Latter-day Saints:—Have we not proven that the proper mode of baptism is immersion, and that the object of baptism is for the remission of sins?
The World:—The testimony of your witnesses in regard to the mode, object and essentiality of baptism cannot be refuted. Christ's answer to Nicodemus—"Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit he cannot enter the Kingdom of God"—should put an end to all discussion on that subject.
Latter-day Saints:—Have we not proven that after a man has complied with the ordinance of baptism, he must receive the Holy Ghost by the laying on of the hands of authorized servants of God?
The World:—Such was the practice in the primitive church. After baptism the Apostles confirmed the believers by the laying on of hands, with prayer, and conferring the Holy Ghost.
Latter-day Saints:—These are the first principles of the Gospel of Christ, and the Apostle Paul has declared that "though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other Gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed." (Gal. 1: 8.)
The World:—You have laid before us in a most clear and convincing manner the plan of salvation. Permit us now to ask you, What is to become of those who have died in ignorance of the Gospel of Christ?
Latter-day Saints:—Our reply to that question is this: God is a God of mercy and justice. He does not seek a crop where there has been no seed sown. All those who have died in ignorance of the Gospel are in the hands of Him whose nature and whose name is Love, whose desire is that all His children may be saved and brought to a knowledge of the truth. He has made provision whereby the glad tidings of great joy which the angel brought to the shepherds on the morning of the Savior's birth shall be proclaimed unto every son and daughter of God. The Creator has made of one blood all nations that dwell on the earth. There is no respect of persons with God. His glorious plan of redemption was not revealed for the benefit of a favored class. When the angel of the Lord appeared to the shepherds on the plains of Judaea, he said unto them, "Behold, I bring you glad tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people." (Luke 2: 10.) Now, it is an undisputed fact that millions had died before that time without having heard those good tidings, just as millions have died since whose ears have never been saluted with the good news of the Savior's birth, and of the great redemption which He purchased for the whole human family by the shedding of His most precious blood. Who could be so lost to all reason as to think for a moment that God would consign to everlasting punishment all those who died in absolute ignorance of His Divine laws? We now ask you, as Paul asked the Roman saints, "How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?" (Rom. 10: 14.) But here is the Apostle Peter, a recognized authority on the doctrine of Christ. Hear what he has to say in the subject.
The World:—Peter, would you have us believe that the Gospel is preached to those who die in ignorance of its Divine truths?
Peter:—I am surprised to hear you ask such a question when so much has been written on the matter. Jesus Christ came, not to save the living only, but the dead also. He declared that if He were lifted up from the earth He would draw all men unto Him, (John 12: 32), and that the hour was coming when the dead, as well as the living, would hear His voice. (John 5: 25.)
The World:—Then, according to your testimony, Christ after having preached the Gospel to men in the flesh, went also and preached the same Gospel to those who had died without having heard of its saving principles?
Peter:—He did; and not to them only, but also to those who rejected it when it was preached to them on the earth.
The World:—This is certainly strange doctrine to us. Our ministers have never taught us that the dead could be saved as well as the living.
Peter:—That is because they do not understand the Scriptures. The men who wrote the Scriptures wrote as they were moved upon by the Holy Ghost, and in order for men to understand the writings of the prophets and other inspired servants of God, they must be in possession of the same Spirit, for "the things of God knoweth no man but by the Spirit of God." If you will permit me, I will endeavor to make the Scriptures plain to your understanding. Noah, as you all know, was a preacher of righteousness. He was called by the Lord to preach the Gospel to the people of his generation. But they refused to listen to his warning; they turned deaf ears to his entreaties, and at last the Lord came out in judgment upon them and destroyed them from the face of the earth. But did He then cast them off forever? No, indeed. The Lord does not keep His anger forever. He had prepared a place for them, for in His house there are many mansions. He had prepared a prison-house for the wicked and rebellious, and when the antediluvians were destroyed in the flesh, their spirits were shut up in the Lord's prison-house, where they were kept for thousands of years, or in other words, till they had paid the uttermost farthing.
The World:—And did those people have the opportunity afterwards of again hearing the Gospel?
Peter:—I am coming to that. I told you those spirits were shut up in prison for thousands of years. Now, I do not ask you to accept of my testimony alone concerning this matter. I am going to read to you what Isaiah the Prophet has written concerning the Lord's prison-house and its inmates. Here are his words: "And they shall be gathered together, as prisoners are gathered in the pit, and shall be shut up in the prison, and after many days shall they be visited." (Isaiah 24: 22.) Now, let us stop for a moment and analyze this Scripture. There is a depth of meaning in it, I assure you. Writing was not done with such ease in Isaiah's time as it is today. The prophet did not pen the words which I have read just for pastime—they were written for our profit and learning. He pointed out most clearly the fate of those who would not hearken to the voice of the Lord or of His servants, but spent the days of their probation in gratifying their carnal appetites. They were to be gathered together as prisoners, and shut up in a prison, where they were to be confined for many days. But they were not to be left without hope. The promise was made that when they had paid the penalty for their misdeeds they would be visited. This, according to the words of the prophet was part of Christ's missionary work: He was to preach redemption not only to the living, but to the dead as well; He was to visit the prisoners in the prison-house and preach deliverance to them. I quote again from his writings: "I the Lord have called thee in righteousness, and will hold thine hand, and will keep thee, and give thee for a covenant of the people, for a light of the Gentiles; to open the blind eyes, to bring out the prisoners from the prison, and them that sit in darkness out of the prison-house." (Isaiah 42: 6, 7.) Now, I desire to remind you that Christ confirmed this prophecy of Isaiah. He told the people that it referred to Him, and that it would be fulfilled in Him. Standing up in the synagogue in Nazareth one Sabbath day He quoted Isaiah's prophecy, as follows: "The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the Gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the broken-hearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, to preach the acceptable year of the Lord." (Luke 4: 18, 19.) So, you see that part of Christ's work was to preach deliverance to the captives, and open the prison to those who were bound.
The World:—When did the Messiah perform that work?
Peter:—During the three days that His body lay in the tomb.
The World:—Was His Spirit not with His Father during that time?
Peter:—According to Christ's own testimony it was not. When the Lord appeared to Mary, after His resurrection, He told her to touch Him not, for He had not yet ascended to His Father. (John 20: 17.) In two epistles which I wrote to the Saints in early days I made special reference to Christ's visit to the spirits in prison. This is what I said: "For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit: by which also he went and preached unto the spirits in prison; which sometime were disobedient, when once the longsuffering of God waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was a preparing, wherein few, that is, eight souls were saved by water." (I Peter 3: 18-20.) "For for this cause was the Gospel preached also to them that are dead, that they might be judged according to men in the flesh, but live according to God in the spirit." (I Peter 4: 6.) While this doctrine may be strange to you, it was quite well understood by the Saints in former days.
