Part 3

CHRISTIAN WHITMER, JACOB WHITMER, PETER WHITMER, Jr. JOHN WHITMER, HIRAM PAGE, JOSEPH SMITH, Sen. HYRUM SMITH, SAMUEL H. SMITH.

Also, in the year 1829, Mr. Smith and Mr. Cowdery, having learned the correct mode of baptism, from the teachings of the Saviour to the ancient Nephites, as recorded in the "Book of Mormon," had a desire to be baptized; but knowing that no one had authority to administer that sacred ordinance in any denomination, they were at a loss to know how the authority was to be restored, and while calling upon the Lord with a desire to be informed upon the subject, a holy angel appeared--stood before them--laid his hands upon their heads--ordained them--and commanded them to baptize each other, which they accordingly did.

In the year 1830, a large edition of the "Book of Mormon" first appeared in print. And as some began to peruse its sacred pages, the spirit of the Lord bore record to them that it was true, and they were obedient to its requirements, by coming forth, humbly repenting before the Lord, and being immersed in water, for the remission of sins, after which, by the commandment of God, hands were laid upon them in the name of the Lord, for the gift of the Holy Spirit.

And on the sixth of April, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty, the "Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints," was organized, in the town of Manchester, Ontario County, State of New-York. Some few were called and ordained by the spirit of revelation and prophecy, and began to preach and bear testimony, as the spirit gave them utterance; and although they were the weak things of the earth, yet they were strengthened by the Holy Ghost, and gave forth their testimony in great power, by which means many were brought to repentance, and came forward with broken hearts and contrite spirits, and were immersed in water confessing their sins, and were filled with the Holy Ghost by the laying on of hands; and saw visions and prophesied. Devils were cast out, and the sick were healed by the prayer of faith, and laying on of hands. Thus was the word confirmed unto the faithful by signs following. Thus the Lord raised up witnesses, to bear testimony of his name, and lay the foundation of his kingdom in the last days. And thus the hearts of the saints were comforted, and filled with great joy.

In the foregoing, we have related the most important facts concerning the visions and the ministry of the angel to Mr. Smith; the discovery of the records; their translation into the English language, and the witnesses raised up to bear testimony of the same: we have also stated when, and by whom they were written; that they contain the history of nearly one half of the globe, from the earliest ages after the flood, until the beginning of the fifth century of the Christian era; that this history is interspersed with many important prophecies, which unfold the great events of the last days, and that in it also is recorded the gospel in its fulness and plainness, as it was revealed by the personal ministry of Christ to the ancient Nephites, We have also given an account of the restoration of the authority in these days, to administer in the ordinances of the gospel; and of the time of the organization of the church; and of the blessings poured out upon the same while yet in its infancy.

We now proceed to give a sketch of the faith and doctrine of this Church.

First, we believe in God the Eternal Father, and in his Son, Jesus Christ, and in the Holy Ghost, who bears record of them, the same throughout all ages and for ever.

We believe that all mankind by the transgression of their first parents, and not by their own sins, were brought under the curse and penalty of that transgression, which consigned them to an eternal banishment from the presence of God, and their bodies to an endless sleep in the dust, never more to rise, and their spirits to endless misery under the power of Satan; and that, in this awful condition, they were utterly lost and fallen, and had no power of their own to extricate themselves therefrom.

We believe, that through the sufferings, death and atonement of Jesus Christ, all mankind, without one exception, are to be completely and fully redeemed, both body and spirit, from the endless banishment and curse to which they were consigned, by Adam's transgression, and that this universal salvation and redemption of the whole human family from the endless penalty of the original sin, is effected, without any conditions whatsoever on their part; that is, that they are not required to believe, or repent, or be baptized, or do any thing else, in order to be redeemed from that penalty; for whether they believe or disbelieve, whether they repent or remain impenitent, whether they are baptized or unbaptized, whether they keep the commandments or break them, whether they are righteous or unrighteous, it will make no difference in relation to their redemption, both soul and body, from the penalty of Adam's transgression. The most righteous man that ever lived on the earth, and the most wicked wretch of the whole human family, were both placed under the same curse, without any transgression or agency of their own, and they both, alike, will be redeemed from that curse, without any agency or conditions on their part. Paul says, Rom. v. 28, "Therefore, as by the offence of one, judgment came upon ALL men to condemnation; even so, by the righteousness of one, the free gift came upon ALL men unto the justification of life." This is the reason why ALL men are redeemed from the grave. This is the reason that the spirits of all men are restored to their bodies. This is the reason that all men are redeemed from their first banishment, and restored into the presence of God, and this is the reason that the Saviour said, John xii. 32, "If I be lifted up from the earth I will, draw ALL men unto me." After this full, complete and universal redemption, restoration and salvation of the whole of Adam's race, through the atonement of Jesus Christ, without faith, repentance, baptism or any other works, then all and every one of them, will enjoy eternal life and happiness, never more to be banished from the presence of God, IF _they themselves have committed no sin_: for the penalty of the original sin can have no more power over them at all, for Jesus hath destroyed its power--broken the bands of the first death--obtained the victory over the grave,--delivered all its captives, and restored them from their first banishment into the presence of his Father, hence eternal life will then be theirs, IF _they themselves are not found transgressors of some law_.

