Chapter VII: Part 7

_Rom_. 8. 10 but the Spirit is life, because of righteousness.

11 if the Spirit which raised up Jesus shall also quicken your mortal bodies.

26 the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us.

1 _Cor_. 2. 4 in demonstration of the Spirit and power.

10 the Spirit of God searcheth all things.

15. 45 the first Adam was a living soul, the last Adam a quickening spirit.

2 _Cor_. 3. 6 the letter killeth, but the Spirit giveth life.

17 where the Spirit of God is there is liberty.

18 changed from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.

_Gal_. 5. 16 walk in the Spirit; ye shall not fulfil the lusts of the flesh.

_Eph_. 2. 2 the Spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience.

6. 17 take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18.

1 _Thess_. 5. 19. 20 quench not the Spirit, despise not prophesyings.

2 _Thess_. 2. 8 the Lord shall consume with the Spirit of his mouth.

1 _Tim_. 3. 16 God manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit.

_Rev_. 1. 10 I was in the Spirit on the Lord's day.

2. 7 hear what the Spirit saith to the churches. 11. 17, 29.

11. 11 After three days, the Spirit of life, from God, entered into them.

14. 13 blessed are the dead that die in the Lord; yea, saith the Spirit.

17. 3 so he carried me away in the Spirit, into the wilderness.

19. 10 for the testimony of Jesus is the Spirit of prophecy.

Book of Mormon.

1 _Nephi_ 1. 12 as he read he was filled with the Spirit.

4. 6 was led by the Spirit, not knowing the things I should do.

18 I obeyed the voice of the Spirit, and smote off the head of Laban.

11. 1 caught away in the Spirit, into an exceeding high mountain.

6 when I had spoken these words, the Spirit cried with a loud voice.

8 the Spirit said to me, look; I looked and beheld a tree.

11 I knew it was the Spirit of the Lord, and he spake unto me as a man speaketh with another.

19 I beheld that she was carried away in the Spirit.

13. 12 the Spirit of God wrought on the man, and he went forth on the waters.

15 the Spirit of the Lord was on the Gentiles, that they prospered.

14. 30 an end of speaking what I saw, when carried away in the Spirit.

17. 52 lest they wither before me, so powerful was the Spirit.

19. 12 kings of the isles shall be wrought upon by the Spirit.

20 I have workings in the Spirit, for those at Jerusalem.

2 _Nephi_ 2. 4 for the Spirit is the same yesterday, to-day and forever.

8 who layeth down his life and taketh it, by the power of the Spirit.

3. 5 Messiah to be manifest in the latter days, in the Spirit of power.

4. 25 on the wings of his Spirit hath my body been carried away.

26. 11 the Spirit of God will not always strive with man.

32. 7 I cannot say more, the Spirit stoppeth mine utterance.

_Jacob_ 4. 13 for the Spirit speaketh the truth, and lieth not.

_Enos_ 1. 10 while struggling in the Spirit, the voice of the Lord came.

_Mos_. 2. 36 that ye do withdraw yourselves from the Spirit of the Lord.

3. 19 but if he yields to the enticings of the Holy Spirit.

5. 3 through his Spirit have great views of that which is to come.

13. 5 durst not lay their hands on him, for the Spirit was on him.

18. 26 might wax strong in Spirit, having the knowledge of God.

_Alma_ 3. 26 reap happiness or misery according to the spirit they listed to obey.

5. 54 sanctified by the Spirit, bring forth works meet for repentance.

7. 13 the Spirit knoweth all things.

16 have eternal life according to the testimony of the Spirit.

8. 24 been called according to the Spirit of revelation and prophecy.

12. 3 thou seest that thy thoughts are made known by the Spirit.

13. 4 would reject the Spirit, on account of the hardness of their hearts.

16. 16 the Lord poured his Spirit on the face of the land.

17. 3 given themselves to fasting and prayer, therefore they had the Spirit.

18. 16 being filled with the Spirit, perceived the thoughts of the king.

19. 13 the queen sank down, being overpowered by the Spirit.

22. 1 he was led by the Spirit to the land of Nephi.

23. 6 according to the Spirit of revelation and prophecy.

30. 46 resist the Spirit of truth, that thy soul may be destroyed.

34. 35 the Spirit of the Lord has withdrawn, and the devil has power over you.

40. 13 the wicked have no part of the Spirit of the Lord.

61. 15 give them power to conduct the war, according to the Spirit of God.

_Hel_. 5. 45 the Spirit entered their hearts, and they were filled as with fire.

6. 35 the Spirit of the Lord began to withdraw from the Nephites.

10. 16 Nephi taken by the Spirit and conveyed away.

13. 8 except they repent I will withdraw my Spirit from them.

3 _Nephi_ 3. 19 to appoint captains of those who had the Spirit of prophecy.

7. 21 signified they had been visited by the Spirit of God.

18. 7 if ye do always remember me, ye shall have my Spirit. 11.

20. 9 when the multitude had eaten and drank, they were filled with the Spirit.

_Mormon_ 2. 26 the Spirit of God did not abide in us, and we were weak.

3. 16 manifestations of the Spirit which had testified of things to come.

_Ether_ 2. 15 remember that my Spirit will not always strive with man.

_Moroni_ 6. 9 conduct meetings after the manner of the workings of the Spirit.

Doctrine and Covenants.

_Lecture on Faith_ 2. 24, 25 when the plan of redemption was revealed men began to call on God, and the Holy Spirit was given, bearing record of the Father and the Son.

5. 2 possessing the same mind with the Father, which mind is the Holy Spirit, that bears record of the Father and the Son.