The World:—We thank you, Peter, for your testimony.
Latter-day Saints:—Before calling another witness we will quote to you the comments of Professor A. Hinderkoper, a German writer, and Bishop Alford, on the words of Peter. The former says: "In the second and third centuries every branch and division of the Christian Church, so far as their records enable us to judge, believed that Christ preached to the departed spirits." (Haley's Discrepancies of the Bible.) Bishop Alford says: "I understand these words (I Peter 3: 19) to say that our Lord in his disembodied state, did go to the place of detention of departed spirits, and did there announce His work of redemption; preach salvation in fact, to the disembodied spirits of those who refused to obey the voice of God when the judgment of the flood was hanging over them." We now respectfully ask you to listen to what the Apostle Paul has to say on this matter.
The World:—Paul, do you believe that the Gospel is preached to men after they depart this life?
Paul:—I do. I corroborate all that the Apostle Peter has said concerning salvation for the dead. This doctrine was well understood by the people in our day. Jesus, you remember, told Nicodemus that except a man were born of water and of the Spirit, he could not enter the Kingdom of God. Now, in those days the people asked the same question that many people ask today, "If baptism is essential to salvation, what is to become of those who have died without having been baptized?" Had the Lord failed to make provision for such people, it would have revealed an imperfection in the plan of salvation, which is not the case, for "the law of the Lord is perfect." Peter has told you that the Gospel was preached to the dead; I taught the people the doctrine of baptism for the dead. Here is what I wrote to the Corinthians: "Else what shall they do which are baptized for the dead, if the dead rise not at all? why are they then baptized for the dead?" (I Cor. 15: 20.) The Saints in former times believed in and performed a vicarious work for the dead—they were baptized for their dead. But after the death of the Apostles men transgressed the laws and changed the ordinances of the Gospel, in consequence of which darkness covers the earth and gross darkness the minds of the people.
The World:—You are excused, Paul.
Latter-day Saints (to the World):—We desire to call your attention to a prophecy which was made by Malachi. He prophesied as follows: "Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord: and he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers, lest I come and smite the earth with a curse." (Mal. 4: 5, 6.) Now, we testify to you, in all soberness, that this prophecy has been literally fulfilled. On the 3rd day of April, 1836, the Prophet Elijah appeared to Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery in the Kirtland Temple. Addressing them he said: "Behold, the time has fully come, which was spoken of by the mouth of Malachi; testifying that I should be sent before the great and dreadful day of the Lord come, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the children to the fathers, lest the whole earth be smitten with a curse. Therefore the keys of this dispensation are committed into your hands, and by this ye may know that the great and dreadful day of the Lord is near, even at the doors." We have built a number of temples, in which baptism and other ordinances have been performed in behalf of millions of our dead relatives and friends. This is also in fulfillment of the prophecy of Micah, who said: "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 unto it. And many nations shall come, and say, Come, and let us go up 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." (Micah 4: 1, 2.) The work for the dead is still in progress. The hearts of the fathers are being turned to the children, and the hearts of the children to the fathers. Blessed are all those who engage in this glorious work, for great shall be their joy when they meet their loved ones who have passed beyond the veil, and for whom they stood as saviors upon Mount Zion.
The World (to the Latter-day Saints):—Do you claim to have received authority from the Lord to preach the Gospel and administer in the ordinances thereof?
Latter-day Saints:—We do. The Lord has in these last days restored, through the ministering of angels, both the Aaronic and Melchisedek Priesthood, empowering His servants to preach the Gospel, baptize repentant believers for the remission of their sins, confirm them members in His Church, and by prayer and the imposition of hands call down upon them the Holy Ghost.
The World:—Must a man be called of God and divinely appointed before he can preach acceptably the Gospel of Jesus Christ and administer its ordinances?
Latter-day Saints:—He must, as the Apostle Paul and others will testify.
The World:—Paul, do you consider it absolutely necessary in order for a man to preach the Gospel and administer in its ordinances, for him to be called of God and ordained by those holding Divine authority?
Paul:—I do. In every dispensation of the world the Lord has chosen certain men to represent Him among the people. These He called, either by His own voice or by the voice of His servants whom He had previously chosen.
The World:—Can you cite us a few examples of the calling of men to the ministry?
Paul:—I can. The Lord called Noah to be a preacher of righteousness to the people of his generation; and when they would not hearken to the testimony of His authorized servant, the Lord destroyed them from the earth. Abraham, Isaac and Jacob were called in like manner for the work which the Lord had appointed them.
The World:—How were they called?
Paul:—They were called by direct revelation from heaven, the Lord speaking to them by His own voice. To Abraham He said: "Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father's house, unto a land that I will show thee: and I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great and thou shalt be a blessing; * * * and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed." (Gen. 12: 1-3.) Isaac and Jacob were called in a similar manner. (Gen. 28: 2-5; 28: 10-15.)
The World:—Would it be improper for a man to preach the Gospel and administer its ordinances without his having been divinely commissioned to do so?
Paul:—It would, indeed. No man has a right to take such honor unto himself except he be called of God, as was Aaron. Permit me to read a couple of extracts from my epistles to the Romans and to the Hebrews. This is what I said:
"How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? and how shall they preach except they be sent?" (Rom. 10: 14, 15.) "And no man taketh this honor unto himself, but he that is called of God, as was Aaron." (Heb. 5: 4.)
The World:—How was Aaron called to the ministry?
Paul:—He was called of the Lord through the Prophet Moses. As you well know, the Lord spoke to Moses out of the burning bush, commissioning him to go on a mission to Egypt and deliver the children of Israel. Moses reminded the Lord that he had an impediment in his speech, when the Lord said to him: "Is not Aaron the Levite thy brother? I know that he can speak well. And also, behold, he cometh forth to meet thee; and when he seeth thee he will be glad in his heart. And thou shalt speak unto him and put words in his mouth: and I will be with thy mouth, and with his mouth, and will teach you what you shall do." (Exodus 4: 14, 15.) "And the Lord said to Aaron, Go into the wilderness to meet Moses. And he went, and met him in the mount of God, and kissed him. And Moses told Aaron all the words of the Lord who had sent him, and all the signs which he had commanded him." (Exodus 4: 27, 28.)
