John Taylor's sermon on his perception of the superiority of Mormonism over Christianity - June 12, 1853
MOTIVES AND FEELINGS OF THE SAINTS - EXPERIENCE NECESSARY - THE STATE OF
THE WORLD - INFIDELS - RELIGIONS AND THE WORKS OF MEN, AND THE RELIGION
AND WORKS OF GOD - TRUTH AND SALVATION.
A discourse delivered by Elder John Taylor, in the Tabernacle,
Great Salt Lake City, June 12, 1853.
(critique notes follows the sermon)
In
rising to address you this morning, I do it with feelings of peculiar
pleasure, for I always love to meet with the Saints of the Most High; I
always loved to speak or to hear of the things associated with the
kingdom of God; and consequently, as we are all engaged in the worship
of the Almighty, and meet together from time to time, to sing, to pray,
to speak, to edify, and be edified, it is of little importance to me
what part I take in the drama, I am pleased at all times to hear my
brethren speak, and it likewise gives me pleasure to address the Saints
for their edification. (1)
As
men and women of intelligence, as those who profess to be the servants
of the Most High, we all have more or less reflection pertaining to the
kingdom of God. The ideas that we have entertained, relative to this
kingdom, have brought us here; these feelings and principles have
caused us to leave our native homes, our former habitations and
associations, and to mingle with the Saints of the Most High in the
valleys of these mountains. If we have suffered afflictions and
privations, if we have passed through troubles or sorrows, if we have
had to do with the chequered scenes of this life, more particularly as
it is associated with the kingdom of God, it is because we have been
stimulated by thoughts, feelings, hopes, and desires, pertaining to the
eternal world, and those things associated with our everlasting
welfare. (2)
If
these are not our feelings, what are we doing here? Why are we found in
this distant land? Why have we left the land of our birth, and dwelling
place? Why have we quitted our former associations and friends, in
different nations, countries, tongues, and peoples, and thus become
amalgamated? Why do we together worship the Most High in the valleys of
the mountains, if these have not been our feelings? We have come here
expressly for this purpose. This has been our only object, our only
hope, our chief desire, and may account for our singular gathering, and
our peculiar location here. And notwithstanding we may have a few
trials and difficulties, and various things that frequently perplex and
annoy our minds, and disturb our feelings, yet the polar star of our
minds, the strong and deep feeling of affection, and the principle of
truth within us, still point to the same thing for which we started at
the commencement of our career; and when we bow down before our God,
when we enter into our closet and call upon the Lord, when associated
with our families to supplicate the Most High, when we mingle with the
Saints in public worship, or whenever we are led seriously to reflect
upon the true position of this kingdom, our rejoicing is, that our face
is Zion ward, that our hopes are placed upon God, and we know that He
is our Father and Friend. We contemplate with joy that the heavens have
been opened, that truth has been revealed, and the power of God
developed; that angels have manifested themselves, that the glory of
the eternal world has been made known, and that we have been made
participators in that light, glory, and intelligence which God has been
pleased to reveal for the blessing, salvation, and exaltation of the
human family in this time and throughout all eternity. These are our
feelings. (3)
We
believe that God has set His hand in these last days to accomplish His
purposes, to gather together His elect from the four winds, even to
fulfill the words which He has spoken by all the holy Prophets, to
redeem the earth from the power of the curse, to save the human family
from the ruins of the fall, and to place mankind in that position which
God designed them to occupy before this world came into existence, or
the morning stars sang together for joy. We believe in and realise
these things; we feel them, we appreciate them, and therefore are we
thus assembled together. (4)
I
know that, as other men, we have our trials, afflictions, sorrows, and
privations; we meet with difficulties; we have to contend with the
world, with the powers of darkness, with the corruptions of men, and a
variety of evils; yet at the same time through these things we have to
be made perfect. It is necessary that we should have a knowledge of
ourselves, of our true position and standing before God, and comprehend
our strength, our weakness, our ignorance and intelligence, our wisdom
and our folly, that we may know how to appreciate true principles, and
comprehend, and put a proper value upon, all things as they present
themselves before our minds. It is necessary that we should know our
own weaknesses, and the weaknesses of our fellow-men; our own strength,
as well as the strength of others; and comprehend our true position
before God, angels, and men; that we may be inclined to treat all with
due respect, and not to over-value our own wisdom or strength, nor
depreciate it, nor that of others, but put our trust in the living God,
and follow after Him, and realise that we are His children, and that He
is our Father, and that our dependence is upon Him, and that every
blessing we receive flows from His beneficent hand. (5)
It
is necessary, then, that we pass through the school of suffering,
trial, affliction, and privation, to know ourselves, to know others,
and to know our God. Therefore it was necessary, when the Saviour was
upon the earth, that he should be tempted in all points, like unto us,
and "be touched with the feeling of our infirmities," to comprehend the
weaknesses and strength, the perfections and imperfections of poor
fallen human nature. And having accomplished the thing he came into the
world to do; having had to grapple with the hypocrisy, corruption,
weakness, and imbecility of man; having met with temptation and trial
in all its various forms, and overcome, he has become a "faithful High
Priest" to intercede for us in the everlasting kingdom of His Father.
He knows how to estimate and put a proper value upon human nature, for
he having been placed in the same position as we are, knows how to bear
with our weaknesses and infirmities, and can fully comprehend the
depth, power, and strength of the afflictions and trials that men have
to cope with in this world, and thus understandingly and by experience,
he can bear with them as a father and an elder brother. (6)
It
is necessary, also, inasmuch as we profess that we are aiming at the
same glory, exaltation, power, and blessings in the eternal world, that
we should pass through the same afflictions, endure the same
privations, conquer as he conquered, and overcome as he did, and thus
by integrity, truth, virtue, purity, and a high-minded and honorable
course before God, angels, and men secure for ourselves an eternal
exaltation in the eternal world, as he did. (7)
The
world, at the present time, is all confused, and it seems to me,
sometimes, that even we have made very little improvement indeed,
according to the light and intelligence God has communicated to us. But
what has the world done? Whether you look at it morally, religiously,
philosophically, or politically, or in what way you please, you will
find it is all a chaotic mass. Confusion, disorder, weakness,
corruption, and vice of every kind are abounding, and the whole world
seems to be confused and retrograding. The human family have departed
from the principles which God has laid down for their guidance,
direction, and support; they have forsaken Him the fountain of living
waters, and hewn out to themselves cisterns, broken cisterns, that can
hold no water. (8)
I
shall not, at the present, examine particularly their philosophy or
politics; these things you are already acquainted with, for you have
had more or less to do with them; you have seen their weakness, and
incompetency to accomplish anything they desired in times past. There
is no project they have put on foot, to the present time, if carried
out to the furthest extent, according to the most sanguine desires of
its advocates, that would be capable of producing happiness to the
human family. I shall not enter into a detail of these things at the
present, but merely make this statement. Suffice it to say that we have
been satisfied of these things years ago, and therefore have come here.