3 partaking of the fulness of the Father and Son, through the Spirit.

_Sec_. 1. 33 my Spirit shall not always strive with man.

8. 3 this is the Spirit of revelation, by which Moses brought Israel through the sea.

18. 47 I am Jesus Christ, by the power of my Spirit I have spoken it.

19. 23 walk in the meekness of my Spirit.

27. 18 the sword of my Spirit, which I will pour out upon you.

29. 30 first shall be last, last first, in all things created by the power of my Spirit.

31 by the power of my Spirit all things, both temporal and spiritual, were created.

33. 16 the power of my Spirit quickeneth all things.

35. 13 I have called on the weak things of the world, to thresh the nations by the power of my Spirit. 133. 59.

42. 13-17 all teachings to be by the Spirit.

45. 57 who have taken the Holy Spirit for their guide, shall abide the day.

50. 10 come saith the Lord, by the Spirit, let us reason together.

17-21 to impart the truth, it must be preached in the Spirit of truth.

27 the light the Spirit sent, through Jesus Christ, by the will of the Father.

61. 27 to whom is given power to command the waters, is given the Spirit to know all his ways. 28.

63. 32 angry with the wicked, holding my Spirit from the inhabitants of the earth.

64. 16 they sought evil in their hearts, and I withheld my Spirit.

67. 11 no man has seen God in the flesh, except quickened by the Spirit.

71. 1 expounding mysteries of the scriptures, according to the Spirit and power given.

72. 24 they that are appointed by the Spirit, to go up to Zion.

76. 11 J. Smith, Jun., and S. Rigdon, being in the Spirit.

12, 13 by the power of the Spirit our eyes were opened to see those things ordained of the Father before the world was. 18.

28 while yet in the Spirit, the Lord commanded us to write the vision. 80, 113.

83 these are they who deny not the Spirit.

86 receive not of his fulness, but of the Holy Spirit.

118 through manifestations of the Spirit in the flesh, be able to bear his presence.

84. 45-47 whatsoever is light is Spirit. The Spirit enlighteneth every man.

93. 9-11 the Spirit of truth who came into the world. 23.

26 the Spirit of truth is of God; I am the Spirit of truth.

95. 4 bring to pass my strange act; pour out my Spirit on all flesh.

97. 1 I speak unto you with my voice, even the voice of my Spirit.

105. 36 the voice of the Spirit shall manifest those chosen.

121. 37 when compulsion is used, the Spirit is grieved.

131. 5 more sure word of prophecy, means a man's knowing he is sealed up to eternal life, by the Spirit of prophecy.

136. 33 the Spirit sent forth into the world, to enlighten the humble.

THE HOLY GHOST.

Bible.

_Luke_ 1. 15 John shall be filled with the Holy Ghost.

67 and his father, Zacharias, was filled with the Holy Ghost.

2. 26 it was revealed to Simeon by the Holy Ghost.

4. 1 Jesus, being full of the Holy Ghost, returned from Jordan.

12. 12 Holy Ghost shall teach you, in the same hour, what ye shall say.

_John_ 14. 26 the Holy Ghost shall teach you all things.

20. 22 he breathed on them, and said, receive ye the Holy Ghost.

_Acts_ 1. 8 ye shall receive power, after the Holy Ghost shall come upon you.

5. 3 why hath Satan filled thy heart to lie to the Holy Ghost?

6. 3 look ye out seven men, full of the Holy Ghost.

8. 15 prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Ghost.

10. 44 the Holy Ghost fell on all them that heard the word.

13. 9 Paul, filled with the Holy Ghost, set his eyes on him. 52.

15. 28 for it seemed good to the Holy Ghost and to us.

16. 6 were forbidden by the Holy Ghost to preach in Asia.

21. 11 thus saith the Holy Ghost, so shall the Jews at Jerusalem.

1 _Cor_. 2. 13 not of men's wisdom, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth.

6. 19 your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost.

2 _Cor_. 13. 14 the communion of the Holy Ghost be with you.

_Heb_. 3. 7 the Holy Ghost saith, to-day if ye will hear his voice.

2 _Peter_ 1. 21 holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.

Book of Mormon.

1 _Nephi_ 10. 11 Christ should make himself manifest, by the Holy Ghost to the Gentiles.

19 the mysteries of God unfolded by the power of the Holy Ghost.

12. 7 bare record that the Holy Ghost fell on twelve others.

18 the Messiah, of whom the Holy Ghost bear record from the beginning.

2 _Nephi_ 26. 13 Christ manifesteth himself, by the power of the Holy Ghost.

31. 12 to him that is baptized will the Father give the Holy Ghost.

13 by baptism ye shall receive the Holy Ghost.

17 then cometh a remission of sins, by fire and the Holy Ghost.

32. 2 had received the Holy Ghost, ye could speak with the tongue of angels.

_Jacob_ 6. 8 deny the gift of the Holy Ghost, and quench the Spirit.

7. 17 Sherem confessed the Christ, and power of the Holy Ghost.

_Alma_ 13. 12 after being sanctified by the Holy Ghost, being pure and spotless.

36. 24 they might be born of God, and filled with the Holy Ghost.

3 _Nephi_ 9. 20 whoso comes to me with a contrite spirit, will I baptize with the Holy Ghost.

11. 32 the Holy Ghost bears record of the Father and the Son. 35, 36.

15. 23 Christ not manifest to the Gentiles, except by the Holy Ghost.

16. 4 my people, at Jerusalem, receive a knowledge of you by the Holy Ghost.

