Chapter IV (2)

"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." (II Thessalonians 1: 7, 8).

{316} The Apostle James says people deceive themselves if they do not the things the Lord commands:

"Be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own
selves." (James 1: 22).

"What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith,
and have not works? can faith save him? If a brother or sister be
naked, and destitute of daily food, and one of you say unto them,
Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give
them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it
profit?" (James 2: 14, 15, 16).

The Apostle John gives this testimony concerning those who obey the Lord:

"Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have
right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into
the city." (Revelation 22: 14).

ARE NOT MANKIND CLEANSED FROM SIN BY THE BLOOD OF JESUS?

Yes, if they follow Him, that is, keep His commandments.

"This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare
unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. If
we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we
lie, and do not the truth: but if we walk in the light, as he is in
the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of
Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin." (I John 1: 5, 6,
7).

#DOES THE OBEDIENCE WHICH THE LORD REQUIRES MEAN BELIEF ONLY?

No; for true belief, or faith, cannot be separated from works. Jesus says,

"He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also."
(John 14: 12).

"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).

"And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I
say?" (Luke 6: 46).

"Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you." (John 15:
14).

The Apostle James also tells us,

"Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone." (James
2: 17).

Knowing that a man cannot show that he has faith except by his works, this Apostle adds:

"Show me thy faith without thy works, and I will show thee my faith
by my works." (James 2: 18).

{317} To make it plain that a belief without works is not a living faith and will not save, he says,

"The devils also believe and tremble." (James 2: 19).

WHAT WORKS ARE REQUIRED WITH OUR FAITH?

The ordinances of the Gospel, such as repentance, baptism and the laying on of hands, and all the works of righteousness God has commanded. Jesus says concerning repentance and baptism,

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

"Except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish." (Luke 13: 5).

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

The Apostle Peter says,

"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).

In regard to works of righteousness Christ says:

"Except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the
scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom
of heaven." (Matthew 5: 20).

"He that endureth to the end shall be saved." (Matthew 10: 22).

Upon this subject the Apostle Peter writes:

"Add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; and to
knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience
godliness; and to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly
kindness charity." (II Peter 1: 5-7).

DOES ANY PART OF THE BIBLE TEACH THAT MAN CAN BE SAVED WITHOUT WORKS?

No. The passages that some people suppose teach such a doctrine are not fully understood by them. Paul and Silas said to the jailer, when he asked them what he should do to be saved,

"Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved and thy
house." (Acts 16: 31).

They knew that the jailer could not truly believe without obeying. That he did obey is shown by the words that follow:

"And he took them the same hour of the night, and washed their
stripes; and was baptized, he and all his, straightway." (Acts 16:
33).

On the day of Pentecost the Apostle Peter repeated these words from the prophecy of Joel:

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"And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name
of the Lord shall be saved." (Acts 2: 21).

But on the same occasion he commanded every one of them to repent and be baptized. (Acts 2: 38).

St. Paul says,

"A man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law." (Romans
3: 28).

It is made plain by other remarks which he makes in the same connection that he refers to the Jewish law, and not to deeds of righteousness, nor Gospel ordinances. In no place does the Bible teach that faith without works will save.

AN ILLUSTRATION.

Suppose a farmer were told these words by a friend: "If you only had a horse, you might do much more work." The farmer would at once understand that his friend meant that he should not only procure a horse, but that he should feed it, and use it in the harness in order to get the work performed. He would be considered a very foolish man if he merely bought the horse, and never fed it or used it, simply because his friend did not say the words "You must feed it and make use of it after you get it." The horse would soon die, and then be of no use to the owner if he treated it in such a way. Anyone who says he believes in Jesus Christ and never obeys His commandments has but a dead faith, which is of no more use to him than is a dead horse to a farmer.

WHAT KNOWLEDGE DOES THE BIBLE SAY IS NECESSARY TO ETERNAL LIFE?

A knowledge of our Father in heaven, and our Redeemer.

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

CAN THIS KNOWLEDGE BE OBTAINED WITHOUT OBEDIENCE TO THE COMMANDMENTS OF THE LORD?

It cannot. The Apostle John says:

"Hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandment.
He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a
liar, and the truth is not in him." (I John 2: 3, 4).

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CAN THERE BE MORE THAN ONE WAY OF SALVATION, OR MORE THAN ONE TRUE GOSPEL AND CHURCH OF CHRIST?

No. The Savior taught only one way, and organized but one church. He says:

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

"He that entereth not by the door into the sheepfold, but climbeth
up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber." (John 10: 1).

