There is only ONE way men receive the priesthood of God, and that is by the laying on of hands by one who had already the authority, therefore, "ALL THOSE who are ORDAINED UNTO this priesthood are made like unto the Son of God, abiding a priest continually." It thus becomes evident that even had the son of the Prophet been promised in the revelations that he should become President of the Church, he could not become such until he was ordained by one possessing the authority to ordain him.
Should we admit that he had the promise from his father of being president, would men who had joined one church after another and become divested of all authority, have priesthood enough to so ordain him? (See Corner-Stone tract.)
This leads us to the third claim, i.e., that "young Joseph" was ordained by proper authority.
Those who ordained him to the priesthood and set him apart to be president of the Reorganized Church were William Marks, Zenas H. Gurley, W. W. Blair, and Samuel Powers.The two latter never did belong to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. William Marks, at the time of the martyrdom of the Prophet, followed Sidney Rigdon, evidently forgetting the claim which he later advocated, that "young Joseph" should succeed his father. Later he left the church and joined James J. Strang's Organization, acknowledging Strang as the prophet of the Lord and the one who should succeed Joseph. (Reorganized History, vol. 3, p. 723.) He so far departed from the true path as to be ordained and anointed to one position after another under Strang's hands, thus vitiating any priesthood he formerly received had he not been excommunicated. (See Corner Stones.) BECOMING DISSATISFIED he left Strang and joined Charles B. Thompson's Church. (Reorganized History, vol. 3, p. 724,) STILL LATER he left Thompson and joined John E. Page's Church. (Reorganized History, vol. 3, p. 724.) On June 11th, 1859, he entered the New Organization, subsequently the "Reorganization," on his original baptism. NOW WHERE WAS HIS AUTHORITY TO ORDAIN YOUNG JOSEPH?
On the verge of the great exodus from Nauvoo, Zenas H. Gurley fell away from the church. He was a Seventy at the time, but not a member of any general presiding quorum. One cannot but be struck with the coincident fact that just at this time the saints faced their greatest ordeal. Everything looked black. Only stout hearts survive. The question persists in recurring to the mind, did Zenas H. Gurley forsake the church in its need because of disbelief in it, or because he paled before the hardships and suffering ahead? At any rate, he left the church and joined J. J. Strang's Organization, in which he remained for a number of years. He became a leading factor in bringing about "The New Organization," and in 1860 assisted in ordaining young Joseph to the priesthood, and also in setting him apart. How about his authority? If the whole church went wrong and he was one of these few pillars, sent of God, to steady the ark, why did he grope about in uncertainty and join a man-made church? In an earlier case we know of, the Lord was very particular that his chosen vessel should "join none of them."
Reader, have you ever stopped to consider this fact, that a man who holds the priesthood of God cannot debase that priesthood by joining a church which is not of God and still retain that priesthood?
The only answer there is to this query makes plain the fact that these men had no authority to ordain any one to anyoffice in the priesthood, and as proof that "young Joseph" was not ordained by his father we quote his own words:
"No, sir, I did NOT state that I was ordained by my father; I did not make the statement. I was NOT ordained by my father as his successor,—according to my understanding of the word 'ordained' I was not." (Plaintiff's Abstract, in temple lot suit, page 79, paragraph 162.)
"No, sir, I did NOT state that I was ordained by my father; I did not make the statement. I was NOT ordained by my father as his successor,—according to my understanding of the word 'ordained' I was not." (Plaintiff's Abstract, in temple lot suit, page 79, paragraph 162.)
The Lord never left his church in uncertainty, but the power bestowed upon Joseph Smith was bestowed upon the quorum of the Twelve Apostles, which quorum constituted the second quorum in the church. THEY were sustained in their calling as the first Presidency of the Church after the martyrdom by the vote and common consent of the people, August 8th, 1844, and again in October, 1844, and it was their duty to set in order the first presidency and all other officers of the church in accordance with the revelations of the Lord.
But let us turn to another side of the question: The Reorganization claims that there was an apostasy and a rejection of the church soon after the Prophet's death. If such was the case, then is there some reason for a Reorganization; if not, there is no excuse for it and a church carrying that name brands itself false.
In contrast with their fundamental view of the Reorganization; that is, the apostasy or rejection of the church at Joseph Smith's death, let us consider the sayings of some of the ancient prophets, and by the aid of their stronger vision learn the lesson before us.
Gloomy indeed must have been the immediate outlook to many of these ancient message-bearers of Jehovah. Rejected again and again they found little prospect of accomplishing more than but a meagre part of the mission of the priesthood. Full well they knew that if ever the world were cleansed from sin it would be through the efforts of God's servants, joined with the efforts of the people. They could look back to the days of Enoch and rejoice in the success of his ministry, for in Zion was the full mission of the priesthood achieved, but as for their labors, most of the seed fell upon stony ground. What was it, then, that gave to these unrewarded men, these outcasts, the tone of optimism we find in their writings? The answer becomes plain by a reading of them. Into their inspired vision was sent a glimpse of the future, and in the picture thus before them they saw a time, albeit afar off, when the Kingdom of Heaven, restored to the earth for the lasttime, would gradually establish peace and righteousness among men. And so we read such passages as these:
"And in the days of these kings shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom which shall never be destroyed and the kingdom shall not be left to other people, but it shall break in pieces and shall consume all these kingdoms and it shall stand forever." (Dan. 2:44.)"And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth and to every nation and kindred and tongue and people. * * * And then followed another angel saying, Babylon is fallen, is fallen, that great city, because she made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication." (Rev. 14:6-8.)"But in the last days it shall come to pass that the mountain of the house of the Lord shall be established in the top of the mountains, and it shall be exalted above the hills and people shall flow into it. And many nations shall come and say, Come, and let us go up to the mountain of the Lord and to the house of the God of Jacob, and he will teach us of his ways and we will walk in his paths: for the law shall go forth of Zion and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem. And he shall judge among many people and rebuke strong nations afar off, and they shall beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning-hooks; nation shall not lift up a sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more." (Micah 4:1-3.)
"And in the days of these kings shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom which shall never be destroyed and the kingdom shall not be left to other people, but it shall break in pieces and shall consume all these kingdoms and it shall stand forever." (Dan. 2:44.)
"And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth and to every nation and kindred and tongue and people. * * * And then followed another angel saying, Babylon is fallen, is fallen, that great city, because she made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication." (Rev. 14:6-8.)
"But in the last days it shall come to pass that the mountain of the house of the Lord shall be established in the top of the mountains, and it shall be exalted above the hills and people shall flow into it. And many nations shall come and say, Come, and let us go up to the mountain of the Lord and to the house of the God of Jacob, and he will teach us of his ways and we will walk in his paths: for the law shall go forth of Zion and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem. And he shall judge among many people and rebuke strong nations afar off, and they shall beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning-hooks; nation shall not lift up a sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more." (Micah 4:1-3.)
In all these passages it is clearly evident that PERMANENCY was to be one characteristic of the latter-day kingdom, and that RESULTS were to follow it from the beginning without a break.
Finally the set time arrives, and the Father and the Son visit the earth. Men of old-time in an angelistic state come and deliver their messages. Peter, James, and John restore the priesthood. Elijah brings back the "key of the binding power," and under direct guidance from on High the KINGDOM becomes established once more.
