Chapter IV (1)

The Book of Mormon--An Evidence of the Inspiration of Joseph
Smith--Its Purport--Impossible to Write Without Divine
Aid--Prophecies in the Book of Mormon--A Bible! A Bible!--Isaiah's
Prophecy--Book Gives a Test of its Truth--Attested by Direct
Evidence--Testimony of Three Witnesses--Testimony of Witnesses
Unchanged--Testimony of Eight Witnesses--Secular Proof of the Book
of Mormon--Colonists from the Tower of Babel--Origin Before the
Christian Era--Of Hebrew Origin--Indian Customs--Indian Practice
Resembling the Passover--Tradition of a Sacred Book--Acquainted
with the Old Testament Record--Tradition of Moses--Tradition of
Eve--Tradition of the Flood--Led by Youngest Brother--Engraved
on Plates of Metal--Egyptian Writings--Evidences of Advanced
Civilization--Ruins Discovered--Indians all of One Origin--Ruins
in Yucatan--Ancient Glass Jar--A Ruined City--Ancient Coins and
Implements--Destruction at the time of the Crucifixion--Ruins on
the Ridge of a Mountain--Destroyed by the Action of Heat--Remains
Found under Lava Beds--Discovery of a Hidden City--Evidences of
Great Eruptions--The Messiah Known to the Ancient Inhabitants
of America--The Cross as an Emblem--Knowledge of the
Godhead--Tradition of the Christ--Strong Proofs of the Truth of the
Book of Mormon--Conclusion.

Footnotes:

1. See Tract No. 3, "Marks of the Church of Christ."

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MARKS OF THE CHURCH OF CHRIST.

THE OUTWARD SIGNS BY WHICH IT MAY BE KNOWN.

BY EDWIN F. PARRY, LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND.

OUTWARD SIGNS BY WHICH CHRIST S GOSPEL MAY BE KNOWN--CHARACTER OF HIS CHURCH KNOWLEDGE THE OUTCOME OF TRUE FAITH--HOW IT MAY BE OBTAINED--AN ILLUSTRATION--PARABLE OF THE SOWER--WHERE IS THE TRUE GOSPEL AND CHURCH OF CHRIST?

MANY FORMS OF RELIGION.

There are many religions in the world. Teachers of one form of religion will tell us they are right. Those who teach another form will make the same claim for themselves. All religions have some truth, or people would not believe in them.

ONLY ONE PERFECT RELIGION.

The Savior taught only one form of religion. That one is called the Gospel of Jesus Christ. It embraces all truth, and contains nothing but truth.

"There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one
hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and
Father of all." (Ephesians 4: 4, 5, 6).

JESUS CHRIST THE AUTHOR OF SALVATION.

All Christians believe that salvation is only to be gained through Jesus Christ, the Savior of the world.

{292} "'I am the way, the truth, and the life; no man cometh unto
the Father, but by me." (John 14: 6).

"For there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby
we must be saved." (Acts 4: 12).

The holy scriptures justify us in rejecting all religions that do not teach belief in Christ.

WHICH RELIGION CONTAINS ALL TRUTH?

There are many varieties of religion even among Christian believers. But the whole truth is what we want. None but the true Gospel can be acceptable to the Lord.

"Seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness." (Matthew
6: 33).

How are we to know which religion contains all truth?

THE BIBLE WILL GUIDE US.

The Bible will assist us in making this discovery. It tells us many things which Jesus taught as His Gospel. Any teaching contrary to what He gave cannot be true.

"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." (Galatians 1: 8).

The Gospel which the Savior taught has not changed. It is the same to-day as it was when He dwelt upon the earth.

FAITH A DOCTRINE OF CHRIST.

The first and principal doctrine taught by Christ was faith.

"God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that
whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting
life." (John 3: 16).

Our Savior knew that if people truly had abiding faith in Him they would follow Him. They would love Him and obey all His teachings.

"He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also."
(John 14: 13).

"If a man love me, he will keep my words." (John 14: 23).

REPENTANCE NECESSARY.

Another commandment taught by Christ was that of repentance. {293} True repentance is sorrow for sins and a turning away from them. The first words recorded of the Savior's preaching were:

"Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand." (Matthew 4: 17).

Deep humility always accompanies true faith and repentance. Without it men cannot be saved.

"Whosoever shall not receive the Kingdom of God as a little child
shall in no wise enter therein." (Luke 18: 17).

In the days of Christ's ministry, those who believed on Him and sincerely repented of their sins were then ready to receive the next ordinance of the Gospel. They were humble and willing to obey.

BAPTISM.

Christ was baptized Himself. He told John it was necessary for Him "to fulfill all righteousness." He taught that it was necessary for all men to be baptized.

"Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter
into the kingdom of God." (John 3: 5).

"He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved." (Mark 16: 16).

Christ's disciples also taught the same. When those who believed Peter's preaching on the day of Pentecost asked what they should do to be saved, he replied,

"Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus
Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of
the Holy Ghost." (Acts 2: 38).

These passages of scripture prove that Jesus and His disciples taught baptism.