The World:—When men are called of the Lord, through His inspired servants, to minister unto the people, is it necessary for them to be ordained and set apart for their respective duties by the laying on of the hands of the Lord's servants?
Paul:—It is. Such has been the practice in every Gospel dispensation. Joshua, the son of Nun, was set apart, as directed of the Lord, through the imposition of hands by Moses. Let me read to you what Moses has written on this matter: "And the Lord said unto Moses, take thee Joshua, the son of Nun, a man in whom is the Spirit, and lay thine hands upon him; and set him before Eleazar the priest, and before all the congregation; and give him a charge in their sight. And thou shalt put some of thine honor upon him, that all the congregation of the children of Israel may be obedient. * * * And Moses did as the Lord commanded him: and he took Joshua, and set him before Eleazar the priest, and before all the congregation: and he laid his hands upon him, and gave him a charge, as the Lord commanded by the hand of Moses." (Num. 27: 18-20, 22, 23.)
The World:—Paul, in what way were you called to the ministry, and by whom were you ordained?
Paul:—I was called by the Holy Ghost, and was ordained under the hands of Simeon, Lucius and Manaen. You will find a record of my call and ordination in the 13th chapter of the Acts of the Apostles, as follows: "Now there were in the church that was at Antioch certain prophets and teachers: as Barnabas, and Simeon that was called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manaen, which had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them. And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away." (Acts 13: 1-3.)
The World:—We have no further questions to ask you, Paul.
Latter-day Saints:—We now respectfully ask you to hear what the Apostle Peter has to say on this very important subject.
The World:—Were you called of the Lord and ordained to take part in His ministry?
Peter:—I was. You will find an account of my call and ordination, as well as that of the other eleven apostles, in the third chapter of Mark's Gospel. It is as follows: "And he goeth up into a mountain, and calleth unto him whom He would: and they came unto him. And he ordained twelve, that they should be with him, and that he might send them forth to preach." (Mark 3: 13, 14.) "Ye have not chosen me," said Jesus, "but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever you shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you." (John 15: 16.)
The World:—Must a man be called of God and ordained by Divine authority before he can hold an office in the Church of Christ?
Peter:—He must. The death of Judas left a vacancy in the quorum of Apostles. In choosing his successor we appealed to the Lord to manifest to us His mind and will in the selection of a man to fill the vacancy. There were two men. Barnabas and Matthias, whom we considered equally worthy of the honor. We presented these two men before the Lord in prayer and said, "Thou, Lord, which knowest the hearts of all men, show which of these two thou hast chosen, that he may take part of this ministry and apostleship, from which Judas by transgression fell, that he might go to his own place." (Acts 1: 24, 25.) It was revealed to us that Matthias was the Lord's choice, and he was appointed by unanimous vote.
The World:—Are we to understand from what you have said that it was the desire of the Lord that Apostles and Prophets and all the other officers should continue in the Church?
Peter:—Such, indeed, was the desire of the Lord. If it had not been, He would not have appointed a successor to Judas.
The World:—Our ministers have told us that Apostles and Prophets are not necessary in these days; that they were placed in the Church to establish Christianity, and that when Christianity was established they were no longer needed.
Peter:—There is nothing in the Scriptures to warrant such an assertion. On the contrary, it is most positively stated that the Lord put these officers in the Church "for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ." And they were to remain in the church "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 of the stature of the fulness 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. 4: 12-14.)
The World:—How was the primitive Christian Church organized?
Peter:—It was "built upon the foundation of apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone." (Eph. 2: 20.) The Lord placed in the Church Apostles, Prophets, Evangelists, Pastors, Teachers, etc. (Eph. 4: 11.)
The World:—The churches of the world are not organized after that pattern?
Peter:—They are not. They were not established by Christ. Had Christ established them, He would have put in them the same officers that He put in the early Christian Church. The Churches of the world were established by men. They are named after men. There is Saint Paul's Church, Saint Peter's Church, Saint Mark's Church, Saint Luke's Church, Saint John's Church, etc.
The World:—There seems, therefore, to have been an apostasy from the primitive Christian Church?
Peter:—There has. The Scriptures are replete with prophecies concerning the great apostasy which was to take place after the death of the apostles. Permit me to call your attention to a few of them. Have you a Bible at hand?
Peter:—Turn to the fourth chapter of Paul's second epistle to Timothy and read what he prophesied concerning the apostasy that was to take place.
The World:—Paul prophesied as follows: "For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap unto themselves teachers, having itching ears; and they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables." (II Tim. 4: 3,4.)
Peter:—Now turn to the 29th chapter of Isaiah and read what the prophet said concerning the state of the world in the last days.
The World:—Isaiah prophesied as follows: "Stay yourselves, and wonder; cry ye out, and cry: they are drunken, but not with wine; they stagger, but not with strong drink. For the Lord hath poured out upon you the spirit of deep sleep, and hath closed your eyes: the prophets and your rulers, the seers hath he covered. Wherefore the Lord said, forasmuch as this people draw near me with their mouth, and with their lips do honor me, but have removed their heart far from me, and their fear toward me is taught by the precept of men; therefore, behold, I will proceed to do a marvelous work among this people, even a marvelous work and a wonder: for the wisdom of their wise men shall perish, and the understanding of their prudent men shall be hid." (Isaiah 29: 9, 10, 13, 14.)
Peter:—How perfectly did Paul describe the condition of the world at the present time! Instead of having inspired Apostles and Prophets to reveal to them the mind and will of the Lord, and to teach to them the true plan of salvation, the people have heaped to themselves teachers, having itching ears, and they have turned their ears away from the truth and turned them unto fables. When you think of the multitude of jarring and contending sects that are in the world today, you can see how literally the prophecies of Paul and Isaiah have been fulfilled.
The World:—Were Paul and Isaiah the only ones who prophesied concerning an apostasy?
Peter:—They were not. There were many others who uttered similar predictions. But I ask you to read what Isaiah further said concerning the apostasy; you will find it in the twenty-fourth chapter of his book.
The World:—Isaiah says: "The earth also is defiled under the inhabitants thereof; because they have transgressed the laws, changed the ordinance, broken the everlasting covenant. Therefore hath the curse devoured the earth, and they that dwell therein are desolate; therefore the inhabitants of the earth are burned, and few men left." (Isaiah 24: 5, 6).
