogation has already been shown--what are its initiatory principles8 ,at the risk of wearying some of our veteran readers1 already conversant with the subject1 but with a sincere desire to benefit them1 as well as others who are less fortunate with respect to the information involved1 we here propose to present a brief digest of what are familiarly known to the ,latter-day ,saints as the first principles of the ,gospel2 the code of laws which constitute the beginning of salvation's endless system2 the preface1 as it were1 to the book of everlasting progression2 the four primitive archways by which the path of eternal progress is attained1 and through which the souls of all men must pass in order to reach the celestial presence of their ,maker4 ,these four principles1 it will be seen1 are serial and progressive in their nature1 each one naturally leading into its successor1 paving the way before and preparing the soul for its reception4 ,,faith4 ,the ,holy ,bible informs us that without faith it is impossible to please ,god4 ,such a declaration even from a source less sacred1 need occasion no surprise whatever2 for without faith it is impossible to do anything4 ,from the smallest act to the mightiest achievement1 all things are the effects of faith4 ,it is the cause of every consequence1 the power by which all things possible are performed4 ,nothing was ever accomplished either in heaven or on earth that was not preceded and accompanied by the exercise of faith4 ,the insect creeps1 the bird flies1 the fish swims1 by faith2 the flowers spring1 the grasses grow1 the trees bloom and bear1 by faith2 the infant prattles1 the man toils1 the ,god creates1 upholds1 redeems and glorifies ,his workmanship1 by faith4 ,it is the main-spring of life1 the motive power of creation1 the active principle of the entire universe4 ,hence it is necessarily the first principle of the ,gospel1 the initial element of salvation1 the basic principle or foundation law upon which all other laws and principles rest4 ,the soul that would attain salvation must first believe salvation possible4 ,he must believe in ,god as the ,giver of salvation4 ,he must believe in ,christ1 as its ,author and ,mediator4 ,he must believe in the ,gospel1 as the medium through which salvation is secured1 and in the divine authority of the individual who as a servant of ,god administers the ordinances of the ,gospel in ,his behalf4 ,having exercised faith to the extent thus indicated1 he is in a position to undertake the succeeding #dih venture1 to ascend the next step higher upon the grand stairway leading to eternal life4 ,,repentance4 ,sin cannot inherit the ,kingdom of ,god4 ,it is so entirely opposed1 so essentially antagonistic to the spirit of righteousness1 that the two cannot possibly dwell together4 ,god does not look upon sin with the least degree of allowance4 ,consequently the soul which aspires to ,his presence1 which expects to behold ,his face and be able to endure ,his glory1 must be previously cleansed and purified from all sin4 ,now1 no soul was ever successful in getting rid of its sins that did not first sincerely repent of them4 ,no fault was ever corrected that was not first discovered and confessed2 no habit was ever reformed that had not first been freely acknowledged2 and no sin can in any wise be remitted until its perpetration has been truly repented of1 and its perpetrator is resolutely resolved against its repetition4 ,it is useless for any accountable being to say that he is without sin4 ,the ,scriptures declare that all men are sinful and that no man can truthfully claim exemption from the universal imputation4 ,little children 7under eight years7 are not responsible for their acts1 and being sinless and therefore unable to repent1 are redeemed by the blood of ,christ from the foundation of the world4 ,but all accountable souls1 to whom the ,gospel of salvation is sent1 must repent of and forsake their evil ways1 habits1 deeds and desires1 if they wish to make any headway in the pursuit of the precious prize of everlasting exaltation4 ,,baptism ,,by ,,immersion4 ,baptism is symbolical of the burial and resurrection of ,christ1 and as an ordinance of the ,gospel was instituted for the remission of sins4 ,the only proper mode of its administration is by immersion1 whereby the two events above mentioned may be illustrated4 ,we are buried with ,him by baptism into death1 says ,paul1 that like as ,christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the ,father1 even so we also should walk in newness of life4 ,for if we have been planted together 7buried in water7 in the likeness of ,his death1 we shall be also 7by coming forth out of the water7 in the likeness of ,his resurrection4 ,even as ,christ1 by descending into death1 put off the mortality in which ,he was clothed1 and rose triumphant to a higher sphere of action1 so we by going down #dii into the liquid grave1 put away the sins and follies of the flesh1 and are brought forth to a life divinely new4 ,hence it is that baptism is also called a birth1 and ,christ1 in declaring to ,nicodemus that a man must be born of the water and of the spirit1 plainly signified emergence from the womb of the waters as a prerequisite to ,his entrance into the ,kingdom of ,god4 ,he not only pointed this out as the way in which others should walk1 but by submitting to baptism himself1 ,he set the example of fulfilling all righteousness1 and was greeted from the heavens1 as the result of ,his obedience1 by the voice of ,god1 declaring3 ,this is my beloved ,son in whom ,i am well pleased4 ,nevertheless1 water of itself cannot wash away sins4 ,not even immersion1 though in strict accordance with the method prescribed1 could have the slightest effect upon the soul of the penitent sinner1 unless performed by a person holding authority from on ,high4 ,god recognizes no administrations but those of ,his chosen and commissioned servants1 clothed upon with the power of the ,holy ,priesthood1 as was ,john the ,baptist2 called of ,god as was ,aaron1 and sent forth by the voice of divine revelation to open wide the portals of eternal life to all who are willing to walk in that straight and narrow way which1 on account of worldly pride and perversity1 but few souls are able to find4 ,but all repentant believers1 who are baptized in the proper manner and by the proper authority1 are acceptable in the sight of high heaven1 and can confidently rely upon the promise made by ,peter to the believing portion of the ,pentecostal multitude3 ,repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of ,jesus ,christ1 for the remission of your sins1 and ye shall receive the ,,gift ,,of ,,the ,,holy ,,ghost4 ,the ,spirit of ,god1 in certain measure1 is universally distributed4 ,it is the light which lighteth every man that cometh into the world4 ,by it and through it all things live1 move and have their being4 ,it ,warms in the sun1 refreshes in the breeze1 ,glows in the stars1 and blossoms in the trees1 ,lives through all life1 extends through all extent1 ,spreads undivided1 operates unspent4 ,but the ,gift of the ,holy ,ghost--bestowed by the laying on of hands upon every faithful1 penitent1 baptized believer in the true ,church of ,christ--is a special endowment for #ejj special purposes4 ,it may possibly be a superior quality1 or it may be only an increased quantity of that universal essence which pervades all animated nature throughout the illimitable realms of space4 ,but be that as it may1 it is certain that this ,gift1 this ,comforter1 this ,spirit of ,truth1 which sustains the soul1 enlightens the mind1 leads into all truth1 and enables the spirit of man to comprehend the otherwise incomprehensible things of ,god1 is an important addition to the original possession and like it is susceptible of further increase1 cultivation and development4 ,through obedience and righteousness it may be made to grow and expand1 until sin is entirely banished1 until the eye is made single to the glory of ,god1 and the whole body is filled with life and light4 ,by disobedience and unrighteousness it will readily decrease and diminish until the light of the soul is utterly extinguished1 and darkness1 despair and spiritual death ensue4 ,a fullness of ,god's ,holy ,spirit should1 therefore1 be the grand object of human existence1 for by it alone can the soul of man be eternally exalted and glorified4 ,still there are various kinds of fullness1 even as there are different degrees of glory1 corresponding to the various merits and capacities of those who rise in the resurrection4 ,the fullness which each soul obtains will be of that particular glory--either ,celestial1 ,terrestrial or ,telestial--by which its body is quickened from the grave4 ,the fullness of the ,father constitutes ,celestial exaltation1 and this1 though not a thing to be suddenly attained1 should be the soul-absorbing aim and ambition of every son and daughter of ,god4 ,we should begin to acquire it now1 for all may rest assured that the dispensation of these eternal awards will be strictly in accordance with and regulated by the deeds done in the body4 ,christ1 our ,savior1 it appears1 acquired and possessed a fullness while on earth4 ,but pure and spotless though ,he was1 ,he did not receive that fullness at first1 but afterwards received it4 ,by constantly growing in grace and godliness1 living from day to day by every word that proceeded forth from the mouth of ,god1 ,he gradually became entitled to the steadily increasing possession of the ,holy ,spirit1 till finally it pleased the ,father that in ,him should all fullness dwell4 ,we all have it in our power to do and become likewise4 ,he is our great ,guide and ,exemplar4 ,as ,he was pure1 we must be pure2 as ,he was obedient1 we must likewise be2 as ,he became perfect and was found free from all fault or blemish before the throne of ,god1 even so we must become1 if we expect to be conformed to ,his image1 inherit ,his celestial glory1 possess a fullness of ,his #eja ,spirit1 become heirs of ,god1 and joint heirs with ,jesus ,christ1 and have an eternal residence in those heavenly mansions prepared for the righteous and the faithful before the foundation of the world4 ,that the ,gospel of ,jesus ,christ is necessarily one and unchangeable1 and with the foregoing as its first or initiatory principles1 a perfect and therefore exclusive system of salvation is a proposition which1 however unpopular1 is susceptible1 as previously asserted1 of the plainest possible proof4 ,the ,holy ,scriptures abound in evidences of this fact1 and reason amply supports revelation in confirmation of its truth4 ,the ,apostle ,peter1 the highest authority of his times1 after the ascension of the ,savior1 declares 7,acts #d3 #d7 that there is none other name under heaven given among men whereby we must be saved4 ,this passage alone is sufficient to prove the unity of ,christ as the ,savior of the world and likewise to substantiate the fact that even if there could be another ,gospel possessing efficacy as a medium of salvation1 it also would have to be a ,gospel of ,jesus ,christ1 since ,he is the sole author of salvation to all the inhabitants of the earth4 ,but ,paul1 another ,apostle1 in the fourth chapter of his epistle to the ,ephesians1 testifies of one ,lord1 one faith1 one baptism1 one ,spirit1 and plainly demonstrates that one of the principal objects of the ,gospel1 by means of its inspired ,priesthood and spiritual gifts1 is the bringing of its believers to a unity of the faith1 previous to their being made perfect in ,christ2 and this1 too1 corresponds beautifully with the pathetic prayer of the ,savior himself 7,john xvii471 that ,his disciples might be made perfect in one1 and become one with ,him even as ,he was already one with ,his ,father in heaven4 ,paul also1 in another place1 denouncing the apostasy of the ,galatian churches 7,galatians i1 #h1 #i71 and the efforts of certain persons to institute another ,gospel and pervert the true ,gospel of ,christ1 employs the following forcible language3 ,though we1 or an angel from heaven1 preach any other ,gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you1 let him be accursed6 and in order to render his meaning still more plain1 unmistakable and emphatic1 he repeats the injunction as follows3 ,if any man preach any other ,gospel unto you than that ye have received1 let him be accursed4 ,these inspired utterances are too obvious and intelligible to be misunderstood by any honest-hearted reader of the ,holy ,scriptures4 ,they show as plainly as words can possibly show that the ,gospel of ,christ is one1 and unchangeable in its nature1 the same yesterday1 today and forever2 that its object is the temporal and eternal union of its converts1 and that it was designed for the #ejb benefit and blessing of all humanity1 especially for such as would believe and faithfully obey its principles4 ,and why should it be otherwise8 ,god is not the author of strife and confusion4 ,he is essentially a lover and promoter of union1 and looks with no favor upon those who evince a contrary disposition4 ,he would be the last to encourage1 either by thought1 word or action1 anything having the slightest tendency towards discord1 disunion and division4 ,peace and union are among the prevailing characteristics of ,his nature1 and order1 system and eternal harmony are widely manifest in all ,his wondrous workmanship4 ,we cannot conceive of such a ,being1 whose avowed purpose is the bringing of ,his offspring to a oneness of profession and practice1 engaging in the institution or promotion of any cause whose inclination would be directly inimical to the attainment of ,his fondest desires1 and laying aside the basic principles of ,his union-loving1 harmony-enhancing nature1 to inaugurate strife and contention on earth1 and engender difference and disputation among ,his children upon that greatest and most vitally important of all questions1 the eternal salvation of their souls4 ,and would not such consequences ensue1 were ,he to reveal to the human family more than one method of attaining salvation8 ,the present religious aspect of the ,christian world1 with its heterogeneous multiplicity of jarring1 contending sects1 all differing1 disputing and dividing among themselves1 yet each one claiming to be the true ,church of ,christ should be a sufficient answer4 ,for if puny man1 by apostatizing from truth and concocting such a vast variety of ways and means for worshiping his ,maker1 can create such a pandemonium of doctrinal discord as that which ecclesiastical ,christendom--to say nothing of heathendom--displays1 then what might not the ,almighty accomplish in the same direction1 were it not in diametrical opposition to ,his principles to descend to the perpetration of such folly and wickedness1 and thereby defeat the fulfillment of ,his most cherished designs1 besides dooming unnumbered myriads of ,his begotten offspring to spiritual death and destruction6 ,we might continue this argument ad infinitum from a biblical point of view1 but without going further into that divine record in quest of proofs which are scattered as thickly as summer sunbeams over its sacred pages1 let us now survey the subject from another standpoint and see whether reason alone will not bear out the belief that this ,gospel of the ,kingdom1 which was to be and now is being preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations1 #ejc before the coming of the end1 is the one and only system of salvation that has ever been or ever will be revealed from heaven for the redemption and exaltation of the human family4 ,it is to be presumed that there are but few1 if any1 sincere believers in ,god or in any form of religion1 bearing the name of the ,gospel of ,jesus ,christ1 who would willingly assert that the letter could be anything else than a perfect plan of salvation4 ,the ,almighty1 as a perfect being1 is necessarily perfect in all ,his ways and works1 and any system or science devised by ,him for the temporal or spiritual regeneration of our race1 would consequently be faultless in construction1 consummate in operation and thoroughly capable of fulfilling every requirement of its existence4 ,these facts being admitted1 we must immediately concede the unity and exclusiveness of the ,gospel of ,christ4 ,how so8 it might be asked4 ,for the following reasons3 ,a perfect ,gospel is of necessity an exclusive ,gospel1 for of any two such systems1 which for argument's sake1 we will say might be revealed1 one of them must as a matter of course be inferior4 ,no two things can be created exactly alike1 and therefore1 speaking in the strictest sense of the term1 no such thing as equality can possibly exist4 ,but even if it could1 in the present instance1 what would be the use of two ,gospels made exactly alike for precisely the same purpose8 ,the ,creator is a wise economist1 but such an act would be superfluous and extravagant in the highest degree4 ,but they could not be exactly alike4 ,one of them1 as explained1 would have to be inferior1 for only one of the twain could be perfect1 and hence completely competent to fulfill the exact measure of their mutual formation4 ,the superior ,gospel would be the creation of ,god1 and it alone2 for the inferior one1 being imperfect and therefore defective in its organization and capacity1 could not possibly proceed from ,him1 since there is no such thing as imperfection extant in all ,his handiwork4 ,it is true1 ,his creature1 man1 is at present very imperfect1 but not so originally4 ,god made man upright1 says ,solomon1 but they have sought out many inventions4 ,on the morning of creation1 he1 with all the rest of the ,creator's great workmanship1 was made perfect and pronounced very good1 but he afterward fell into transgression1 which is always the downward path1 and through his own sins and follies has steadily degenerated to his present fallen condition4 ,now it is only by means of a perfect ,gospel that he can be regenerated #ejd and raised to the high and perfect position from which he fell1 and such a one is the ,gospel of ,jesus ,christ1 the subject we are now considering4 ,a perfect ,gospel comprehending all truth1 all intelligence1 all principles of progression1 is necessarily sole and exclusive in its nature4 ,it actually precludes1 not only the necessity1 but likewise the possibility of the existence of any other ,gospel having genuine efficacy and saving virtue4 ,for being complete and perfect in all its parts1 all inclusive1 all absorbent1 all powerful1 all sufficient in character and capability1 as the greater1 it would certainly comprehend the less1 and not only deprive it1 if existing1 of any room or occasion to operate1 but if not existing1 would leave no extra1 unusual material for its construction4 ,so that whichever alternative is chosen1 by such as may be disposed to question the validity of our position1 it is clearly the case that any other ,gospel1 besides the only one that ever did1 ever will1 or in the very nature of things ever can exist1 would either be superfluous or impossible2 and to accuse the all-wise ,creator of committing either folly1 would be an insult to ,his intelligence and a profanation of ,his character4 ,mankind may invent1 as mankind has already invented1 systems upon systems of so-called religion1 and falsely call them1 to his greater condemnation1 by the sacred name of ,him who died that all men might live1 and some of these man-made methods of worship1 or rather idolatry1 though all are imperfect and defective1 like their clay creators1 may be exceedingly plausible and popular with their professors1 nor yet entirely devoid of grains and particles of truth4 ,nevertheless they are all illegal and unauthorized of ,god1 who will utterly refuse to recognize the usurped authority1 unlawful establishment and unhallowed administrations1 or to accept of the fruits of any faith or form of worship1 whatsoever1 aside from those of the everlasting1 unchangeable ,gospel of ,his ,son ,jesus ,christ4 ,the ,gospel of ,jesus ,christ6 ,that sole and exclusive system of salvation1 that perfect and perpetual science of progression1 that marvelous and mysterious plan1 so plain1 so simple1 and withal so powerful2 so admirably adapted to the needs and capacity of every soul1 from the highest to the humblest intelligence ever tabernacled in mortal flesh1 and so amply capable of subserving the far-reaching purposes of ,omnipotent ,creator1 as to be the all essential method of salvation in this life1 and the indispensable medium of unceasing exaltation in the life to come6 ,it is a matter of easy comprehension in the ordinary affairs of life1 why obedience to any natural law must of necessity #eje precede the attainment of its legitimate result4 ,the accountant at his desk knows perfectly well that in order to obtain the sum of a column of figures he must first employ one of the fundamental rules of the science of mathematics2 the chemist in his laboratory is equally aware that the blending of certain elements1 in accordance with established rules of the science with which he is operating1 is absolutely essential to the formation of the compound which he desires2 the student at school who aspires to honors and efficiency in the course he is pursuing1 is fully as well satisfied that faithful application and a certain line of deportment is indispensable to insure him a successful examination1 with its subsequent reward or recognition of merit2 the alien desiring citizenship1 when once informed of the fact1 seldom1 if ever1 hesitates to question the advisability of taking out his papers1 or going through certain forms of law1 in order that he may be qualified to exercise the rights and privileges of a member of the commonwealth2 and it is self-evident that the traveler1 who wishes to arrive with all possible speed and security at his destination1 must previously select and intently pursue the shortest1 safest and most feasible route leading in the right direction4 ,these facts are patent to the poorest comprehension4 ,why is it1 then1 that so many1 to whom the above illustrations are so simple and self-evident1 fail to see the analogy which exists with reference to the great ,gospel or science of salvation1 and the obedience to its laws1 principles and requirements so imperatively essential to admission into an eternal inheritance in the ,celestial ,kingdom of ,god8 ,why is it that so many millions1 notwithstanding the plainest and most pointed declarations of inspired ,scripture1 the examples and testimonies of the ,savior and holy men of old1 corroborated by the ,god-given human reason1 profanely and recklessly insist on asserting that compliance with the sacred and everlasting laws and ordinances of salvation is no longer necessary to accomplish the very object of their institution1 and vainly imagine or assume to suppose that it is possible to reach the presence of their ,maker without putting into practice the immutable principles upon which all celestial promises are predicated1 and responding fully and faithfully to the requirements invariably made of those who become possessed of this inestimable privilege8 ,why is it that the accountant cannot see that eternal life is the sum of all existence1 and that all who would obtain it must add together faith and good works1 unceasingly1 employing all rules1 both fundamental #ejf and superstructive1 of salvation's endless science1 in order to solve the otherwise insoluble problem of this life and acquire the grand total of life everlasting in the world to come8 ,why is it that the chemist cannot perceive that the all-containing compound of eternal happiness is only to be produced by the careful and judicious mixture of the elements of eternal salvation while man yet lingers in the laboratory of his mortal probation8 ,how can the student in the precious school of earthly experience1 who fails to improve his time and learn well the lessons assigned to him in this intermediate department of ,god's great ,university1 hope to pass a successful examination at ,his ,judgment ,seat1 to merit or attain possession of the greatest gift of ,god1 and be blessed with the opportunities of entering upon a higher course of studies in a never ending future of education and experience1 if he does not win and present a properly signed and attested certificate of good conduct while here1 and of complete and thorough preparation for the ineffable and interminable hereafter8 ,why does the alien of the world1 who professes to seek ,citizenship in the ,celestial ,commonwealth1 foolishly doubt the necessity of taking the oath of naturalization1 renouncing all foreign allegiance1 responsibilities and relationship1 and conforming to the plain and positive regulations by means of which alone he can even so much as enter into the ,gates of the ,golden ,city1 to say nothing of exercising and enjoying the rights1 privileges and possessions accorded to its humble1 faithful1 obedient and law-abiding inhabitants8 ,or why should the traveler of time1 the pilgrim to a promised paradise1 as he journeys through this weary wilderness1 entertain the expectation that he can avoid the pitfalls1 snares and dangers which beset his pathway at every step1 and arrive with safety and all possible expedition to the flowery outskirts of the dark and dreary desert1 where the arms of a loving and sympathetic ,savior are waiting open and ready to receive him1 if he does not pursue the straight1 narrow and only practicable route tending in the proper direction8--in the direction of ,him who explored the waste1 pioneered and opened up the way1 brushing and clearing it with ,his own bleeding hands and feet1 of many of its sharpest rocks and crudest thorns and brambles1 planting innumerable guideposts and danger signals along the line of the perilous probation1 thereby making it not only possible1 but comparatively easy for all men to follow in ,his footsteps1 to inherit bowers of eternal bliss and gardens of unspeakable glory beyond1 but solemnly and repeatedly asseverating1 both before and after #ejg the close of his brave and remarkable career1 that there is none other way under the whole heaven whereby the same pilgrimage can be accomplished and the devoutedly wished for consummation attained4 ,some will doubtless contend that the cases above mentioned1 though capable of parabolical comparison1 are not practically analogous in their nature2 that the ordinary process employed by the accountant1 the chemist1 the student1 the alien and the traveler1 are matters of plain and practical fact1 self-evident truths1 susceptible of the easiest elucidation1 and do not therefore demand1 for their acceptance1 the exercise of that faith or far-reaching credulity1 so indispensably pre-requisite to the investigation of the ,gospel1 and the acknowledgment of implicit obedience to its principles as the sole alternative to the sacrifice of all hopes of celestial exaltation4 ,in reply to this argument1 since to all who would put it forth it would be waste of time and trouble to quote ,scripture1 we desire to propound two questions4 ,by what means have the so-called self-evident truths of modern science1 art1 invention1 philosophy1 etc4--now1 but not always1 so easily explained and understood--become the plainly proved and firmly established facts that we find them at the present time8 ,does not the ,gospel of ,jesus ,christ1 the perfect and perpetual plan of salvation1 purposely made simple and comprehensible--as great things invariably are--in order that even the wayfaring man1 though a fool1 might not needfully err therein--does it not exhibit upon its face ample and indubitable evidences of the power and efficacy which it claims1 and has been proven by unnumbered millions to possess8 ,to the first question we unhesitatingly assert1 without fear of successful contradiction1 that every truth now known to mortal man has at some period in its history been more or less the subject of his doubt and conjecture1 if not of his open and avowed hostility and unbelief1 and that without any exception their adoption1 establishment and development on earth have been directly due to the exercise of what some people are pleased to confound with the term credulity1 but which we prefer to designate by the more dignified and appropriate title of faith1 all-powerful faith1 a principle whose necessity as the foundation or mainspring of all action and success1 is as self-evident as any other fact under heaven1 and without which1 as a necessary consequence1 no truth whatever could have been brought forth1 proven and perpetuated in the mind and memory of man4 ,the exercise of faith1 the humility and willingness to make experiments1 the honesty and courage to proclaim results1 #ejh the fortitude and patience to endure the taunts1 the sneers1 the threats and even persecutive violence of the ignorant1 unprincipled1 selfish1 skeptical1 unthinking and depraved--the latter incited by ,satan1 the resister and would-be destroyer of right1 and the former pushed on and inspired by ,almighty ,god1 the great leader of the vanguard in the eternal march of human progress2--these and these alone are the invincible agencies which have converted popular opinion and transformed the once crazy notions1 impossible theories1 wild speculations and manifest absurdities of crack-brained genius and philosophy1 into the since time-honored maxims1 venerable proverbs1 world-accepted facts and self-evident propositions1 and the many marvelous artistic triumphs and scientific achievements now so popular and prevalent in the world1 and of which the world that formerly despised and persecuted their incipiency1 with its customary conceit and inconsistency1 is at present so vainglorious and proud4 ,faith and good works1 those inseparable1 ,siamese twins of ,gospel efficacy1 have done all that ever has been or ever will be done1 in heaven or on earth1 for the benefit and blessing of humanity1 while blind1 bigoted unbelief and cold-hearted skepticism1 though always the loudest to boast of the world's advancement1 especially if it advances in wickedness1 have as invariably been the persistent opposers and stumbling-blocks in the way of all righteous progress and development4 ,as to the ,gospel of ,jesus ,christ1 every principle of which1 on fair and honest investigation1 will be found abundantly capable of demonstrating its own power and saving virtue1 we dare and do maintain1 from ample observation and individual experience1 that it requires far more credulity to disbelieve the validity of its claim to being the power of ,god unto salvation1 than faith for its acceptance and acknowledgment as the one and only medium through which the souls of men and the planet upon which they dwell can be saved1 sanctified and celestialized forevermore4 ,hear it1 ye nations and inhabitants of the earth6 ,hear it and give heed1 while yet the ,gospel trump is sounding through the streets of your cities1 and its receding echoes are ringing and reverberating from your hills and highways6 ,hear it and heed it1 while the lingering twilight of hope keeps back the fast descending night of despair2 while the swift messengers of salvation are still going forth1 and the acceptance of their warning message will avail4 ,despise not the humble testimonies of those unlettered oracles of ,god1 for every word they deliver is rife with the fate of men and nations1 and simultaneous #eji with their utterance on earth1 the busy pens of recording angels are enrolling them upon the archives of eternal judgment4 ,remember that from humblest and apparently weakest causes1 have ofttimes sprung the highest1 wisest and mightiest results1 and if the ,gospel is plain and simple in construction1 and its advocates and adherents among the poorest and most illiterate of men1 that the ,almighty has purposely made them so1 that the faith of the proud world might be tested1 that its population1 high and low1 rich and poor1 learned and unlearned1 might be left without excuse for its rejection1 and that to ,god1 not man1 might redound all honor and glory for the triumph which ,his omnipotent truth is destined to achieve4 ,put away all prejudice and narrow pre-conceptions1 close your ears against the voice of misrepresentation and calumny1 shake off the cloak and coil of cowardice1 smother the selfish promptings of worldly interest1 and while you sacrifice the paltry things of earth1 remember that you are laying up eternal treasures in heaven4 ,choose ye this day whom ye will serve6 ,the line of demarkation is being drawn1 the times of separating1 sifting and sorting are at hand1 and the worshipers of ,god and ,mammom henceforth must cease to mingle and commune4 ,the night of doubt is ended4 ,the day of decision has dawned4 ,truth and ,error have taken the field1 their hostile hosts are already in battle array1 and the trumpets of both sides are sounding loudly for volunteers1 summoning the earth's inhabitants to the ,armogeddon of ,almighty ,god4 ,on which side will you fight8 ,which cause are you willing to be found defending to the death8 ,be wise in choice4 ,be instant in decision6 ,but above all things be not dazzled and deceived4 ,truth1 crushed to earth1 will rise again1 ,the eternal years of ,god are hers2 ,but error1 wounded1 writhes with pain1 ,and dies amid his worshipers4 #eaj ,,the ,,misuse ,,of ,,power4 ,,by ,,elder ,,orson ,f4 ,,whitney1 ,,in ,,millennial ,,star1 #ahhb4 ,the severest test to which human virtue may possibly be subjected is the possession of unlimited power4 ,man may be ruled and wronged1 persecuted and trampled upon1 and the vitality and sweetness of his character will survive the tyranny of his oppressors1 and like the shamrock of ,ireland1 which is said to take root and flourish when trodden under foot1 gain strength and endurance from the very means employed for its destruction4 ,but give him his own way1 remove all restraints and barriers between him and the gratification of his selfish desires1 and he is a strong man indeed who completely withstands the temptation4 ,the term power may imply lofty and influential position1 boundless wealth1 or intellectual eminence1 or it may embrace in its definition all sources of dominion together2 but whether considered singly or collectively1 it can make no material difference4 ,the rule finds general application4 ,history is replete with examples of individuals and communities1 kings and kingdoms1 chiefs and armies1 priests and churches1 presidents and peoples1 illustrative of the almost inevitable misfortune which results from investing mankind with extraordinary power and authority4 ,heroes have risen and fallen1 dynasties have flourished and decayed1 races have bloomed and withered1 empires have been founded and destroyed2 and in nearly every instance1 either directly or indirectly1 their downfall and destruction have been due to an improper use of the gifts and powers they were permitted to exercise4 ,the opportunities afforded for the indulgence of pride and selfishness1 the unbridled facilities presented for the gratification of passion1 and the perpetration of every species of wickedness1 with the thousand and one historical proofs of the proneness even of the greatest and most virtuous to succumb to these allurements of vice1 to say nothing of the incumbent labors and responsibilities1 are sufficient1 it would seem1 to make the tenure of earthly authority1 or the possession of vast wealth1 among the most undesirable attainments4 #eaa ,let it not be inferred that we regard such things as essentially evil1 or consider all aims and efforts in their direction as necessarily debasing in their tendency4 ,far from it4 ,it is not wealth1 but the inordinate love of it1 that is the root of all evil2 it is not the possession1 but the perversion of power1 that is the bane of man's happiness and prosperity4 ,it is no more of an evil to hold power than to possess wealth1 and no more of a sin to possess wealth than to enjoy any other blessing which flows from the ,giver of all good2 for as long as heaven has gifts to bestow1 there must needs be those who will receive them and those who are best entitled to be the recipients are those who endeavor to deserve them and are qualified to use them in wisdom and righteousness1 for the glory of ,god and the welfare of their fellow men4 ,it is not the honest aim for1 nor the proper exercise of these advantages1 that are deserving subjects of deprecation and disparagement1 but it is the misuse of power1 the prostitution of wealth1 the neglect or abuse of any of the blessings of life1 and the unhallowed methods employed in their acquisition1 that are and ever will be1 legitimate objects of denunciation and discouragement4 ,so far from its being wrong to aim for superiority and excellence in any righteous direction1 it is exactly the reverse4 ,our ,father in heaven expects it of us4 ,he demands that ,his children advance unceasingly towards power1 wealth and intelligence illimitable4 ,his motto is upward and onward1 ,his course is one eternal round of progression1 and ,his constant exhortation is1 to follow in ,his footsteps2 and as long as we have in view the exaltation that ,he has attained and confine ourselves strictly to the methods which ,he has ordained for its accomplishment1 there is no danger of our being too ambitious or of making an improper use of the powers ,he will eventually bestow4 ,but it is here in this weak mortal state1 where our eyes are dazzled by the tinsel of earthly vanities1 where our ears are enchanted by the dulcet but delusive notes of fame1 and our feet are so apt to be seduced from the paths of virtue by the gilded snares of vice2 it is here that there is an ever present danger of misusing the gifts and blessings we are privileged to enjoy1 and it is this continuous and extreme liability that should render the acquisition of earthly power and wealth1 to the great majority of mankind1 exceedingly undesirable4 ,all men who hold position do not abuse its privileges1 and the man who serves ,god humbly and faithfully never will1 for the moment he yielded to the temptation so to do1 that moment would he cease to serve the ,lord2 but there are many1 alas6 who sadly misuse #eab the functions of their office1 and prostitute every power and privilege to the gratification of self and the injury and embarrassment of their fellow men4 ,it is dangerous to put some men into power4 ,they swell up and become so distended with the ideas of their greatness and importance1 that we are forcibly reminded of so many inflated toy balloons1 which the slightest prick of a pin would burst and ruin forever4 ,a very small office and a very little authority is sufficient to intoxicate some men and render them entirely unfit for duty4 ,the ,prophet ,joseph1 in the course of a prophecy uttered in ,march1 #ahci1 speaks as follows3 ,we have learned by sad experience that it is the nature and disposition of almost all men1 as soon as they get a little brief authority1 as they suppose1 they will immediately begin to exercise unrighteous dominion2 and in two preceding paragraphs of the same1 these words occur3 ,the rights of the priesthood are inseparably connected with the powers of heaven1 and the powers of heaven cannot be controlled nor handled only upon the principles of righteousness4 ,that they may be conferred upon us1 it is true2 but when we undertake to cover our sins1 or to gratify our pride1 our vain ambition1 or to exercise control1 or dominion1 or compulsion upon the souls of the children of men1 in any degree of unrighteousness1 behold the heavens withdraw themselves1 the ,spirit of the ,lord is grieved and when it is withdrawn1 ,amen to the ,priesthood or the authority of that man4 ,it is a certain indication of a weak mind when it can be overturned by a brief draught of authority4 ,like a ship which spreads sail1 but lacks the necessary tonnage to hold it level with the sea1 the individual who hoists his pride on high and is devoid of the indispensable ballast of common sense1 will speedily run on to ruin and oblivion4 ,solomon never said a wiser thing than that ,pride goeth beside destruction2 and an haughty spirit before a fall4 ,but the truly great man is never so affected4 ,too broad and deep and sensible to be dazzled by terrestrial splendor and too intent upon his purpose to be swayed or directed by the flattery of the fawning multitude1 instead of being elevated1 he is more apt to be humbled by promotion to power1 or if he ever feels its influence1 it is like new wine refreshing a giant1 not like a seltzer draught overcoming a dwarf4 ,some men evidently deem it their duty to be ambitious for distinction1 on the principle1 we suppose1 that if the mountain will not come to ,mahomet1 ,mahomet must go to the mountain4 ,while this may be measurably true with regard to worldly matters1 it is not so respecting the things of the ,kingdom of ,god4 ,no ,latter-day ,saint need aim for power or position in the ,church of ,jesus ,christ4 ,if he be destined to #eac hold office in the ,priesthood1 or to occupy any post of honor within the gift of that ,priesthood1 he can afford to wait in patience for it to come to him1 for come it will1 in the due time of the ,lord1 ,mahomet's mountain to the contrary notwithstanding2 but if he is not destined for the position to which he aspires1 despite his most strenuous efforts he will be the victim of disappointment2 or if permitted to reach the height of the ambition1 it will be but to fall therefrom when his folly and his weakness shall have been made fully manifest4 ,it is madness to rush needlessly into peril4 ,duty and necessity are the only motives which should impel any one into an encounter with temptation4 ,the only assurance of complete victory over sin1 after bravely meeting and conquering the temptations that can be safely met and resisted1 is in avoiding all others which ,god never intended us to meet1 and which as a consequence1 we would find it impossible to overcome4 ,a little done well brings a much higher blessing than a great deal undertaken and unworthily performed4 ,let him who lusts after wealth and aspires to earthly honors beyond the station in which it has pleased the ,almighty to place him1 ponder this well in his heart4 ,let him ask himself if he is qualified to make a wise use of the things he covets1 if he is able to bear up under the heavy responsibilities they entail1 and strong enough to resist successfully the temptations which would assail him on every hand2 and if he is satisfied of this1 let him recollect that ,god selects for ,his rulers those who have been humble and faithful in subordinate capacities1 and that it is far more admirable to wait for1 than to openly invite recognition and promotion4 ,by the faithful discharge of the duties of his humbler calling1 let him prove himself worthy of the honors of a higher1 and having attained the summit of his hopes1 the possession of the power1 the wealth and the intelligence he craved1 let him carefully exercise those gifts in the fear of the ,lord and the love of his fellowmen1 lest he prove recreant to his trust1 turn traitor to his ,god and be hurled from his exaltation like ,lucifer from ,heaven4 #ead ,,happiness ,,for ,,the ,,sorrowful4 ,,by ,,apostle ,,orson ,,pratt1 ,,in ,,millennial ,,star1 #ahff4 ,who is the happy man8 ,is it the king upon his throne8 ,is it the mighty emperor who sways the destiny of millions8 ,does happiness consist in ruling1 in judging1 in politics1 in thrones1 in palaces1 in earthly grandeur8 ,does it consist in the honor which man renders to his fellowman8 ,is it found in high titles1 such as ,right ,honorable ,lord ,bishop1 his ,holiness--the ,pope1 his ,majesty--the ,king1 or ,emperor1 his ,lordship1 etc41 etc48 ,does happiness seek the mansions of the rich1 the splendid habitations and beautiful parks of the noblemen8 ,does happiness seek the companionship of the learned1 and select its abode in academies1 colleges and universities8 ,has the philosopher1 the astronomer1 the chemist1 the optician1 the mathematician1 the learned in any science1 sought out its desirable dwelling place8 ,tell me1 ye swarming millions of bygone generations1 who among you were happy8 ,tell me1 ,o sons of earth1 has happiness been found by mortals8 ,whither shall ,i go for an answer8 ,let creation speak2 let the earth open her mouth and testify4 ,listen6 ,what sounds are those ,i hear8 ,can it be the low murmurings of distant thunder8 ,it cannot be6 ,it proceeds as if from the bowels of the earth6 ,but hark6 ,did ,i not hear words1 articulated in a deep1 low1 mournful sound8 ,has the earth1 indeed1 a language8 ,can she also express her sorrows8 ,but1 listen again6 ,she sighs6 ,she mourns6 ,she exclaims3 ,woe1 woe is me1 the mother of men6 ,i am pained6 ,i am weary because of the wickedness of my children6 ,when shall ,i rest1 and be cleansed from the filthiness which has gone out of me8 ,when will my ,creator sanctify me1 that ,i may rest1 and righteousness for a season abide upon my face8 ,who could listen to this sorrowful1 painful lamentation1 this earnest1 solemn1 appeal to the ,creator1 and not be moved8 ,who could reflect upon the bitterness and anguish of our great common mother1 and not weep over the untold miseries she has endured for six thousand years8 ,who so dead to sympathy1 that he could not join with an intensity of desire' unutterable1 for the emancipation #eae of the groaning captive8 ,oh1 let the chains of old earth be burst asunder2 let her arise and shake her very foundations2 let her put on the strength and power of her ,omnipotent ,creator2 let her gather the mighty waters into one place2 let her unite the islands and the continents into one land1 into an eternal bond of union2 let the everlasting mountains bow their lofty heads2 let the sanctifying fire of the ,lord cleanse corruption from her face2 let the redeemed captive smile as at the creation's morn1 and be blessed with the presence of her ,creator1 and be crowned with rest--everlasting rest4 ,but is there no rest for man8 ,must he seek1 and seek in vain for happiness8 ,where1 ,oh1 where can the sacred gem be found8 ,is man forever doomed to sorrow1 lamentation1 and ghastly death8 ,or is there hope8 ,shall the sons of mortality appeal to the earth for aid8 ,no1 verily no2 she herself has need of aid4 ,whence1 then1 shall they look for help8 ,from heaven6 ,from the high and lofty ,one who sits upon the throne6 ,from the ,creator1 the ,redeemer1 the great fountain and eternal source of happiness4 ,to ,him1 ,o ye sons of sorrow1 direct your cry2 to ,him lift up the voice of supplication and fervent prayer2 to ,him bow your stubborn hearts1 and wills1 and yield yourselves to the voice of inspiration1 to the counsel of ,his messengers2 obey the heavenly1 angelic message of the restored ,gospel1 and you shall be filled with the ,holy ,ghost--the ,comforter1 and be born again into a kingdom of happiness4 ,let all who seek for happiness1 know assuredly1 that this is the only road that leads to her peaceful abode4 ,peace is being taken from among the nations4 ,she has sought out a resting place among the mountains of ,israel1 in the new found world4 ,there1 and there only will the weary be at rest1 and the sons of sorrow find an heavenly balm for every wound4 ,there the great ,physician will heal the soul1 and the body1 too4 ,there the heavens will converse with the sons of earth1 and pour down the rich treasures of wisdom to feast the hungry1 longing soul4 ,there the ,lord has commanded the blessing1 even life forever more4 ,there1 in the ,lord's mountain1 will ,he take away the veil that is over all flesh1 and wipe away the tears of the sorrowful1 and impart a fullness of life and everlasting joy4 #eaf ,,the ,,straight ,,and ,,narrow ,,way4 ,,doctrines ,,the ,,savior ,,taught4 ,,by ,,elder ,,ephraim ,h4 ,,nye4 ,in the meridian of time1 the ,savior came and dwelt among the children of men4 ,he was born in a stable and cradled in a manger4 ,the days and years of ,his childhood and youth were spent with ,his parents in the ordinary walks and vocations of life4 ,many wonderful things occurred in relation to ,his conception and birth3 ,angelic choirs from the heavens descended1 chanting glad tidings of great joy1 peace on earth1 good will toward men4 ,herod's cunning plans were baffled2 his boundless rage1 his cruel edict1 the death of the innocents2 ,joseph's heavenly warning to flee to ,egypt with the young child1 his journey and return1 his stay in ,galilee that the ,scriptures might be fulfilled2 all these dropped out of the public mind1 and1 as the years rolled by1 were forgotten and lost1 except by his relatives and friends4 ,as ,he sojourned among men during the years of ,his youth and early manhood1 there was little in ,his life to attract the attention of ,his fellows until he unostentatiously walked down into the waters of the river ,jordan1 and there was baptized by ,john2 and though the ,holy ,ghost was seen to rest upon ,him in the form of a dove1 as ,he walked out of the water1 and a voice from heaven was heard to say1 ,this is ,my beloved ,son in whom ,i am well pleased2 yet men did not recognize in ,him the ,son of ,god4 ,though ,he preached the gospel of repentance and baptism for the remission of sins1 chose and ordained twelve ,apostles and sent them forth to preach1 and went forth healing all manner of sickness and dire disease1 causing the blind to see1 the deaf to hear1 the lame to walk and leap for joy1 teaching as no other man had taught1 healing as no other man had healed1 rebuking as no other man had ever dared rebuke men for the sins they daily committed1 yet they rejected ,him and condemned ,him to a cruel death1 and though ,he rose again 7which fact was noised abroad so that all the inhabitants of #eag ,jerusalem were cognizant of it71 still they could not see in ,him the ,savior of the world4 ,on the great day of ,pentecost1 when there were gathered together devout men of all the surrounding nations1 suddenly there came a sound from heaven1 as of a rushing mighty wind1 and it filled all the house where they were sitting1 and there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire1 and it sat upon each of them 7the ,disciples7 and they were all filled with the ,holy ,ghost1 and began to speak with other tongues1 as the ,spirit gave them utterance4 ,the people of the multitude were all amazed1 for they heard of the wonderful works of ,god1 each in his own tongue4 ,peter1 standing up with the eleven1 lifted up his voice and said unto them3 ,ye men of ,judea1 and all ye that dwell at ,jerusalem1 be this known unto you1 and hearken to my words4 ,then1 repeating the words of the ,prophet ,joel1 he showed to them that ,christ should come1 and briefly sketched the history of ,his life1 recounting ,his wonderful works and noble deeds1 showed forth to the people that they had by cruel hands put ,him to death1 thus crucifying the ,lord of ,glory2 that in fulfillment of the ,prophet's words1 ,god had raised ,him from the dead2 that on the third day ,he had been seen by the ,apostles and many others with whom ,he had conversed1 whereof we are all witnesses4 ,therefore1 being by the right hand of ,god exalted1 and having received of the ,father the promise of the ,holy ,ghost1 ,he hath shed forth this which ye now see and hear4 ,therefore1 let all the house of ,israel know assuredly that ,god hath made that same ,jesus whom ye have crucified both ,lord and ,christ4 ,now when they heard this they were pricked in their hearts and said unto ,peter and to the rest of the ,apostles1 ,men and brethren1 what shall we do8 ,not until this moment did they believe in ,jesus of ,nazareth as the ,savior of the world4 ,though all ,his wonderful works had been performed in their midst1 yet not until the story of ,his life1 ,his terrible death1 ,his glorious resurrection1 and the wonderful outpouring of the ,holy ,ghost now manifested before their eyes1 did faith spring up in their hearts1 and a desire to be partakers of the heavenly gift1 causing them to plead with the ,apostles1 ,what shall we do8 ,,faith ,,and ,,works4 ,faith is the main-spring of all action1 a mighty moving power4 ,by it ,noah1 ,abraham and ,moses performed their #eah wonderful works2 the children of ,israel passed through the ,red ,sea1 the walls of ,jericho fell1 the harlot ,rahab perished not2 ,gideon1 ,barak1 ,david and others of the prophets subdued kingdoms1 wrought righteousness1 obtained promises and stopped the mouths of lions4 ,the ,apostle ,paul understood the wonderful power of faith when he said 7,heb4 xi1 #f71 ,but without faith it is impossible to please ,him2 for he that cometh to ,god must believe that ,he is1 and that ,he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek ,him4 ,this verse is self-explanatory4 ,if we did not believe that ,god lives and will reward those who diligently seek ,him1 we should not seek ,him at all4 ,the third verse reads1 ,through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of ,god4 ,so then1 not only could the wonderful works before recounted be performed by the old worthies1 but even worlds could be framed when necessary through faith4 ,but will faith alone accomplish the salvation of the soul of men4 ,as opinions differ1 and he who risks his soul's salvation upon the uncertainties of men's opinions1 has but a vain hope of being led aright2 let the ,scriptures answer the question4 ,james #bnd ch4 #ad-bf4 ,this declaration of the great ,apostle seems to set at rest for all time the theory that faith alone is sufficient to save mankind4 ,in closing his speech1 he very forcibly states that1 ,as the body without the spirit is dead1 so faith without works is dead also4 ,shall we not say1 then1 that works are necessary1 and if so1 what are those works8 ,,repentance4 ,again let the ,scriptures tell the tale4 ,math4 #c1 #b;d1 ,in those days came ,john the ,baptist--saying ',repent ye1 for the kingdom of heaven is at hand4' ,jesus came preaching the gospel of the ,kingdom of ,god 7,mark i1 #ae7 and saying1 the time is fulfilled1 and the ,kingdom of ,god is at hand2 repent ye and believe the ,gospel4 7,mark vi1 #ab47 ,and they 7the ,apostles7 went out1 and preached that men should repent4 ,jesus was evidently determined that there should be no mistake upon this matter when he said 7,luke xiii1 #c-e73 ,i tell you ,nay2 but except ye repent1 ye shall all likewise perish4 ,of those eighteen upon whom the tower of ,siloam fell and slew them1 think ye that they were sinners above all men that dwelt in ,jerusalem8 ,i tell you ,nay2 but except ye repent1 ye shall all likewise perish4 ,the word of the ,lord to ,israel in the days of ,ezekiel was equally positive 7,ezek4 xviii1 #cj71 ,therefore #eai ,i will judge you1 ,o ,house of ,israel1 every one according to his ways1 saith the ,lord ,god4 ,repent and turn yourselves from all your transgressions1 so iniquity shall not be your ruin4 ,nor does it appear that conditions had at all changed in the days of the ,apostle ,paul1 for we find him declaring in the most emphatic terms 7,acts xvii1 #cj71 ,and the times of this ignorance ,god winked at2 but now commandeth all men everywhere to repent4 ,this1 then1 is the first grand step of preparatory work in securing salvation in the ,kingdom of ,god4 ,but the question may arise in the mind of our reader1 ,wherein have ,i sinned8 ,in what have ,i done wrong8 ,i have complied with all the requirements of the decalogue1 ,i have lived according to the golden rule1 doing unto others as ,i would be done by4 ,what have ,i to repent of8 ,have you not been guilty of following after and believing in man-made systems of religion and of worshiping in churches erected for the purpose of making merchandise of the souls of men8 ,look abroad upon the face of the earth1 search in all the ,christian world for the true ,church of ,christ as organized and recognized by ,him1 where do you find it8 ,like the shipwrecked mariner whose weary eye scans the vast horizon with a lingering hope that a friendly sail will come to his relief1 till his heart grows faint and dies within him1 so it is with many an honest soul seeking the way to eternal life1 anon as he listens to the various creeds and examines the doctrines of the different sects1 he discovers discrepancies everywhere4 ,no one has a perfect form of worship2 all have dwindled in unbelief2 they have departed from the faith of the ancients2 they have turned away from the true and living ,god1 as the ,apostle ,paul said 7#bnd ,tim4 iv1 #c71 ,for the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine2 but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers1 having itching ears1 and they shall turn away their ears from the truth1 and shall be turned into fables4 ,having a form of godliness1 but denying the power thereof4 ,preaching for doctrine the precepts of men4 ,churches have been erected whose spires rise in every town and city1 village and hamlet over all the land1 in which men preach for hire and divine for money2 thus making merchandise of the souls of men1 having1 as ,isaiah says1 ,transgressed the laws1 changed the ordinance1 broken the everlasting covenant1 and it shall be as with the people1 so with the priest1 and as ,jesus said in ,luke1 ,can the blind lead the blind8 ,shall they not both fall into the ditch8 ,we answer #ebj by saying1 as the ,apostles of old said3 ,repent and be baptized1 every one of you1 in the name of ,jesus ,christ1 for the remission of sins4 7,acts ii1 #ch47 ,yes1 for the fruits of repentance are a broken heart and a contrite spirit2 and it is provided that such an one should walk in the footsteps of ,jesus1 down into the water1 and1 like ,him1 be buried beneath the liquid wave4 ,,baptism4 ,this was the first act that ,jesus did preparatory to ,his ministerial labors1 and the very last command ,he gave to ,his ,apostles prior to ,his ascension into heaven 7,matt1 xxviii1 #ai-bj71 ,go ye therefore and teach all nations1 baptizing them in the name of the ,father and of the ,son and of the ,holy ,ghost1 teaching them to observe all things whatsoever ,i have commanded you4 ,and what had ,he just commanded them8--to baptise all nations4 ,the next witness testifies a little stronger 7,mark xvi1 #ae-af71 ,and ,he said unto them1 ,go ye into all the world and preach the ,gospel to every creature4 ,he that believeth and is baptized shall be saved1 but he that believeth not shall be damned4 ,oh1 what an opportunity to secure eternal life1 what a glorious promise1 and this1 too1 from the ,author of our salvation6 ,many say that they believe on ,him1 that they have faith in ,him1 and yet persistently refuse to accept the conditions that ,he has offered for their salvation4 ,surely no one will have the audacity to assert that ,he who gave ,his life and shed ,his blood that we may obtain eternal life1 has not the right to establish the conditions upon which we may secure the benefits of that atoning blood4 ,his promise is plain1 and in language unmistakable1 ,he that believes and is baptized shall be saved4 ,let us not forget that the declaration is equally positive that1 ,he that believeth not shall be damned4 ,nor is ,john the ,beloved less explicit in his statement of what the ,savior said to ,nicodemus 7,john iii1 #e71 ,jesus answered1 verily1 verily1 ,i say unto thee1 except a man be born of water and of the ,spirit he cannot enter into the ,kingdom of ,god4 ,here is a declaration from the ,great ,master ,himself1 that ought to be a sufficient answer to all who fondly imagine that they can find some other way4 ,again1 there are those who believe that if they live a life of honor and integrity among men1 and serve ,god according to the best light they have1 that they will be entitled to an inheritance in the ,kingdom of ,god4 ,to all such1 let the ,scriptures once more declare the fact 7,acts x1 #a-f and #dh71 ,there #eba was a man in ,caesarea called ,cornelius1 a centurion of the band called the ,italian ,band1 a devout man and one that feared ,god with all his house1 which gave much alms to the people and prayed to ,god always4 ,he saw in a vision1 evidently about the ninth hour of the day1 an angel of ,god coming in to him and saying unto him--,cornelius2 and when he looked on him he was afraid and said1 ,what is it1 ,lord8 ,and he said unto him1 ,thy prayers and thine alms are come up for a memorial before ,god2 and now send men to ,joppa and call for one ,simon whose surname is ,peter2 he lodgeth with one ,simon1 a tanner1 whose house is by the seaside4 ,he shall tell thee what thou oughtest to do4 ,ah6 ,cornelius1 you ,god-fearing1 alms-giving1 prayerful man1 there is something that you have not done6 ,though your faith has reached unto heaven1 and your prayers have been heard and your alms-giving considered by the ,almighty1 yet there is something for you to do of such great importance that the windows of heaven were opened and an angel sent forth unto you as a messenger1 to notify you of the fact4 ,what is it1 ,cornelius8 ,he sent for ,peter1 as he was commanded1 and when ,peter came1 saw his faith1 and that of his household1 heard their words and that they believed on the ,lord ,jesus1 he commanded them to be baptized4 ,this is the door into the ,kingdom of ,god4 ,,object ,,of ,,baptism4 ,now there is a great diversity of opinion among men as to the grand object for which baptism was instituted2 some believing that it should be performed in the presence of a great number of people as a testimony to them that the humble penitent has put on ,christ2 others1 again1 claiming that it is an outward and visible sign of an inward and spiritual grace1 and still others1 that it was intended as a witness before men of a change of heart4 ,not a word can be found in the ,scriptures to support any of these positions1 but1 on the other hand1 evidence abounds in the sacred record to prove that the ordinance of baptism was for the purpose of washing away or for the remission of sins4 ,let us take the testimony of ,mark i1 #d1 ,john did baptize in the wilderness and preach the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins2 of ,luke iii1 #c1 ,and he came into all the country about ,jordan1 preaching the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins2 ,acts ii1 #ch1 ,then ,peter said unto them1 ,repent and be baptized1 every one of you in the name of ,jesus ,christ for the remission of sins4 ,also ,acts xxii1 #af1 ,and now why tarriest thou8 ,arise #ebb and be baptized and wash away thy sins4 ,here the grand question arises3 of what does sin consist8 ,is it not the violation of law or the breaking of a command1 and is not the sin of omission as great as the sin of commission8 ,surely the commandment1 ,remember the ,sabbath day to keep it holy1 is just as binding as the one that precedes it1 ,thou shalt not take the name of the ,lord thy ,god in vain1 yet the failure to obey the one would be a sin of omission1 while to break the other would be a sin of commission4 ,and are not the commandments issued by the ,savior and ,his ,apostles as much the commands of ,god as those uttered on ,mount ,sinai8 ,and1 if so1 a failure to comply when ,god commands all men everywhere to repent1 as in ,acts xvii1 #cj1 or where ,peter commanded them to repent and be baptized for the remission of sins1 as in ,acts ii1 #ch1 brings us under the condemnation of a broken law and adjudges us as sinners before ,god4 ,having now discovered the door of the straight and narrow way that leads to eternal life1 which door is baptism1 and the object of which is the remission or washing away of our sins1 it now becomes particularly interesting to decide who are proper candidates for baptism4 ,,subjects ,,fit ,,for ,,baptism4 ,among the various sects and creeds of modern ,christendom1 many believe in the practice of baptizing little children4 ,we unhesitatingly say that no foundation or justification for such a practice can be found in the ,scriptures4 ,it has been shown beyond question1 according to the ,scriptures1 that baptism is for the remission of sins4 ,sin is the breaking of a law or command of ,god4 ,the child1 until it comes to the years of understanding1 is not able to comprehend law or understand the binding nature of a command2 hence it is irresponsible4 ,for where there is no comprehension there is no law2 and where there is no law there can be no sin2 and where there is no sin1 baptism is uncalled for and out of place and is in direct violation of the commands of our ,savior4 ,for if by baptism one child who dies in its infancy may be ushered into the arms of ,jesus1 and for the lack of baptism another child dying in its infancy is forbidden ,his sacred presence1 then is it not strange that ,he did not mention this important and essential ordinance of baptism when ,he said1 as in ,mark x1 #ac-af1 ,and they brought young children to ,him that ,he should touch them and ,his disciples rebuked those that brought them4 ,but when ,jesus saw it1 ,he was much displeased #ebc and said unto them1 ,suffer the little children to come unto ,me1 and forbid them not1 for of such is the ,kingdom of ,god4 ,verily ,i say unto you1 whosoever shall not receive the ,kingdom of ,god as a little child1 he shall not enter therein4 ,and ,he took them up in ,his arms1 put ,his hands upon them and blessed them4 ,the testimony of ,st4 ,luke is almost identical4 ,it reads as follows 7,luke xviii1 #ae-ag73 ,and they brought unto ,him also infants1 that ,he should touch them1 but when ,his disciples saw it they rebuked them4 ,but ,jesus called them unto ,him1 and said1 ,suffer little children to come unto me and forbid them not1 for of such is the ,kingdom of ,god4 ,verily ,i say unto you1 whosoever shall not receive the ,kingdom of ,god as a little child1 shall in no wise enter therein4 ,clearly1 then1 baptism was never intended for little children1 for baptism having been instituted for the purpose of washing away sins1 sins already committed1 and the child not having committed any1 the ordinance would not apply4 ,but what is more important1 he that believes in and declares it necessary for the little child to be baptized1 and baptizes it1 is committing a most grievous sin in the sight of ,god2 but it is not true1 as claimed by many ,christians1 that the little infant that dies without baptism is shut out from the presence of ,god1 that hell is paved with little unbaptized children1 and they are erecting a barrier to those little infants in the form of the ordinance of baptism and forbidding all such to come unto ,christ1 thus breaking one of ,his most emphatic commands1 uttered when ,he was much displeased at what the disciples were doing1 and said1 ,forbid them not1 but suffer them to come unto ,me4 ,the little child is pure and innocent because it can commit no sin until it comes to the years of accountability4 ,sin1 then1 conceives in its heart1 and as it grows in years ,satan tempts it and it becomes sinful and wicked1 and the means provided by the ,almighty to cleanse it and make it again as pure and as innocent as it was in the beginning of its mortal career1 is the sacred