THE HOLY SPIRIT.

The last passage quoted shows that the gift of the Holy Ghost was to be given to those who obeyed the principles of faith, repentance and baptism.

THE TEN COMMANDMENTS.

The teachings of the Savior show that it is necessary to observe the ten commandments given through Moses. Upon one occasion a man asked what good thing he should do to gain eternal life. Jesus replied, "Keep the commandments," and then named some of them. (Matthew 19: 17, 18).

{294}

OTHER COMMANDMENTS.

Besides the ten commandments, the Savior gave new ones which He said should be obeyed. Many of these are recorded in the fifth, sixth and seventh chapters of Matthew.

TEST DOCTRINES BY CHRIST'S WORD.

In our search for the true Gospel we can safely reject any teaching that does not agree with Christ's word. Anyone who says we can be saved without obeying His commandments is in error.

"Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments,
and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom
of heaven." (Matthew 5: 19).

"He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a
liar, and the truth is not in him." (I John 2: 4).

Any teacher who adds to these any doctrines of men is a false teacher, and should not be followed.

"In vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the
commandments of men." (Mark 7: 7).

MANY CLAIM TO BE TRUE TEACHERS.

The teachers of many forms of religion claim that they teach these doctrines of the Gospel of Christ. How are we to decide which one is right?

HOW FALSE TEACHERS MAY BE KNOWN.

The Savior has furnished a test by which we can prove false teachers. He says, "Beware of false prophets." (Matthew 7: 15). He further adds, "Ye shall know them by their fruits." (10). "By their fruits" means by their works or by their teachings. False prophets or teachers teach falsehoods, and their works are evil. True prophets teach truth, and live righteously. They will not teach anything contrary to the words of the Savior.

HOW TRUE BELIEVERS MAY BE KNOWN.

The Savior tells us how we might know true believers. He says,

"These signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they
cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; they shall take
{295} up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing it shall
not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall
recover." (Mark 16; 17, 18).

The nineteenth verse of the sixteenth chapter of Mark states that these signs did follow the believers in the days of Christ's early apostles. These signs are outward evidences that people are true believers in the Gospel. The absence of them is a proof that faith is lacking, for the same cause will always produce the same effect.

OTHER PROOFS.

If a person truly believes in the Gospel, sincerely repents of his sins, is baptized for the remission of sins, and has hands laid upon him for the reception of the Holy Ghost, he should know that he has received the true Gospel.

"Jesus answered them, and said, My doctrine is not mine, but his
that sent me. If any man will do his will, he shall know of the
doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself."
(John 7: 16, 17).

OFFICE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT.

The Holy Ghost was promised to those who obeyed the Gospel. To all who receive it, it bears witness to the truth of the Gospel.

"But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the
Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father,
he shall testify of me." (John 15: 26).

"Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you
into all truth." (John 16: 13).

If people receive the Holy Ghost they will be led into all truth, according to the promise of Christ. If they are led into all truth they will be led to understand and believe alike.

HOW THE SAVIOR'S DISCIPLES MAY BE KNOWN.

Jesus told how His disciples may be known:

"A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as
I have loved you that ye also love one another. By this shall all
men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another."
(John 13: 34, 35).

When people are divided in their religious views it shows that they do not love each other, and are not the disciples of Christ. If they did love each other they would be united. If they possessed the Holy Spirit they would be joined together in love.

{206}

"The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering,
gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance." (Galatians 5:
22, 23).

THE CHURCH JESUS ORGANIZED.

When Jesus dwelt upon the earth He organized a church. Those who believed on Him and obeyed the Gospel became members of that one church.

ST. PAUL DESCRIBES IT.

The Apostle Paul told the Ephesian saints they were established upon the foundation of apostles and prophets.

"Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but
fellow-citizens with the saints, and of the household of God; and
are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus
Christ himself being the chief corner stone." (Ephesians 2: 19, 20).

He had reference in these words to the church of Christ.

THE CHURCH COMPARED TO A MAN'S BODY.

He again likened the church to the body of a man. (I Corinthians 12). He showed that the members of the church were like the members of a man's body, and altogether they made a complete whole.

"For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members
of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ. For
by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews
or Gentiles." (I Corinthians 12: 12, 13).

St. Paul continues by explaining that all the members of the body of Christ, or officers of the church of Christ, are dependent upon each other, and each is needed in his place. One cannot do without the other, any more than a man's body can be complete without every limb and organ.

OFFICERS NAMED.

This same apostle names some of the officers of the church of Christ. He also names in the same connection some of the gifts that are always to be found in that church.

"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." (I
Corinthians 12: 28).

WHAT THESE OFFICERS WERE FOR.

In another place he tells the reason for having these officers in the church.

{297} "For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the
ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ. . . . That we
henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried
about with every wind of doctrine." (Ephesians 4: 12, 14).

These officers were to continue in the church, "till we all come to the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God." (Eph. 4: 13).

NEED OF APOSTLES AND PROPHETS.

People differ in their opinions regarding the Gospel. There is, therefore, a need of apostles and prophets to declare the word of God to them. His revealed word will settle all differences and bring those who believe on it to a unity of the faith.