Peter:—Notice the similarity in these prophecies: Isaiah prophesied that the day would come when the people would transgress the laws, change the ordinance, and break the everlasting covenant. Paul declared that the time would come when they would not endure sound doctrine, but would heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears, who would turn their ears away from the truth and turn them unto fables. On another occasion Paul prophesied as follows: "For I know this, that after my departure shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them." (Acts 20: 29, 30.) Paul lived to see the beginning of the terrible apostasy of which he spoke. "I marvel," said he, writing to the Galatians, "that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ." (Gal. 1: 6, 7.) I myself prophesied concerning the apostasy. Here is what I said: "But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction. And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of. And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you." (II Peter 2: 1-3.)
The World:—The prophets and apostles truly foretold an apostasy, and the divided state of Christendom—the hundreds of different sects and denominations, the numerous, conflicting theories which are being advocated by men for the Gospel of Jesus Christ—bear incontrovertible testimony that such an apostasy has taken place. Must this condition continue, or will there be a restitution?
Peter:—There will be a restitution of all things spoken of by the mouth of the holy prophets.
The World:—Do you think the Lord will ever send us Apostles and Prophets to teach us the true Gospel of Christ as it was taught by Him and His inspired servants in ancient days?
Peter:—He will, for so He has declared. Here is the Apostle John; I pray you, hear what he has to say concerning the restoration of the Gospel in the latter days.
The World:—John, do you think we will ever be favored with new revelation from God?
John:—Have you forgotten what Joel prophesied concerning the last days? He said: "And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions." (Joel 2: 28.)
The World:—Then, we may look for Prophets to be sent of God.
John:—Yes, and angels also will come down from heaven to restore that which was lost. You have heard already of the great apostasy that was to take place; you have seen how the principles and ordinances of the Gospel have been perverted; you see the Christian world a Babel of Confusion. The Lord knew that all these things would take place, and He decreed that in the last days He would set His hand again to recover His people from their lost and fallen state. He revealed to me that before His judgments were poured out upon the inhabitants of the earth He would send an angel with the everlasting Gospel, to be preached to every nation under heaven. Read, I pray you, what I said concerning this matter in the fourteenth chapter of my book.
The World:—You wrote as follows: "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, saying with a loud voice, Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment is come: and worship him that made heaven and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of water. (Rev. 14: 6, 7.)
John:—Now, I advise you to look for the fulfillment of the things which the Lord has spoken by the mouth of His holy prophets.
The World:—Thank you, John; you are excused.
Latter-day Saints:—Now, we testify to you in words of soberness that the angel which John predicted would come to the earth in the last days with the everlasting Gospel, has come to the Prophet Joseph Smith. The Lord also sent heavenly messengers to him and others, who conferred upon them Divine authority, and instructed them concerning the restoration of the true Church of Christ on the earth for the last time, preparatory to the coming of the Son of Man. That Church has been organized after the primitive pattern. In it are inspired Apostles and Prophets, Evangelists, Pastors and Teachers. It teaches the very same Gospel that was taught by Christ and His Apostles; its members enjoy the same gifts and blessings that were enjoyed by the former-day saints: they have the gift of prophecy, revelations, visions, healings, tongues, interpretation of tongues, etc. And, if you desire to know the truth of these things, we advise you to follow the exhortation of the Apostle James, when he said, "If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him." (James 1: 5.)
"Our enemies have kicked us, and cuffed us, and driven us from pillar to post, and we have multiplied and increased the more, until we have become what we are this day."
—Brigham Young.
"It is not our business to fight our enemies. There is no man or woman on the face of the earth, but is our brother or our sister. They are the children of God and we are here to bear and forbear with them in their interest and for the glory of God."
—Lorenzo Snow.
(From the Historical Record.)
In the winter of 1840, the Prophet Joseph Smith went to Washington, D. C, to petition the president of the United States and Congress to redress the grievances of the Saints against the people of Missouri. While at the nation's capital he had several opportunities of speaking in public. On the evening of February 5, 1840, he addressed a large audience. Mr. M. L. Davis, a member of Congress, was present. In a letter written to his wife the day after, he gives the following opinion of the Prophet:
I went last evening to hear "Joe Smith," the celebrated Mormon, expound his doctrine. I, with several others, had a desire to understand his tenets as explained by himself.
He is not an educated man; but he is a plain, sensible, strong-minded man. Everything he says is said in a manner to leave an impression that he is sincere. There is no levity, no fanaticism, no want of dignity in his deportment. He is apparently from forty to forty-five years of age, rather above the middle stature, and what you ladies would call a very good looking man. In his garb there are no peculiarities; his dress being that of a plain, unpretending citizen. He is by profession a farmer, but is evidently well read. * * *
During the whole of his address, which occupied more than two hours, there was no opinion or belief that he expressed, that was calculated, in the slightest degree, to impair the morals of society, or in any manner to degrade and brutalize the human species. There was much in his precepts, if they were followed, that would soften the asperities of man toward man, and that would tend to make him a more rational being than he is generally found to be. There was no violence, no fury, no denunciation. His religion appears to be a religion of meekness, lowliness and mild persuasion. * * * Throughout his whole address he displayed strongly a spirit of charity and forbearance. The Mormon Bible, he said, was communicated to him direct from heaven. If there was such a thing on earth as the author of it, then he (Smith) was the author; but the idea that he wished to impress was that he had penned it as dictated by God. * * *
I have changed my opinion of the Mormons. They are an injured and much abused people.
BY HEBER J. GRANT, TOKYO, JAPAN.
Prove all things; hold fast to that which is good.
1 Thess. 5: 21.
If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.
But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea, driven with the wind and tossed.
James 1: 5, 6.
We, as duly authorized representatives of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, have been sent to Japan for the purpose of teaching the plan of life and salvation, as it has again been revealed from heaven by the true and living God to the Prophet Joseph Smith.
We earnestly entreat the people of this nation to fully investigate the message which we have come to deliver.
We testify that there is a God in heaven who is in very deed the Father of the spirits of all men. He is the Creator of heaven and earth, and all that in them is. He existed before the world was created; exists today and will exist forever. He is the same yesterday, today and forever. He is all powerful and to His wisdom there is no limit. He is no respecter of persons; is full of mercy, love and compassion, and is forgiving to all those who will repent of sin and seek Him and serve Him with full purpose of heart.
All men are well aware that compliance with the laws of a nation is absolutely necessary in order to become a citizen thereof, and the same applies with equal force to those who wish to become citizens of the kingdom of God. A knowledge of and compliance with God's laws is a matter of the most vital consequence to all men. These laws are contained in the divinely inspired books known as the Bible and Book of Mormon. We feel assured that all who will earnestly and fully investigate will come to a knowledge of the divine authenticity of these records.