St. Paul says concerning the one Gospel of Christ:

"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 same Apostle says concerning the Church of Christ:

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

St. John gives this warning against those who teach not the necessity of abiding in Christ, that is obeying all His doctrines:

"If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive
him not into your house, neither bid him God speed: for he that
biddeth him God speed, is partaker of his evil deeds." (II John 10,
11).

IF ORDINANCES AND COMMANDMENTS MUST BE OBEYED HOW ARE MANKIND SAVED BY GRACE, WHICH IS A FREE GIFT?

The Gospel plan is given through the grace of God. It is a gift to man. If man refuses to obey it he rejects the gift, which is the only means of his salvation.

"I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of
God unto salvation to every one that believeth." (Romans 1: 16).

TRUTHS DECLARED BY THE WORD OF GOD.

The passages already given are from the writings and sayings of divinely inspired apostles and prophets. They are the words of God, for these men "spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost." With many other passages in the Bible they prove that--

Salvation is Free to all. All men are Sinners.

{320} The Lord Invites all Sinners to come to Him, and Promises them Forgiveness.

Sinful man Cannot save Himself.

He can only be Saved by the Grace of God.

He can only partake of the Full Grace of God by Obeying the Gospel of Christ.

Obedience means to Keep the Commandments as well as to Believe.

The Bible Teaches no other way of Salvation.

SALVATION AND EDUCATION.

The Gospel which redeems from sin may be likened unto a course of education which redeems from ignorance. The two are so near alike that if we understand the one we may be able to understand the other. Sometimes wealthy men establish schools that are free to the public. All who desire to get an education are invited to receive it freely. It might be said that it is by the grace or kindness of these men that those who accept their offer are educated. But to receive the education they offer so freely one must comply with the rules of the school. He cannot enter unless he is willing to do so. After he has entered the pupil must obey the instructions given or he never will gain the education offered, although it is offered freely.

Salvation in the kingdom of heaven is very much the same. It is offered to all freely, but to receive it one must accept of the conditions upon which it is tendered; and he must gain it by obedience to the instructions of the Savior, who made salvation free to mankind.

SIN AND DEBT.

Sin may be likened unto a debt. Sometimes men get into debt and are unable to pay what they owe. Suppose a man in this condition was told by the man to whom he was in debt that he would be forgiven if he would agree to certain conditions. Such a man would not expect forgiveness unless he made the promise and kept his agreement.

All men are sinners before the Lord, and they cannot free themselves from their sins. The Savior, however, promises them forgiveness on condition of their obedience to His commandments. How then can we expect to receive forgiveness unless we accept His offer and obey His word?

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THE BEGINNING OF THE GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST.

RULES THAT MUST BE OBEYED BY ALL WHO ENTER CHRIST'S CHURCH.

BY ELDER EDWIN F. PARRY, LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND.

###WHAT IS SALVATION?

Salvation means redemption from eternal death, and deliverance from the effects of sin. It is the gift of God to man.

"For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of
yourselves: it is the gift of God." (Ephesians 2: 8).

Adam's transgression, or original sin, brought eternal death upon mankind. The atonement made by the Savior made redemption from that eternal death general or universal; that is, all will be redeemed from it. Both good and bad will be resurrected.

"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).

OUR OWN SINS.

Salvation from our own sins is a special blessing of our Heavenly Father. It is offered freely, but all who desire it must accept it upon the condition specified. That condition is obedience to the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

WHAT IS THE GOSPEL?

The Gospel of Jesus Christ is called the plan of salvation. It is a system of rules by complying with which salvation may be gained; hence it is called in the scriptures the "power of God unto salvation."

{322} There are many systems or branches of knowledge known to man, such as that of music, of chemistry, of mathematics, of geometry, etc. By learning and practicing the rules of one of these systems a person can receive the benefits to be had from that particular system. By learning and practicing the rules of the Gospel we can receive the blessing it offers, which is salvation.

To enjoy the privileges and blessings of civilized society children have to learn the rules or customs of civilized people. This they do by obeying the teachings they receive from their parents. If an uncivilized man wishes to associate with civilized people, and enjoy their company, he must be willing to obey their teachings, or the rules of their society. The Gospel of Jesus Christ leaches the rules of conduct that are to be observed by all who are saved in the kingdom of heaven. These rules are simple, but they are very strict. They must be obeyed.

THE FIRST RULE--FAITH.

The first rule or principle of the Gospel is faith in God. The Apostle Paul says:

"Without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh
to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them
that diligently seek him." (Hebrews 11: 6).

