Brigham Young's sermon on the sins of saints and sinners - 4/29/1877
I am thankful to my Heavenly Father for the privilege of meeting with
you again and am happy to say that I am as well satisfied with my
labors during the last six months as any of the labors of my life. Here
let me ask, are you, my brethren and sisters, satisfied with the labors
you have performed during the same length of time? This is a question
you will have to answer for yourselves to your own consciences. If you
have done well you will be blessed, and you will feel satisfied; if you
have suffered yourselves to do that which is wrong towards yourselves
or towards any other person on the earth, or to the providences of God,
or to our Heavenly Father, your consciences will judge you. (1)
I am aware that you wish to hear something of our labors in the South.
I will say that we have had a blessed time, such a time as no other
people on the earth have enjoyed for many centuries, that we have any
knowledge of. We have been permitted to enjoy privileges for the
possession of which we have been striving and laboring for many years.
For almost half a century we have been exerting ourselves that we might
have the privilege of entering into a Temple of God, there to officiate
and receive the ordinances of his holy house, both for ourselves and
for our friends that have slept without the Gospel. (2) This privilege
and blessing we have not enjoyed until within a very few months past.
The feeling experienced by those who have participated in the blessings
administered in the Temple is something which cannot be described to
your understanding. (3) Those only who have shared with us in the
Temple ordinances know for themselves the satisfaction there is in
realizing that we are indeed co-workers with our Lord and Savior; that
we bear a humble part in the great work of salvation; that we have the
privilege of receiving and obeying the truth, and of securing to
ourselves that happiness which the Gospel alone affords; and not only
of performing these ordinances for ourselves, but of doing the
necessary work for our parents and forefathers who have slept without
the Gospel, that they may partake also of the waters of life, and be
judged according to men in the flesh. (4) This is a privilege, a
blessing, which no one can sense unless he is in possession of it. We
are happy to know by our faith and feelings through the spirit of
revelation within us that our labors have been accepted of the Lord. We
have enjoyed ourselves exceedingly in the society of each other; the
aged, the middle-aged and the youth have rejoiced and been made glad in
this glorious work. (5)
When I look upon the youth, our young brethren and sisters, who are
more or less unacquainted with the great principles of life and
salvation, I wish that they could enjoy what a few of our young people
did this past winter, their minds would be detached from the trifles
and follies of this weak world, and they would be placed upon more
sacred things, upon the principles that are calculated to exalt them
and ennoble every feeling and desire of the heart. (6)
The Latter-day Saints present a strange spectacle to those that enjoy
the spirit of revelation. To see them following after the spirit of
this world and gratifying the lust of the eye and of the mind, like the
rest of mankind who have never enjoyed the spirit of the Gospel of life
and salvation; and yet not so very strange when we realize the power of
the enemy and the thousands of snares which he lays for the feet of the
unwary to draw the people astray from the things of God. (7) Still,
when we view the great object of our life, our being here upon the
earth, being brought here expressly to receive that experience by which
we can discover between right and wrong, between good and evil, between
light and darkness, and obtain that experience that angels have, that
the gods have, and that all exalted beings have, and remember that we
are put in possession of those principles that make us wise unto
salvation, that we should stoop to the sinful deeds and sinful
reflections that many do, is marvelous and strange. When I think of
these things I am impressed with the great importance of this life and
of exercising ourselves in the privileges that God has granted to us to
prepare our hearts through obedience to the Gospel of the Son of God,
for a high station, for a high exaltation in worlds to come, such as we
cannot receive whilst clothed in this mortal tabernacle. But still, in
this life we can receive little by little, and more and more, growing
in grace and in the knowledge of the truth, until our minds are able to
comprehend many of the great things of eternity; and thus prepare our
hearts, by overcoming sin and the weaknesses of humanity, for that
exaltation already awaiting the righteous. (8)
Sometimes I am so exercised that I chastise the people very severely;
but I will say to the Latter-day Saints that I have no chastisement for
any unless they deserve it, and if I myself am found guilty of the same
wrongs, I receive to myself a portion of the rebuke which I give to
others. But my feelings are very acute; what I see and hear ofttimes
causes me sorrow and wonder, and I feel to exclaim, "O Lord, have mercy
upon us, thy people!" How easy it is for us to forget the Lord who
atoned for us, and to depart from his ways, giving way to the false