WHAT ST. PAUL'S WORDS PROVE.

The scriptures just quoted prove that apostles and prophets must always be in the church of Christ. Any church not founded upon apostles and prophets, with Christ as the chief corner stone, is not the true church of Christ. Any religious organization that rejects these and the other officers mentioned as belonging to Christ's church, or does away with the miracles, gifts of healing, helps, governments, and diversities of tongues, is not the true church.

POWER TO DO MIRACLES.

When Jesus called unto Him twelve apostles He "gave them power against unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manner of sickness and all manner of disease." (Matthew 10: 1). When He sent them out to preach the Gospel, He told them to say, "The kingdom of heaven is at hand." He also told them to "Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils." (Matthew 10: 7, 8).

AUTHORITY TO ACT IN CHRIST'S NAME.

Men have no right to choose for themselves to be Christ's apostles or ministers of His Gospel. He said to His disciples,

"Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you."
(John 15: 16).

St. Paul says concerning the holy priesthood of Christ,

"No man taketh this honor unto himself, but he that is called of
God, as was Aaron." (Hebrews 5: 4).

{298} He also says, "God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers." (I Corinthians 12: 28). This shows that it was not man's right to place men in positions in the church, unless God authorized them to do so.

Jesus said John the Baptist was the greatest of prophets, yet he did not presume to baptize with the Holy Ghost, although he had the right to baptize with water. John understood that men should be specially authorized to act in any calling.

RESULT OF ACTING WITHOUT AUTHORITY.

We read in the scriptures, (Acts 1: 13-17), that certain Jews at one time undertook to act in the name of the Lord. They tried to cast out evil spirits. But they had no authority, and were overpowered by the evil spirits, and duly punished for taking upon themselves to act in the name of the Messiah without authority.

CONCLUSIONS DRAWN FROM PASSAGES MENTIONED.

From the scriptures mentioned, together with many others of like character, we may conclude that Christ's true apostles have power over unclean spirits and over diseases. They also have authority to act in His name. We can as well conclude that those who think it unnecessary to be authorized to minister in the ordinances of the Gospel are in error. Men may without authority attempt to teach the same doctrines as Jesus taught; they may organize a church after the same pattern; and some may even perform miracles by the power of the evil one, as did the magicians before Pharaoh in the days of Moses; but without authority from heaven to do so their pretensions are vain. We may justly reject any who may have a form of godliness but deny the power thereof.

ALL TRUE DISCIPLES PERSECUTED.

The disciples of Christ were told that they would have to suffer persecution. The Savior informed them that this should be the case, and led them to expect it.

"If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because
ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world,
therefore the world hateth you. . . If they have persecuted me,
they will also persecute you." (John 15: 19, 20).

"Woe unto you, when all men shall speak well of you: for so did
their fathers to the false prophets." (Luke 6: 26).

{299} The Apostle Paul says, "All that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution." (II Timothy 3: 12).

OUTWARD SIGNS OF THE TRUE CHURCH.

Most of the marks pointed out herein are outward signs by which the true Gospel and church of Christ may be known. The disciples of Jesus may always be recognized by the following signs which have already been pointed out:

They will Obey and Teach the Ordinances that Christ has said Must be Obeyed.

Those Ordinances are:

First, Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ;

Second, Repentance;

Third, Baptism by Immersion for the Remission of Sins;

Fourth, Laying on of Hands for the Gift of the Holy Ghost.

They will Teach the Necessity of Obeying all the Lord's Commandments.

The Signs or Blessings Promised the Believers will Follow them,

They will be United, and will Love one Another.

They will be Organized into a Church after the Pattern Mentioned in the Scriptures.

They will have Apostles and Prophets at their Head, who will have Power and Authority to Act in Christ's Name.

They will be Persecuted as Long as Wickedness Reigns in the Earth.

FAITH NEEDED.

The pointing out of the marks by which the disciples of Christ are to be known may assist one in searching for the truth. But faith on the part of the individual himself is needed to guide him. It is very important to salvation.

HOW TO GET FAITH.

The question may be asked, how can this faith so necessary to salvation be gained?

"Faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God." (Romans
10: 17).

When one hears the Gospel of Christ--the "glad tidings of {300} great joy"--naturally he should wish it were true, because it is so good. That wish or desire will help greatly to awaken belief in his mind. When a person hopes a thing is true he becomes interested in finding out if it be true. Prejudice is a foe to faith. It often causes one to turn away from that which is good.

KNOWLEDGE OF THE GOSPEL NECESSARY TO SALVATION.

It is necessary for every individual to know for himself concerning the truth of the Gospel of Christ.

"This is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God,
and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent." (John 17: 3).

There is a way to get this knowledge. That way is similar to the way in which we obtain other knowledge. It is by putting works with our faith.

"Hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments."
(I John 2: 3).

Faith comes by hearing, knowledge by doing. Knowledge is the result of faith.

HOW KNOWLEDGE IS GAINED.

