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Primary sources/David Whitmer/An Address to All Believers in Christ
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TO
ALL BELIEVERS IN CHRIST.
BY
A WITNESS TO THE DIVINE AUTHENTICITY
OF THE BOOK OF MORMON.
DAVID WHITMER,
RICHMOND, MISSOURI.
1887
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BY DAVID WHITMER.
1887The author desires this work circulated as much as possible, and will grant the Privilege of reproduction to any reliable house that will make application to him.
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Dear Reader:
Part first of this pamphlet is a brief address to those who have not read the Book of Mormon, and who are not conversant with the denominations that believe in that book.
Part second is an address to all believers in the Book of Mormon.
There are three distinct denominations that believe the Book of Mormon to be the Word of God:
First: The Church of Christ.
Second: The Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.
Third: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.
The last named is the church in Salt Lake City; they believe in the doctrine of polygamy, while the two first named churches do not believe in that doctrine. I am an elder in "the Church of Christ." We believe in the doctrine of Christ as it is taught in the New Testament and the Book of Mormon, the same gospel being taught in both these books. The Bible being the sacred record of the Jews who inhabited the eastern continent; the Book of Mormon being the sacred record of the Nephites (descendants of Joseph, the son of Jacob), who inhabited the western continent, or this land of America. The Indians are the remnant of that people, who drifted into unbelief and darkness about 350 years after Christ appeared to them and established his church among them, after finishing his mission at Jerusalem. We believe in faith in Christ, repentance and baptism for the remission of sins, and the gift of the Holy Ghost. We believe in the laying on of hands as it was practiced in the days of the Apostles. We believe in the resurrection of the dead and eternal judgment. We also believe in the Words of Christ when he said, "These signs shall follow them that believe." Our belief concerning the order of offices in the church, etc., will be found in Part Second of this pamphlet. THE CHURCH OF CHRIST holds to the original doctrine and order that was first established upon the teachings of Christ in the written word, in 1829, when the Lord set his hand the second time to establish the true gospel upon the earth and recover his people, which is in fulfillment of the prophecies in the Bible. We denounce, the doctrine of polygamy and spiritual wifeism. It is a great evil, shocking to the moral sense, and the more so because practiced in the name of Religion. It is of man and not of God, and is especially forbidden in the Book of Mormon itself in these words. "Behold, David and Solomon truly had many wives and concubines, which thing was abominable before me, saith the Lord. * * * * * For there shall not any man among you have
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save it be one wife: and concubines he shall have none: For I the Lord God, delighteth in the chastity of woman." (Book of Mormon, page 116, chap. 2, par. 6). We do not indorse the teachings of any of the so-called Mormons or Latter Day Saints, which are in conflict with the gospel of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, as taught in the New Testament and the Book of Mormon. They have departed in a great measure from the faith of the CHURCH OF CHRIST as it was first established, by heeding revelations given through Joseph Smith, who, after being called of God to translate his sacred word — the Book of Mormon — drifted into many errors and gave many revelations to introduce doctrines, ordinances and offices in the church, which are in conflict with Christ's teachings. They also changed the name of the church. Their departure from the faith is also according to prophecy. "Now the spirit speaketh expressly that in THE LATTER TIMES some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits and doctrines of devils." (1 Tim. iv : 1). On account of God giving to Joseph Smith the gift to translate the plates on which was engraven the Nephite scriptures, the people of the church put too much trust in him — in the man — and believed his words as if they were from God's own mouth. They have trusted in an arm of flesh. (Jeremiah xvii : 5) "Thus saith the Lord : Cursed be the man that trusted in man, and maketh flesh his arm, and whose heart departeth from the Lord." They looked to Joseph Smith as lawgiver; we look to Christ alone, and believe only in the religion of Jesus Christ and not in the religion of any man.
The doctrine of polygamy was not introduced until about fourteen years after the church was established; but other doctrines of error were introduced earlier than this. I left the body in June, 1838, being five years before polygamy was introduced.
Joseph Smith drifting into errors after translating the Book of Mormon, is a stumbling-block to many, but only those of very weak faith would stumble on this account. Greater abominations are recorded of David in the Bible, than is recorded to-day of Joseph Smith; but do you reject the Psalms on this account? Do you reject the Proverbs because Solomon was a polygamist? Stop and think, you who are hasty to condemn. If you desire to know whether or not the Book of Mormon is true, read the book and investigate it, for Christ has promised that he who seeks in the right way shall find the truth of all things. We are commanded to "Prove all things; hold fast that which is good." (l Thes. v : 21).
The Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, believe that Joseph Smith was a true prophet up to his death, and accept his revelations in their Book of Doctrine and Covenants. The revelation to practice polygamy is not printed in their Doctrine and Covenants. They do not believe in the doctrine of polygamy.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (the church at Salt Lake City) believe that Joseph Smith was a true prophet up to the time of his death, and accept his revelations which they have published in their Book of Doctrine and Covenants. In this book is the revelation on polygamy.
It is also a stumbling-block to those who desire to investigate as to the truth of the Book of Mormon, to see the believers in that book divided; but the divisions have been brought about by the revelations of
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Joseph Smith. We, the Church of Christ, who accept only the Bible and the Book of Mormon as the rule and guide to our faith , agree on the doctrine and gospel of Christ. The Book of Mormon comes forth claiming to be the scriptures of the tribe of Joseph, written by holy men of God, which record has been kept pure. It claims that when the Bible was written by the tribe of Judah (the Jews), it was plain to the understanding of men; and that many plain and precious things have been taken from it by a great and abominable church; and that on this account the Gentiles stumble over the true doctrine of Christ. The Book of Mormon comes forth claiming to make plain the doctrine of Christ as taught in the New Testament; and it a does make it so plain that a child can understand it. To all who are without prejudice, the Book of Mormon is the key to the understanding of the Bible. As I have stated, all who take it and the Bible alone as the guide to their faith, agree on the doctrine of Christ.
I know that reproach has been brought upon the Book of Mormon. Because some of those who believe it have drifted into wickedness, the world has rejected the book and turned it aside as a thing of naught; but if such persons will stop and think, they will see that they refuse to read this book, which claims to be a message from God, simply because some have transgressed who believe in the book ! Such persons are not very earnestly seeking for truth. Those who have read the history of the apostolic church know, that before John wrote the Revelation, many of those who believed in Christ went into all manner of wickedness ad heresies, practicing those things in the name of Christ, and thereby brought reproach upon the name "Christian." Apostolic church history tells us that the Nicolaitanes (Rev. ii: 15), who departed from the faith by following Nicolas, one of the first seven deacons (Acts vi: 5)) were also called "Christians;" also that many factions which sprang out of the Christian church, also called themselves "Christians." The Nicolaitanes claimed that Nicolas had received a revelation from God to practice the doctrine of “free love," which is worse than polygamy. (Irenaeus, Epiphanius, Hippolytus.) Reproach was thus brought upon the name "Christian," just as it has been brought upon the words of Christ-the Book of Mormon. History tells us it was a disgrace in the eyes of the world to be called a "Christian," even during the days of the apostles. In Acts xxviii:22 we find that the true church was evil spoken ”For as concerning this sect, we know that everywhere it is spoken against." Paul speaks of the reproach of Christ in Heb. xi:26 and xiii:13. Christ speaks of the reproach his disciples will have to bear for his name, telling them many times that his disciples would always be persecuted. Peter prophesied (2 Peter ii:1-2), that damnable heresies would be brought into the church; "and many shall follow their pernicious ways, by reason of whom THE WAY OP TRUTH shall be evil spoken of." So has it been in these last days. On account of the heresy of polygamy and other heresies, "the way of truth" is evil spoken of; and those who believe in all the scriptures of our Lord Jesus Christ, are called by the world "Mormons," and are looked upon with more or less shame by the majority of people; but we are willing to bear the reproach for Him who died for us, for we know that the Book of Mormon is His word, and by His word we can inherit eternal life if we are faithful in
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keeping His commandments. God's wisdom is not man's wisdom, and His ways are not man's ways. He works in a way least expected by man. He does his work in a way that all men may stumble and not understand, unless their whole heart and desire is upon God, and not upon the things of this world. "Love not the world, neither the things, that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Fother is not in him." (1 John ii: 15.) "Ye cannot serve God and mammon." (Matt. vi: 24.) He who makes up his mind to serve God with an eye single to his glory, the light that is in him will not be darkness to the truth as it is in Christ; such a person will overcome the stumbling-blocks by the Holy Spirit enlightening his mind, and he will see and understand the truth. God works by stumbling-blocks. He ordained that Christ should come as a stumbling-block to the Jews, so that all who did not have an eye single to his glory might stumble and not understand. "And He (Christ) shall be for a sanctuary; but for a stone of stumbling and for a rock of offense to both the houses of Israel, for a sin and for a snare to the inhabitants of Jerusalem. And many among them shall stumble, and fall, and be broken, and be snared, and be taken." (Isaiah viii:l4-l5.) (See also 1 Peter ii:7-8, 1 Cor. i:23, Rom. ix: 32-33.) The Jews did not expect the Christ to come in the way he did, because the prophecies about his coming were obscure; so they rejected him.