20. 27 pouring out the Holy Ghost through me upon the Gentiles, makes them mighty to the scattering of my people.

28. 11 the Father giveth the Holy Ghost to men because of me.

4 _Nephi_ 1. 48 being constrained by the Holy Ghost, Ammaron hid up the sacred records.

_Mormon_ 7. 7 sing praises to Father, Son and Holy Ghost.

_Ether_ 5. 4 Father, Son and Holy Ghost beareth record. _Chap_. 12. 41.

12. 23 made this people that they could speak much, because of the Holy Ghost.

_Moroni_ 8. 26 of meekness cometh visitation of the Holy Ghost, which filleth with hope.

Doctrine and Covenants.

_Sec_. 8. 2 will tell you in your heart and mind, by the Holy Ghost.

18. 18 ask and ye shall receive the Holy Ghost, which manifesteth all things.

20. 26-28 who believed in all the holy prophets, who spake as they were inspired by the Holy Ghost.

35 neither adding to nor diminishing from that which has come, or shall come, by the gift and power of the Holy Ghost.

60 ordination is by the power of the Holy Ghost.

34. 10 prophecy, and it shall be given by the Holy Ghost.

39. 6 the baptism of the Holy Ghost, which showeth all things.

68. 4 what they shall speak, when moved by the Holy Ghost, shall be scripture.

100. 8 the Holy Ghost shall bear record of what you say.

107. 56 Adam, full of the Holy Ghost, predicted what should befall his posterity.

109. 15 that they may receive a fulness of the Holy Ghost.

121. 26 God shall give the Saints knowledge by the Holy Ghost.

43 reproving with sharpness, when moved by the Holy Ghost.

124. 5 given you by the Holy Ghost, to know concerning kings and authorities.

Pearl of Great Price.

_Page_ 9. in that day the Holy Ghost fell upon Adam.

10. the Lord God called upon men, by the Holy Ghost, everywhere.

12. the Gospel declared by the gift of the Holy Ghost.

13. it was given to write by the Spirit of inspiration.

15 my Spirit is upon you, wherefore all thy words will I justify.

19. Holy Ghost fell on many, and they were caught up into Zion.

_History of J. Smith, June 15, 1842_.

NAME OF CHRIST'S CHURCH.

The name, Saint, "Signifies a holy or godly person, one that is so by profession, covenant, and conversation;" _Cru_. _Con_.

In the Old Testament it means one who worked righteousness, and one in whom the Lord delighted, for that reason. "But to the Saints that _are_ in the earth, and to the excellent, in whom is all my delight;" _Psalm_ 16. 3. "Gather my Saints together unto me; those that have made a covenant with me by sacrifice;" _Psalm_ 50. 5.

While the meaning of the term Saints is not changed in the New Testament, it is used in the epistles of the apostles as a general name of the followers of Jesus Christ; "To the Saints which are at Ephesus, and to the faithful in Christ Jesus;" _Eph_. 1. 1. They are those who have submitted themselves to Jesus Christ, and have become his subjects. "Just and true are thy ways, thou king of Saints;" _Rev_. 15. 3.

Jesus said, "I am come in my Father's name, and ye receive me not: if another shall come in his own name, him ye will receive;" _John_ 5. 43. This saying of our Savior's is as applicable to the Christian world to-day, as it was to the people to whom he spake. The Latter-day Saints have come in the name of Jesus Christ, and preached the Gospel of repentance as he preached it, and do all things in his name, and, yet, the most of the world reject them.

Some Christian sects have derived their names from their founders, as Calvanists, Lutherans, Wesleyans. Others have some appellation growing out of a peculiarity of doctrine, or faith, as Baptists, Methodists and Presbyterians. Others again derive their name from historical events connected with their origin, and geographical location, as Roman Catholic Church, Greek Church, Church of England, etc. Not a church in all the world bearing the name of Jesus Christ, except that of the Latter-day Saints.

Sectarians may ask, are we not called Christians? But the name of our Savior was Jesus Christ, not Christian. The early Christians first received that name at the city of Antioch; _Acts_ 11. 26.

We find that the apostles, in their epistles, addressed the members of the various churches, as Saints, "Beloved of God, called to be Saints;" _Rom_. 1. 7. "To the Saints and faithful brethren in Christ;" _Col_. 1. 2. We further find that the apostles do not speak of themselves as followers of men; but Paul calls himself, "An apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God;" _Col_. 1. 1. 1 _Tim_. 1. 1. "Paul, a servant of God, and an apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the faith of God's elect;" _Titus_ 1. 1. Not according to the doctrines of Luther, Calvin or Wesley.

The most definite instructions on this subject are found in the Book of Mormon. When the Nephite disciples of Jesus were, at a certain time, united in mighty prayer and fasting, he came and stood in the midst of them, and asked them, "What will ye that I shall give unto you?" "And they said unto him, 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; and whoso taketh upon him my name, and endureth to the end, the same shall be saved at the last day; therefore whatsoever ye shall do, ye shall do it in my name; therefore ye shall call the church in my name; and ye shall call upon the Father in my name, that he will bless the church for my sake; and how 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 so be that they are built upon my Gospel;" 3 _Nephi_ 27. 2-8.

In accordance with the spirit of the Old and New Testaments, and with these instructions of Jesus Christ, when the church was organized on Gospel principles, by Joseph Smith, Jun., in 1830, it was named, "The Church of Jesus Christ." The Lord afterwards revealed to his Prophet, Joseph Smith, that it should be called, "The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints;" _Doc. & Cov_. 115. 3, 4.

Bible.

_Psalm_ 16 3. but the Saints that are in the earth.