influences that are continually prompting our minds to lust after the
things of this world in their corrupt condition. All this is strange to
the mind opened to see and understand the things of God and the things
of eternity as they are. If we possessed that power, that influence
over ourselves, a proper portion of that stability that belongs to the
heavens, when we once embraced the truth there would be no necessity
for our being chastened, no necessity for our being called upon to
refrain from this or that wrong; but the weakness of the flesh is so
great that we need continually the influence of our Father through our
Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, to hold us to the truth, in order that we
may not fall away therefrom and finally wander into the darkness of the
world, forsaking God and the faith we have embraced. (9)
It is astonishing that men should do so when we consider things as they
are, and witness the continued love and kindness of our Heavenly
Father, in again speaking from the heavens, revealing himself and his
everlasting Gospel to the children of men, as well as the ordinances,
laws, rules and regulations of his House which effect the salvation of
both the living and the dead. (10)
How is it with my brethren and sisters here? Are they awake to the
things of God? If they are we shall have no need of calling upon them
from day to day, from week to week. Brethren, will you put forth your
hands and rear these Temples, these buildings wherein we can enter and
officiate for ourselves and our progenitors, preparatory to the coming
of the Son of Man, which coming draws near? (11) Will be build up the
Zion of God before entering into the millennium of rest, when
wickedness will be taken away from the earth? Then the Latter-day
Saints will be able to go forth without being persecuted by their
enemies, and opposed on every hand by the alluring spirits that are
constantly tempting them away from the things of God to follow after
the things of a fallen world. Then the Saints will enjoy the privilege
of building their Temples unmolested, redeem their friends, and make
ready for the time when the nations shall come up to the presence of
God the Father, to be judged according to the deeds done in the flesh.
(12) There are a few of the brethren and sisters who understand things
as they are, and who are ready and willing to devote their time and
their means for the salvation of the human family. If there are any
hearts or spirits in this city, or elsewhere, that are fearfully
wondering whether or not we are going to be destroyed, or whether this
Church will endure and become the mighty power in the earth, according
to the predictions of the servants of God, I will say to all such
trembling souls, You need entertain no such fears. You need have only
one fear, and that is with regard to yourselves, lest you should leave
the light that the Lord has imparted to you and wander into darkness,
returning to the beggarly elements of the world, lusting again after
the things of the world in their sinful state. (13) The earth is the
Lord's and the fullness thereof; even the very things which we are so
tempted to covet, through lustful desires, in and of themselves are
pure and holy, for they are the Lord's; but we wish to possess them
unrighteously and not according to the will of God. This is the sin
which is upon man. Everything which we see and which pertains to this
little earth, belongs to the Lord, and the whole of it will be given to
his Saints and they will enjoy it forever and ever. (14) But at present
the earth is groaning under sin in consequence of the wickedness of the
children of men, and it is longing to be delivered, as are the Saints
that have slept, whom the Apostle John saw and heard, when he was an
exile on the Isle of Patmos. When will the earth be redeemed, when will
Jesus come to receive the Church as a bride, when will he come to reign
King of nations as he now reigns King of Saints, when will he banish
wickedness from the earth, and when will the Saints have power to
overcome sin? When we learn to sanctify the Lord God in our hearts. As
fast as we learn to conform our individual wills to his will,
overcoming sin within ourselves, will we have power to subdue sin in
those that surround us, and in this way the whole earth will be
redeemed from wickedness. (15) The curse which has been brought upon
the earth through the Fall will be removed through the faith and
virtues of the Saints. When we become sanctified in the truth, and our
faith, through the Gospel of the Son of God, becomes sufficiently
powerful we will be able to remove the thorns and thistles and
obnoxious weeds that grow immediately around us, and to bless and
sanctify our gardens and farms, so that they will bring forth
spontaneously the fruits and flowers, the cereals and vegetables that
sustain life; and upon this principle as righteousness extends will the
whole earth eventually be redeemed and sanctified, when all things will
be as they were in the beginning, when the Lord finished the earth and
pronounced everything to be "very good." This is the nature of the
great latter-day work in which we are engaged, and were it not for the
confident assurance that we have of successfully accomplishing it, I
would tremble, and fear might enter my heart. (16)
Why is the whole Christian world concerned about your humble servant?