For many hundreds of years after the creation of the earth God appeared in person, from time to time, and talked with His children and gave instructions as to what was necessary for them to do in order to be worthy, when this life was ended, to come back and dwell forever in His presence. A little over nineteen hundred years ago He sent His Son Jesus Christ to the earth to teach mankind the plan of life and salvation. Jesus is the Savior of the world, and faith on His name and obedience to His commandments will take us back into the presence of God where we shall dwell forever.
Jesus Christ called upon all men to repent, to live lives of righteousness and to be baptized in water for the remission of their sins, and made them the promise that if they would do this and keep His commandments they should know whether the doctrines He proclaimed were of God or man.
In the spring of 1820, God and His Son Jesus Christ visited the earth and talked with Joseph Smith. They afterwards sent heavenly messengers who gave him the necessary instructions and authority to establish on the earth the true Church of Christ. Some immediately accepted the doctrines which this prophet taught, but the majority misrepresented his teachings and persecuted him. False charges were preferred against him, and he was imprisoned many times, but upon trial was declared innocent of every charge. He lived a life of virtue and uprightness, maintaining, in the face of the most bitter opposition, his testimony as to the truths revealed to him from heaven. Finally, while he was in Carthage jail, Illinois, U. S., under the pledged protection of the state, awaiting a trial, to which he had voluntarily surrendered himself, the jail was attacked and he was murdered by a mob of wicked men. Thus did Joseph Smith, the Prophet of the nineteenth century, seal his testimony with his life's blood.
Dr. David Nelson in his book, "The Cause and Cure of Infidelity," says: "A true prophet is not applauded by a majority of the wicked or by the mass of the depraved. He is generally disliked by those furthest from God, and spoken evil of by those who sink deepest in sin. He is often not only reviled, but put to death if the laws permit; but the false prophet is neither stoned nor sawn asunder. He is often extolled greatly by the most dissolute, and is at least tolerated or praised to some extent by the leaders in depravity or the officers of sin."
Many people have spoken ill of the Latter-day Saints, or as we are commonly called "Mormons." We ask to be judged not by the false statements of our enemies, but by the infallible standard, "By their fruits ye shall know them." Wisdom dictates that no cause should be judged without a hearing, and least of all when only one side has been heard, and that the side of its enemies. The history of the Latter-day Saints is before the world and speaks for itself.
In a tract entitled "My reasons for leaving the Church of England and joining the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints," the writer says: "No one who will read the whole history of the Latter-day Saints with a truly honest and unprejudiced heart, and look upon the blessings of prosperity which they at present enjoy, can for a moment doubt that they are members of a church which is under the direct guidance of God through new revelation.
"I am quite sure that any one who will read with a fair, and unprejudiced mind the teachings of Joseph Smith, can not but conclude that he must have been inspired, especially when they consider the fact that all the great and marvelous work which he performed before his martyrdom was accomplished while he was still a young man, and that he had never enjoyed the privileges of education and experience."
We call attention to the last of the accompanying Articles of our Faith, that "if there is anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report, or praiseworthy, we seek after these things," and advise all men to do likewise.
In conclusion, in all solemnity and humility, we bear testimony that God lives, that Jesus Christ is His Son and the Savior of the world; that Joseph Smith was the prophet of the true and living God, commissioned to restore again the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the inhabitants of the earth. We once more entreat all men to investigate our message, and promise, as did our Savior, that all who will repent of sin and obey the Gospel shall receive a knowledge from God of the divinity of the doctrines which we proclaim.
When men come as servants of God, claiming a divine commission to reorganize the Church of Christ, the searchlight of investigation should be turned upon them. If they bear it there is evidence that they have been sent of God. But if inconsistencies hedge their entire course of life it is well for an inquirer after truth to examine their AUTHORITY.
William Marks, Zenos H. Gurley, William W. Blair and Samuel Powers ordained the Son of the Prophet to succeed his father as President of the Church. William W. Blair and Samuel Powers were never members of the original Church. We, therefore, pass them by, and proceed to bring out a few facts from early Church history relative to Marks, Gurley and Briggs, the two latter being the founders of the "Reorganization."
WILLIAM MARKS was President of the Nauvoo Stake at the time of the martyrdom of the Prophet Joseph, June 27, 1844.
"Whatever can be the matter with these men (Law and Marks)? Is it that the wicked flee when no man pursueth? that hit pigeons always flutter? that drowning men catch at straws? or that Presidents Law and Marks are absolutely traitors to the Church, that mv remarks should produce such excitement in their minds? The people in the town are astonished, almost every man saying to his neighbor: Is it possible that Brother Law or Brother Marks is a traitor and would deliver Brother Joseph into the hands of his enemies in Missouri? If not, what can be the meaning of all this? The righteous are as bold as a lion."
WILLIAM MARKS was dropped from his position as President of the Nauvoo Stake at a conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, held October 7, 1844. (T. & S., Vol. 5, 692.) The whole Church voted NOT to sustain him, excepting two votes. This action was taken because he supported the claims of Sidney Rigdon as guardian of the Church.
On December 9th, 1844—Nauvoo, Illinois, he acknowledged his error in the following:
"After mature and candid deliberation, I am fully and satisfactorily convinced that Mr. Sidney Rigdon's claims to the Presidency of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints are not founded in truth. I have been deceived by his specious pretenses and now feel to warn every one over whom I may have any influence to beware of him, and his pretended visions and revelations. THE TWELVE ARE THE PROPER PERSONS TO LEAD THE CHURCH." (T. & S., Vol. 5, 742.)
"Signed William Marks."
After making this acknowledgment he was received back into fellowship, but did not again obtain his former position. He became dissatisfied, withdrew from the Church and was excommunicated.
Copied from the "Voree Record," official record of Strangle Church.
Conference April 6, 1846.
"On motion of WILLIAM MARKS, High Priest and President of the Stake at Nauvoo, James J. Strang unanimously called to the Chair as President of the Conference."
"On motion of Elder WILLIAM MARKS it was unanimously resolved that this Church receive, acknowledge, and uphold JAMES J. STRANG as President of this Church, Prophet, Seer, Revelator, and Translator with our faith and prayers."
"On motion of Elder WILLIAM MARKS it was unanimously resolved that we sustain and uphold Aaron Smith as Counselor to First President by our faith and prayers."