ordinance of baptism4 ,and thus may the repentant sinner become like the example that ,jesus set before them1 as shown by ,matt1 xviii1 #b-d1 ,and ,jesus called a little child unto ,him and set him in the midst of them and said1 ,verily ,i say unto you1 except ye be converted1 and become as little children1 ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven4 ,whosoever1 therefore1 shall humble himself as this little child1 the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven4 ,thus the little child is given to us as a pattern of purity1 a sample of innocence1 by #ebd the ,savior ,himself2 and the bare theory of baptizing such little innocents to wash away their sins becomes revolting to the human mind when considered under the light of reason1 and the practice of it is an abomination in the sight of ,god4 ,therefore1 little children are not eligible for baptism4 ,this declaration stands out in bold relief when viewed in the light of the following passages1 which plainly prove that all candidates for the ,kingdom of ,god must be capable of being taught 7,matt1 xxviii1 #ac-bj73 ,go ye1 therefore1 and teach all nations1 baptizing them in the name of the ,father and of the ,son and of the ,holy ,ghost1 teaching them to observe all things whatsoever ,i have commanded you4 ,all must have sufficient mental development to be capable of believing the doctrines taught1 as shown by the ,savior's commandment1 and ,mark xvi1 #af1 ,he that believeth and is baptized shall be saved1 and he that believeth not shall be damned4 ,but when they believed ,philip preaching the things concerning the ,kingdom of ,god and the name of ,jesus ,christ they were baptized1 both men and women 7,acts viii1 #ab74 ,and as they went on their way1 they came unto a certain water1 and the ,eunuch said1 ,see1 here is water2 what doth hinder me to be baptized8 and ,philip said1 ,if thou believest with all thine heart1 thou mayest1 and he answered and said1 ,i believe that ,jesus ,christ is the ,son of ,god4 7,acts viii1 #cf-cg47 ,a knowledge of the divine truths of revealed religion when once impressed upon the heart1 causes faith to spring forth in the soul1 and with admiration we reflect upon the life of ,him whose wondrous love was manifested toward us when ,he offered ,his life as a sacrifice for our sins4 ,by comparison we realize our own unworthiness2 that our feet have strayed from the path of right and that we are steeped in iniquity4 ,with this conviction comes a resolution to turn1 if possible1 from our wicked ways and walk in newness of life4 ,this brings repentance1 a forsaking of sin1 a reverence for ,almighty ,god and an earnest desire to search after and serve ,him in spirit and in truth4 ,we resolve to tread the path in which our ,savior walked1 down into the waters of baptism1 thus following ,him through the door into the ,kingdom of ,god1 that where ,he is we may be also4 ,sufficient mental capacity to be taught1 to believe1 to repent1 and to voluntarily offer one's self for obedience to the succeeding principle of the ,gospel1 is a prerequisite to the ordinance of baptism4 ,little children have not this capacity1 consequently there is no law of ,god requiring them to be baptized2 #ebe and all man-made systems to the contrary will be null and void in the day of judgment4 ,,mode ,,of ,,baptism4 ,there are so many conflicting opinions on this question4 ,the orthodox ,christian churches having departed from the faith of the ,apostles1 and built up churches to themselves1 for the purpose of making merchandise of the souls of men1 have instituted the practice of sprinkling or pouring1 and call it baptism1 to support which not one word can be found in the ,holy ,writ4 ,the whole tenor of the ,scriptures from the time that ,john the ,baptist came preaching the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins1 on through all the writings of the ,new ,testament1 conclusively prove the fact that baptism by immersion was the mode taught and practiced by ,jesus and ,his ,apostles4 ,jesus1 when ,he was baptized1 ,went up straightway out of the water4 ,when ,philip baptized the ,eunuch ,they went down into the water1 both ,philip and the ,eunuch1 and he baptized him1 and when they were come up out of the water1 etc4 ,all this clearly indicates immersion1 or why go down into or come up out of the water8 ,paul says to the ,romans1 vi1 #d3 ,therefore1 we are buried with ,him by baptism into death1 #eth1 ,for if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death1 certainly there is nothing in a sprinkling or a pouring that represents either a burial or a planting1 but each of these passages point in unmistakable terms to a baptism by immersion4 ,the ,apostle ,paul again makes this clear in his ,epistle to the ,colossians1 ii1 #ab3 ,buried with ,him in baptism4 ,when ,john baptized in the wilderness1 ,there went out unto him all the land of ,judea and they of ,jerusalem1 and were all baptized of him in the river of ,jordan1 confessing their sins4 7,mark i1 #e47 ,all the evidence contained in the sacred ,scriptures points unmistakably to the fact that immersion was the only mode of baptism practiced by the ,apostles and early ,christians4 ,profane history gives conclusive evidence of this fact4 ,speaking of baptism of the first century1 ,dr4 ,mosheim says1 ,in this century baptism was administered in convenient places within the public assemblies1 and by immersing the candidate wholly in water4 7,mosheim's ,church ,history ,murdock1 ,third ,edition1 ,vol4 #a1 p4 #hg47 ,of the second century1 the same great author says3 ,twice a year1 namely1 at ,easter and ,whitsuntide1 99 99 99 baptism was administered by the ,bishop or by the ,presbyters 7,elders7 acting by his command and authority4 #ebf ,the candidates for it were immersed wholly in water with the invocation of the sacred ,trinity1 according to the ,savior's precept4 ,indeed1 the first deviation from baptizing by immersion occurs in a case recorded by ,eusebius1 as happening in the third century4 ,he alludes to it in these detracting terms3 ,he 7,novatian7 fell into a grievous distemper1 and it being supposed that he would die immediately1 he received baptism 7being sprinkled with water7 on the bed where he lay 7if that can be termed baptism71 neither when he had escaped that sickness1 did he afterwards receive the other things which the canon of the church enjoined should be received4 7,ecclesiastical ,history1 ,eusebius1 p4 #aac47 ,even down to the close of the thirteenth century baptism by immersion was the rule1 and sprinkling and pouring the exception4 ,yet the innovation thus made in the third century has worked its insidious way among the various divisions of ,christianity until today a convert can have any kind of baptism he may desire2 thus have they departed from the faith of the ,apostles and are teaching for religion the commandments of men1 having ,transgressed the laws1 changed the ordinance1 broken the everlasting covenant1 in fulfilment of the words of the prophet ,isaiah4 7,isaiah xxiv1 #e47 ,,gift ,,of ,,the ,,holy ,,ghost4 ,the next step in the regular order of initiation into the fold of ,christ is to secure the birth of the ,spirit1 or the baptism of the ,holy ,ghost2 this being essential to enable us to pursue an acceptable course in the service of the ,lord1 that the ,holy ,ghost may be with us as an abiding gift1 as a light to our feet and a lamp to our pathway through life4 ,the ,lord in ,his wonderful plan for the salvation of the souls of men has provided a way for the humble and penitent baptized believer to secure this blessed gift4 7,mark i1 #h47 ,i indeed have baptized you with water1 but ,he shall baptize you with the ,holy ,ghost4 7,acts i1 #e47 ,for ,john truly baptized with water1 but ye shall be baptized with the ,holy ,ghost not many days hence4 ,behold the promise fulfilled4 7,acts ii1 #b-d47 ,and suddenly there came a sound from ,heaven as of a rushing mighty wind and it filled all the house where they were sitting1 and there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire1 and it sat upon each of them4 ,and they were all filled with the ,holy ,ghost and began to speak with other tongues as the ,spirit gave them utterance4 ,but this precious gift was not to be given until after ,jesus was glorified1 as shown by #ebg the following 7,john vii1 #ci71 99 99 99 ,for the ,holy ,ghost was not yet given because that ,jesus was not yet glorified4 ,on that great ,pentecostal day the ,holy ,ghost was given and a glorious manifestation of heavenly light appeared sitting upon each of the ,apostles who had accompanied the ,savior in all ,his travels and had witnessed ,his wonderful works1 and by ,his divine favor had been made partakers of ,his holy ministry4 ,they now received the promised blessing in rich abundance1 and a way was provided by which they might transmit it to others by the imposition of hands1 as shown by the following 7,acts viii1 #ag73 ,then laid they their hands on them and they received the ,holy ,ghost4 ,evidently the ,holy ,ghost came not as the result of the baptism1 nor in answer to the prayer of the ,apostles1 but by the laying on of their hands1 clearly showing that this was the mode the ,lord had provided by which the ,holy ,ghost should be conferred upon baptized believers4 ,this again is clearly set forth in ,acts xix1 #e-f1 ,when they heard this they were baptized in the name of the ,lord ,jesus4 ,and when ,paul had laid his hands upon them1 the ,holy ,ghost came on them1 and they spake with tongues and prophesied4 ,,the ,,blood ,,of ,,christ4 ,we have now pointed out the path that leads to eternal life--the straight and narrow way1 and carefully noted the inscriptions along the line1 down into the water through the door into the ,kingdom of ,god4 ,faith in the ,lord ,jesus ,christ1 repentance of all sins1 baptism by immersion for the remission of sins1 gift of the ,holy ,ghost by the laying on of hands2 this is the course marked out by the ,father to prepare ,his children to receive the benefits of the atoning blood of ,jesus ,christ4 ,earthly things are typical of heavenly things as set forth in the following 7#a ,john v1 #g-h73 ,for there are three that bear record in heaven1 the ,father1 the ,word and the ,holy ,ghost1 and these three are one2 and there are three that bear witness in the earth1 the ,spirit1 the water and the blood1 and these three agree in one4 ,by the water we keep the commandment1 by the ,spirit are we justified1 and by the blood are we sanctified2 and thus we become saints4 ,he who has fully repented of his sins and been baptized for the remission thereof1 and received the ,holy ,ghost by the laying on of hands1 may then partake of the emblems of the ,savior's flesh and blood2 and in that sacred ordinance eat and drink to his soul1 #ebh the benefits of that atoning blood4 ,and such have the promise of the ,savior that they shall never hunger nor thirst4 ,there is no other way provided on earth by which mankind can secure the benefits of the atoning blood of ,christ4 ,,authority4 ,upon this question hinges the validity of all the acts of men4 ,every officer of our government must be elected or appointed according to the mode established by the ,constitution of the ,united ,states1 or his acts fall to the ground as null and void4 ,the decisions of a court involving the validity of titles to land or other great interests would be void if it could be shown that the judge rendering the decisions had not been elected or appointed legally4 ,every deed issued by a sheriff at a sheriff's sale of real estate would be void if it could be shown that the sheriff was a usurper and not legally authorized to officiate in the duties of the office4 ,all naturalization papers issued by a judge1 if it could be shown that he had never been elected or appointed according to the constitutional requirements1 would by a legal tribunal be declared worthless and the holder deprived of his citizenship4 ,in fact1 the question of authority to act in any office of the affairs of human life is so clearly understood by all persons of ordinary intelligence that time would seem to be wasted in discussing it2 but not so in questions involving the future of the human soul4 ,in these sacred and vastly more important matters upon which hang all our hopes of eternal life1 the average man seems willing to trust to the opinions of a minister of some one of the orthodox sects or to the wild vagaries of an upstart who cries1 ,lo1 here is ,christ1 or ,lo1 ,he is there1 without for a single moment raising the question1 ,where is his authority to officiate in the sacred ordinances of the ,gospel of ,christ1 or to initiate men into the ,kingdom of ,god8 ,the average merchant in conducting his regular business1 when waited upon by one claiming to be an agent of a manufacturer1 places his order with that agent fully expecting to receive the goods4 ,as the time rolls on the goods come according to the sample shown and the order given4 ,this fact alone is proof to the merchant that the agent was in touch with his principal and was a duly authorized agent4 ,but if the goods come not1 it is strong presumptive evidence that the agent was a fraud and was not authorized by the manufacturer to take orders for goods4 ,if this test be applied to the ministers of the various sects of the ,christian world1 it will at once be found that they are self-appointed #ebi agents1 not in touch with the principal whom they claim to represent1 as their patrons receive not the goods4 ,in other words1 the signs promised by the ,savior are lacking and do not follow the believer1 which alone is sufficient evidence that the so-called ministers were never sent of ,god4 ,jesus said1 ,go ye into all the world and preach the ,gospel to every creature1 he that believeth and is baptized shall be saved1 but he that believeth not shall be damned4 ,and these signs shall follow them that believe2 in ,my name shall they cast out devils2 they shall speak with new tongues1 they shall take up serpents1 and if they drink any deadly thing1 it shall not hurt them2 they shall lay hands on the sick and they shall recover4 7,mark xvi1 #ae-ah47 ,the promised blessings fail1 the signs do not follow1 they receive not the goods4 ,the grand secret of it all is1 ,god has not sent the agents through whom they seek these blessings2 they hold no authority to officiate in the ordinances of ,his house2 as agents they are not in touch with their principal4 ,these ministers are self-appointed teachers of man-made systems of religion4 ,they are teaching for doctrine the commandments of men4 ,from the time the ,christian ,fathers fell by persecution and death1 down to the time the ,emperor ,constantine made the ,christian faith universal through the ,roman provinces in #cbc ,a4,d41 the forms of the ,christian religion were constantly undergoing a change4 ,at that time there were incorporated in the ,christian church heathen rites1 which with the innovations added1 down through the ages to the present time1 stamps that church today as one entirely separate and apart from the original apostolic church4 ,without ,apostles and ,prophets through whom they might obtain the word of ,god1 the church has steadily drifted from its moorings into the broad sea of men's opinions1 until it is split and divided into hundreds of different sects and creeds1 no one of which can today present an organization that even resembles the form of the ,church of ,christ4 ,the most important features have been eliminated4 ,signs and wonders and miraculous gifts1 together with the fruits of the ,spirit1 set forth by the ,apostle ,paul in ,i ,cor4 xii1 have disappeared1 and but the empty and powerless form is found among the children of men4 ,the shadow alone remains1 the substance has departed4 ,and why8 ,because mankind have departed from the faith of the ancients4 ,the rights1 powers and privileges of the apostolic priesthood have long since been withdrawn from man1 and all who officiate in religious rites do so without authority from the living ,god4 ,if we examine and see how the servants of ,god were called #ecj to the ministry in other ages1 we can discover a guide to direct us in obtaining authority in this age4 ,from out of the midst of the burning bush the ,lord called ,moses 7,ex4 iii71 and when he 7,moses7 was about to be succeeded by ,joshua as leader1 he conferred upon ,joshua authority by the laying on of his hands4 7,see ,deut4 xxxiv1 #i47 ,and ,joshua1 the son of ,nun1 was full of the spirit of wisdom1 for ,moses had laid his hands upon him4 ,jesus1 when ,he entered upon ,his ministry1 called twelve men and ordained them2 ,and ,he ordained twelve men that they should be with ,him1 and that ,he might send them forth to preach4 7,mark iii1 #ad47 ,again ,he said1 ,ye have not chosen ,me1 but ,i have chosen you and ordained you4 7,john xv1 #af47 ,jesus said in ,his prayer unto ,his ,father1 ,as thou hast sent ,me into the world even so have ,i sent them into the world4 7,john xvii1 #ah47 ,the ,apostle ,paul evidently had this question of authority to meet as he gave vent to his feelings in the following forcible language3 ,whereunto ,i am ordained a preacher and an ,apostle 7,i speak the truth in ,christ and lie not71 a teacher of the ,gentiles in faith and verity4 7,i ,tim4 ii1 #g47 ,it was very gratifying1 no doubt1 to the ,apostle ,paul1 to be able to declare with such emphasis the fact of his ordination2 and no wonder1 when we consider the way in which he was called4 ,he was justly entitled to declare it1 as will be seen by the manner of his calling4 ,as they ministered to the ,lord and fasted1 the ,holy ,ghost said3 ,separate me ,barnabas and ,saul for the work whereunto ,i have called them4 ,and when they had fasted and prayed and laid their hands on them1 they sent them away1 so they being sent forth by the ,holy ,ghost1 etc4 7,acts xiii1 #b-d47 ,paul then was evidently called by direct revelation of the ,holy ,ghost1 and when the hands of the ,prophets were laid upon him1 he was sent away1 so also was his companion1 ,barnabas4 ,the author of the ,epistle to the ,hebrews makes a most positive declaration on this question4 ,he says3 ,for every ,high ,priest taken from among men is ordained for men1 in things pertaining to ,god1 that he may offer both gifts and sacrifices for sins2 and no man taketh this honor to himself1 but he that is called of ,god as was ,aaron4 7,heb4 v1 #a1 #d47 ,a glance at ,exodus iv1 #ad-af and #bg-bh1 will show us how ,aaron was called3 ,and the anger of the ,lord was kindled against ,moses1 and ,he said3 ,is not ,aaron the ,levite thy brother8 ,i know that he can speak well1 and also behold he cometh forth to meet thee1 and when he seeth thee he will be glad in his heart4 ,and thou shalt speak unto him and put #eca words into his mouth2 and ,i will be with thy mouth1 and with his mouth1 and will teach you what ye shall do2 and he shall be thy spokesman unto the people4 ,thus ,aaron was called of ,god2 and in all ages when ,god has had a people on the earth1 ,his servants have been duly called of ,him and ordained1 and the stamp of ,his approval has been placed on their labors in signs and miraculous manifestations4 ,,salvation ,,for ,,the ,,dead4 ,in this age of religious freedom1 when every man is at liberty to worship how1 where or what he pleases1 when the ,christian church is split and divided into innumerable sects and creeds1 and is still dividing and subdividing2 where the opinions of men1 crystallized into creeds1 pass current as systems of theological truths2 while spiritualism in all its various forms is rampant upon the earth1 and its younger and more delicately molded brother1 theosophy1 is gaining acceptance as a wonderful revelation from the unseen world2 while darkness covers the earth and gross darkness the people1 and men are continually seeking for that which borders upon the sensational--the word of ,god comes forth proclaiming the principles of salvation for the dead as well as for the living4 ,that there is but one faith1 one hope1 one baptism1 one way to obtain eternal life1 either for the living or for the dead1 is clearly shown by the ,scriptures4 ,to the law and to the testimony2 if they speak not according to the word1 it is because there is no light in them4 7,isaiah viii1 #bj47 ,these shall be our guide4 ,by this divine method we are willing that all shall be judged4 ,opinions of men are not the words of ,god1 nor is the word of ,god to receive a private interpretation1 as is clearly shown by the following 7,,ii ,peter i1 #bj1 #ba73 ,knowing this first that no prophecy of the ,scriptures is of any private interpretation4 ,for the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man1 but holy men of ,god spake as they were moved by the ,holy ,ghost4 ,opinions of men shall not prevail1 but we will take the word of ,god for our guide4 ,and when they shall say unto you1 seek unto them that have familiar spirits and unto wizards that peep and that mutter1 should not a people seek unto their ,god for the living to the dead8 7,isaiah viii1 #ai47 ,let us then go to the ,scriptures1 and seek the word of ,god for a knowledge of the dead4 ,after ,jesus ,christ1 the ,savior of the world1 fulfilled ,his mission among the living and was about to depart to the unseen world and perform ,his work for the salvation of the dead3 #ecb while ,he was suffering the pangs of death upon the cross between two malefactors1 ,he was railed upon by one1 yet worshipped by the other1 to whom ,he said3 ,today shalt thou be with ,me in ,paradise4 ,this saying has created a belief in the ,christian world that the vilest sinner on his death-bed or the murderer upon the gallows by confessing ,christ at the last moment1 can be saved4 ,but let us find out where the ,savior went4 ,did ,he go to ,his ,father and ,god8 ,not if the ,scriptures are true4 ,on the morning of the ,savior's resurrection and ,mary's visit to the sepulcher1 she thought ,jesus was the gardener4 ,yet when ,he said ,mary1 she at once recognized ,him1 and in her joy evidently sought to embrace ,him1 for it is said1 ,jesus saith unto her1 touch ,me not1 for ,i am not yet ascended to ,my ,father2 but go to ,my brethren and say unto them1 ,i ascend unto ,my ,father and your ,father1 and to ,my ,god and your ,god4 7,john xx1 #ag47 ,if this be true1 are we not justified in asking the question1 ,lord1 if ,thou hast not been to ,thy ,father and ,god during these three days1 where hast ,thou been8 ,let the ,scriptures answer3 ,for ,christ also hath once suffered for sins1 the just for the unjust1 that ,he might bring us to ,god1 being put to death in the flesh1 but quickened by the ,spirit by which also ,he went and preached unto the spirits in prison1 which sometime were disobedient when once the long-suffering of ,god waited in the days of ,noah while the ark was preparing1 wherein few1 that is1 eight souls1 were saved by water4 7,i ,peter iii1 #ah-bj47 ,so then ,christ went to the spirit world1 and there preached the ,gospel to the spirits in prison4 ,and why8 ,for1 for this cause was the ,gospel preached also to them that are dead1 that they might be judged according to men in the flesh1 but live according to ,god in the ,spirit4 7,i ,peter iv1 #f47 ,it would seem that this can need no explanation1 for by this rule all men are to be judged by the same law1 whether they hear the ,gospel in life or after death4 ,and herein is the justice of ,almighty ,god made manifest1 for if it were not so1 and if the modern ,christian theory should prevail1 viz41 that all mankind who do not confess ,christ are lost1 what shall be said of four-fifths of the people on the earth today1 and those that have lived in like circumstances in the heathen world1 who never heard of ,christ8 ,if1 when all mankind are brought before the judgment-seat to be judged1 and the heathen hears his sentence read by the great ,judge1 ,depart from ,me1 ye cursed1 into the place prepared for the devil and his angels1 because you never confessed #ecc ,my name1 would not the heathen be justified in saying1 ,who art thou8 ,i never heard of ,jesus ,christ4 ,when ,i was on the earth ,i worshipped ,joss and served him faithfully4 ,to punish the heathen for not confessing ,christ when in fact he never heard of ,him is contrary to the justice of an ,all-wise ,creator4 ,but ,god has provided a better way4 ,all who have never heard the ,gospel in life will have an opportunity after death1 as clearly set forth in the above as in the following3 ,verily1 verily ,i say unto you1 the hour is coming and now is1 when the dead shall hear the voice of the ,son of ,god1 and they that hear shall live4 ,but1 says the objector1 that means all they that are dead in sin1 but read a little farther3 ,marvel not at this1 for the hour is coming in the which all that are in the graves shall hear ,his voice4 7,john v1 #be and #bh47 ,again1 ,for as ,jonas was three days and nights in the whale's belly1 so shall the ,son of ,man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth4 7,matt1 xii1 #dj47 ,by these passages it is clearly apparent that the ,savior fore-knew ,his mission to the spirit world in the heart of the earth1 and that while there1 all who were in their graves would hear ,his voice4 ,not only was this understood by ,jesus and ,his ,apostles1 but long prior to the ,savior's day the ,prophets foresaw the work ,he would do for the dead1 ,i the ,lord have called thee in righteousness1 and will hold thine hand and will keep thee1 and give thee a covenant of the people1 for a light of the ,gentiles2 to open the blind eyes1 to bring out the prisoners from the prison1 and them that sit in darkness out of the prison house4 7,isaiah xlii1 #f-g47 ,here the prophet foretold the labors of the ,savior4 ,during ,his sojourn in the flesh1 we have no account of ,his having brought out the prisoners from the prison1 or proclaiming liberty to the captives1 or the opening of the prison to them that are bound4 ,had ,he done so1 the ,roman government would have had a case against ,him1 yet ,pilate found no fault in ,him4 ,hence we must look elsewhere for the fulfilment of these passages4 ,and it shall come to pass in that day that the ,lord shall punish the host of the high ones that are on high and the kings of the earth upon the earth1 and they shall be gathered together as prisoners are gathered in the pit1 and shall be shut up in the prison1 and after many days shall they be visited4 7,isaiah xxiv1 #ba-b47 ,here is the finale of a terrible picture of the earth's desolation1 when it is to be empty1 turned upside down1 broken1 dissolved1 removed like a cottage1 and the inhabitants thereof scattered4 ,all are to be gathered1 including the kings1 #ecd and the high ones1 as prisoners are gathered in the pit1 shut up in prison and after many days visited4 ,what will be the object of this visitation8 ,peter has already told it3 as ,christ visited the antediluvians1 so when these have suffered the vengeance of ,almighty ,god in the spirit1 some of ,his servants1 ministering angels1 will be sent to visit them and preach the ,gospel to them as ,jesus did4 ,lift up your heads1 ,o ye gates1 and be ye lifted up1 ye everlasting doors1 and the ,king of ,glory shall come in4 ,who is the ,king of ,glory8 ,the ,lord strong and mighty1 the ,lord mighty in battle4 7,psalm xxiv1 #g-h47 ,what was the subject of the vision thus portrayed by the prophet1 and where was it to take place8 ,he saw the ,savior making ,his triumphal entry into the infernal regions1 and with irresistible power the gate and doors are made to fly open and the immortal ,king stands in the midst of prisoners of the spirit world4 ,thus the full import of that beautiful passage of the psalmist ,david would read3 ,lift up your heads1 ,o ye gates of hell1 and be ye lifted up1 ye everlasting doors of the prisons of the damned1 and the ,king of ,glory shall come into the regions of darkness proclaiming liberty to the captives and the opening of the prison doors to them that are bound in hell4 ,if the antediluvians after their long sojourn in the regions of darkness were had in remembrance before ,god so that ,he sent ,his beloved ,son to preach to them the ,gospel during the time ,his body lay in the tomb1 what shall be done for those who have died since the ,savior's visit to the spirit world8 ,as ,his ,apostles and all ,his faithful followers served ,him in life1 who shall say that after death they will not follow ,his example1 and continue to serve ,him by going to the spirit world and there preaching to the spirits in prison who have died without a knowledge of the ,gospel8 ,and when these poor benighted beings1 after their long captivity under the reign of ,lucifer1 listen to the precious truths of the ,gospel of ,christ and become converted1 straightway the question arises1 ,how can ,i obey the ordinance of baptism8 ,i am in a disembodied state of existence1 yet my ,savior has said3 ,except ye are born of water and of the ,spirit1 ye cannot enter into the ,kingdom of ,god4 ,oh1 wonderful plan provided by the ,almighty6 ,the living may be baptized for the dead4 ,it is very plain that this great principle was understood by the ancient ,saints1 as will be seen by the words of the ,apostle ,paul1 addressed to the ,corinthians3 ,else what shall they do which are baptized for the dead1 if the dead arise not at all1 why are they then baptized for the dead8 7,i ,cor4 xv1 #bi47 #ece ,a ,,mother',s ,,influence4 ,a ,,few ,,words ,,about ,,the ,,fieldings ,,and ,,the ,,birth ,,of ,,president ,,joseph ,f4 ,,smith4 ,john ,fielding and his wife1 ,rachel1 were natives of ,yorkshire1 ,england1 having been born in #agei and #agfh1 respectively4 ,they were married at that place1 and afterwards moved to ,bedfordshire1 where they lived together for forty years in the humble and happy sphere of farm life4 ,they were both devoted ,methodists1 ,mr4 ,fielding having the distinction of being a local preacher1 in which capacity he labored most faithfully1 often riding from ten to thirty miles to fill his appointments1 but never accepting a penny for his work from the society which voted to compensate him for his services4 ,together with his faithful wife1 he lived a life of industry1 sobriety and integrity before men1 fearing ,god and keeping ,his commandments to the best of his knowledge with all the sincerity and humility of his soul4 ,nine children were born of this union1 among whom were ,joseph and ,mary1 whom we wish on this occasion particularly to single out in our sketch4 ,the mother died in #ahbh1 and in #ahcb young ,joseph left his nativity to go to ,america to prepare the way for the rest of the family to follow4 ,he located in upper ,canada1 being subsequently joined by the members of his family from ,england1 his two sisters among them1 who1 together with himself1 and also other progressive spirits of the village1 applied themselves closely to the ,scriptures4 ,a little body of seekers after truth was organized1 in which was found ,john ,taylor1 who afterwards became president of the ,church4 ,the ,society met several times a week in company with a ,methodist preacher1 to study the different religions1 and to pray for the ,lord to send them the ,holy ,ghost2 for through their research they had been led to believe many of the principles of the ,gospel contrary to the orthodox dogmas of the times4 ,it was during this time that ,apostle ,parley ,p4 ,pratt went on his mission to ,canada1 and was directed to the home of ,brother ,taylor4 #ece ,he was admitted into the association of investigators1 and as a result ,joseph ,fielding1 his two sisters and his family1 and also ,john ,taylor accepted the ,gospel and subsequently moved to ,kirtland4 ,the ,methodist minister being chided by his members1 rejected the truth and became a persecutor of the ,saints4 ,in #ahcg the wife of the ,patriarch ,hyrum ,smith died1 leaving him with six small children4 ,later he married again1 taking to wife ,mary ,fielding1 one of ,joseph ,fielding's sisters1 who had embraced the ,gospel in ,canada through the labors of ,apostle ,pratt4 ,in ,june1 #ahcg1 in company with ,apostles ,heber ,c4 ,kimball and ,willard ,richards1 ,joseph ,fielding left ,kirtland to open up the ,gospel in ,england1 being joined at ,new ,york by three other missionaries4 ,brother ,fielding remained on his mission four years1 during which time approximately #g1jjj souls accepted the truth4 ,it was while he was in ,england that he received the following letter from his sister ,mary1 whom it will be remembered was the wife of the ,patriarch ,hyrum ,smith1 in which she tells of the birth of her dear little ,joseph ,f41 as the devoted mother expressed it1 who is now our worthy and honored president of the ,church1 the letter ,f being the initial of the surname of his uncle1 ,joseph ,fielding4 ,the letter is as follows3 ,commerce1 ,illinois1 ,n4 ,america1 ,june1 #ahci4 ,my ,very ,dear ,brother--,as the elders are expecting shortly to take their leave of us again to preach the ,gospel in my native land1 ,i feel as though ,i would not let the opportunity of writing you pass by unimproved4 ,i believe it will give you pleasure to hear from us by our own hand2 notwithstanding1 you will see the brethren face to face1 and have an opportunity of hearing all particulars respecting us and our families1 from their mouths4 ,as it respects myself1 it is now so long since ,i wrote to you1 and so many important things have transpired1 and so great have been my afflictions1 etc41 that ,i know not where to begin2 but ,i can say1 hitherto has the ,lord preserved me1 and ,i am still the living to praise ,him1 as ,i do this day4 ,i have1 to be sure1 been called to drink deep of the bitter cup2 but you know1 my beloved brother1 this makes the sweet the sweeter4 ,i feel at this moment1 while reflecting on the events of the past seven months1 so full of matter1 that ,i am ready to wish ,i could convey myself into your presence for a short time1 so that ,i might communicate verbally more than ,i can possibly do by the pen4 ,you have1 ,i suppose1 heard of the imprisonment of my dear husband1 with his brother ,joseph1 ,elder ,rigdon1 and others1 who were kept from us nearly six months2 and ,i suppose no one felt the painful effects of their confinement more than myself4 ,i was left in a way that called for the exercise of all the courage and grace ,i possessed4 ,my #ecg husband was taken from me by an armed force1 at a time when ,i needed1 in a particular manner1 the kindest care and attention of such a friend1 instead of which1 the care of a large family was suddenly and unexpectedly left upon myself1 and1 in a few days after1 my dear little ,joseph ,f4 was added to the number4 ,shortly after his birth ,i took a severe cold1 which brought on chills and fever2 this1 together with the anxiety of mind ,i had to endure1 threatened to bring me to the gates of death4 ,i was at least four months entirely unable to take any care either of myself or child2 but the ,lord was merciful in so ordering things that my dear sister could be with me all the time4 ,her child was five months old when mine was born2 so she had strength given her to nurse them both1 so as to have them do well and grow fast4 ,you will also have heard of our being driven1 as a people1 from the state and from our homes2 but you will hear all particulars from the elders1 so as to render it not necessary for me to write them4 ,this happened during my sickness1 and ,i had to be removed more than two hundred miles1 chiefly on my bed4 ,i suffered much on my journey2 but in three or four weeks after we got into ,illinois1 ,i began to amend1 and my health is now as good as ever it was4 ,it is now little more than a month since the ,lord1 in ,his marvellous power1 returned my dear husband1 with the rest of the brethren1 to their families1 in tolerable health4 ,we are now living in ,commerce1 on the bank of the great ,mississippi river4 ,the situation is very pleasant2 you would be much pleased to see it4 ,how long we may be permitted to enjoy it ,i know not2 but the ,lord knows best what is best for us4 ,i feel but little concerned about where ,i am1 if ,i can but keep my mind staid upon ,god2 for1 you know in this there is perfect peace4 ,i believe the ,lord is overruling all things for our good4 ,i suppose our enemies look upon us with astonishment and disappointment4 ,i greatly desire to see you1 and ,i think you would be pleased to see our little ones3 will you pray for us1 that we may have grace to train them up in the way they should go1 so that they may be a blessing to us and the world4 ,i have a hope that our brothers and sisters will also embrace the fullness of the ,gospel1 and come into the new and everlasting covenant2 ,i trust that their prejudices will give way to the power of truth4 ,i would gladly have them with us here1 even though they might have to endure all kind of tribulation and affliction with us and the rest of the children of ,god1 in these last days1 so that they might share in the glories of the ,celestial ,kingdom4 ,as to myself1 ,i can truly say that ,i would not give up the prospects of the latter-day glory for all that glitters in this world4 ,o6 my dear brother1 ,i must tell you for your comfort1 that my hope is full1 and it is a glorious hope2 and though ,i have been left for near six months1 in widowhood1 in the time of great affliction1 and was called to take1 joyfully or otherwise1 the spoiling of almost all our goods1 in the absence of my husband1 and all unlawfully1 just for the ,gospel's sake 7for the judge himself declared that he was kept in prison for no other reason than because he was a friend to his brother71 yet ,i do not feel the least discouraged3 no1 though my sister and ,i are here together in a strange land1 we have been enabled to rejoice in the midst of our privation and persecutions that we were counted worthy to suffer these things1 so that we may1 with the ancient ,saints who suffered in the like manner1 inherit the same glorious reward4 ,if it had not been for this hope1 ,i should have sunk before this2 but1 blessed be the ,god #ech and ,rock of my salvation1 here ,i am1 and am perfectly satisfied and happy1 having not the smallest desire to go one step backward4 ,your last letter to ,elder ,kimball gave us great pleasure2 we thank you for your expression of kindness1 and pray ,god to bless you according to your desires for us4 ,the more ,i see of the dealings of our ,heavenly ,father with us as a people1 the more ,i am constrained to rejoice that ,i was made acquainted with the everlasting covenant4 ,o may the ,lord keep me faithful till my change comes6 ,i desire that you would write us1 and let us know all particulars that would be interesting to us4 ,o1 my dear brother1 why is it that our friends should stand out against the truth1 and look on those that would show it to them as their enemies8 ,the work here is prospering much2 several men of respectability and intelligence1 who have been acquainted with all our difficulties1 are coming into the work4 ,sister ,mary will also write to you4 ,my husband joins me in love to you4 ,i remain1 my dear brother and sister1 your affectionate sister4 ,mary ,smith4 ,from the spirit of and the facts presented in the above communication one is able to see1 not only the noble spirit and sterling character of that devoted and self-sacrificing mother and faithful wife1 but he is also brought face to face with the truth too often concealed from deserving recognition1 that within the ranks of ,god's soldiery there are none more valiant1 none more brave1 none more heroic2 yea1 none who endure more of the heat and brunt of the battle than do the courageous and loyal-hearted wives and mothers who remain at home alone to cope with the serious problems of life and to bear the responsibility of the family while the husband is abroad in the ministry4 ,and when we understand this1 and recognize1 too1 that every true and faithful wife and mother realizes the importance and the magnitude of her mission1 then can we appreciate more fully the tenderness and sincerity of heart1 the purity and nobility of soul revealed in woman--,god's masterpiece of creation--as expressed in the exalting and pathetic appeal of ,sister ,smith to her brother ,joseph1 ,i think you would be pleased to see our little ones4 ,will you pray for us1 that we may have grace to train them up in the way they should go1 so that they may be a blessing to us and the world8 ,this noble mother stayed with the body of the ,church1 remaining loyal and true to its leaders1 and firm and steadfast in the faith1 and taught her children to follow in her footsteps4 ,with the rest of the ,saints1 who were driven from their homes by cruel mobs incited by bitter apostates1 and other despisers of the truth1 she took her little family to the valleys #eci of the mountains--her son ,joseph1 although less than ten years of age1 driving two yoke of oxen and a heavy wagon across the plains1 a distance of one thousand miles4 ,sister ,smith devoted the few short years of her eventful life to the culture and training of her children1 inculcating within their minds the necessity of their clinging to the faith and remaining loyal to the cause of ,god2 and although she was taken away in the fall of #aheb1 yet she had implanted within the breasts of her children a thorough knowledge that the ,church had been restored and perfectly organized with apostles and prophets1 with a decree from ,god that it should stand forever and never be disorganized or thrown down1 and with a love so strong for the truth that their lives and characters stand out before the world and before ,god as a monument for integrity1 fidelity and obedience1 whose every surface1 polished as bright as the noon-day sun by the faith1 the prayers and the tears of that loving and devoted mother1 reflects honor and glory on her sacred name that will endure forever4 ,what a contrast between the fruits of the influence exerted by this true daughter of ,god upon her husband's children1 one of whom is the patriarch and the other the president of the ,church of ,christ on the earth today1 and that exercised by other mothers who have instilled within the hearts of their children the spirit of dissension and rebellion against the stability of the restored ,gospel of our ,lord ,jesus ,christ6 ,the devil has put the whole world on the watch against us4 ,it is impossible for us to make the least move without exciting1 if not all the world1 at least a considerable portion of it4 ,they are excited at what we do1 and1 strange to relate1 they are no less excited at what we do not do6 --,brigham ,young4 #edj ,,is ,,baptism ,,essential ,,to ,,salvation8 ,this is a question of grave importance1 because it involves me fate of every man and woman in the world4 ,the minds of many have been troubled on this point1 and none should rest satisfied until they have a perfect understanding in regard to it4 ,there is considerable discussion and diversity of opinions on this subject in the so-called ,christian world2 and it seems that all that has been said about it by uninspired men has only tended to bewilder the mind4 ,but while they cling to their own opinions and wander from the truth1 we much prefer believing the revealed word of ,god4 ,in ,luke 7vii4 #bi1 #cj7 we read that ,john the ,baptist1 a servant of the ,most ,high1 taught baptism1 and those who were baptized justified ,god1 while some rejected the counsel of ,god against themselves1 being not baptized of him4 ,no one will dare to say that men will be saved in rejecting the counsel of ,god against themselves4 ,then1 as it is a counsel of ,god for men to be baptized1 they cannot be saved without it2 therefore1 it is essential to salvation4 ,the ,lord sent his angel to ,cornelius1 and told him to send for ,peter1 who would tell him words by which he and all his house should be saved 7,acts x4 #ad74 ,cornelius did so1 and when ,peter came1 he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the ,lord 7,acts x4 #dh74 ,if ,cornelius had rejected baptism as non-essential1 could he have been saved8 ,no2 for the angel told him that ,peter would tell him how to be saved1 and ,peter commanded them to be baptized4 ,according to this1 baptism must be essential to salvation4 ,paul1 speaking to the ,galatians1 says3 ,ye are all the children of ,god by faith in ,christ ,jesus4 ,for as many of you as have been baptized into ,christ have put on ,christ 7,gal4 iii4 #bf1 #bg74 ,if it is essential to put on ,christ to obtain salvation1 then it is essential to be baptized1 for we put on ,christ by baptism4 ,jesus1 in giving the apostles their commission1 said3 ,go ye into all the world and preach the ,gospel to every creature1 he