They say Brigham Young is not fit to live, that he ought not to be
allowed to remain upon the earth. Would they remove him if they had the
power to? Yes, many who call themselves Christians would join in the
act, and many others would consent to his death! Not the highminded and
honorable of the earth, and those who serve God and his Christ; but the
bigot, the hypocrite, the wicked and the ungodly would. Why? Simply
because they represent their master, the devil, who is carrying on a
warfare with the heavens, and their hearts are opposed to God and to
all that represent him. (17) This conflict always has been, and will be
until the winding up scene. If I had to depend upon my own wisdom and
power, in connection with that of my fellow-laborers, I might well
tremble and fear. But I depend not upon human wisdom or human power. I
occupy the position that God our Heavenly Father has placed me in, and
while I exercise myself in the duties that he has committed to me,
seeking to build up his kingdom and establish righteousness upon the
earth, holding the dominion for him and for the family of Christ, I
tremble not, I fear not, neither do I care for the insults of the
world, for the Lord is my bulwark, my shield and my deliverer. (18) But
have not some of the wicked succeeded in removing others from the
earth? Yes, they killed Joseph and Hyrum Smith, while under the pledged
faith of the State of Illinois; and at Haun's Mill, Missouri, they
massacred about eighteen of our brethren and sisters, innocent men,
women and children, without the first cause or provocation; (19) and
furthermore, the perpetrators of these and other murders were never
brought to justice; in fact, the press of the nation advocated the
destruction of "Mormonism," and on the death of the leaders of our
Church, all the consolation that public opinion afforded their bereaved
families, as well as the members of the Church, over which they
presided, was that that would put an end to "Mormonism." (20) But will
the Lord overlook and forget such crimes? No, for the blood of the
innocent is continually crying unto him for vengeance, which he will
administer in his own due time. He has already vexed this nation and
given the people time to pause and consider their conduct; and if they
repent not by turning from their corruptions and wickedness, he has
only to say to the innocent, and to the Latter-day Saints, "Wait a
little, wait a little, and their cup will be full to overflowing." I
have said to my brethren and sisters, and I say it now, Go to Jackson
County, and to Caldwell County, where the lives of Latter-day Saints
have been taken and from where they have been driven; go to the region
of Haun's Mill, where so many were massacred because they had come up
to the western part of Missouri, and it was said they were "Mormons,"
and you will find that we, in all our persecutions, have not suffered
so much as the characters who executed judgment upon the innocent. (21)
If I were asked to-day if we as a people had suffered persecution, I
would say, "No, nothing worthy mentioning." This has ever been the case
with the righteous, and it ever will be. For when their lives are taken
for the Gospel's sake, they go to the Father, to the paradise of rest,
where they are free from the influence and power of sinful and wicked
men. But how different with the wicked and ungodly! When they die their
suffering which cannot be described, only commence. (22) But we have
received enough to understand that the wicked are a rod in the hands of
God to chasten his children? If you do not, it is time that you had
learned it, for it is even so; and if we are chastened, it is for a
purpose, probably to bring us to a sense of our duty that we may know
the hand-dealing of the Lord towards us. But were we ever destroyed?
No, neither will God permit us to be, so long as we are desirous of
being his servants, and of doing the work given us to do. (23) Although
it was necessary that Jesus should suffer on the cross for the sins of
the world, still it might be said of those who took an active part in
the deed, as well as those who consented to it in their hearts, "Woe
unto them by whom this offence came." Many of the Prophets have sealed
their testimony with their blood, that their testament might go forth
with force and to return void. As in ancient days, so in modern days.
When Joseph Smith sealed his testimony whit his blood, his testament
from that moment was in force to all the world; and woe to those who
fight against it. (24) What will we do to them? Nothing at all, but
preach the Gospel. They may lie about us as they please. If we will
faithfully mind our own concerns, live our religion, go good to all
men, preach the Gospel to the nations of the earth, gather up the
honest in heart, build up and establish Zion in the earth, send the
Gospel to the House of Israel, and live and serve God in all things,
all will be well with us, we have no cause for fear in the least. When
the Lord deems it necessary that his servants should seal their
testimony with their blood, in order that his word may be strengthened
and of greater force in the earth, so let it be; they are received into
the arms of Jehovah, they rejoice in the society of those who are
waiting patiently until the trump shall sound, when the sleeping
nations shall awake and their bodies come forth to be reunited with
their spirits, and the faithful enter into a fullness of his glory.