Have we come here because we expect to become more rich? No. Have we
united with this Church because we expect to become more honorable in
the eyes of the world? No. I think this work would have been the last
ship we should have boarded, if that had been what we sought. This
reminds me of a minister that I once conversed with in England. He
wanted a little private conversation, after having had some public
debate with me. Said he, "Elder Taylor, is there any way you know of
that I can be saved without uniting with your Church?" These were the
feeling most of us had when we first heard the Gospel. (9)
"Mormonism" is the first impression, and the " Mormons" are looked upon
as being deluded fanatics and fools, the offscouring of the earth. This
is the way we have been looked upon, and in this light we looked upon
"Mormonism," ourselves, at the first. When I first read about the
Gospel preached by the Latter-day Saints, I thought it was nothing akin
to religion; and I presume now that the people in England, and in the
United States, particularly since they have heard some of the late
doctrines which have been proclaimed, think it is nothing like
religion. I know what their feelings are, and I know that nothing but a
sterling desire to do the will of God will cause men to endure the
contumely and reproach of their fellow men, and associate themselves
with the people denominated Latter-day Saints or "Mormons." (10)
We had similar feelings to these ourselves; and we united with this
people because we considered there was truth associated with their
religion, otherwise we never should have become converts to it, we
should never have been here, but we should have been with the world,
and following in their path. But we are here; the world have their
ideas, and we have ours. I was going to say, they think they are right;
but on reflecting a moment, I am led to think they do not think so, but
they are at a loss to know how to mend themselves. The difference
between them and us is, they think they do not know a better way than
that they are pursuing; we think we do, and some of us know we do. I
confess, myself, that if I knew no other religion, than the religions
that are propagated abroad, I would not be a religious man at all, but
I would lay it all aside, as something beneath my notice, and worship
God as the great Supreme of the Universe, according to my own judgment,
independent of the opinions of man, and without having any regard to
the ridiculous dogmas taught in the world. (11)
Many
find fault with and blame the infidel community, and say that none but
scoundrels would be associated with them, &c. The most intelligent
men in the world are found among the Infidel class of society. They see
a variety of sects and parties contending for all kinds of conflicting
dogmas. They know that persecution and wrong have prevailed, under the
cloak of religion, causing many to be imprisoned and put to death. In
fact there has been no inhumanity, barbarity, or cruelty equal to that
practised by the professors of religion. Humanity shudders at the
thought, and yet the hypocrites tell us, it is all for the love of God.
And they do it for the benefit of the human family. The Catholics have
killed Protestants by thousands, and vice versa, and yet we must
believe it is for the love of God, and for the welfare of souls. Can I
think that God has any thing to do with influencing such a course of
conduct? No. What can there be more ridiculous, for instance, at the
present day, than two Christian nations fighting with each other, and
both worshipping the same God, and whose ministers call upon God, as
they say, in sincerity. What for? For God to destroy their enemies,
their brother Christians, who are going to the same heaven. The other
party pray for the same thing, and when both have been praying, then
comes the clang of arms, the deadly strife, the groans of the dying,
blood, carnage, and desolation. And after they have got through, the
victorious party thank God that He has given them the victory over
their enemies. (12)
These
kinds of christian feelings do exist. I speak of this as one
circumstance. What can I think of such priests, and of such prayers? I
think just as much of the one as I do of the other. But what would you
think of the gullibility of the people who would listen to such things?
Would I be gulled by such inconsistencies? Not if I had my reason. At
the present time, take Christians in general, which, you know, we all
suppose to be the best people in the world, and one half of their time
is spent in polemical essays and strife; and I think sometimes our
Elders engage too much in that matter. But I am not surprised at it,
because they have come from that school, and have been trained in that
element. They seem to have the bump of combativeness well developed,
for almost the very first thing that men do when they go out to preach,
is to run against these Christians, and their principles. We are not
among them here, but gathered out from them, and if we refer to their
inconsistencies, it is that we may comprehend our own, and the position
of others. (13)
There
are Catholicism, Presbyterianism, and all other isms, the advocates of
which worship the same God, though their doctrine, precepts, and belief
are not the same; they think differently, and worship differently, and
each party sends to hell, in a wholesale manner, all who differ from
them! and if God was no more merciful than they are, we should find
ourselves all there together. This is the way things exist down in the
world. If it was not for the religion I profess, which gives me to know
something about the matter, by revelation for myself, I would not have
anything to do with religion at all. I would worship God the best way I
knew how, and act justly and honorably with my neighbor; which I
believe thousands of that class of men called Infidels do at the
present day. But I never would submit to be gulled with the nonsense
that exists in the world, under the name of religion. (14)
What
is it, then, that we believe in? We believe in the restoration of all
things. We believe that God has spoken from the heavens. If I did not
believe He had, I would not be here. We believe that angels have
appeared, that the heavens have been opened. We believe in eternal
principles, in an eternal Gospel, an eternal Priesthood, in eternal
communications and associations. Every thing associated with the Gospel
that we believe in is eternal. If it were not so, I would want nothing
to do with it. I do not want to make a profession, and worship a God
because this one, that one, or the other one does it, and I not know
whether I am right, and those whom I imitate not know, any more than
myself, whether they are right or wrong. (15)
I
profess to know for myself, and if I did not know for myself, I would
have nothing to do with it. Acting upon this principle, I associated
myself with the Latter-day Saints. I preach that doctrine which I
verily believe with my whole soul. I believe in its principles, because
there is something intelligent about it. For instance - if I am an
eternal being, I want something that is calculated to satisfy the
capacious desires of that eternal mind. If I am a being that came into
the world yesterday, and leaves it again to-morrow, I might as well
have one religion as another, or none at all; "let us eat and drink;
for to-morrow we die." If I am an eternal being, I want to know
something about that eternity with which I am associated. I want to
know something about God, the devil, heaven, and hell. If hell is a
place of misery, and heaven a place of happiness, I want to know how to
escape the one, and obtain the other. If I cannot know something about
these things which are to come in the eternal world, I have no
religion, I would not have any, I would not give a straw for it. It
would be too low and grovelling a consideration for a man of
intelligence, in the absence of this knowledge. If there is a God, I
want a religion that supplies some means of certain and tangible
communication with Him. If there is a heaven, I want to know what sort
of a place it is. If there are angels, I want to know their nature, and
their occupation, and of what they are composed. If I am an eternal
being, I want to know what I am to do when I get through with time;
whether I shall plant corn and hoe it, or be engaged in some other
employment. I do not want any person to tell me about a heaven that is
"beyond the bounds of time and space," a place that no person can
possibly know any thing about, or ever reach, if they did. I do not
wish any person to frighten me nearly to death, by telling me about a
hell where sinners are roasted upon gridirons, and tossed up by devils
upon pitchforks, and other sharp pointed instruments. These notions are
traditionary, and have come from the old mother church. (16)
I
have a Catholic book containing pictures of devils roasting sinners on
gridirons, tossing them about with pitchforks; of snakes and dragons
devouring them, &c.; which I have brought with me from the old
country. The Protestants are indebted to the Catholics for all this
blessed information, and all the glory associated with it, and I
suppose the Catholics are indebted to some of the ancient painters for
it. I want nothing to do with such things, I care nothing about them.