What, we may now ask, is this latter-day kingdom like? Where are the evidences of its permanency? If that feature be so distinguishing a one that the ancient seers eagerly noted it and gave it so prominent a place in their descriptions, surely there will be some evidences of it, in the kingdom's make-up; in other words, in the light of these passages, we would expect that the Lord, in establishing His work for the last time, would place within it the power to overcome all obstacles and perpetuate itself. Let us examine the "Revelations."
In March, 1835, the Lord revelated to the Prophet theauthority of the different offices in the priesthood. Throughout, all men are counted equally worthy; NO SPECIAL son is named and no royal family indicated. We read, as quoted above:
"Of the Melchisedek Priesthood, three presiding High Priests, chosen by the body, appointed and ordained to that office, and upheld by the confidence, faith and prayer of the church, form a quorum of the Presidency of the Church." (Doc. & Cov., sec. 107:22; Reorganized edition, sec. 104:11.)
"Of the Melchisedek Priesthood, three presiding High Priests, chosen by the body, appointed and ordained to that office, and upheld by the confidence, faith and prayer of the church, form a quorum of the Presidency of the Church." (Doc. & Cov., sec. 107:22; Reorganized edition, sec. 104:11.)
Again:
"The Twelve traveling counselors are called to be the Twelve Apostles, or special witnesses of the name of Christ in all the world; thus differing from other officers in the church in the duties of their calling. And they form a quorum, equal in authority and power to the three presidents previously mentioned." (Doc. & Cov., sec. 107:23-24; Reorganized edition, sec. 104:11.)
"The Twelve traveling counselors are called to be the Twelve Apostles, or special witnesses of the name of Christ in all the world; thus differing from other officers in the church in the duties of their calling. And they form a quorum, equal in authority and power to the three presidents previously mentioned." (Doc. & Cov., sec. 107:23-24; Reorganized edition, sec. 104:11.)
Further:
"The seventy are called to preach the gospel and be especial witnesses unto the Gentiles in all the world, etc. And they form a quorum equal in authority to that of the Twelve special witnesses or apostles just named." (Doc. & Cov., sec. 107:25-26; Reorganized edition, sec. 104:11.)
"The seventy are called to preach the gospel and be especial witnesses unto the Gentiles in all the world, etc. And they form a quorum equal in authority to that of the Twelve special witnesses or apostles just named." (Doc. & Cov., sec. 107:25-26; Reorganized edition, sec. 104:11.)
Ah! the important provision has been made. Not in one man's hands alone does full authority reside. Three great quorums possess it; the First Presidency, the Twelve Apostles, and the First Quorum of Seventy. In the latter two it is but latent during the life of the Presidency, for there is order in God's house, but being latent makes it none the less real. The result is obvious. Evil may abound in man's heart. The emissaries of Satan may incite them to bloodshed and drivings. They may martyr the Prophet, but we have the Twelve left. They may destroy the Twelve, but the Seventies remain. Surely, a blind man can perceive a strength from within which sets destruction at defiance. But this is not all. Not only is the power and authority in safe keeping, but the Lord has designated a special quorum to build up the Church whenever any of its offices become vacant, through death or otherwise. The revelation of March, 1835, says:
"It is the duty of the Twelve, also, to ordain and set in order ALL THE OTHER OFFICERS OF THE CHURCH, etc." (Doc.& Cov., sec. 107:58; Reorganized edition, sec. 104:30-31.)
"It is the duty of the Twelve, also, to ordain and set in order ALL THE OTHER OFFICERS OF THE CHURCH, etc." (Doc.& Cov., sec. 107:58; Reorganized edition, sec. 104:30-31.)
Twice blind is he who cannot see that so long as such a quorum is in existence the Church will continue to live.
Now, then, what have we before us? A tottering edificeof a day! Surely, NO, but an organization the equal of which the world has never seen; one which required a visit from the Father and the Son and the assistance of Moroni, John the Baptist, Peter, James and John, Moses, Elias, Elijah, and others, to bring about. It was not Joseph Smith's church. He was but an instrument through which a great divine institution began to take root in the earth. And yet, in view of all this, we are told by the Reorganization that the Kingdom thus founded was so frail, so weak, that it collapsed at the death of one man. Without strength, without stability, it fell in its beginning to rise no more for sixteen years.
We do not so understand this great latter-day work. Nay, nothing could be further removed from our conception of it. To that man whose mind has been lit up by its spirit and who understands its mission in the world, such a view is impossible. If we examine ancient prophets, they contradict it. If we go to modern revelation, the answer is no less plain. If we consult common sense, it likewise says no. For divinely founded it was; and for the last time was it restored. Neither again to be taken away nor given to another people.
Not only has there been no rejection of the Church, but there has been no cause for one. From the beginning, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints has always stood for that which is true and good. No people on earth can point to a better record. The bleak plains, the silent graves, the barren desert, the magnificent temples, the self-sacrificing elders, all bear testimony to its integrity and stability. What would the Lord reject them for? Has he ever had as loyal or as firm a people? Examine their history. Feel of the spirit they carry with them. Follow their tracts. Notice the solid ruins of their forsaken cities. Wherever they have planted their feet, there have they builded to remain. The spirit of permanency has surely rested upon them. The old Mormon homes in Nauvoo are among the most substantial in the place to-day. The temple there would have been a credit to the nation now had it remained unmolested. This same spirit they carried with them into the barren desert, and there on its thirsty soil, amid untold difficulties and hardships, reared yet more beautiful and substantial commonwealths. Magnificent temples towering in the now fruitful valleys proclaim the people busily engaged in preparing themselves for yet greater things to come. Truly,
"God moves in a mysterious way,His wonders to perform."
"God moves in a mysterious way,His wonders to perform."
To unaided man everything looked black sixty years ago. Today the severe experiences of those years are seen to be but a necessary preparation for the greater work of building up the New Jerusalem. Hardly necessary is it to add that they are fully prepared for this work when the time comes to begin it, and no less evident is it that a people who have been for half a century building temporary homes, with the expectation of being called at any time to build up the center stake, will hardly have had the experience necessary to build the greatest and most permanent of all cities and the most glorious of all temples.
Evidences are abundant on all sides that not only has God set up his work for the last time, but also that this work is accomplishing its mission. More clear, as time goes by, becomes the truth of Brigham Young's words:
"If any man thinks he has influence among this people to lead away a party, let him try it, and he will find out that there is power with the Apostles which will carry them off victorious through all the world and build up and defend the Church and Kingdom of God."
"If any man thinks he has influence among this people to lead away a party, let him try it, and he will find out that there is power with the Apostles which will carry them off victorious through all the world and build up and defend the Church and Kingdom of God."
Having obtained a glimpse of the glorious light which this Latter-Day Kingdom has shed upon the world, we are assured that He who founded it, He who has guided it until now, will work out its future path.
"We do not believe it is just to mingle religious influences with civil government, whereby one religious society is fostered, and another proscribed in its spiritual privileges, and the individual rights of its members as citizens, denied."—Joseph Smith.
"We do not believe it is just to mingle religious influences with civil government, whereby one religious society is fostered, and another proscribed in its spiritual privileges, and the individual rights of its members as citizens, denied."—Joseph Smith.