When a child is told that he can learn to read and write by following the instructions of his teacher he is likely to believe it. If he is told so by his parents or some one whose word he can rely upon he will believe with much assurance or confidence, which is called faith. That faith causes him to act. He follows the instructions of his teacher, and in time learns to read and write. His faith is then turned to knowledge. He does not depend upon the testimony of some one else. He knows from actual experience that the arts of reading and writing can be learned by taking the course marked out. It is the same with the Gospel. When it is obeyed it brings knowledge to the individual.

GROWTH OF FAITH ILLUSTRATED BY A PARABLE.

One of our Savior's parables shows very beautifully how the word of God, when received in the heart, begins to grow and expand. In His parable of the sower He likens the word of God, or the Gospel, to a seed. (Luke 8: 5-16). Embodied within a tiny seed is the germ or source of a most marvelous power. It is one of the greatest forces of the natural world. Under proper conditions that little mite of matter is capable of the most remarkable development. When {301} a gardener obtains a precious kind of seed, or one that will produce a desirable fruit, he will preserve it with care. He will thoroughly prepare the soil in which he plants it, and will do all in his power to favor its growth. The desire to receive the good fruit he has been told it will produce makes him hope that the seed is good. That hope or wish will inspire him with enough faith to make the test.

In due time after planting he finds that the seed has commenced to grow. It puts forth tiny leaves that appear above the soil, and his faith is strengthened. He is assured that the seed had the germ of life within it when he received it. He continues to favor its growth, by keeping down the weeds, by protecting it from the scorching heat of the sun and the blighting breath of the wind and frost. By doing this the gardener sees that the plant continues to increase in size and strength. Thread-like roots spread out in all directions beneath the soil to secure hold therein, as well as to procure sustenance for its life and growth A tender twig shoots upward to receive additional sustenance from the air and the sunlight. Day by day and year by year the plant continues to grow and gain strength, until eventually it becomes a mighty tree. The heat of the sun now only causes it to grow the stronger, and the fierce winds to make its root more firmly planted, so that no ordinary force can resist its power of expansion.

In due season the tree produces fruit of its kind. Its seeds ripen and fall to the earth, and they in turn grow, and thus the species is perpetuated forever.

With the ripening of the fruit the faith of the man who planted the tree is ripened into perfect knowledge. He knows what was told him about the seed was true, having thoroughly tested it.

WORD OF GOD LIKE A SEED.

The word of God, or the Gospel of Jesus Christ, is in character like the seed. As the seed contains within it such great physical force, so the word of God possesses most wonderful spiritual power. When the Gospel of Christ is heard by one who has a desire to obtain its fruits, that desire will awaken within him a spark of belief. That belief will cause him to prepare his heart for the reception of the word of God. He will plant it there by seeking to obey its teachings. When once planted there, if cherished, shielded and protected it will grow. Its effect will be similar to that of {302} the seed buried in good soil. Its roots of faith will sink deep in the heart and become firmly planted there. Hope, like a tender twig, will spring heavenward. By this the person will know that the seed was good Day by day and year by year it will strengthen, until neither the heat of temptation nor the storms of adversity can disturb it or uproot it from the heart. It, too, in time will bring forth fruit, the fruit of eternal life. Such is the wonderful character of the word of God, or the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

WHERE IS THE TRUE GOSPEL AND CHURCH OF CHRIST?

The reader may ask the question, Is the Gospel of Christ, with all its attendant powers, gifts and blessings, upon the earth to-day? If it is, it must be of the character described herein. It must be the same as it was anciently, for it is everlasting and unchangeable in its nature.

IT IS UPON THE EARTH.

There is a church that claims to teach the very same doctrines that Christ taught. Its members claim to enjoy the same blessings promised the believers. They claim to have the same organization, with living apostles and prophets at the head. These officers claim to have received the same power and authority as Christ's first apostles had. They and their followers have been evil spoken of and persecuted for their religion ever since they were first organized as a church. They manifest all the outward signs by which the followers of Christ may be known. They make the same promises as the former disciples of Jesus made to those who obey the Gospel. The many thousands who have accepted their teachings and obeyed them testify that the promises made to them have been received.

THEIR CLAIMS DIFFERENT TO ALL OTHERS.

The claims of the members of this Church are different from those of all other professors of religion. They claim to have received their doctrines and their authority direct from heaven, by the visitation of holy angels. There is no other source from which it could be received. The name by which this Church is known is the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The Lord in a revelation commanded His latter-day disciples to take upon themselves this name.

The message of the restoration to earth of the true Gospel of Christ is a glorious one. All who hear it should rejoice in {303} the contemplation that the Lord has again spoken from heaven. The message is such a good one that all mankind should desire and hope that it is true. If they will do this, they will be led to investigate it. Then they will learn for themselves that it is indeed the Gospel of Christ.

The Elders of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, bear witness to the truth of this divine message which they are proclaiming to the nations of the earth. They kindly ask all to lay aside prejudice and examine their claims in the spirit of humility and prayer.

