Full text of "An address to all believers in Christ"

See other formats

Brii^ham Yoiin^ University
Harold B. Lee Library

Gift of

Samuel Russell, Jr.

^ ^

AN ADDRESS

ALL BELIEVERS IN CHRIST,

A Witness to the Divine Autlientieity
of The Book of Mormon.

DAVID WHITMER,

RICHMOXD, MISSOURI.

1887.

T^X... ._,

AN ADDRESS

ALL BELIEVERS IN CHRIST.

A Witness to the divine authenticity

OF THE BOOK OF MORMON.

DAVID WHITMER,

RICHMOND, MISSOURI.

1887

COPYRIGHTED,

By DAVID WHITMER.

1887.

The 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.

HAHOLD B. LEE LIBRARY
»WGHAM VOUNG UNIVHWITY

PROVO. UTAH

PART FIRST.

CHAPTER I.

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 de-
nominations 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 Mor-
mon to be the Word of God :

First : Tlie Church of Christ.

Second : Tlie Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day
Saints.

Third : Tlie Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.

The last named is the church in Salt Lake City ; they believe in the
doctrine of poh'gamy, while the two first named churches do not believe
in that doctrine. 1 am an elder in ''the Church of Christ." "We
believe in the doctrine of Christ as it is taught in the New Testa-
ment 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 rem-
nant of that people, who drifted into unbelief and darkness about 350
years after Christ apjaeared 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 prac-
ticed 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, " Tliese signs shall follow them that believe." Oar belief concern-
ing 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 es-
tablish 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 Eeligion. It is
of man and not of God, and is especially forbidden in the Book of Mor-
mon 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

save if be one loife : and conciibines lie sliall have none : For I the Lord
God, delighteth in the chastity of tooman." (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 m a great measure from the
faith of the Church of Christ as it was first established, by heeding re-
velations 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. "JVow the spirit speaketh expressly that in
the latter times some shall deptart from the faith, giving heed to seduc-
ing 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 en-
graven the Xephite 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 : 6) "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 Mor-
mon, 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 con-
demn. 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" (1 Thes, v : 21).

The Eeorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, be-
lieve 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 j^rinted 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 di-
vided; but the divisions have been brought about by the revelations of

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 kejDt 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 conies forth claiming to make plain the doctrine of
Christ as taught in the New Testament; and it does make it so plain
tliat 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
Avorld 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, Avhich 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 and
heresies, practicing those things in the name of Christ, and thereby
brought reproach upon the name " Christian." Apostolic church his-
tory 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
of. "For as concerning this sect, we know that everyivhere it is spoken
against." Paul speaks of the reproach of Christ in Heb. xi:26 and
xiii: 13. Christ sjieaks 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 ji^fni-
cious ways, by reuson of whom the "way of teuth shall he evil spoken
of." So has it been in these last days. On account of the heresy of
polygamy and other heresies, "tJie 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 tue know that the Book of Mormon is His
word, and by His word we can inherit eternal life if we are faithful in

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 un-
derstand, 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 loorld, the love of the Father is
not in him." (1 John ii:15.) " Te cannot serve Ood 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 under-
stand 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) sliall be for a sanctuary; hut for a stone of stumlling
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: 14-15.) (See also 1 Peter ii:7-8, 1 Cor. i:23, Eom. 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 Mor-
mon — to come in the way it has, because the prophecies about its com-
ing 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 scrip-
tures concerning the way in which Christ would come to the Jews, are
obscure, but they are just as God wanted them. Likewise are the proph-
ecies 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 con-
cerning Christ's coming. The people cannot understand 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 follow-
ing passages concerning the " Uriin and Tlmmmin," 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 trans-
late 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.

"Neither are your ways my ivays, saith the Lord." (Isa. lv : 8).
Ifoio unsearchable are His judgntcnts, and His ivays past finding 02(t/'
(Rom. xi : 33). Read Isa. xxix, whole cliapter, which is a prophecy con-
cerning the way in which the Book of Mormon was to come forth. '^Out
of the groitnd; " " Out oj the dust;" From, "the words of a Booh (plates)
tliat 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 toise men shall x>&r-
ish, and the understanding of their prudent men shall he hid" But the
.meek and lowly in heart will understand it. " The meek also shall in-
crease 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 understand-
ing, and they that nmrnnired shall learn doctrine ;" ( The above quota-
tions are from the 29th chapter of Isaiah.) John, in his vision on the
Isle of Patmos, of "things ichich must be hereafter," saw "Another
angel fiy in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto
them that divell ox the earth." ( Rev. xiv : 6.) In Isaiah xi : 11--12,
it is proi^hesied as follows : "and it shall come to jmss in that day (dis-
pensation ) that the Lord shall set his hand again the second time to re-
cover the remnant of his peojile * * * * and he shall set up an
ensign for the nations, and shall assemble the outcasts of Lsrael, and
gather together the dispiersed of Judah {the Jeivs ) from the four corners of
the earth." The coming forth of the Book of Mormon is only a prepar-
atory 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 ivrite iipon it,
For Judah, and for the children of Lsrael his com2)anio7is : then take an-
other stick, and write upon it, For Joseph, the stick of Ephraim, and for
all the house of Lsrael his companions: and join them one to another in
one stick ; and they shall become one in thine hand. And lohen the cliil-
dren of thy people shall speak unto thee, saying, Wilt thou not shoic us
lohat thou meanest by these 9 say unto them, * * * * TJms saith
the Lord God; Behold, L vjill take the children of Lsrael from among the
heathen, whither they be gone, and loill gather them on every side, and
bring them into their oion land."

It is evident that this, like many other prophecies, refers to the
time when the Israel of God Avill be gathered together in righteousness

and holiness ; when they 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 " tvill cleanse them, so they shall be
my people, and I will he their God." * * * and "they shall walk in
my judgments * * * * '* and {1) will set my sajictuary in the midst
of them for evermore. * * * * And the heathen (all who are not
Israel) shall hnoio that I the Lord do sanctify Israel lohen my sanctuary
shall he in the midst of them forevermore." (Concerning a literal gath-
ering of the Hoiise of Israel, in righteousness and holiness, see chapter
2.) The Gentiles are first now, and the Jews last : but the Jews and all
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 Avill turn to Israel, for Israel is not cast
away forever. "Blindness in part is haiJiyened to Israel, until the full-
ness of the Gentiles he come in. * * * There shall come out of Sion,
the Deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob." (See Ko-^
mans 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 any 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 Booh 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
(ymbined 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 Avhat I have had to contend
with, I give you below a copy of a leaflet which I had printed and dis-
tributed in March, 1881.

"A PROCLAMATION."

" 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 Mormox.'

" 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

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 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 I
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 Mor-
mons, of Latter Day Saints, which are in conflict with the Gospel of our
Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, as taught in the Bible and Book of Mor-
mon ; 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 con-
demning the light, which shineth in darkness, and showeth the way of
eternal life as pointed 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 WHITMEK."

"KiCHMOXD, Mo., March 19, 1881.''

"We, the undersigned citizens of Eichmond, Eay 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 Eichmond, Mo., this March 19, A. D. 1881.

Gen. Alexander W. Doniphan. L. C. Cantwell, Postmaster,

Hon. Geo. W. Dunn, Judge of Eichmond.
the Fifth Judicial Circuit. Geo. I. Wasson, Mayor.

Thos. D. Woodson, President Jas. A. Davis, County Collector,

of Eay Co. Savings Bank. C. J. Hughes, Probate Judge

J. T. Child, editor of Con- and Presiding Justice of Eay
servator. County Court.

H. C. Garner, Cashier of Eay Geo. W. Trigg, County Clerk.

Co. Savings Bank. W. W. Mosby, M. D.

"W. A. Ilolman, County Treas- Thos. McGinnis, ex-Sheriff Eay

urer. County.

J. S. Hughes, Banker, Rich- J. P. Quesenberry, Merchant,

mond. W. R. Ilolman, Furniture Mer-

James Hughes, Banker, Eich- chant.

mond. Lewis Slaughter, Recorder of

D. P. Whitmer, Attorney-at- Deeds.

Law. Geo. W. Buchanan, M. D.

Hon. Jas. W. Black, Attorney- A. K. Reyburn."
at-Law.

From the liichmond, (Mo.) Conservator, March 24, 1881.

' An Explanation.

" Elsewhere we publish a letter from Datid 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 wit-
nesses of the authenticity of the gold plates, from which he asserts that
Joseph Smith translated the Book of Mormon (a fac simile of the charac-
ters he now has in his possession with the original records), is firmly con-
vinced 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 re-
sided here for near a half of a century, it is with no little pride that he
points to his past record with the consciousness 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
noAV with the lilies of seventy-five winters crowning him like an aureole,
and his pilgrimage on earth well nigh ended, he reiterates j^is former
statements, and will leave futurity to solve the problem that lie was but a
passing witness to its fulfillment. His attacks on the vileness that has
sprung up with the L^tah 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 manuscrij^t. 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 Solo-
mon 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

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 manu-
script 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 Eigdon and Edward
Partridge came from Kirtland, Ohio, to see Joseph Smith, and where
Eigdon and Partridge saw Joseph Smith for the first time in their lives.

The Spaulding manuscript story is a myth; there being no direct testi-
mony on record in regard to Eigdon's connection with the manuscript
of Solomon Spaulding.

I have in my possession the original manuscript of the Book of Mor-
mon, 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
Xew York, for him to read "the luords of a hooh 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 evi-
"dently been prepared by some person who had before him at the time
"a book containing various alphabets. Greek and Hebrew letters, crosses
" and flourishes, Eoman 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 of all is become unto you as the words of a hooTc 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 seeded: and the book is delivered

to him ihat is not learned, saying, Read this, I 2Jray thee : and he saith,
I am not learned."

(Verses 11 and 12.) Xo man could read it, but God gave to an un-
learned 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 put 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 Avould appear, and on that
appeared the writing. One character at a time would aj^pear, 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) — de-
posited 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 Xephites is called the reformed Egvptian 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.

PREFACE.

AN ACCOUNT WRITTEN BY THE HAND OF MORMON UPON PLATES TAKEN"
FROM THE PLATES OF NEPHI.

*' 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 rem-
nant 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 in-
terpretation 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 inter-
pretation 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 Ui the convincing of the Jew and Gentile that Jesus is
the Christ, the Eternal God, manifesting himself unto all nations.

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." '•'MoEoyi."

ALSO THE TESTIlIOjrr OF THE THEEE WITNESSES.

" Be it known unto all nations, kindreds, tongues, and people, unto
whom this work shall come, that we, through the grace of God the Fa-
ther and our Lord Jesus Christ, have seen the plates which contain this
record, which is a record of the people of Xephi, and also of the Lama-
nites, 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 de-
clared 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 Go«i, 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 com-
manded us that we should bear record of it ; wherefore, to be obedient
nnto 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, Oliter Cowdeet,

David Whitmeb,
iLi.RTi>r Habeis."

JlSD also TESTIi£0>-T OF EIGHT WIT>f ESSES.

" 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 otir 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.

Christia^t "Whitmee, Hieam Page,

Jacob Whitmee, Joseph Smith, Se.,

Petee Whitmee, Jb., Hyeux Smith,

JoHx Whitmee, Sa^iuel H. Smith."

Dear Reader: — I want to ask you this question, if you are an unbe-
lieier in the Book of Mormon, and I hope you will study over it prayer-

13 '

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, iind 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 scrip-
tures, 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 fol-
low them that believe in Him. All who are not blinded to the understand-
ing 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 spir-
itual gifts are not following the believers to-day, is because they have not
that strong and liA'ing 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 wor-
ship God in His aj)pointed way ; that is, that they must be right as
to the true jioints of Christ's doctrine : But because a man is right on
the doctrine of Christ, having been rightly adopted into the Church of
Christ, this alone Avill 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 avc must grow in charity, grace, and
knowledge, on toward the full stature of the perfect man in Christ ; and
to grow, w^e must walk in the Spirit, having the fruits of the Spirit, which
is "love, joy, 2Jence, lony-sufferinrj, gentleness, yoodness, 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 Avrite 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 vdiich God a^ne

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 Avhen 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 say 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 {f ye love tliem which love yo\i, what reward have ye? Do
not even the Puhlicans the same 9 But I say unto you, Love your enemies;
bless them that curse you; do good to them that hate yon. * * * That
ye may he the 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 princi-
pal idea in religion is the fatherhood of God, and brothei'hood of man.
Christ taught its to i:)ray, Oiir 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 j^erson could actually
love and do good to any enemy ; but those who have this gift can under-
stand 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.

" No2v if any man have not the sjnrit 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 jireach the gospel and the love of Christ to them. The
spirit of Christ is ttnselfish. It will act in all men to-day as it did in Paul.
He said: "JS'ot seel'ing mine 02cn 2)rofit, hut the ^jrofit of many, that they
may he saved." (1 Cor. x:33.) My soul enlarges when I contem^jlate this
subject. My heart goes oitt 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 suifer trials for a season, which Avill
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
woi^d especially call the reader's attention to chapter iv, in Part Second

of this pamphlet, in which I exi^lain 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 re-
proach 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 /atY/i 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 he brought out of darkness unto
light, according to the Word of God ; yea, it shall he brought out of the
earth, and it shall shine forth out of darkness, and come unto the knou'l-
edge of tlie people: and it shall he done by the power of God. * * * *
It shall come in a day ichen thepov.^er of God shallhe denied (2 Tim. iii: 5),
and churches become defiled, and shall he 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 ivho belong to their
churches; yea, it shall come in a day when fliere shall he heard of fires,
and tempests, and vapors of smoke in foreign lands; and there shall also
he heard of wars and rumors of tears, 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 be-
ginning to warn the inhabitants of the earth, and these signs shall in-
crease. 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 I repent I 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. Straiglit means close, nar-
row, and difficult to find. Christ said, " Straight is the gate, and narroio
is the way, which leadeth unto life, and feiv 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 sav 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 mys-
teries and stumbling-blocks, there you will find the Pearl of Great Price.
Mav 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.

CHAPTER 11.

In this chaprer 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 disjiutations 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:9and ix:ll.) " "Woe be unto him that crieth. All is well; yea, woe be
" unto him that hearkenetli 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 tlie last days, men shall have a farm
of godliness, but deny the potcer thereof The powej' is the Holy Ghost, and its mani-
festations. Paul says in 1 Cor. xii:7, that "the manifestation of the Spirit is given to
every man," that is, every man vrho 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 re-
member 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 Avhich 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: 0 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?
0 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
upon 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 Ave 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 m}' word?
Knoiu ye not that the testimony of two nations is a witness unto you that

*' lam 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, to-day, 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 ^ippose that I have not caused more to be written: * * * For
"beholcl, 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
"Xephites, and the Nephites shall have the words of the Jews:
"and the Nephites and the Jews shall have the Avords of the lost
"tribes of Israel: and the lost tribes of Israel shall have the v/ords of the
" Xephites 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 like-
" wise 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.)

"If any man will do Ids will, he shall KNOW of tlie doctrine, whether it be of
God, 07' whether I speak of myself." (John Yii:17.)

I will say a word here in regard to a i^assage in Rev. xxii:18:

' ' For I testify unto every man that heareth the wm'ds of tJie proptiecy of this b»ok
(the Revelation of John), if any man sImU 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,

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 Johu^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 joower, according to the faith of the children
' of men, the same to-day and to-morrow, and forever. And again I ex-
' hort 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 Avho
' 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.) * * * * ^nd 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, call-

• ing ihem 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 the 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

''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 3, Booh 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,
"0 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, 0 God, the Eternal Father, that they
" are willing to take upon them the name of thy Son, and always remem-
"ber him, and keep his commandments which he hath given them, that
"they may always have his Spirit to be with them. Amen. — {Cliapter U,
" Booh of Moroni. )

" The manner of administering the wine. Behold, they took the cup,
"and said, 0 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, 0 God,
"the Eternal Father, that they do always remember him, that they may
" have his Spirit to be with them. Amen. — {Cliapter 5, Booh 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 con-
" trite 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 con-
"cerning 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-

" 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. — {Cha])ter 6, Book of
^'Moroni).

Concerning a literal gathering of the Israel of God upon the earth in
righteousness and holiness, see the passages of scrijDture 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.8-14. 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 Avay, 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:17-21.
Eev. 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 resurrec-
tion. 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 peo-
ple 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 j^eople, 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 jiowers of heaven shall be in the
" midst of this peojile : yea, even I will be in the midst of you.
"Behold, I am he of whom Moses spake, saying, A prophet shall
"the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren, like unto
"me, him sliall 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 fi'om among the people. Verily, I say unto
" you, yea ; and all the prophets from Samuel, and those that follow af-

'^ 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, say-
*'ing 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, 0 house of Israel :
" and they shall be a scourge unto the people of this land. Neverthe-
" less, when they shall have received the fullness of my gospel, then if
" they shall harden their hearts against me, I will return their iniqui-
" ties 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, Avhich 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 m 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 Jeru-
" salem for the land of their inheritance. Then shall they break forth
"into joy — sing together ye waste places of Jerusalem: * * *
* * * "And then shall be brought to pass that which is writ-
" ten. Awake, awake again, and put on thy strength, 0 Zion ; put on
" thy beautiful garments, 0 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, 0 Jerusalem ; loose thy-
" self from the bands of thy neck, 0 captive daughter of Zion. For thus
" saith the Lord, Ye have sold yourselves for nought ; and ye shall be re-
" deemed without money. Verily, verily, I say unto you, that my peo-
" pie 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 jiublisheth
" 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 as-
" tonished 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

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 peo-
ple, 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, 0 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 peoiDle
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 Is-
rael. 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 un-
to 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 wis-
dom 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 Gen-
tiles, and shall give unto him power that he shall bring them forth un-
to 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 lift-
ed 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 sooth-
sayers : 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,

" and deceivings, and envyings, and strifes, and priestcrafts and whore-
"doms, 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, 0 house of Israel ;
*'and I Avill 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, avIio are scattered upon all
^'thcface 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 Gosjiel shall be preached among the remnant of this
** people. Verily, I say unto you, at that day shall the work of the Fa-
*'ther 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 estab-
lished; 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 tliat I have
authority when ye shall see me, and we shall stand before God at the
last day. Amen." (Ether ii). 2-/vt;/;3

. " Hearken, 0 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 whore-
doms, 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.)