The Gentiles cannot expect the words of Christ—the Book of Mormon—to come in the way it has, because the prophecies about its coming forth are obscure; so they have rejected it; but the stone which the builders have rejected, the same will become the head of the corner. The Book of Mormon is the word of God. The prophecies in the scriptures concerning the way in which Christ would come to the Jews, are obscure, but they are just as God wanted them. Likewise are the prophecies in the Bible concerning the coming forth of the word of Christ in these last days, which is "the dispensation of the fullness of times." The prophecies which foretell the coming forth of the Book of Mormon are fully as plain to the Gentiles, as the prophecies were to the Jews concerning Christ's coming. The people cannot understated why the Lord would bring forth his word from "a book (plates) that is sealed" and was buried in the ground by his ancient prophets on this land: and why He should have the words of the book delivered ”to one that is learned," telling him to read it, etc.; ( see Isa. xxix) but the learned and wise men of the world could not read it; God gave to an unlearned boy, Joseph Smith, the gift to translate it by the means of a STONE. See the following passages concerning the ”Urim and Thummin," being the same means and one by which the Ancients received the word of the Lord. (1 Sam. xxviii:6. Neh. vii:65. Ezra ii:63. Num. xxvii:21. Deut. xxxiii:8. Exodus xxviii:30. Lev. viii:8.) But this is a great stumbling-block to the people now. They cannot understand why God would work in this manner to bring forth his word; and why he would choose such a man as Joseph Smith to translate it: and they think the canon of scripture is full: and that angels do not minister unto men in these days. But oh kind reader, if you desire to know the truth, be not hasty to condemn and judge, but I pray you to investigate. The scriptures teach that God works in a way least expected by men.
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"Neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord." (Isa. LV:8). How unsearchable are His judgments, and His ways past finding out." (Rom. xi:33). Read Isa. xxix, whole chapter, which is a prophecy concerning the way in which the Book of Mormon was to come forth. "Out of the ground;" " Out of the dust;" From, "the words of a Book (plates) that is sealed:" The men of the world who are wise and prudent in the eyes of the world, shall be confounded; they will not understand the Lord's way of working. "For the wisdom of their wise men shall perish, and the understanding of their prudent men shall be hid." But the meek and lowly in heart will understand it. "The meek also shall increase their joy in the Lord, and the poor among men shall rejoice in the Holy One of Israel." And those who are spiritually blind and deaf shall "hear the words of the Book," and "see out of obscurity, and out of darkness." "They also that erred in spirit shall come to understanding, and they that murmured shall learn doctrine;" (The above quotations are from the 29th chapter of Isaiah.) John, in his vision on the Isle of Patmos, of "things which must be hereafter," saw "Another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell ON THE EARTH." (Rev. xiv:6.) In Isaiah xi:11—12, It is prophesied as follows : "and it shall come to pass in that day (dispensation ) that the Lord shall set his hand again the second time to recover the remnant of his people * * * * and he shall set up an ensign for the nations, and shall assemble the outcasts of Israel, ant1 I gather together the dispersed of Judah (the Jews) from the four corners of the earth." The coming forth of the Book of Mormon is only a preparatory work for the great and "marvelous work" of God which is yet to come in gathering scattered Israel, which is spoken of so often through the prophets. The Book of Mormon contains many prophecies which are now and have been during my life, under course of fulfillment. It says that more records are yet to come forth from the "book that is sealed," which book is the sacred scriptures or records of the people who inhabited this land of America.
The children of Israel are to be gathered by the record of Judah (the Bible); and the record of Joseph; of which record the Book of Mormon is only a part. I will now quote from Ezekiel xxxvii:16-21, which is plain concerning this matter. Remember that in ancient times, writing was engraved upon stone and upon metallic plates, and they also wrote upon parchment which they rolled around a stick. A roll of parchment was called a "stick."
"Moreover, thou son of man, take thee one stick, and write upon it, For Judah, and for the children of Israel his companions: then take another stick, and write upon it, For Joseph, the stick of Ephraim, and for all the house of Israel his companions: and join them one to another in one stick; and they shall become one in thine hand. And when the children of thy people shall speak unto thee, saying, Wilt thou not show us what thou meanest by these? say unto them, * * * * Thus saith the Lord God; Behold, I will take the children of Israel from among the heathen, whither they be gone, and will gather them on every side, and bring them into their own land."
It is evident that this, like many other prophecies, refers to the time when the Israel of God will be gathered together in righteousness
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and holiness; when the shall be God's holy people forever. It says in this chapter, 23d to 28th verses, that when they are gathered, they shall “No more defile themselves with their idols * * * nor with any of their transgressions,” and the Lord "will cleanse them, so they shall be my people, and I will be their God.” * * * and "they shall walk in my judgments * * * * * and (I) will set my sanctuary in the midst of them forevermore. * * * * And the heathen (all who are not Israel) shall know that I the Lord do sanctify Israel when my sanctuary shall be in the midst of them forevermore.” (Concerning a literal gathering of the House of Israel will be first some day, and the Gentiles last. It is through the “fullness of the Gentiles,” that the veil of blindness which is now over Israel, shall be taken away. The cup of iniquity of the Gentiles is almost full; then God will turn to Israel, for Israel is not cast away forever. “Blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fullness of the Gentiles be come in. * * * There shall come out of Sion, the Deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob.” (See Romans 11th chapter.)
It is recorded in the American Cyclopaedia and the Encyclopaedia Britannica, that I, David Whitmer, have denied my testimony as one of the three witnesses to the divinity of the Book of Mormon; and that the other two witnesses, Oliver Cowdery and Martin Harris, denied their testimony to that Book. I will say once more to all mankind, that I have never at any time denied that testimony or any part thereof. I also testify to the world, that neither Oliver Cowdery or Martin Harris ever at an time denied their testimony. They both died reaffirming the truth of the divine authenticity of the Book of Mormon. I was present at the death bed of Oliver Cowdery, and his last words were, “Brother David, be true to your testimony to the Book of Mormon." He died here in Richmond, Mo., on March 3d, 1850. Many witnesses yet live in Richmond, who will testify to the truth of these facts, as well as to the good character of Oliver Cowdery. The very powers of darkness have combined against the Book of Mormon, to prove that it is not the word of God, and this should go to prove to men of spiritual understanding, that the Book is true. To show the reader what I have had to contend with, I give you below a copy of a leaflet which I had printed and distributed in March, 1881.
"Unto all Nations, Kindred Tongues and People, unto whom these presents shall come:
"It having been represented by one John Murphy, of Polo, Caldwell County, Mo., that I, in a conversation with him last summer, denied my testimony as one of the three witnesses to the 'BOOK OF MORMON.'
"To the end, therefore, that he may understand me now, if he did not then; and that the world may know the truth, I wish now, standing as it were, in the very sunset of life, and in the fear of God, once for all to make this public statement:
"That I have never at any time denied that testimony or any part thereof, which has so long since been published with that Book, as one of
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the three witnesses. Those who know me best, well know that I have always adhered to that testimony. And that no man may be misled or doubt my present views in regard to the same, I do a again affirm the truth of all of my statements, as then made and published.
" 'He that hath an ear to hear, let him hear;' it was no delusion! What is written is written, and he that readeth let him understand.
"And that no one may be deceived or misled by this statement, I wish here to state : that I do not indorse polygamy or spiritual wifeism. It is a great evil, shocking to the moral sense, and the more so, because practiced in the name of religion. It is of man and not of God, and is especially forbidden in the Book of Mormon itself.
"I do not indorse the change of the name of the church, for as the wife takes the name of her husband so should the Church of the Lamb of God, take the name of its head, even Christ himself. It is the Church of Christ.
"As to the High Priesthood, Jesus Christ himself is the last Great High Priest, this too after the order of Melchisedec, as I understand the Holy Scriptures.
"Finally, I do not indorse any of the teachings of the so-called Mormons, of Latter Day Saints, which are in conflict with the Gospel of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, us taught in the Bible and Book of Mormon; for the same gospel is plainly taught in both of these books as I understand the word of God.
"And if any man doubt should he not carefully and honestly read and understand the same, before presuming to sit in judgment and condemning the light, which shineth in darkness, and showeth the way of eternal life as out by the unerring hand of God.
"In the spirit of Christ who hath said: 'Follow thou me, for I am the life, the light and the way,' I submit this statement to the world. God in whom I trust being my judge as to the sincerity of my motives and the faith and hope that is in me of eternal life.
"My sincere desire is that the world may be benefited by this plain and simple statement of the truth.
"And all the honor be to the Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost, which is one God. Amen. DAVID WHITMER."