"_Do you suppose that this people will ever see the day that they
will rest in perfect security, in hopes of becoming like another
people, nation, state, kingdom or society? They never will. Christ
and Satan never can be friends. Light and darkness will always
remain opposites_."

--_Brigham Young_.

"_Though our religious principles are before the world, ready
for the investigation of all men, yet we are aware that the
sole foundation of all the persecution against us has arisen in
consequence of calumnies and misconstructions, without foundation
in truth or righteousness_."

--_Joseph Smith_.

{304}

SIGNS OF CHRIST'S SECOND COMING.

WHAT THE BIBLE SAYS CONCERNING HIS ADVENT.

BY ELDER EDWIN F. PARRY, LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND.

WHAT THE SAVIOR AND HIS APOSTLES AND THE ANCIENT PROPHETS SAY CONCERNING IT--THE MANY THINGS TO TAKE PLACE BEFORE THAT GREAT EVENT--THE SIGNS ALREADY APPEARING.

SCRIPTURAL PROOF THAT HE WILL COME.

The holy scriptures supply many proofs that Christ will again come to earth. After His resurrection He appeared to His disciples, and was "seen of them forty days." Then "he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight." While the disciples were looking towards heaven as He went up, two men (angels) in white apparel stood by them and said:

"Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same
Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in
like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven." (Acts 1: 11).

MANNER OF HIS APPEARANCE.

Christ's second coming will be both glorious and terrible.

"They shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with
power and great glory." (Matthew 24: 30; Mark 13: 26; Luke 21: 27).

"For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his
angels; and then he shall reward every man according to his works."
(Matthew 16: 27; Mark 8: 38).

"And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus
shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels, in flaming
fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not
the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: who shall be punished with
everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the
glory of his power." (II Thessalonians 1: 7, 8, 9).

TIME OF HIS COMING.

The day and the hour of the Messiah's coming is not known.

"But of that day and that hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels
{305} which are in heaven, neither the Son, but the Father. Take ye
heed, watch and pray: for ye know not when the time is." (Mark 13:
32, 33).

MANY SIGNS OF HIS COMING TO APPEAR.

The Bible foretells many things that shall take place before the Savior comes to reign in glory upon the earth.

WARS, FAMINES AND EARTHQUAKES.

Christ's disciples asked Him to tell them what should be the sign of His coming, and of the end of the world. He answered them in these words:

"Take heed that no man deceive you. For many shall come in my name,
saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many. And ye shall hear of
wars and rumors of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these
things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. For nation shall
rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom; and there shall
be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places."
(Matthew 24: 4, 5, 6, 7).

GOSPEL OF THE KINGDOM TO BE PREACHED.

In addition to this he mentioned another sign. He said:

"And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world
for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come."
(Matthew 24: 14).

These words have no reference to the ministry of Christ's former disciples. The end of the world, or the end of the reign of wickedness, did not follow their preaching. The Savior certainly referred to a time in the future. He spoke of a special message of the Gospel of the kingdom to be restored in latter days, otherwise the preaching of it would not be a witness or sign to all nations of the near approaching end, as He said it should be.

JOHN'S PROPHECY.

The beloved Apostle John, in the book of Revelation, foretells many things that should take place after the time of his writings. One thing he describes in these words:

"And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the
everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and
to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people, saying with
a loud voice, Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his
judgment is come." (Revelation 14: 6, 7).

John evidently refers to the same event as does the Savior. The coming of an angel with the Gospel message for all nations, as predicted by John, should be in the hour of God's {306} judgment. That is at the same time referred to by Jesus, when He said wars and rumors of wars, famines, pestilences, and earthquakes should occur; for these things are some of God's judgments.

PREDICTIONS OF DANIEL.

The Prophet Daniel also foretells a similar event, which he says, "_shall be in the latter days_." After describing the image Nebuchadnezzar saw in his dream, Daniel explains the meaning of it. He says the image represented Nebuchadnezzar's kingdom and the kingdoms that should be built up after it. The fourth great kingdom--the Roman power--should be divided, and a number of kingdoms should grow out of it. Then he declares a wonderful event shall take place. He says:

"And in the days of these kings shall the God of heaven set up a
kingdom, which shall never be destroyed: and the kingdom shall not
be left to other people, but it shall break in pieces and consume
all these kingdoms, and it shall stand for ever." (Daniel 2: 44).

WHAT DANIEL REFERS TO.

Some may think this prophecy refers to the establishing of the kingdom of heaven on earth in the days of Christ's first coming. This cannot be the case. God's kingdom at that time did not "break in pieces and consume" the one great kingdom then existing--the Roman empire. On the other hand the worldly powers, which St. John describes as a "beast," made "war with the saints," and overcame them, and got power over all kindreds, and tongues and nations. (Revelation 13: 7).

The kingdom referred to by Daniel, as he plainly says "_shall not_ be left to other people," while the Gospel of the kingdom in the days of Christ's former Apostles was rejected by the Jews and _left to other people_. It was taken to the Gentiles.

CONCLUSIONS DRAWN FROM THESE PREDICTIONS.

The Apostle John, in speaking of the great event of the future, says he heard voices in heaven saying--

"The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our
Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever."
(Revelation 11: 15).