A FEW OF THE MOST IMPORTANT SCRIPTURAL REFERENCES BEARING ON THE GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST, ARRANGED IN LOGICAL ORDER, AND DESIGNED TO GIVE TO MISSIONARIES—AND ALL OTHER STUDENTS OF THE GOSPEL—A WORKING KNOWLEDGE OF SUCH SCRIPTURAL QUOTATIONS AS MAY BE REQUIRED FROM THE FIRST.
BY ELDER NEPHI ANDERSON, EDITOR LIAHONA THE ELDERS' JOURNAL.
Central States Mission:
CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS,
302 South Pleasant Street, Independence, Missouri.
1910
NOTE—The elder, in the beginning of his studies and his presentation of the gospel, does not need a multitude of texts, which often lead to confusion, but a few strong, appropriate quotations under each topic, the references having as much as possible, a logical relationship to each other. It is earnestly suggested that the Scriptures in their fullness be carefully studied, for in no other way can the full meaning and true spirit of isolated texts be obtained. Missionaries, especially, should compile their own ready reference from their study of the Scriptures, for by so doing the texts and their arrangement become fixed in the mind. It is hoped that this outline will be a valuable help in this direction.
1. A Knowledge of God Is Essential,for
JOHN 17:3.—"This is life eternal, that they might know thee, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent."
2. Personality of the Godhead—In the Godhead there are three personages—the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost. These are separate individuals, proved by
MATT. 3:16, 17.—The baptism of Jesus; the Father speaking from heaven; the sign of the Holy Ghost descending from above.
ACTS 7:55, 56.—Stephen sees Jesus standing on the right hand of God.
JOHN 16:28.—Jesus came from the Father, and went back to Him.
JOHN, CHAP. 17.—Jesus prays to His Father.
DOC. & COV. 130:22.—The Father and the Son have bodies of flesh and bone; the Holy Ghost is a personage of spirit.
PEARL OF GREAT PRICE; WRITINGS OF JOSEPH SMITH.—The Father and the Son visit Joseph Smith.
3. The Unity of the Godhead—consists in a oneness of powers, attributes, purpose, etc.
JOHN 10:30-38.—Jesus and the Father are one.
JOHN 17:20-22.—Jesus prays that His disciples may be one, even as He and the Father are one.
4. The Father is Revealed through the Son;for
JOHN 14:6.—"No man cometh to the Father, but by me" (the Son).
MATT. 11:27.—No man knows the Father save he to whom the Son will reveal Him.
JOHN 5:37.—The Jews had not seen God the Father's shape, nor heard His voice; but
JOHN 1:18.—The Son hath declared Him. Therefore, we receive our knowledge of the Father, not directly, but through a study of the Son. "As the Father, so the Son."
5. Jesus Christ the Son
JOHN 1:2.—He was in the beginning with God.
JOHN 1:3; COL. 1:16; DOC. & COV., 38:1-4.—All things were created by Him.
P. of G. P. MOSES, 1:33.—God has created worlds without number by the Son.
P. of G. P. MOSES, 4:1-4; ABR. 3:22-28.—Jesus in the council and the rebellion in heaven.
I NEPHI 19:10.—He is the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.
I COR. 10:4.—He is the Spiritual Rock that was with the children of Israel.
III NEPHI 15:5.—Jesus gave the law of Moses.
ETHER 3:4-16.—Jesus shows His spiritual body to the brother of Jared. Jesus is born into the world, and lives as a man, this earth life. In His personal form and appearance He is
HEB. 1:3.—"In the express image of His (the Father) person."
PHIL. 2:6.—He is in "the form of God."
COL. 1:15.—He is "the image of the invisible God."
After His resurrection, Jesus is still in human form; for
LUKE 24:39-43.—He said, "Behold, my hands and my feet, that it is I myself; handle me and see; for a spirit hath notflesh and bones, as ye see me have." He also eats with His disciples.
JOHN 20:20-27.—He shows His body with its marks to His disciples.
B. of M. III NEPHI 11.—He visits the Nephites.
ACTS 1:11.—As He went to heaven, in like manner will He return.
JOHN 4:24.—"God is a spirit." As the Father is like the Son, the Father's spirit must also dwell in a glorified body of flesh and bones.
JOHN 5:19.—"The Son can do nothing of Himself, but what He sees the Father do; for what things soever he doeth, these also doeth the Son likewise."
1. Angels are the Same Class of Beings as Men—differing only in the scale of progressive being. In heaven there are two kinds:
DOC. & COV. 129.—Spirits of just men made perfect, and angels who are resurrected personages, having bodies of flesh and bones. Of the latter class we have examples in
LUKE 24:39-43.—The resurrected Jesus.
ACTS 10:30-32.—The angel who taught Cornelius.
ACTS 5:19.—Who released Peter from prison.
REV. 19:10.—Who visited John on the Island of Patmos.
2. Evil Spiritsare those who
JUDE 6th verse.—"Kept not their first estate," but
Isaiah 14:12; 1 PETER 2:4.—Were with Lucifer, cast out of heaven.
ACTS 5:3.—These spirits tempt men to do evil.
MATT. 8:28-32.—They so desire bodies that they strive for the possession of man's—sometimes, even the bodies of swine.
1. Man is a Child of God—his spirit having been born of heavenly parents before it was clothed upon with flesh.
ACTS 17:28.—We are God's offspring.
HEB. 12:9.—God is the "Father of spirits."
HEB. 2:17.—We are brethren to Jesus—and He was a Son of God.
ROM. 8:29.—Jesus is the first-born of many brethren.
JOHN 20:17.—God is the Father of Jesus and of Mary. This relationship between the Father, Jesus and mankind presumes
2. The Preexistence of Man—for Jesus and mankind are children of the same Father; Jesus existed with the Father before this world was; (John 1:2) therefore, it is reasonable to suppose that we, "the many brethren" also lived with our common Father.
JER. 1:5,—The Lord and ordained Jeremiah before he was born.
JOB 38:4-7.—Sons of God shouted for joy when the foundations of the earth were laid.
JOHN 9:l.—There is a possibility of a man's sinning before birth.
DOC. & COV. 93:23-29.—Man as in the beginning with God.
GEN. l:26.—Man was created spiritually first; for
GEN. 2:5.—There was not a man to till the ground.
P. of G. P. Moses 3:5.—All things, man included, were created spiritually before they were in the earth.
3. Man is in the Physical Image of God—for man is in the same form as Jesus, and Jesus is in the "express image" of the Father.
GEN. 1:26.—Adam was created in the image of God.
GEN. 5:3.—Adam begat a son, Seth, "after his image."
MOSIAH 7:27.—Man was created after the image of God.
4. God's Purpose in Giving Man this Earth-life,is
P. of G. P. Moses 1:39.—To bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man.
II NEPHI 2:25.—"That he might have joy." To this end
DOC. & COV. 93:33, 34.—A combination of spirit and body was necessary; also
II TIM. 1:9; TITUS l:2.—Salvation and eternal life was planned and promised "before the world began." For this purpose—
5. Man May Become Perfect;for Jesus said
MATT. 5:48.—Be ye perfect, as your Father in heaven is perfect.