With them all is well, all is right. (25)
But do we live our religion? The only fear I have is that we are not as
faithful as we should be. We give way to passion, we yield to
temptation; whereas, we ought to live so that the Lord can strengthen
the position of his people and multiply the righteous, how fast and to
what degree is not for me to say. But if the Latter-day Saints were as
righteous and as holy as we are capable of being by reducing to
practice the doctrine we have received, I am sure that the Lord could
hasten his work, and he would cut it short in righteousness, it would
be consummated much quicker than he can in our present condition. The
acts and condition of the people here on the earth must be considered,
the same is held in remembrance before the throne of God, for he
requires of his people to act with him in all things pertaining to the
building up of his kingdom upon the earth. (26) But his grace is always
ready, his Spirit is always waiting, and the light that Jesus brought
into the world is always with the people, teaching them the right from
the wrong. He is the light of the world that lighteth every man that
cometh into the world, and if the whisperings of his Spirit and its
dictates were hearkened to and obeyed, all men everywhere would grow in
the truth, much faster than we Latter-day Saints are doing. (27) It is
a source of mortification to know that men and women who have been in
this Church from twenty to forty years should still be so prone to the
weaknesses of the flesh. What do I see? If I do not witness it with my
own eyes, I hear of it through those who do - men, ofttimes of long
standing in the Church, drink a little, they swear a little, smoke or
chew a little, and indulge their appetites in those things which the
Lord has warned us against, and which he has said are not good for man.
(28) They, too, can spend their time wandering about these mountains
hunting for gold and silver, they can mingle and associate with those
whose lives are records of vice and immorality, and who are ready to
oppose God and traduce the character of his servants. Can Saints of
God, Elders in Israel, who are exercised by the power and spirit of
their holy calling, who have within them the gift of eternal life, can
they be guilty of such things and stand approved before God? No, they
cannot; and I say, shame upon such men, they are a disgrace to
themselves, and their actions are a disgrace to the name of Saint. It
is a disgrace, too, to the sisters, as well as the brethren, who thirst
after the vain fashions and foolish practices of the world. Cease to
pattern after those who know not God. How would such conduct compare
with the conversation and deportment of the angels whom we expect to
meet? Would they want to adopt the practices and fashions of the wicked
world? No, they have higher aims and holier aspirations, they live
above vanity; so should the Latter-day Saints. Our hearts should be
pure, entertaining such things only as are comely, chaster and praise
worthy before him. This is the curse of life that he expects of us. (29)
I have a great many reflections, especially when alone, I converse with
myself upon these eternal things, things which the frivolous, the vain,
and those who are engaged only with the things of this world, never
think of. With regard to the society of heaven, their conversation and
deportment, consider the magnitude and greatness of the character of
holy beings, contemplate the expanse of eternity and the life that is
before us, and then how insignificant appears this world as it now is!
Still, in our humanity, in our fallen condition, that divine influence
is more or less with us, and if we would preserve ourselves to dwell
with the holy ones of heaven and have joy in our being, we must
faithfully adhere to and practice the principles of eternal life, and
in doing so, he will add for our comfort and enjoyment all things
necessary pertaining to this life. (30)
Fear not with regard to the success of this Church and kingdom. Rather
fear you should not be counted worthy to be numbered among the
sanctified when Jesus comes to make up his jewels; rather fear lest you
should be found in the condition of the five foolish virgins whose
lamps had gone out and who were unprepared to meet the bridegroom
because they had no oil. Remember, Latter-day Saints, there were five
wise and five foolish, and equal division, and yet they were all
virgins. The application is a just one and has a direct bearing on us,
as Latter-day Saints. The wise among us will take heed, will hearken to
the instructions and counsels of the servants of God, will pattern
after Christ, and thirst after the things of God, and our lamps will be
trimmed and burning, and we will be prepared to meet the bridegroom
when he comes, and they that are ready will enter in with him to the
marriage; and whether or not the door be shut upon those not so well
prepared is a matter that belongs solely to him, and he can do just as
he pleases about it. I want to have oil in my vessel, so that in case I
should, in consequence of the weakness of the flesh, slumber a little,
on arising my lamp would be trimmed ready to burn. This is doubtless
your desire. Then live for it; mingle not your voices with the wicked
seek not after the delusive things of this world in their present
state. But is not the Lord going to give the earth and the riches
thereof to his Saints? Yes, that is the promise, and he has spoken it
by the mouth of many of his Prophets. But when will this inheritance