We believe that all mankind, in their infant state are incapable of knowing good and evil, and of obeying or disobeying a law, and that, therefore, there is no law given to them, and that where there is no law, there is no transgression; hence they are innocent, and if they should all die in their infant state, they would enjoy eternal life, not being transgressors themselves, neither accountable for Adam's sin.

We believe that all mankind, in consequence of the fall, after they grow up from their infant state, and come to the years of understanding, know good and evil, and are capable of obeying and disobeying a law, and that a law is given against doing evil, and that the penalty affixed is a second banishment from the presence of God, both body and spirit, _after_ they have been redeemed from the FIRST _banishment_ and restored into his presence.

We believe that the penalty of this second law can have no effect upon persons who have not had the privilege, in this life, of becoming acquainted therewith; for although the light that is in them teaches them good and evil, yet that light does not teach them the law against doing evil, nor the penalty thereof. And although they have done things worthy of many stripes, yet the law cannot be brought to bear against them, and its penalty be inflicted, because they can plead ignorance thereof. Therefore they will be judged, not by the revealed law which they have been ignorant of, but by the law of their conscience, the penalty thereof being a few stripes.

We believe that all who have done evil, having a knowledge of the law, or afterwards, in this life, coming to the knowledge thereof, are under its penalty, which is not inflicted in this world, but in the world to come. Therefore, such, in this world, are prisoners, shut up under the sentence of the law, awaiting, with awful fear, for the time of judgment, when the penalty shall be inflicted, consigning them to a _second banishment_ from the presence of their Redeemer, who had redeemed them from the penalty of the FIRST law. But, enquires the sinner, is there no way for my escape? Is my case hopeless? Can I not devise some way by which I can extricate myself from the penalty of this SECOND _law_, and escape this SECOND _banishment_? The answer is, if thou canst hide thyself from the all-searching eye of an Omnipresent God, that he shall not find thee, or if thou canst prevail with him to deny justice its claim, or if thou canst clothe thyself with power, and contend with the Almighty, and prevent him from executing the sentence of the law, then thou canst escape. If thou canst cause repentance, or baptism in water, or any of thine own works, to _atone_ for the least of thy transgressions, then thou canst deliver thyself from the awful penalty that awaits thee. But, be assured, O sinner, that thou canst not devise any way of thine own to escape, nor do any thing that will _atone_ for thy sins. Therefore, thy case is hopeless, unless God hath devised some way for thy deliverance; but do not let despair seize upon thee; for though thou art under the sentence of a broken law, and hast no power to atone for thy sins, and redeem thyself therefrom, yet there is hope in thy case; for he, who gave the law, has devised a way for thy deliverance. That same Jesus, who hath atoned for the original sin, and will redeem all mankind from the penalty thereof, hath also atoned for thy sins, and offereth salvation and deliverance to thee, on certain conditions to be complied with on thy part.

We believe that the first condition to be complied with on the part of sinners, is, to _believe_ in God, and in the sufferings and death of his Son Jesus Christ, to atone for the sins of the whole world, and in his resurrection and ascension on high, to appear in the presence of his Father, to make intercessions for the children of men, and in the Holy Ghost, which is given to all who obey the gospel.

That the second condition is, to _repent_, that is, all who believe, according to the first condition, are required to come humbly before God, and confess their sins with a broken heart and contrite spirit, and turn away from them, and cease from all their _evil deeds_ and make restitution to all whom they have in any way injured, as far as it is in their power.

That the third condition is, to be _baptized_ by immersion in water, in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, _for remission of sins_; and that this ordinance is to be administered by one who is called and authorized of Jesus Christ to baptize, otherwise it is illegal and of no advantage, and not accepted by him; and that it is to be administered only to those persons, who believe and repent, according to the two preceding conditions.