Book of Mormon.

_Mos_. 5. 7-12 the disciples of Christ exhorted to take upon them his name.

TITHING.

The history of ancient Israel, as given in the Old Testament, evidences that the law of tithing was in force from Abraham until their destruction as a nation. That it was a perpetual law of the Priesthood, and did not pertain, exclusively, to the Mosaic dispensation, is apparent, from the fact that Abram paid tithes to Melchisedek; _Gen_. 14. 20, and that Jacob covenanted to give a tenth to the Lord; 28. 22. They lived before Moses.

In the present dispensation the law of tithing was revived, and the keeping of that law is one of the first duties of the Latter-day Saints. About eighteen months after the organization of the church, September 11, 1831, the Lord, through Joseph the Seer, made this important declaration. Speaking after the manner of the Lord, he called "to-day," from the giving of the revelation until the coming of the Son of Man, and said, "Verily I say unto you, it is a day of sacrifice, and a day for the tithing of my people; for he that is tithed shall not be burned. For after to-day cometh the burning." That is, at the coming of the Son of Man; "For verily I say, to-morrow"--that is, at my coming--"all the proud and they that do wickedly shall be as stubble; and I will burn them up, for I am the Lord of Hosts;" _Doc. & Cov_. 64. 23, 24.

In this declaration we are assured that all who call themselves the Lord's people, and do not pay their tithing, will find their portion among the wicked at his coming, and will share their fate. In _sec_. 85. 3, the Lord reiterates the fact, that it is necessary his people should be tithed, "To prepare them against the day of vengeance and burning."

The names of those who do not keep this law of tithing shall not be enrolled with the people of God: "Neither is their genealogy to be kept, or to be had where it may be found on any of the records or history of the church; Their names shall not be found, neither the names of the fathers, nor the names of the children written in the book of the law of God, saith the Lord of Hosts;" 85. 4, 5. This revelation was also given soon after the organization of the Church; Nov. 27, 1832.

Like every principle connected with the latter-day work, tithing must needs commence with the leaders of the Dispensation. The following very interesting account of the first covenant and promise concerning this principle will be found in the History of Joseph Smith, under date of Nov. 29, 1834.

The occasion was one of rejoicing for the blessings received of the Lord. The narrative says: "After commencing and rejoicing before the Lord on this occasion, we agreed to enter into the following covenant with the Lord, viz.:--That if the Lord will prosper us in our business, and open the way before us, that we may obtain means to pay our debts, that we be not troubled nor brought into disrepute before the world, nor His people; after that, of all that He shall give us, we will give a tenth, to be bestowed upon the poor in His Church, or as He shall command; and that we will be faithful over that which He has entrusted to our care, that we may obtain much; and that our children after us, shall remember to observe _this sacred and holy covenant_; and that our children, and our children's children, may know of the same, we have subscribed our names with our own hands.

"JOSEPH SMITH, JUN.,

"OLIVER COWDERY."

After the above covenant the following is recorded: "And now, O Father, as thou didst prosper our father Jacob, and bless him with protection and prosperity wherever he went, from the time he made a like covenant before and with thee; as thou didst, even the same night, open the heavens unto him, and manifest great mercy and power, and give him promises, so wilt thou do with us his sons; and as his blessings prevailed above his progenitors unto the utmost bounds of the everlasting hills, even so may our blessings prevail like his."

Notwithstanding this principle began to be taught soon after the organization of the Church, it required some time to reach practical development, for no definite law concerning it was revealed, until July 8, 1838.

The custom of paying labor tithing, appears to have been commenced when building the Nauvoo Temple. Of a meeting of some of the leading authorities of the Church, in Lima, Illinois, the following is recorded, in His. of Joseph Smith, under date of October 23, 1841: "It was moved and seconded, That all those who are willing to consecrate one-tenth of their time and property to the building of the Temple at Nauvoo, under the superintendence of President Morley and Counselors, to signify it by uplifted hands; when the motion was carried unanimously."

The following is a "_Revelation given through Joseph, the Prophet, at Far West, Missouri, July 8th, 1838, in answer to the question, O Lord, show unto thy servants how much thou requirest of the properties of the people for a tithing_?

"Verily, thus saith the Lord, I require all their surplus property to be put into the hands of the bishop of my church of Zion, for the building of mine house, and for the laying of the foundation of Zion and for the Priesthood, and for the debts of the Presidency of my church.

"And this shall be the beginning of the tithing of my people; and after that, those who have thus been tithed, shall pay one-tenth of all their interest annually; and this shall be a standing law unto them for ever, for my holy Priesthood, saith the Lord.

"Verily I say unto you, it shall come to pass, that all those who gather unto the land of Zion shall be tithed of their surplus properties, and shall observe this law, or they shall not be found worthy to abide among you.

"And I say unto you, if my people observe not this law, to keep it holy, and by this law sanctify the land of Zion unto me, that my statutes and my judgments may be kept thereon, that it may be most holy, behold, verily I say unto you, it shall not be a land of Zion unto you; and this shall be an ensample unto all the Stakes of Zion. Even so. Amen;" _Doc. & Cov. Sec_. 119.

The law of tithing, as embodied in the revelations referred to, is an immutable decree of Jehovah to his people, and admits of no evasion by those who would enjoy the blessings of the faithful on the land of Zion, or be classed among the righteous, and avoid the burning at the coming of our Lord.

Bible.

_Lev_. 27. 30 the tithe of the land shall be the Lord's.

32 the tenth of the herd and the flock shall be holy.

33 not to search whether it be good or bad, neither shall he change it.