But as an intelligent being, if I have a mind capable of reflection, I
wish to contemplate the works of nature, and to know something of
nature's God, and my destiny. I love to view the things around me; to
gaze upon the sun, moon, and stars; to study the planetary system, and
the world we inhabit; to behold their beauty, order, harmony, and the
operations of existence around me. I can see something more than that
mean jargon, those childish quibbles, this heaven beyond the bounds of
time and space, where they have nothing to do but sit and sing
themselves away to everlasting bliss, or go and roast on gridirons.
There is nothing like that to be found in nature - every thing is
beautifully harmonious, and perfectly adapted to the position it
occupies in the world. Whether you look at birds, beasts, or the human
system, you see something exquisitely beautiful and harmonious, and
worthy of the contemplation of all intelligence. What is man's wisdom
in comparison to it? I could not help but believe there was a God, if
there was no such thing as religion in the world. (17)
If
we look at men, with the best and most exalted talents you can find,
what do they know or comprehend, or what can they do in comparison to
the works of God. What is there that is worthy of notice in all the
mechanism of men, with all their intelligence and science combined,
upon which they have been improving from year to year, and from
generation to generation? What do they know to the present time? If you
look at their governments you see none of them pursuing their
legitimate object of promoting the happiness of the world, but they are
engaged in watching each other for evil, and destroying themselves.
They have organized armies, navies, custom-house officers, &c., in
order to support their own peculiar locality and interests, independent
of anything else, or any regard to the rest of mankind. They look upon
each other as upon as many thieves, and maintain their armies and
navies for self defence against the intrusions of their neighboring
brother robbers. Such is the nature of the main organization of the
nations at the present time. But if we look back for a few ages, we
shall discover that where the most mighty nations existed generations
ago, is now a desolate waste, and a howling wilderness. We are now
occupying a place that was a wilderness, before we commenced to people
it, but which was densely populated generations ago. Such is the case,
in a great measure, with Palestine, Babylon, and many parts of the
Assyrian empire. Changes have been going on continually, and the
ambition of man has desolated nations, overturned kingdoms, depopulated
empires, overthrown countries, and millions have had to welter in their
gore. This has been the wisdom of Gentile governments, with all their
intelligence and philosophy. (18)
We
look again at the works of God, and see nothing exhibited there but
perfection, harmony, symmetry, and order. If we look at the planetary
system, we see this principle beautifully and most perfectly
maintained. Immense planets revolve round our sun, and this system; and
other suns, with their systems, round another; and that, and
innumerable other suns and systems, with our own, around another yet
greater and more magnificent; and so, millions of systems more in their
order, until it is past our comprehension, and yet everything is
beautiful, perfect, and harmonious. If it was otherwise, if the
kingdoms of God were governed by the same confused order of things that
are characteristic of the governments of this world, we would have had
planet dashing against planet in wild confusion, and millions of their
inhabitants sent to desolation in a moment. God's works are perfect. If
you examine vegetation, how beautiful that is. Who is there that can
imitate it? We can see some painters who have managed to make rough
daubs in imitation. One of the greatest feats that a painter ever did,
was to paint a curtain so perfectly as to deceive another painter so,
that he went forward to draw it aside to exhibit a picture behind it.
There are millions of curtains in the works of nature, which spring
forth from the works of God by that light which is in them, which is
imparted to them by the great Eloheim. (19)
We
see men who are considered very talented, whose names are handed down
to posterity as great sculptors or painters. Their works are among the
ancient ruins, and are exhibited as specimens of artistic skill, that
men may see how intelligent their forefathers were. And what is it
which they had wisdom to make? Something like a man, or a beast. But
break off an arm or a leg, and you discover that it is but a lifeless
piece of matter, though the outlines may be true to nature; and in this
alone consist the beauty and skill of the artist. But there is no life
in them, and they fall far short of perfection, beauty, and symmetry,
as it is seen in the human system, or that of any other animal. Look
upon a man, he is a perfect being, he is perfect inside and outside. If
you remove the skin, the perfect covering of the human form, the
nerves, muscles, arteries, veins, and everything necessary for this
peculiar system, are there found in perfect harmony, and in every way
adapted to make complete a living, moving machine. Not only so, but he
is an intelligent being, capable of reflecting and acting. We profess
to know a great deal, but what of our philosophy? Who is there can tell
me by what power I lift my right arm? If that cannot be told, what do
we know? How far short, then, are we that intelligence that governs the
universe, and regulates all the works of nature. I look at the bones of
the mammoth, and they tell me of something that was. I can gaze upon an
elephant, as it now is, a mighty, ponderous moving machine, with
strength and energy. Who planned and contrived these mighty beings? I
look again at the animalcula, a thousand of which can float in a drop
of water, and I see, by means of a powerful glass, the veins, muscles,
and everything that is perfect to constitute a living, moving creature,
invisible to the naked eye. He who organized the one, regulates the
other. Man is an intelligent being, but how far does his intelligence
fall short of that which regulates the world! He cannot even govern
himself, he never was able to do it, and never will be able until he
receives that wisdom and intelligence which comes from God. If every
man can obtain intelligence of that kind, and from that source, which
governs the world, and keeps in order all the planetary systems, and
adapts every fish, fowl, and insect to its own peculiar position in the
world, and supplies all its wants; if he can receive it from God, as
his instructor, he is then able to govern himself, possessing
intelligence which he now knows nothing about; and intelligence which
indeed is worthy of God and man. If I cannot have a portion of that
intelligence and that wisdom, if the great Eloheim cannot impart a
portion of that spirit to me, and teach me the same lessons that He
understands, I want nothing to do with a system of theology at all. (20)
I
believe in obtaining from Him, intelligence to enable me to comprehend
all the works of God, to comprehend all the purposes of God. And if I
cannot know something of these, I am altogether in the back-ground, and
shall not be able to comprehend my true position in society, and for
what I came into the world. What are we? We are noble, intelligent
beings, bearing the impress of Jehovah. With all our imperfections, we
can reflect upon things back, and things to come. Our minds are capable
of flying from one part of the earth to the other, in less than a
moment of time. We can contemplate things we did in the years of our
infancy, and thousands of miles distant from our present position; and
in another moment contemplate things that are ahead of us. That is a
degree of wisdom and intelligence which God has imparted unto us, and
which we may improve as intelligent beings, and, having tasted of the
fountain, go and drink, and participate more fully in all those
blessings which are in store for us. (21)
I
have often been amused at the narrow contracted ideas of men, when I
have looked abroad in the world, and seen their cogitations and
calculations in their writings. One man believes in justification by
faith, another in justification by works. Some believe in one thing,
and some in another; all have their own peculiar ideas, unguided and
ungoverned by the only legitimate rule and standard of truth - the
living and eternal Priesthood of God. (22)
Few can extend their charity sufficiently for to believe it is possible
that some will be saved as well as themselves; but that some few
thousands of people are going to heaven, and all the rest, to hell, is
the prevailing belief; and if a few, besides these "elect," reach
heaven, they think it will be a hard chance. The Protestants believe
the Catholics are all in error, and pack the whole church off to hell
as the mother of harlots, without any trouble, or without even a sigh.