This is also in harmony with Daniel's prediction about the kingdom of God being set up in the latter days.

{307} As all these prophecies so nicely agree, we are forced to the conclusion that the Gospel of Christ is to be preached in all the world in latter days as a witness, or sign, of the coming of the Messiah and the establishment of His kingdom.

GOD'S ELECT TO BE GATHERED.

Other significant events should precede the Savior's second coming. He mentions them also:

"But in those days, after the tribulation, the sun shall be
darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars
of heaven shall fall, and the powers that are in heaven shall be
shaken. . . . . . And then shall he send his angels, and shall
gather together his elect from the four winds, from the uttermost
part of the earth to the uttermost part of heaven." (Mark 13: 24,
25, 27; Matthew 24: 29, 31).

St. Luke adds that there shall be "upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring; men's hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth." (Luke 21: 25, 26).

That all these things shall be signs of His coming is to be understood from what the Savior adds:

"When ye shall see all these things, know that it is near, even at
the doors." (Matthew 24: 33; Mark 13: 29; Luke 21: 31).

ANCIENT PROPHECIES CONCERNING THE LAST DAYS.

More than twenty of the ancient prophets and apostles whose writings are in the Bible predict events that shall happen in the last days, or near the time of Christ's second coming. Many of them prophesy concerning the gathering of the Lord's chosen people, the descendants of Israel. They not only foretell the gathering of the Jews but also the whole house of Israel. Some of the other tribes as well as that of Judah are scattered among all nations. The Prophet Jeremiah says concerning this gathering:

"Therefore, behold, the days come, saith the Lord, that it shall
no more be said, The Lord liveth, that brought up the children of
Israel out of the land of Egypt; but, The Lord liveth, that brought
up the children of Israel from the land of the north, and from all
the lands whither he had driven them: and I will bring them again
into their land that I gave unto their fathers. Behold, I will send
for many fishers, saith the Lord, and they shall fish them; and
after will I send for many hunters, and they shall hunt them from
every mountain, and from every hill, and out of the holes of the
rocks." (Jeremiah 16: 14, 15, 16).

{308} The Prophet Isaiah says:

"And it shall come to pass in that day, that the Lord shall set
his hand again the second time to recover the remnant of his
people. . . . . And he shall set up an ensign for the nations, and
shall assemble the outcasts of Israel, and gather together the
dispersed of Judah from the four corners of the earth." (Isaiah 11:
11, 12).

The Prophets Isaiah and Micah declare:

"It shall come to pass in the last days, that the mountain of the
Lord's house shall be established in the top of the mountains, and
shall be exalted above the hills; and all nations shall flow unto
it. And many people shall go and say, Come ye, and let us go up to
the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob; and
he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths: for
out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the Lord from
Jerusalem." (Isaiah 2: 2, 3; Micah 4: 1, 2).

GATHERING OF ISRAEL A SIGN OF CHRIST'S COMING.

From what the prophets have said it is evident that this gathering of Israel shall be connected with Christ's reign upon earth, and will therefore be a sign of His coming. The Prophet Ezekiel predicts that Israel shall be gathered, and in the same connection declares the word of the Lord, saying:

"I will place them, and multiply them, and will set my sanctuary in
the midst of them forever." (Ezekiel 37: 26).

The setting of the Lord's sanctuary in the midst of them forever must have reference to the establishing of His kingdom never more to be thrown down.

In connection with this gathering Isaiah speaks of a time when enmity among the animal creations shall cease, and when "the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea," (Isaiah 11: 9), indicating that the gathering will be near the time when peace and righteousness shall prevail upon the earth.

SIGNS FOLLOWING THE BELIEVERS.

That the blessings of the Gospel, which were in the church in the days of Christ and His apostles, will be restored at the time when the gathering of Israel shall take place is shown by what Isaiah foretells:

"Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the
deaf shall be unstopped. Then shall the lame man leap as an hart,
and the tongue of the dumb sing." (Isaiah 35: 5, 6).

A MESSENGER TO APPEAR.

There is still another sign to mark the coming of the {309} Messiah. The whole volume of sacred scripture gives proof that it will be manifest.

The Prophet Malachi, repeating the Lord's words to him concerning His coming in glory, says:

"Behold, I will send my messenger, and he shall prepare the way
before me: and the Lord, whom ye seek, shall suddenly come to his
temple, even the messenger of the covenant, whom ye delight in:
behold, he shall come, saith the Lord of hosts." (Malachi 3: 1).

The following verse shows that this prophecy does not refer to Christ's first coming:

"But who may abide the day of his coming? and who shall stand when
he appeareth? for he is like a refiner's fire, and like fuller's
soap." (Malachi 3: 2).

It appears from this prediction of Malachi that the Lord will send a messenger to prepare the way for His second coming, as was done at the time of His first coming. It is reasonable to believe this, for it is in full harmony with the teachings of the scriptures. The Prophet Amos says:

"Surely the Lord God will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret
unto his servants the prophets." (Amos 3: 7).