_Num_. 18. 26-28 the Levites paid a tenth of their tithes to the priests.

_Deut_. 12. 17, 18 tithes to be eaten in the place the Lord should choose. _Chap_. 14. 23, 24.

28 the tithe of the third year to be laid up.

14. 22, 23 thou shalt surely tithe all he increase of thy seed.

26. 12 hast made an end of tithing all the tithes of thy increase.

2 _Chron_. 31. 5, 6 Israel brought the tithes of all things, abundantly.

_Neh_. 10. 37, 38 the tithes of Israel were brought to the Levites, and they paid a tenth to the house of the Lord.

13. 12 men appointed over the treasuries of the house of the Lord.

_Amos_ 4. 4 bring your sacrifices every morning, and your tithes after three years.

_Mal_. 3. 8 wherein have we robbed thee? In tithes and offerings.

10 bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse.

_Matt_. 23. 23 Pharisees paid tithes, but omitted the weightier matters of the law.

_Luke_ 11. 42 for ye tithe mint and rue, and pass over judgment and the love of God.

18. 12 I fast twice in a week, I give tithes of all I possess.

_Heb_. 7. 5 the sons of the Levites to take tithes of the people. 6, 8, 9.

_See Sermon by B. Young, J. of D., Vol. 1, page 51_.

" " _G. Q. Cannon, " " 15, " 147_.

" " _F. D. Richards, " " 16, " 59_.

" " _B. Young, " " 16, " 111_.

APOSTACY OF THE PRIMITIVE CHURCH.

The Gospel dispensation inaugurated by our Savior, while on his earthly mission, was not a gathering one. Israel had already been widely scattered. That scattering was soon to result in the complete desolation of the land of Palestine.

Wherever the people received the Gospel through the preaching of the apostles, they were organized into churches. They not only had their old traditions and customs to contend with, but there was no relief from the general pagan influences under which they had been educated. Add to these things, the persecutions the early Saints were exposed to, and it could not well be otherwise than that many of them should be weak in the faith.

The epistles of the apostles inform us that they had often contended with false teachers and doctrines in the primitive churches. "Even now," said the apostle John, "are there many anti-Christs." 1 _John_ 2. 18. The apostle Paul, in his second epistle to Timothy, informs us, that "In the last days perilous times shall come;" 2 _Tim_. 3. 1.

In the following three verses he enumerates all manner of wickedness which shall be prevalent in the latter times. He evidently means in the Christian churches, or among those who profess godliness, for in the fifth verse of the same chapter, he speaks of their having "A form of godliness, but denying the power thereof."

The apostle Paul exhorted the Colossians to "be not moved away from the hope of the Gospel, which ye have heard, and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven;" _Col_. 1. 23.

About fifty-seven years after the Savior had closed his earthly mission, if we are correctly informed in the second and third chapters of the Revelations of St. John, there were but seven churches in Asia whom the Lord considered worthy of notice. This, coupled with the assertion of Paul, that the Gospel had, in his day, been preached to every creature, proves that its light only faintly glimmered, in the otherwise universal darkness, which existed at the time John had his vision on the isle of Patmos.

John the Revelator saw Rome in all her glory, in his day, reigning over the kings of the earth, full of riches and all manner of abominations, and drunken with the blood of the Saints and of the martyrs of Jesus; _Rev_. 17. This great power, drenched in the blood of the martyrs, about 325 A.D., in the reign of Constantine, adopted what was then known as Christianity, as the religion of the empire.

It was not possible that such a wicked, corrupt element and the Gospel of Jesus could have any affinity. Rather, is it not evident that the antagonism of Christianity and paganism had measurably ceased? that they had assimilated? that they had both so nearly found the same level, that with a slight pressure of governmental policy they readily amalgamated?

Not only prophecy but general history, and especially the history of Christianity by its learned professors, furnish abundant evidence of its early departure from the pure principles of the Gospel.

The prophetic history of the preparatory work, for the coming of Christ to reign on the earth in the latter days, is predicated on the apostacy of the primitive Christian church, the general wickedness of the nations, and the gathering of the house of Israel.

Since the calling of Abraham, the authenticated personal manifestations of the Lord to man have been through him and his family. Christ came to his own chosen people. His earthly mission was commenced and consummated in the midst of Israel. The Gospel was first preached to the Jews. His apostles were chosen from his brethren of the seed of Abraham. The first church of Christ was established at Jerusalem. The apostles were commanded to remain there until endowed with power from on high. All the blessings of salvation are promised to mankind through the seed of Abraham.

When the Lord comes in glory and power, the prophets inform us that he will come to Zion and Jerusalem, the chief cities of gathered Israel. The apostle Paul informs us that "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_. 12. 28.

From the above it is evident that, had the church of Christ been on the earth in the past centuries, it would have been organized like the primitive church, with apostles and prophets of the house of Israel at the head of it. More than that, it would have enjoyed all the spiritual gifts and blessings mentioned in the above chapter.

John the Revelator, in his visions of the latter times, says, "And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting Gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people;" _Rev_. 14. 6.

No one who has any faith in the Scriptures would assert that the Gospel preached by Jesus and his apostles was not the "Everlasting Gospel." If everlasting, it must of necessity be the same wherever found. If the same Gospel, it would always produce the same results. Its ordinances would be the same. Its followers would enjoy the same gifts and blessings. They would call themselves Saints. They would have an organization that would not vary from the church organized by Jesus and his apostles. They would have been led by apostles and prophets of the house of Israel.