"On motion of Elder WILLIAM MARKS, amended on motion of Elder John E. Page, it was resolved that the case of Elder Rigdon be laid over until the October conference for final action and in the meantime a delegation be sent to visit Elder Rigdon personally on the matter by appointment and under instructions of the First Presidency."
"President James J. Strang proposed the appointment of WILLIAM MARKS, President pro tempore of the High Priest's quorum, which, being put separately to the High Priests and the Conference at large, and unanimously approved, he was thereupon appointed."
"Voree Record"—Conference April 8th, 1846.
"The First Presidency presented WILLIAM MARKS for the office of BISHOP of the Church, and on motion of Apostle John E. Page, resolved unanimously (that he) be sustained."
"Voree Record"—Conference August 26th, 1849.
"Brother WILLIAM MARKS was then ordained, consecrated and set apart as APOSTLE of the Lord, Jesus Christ, a Counselor to the Prophet, one of the First Presidency, and a PROPHET of the Most High God, under the hands of President STRANG and Adams."
"Voree Record"—Conference of August 26th, 1849.
"Brother WILLIAM MARKS was anointed, ORDAINED and set apart to administer baptisms for the Dead, under the hands of Presidents STRANG and Adams. * * * The choir sang a hymn, after which eucharist was administered. The Conference then adjourned twenty minutes, to meet at the water's edge for the purpose of attending to baptisms, both for the living and the DEAD. Conference assembled pursuant to adjournment. Eight were initiated into the Church by being baptized for a remission of their sins. After which large numbers were baptized for their deceased relatives. Adjourned."
"Hearken, O ye Saints, give ear, for the time to favor Zion is at hand, and the time of her redemption draweth near. Draw near unto me and learn, for the ways of men are foolishness before me. Behold ye shall be one, and if ye are not one, ye are none of mine. And ye shall all speak the same thing. Ye are cursed; ye are confounded because ye have many tongues like unto mystery Babylon; and many are running to and fro, speaking in their own wisdom, which is folly before me. * * * Behold my servant, WILLIAM MARKS, has gone far ASTRAY in departing from me, yet I will give unto him a little space, that he may return and receive my word, and stand in his place; for I remembered his works that he has done in the time that is past. If he will return and abide faithful, I will make him great, and his possessions shall be great, and he shall possess a city, and his children shall dwell therein; a nation shall call him blessed. * * *"
"Voree Record"—Conference of August 25th, 1849.
"President MARKS arose and said he felt that he ought to make a confession to the Saints for NOT acting in his calling and also to ask their forgiveness. Gave a brief history of the course he had pursued after the martyrdom of the Prophet Joseph, testified that he had ever had the fullest confidence in the work of the last days, and knew it was of God, and was now determined by the help of God to go forth in the discharge of HIS DUTY and act in the place in which he was called by revelation of God through his servant JAMES.
"President Geo. J. Adams remarked: He rejoiced with joy unspeakable to see an old Saint coming back willing to do his duty, spoke very highly of the former faithfulness of Brother Marks in the cause of God, how he had kept himself uncontaminated in the midst of the lustful and ungodly, and concluded by offering the following resolution, which was sustained unanimously: Resolved, that we will forgive Brother Marks and sustain him in his calling by our faith, confidence, and prayers."
"Epistle of WILLIAM MARKS, chief evangelical teacher of the school of faith to all the traveling teachers' quorums and classes of said school, and Jehovah's presbytery of Zion, Greeting:
"Beloved Brethren:—Having been chosen and ordained chief evangelical teacher of the school of faith in Jehovah's presbytery of Zion, it becomes my duty to say something by way of encouragement and also by way of instruction to those who are placed under my care and supervision; and first by way of encouragement, let me state what I know in reference to the work in which we are engaged. In order to do this, I must of necessity refer to my experience in the Church. I was a member of the Church some ten years before the death of Joseph and Hyrum Smith. I was appointed President of the Stake in Kirtland, Ohio, in 1837, and continued in that office at Kirtland until the fall of 1838, when I was called by revelation to Farr West, Missouri, but before I arrived there the Saints were ordered to leave the state, and when the Stake was organized at Nauvoo, in the fall of 1839, I was appointed President thereof, and continued in that office up to the death of Joseph the Prophet. I always believed the work was of divine origin, and that Joseph Smith was called of God to establish the Church among the Gentiles. During my administration in the Church I saw and heard many things that was practiced and taught that I DID NOT BELIEVED BE OF GOD, but I continued to do and teach such principles as were plainly revealed as the law of the Church, for I thought that pure and holy principles only would have a tendency to benefit mankind, therefore, when the doctrine of polygamy was introduced into the Church as a principle of exaltation I took a decided stand against it, which stand rendered me quite unpopular with many of the leading ones of the Church." (Harbinger and Organ, Vol. 3, Pages 52-3-4, Year 1853.)
"Shabbona Grove, DeKalk County, Feb. 17th, 1853.
"Brother C. B. Thompson,
"Dear Sir:—I have some good news to communicate * * * I organized a quorum at Batavia. James Blakeslie was chosen chief, and Jehial Savage, teacher. I ordained them to their offices, and they said they had satisfactory evidence that the work is of God. I feel as though I was well paid. Bless and praise the Lord.
"Yours in the bond of the covenant,
"Signed William Marks."
The following appears in the "Harbinger and Organ" of Dec. 10th, 1853:
"St. Joseph, Mo., Aug. 24, 1852.
"Brother Thompson:—I embrace this opportunity to drop a few lines to you to let you know of our whereabouts. I arrived here with Brother Childs and on the 22nd of this month, found Brother Stephens and the most of his family sick; and he is not able to go with us. From what we can learn of the surrounding country here we think is will be very difficult to obtain a suitable LOCATION FOR THE SAINTS TO GATHER TO, near this place on account of the high price of land. We have agreed to start from here tomorrow morning to go north, probably to the Bluffs. * * * We shall write you again as soon as we find a location. * * *
"Signed William Marks."
The year 1855 finds him in a religions organization with John E. Page and others. (History of the Reorganized Church, Vol. 3, 724.)
On the above date he was received into this "Organization" subsequently called the "Reorganized Church" on his ORIGINAL baptism into the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. His ORIGINAL ordination was also accepted.