And that the fourth condition is, to receive the _laying on of hands_, in the name of Jesus Christ, for the gift of the Holy Ghost; and that this ordinance is to be administered by the apostles or elders, whom the Lord Jesus hath called and authorized to lay on hands, otherwise it is of no advantage, being illegal in the sight of God; and that it is to be administered only to those persons who believe, repent, and are baptized into this church, according to the three preceding conditions. These are the first conditions of the gospel. All who comply with them receive forgiveness of sins, and are made partakers of the Holy Ghost. Through these conditions, they become the adopted sons and daughters of God. Through this process, they are born again, first of water, and then of the spirit, and become children of the kingdom--heirs of God---saints of the most High--the church of the first-born--the elect people, and heirs to a celestial inheritance, eternal in the presence of God. After complying with these principles, their names are enrolled in the book of the names of the righteous.

They are then required to be humble, to be meek and lowly in heart, to watch and pray, to deal justly; and inasmuch as they have the riches of this world, to feed the hungry, and clothe the naked, according to the dictates of wisdom and prudence; to comfort the afflicted, to bind up the broken-hearted, and to do all the good that is in their power; and besides all these things, they are required to meet together as often as circumstances will admit, and partake of bread and wine, in remembrance of the broken body, and shed blood of the Lord Jesus; and, in short, to continue faithful to the end, in all the duties enjoined upon them by the word and spirit of Christ.

"It is the duty and privilege of the saints thus organized upon the everlasting gospel, to believe in and enjoy, all the gifts, powers, and blessings which flow from the Holy Spirit. Such, for instance, as the gifts of revelation, prophecy, visions, the ministry of angels healing the sick by the laying on of hands in the name of Jesus, the working of miracles, and, in short, all the gifts as mentioned in Scripture, or as enjoyed, by the ancient saints." We believe that inspired apostles and prophets, together with all the officers as mentioned in the new Testament, are necessary to be in the church in these days.

We believe that there has been a general and awful apostacy from the religion of the New Testament, so that all the known world have been left for centuries without the Church of Christ among them; without a priesthood authorized of God to administer ordinances; that every one of the churches has perverted the gospel; some in one way, and some in another. For instance, almost every church has done away "_immersion for remission of sins_." Those few who have practised it for remission of sins, have done away the ordinance of the "_laying on of hands_," upon baptized believers for the gift of the Holy Ghost. Again, the few who have practised this last ordinance, have perverted the first, or have done away the ancient gifts, powers, and blessings, which flow from the Holy Spirit, or have said to inspired apostles and prophets, we have no need of you in the body in these days. Those few, again, who have believed in and contended for the miraculous gifts and powers of the Holy Spirit, have perverted the ordinances, or done them away. Thus all the churches preach false doctrines and pervert the gospel, and instead of having authority from God to administer its ordinances, they are under the curse of God for perverting it. Paul says, Gal. i, 8, "Though we, or an angel from Heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed."

We believe that there are a few sincere, honest, and humble persons, who are striving to do according to the best of their understanding; but, in many respects, they err in doctrine, because of false teachers and the precepts of men, and that they will receive the fulness of the gospel with gladness, as soon as they hear it.

The gospel in the "Book of Mormon," is the same as that in the New Testament, and is revealed in great plainness, so that no one that reads it can misunderstand its principles. It has been revealed by the angel, to be preached as a witness to all nations, first to the Gentiles, and then to the Jews, then cometh the downfall of Babylon. Thus fulfilling the vision of John, which he beheld on the Isle of Patmos, Rev. xiv, 6, 7, 8, "And I saw," says John, "another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people, saying, with a loud voice, Fear God, and give glory to him, for the hour of his judgment is come; and worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters. And there followed another angel, saying Babylon is fallen, is fallen, that great city, because she made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication."

Many revelations and prophecies have been given to this church since its rise, which have been printed and sent forth to the world. They also contain the gospel in great plainness, and instructions of infinite importance to the saints. They also unfold the great events that await this generation; the terrible judgments to be poured forth upon the wicked, and the blessings and glories to be given to the righteous. We believe that God will continue to give revelations by visions, by the ministry of angels, and by the inspiration of the Holy Ghost, until the saints are guided into all truth, that is, until they come in possession of all the truth there is in existence, and are made perfect in knowledge. So long, therefore, as they are ignorant of any thing past, present, or to come, so long, we believe they will enjoy the gift of revelation. And when in their immortal and perfect state--when they enjoy the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ--when they are made perfect in one, and become like their Saviour, then they will be in possession of all knowledge, wisdom, and intelligence: then all things will be theirs, whether principalities or powers, thrones or dominions; and, in short, then they will be filled with all the fulness of God. And what more can they learn? What more can they know? What more can they enjoy? Then they will no longer need revelation.