that believeth and is baptized shall be saved2 but he that #eda believeth not1 7and consequently is not baptized7 shall be damned 7,mark xvi4 #ae1 #af74 ,here the ,savior positively declares that it is the baptized believer who shall be saved4 ,then1 of course1 baptism is essential to salvation1 and who will dare to say it is not4 ,jesus said to ,nicodemus3 ,verily1 verily1 ,i say unto thee1 except a man be born of water 7that is1 baptized in water7 and of the spirit1 7that is1 baptized in the spirit7 he cannot enter into the kingdom of ,god4 7,john iii4 #f74 ,if entering the kingdom of ,god is essential to salvation1 then being born of water1 or1 in other words1 being baptized1 is essential also1 for by one we enter the other4 ,the ,apostle ,peter1 in the third chapter of his first epistle1 says1 that in the ark there were eight souls saved by water1 the like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us4 ,according to this1 he taught that baptism was essential to salvation4 ,on the day of ,pentecost1 many persons were convinced that ,jesus was the ,christ1 which caused them to inquire of ,god's servants what they should do1 to which ,peter replied3 ,repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of ,jesus ,christ for the remission of sins 7,acts ii4 #ch74 ,if baptism was not essential to salvation1 why did ,peter command them to be baptized8 ,when ,john was in the wilderness he preached baptism of repentance for the remission of sins 7,mark i4 #d74 ,he preached the same doctrine in all the country about ,jordan 7,luke iii4 #c74 ,peter commanded the people to be baptized for the remission of sins 7,acts ii4 #ch74 ,ananias said to ,paul1 why tarriest thou8 ,arise and be baptized and wash away thy sins 7,acts xxii4 #af74 ,from these quotations we learn that baptism is for the remission of sins4 ,is the remission of sins essential to salvation8 ,if so1 baptism must be1 for one is obtained through the other4 ,it is repeatedly stated in the scriptures that it is they who do the will of ,god that will enter the kingdom of heaven4 ,that it is the will of ,god for people to be baptized1 no reasonable person will deny4 ,then1 they who say ,lord1 ,lord1 and reject baptism1 will surely receive that woeful doom1 depart ye cursed6 ,i never knew you4 ,the apostles spoke by the authority that ,god had given them4 ,what they told the people1 while in the line of their duty was as binding on them as though the ,lord had done it himself4 ,their words were the words of ,god4 ,and when #edb they commanded the people to be baptized they must comply or lose salvation1 for no one can be saved in disobeying ,god's commandments4 ,if baptism is not essential to salvation1 why does the ,lord require it8 ,the fact that ,he requires it1 is enough to prove that it is essential4 ,some have supposed that the thief who was crucified beside the ,savior went to heaven1 and it is believed that he was not baptized2 therefore1 it is argued if one can be saved without baptism others can1 and consequently it is not essential to salvation4 ,but this supposition is not true1 for ,jesus said to the thief1 to-day shalt thou be with me in ,paradise1 and three days afterwards said to ,mary1 touch me not for ,i have not yet ascended unto my ,father4 ,according to this1 ,paradise and ,heaven are two distinct places1 and as ,jesus did not go to ,heaven1 neither did the thief2 for they were both together in ,paradise4 ,if it is necessary for every one to be baptized1 asks one1 what will become of the good people who have died without having that privilege8 ,to this we may reply that the dead who died without hearing the gospel will have it preached to them as it was anciently1 7,i ,peter iv4 #e1 #f74 ,they who obey it will be saved but they who reject it will be condemned1 as though they were in the flesh4 ,but1 says one1 a dead person1 cannot be baptized4 ,very true2 but ,god in ,his infinite wisdom provided a way in which the dead can be baptized for1 by proxy1 as shown by ,paul in the questions 7,i ,cor4 xv4 #bi73 ,else what shall they do who are baptized for the dead1 if the dead rise not at all8 ,why are they then baptized for the dead8 ,paul was not speaking about baptism for the dead1 but the resurrection of the dead1 and brings up baptism for the dead as a proof of the resurrection1 by asking why they were baptized for the dead if the dead rise not at all4 ,but this plainly shows that baptism for the dead was both believed and practiced by the early ,christians4 ,enough has now been said to prove to any reasonable person that baptism is essential to salvation1 and the arguments against such a doctrine have been sufficiently refuted4 ,so1 let all people prepare themselves and be baptized1 under proper authority1 for the remission of sins1 that they may be saved in the kingdom of ,god2 for what shall it profit a man if he gain the whole world and lose his own soul4 #edc ,,alleged ,,objectionable ,,features ,,in ,,the ,,religion ,,of ,,latter-,,day ,,saints4 ,,by ,,elder ,,charles ,w4 ,,stayner4 ,,the ,,book ,,of ,,mormon4 ,one of the reasons for non-belief presented by those who do not obey the ,gospel revealed in our day1 is that our religion has objectionable features2 and some who have acquired information concerning the industrious and thrifty character of the ,latter-day ,saints1 and their prosperous condition in ,utah1 carry the idea that were it not for its objectionable features1 ,mormonism1 as it is called1 might engage their attention1 and that its claims would be more readily entertained by the intelligent classes4 ,one of these objectionable features is1 that we believe in and publish a record called the ,book of ,mormon1 which has been falsely styled the ,mormon ,bible1 and through which the ,saints have received from their enemies the name of ,mormons4 ,this book1 instead of being a substitute for the ,scriptures1 as is very incorrectly stated1 is a record translated from ancient plates1 found in the earth on the ,american ,continent4 ,the record gives most valuable information concerning the origin of the ,american ,indians1 a subject which has furnished a theme for much conjecture among the learned during the present century1 and on which they are still endeavoring to discover sources of information4 ,notwithstanding the desire to ascertain the very historical data which the work contains1 the ,book of ,mormon has not received much of their attention2 and this reticence is the more remarkable from the fact that scarcely a year passes without the publication of some newly-discovered evidence1 testifying in a most telling manner to the truth of the account given in the record4 ,items of information are in quick succession being obtained and brought to their notice1 which have been before #edd the world for about fifty years1 in the record of which we are speaking4 ,the vast discoveries in ,central ,america made by ,messrs4 ,stephens and ,catherwood1 show conclusively the statements in the ,book of ,mormon to be correct2 and these evidences are materially increased in various ways through the diligent researches of other discoverers1 as shown in an article by ,apostle ,moses ,thatcher1 lately published in serial form in the ,millennial ,star4 ,speculations concerning the aborigines of that continent have furnished matter for volumes upon volumes1 and the discovery of a skeleton or the finding of a stone has been dilated upon with zeal1 and supplied conceded proof of a multiplicity of these theories and ideas1 tending to show that the ancient inhabitants were a civilized race4 ,but here is a work translated from the actual record of those people1 written by themselves when in their strength1 and engraved on plates of curious and ancient workmanship1 giving a lucid and narrative account of their settlement and social and religious progress1 and hid away in the earth by the inspired historian for some fourteen centuries1 and whose statements are sustained by undeniable proofs of a very striking character2 and yet the work is comparatively ignored1 and the facts therein given sought with avidity from other and less authoritative sources4 ,the reader would naturally inquire1 what is the cause of this8 ,simply because the ,book of ,mormon has in their estimation an objectionable feature4 ,its discovery was brought about by a revelation from ,heaven4 ,mankind1 and the learned in particular of our age1 disdain any and everything that claims present revelation from ,god as its origin4 ,if ,joseph ,smith had simply stated that he had found the plates in a mound1 and had translated them by his own skill in language1 it would have been regarded as a most interesting and valuable discovery1 and the manuscript would have been purchased at a price1 and doubtless found a place in the most prominent repository of curiosities4 ,but the record being reserved to come forth as a means of salvation for the remnant 7the ,american ,indians and others of the seed of ,israel71 who should be scattered and down-trodden in the last days1 it was to have a more dignified introduction to the notice of mankind1 than a mere chance discovery would have afforded it4 ,and all must concede that notwithstanding the distaste of the learned1 and their prejudices concerning it1 the ,book of ,mormon has been rendered much more generally known through the very means of its introduction1 #ede than it could possibly have been if simply discovered in an ordinary way4 ,in fact1 it is to these objectionable features that the ,latter-day ,saints owe their extensive advertising1 and are thus brought prominently before the public like the ,saints of old4 ,the question naturally arises1 why is it considered objectionable for a book to have an inspired origin8 ,why repudiate as false a valuable record of the people in ,america1 because written and brought to light through revelation1 while we accept the record of the people in ,asia1 called the ,bible1 which also claims to be the writings of inspired prophets and sacred historians1 and to contain the word of ,god revealed from ,heaven8 ,prophesied of in the ,bible1 the ,book of ,mormon stands side by side with the ,asiatic ,record1 as its witness rather than its substitute2 it endorses by fulfillment some of the grand predictions therein contained1 and bears sacred testimony to the crucifixion1 resurrection and ascension of ,christ1 and the introduction of the ,gospel as given us by the ,evangelists4 ,such1 then1 is the ,book which is regarded as an objectionable feature of the religion of the ,latter-day ,saints2 and we claim that instead of being a stumbling block1 it should be regarded1 sustained as it is by ,scriptural history and scientific discovery1 as one of the most convincing proofs of the truth of the ,gospel revealed to its translator4 ,,apostles ,,and ,,prophets4 ,another objectionable feature with some is the organization of the ,church with apostles and prophets4 ,they cannot deny that the ancient ,church was organized in this manner with an inspired priesthood and led by men having authority1 being commissioned of ,jesus ,christ to administer in the ordinances of the ,gospel2 and they cannot dispute that unless so authorized their acts were not recognized by the ,lord1 nor did they receive the seal of the spirit4 ,in fact1 the very foundation of the ,church was this organization4 ,paul says1 it is built on apostles and prophets1 ,jesus ,christ ,himself being the chief corner-stone4 ,he even calls ,christ an apostle1 and others call ,him a prophet1 showing that ,he did not take this honor unto ,himself1 but was ordained of ,god to officiate and acted by ,heavenly authority in all ,his ministry4 ,as the ,father hath sent me1 even so now send ,i you4 ,were it not for the darkness which was predicted should cover the minds of the people in the last days1 we would be inclined #edf to marvel at the blindness of intelligent people to these things4 ,that apostles and prophets should have been deemed requisite for the work of the ministry in the ancient ,church1 and yet be objects of ,christian ridicule in the last days1 is certainly very peculiar6 ,as though worldly learning had by right taken the place of inspiration1 and a college education legally assumed the throne of divine appointment4 ,the nineteenth century is nothing if not inconsistent6 ,and no age has been marked with more flagrant outrages upon common sense in religious theories and practice1 than the one in which we criticise the ,pharisaical ,jews for rejecting the ,savior1 and the ,catholics for assuming a power never delegated to them by the ,ancient ,church4 ,for while these are denounced--the one for inconsistency and prejudice1 the other for bigotry and usurpation1 the modern ,pharisees--professedly the followers of ,christ1 wag their heads at inspiration and apostleship1 and sit in high places and occupy the chief seats in the synagogues1 assuming themselves to teach the people1 without even presenting or possessing a semblance of authority for so doing4 ,they scorn any descent of authority from the ,romish priesthood as corrupt1 hence lay no claim to a chain of power from the ,ancient ,church2 and if they did1 it would be a futile attempt1 for the ,romish ,church1 through which came even what semblance of authority they have1 cut off long ago all her ,protestant daughters from fellowship1 and severed them from all rights and claims to the power she held4 ,now1 when the ,latter-day ,saints declare a new revelation of the apostleship1 and the re-delegation to man of that sacred power of the ,church1 these learned gentlemen with collegiate prefixes and affixes1 turn up their theological noses at the words apostle and prophet1 and deem the introduction of such inspired non-essentials as a sacrilegious innovation on the rights of the modern school of theology4 ,thus we find the world in the anomalous position of ,christians fighting ,christianity2 professed believers of the ,bible making war upon the ,bible1 religion1 and in fact1 on the ,bible itself2 believers in ,christ discarding ,his doctrines1 and parties placing their hope of salvation in an original form of faith1 whose fundamental principles they ignore and despise6 ,it is for the faith once delivered to the ,saints we are called in question6 ,and we may here say1 because we believe in the correctness of the original organization of ,christ's ,church1 that investigation into our doctrines is impeded 7874 ,this is another of the objectionable features1 which keep1 forsooth1 the intelligent #edg classes from examining our claims to public attention1 and is deemed a barrier to their embracing the ,gospel6 ,,signs ,,following ,,the ,,believers4 ,another feature of our religion1 which is considered objectionable by the religious world1 is1 that we claim the necessity for and the existence of the spiritual gifts of the ,gospel1 the signs which ,christ said were to follow the believer4 ,we read that after the ,savior had risen from the dead1 when ,he was about to ascend into ,heaven from the ,mount of ,olives1 ,he gave ,his apostles a certain commission1 which we find recorded in the following language by ,st4 ,mark1 in chap1 xvi1 #ae-ah3 ,and he said unto them1 ,go ye into all the world1 and preach the ,gospel to every creature4 ,he that believeth and is baptized shall be saved2 but he that believeth not shall be damned4 ,and these signs shall follow them that believe2 ,in my name shall they cast out devils2 they shall speak with new tongues2 they shall take up serpents2 and if they drink any deadly thing1 it shall not hurt them2 they shall lay hands on the sick1 and they shall recover4 ,and lest any should raise objection to the standard translation of ,king ,james1 which has been read in churches ever since the year #afaa1 we also give the same passage from the ,new ,version1 published last ,may1 the chapter and verses being numbered alike3 ,and he said unto them1 ,go ye into all the world1 and preach the ,gospel to the whole creation4 ,he that believeth and is baptized shall be saved2 but he that disbelieveth shall be condemned4 ,and these signs shall follow them that believe3 in my name shall they cast out devils2 they shall speak with new tongues2 they shall take up serpents1 and if they drink any deadly thing1 it shall in no wise hurt them2 they shall lay hands on the sick1 and they shall recover4 ,the above promise evidently furnished us a distinctive mark which should characterize them that believe in ,christ's ,gospel4 ,it admits of no other construction than that which is given by the plain language of the ,scripture4 ,but one class of people are promised the gifts--the believers1 but to them the promise is positive1 emphatic and undeniable6 ,it is possible to conceive that persons of sound moral principle might exercise sufficient faith through prayer to obtain certain manifestations of ,god's approval1 and still might not be at the time actual members of the ,church1 but that the true believers1 who have become members of the ,church of the #edh ,savior1 should be destitute of these gifts is not only an improbability1 but from the words of the ,scripture a positive impossibility6 ,we are led by the ,savior's saying directly to the following conclusions3 that the disciples were to preach the ,gospel as it had been taught them by its ,author2 that some would believe its doctrines and be baptized1 and that those who did so believe would receive the evidences of spiritual gifts which ,christ foretold and described4 ,there can be no misconstruction of this ,scripture1 without sacrificing consistency and stultifying the ,divine word4 ,but in order that we may be still further assured concerning the literal meaning of the ,savior's promise1 let us consider whether such manifestations did actually follow their administrations among the people4 ,for direct record proof of this we have but to read the two following verses1 which close the above-named chapter3 ,so then after the ,lord had spoken unto them1 he was received up into heaven1 and sat on the right hand of ,god4 ,and they went forth1 and preached everywhere1 the ,lord working with them1 and confirming the word with signs following4 ,amen4 ,but we also find these gifts mentioned in the course of their ministry1 and not merely referred to in a general way1 but the special gifts particularized which were imparted by ,divine favor on certain occasions named4 ,for instances of this kind read the ,acts of the ,apostles4 ,in the second chapter it is recorded that they 7the ,saints7 were all with one accord in one place1 ,and suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind1 and it filled all the house where they were sitting4 ,and there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire1 and it sat upon each of them4 ,and they were all filled with the ,holy ,ghost1 and began to speak in other tongues1 as the ,spirit gave them utterance4 ,and we find that the gifts were so marked and prominent in their effects on this occasion1 that ,peter had to give an explanation to the multitude who came together1 showing that they were the blessings of the ,holy ,spirit1 as foretold should belong to the ,christian ,church4 ,then again in the third chapter1 we are informed that as ,peter and ,john went into the ,temple1 a certain man lame from his mother's womb was carried1 whom they laid daily at the gate of the ,temple which is called ,beautiful1 to ask alms of them that entered into the ,temple2 who seeing ,peter and ,john about to go into the ,temple1 asked an alms4 ,and ,peter1 fastening his eyes upon him1 with ,john1 said1 ,look on us4 ,and he gave heed unto them1 expecting to #edi receive something of them4 ,then ,peter said1 ,silver and gold have ,i none2 but such as ,i have give ,i thee3 ,in the name of ,jesus ,christ of ,nazareth1 rise up and walk4 ,and he took him by the right hand1 and lifted him up2 and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength4 ,and he leaping up stood1 and walked1 and entered with them into the temple1 walking1 and leaping1 and praising ,god4 ,and all the people saw him walking and praising ,god3 ,and they knew that it was he which sat for alms at the ,beautiful gate of the temple3 and they were filled with wonder and amazement at that which had happened unto him4 ,and in explanation of this manifestation ,peter said1 ,and his name through faith in his name hath made this man strong1 whom ye see and know2 yea1 the faith which is by him hath given him this perfect soundness in the presence of you all4 ,showing plainly that it was by the use of the name of ,jesus1 through the gift of healing1 that this blessing was conferred4 ,read the smiting of ,ananias and ,sapphira at the word of ,st4 ,peter1 when they withheld part of the purchase-money at the time of the consecration of their substance2 also the healing power manifested through the shadow of the apostle 7,acts v74 ,now read in ,acts viii1 the miracles performed by ,philip1 one of the lesser priests sent to baptize the people of ,samaria1 verses #f and #g3 ,and the people with one accord gave heed unto those things which ,philip spake1 hearing and seeing the miracles which he did4 ,for unclean spirits1 crying with loud voice1 came out of many that were possessed with them3 and many taken with palsies1 and that were lame1 were healed4 ,also read verses from #ac to #ag inclusive3 ,then ,simon believed also3 and when he was baptized1 he continued with ,philip1 and wondered1 beholding the miracles and signs which were done4 ,now when the apostles which were at ,jerusalem heard that ,samaria had received the word of ,god1 they sent unto them ,peter and ,john3 who1 when they were come down1 prayed for them1 that they might receive the ,holy ,ghost3 7for as yet he was fallen upon none of them3 only they were baptized in the name of the ,lord ,jesus74 ,then laid they their hands on them1 and they received the ,holy ,ghost4 ,some may raise an objection here1 and say that although the ,holy ,ghost was said to be given1 in this instance no gifts are specially mentioned4 ,but on reading the following verses we find that ,when ,simon saw that through laying on of the apostles' hands the ,holy ,ghost was given1 he offered them money1 saying1 ,give me also this power1 that on whomsoever ,i lay hands1 #eej he may receive the ,holy ,ghost4 ,but ,peter said unto him1 ,thy money perish with thee1 because thou hast thought that the