Instead of this, the Christian churches and nations have for many centuries ground the House of Israel with the iron heel of oppression. They have robbed, driven and slain the covenant people of God, the chosen people of that same Jesus of Nazareth whose precepts and example they profess to follow.

The Shiloh came and the sceptre departed from Judah. A series of terrible oppressions commenced under Roman governors, which resulted in the destruction of Jerusalem, and of the Jews as a nation; that may be considered the beginning of the fulfilment of the prediction of our Savior, "Jerusalem shall be trodden down of the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled;" _Luke_ 21. 24.

The reasonable construction of this passage is, that "The times of the Gentiles" means the period in which they will bear rule, oppress Israel, and hold possession of the heritage of the seed of Abraham.

When "The times of the Gentiles shall be fulfilled," when the angel, seen in vision by John the Revelator, shall have brought again to earth the "Everlasting Gospel," will also be "The times of restitution of all things, which God hath spoken by the mouth of all his holy prophets since the world began;" _Acts_ 3. 21.

The first century of the Christian era was a very important one in the world's history. The covenant people of God ceased to exist as a nation. The civilized world, represented by the Roman empire, with Paganism as the prevailing religion, began to fill up the measure of its iniquity by shedding the blood of the apostles, and of the disciples of Jesus. Pagan philosophy counteracted Gospel influences. There was a constant tendency in Christianity and paganism to assimilate. This is evident from the writings of the apostles.

That, after Christianity became the leading element of the Roman empire, it ceased to be regenerative in its nature, is evidenced by the fact, that the empire was often scourged with destructive civil wars which prepared it for dissolution. It was finally crushed by barbarian hordes. They desolated whole provinces, leaving only remnants of corrupt peoples, to be measurably regenerated by an infusion of new blood from the plains of eastern Europe, and western Asia. Both sacred and profane history have failed to record an instance of a people who, living under the regenerating influences of the Gospel of Jesus, and enjoying the favor of God, were broken and destroyed by such terrible scourges as visited the Roman empire the first five centuries of the Christian era. Modern nations have risen from its ashes, have adopted its religion, its customs, its ethics, without inspiration from heaven, without any further Gospel dispensation, without apostles and prophets of the house of Israel, and without the guidance of the Holy Priesthood, after the order of the Son of God, which the Lord has decreed should only come through the seed of Abraham.

Bible.

_Isa_. 24. 2 as with the people, so with the priest.

5 the earth also is defiled under the inhabitants thereof.

17 fear and the pit are upon thee, O inhabitants of the earth.

_Dan_. 7. 25 he shall speak great words against the Most High, and shall wear out the Saints.

8. 10 it waxed great, even to the host of heaven.

11 by him the daily sacrifice was taken away.

12 it cast down the truth to the ground, and it practised and prospered.

23 the latter time of their kingdom, when the transgressors are come to the full.

25 through his policy he shall cause craft to prosper in his hand. 26.

_Matt_. 24. 10 many shall be offended, and shall betray and hate one another.

_Acts_ 20. 29 after my departure shall grievous wolves enter in among you. 30.

1 _Tim_. 1. 6 some have turned aside to vain jangling. 7.

19 concerning faith have made shipwreck.

4. 1 in the latter times some shall depart from the faith.

2, 3 speaking lies in hypocrisy, forbidding to marry.

2 _Tim_. 2. 18 who concerning the truth have erred.

3. 1 know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.

2-7 men shall be lovers of their own selves, without natural affection. Ever learning and never able to come to a knowledge of the truth.

12 all that will live Godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.

4. 16 at my first answer no man stood with me.

_Titus_ 1. 10, 11 many unruly and vain talkers, deceivers, who subvert whole houses.

3. 9 avoid foolish questions, contentions, and strivings. 10.

2 _Peter_ 2. 1 who, privily, shall bring in damnable heresies.

_Rev_. 16. 6 for they have shed the blood of the Saints and prophets.

17. 1, 2 the great whore that sitteth upon the waters. _Chap_. 18. 3, 9.

5 the mystery, Babylon, the mother of harlots.

6 the woman, drunken with the blood of the Saints, and the martyrs of Jesus.

15 the waters which thou sawest are peoples, multitudes and nations.

18 the woman is that great city which reigneth over the kings of the earth.

18. 2 Babylon is become the habitation of devils, the hold of every foul spirit.

24 in her was found the blood of the prophets.

19. 2 he hath judged the great whore which did corrupt the earth.

Book of Mormon.

1 _Nephi_ 13. 5 the foundation of a church which is most abominable, which slayeth the Saints of God. _Chap_. 14. 3, 9, 10. _Chap_. 22. 14. 2 _Nephi_ 28. 18.

9 for the praise of the world they destroy the Saints.

24-34 the Jewish record went forth in purity to the Gentiles, but the Gentiles took away the most precious parts, for which reason many stumble.

14. 11 she had dominion over all the earth, and sat upon many waters.

12 the Saints of God were scattered over the earth, and their dominions were small, because of the wickedness of the great whore.

13 mother of abominations gathered together multitudes to fight against the Lamb of God.

15 the wrath of God poured out on that abominable church. 16, 17.

15. 13 many generations after the Messiah shall be manifested in the body, the fulness of the Gospel shall come to the Gentiles.

22. 22, 23 the kingdom of the devil built up among the children of men.

2 _Nephi_ 26. 19-22 refers to the time when the children of Lehi (the American Indians) shall be smitten and driven by the Gentiles, and gives an unmistakable description of the Christian world of the present day.

27. 1 in the latter days, all shall be drunken with iniquity.

28. 3 every one that hath built up churches, and not unto the Lord, shall say, I am the Lord's.