"RICHMOND, Mo., March 19, 1881."
" We, the undersigned citizens of Richmond, Ray County, Mo., where David Whitmer, has resided since the year A. D. 1838, certify that we have been long and intimately acquainted with him and know him to be a man of the highest integrity, and of undoubted truth and veracity.
"Given at Richmond, Mo., this March 19, A. D. 1881.
Gen. Alexander W. Doniphan.
Hon. Geo. W. Dunn, Judge of the Fifth Judicial Circuit.
Thos. D. Woodson, President of Ray Co. Savings Bank
J. T. Child, editor of Conservator.
H. C. Garner, Cashier of Ray Co. Savings Bank.
L. C. Cantwell, Postmaster, Richmond.
Geo. I. Wasson, Mayor
Jas. A. Davis, County Collector.
C. J. Hughes, Probate Judge and Presiding Justice of Ray County Court.
Geo. W. Trigg, County Clerk.
W. W. Mosby, M. D.
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W. A. Holman, County Treasurer.
J. S. Hughes, Banker, Richmond.
James Hughes, Banker, Richmond.
D. P. Whitmer, Attorney-at-Law.
Hon. Jas. W. Black, Attorney-at-Law.
Thos. McGinnis, ex-Sheriff Ray County.
J. P. Quesenberry, Merchant.
W. R. Holman, Furniture Merchant.
Lewis Slaughter, Recorder of Deeds.
Geo. W. Buchanan, M. D.
A. K. Reyburn.“
"Elsewhere we publish a letter from David Whitmer, an old and well-known citizen of Ray, as well as an indorsement of his standing as a man, signed by a number of the leading citizens of this community, in reply to some unwarranted aspersions made upon him.
"There is no doubt that Mr. Whitmer, who was one of the three witnesses of the authenticity of the gold plates, from which he asserts that Joseph Smith translated the Book of Mormon (a fac simile of the characters he now has in his possession with the original records), is firmly convinced of its divine origin, and while he makes no effort to obtrude his views or beliefs, he simply wants the world to know that so far as he is concerned there is no 'variableness or shadow of turning.' Having resided here for near a half of a century, it is with no little pride that he points to his past record with the conscionsness that he has done nothing derogatory to his character as a citizen and a believer in the son of Mary, to warrant such an attack on him, come from what source it may, and now with the lilies of seventy-five winters crowning him like an aureole, and his pilgrimage on earth well nigh ended, he reiterates his former statements, and will leave futurity to solve the problem that he was but a passing witness to its fulfillment. His attacks on the vileness that has sprung up with the Utah Church, must have a salutary effect upon those bigamists who have made adultery the corner-stone in the edifice of their belief."
Besides other false statements that are in the two encyclopaedias above mentioned is the old story of the Spaulding manuscript. That is, that one Solomon Spaulding who died in Amity, Penn., in 1816, had written a romance, the scene of which was among the ancient Indians who lived in this country. That Spaulding died before he published his romance, and that Sydney Rigdon got hold of the manuscript in a printing office and copied it; that subsequently the manuscript was returned to Solomon Spaulding; that thirteen years after the death of Spaulding, in 1829, Rigdon became associated with Joseph Smith, who read the Spaulding manuscript from behind a blanket to Oliver Cowdery, his amanuensis, who wrote it down. Hence the origin of the Book of Mormon. This is what is claimed by the enemies of the book: Satan had to concoct some plan to account for the origin of that book. I will say that all who desire to investigate the Spaulding manuscript story will not be obliged to go very far before they will see the entire
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falsity of that claim. I testify to the world that I am an eye-witness to the translation of the greater part of the Book of Mormon. Part of it was translated in my father's house in Fayette, Seneca County N. Y. Farther on I give a description of the manner in which the book was translated.
When the Spaulding story was made known to believers in the book, they called for the Spaulding manuscript, but it could not be found; but recently, thanks to the Lord, the original manuscript has been found and identified. It has been placed in the library of Oberlin college, Oberlin, Ohio, for public inspection. All who have doubts about it being the original Spaulding manuscript, can satisfy themselves by visiting Oberlin and examining the proofs. The manuscript is in the hands of those who are not believers in the Book of Mormon. They have kindly allowed the believers in the book to publish a copy of the manuscript, with the proofs that it is the manuscript of Solomon Spaulding. There is no similarity whatever between it and the Book of Mormon. Any one who investigates this question will see that the Spaulding manuscript story is a fabrication concocted by the enemies of the Book of Mormon, in order to account for the origin of that book. Neither Joseph Smith, Oliver Cowdery, Martin Harris or myself ever met Sydney Rigdon until after the Book of Mormon was in print. I know this of my own personal knowledge, being with Joseph Smith, in Seneca County , N. Y., in the winter of 1830, when Sydney Rigdon and Edward Partridge came from Kirtland, Ohio, to see Joseph Smith, and where Rigdon and Partridge saw Joseph Smith for the first time in their lives.
The Spaulding manuscript story is a myth; there being no direct testimony on record in regard to Rigdon's connection with the manuscript of Solomon Spaulding.
I have in my possession the original manuscript of the Book of Mormon, in the handwriting of Oliver Cowdery and others, also the original paper containing some of the characters transcribed from one of the golden plates, which paper Martin Harris took to Professor Anthon, of New York, for him to read "the words of a book that is sealed:" but the learned professor, although a great linguist could not read the language of the Nephites. There is some evidence in the American Cyclopaedia favorable to the Book of Mormon that I will speak of. It is as follows:
"Martin Harris called upon Prof. Anthon, of New York, with a transcript on paper which Smith had given him of the characters on one of the golden plates. 'This paper,' Prof. Anthon said, in a letter dated "New York, Feb. 17, 1834, 'was in fact a singular scroll. It consisted of all kinds of crooked characters, disposed in columns, and had evidently been prepared by some person who had before him at the time a book containing various alphabets. Greek and Hebrew letters, crosses and flourishes, Roman letters, inverted or placed sideways, were arranged and placed in perpendicular columns,” etc. The "learned" could not read it, and the book was delivered to him that is not learned. I will quote two verses from the twenty-ninth chapter of Isaiah, which is the prophecy regarding this matter.
“And the vision all is become unto you as the words of a book that is sealed, which men deliver to one that is learned, saying, Read this, I pray thee: and he saith, I cannot, for it is sealed: and the book is delivered
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to him that is not learned, saying, Read this, I pray thee: and ha saith, I am not learned."
(Verses 11 and 12.) No man could read it, but God gave to an unlearned boy the gift to translate it.
I will now give you a description of the manner in which the Book of Mormon was translated. Joseph Smith would put the seer stone into a hat, and pout his face in the hat, drawing it closely around his face to exclude the light; and in the darkness the spiritual light would shine. A piece of something resembling parchment would appear, and on that appeared the writing. One character at a time would appear, and under it was the interpretation in English. Brother Joseph would read off the English to Oliver Cowdery, who was his principal scribe, and when it was written down and repeated to Brother Joseph to see if it was correct, then it would disappear, and another character with the interpretation would appear. Thus the Book of Mormon was translated by the gift and power of God, and not by any power of man.
The characters I speak of are the engravings on the golden plates from which the book was translated. They were engraved thereon by the hand of a holy prophet of God whose name was Mormon, who lived upon this land four hundred years after Christ. Mormon's son, Moroni, after witnessing the destruction of his brethren, the Nephites, who were a white race—they being destroyed by the Lamanites (Indians)— deposited the golden plates in the ground, according to a command of God. An angel of the Lord directed Brother Joseph to them. The language of the Nephites is called the reformed Egyptian language.
I will give you the preface to the Book of Mormon, written by Moroni, and translated in the same manner as the Book was translated.
“Wherefore, it is an abridgement of the record of the people of Nephi, and also of the Lamanites; written to the Lamanites, who are a remnant of the house of Israel; and also to Jew and Gentile; written by way of commandment, and also by the Spirit of prophesy and of revelation. Written and sealed up, and hid up unto the Lord, that they might not be destroyed; to come forth by the gift and power of God unto the interpretation thereof; sealed by the hand of Moroni, and hid up unto the Lord, to come forth in due time by the way of Gentile; the interpretation thereof by the gift of God.
"An abridgement taken from the Book of Ether: also, which is a record of the people of Jared; who were scattered at the time the Lord confounded the language of the people, when they were building a tower to get to heaven: which is to show unto the remnant of the house of Israel what great things the Lord hath done for their fathers; and that they may know the covenants of the Lord, that they are not cast off forever; and also to the convincing of the Jew and Gentile that Jesus is the Christ, the Eternal God, manifesting himself unto all nations.
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And now if there are faults, they are the mistakes of men; wherefore, condemn not the things of God, that ye may be found spotless at the judgment seat of Christ." "MORONI."