pass into the hands of his people? (31) When we shall have sanctified
the Lord in our hearts, sanctified our bodies and spirits in the truth,
and we become pure and holy, free from selfishness and from every sin;
and until we shall have reached this state of perfection, we never need
expect these things committed to our care, for he will not do it. (32)
When the judgment is given to the Saints, it will be because of their
righteousness, because they will judge even as the angels and as the
Gods, and not as the wicked do at the present time, who care not for
God nor for justice, who care not for truth nor mercy, love nor
kindness, who judge according to the wickedness of their hearts. I am
very thankful that it is not our province, in our present condition, to
judge the world; if it were, we would ruin everything. We have not
sufficient wisdom, our minds are not filled with the knowledge and
power of God; the spirit needs to contend with the flesh a little more
until it shall be successful in subduing its passions, until the whole
soul is brought into perfect harmony with the mind and will of God. And
we must also acquire the discretion that God exercises in being able to
look into futurity, and to ascertain and know the results of our acts
away in the future, even in eternity, before we will be capable of
judging. Let us live so that we shall be ready for any dispensation of
providence. It is said He will come as a thief in the night. We had
better be on the watch-tower, waiting in readiness for him, than to be
putting off the time, for peradventure we might put it off until it is
too late. (33)
I have something to say to the Latter-day Saints about their temporal
affairs, how we should live temporally, taking proper care of that
which is committed to our charge, and using it for the benefit of
ourselves and others, which I will tell you on some future occasion. On
the second Saturday and Sunday in May, the 12th and 13th, we will hold
a two days' meeting here, or, if you choose to call it so, a District
Conference of this Stake of Zion, to which you, and as many as can make
it convenient to attend, are invited. If you will come with clean hands
and pure hearts, full of faith, so that the Lord can pour out his
spirit upon us, we will have a time of rejoicing. God bless you. Amen.
(34)
1) People have clear consciences toward God through faith in Jesus Christ instead of works.
“Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you
rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and
lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is
easy and My burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30.
2) God does not place any importance upon earthly buildings.
But Solomon built Him a house. “However, the Most High does not dwell in temples made with hands, as the prophet says: ‘Heaven is My throne, and earth is My footstool. What house will you build for Me? says the Lord, or what is the place of My rest? Has My hand not made all these things?’” Acts 7:47-50.
3) God does not place any importance upon earthly buildings.
Therefore, the One whom you worship without knowing, Him I proclaim to
you: God, who made the world and everything in it, since He is Lord of
heaven and earth, does not dwell in temples made with hands. Nor is He
worshiped with men’s hands, as though He needed anything, since He
gives to all life, breath, and all things. Acts 17:23-25.
4) Baptism for the dead was a pagan non-Christian ritual that Mormons have always practiced.
Otherwise, what will they (pagans in Corinth) do who are baptized for
the dead, if the dead do not rise at all? Why then are they (pagans in
Corinths) baptized for the dead? And why do we (Christians in Corinth)
stand in jeopardy every hour? 1 Corinthians 15:29-30.
5) The Christian spirit of revelation is a testimony of Jesus Christ and has nothing to do with pagan rituals.
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.
6) A spiritual life begins with having faith in Jesus Christ.
And after some days, when Felix came with his wife Drusilla, who was
Jewish, he sent for Paul and heard him concerning the faith in Christ.
Now as he reasoned about righteousness, self-control, and the judgment
to come, Felix was afraid and answered, “Go away for now; when I have a
convenient time I will call for you.” Acts 24:24-25.
7) The Christian Gospel is only about Jesus Christ and nothing else.
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.
8) Saved people will be focused on God in the life to come not themselves.
Then I looked, and I heard the voice of many angels around the throne,
the living creatures, and the elders; and the number of them was ten
thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands, saying with a
loud voice: “Worthy is the Lamb who was slain to receive power and
riches and wisdom, And strength and honor and
glory and blessing!” 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 5:11-14.
9) Have you embraced Jesus Christ or 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.
10) Christian salvation has nothing to do with rules and regulations.
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. For you are all sons of God through faith in
Christ Jesus. Galatians 3:21-26.
11) God is interested in people as individuals not buildings.
Do you not know that you are the temple of God and that the Spirit of
God dwells in you? If anyone defiles the temple of God, God will
destroy him. For the temple of God is holy, which temple you are. 1
Corinthians 3:16-17.