And the old mother is just as uncharitable towards her daughters, for
they are her offspring, and she sends the whole of them unceremoniously
to the same place. The Catholics and Protestants are generally united
in sending all the Mahometans and Heathens there. It would be something
like it was with me once, when I was discussing with a minister on the
principles of "Mormonism." Before I got through with him, he nearly
destroyed and cast away the whole of the Bible, in his zeal to destroy
our faith. He threw away one book after another, until but a small
portion remained. So it is with the religious world generally; each one
packs off his neighbor to hell; and after such narrow minds have made
their selections of the worthy ones, and put them right, as they think,
few besides will get to heaven. (23)
Others
will take every body to heaven, no matter who or what they are. I think
the latter idea is as ridiculous as the former, although there is
something more pleasing in the last idea, I must confess, than in the
other. The only thing I would hate in it, is being associated with a
multitude of cut-throats and blacklegs there. For instance - the old
world was cut off through their wickedness and corruption. I could not
think it right of the Lord to take all those wicked fellows straight to
heaven, because they were wicked and unworthy, and leave Noah and his
family to combat with the troubles of earth because they were
righteous. But such are the ideas of men; while some are all charity,
others have none at all. I have sometimes thought that we "Mormons" are
almost as uncharitable as others. (24)
I
believe God has a great design in view, in the creation of the human
family. I do not believe that an all-wise Being would ever make a
beautiful earth like this, and people it with man, and a multiplicity
of other kinds of beings designed to exist upon it, and all for no
purpose. I do not believe that 350,000,000 of people that live in China
in a state of heathen darkness are created to live in this state, and
be damned because they have not the right religion. I do not believe
that all the nations that worship various kinds of idols, in different
parts of the earth, and know nothing about the true God, will be
consigned to be burned in fire hereafter, because they know no better
than worship as they do. I cannot receive any such ideas into my mind.
Although I was going to say I am not a Universalist, but I am, and I am
also a Presbyterian, and a Roman Catholic, and a Methodist, in short, I
believe in every true principle that is imbibed by any person or sect,
and reject the false. If there is any truth in heaven, earth, or hell,
I want to embrace it, I care not what shape it comes in to me, who
brings it, or who believes in it, whether it is popular or unpopular.
Truth, eternal truth, I wish to float in and enjoy. (25)
Now
I come to us, "Mormons." We are the only true Church, so we say. We
have got the only true faith, so we say and believe. I believe we have
got many great and true principles revealed from the heavens. I will
tell you how I feel about it, and what I have said many times when I
have been abroad among the priests, people, and philosophers. If any
man under the heavens can show me one principle of error that I have
entertained, I will lay it aside forthwith, and be thankful for the
information. On the other hand if any man has got any principle of
truth, whether moral, religious, philosophical, or of any other kind,
that is calculated to benefit mankind, I promise him I will embrace it,
but I will not partake of his errors along with it. If a man should
say, I am in possession of one piece of truth, and, because I have got
that, I must be right, am I to believe him? Certainly not. It does not
follow that he has not many errors. (26)
The
Catholics have many pieces of truth; so have the Protestants, the
Mahometans, and Heathens; and am I to embrace one of these systems
because it has got certain things that are right? No. Suppose a person
should tell me that two multiplied by two makes four. Well, that is
right. I believe it with all my heart. But suppose he believes and
teaches also, that six and four make twenty, and exhorts me to believe
it, saying - I was right in the other calculation, did I not prove the
other to you? O yes, but you did not prove that six and four make
twenty. I will take out the truth and leave the error. Then you believe
that we, as "Mormons," have got truth? O yes, I do, and for this
reason, I have travelled extensively in most of the States of the
Union, and in Canada; also in England, Ireland, and Scotland; in the
Isle of Man, Jersey, and other islands of the sea; in France, Germany,
Belgium, and other parts of the earth; and I have not yet seen a man
that could find one error in doctrine or principle connected with the
religion of the Latter-day Saints. I do not talk of practice. God knows
there is too much delinquency among us. I speak of principle. Then if
you have got a thing that nobody can overturn, but can be sustained
everywhere; that bids defiance to the wisdom and intelligence of the
world to find one fault in it, you must say it is right, until it is
proven to be wrong. Can anybody prove to you that two multiplied by two
makes six? There are certain things which are matters of fact - two
multiplied by two makes four, and two parallel lines infinitely
extended will never meet at right angles, but run to eternity. These
truths demonstrate themselves, no man can alter these matters of fact.
And if I have got principles which are out of the power of man to prove
false, I consider they are right, and I stand upon them as a sure
foundation. (27)
On
the other hand, am I to think it is right, because I am right, to send
everybody else to hell? No, I will leave them in the hands of God. He
has told me to preach the Gospel to every creature, saying, "he that
believeth and is baptized shall be saved; and he that believeth not
shall be damned." He has told me to do this. And how many millions of
mankind are there who have never heard the Gospel? And are they going
to be damned for not believing in a thing they have not heard, and that
never came within their range, and that they have not the slightest
knowledge of? No. What is it we have to do? We must spread forth the
light of the Gospel. Why? Because God has communicated a system of
religion which is calculated to ennoble and exalt the human family. (28)
The
world is confused, it is in darkness and ignorance, and knows nothing
about God, His purposes, designs, or the object of His creations. God
knows how to touch my understanding, and how to touch theirs; and if
they live and die without a knowledge of God, and His law, we are told
that they will be judged according to the light they have, and not
according to that they have not. Those that have lived without law,
will be judged without law. (29)
Am
I going to weep over the condition of the world? No. God made it, and
if He suffers millions to dwell upon it in ignorance of Him, I have
nothing to do with it. All I have to do is, when God sends me, to go
and teach the people the principles of light, intelligence, and truth,
so far as I know them, and no further; and if they reject them, it is
none of my business. In many instances, they do it for want of
information, and according to the government, priestcraft, prejudices,
&c., of which they are under the dominion. It is difficult for them
to comprehend correct principles when they hear them, or to know the
light when they see it shine. The light shineth in darkness, and the
darkness comprehendeth it not. They understand many things, perhaps
better than you do, but they do not understand the principles of the
Gospel as you do, for want of the light of the Spirit of God. No man
can understand that without the Spirit. A great many among the
prevailing sects of the day have to some considerable extent
encompassed sea and land to make proselytes, and in the majority of
instances where they have been successful, they have made them ten fold
more the children of hell than they were before." They have taught them
hypocrisy, and evils of many kinds, of which they were ignorant before.