"Be it known unto all nations, kindreds, tongues, and people, unto whom this work shall come, that we, through the grace of God the Father and our Lord Jesus Christ, have seen the plates which contain this record, which is a record of the people of Nephi, and also of the Lamanites, their brethren, and also of the people of Jared, who came from the tower of which hath been spoken; and we also know that they have been translated by the gift and power of God, for His voice hath declared it unto us; wherefore we know of a surety, that the work is true. And we also testify that we have seen the engravings which are upon the plates; and they have been shown unto us by the power of God, and not of man. And we declare with words of soberness, that an angel of God came down from heaven, and he brought and laid before our eyes, that we beheld and saw the plates, and the engravings thereon; and we know that it is by the grace of God the Father, and our Lord Jesus Christ, that we beheld and bear record that these things are true; and it is marvelous in our eyes, nevertheless, the voice of the Lord commanded us that we should bear record of it; wherefore, to be obedient unto the commandments of God, we bear testimony of these things. And we know that if we are faithful in Christ, we shall rid our garments of the blood of all men, and be found spotless before the judgment seat of Christ, and shall dwell with him eternally in the heavens. And the honor be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost, which is one God. Amen.
OLIVER COWDERY,
DAVID WHITMER,
MARTIN HARRIS."
“Be it known unto all nations, kindreds, tongues, and people, unto whom this work shall come, that Joseph Smith, Jr., the translator of this work, has shown unto us the plates of which hath been spoken, which have the appearance of gold; and as many of the leaves as the said Smith hath translated, we did handle with our hands. and we also saw the engravings thereon, all of which has the appearance of ancient work, and curious workmanship. And this we bear record with words of soberness, that the said Smith has shown unto us, for we have seen and hefted, and known of a surety, that the said Smith has got the plates of which we have spoken. And we give our names unto the world to witness unto the world that which we have seen; and we lie not, God bearing witness of it.
CHRISTIAN WHITMER, HIRAM PAGE,
JACOB WHITMER, JOSEPH SMITH, SR.,
PETER WHITMER, JR., HYRUM SMITH,
JOHN WHITMER, SAMUEL H. SMITH."
Dear Reader:—I want to ask you this question, if you are an unbeliever in the Book of Mormon, and I hope you will study over it prayer-
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fully. The testimony of seven men, Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, Paul, Peter and Jude, comes down to us eighteen hundred years old; you accept their testimony as true. To-day we have the testimony of eleven witnesses who have lived in our generation, one of which (myself) is still living—these eleven men having lived honorable and upright lives-but you reject their testimony and accept the testimony of the seven men who have been dead eighteen hundred years.
If you will not grant a possibility of the Book of Mormon being true, and sit in judgment and hastily condemn it after reading what I have written, you can surely see for yourself that your heart is full of prejudice, Remember that prejudice is not of God. It is the spirit that hastily condemned and stoned the prophets of God in all ages past. So beware, and look well to your own heart, that Satan does not blind your understanding to the truth. If you are open to investigation and conviction, I pray you to read the Book of Mormon with a prayerful heart. All persons who are spiritual, having a fair understanding of the scriptures, how they can read that Book and reject it, is very strange indeed. The Book carries conviction with it. The wise men of this world could never write a book like it. Any one without prejudice, who is honestly seeking for truth, can see the finger of God in that book. It makes plain the doctrines which are so obscure in the New Testament, and over which the religious world is divided. For instance, the mode of baptism; the "signs" or spiritual gifts which Christ said in plain words should follow them that believe in him. All who are not blinded to the understanding of the New Testament scriptures, will admit that the spiritual gifts should be with the believers in Christ to-day; that the reason why the spiritual gifts are not following the believers to-day, is because they have not that strong and living faith that the ancient church had—down to about 200 years after the death of the Apostles: the Book of Mormon explains this matter in full, Likewise many other questions of vital importance in the doctrine of Christ, which the Christian world has been contending and disputing about for ages, this Book comes forth from God to explain them.
As we know, Christ and the apostle have taught that man must worship God in His appointed way; that is, that thev must be right as to the true points of Christ’s doctrin: But because a man is right on the doctrine of Christ, having been rightly adopted into the Church of Christ, this alone will not entitle him to the highest glory hereafter. We are taught that we must endure faithful unto the end, and bring forth fruit. Coming into the fold of Christ is simply the birth into the church; we are then babes, and from a babe we must grow in charity, grace, and knowledge, on toward the full stature of the perfect man in Christ; and to grow, we must walk in the Spirit, having the fruits of the Spirit, which is "love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance.” Then we are Christ's, and "have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts." (Gal. v : 22-24). This is the subject that is nearest my heart. The Spirit of Christ in man. I could write volumes on this subject, but why should I, when God's Holy Word is so full upon this matter. Those who cannot understand from the Word of God regarding the boundless love and Spirit of Christ, which Spirit must be in man or he is not Christ's, they could not comprehend it from my writing, however eloquent I might be. It is a gift which God alone
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gives to man, when man complies with certain conditions of heart as laid down in God's Word. The object of this pamphlet is to guide some honest hearts into the true doctrine of Christ, hoping that when they have found the straight and narrow way, that they may continue to walk therein, and bring forth much fruit to the glory of God.
I desire to my a few words concerning the Holy Ghost, which is the Spirit of Christ—the greatest gift of God to man. Many people claim to have this gift. I am not judging anyone, but I will tell you how we can tell when we have the Spirit of Christ; and when we have not this feeling and spirit, we have not His Spirit. When we have the Spirit of Christ, our hearts are filled with the love of God that reaches out and takes in all men, even our enemies. We then have every particle of prejudice, malice, envy and hatred cast out of our hearts; we then have no hatred whatever toward any person, even an enemy. Remember the words of Christ: "For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? Do not even the Publicans the same? But I say unto you, Love your enemies; bless them that curse you: do good to them that hate you. * * * That ye may be children of your Father which is in heaven." Nothing short of this is the Spirit of Christ. By this you can know whether you have the Holy Ghost or not. This is the test.
The religion of Jesus Christ is embodied in one word, and that word is LOVE; it is the first and great commandment, for on it hangs the law and the prophets. Charity is the great lack of religious professors. As we love and judge others, so we will be judged at the last day. The principal idea in religion is the fatherhood of God, and brotherhood of man. Christ taught us to pray, Our Father who art in heaven. Our motive in serving God must be love and not fear. Those who have never had the gift of the Holy Ghost, cannot understand how a person could actually love and do good to any enemy; but those who have this gift can understand it and experience it. The natural man cannot understand some things of the Spirit of God, because they are spiritually discerned. (1 Cor. ii:14) He who cannot forgive an enemy and actually love him and do good to him, has not yet been born again, and has not the Spirit of Christ.
"Now if any man have ot the spirit of Christ, he is none of his.” (Rom. viii:9) When a man has this spirit—which is the Holy Ghost—he loves all men so much that his greatest desire in this world is to do the greatest amount of good to his fellow-man that is possible. What is the greatest good I can do to my fellow-men? It is to turn their footsteps heavenward; to preach the gospel and the love of Christ to them. The spirit of Christ is unselfish. It will act in all men to-day as it did in Paul. He said: "Not seeking mine own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved." (1 Cor. x:33.) My soul enlarges when I contemplate this subject. My heart goes out in fervent zeal and love for the children of men, in my great desires for their salvation; but God is just, and in His wisdom we are here in this world to suffer trials for a season, which will work out for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, if we are faithful while here in this world. God has placed man on the earth to be a free agent unto himself, and he receives good or evil, truth or error, just according to the way his heart is inclined.
In chapter ii, I give a few quotations from the Book of Mormon. I would especially call the readers attention to chapter iv, in Part Second
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of this pamphlet, in which I explain how the church drifted in errors by giving heed to revelations that were given by Joseph Smith after he had translated the Book of Mormon.
I have briefly noticed some of the evidences of that Book, hoping that this pamphlet may fall into the hands of some honest hearts who love the Lord in deed and in truth; who are willing to take upon themselves reproach for the name of Christ, and that by reading this work they may be led to investigate the evidences of the truth of that Book—which are many—and become convinced that it is the Word of God. Part Second of this pamphlet is an address to the Latter Day Saints to point out the errors they are in. By reading the address to them you can understand the position of the CHURCH OF CHRIST, and how the Latter Day Saints have in a great measure departed from the faith of the church as it was first established. I will close this chapter by some quotations from the Book of Mormon, and a few remarks.
"And when ye shall receive these things (the Book of Mormon), I would exhort you that ye ask God, the eternal Father, in the name of Christ, if these things are not true; and if ye shall ask with a sincere heart, with real intent, having faith in Christ, he will manifest the truth of it unto you, by the power of the Holy Ghost; and by the power of the Holy Ghost, ye may know the truth of all things." (Moroni x:l.)