It is shown in the above passage that we cannot come to God without believing that He exists, and also that He rewards them that diligently seek Him. In order to believe that God rewards all that seek Him, we must trust Him, or have confidence in His word. That is, we must rely upon His promises. This is the full meaning of faith. The same apostle gives this definition of faith:

"Faith is the substance" [assurance] "of things hoped for, the
evidence of things not seen." (Hebrews 11: 1).

The reason why it is impossible to please God without faith is because He desires that His children should come unto Him, that they might be saved. It pleases Him when they keep His commandments, while He is displeased when they are disobedient.

NATURE OF TRUE FAITH.

True faith is sometimes called living faith. It is capable of growing. When exercised it becomes stronger. When we {323} trust in the Lord we prove to ourselves that He can be relied upon. We learn that His word can be depended upon, and so our confidence in Him is increased. By the continued exercise of faith in God it becomes a principle of great power. Men by it have influence with the Lord. By it they are enabled to do many marvelous things. Jesus says,

"If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that
believeth." (Mark 9: 23).

"If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto
this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove;
and nothing shall be impossible unto you." (Matthew 17: 20).

"What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye
receive them, and ye shall have them." (Mark 11: 24).

POWER OF FAITH.

St. Paul mentions many great things done by the power of faith, and speaks of a number of men of old "who through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, waxed valiant in fight, turned to flight the armies of the aliens." (Hebrew 11: 33, 34).

Knowing the great power of living faith, the Savior promised with assurance that marvelous blessings should follow all who believe on the Lord. These blessings, He said, should be signs or evidences of their belief.

"These signs shall follow them that believe; in my name shall they
cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; they shall take
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).

All these blessings were enjoyed by believers in former days. They are also received by true believers to-day. The result of faith is always the same. If it was possible for miracles to be performed by the power of faith in ancient times it is equally possible to do the same by faith at the present time.

NECESSITY OF MIRACULOUS GIFTS.

It is necessary that the signs or gifts of the Gospel should follow believers in our day as well as in past ages. They furnish a proof of our faith. If our faith is not sufficient to bring to us the temporal blessings of God which we need or desire, then we have cause to fear that our faith is not strong enough to bring to us eternal salvation. It is possible for a {324} person to be mistaken in estimating his own faith. Sometimes people over-estimate their strength, and only learn of their mistake when they make some test of it. Persons can also overestimate the faith they possess, and if they do not test it they may deceive themselves.

Faith, like bodily strength, can only be developed or increased by exercising it; and a person once possessing faith may lose it by disuse, as one loses his strength of muscle when it is not exercised.

EXISTENCE OF FAITH SHOWN BY WORKS.

True faith is always made manifest by works. When a person has faith in the Lord he will show it by his works of obedience; that is by keeping the commandments of God. It is useless for any one to profess that he has faith, if he does not show it by his obedience. The Savior asks the question,

"Why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?"
(Luke 6: 46).

The Apostle James says we deceive ourselves if we are not doers of the word:

"Be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own
selves." (James 2: 22).

He further adds that it is not profitable to say we have faith and do not perform works, and that the best way to show our faith is by our works:

"What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith,
and have not works? can faith save him? If a brother or sister be
naked, and destitute of daily food, and one of you say unto them,
Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give
them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it
profit? Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.
Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works; shew me thy
faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works.
Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils
also believe, and tremble." (James 2: 14-19).

ANOTHER EVIDENCE OF FAITH.

True faith can be recognized by another proof or test. When it is obtained it causes its possessor to be very humble. It is always accompanied with humility. It convinces its possessor that he is a sinner, and he feels penitent.

THE SECOND RULE--REPENTANCE.

Repentance is the second rule or principle of the Gospel of Christ. It naturally follows faith in God and Jesus Christ. True faith leads to repentance of sin as one step up a ladder leads to the next.

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MEANING OF REPENTANCE.

According to the teachings of the scriptures, to repent means to feel sorrow for sins committed and to turn away from them; that is to do them no more. St. Paul, in writing to the Corinthian saints, says to them concerning their repentance:

"Now I rejoice, not that ye were made sorry, but that ye sorrowed
to repentance: for ye were made sorry after a godly manner that ye
might receive damage by us in nothing. For godly sorrow worketh
repentance to salvation not to be repented of; but the sorrow of
the world worketh death." (II Corinthians 7: 9, 10).

The same apostle in exhorting the Ephesians to repent told them what they should do, or how they should repent. He says,

"Let him that stole steal no more." (Ephesians 4: 28).

One who sincerely repents will also seek to make restitution for wrongs done. If he has stolen he will return, if possible, that which he has taken. Such is the full meaning of repentance--to forsake sin.

NECESSITY OF REPENTANCE.