In the light of common sense and the following statement found in the "Saints Herald" (the official organ of the "Reorganization"), what of WILLIAM MARKS' authority? "WHENEVER INDIVIDUALS CLAIMING AUTHORITY UNDER THE CHURCH AS ORGANIZED BY THE FIRST JOSEPH BECAME MEMBERS OF ANY FACTION THEY IMMEDIATELY BECAME DIVESTED OF ALL AUTHORITY." ("Saints Herald," Vol. 4, No. 10, Page 158.)
Why did the "Reorganization" receive the Apostate Marks on his ORIGINAL baptism and ORIGINAL ordination after he had joined "The Strang faction," "The Thompson faction" "The Page faction" and "became divested of all authority" (as stated above)? And what of the authority of young Joseph who Was ordained under the hands of such men, WILLIAM MARKS BEING MOUTH?
"An Apostate, or one who has been cut off the Church and wish to come in again, the law of the Church expressly says: That such shall repent and be baptized and be admitted as at first." (T. & S., Vol. 5, 752.)
ZENOS H. GURLEY was ordained a seventy in Nauvoo in 1844 under the direction of President Joseph Young. (Record in Historian's office, Salt Lake City.)
On April 6th, 1845, he was made the Senior President of the twenty-first quorum of Seventy. (Minutes of 21st quorum.)
On the 31st of January, 1905, President of the "Reorganization" wrote the following to Elder Joseph F. Smith, Jr., relative to the limitation of the number of Seventy's quorums:
"There are no provisions as revelations as law to the Church for the organization of more than seven quorums of Seventy; for that reason we do not recognize as valid any of the ordinations in Nauvoo in 1844-5 beyond those of the first seven quorums; and our teaching is that the number is necessarily limited by direct provision of the law."
(One month before the great Exodus then in preparation.) The Minutes of January 3rd, 1846 (21st quorum) say:
"Zenos H. Gurley enlarged on the subject of liberally donating to the Church necessity. 'God,' said he, 'had so shaped the scheme of salvation as that to be saved and appear approved of God, we must SACRIFICE OF ALL WE POSSESS.' * * * He felt filled with the spirit. THE COURSE THE CHURCH IS PURSUING HAS BEEN SPOKEN OF BY JESUS CHRIST AND THE HOLY PROPHETS OF OLDEN TIMES."
"ZENOS H. GURLEY arose and said that the Presidents of the quorum had RECEIVED THEIR ENDOWMENT. He observed that it was remarkable for an unusual outpouring of the Holy Spirit. He felt for the quorum that they should receive their endowment. The Church authorities, the quorum of seventy in succession, should furnish the people engaged in the endowment, one day each, and he wanted the quorum (21st) to acquit themselves from every obligation." (Minutes of quorum, Jan. 10, 1846.)
"President ZENOS H. GURLEY arose and said: * * * 'The business before the meeting was the arranging for the donation for the benefit of those of the Priesthood engaged in the Temple' (NOT ON THE TEMPLE, BUT IN THE TEMPLE). He beautifully observed that it was his design and also this Council's, to exalt the Twenty-first quorum and the quorum should reciprocally return the favors of the support and influence towards its welfare." (Minutes of the quorum, January 17th, 1846.)
"President ZENOS H. GURLEY arose and said that the business before the meeting (of the Twenty-first quorum) was to select persons to receive their ENDOWMENTS. He had received direction to select ten or twelve to GO IN THE TEMPLE. He desired the brethren not to think it partiality to make this selection. * * * The Saints who have passed through the trials of the Church were generally rooted and grounded in love and have a witness in their hearts or they would not have remained." (Minutes of the Twenty-first quorum, January 25th, 1846.) It was ten days after he made this utterance that the Exodus of the main body of the Church began, and this is the last reference we have of ZENOS H. GURLEY while connected with the Church. What became of GURLEY? "Because he had not root he withered away."
ZENOS H. GURLEY writes to a Brother Cooper, Editor of the "Strangite Gospel Herald," under date of January 10th, 1850, from Pittsburg C. W ., relating an account of his labors in the STRANGITE CHURCH. He closes with these words:
"The brethren in this place, though young, are old enough to dream of BEAVER (meaning Beaver Island, Strang's headquarters). Are you going to BEAVER in the spring? is the inquiry of many of them. * * * But, thank God, if we do no more we are rightly paid for our trouble. One of the Prophets, speaking in reference to these times, says, 'a man shall be more precious than fine gold. Farewell.'" ("Gospel Herald," Page 274.)
ZENOS H. GURLEY writes to the "Gospel Herald" (Strangite organ) from St. Lawrence under date of March 15th, 1850:
"I am now in New York State in company with Brother Linnel, assisting Brother Silsby in organizing the brethren and helping them get ready for BEAVER. We expect seventy or one hundred. Will leave here in May for that place. I left Brother Wright on Monday last. * * *" ("Gospel Herald," Page 22.)
September 16th, 1851. Beaver Island.
"Moved and seconded that ZENOS H. GURLEY be appointed to preside over the branches in Western and Southern Wisconsin, west of Voree, by judicial appointment. Carried. * * *" (Record of Conference, pen written.)
"James Blakeslie dropped for HERESY and Jahie Savage for the same, and their Priesthood taken from them. ZENOS H. GURLEY, ALSO PRIESTHOOD TAKEN FROM HIM. * * *" (Voree Record—Conference at Enoch's Grove, Beaver Island, July 9, 1852.)
By 1851, after about five years of active service, he became convinced that James J. Strang was not a Servant of God. Manifestations followed which satisfied him that he should help organize another Church. Accordingly, he and Jason W. Briggs united their efforts and organized what is known as the "NEW ORGANIZATION," which subsequently emerged into the "Re-Organized Church," in 1860—16 years after the Martyrdom. Zenos H. Gurley, after following the Twelve Apostles as the presiding Quorum of the Church, and holding the position as Senior President of the Twenty-first Quorum of Seventy up to the time of the exodus of the Church from Nauvoo, in 1846, left the Church and joined James J. Strang, remaining with this organization until he and Briggs CREATED THE "NEW ORGANIZATION." In 1860 he assisted William Marks in ordaining the President of the "Reorganization." The question naturally arises, DID HE HAVE ANY AUTHORITY? We prefer to answer this question by simply quoting the statement found in the "Saints Herald," Vol. 4, Page 158.
"Whenever individuals claiming authority under THE CHURCH AS ORGANIZED BY THE FIRST JOSEPH became members of ANY FACTION, THEY IMMEDIATELY BECAME DIVESTED OF ALL AUTHORITY." ("Saints Herald," Vol 4, No. 10, Page 158.)