"For it (the Book of Mormon) shall be brought out of darkness unto light, according to the Word of God; yea, it shall be brought out of the earth, and it shall shine forth out of darkness, and come unto the knowledge of the people: and it shall be done by the power of God. * * * * It shall come in a day when the power of God shall be denied (2 Tim. iii:5) , and churches become defiled, and shall be lifted up in the pride of their hearts; yea, even in a day when leaders of churches, and teachers, in the pride of their hearts, even to the envying of them who belong to their churches; yea, it shall come in a day when there shall be heard of fires, and tempests, and vapors of smoke in foreign lands; and there shall also be heard of wars and rumors of wars, and earthquakes in divers places.” (Book of Mormon, chap. iv, par. 2, 3.)
Dear reader, can you not discern the signs of the times? God is beginning to warn the inhabitants of the earth, and these signs shall increase. The fullness of the iniquity of the Gentiles is nigh at hand—in the Lord's manner of speaking. Christ says in the Book of Mormon, that destructions will come upon this nation if they do not repent. I cry unto you with all my soul, repent! repent! and seek unto God that you may know the truth of these things, whether that book is from God or not. It is truly the straight and narrow way. Straight means close, narrow, and difficult to find. Christ said, "Straight is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it." If the truth as it is in Christ is hid away down in the depths of the so-called Mormon Problem, it is truly the straight and difficult way to find. And I will say to all who desire to have part in the first resurrection, having the whole truth as it is in Christ, that in the depth of these seeming mysteries and stumbling- blocks, there you will find the Pearl of Great Price. May God help you dear reader, to break the bands of Satan—give up this vain world—and fulfill the mission for which the God of heaven created you into the world.
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In this chapter I give a few quotations from the Book of Mormon. The words of Jesus Christ: "And I give you these commandments because of the disputations which have been among you. And blessed are ye if you have no disputations among you." “For thus it behooveth the Father that it (the Book of Mormon) should come forth from the Gentiles, that he may show forth his power unto the Gentiles, for this cause, that the Gentiles, if they will not harden their hearts, that they may repent and come unto me, and be baptized in my name, AND KNOW OF THE TRUE POINTS OF MY DOCTRINE.” (Nephi viii:9 and ix:ll.) "Woe be unto him that crieth, All is well; yea, woe be unto him that hearkeneth unto the precepts of men, and denieth the power of God and the gift of the Holy Ghost."
(In 2 Tim. iii:1-5, Paul prophesied that in the last days, men shall have a form of godliness, but deny the power thereof. The power is the Holy Ghost, and its manifestations. Paul says in 1 Cor. xii:7, that “the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man," that is, every man who has the Holy Spirit. To one is given one gift and to one another gift.) * * *
"Woe unto all those who tremble, and are angry because of the truth of God. For behold, he that is built upon the rock, receiveth it with gladness: and he that is built upon a sandy foundation, trembleth lest he fall. * * * But behold, there shall be many at that day, when I shall proceed to do a 'marvelous work' among them, that I may remember my covenants which I have made unto the children of men, that I may 'set my hand again the second time to recover my people,' (Isa. "& xi:ll) which are of the house of Israel; and also, that I may remember the promises which I have made unto thee, Nephi, and also unto thy father, that I would remember your seed; * * * many of the Gentiles shall say, A Bible, a Bible, we have got a Bible, and there cannot be any more Bible. But thus saith the Lord God: O fools, they shall have a Bible; and it shall proceed forth from the Jews, mine ancient covenant people. And what thank they the Jews for the Bible which they receive from them? Yea, what do the Gentiles mean? Do they remember the travels, and the labors, and the pains of the Jews, and their diligence unto me, in bringing forth salvation unto the Gentiles? O ye Gentiles, have ye remembered the Jews, mine ancient covenant people? Nay; but ye have cursed them, and have hated them, and have not sought to recover them. But behold, I will return all these things your own heads; for I, the Lord, hath not forgotten my people. Thou fool, that shall say, a Bible, we have got a Bible, and we need no more Bible. Have ye obtained a Bible, save it were by the Jews? Know ye not that there are more nations than one? Know ye not that I, the Lord your God, have created all men, and that I remember those who are upon the isles of the sea (Acts, xvii:26), and that I rule in the heavens above and in the earth beneath; and I bring forth my word unto the children of men, yea, even upon all the nations of the earth? Wherefore murmur ye, because that ye shall receive more of my word? Know ye not that the testimony of two nations is a witness unto you that
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I am God, that I remember one nation like unto another? Wherefore, I speak the same words unto one nation like unto another. And when the two nations shall run together, the testimony of the two nations shall run together also. And I do this that I may prove unto many, that I am the same yesterday, today, and forever; and that I speak forth my words according to mine own pleasure. And because that I have spoken one word, ye need not suppose that I cannot speak another; for my work is not yet finished; neither shall it be, until the end of man; neither from that time henceforth and forever. Wherefore, because that ye have a Bible, ye need not suppose that it contains all my words; neither need ye suppose that I have not caused more to be written: * * * For behold, I speak unto the Jews, and they shall write it; and I shall also speak unto the Nephites, and they shall write it; and I shall also speak unto the other tribes of the house of Israel, which I have led away (the ten lost tribes, supposed to be beyond the North Sea—from the Book of Esdras), and they shall write it; and I shall also speak unto all nations of the earth, and they shall write it. And it shall come to pass that the Jews shall have the words of the Nephites, and the Nephites shall have the words of the Jews: and the Nephites and Jews shall have the words of the lost tribes of Israel: and the lost tribes of Israel shall have the words of the Nephites and the Jews. And it shall come to pass that my people which are of the house of Israel, shall be gathered home unto the lands of their possessions; and my word shall also be gathered in one. And I will show unto them that fight against my word and against my people, who are of the house of Israel, that I am God, and that I covenanted with Abraham, that I would remember his seed forever. * * * For behold, except ye shall keep the commandments of God ye shall all likewise perish. * * * As many of the Gentiles as will repent, are the covenant people of the Lord; and as many of the Jews as will not repent, shall be cast off. * * * Woe unto them that turn aside the just for a thing of nought, and revile against that which is good, and say that it is of no worth (the Book of Mormon); for the day shall come that the Lord God will speedily visit the inhabitants of the earth; and in that day that they are fully ripe in iniquity, they shall perish. But behold, if the inhabitants of the earth shall repent of their wickedness and abominations they shall not be destroyed, saith the Lord of hosts." From the twelfth chapter of 2 Nephi:
"But he that believeth these things which I have spoken, him will I visit with the manifestations of my spirit, and he shall know and bear record." (Ether i:12.)
" But he that believeth these things which I have spoken, him will 1 "visit with the manifestationsl of my spirit, and he shall know and bear "record." (Ether i:l!Z.)
If any man will do his will, he SHALL KNOW of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself.” (John vii:17)
I will say a word here in regard to a passage in Rev. xxii:18:
For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book (the Revelation of John), if any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book.”
This means that no man shall add unto the prophecy of John’s Revelation. It can be plainly seen that it does not refer to the Bible.
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because the books which compose our Bible were not compiled when the Revelation was written. All the other books which compose the Bible were afterward added to John's Revelation.
Our Bible comprises only the books which the canons decided to compile. There are many inspired books that have never come down to us. There are over fifteen books spoken of in the Bible that are not in the Bible. In. the following passages are some of the books spoken of that are not in the Bible. 2 Chron. ix:29. 1 Chron. xxix:29. Num. xxi:14. 1 Kings xi:41. 2 Chron. xiii:22. 2 Chron. xii:15. 2 Chron. xx:34. 2 Chron. xxvi:22. Gen. v:1. Ex. xxiv:7. 1 Sam. x:25. 1 Kings iv:32. 2 Chron. xii:15. In 1 Cor. v:9, a third epistle to the Corinthians is mentioned; we have only two. In Col. iv:16, the epistle from Laodicea. In Jude iii, a second epistle of Jude is spoken of; we have but one. I have a copy of the book of Jasher; It is spoken of in 2 Sam. i:18 and Joshua x:13.
I will give a few quotations from the Book of Mormon in regard to some points of doctrine over which the religious world is divided:
“Wherefore, I would exhort you, that ye deny not the power of God; for he worketh by power, according to the faith of the children of men, the same to-day and to-morrow, and forever. And again I exhort you, my brethren, that ye deny not the gifts of God, for they are many; and they come from the same God. And there are different ways that these gifts are administered; but it is the same God who worketh all in all; and they are given by the manifestation of the Spirit of God unto men, to profit them. For behold, to one is given by the Spirit of God, that he may teach the word of wisdom; and to another, that he may teach the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; and to another, exceeding great faith; and to another, the gifts of healing by the same Spirit. * * * (and so on, the different gifts which are enumerated by Paul in 1 Cor. xii.) * * * * and all these gifts of which I have spoken, which are spiritual, never will be done away, even so long as the world shall stand, only according to the unbelief of the children of men. Wherefore, there must be faith; and if there must be faith, there must also be hope; and if there must be hope, there must also be charity; and except ye have charity, ye can in no wise be saved in the kingdom of God." Moroni x:1.