Repentance is very necessary to salvation in the kingdom of heaven. Those who have been led to exercise faith in the Lord are under great condemnation if they do not repent. They are in rebellion against Him and cannot receive His approbation. Unless they turn from their sins they are not fit subjects for His kingdom. Both John the Baptist and Jesus began their labors in the ministry by calling upon the people to repent.

"In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness
of Judea, and saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at
hand." (Matthew 3: 1, 2).

"From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the
kingdom of heaven is at hand." (Matthew 4: 17).

John refused to baptize those who came to him, without repenting, and told them to bring forth "fruits meet for repentance." (Matthew 3: 7, 8).

Neither faith nor baptism will benefit a person unless he repents also. The object of the Gospel is to bring mankind back to God. Through sin they are separated from Him.

"Your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your
sins have hid his face from you." (Isaiah 59: 2).

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To return to Him it is necessary to put away sin--to repent of it.

"Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of
God?" (I Corinthians 6: 9).

"Except ye repent, ye shall likewise perish." (Luke 13: 3).

It is only upon certain conditions that the blood of Christ cleanseth from all sin:

"If we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship
one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth
us from all sin." (I John 1: 7).

In order to "walk in the light" we must turn away from the dark paths of sin.

THE THIRD RULE--BAPTISM.

Repentance alone does not remit sin, yet every one who is truly penitent desires that his sins be remitted. It is through the atonement of Jesus Christ that a remission of sins is obtained. To make that atonement effective to each individual the Savior has instituted an ordinance. By obeying that ordinance, after repenting of his sins, a person can receive a remission or forgiveness of them.

TRUE MODE OF BAPTISM.

The ordinance for the remission of sins is called baptism. The meaning of the word baptize is to immerse or dip. The only proper mode of baptism is by immersion. All the baptisms described in the New Testament were performed by immersion.

St. Matthew says concerning the baptism of Jesus:

"And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the
water." (Matthew 3: 16).

This shows that He must have gone down into the water. "And John
also was baptizing in Aenon near to Salim, because there was much
water there." (John 3: 23).

This is also a proof that John baptized by immersion.

The baptism of the eunuch by Philip is described thus in the Bible:

"They went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch;
and he baptized him. And when they were come up out of the water,
the Spirit of the Lord caught away Philip." (Acts 8: 38, 39).

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This, again, shows the manner of baptism practiced by the Savior's disciples.

St. Paul writes:

"Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ
were baptized into his death? Therefore we are buried with him by
baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead
by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness
of life. For if we have been planted together in the likeness of
his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection."
(Romans 6: 3, 4, 5).

The apostle here likens baptism to the burial and resurrection of Christ. Any ordinance called baptism performed in some other way is not in the likeness of Christ's death and resurrection, and is not baptism at all.

All the early church historians testify that baptism by immersion was practiced during the first centuries after Christ.

WHAT BAPTISM IS FOR.

The following passages of scripture show that baptism is for the remission of sins:

"John did baptize in the wilderness, and preach the baptism of
repentance for the remission of sins." (Mark 1: 4).

"And he came into all the country about Jordan, preaching the
baptism of repentance for the remission of sins." (Luke 3: 3).

"Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of
you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins." (Acts
2: 38).

The scriptures tell of no ordinance or means by which a remission of sins can be obtained without baptism. Faith and repentance are not sufficient. The Bible says of John the Baptist's ministry:

"All the people that heard him, and the publicans, justified God,
being baptized with the baptism of John. But the Pharisees and
lawyers rejected the counsel of God against themselves, being not
baptized of him." (Luke 7: 29, 30).

It appears from this that those who refuse to be baptized reject the counsel of God against themselves. To do this is a great sin, and the only way to repent of it is to obey the counsel of God, and the counsel of God is to be baptized.

Cornelius, who is described as "a devout man, and one that feared God," and who was visited by an angel from heaven was commanded to be baptized. (Acts 10: 48). This shows {328} that baptism is necessary for all mankind, no matter how righteous they may be.

OTHER PURPOSES OF BAPTISM.

Jesus said it was necessary for Him to be baptized, in order to fulfill all righteousness, though He was without sin:

"Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to Jordan unto John, to be baptized
of him. But John forbade him, saying, I have need to be baptized
of thee, and comest thou to me? And Jesus answering said unto him,
Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfill all
righteousness." (Matthew 3: 13, 14, 15).

If it was becoming or proper that the Savior, who was without sin, should obey this ordinance, how much more becoming and necessary it is for all mankind, who are in sin, to follow Him and be baptized!

Baptism is one of the ordinances by which persons are admitted into the church of Christ, as shown by the following scriptures:

"Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the
same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls."
(Acts 2: 41).