We believe that wherever the people enjoy the religion of the New Testament, there they enjoy visions, revelations, the ministry of angels, &c. And that wherever these blessings cease to be enjoyed, there they also cease to enjoy the religion of the New Testament.

We believe that God has raised up this church, in order to prepare a people for his second coming in the clouds of heaven, in power, and great glory; and that then the saints who are asleep in their graves will be raised, and reign with him on earth a thousand years.

We believe that the nations are fast ripening in wickedness, and that judgments, fearful, and terrible, speedily await them. For the signs of the times clearly betoken a general and universal convulsion. The ripening of the harvest--the decay of vegetables--the withering leaves, never indicated more clearly the approaching winter, than the signs of the times betoken approaching judgment. The awful apostacy of the Christian World--the great corruptions that pervade all governments, and the alarming wickedness of the present generation, have engraved UNIVERSAL JUDGMENT, RUIN, and OVERTHROW upon all the kingdoms of this world. A dreadful storm is gathering in every region, find will, ere long, break forth with inconceivable fury upon this guilty generation. Already the fearful tempest begins to rage. The calm repose of ages is disturbed. Ancient and powerful monarchies which have stood the test of centuries, unmoved and unaltered, are now fast crumbling to ruin. Kingdoms are in terrible commotion, divided among themselves, and each distracted with internal broils, disorder, and confusion. The fountains of the nations seem to be broken up. The whole frame work of government is loosened and torn asunder. Every nation is alarmed and in consternation. Fearful forebodings have seized upon Politicians and Statesman, Kings and Rulers. All are perplexed with dreadful anxieties, looking after those things which are coming on the earth.

In the midst of all these commotions, just as every government seems to be on the very eve of crumbling to pieces, and just as a thick cloud of judgment seems to hang frightfully over all nations, ready to burst with awful fury upon their guilty heads--a voice of mercy is heard. An angel is sent forth from the eternal worlds. Truth springs forth from the earth clothed with her native simplicity and beauty. Messengers are called of God, and sent forth with a proclamation to all people, requiring them to repent and obey the same. A way of safety for the meek of the earth is clearly pointed out. The kingdom of God is re-organized upon the earth, which alone will stand secure and triumphant in the midst of the dissolution of all earthly governments.

Thus, dear reader, we have laid before you a brief narrative of some of the most important things transpiring in this generation--things most firmly believed by the church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints--things which have already been embraced by many tens of thousands in our own native country. Thousands also among other nations are rejoicing in these tidings, having received this message with gladness. Never were mankind visited with a more important message than the one which has now saluted the ears of mortals. It is a message that deeply concerns all people, and calls for their most candid and sincere investigation. It is a message from the great Jehovah committed into the hands of mortals by holy angels sent forth from his presence. It is a message that will speedily penetrate the darkest corners of the earth, and enter into the palaces of Kings, while proud and haughty monarchs shall tremble at its power. It is a message which unveils the secrets of futurity, and draws aside the curtains which hide the destinies of all countries and governments.

By the proclamation of this message, Judah shall be gathered from their long dispersion--the tribes of Israel be restored, with power and glory to their own lands--the remnant of Joseph, or the American Indians, become civilized and enlightened, and the Millennial reign of universal peace and joy be ushered in.

And we now bear testimony to all, both small and great, that the Lord of Hosts hath sent us with a message of glad tidings--the everlasting gospel, to cry repentance to the nations, and prepare the way of his second coming. Therefore, _repent_, O ye nations, both Gentiles and Jews, and cease from all your _evil deeds_, and come forth with broken hearts and contrite spirits, and be _baptized_ in water, in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, for remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit by the _laying on of the hands_ of the Apostles, or Elders of this church; and signs shall follow them that believe, and if they continue faithful to the end, they shall be saved. But woe unto them who hearken not to the message which God has now sent, for the day of vengeance and burning is at hand, and they shall not escape. Therefore, REMEMBER, O reader, and _perish not_!