"And he (Christ) said unto them, On this wise shall ye baptize; and there shall be no disputations among you. Verily I say unto you, that whoso repenteth of his sins through your words, and desireth to be baptized in my name, on this wise shall ye baptize them: Behold, ye shall go down and stand in the water, and in my name shall ye baptize them. And now behold, these are the words which you shall say, calling them by name, saying : Having authority given me of Jesus Christ, I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen. And then shall ye immerse them in the water, and come forth again out of the water." (Nephi v:8.)
“The manner which the disciples, who were called elders of the church, ordained priests and teachers. After they had prayed unto the Father in the name of Christ, they laid their hands upon them, and
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said, In the name of Jesus Christ I ordain you to be a priest; (or if he be a teacher), I ordain you to be a teacher, to preach repentance and remission of sins through Jesus Christ, by the endurance of faith on his name to the end. Amen. And after this manner did they ordain priests and teachers, according to the gifts and callings of God unto men; and they ordained them by the power of the Holy Ghost which was in them—(Chapter 8, Book of Moroni.)
"The manner of their elders and priests administering the flesh and blood of Christ unto the church. And they administered it according to the commandments of Christ; wherefore we know the manner to be true; and the elder or priest did minister it. And they did kneel down with the church, and pray to the Father in the name of Christ, saying, O God, the Eternal Father, we ask thee in the name of thy Son Jesus Christ, to bless and sanctify this bread to the souls of all those who partake of it, that they may eat in remembrance of the body of thy Son, and witness unto thee, O God, the Eternal Father, that they are willing to take upon them the name of thy Son, and always remember him, and keep his commandments which he hath given them, that they may always have his Spirit to be with them. Amen.—(Chapter 4, Book of Moroni.)
"The manner of administering the wine. Behold, they took the cup, and said, O God, the Eternal Father, we ask thee, in the name of thy "Son Jesus Christ, to bless and sanctify this wine to the souls of all those who drink of it, that they may do it in remembrance of the blood of thy Son which was shed for them, that they may witness unto thee, O God, the Eternal Father, that they do always remember him, that they may have his Spirit to be with them. Amen.—(Chapter 5, Book of Moroni.)
"And now I speak concerning baptism. Behold, elders, priests and teachers were baptized; and they were not baptized, save they brought forth fruit meet that they were worthy of it; neither did they receive any unto baptism, save they came forth with a broken heart and a contrite spirit, and witnessed unto the church that they truly repented of all their sins. And none were received unto baptism, save they took upon them the name of Christ, having a determination to serve him to the end. And after they had been received unto baptism, and were wrought upon and cleansed by the power of the Holy Ghost, they were numbered among the people of the Church of Christ, and their names were taken, that they might be remembered and nourished by the good word of God, to keep them in the right way, to keep them continually watchful unto prayer, relying alone upon the merits of Christ, who was the author and the finisher of their faith. And the church did meet together oft, to fast and to pray, and to speak one with another concerning the welfare of their souls: and they did meet together oft to partake of bread and wine, in remembrance of the Lord Jesus; and they were strict to observe that there should be no iniquity among them; and whoso was found to commit iniquity, and three witnesses of the church did condemn them before the elders; and if they repented not, and confessed not, their names were blotted out, and they were not num-
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bered among the people of Christ; but as oft as they repented, and sought forgiveness, with real intent, they were forgiven. And their meetings were conducted by the church, after the manner of the workings of the Spirit, and by the power of the Holy Ghost; for as the power of the Holy Ghost led them whether to preach or exhort, or to pray or to supplicate, or to sing, even so it was done.—( Chapter 6, Book of Mormon).
Concerning a literal gathering of the Israel of God upon the earth in righteousness and holiness, see the passages of scripture which are given below.
The Book of Mormon contains prophesies concerning the gathering of Israel, which are much more full and explanatory. I will not go into detail on the teachings in the Book of Mormon in regard to this matter, trusting that all who have become interested in that Book will read it. Jer. xxxi.8-l4. Israel shall be gathered, "and they shall not sorrow any more at all." Jer. xxxii:37-41. Israel shall be gathered, "and I will give them one heart, and one way, that they may fear me forever." Isa. liv:7, whole chapter, Isa. xi:ll-16, Ezek. xxxvii:15-28, Ezek. xxxiv:13-31.
Regarding the two foregoing passages, remember that this prophesy was given about 400 years after King David was dead. Ezek. xi:l7-21. Rev. v:9-10. “And they sang a new song, saying, Thou art worthy, etc., * * * * "and hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we "shall REIGN ON THE EARTH." At the end of the millenial reign on this earth; then comes the end of the world and the second and last resurrection. All of the dead shall then rise. Only the righteous shall rise at the first resurrection. (Rev. xx:4-8, and whole chapter.) At the end of the world is the final judgment, after which there shall be a new earth and a new heaven. Then a great voice out of heaven cried "Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God." (Rev. xxi:l-7.)
In regard to the gathering of a part of the house of Israel upon this land of America, which is the land God gave to the seed of Joseph (son of Jacob); and the gathering of a part of the house of Israel upon the land of Palestine, which is the land God gave to the Jews, I give you some of the words of Jesus Christ himself, which he spake to the people while he was upon this land, after finishing his mission at Jerusalem.
(Book of Mormon, Nephi ix:9-12 and x:l.)
"And it shall come to pass that I will establish my people, 0 house of Israel. And behold, this people will I establish in this land, unto the fulfilling of the covenant which I made with your father Jacob; and it shall be a new Jerusalem. And the powers of heaven shall be in the midst of this people; yea, even I will be in the midst of you. Behold, I am he of whom Moses spake, saying, A prophet shall the Lord our God raise up unto you of your brethren, like unto me, him shall ye hear in all things whatsoever he shall say unto you. And it shall come to pass that every soul who will not hear that prophet, shall be cut off from among the people. Verily, I say unto you, yea; and all the prophets from Samuel, and those that follow af-
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ter, as many as have spoken, have testified of me. And behold ye are the children of the prophets; and ye are of the house of Israel; and ye are of the covenant which the Father made with your fathers, saying unto Abraham, And in thy seed, shall all the kindreds of the earth be blessed; the Father having raised me up unto you first, and sent me to bless you, in turning away every one of you from his iniquities; and this because ye are the children of the covenant. And after that ye were blessed, then fulfilleth the Father the covenant which he made with Abraham, saying, in thy seed shall all the kindreds of the earth be blessed, unto the pouring out of the Holy Ghost, through me upon the Gentiles, which blessing upon the Gentiles, shall make them mighty above all, unto the scattering of my people, O house of Israel: and they shall be a scourge unto the people of this land. Nevertheless, when they shall have received the fullness of my gospel, then if they shall harden their hearts against me, I will return their iniquities upon their own heads, saith the Father. And I will remember the covenant which I have made with my people, and I have covenanted with them, that I would gather them together in mine own due time; that I would give unto them again the land of their fathers, for their inheritance, which is the land of Jerusalem, which is the promised land unto them forever, saith the Father.
"And it shall come to pass that the time cometh, when the fullness of my gospel shall be preached unto them, and they shall believe in me, that I am Jesus Christ, the son of God, and shall pray unto the Father in my name. Then shall their watchmen lift up their voice; and with the voice together shall they sing; for they shall see eye to eye. Then will the Father gather them together again, and give unto them Jerusalem for the land of their inheritance. Then shall they break forth into joy—sing together ye waste places of Jersulem: * * * * * * “And then shall be brought to pass that which is written, Awake, awake again, and put on thy strength, O Zion; put on thy beautiful garments, O Jerusalem, the holy city, for henceforth there shall no more come into thee the uncircumcised and the unclean. Shake thyself from the dust; arise, sit down, O Jerusalem; loose thyself from the bands of thy neck, O captive daughter of Zion. For thus saith the Lord, Ye have sold yourselves for nought; and ye shall be redeemed without money. Verily, verily, I say unto you, that my people shall know my name; yea, in that day they shall know that I am he that doth speak.