They do not understand how to propagate true principles, for they do
not understand them themselves, and how can they teach them to others?
But I will love them, and let them go. (30)
We
"Mormons" think that we have made a wonderful stretch, for we say that
all Israel is going to be saved, and we believe we are of Israel, and
that we shall be gathered into the fold with them. And when we are
gathered in with all the Israel of God, as we call them, that have
lived in the various ages of the world up to the present time, we with
them shall be redeemed and saved in the eternal kingdom of God. What
else? Then His work will be accomplished, you may say. But I do not
think it will, though it will certainly be a great work. This looks
like the time of the restoration of all things, but in reality it is
only a restoration of a few. Why, you may inquire, will you take in
somebody besides the Israelites? Certainly. We are told they were
beloved for the fathers' sakes, and in consequence of the promises made
to the fathers. If they are brought in, it will be in consequence of
these promises. I wonder if there were no other men of faith besides
Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, that existed previous to their days. And if
there were, I want to know if they knew anything about God, and
obtained promises for their offspring. I will go a little further than
old Abraham, and say, I am glad to see your posterity saved, Abraham,
but I think some of your descendants prophesied of the time when Ammon
would stretch out his hands to God, and Moab and Philistia be blessed
with the same blessing. I think some of your descendants, when their
minds were enlightened and expanded, looked forward into the womb of
the future, to a time when there would be a great gathering, when
people from Hainath, Cush, and from the islands of the sea, when
different tribes and nations, should flow together to the name of the
Lord of Hosts. If Abraham knew how to obtain promises, I wonder, for
instance, if the old man that was called Melchizedek, who lived before
Abraham, and whom Paul in his writings makes a greater man than
Abraham, for, says he, "the lesser was blessed of the greater" - I
wonder if Melchizedek did not know also how to obtain promises for his
seed? (31)
There was an old man who lived in the land of Uz, who is said to have
been a very patient man; notwithstanding he cursed the day he was born,
and the womb that gave him birth. He surely knew how to obtain
blessings from God. God came to him, and he obtained blessings from
God, and could look forward through the dark vista of ages and
contemplate the purposes of God, and he saw himself not only dead and
buried, but, said he, "though after my skin worms destroy this body,
yet in my flesh shall I see God." He had the kind of religion I believe
in, exactly - a religion that caused him to know and understand
something of God and His purposes; and he acted upon it, and profited
by it. Very well, if he knew about these things, I want to know whether
he will not have some promises to claim for himself and descendants by
and bye, when they are hunted up. (32)
I
will go further back yet; to old Noah, for instance. He was a good man,
and while the whole earth was destroyed, his life was preserved, and
his posterity with him. He was a man of God. I want to know if he could
also obtain blessings for his posterity, and whether he will feel after
them some time or other, and if the time will come round that they may
partake of the covenants and blessings of God, and stand in their
proper place, and not be consigned to all eternity in this dreadful
hell. I think he would not like to see his posterity there, more than
Abraham would like to see his. All the men have their interest to feel
after their posterity, and all desire to see them brought forth. (33)
"But,"
says one, "they are fallen creatures." And so are the Israelites. Where
will you find a more corrupt set than the descendants of Ephraim, so
far fallen and so debased a set as the Indians that dwell in these
mountains, and that roam wildly over the broad prairies of this
country? Their fathers have got to do something for them, to bring them
forth to inherit the promises. It is for Abraham to feel after his
seed, and be interested in their welfare. (34)
We
will go back to old Adam, and see him coming on the earth, as he is the
head and father of us all. Well, now I want to know if the old
gentleman would like to see his children packed off by nations into a
place of torment, millions and millions turned off into the Catholic
hell, to roast there to all eternity. I think he has fatherly feeling
to his numerous offspring, and would desire, and seek earnestly to have
them saved, to have them redeemed from their fallen and degraded
condition. For they are no worse fallen, no more degraded and corrupt,
than the Israelites are, and have as much right to be brought forth at
the proper time, and be blessed, as they have. This is my doctrine, and
these are my feelings. (35)
You
may go to the head fountain of all, to the God who made Adam, and say,
O Lord, why did you make the earth, and cause the sun, and moon, and
stars to be made to give light to it, and man to inhabit it, telling
him to multiply, and replenish the earth, and cause it to bring forth
in its strength for man and beast? (36)
I will go back further, and find the spirits that are existing with him in the eternal world. (37)
They came here, and obtained bodies, that both bodies and spirits might
receive an exaltation among the Gods, and be capable of eternal
increase worlds without end. I think this agrees more with philosophy
and truth, with an intelligent and extensive mind, with true religion,
with our fathers, and with God, than anything else we see abroad. (38)
I
see the world of mankind in darkness, and try my best to enlighten them
as much as possible. If I can do them any good, I will do it. God has
revealed His truth to us, "Mormons." What to do? To make us glory in
it, and in nothing but what God gives to us; and to teach it to others,
that they may be put in possession of the same intelligence that we
enjoy. What have we to do? To spread this Gospel to every nation,
kindred, tongue, and people, that the Spirit of the Lord may operate
upon those who love the truth, that they may have an opportunity of
embracing it, and of participating in the same blessings we enjoy, and
forming a nucleus whereby a fulness of eternal truth may be developed,
and angels come again and communicate with the human family, that the
earth may answer the end of its creation, and that all men who ever did
or ever will live may answer the end of their creation, that men who
have fallen from righteousness may suffer for their sins and
transgressions, and by and bye come forth and enjoy their proper lot in
the eternal world. (39)
"O
then," say you, "I will do as I please in this world." Very well, go
and do it. It will prove that you do not live by the truth because you
love it, but if you follow the truth, you are actuated to do so by a
dastardly fear of hell. If that is the case, I would not give the ashes
of a rye straw for ten thousand such "Mormons." If a man cannot stand
up in the defence of truth, to the death, it is not worth having, and
he is not a man who is acknowledged or considered worthy among the
Saints. But such will find it is a fearful thing to fall into the hands
of the living God. (40)
I
will notice an instance for your information, to stir up your pure
minds, if you have got such minds. I read of many people who were
destroyed by the flood; and in Jesus Christ's day, we read that he was
put to death in the flesh, and quickened by the Spirit, by which he
went to preach to the spirits in prison, who had been disobedient in
the days of Noah, &c. He preached to them, and they came forth out
of their confinement. "Well, that would be all right," you say. O yes,
but I want to know how you would like to be shut up in prison, three or
four thousand years, or even one year. (41)
It is said in Scripture, that "it is a fearful thing to fall into the
hands of the living God." It also says that "the wicked shall be turned
into hell, with all the nations that forget God." Do you believe that?