HEB. 12:23.—Just men may become perfect.
I JOHN 3:2.-The Saints shall be like Jesus.
6. Man's Spirit is Immortal;for it existed before coming to earth (see Preexistence under 2) and it will exist after the body is lain down.
LUKE 16: 19-31.—Jesus teaches this in the parable of the rich man and Lazarus.
I PETER 3:18-20.—Christ, while His body lay in the tomb, visited the spirits in prison. The spirit of the thief went with Him.
LUKE 24:37-39.—There are spirits: "A spirit has not flesh and bones," said Jesus.
DEUT. 34:5; JOSH. 1:1, 2.—Moses died and was buried; yet
MATT. 17:3, 4.—He appeared to Peter, James, and John. This must have been in the spirit; for
I COR. 15:20.—Jesus was the first person resurrected, He being, "the first fruits of them that slept."
7. The Resurrection of Man's Body is assured;for
LUKE 24:36-42.—Jesus received again His body of flesh and bones.
MATT. 27:52, 53.—Many Saints received their bodies at Christ's resurrection.
JOB 19:25-27.—Job said that he would yet in his flesh see God.
I THESS. 4:13-16; REV. 20:4-6; DOC AND COV. 88:97, 98.—The righteous will come forth in the first resurrection.
REV. 20:5.—"But the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished."
II NEPHI 9:12-14; ALMA 11:42-45.—The resurrection is to be literal.
GEN. CHAP. 3; Rom. 5:12.—Our first parents brought sin and death into the world.
I TIM. 2:14.—Adam knowingly transgressed the lesser law that he might obey the greater law to "multiply and replenish the earth."
DOC. & COV. 29:41.—By the fall, man became spiritually dead—which is to be banished from the presence of God; he also became subject to the temporal death—a separation of the spirit from the body.
In order to attain to the perfection spoken about, man must be released from the effects of Adam's transgression.
REV. 13:8; P. of G. P. Moses 4:1-4.—This was provided for from the "foundation of the world" by Christ, the Savior, who has brought salvation to all men.
1. General SalvationROM. 5:12.—What was lost to the race through the fall was restored through Christ.
I COR. 15:21, 22.—"As in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive."
I PETER 1:18-20.—We are redeemed through the blood of Christ.
II NEPHI 2:26, 27.—Men are redeemed from the fall. Although thus redeemed, unconditionally, from eternal spiritual and temporal death, man, exercising his free agency, commits personal sins; therefore, he needs also—
2. Personal SalvationROM. 3:23; I JOHN 1:8-10.—All men are sinful. Christ atoned for personal sins also, but to obtain forgiveness for them, man must do something himself.
HEB. 5:9.—Christ is the Author of salvation unto all those that obey Him.
I JOHN 1:7.—The blood of Christ cleanses us from sin, if we walk in the light.
I TIM. 4:10.—God is the Savior of all men, especially of those who believe.
MOSIAH 3:11, 12.—Those who knowingly sin must repent.
Faith is the first requirement to obtain forgiveness of personal sins.
JOHN 3: 16; ACTS 16:31.—Belief in Christ is necessary to salvation.
HEB. 11:l.—Definition of faith.
ROM. 10:14, 15.—How faith comes.
ALMA 32:21-43.—How faith is developed.
JOHN 7:17.—How faith is perfected; they that do shall know.
DOC. AND COV. LECTURES ON FAITH—contain an exhaustive treatment of faith.
JAMES 2:14-26.—Faith without works is dead.
MATT. 7:21.—Not he that sayeth, Lord, Lord, shall enter heaven, but he that doeth the will of God.
I JOHN l:3-6.—We know that we know the Lord, if we keep His commandments; and to know Him is eternal life. (John 17:3.)
Some religionists claim that the saving works come only after salvation is obtained, but Jesus said, "He that doeth shall enter."
HEB. 5:9.—Obedience must come before salvation.
REV. 22:14.—They who do the Lord's commandments shall enter the holy city.
DOC. & COV. 76: 111; MATT. 16:27.—Man rewarded according to his works.
GAL. 2:16.—"Man is not justified by the works of the law." What law?
GAL. 6:12-15; ROM. 3:28-31.—The law of Moses, especially circumcision.
ISAIAH 55:7.—The Lord will forgive those who repent.
LUKE 13:3.—Necessity of repentance.
II COR. 7:8-10.—"Godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation . . . . but the sorrow of the world worketh death."
The process of true repentance may be stated thus: (1) Consciousness of sin; (2) Sorrow for sin; (3) Ceasing to sin, illustrated in
JONAH 3:5-10.—Case of Nineveh.
ALMA 15:3-12.—The conversion of Zeezrom.
1. History of
P. of G. P. MOSES 6:63, 64.—The baptism of Adam.
I COR. 10:l, 2.—Israel was baptized in the cloud and in the
MARK 1:4, 5.—Baptism was well known among the Jews.
MOSIAH 18:5-17.—Alma baptizes in the waters of Mormon.
2. Necessity and Object of
MATT. 3:15.—In the case of Jesus, "to fulfill all righteousness."
MARK 1:4; LUKE 3:3; ACTS 2:38.—For the remission of sins.
GAL. 3:27.—To "put on Christ."
JOHN 3:3, 5.—To permit a person to enter the kingdom of heaven.
ACTS 2:38; ACTS 19:1-6.—As a prerequisite to receiving the Holy Ghost.
ACTS 10:6, 48.—To obtain salvation: case of Cornelius.
ACTS 22:16.—To wash away sins: case of Paul.
3. Mode of
MATT. 3:16.—The baptism of Jesus: He came up out of the water.
MARK l:5.—John baptizes in the river Jordan.
ACTS 8:38.—Philip and the eunuch went down into the water.
ROM. 6:3-5; COL. 2:12.—We are buried with Christ in baptism. JOHN 3:5.—It is likened to a birth.
III NEPHI 11:22-27.—Christ instructs Nephites on baptism.
DOC. AND COV. 20:72-74.—Words to be used in baptizing.
4. Proper Subjects For; Infant Baptism
MATT. 28:19, 20.—Candidates must be capable of being taught.
ACTS 2:38; ACTS 8:36, 37.—It must be preceded by faith and repentance.
Infant baptism is contrary to the plan of salvation. Those who practice it theoretically annul the atonement of Christ; for
I JOHN 3:4.—"Sin is the transgression of the law."
JOHN 9:41.—Knowledge must come before sin.
ROM. 4:15.—Where there is no law, there is no condemnation.
LUKE 18:16.—"Of such (little children) is the kingdom of heaven."
I COR. 15:22; DOC. AND COV. 29:46.—"As in Adam all die," etc. All persons that are incapable of sinning are unconditionally redeemed in Christ.
MORONI CHAP. 8.—The sinfulness of baptizing little children.
DOC AND COV. 68:27.—Children should be baptized at eight years of age.
Infant baptism has no scriptural authority; it is never mentioned in the Bible. Some supposed cases are:
I COR. 1:16.—Paul baptizes the household of Stephanas; but
I COR. 16:15.—The household contained no infants.
ACTS 16:33.—Paul baptized the household of the jailer; but they were capable of being preached to and of believing.