12) God is interested in people as individuals not buildings.
Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who
is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? For you
were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your
spirit, which are God’s. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20.
13) Brigham Young lusted after the things of this world and never practiced what he preached.
The Lion House was built in 1856 by Brigham Young in Salt Lake City,
Utah to accommodate his family of approximately 27 women and 56
children. Truman O. Angell, Brigham Young's brother-in-law, who
designed the Salt Lake City Temple was also involved in the design of
this home, which got its name from the statue of a lion over the front
entrance, made by William Ward. The house is situated at 63 East South
Temple, near the corner of South Temple and State Street just one block
east of Temple Square. It is adjacent to Young's other official
residence, the Beehive House. Wikipedia Encyclopedia.
14) Mormon leadership planned for the massacre and plunder of the Fancher wagon train in 1857 at Mountain Meadows.
We pursued our visit to the Mountain Meadows, and there were kindly
treated by the families of the missionaries, who lived at this place on
account of the abundant grass for their stock. I then went to Penter,
and there addressed a houseful of people in the evening, and then
proceeded to Cedar the next day. They had heard they were going to have
an army of 600 dragoons come down from the east on to the town. The
Major seemed very sanguine about the matter. I asked him, if this
rumour should prove true, if he was not going to wait for instructions.
He replied, There was no time to wait for any instruction; and he was
going to take his battalion and use them up before they could get down
through the kanyons; for, said he, if they are coming here, they are
coming for no good. Sermon delivered by George A. Smith on September
13, 1857 in Salt Lake City.
15) The will of God is that everyone will place their faith in Jesus Christ in contrast to the blasphemes of Brigham Young.
“And this is the will of Him who sent Me, that everyone who sees the
Son and believes in Him may have everlasting life; and I will raise him
up at the last day.” John 6:40.
16) God wants us to be witnesses for Jesus Christ in contrast to the blasphemes of Brigham Young.
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.
17) Mormon leadership called non-Mormons enemies throughout the 19th century in contrast to the lies of Brigham Young.
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.
18) The kingdom of God is not a bogus church based in Utah in contrast to the blasphemes of Brigham Young.
Now when He was asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would
come, He answered them and said, “The kingdom of God does not come with
observation; nor will they say, ‘See here!’ or ‘See there!’ For indeed,
the kingdom of God is within you.” Luke 17:20-21.
19) Mormon leadership openly preached hate towards non-Mormons in Missouri in contrast to the lies of Brigham Young.
We take God and all the holy angels to witness this day, that we warn
all men in the name of Jesus Christ, to come on us no more forever, for
from this hour, we will bear it no more, our rights shall no more be
trampled on with impunity. The man or the set of men, who attempts it,
does it at the expense of their lives. And that mob that comes on us to
disturb us; it shall be between us and them a war of extermination, for
we will follow them, till the last drop of their blood is spilled, or
else they will have to exterminate us: for we will carry the seal of
war to their own houses, and their own families, and one party or the
other shall be utterly destroyed. –Remember it then all MEN. July 4,
1838 sermon by Sidney Rigdon that was published by Joseph Smith for
everyone to read.
20) Brigham Young was never brought to justice for the numerous crimes committed under his authority.
The meadow was a mirage of serenity. Far from being a sanctuary, it was
instead a perfect death trap. Surrounded by rocky outcroppings that
provided cover for attackers, hills that afforded the enemy a
bird’s-eye view of the camp, and only two tapered exits at either end,
it was strategically flawless for the site of an ambush. In fact,
Mountain Meadows was known among Mormons as “a preferred location for
the quiet execution of unpleasant tasks,” according to one historian,
and the site was the inspiration behind the infamous Mormon euphemism
for blood-atonement killings – sending the victim “over the rim of the
basin.” American Massacre, page 129.
21) Mormon sufferings were the direct consequence of their hate inspired sermons toward non-Mormons during the 19th century.
Most Missourians were not aware of any unusual strain in their
relations with the Mormons. Many believed that interaction between the
two groups had become remarkably friendly. Rigdon’s warnings therefore
surprised and alarmed Missouri settlers, who interpreted the speech as
an open, defiant declaration of Mormon intentions to set themselves
outside the law. Reports of Rigdon’s speech spread through the upper
counties, increasing suspicions of and reviving old prejudices against
the Saints. Mormon leaders had issued the statement as a defensive
measure, prompted by their history of persecution. Although they wanted
to frighten anyone who might threaten them, they did not intend to
begin a conflict with their non-Mormon neighbors. The Missourians,
believing the Mormons had no reason to fear persecution from them,
interpreted Rigdon’s vigorous warnings as a threat against the citizens
and law in northwestern Missouri. The 1838 Mormon War in Missouri, page
53.