PART SECOND,

CHAPTER III.

TO BELIEVERS IX THE BOOK OF MORMOX.

Dear Brethren :

The spirit of Grod moves ujion 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 full-
ness 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 sjieak 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 carry-
ing forth the Book of Mormon. We cannot always understand God^s
ways of dealing with his people. God suffers n. '^n to be led into error
because of their blindness of heart. He works wdth men only ac-
cording to their faith and obedience ; but now the Spirit of God is mov-
ing 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 re-
pentance, and calling on them to heed to the teachings of Christ. I do
not mean to persecute Joseph the translator of the Book of Morm'^ . . I
love him, and I love Joseph his son, and believe him to be a good man.
Josepli, like many of those of old -whom God had ^'...sen, fell into error;
and why should we wamt to follow anV man into error ? Should we put
our trustfin an arm o'i flesh? Nay, verily !
' — ~ 25

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 com-
pare 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 an^. error, should le 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 has
spoken, and the voice of God has declared from the heavens : "Hear ye
Mm! " 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 '^ ujjon 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. Eead 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 Gcd; but he was not called to set up and establish
the church any more thin any of us Elders were. This I will prove con-
clusively 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 "hranch which teas to be broken of" 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

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 loord only, saith the Lord, but to the conyinc-
i]s"G them of my word," How many Indians did Brother Joseph
convince ? He never preached a sermon to them in his life to my knowl-
edge. 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 e3'es of the world, is believing the Book of
Mormon, No; we love you, and by the help of God we will labor, trust-
ing 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 all wise, and his ways are not man's ways. Mormon stood
alone for many years, when the whole church of Nephites and Laman-
ites had every one gone into error and transgression. He stood alone,
holding the authority, and prayed to God continually that he might go
to them and i^reach 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 every-
thing they should teach. All who refused to take this oath were consid-
ered 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

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 iminoxiriety of the or-
ganization of bands or companies, by covenants, oaths, penalties, or secre-
cies; but let the time jMst of our eayerience 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 lohich God
has revealed unto us. Pure friendship ahoays becomes weakened the very
moment you undertake to make it stronger by j^enal oaths and secrecy.
Your humble servants intend YB.0^1 henceforth to disapjjrobate 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 liv-
ing (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 goto
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 impor-
tuned 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 rejjented 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 I had followed the heads of the church, and that when God's own

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 Avere
to come down to us as the fullness of his gosj^el 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 Mor-
mon 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 manrier 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 de-
clared 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 ordin-
ances 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 judg-
ing 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 all the orders of Latter
Day 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 sat/
to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have ive not lirophesied in thy name ? and
in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many n'onderful
works? And then will I profess unto them, L 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 mo^e or less than the doctrine of Christ.

CHAPTEE IV

HOW THE CHUECH WAS ESTABLISHED IN THE BEGINNING, AKD HOW
THEY DRIFTED IXTO ERROK.

In June 1829, the translation of the Book of Mormon was finished.
God gave it to us as his Holy AVord, and left us as men to work out
our own salvation and set in order the Church of Christ according to
the written word. He left us as men to receive of His SiDirit as we
walked worthy to receive it ; and His Spirit guides men into all truth;
but the spiric of man guides man into error. When God had given us
the Book of Mormon, and a few revelations in 1829 by the same means
that the Book was translated, commanding us to rely upon the written
word in establishing the church, He did His part; and left us to do our
part and to be guided by the Holy Ghost as we walked worthy to receive.
God works Avith men according to His divine wisdom and justice. He
workfe with men only according to their faith and obedience. He has
unchangeable spiritual laws which He cannot break ; and He could
not be so merciful as to give more of His Spirit to any man, than that
man was worthy to receive by his faith and obedience.

In the beginning we walked humble and worthy to receive a great por-
tion of the Spirit of God, and we were guided rightly at first in establish-
ing the Church, but we soon began to drift into errors, because we heeded
our own desires too much, instead of relying solely upon God and being
led entirely by His Holy Spirit. How easy it is for a man to drift into
errors, and think at the time that he is doing God's will. Brethren, few
of us know hoAv wily and cunning Satan works, and how easy a man can be
deceived and led into errors. Satan works in many ways to lead the
spiritual man into error stej) by step. I will state a few facts concerning
some of Brother Joseph's errors in the beginning, also the errors of us
all, in order to show you these most important truths, viz : How humble
and contrite in heart a man must be to receive revelations from God :
and how very weak man is, and how liable to be led into error, thinking
at the time that he is doing God's will.

At times when Brother Joseph Avould attempt to translate, he would
look into the hat in which the stone was placed, he found he was spir-
itually blind and could not translate. He told us that his mind dwelt
too much on earthly things, and various causes would make him incap-
able of proceeding with the translation. When in this condition he would
go out and pray, and when he became sufficiently hum.ble before God, he
could then proceed with the translation. Now we see how very strict the
Lord is ; and how he requires the heart of man to be just right in His
sight, before he can receive revelation from him.

When the Book of Mormon was in the hands of the printer, more
money was needed to finish the printing of it. We were waiting on
Martin Harris who was doing his best to sell a part of his farm, in order
to raise the necessary funds. After a time Hyrum Smith and others
began to get impatient, thinking that Martin Harris was too slow and
under transgression for not selling his land at once, even if at a great sac-
rifice. Brother Hyrum thought they should not wait any longer on Martin
Harris, and that the money should be raised in some other way. Brother

Hyjrum was vexed with Brother Martin^ and thought they should get che
money by some means outside of him, and not let him have anything to
do with the pubftation of the Book, or receiving any of tiie profits
thereof if any profits should accrue. He was wrong in thus judging
Bro. Martin, because he was doing all he could toward selling his land.
Brother Hyrum said it had been suggested to him that some of the
brethren might go to Toronto, Canada, and sell the copy-right of the
Book of j\[ormon for considerable money: and he persuaded Joseph to
inquire of the Lord about it. Joseph concluded to do so. He had not
yet given up the stone. JosejDh looked into the hat in which he placed
the stone, and received a revelation that some of the brethren should go
to Toronto, Canada, and that they would sell the copy-right of the Book
of Mormon. Hiram page and Oliver Cowdery went to Toronto on this
mission, but they failed entirely to sell the copy-right, returnmg with-
out any money. Joseph was at my father's house Avhen they returned.
I was there also, and am an eye witness to these facts. Jacob Whitmer
and John Whitmer were also present when Hiram Page and Oliver Cow-
dery returned from Canada. Well, we were all in great trouble ; and
we asked Joseph how it was that he had received a revelation from the
Lord for some brethren to go to Toronto and sell the cojiy-right, and the
brethren had utterly failed in their undertaking. Joseph did not know
hoAv it was, so he enquired of the Lord about it, and behold the follow-
ing revelation came through the stone: "Some revelations are of God:
some revelations are of man: and some revelations are of the devil." So
we see that the revelation to go to Toronto and sell the copy-right was
not of God, but was of the devil or of the heart of man. When a man
enquires of the Lord concerning a matter, if he is deceived b}' his own
carnal desires, and is in error, he will receive an answer according to his
erring heart, but it will not be a revelation from the Lord. This was a
lesson for our benefit and we should have profited by it in future more
than we did. Without much explanation you can see the error of
Hyrum Smith in thinking evil of Martin Harris without a cause, and
desiring to leave him out in the publication of the Book ; and also the
error of Brother Joseph in listening to the jDcrsuasions of men and enquir-
ing of the Lord to see if they might not go to Toronto to sell the copy-
right of the Book of Mormon, when it was made known to Brother
Joseph that the will of the Lord was to have Martin Harris raise the
money.

Eemember this matter brethren ; it is very important. Farther on
I will give you references of scripture on this point, showing that this is
God's way of dealing with His ])eople. Now is it wisdom to put your
trust in Joseph Smith, and believe all his revelations in the Doctrine
and Covenants to be of God ? Every one who does not desire to be of
Paul, or of Apollos, or of Joseph, but desires to be of Clirist will say
that it is yiot wisdom to put our trust in him and believe his revelations
as if from God's own mouth I I will say here, that I could tell you other
false revelations that came through Brother Joseph as mouthpiece, (not
through the stone) but this will suffice. Many of Brother Joseph's revela-
tions were never printed. The revelation to go to Canada was written
down on paper, but was never printed. When Brother Joseph was humble
he had the Spirit of God with him ; but when he was not humble he did

not have the Spirit. Brother Joseph gave many true ]3rophesies when he
was humble before God : but this is no more than many of the other
brethren did. Brother Joseph's true prophesies were almost all jmblished,
but those of the other brethren were not. I could give you the names
of many who gave great prophesies which came to pass. I will name a
few : Brothers Ziba Peterson, Hiram Page, Oliver €owdery. Parley P.
Pratt, Orson Pratt, Peter Whitmer, Christian Whitmer, John TThit-
mer, myself and many others had the gift of proj^hesy. Hiram Page
prophesied a few days before the stars fell in Xovembtr, 1833, that the
stars would fall from heaven and frighten many people. This prophesy
was given in my presence. I could give you many instances of true
prophesies which came through the above named brethren, but I desire
to be brief. I could also tell you of some false prophesies which some of
them gave, when they were not living humble.

After the translation of the Book of Mormon was finished, early in
the spring of 1S30, before April Gth, Joseph gave the stone to Oliver
Cowdery and told me as well as the rest that he was through with it,
and he did not use the stone any more. He said he was through the
work that God had given him the gift to perform, except to preach the
gospel. He told us that we would all have to depend on the Holy Ghost
hereafter to be guided into truth and obtain the will of the Lord. The
revelations after this came through Joseph as ''mouth piece ; " that is, he
would enquire of the Lord, pray and ask concerning a matter, and speak
out the revelation, which he thought to be a revelation from the Lord ;
but sometimes he was mistaken about it being the word of the Lord.
As we have seen, some revelations are of God and some are not. In this
manner, through Brother Joseph as ' *' mouth piece " came every revela-
tion to establish new doctrines and offices which disagree with the Xew
Covenant in the Book of Mormon and Xew Testament ! I would have
you to remember this fact.

In June, 1829, the Lord called Oliver Cowdery, Martin Harris, and
myself as the three witnesses, to behold the vision of the Angel, as re-
corded in the fore part of the Book of Mormon, and to bear testimony to
the world that the Book of Mormon is true. I was not called to bear
testimony to the mission of Brother Joseph Smith any farther than his
work of translating the Book of Mormon, as you can see by reading the
testimony of us three witnesses.

In this month I was baptized, confirmed, and ordained an Elder in
the Church of Christ by Bro. Joseph Smith. Previous to this, Joseph
Smith and Oliver Cowdery had baptized, confirmed and ordained each
other to the office of an Elder in the Church of Christ. I was the third
person baptized into the church. In August, 1829, we began to preach
the gospel of Christ. The following six Elders had then been ordained :
Joseph Smith, Oliver Cowdery, Peter W'hitmer, Samuel H. Smith,
Hyrum Smith and myself. The Book of Mormon was still in the hands
of the printer, but my brother, Christian Whitmer, had copied from the
manuscript the teachings and doctrine of Christ, being the things which
we were commanded to preach. AVe preached, paptized and confirmed
members into the Church of Christ, from August, 1829, until April 6th,
1830, being eigld months in which time we had proceeded rightly ; the
offices in the church being Elders, Priests and Teachers.

Now, when Ajiril 6 1830, liad come, we had then established three
branches of the "Church of Christ," in which three branches were
about seventy members : One branch was at Fayette, N. Y. ; one at
Manchester, N". Y., and one at Colesville, Pa. It is all a mistake about
the church being organized on April 6, 1830, as I will show. We were .
as fully organized — spiritually — before April 6th as we were on that day.
The reason why we met on that day was this ; the world had been telling
lis that we were not a regularly organized church, and we had no right
to officiate in the ordinance of marriage, hold church property, etc., and
that we should organize according to the laws of the land. On this ac-
count we met at my father's house in Fayette, N. Y., on April 6, 1830,
to attend to this matter of organizing according to the laws of the land;
you can see this from Sec. 17 Doctrine and Convenants: the church was
organized on April 6th "agreeable to the laws of our country."

It says after this, "hy the tvill and command/nents of God;" but this
revelation came through Bro. Joseph as "mouthpiece." Now brethren,
how can it be that the church was any more organized — spiritually —
•on April 6th, than it was befoie that time ? There were six elders and
about seventy members before April 6th, and the same number of elders
and members after that day. We attended to our business of organizing,
according to the laws of the land, the church acknowledging us six el-
ders as their ministers ; besides, a few who had recently been baptized
and not confirmed were confirmed on that day ; some blessings were pro-
nounced, and we partook of the Lord's supper.

I do not consider that the church was any more organized or estab- •/
lished in the eyes of God on that day than it was previous to that day.
I consider that on that day the first error was introduced into the Church
of Christ, and that error was Brother Joseph being ordained as " Prophet
Seer and Eevelator " to the church.

The Holy Ghost was with us in more power during the eight months
previous to April 6, 1830, than ever at any time thereafter. Almost
everyone who was baptized received the Holy Ghost in power, some pro-
phesying, some speaking in tongues, the heavens were opened to some,
and all the signs which Christ promised should follow the believers were ^
with us abundantly. We were an humble happy people, and loved each
other as brethren should love.

Just before April 6, 1830, some of the brethren began to think ^^
that the church should have a leader, just like the children of Israel
wanting a king. Brother Joseph finally inquired of the Lord about it.
He must have had a desire himself to be their leader, which desire
in any form is not of God, for Christ said "If any man desire to he
first, the same shall he last of all, and servant of all." "He that looidd
he great, let him he yotir servant." *'For he that is least among you all,
the same shall he great." A true and humble follower of Christ will
never have any desire to lead or be first, or to seek the praise of men
or brethren. Desiring any prominence whatever is not humility, but it
is pride; it is seeking praise of mortals instead of the praise of God.
Joseph received a revelation that he should be the leader ; that he should
be ordained by Oliver Cowdery as "'Prophet Seer and Eevelator" to the
church, and that the church should receive his words as if from God's
own mouth. Satan surely rejoiced on that day, for he then saw that in

time he could overthrow them. Remember, ''Some revelations are of
God; some revelatioyis are of man, and some revelations are of the devil."''
God allowed them to be answered according to their erring desires. They
were like the children of Israel wanting a king, and God gave them a
, king, but it was to their final destruction. He gave the church a leader,
but it proved their destruction and final landing of the majority of them in
the Salt Lake valley in polygamy, believing that their leader had received
a revelation from God to practice this abomination. This was the first
v/error that crept into the church. Xone of us detected it then. We had
all confidence in Brother Joseph, thinking that as God had given him so
great a gift as to translate the Book of Mormon, that everything he
would do must be right. That is what I thought about it. You see
how we trusted too much in man instead of going to God in humility,
and to his written word, to see if we were proceeding rightly. It grieves,
me much to think that I was not more careful, and did not rely upon the
teachings of Christ in the written word. But we were then young in
years, and all of us were mere babes in Christ. Brother Joseph and my-
self were only twenty-five years of age.

Although Brother Joseph was in this high office, he was humble most
of the time, and he and all of us had the Spirit with us when we were hum-
ble, but as I have stated we did not have the Spirit with us in power as a
body after this, as we did before April 6, 1830. After Sydney Rigdon
came into the church — or in the spring of 1831 — we began to make
proselytes faster ; but great numbers coming into the church does not al-
ways signify great spirittcal prosperity. The people made light of the
church in Noah's time, there was only eight members in it, but it
proved to be the true church.

I want the brethren to understand me concerning this error of ordain-
ing Brother Joseph to that office on April 6, 1830. Not at all do I mean to
say that I believe the church was then rejected of God. What occured
on that day was this: One of the elders of the church (Joseph) was led
into a grievous error; and the members acquiesced in it. In time it
proved to be a most grievous error, being the cause of the trouble which
afterwards befel the people of God. They put their trust in Brother
Joseph and received his revelations as if from God's own mouth. (Jer.
xvii:o)" TJius saith the Lord: cursed be the man that trusteth in man,
and maheth flesh his arm; and whose heart departeth from the Lord."'
This has been the great curse of the work of God in these last days.
Nearly all of the church have continued to heed the words of men as if
from God's own mouth — following man into one error in doctrine after an-
other— from year to year — even on down into the doctrine of polygamy.

When Christ came into the world, the doctrine of a one man leader to
the church ivas not taught hy Him, and we are positively under Christ
and his teachings in the written word. The Book of Morman tells us
plainly that THE WORDS OF CHRIST ARE TO BE MADE
KNOWN IN THE SEALED RECORDS OF THE NEPHITES,
AND IN THE RECORD OF THE JEWS: (the Bible) and this excludes
the Book of Doctrine and Covenants. (1 Nephi iii:43). (Concerning a
*' Choice Seer,'^ who is to bring forth more of the words of Christ from
the sealed records of the Nephites, and convince and restore the Laman-
ites and the house of Israel, See chapter 10).