There is no connection between baptism and circumcision. Baptism is for the remission of sins—circumcision is not; baptism is administered to both sexes—circumcision is not; faith and repentance must precede baptism—unbelievers may be circumcised.
1. The Nature of the Holy Ghost
DOC. AND COV. 130:22.—The Holy Ghost is a personage of Spirit, and
I JOHN 5:7; DOC. & COV. 20:28.—Is a member of the Godhead.
"The Holy Spirit, or Spirit of God," both of which terms are sometimes used interchangeably with the Holy Ghost, "is the influence of Deity, the light of Christ, or of Truth which proceeds forth from the presence of God to fill the immensity of space and to quicken the understanding of men." (Doc. and Cov. 88:6-13.)—Prest. Jos. F. Smith. Care should therefore be taken to discriminate between the Holy Ghost and the Spirit of the Lord.
2. As Essential as Water Baptism
MATT. 3:11; ACTS 1:5; DOC. AND COV. 39:6.—The baptism of the Holy Ghost completes the baptism of water.
JOHN 3:5.—A man must be "born of the Spirit."
3. Preparations for His Reception
ACTS 2:38; II NEPHI 31:12.—Faith, repentance, and baptism of water are required.
ACTS 19:1-6.—The baptism of water must be authorized.
ACTS 10:44-48.—The Holy Ghost falls on Cornelius and his company before they were baptized. This, the only exception to the general rule, was to show to Peter that the gospel was for the Gentiles, as well as for the Jews.
4. Manner of Bestowing
ACTS 8:17.—The apostles bestow the Holy Ghost by the laying on of hands.
ACTS 19:6; II TIMOTHY 1:6.—Paul bestows the Holy Ghost by laying on of hands. Undoubtedly, Jesus did not depart from the general law governing the bestowal of the Holy Ghost, for
LUKE 24:50.—Prior to His final departure He "lifted up his hands and blessed" the twelve; also
JOHN 20:22.—He breathed on them and said, "Receive ye the Holy Ghost."
ACTS 2:2.—After the space of a few days, the Holy Ghost came. This interval is explained by the fact that it was necessary that Jesus should depart before the Holy Ghost could come. (John 16:7.)
DOC. AND COV. 33:11, 15.—Holy Ghost to be bestowed by laying on of hands.
5. Gifts and Operations of
JOHN 14:26.—He was to teach all things, and to bring to remembrance the teachings of Christ.
GAL. 5:22, 23.—The fruits of the Spirit are love, joy, peace, etc.
I COR. CHAP. 12.—The divers gifts of the Spirit are wisdom, knowledge, healing, etc.DOC. AND COV. 20:35.—Revelations may be given by the Holy Ghost.
The saving ordinances of the gospel must be administered by men holding the Priesthood, which is the authority of God delegated to man.
JOHN 15:16.—"Ye (the disciples) have not chosen me (Christ), but I have chosen you and ordained you."
MATT. 10:40.—"He that receiveth you (the disciples), receiveth me."
MATT. 16:19.—Divine authority is given to Peter.
This authority is in the beginning given directly from the Lord to men, who bestow it by ordination on others. (John 15:16.)
NUM. 27:18-23.—Moses ordains Joshua.
ACTS 6:5, 6.—Seven men are called to assist the twelve.
ACTS 14:23.—Paul and Barnabas ordain elders.
HEB. 5:1-4; DOC. AND COV. 42:11.—No man takes the honor of the Priesthood upon himself.
ACTS 8:12-15.—There are degrees of authority: Philip had authority to baptize, but not to bestow the Holy Ghost.
ACTS, CHAPS. 9 AND 10.—Saul and Cornelius are sent to men having authority.
ACTS 19:13-16.—The seven sons of Sceva try to exercise authority which they did not hold, with dire results.
DOC. AND COV. 124:128.—Twelve apostles have authority to preach the gospel to all nations.
DOC. AND COV. 121:36-46.—Powers of the Priesthood to be exercised only on the principles of righteousness.
For the purpose of better bringing the gospel to all men, and to help to faithfulness those who have received it, an organization is effected called the Church. At the head of the Church are men who have divine authority, some of which are
I COR. 12:28; EPH. 2:20.—Apostles, prophets, and teachers.
DOC. AND COV. 107.—Orders and callings in Priesthood.
EPH. 4:11, 12.—These are for the perfecting of the Saints.
EPH. 4:13.—Until they come to a unity of the faith.
EPH. 4:14.—That they "be no more children . . . . carried about by every wind of doctrine."
HEB. 13:17.—These officers should be respected and obeyed.
ACTS 4:10-12.—Because Christ is the head of the Church, it should bear His name.
ACTS 9:13; ROM. 1:7.—The members of the Church are called Saints.
DOC. AND COV. 115:4.—The name of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints given by revelation.
The Church, being led by apostles and prophets, receives the immediate mind and will of the Lord from time to timeas occasion requires. This has been true in all ages; Adam, Enoch, Noah, Abraham, Moses and the former-day apostles are examples.
PROV. 29:18.—"Where there is no vision, the people perish."
AMOS 3:7.—"The Lord will do nothing, but he revealeth his secrets unto his servants, the prophets."
I COR. 2:10-13.—Those who possess the Spirit of God receive revelation. (See also passages under "Holy Ghost, Gifts and Operations.")
EPH. 3:3.—Paul receives revelation.
PHIL. 3:15.—The Lord will reveal more if necessary.
MATT. 16:13-18.—"The gates of hell shall not prevail against it"—the rock of revelation.
DOC. AND COV. 42:61.—Elders of Church may receive revelation.
DOC. AND COV. 43:2-6; 107:91, 92.—President only receives revelations for the Church.
Opponents to modern revelation quote:
REV. 22:18, 19.—Which forbids man to take from or add to the words of the Book. The reply to this is that the passage does not say the Lord might not do this; besides, reference is made only to the Book of Revelations. John wrote his Gospel afterwards. A similar admonition is found in Deut. 4:2.
It is a self-evident fact that the Gospel as preached and practiced by Christ and His first disciples was corrupted, and at last, lost altogether during the Dark Ages. This is shown if we put the so-called Christian sects to the test which Christ gave. JOHN 13:35.—"By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples if ye have love one to another," also
MATT. 7:15-20.—By their fruits ye shall know them.
II TIM. 3: 1-5.—The wickedness of the last days is described.
II PETER 2:1-3.—Many shall follow false teachers.
II THESS. 2: 1-4.—There shall be a falling away before Christ's second coming.
REV. 13:6-8.—The Saints are overcome.
II NEPHI 28 AND 29.—Give a description of the apostate world.
DOC. AND COV. 1:15, 16.—The present apostate condition described.
The falling away makes necessary a restoration; for the purposes of God in the final redemption of the race requires it.
MATT. 24:14.—"This gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world," before the end.
REV. 14:6.—An angel restores the gospel in the latter days.
DAN. 2:28-45.—Daniel saw the kingdom of God established in the last days.The Aaronic Priesthood was restored by John the Baptist to Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery, May 15, 1829; shortly after this date, the Melchisedek Priesthood was restored by Peter, James and John.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was organized April 6, 1830, at Fayette, N.Y.