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

To be "born of water" one must be baptized in water. Upon another occasion Jesus said,

"He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved: but he that believeth not shall be damned." (Mark 16: 16).

In no part of the scripture is it stated that man can be admitted into the church of Christ or be saved without baptism. It is an ordinance binding upon all who have reached the age of accountability.

The words of Jesus to the thief on the cross, "To-day shalt thou be with me in paradise," (Luke 23: 43), are believed by some to mean that the thief was promised salvation without complying with the ordinance of baptism. The Apostle Peter says Christ, after being "put to death in the flesh," "went and preached unto the spirits in prison; which sometime were disobedient, when once the long-suffering of God waited in the days of Noah." (I Peter 3: 18, 19, 20). Three days after His crucifixion, and after He was resurrected, Jesus said to Mary: "Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father." (John 20: 17). This proves that Christ did not go to heaven on the day He told the thief he would be with {329} Him in Paradise; if He did not, then it is evident that the thief did not.

THE BAPTISM OF INFANTS.

The baptism of infants is not an ordinance of Christ's church. He never instituted such a practice, and does not require it nor approve of it. Baptism as has been shown, is for the remission of sins, and for admission into the kingdom of God. It must follow faith and repentance. Infants are without sins; they are unable to exercise faith, or to understand repentance. Concerning them Jesus says:

"Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not:
FOR OF SUCH IS THE KINGDOM OF GOD." (Mark 10: 13, 14).

THOSE WHO HAVE DIED WITHOUT BAPTISM.

If this ordinance is so essential to salvation, it might be asked, what becomes of those good people who die without baptism, not knowing it is necessary? Will they be lost? It might also be asked, What will become of those good people who die without believing on the Lord Jesus Christ, never having heard of Him? Let the scriptures answer these questions:

"And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world,
and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were
evil." (John 3: 19).

"Where no law is, there is no transgression." (Romans 4: 15).

"For sin is the transgression of the law." (I John 3: 4).

"That servant which knew his Lord's will, and prepared not himself,
neither did according to his will, shall be beaten with many
stripes. But he that knew not, and did commit things worthy of
stripes shall be beaten with few stripes. For unto whomsoever much
is given, of him shall be much required." (Luke 12: 47, 48).

These passages of scripture are sufficient to make it clear that people are not condemned until they, after having the privilege of complying with the law of God, reject it. The Lord in His infinite mercy has provided means by which all who die without the privilege of hearing and obeying the Gospel may be saved by future compliance.[1]

But those who do hear it and refuse to obey its teachings simply because other good people before them who died without {330} the opportunity did not comply with them in this life, will surely be under condemnation.

BAPTISM A TEST OF OBEDIENCE.

The fact that baptism is a commandment of God should be enough to convince any one that it must be observed. It is not an unreasonable requirement. The Lord promises salvation to those who obey Him. Baptism is one of the tests of obedience. Nothing but a lack of faith, repentance and humility will cause one to object to baptism. An unwillingness to submit to baptism is a proof that faith and repentance have not been complied with. Baptism therefore serves as a test of one's faith and repentance, just as repentance is a test of faith. A spirit of repentance and humility proves that we have faith; and an honest desire to accept baptism proves that we manifest faith, repentance and humility.

When these three rules or principles have been sincerely obeyed we are prepared for the next one. By complying with it the Lord's approval of our course is to be received.

THE FOURTH RULE--LAYING ON OF HANDS.

Following the ordinance of baptism by immersion in water for the remission of sins, is that of laying on of hands for the reception of the Holy Ghost. The manner of conferring the Holy Ghost in the days of the apostles was by the ordinance of laying on of hands, as the following passages will show:

"Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy
Ghost." (Acts 8: 17).

"When Simon saw that through laying on of the apostles' hands the
Holy Ghost was given, he offered them money." (Acts 8: 18).

"When Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on
them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied." (Acts 19: 6).

Those who truly believe, sincerely repent of their sins, and are baptized by one having authority are entitled to receive this ordinance of laying on of hands for the reception of the Holy Ghost. If it is performed by one called of God, that is, one having authority to administer His ordinances, the Lord will sanction the act by bestowing the gift of the Holy Ghost upon those who receive the ordinance.

NECESSITY OF LAYING ON OF HANDS.

The scriptures show that it is very essential that this ordinance be received by all who accept the Gospel of Christ. Like that of baptism, it is one by which mankind are admitted {331} into the church of God. When the people of Samaria accepted Philip's testimony and were baptized, Peter and John were sent to lay hands upon them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost. (Acts 8: 14-17). If it was not necessary that the people of Samaria should have this ordinance attended to the apostles would not have gone to the trouble of sending Peter and John unto them for that purpose.