The next grievous error which crept into the church was in ordain-
ing high priests in June, 1831. This error was introduced at the insti-
gation of Sydney Eigdon. The office of high priests was never spoken
of, and never thought of being established in the church until Eigdon
came in. Eemember that we had been preaching from August, 1829,
until June, 1831 — almost two years — and had baptized about 2,000
members into the Church of Christ, and had not one high priest. Dur-
ing 1829, several times we were told by Brother Joseph that an elder was
the highest office in the church. In December, 1830, Sydney Eigdon
and Edward Partridge came from Kirtland, Ohio, to Fayette, N. Y., to
see Brother Joseph, and in the latter part of the winter they returned to
Kirtland. In February, 1831, Brother Joseph came to Kirtland where Eig-
don was. Eigdon was a thorough Bible scholar, a man of fine education,
and a powerful orator. He soon worked himself deep into Brother Jo-
seph's affections, and had more influence over him than any other man liv-
ing. He was Brother Joseph's private counsellor, and his most intimate
friend and brother for some time after they met. Brother Joseph rejoiced,
believing that the Lord had sent to him this great and mighty man
Sydney Eigdon, to help him in the work. Poor Brother Joseph ! He was
mistaken about this, and likewise all of the brethren were mistaken; for
we thought at that time just as Brother Joseph did about it. But alas !
in a few years we found out different. Sydney Eigdon was the cause of
almost all the errors which were introduced while he was in the church.
I believe Eigdon to have been the instigator of the secret organization
known as the " Danites " which was formed in Far West Missouri in June,
1838. In Kirtland, Ohio, in 1831, Eigdon would expound the Old Tes-
tament scriptures of the Bible and Book of Mormon (in his way) to
Joseph, concerning the priesthood, high priests, etc., and would per-
suade Brother Joseph to inquire of the Lord about this doctrine and that
doctrine, and of course a revelation would always come just as they
desired it. Eigdon finally persuaded Brother Joseph to believe that the
high priests which had such great power in ancient times, should be in
the Church of Christ to-day. He had Brother Joseph inquire of the
Lord about it, and they received an answer according to their erring
desires. Eemember that this revelation came like the one to ordain
Brother Joseph "Prophet Seer and Eevelator" to the church — through
Brother Josejoh as mouthpiece, and not through the stone. Eemember
also that " soine revelations are of God; some revelations are of man; and
some revelations are of the devil."

False spirits, Avhich come as an Angel of Light, are abroad in the
earth to deceive, if it were possible, the very elect. Those whom Satan
can deceive and lead into error he deceives. Now do not understand me
to say that I think a man who is deceived about high priests being in the
church is going to lose his soul. I am not judging — God is the judge.
But if God did not mean for this order of high priests to be ordained in
the Church of Christ, it is a serious error to have added that office to
the Church. If God did not mean for Brother Joseph to set himself up
as Seer to the church, and the church to receive his revelations as if from
God's own mouth, I tell you brethren it is a most serious error. If you
are in error on the gathering of Isi'ael and building the city New Jerusa-
lem, (and you are in error), it is a serious error; and likewise the other

doctrines of error which are taught in the Book of Doctrines and Cov-
enants.

In this manner the revelations came through Brother Joseph as
mouthpiece from time to time. Brother Joseph would listen to the
persuasions of men, and inquire of the Lord concerning different things,
and the revelations would come just as they desired and thought in
their hearts.

In another part of this pamphlet I devote a chapter to the subject of
High Priests. I will remark here, that in that chapter I give you the sol-
emn news — at least, news to many of you — that when the first high
priests were ordained at Kirtland, Ohio, in June, 1831, the devil caught
and bound two of the high priests as soon as they were ordained. Har-
vey Whitlock, whom the devil caught, bound and twisted his face into
demon-like shape, also John Murdock, whom the devil bound so he could
not speak. Thus showing that God's displeasure was upon their works
when they ordained the first high priests in the church. None of the
brethren understood this fact then. We still thought that anything Bro-
ther Joseph and Sydney Eigdon would do, must be all right and accord-
ing to the will and mind of the Lord. The whole church acquiesed in
the error of ordaining high priests. Marvel not that we began to be
led into error so soon ; the children of Israel went into gross error in
forty days, following Aaron while Moses was in the mount.

I desire to say a few words here concerning prophets falling into
error. Solomen, David, Saul, Uzziah and many great and gifted proph-
ets in Israel fell into gross error, and some of them into crime. Paul
said he kept his body under subjection, lest he should become a casta-
way, after having preached to others. Many of the Latter Day Saints
believe that it was impossible for Brother Joseph to have fallen. I will
give you some evidence upon this matter which I suppose you will certainly
accept, showing that Brother Joseph belonged to the class of men who
could fall into error and blindness. From the following you will see that
Brother Joseph belonged to the weakest class — the class that were very
liable to fall. I quote from a revelation which came through the stone,
July, 1828. It is a revelation to Brother Joseph, chastising him for
his errors after he had commenced to translate the Book of Mormon,
telling him how often he had erred and transgressed the commandmants
and the laws of God ; telling him that if he was not aware, he would fall,
and have his gift to translate taken from him. Also telling him,
that although a man may have many revelations, and have power to do
many mighty works, yet, if he boasts in his own strength, etc., he must
fall. " Remember, remember, that it is not the work of God that is frus-
trated, but the ivorJc of men: for although a man may have many revela-
tions, and have power to do many mighty works, yet, if he boasts in his
own strength, and sets at na\ight the counsels of God, and follows after
the dictates of his own will and carnal desires, he must fall and incur
the vengeance of a just God upon him. Behold, you have been entrusted
with these things, but how strict toere your command?nents ; and remember,
also, the promises which were made to you, if you did not transgress
them, andbehold, hoav oft have you transgressed the commandments
AND THE LAWS OF GOD, atul have gone on in the persuasions of men ;
* * * Behold thou art Joseph, and thou loast chosen to do the work

of the Lord, (was given a gift to translate the Book) hut because of trans-
gression, IF THOU AKT NOT AWARE, THOU WILT FALL, but remember God
■is merciful: ***** fj^Q^^ ;^^^^ suffered the council of thy Di-
rector to be trampled upon from the beginning ." So we see that Brother
Joseph was very weak and liable to fall, even while translating the Book,
the time when he should have been strong, because he was in constant
communion with God. Now if he was so weak and liable to err at that
time, is it any wonder that he erred in 1830, and after that time? Of
course not ! Ah brethren, great are the mysteries of God ! His ways
are not man's ways. He chooses the weak things of earth — weak men —
so that man should not put his trust in man and make flesh his arm, but
put his trust in God only, and rely upon that which is written. God put
man on the earth to be a free agent unto himself, to choose and discern
between good and evil, between truth and error in doctrine. It is neces-
sary for man to be tempted and tried in every way conceivable, in order
for him to prove himself, and overcome every snare, device, and
stumbling-block of satan, to fit him for a higher state of happiness here-
after. You know the Scriptures teach that Satan's devices may ap-
pear as an Angel of Light ; for instance, a false doctrine being revealed
to a prophet who gives it to the church as if it came from God. When
the devices of Satan do appear in this way, every man who is not living
suflRciently humble to have a good portion of God's Spirit to detect the
error, is led into believing it : and it is justice in God's wisdom that he
should be thus led, because of his not living as he should live so as to have
more of the Holy Ghost.

Now you have thought that because Brother Joseph was given a
gift to translate the Book, that he could not fall into error; and you
worship and give credit to the man, when all the credit is due to God.
You should think of this matter. Brother Joseph did not write a
word of the Book of Mormon; it was already written by holy men of
God who dwelt upon this land. God gave to Brother Joseph the gift
to see the sentences in English, when he looked into the hat in which
was placed the stone. Oliver Cowdery had the same gift at one time.
Now when we look at it aright, the fact of Brother Joseph having
the gift to translate the Book, is that any reason why you should
put any more trust in him than any other man? Not at all. Is that
any reason why he should be a man who could not fall? Not at all.
As you see from what the Lord told him, he was a very weak man, and
liable to fall even while translating the Book. "Hoiu oft have you trans-
gressed tlie commandments and the laws of God, and have gone on in the
persuasions of men. * * * /^ ffiou. art not aivare thou wilt foM.
* * * Thou hast suffered the comisel of thy Director to be trampled
upon from the beginning. * * * Thou wilt again be called to the
work; and except tliou do this (repent) tho^l shalt he delivered up and
become as other men. and have no more gift." (To translate. ) I give
you my testimony that the Lord had to chastise Brother Joseph time
and again, as a father would a disobedient child, to help him through
the translation of the Book. God knows that I do not mean to perse-
cute Brother Joseph. As I have said, I loved him. I am not crying
him down or preaching self -righteousness, but I desire to get you to
comprehend the sin of trusting in an arm of flesh, by receiving Brother

Joseph's revelations as if they were from God's own mouth, when some
of his revelations conflict with the teachings of Christ in the two sacred
books. I tell you brethren, you are trusting in an arm of flesh and
being in blindness you cannot see it.

I will now pass over a recital of the errors which came into the
church by revelation from time to time, and speak of them hereafter.
I desire to speak here on the subject of polygamy. A few years ago I
had doubts in regard to Brother Joseph's connection with the Spiritual
Wife doctrine, but I have recently seen Vol. I, No. 1, of the old
Latter Day Saints Herald, which has settled this matter in my mind.
The great majority of the Eeorganized Church do not believe that
Brother Joseph received the revelation on polygamy. I will say to them,
that on their account it is with reluctance that I speak upon this sub-
ject; but on account of the honest in heart who have not yet read and
believed the Book of Mormon, it is not with reluctance that I speak of
it. I believe that this matter of polygamy is to-day the great stumbling-
block to many who would accept the Book of Mormon, but they cannot
understand how the Book could be true, if Joseph Smith received that
revelation on polygamy. The fact cannot be denied that the world
(with very few exceptions outside of the Reorganized Church) believes
firmly that Brother Joseph received that revelation, or that he taught
and practiced polygamy near the close of his life in Nauvoo. Now, on
account of honest enquirers as to the truth of the Book of Mor-
mon, it is necessary that I speak upon this matter. I am constantly
receiving letters of inquiry as to my belief and knowledge concerning
tlie question of polygamy. I have also another important reason for
speaking upon this subject: There are false doctrines of importance in
the book of Doctrine and Covenants, and I desire to prove them false
doctrines, and get you to lay them aside and believe only what Christ
taught and meant for us to believe. This was Christ's mission into the
world. It is the mission of all the servants of God ; to root out all false
doctrine and error. So do not think that I mean to persecute you, or
that I am striving for the mastery.

If Brother Joseph received the revelation on polygamy and gave it to
the church, the book of Doctrine and Covenants must be laid down,
because the commandment is, "His word ye shall receive as if from
mine (God's) own mouth." Then you must receive the revelation on
polvgamy, or else you must lay aside the Doctrine and Covenants:

For his word (all of his word) ye shall receive as if from God's own
mouth.

I now have as much evidence to believe that Brother Joseph received
the revelation on polygamy and gave it to the church, as I have to
believe that such a man as George Washington ever lived. I never saw
General Washington, but from reliable testimony I believe that he did
live.

I have the evidence regarding this revelation, that is recorded in
Vol. 1, No. 1, Latter Day Saints' Herald ; being evidence from your
own side, which you are bound to accept. It is the evidence of some
of the leaders of the Reorganization in the beginning, some of whom
were with Brother Joseph in Nauvoo up to the time of his death.
These articles appeared in the first number that was ever printed of the

JSaints' Herald. This number of tlie Herald is very scarce now : they
seem to have been hid away and destroyed. I see that when the Reor-
ganized Church was established, the fact that Joseph received this
revelation was then known and acknowledged in editorials in the Herald.
The reason why these articles were written in the Herald, was to explain
why the Reorganized Church rejected the revelation received by Brother
Joseph on polygamy, and to explain that he repented of his connection
with polygamy just previous to his death.

As time rolled on, many of the Reorganization saw that to continue
to acknowledge that Brother Joseph received this revelation, would
bring bitter persecution upon themselves, as the public feeling, at that
time, was very bitter. Will God approve of a church being built up upon
representations of the innocence of Joseph Smith regarding polygamy,
if he is not innocent in the matter? Nay, verily! And I tell you that
the efforts of the Reorganized Church in this regard have not been
acceptable unto God I He does not want any truth covered up. The
inspired writers did not try to hide the polygamy of David and Solomon.
Their transgressions do not make the Psalms and Proverbs untrue,
neither do the errors of Joseph make the Book of Mormon untrue.
God does not want any one in tlie church wliose faith is so weak that he
stumbles because of the transgressions of any man or men. Our faith
and trust must be in God, and not in am/ man! I hope you understand
this. It is the secret of your trouble. All of you who believe the reve-
lations of Joseph Smith as if they were from the mouth of God. You
should have acknowledged belief in the errors of Joseph Smith, and not
tried to hide them when there is so much evidence that he did go into
error and blindness ; you should have explained by the scriptures how that
many of the prophets of old did the same thing, but that this does not
make the Book of Mormon untrue. There is abundant scripture to make
this question very clear to any one. The leaders of the Reorganized
Church, after a time, began to suppress their opinions concerning this
matter. They would answer the question when asked about it, "Ida
not know whether Joseph Smith received that revelation or not." This
was a truthful but evasive answer, as it was not a matter of knowledge,
•except with a few. All, or nearly all, of the pioneers of the Reorgan-
ization who were living in Nauvoo in 1843 and 1844 have noAV passed
away, and you see what time has done in this regard. To-day nearly all
of the Reorganization do not believe that Brother Joseph received that
revelation on polygamy, or ever had any connection whatever with the
doctrine of polygamy, openly and firmly denying this fact; some through
ignorance, and some who should not be so ignorant about this matter.
They charge it all to Brigham Young. Xow, all honest men will
understand, after they have read this pamphlet through, that I am
doing God's will in bringiug the truth to light concerning the errors of
Brother Joseph. They will see that' it is necessary, as he is the man
who introduced many doctrines of error into the Church of Christ ; and
his errors must be made manifest and the truth brought to light, in
order that all Latter Day Saints shall cease to put their trust in this
man, believing his doctrines as if they were from the mouth of God.

I quote from Volume 1, Number 1, of The True Latter Day Saints'
Herald, page 24, from an article written by Isaac Sheen, who was a leader

in establishing the Eeorganization. " The Salt Lake apostles also
" excuse themselves by saying that Joseph Smith taught the spiritual
** wife doctrine, but this excuse is as weak as their excuse concerning
*' the ancient kings and patriarchs. Joseph Smith rejyented of his con-
" nection with this doctrine, and said that it ivasof the devil. He caused
'' the revelation on that subject to he burned, and when he voluntarily came
" to Nauvoo and resigned himself into the arms of his enemies, he said
" that he was going to Cartilage to die. At that time he also said that, if it
''had not been for that accursed spiritual ivife doctrine, he loould not
"have come to that. By his conduct at that time he proved the
'' sincerity of his repentance, and of his profession as a prophet. If
"Abraham and Jacob by repentance can obtain salvation and exaltation,
"so can Joseph Smith." Here we have Isaac Sheen's testimony as
follows : That Joseph Smith did have connection with this spiritual wife
doctrine; that he repented of it Just before his death, having come
to the conclusion that the revelation was not of God, but was of the
devil ; and he caused the revelation to be burned. Brother Sheen
does not state how long Brother Joseph had connection with this doc-
trine, but of course we suppose from the time the revelation was
given, July 12, 1843, until the time of his repentance just before his
death, in June, 1844 ; at which time he concluded that the revelation
was not of God, but was of the devil, and caused it to be burned, volun-
tarily giving himself up to his enemies, saying he was going to Carthage
to die.

I will now quote from the same number of the Herald, page 8.
It is an editorial, being the second article in the first number of the
paper. " This adulterous spirit (polygamy) had captivated their hearts
' and they desired a license from God to lead away captive the fair
' daughters of His people, and in this state of rnind they came to the
' Prophet Joseph (not Brigham Young). Could the Lord do anything
' more or less than what Ezekiel hath prophesied (answer a prophet
' according to his iniquity). The Lord hath declared by Ezekiel what

* kind of an answer he would give them, therefore he answered them
' according to the multitude of their idols; (giving them an answer

* through Joseph — the revelation on polygamy ; and Joseph gave the

* revelation to them — the church), Paul had also prophesied that for
' this cause ' God shall send them strong delusion, that they shall believe
*a lie; that they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but
' liad pleasure in unrighteousness.' Both these prophecies agree. In
' Ezekiel's prophecy the Lord also says, ' I will set my face against that
' man, and will make him a sign and a proverb, and I will cut him off
'from the midst of my people; and ye shall know that I am the Lord.
' And if the prophet be deceived when he hath spoken a thing, I the
' Lord have deceived that prophet (or, allowed the prophet to be deceived
' because of his iniquity — W), and I will stretch out my hand upon him
' and will destroy him from the midst of my people Israel. And they
' shall bear the punishment of their iniquity; tlie punishment of the
' prophet shall be even as the punishment of him that seeketh unto
'him; that the house of Israel may go no more astray from me, neither
' be polluted any more with all their transgressions; but that they may
'be my people, and I may be their God, saith the Lord God.' We

" have here the facts as they have transpired, and as they will continue to
" transpire in relation to this subject. The death of the prophet is one
''fact that has been realized; although he abhorred and repented of this
" iniquity before his death."

Here we have also the testimony of the editor of the Herald.

On page 22, in the same number of the Herald, is an article of like
testimony, by Wm. Marks, who, as he states in his article, was Presid-
ing Elder at Nauvoo in 1844, when Brother Joseph was killed, and was
with Brother Joseph up to his death. His testimony is the same as
that given in the tAvo foregoing articles.

He states that Brother Joseph said to him just before his death, concern-
ing polygamy as follows : "He (Joseph) said it eventually would prove
"the overthrow of the church, and we should soon be obliged to leave
" the United States unless it could be speedily put down. He was satis-
"fied that it was a cursed doctrine, and that there must be every exer-
"tion made to put it down, etc."

The reader will please notice this fact in regard to Wm. Marks* state-
ment ; and that is the time Avhen Brother Joseph told him that polygamy
must be put down in the church. The time when Brother Joseph said
this to Wm. Marks, was just before his (Joseph's) death. Polygamy had
then been in the church almost a year, and it was just before his death
that Brother Joseph saw that polygamy was a cursed doctrine, and
repented of his connection with that doctrine — believing then that the
revelation was not of God, but was of the devil — and he then caused the
revelation to be burned.

The foregoing evidence is sufficient to convince any one that Brother
Joseph received the revelation on polygamy; that he gave the doctrine to
the church; that he had connection with this spiritual wife doctrine
himself; and afterwards became convinced that this revelation was of the
devil, and repented of this iniquity just before his death.