DOC. & COV. 65:2.—Daniel's vision fulfilled in the Latter-day Kingdom.
JOHN 17:20.—Jesus prays that His disciples may be one as He and the Father are one.
I COR. l:10.—The Saints are told to "speak the same thing," to be "perfectly joined together in the same mind."
EPH. 4:4-6.—"There is one body, one Spirit * * * one Lord, one faith, one baptism." (Read the whole chapter.)
DOC. & COV. 38:27.—"If ye are not one, ye are not mine."
MATT. 12:30.—Jesus said, "He that gathereth not with me, scattereth abroad."
EPH. l:10.—In the Dispensation of the Fulness of Times, all things in Christ shall be gathered together in one.
DEUT. 28:64.—Israel is to be scattered among all nations; but
JER. 31:10.—The Lord shall gather Israel again.
GEN. 49:22-26; DEUT. 33:13-16.—Joseph's inheritance extends beyond the land of Canaan—to America.
B. of M. ETHER 13:6-8.—Where He will gather and build up Zion.
DOC. & COV. 133:26-34.—The Ten Tribes shall come from the north and be blessed in Zion by Ephraim—the Latter-day Saints.
JER. 32:36-44; ZACH. 2:12.—The Jews shall return to Jerusalem.
ACTS 17:26, 27.—The Lord has fixed the bounds of the earth's inhabitants: He desires all people to feel after Him that they might find Him.
GEN. 11:7-9.—At the confusion of tongues, the people were scattered over the whole earth.
JOHN 10:16.—Jesus said He had other sheep not of the fold at Jerusalem which He must also visit.
EZEK. 37:15-19.—The stick, or book, of Judah (the Bible) and the stick of Joseph (the Book of Mormon) shall come together in the last days.
IS. 29:11-14.—The words of a sealed book should be delivered to one who is learned, who shall say, "I cannot read a sealed book." Fulfilled in Martin Harris' visit to Prof. Anthon. (See the Writings of Joseph Smith in P. of G. P.)
MORONI 10:3-5.—How to obtain a testimony of the truth of the Book of Mormon.
I TIM. 2:3, 4; II PETER 3:9.—The Lord desires all men to be saved.
ACTS 4:12.—Jesus Christ is the only name given whereby man can be saved.
JOHN 3:5-7.—A man must be born of the water and of the Spirit before he can enter the Kingdom of God.
This birth of the water (baptism) presupposes faith and repentance. As the vast majority of the race have never heard of Christ or His gospel in this life, it follows that they must hear of them in the spirit world.
This is true, for
I PETER 3:18-20.—Christ, after His death, went and preached to the spirits of those who had been destroyed in the Flood; and—
I PETER 4:6.—What He preached was the gospel. As these spirits, as well as all who are in the spirit world, cannot receive water baptism, it will have to be performed vicariously on the earth for those who repent. I COR. 15:29.—Paul refers to baptism for the dead.
DOC. & COV. 127:6-10; Sec. 128.—Joseph Smith explains the doctrine of baptism for the dead.
Note:—Farrar, in his "Early Days of Christianity," Chaps. VII and VIII, makes some interesting comments on these passages, upholding the view taken by the Latter-day Saints on the subject of salvation for the dead.
LUKE 23:42, 43.—The thief on the cross went with Jesus to Paradise—the spirit world.
JOHN 20:17.—The thief did not go to the Father, or to heaven, for Jesus declared to Mary three days later that He Himself had not been there.
LUKE 22:7-20.—It was instituted by the Lord.
ACTS 20:7.—And practiced by His disciples.
I COR. 11:23-34.—It should be partaken of worthily, and in remembrance of the Lord Jesus Christ.
DOC. & COV. 27:2-4.—The Saints are commanded not to use wine or strong drinks in partaking of the sacrament.
DOC. & COV. 20:77-79.—Form of blessing on the bread and water.
GEN. 14:18-20.—Abraham paid tithes to Melchizedek.
LEV. 27:30.—It was a law unto Israel.
MAL. 3:7-12.—Blessings promised the tithe payer.
LUKE 11:42.—Jesus commends tithe paying.
DOC. & COV. 119.—The law of tithing as given to the Latter-day Saints.
MARK 2:27, 28.—"The Son of man is Lord also of the Sabbath."
ACTS 20:7; I COR. 16:1, 2.—Former-day Saints met for worship on the first day of the week-the day on which Christ arose from the dead.
DOC. & COV. 59:9-13.—The Latter-day Saints' authority for observing the first day of the week—the Lord's day—as a Sabbath.
Some religionists base their salvation on the observance of the seventh day, or Jewish Sabbath. To be consistent such people ought also to observe the Sabbath of Years and the year of Jubilee, both being part of the Jewish law. (Lev. 25:1-22.) The penalty for breaking the Jewish Sabbath was death. If the penalty is abolished, how can the law remain?
MATT. 5:10.—"Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake."
MATT. 24:9.—In the latter days, the followers of Christ shall be hated of all nations.
ACTS 28:22.—"This sect"—the Church of Christ—was everywhere spoken against.
II TIM. 3:12.—"All that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution."
DOC. & COV. 101:35-38.—Glory for the faithful persecuted.
MARK 6:5.—Jesus "laid his hands on a few sick, and healed them."
MARK 6:13.—The disciples anointed with oil many that were sick, and healed them.
JAMES 5:14, 15.—Anointing with oil and prayer shall save the sick.
MATT. 17:16-20; II TIM. 4:20.—The sick were not always healed.
DOC. & COV. 42:43, 44, 48.—How the sick are to be treated.
PROV. 4:18.—"The path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day."
MATT. 24:13; DOC. & COV. 53:7.—"He that endures to the end shall be saved."
HEB. 3; 4:9-11. The rest of God is for those who are "steadfast unto the end."
REV. 21:7.—"He that overcometh shall inherit all things."
ACTS l:11.—As Jesus went, so shall He come again.
MATT. 16:27.—"The Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father."I THESS. 4:15, 16.—"The Lord Himself shall descend from heaven."
ZACH. 14:4, 5.—Christ's second coming to Jerusalem.
DOC. & COV. 49:6, 7, 22-24.—Signs of Christ's coming.
REV. 20:5, 6.—The Saints shall reign on the earth with Christ a thousand years.
IS. 11:6, 9; 65:20; DOC. & COV. 45:58, 59.—Conditions during the thousand years.
DOC. & COV. 63:49-51.—The righteous shall be changed "in the twinkling of an eye."
DOC. & COV. 88:25-28.—"The earth abideth the law of a celestial kingdom."
DOC. & COV. 29:22-25.—All things shall become new.
DOC. & COV. 130:9.—The earth to become like a Urim and Thummin.
REV. 21 and 22.—A description of the new earth.
DOC. & COV. 88:34-44.—All things are governed and sanctified by law.
I COR. 15:40-42.—There are different degrees of glory in the resurrection.
MATT. 16:27.—Jesus shall reward every man according to his works.
DOC. & COV. 76.—Description of the three degrees of glory.
ECCL. 3:14.—"Whatsoever God doeth, it shall be forever."
GEN. CHAPS. 2 & 3.—Before the Fall, Adam and Eve were immortal, therefore their marriage was eternal in its nature.