"And then shall they say. How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings unto them, that publisheth peace: that bringeth good tidings unto them of good, that publisheth salvation; that saith unto Zion, thy God reigneth! And then shall a cry go forth, Depart ye, depart ye, go ye out from thence, touch not that which is unclean; go ye out of the midst of her; be ye clean, that bear the vessels of the Lord. For ye shall not go out with haste, nor go by flight: for the Lord will go before you; and the God of Israel shall be your rearward. Behold, my servant shall deal prudently, he shall be exhalted and extolled, and be very high. As many were astonished at thee: (his visage was so marred more than any man, and his form more than the sons of men), so shall he sprinkle many
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nations; the kings shall shut their mouths at him, for that which had been told them shall they see; and that which they had not heard shall they consider. Verily, verily, I say unto you, all these things shall surely come, even as the Father hath commanded me. Then shall this covenant which the Father hath covenanted with his people, be fulfilled; and then shall Jerusalem be inhabited again with my people, and it shall be the land of their inheritance. And verily, I say unto you, I give unto you a sign, that ye may know the time when these things shall be about to take place, that I shall gather in from their long dispersion, my people, O house of Israel, and shall establish again among them my Zion. And behold, this is the thing which I will give unto you for a sign, for verily I say unto you, that when these things which I declare unto you, and which I shall declare unto you hereafter of myself, and by the power of the Holy Ghost, which shall be given unto you of the Father, shall be made known unto the Gentiles, that they may know concerning this people who are a remnant of the house of Jacob, and concerning this my people who shall be scattered by them (the Indians); * * * when these things come to pass, that thy seed shall begin to know these things, it shall be a sign unto them, that they may know that the work of the Father hath already commenced unto the fulfilling of the covenant which he hath made unto the people who are the house of Israel. And when that day shall come, it shall come to pass that kings shall shut their mouths; for that which had not been told them shall, they see; and that which they had not heard shall they consider. For in that day, for my sake shall the Father work a work, which shall be a great and a marvelous work among them; and there shall be among them those who will not believe it, although a man shall declare it unto them. But behold, the life of my servant shall be in my hand; therefore they shall not hurt him, although he shall be marred because of them. Yet I will heal him, for I will shew unto them that my wisdom is greater than the cunning of the devil. Therefore it shall come to pass, that whosoever will not believe in my words, who am Jesus Christ, whom the Father shall cause him to bring forth unto the Gentiles, and shall give unto him power that he shall bring them forth unto the Gentiles, (it shall be done even as Moses said,) they shall be cut off from among my people who are of the covenant; and my people who are a remnant of Jacob, shall be among the Gentiles, yea, in the midst of them, as a lion among the beasts of the forest, as a young lion among the flocks of sheep, who, if he go through, both treadeth down and teareth in pieces, and none can deliver. Their hand shall be lifted up upon their adversaries, and all their enemies shall be cut off. Yea, wo be unto the Gentiles, except they repent, for it shall come to pass in that day, saith the Father, that I will cut off thy horses out of the midst of thee, and I will destroy thy chariots, and I will cut off the cities of thy land, and throw down all thy strong holds; and I will cut off witchcrafts out of thy land, and thou shalt have no more soothsayers: thy graven images I will also cut off, and thy standing images out of the midst of thee; and thou shall no more worship the works of thy hands; and I will pluck up thy groves out of the midst of thee; so will I destroy thy cities. And it shall come to pass that all lyings,
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and deceivings, and envyings, and strifes, and priestcrafts and whoredoms, shall be done away. For it shall come to pass, saith the Father, that at that day, whosoever will not repent and come unto my beloved Son, them will I cut off from among my people, O house of Israel; and I will execute vengeance and fury upon them, even as upon the heathen, such as they have not heard.
But if they will repent, and hearken unto my words, and harden not their hearts, I will establish my church among them, and they shall come in unto the covenant, and be numbered among this the remnant of Jacob, unto whom I have given this land for their inheritance, and they shall assist my people, the remnant of Jacob; and also, as many of the house of Israel as shall come, that they may build a city, which shall be called the New Jerusalem; and then shall they assist my people that they may be gathered in, who are scattered upon all the face of the land, in unto the New Jerusalem. And then shall the power of heaven come down among them; and I also will be in the midst, and then shall the work of the Father commence, at that day even when this Gospel shall be preached among the remnant of this people. Verily, I say unto you, at that day shall the work of the Father commence among all the dispersed of my people; yea, even the tribes which have been lost, which the Father hath led away out of Jerusalem. Yea, the work shall commence among all the dispersed of my people, with the Father, to prepare the way whereby they may come unto me, that they may call on the Father in my name; yea, and then shall the work commence, with the Father, among all nations, in preparing the way whereby his people may be gathered home to the land of their inheritance. And they shall go out from all nations; and they shall not go out in haste, nor go by flight; for I will go before them, saith the Father, and I will be their rearward.
"And in the mouth of three witnesses shall these things be established; and the testimony of three, and this work, in the which shall be shown forth the power of God, and also His word, of which the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Ghost beareth record; and all this shall stand as a testimony against the world at the last day. And if it so be that they repent and come unto the Father in the name of Jesus, they shall be received into the kingdom of God. And now, if I have no authority for these things, judge, ye, for ye shall know that I have authority when ye shall see me, and we shall stand before God at the last day. Amen.” (Ether ii).
"Hearken, O ye Gentiles, and hear the words of Jesus Christ, the Son of the living God, which he hath commanded me that I should speak concerning you, for behold, he commandeth me that I should write, saying: Turn, all ye Gentiles, from your wicked ways, and repent of your evil doings, of your lyings and deceivings, and of your whoredoms, and of your secret abominations, and your idolatries, and of your murders, and of your priestcrafts, and your envyings, and your strifes, and from all your wickedness and abominations, and come unto me, and be baptized in my name, that ye may receive a remission of your sins, and be filled with the Holy Ghost, that ye may be numbered with my people, who are of the house of Israel." (Nephi chap. xiv.)
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CHAPTER III.
TO BELIEVERS IN THE BOOK OF MORMONDear Brethren:
The spirit of God moves upon me to send forth this epistle unto you. It is wisdom in God that these facts which I give you have not been made generally known long ago. But now the Spirit of God has made it manifest to me to make them known. The time is at hand to prepare for the day when the gospel will go to the house of Israel! It has been made known to me that when the gospel goes to the remnant of Jacob (the Lamanites), it must go to them as Christ has given it to us, the fullness of which is in the Book of Mormon and the New Testament. I know that the Latter Day Saints are teaching some errors in doctrine, and I hope to convince the honest in heart among them of this fact. The commands of God are strict, and his word is yea, yea, and nay, nay. It is a serious thing for man to add doctrines to the doctrine which Christ has taught in his word. Christ has taught that it is necessary to be abiding in his doctrine, and whosoever teaches more or less than the doctrine which he has taught in his word, is not of Him. He has taught but one doctrine. I do not mean to judge or condemn the Latter Day Saints. God is the judge. But I will speak the truth as the Spirit of God moves upon me to speak it, and I hope and pray that many will heed the truth—that they will lay aside all error, and come in upon the doctrine of Christ, as it is taught in the written word. I believe that the Latter Day Saints who are opposed to polygamy have done a great work and great good. I believe they have done a great work in carrying forth the Book of Mormon. We cannot always understand Gods ways of dealing with his people. God suffers men to be led into error because of their blindness of heart. He works with men only according to their faith and obedience; but now the Spirit of God is moving upon the Elders of the Church of Christ to go forth unto all the believers in the Book of Mormon, and unto all other people, crying repentance, and calling on them to heed to the teachings of Christ. I do not mean to persecute Joseph the translator of the Book of Mormon. I love him, and I love Joseph his son, and believe him to be a good man. Joseph, like many of those of old whom God had chosen, fell into error; and why should we want to follow any man into error? Should we put our trust in an arm of flesh? Nay, verily!
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There never lived but one perfect man, and that was Christ; and he is our only law-giver. Therefore we should take great heed and compare with the "written word" all doctrines, and laws and revelations coming through any man, for any man can fall into error and lead every one into error who trusts in man. God chooses the weak things of this world, so that man should not put their trust in man and make flesh their arm, but put their trust in God only. It is just, in God's wisdom, that every one who is not living sufficiently spiritual to discern between truth and error, should be led into error. God called Saul and many others of old who afterward fell into error and lost the Spirit, knowing that they would fall, so as to let every one be led into error by them who had such little faith in God as to make a man their God, and trust in "an arm of flesh," instead of putting their whole faith and trust in God only, and heeding Him only. God suffered them to be led into error because of their transgressions and lack of faith in Him. Christ ha8 spoken, and the voice of God has declared from the heavens : "Hear ye him!" His teachings in the Book of Mormon and the New Testament are the same.
But the Latter Day Saints have another book of doctrine—the “Doctrine and Covenants”—in which are doctrines that Christ never taught to the "twelve" at Jerusalem, nor to the "twelve" upon this continent. The Latter Day Saints believe these new doctrines, which do not agree with the teachings of Christ. Why do they believe them? Because they are putting too much trust in a man! This has been the mistake of God's people in all ages past. Read the scriptures and observe how very soon the great majority of God's people always fell into error by trusting in man. Men who were humble when God chose them, but afterward fell into error. If men do not live near enough to God to discern error when it comes—and it may appear as an angel of light—(for instance, polygamy)—God suffers them to be led into error because of their transgressions. See how many of the prophets whom God called afterward fell into error. Saul, David, Solomon, and many prophets in Israel.