gift of ,god may be purchased with money4 ,thou hast neither part nor lot in this matter3 for thy heart is not right in the sight of ,god4 ,repent therefore of this thy wickedness1 and pray ,god1 if perhaps the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee4 ,for ,i perceive that thou art in the gall of bitterness1 and in the bond of iniquity4 ,this plainly shows that the outpouring of the ,spirit produced some evidences of such a remarkable character as to attract the attention of ,simon1 or he would not have been tempted to offer money to the disciples for the power to confer such gifts4 ,then read in ,acts ix1 the case of ,saul being healed of his blindness1 under the hands of a certain disciple named ,ananias1 7this is not the same who was smitten at ,peter's word73 ,and ,ananias went his way1 and entered into the house2 and putting his hands on him said1 ,brother ,saul1 the ,lord1 even ,jesus1 that appeared unto thee in the way as thou earnest1 hath sent me1 that thou mightest receive thy sight1 and be filled with the ,holy ,ghost4 ,and immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales3 and he received sight forthwith1 and arose1 and was baptized4 ,also the raising of ,tabitha from the dead by ,st4 ,peter1 recorded in same chapter4 ,these were literal fulfillments of the words of ,jesus1 spoken on the ,mount of ,olives4 ,no construction of ,scripture can give them any other than a literal meaning4 ,these works were in reality performed by and for those who believed4 ,paul had once been a disbeliever1 but now a believer1 he rejoices in the gifts and shows forth the power of ,god in the name of ,jesus4 ,and we find that these gifts were not confined to the ,apostles1 but that they existed also among the other ,saints4 ,in chapter xiii1 #a-c1 of the ,acts1 we are told1 ,now there were in the church that was at ,antioch1 certain prophets and teachers2 as ,barnabas1 and ,simeon that was called ,niger1 and ,lucius of ,cyrene1 and ,manaen1 which had been brought up with ,herod the tetrarch1 and ,saul4 ,as they ministered to the ,lord1 and fasted1 the ,holy ,ghost said1 ,separate me ,barnabas and ,saul1 for the work whereunto ,i have called them4 ,and when they had fasted and prayed1 and laid their hands on them1 they sent them away4 ,now1 these men were not apostles who prophesied1 though perhaps prominent in the ,church1 but possessing the gifts1 the ,spirit spoke through them1 and the ,church was edified and blessed4 ,hence none can consistently say that the gifts and signs were limited to the apostleship1 #eea and thus argue the sudden cessation of them with the death of the apostles1 or that they were not to be universally enjoyed by all believers4 ,besides1 the multitudes who1 we are told in various parts of the record1 spoke in tongues and prophesied when confirmed1 fully show that the gifts were general in their character1 and not bestowed exclusively on a special few of those who believed1 or that any class of believers was debarred from enjoying them2 but that it was a foregone conclusion with the ,church that these evidences should follow1 and that it was a fact in their history that they did follow belief and obedience to the ,gospel of ,jesus ,christ4 ,instances might be multiplied to prove the existence of the gifts among the ,saints1 such for instance as the case of a certain man named ,agabus1 who had the gift of prophecy1 of whom we read in the ,acts of the ,apostles1 chapter xxi1 #aa-ac4 ,we also read in ,acts xxi1 #h1 #i1 that ,philip the evangelist had four daughters1 virgins1 who possessed the gift of prophecy3 ,and the next day we that were of ,paul's company departed3 and came unto ,csesarea3 and we entered into the house of ,philip the evangelist1 which was one of the seven2 and abode with him4 ,and the same man had four daughters1 virgins1 which did prophesy4 ,stephen also who1 like ,philip1 was one of the lesser priests1 and not an apostle1 saw at the time of his martyrdom the heavens opened1 and the ,son of man standing on the right hand of ,god4 ,these and many other incidents plainly show that visions1 prophesyings1 tongues1 healing and the general gifts of the ,gospel were disseminated among the ,saints1 both male and female1 severally as willed by the ,spirit4 ,paul says 7#a ,cor4 xiv1 #bf1 #bg71 ,how is it then1 brethren8 when ye come together every one of you hath a psalm1 hath a doctrine1 hath a tongue1 hath a revelation1 hath an interpretation4 ,let all things be done unto edifying4 ,if any man speak in an unknown tongue1 let it be by two1 or at the most by three1 and that by course2 and let one interpret1 showing that these gifts were universal among the ,saints1 or believers1 and that the possessors had to be at times checked and instructed in their use4 ,added to those cases recorded in the ,scriptures1 the blessings enjoyed by the ,saints as the signs following the believer1 are mentioned in a general way by historians4 ,in the second century1 ,st4 ,iraenaeus testifies that the ,christians1 by the gift of ,god1 cast out devils1 healed the sick1 raised the dead1 and performed miraculous works in the name of ,christ1 in all parts of the world4 7,see ,gahan's ,church ,history1 page #gf47 #eeb ,but we find that in the third century1 the government and organization of the ,church began to change from the primitive form established by ,christ4 ,at least in detail1 if not in a general way1 some of the ordinances were even at an earlier date1 materially changed and modified4 ,even in the second century1 we find the historian ,gahan refers to a change in the ordinance of baptism in the following pointed language4 ,speaking of ,novation1 who was ill1 he was baptized in bed1 not by immersion1 which was then the usual method1 but by infusion or pouring of water4 ,on recovering he received not the seal of the ,lord 99 99 says ,st4 ,pacian1 that is to say1 the sacrament of confirmation4--7,see ,gahan and ,mosheim47 ,there can be no doubt that this changing of the ordinances which had been established by ,christ1 as the means of obtaining salvation with its kindred blessings1 gradually produced the cessation of the gifts among them1 that to this1 and also the withdrawal of the authority to confer the ,holy ,ghost1 through the martyrdom of those holding the right to officiate1 must be imputed their absence in succeeding centuries1 until at the present day these evidences of the true ,gospel are even discountenanced by parties claiming to be followers of ,christ1 and the ,latter-day ,saints condemned as presumptuous and wicked for seeking to possess them1 and testifying of their existence in the ,church4 ,and it is lamentable to know that it is considered an objectionable feature of the religion we profess to enjoy these blessed tokens of ,god's approval which edified1 strengthened and comforted the ancient ,saints1 and which ,christ declared should follow them that believe4 ,reader1 is it not strange that professing ,christians should not only themselves fail to obtain the gifts which are an inseparable evidence of the ,christian religion1 but that they should take up arms with the enemies of ,christ in denouncing those who possess them1--considering the existence of the gifts a bar to accepting the truth1 and a stumbling block in the pathway of obedience8 ,what they despise and denounce1 however1 we1 the ,latter-day ,saints1 hold as a substantial evidence of the truth of the ,gospel revealed to ,joseph ,smith1 and a standing testimony against those who have a form of godliness1 but deny the power thereof4 ,and we reiterate the apostle's advice when speaking of this class1 from such turn away6 ,and the writer of this article desires to add his testimony to the many which have been recorded in the ,church established in our day1 through the ,prophet ,joseph ,smith1 that the gifts of the ,gospel promised to the believers are with the ,latter-day #eec ,saints6 ,that he has seen1 witnessed and experienced them in his own person6 ,that he has himself been healed under the administration of the ,elders1 according to the words of ,james1 recorded in chap4 v4 #ad1 #ae3 ,is any sick among you8 let him call for the ,elders of the church2 and let them pray over him1 anointing him with oil in the name of the ,lord3 and the prayer of faith shall save the sick1 and the ,lord shall raise him up2 and if he have committed sins1 they shall be forgiven him4 ,that others have been healed under his hands instantaneously by the power of ,god6 ,that some of his immediate friends and acquaintances have the gift of tongues1 others prophesy1 others see visions1 and all who are faithful possess the ,holy ,spirit1 which testifies that these things are verily true1--that this is the veritable work of ,god set up for the preparation of a people to meet the ,lord when ,he comes in power6 ,and he bears this testimony in all sincerity1 knowing that by our words shall we be justified or condemned1 and that both writer and reader will have to meet them at the last day6 ,liverpool1 ,england4 ,posterity will yet do us the justice1 when our persecutors are equally low in the dust with ourselves1 to hand down to succeeding generations1 the virtuous acts and forbearance of a people who sacrificed their reputation for their religion1 and their earthly fortunes and happiness to preserve peace4 --,joseph ,smith1 ,july #be1 #ahcf4 #eed ,,latter-,,day ,,saints ,,follow ,,teachings ,,of ,,the ,,savior4 ,,address ,,delivered ,,at ,,the ,,salt ,,lake ,,tabernacle1 ,,sunday1 ,,december #be1 #aiaj1 ,,by ,,president ,,joseph ,f4 ,,smith4 7,,reported ,,by ,f4 ,w4 ,,otterstrom47 ,it is with a feeling of great dependence upon the ,giver of all ,good that ,i arise before you1 this afternoon1 in the hope of saying something by the help of the ,spirit of the ,lord1 that will be encouraging to the ,latter-day ,saints and also a comfort to them with reference to some of those glorious principles which we have espoused and which1 nevertheless1 are very much misunderstood and misrepresented by our enemies4 ,we do not fully realize1 it seems to me1 the simplicity and naturalness of those great doctrines that are involved in the probation of man1 in his mortal state4 ,many have sought for the origin of man in his development from the lower animals or creatures1 and it is very difficult1 indeed1 to persuade men who are supposed to be scientific1 to believe that the works of ,god are one eternal round1 and that man is nothing more and cannot be anything less1 we believe1 than the offspring of ,god4 ,no man1 however scientific1 however learned1 however deeply he may search into the secrets of nature1 can ever find out more than is revealed already1 in the ,scriptures of divine truth1 with reference to man's origin4 ,men may speculate1 and guess1 and suppose many things1 and can argue themselves into queer notions and beliefs with reference to man's origin1 but after all it will only be their beliefs1 or their imaginations or conclusions from human reasoning4 ,it would be superfluous1 no doubt1 for me to cite my hearers to the ,genesis in the ,bible1 where an account is given of man being placed upon the earth1 formed in the image and likeness of ,god1 being made in ,his likeness not only male but also female1 for the ,bible plainly implies that in order that man should become like unto ,god1 or be created in ,his image and likeness1 he should be a dual being1 that is1 he should be not only man but that his complement or other self should be woman1 thus he was formed #eee in the likeness of ,god4 ,man was placed in the garden that was prepared for him4 ,he was given the liberty to enjoy and partake of all the fruits of the garden except the fruit of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil1 and he was told that when he should partake of that fruit1 or if he should1 then he should surely die4 ,yet1 it was foreordained1 and the first man was predestined to partake of that fruit in order that the greater and real purpose of ,god might be fulfilled1 for if ,adam had kept the law of heaven1 by refusing or refraining from partaking of the fruit of the tree of knowledge of good and evil1 he would have remained forever in his innocence1 without power of increase4 ,therefore1 the object and purpose of ,god would fail in his being1 for the great commandment that was given to him was that he should multiply and replenish the earth1 and have dominion over it and over all living creatures upon the earth1 for he was made lord of all and above all things that were created of ,god1 or were placed here on the earth4 ,man was placed here to be the lord and master of all of them4 ,why8 ,because he was ,god's child2 because he was made or formed and created in the image and likeness of his ,father and1 shall ,i add here1 in the image and likeness of his ,mother8 ,if ,i should say such a thing it would shock the ,christian world1 and they would ridicule the thought or the idea that the original man had anything but a father1 and owed nothing but to his father1 for his existence4 ,in the revelations that have come to us through ,joseph1 the prophet1 and also those that are contained within the lids of the ,bible1 we are told that all things were created spiritually before they were temporally2 in other words1 they were created in the other world before they were placed here--not only man1 the child of ,god1 but all the animals that were placed upon the earth1 and the fishes of the sea1 and the birds of the air4 ,all things were formed and had their existence spiritually before they were formed temporally on the earth1 ,even the seeds and herbs of the field had their existence in their spiritual state before they were planted in the earth4 ,but when man transgressed that heavenly law1 which forbade that he should partake of the elements of this earth1 whereby he should become of the earth1 earthy1 then he brought upon himself temporal death1 just as ,god declared he would do1 if he should partake of the forbidden fruit4 ,not only did he bring upon himself the temporal death1 that is1 the death of the body1 but he also placed himself in subjection to spiritual death1 which death is banishment from the presence #eef of ,god into outer darkness where there is weeping1 and wailing1 and gnashing of teeth4 ,through this condition1 brought upon our first parents necessarily--necessarily because it had to be1 in order to carry out the great purpose of ,god to people the earth--man placed himself in the most helpless condition1 powerless to relieve himself from the temporal death which he had brought upon himself1 and powerless in and of himself1 and through his own wisdom1 to escape even the consequences of spiritual death--absolutely helpless4 ,but we read1 in the new revelation that has come through ,joseph1 the prophet1 in these latest days1 that the gospel which was afterwards1 in the meridian of time1 preached by the ,son of ,god1 was also preached unto ,adam and to his children in the early stage of man's existence in the earth4 ,the same gospel of faith in ,god and in a ,savior of the world and in remission of sin by repentance1 and the gift of the ,spirit of ,god to lighten man in the world1 in the path that should lead him back into the presence of ,god from whence he had fallen2 all this was taught to ,adam by the angels of ,god who were sent to minister to him and to reveal to him the plan of life and of redemption4 ,among other things1 there was established1 in the days of ,adam1 to be continued by his posterity1 the law of sacrifice4 ,they were required to offer the sacrifice of oxen1 and of sheep1 and of doves1 and of various animals2 and in these sacrifices1 which were given to them with commandment to follow and to observe1 the principle was taught them that in the meridian of time one should be sent1 mighty and strong1 with power to redeem and save1 who should make the great sacrifice for all mankind4 ,he would relieve the children of ,adam1 and all the human family1 from the beginning down to the time of this great ,savior1 and thenceforth through all generations of time1 until the winding up scene1 or until every son and daughter of ,adam should have the privilege of being redeemed from the fallen and helpless condition into which they had been placed because of the fall of the first parents4 ,so1 from the time of ,adam until the ,son of ,god1 whose supposed natal day we are here1 perhaps most of us1 for the purpose of celebrating and of reflecting upon1 these sacrifices were offered in anticipation of ,his coming1 in anticipation of the great sacrifice that ,he was to offer1 once for all1 thus doing away with the shedding of the blood of animals1 of beasts1 and of birds1 whereby man could be kept in memory of this great principle of sacrifice which was instituted1 from before the foundation of the world1 for the redemption of man from temporal and also from spiritual death2 first1 from the #eeg temporal death without any responsibility on his part1 or act of his own1 without any required virtue1 honor1 or worthiness upon his own part4 ,inasmuch as death has come upon me--temporal death--not by any act of mine1 and ,i am not in any way responsible for that condition in which ,i find myself2 inasmuch as you and ,i had no hand1 in the beginning1 in bringing about the conditions that now exist1 we1 by the will of ,god1 and by the power of life and of salvation in the ,son of ,god1 shall be redeemed1 every one1 from the temporal death1 no matter what we are or who we are4 ,it matters not whether we are learned or illiterate1 bond or free1 white or black1 old or young1 ignorant or intelligent1 we shall all come forth out of the condition that has come upon us temporally1 and we shall have to stand before the bar of the great ,judge1 at last1 to give an account of our deeds done in the flesh4 ,next to this redemption from the temporal death comes our redemption from the power of the second death1 but this redemption will not be brought to pass in our behalf independently of ourselves4 ,we are responsible for our own sins and will be held responsible for our deliverance from them1 for they lead to the second death4 ,i will again tell you what the ,scriptures tell us is the second death3 ,it is being cut off from ,god2 the blessing and privilege of ,his presence2 it is indeed banishment from ,god and from ,his ,kingdom1 and from the glory and exaltation1 the joy and happiness of eternal life4 ,that is the second death1 and that is what will come upon all men who reject the redemption that has been wrought for them in the atonement of the ,son of ,god1 whom we call ,jesus of ,nazareth1 the ,christ4 ,and who was ,jesus1 the ,christ8 ,he was both ,god and man4 ,can we accept it8 ,can we comprehend it8 ,it is very simple to those who will permit themselves to comprehend it4 ,it is very plain if men will comprehend1 firstly1 the fact1 that ,god is the ,father of man1 spiritually1 and that ,god is the ,father of ,jesus ,christ1 both temporally and spiritually1 and that ,jesus ,christ is nothing more nor less than the ,son of ,god1 begotten of ,his ,father1 as absolutely1 and as truly as any child was begotten of his earthly father4 ,you don't need to mince the matter4 ,how could we be like ,god if we were not begotten in ,his image and in ,his likeness8 ,then this holy man1 ,jesus ,christ1 had ,god for ,his ,father1 and ,he had for ,his mother the virgin1 ,mary1 who never knew mortal man until after the time that ,christ was born4 ,he had this human mother for ,his mother1 and thus were joined together in ,him1 forever1 ,god and man1 and thus is explained to the human family the connection existing between ,god and man1 his children1 his offspring #eeh in the earth4 ,not only is ,god our ,father1 but ,jesus ,christ is our brother2 and in the spirit ,he is the elder brother of the human race1 whereas in the flesh ,adam was before ,him4 ,many other prophets1 men and inspired persons were before ,christ in the flesh1 and yet ,he was the first born of ,god in the flesh2 he was ,god's only begotten ,son in the flesh4 ,he came into the world in this way1 clothed with double power--power to die1 which ,he derived from ,his mother2 and power to resist death1 if ,he had so willed it1 which ,he had inherited from ,his ,father4 ,thus ,he had power both to live forever and also power to pass through the ordeal of death1 that ,he might suffer it for all men1 and come forth out of the grave to a newness of life--a resurrected being1 to be clothed with immortality and eternal life1 that all men might come forth out of the grave unto life eternal1 if they will obey ,him4 ,they will come forth anyhow1 either as vessels of honor or as vessels of dishonor4 ,they will come forth from the grave whether they will or not4 ,they can't help themselves4 ,we could not help the curse of mortal death coming upon us1 neither shall we be able to avoid or to prevent the resurrection of this body from that grave2 for as ,god raised from the dead1 so will all mankind4 ,then the ,latter-day ,saints worship ,god1 the ,father of our ,lord and ,savior ,jesus ,christ1 and we are instructed1 and we do follow that instruction1 to worship ,god1 the ,father1 and to call upon ,his name for the blessings that we need1 in the name of ,his ,son1 ,jesus ,christ4 ,i do not suppose that there is a ,latter-day ,saint anywhere who does not believe1 who has not absolutely accepted in his soul the literal and absolute resurrection of the ,lord1 ,jesus ,christ1 from the dead4 ,we accept that2 it is a part of our doctrine2 it is a fundamental principle of our religion4 ,on that truth depends our hope of everlasting life1 and1 therefore1 we have cast our lot into the plan of life and of redemption and of salvation inaugurated by the ,son of ,god while ,he was in the flesh4 ,we depend upon it for our exaltation2 upon it rests our hope of happiness and the privilege of entering again into the presence of our ,father1 the ,father of our spirits1 and enjoying eternities with ,him4 ,our hope is founded on the great truth that ,jesus rose from the dead and conquered death4 ,now1 a great many people will argue that this is1 in some degree1 only mythical1 that it cannot be real or tangible4 ,i shall take the liberty1 if you will permit1 to look at the ,scripture for a moment with reference to this matter4 ,after the resurrection of ,christ1 abundant evidence was given ,his disciples