MATT. 16:19.—Peter received divine authority, so that whatsoever he bound on earth was bound in heaven.
MATT. 22:23-33.—As in baptism, marriage is performed on earth—not after the resurrection. The ordinance must be performed by one having authority, such as Peter; and the married must be believers, not such as the Sadducees who denied the resurrection and knew not the scriptures nor the power of God.
DOC. & COV. 132:19-24.—Marriage for eternity explained.
BY PARLEY P. PRATT
Whosoever transgresseth and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son.—2 John, verse 9.
THE DOCTRINE OF CHRIST.
THE DOCTRINES OF MEN.
And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils they shall speak with new tongues;
They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.--Mark xvi.,17-18.
And these signs shall not follow them that believe, for they are done away and no longer needed.
In His name they shall not cast out devils.
The gift of tongues is no longer needed.
If they take up serpents they will bite them; if they drink any deadly thing, it will kill them. They shall not lay hands on the sick, and if they do they shall not recover; for such things are done away.
Verily, verily, I say unto you, He the believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father. --John xiv.,12.
He that believeth on Christ shall not do any of the miracles and mighty works that He did, for such things have ceased.
Fear them not therefore; there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; and hid that shall not be known.--Matt. x.,26.
There is to be no more revelation, for all things necessary are already revealed.
And he shall send his angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.--Matt. xxiv.,31.
And there is to be no more ministering of angels, for such things are done away.
THE DOCTRINE OF CHRIST.
THE DOCTRINES OF MEN.
And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation and kindred, and tongue and people.--Rev. xiv.,6.
Angels do not appear in this enlightened age, because they are no longer needed.
Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth; for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak; and he will shew you things to come.--John xvi.,13.
If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.--John xv.,7.
Inspiration is no longer needed in this age of learning and refinement. Again, it shall not show you things to come; for then you would be a Prophet, and there are to be no Prophets in these days.
It is not so in these days, we must not expect to heal the sick and work miracles, consequently we must not expect to receive what we ask for.
Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word;
That they all may be one; as Thou, Father, art in me, and I in Thee, that they also may be one in us; that the world may believe that Thou hast sent me.--John xvii., 20-21.
And we are all good Christians, and we all believe on him through the Apostle's words, although divided into several hundred different sects.
One Lord, one faith, one baptism.--Eph. iv., 5.
Many Lords, many faiths, and three or four kinds of baptism.
For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.--I. Cor. xii., 13.
And by many spirits are we all torn asunder into different bodies.
And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;
For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ.
Till we all come in the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure ofthe stature of the fullness of Christ;
That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive.--Eph. iv., 11-14.
And there are to be no more Apostles, and no more Prophets. But the work of the ministry, the perfecting of the Saints, and the edifying of the different bodies of Christ, can all be done very well without these gifts of God, only give us money enough to educate and employ the wisdom of men. Apostles, miracles, and gifts were to continue during the first age of Christianity, and then were to cease, because no longer needed, having accomplished their purpose.
Tracts, creeds, sermons, and commentaries of uninspired men, together with a hireling priesthood, are now necessary in order to keep men from being carried about with every wind of doctrine, &c.
THE DOCTRINE OF CHRIST.
THE DOCTRINES OF MEN.
And no man taketh this honour unto himself, but he that is called of God, as was Aaron.--Heb. v., 4.
For no man taketh this honour upon himself, but one who has been educated for the purpose, and commissioned by men.
And how shall they preach, except they be sent? (of God.)--Rom. x., 15.
But how shall the preach except they be well educated for the purpose and sent (by the board of officers)?
Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord;
And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him.--James v., 14-15.
If any are sick among you do not send for the Elders of the Church; or if the Elders, come do not let them lay hands on them, neither let them anoint them in the name of the Lord, for this is all Mormon delusion; but send for a good physician, and perhaps they may get well.
Then Peter said unto them, Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.--Acts ii., 38-39.
Repent and come to the anxious seat (penitent form) every one of you, and cry, "Lord, Lord," and may be you will get forgiveness of sins; and you may be baptized or not; but if you do you will not get the Holy Ghost as they did anciently, for such things are done away.
And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughter shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions.--Joel ii., 28.
And in these last days the Lord will not pour out His Spirit so as to cause our sons and daughters to prophesy, our old men to dream dreams, and our young men to see visions; for such things are no longer needed, and it is all delusion, and none but the ignorant believe such things.
THE DOCTRINE OF CHRIST.
THE DOCTRINES OF MEN.
Follow after charity, and desire spiritual gifts, but rather that ye may prophesy.--I. Cor. xiv., 1.
Do not covet any of the supernatural gifts, but especially beware of Prophesying, for such things are done away.
Wherefore, brethren, covet to prophesy, and forbid not to speak with tongues.--I. Cor. xiv., 39.
Do not prophesy, and it is all a delusion to speak in tongues.
But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.--Matt. xv., 9.
It matters not what kind of doctrine, or what system, a man embraces, if he is only sincere and worships Jesus Christ.
At that time Jesus answered and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes.
Even so, Father; for so it seemed good in thy sight.--Matt. xi., 25-26.
We thank God that He has revealed nothing to any person, wise or simple, for many hundred years, but that our wise and learned men have been able to know God without a revelation, and that we shall never be favored with any more.
All things are delivered unto me of my Father; and no man knoweth the Son, but the Father; neither knoweth any man the Father, save the Son, and he to whomsoever the Son will reveal him.--Matt. xi., 27.
We all know God in this enlightened age, and yet neither the Father nor the Son has revealed anything to any of us, for we do not believe revelations are necessary now.
And this is life eternal, that that they might know Thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom Thou hast sent.--John xvii., 3.
And we cannot know for ourselves, by any positive manifestation in these days, but must depend on the wisdom and learning of men.
I thank my God always on your behalf, for the grace of God which is given you by Jesus Christ;
That in everything ye are enriched by him, in all utterance, and in all knowledge;
Even as the testimony of Christ was confirmed in you;
So that ye come behind in no gift; waiting for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.--I. Cor. i., 4-7.
We thank the Lord always in behalf of the Church in these days, that she has no supernatural gifts given unto her, and that she is not enriched by Christ, neither in the gift of utterance nor in the gift of knowledge; neither has she the testimony of Jesus (the spirit of prophecy) confirmed in her, and she comes behind in all the gifts; nor is she waiting for, or expecting the coming of the Lord; for He has come once, and never will come again till the great and last day, the end of the earth.
THE DOCTRINE OF CHRIST.
THE DOCTRINES OF MEN.
Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men.
For ye see your calling, brethren, now that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called;
But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty;
And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to naught things that are:
That no flesh should glory in his presence.--I. Cor. i., 25-29.
The wisdom of men, and the learning of men, are better than the inspiration of the Almighty, for that is not needed any longer; for you see your calling, brethren, how that the wise, and learned, and noble, and mighty are called in these days; for we have chosen such to confound the foolish; the unlearned, and the ignorant; yea, to confound the base things of the world which are despised, that flesh might glory in His presence.
And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God.
For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and Him crucified.
And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling.
And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom. but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power:
That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.--I. Cor. ii., 1-5.