OFFICE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT.

The influence of the Holy Spirit may be felt by men and women who have not complied with all these rules of the Gospel. The Spirit of the Lord leads people to have faith, to live good lives, and to perform many good works, but it will never manifest to any one that his life is fully approved of the Lord without obeying these ordinances or rules of His church. People should not think themselves saved because they have felt the influence of the Holy Ghost prompting them to do right. If they do not obey its promptings by keeping the commandments of Christ, that Spirit will not remain with them. The Lord says,

"My spirit shall not always strive with man." (Genesis 6: 3).

Jesus said to His disciples,

"I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter;
that he may abide with you forever." (John 14: 16).

This promise of a Comforter to abide with them forever was on condition of obedience, as may be learned by reading what follows in the same chapter of John's Gospel.

Jesus further promised that the Holy Ghost would lead His disciples into all truth:

"When he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all
truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall
hear, that shall he speak: and he will show you things to come."
(John 16: 13).

In order to be guided into all truth, and to receive the other blessings conferred by the Holy Spirit, we must obey these first principles of truth that have been mentioned. Unless we do this we never can make further progress.

RULES HEREIN EXPLAINED.

In the foregoing the first principles of the Gospel of Christ have been briefly explained, namely.

1. Faith in God and in His Son Jesus Christ.

2. Repentance.

{332} 3. Baptism by Immersion, for the Remission of Sins.

4. Laying on of Hands for the Gift of the Holy Ghost.

That this is the order in which these principles were taught by the Savior and His disciples, is evident from the writings of the New Testament.

John the Baptist first called upon those who believed his word to repent of their sins; and he refused to baptize those who did not show fruits of repentance. (Matthew 3: 2-8). He also promised that after their baptism of water they should receive the baptism of the Holy Ghost. (Matthew 3: 11).

To those who believed his words, spoken on the day of Pentecost, the Apostle Peter said,

"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." (Act 2: 38).

The people of Samaria who believed Philip's preaching "were baptized, both men and women." (Acts 8: 12). Afterwards Peter and John were sent to them that they might receive the Holy Ghost:

"Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy
Ghost" (Acts 8: 17).

These four rules must be obeyed in order to gain admission into Christ's church. They are the beginning of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

These doctrines were taught by the Savior and His disciples, as recorded in the Bible. There is no other way of entering the Church of Christ. Anyone who teaches that there is some other way is under condemnation. St. Paul says:

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).

St. John, in speaking of the doctrine of Christ, says:

"If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive
him not into your house, neither bid him God speed: for he that
biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds." (II John 10,
11).

All the doctrines taught by Jesus and His disciples are believed and taught to-day by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints; and all the blessings and gifts that characterized the primitive church are enjoyed by the Latter-day Saints.

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Footnotes:

1. For further information upon this subject see tract No. 5, entitled "A Prophet of Latter Days."

THE ANGEL WITH THE GOSPEL.

BY ELDER ORSON PRATT, IN MILLENNIAL STAR, 1866.

"And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven having the
everlasting Gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and
to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people, saying with
a loud voice, fear God, and give glory to him, for the hour of his
judgment is come; and worship him that made heaven and earth, and
the sea, and the fountains of waters."--_Rev_. 14: 6-7.

Has the angel, seen in John's vision on Patmos, yet come? Or will he hereafter come? The Latter-day Saints are diligently and boldly declaring to the nations that the angel has come, that he has appeared unto chosen witnesses, that he has committed the everlasting Gospel to them, commanding them to preach it to all people, to cry with a loud voice that the hour of God's judgment is come, to call upon all to fear God, and give glory to Him, and worship Him, etc. There are some who have heard this solemn testimony of the servants of God, who are in doubt upon this all important subject. They suppose that the angel himself was to preach this Gospel to all mankind, and that the angel himself was to cry with a loud voice, etc. And because all people have not heard the angel speak, and have not heard the everlasting Gospel from his own mouth, and have not heard him cry with a loud voice, they suppose he has not come and denounce the Saints as false witnesses. But let unbelievers candidly investigate the words of the text, and see if they are justified in drawing this hasty conclusion. By a careless glance at the passage, one might suppose that the heavenly messenger himself was to do all the work of preaching; but the words evidently do not warrant such a construction. The angel was to fly having the everlasting Gospel; but that he was to preach the same to all people, is not mentioned in the text; neither is it, in that place, declared that he should publish with a loud voice, to all nations, any proclamation. When he left the heavenly worlds and came to earth, and committed the message he was intrusted with, into the hands of chosen vessels, commanding them to preach it, he had fulfilled his part of the sacred mission, so far as the introduction of the heavenly message among them was concerned.