4 they and their priests shall contend one with another.

6 they shall say, in this day God is not a God of miracles.

29. 3 a Bible, we have got a Bible; there cannot be any more.

3 _Nephi_ 16. 7 in the latter days shall the truth come unto the Gentiles. 1 _Nephi_ 15. 13. _Rev_. 14. 6.

Doctrine and Covenants.

_Sec_. 1. 15 they have strayed from mine ordinances and broken mine everlasting covenant.

16 every man walketh in his own way, after the image of his own God.

17, 18 Joseph Smith, Jun., and others commanded to proclaim these things, that the sayings of the prophets might be fulfilled.

30 to bring forth the only true and living church, out of obscurity and darkness.

5. 6 you shall be ordained to deliver my words to the children of men.

29. 21 that great and abominable church shall be cast down.

35. 11 shall not anything be shown forth except desolations on Babylon?

38. 11 for all flesh is corrupted before me.

86. 1-7 an explanation of the parable of the wheat and tares. _Sec_. 88. 94.

133. 14 go ye out from among the nations, even from Babylon.

Pearl of Great Price.

_Page_ 3. in a day when men would take many of the words from the book which Moses should write, the Lord promised to raise up another like him, when they should be had again among men. 2 _Nephi_ 3. 9.

21. so will I come in the last days, in the days of wickedness and vengeance.

_See O. Spencer's Letters to Rev. Wm. Crowel, No. 6_.

"_Universal Apostacy," a pamphlet by O. Pratt_.

THE JERUSALEM OF THE EASTERN HEMISPHERE.

The earliest account we have of Jerusalem is in the fourteenth chapter of Genesis, under the date of 1913 B. C.

When Abram was returning from the slaughter of the five kings, Melchisedek, king of Salem, brought him refreshments. He was a righteous prince and a priest of the Most High God; and he blessed Abram.

Josephus, the Jewish historian, states that this city of Salem was afterwards called Jerusalem; _Ant. of the Jews, B_. 1., _Chapter_ 10. It has been the scene of many great events connected with the ministry of the holy Priesthood on the earth.

Abram was commanded to offer his son Isaac, on one of the mountains in the land of Moriah; _Gen_. 22. 2. Josephus says, that the mountain on which Abram built an altar, to offer his son Isaac, was the same on which king David (Solomon) afterwards built a temple.

The Jebusites retained possession of the city of Jerusalem until 1048 B. C., when it was subdued by David. He first took the stronghold of Zion; "The same is the city of David." At that time, this was only a strong outwork or fortification for the defence of the city; 2 _Sam_. 5. 6-9.

In the days of Solomon, Jerusalem became a great and strong city, with a magnificent temple towering on Mount Moriah.

From its conquest by David, until the death of Solomon, it was the capital city of Israel, and afterwards of the kingdom of Judah. B. C. 585, Jerusalem was burned by the army of Nebuchadnezzar, and the better part of the inhabitants of the land were carried captive to Babylon; 3 _Kings_, _chapters_ 24 and 25.

The city was re-established at the end of the seventy years' captivity. It afterwards played an important part in the history of that part of Asia.

Almost under the shadow of its walls, our Savior was born. It was the central place of the scenes of his earthly mission. In it he was scourged and condemned to death. Just outside of its walls, and in sight of its towers, and the glorious temple built to his name, the God of Israel died the death of a malefactor.

It was here, and near here, that he consummated his earthly mission, and ascended to his Father.

In A. C. 70, the land of Judea, and city of Jerusalem, were made a desolation by the Roman armies, and the Jews, as a nation, entirely rooted out of their heritage, and scattered among all nations.

For information on this subject, the student should read, carefully, Josephus' "_Wars of the Jews_."

Up to this time, in her history, many prophecies were fulfilled. In her future many more are to be fulfilled, for she is yet to take an important part in the great work of the latter days. Like the New Jerusalem of the American continent, this city will descend out of heaven, after the final change of the earth to its celestial condition; _Rev_. 21. 10-27.

It is often called Zion in the Old Testament, and will be the capital city of gathered Israel on the Eastern hemisphere, in the latter days.

There are many passages in the Scriptures relating to this important city. A few are appended to assist the student in further researches concerning it.

Bible.

_Deut_. 31. 29 evil will befall you in the latter days, because ye will do evil.

1 _Kings_ 11. 11-13 Lord declared he would rend the kingdom from Solomon.

14. 15 Lord shall root up Israel, and scatter them beyond the river.

2 _Kings_ 20. 17, 18 treasures laid up by the fathers, to be carried to Babylon.

23. 27 I will remove Judah out of my sight, as I have removed Israel.

2 _Chron_. 36. 21 the land shall enjoy her Sabbaths seventy years. _Jer_. 29. 10.

_Isa_. 4. this chapter evidently refers to the latter days, and to the Zion of the Western Hemisphere, and to the city of Jerusalem, on the Eastern.

25. 6-12 in this mountain shall the Lord make a feast of fat things. He will destroy the face of the covering cast over all people, He will swallow up death in victory.

32. 9-18 land of Israel to be desolate, until the Spirit is poured out from on high.

52. 9, 10 sing together, ye waste places of Jerusalem.

51. 17 stand up, O Jerusalem, which has drunk of the cup of his fury.

_Jer_. 25. 11 these nations shall serve the king of Babylon seventy years.

18 to make Jerusalem and her kings a desolation, and a curse.

26. 18 Micah prophesied that Zion should be plowed like a field.

50. 4 in those days Israel and Judah, together, shall come, going and weeping.

51. 19-23 Israel the rod of the Lord's inheritance, with which he will break in pieces their enemies.