Now brethren of the Eeorganization, you must accept this re; elation
on polygamy, or else you must lay aside the book of Doctrine and Cov-
enants ; for the commandment is. His word ye shall receive as if from
God's own mouth. Words would not come from God to j)ractice poly-
gamy, and after his people had jDracticed it for some time, then the word
come that the revelation was of the Devil, and to repent of it. So we see
that the commandment to receive Brother Joseph's words as if from God's
own month was false. Now, this commandment is in the revelation given
April 6, 1830, the revelation for Brother Joseph to be ordained Se-er to the
Church. Now, can you not see that this revelation for Brother Joseph
to be ordained Seer to the Church was false? Of course it was. There
is no doubt about it. "Some revelations are of God; some revelations
"are of man; and some revelations are of the Devil." This is what God
gave us through the stone in 1829 as I have before stated, for a warning
to us all. The revelation given through Brother Joseph as mouthpiece
on April 6, 1830, that he should be ordained Seer to the Church, after
God had commanded him that He would grant him no other gift but to
translate the Book of Mormon, I give you my testimony brethren that
this revelation is not of God.

Now, how can you place full confidence in the revelations in the
book of Doctrine and Covenants ?

Why, oh I why is it that you will continue to trust in an arm of flesh?
Why will you cling to Joseph Smith, who was only a man, and believe
all his revelations as if they were from GocVs own mouth ? Joseph
Smith cannot save you in eternity! Cease to trust in him or in any
other man; turn away from man entirely, and do not consider any man,
but look to God and to his written word, for by it shall you be judged at
the last day, and not by the book of Doctrine and Covenants.

If Christ did not mean for Brother Joseph to be ordained a Seer to the
church, it is a most serious error. If Christ did not mean for three first
presidents to be ordained in his church, it is a most serious error to have
ordained them. If Christ did not mean for high priests to be ordained
in his church, it is a most serious error to have ordained them. If
Christ did not mean for the doctrine of "baptism for the dead" to be
an ordinance in his church, it is a serious error. If you are in error
concerning the "gathering" and building the city New Jerusalem, it is
a serious error. If Christ did not mean for them to change tlie name
which he gave the church in 1829, it is a serious error; and likewise other
errors taught in the book of Doctrine and Covenants ; as the doctrine of
revenge — cursing one's enemies in the name of the Lord ; etc. For the
Salt Lake church, I will also add, the doctrine of polygamy and other
doctrines which are not to be found in the teachings of Christ. So
you see that if you are in error in taking the book of Doctrine and Cove-
nants as the law of God to the church, you are in many grave and seri-
ous errors. The object of this epistle is to show you that you are in
serious error in taking that book as a law of God to the church; and
that God's law is all contained in the written word — the Bible and
the Book of Mormon.

Concerning the matter, if Joseph Smith received the revelation
on polygamy, how can the Book of Mormon be true ? I must say
that all who stumble because of the errors of Joseph Smith, are weak
indeed. It is on this account, and on account of the transgressions of
some who have believed the Book of Mormon, that the world will not
read and investigate as to the truth of that book, which claims to be the
Avord of God to this generation. All those who reject it on this account
should also reject the Psalms and Proverbs, because of David and Solo-
mon's connection with polygamy. In the first place, the revelation on
polygamy did not come by the same means as did the Book of Mormon.
The Book of Mormon was translated from golden plates by the gift and
jDOwer of God, by means prepared of God — the stone of which I have
spoken. Soon after Brother Joseph finished the translation, he gave up
the stone, and all his revelations after that — including the one on poly-
gamy — he gave by his own mouth . The revelation on polygamy was given
fourteen years after the translation of the Book of Mormon, and after
Brother Joseph had drifted into error and blindness. As I have stated,
the scriptures are plain concerning the matter of a prophet or any man
once chosen of God, being afterwards deceived and led into error.

When a prophet, or any other man, prays to God and asks wisdom
concerning a matter, his conscience will reveal an answer to him just
according to the desires of his heart. If his desires are in any way car-
nal, he being deceived, an answer will be revealed to him accordingly;
and he will think it is the revealed will of God. Satan reveals his will

to a man, mixed with much truth and scrijDture in order to deceive him,
and makes it appear as an Angel of Light. (2 Corinthians xi : 14.,)
''And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an Angel of
Liglit." This is a mystery to a great many people, but only to those
who are weak and have need of milk that they may grow in spiritual
knowledge to understand the word of God. It is Satan who deceives the
man, but God permits -it because of the wicked desires of the man, and
it is right and justice in God's wisdom to permit the persistent trans-
gressor to be led off and deceived by a delusive false doctrine. Paul, in
.2 Thess. ii:ll, says: "And for this cause God shall send them strong de-
"lusion, that they should believe a lie." Why would God do this?
Verses 10 and 12 give the reason why; ''because they received not the
"love of the truth." * * * because they "believed not the truth, but
"had pleasure in unrighteousness." In Isaiah lxvi:2-4, the Lord says:
" But to this man will I look, even to him that is poor and of a contrite
*' spirit, and trembleth at my word." But to the people who "have
*' chosen their own ways, and their soul delighteth in their abomina-
"tions (polygamy), I will also choose their delusions." In Ezekiel
xiv: 4-9 Ave read: "Thus saith the Lord God; every man of the house
"of Israel that setteth up his idols in his heart, and' putteth the stum-
" bling-block of his iniquity before his face, and cometh to the prophet,
" I, the Lord, will answer him that cometh according to the multitude
"of his idols; that I may take the house of Israel in their own heart."
Brother Joseph must have set up his idol in his heart, or he would
not have prayed to the Lord to know wherein David and Solomon were
justified in polygamy, when God says in the Book of Mormon that they
were not justified in it ; that it was abominable before Him. David,
Solomon, Saul, and many chosen men of God, afterwards drifted into
error and lost the spirit of God, and why not Joseph Smith ? Will you
answer? Was not Joseph Smith a man subject to like passions? Had you
been with him as much as I was, and knew him as I knew him, you
would also know that he could fall into error and transgression : but
with all his weaknesses, I always did love him. Ko man was ever perfect
but Christ. Uzziah fell into the snare of Satan, through pride, after
serving God in humility for fifty-two years, (2. Chron. xxvi). "I have
"seen folly in the prophets of Samaria," (Jer. xxiii: 13). "I have seen
"in the prophets a horrible thing," (Jer. xxiii: 14). "The prophets
" prophesy falsely," (Jer. v: 31). "For the sins of her prophets, and
*' the iniquities of her priests," (Lam. iv: 13). "Thus saith the Lord,
"woe unto the foolish prophets," (Ezek. xiii: 3). There were many
prophets and chosen men of God, who afterwards fell into error, and
who lost the Spirit of God, and produced false prophecies and revela-
tions in the name of the Lord. Wby should any one refuse to inves-
tigate as to the truth of the Book of Mormon, because Joseph Smith
went into error after being called of God to translate it ? Kind reader,
think of this, and beware how you hastily condemn that book which I
know to be the word of God; for his own voice and an angel from
heaven declared the truth of it unto me, and to two other witnesses
who testified on their death-bed that it was true. You say that angels
do not appear unto men in these days, but the Word of God says : "Are
^' they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who

" shall be heirs of salvation ?" (Heb. i: 14.) There are now heirs of sal-
vation upon earth, and I tell you of a truth that angels do minister unto
them in these days. I hope the reader now understands this matter,
viz : that no one who is seeking for truth honestly and without prejudice,
will refuse to investigate the Book of Mormon because of Joseph Smith's
errors. The teachings of the Book of Mormon are pure and holy, for it
is the religion of Christ, set forth in plainness and simplicity.

I desire to say a few words especially to the Latter Day Saints who
believe in the doctrine of polygamy. Why it is that you can put your
trust in a man, and believe a revelation of his that contradicts the Word
of God in the Book of Mormon, is very strange indeed. The rev-
elation on polygamy begins thus: ''Verily, thus saitli the Lord unto
''you my servant Joseph, that inasmuch as you have inquired of my
" hand, to know wherein I the Lord, justified my servants Abraham,
"Isaac and Jacob ; as also Moses, David and Solomon, my servants, as
" touching the principle and doctrine of their having many wives and con-
"cubines: * * * I will answer thee as touching this matter." The Book
of Mormon says (Jacob ii : 6) : " David and Solomon truly had many wives
" and concubines, which thing was ABOMINABLE before me, saith the
" Lord." Then David and Solomon's polygamy was a great sin and an
abomination before God. Joseph Smith's revelation savs that it wa&
NOT a sin, for it says that God JUSTIFIED David and Solomon in it!

So you see that revelation is a plain contradiction of the Word of God
in the Book of Mormon. This is plain enough for any one to see and un-
derstand. Can you not see that this revelation is not of God ? Why,
oh why are you trusting in an arm of flesh? Again, the Book of Mor-
mon says (page 116, Jacob ii:6), "Hearken to the word of the Lord :
' ' for there shall not any man among you have save it be one wife : and
" concubines he shall have none." In the face of this, you are believing
in a revelation purporting to come from God, that He had changed and
allowed his people to practice what He says is a sin and an abomination in
his sight] Verily, you know not God nor his ways! Again, did Christ
teach that a man is exalted to the highest glory hereafter through the
principle of polygamy? Nay. The Book of Morman says (1 Nephi
iii:43), that all men must come to Christ "according to the words which
" shall be established by the mouth of (Christ) the Lamb : and the words
" of the Lamb shall be made known in the records of thy (Nephi's) seed,
" as well as in the records of the twelve apostles of the Lamb" (the New
Testament). The revelations of Joseph Smith do not even claim to be
translated from the sealed records of the Nephites. This alone should
convince you that the revelation on polygamy is not of God. The scrip-
tures say that if an angel from heaven preach any other gospel than that
preached by Christ and his apostle, let him be accursed!

In the revelation on polygamy, it says that Emma Smith — Brother
Joseph's Avife — miist receive the revelation to allow Brother Joseph to
have more wives, or she shall be destroyed. But in less than a year after
giving this revelation. Brother Joseph himself was destroyed, and Emma
lived for many years after. I Avill quote it : " And let mine handmaid,
" Emma Smith, receive all those that have been given unto my servant
"Joseph. * * * * And I command mine handmaid, Emma Smith,
" to abide and cleave unto my servant Joseph, and to none else. But if

*' she will not abide this commandment she shall be destroyed." You are
blinded and cannot understand the scriptures. Many prophets of old were
deceived by revelations which they thought were of God, but were of Satan,
given to deceive and blind them and the people because of their iniquities.
The decrees of God in the Book of Mormon are ; that if his people who live
npon this land obey the laws of God and the laws of the land, that they
shall live in peace and prosperit}-, and their enemies should not have
power over them. My soul cries unto you, repent I repent! and go to God
in mighty prayer that he may open your hearts to see and understand
that you are deceived in believing that the doctrine of polygamy is a rev-
elation from God. I know there are many honest hearts among you,
and I pray to God continually for those, that their eyes may be ojjened
to understand the truth as it is in Christ.

CHAPTER V.

ONE MAK TO LEAD AND EECEIVE REVELATIONS FOR THE CHURCH, XOI
ACCORDING TO THE TEACHINGS OF CHRIST.

When Christ came into the world, the doctrine of a one-man leader
to the church was not taught by him, and we are under his teachings in
the Avritten word. In the old covenant in the Book of Mormon is a
prophecy that a *•' Choice Seer" is to come forth — of the seed of Joseph,
of the seed of Lehi — who is to bring forth the word of the Lord from
the sealed records of the Nephites, and convince the Lamanites, and re-
store them and the house of Israel; his work is not defined any farther
than this. We sujipose his work Avill be defined in the records which he
will hereafter bring forth. We are told in 2 Xephi ii:17, Ether i:ll,
that the sealed records are not to come forth in the days of wickedness
and abominations of the people. Then the more wicked part of the
people will be cut off before they are brought forth. It may be as it was
when Christ came to the peojjle on this continent. We are told in
Ether i:ll, that the sealed records "shall not go forth unto the Gentiles
"until the day that they shall repent of their iniquity, and become
"clean before the Lord," and have .faith in him even as the brother of
Jared did. Again, it says this "Choice Seer" will do strictly according
to the commandments of God. This means that he will be a holy man.
We have seen from a revelation given to Brother Joseph, that he broke
the commandments of God from the beginning. Xow, as the wicked
will be cut off, the people being clean before the Lord, and this Choice
Seer being a holy man, the people in this condition will be fitted to give
heed to him, and they will not be led astray by him, because the Word

of God says so. At the present time we are under the teachings of
Christ in the written word, and his teachings to us, the Book of Mor-
mon plainly tells us, are to be made known in the records of the Jews
(the Bible), and the Nephite records." '*A11 men must come unto
him, or they cannot be saved; AND THEY MUST COME AC-
CORDING TO THE WORDS WHICH SHALL BE ESTABLISHED
BY THE MOUTH OE THE LAMB : AND THE WORDS OF THE
LAMB SHALL BE MADE KNOWN IN THE RECORDS OF THY
SEED (THE NEPHITE RECORDS), AS WELL AS IN THE REC-
ORDS OF THE TWELVE APOSTLES OF THE LAMB (The Bible);
wherefore they both shall be established in one." (1 Nephi 111:43.)

All men must come to Christ according to the words which shall be
established by Christ, AND HIS WORDS SHALL BE MADE.
KNOWN IN THE NEPHITE RECORDS AND THE BIBLE. So
the book of Doctrine and Covenants must be laid down. Brethren, this
scripture is very plain, and I hope that none of you will attempt to wrest
it to uphold the book of Doctrine and Covenants. Then let us heed
only the teachings of Christ which we have, and discard the teachings
of Joseph Smith or any other man or angel which conflict with
Christ's teachings in the Bible and Boojk^of Mormon: and when more
of the words of Christ come forth in tlie way that it is appointed to-
come, from the sealed records, then we will heed it also.

There is nothing in the New Testament part of either the Bible or
Book of Mormon concerning a one-man leader or head to the church.
Whoever claims that such an office should be in the church to-day, goes
beyond the teachings which Christ has given us. As I have stated, we
were strictly commanded in the beginning to rely upon that which was
written; and he who goes beyond that which was then written, to the
revelations of Joseph Smith to establish any order or doctrine in the
church, must come under the head of those whom Christ spoke of when
he said, '' Whosoever teaches more or less, etc., is not of me." This
alone should satisfy anyone who is not trusting in an arm of flesh.
Who was ''Prophet Seer and Revelator"to the church at Jerusalem?
They had none. Who was " Prophet Seer and Revelator" to the church
yj upon this land? They had none. And we had no such an office in the
church in these last days for the first eight months of its existence,
until Brother Joseph went into this error on April 6, 1830, and, after
unwittingly breaking a command of God by taking upon himself
such an office, in a few years those revelations were changed to admit
this high office, which otherwise would have condemned it. They were
changed to mean something entirely different from the way they were
first given and printed in the Book of Commandments; as if God had
not thought of this great and important office when he gave those reve-
st lations. Yet in the face of the written word of God, and in the face of
all this evidence, the majority of the Latter Day Saints will still cling ito
the revelations of Joseph Smith .and measure the written word of God
•J by them, instead of measuring 9^oseph Smith and his revelations by the
written word. Speaking after the manner of Paul to the Galatians,
60 say I to you: 0 foolish Latter Day Saints * * * j marvel,
that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace
of Christ, unto another gospel ; which is not another, but the same

gospel which some have perverted; and though we, or an angel from
heaven, or Joseph Smith, preach any other gospel unto you than that
which Christ gave us in the beginning, receive it not. (See Gal. i:C-9).

In the Church of Christ at Jerusalem, and upon this land, the mem-
bers all received the revealed Avill of God for themselves, through the
various gifts of the Holy Ghost ; by dreams, visions, the visitation of
Angels, the gift of prophecy, through themselves or any brother ; and
the Holy Ghost that was in them always discerning whether the revela-
tion was of God or not. They had no Prophet Seer and Eevelator to go
to when they desired to know the will of the Lord concerning them ;
they went to the Lord themselves ; sometimes alone, and sometimes sev- ■
eral of them together in fasting and prayer. Of course I believe that
God reveals his will to his servants in these last days, just as in days of
old, but I believe in it according to the scriptures of divine truth.

In the Church upon the Eastern continent, after Christ had as-
cended to His Father's throne and left the work with his disciples to
carry on, they went to God for themselves, each and all of them
receiving the will of God by the various gifts of the Holy Ghost. Paul,
Peter, Barnabas, Philip and others went here and there preaching, every
one receiving revelations from God for themselves, by dreams, visions,
the gift of prophecy, etc. They had no head of the Church on earth to
goto. Christ told them that the Holy Ghost — the Comforter — that
would abide with them and with all his disciples, would guide them and
lead them into all truth and show them things to come. If any man
lacks wisdom, and desires to know the will of the Lord concerning him-
self, let him ask of God for himself, not ask of the Prophet Seer and
Revelator to inquire of the Lord for him.

Just after Christ had established his church upon this land and
ascended into heaven, there were disputations among the Nephite
brethren on one point ; that was the name by which they must call the
church. The brethren did not go to a Projihet Seer and Revelator to
get him to inquire of the Lord about this matter ; Christ had not so
instructed them. They had no such an officer in the church. They
went to God in prayer and fasting, and received an answer to their
prayers, and it was not through any head or leader to the church, but
Christ himself.

Brethren, this high office as you have it, is of far more importance
than any other office in the church. Now do you not suppose that if
Christ meant for such an office to be in the church to-day, that full
instructions would have been given in his teachings about it ? As you
know we were commanded in the beginning to rely upon that which is
written. Such an office in Christ's teachings in either book is not even
mentioned; but I need not rehearse the matter. I cannot make it any
more plain. As I have said, you have the scriptures before you, and if you
will wrest them it shall be to your own destruction. This matter of a one- /
man mouthpiece of God to the church, has proven the great curse of the
work of God in these last days. It is through this instrumentality that
Satan has many thousand souls deluded. A man who Avas weak and un-
stable from the time God called him, set himself up as Prophet and Seer
to the church, and the church to receive his words as if from God's ^'
own mouth. Such a tiling is contrary to the Spirit and truths of our

47 "

Lord Jesus Christ. Look at the one hundred and fifty thousand
deluded souls in Utah, believing in a revelation given through this man
that we are to be exalted to the highest glory in the world to come,
through spiritual wifeisni ; also the twenty thousand or more souls
Avho ai*e blinded to believe in the revelations of this man who has intro-
duced doctrines into the church that conflict with the written word of
God. As it was in the days of ancient Israel and in the days of the
Apostles, so it is in this day. " Cursed be the man that trusteth in
*' man and maketh flesh his arm, and whose heart departeth from
" the Lord." Jer. xvii : 5.