{334} The words, "To Preach Unto Them That Dwell on the Earth," could be fulfilled by other agents, under the angel's authority and direction; and the same agency which does the preaching is also commissioned to say, "With a Loud Voice, Fear God, and Give Glory to Him for the Hour of His Judgment Is Come." If the passage had definitely said that the angel who brings the Gospel should likewise preach it, with a loud voice, there would have been some slight foundation for apparent objections to the Saints' testimony, but even then the objections would be only apparent, for this great dispensation is not yet ended, and there could be no evidence brought that the angel would not, near the close of the dispensation, actually publish with a loud voice to all people, the very hour of God's judgment, in all its fierceness and terror, so that all people would hear His voice. But such a wonderful and miraculous proclamation in the heavens would not preclude the angel from sending agents just prior to prepare a people for so great an event.

When we look at the angel's mission, by the aid of reason, the conviction at once forces itself upon the mind that he will authorize missionaries to carry the Gospel to all nations; otherwise how could believing penitent souls obey the Gospel ordinances? Is it reasonable to suppose that the angel would travel around on the earth, and baptize, and confirm by the laying on of hands for the baptism of the Holy Ghost, and minister the sacrament, and attend to all church ordinances? It is not only reasonable, but certain, that the everlasting Kingdom of God will be established on the earth, through the reception of the Gospel that the angel brings; if so, there must be officers called and ordained, such as Apostles, Prophets, etc., etc., to minister ordinances; otherwise, the everlasting Gospel, though proclaimed in the heavens by a mighty angel, would be of no use. Reason, therefore, would testify at once, that the angel at first only brings the Gospel, and directs other inspired agents to minister in its numerous ordinances, to build up the Kingdom, to publish with a loud voice the solemn testimony, that the hour--the terrible hour of God's judgment is come.

Let no one suppose that because the angel has begun the fulfillment of John's vision, that he has fully accomplished all things in relation to it. Hear what new revelation says upon the subject. "And now, verily, saith the Lord, that these things might be known among you, O inhabitants of the earth, I have sent forth mine angel flying through the {335} midst of heaven, having the everlasting Gospel, who hath appeared unto some, and hath committed it unto man who shall appear unto many that dwell on the earth; and this Gospel shall be preached unto every nation, and kindred, and tongue and people, and the servants of God shall go forth saying with a loud voice, fear God and give glory to Him, for the hour of His judgment is come; and worship Him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters, calling upon the name of the Lord day and night, saying, O, that Thou wouldst rend the heavens, that Thou wouldst come down, that the mountains might flow down at Thy presence. And it shall be answered upon their heads, for the presence of the Lord shall be as the melting fire that burneth, and as the fire which causeth the waters to boil," etc. (_Doc. and Cov. sec. 108: par. 7_.)

This same angel is yet to appear unto many; his mission therefore is not fully completed. Another grand event connected with his mission is to be fulfilled, when the seven angels sound their trumpets, in the morning of the seventh thousand years; then all people, both in heaven and on earth, will hear. But we will quote the word of the Lord: "And another trump shall sound, which is the fifth trump, which is the fifth angel who committeth the everlasting Gospel--flying through the midst of heaven, unto all nations, kindreds, tongues, and people; and this shall be the sound of his trump, saying to all people, both in heaven and in earth, and that are under the earth; for every ear shall hear it and every knee shall bow, and every tongue shall confess, while they shall hear the sound of the trump, saying, fear God, and give glory to Him who sitteth upon the throne forever and ever; for the hour of his judgment is come. And again another angel shall sound his trump, which is the sixth angel, saying, she is fallen who made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication; she is fallen, is fallen!" (_Doc. and Cov. sec. 7: par. 31-32_.)

Thus we have traced the great mission of the angel, from the time that he flies with the everlasting Gospel, and commits it to man, until the grand closing up scene of this wicked world, by the sounding of the seven trumpets. In this last drama the angel of the Gospel will figure as the fifth in the series. In that awful day, our friend, Mr. William Brook, of Bradford, who has written to us, asking questions upon this sublime subject, will have no more supposed reason to complain, because the angel has not complied with all his suppositions in regard to his mission. Whether in heaven, {336} on earth, under the earth, or among the hosts of hell, every ear will hear the sound of the trump, and every knee bow, and confess to the glory of God, and acknowledge the power, authority and majesty of Him who sits upon the throne, and of His holy angels who go forth at His bidding.