_Ezek_. 38 and 39. these chapters are a prophecy of the gathering of the nations against Jerusalem in the latter days.

_Zeph_. 1. this chapter is, evidently, a prophecy of the desolation of Jerusalem.

_Haggai_ 2. 9 the glory of this latter house, shall be greater than that of the former.

_Zech_. 12. the restoration of Judah.

_Chap_. 14. in the latter days the Lord will deliver Jerusalem from the nations that will go up to battle against it.

_Matt_. 24. Destruction of Jerusalem foretold. _P. of G. P., page_ 38.

_Luke_ 19. 41-44 Christ foretells the destruction of Jerusalem. _Chap_. 23. 28-30.

_See Article, by C. W. Penrose, Mil. Star, Vol. 30, page 353_.

"_New Jerusalem," a pamphlet by O. Pratt_.

NEW JERUSALEM.

The Jaredite prophet, Ether, predicted, 600 B. C., that a city which should be called a holy city, should be built on the land of North America, and that it should be built up unto the remnant of the seed of Joseph. He further informs us, that it should be called the New Jerusalem, to distinguish it from Jerusalem which should be built on the eastern hemisphere; _Ether_ 13. 3-8.

Ether also saw that this New Jerusalem was the one that John the Revelator saw, in vision, coming down out of heaven. "Until the end come, when the earth shall pass away, and there shall be a new heaven and a new earth; and they shall be like unto the old, save the old have passed away, and all things have become new. And then cometh the New Jerusalem;" _verses_ 8-10. _Rev_. 21. 2.

Our Savior, in his personal ministration among the Nephites, six hundred years after the predictions of Ether, renews the promise that a New Jerusalem should be built upon this land.

Speaking to the Nephites, he says: "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;" 3 _Nephi_ 20. 22.

The Savior again says, speaking to the Gentiles, that those who shall come into the covenant, shall "be numbered among this the remnant of Jacob." "And they shall assist my people, the remnant of Jacob, and also, as many of the house of Israel as shall come, that they may build a city, which shall be called the New Jerusalem; and then shall they assist my people that they may be gathered in, who are scattered upon all the face of the land in unto the New Jerusalem;" 21. 22-24.

We learn from the Book of Doctrine and Covenants, that this New Jerusalem is to be the city of Zion, of the latter days. "And it shall be called the New Jerusalem, a land of peace, a city of refuge, a place of safety for the Saints of the most High God; And the glory of the Lord shall be there, and the terror of the Lord also shall be there, insomuch that the wicked will not come unto it, and it shall be called Zion;" _Doc. & Cov_. 45. 66, 67.

This is, also, the Zion spoken of by the ancient Jewish prophets, as separate and distinct from the Zion, or Mount Zion, that was in Jerusalem, in the land of Palestine.

In the following passages, evidently, two distinct places are intended. "Zion is a wilderness, Jerusalem a desolation;" _Isa_. 64. 10. "For the law shall go forth of Zion, and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem;" _Micah_ 4. 2.

There are three Zions spoken of in the sacred writings--the Zion on the American continent, the Zion at Jerusalem, and the Zion of Enoch. For some account of the Zion of Enoch, _see Pearl of Great Price, pages_ 18-22. On the 22d page we learn, that, when Christ shall come, the Zion of the western hemisphere and the Zion of Enoch shall be united in one. There the Lord will reside, and it will be the gathered Zion "which shall come forth out of all the creations which I have made."

Bible.

_Psalm_ 14. 7 oh that the salvation of Israel were come out of Zion!

48. 2 beautiful for situation is Mount Zion, on the sides of the north. 11-14.

_Isa_. 1. 27 Zion shall be redeemed with judgment.

2. 3 out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem.

40. 9 O Zion that bringest good tidings, get thee up into the high mountain.

49. 19-26 the land of thy destruction shall be too narrow. I will lift up mine hand to the Gentiles. Kings shall be thy nursing fathers. I will feed them that oppress thee with their own flesh.

51. 11 the redeemed of the Lord shall come to Zion.

52. 1 put on thy strength, O Zion.

59. 20 and the Redeemer shall come to Zion.

64. 10 Zion is a wilderness, Jerusalem a desolation.

_Jer_. 3. 14 will take you one of a city and two of a family, and bring you to Zion.

31. 6-14 arise, let us go up to Zion. Behold, I will bring them from the north country. They shall come with weeping. They shall come and sing in the heights of Zion. The virgin shall rejoice in the dance.

50. 4, 5 the children of Israel shall come, they and the children of Judah together. They shall ask the way to Zion, with their faces thitherward.

_Joel_ 2. 32 for in Mount Zion, and in Jerusalem, shall be deliverance.

3. 16 the Lord shall roar out of Zion, and utter his voice from Jerusalem.

_Obad_. 21. Saviors shall come up on Mount Zion.

_Zeph_. 3. 14 sing, O daughter of Zion, rejoice, O daughter of Jerusalem.

16 said to Jerusalem, fear not; and to Zion, let not thine hands be slack.

_Zech_. 1. 17 the Lord shall yet comfort Zion, and choose Jerusalem.

2. 10, 11 the Lord will dwell in the midst of Zion, and many nations shall be joined to him.

_Rom_. 11. 26 there shall come out of Zion the Deliverer.

_Rev_. 14. 1 a Lamb stood on Mount Zion.

Doctrine and Covenants.

_Sec_. 28. 9 no man knoweth where the city shall be built.

35. 24 Zion shall rejoice upon the hills and flourish. 39. 13. _Sec_. 49. 25.