ABUNDANCE OF SCRIPTURE TO PROVE IT.

The whole Bible history bears witness to the truth of these words of Amos. It is a record of God's dealings with mankind through the agency of "his servants the prophets," The sacred book tells us nothing concerning the things of God but what has been revealed by His holy prophets. In connection with all important events it relates, we read of some inspired men appearing. These prophets were raised up to deliver special messages from the Lord direct to the people. From time to time the Lord has such messages to declare to mankind. In all past ages He has proclaimed them by the mouths of His prophets. The Lord spoke to these men with His own voice, sometimes face to face, sometimes from the midst of a cloud or from a burning bush, and at other times by a voice from heaven.

Before the Lord destroyed the inhabitants of the earth with a flood, He raised up the Prophet Noah to warn the people of the danger they were in, and to point out to them a way of escape.

When the Lord was about to raise up a chosen people of the posterity of Abraham, He told that patriarch of His intention. {310} He also renewed the promise to Jacob, by speaking unto him, and Jacob prophesied concerning his posterity.

After the children of Israel became slaves to the Egyptians, and when the Lord was about to free them, He revealed His intentions to the Prophet Moses. He chose this man to prepare the people for deliverance and to lead them out of Egypt.

When the Jews were about to be taken captives by the Babylonians, prophets were sent to warn them of their danger. Jeremiah and Ezekiel were two of those prophets. The people heeded not their warning, and many were slain or taken as prisoners.

When the Lord was about to destroy Nineveh, unless the people repented of their sins, He sent the Prophet Jonah to call them to repentance. The people listened to and obeyed his words and were saved.

When the Jewish kingdom was about to be entirely overthrown for the last time, John the Baptist and the Savior Himself appeared to point out the way for the people's salvation; but they were rejected by the great majority.

THE FUTURE DETERMINED BY THE PAST.

Jesus says about His second advent:

"But as the days of Noe were, so shall also the coming of the Son
of man be." (Matthew 24: 37).

As Noah was sent to warn the people of the approaching flood in his day, is it not reasonable to expect that a prophet will be sent in the latter days to warn the people of the destruction of the wicked, when the Savior comes to take vengeance upon them?

The Bible fully establishes the fact that all important things done by the Lord in past ages have been preceded by the appearance of inspired prophets. Surely the greatest event of the world's history--Christ's glorious reign on earth--will be preceded by the appearance of divinely inspired messengers!

SIGNS ENUMERATED.

Scriptural testimony has been presented in the foregoing to show that a number of signs of Christ's second coming will be made manifest to the world before His appearance takes place:

There will be Wars and Rumors of Wars, Famines, and Pestilences, and Earthquakes.

{311} The Gospel of the Kingdom shall be Preached in all the World for a Witness unto all Nations.

The Sun and Moon shall be darkened, the Stars of Heaven shall Fall, and the Powers of Heaven shall be Shaken.

The Lord's Chosen People will be Gathered.

The House of the Lord shall be established in the Top of the Mountains.

All the Gifts and Blessings of the Gospel shall be Restored.

A Messenger shall Come to Prepare the Way Before the Lord.

APPEARANCE OF THE SIGNS.

The order in which these signs will appear is not clearly stated in the scriptures. It is consistent to believe that several will be apparent at once. Famines and pestilences often occur as the results of war.

The preaching of the Gospel and the gathering of the Lord's elect will take time, and may proceed together. It is plainly evident that before the preaching or the gathering the Lord's authorized messenger must appear to begin the work and to show how the Lord desires it carried out.

SIGNS ALREADY APPARENT.

The "wars and rumors of wars," the rising of "kingdom against kingdom," the "distress of nations," and the "famines, pestilences, and earthquakes" of the present time proclaim that THE COMING OF THE LORD "IS NEAR, EVEN AT THE DOORS." The desire awakened among the Jews to return to Jerusalem, and the efforts being made for them to do so, are also witnesses that THE TIME OF THEIR "REDEMPTION DRAWETH NIGH."

WHO BELIEVES THESE THINGS.

But what about the messenger to prepare the way before the Lord? How about the preaching of the Gospel of the kingdom in all the world? Where are the gifts and blessings of the Gospel--the signs to follow the believers? Where are the chosen people being gathered? And where is the house of the Lord being established?

In this age of unbelief who is looking for the fulfillment of these important events which must surely come to pass? Well might the Savior ask the question: "When the Son of {312} Man Cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?" "As the days of Noe were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be." There were but few believers in Noah's day.

A PEOPLE PREPARING FOR CHRIST'S COMING.

The Latter-day Saints claim that the divinely inspired messenger has come to prepare the way before the Lord. They know that the gifts, powers and blessings of the Gospel have been restored, for they are partakers of them. Among them the eyes of the blind have been opened, the ears of the deaf unstopped, and the lame healed. Their missionaries in a humble way have been proclaiming the Gospel of the kingdom for over sixty years; and thousands of them are among the nations of the earth declaring it at the present time. Many of those who have believed their message have been gathered out from all nations, "from the four winds," from the "islands of the sea," from the "mountains" and "hills," and the "holes of the rocks." They have built the Lord's house in "the top of the mountains," where "all nations shall flow unto it," as they are now doing. There they are being taught the Lord's ways, that they might more fully "walk in His paths." The claims of the Latter-day Saints are worthy of the earnest and prayerful consideration of all who are seeking to prepare for the coming of the Lord.