CHAPTER YL

THE DOCTRINE OF CHRIST ALL CONTAINED IN THE TWO SACRED BOOKS.

Some of the Latter Day Saints have claimed that as the Book of
Mormon is an abridgement of the Nephite records, it does not contain
all the doctrine of Christ, hence the need of the revelations of Joseph
Smith. All who make this claim are in error, as Christ himself says,
(Nephi ix:ll), that his doctrine is contained in the Book of Mormon.
In speaking of the Book of Mormon he says, that when these things
shall be made known unto the Gentiles, that they might '^know of the
"true points of my doctrine.'' We have also seen in the previous
chapter, that the words and doctrine of Christ are to be made known
in the Bible and in the Nephite records. Now brethren, these
scriptures are as plain as can be; they need no comments of mine
to make them any more plain. The Doctrine and Covenants do
not claim to have been translated from the records of Nephi's
seed — the sealed records. This plain scripture should and will
be sufficient to convince any person without prejudice, that the
Doctrine and Covenants should be discarded as a law of God to the
church. The doctrine of Christ always was and will be the same. The
Book of Mormon tells us that the sealed records yet to come forth
will contain great mysteries of things that are to transpire before the
end of the world; but this is another thing outside of the gospel or
doctrine of Christ. Paul says that if an angel from heaven preach any
other gospel unto you, let him be accursed. The teachings or doctrine
of Christ as set forth in the Book of Mormon are full and plain. Mor-
mon says, "and now there cannot be Avritten in this book even the hun-
" dredtli part of the things which Jesus did truly teach the people." Of
course this means all the words that Jesus taught or spoke to them,
including the great mysteries of things to take place in the future, which
mysteries the Lord forbade them to write. John also says of the things
which Jesus truly did and taught, " the which, if they should be written

*' every one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the
*' books that should be Avritten." (John xxi:25). But is any one so
blind as to understand from this language that the doctrine of Christ, or
as we use the expression, the teachings of Christ, are not contained
in full in the Bible and Book of Mormon ? No spiritual man would
so interpret this scripture.

In June, 1829, Joseph Smith, Oliver Cowdery and myself, received
this commandment through the stone, ''Behold, I give unto you a com-
*'mandment, that you rely upon the things which are written (then, at
" that time, June, 1829), for in them are all things written concerning
•■''my church, my gospel, and my rock." This revelation reads this way
to-day in the old Book of Commandments. But the Latter Day saints
changed it in 1834 to read different in the Book of Doctrine and Cove-
nants. The revelations received through the stone in 1829, agree with
the teachings of Christ in the Bible and Book of Mormon; but in order
to suj)port the errors which were afterwards introduced by men, some of
the early revelations have been changed and added to, as I will show
you in another chapter. In order to uphold these errors, your leaders
claim that as the Book of Mormon is an abridgement of the Nephite
records, containing only a small part of the things which Christ said
and did, that it does not contain all the doctrines, laws, ordinances and
offices which Christ meant to be in the church; therefore Brother Joseph's
revelations are needed to establish other doctrines, laws, ordinances and
offices that Christ left out of the Book of Mormon and the Bible, and out
of the revelations when God first gave them in 1829, Oh the weakness
and folly of man ! How any person can be so blind in the face of all
this evidence, as to still uphold the Book of Doctrine and Covenants,
is more than I can understand. But there are none so blind as those
who Avill not see.

You have changed the revelations from the way they were first given <^
and as they are to-day in the Book of Commandments, to support the
error of Brother Joseph in taking upon himself the office of Seer to the
church. You have changed the revelations to support the error of
high priests. You have changed the revelations to support the error of
a President of the high priesthood, high counselors, etc. You have
altered the revelations to support you in going beyond the plain teach-
ings of Chrisfe in the new covenant part of the Book of Mormon. You
have changed and altered the revelations to support the error of pub-
lishing those revelations in a book : the errors you are in, revelations
have been changed to support and uphold them. You who are now liv-
ing did not change them, but you who strive to defend these things, are
as guilty in the sight of God as those who did change them.

As I have stated, I am called to bear testimony that the Bible, as
well as the Book of Mormon, is true : and no one should place the one
book ahead of the other ; they are one ! The Book of Mormon tells us
that many plain things have been taken from the Bible, so that the Gen-
tiles stumble and contend about the true points of Christ's doctrine. It
says that the Book of Mormon has been kept pure, and come forth pure
so as to make plain the doctrine of Christ ; that we might know of the
true points of his doctrine.

4 49

Is it not plain that we should rely upon it on all doctrinal points, and
the order of offices in the church ? It certaiuh' is, and this is not placing
it ahead of the Bible. The Book of Mormon is full and plain on the
doctrine of Christ. Christ chose '•'twelve'" and called them disciples, or
elders (not apostles); and the "twelve"' ordained elders, priests, and
teachers. These are all the sj^iritual offices in the church : that is,the officers
who are ordained to officiate in sjiiritual ordinances ; as baptism, laying on
of hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost ; ordaining other officers, admin-
istering the Lord's supper, etc. The office of a Bishop is to administer
in temporal things. He is the business man of the church. The church
has a right to appoint officers who act in a temporal capacity ; this is.
outside of the spiritual offices. We see that the discijiles at Jerusalem
appointed temporal officers. Acts vi: 2-d: * 'Then the twelve called the
"^ multitude of the disciples unto them, and said : It is not reason that
"we should leave the word of God and serve tables. Wherafore, breth-
"ren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy
" Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business."' So
they appointed the seven deacons.

" And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily
" prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings,
"helps, governments, diversities of tongues." (1 Cor. xii: 28). The
Latter Day Saints stumble over this passage, and it is strange that they do.
Paul is not referring here to all the officers in the church. The office of
an Elder is not named. He refers to miracles, gifts of healing, diversities
of tongues, and these are not offices in the Church. He is referring here
to the gifts, as you can see plainly by reading the chapter. He says at
the conclusion of this, in the thirty-first verse, "But covet earnestly the
best gifts." In the Xew Testament it speaks of evangelists, pastors,
teachers, helps, governments, etc. Are we to suppose from this, that we
are now to establish offices in the Church under those respective names of
helps, pastors, governments, etc. ? Not at all . These names come to us
thus translated. Concerning the spiritual offices in the church. Elders,
Priests and Teachers, with their duties as given in the Book of Mormon,
thev comprise the officers who are qualified to act in all spiritual matters,
and there is no need of any more spiritual offices than these in the church,
as we can plainly see from the scriptures. *

The Book of ilormon is full concerning all spiritual matters pertain-
ing to the Church of Christ. Instructions are given as to the manner of
baptism, laying on of hands, the manner of administering the flesh and
blood of Christ; that the church must meet together oft to fast and to
pray and to speak concerning the welfare of their souls ; how the meet-
ing should be conducted ; how a back-sliding member is to be tried, be-
fore the Elders by the testimony of three witnesses, and if they repented
not, they Avere to be cut off, etc., etc. It is all set forth therein in
plainness, and we have no need of the Doctrine and Covenants or any
other creed.

The twelve at Jerusalem are called in the written word "Apostles.'-'
They are apostles because they were special witnesses to the sufferings

of Chrigt, His death, burial and resurrection : but the twelve which
Christ chose on this land are called disciples or elders, and are not once
called apostles in the Book of Mormon. In the revelation which came
through the stone, in June, 1829, to Oliver Cowdery and myself to
search out the twelve, they are also called disciples, and not apostles ;
and the revelation says " disciples " in the Book of Commandants to-day.
But it has been changed in the Doctrine and Covenants to read "apos-
tles.'" The heading to this revelation in the Book of Commandments says:
"Making known the calling of twelve 'Disciples' in these last days."
In the Doctrines and Covenants it reads : " Making known the calling
"of twelve 'Apostles' in these last days," In 1 Neplii iii:26, where
reference is made to the twelve at Jerusalem and the twelve upon this land,
each twelve a,re called by their respective names: "Behold the twelve
"' Disciples' of the Lamb, who are chosen to minister unto thy seed.
"And he (the angel) said nnto me, thou remembereth the twelve ' Apos-
" ties' of the Lamb? Behold they are they who shall judge the twelve
"tribes of Israel: wherefore, the twelve ministers of thy seed shall be
"judged of them." The twelve on this land are called disciples, and
not in any place are they called aj)ostles. When Christ was teaching
the twelve on this land, in giving them instructions He refers to the way
His twelve apostles did at Jerusalem in the laying on of hands, saying
to them: " For thuis do mine apostles."

In 1 Cor. xii:28, it says: "And G-od hath set some in the church,
"first ajiostles, secondarily ^^I'ophets," etc. He did so, placing the
twelve apostles first, which he chose at Jerusalem: they are to judge the
twelve tribes of Israel, and they are to judge the twelve disciples whom
Christ chose on this land among the Nephites. Therefore, Ave see from
the written word that there is only one twelve who are called apostles,
and that they are placed first.

When it is God's own due time to gather up the scattered fragments
of his kingdom which has been laid waste by men, then we suppose that
God will place at the head of his church twelve disciples; but we of the
Church of Christ will not place them there, unless God so commands us.
This is God's woi'k and not man's work. We do not believe in twelve
man-made disciples.

I consider the Book of Doctrine and Covenants a creed of religious
faith. You can see from the first edition (Kirtland, 1835) that men, on
the authority of other men, and no authority from God, "arranged the
items of the doctrine of Jesus Christ" in that book, and in August,
1835, adojDted it as the doctrine and covenants of their faith by a unani-
mous vote of the high council, thus making it a law to the church for
the first time. To these proceedings I objected from the first, as I also
did to changing the name of the church. Why should they not have
been satisfied v/ith the way that God has arranged the items of liis doc-
trine in his Holy Word? What authority had they for making a creed?
I will quote from the Kirtland edition of the Book of Doctrine and
Covenants of 1835, and you can see for yourselves that what I say is cor-
rect. Quotation from the preface: "We deem it to be unnecessary to
"entertain you with a lengthy preface to the following volume, but
" merely to say that it contains in short the leading items of the religion

"wliich we have professed to believe. The first jmrt of the book will be
''found to contain a series of lectures as delivered before a theological
"class in this place, and, in consequence of their embracing the import-
" ant doctrine of salvation, we have arranged them into the following
''work. * * * There may be an aversion in the minds of some
"against receiving an5'thing purporting to be articles of religious faith,
"in consequence of there being so many CREEDS now extant; but if
"men believe a system and profess that it Avas given by inspiration, cer-
"tainly the more intelligibly they can present it the better. * * * We
"have,' therefore, endeavored to present, though in few words, our be-
"lief, and, when we say this, humbly trust the faith and principles of
"this society as a body."

Where is their authority from God for making this creed, and making
it a law to the church? I will now quote from pages 255 and 25G of the
same book:- "The assembly being duly organized, and, after transacting
"certain business of the church, proceeded to appoint a committee to

"ARRAXGE THE ITEMS OF DOCTRIXE OF JeSUS ChRIST. * * * These

"items are to be taken from the Bible, Book of Mormon, and the revela-
"tions which have been given to said church up to its date, or shall be until
"such arrangement is made. * * * Whereupon the High Council of
"Kirtland accepted and acknowledged them as the doctrine and cov-
"enants of their faith by a unanimous vote." It was here made a law
to the church for the first time. So we see that their whole jn'oceedings
were upon their own authority — upon the authority of men and not
God. Also, that the Doctrine and Covenants is a creed, as much so as
any sectarian creed.

Some of the Latter Day Saints claim that the Doctrine and Covenants
is one of the Books spoken of in Xej^hi's vision, which he saw taken
to the Lamanites from the Gentiles. (1 Xephi 111:42.) How anyone
can so interpret that scripture is more than I can understand ; because
it says on the same page, that those "Books" (records) contained the
words that Christ spake unto the Nephites, which words should be hid
up, to come forth to the Gentiles, after the Xephites had dwindled in
unbelief. Xephi saw "other Books" taken to the Lamanites, after the
Bible was taken to them. The Book of Mormon is one of those books,
but the other is yet to come forth from the Xephite records, which are
vet hid up and sealed. It is to come to the Gentiles, and they will carry
It and the Book of Mormon to the Lamanites, to the convincing of the
Gentiles, the Lamanites and the Jews. Now, how is it" that anyone can
claim the Doctrine and Covenants as being one of those " Books" ? The
Book of Doctrine and Covenants itself does not claim to be the words of
the Nephite record which are hid up. The Book of Mormon was trans-
lated from those records, and more is yet to be translated from them,
but it will not come forth in the days of wickedness (2 Xephi xi :
17. Ether i : 11). I will quote the scripture relating to the "other
Books " which Xephi saw in his vision. It is very plain. (1 Xephi iii :
41-42). The angel, talking to Xephi, says : " Behold, saith the Lamb, I
" will manifest myself unto thy seed (the Xephites), that they shall write
" many things which I shall minister unto them, which shall be plain
" and precious ; and after thy seed shall be destroyed and dwindle in

" unbelief, and also the seed of thy brethren ; behold, these things shall
''be hid wp, to come forth unto the Gentiles, by the gift and power of
"the Lamb ; and in them shall be written my gospel, saith the Lamb, and
"my rock and my salvation • * * * * (same page) And it came to
" pass that I beheld the remnant of the seed of my brethren (the Lam-
" anites), and also the Book of the Lamb of God, which had proceeded
" forth from the mouth of the Jew (the Bible), that it came forth from
" the Gentiles, unto the remnant of the seed of my brethren ; and after
" it had come forth unto them (the Lamanites), I beheld Other Books,
" which came forth by the power of the Lamb, from the Gentiles unto
"them, unto the convincing of the Gentiles, and the remnant of the
" seed of my brethren, and also the Jews, who were scattered upon all the
" face of the earth,'' etc.

Xow brethren, words cannot be plainer than this scripture, and it
shows that the Book of Doctrine and Covenants is not one of those books.
It is strange to me, why the heads of your church Avill attempt to j^rove
that the Book of Doctrine and Covenants is one of those books here
spoken of, as they are to come from sealed records which are yet hid up.

CHAPTER VII.

RELATIVE TO PUBLISHING THE REVELATIONS.

Publishing the early revelations, or any of them, was contrary to the
will of the Lord, as I will show you from the revelations themselves.
The revelations in the Book of Commnadments up to June, 1829, were
given through the "stone," through which the Book of Mormon was
translated. These are the only revelations that can be relied ujDon, and
they are not law. The Lord told us not to teach them for doctrine ;
they were given mostly to individuals, the persons whom God chose in
commencing His work for their individual instruction, and the church
had no need of them. They should have been kept with the sacred
papers and records of the church, and never published in a book to be-
come public property for the eyes of the world. It was not necessary
for the whole church to ever see them. The written word is full on all
matters pertaining to the Church of Christ. Of course I believe in God
revealing His will to His servants in these days, by tlie various gifts of
the Holy Ghost ; but I believe in it according to the Scriptures. In the
revelations themselves are positive commands to keep these things from
the world, that they are sacred, etc. A revelation was given to Oliver
Cowdery in April, 1829, (Sec. v. 11, 13), in which he is told that he
would be granted a gift "to translate even as my servant Joseph,"

warning him as follows : " Eemember, it is sacred, and cometli from
"above." * * * * '^ Trifle not with sacred things/-' * * * *
" Make not thy gift known unto any, save it be those who are of thy
''■faith.'" But they published these things in a book, and made them
known to the world!

In a revelation to Martin Harris (Sec. 18) concerning endless punish-
ment, are these words : ''And I command you that you preach naught
"but repentance ; and show not these things, neither speak these things
" unto the world,- for they cannot bear meat, but milk they must re-
"ceive : wherefore, they must not know these things, lest they perish."
This revelation reads as I have quoted it, in the Book of Command-
ments ; but in the Doctrine and Covenants it has been changed to read
thus : " Show not these things unto the world, until it is wisdom in me."
The words, "until it is wisdom in me," were added to this revelation.
You see they had to add these words in order to publish the revelations.
Judge for yourselves, brethren: I will make no farther comments to mag-
nify the errors of the leaders of the church. My policy throughout will
be to speak of no more of their errors than is necessary in order to prove
all false doctrines as being false, and establishing the doctrine of Christ
as it is set forth in the Avritten word.

The main reason Avhy the printing press was destroyed, was because
they published the Book of Commandments. It fell into the hands of
the world, and the people of Jackson county, Missouri, saw from the
revelations that they were considered by the church as intruders ujoon
the land of Zion, as enemies to the church, and that they should be cut
off out of the land of Zion and sent away. The people seeing these
things in the Book of Commandments became the more enraged, tore
down the printing press, and drove the church out of Jackson county.
(See Doc. and Cov., Sections 52 : 9, 64 : 7, 45 : 15.) "Which is the land
"of your inheritance. Which is now the land of your enemies."
"And the rebellious shall be cut off out of the land of Zion, and shall
"be sent away, and shall not inherit the land." "And now I say unto
"you, keep these things from going abroad unto the world, until it
" is expedient in me, that ye may accomj^lish this work in the eyes of
*'the people, and in the eyes of your enemies, that they may not know
"your works until ye have accomplished the thing which I have com-
"manded you." This is sufficient. I will quote no more to show you
that the leaders made a mistake in publishing the revelations in a
book. It is too plain.

Brethren, does it not look strange that they should have been so
blind as to go ahead and publisli these revelations in the face of this
plain language to keep these things from the world? It surely does look
strange.

I Avill now tell 3-ou of a prophecy which the Lord gave through me to
Brothers Joseph Smith and Sydney Rigdon, of what should come to
pass if they printed those revelations. In the spring of 1832, in Hiram,
Ohio, Brothers Joseph and Sydney, and otiiers, concluded that the revela-
tions should be printed in a book. A few of the brethren — including my-
self— objected to it seriously. We told them that if the revelations were
published, the world would get tlie books, and it would not do: that it
was not the will of the Lord that the revelations should be published.