"Certainly I do." I remember a minister once asking me a question upon
this subject. Says he, "Do you believe in eternal punishment?" "O yes,
I believe the wicked will be turned into hell, with all the nations
that forget God." "Do you believe they will stay there?" "O no." "Why
do you not?" "Because it is not according to Scripture." "But if they
all be turned into hell, who forget God, and will go away into
everlasting punishment, will they not stay there forever?" "Yes," I
said, "they will go into everlasting punishment, but they will come out
again." "How is that?" "Why the Scriptures declare that death and hell
will deliver up their dead, and the sea deliver up the dead that is in
it; and all nations will stand before God, to be judged according to
the deeds done in the body." So you see they have got to come out to be
judged according to their works, whether they be good or evil. Suppose
we have a States prison, for instance, in this place, a transgressor of
the laws of the land is put in for a certain time, according to the
deeds which he has done, and the evidence and circumstances of the
case. After he has suffered according to law, he is set at liberty,
but, mark you, the prison still remains, which may be compared to
eternal punishment, or God's punishment. Who will go there? The wicked,
for the punishment of their sins, and to teach them a useful lesson.
The Scriptures say that some will not have forgiveness in this world,
nor in the world to come, but these we will leave in the hands of God. (42)
Some
people will ask if we think the devil will be saved. You must ask him,
for I have nothing to say about it. I have gone far enough in my
remarks. I believe God will accomplish all His purposes, and Satan will
not have power to frustrate His designs in any way whatever; for if he
did, he would be more powerful than God. Every man will be rewarded
according to the deeds done in the body. Those who have received pure
and heavenly principles, and lived up to them, and kept the celestial
law of God, will enjoy a celestial kingdom. Those who have not attained
to this perfection, but can obey a terrestrial law, will receive a
terrestrial glory, and enjoy a terrestrial kingdom, and so on. But I
believe, furthermore, that there are eternal grades of progression,
which will continue worlds without end, and to an infinity of
enjoyment, expansion, glory, progression, and of everything calculated
to ennoble and exalt mankind. (43)
This
is one of our first estates, or it is our second estate, if you please,
and we move on from state to state, with a knowledge of the true
principles of the eternal world revealed to us, which principles are
eternal – eternal truth, eternal life, eternal intelligence, leading us
on to the possession of celestial kingdoms of God. From intelligence to
intelligence, from glory to glory, from power to power we proceed
onward, until we possess thrones, and powers, and dominions in the
eternal worlds. And I pray God to give us power to obtain all these
things in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen. (44)
Critique notes of John Taylor’s sermon delivered on June 12, 1853
1) The kingdom of God concerns Jesus Christ not a bogus church based in Utah.
So
when they had appointed him a day, many came to him at his lodging, to
whom he explained and solemnly testified of the kingdom of God,
persuading them concerning Jesus from both the Law of Moses and the
Prophets, from morning till evening. Acts 28:23.
2) The kingdom of God concerns Jesus Christ not a bogus church based in Utah.
Then Paul dwelt two whole years in his own rented house, and received all who came to him,
preaching
the kingdom of God and teaching the things which concern the Lord Jesus
Christ with all confidence, no one forbidding him. Acts 28:30-31.
3) Christian rejoicing is based on steadfastness of faith in Jesus Christ not living in Utah.
Now
this I say lest anyone should deceive you with persuasive words. For
though I am absent in the flesh, yet I am with you in spirit, rejoicing
to see your good order and the steadfastness of your faith in Christ.
Colossians 2:4-5.
4) Saved people will be witnesses for Jesus Christ not particulars of the end times.
Therefore,
when they had come together, they asked Him, saying, “Lord, will You at
this time restore the kingdom to Israel?” And He said to them, “It is
not for you to know times or seasons which the Father has put in His
own authority. But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has
come upon you; and you shall be My witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all
Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” Acts 1:6-8.
5) The spiritual children of God have placed their faith in Jesus Christ.
For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. Galatians 3:26.
6) Jesus Christ died for your sins thereby enabling salvation through faith and power over temptation in this lifetime.
Inasmuch
then as the children have partaken of flesh and blood, He Himself
likewise shared in the same, that through death He might destroy him
who had the power of death, that is, the devil, and release those who
through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage. For
indeed He does not give aid to angels, but He does give aid to the seed
of Abraham. Therefore, in all things He had to be made like His
brethren, that He might be a merciful and faithful High Priest in
things pertaining to God, to make propitiation for the sins of the
people. For in that He Himself has suffered, being tempted, He is able
to aid those who are tempted. Hebrews 2:14-18.
7) Salvation into a better beyond will be based on your faith in Jesus Christ.
But
God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He
loved us, even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together
with Christ (by grace you have been saved), and raised us up together,
and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, that
in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in
His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. For by grace you have been
saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God,
not of works, lest anyone should boast. Ephesians 2:4-9.
8) The world has always been in chaos after the original sin of Adam. Is Jesus Christ your Lord?
Therefore, as through one man’s
offense judgment came to all men, resulting in condemnation, even so
through one Man’s righteous act the free gift came to all men, resulting
in justification of life. For as by one man’s disobedience many were made
sinners, so also by one Man’s obedience many will be made righteous.
Moreover the law entered that the offense might
abound. But where sin abounded, grace abounded much more, so that as sin reigned
in death, even so grace might reign through righteousness to eternal life
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Romans 5:18-21.
9) The Christian Gospel has nothing to do with a
bogus church based in Utah.
Moreover, brethren, I declare to you the gospel
which I preached to you, which also you received and in which you stand, by
which also you are saved, if you hold fast that word which I preached to
you—unless you believed in vain. For I delivered to you first of all that which
I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and
that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the
Scriptures, and that He was seen by Cephas, then by the twelve. 1 Corinthians
15:1-4.
10)
Saved people will be reproached by the world
based on their faith in Jesus Christ.
By faith Moses, when he became of
age, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter, choosing rather to
suffer affliction with the people of God than to enjoy the passing pleasures of
sin, esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in
Egypt; for he looked to the reward. Hebrews 11:24-26.
11) Jesus Christ is the way, the truth, and the life not a bogus church based in Utah.
Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” John 14:6.
12) Unsaved religious people have always practiced or desired to commit murder.
Then the chief priests, the scribes, and the elders of the people
assembled at the palace of the high priest, who was called Caiaphas,
and plotted to take Jesus by trickery and kill Him. But they said, “Not
during the feast, lest there be an uproar among the people.” Matthew
26:3-5.
13) Mormons have taught hate towards non-Mormons since the beginning of their church.
And thus, even as I have said, if ye are faithful ye shall assemble
yourselves together to rejoice upon the land of Missouri, which is the
land of your inheritance, which is now the land of your enemies.
Doctrines and Covenants 52:42, June 7, 1831.
14) True godly revelation is centered upon Jesus Christ not yourselves.
The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave Him to show His
servants—things which must shortly take place. And He sent and
signified it by His angel to His servant John, who bore witness to the
word of God, and to the testimony of Jesus Christ, to all things that
he saw. Revelation 1:1-2.
15) Unsaved people such as John Taylor have missed sincerely believing in Jesus Christ.
And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the
Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in Him should not perish
but have eternal life. For God so loved the world that He gave His only
begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have
everlasting life. John 3:14-16.
16) Saved people will grow in the knowledge of Jesus Christ unlike the wicked John Taylor.
You therefore, beloved, since you know this beforehand, beware lest you
also fall from your own steadfastness, being led away with the error of
the wicked; but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior
Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory both now and forever. Amen. 2 Peter
3:17-18.
17) Nature is burdened by sin as evidenced by bad weather and wild animals.
For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy
to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. For the
earnest expectation of the creation eagerly waits for the revealing of
the sons of God. For the creation was subjected to futility, not
willingly, but because of Him who subjected it in hope; because the
creation itself also will be delivered from the bondage of corruption
into the glorious liberty of the children of God. Romans 8:18-21.
18) Unsaved rulers will always be corrupted by sin unlike saved people who serve others.
But Jesus called them to Himself and said, “You know that the rulers of
the Gentiles lord it over them, and those who are great exercise
authority over them. Yet it shall not be so among you; but whoever
desires to become great among you, let him be your servant. And whoever
desires to be first among you, let him be your slave—just as the Son of
Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a
ransom for many.” Matthew 20:25-28.
19) Saved people will be doing the work of God.
Then they said to Him, “What shall we do, that we may work the works of
God?” Jesus answered and said to them, “This is the work of God, that
you believe in Him whom He sent.” John 6:28-29.
20) John Taylor never preached the Christian message.
For the message of the cross is
foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the
power of God. For it is written:“I will destroy the wisdom of the wise,
and bring to nothing the understanding of the
prudent.” 1 Corinthians 1:18-19.
21)
Saved people will know God personally through
the cross of Jesus Christ.
Where is the wise? Where is
the scribe? Where is the disputer of this age? Has not God made foolish
the wisdom of this world? For since, in the wisdom of God, the world through
wisdom did not know God, it pleased God through the foolishness of the message
preached to save those who believe. For Jews request a sign, and Greeks seek
after wisdom; but we preach Christ crucified, to the Jews a stumbling block and
to the Greeks foolishness, but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks,
Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. 1 Corinthians 1:20-24.
22)
Saved people will
be justified before God due to their faith in Jesus Christ.
But now the righteousness of God
apart from the law is revealed, being witnessed by the Law and the
Prophets, even the righteousness of God, through faith in Jesus Christ, to
all and on all who believe. For there is no difference; for all have sinned and
fall short of the glory of God, being justified freely by His grace through the
redemption that is in Christ Jesus, whom God set forth as a propitiation
by His blood, through faith, to demonstrate His righteousness, because in His
forbearance God had passed over the sins that were previously committed, to
demonstrate at the present time His righteousness, that He might be just and the
justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus. Romans 3:21-26.
23)
Unsaved religious
people will always unjustly condemn others.
I
say, rather than that apostates should flourish here, I will unsheath
my bowie knife, and conquer or die. [Great commotion in the
congregation, and a simultaneous burst of feeling, assenting to the
declaration.] Now, you nasty apostates, clear out, or judgment will be
put on the line, and righteousness to the plummet. [Voices, generally,
"go it, go it."] If you say it is right, raise your hands. [All hands
up.] Let us call upon the Lord to assist us in this, and every good
work. Sermon delivered by Brigham Young on March 27, 1853.
24) Many people will not experience eternal life due to Mormon false prophets.
“Enter by the narrow
gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to
destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because
narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life,
and there are few who find it. “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in
sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves. You
will know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes from thornbushes or figs
from thistles? Even
so, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. A
good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit. Every
tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Therefore
by their fruits you will know them.” “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’
shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in
heaven. Many
will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name,
cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?’ And
then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice
lawlessness!’
Matthew 7:13-23.
25)
Unsaved people will be without excuse for not
knowing God.
For since the creation of the world His
invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things
that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are
without excuse, because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him
as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their
foolish hearts were darkened. Professing to be wise, they became fools, and
changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like corruptible
man—and birds and four-footed animals and creeping things. Romans 1:20-23.
26)
There is no one true church under heaven.
To the churches of Galatia:
Grace to you and peace from God the Father and our
Lord Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for our sins, that He might deliver us from
this present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father, to whom be
glory forever and ever. Amen. Galatians 1:2-5.
27)
The church of God is a gathering of saved
people not restricted by time, place, or legal standing with governments.
Now, therefore, you are no longer
strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the
household of God, having been built on the foundation of the apostles and
prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone, in whom the
whole building, being fitted together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord, in
whom you also are being built together for a dwelling place of God in the
Spirit. Ephesians 2:19-22.
28)
Baptism is not the
Christian gospel or message.
For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to
preach the gospel, not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be
made of no effect. 1 Corinthians 1:17.
29)
Saved people have been freed from the law
through faith in Jesus Christ.
Is
the law then against the promises of God? Certainly not! For if there had been a
law given which could have given life, truly righteousness would have been by
the law. But the Scripture has confined all under sin, that the promise by faith
in Jesus Christ might be given to those who believe. But before faith came, we
were kept under guard by the law, kept for the faith which would afterward be
revealed. Therefore the law was our tutor to bring us to Christ, that we
might be justified by faith. But after faith has come, we are no longer under a
tutor. Galatians 3:21-25.
30)
Saved people will
be witnesses for Jesus Christ and have the joy obtained through faith.
That which was from the
beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have
looked upon, and our hands have handled, concerning the Word of life—the life
was manifested, and we have seen, and bear witness, and declare to you that
eternal life which was with the Father and was manifested to us—that which we
have seen and heard we declare to you, that you also may have fellowship with
us; and truly our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son Jesus
Christ. And these things we write to you that your joy may be full. 1 John
1:1-4.