"_We have turned the barren, bleak prairies and swamps into
beautiful towns, farms and cities, by our industry; and the men
who seek our destruction and cry thief, treason, riot, are those
who themselves violate the laws, steal and plunder from their
neighbors, and seek to destroy the innocent, heralding forth lies
to screen themselves from the just punishment of their crimes by
bringing destruction upon innocent people_."

--_Joseph Smith_.

{313}

SAVED BY GRACE THROUGH OBEDIENCE.

IMPORTANT QUESTIONS CONCERNING SALVATION ANSWERED BY THE WORD OF GOD. EDWIN F. PARRY, LIVERPOOL ENGLAND.

BIBLE TEACHINGS UPON THIS SUBJECT--IMPORTANT QUESTIONS CONCERNING SALVATION ANSWERED BY THE WORD OF GOD SALVATION FREE TO ALL WHO WILL OBEY--FAITH ALONE WILL NOT SAVE--TRUE FAITH CANNOT BE SEPARATED FROM WORKS OF OBEDIENCE--ILLUSTRATIONS OF SALVATION BY GRACE.

IS SALVATION FREE TO ALL?

The Bible plainly says that it is. St. Paul tells us that our Savior "Will have all men to be saved." (I Timothy 3: 4). John tells us that

"God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that
whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting
life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world;
but that the world through him might be saved." (John 3: 16, 17).

ARE ALL MEN SINNERS?

The Bible says so.

"There is none righteous, no, not one." (Romans 3: 10).

"For there is not a just man upon earth, that doeth good, and
sinneth not." (Ecclesiastes 7: 20).

"If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth
is not in us." (I John 1: 8).

WHAT IS THE LORD'S INVITATION AND PROMISE TO SINNERS?

He invites them to come unto Him, and promises them rest unto their souls and forgiveness of their sins.

"Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will
{314} give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I
am meek and lowly of heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.
For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light." (Matthew 11: 28-30).

"Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord; though your
sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be
red like crimson, they shall be as wool." (Isaiah 1: 18).

CAN SINFUL MAN SAVE HIMSELF?

No. The Apostle Paul says salvation "is the gift of God," (Ephesians 2: 8); he also says,

"The wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life."
(Romans 6: 23).

THEN BY WHAT MEANS CAN MAN BE SAVED?

Only through the grace of God, which means by His goodness, favor, or kindness.

"For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of
yourselves: it is the gift of God: not of works, lest any man
should boast." (Ephesians 2: 8, 9).

DOES THIS MEAN THAT WE ARE TO DO NOTHING?

Certainly not, for the next verse of St. Paul's writing states that we must perform good works.

"For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good
works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them."
(Ephesians 2: 10).

WHAT IS THIS GIFT OF GOD WHICH BRINGS SALVATION TO MAN?

It is the atonement made by Jesus Christ, by which He took away the sin of the world.

"For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the
unjust, that he might bring us to God." (I Peter 3: 18).

"Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world."
(John 1: 29).

FROM WHAT IS MAN SAVED BY CHRIST'S ATONEMENT?

First, from the effects of Adam's fall, which is death.

"For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of
the dead. For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be
made alive." (I Corinthians 15: 21, 22).

Second, from the sins man himself commits, provided he accepts the grace which Christ offers.

{315} "And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours
only, but also for the sins of the whole world." (I John 2: 2).

HOW CAN MAN RECEIVE THE GREAT GIFT OF SALVATION FROM SIN?

Only by obeying the Gospel of Jesus Christ; that is, by doing what He has commanded. There is no other way. St. Paul says of Christ:

"Being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto
all them that obey him." (Hebrews 5: 9).

The Savior Himself says:

"Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the
kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my father which is
in heaven." (Matthew 7: 21).

"If ye love me, keep my commandments." (John 14: 15).

"He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that
loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I
will love him, and will manifest myself to him." (John 14: 21).

SHALL WE BE JUDGED ACCORDING TO OUR BELIEF OR ACCORDING TO OUR OBEDIENCE?

The scriptures tell us that every man will be rewarded according to his works.

"For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his father with his
angels; and then he shall reward every man according to his works."
(Matthew 16, 27).

"Who will render to every man according to his deeds: to them who
by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honor and
immortality, eternal life: but unto them that are contentious, and
do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, indignation and
wrath." (Romans 2: 6, 7).

"And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the
books were opened; and another book was opened, which is the book
of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were
written in the books, according to their works. And the sea gave up
the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead
which were in them: and they were judged every man according to
their works. (Revelation 20: 12, 13).

WHAT WILL BE THE PENALTY OF DISOBEDIENCE?

The Apostle Paul says the Lord Jesus will take vengeance upon those who obey not the Gospel of Christ.