But Brothers Joscpli and Sydnej' would not listen to us, and said they
were going to send them to Independence to be published. I objected
to it and withstood Brothers Joseph and Sydney to the face. Brother
Joseph said as follows: ''Any man who objects to having these revela-
''tions published, shall have his part taken out of the Tree of Life and
" out of the Holy City." The Spirit of God came upon me and I
prophesied to them in tlie name of the Lord: " That if they sent those
"revelations to Independence to be published in a book, the people would
"come upon them and tear down the printing press, and the church
" would be driven out of Jackson county." Brothers Joseph and Sydney
laughed at me. Early in the spring of 1833, at Independence, Mo., the
revelations were printed in the Book of Commandments. Many of the
books were finished and distributed among the members of the chnrch,
and through some of the unwise brethren, the world got hold of some of
them. From that time the ill-feeling toward us began to increase; and
in the summer of 1833 the mob came upon us, tore down the printing
l^ress, and drove the church ont of Jackson county. Brothers Joseph
and Sydney then saw that I did have some of the Spirit of God, after my
prophecy had been fulfilled. To show yon that Brother Joseph and myself
still loved each other as brethren idtav this, I will tell you that he had
so much confidence in me that in July, 1834, he ordained me his suc-
cessor as "Prophet Seer and Revelator" to the Church. He did this of
his own free will and not at any solicitation whatever on my part. I did
not know what he was going to do until he laid his hands upon me and
ordained me.

Now, bear in mind, brethren, that I am not claiming this ofiice ; as
I have told you, I do not believe in any such an office in the church. I
was then in error in believing that there was such an office in the Church
of Christ. I suppose this is news to many of you — that Brother Joseph
ordained me his successor — but it is in your records, and there are men
now living who were present in that council of elders when he did it, in
the camp of Zion, on Fishing River, Missouri, July, 1834.

This is why many of the brethren came to me after Brother Joseph
was killed, and importuned me to come out and lead the church. I
refused to do so. Cltrist is the only leader and head of his church.

Now, brethren, I will ask you to read the early revelations that were
given through the stone, up to June, 1829, and see if this matter is
not just as I have told you; that they — or any other revelations —
should never have been published, thus necessarily becoming public
property for the eyes of the world. Also notice that they were given to
individuals, to those whom God chose in commencing his work, for
their individual instruction, and were not given to the church, and the
church had no need of them. In the Book of Doctrine and Covenants
they are sections 2 to IG, inclusive. The headings over sections 4 and 7
are not like they are in the Book of Commandments, in which the head-
ings show that they were also given to individuals. Section 4 is a reve-
lation given to Joseph Smith and Martin Harris. Section 7 is a revela-
tion given to Oliver Cowdery.

Now, bear in mind that these revelations were given through the
"stone." while the Book of Mormon was being translated. The revela-
tions in June, 1829, were given about the time the translation of the

iDOok was finished. As I have stated before, Brother Joseph gave np the
stone a few months after translating the Book of Mormon. You can
see from the Book of Doctrine and Covenants that the next revelation
after June, 1829, is March, 1830, a j)eriod of nine months, and we had
been preaching since August, 1829. Xow you notice that Avhen the rev-
elations began to come again, at the end of this nine months (this time
through Brother Joseph as ''mouthpiece ^^), they came thick and fast,
and are of a different character to those given through the stone, which
were given to individuals for their individual instruction in commencing
the work.

CHAPTER VIII.

THE CHANGES AND ADDITIONS TO SOME OF THE KEVELATIONS.

Some of the revelations as they are now in the Book of Doctrine and
Covenants have been changed and added to. Some of the changes
being of the greatest importance as the meaning is entirely changed on
some very important matters; as if the Lord had changed his mind a
few years after he gave the revelations, and after having commanded his
servants (as they claim) to print them in the " Book of Command-
ments;" and after giving his servants a revelation, being a preface unto
His Book of Commandments, which says: " Behold, this is mine au-
" thority, and the authority of my servants, and my preface unto the
" Book of my Commandments, which I have given them to publish unto
"you, oh inhabitants of the earth." Also in this preface, " Behold, I am
"God, and have spoken it; these commandments are of me." " Search
"these commandments, for they are true and faithful." The revelations
were printed in the Book of Commandments correctly. This I know,
and will prove it to you.

These revelations were arranged for publication by Brothers Joseph
Smith, Sydney Rigdon, Orson Hyde and others, in Hiram, Ohio, while
I was there, were sent to Indei^endence to be published, and were
l^rinted just exactly as they were arranged by Brother Joseph and the
others. And when the Book of Commandments was printed, Joseph
and the oliurch received it as being printed correctly. This I know.
In the winter of 1834 they saw that some of the revelations in the Book
of Commandments had to he changed, because the heads of the church
had gone too far, and had done things in which they had already gone
ahead of some of the former revelations. So the book of "Doctrine and
Covenants " was printed in 1835, and some of the revelations changed
and added to. By the j^rovidence of God I have one of the old Book of
Commandments published in 1833. I will prove by a revelation in

it, which is changed in the Doctrine and Covenants, a revelation
that was given through the " stone " and is true — I will prove that
God called Brother Joseph to translate the Book of Mormon only, and"'
that he Avas not called to organize and establish the church any more
than the rest of us Elders. That God commanded him that he should
pretend to no other gift but to translate the Book of Mormon, that God
would grant him no other gift.

I will also show by a revelation in the Book of Commandments —
afterwards changed in the Doctrine and Covenants — that Ave were com-
manded to rely upon the ''things which are written " in building up
the church; for "in them are all things Avritten concerning my church,
''my gospel, and my rock. Wherefore, if you shall build up /ny church,
" my gospel, and my rock, the gates of hell shall not prevail against you."
But Ave did not rely upon the written word in building up the church;
but Joseph went "on in the persiiasions of men," — as he did while
tanslating, and heeded Eigdon who showed him that high priests and
other offices should be added to "elders, priests and teachers;" and so
we did not establish His (Christ's) church. His gospel and His rock, so
the gates of hell did prevail against the church, and it finally landed in
Salt Lake in polygamy.

I Avill also shoAV you by a revelation in the Book of Commandments
— afterwards changed in the Doctrine and Covenants — that we had no
high priests, etc. in the beginning ; as if God had organized his church
at first with " elders, priests and teachers," and after we had preached
almost two years, and had baptized and confirmed about 2000 souls into
the Church of Christ, then God concluded he had not organized it right,
and decided to put in high priests and other offices above the office of an
elder. No brethren — God does not change and work in any such manner. •/
This is ma7i's work. I will prove beyond a doubt that every spiritual office
added to the church which is not according to the teachings of Christ to
the "twelve" on this land, is the work of man, and not the Avork of
God.

I see that some of you claim that the same poAver which gave these
revelations, had authority to change them, and refer to Jer. xxxvi: 32.
By reading this passage you will see that the Avords which A\^ere added
AA^ere "like loords ;" Avords which conveyed the same meaning — were
added to that book by Jeremiah Avhen he was AA'riting it over again, be-
cause it had been burned in the fire by the king. But the Avords added
to the tAvo former revelations are not " like words" as they change and
reverse the original meaning : as if God had commanded Joseph to pre-
tend to no other gift but to translate the Book of Mormon, that he
Avould "grant Mm no other gift," and then afterwards God had changed
his mincl and concluded to grant him another gift. God does not
change and work in this manner. The way this revelation has been
changed, twenty-tAA'o Avords being added to it, it Avould appear that
God had broken His word after giA'ing His word in plainness; command-
ing Brother Joseph to pretend to no other gift but to translate the Book
of Mormon, and then the Lord had changed and concluded to grant Jo-
seph the gift of a Seer to the Church.

This part of this revelation in the Book of Commandments reads
thus: "And he (Joseph) has a gift to translate the Book, and I have

" commanded him that he shall pretend to no other gift, for I will grant
"him no other gift,"

But in the Doctrine and Covenants it has heen changed and reads
thus:

" And you have a gift to translate the plates, cmd this is the first
gift that I hestoived ^ipon you, and I have commanded you that you
should pretend to no other gift, tmtil my purpose is fulfilled in this;
for I will grant unto you no other gift until it is finished."

May God have mercy on the heads of the church for their trangres-
sion is my prayer.

This revelation is Section 4, Doctrine and Covenants: Chap. 4, Book
of Commandments.

The next important change I will speak of, is made in a revelation
which was given to Brothers Joseph Smith, Oliver Cowdery, and myself
in Fayette, New York, June, 1829. I was present when Brother Joseph-
received it through the stone. It is Chapter 15 Book of Commandments,
Sec. 16 Doctrine and Convenaiits. In the Book of Commandments it
reads thus :

" Behold I give unto you a commandment, that you rely upon the
"things which are written ; for in them are all things written, concern-
"ing my church, my gospel, and my rock. Wherefore if you shall
"build up my church, and my gospel, and my rock, the gates of hell
"shall not prevail against you."

But in the Book of Doctrine and Convenants it has been changed and
reads thus: "Behold I give unto you a commandment, that you rely
"upon the things which are written ; for in them are all things written,
" concerning ' the foundation of my church, my gospel, and my rock ;
"wherefore, if you shall build up my church 'upon the foundation of
" my gospel and my rock, the gates of hell shall not prevail against you."

The change in this revelation is of great importance ; the Avord
"them" refers to the plates — the Book of Mormon: We were com-
manded to rely upon it in building up the church ; that is, in estab-
lishing the doctrine, the order of offices, etc.: "FOE IN THEM ARE
ALL THINGS WRITTEN CONCERNING MY CHURCH, my gospel,
and my rock." But this revelation has been changed by man to mean as
follows : That therein is not all things written concerning the church,
but only all things concerning " the foundation of' the church — or the
beginning of the church : that you must build lip the church, beginning
according to the written word, and add new offices, new ordinances, and
new doctrines as I (the Lord) reveal them to you from year to year : As
a Seer to the Church ; High Priests ; Three of the First Presidency ;
Baptism for the Dead ; Polygamy, etc., etc. When the Book of Doctrine
and Convenants was compiled in 1834, the church had then received
many revelations to establish new offices and doctrines that are not even
mentioned in the New Convenant of either of the two sacred books.
They changed this revelation in order to sustain these new doctrines. If
they had not made this change, the plain language of the original revela-
tion would have condemned the Book of Doctrine and Covenants. I
want to repeat that I was present when Brother Joseph received this reve-
lation through the stone: I am one of the persons to whom it was given,
therefore I know of a surety that it was changed when printed in the

Doctrine and Convenauts in 1834. Likewise concerning all these
changes of which I will speak, I know that these changes were made. I
was present when nearly all the early revelations were received. There
are several of the old Books of Commandments yet in the land ; bring
them to light and see for yourselves that these revelations were changed
just as I tell you.

These changes were made by the leaders of the church, who had
drifted into error and si^iritual blindness. Through the influence of
Sydney Rigdon, Brother Joseph was led on and on into receiving revela-
tions every year, to establish offices and doctrines which are not even
mentioned in the teachings of Christ in the written word. In a few
years they had gone away ahead of the written word, so that they had to
change these revelations, as you will understand when I have finished. .

The next important change I will notice, is in a revelation given to
Martin Harris, March, 1830, (Chap. 16 Book of Commandments, Sec.
18 Doctrine and Convenants). In the Book of Commandments it reads
thus : "And I command you that you preach nought but repentance;
''and show not these things unto the world, for they cannot bear meat,
"but milk they must receive: Wherefore, they must not know these
"things lest they perish."

But in the Book of Doctrines and Covenants it has been changed
and reads as follows :

"x\nd I command you that you preach nought but repentance, and
" show not these things unto the world, ' untilit is toisdom in me,' etc."
*' The words " untilit is luisdom in me" have been added.

As I have stated in the previous chapter, you can readily see why
they made this change.

The next change of importance is in a revelation given in Fayette,
New York, June, 1830. It was not given through the stone. (Chap.
4., Book of Commandments, Sec. 17, Doctrine and Covenants). The
change or addition to this revelation is of such a bold character, that the
compilers of the Book of Doctrine and Covenants put it in that book
without the heading, which is over it in the Book of Commandments,
which heading shows it to be a revelation. They have put it in the Doc-
trine and Covenants as "Section 17," but it is a revelation. The old
church papers speak of it as a revelation, and the heading in the Book
of Commandments shows that it is a revelation. I was present Avlien
Brother Joseph gave this revelation.

The heading over it in the Book of Commandments is as follows :
** The Articles and Covenants of the Church of Cli^nst, given in Fayette,
New York, June, 1830 " Two paragraphs have been added to it, hav-
ing been thrust into the middle of it. Paragraphs 16 and 17 is the part
added, which part speaks of high priests and other high offices that the
churcli never knew of until almost two years after its beginning : iVs if
God had made a mistake in the first organization of the church, and left
out these high important offices which are all above an elder ; and as if
God had made a mistake and left these high offices out of that revelation
when it was first given. Oh the Aveakness and blindness of man I This
revelation as it is in the Book of Commandments, speaks of the duties of
all the spiritual officers in the churcli ; of elders, priests and teachers;
but does not mention a M-ord about the office of high priest, president of

the high priesthood, high counselors, etc. The part added to this reve-
lation was jDut there to give the duties of these high officers in ordina-
tions. I rejieat that the church never heard of or thought of having in
it any of these offices, until we moved to Kirtland, Ohio, in the days of
-J Sidney Rigdon. The Church of Christ upon either continent had no
such offices in it, and Christ told us through the stone that he would
establish his church " LIKE UNTO THE CHURCH WHICH WAS^
TAUGHT BY MY DISCIPLES IN THE DAYS OF OLD." *

* * "If the people of this generation harden not their hearts."
(Chap. 4., Par. 5, Book of Commandments).

Now brethren, the Church of Christ of old had in it only elders,

priests and teachers ; but the Church of Latter Day Saints, with its

\ many new offices, doctrines, and ordinances Avhich were not in the

' Church of Christ of old, is a very different church — a different order

: throughout. This is plain to be seen. Why, oh why will you continue

I to trust in the man who has erred and introduced doctrines of error into

the Church of Christ ? Why will you continue in blindness ? But

modern Israel is no better than ancient Israel. Man will not walk

humbly before God and abide in his ordinances, although he has given

them his word in great plainness. You are in spiritual blindness and

you know it not.

I will now quote the two paragraphs which have been added to the
revelation above mentioned :

''No person is to be ordained to any office in this church, where
" there is a regularly organized branch of the same, without the vote of
''that church ; but the presiding elders, traveling bishops, high counsel-
"ors, high priests and elders, may have the privilege of ordaining,,
"where there is no branch of the church, that a vote may be' called.
" Every president of the high priesthood (or presiding elder), bishop,
"high counselor and high priest, is to be ordained by the direction of
"a high council, or general conference."

In all the teachings of Christ, these high offices are not even men-
tioned as being in the Church of Christ.

There are other changes in this revelation, but this is the only change
of importance.

The next change I w411 notice is one of importance. It is in Sec-
tion 4, Doctrine and Covenants : Chapter 4. Book of Commandments.
Half of a page has been left out of this revelation. I believe that the
object of those who left it out was to strike out the following words :

"And thus, if the people of this generation harden not their hearts,

'^ " I will work a reformation among them, and I will put down all lyings,

"etc., * * * * and I will establish mv church, LIKE UNTO

"THE CHURCH WHICH WAS TAUGHT BY MY DISCIPLES

"IN THE DAYS OF OLD."

They knew that the order of offices in the Church of Latter Day

''Saints, was not like the order in the Church of Christ of old ; because

the Church of Christ of old had in it only elders, priests and teachers ; so

they left out this part of the revelation when they published the Book of

Doctrine and Covenants.

There are many other changes in the revelations, but I will not take
the space and time to speak of any more of them.

I want to tell the brethren, that when the Book of Doctrine and
Covenants was published, ami presesented to the church assembly in
Kirtland, Ohio, in August, 1835, as recorded in the old church papers,
a very few of the brethren then knew about most of tlie important
changes that had been put in the Book of Doctrine and Covenants. In
time it was generally found out, and the result was that some of thev'
members left the church on account of it. A few members dissented
from the church as early as 1832, on account of the spiritual blindness
of some of the leaders. When it became generally known that these im-
portant changes had been made in the Doctrine and Covenants, many
of the brethren objected seriously to it^ but they did not want to say
much for the sake of peace, as it was Brother Joseph and tlie leaders who
did it. The majority of the members — poor weak souls — thought
that anything Brother Joseph would do, must be all right ; so in their
blindness of heart, trusting in an arm of flesh, they looked over it and were
led into error, and finally all talk about it ceased. I was told that Sidney
Eigdon Avas the cause of those changes being made : by smooth talk he
convinced Brother Joseph and that committee that it was all right.

The editors of the old church papers. Evening and Morning Star
and Messenger and Advocate, admit that some changes were made in
some of the revelations ; that they added some items to some revela-
tions, from other revelations. I will not accuse those who did it of
being fully aware of the grievous error they were making when they
added those items — that is, made those changes ; I would rather be-
lieve that they were spiritually blinded when they did it : and that
Satan deceived them, whispering to them that it was all right and
acceptable unto God.

Some of the Latter Day Saints have claimed that God had the same
right to authorize Brother Joseph to add to any revelations certain words
and facts, that He had to give him any revelations at all : but only those
who are trusting in an arm of flesh and are in spiritual blindness, would
pretend to make this claim ; that God would give his servants some
revelations, command them to publish them in His Book of Command-
ments, and then authorize them to change and add to them some words
which change and reverse the original meaning : as if God had changed
his mind after giving his word. No brethren I God does not change
ana work in any such manner as this ; all those who believe that God
does work this way, my prayer for them is that they may repent, for they
are in utter spiritual blindness.