Because God has given the keys of the everlasting Gospel to the fifth angel, let no one suppose that he alone will act in the great latter-day dispensation. Other angels have their missions to perform, and will assist in the wonderful work. We again quote from the revelations given to that great Prophet Joseph Smith, taken from his inspired key to John's vision on Patmos. The Prophet inquires as follows:

"What are we to understand by the four angels spoken of in the seventh chapter and first verse of the Revelation?" He answers: "We are to understand that they are four angels sent forth from God, to whom is given power over the four parts of the earth, to save life and to destroy; these are they who have the everlasting Gospel, to commit to every nation, kindred, tongue and people; having power to shut up the heavens, to seal up unto life, or to cast down to the regions of darkness." (_Pearl of Great Price, p. 34_.)

From the Revelation of John and from the inspired writings of other holy men, it seems that all the powers of heaven are exerted to assist in the magnificent preparations for the coming of the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, to assume His rightful authority over this creation. Shall the heavens above be aroused to the highest degree of expectation, and the earth still continue to slumber in midnight darkness? No! verily no! In the great preparation there must be a union between the heavens and earth. The sons of earth must be awakened from the deep slumbers of ages. Tidings from the great courts above must be sent forth by swift messengers, to the nations; the voice of heavenly truth must penetrate the darkest corners of the habitable globe; ancient dynasties and powerful governments must be overthrown; thrones and kingdoms and empires must be cast down; and revolution must succeed revolution, until every ear shall hear and every heart be penetrated with the solemn warning voice, until all shall know that the great day of the Lord is at hand. Swiftly moving messengers from celestial abodes will freely converse with the sons of God on earth; and every angel and every servant of God will know his place, and understand what part he is to perform in the grand preparation for the eternal union of Saints on earth with the Saints of all ages from heaven.

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THE PROPHET JOSEPH SMITH ON DOCTRINE.

EXTRACTS FROM A SERMON DELIVERED AT NAUVOO, JUNE 27, 1839, TAKEN FROM THE HISTORICAL RECORD.

Faith comes by hearing the word of God, through the testimony of the servants of God; that testimony is always attended by the spirit of prophecy and revelation.

Repentance is a thing which cannot be trifled with every day. Daily transgression and daily repentance is not that which is pleasing in the sight of God.

Baptism is a holy ordinance preparatory to the reception of the Holy Ghost; it is the channel and key by which the Holy Ghost will be administered.

The gift of the Holy Ghost by the laying on of hands cannot be received through the medium of any other principle than the principle of righteousness, for if the proposals are not complied with, it is of no use, but withdraws.

Tongues were given for the purpose of preaching among those whose language is not understood, as on the Day of Pentecost, etc.; and it is not necessary for tongues to be taught to the Church particularly, for any man that has the Holy Ghost can speak of the things of God in his own tongue as well as to speak in another; for faith comes not by signs, but by hearing the word of God.

The doctrine of the resurrection of the dead and eternal judgment are necessary to preach among the first principles of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

The doctrine of election. St. Paul exhorts us to make our calling and election sure. This is that sealing power spoken of by Paul in other places (_Eph. 1: 13, 14_): "In whom ye also trusted, that after ye heard the word of truth, the Gospel of your salvation, in whom also, after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy spirit of promise which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of His glory," that we may be sealed up unto the day of redemption. This principle ought (in its proper place) to be taught for God hath not revealed {338} anything to Joseph but what He will make known unto the twelve, and even the least Saint may know all things as fast as he is able to bear them, for the day must come when no man need say to his neighbor, know ye the Lord; for all shall know him (who remain) from the least to the greatest. How is this to be done? It is to be done by this sealing power, and the other comforter spoken of, which will be manifest by revelation. There are two comforters spoken of. One is the Holy Ghost, the same as given on the day of Pentecost, and that all Saints receive after faith, repentance and baptism. This first comforter or Holy Ghost has no other effect than pure intelligence. It is more powerful in expanding the mind, enlightening the understanding, and storing the intellect with present knowledge, of a man who is of the literal seed of Abraham, than one that is a Gentile, though it may not have half as much visible effect upon the body; for as the Holy Ghost falls upon one of the literal seed of Abraham, it is calm and serene; and his whole soul and body are only exercised by the pure spirit of intelligence; while the effect of the Holy Ghost upon a Gentile is to purge out the old blood and make him actually of the seed of Abraham. That man that has none of the blood of Abraham (naturally) must have a new creation by the Holy Ghost. In such a case there may be more of a powerful effect upon the body, and visible to the eye, than upon an Israelite, while the Israelite at first might be far before the Gentile in pure intelligence.