22) Brigham Young is certainly being visited with divine retribution for his sins now.
At the heart of the reformation was the revival of blood atonement, the
principle originally introduced by Joseph Smith but now restored by
Grant and Young. Hundreds of Saints were aghast, as the doctrine had
never been published or openly acknowledged before, and many schemed to
leave the territory. Young’s Avenging Angels gained new notoriety in
what one scholar called “the era’s prodigious reign of terror.”
American Massacre, page 106.
23) The United States was close to destroying the LDS church over polygamy until a new Mormon revelation was proclaimed.
That it shall be the duty of the attorney general of the United States
to institute and prosecute proceedings to forfeit and escheat to the
United States the property of corporations obtained or held in
violation of section three of the act of congress approved the first
day of July, eighteen hundred and sixty-two (signed into law by Abraham
Lincoln), entitled 'And act to punish and prevent the practice of
polygamy in the territories of the United States and other places, and
disapproving and annulling certain acts of the legislative assembly of
the territory of Utah,' or in violation of section eighteen hundred and
ninety of the Revised Statutes of the United States; and all such
property so forfeited and escheated to the United States shall be
disposed of by the secretary of the interior, and the proceeds thereof
applied to the use of the use and benefit of the common schools in the
territory in which such property may be: provided, that no building, or
the grounds appurtenant thereto, which is held and occupied exclusively
for purposes of the worship of God, or parsonage connected therewith,
or burial-ground, shall be forfeited.' MORMON CHURCH v. UNITED STATES,
136 U.S. 1 (1890)
24) Brigham Young never had the Christian testimony.
And this is the testimony: that God has given us eternal life, and this
life is in His Son. He who has the Son has life; he who does not have
the Son of God does not have life. These things I have written to you
who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you
have eternal life, and that you may continue to believe in the name of
the Son of God. 1 John 5:11-13.
25) The Christian Gospel is only about Jesus Christ and nothing else.
Paul, a bondservant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated
to the gospel of God which He promised before through His prophets in
the Holy Scriptures, concerning His Son Jesus Christ our Lord, who was
born of the seed of David according to the flesh, and declared to be
the Son of God with power according to the Spirit of holiness, by the
resurrection from the dead. Romans 1:1-4.
26) The kingdom of God should never be confused with 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.
27) Mormons should never be considered Christians.
Therefore He who supplies the Spirit to you and works miracles among
you, does He do it by the works of the law, or by the hearing of
faith?—just as Abraham “believed God, and it was accounted to him for
righteousness.” Therefore know that only those who are of faith are
sons of Abraham. And the Scripture, foreseeing that God would justify
the Gentiles by faith, preached the gospel to Abraham beforehand,
saying, “In you all the nations shall be blessed.” So then those who
are of faith are blessed with believing Abraham. Galatians 3:5-9.
28) Mormons should never be considered Christians.
Jesus said to him, “If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes.” Mark 9:23.
29) Mormons should never be considered Christians.
Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing,
that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans
15:13.
30) Saved people will have joy in Jesus Christ.
In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be,
you have been grieved by various trials, that the genuineness of your
faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is
tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the
revelation of Jesus Christ, whom having not seen you love. Though now
you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible
and full of glory, receiving the end of your faith—the salvation of
your souls. 1 Peter 1:6-9.
31) Saved people will be citizens of heaven.
Brethren, join in following my example, and note those who so walk, as
you have us for a pattern. For many walk, of whom I have told you
often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the
cross of Christ: whose end is destruction, whose god is their belly,
and whose glory is in their shame—who set their mind on earthly things.
For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for
the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body
that it may be conformed to His glorious body, according to the working
by which He is able even to subdue all things to Himself. Philippians
3:17-21.
32) Mormons should never be considered Christians.
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.
33) Grow in the knowledge of Jesus Christ and you will be protected against wicked cult leaders such as Brigham Young.
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.
34) God will never bless religious cult members who are self-focused.
“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled. Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God. Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake.” Matthew 5:3-11