I want to say a few words here in regard to section 17, in the Doc-
trine and Covenants. This revelation was published in the ^' Evening
and Morning Star" in 1832, before the Book of Commandments was pub-
lished, and was put in that paper as, "The Articles and Covenants of the
Church of Christ, with a few items from other revelations." This revela-
tion was received in June, 1830, and these two paragraphs were added in
June, 1832, in that paper. Now I will explain why they did not print this
revelation in the Book of Commandments in 1833, with these added parts
in it. It is this : The heads of the church had not yet become suffi-
ciently blinded to change a revelation that was given in 1830, and j^rint
it changed in God's Book of Commandments in 1833. "W. AV. Phelps is
the one who printed this revelation in that paper with the "items" (Para-

graphs 16 and 17);, added to it ; but when the heads of the church
changed the name of the church to " The Church of Latter Day Saints/'
(leaving out the name of " Christ" entirely) when they did this, andcom-
jDiled the Doctrine and Covenants in 1835, God had then given them
over to blindness of mind, and they could print this revelation in God's
book, as also other revelations, changed and added to with a char conscience,
as they did many other grievous things with a clear conscience after this,
thinking they were all right. I have no doubt that Brother Joseph
thought his works up to the time of his repentance just before his death,
were acceptable unto God. Poor Joseph ! He was blinded and became
ensnared by proud, ambitious men. I labored hard with him to get him
to see it — from 1835 — and God alone knows the grief and sorrow I have
had over it. I have been told that Joseph repented just before he died.
He is in the hands of a just God. If David of old could obtain salva-
tion by repentance, so could Brother Joseph Smith.

CHAPTER IX.

HIGH PKIESTS.

High Priests were only in the church before Christ ; and to have this
^office in the " Church of Christ" is not according to the teachings of
Christ in either of the sacred books : Christ himself is our great and
last High Priest. Brethren — I will tell you one thing which alone
should settle this matter in your minds ; it is this : you cannot find in
the New Testament part of the Bible or Book of Mormon where one sin-
gle high priest was ever in the Church of Christ. The office of an Elder
is spoken of in many many places, but not one word about a High Priest
being in the church. This alone should convince any one, and will con-
vince any one who is without prejudice, that the office of High Priests
was established in the church almost two years after its beginning by
men who had drifted into error. You must admit that the church which
was to be established in this dispensation, must be "like unto the church
"which was taught by Christ's disciples of old." Then the Church of
Latter Day Saints is unlike the Church of Christ of old, because you
have the office of High Priests in the church. The office of a High
Priest as you have it, is of more importance than the office of an Elder ;
then why is not something said about this high office being in the Church
Avhich Christ came on earth to establish at Jerusalem and upon this land?
Why is there not something said about this important office, and so
much said about an Elder?

Brethren, it is strange — very strange — that you will continue to

cliug to the man, Joseph Smith, and measure the written Avord of
God by his revelations. So lias it been in all ages past. You are in spir-
itual blindness. Heariiuj ye shallliear and shall not understand ; seeing
ye shall see and not perceive. And this too when Christ has given us the
Book of Mormon with the plain and precious things therein.

"When Christ came into the world upon this land, Xephi was a great
High Priest who had done many mighty works. Xow Nephi had to lay
down his robe of a High Priest just outside the door and come into the
Church of Christ by baptism, to the office of an Elder, and not once
after that is Xephi called a High Priest. At this time the Church of
Christ was established upon this land. Christ comes into the world and
preaches to them as he had to those at Jerusalem, giving them instruc-
tions concerning his Church and the New Covenant which he made with
them, as he had with those on the eastern continent, telling them they
were no longer under the old law of Moses, but from that time Avere un-
der him. He chooses twelve disciples who were called Elders, to minis-
ter unto that people, and after giving them full instructions concerning
the establishing of his church, he ascends into heaven. Elders, Priests
and Teachers were ordained in his church, and full instructions given
concerning their duties. Christ told his disciples to write his teachings,
for they were to be hid up to come down to us as his teachings to us. Now
this being the case, why are not some instructions given in the new cove-
nant of that book concerning the office of High Priests ? Of cojirse
there was no such an office in the Church of Christ upon this land, nor
in the Church of Christ upon the eastern continent, nor should there be
such an office in the Church to-day. It is a grievous sin to have such an
office in the church. As well might you add to the teachings of Christ
— circumcision — offering up the sacrifice of animals — or break the or-
dinances of Christ in any other way by going back to the old law of
Moses.

We will now go to the New Testament in the Bible. In no place
therein does it mention one single High Priest as being in the Church of
Christ. High Priests are spoken of in Hebrews iv to ix, but only to ex-
plain that Jesus Christ is our great High Priest after the order of Melchis-
edec. It speaks of High Priests that offered up sacrifices under the old law,
showing that Christ himself was after that order, but not once does it
speak of tlie office of a High Priest continuing after Christ, except only
in Christ himself; He being ''the Apostle and High Priest of our j)ro-
"fession; * * * our great High Priest that has passed into the heavens;
"* * * a Priest forever after the order of Melchisedec.^' ''Seeing then
that we have a great High Priest (and the only one) * * * let us come
boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, etc." This
being the fulfillment of the old order of High Priests which was a tyj^e
of Christ's order. Before Christ, the people came to the High Priest for
•mercy and forgiveness, through him offering up sacrifices for their sins;
but now the people have the great High Priest even Jesus Christ to go to
" that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need : " He
having offered up his body a sacrifice for the sins of the world. " And
" having an High Priest over the house of God, let us draw near with
" a true heart in full assurance of faith," etc. This matter is plainly set
forth in Hebrews, iv chapter.

Brethren, it is solemn mockery before God to have established in the
church to-day this important office of which Christ alone is worthy. Tlie
office of Elder is spoken of all through the Xew Testament as being in
the church, but not one High Priest ; then of course they had no High
Priests in the church upon the eastern continent.

Now Brethren, seeing they had no High Priests in the church of
Christ of old, and none in the church of Christ in these last days until
almost two years after its beginning — when the leaders began to drift
into error ; remembering the fact of the revelation being changed two years
after it was given to include High Priests ; taking these things into con-
sideration, how is it that any one can say thait the office of High Priest
should be in the church of Christ to-day ? 1 can account for it only on
the grounds of your spiritual blindness. This matter is so plain and
self-evident that any one should see and understand it. Brethren, your
blindness must be utter blindness. May God have mercy on you is my
prayer.

In no place in the word of God does it say that an Elder is after the
order of Melchisedec, or after the order of the Melchisedec Priesthood.
An Elder is after the order of Christ. This matter of "priesthood,"
since the days of Sydney Rigdon, has been the great hobby and stumb-
ling-block of the Latter Day Saints. Priesthood means authority ; and
authority is the word we should use. I do not think the word priesthood
is mentioned in the New Covenant of the Book of Mormon. Authority
is the word we used for the first two years in the church — until Sydney
Rigdon's days in Ohio. This matter of the two orders of priesthood in
the Church of Christ, and lineal priesthood of the old law being in the
church, all originated in the mind of Sydney Rigdon. He explained
these things to Brother Joseph in his way, out of the old Scriptures, and
got Brother Joseph to inquire, etc. He would inquire, and as mouth-
piece speak out the revelations Just as they had it fixed up in their
hearts. As I have said before, according to the desires of the heart, the
inspiration comes, but it may be the spirit of man that gives it. How
easily a man can receive some other spirit, appearing as an Angel of
Light, believing at the time that he is giving the revealed will of God ;
a doubt never entering his mind but what he is doing God's wilL Of
course I believe that Brother Joseph gave every revelation — including
the one on polygamy — in all good conscience before God. This is the
way the High Priests and the "priesthood" as you have it, was intro-
duced into the Church of Christ almost two years after its beginning —
and after we had baptized and confirmed about two thousand souls
into the church.

When the Church of Christ was established at Jerusalem, and upon
this continent, and in 1829, the officers which were to be in the church
were made known at its heginnivg, and not two years afterwards.

In Kirtland, Ohio, in June, 1831, at a conference of the church, the
first High Priests were ordained into the church. Brother Joseph ordained
Lyman Wight, John Murdock, Harvey Whitlock, Hyrum Smith, Rey-
nolds Cahoon and others to the office of a High Priest. When they
were ordained, right there at the time, the devil caught and bound
Harvey Whitlock so he could not speak, his face being twisted into
demon-like shape. Also John Murdock and others were caught by the

devil in a similar manner. Now brethren, do you not see that the dis-
pleasure of the Lord was upon their proceedings in ordaining High
Priests ? Of course it was. These facts are recorded i7i the History of
the Church — written by my brother, John Whitmer, who was the reg-
ularly appointed church historian. I was not at that conference, being
then in Hiram, which is near Kirtland, Ohio. I also have the testimony
of Harvey "Whitlock whom the devil caught and bound : also John Whit-
mer, who was present, and others who were present at the time, so I
know it is true. John Whitmer wrote this in the church history when
he was in full fellowship with the church. As a faithful historian he
speaks of this matter, and tries to explain it away by saying, *' While
"the Lord poured out his spirit, the devil took occasion to make his
"power known ; he bound Harvey Whitlock so that he could not speak,
"and others were affected, but the Lord showed to Joseph the seer, the
"design of this thing : He commanded the devil in the name of Christ
" and he departed to our joy and comfort.'' It was not given to Brother
John nor any of them at that time to understand this matter of the devil
entering into the first High Priests that were ordained in the church.
They yfere all blind as to the design of that thing, and did not see what
it meant. Of course it was given to Brother Joseph to cast the devil out,
but T^hat was the design of the devil entering into these men just as soon
as they were ordained the first High Priests ever ordained in the church ?
Of course it was to show 'that God's sore displeasure was upon their
erring works of ordaining High Priests into the Church of Christ. Any
spiritual man can see this. Brother John was himself ordained a High
Priest at that time, so he was in error and could not see it; but he saw it
very clearly in 1848, when the Lord opened our eyes to see and under-
stand it. Prejudiced persons are blind and do not want to see and under-
stand except their own jjreconceived loay. There is none so blind as those who
will not see. In Brother John's history he speaks of the Spirit of God being
poured out in abundance upon that occasion, some seeing visions, etc.,
but brethren, you will learn in the next world, if you do not know it
already, that the devil can give visions, appearing as an Angel of Light.
Brother John gives an account of a prophecy uttered by Lyman Wight just
after Brother Joseph ordained him a High Priest, which prophecy will
prove to be a false prophecy. Brother John's history of the church says
as follows : " He (Joseph) laid his hands upon Lyman Wight and or-
"dained him to the high priesthood after the holy order of God. And
"the spirit fell upon Lyman, and he prophesied concerning the coming
"of Christ. He said that there were some in this congregation that
"should live until the Savior should descend from Heaven with a shout,
"with all the holy angels with him, etc." The early future will deter-
mine as to whether this prophecy was true or false.

Some of. the brethren have gone outside of the written word of God,
and accepted as evidence, histories that were written 350 to 400 years
after Christ, to prove that High Priests were in the Church of Christ.
This seems strange to me. They have quoted from the history of St.
Jerome, who was Secretary to the Pope at Rome, about 382 years after
Christ. I should not wonder if the apostolic church did have High
Priests and many other offices and ordinances that were abominable before
God, after they drifted into error like the Latter Day Saints have. They
5 65

have also quoted from Theodoret who died 457 years after Christ. His
writings extend from A. D. 325 to A. D. 429. My authority for the
above is Lippincott's Biographical Dictionary. Xow shall we take such
evidence as this to prove the office of High Priests being in the church
when it was in its purity, when the written word of God mentions all the
church officers in many places and says nothing about a single High
Priest ? Xay verily. As for me, I must take the Scriptures for my au-
thority. I cannot understand how any person can claim that an impor-
tant office like High Priests should be, or was in the Church of Christ
when it was in the true faith, when notliing is said in the Scriptures
about it. The Scriptures were given by inspiration of God : and do you
suppose that God would leave out of his word the great office of a High
Priest, if they were to be in the Church of Christ ? Of course not. It is
charging God foolishly to believe that he would leave out of his word this
office or any other office that he intended should be in his church.

Some of the brethren have referred to 1 Peter ii : 5-9 and Rev. i : 6 to
prove that there were High Priests in the Church of Christ, but the
word High Priest is not mentioned in either passage. These two pass-
ages are all they have referred to in the whole of the New Testament,
and no passage can be found in the New Testament part of the Book of
Mormon to refer to, because High Priests are not even mentioned therein.
In the above two passages there is no reference whatever to this office.
In 1 Peter ii : 5, 9, Peter is addressing the whole church, and says, " Ye
"also, as lively stones are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood,
"to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ;
" * * * * Ye are u chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy
"nation, a peculiar people, etc." How any person can pretend to claim
that this passage refers to the office of High Priest, is more than I can
understand. If it does, then every member of the church holds this
office, because Peter is addressing the whole church as you can see from
the first of his epistle. Of course there is no reference made l>ere to
this office.

Rev. i :G reads as follows : "Unto him that loved us, and washed
" us from our sins in his own blood, and hath made us kings and priests
*'unto God and his father; to him be glory and dominion forever and
" ever. Amen.'* This has no reference to the office of a High Priest.
It lefers to the time when we will be in the Si^irit, and can say as John
then said, he being in the Spirit, unto Jesus Christ who hath redeemed us
and hath made us kings and priests unto God, to him be glory and do-
minion forever and ever. Amen.

Some of the brethren have misunderstood the Old Testament part of
the Book of Mormon concerning High Priests, and refer to Alma 9-6 :
Alma says, " This high priesthood being after the order of his Son,
"which order was from the foundation of the world : or in other words,
"being without beginning of days or end of years, being prepared from
"eternity to all eternity, according to his foreknowledge of all things."
Here it is speaking of the order of the High Priests before Christ : their
order being after the order of the Son of God, and this order being with-
out beginning of days or end of years, being prepared fr©m eternity
to all eternity. This being Christ's order, He being from eternity to
all eternity, has held this holy order of priesthood from eternity and

■will hold it to all eternity. Those High Priests before Christ came into
the world, held this holy order of priesthood as a tyj^e of Christ's order ;
but when Christ came into the world, he then claimed his own holy order
of priesthood and power on earth, doing away with all types and shadows
under the old law, himself alone being our great and last High Priest
unto whom we can go to obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of
need. Brethren, I am constrained to say as Alma says at his conclusion
of this matter : He ends his writing in the tenth chajDter, 2d para-
graph, by these words : ''Now I need not rehearse the matter; what I
" have said, may suffice. Behold, the scriptures are before you ; if ye
*' will wrest them it shall be to your own destruction."

CHAPTER X.

THE CHOICE SEER.

As ancient Israel was in error in misinterpreting prophecy, so the
Latter Day Saints are in error in misinterpreting modern prophecy. As
I have said, a distinction must be made between the gospel or doc-
trine of Christ, and prophecy. It is plain to be seen from the scrip-
tures that it is not the Lord's purpose to reveal prophecy in as great
plainness as the gospel and doctrine of Christ. ScrijDture prophecy re-
fers to events that are to transpire in the Lord's work ; and it is not his
purpose to reveal in plainness at this time, all the mysteries and plans of
his great work among the children of men in the future. Such has been
the case in all ages past. The prophecies to the Jews regarding the way
in which Christ was to come, were obscure, and they were only under-
stood by those who had the spirit to understand them. They could have
been written so plain that any person could understand them correctly ;
but it was not God's purpose to do so. The Book of Mormon tells us
that the book of prophecy of John's Revelation is hard to understand, but
when God's own due time comes, it is to be unfolded and made plain;
but the gospel and doctrine of Christ is so plain in the New Cove-
nant of the Book of Mormon, that a child can understand it. Christ
says, '' And I give you these commandments, because of the disputations
** which have been among you. And blessed are ye if ye have no dispu-
*■' tations among you." Also, that you might ''know of the true
points of my (Christ's) doctrine." (ISTephi viii:9 and ix:ll). But
prophecy is another matter outside of the gospel or doctrine of Christ ;
it can only •be interpreted correctly by the enlightenment of the Holy
Ghost. Peter says, "We have also a more sure word of 'prophecy';
" whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth

** in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the ' day star ' arise in your
hearts/' (2 Peter i:19). The day star means the Holy Ghost, by which
prophecy can only be rightly understood.

The Latter Day Saints are in error in believing that Joseph Smith
was the Choice Seer spoken of in 2 Nephi ii.

I will show you that Brother Joseph could not have been this Choice
Seer, because that Seer is to be of the seed of Joseph, (of Egypt) of the
seed of Lehi, who is a descendant of Joseph, which Lehi came over to this
land from Jerusalem 600 years B. C : The American Indians (the Lam-
anites) being the remnant of that seed. To make it more plain, I will
repeat the explanation given in Chapter iii. The man who is not learned
(in 2 Nephi xi:18) refers to Brother Joseph; But the Choice Seer
(2 Nephi ii) is another man. He is to come from the fruit of the loins of
Joseph (of Egypt), that seed being the branch which was broken off at
Jerusalem, to whom this land was consecrated for their inheritance for-
ever — being Lehi and his seed ; Lehi'g §6ed being Little Joseph, who
received this blessing from his father Lehi, that his seed should not
utterly be destroyed ; for out of his seed which should not all be destroyed
(the Indians), should come this Choice Seer. It is very plain to me.
This Seer is to come from the Lainahites, dnd Brother Joseph is not of
that seed. The name of that Seer will be Joseph, after Joseph of Egypt,
and his fathers name Joseph. He is to translate sealed records yet to
come forth. ''And not to the bringing forth my word only, saith the
" Lord, but to the convincitig them of my word." Brother Joseph never
convinced a single Lamanite that I ever heard of.