Zenos H. Gurley ("an apostle") had been able to convert many to this organization, yet he was not satisfied in his own mind. In connection with Jason W. Briggs (founder of the "Reorganization), he forsook the Church they claimed had been built upon "revelations" from divers persons, ("Saints Herald" Vol. 33, Pages 248-249.) The reasons why these men withdrew from the "Reorganization" were as follows: That they could not believe in:
1st—"The literal gathering of the Church into Jackson and the adjoining counties in the State of Missouri (or any one or more places) known as a local Zion."
2d—"Temple building and ceremonial endowments therein."
3d—"Baptism for the dead."
4th—"Tithing as a law applicable to the Church."
5th—"The law of consecration by which individuals are made legal heirs to the Kingdom of Zion."
6th—"A sole mouthpiece of God to the Church."
7th—"The plenary inspiration of and consequent absolute authority of what are called the sacred books."
8th—"The doctrine of 'cursing our enemies,' and of 'avenging God upon them to the third and fourth generations.'"
9th—"To the foregoing may be added the revelation of January 19, 1841, Section 107 D. & C. (124, our edition), which enjoins upon the Church the building of a hotel, called the 'Lord's boarding-house,' for Joseph Smith and posterity to dwell in from generation to generation, as also the promise contained therein, viz.: 'And as I said unto Abraham concerning the kindreds of the earth, even so I say to my servant Joseph, in thee and in thy seed shall the kindreds of the earth be blessed.'"
"This, coupled with the provisions in Section 43, that 'none else should or could receive revelation for the Church, and the provision of Section 19, that the Church shall receive Joseph's words and commands the same as if from God's own mouth,—establish in our judgment a lineal descent of authority equivalent to an imperial dynasty, which is foreign to the spirit and genius of the Gospel of Christ.'"
Jason W. Briggs, who was really the founder of the "Reorganization" or who, perhaps, did more than any other man to bring about that sect, was born June 20th, 1821, at Pompey, Onondaga County, N. Y. It is said he joined the church at Potosi, Wis., about 1842, but we have no history of this man except as we get through the records of the "Reorganization." He remained with the church under the leadership of President Young and the Twelve until the year 1846. It is interesting to note in this regard that the exodus commenced February 4th, 1846, so we are quite safe in saying that this man was one of the "Fair weather friends."
After the exodus Jason W. Briggs joined James J. Strang and in Jus organization labored in the ministry quite extensively (Reorganite History 3: 737), filling short missions to various parts of New York and in Wisconsin. In September of 1849, with B. G. Wright, he organized the Waukesha branch of Mr. Strang's church (Hist, of Reorganized Church 3: 737-8.)
"Resolved unanimously that JASON W. BRIGGS be ordained a High Priest. ORDINATION under the hands of President James J. Strang and WILLIAM MARKS, President of the stake at Nauvoo." ("Voree Record of Conferences," April 8th, 1846.)
"The following letter was written in answer to one from Mr. Briggs of Wisconsin. His letter is too scurrilous to appear in print, therefore we publish only the reply of Mr. Bacon."
"Beaver Island, July 18th, 1851.
"Mr. Briggs:
"Sir: Some time since I received a letter from you in which you claim to take the liberty to write to me, on the ground that our acquaintance had been such as to forbid personal enmities; and, therefore, you would carry out the precept: 'Do unto others as you would have others do unto you;' and that I was less orthodox in the pretences of Strang, etc., than some others. * * * I will now notice the argument, powerful as it may be, which you assert you have found upon examination, touching the letter of appointment. But what examination can this be, in which you have found out that you spoke that which was not true? WHEN YOU DECLARED IN PUBLIC CONGREGATIONS, AT YOUR OWN FIRESIDE, AND AT THE FIRESIDE OF YOUR NEIGHBORS, that Joseph Smith wrote with his own hand the 'Letter of Appointment' (for you saw him in vision) AND YOUR SURPRISE AND FAITH IN THE 'KNOCKING SPIRITS' OF NEW YORK, FROM THE FACT THAT THEY (the spirits) ASSERTED THE SAME?"
Jason W. Briggs represents the Beloit and Prairie branches of the Strangite Church at the Conference held in Voree, Wis., October 8th, 18-18. ("Voree Record of Conferences," pen written.)
In 1850 Briggs left Mr. Strang's organisation and joined with William Smith, who had himself been a follower of Mr. Strang until excommunicated from that organization for the crime of adultery. In William Smith's Church Mr. Jason W. Briggs accepted the position of "APOSTLE," but at the time of the disintegration of Wm. Smith's Church in 1851, he withdrew, and in 1852 joined with Zenos H. Gurley. These two men organized this "NEW ORGANIZATION" today known as the "Reorganization."
Although Jason W. Briggs had received a Revelation as he alleges on the 15th of November, 1851, on the prairie some three miles from town of Beloit, Wis., declaring that Joseph Smith of the Reorganization should preside over the High Priesthood of the Church, etc., on March 28th, 1886, he severed his connection with the church he claimed was of divine origin and in conversation with Elder M. F. Cowley in the presence of President F. M. Lyman and Elder John W. Taylor in relation to his revelation he said: "I WOULDN'T LIKE TO CALL IT A REVELATION NOW, BUT WE LEARN BY EXPERIENCE."
Reader, the above facts will be of service to you if you are interested in the Great Latter-day work instituted through Joseph Smith, the Prophet. However things may be elsewhere, on this earth truth is met everywhere by error. The false has its adherents as well as the true. Especially is this so in religion. Each individual must sift the grain from the chaff. To those who become earnest in this labor, God has promised help. But without effort, without faith, there is no return and men are allowed to settle into that condition which they are satisfied with. The positive search for the unadulterated plan of salvation is not usually made and many are deceived. For this reason most men do not know the pure truth about religion. In the question before us we have the principle of AUTHORITY to consider, PUT WHAT FOLLOWS TO THE ABOVE TEST.
In the economy of God's work is found a Holy Priesthood through which He deals with mankind.
Without this Priesthood the Church of God cannot exist for there would be no one authorized to do the work.
The Ancients, those who wrote the Bible, and others, held this Priesthood. Christ conferred it upon the APOSTLES, Seventies, etc.
The world fell into spiritual darkness and hundreds of religions sprang up after this Priesthood was taken away.
When the time came for the Restoration of the Gospel it was necessary that this Priesthood be restored, Peter, James and John (the ancient Apostles) being sent to confer the authority they held upon the Prophet Joseph Smith.
Joseph Smith, the Prophet, conferred it upon others.