and ,saints to establish #eei the reality of ,his resurrection from the dead4 ,of course1 we have the testimony of the ancient disciples of ,christ with reference to this matter1 but that is not all4 ,we read here the testimony given concerning the resurrection of the ,savior1 by ,luke1 one of the disciples of ,christ1 who wrote a brief history of ,his doings and life4 ,we read here of two of the disciples who went to ,emmaus with the ,savior after ,his resurrection1 and knew ,him not until they got there1 and ,he broke bread1 then they discovered that they had been walking and talking with the ,lord3 ,and they said one to another1 ,did not our hearts burn within us1 while he talked with us by the way1 and while he opened to us the scriptures8 ,and they rose up the same hour1 and returned to ,jerusalem1 and found the eleven gathered together1 and them that were with them1 ,saying1 ,the ,lord is risen indeed1 and hath appeared to ,simon4 ,and they told what things were done in the way1 and how he was known of them in breaking of bread4 ,and as they thus spake1 ,jesus himself stood in the midst of them and saith unto them1 ,peace be unto you4 ,but they were terrified and affrighted1 and supposed that they had seen a spirit1--just as a great many professed teachers of religion1 today1 claim that ,he was but a spirit1 only a spirit1 and that the body itself does not rise1 but that the resurrection from death to life is the departure of the spirit from the body1 the body to return to dust2 and the spirit to return to ,god1 redeemed and resurrected from death unto life eternal4 ,this is the doctrine of some teachers of religion1 for ,i have heard them teach and preach it4 ,we believe that the gospel of ,jesus ,christ and that the life and mission and works of the ,son of ,god are far more real and far more tangible than this4 ,so the disciples of ,jesus1 when ,he appeared unto them1 were terrified and affrighted1 supposing that they had seen a spirit4 ,and he said unto them1 ,why are ye troubled8 and why do thoughts arise in your hearts8 ,behold my hands and my feet1 that it is ,i myself2 handle me1 and see2 for a spirit hath not flesh and bones1 as ye see me have4 ,and when he had thus spoken1 he showed them his hands and his feet4 ,and while they yet believed not for joy1 and wondered1 he said unto them1 ,have ye here any meat8 #efj ,and they gave him a piece of broiled fish1 and of an honeycomb4 ,and he took it1 and did eat before them4 ,and he said unto them1 ,these are the words which ,i spake unto you while ,i was yet with you1 that all things must be fulfilled1 which were written in the law of ,moses1 and in the prophets1 and in the psalms1 concerning me4 ,then opened he their understanding1 that they might understand the scriptures4 ,and said unto them1 ,thus is it written1 and thus it behoved ,christ to suffer1 and to rise from the dead the third day3 ,and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations1 beginning at ,jerusalem4 ,and ye are witnesses of these things1 ,and1 behold1 ,i send the promise of my ,father upon you3 but tarry ye in the city of ,jerusalem1 until ye be endowed with power from on high4 ,and he led them out as far as to ,bethany1 and he lifted up his hands and blessed them4 ,and it came to pass1 while he blessed them1 he was parted from them1 and carried up into heaven4 ,and they worshipped him1 and returned to ,jerusalem with great joy3 ,and were continually in the temple1 praising and blessing ,god4 ,we might refer you to many other passages here4 ,we take this ,scripture as it reads4 ,we testify to the world that the disciple of ,christ1 the apostle of the ,lord ,jesus1 the scribe1 the writer of this testimony1 was inspired of ,god to write the truth1 and that he did write the truth and nothing but the truth4 ,jesus was no spirit risen out of the body1 for the spirit had already departed from the body and returned to it1 and taken it up again4 ,while the body lay in the tomb1 according to divine truth revealed in the word of ,god here1 he was quickened by the spirit and went and preached to the spirits that were in prison 7#a ,peter #c3 #ah-bb71 thus fulfilling also the prediction of the prophets concerning ,him1 that ,he was anointed to proclaim liberty to the captives and to open the prison doors to them that were bound4 ,so1 ,christ went to the spirit world where darkness reigned1 where the spirits of men were shut out from the presence of ,god1 where they could only be ministered to by messengers sent from the ,lord1 who possessed a higher and a far more exceeding weight of glory4 ,there ,he went1 and with ,him went the #efa two malefactors who were crucified with ,him1 for ,he said to them that day they should be with ,him in paradise2 and they were there3 not in ,god's glorious ,kingdom1 but in the spirit world1 where ,christ went4 ,he had this great mission to perform1 of preaching ,his gospel to the spirits in prison1 the same gospel that is preached to the living1 for there is but one plan of life1 one gospel1 one faith1 one ,lord1 one baptism1 one ,holy ,spirit1 that cometh from ,god and that bringeth light and intelligence unto the children of men4 ,there is only one way2 it is the straight and narrow path that leads back into the presence of ,god4 ,that is the way that ,christ trod2 that is the way that ,he marked out for ,his disciples to tread in2 and that is the way that you and ,i must go in order to obtain the reward that has been promised to the faithful4 ,but1 says one1 what a narrow idea this is4 ,how incompetent is such a plan as this1 to reach the millions and millions of the human family who have1 necessarily1 died without knowing the gospel of ,christ1 without having heard even the name of ,jesus ,christ4 ,how narrow1 then1 to say that no man can enter into the ,kingdom of ,god but by the door and through the means that ,jesus ,christ has offered to the children of men4 ,but1 no1 it is not a narrow view2 it is the broadest possible view to take of this matter4 ,why1 how can you1 then1 meet the necessities of the children of men1 all the myriads of spirits that have passed away from this mortal stage without the knowledge of this gospel1 without the knowledge of ,jesus ,christ1 without the benefits of the ordinances of the house of ,god8 ,we will tell you1 for it has been revealed in its fullness in this dispensation4 ,as ,christ went to preach to the spirits in prison1 that were disobedient when once the long-suffering of ,god waited in the days of ,noah1 while the ark was preparing1 in which a few1 that is1 eight souls were saved by water1 the like figure whereunto baptism doth now save us1 so this same plan prevails today1 and the same principle4 ,the great mission inaugurated by the ,son of ,god is now being prosecuted by ten thousand thousands of those who have held the ,melchisedek priesthood which is after the order of the ,son of ,god1 men who have been endowed with power from on high to preach the gospel to the spirits in prison4 ,not a soul that has ever lived and died from off the face of this earth shall escape a chance to hear the gospel of ,jesus ,christ4 ,if they receive it and obey it1 the ordinances of the gospel will be performed for and in their behalf1 by their kindred1 or their posterity in some generation of time after them1 so #efb that every law and every requirement of the gospel of ,jesus ,christ shall be carried out1 and the promises and requirements fulfilled for the salvation of the living and also for the salvation of the dead4 ,mormonism1 as it is called1 the gospel of ,jesus ,christ1 as devised by the ,son of ,god1 provides that every son and every daughter of ,god1 every child of the ,father1 every soul that has descended from ,adam shall have the privilege of hearing this holy gospel of ,christ and shall come to know the truth1 that ,his name1 the name of ,christ--,jesus of ,nazareth1 is the only name under heaven by which man can be saved1 exalted and restored again to the presence and glory of ,god the ,father4 ,through ,him1 as ,i have said already1 all men that have died shall be raised again from the dead--every one--and not only shall they be raised from the dead1 but they shall be restored to their perfect frame4 ,we will go1 now1 to the doctrines that we have received in the ,book of ,mormon and in the ,doctrine and ,covenants1 the revelations that have come to us through the ,prophet ,joseph ,smith1 and we will find that every soul shall not only be raised from the dead1 but shall be restored to their perfect frame4 ,there will be no hunchbacks in heaven2 no one-legged or one-armed men there1 nor cripples1 nor any deformed sons and daughters of the ,father in the celestial glory1 for they will be restored by the power of ,god and by the principle of life contained in the gospel of the ,son of ,god4 ,they will all be restored to their proper frame and perfect form mark you1 both limb and joint4 ,we read that1 here in this good book1 the ,book of ,mormon 7,alma #aa3 #dc-de74 ,i intended1 when ,i got up1 to read you some of the doctrines of ,jesus ,christ1 contained in this book1 but let me say1 the people of the world generally1 seem to want to find out some different way from that which the ,lord has designated1 in order that they might be saved4 ,some men want to be saved without any righteousness on their own part1 without any forgiveness of sin1 without any repentance1 without humility of acknowledgment that they are unworthy1 except through a remission of their sins1 to enjoy the blessings and inherit the glory of the ,kingdom of ,god4 ,they even hold out the idea1 the erroneous1 wicked1 pernicious thought or idea1 that the murderer on the scaffold can be ushered into the presence of ,god and to the highest glory if he will only say1 on the scaffold1 before the drop is cut1 that he believes in the ,lord ,jesus ,christ4 ,why1 it is infamy2 it is abomination2 it is the essence of injustice and unrighteousness4 #efc ,no man can be ushered into the presence of ,god in his sins1 and no man can receive a remission of his sins except he repent and burial with ,christ4 ,for ,god has made us free agents1 to choose good or evil1 to walk in the light or in the darkness1 as we choose1 and he has ordained it thus that we might become like ,him1 that if we prove ourselves worthy of everlasting life and glory in ,his presence1 it will be because we have repented of our sins and have obeyed and kept ,his commandments4 ,and1 if we are doomed1 or cursed1 or cast out into the second death1 into darkness1 where the worm dieth not1 and the fire is not quenched1 it will be because we have not obeyed the will of ,god1 nor walked in the light1 because we have chosen darkness rather than the light1 and our thoughts were evil and we did not repent1 therefore1 we received no forgiveness or remission of our sins4 ,the judgment of ,god will be just1 and ,his rewards will be just1 for ,he will reward men for their merits1 and punish them for their wickedness4 ,that is justice and righteousness2 anything short of that1 anything more or less than that would come of evil and would brand the ,father of all1 the ,god of heaven and earth1 the just ,judge1 as unworthy of such titles and of such glory and greatness and impartiality2 for it would not be possible for a just ,god to reward men for something that they were not worthy of1 nor to condemn men for what they had not deserved4 ,then1 again1 ,jesus told the people at ,jerusalem1 ,his disciples and those who followed ,him1 that ,he had other sheep that were not of that fold1 and ,he must go to them1 and they must hear ,his voice4 ,they must be taught ,his gospel1 that there might be one shepherd and one fold4 ,we read ,his words in this glorious and good book which ,i hold in my hand1 which was given by inspiration from the ,lord4 ,the ,book of ,mormon tells us how the ,savior of men1 after ,he had ascended into heaven from among the ,jews1 descended upon this continent1 among the inhabitants that dwelt here1 who had been prepared beforehand by prophets and by inspired men who had taught them the gospel as they understood it1 and who had foretold them the coming of the ,son of man to the earth4 ,he visited them1 and ,he organized ,his ,church here1 as ,he organized it over there4 ,he appointed twelve disciples here to preach the gospel and to lead in matters pertaining to the cause of the ,kingdom that was established upon this continent2 and ,he taught them the same doctrines--only they are preserved and revealed in somewhat greater plainness to us--that ,he taught the disciples and the #efd people among the ,jews4 ,i am going to read you some of the things that the ,lord taught the disciples and the people that were prepared to receive ,him1 upon this continent1 after ,his ascension into heaven4 ,mark you1 when ,he came to the people here ,he came as the ,son of ,god1 risen from the dead4 ,he showed to these people also the evidences of ,his crucifixion4 ,they had heard of it by the revelations of ,god2 they knew that ,he had been crucified1 that ,he had risen from the dead1 and that ,he had established ,his gospel and ,his ,church there4 ,they were expecting ,him here because the ,lord had promised them that ,he would come2 and ,he stood upon the earth1 in the midst of them1 and taught them ,his gospel2 ,he ordained them to ,his priesthood1 conferring upon them ,his power and authority to administer for the salvation of the children of men4 ,he sent out those whom ,he chose to be ,his mouthpieces and representatives1 among all the people of this land1 to preach this gospel that ,jesus had preached to the ,jews and had now preached to the inhabitants of this continent4 ,he came here as ,jesus ,christ1 resurrected from the dead1 clothed with flesh and bones as tangible as man's1 capable of eating the broiled fish and the honeycomb--which no spirit could partake of1 for a spirit would not do that4 ,it would not be consistent with the law that governs them for a spirit to attempt to partake of the gross elements of this earth2 but ,jesus could and did do it1 for he was both ,lord and ,christ2 both man and ,god2 possessing the power both of ,god and of man2 and in and through ,him ,god and man are linked together as one family in the forms that they always existed1 just as they exist now1 except at times possessing greater intelligence than at other times--sometimes barbarians1 and ignorant1 or enlightened and taught by prophets and inspired men that were raised up among them4 ,in this way has ,god taught the ,chinese1 the ,japanese1 and other peoples of the world in their times and seasons1 the wisdom possessed by men who have been raised up by the ,lord and inspired to instruct the people among whom they dwelt1 for their enlightenment and to the leading of them into moral and righteous paths--not always conferring the priesthood upon them1 but giving them intelligence4 ,the ,lord did not have to confer the priesthood upon ,columbus1 when ,he moved upon him to discover this country1 but ,he called him for that purpose and moved upon him to accomplish that work1 and the man thus inspired for that work could not help but do it4 ,he could not forsake the mission that was given him2 neither could he cease until he had accomplished the work4 ,we read #efe that here in this book4 ,we are told that ,columbus was inspired to do the 'work that he did2 and so have many men1 in many ages of the world1 been inspired of ,god to do certain things and teach certain precepts akin to the gospel of ,jesus ,christ in order that the people might be brought nearer to the ,lord and that they might not be left to become wholly heathenish and wholly ignorant1 benighted and barbarous4 ,now1 ,i hope you will pardon me for detaining you2 but ,i have chosen a few words that ,i want to read you1 from the ,book of ,mormon1 that were translated by the gift and power of ,god1 through ,joseph ,smith the prophet4 ,you will find a very great resemblance between some of the words ,i shall read in this book and those contained in the ,new ,testament of the ,bible4 ,the recorder of the circumstance and the utterances here referred to wrote3 ,and it came to pass that when ,jesus had spoken these words unto ,nephi1 and to those who had been called 7now the number of them who had been called and received power and authority to baptize1 were twelve71 and behold he stretched forth his hand unto the multitude1 and cried unto them saying1 ,blessed are ye if ye shall give heed unto the words of these twelve whom ,i have chosen from among you to minister unto you1 and to be your servants2 and unto them ,i have given power1 that they may baptize you with water2 and after that ye are baptized with water1 behold ,i will baptize you with fire and with the ,holy ,ghost2 therefore blessed are ye if ye shall believe in me1 and be baptized1 after that ye have seen me and know that ,i am4 ,and again1 more blessed are they who shall believe in your words because that ye shall testify that ye have seen me1 and that ye know that ,i am4 ,yea1 blessed are they who shall believe in your words1 and come down into the depths of humility and be baptized1 for they shall be visited with fire and with the ,holy ,ghost1 and shall receive a remission of their sins4 ,then he continues3 ,yea1 blessed are the poor in spirit who come unto me1 for theirs is the kingdom of heaven4 ,let me pause just a moment here4 ,blessed are the poor in spirit--who do what8 ,are they blessed simply because they are poor in spirit8 ,no2 don't forget that4 ,let this rest upon your minds4 ,blessed are the poor in spirit who come unto me4 ,there is the substance of it4 ,there is the truth3 ,blessed are the poor in spirit who come unto me1 for theirs is the kingdom of heaven4 ,and thus it is made a little plainer here than you will find it in the ,new ,testament4 #eff ,and again1 blessed are all they that mourn1 for they shall be comforted2 ,and blessed are the meek1 for they shall inherit the earth4 ,and blessed are all they who do hunger and thirst after righteousness1 for they shall be filled--what with8 ,the ,lord tells us here1 ,blessed are all they who do hunger and thirst after righteousness1 for they shall be filled with the ,holy ,ghost4 ,and blessed are the merciful1 for they shall obtain mercy4 ,of all people under the heavens1 the ,latter-day ,saints should be the most merciful people1 the most forgiving1 the most charitable1 for no man can more easily forgive and show mercy to his fellow creatures than he who has received mercy and forgiveness from ,god4 ,and blessed are all the pure in heart1 for they shall see ,god4 ,and blessed are all the peace-makers1 for they shall be called the children of ,god4 ,and blessed are all they who are persecuted for my name's sake1 for theirs is the kingdom of heaven4 ,and blessed are ye when men shall revile you1 and persecute and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely1 for my sake1 ,for ye shall have great joy and be exceeding glad1 for great shall be your reward in heaven2 for so persecuted they the prophets who were before you4 ,now1 ,i cannot pursue this subject longer4 ,i will say this1 that these are the doctrines of ,jesus ,christ4 ,these are some of the words that ,he uttered to the people upon this continent1 and these are the words that ,he uttered to the people upon the old continent1 or over there in ,jerusalem4 ,other words ,he uttered which we will not have time to refer to2 but ,he taught as never man taught1 and the doctrines that ,he taught are yet--almost at least--as high above the conceptions of mankind and their ability to carry them out1 as the heavens are above the earth4 ,yet1 ,his doctrine is true2 ,his precepts are righteous2 ,his gospel is the power of ,god unto salvation2 and in proportion as man rises to a conception1 and an acceptance of and obedience to the principles taught by the ,son of ,god1 the nearer he becomes like ,him and like the ,father of our spirits and the ,father of our ,lord and ,savior ,jesus ,christ4 ,he was ,god in the flesh2 ,he was ,emmanuel or ,god with us1 the ,savior of the world4 ,the ,latter-day ,saints believe in ,him not only because of the testimonies borne #efg of ,him in the ,bible--in the four gospels and the ,epistles of the ,new ,testament1 and the predictions of the prophets in the ,old ,testament of the ,bible1 concerning ,his coining and mission2 not only because of the evidences we have here in the ,book of ,mormon1 where it is still more plainly given than it is in the ,bible1 nor because we also have further and stronger evidences of the divinity of ,his mission in the revelations of the ,prophet ,joseph ,smith1 but also because we have the testimony of witnesses of these divine things and1 especially1 of the divine mission of ,jesus ,christ1 by and from men whom we have seen in the flesh1 with whom we have conversed1 with whom we have associated and whom we know to have been1 in their lives1 pure1 upright1 honest and faithful servants of the living ,god4 ,beside all this we know the truth by the witness of the spirit to ourselves4 ,now1 may the ,lord bless you4 ,of course1 we understand that this is not1 indeed1 the natal day of the ,savior4 ,he was not born on the #beth day of ,december2 but this is the day that has been accepted by the world1 at least by the so-called ,christian world1 as ,his natal day1 and we have accepted it with them4 ,it would be difficult1 indeed1 to break away from it and celebrate the anniversary of the birth of the ,lord on the day that ,he was really born4 ,so we meet1 today1 to celebrate that important event and to praise ,his name4 ,i thank my ,father in heaven for the faith ,he has given me in the divinity of the mission of ,jesus ,christ4 ,i thank ,him for the blessings of the holy priesthood that ,he has restored to the world in this dispensation4 ,i thank ,him for the organization of ,his ,church4 ,i thank ,him for the ordinances of the gospel of ,jesus1 from baptism for the remission of sins1 and the laying on of hands for the gift of the ,holy ,ghost1 all along to the endowment and sealing and higher ordinances of the gospel of ,jesus ,christ1 which were designed to prepare men1 by ordination1 appointment and faithfulness1 to dwell with ,god in the eternal world4 ,may the ,lord bless us and help us to be faithful always1 to the end1 is my prayer1 in the name of ,jesus4 ,amen4