Now, I do not judge, nor say whether Saul, David, Solomon, or Joseph will be saved or lost. These are all in the hands of a just God. Perhaps the errors of David were more grievous than those of Joseph. Now I hope you understand me. I am not persecuting Brother Joseph, and never did persecute him. Because he erred is no reason why I should not love him. God called him to translate his sacred word by the power and gift of God; but he was not called to set up and establish the church any more than any of us Elders were. This I will prove conclusively later on, from evidence which you are bound to accept.
The "CHOICE SEER," spoken of in the Book of Mormon is not Brother Joseph. I will give you here a brief outline concerning this "Choice Seer" who is yet to come forth. The man who is not learned (in 2 Nephi xi; 18), refers to Brother Joseph, but the "Choice Seer" (in 2 Nephi ii) is another man. He is to come from the Lamanites. He is to come from the fruit of the loins of Joseph (of Egypt), that seed being the ”branch which was to be broken off" at Jerusalem, to whom this land was consecrated for their inheritance forever—being Lehi and his seed; Lehi’s seed being little Joseph, who received this blessing from
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his father Lehi, that his seed should not be utterly destroyed; for out of his seed which should not all be destroyed (the Indians) should come to this "Choice Seer." This is the interpretation of this chapter. This “Choice Seer" will be of that seed. His name will be Joseph, and his father's name Joseph. He is to translate sealed records yet to come forth, (spoken of in 2 Nephi xi:18). "And not to the bringing forth my word only, saith the Lord, BUT TO THE CONVINCING THEM OF MY WORD." How many Indians did Brother Joseph convince? He never preached a sermon to them in his life to my knowledge. May God help you brethren to understand this chapter, for it can only be understood by the enlightening power of the Holy Ghost. It is very plain to me. I speak in full on this subject in chapter X.
I want to say to the Latter Day Saints, that the elders of the Church of Christ, in coming to them, come to them as their brethren, in love and in meekness. God forbid that we should persecute you, who have likewise taken upon yourselves the "shame of Christ" in this age of the world—which shame, in the eyes of the world, is believing the Book of Mormon. No; we love you, and by the help of God we will labor, trusting that the day is not far distant when the honest in heart among you, and among all believers in the Book of Mormon, and the world, may all be one with us upon the doctrine of Christ, working by the power and gifts of God to prepare the way for the gospel to go to the House of Israel. God only knows how I have grieved and suffered and plead with him for you for the past forty-eight years, that you might repent and be enlightened by the Holy Ghost to see the errors into which you have been led. To God belongs the mystery of his dealings with his people; he is allwise, and his ways are not man's ways. Mormon stood alone for many years, when the whole church of Nephites and Lamanites had every one gone into error and transgression. He stood alone, holding the authority, and prayed to Cod continually that he might go to them and preach to them; but the Lord forbid him to preach to them. Then let no man judge hastily as to my authority, lest he judge wrongly and continue in error; but go to God in prayer and fasting, and find out the truth, for the Holy Ghost will guide you into all truth. If you believe my testimony to the Book of Mormon; if you believe that God spake to us three witnesses by his own voice, then I tell you that in June, 1838, God spake to me again by his own voice from the heavens, and told me to "separate myself from among the Latter Day Saints, for as they sought to do unto me, so should it be done unto them." In the spring of 1838, the heads of the church and many of the members had gone deep into error and blindness. I had been striving with them for a long time to show them the errors into which they were drifting, and for my labors I received only persecutions. In June, 1838, at Far West, Mo., a secret organization was formed, Doctor Avard being put in as the leader of the band; a certain oath was to be administered to all the brethren to bind them to support the heads of the church in everything they should teach. All who refused to take this oath were considered dissenters from the church, and certain things were to be done concerning these dissenters, by Dr. Avard's secret band. I make no farther statements now; but suffice it to say that my persecutions, for trying to show them their errors, became of such a nature that I had
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to leave the Latter Day Saints; and, as I rode on horseback out of Far West, in June, 1838, the voice of God from heaven spake to me as I have stated above. I was called out to hold the authority which God gave to me.
I see from a letter written by the heads of the church, while they were in Liberty Jail, that they repented while in jail of having anything to do with this secret organization, and came out against Dr. Avard, declaring it all wickedness, and resolved to henceforth disapprobate everything that was not according to the gospel, and which was not of a bold, frank and upright nature. I quote from this letter, printed in the Times and Seasons, July, 1840:
"We farther caution our brethren against the impropriety of the organization of bands or companies, by covenants, oaths, penalties, or secrecies; but let the time past of our experience and suffering by the wickedness of Dr. Avard suffice. And let our covenants be that of the everlasting covenant, as it is contained in the Holy Writ, and the things which God has revealed unto us. Pre friendship always becomes weakened the very moment you undertake to make it stronger by penal oaths and secrecy. Your humble servants intend FROM HENCEFORTH to disapprobate everything that is not in accordance with the fullness of the gospel of Jesus Christ and which is not of a bold, frank and upright nature.”
They were put in jail in November, after I had left them. Now you see why I left the Latter Day Saints. After I left them they say they gave me a trial and cut me off. About the same time that I came out, the Spirit of God moved upon quite a number of the brethren who came out, with their families. All of the eight witnesses who were then living (except the three Smiths) came out; Peter and Christian Whitmer were dead. Oliver Cowdery came out also. Martin Harris was then in Ohio. The church went deeper and deeper into wickedness. They were driven out of Missouri, and went to Nauvoo; and were driven out of Nauvoo, and went to Salt Lake, where they are to-day, believing in the doctrine of polygamy. Nearly all the members at Nauvoo went to Salt Lake. Only a very few rejected the revelation on polygamy. The Reorganization is built up principally of members—not of the old church—but new converts. The majority of those who did not go to Salt Lake are in the Reorganized Church to-day.
Many of the Reorganized Church have wondered why I have stood apart from them. Brethren, I will here tell you why. God commanded me by his own voice to stand apart from you. Many of you think that I have a desire to lead—to lead a church that believe as I do. I have no such desire. A one-man leader to the church is not the teachings of Christ. After Brother Joseph was killed, many came to me and importuned me to come out and be their leader; but I refused. With these statements, so you will understand me, I will proceed to show you how the heads of the church went into one error after another. I followed them into many errors in doctrine, which the Lord has since shown me, and which errors I have confessed and repented of, and will speak of in this pamphlet.
I am not preaching self-justification from being in errors in doctrine in the past. It is since 1847 that I have been shown all the errors into which had followed the heads of the church, and that when God's own
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due time came for building up the waste places of Zion, the Church of Christ must be established on the teachings of Christ, which teachings in their purity are in the new covenant of the Book of Mormon, and come forth to us to settle all disputations about doctrine, because many plain and precious things have been taken from the record of the Jews, and on all doctrinal points—order of church offices, etc.—we must rely upon it.
Christ commanded the Nephites to write his teachings, for they were to come down to us as the fullness of his gospel to us.
And why is it? Oh, why is it that you will not take the words of Christ himself, and lay down your contentions and disputations, taking his plain, simple teachings which he has given us in that book? As you know, the teachings of Christ are the same in the New Testament and in the Book of Mormon; but on account of the plain and precious things being taken from the Bible, there is room therein for disputations on some doctrinal points; but the teachings of Christ in the Book of Mormon are pure, plain, simple and full. Christ chose “twelve" and called them disciples or elders, not apostles, and the "twelve" ordained elders, priests and teachers. These are all the spiritual offices in the Church of Christ, and their duties are plainly given, The manner of baptism, and the manner of administering the flesh and blood of Christ, and everything pertaining to the Church of Christ is plainly set forth in the fullness of the gospel, as I will show you in this epistle.
Of course I do not mean to place one book ahead of the other. I am also called to bear witness that the Bible is true. The angel who declared unto us that the Book of Mormon was true, also declared unto us that the Bible was true. They are both the Word of God, and as it is prophesied, they both shall be one.
Concerning the question of my authority to administer in the ordinances of the Church of Christ, I have this to say: As I have stated, I was called out to hold the authority that God gave to me. I am not judging as to whose authority was good, or whose authority was not good. I am not judging as to any man's authority now to act in the church he is in. he has authority to act in the church he is in: but the Lord has made it known to me that no man has authority to act in "the Church of Christ," without being adopted therein according to the gospel of Christ.
I believe there are many honest hearts among a11 the orders of Latter bay Saints, and many in all churches, and in the world, that will yet come to a knowledge of the truth. Many of you believe, that because some of the spiritual gifts are with you, therefore you must be in the true doctrine of Christ; but this does not follow. The "signs" are produced in a believer by his faith. Some of the signs have been with all the factions who believe the Book of Mormon. If you have not charity, the signs will profit you nothing, Christ said, Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? And in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you." (Matt. vii: 22-23.) No, brethren! do not think that because some of the spiritual gifts are with a church, that that church cannot be in error by teaching more or less than the doctrine of Christ.
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