And we, brethren, when we came unto you, came with excellency of speech, and with the wisdom and learning of man; and our speech and our preaching were with enticing words of man's wisdom; not in demonstration of the spirit and power, for that is done away; that your faith should not stand in the power of God, but in the wisdom of man.
But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory;
Which none of the princes of this world knew; for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.--I. Cor. ii., 7-8.
But we speak the wisdom of man in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which none but the learned knew; for had others known it, they would never have been under the necessity of employing us to tell it to them.
THE DOCTRINE OF CHRIST.
THE DOCTRINES OF MEN.
But God hath revealed them unto us by His Spirit; for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God.
For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God.
Now we have received not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God.
Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual.
But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness unto him, neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.--I. Cor. ii., 10-14.
But God hath revealed nothing unto us by His Spirit; for the wisdom and learning of man search all things; yea, all the deep things which are necessary for us to know.
For what man knoweth the things of man, save the spirit of man, which is in him? Even so the things of God knoweth no man by the Spirit of God in these days, for it is done away, or it reveals nothing.
Now, we have not received the Spirit of God, but the spirit of the world, that we might not know for a certainty, but that we might guess at, or give our opinion of the things of God.
Which things also we speak, not in the words which the Holy Ghost teacheth, but which man's wisdom teacheth, for the inspiration of the Holy Ghost is done away.
But the learned man may receive and understand the things of God by his own wisdom, without the inspiration of the Spirit; for will be so foolish as to believe in visions and revelations in this religious age?
Let no man deceive himself. If any man among you seemeth to be wise in the world, let him become a fool, that he may be wise.
Let no man deceive himself. If any man among you seemeth to be wise in the things of God, let him get the wisdom of men, that he may be wise.
For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, he taketh the wise in their own craftiness.
And again, the Lord knoweth the thoughts of the wise, that they are vain.
Therefore let no man glory in men. For all things are yours.--I. Cor. iii., 18-21.
For the wisdom of God is foolishness with the world, for it is written, Let us educate young men for the ministry; and again, Let no man preach who has not been educated for the purpose; and especially, receive no man who professes to be inspired.
Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I would not have you ignorant.--I. Cor. xii., 1.
Now, concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, we would have you entire ignorant, for they are not needed at all in this generation.
THE DOCTRINE OF CHRIST.
THE DOCTRINES OF MEN.
But the manifestation of the spirit is given to every man to profit withal.
For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit.
To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gift of healing by the same Spirit.
To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues.--I. Cor. xii., 7-10.
But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to no man to profit at all.
But to one is given, by the learning of men, the word of wisdom; and to another the word of knowledge by human learning.
And to another faith, by the same spirit; but to none the gift of healing by the same Spirit.
And to none the working of miracles, and to none to prophesy, and to none discerning of spirits, and to none to speak with divers kinds of tongues, and to none to interpret tongues.
For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, so also is Christ.
For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we are Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.
For the body is not one member, but many.--I. Cor., xii., 12-14.
For as the body is composed of many sects and parties who are opposed to each other, and have no gifts, and, being many sects, are but one body, so also is Antichrist.
For by many spirits are we all baptized into many bodies, whether we be Catholics or Protestants, Presbyterians or Methodists, but have all drunk into one spirit, even the spirit of the world.
For the body is not one sect, but many.
But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him.
And if they were all one member, where were the body?
But now are they many members yet but one body.--I. Cor., xii., 18-20.
Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular.
And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues.--I. Cor., xii., 27-28.
But now hath the god (of this world) set the sects and parties in the body (of Antichrist) as it hath pleased him.
And if they were all one sect, where were the body?
But now are they many sects, yet but one body (even Babylon). Now, ye are the body of Antichrist, and members in particular.
And man hath set some in the Church; first, a hireling Priest; secondly, a board of officers; thirdly, tracts; then commentaries, creeds and diversities of opinions; hence societies, and wondrous helps.
THE DOCTRINE OF CHRIST.
THE DOCTRINES OF MEN.
Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice and be exceeding glad, for great is your reward in heaven; for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.--Matt. v., 11-12.
Woe unto you when men reviled you, and persecute you, and say all manner of evil against you falsely for Christ's sake. Lament ye, and be exceedingly sorrowful in that hour, for little is your reward among men; for so persecute they the Latter-day Saints.
Give to him that asketh thee, and from him that would borrow of thee turn not thou away.--Matt. v., 42.
Give to him that asketh of thee, if he be able to make thee a similar present; and from him that would borrow of thee turn not thou away, if he be able to pay thee again with good interest.
Be ye therefore, perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.--Matt. v., 48.
Do not think to be perfect, for it is impossible to live without sin.
Take heed that ye do not your alms before men, to be seen of them; otherwise ye have no reward of your Father which is in heaven.
Therefore when thou doest thine alms, do not sound a trumpet before thee, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.--Matt. vi., 1-2.
Take heed that you do your alms before men, to be seen of them; otherwise you have no reward nor praise from the children of men.
Therefore, when thou doest thine alms, publish it in the Missionary Herald, or some other paper, that you may get praise of the world. Verily I say unto you, You shall have your reward.
And when thou prayest thou shall not be as the hypocrites are, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.--Matt. vi., 5.
And when thou prayest, be like the hypocrites in days of old; go before the public and cry mightily, not expecting to be heard and answered, for that would be miraculous, and miracles have ceased.
And when thou prayest thou shall not be as the hypocrites are, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.--Matt. vi., 5.
And when thou prayest, be like the hypocrites in days of old; go before the public and cry mightily, not expecting to be heard and answered, for that would be miraculous, and miracles have ceased.
Moreover when ye fast, be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance; for they disfigure their faces that they may appear unto men to fast. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward,--Matt. vi., 16.
Moreover, when ye fast, be like the hypocrites, of a sad countenance, that ye may appear unto men to fast; so that you may get your reward.
THE DOCTRINE OF CHRIST.
THE DOCTRINES OF MEN.
Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal.
But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal.
For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.--Matt. vi., 19-21.
Lay up for yourselves abundance of treasures on the earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal; for if your heart is only in heaven, it is no matter how rich you are in this world; for now it is come to pass that ye cannot serve God and mammon.
Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them; for this is the law and the prophets.
Enter ye in at the strait gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat.
Because strait is the gate and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.
Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.
Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?--Matt. vii., 12-16.
Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.
Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.--Matt. vii., 20-21.
Therefore, all things whatsoever men do to you do you even so to them; for this is the law and the practice.
Enter ye in at the wide gate, where the multitude go; for it cannot be that all our great and learned men are wrong, and nobody right but a few obscure individuals.
For the narrow way is not altogether too straight, but only a very few travel in it.
Beware of prophets who come to you with the Word of God; you may know at once they are false, without hearing them or examining their fruits; popular opinion is against them; whereas, if they were men of God, the people would speak well of them.
If we are only sure that we have experienced religion, and we pray often, we shall be saved, whether we do the Lord's will or not; for it mattereth not what system we embrace, whether it be right or wrong, if we are only sincere.
And it came to pass, when Jesus had ended these sayings, the people were astonished at His doctrine.
For he taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes.--Matt. vii., 28-29.
And it came to pass that when men had ended these sayings, the people were pleased with their doctrines, for they taught them not as men having authority, but as the scribes.