31)
John Taylor was ignorant of Scripture as
Melchizedek had no parents or descendants.
For this Melchizedek, king of
Salem, priest of the Most High God, who met Abraham returning from the slaughter
of the kings and blessed him, to whom also Abraham gave a tenth part of all,
first being translated “king of righteousness,” and then also king of Salem,
meaning “king of peace,” without father, without mother, without genealogy,
having neither beginning of days nor end of life, but made like the Son of God,
remains a priest continually. Hebrews 7:1-3.
32)
John Taylor should
have repeated of his sins to obtain a relationship with God instead of the false
Mormon religion.
Then Job answered the Lord and said: “I know
that You can do everything, and that no purpose of Yours can be withheld
from You. You asked, ‘Who is this who hides counsel without
knowledge?’ Therefore I have uttered what I did not understand, things too
wonderful for me, which I did not know. Listen, please, and let me speak; You
said, ‘I will question you, and you shall answer Me.’ “I have heard of You
by the hearing of the ear, but now my eye sees You. Therefore I abhor myself,
and repent in dust and ashes.” Job 42:1-6.
33)
Godly people will follow after Jesus Christ
instead of families past or present.
“Do not think that I
came to bring peace on earth. I did not come to bring peace but a sword. For
I have come to ‘set a man against his father, a daughter against her
mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law’; and ‘a
man’s enemies will be those of his own household.’ He
who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me. And he who loves
son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me. And
he who does not take his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me. He
who finds his life will lose it, and he who loses his life for My sake will find
it.” Matthew 10:34-39.
34)
Faithful Abraham was a servant of God since he
valued God more than Isaac.
By faith Abraham, when he was
tested, offered up Isaac, and he who had received the promises offered up his
only begotten son, of whom it was said, “In Isaac your seed shall be
called,” concluding that God was able to raise him up, even
from the dead, from which he also received him in a figurative sense. Hebrews
11:17-19.
35)
John Taylor’s
doctrine of universal salvation is heresy and not Christian.
“Then He will also say
to those on the left hand, ‘Depart from Me, you cursed, into the everlasting
fire prepared for the devil and his angels: for
I was hungry and you gave Me no food; I was thirsty and you gave Me no drink; I
was a stranger and you did not take Me in, naked and you did not clothe Me, sick
and in prison and you did not visit Me.’
Then they also will answer Him, saying, ‘Lord, when did
we see You hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and
did not minister to You?’ Then
He will answer them, saying, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did not
do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to Me.’ And
these will go away into everlasting punishment, but the righteous into eternal
life.” Matthew 25:41-46.
36)
God is seeking people who will love and worship
Him as He loves us.
Jesus said to her, “Woman,
believe Me, the hour is coming when you will neither on this mountain, nor in
Jerusalem, worship the Father. You
worship what you do not know; we know what we worship, for salvation is of the
Jews. But
the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father
in spirit and truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him. God is
Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.” John
4:21-24.
37)
The heavens and angels were created and not
from eternity.
Praise the Lord!
Praise the Lord
from the heavens; Praise Him in the heights!
Praise Him, all His angels;
Praise Him, all His hosts!
Praise Him, sun and moon;
Praise Him, all you stars of light!
Praise Him, you heavens of heavens,
And you waters above the heavens!
Let them praise the name of the Lord,
For He commanded and they were created. Psalms
148:1-5.
38)
John Taylor and Mormons are actually far from
the kingdom of God due to their polytheistic paganism.
So the scribe said to Him, “Well said,
Teacher. You have spoken the truth, for there is one God, and there is no other
but He. And to love Him with all the heart, with all the understanding, with all
the soul, and with all the strength, and to love one’s neighbor as oneself, is
more than all the whole burnt offerings and sacrifices.”
Now when Jesus saw that he answered wisely, He said
to him, “You are not far from the kingdom of
God.” Mark 12:32-34.
39)
Jesus Christ is the
truth not Mormonism.
And the Word became flesh and
dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of
the Father, full of grace and truth. John 1:14.
40)
Jesus Christ is the
truth not Mormonism.
O foolish Galatians! Who has
bewitched you that you should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ
was clearly portrayed among you as crucified? This only I want to learn from
you: Did you receive the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of
faith? Are you so foolish? Having begun in the Spirit, are you now being made
perfect by the flesh? Have you suffered so many things in vain—if indeed it
was in vain? Galatians 3:1-4.
41)
Confinement of the
Old Testament godly saints was until the sacrifice of Jesus Christ.
“There was a certain
rich man who was clothed in purple and fine linen and fared sumptuously every
day. But
there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, full of sores, who was laid at his
gate, desiring
to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man’s table. Moreover the
dogs came and licked his sores. So
it was that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels to Abraham’s bosom.
The rich man also died and was buried. And
being in torments in Hades, he lifted up his eyes and saw Abraham afar off, and
Lazarus in his bosom.
“Then he cried and said, ‘Father Abraham, have mercy on
me, and send Lazarus that he may dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my
tongue; for I am tormented in this flame.’ But
Abraham said, ‘Son, remember that in your lifetime you received your good
things, and likewise Lazarus evil things; but now he is comforted and you are
tormented. And
besides all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed, so that those
who want to pass from here to you cannot, nor can those from there pass to us.’”
Luke 16:19-26.
42)
John Taylor’s
doctrine of universal salvation is heresy and not Christian.
Then I saw a great white throne and Him who sat
on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away. And there was found
no place for them. And I saw the dead, small and great, standing before God, and
books were opened. And another book was opened, which is the Book of
Life. And the dead were judged according to their works, by the things which
were written in the books. The sea gave up the dead who were in it, and Death
and Hades delivered up the dead who were in them. And they were judged, each one
according to his works. Then Death and Hades were cast into the lake of fire.
This is the second death. And anyone not found written in the Book of Life was
cast into the lake of fire. Revelation 20:11-15.
43)
The Mormon doctrine of eternal progression or
evolution is not Christian.
Jesus answered and said to them, “You
are mistaken, not knowing the Scriptures nor the power of God. For
in the resurrection they neither marry nor are given in marriage, but are like
angels of God in heaven. But
concerning the resurrection of the dead, have you not read what was spoken to
you by God, saying, ‘I
am the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob’?
God is not the God of the dead, but of the living.” And
when the multitudes heard this, they were astonished at His teaching.
Matthew 22:29-33.
44)
Mormon selfish
desires stands in contrast to the praise of God by true saints.
And every creature which is in heaven and on
the earth and under the earth and such as are in the sea, and all that are in
them, I heard saying: “Blessing and honor and glory and power be to Him
who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb, forever and ever!” Then the four living
creatures said, “Amen!” And the twenty-four elders fell down and worshiped Him
who lives forever and ever. Revelation 5:13-14.
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