This Choice Seer is to convince the Lamanites in person, and do a
great work among them (''his brethren'') in person. It can plainly be
seen by reading the two passages referred to, that " the man that is not
learned " is a different man from this Choice Seer. There is no identity
between the two persons referred to in these two passages. In one passage
it calls the person referred to " the man that is not learned; " while in the
other, the person referred to is a Choice Seer, who shall be great and
mighty like unto Moses; and the whole chapter is devoted to this Seer
and to Moses. Some have confounded the men spokep of in 2 Nephi
xi: 17, 18, 19. A man, being the spirit of a just man made perfect, had a
hand in bringing forth the words of the Book of Mormon as well as
Brother Joseph; and there is also a time referred to in the nineteenth
paragraph that is yet in the future. We will now analyze this chapter
(2 Nephi ii) concerning the Choice Seer. It is plain to be seen that the
whole chapter refers to this one Choice Seer and to Moses. I see some of
the Latter Day Saints have lately interpreted "o;ie mighty" to arise
from the Lamanites; this is a recent interpretation they have put upon
this chapter. A clause in the last part of the chapter makes it very
plain that the Choice Seer spoken of all through the chapter, is to come
from the Lamanites. It is very plain that the last part of the chapter
(Par. 4) refers to this same Choice Seer. Lehi is making his conclusion
and closing remarks concerning his son's (little Joseph's) blessing;
which blessing can be seen in the first part of the chapter, the blessing
being this; that little Joseph's seed should not all be destroyed, for our
of his seed should arise one mighty, who should be a Choice Seer. "And
"now, behold, my son Joseph, after this manner did my father of old

" (Joseph of Egypt) prophesy. Wherefore, because of this covenant
*'thou are blessed (a blessing); for thy seed shall not be destroyed
tc* * ^ ^i2(j there shall raise up 07ie miglity among them (this same
*' Choice Seer — this same blessing), who shall do much good, both in
" word and in deed, being an instrument in the hands of God, with ex-
^'ceeding faith, to work mighty wonders, and do that thing which is
*' great in the sight of God." Before this it says he shall be great in
mine eyes. Why is it that any one cannot see this? The closing of
this chapter is only a reliearsal and conclusion about this same Choice
Seer.

This whole chapter treats of the one matter; a blessing is pronounced
upon little Joseph, because a Great Seer is to be of his seed, that should
not all be destroyed. That seed being "a branch which was to be
"broken ofE" at Jerusalem, to whom this land was consecrated for their
inheritance. He tells them that this Great Seer was not the Messiah, but
that he was to come from a branch of the house of Israel that was to be
broken off, "nevertheless to be remembered in the covenants of the
" Lord, that the Messiah should be made manifest unto them in the
" latter days, in the spirit of power, unto the bringing of them out of
*Markness unto light; yea, out of hidden darkness and out of captivity
" unto freedom." Can you not see from this that the Choice Seer is to
€ome from the Lamanites? They are the people here referred to. The
next words are as follows: "For Joseph (of Egypt) truly testified, say-
" ing, a Seer shall the Lord my God raise up, who shall be a Choice Seer
"unto the fruit of my loins." This is the testimony or proj)hecy of
Joseph (of Egypt) which Lehi refers to in his closing remarks in para-
graph four, wliere he says: "And now, behold, my son Joseph, after this
"manner did my father of old prophesy. Wherefore because of this
*' covenant thou art blessed; for thy seed shall not be destroyed, for they
"shall hearken unto the words of the book; and there shall raise up one
"mighty among them." They shall hearken unto the words of the
book which the Choice Seer shall bring forth, which Seer is to convince
them. This passage means the same as if the word for instead of the
word and was there, as follows: "Wherefore, because of this covenant
"thou art blessed; for thy seed shall not be destroyed, for they shall
"hearken unto the words of the book; 'for 'there shall raise up one
*' mighty among them, who shall do much good, * * * and do that
"'thing Avhich is great in the sight of God."

Again, it says this Choice Seer will do only according to the com-
mands of God. He will be faithful and break none of God's command-
ments. This alone proves that Brother Joseph was not the Choice Seer.
In a revelation given to Brother Joseph while he was translating, (Sec.
2) the Lord said, "Behold, how oft have you transgressed the com-
"mandments and the laws of God, and have gone on in the persuasions
"of men * * * if thou art not aware thou wilt fall." Does this
agree with the description of the Choice Seer ? Nay verily. This alone
should satisfy any one, and will satisfy any one who is not trusting in an
arm of flesh, that Brother Joseph was not the Choice Seer.

Again, -it can be seen from this point that Brother Joseph was not
this Great Seer. He is to come from the seed tiiat shall write the word
of the Lord ; and this is the Nephite seed. It says, " But a Seer will I

"raise up out of the fruit of thy loins; * * * wherefore, the fruit
**of thy loins (from which this Seer is to be raised up) shall write-, (the
"Nephite records), and the fruit of the loins of Judah shall write/'
So we see again that the Choice Seer is to come from the Nephite or
Lamanite seed.

Again, the same can be seen from a clause which follows in this con-
nection: ''and bringing them to the knowledge of their fathers in the
''latter days/'

Again, the same can be seen from this clause which says, "He shall
"do a work for the fruit of thy loins, HIS BRETHREN", which shall be
"of great worth unto them, even to the bringing of them to the knowl-
"edge of the covenants which I have made with thy fathers." From
this we see that his brethren are to be the Lamanites. Then he is to be
of the Lamanite seed.

Again, it says, they who seek to destroy this Choice Seer shall be
confounded. Those who sought to destroy Brother Joseph were not
confounded, but they destroyed him.

Brethren, you have no conception of how great and mighty this Seer
will be, and the great work he is to do in restoring the house of Isreal,
or you would never claim that Brother Joseph was this man. I believe
this man to be the same man referred to in Genesis xlix: 24, and by Paul
in Romans xi: 26. The passage in Genesis is Joseph's blessing : " From
"thence is the Shepherd, the stone of Israel." From the seed of
Joseph will come a man who shall be the Shepherd to gather scattered
Israel in the last days. This does not mean Christ, for he came from
the seed of Judah. The other passage in Romans says, "There shall
"come out of Sion (this land) the Deliverer, and shall turn away un-
" godliness from Jacob." This does not mean Christ, as you can see by
reading the context. I am satisfied these two passages refer to this same
Choice Seer.

To conclude, we see that Brother Joseph was not this Choice Seer
for the following reasons :

First : He is to come from the seed of Lehi, and Joseph Smith is not
of that seed.

Second : He is to convince the Lamanites in person ; Joseph Smith
did not conA^nce them.

Third : His tongue will not be loosed that he can speak much, and
the Lord is to raise up a spokesman for him ; Joseph Smith's tongue
was loosed to speak, he being a good speaker.

Fourth : Those who seek to destroy this Seer will be confounded ',
this does not agree as being Brother Joseph, because he was destroyed.

Fifth : The Choice Seer will be faithful and do strictly according to
the command of God ; Brother Joseph broke the commands of God from
the beginning.

So we see that Brother Joseph was not this Choice Seer.

CHAPTER XL

THE GATHEEING.

One of the greatest mistakes that the leaders of the old church made,
and a mistake which the Latter Day Saints are making to-day, is con-
cerning this matter.

The time for building the city New Jerusalem has not yet come.
The leaders of the old church, in their unwise zeal, prompted more by
the spirit of man than the Spirit of God to do great things in the Lord's
vineyard, began to think that they were the few chosen servants who
should labor in the last pruning of the vineyard, and do the great closing
work of the last dispensation of the fullness of times — building the city
]S'ew Jerusalem, etc. If they had been more humble and lowly in heart,
they would not have made this great mistake. They did not stop to
consider that God had his own time in which his great and marvelous
works should be done among the inhabitants of the earth. They thought
that the time for building the city New Jerusalem must be now at hand —
in their time — man's time — and that they were the ones who were to
build it. In this condition of heart, brought about by their unwise zeal
and the spirit of man to do great things, instead of being humble, they
had Brother Joseph to get a revelation as to the time of building that
city, and gathering into it. So Brother Joseph gave a revelation, as
mouthpiece, that the time was then at hand, and they began to gather
into Jackson County, Missouri, at once. They were too hasty. The
time to build that city had not yet come, because Christ says that
the "remnant of Jacob'' (the seed of Lehi, unto whom this land was
consecreted) are the people who shall build that city, and the Gen-
tiles are only to assist them to build it. The other people who shall
also assist them to build that city are " as many of the house of Israel as
shall come " into the covenant. Therefore if the seed of Lehi are to build
that city, the leaders of the old church and the Latter Day Saints to-day
are in error in this matter. I will shoAv you from the Book of Mormon
that the seed of Lehi, on whom the choicest blessing of any of the house
of Israel rests, are the people who shall be honored with building that
city; and that the rest of the house of Israel who are faithful, and also
the Gentiles, shall only assist them in that work (Neplii x: 1). Christ
himself says: "And they (the Gentiles) shall assist my people, the rem-
"nant 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 (all) may be gathered
" in, who are scattered upon all the face of the land, in unto the New
" Jerusalem." From this we see the remnant of Jacob are the ones who
shall build that city, and the Gentiles and the rest of the house of Israel
shall only assist them. Now, the question is, what people does the
"remnant of Jacob" here refer to? We find that Christ makes it plain
in this same sermon he is preaching to them, that the remnant of Jacob
means the remnant of the seed of Lehi. In the preceding chapter, par-
agraph eleven, Christ says as follows: " When these things * * * *

*' shall be made known unto the Gentiles, that they may know concern-
'' ing this people, who are a * remnant of the house of Jacob/ and con-
''cerning this my people who shall be scattered by them," So we see
that the remnant of Jacob means the Lamanites, or seed of Lehi. Then
it is plain that the time to build that city has not yet come, because the
remnant of Jacob is to do that work.

There is an expression that Christ uses in this chapter which is often
used by the prophets; that expression is ''At that day." All who
understand the scriptures know that this expression means in that dis-
pensation of time. A dispensation may be a thousand years, more or
less; and the prophets all speak of a dispensation by saying "at that
day." A day with the Lord is as a thousand years. Isaiah, when
prophesying of events to take place in the same dispensation, but more
than a thousand years apart, speaks of them in the same chapter by
saying "at that day"; when a person who does not understand the
scriptures might think from his language that the events were to trans-
pire within a few years of each other. Some of -the brethren have tried
to prove that Brother Joseph was the Choice Seer because the text says
of this man that he shall "be made strong in that day when my work
*' shall commence among all my people," etc. In that day or at that
day means in that dispensation or cycle of time; and it would be folly
for us to attemj^t to locate the time of an event because it says in that
day. The above text means as follows: In the dispensation of time in
which the work of the Father shall commence to restore Israel, in that
dispensation — in that day — the Choice Seer is to be made strong.

So also in this chapter concerning the building of the city New
Jerusalem, in speaking of the time when the house of Israel shall be
gathered in unto that city from all over the earth, a time when the
power of heaven shall come down among them, a time when Jesus Christ
will be in their midst, it says at that day shall the work of the Father
commence, etc. Of course we understand the words qt that ^ay to
mean in that dispensation of time, which may extend over a thousand
years.

We suppose of course that the sealed records which are to come
forth will give full instructions concerning the gathering in unto the
city New Jerusalem, and the restoration of Israel that is now scattered
among every nation under heaven. These great events are simply men-
tioned in the Book of Mormon and the Bible. I believe that no man
living in the flesh has ever had any conception of tlie great and marvel-
ous work of the Lord which is yet to transpire in gathering the house of
Israel. The coming forth of the Book of Mormon is only a preparatory
work. It is only an abridgement of the sealed records of the Nephites.
Records are yet to come forth which ''reveal all things from the founda-
"tionof the world unto the end thereof'; all things which have been
done, and all things which are yet to be done — the great and wondrous
mysteries and the works of God which are yet to transpire.

CHAPTER XII.

CHAlfGING THE KA.ME OF THE CHUKCH.

When Christ established His church ujion this land, in the days
of the Nephites, He gave them special instructions from his own lips
concerning the name by which His church must be called. He gave
them a strict commandment to call the church by His name, which
He said was Christ. The Xephite brethren obeyed that command-
ment aiid called the church "The Church of Christ/' as seen in
many places in the New Covenant of the Book of Mormon. And
after this time, in no place in the book is it called by any other
name. Christ himself considered this matter of the name of His
church of great importance, as can be seen from His instructions re-
garding it. The Nephite brethren were having disputations among
themselves as to the name of the church, just as there are disputations
at this day concerning this mattei;. When Christ appeared to them
on the third day of His mission upon this land, the first thing they
said to him was this (Nephi xii:3): '^Lord, we will that Thou
"wouldst tell us the name whereby we shall call this church; for
*' there are disputations among the people concerning this matter.
*' And the Lord said unto them. Verily, verily I say unto you, why is
**it that the people should murmur and dispute because of this thing ?
*' Have they not read the scriptures, which say, ye must take upon you
*'the Name of Christ, which is my name? for by this name shall ye be
*' called at the last day; * * * * therefore, ye shall call the church
"m my name; * * * * an(j }^ow be it my church, save it be called
**in my name? For if a church be called in Moses' name, then it be
** Moses' church; or if it be called in the name of a man, then it be the
*' church of a man; but if it be called in my name, then it is my church,
''if it so be that they are built upon my gospel." So we see that Christ
himself considered this matter of great importance. If he had wanted
them to call it by the name Jesus Christ he would have said so, but he said
the name Christ. Remember brethren, how the words of the Book of
Mormon came; not by the wisdom of any man, but by the wisdom and
power of God; therefore, every word is in its place. In June, 1829, the
Lord gave us the name by which we must call the church, being the
same as He gave the Nephites. We obeyed His commandment, and called
it The Church of Christ until 1834, when, through the influence of
Sydney Rigdon, the name of the church was changed to " The Church
of the Latter Day Saints," dropping out the name of Christ entirely,
that name which we were strictly commanded to call the church by, and
which Christ by His own lips makes so plain. Now it is strange, it is
marvelous, that the Latter Day Saints to-day consider this matter of
changing the name of the church, and the leaders in 1834 dropping out
the name of Christ, as a small thing and a light matter! You know not
how strict are the commands of God! It is nothing short of trifling
with a strict commandment of Almighty God, and setting at naught the
decision of Christ himself when He decided this matter so plainly and so

positively, when there were disputations regarding it. I sa^^ that any man
who sanctions the name of the church being changed from the "name
which Christ gave it, setting aside the decision of Christ in this matter,
is in utter spiritual blindness, and should repent speedily. Suppose that
the Nephite brethren, five years after Christ had ascended into heaven,
had said among themselves: " Brethren, although Christ commanded
*'us to call the church The Church of Christ, let us change the name
" which He gave the church, and drop out the name of Christ, which
''He commanded the church to be called by, and call this church the
''Church of Former Day Saints.'' Can you not see they would have
been under condemnation for it? Answer this question yourselves.
This is what the leaders did in 1834, when they changed the name to
the "Church of the Latter Day Saints," dropping out the name of Christ.
Still you claim they were not in spiritual blindness. Verily, you know
not God's way of dealing with man. His commandments are strict.
Remember Uzzah, who broke a command of God by reaching out his
hand to steady the ark, thinking that he was doing God's will; but was
stricken dead for it.

I will give you what is on the title page of the Book of Command-
ments, and also the Book of Doctrine and Covenants, concerning the
name, to show you that the name of the church was changed, and the
name of Christ dropped out entirely. On the title page of the Book of
Commandants is this: "A Book of Commandments for the Govern-
ment OF THE CHURCH OF CHRIST. " On the title page of the Book of
Doctrine and Covenants, published at Kirtland, Ohio, 1835, is this :
"Doctrine and Covenants of THE CHURCH OF THE LATTER
DAY SAINTS." Also, the heading of the preface reads thus: "To
*rHE Members of the Church of the Latter Day Saints." Also on
page 5: "Theology. Lecture First. On the Doctrine of the
Church of the Latter Day Saints." You see they changed the
name of the church, and left out the name of Christ entirely, which the
church was strictly commanded to wear, or else they were not the
Church of Christ.

Some of you have referred to Nephi, son of Nephi, i :8, where it says those
who believed in Christ were called Nephites, Jacobites, Josephites and Zora-
mites ; but if you will read that passage you will see that it was the
wicked Lamanites who called the believers by these names. This was 231
years after Christ, when divisions had taken place in the church.
The church at Jerusalem after Christ, and the church upon this land before
Christ came, was often alluded to hy men speaking of it, by various
names, as the Church of the Lamb of God ; the Church of God, etc : as
some writers to-day would allude to it by various names ; speaking of it as
the Church of the Saints of God, etc., but that is not the question. The
question is, what name was the church to wear — what name did Clirist
want His church to take upon themselves ? What name did Christ
command them to take ? It is important for every public institution
to have a name. It is important for any church organization to
have a name. Christ considered it of great importance for His
church to have a name, and he gave it a name, telling them that it was
necessary for His church to wear a certain name, and that if they wore
any other name, that they were not His church. Are you so blinded

that you cannot see and understand this ? What right has any man or
men to change the name which Christ decided the church should
wear ? God have mercy upon the man who says that the name should
be changed to any other than that which Christ gave us. As for myself, I
will take the decision of the King of Heaven in this matter ; all those who
are willing to trifle with the word of God, and set aside the decision of
Christ, may do so. I speak as to wise men ; judge ye what I say.

Brethren, I have this to say in conclusion. I will not argue and dispute
with you. In the spirit of love and meekness I have told you in plain and
simple words what the Spirit of God has moved upon me to speak. I am now
past eighty-two years of age, and my work in this world is about done. God
has given to this generation the Book of Mormon, and how plain and sim-
ple is the doctrine of Christ set forth therein. Now brethren, remember
— remember the words of Him who reigns in heaven and on earth;
which will ye hear, the words of our Lord Jesus Christ in that which is
written, or the words of man ? Choose for yourselves whom you will hear.
I am not asking you to hear me ; I refer you to the words of eternal truth,
as they are contained in the two sacred books. I will always pray for
you, that you may some day see that you are in error in believing and
teaching the doctrines which men have added to the doctrine of Christ.
My days to stay here are not many more ; I soon go to rest with those who
have gone before me ; but I have rid my garments of your blood and the
blood of all men. You may not understand by what spirit I speak, until
at the judgment bar of God ; then you will understand. May God have
mercy upon you to humble your hearts before him, that you may be
guided into the light of truth, is my prayer through the name of Christ.
Amen.

David Whitmer.
EiCHMOND, Mo., April 1st, 1887.

Date Due

AH library items are subjecl to recall at any time.

Brigham Young Univeisity

fj lauir

-J

BRIGH/VM VOUNG UNIVEB

31197 20128 3915

0/. .

Internet Archive Audio

Featured

Top

Images

Featured

Top

Software

Featured

Top

Books

Featured

Top

Video

Featured

Top

Mobile Apps

Browser Extensions

Archive-It Subscription

Save Page Now

Full text of "An address to all believers in Christ"

See other formats