Be it known unto all nations, kindreds, tongues, and people, unto
whom this work shall come, that Joseph Smith, Jr., the translator of
this work, has shown unto us the plates of which hath been spoken,
which have the appearance of gold; and as many of the leaves as the
said Smith has translated, we did handle with our hands; and we also
saw the engravings thereon, all of which has the appearance of
ancient work, and of curious workmanship. And this we bear record
with words of soberness, that the said Smith has shown unto us, for
we have seen and hefted, and know of a surety, that the said Smith
has got the plates of which we have spoken. And we give our names
unto the world, to witness unto the world that which we have seen;
and we lie not, God bearing witness of it.
CHRISTIAN WHITMER,
JACOB WHITMER,
PETER WHITMER, Jr.
JOHN WHITMER,
HIRAM PAGE,
JOSEPH SMITH, Sen.
HYRUM SMITH,
SAMUEL H. SMITH.
Also, in the year 1829, Mr. Smith and Mr. Cowdery, having learned the
correct mode of baptism, from the teachings of the Saviour to the
ancient Nephites, as recorded in the "Book of Mormon," had a desire
to be baptized; but knowing that no one had authority to administer
that sacred ordinance in any denomination, they were at a loss to
know how the authority was to be restored, and while calling upon the
Lord with a desire to be informed upon the subject, a holy angel
appeared--stood before them--laid his hands upon their heads--ordained
them--and commanded them to baptize each other, which they accordingly
did.
In the year 1830, a large edition of the "Book of Mormon" first
appeared in print. And as some began to peruse its sacred pages, the
spirit of the Lord bore record to them that it was true, and they
were obedient to its requirements, by coming forth, humbly repenting
before the Lord, and being immersed in water, for the remission of
sins, after which, by the commandment of God, hands were laid upon
them in the name of the Lord, for the gift of the Holy Spirit.
And on the sixth of April, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight
hundred and thirty, the "Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day
Saints," was organized, in the town of Manchester, Ontario County,
State of New-York. Some few were called and ordained by the spirit of
revelation and prophecy, and began to preach and bear testimony, as
the spirit gave them utterance; and although they were the weak
things of the earth, yet they were strengthened by the Holy Ghost,
and gave forth their testimony in great power, by which means many
were brought to repentance, and came forward with broken hearts and
contrite spirits, and were immersed in water confessing their sins,
and were filled with the Holy Ghost by the laying on of hands; and
saw visions and prophesied. Devils were cast out, and the sick were
healed by the prayer of faith, and laying on of hands. Thus was the
word confirmed unto the faithful by signs following. Thus the Lord
raised up witnesses, to bear testimony of his name, and lay the
foundation of his kingdom in the last days. And thus the hearts of
the saints were comforted, and filled with great joy.
In the foregoing, we have related the most important facts concerning
the visions and the ministry of the angel to Mr. Smith; the discovery
of the records; their translation into the English language, and the
witnesses raised up to bear testimony of the same: we have also
stated when, and by whom they were written; that they contain the
history of nearly one half of the globe, from the earliest ages after
the flood, until the beginning of the fifth century of the Christian
era; that this history is interspersed with many important
prophecies, which unfold the great events of the last days, and that
in it also is recorded the gospel in its fulness and plainness, as it
was revealed by the personal ministry of Christ to the ancient
Nephites, We have also given an account of the restoration of the
authority in these days, to administer in the ordinances of the
gospel; and of the time of the organization of the church; and of the
blessings poured out upon the same while yet in its infancy.
We now proceed to give a sketch of the faith and doctrine of this
Church.
First, we believe in God the Eternal Father, and in his Son, Jesus
Christ, and in the Holy Ghost, who bears record of them, the same
throughout all ages and for ever.
We believe that all mankind by the transgression of their first
parents, and not by their own sins, were brought under the curse and
penalty of that transgression, which consigned them to an eternal
banishment from the presence of God, and their bodies to an endless
sleep in the dust, never more to rise, and their spirits to endless
misery under the power of Satan; and that, in this awful condition,
they were utterly lost and fallen, and had no power of their own to
extricate themselves therefrom.
We believe, that through the sufferings, death and atonement of Jesus
Christ, all mankind, without one exception, are to be completely and
fully redeemed, both body and spirit, from the endless banishment and
curse to which they were consigned, by Adam's transgression, and that
this universal salvation and redemption of the whole human family
from the endless penalty of the original sin, is effected, without
any conditions whatsoever on their part; that is, that they are not
required to believe, or repent, or be baptized, or do any thing else,
in order to be redeemed from that penalty; for whether they believe
or disbelieve, whether they repent or remain impenitent, whether they
are baptized or unbaptized, whether they keep the commandments or
break them, whether they are righteous or unrighteous, it will make
no difference in relation to their redemption, both soul and body,
from the penalty of Adam's transgression. The most righteous man that
ever lived on the earth, and the most wicked wretch of the whole
human family, were both placed under the same curse, without any
transgression or agency of their own, and they both, alike, will be
redeemed from that curse, without any agency or conditions on their
part. Paul says, Rom. v. 28, "Therefore, as by the offence of one,
judgment came upon ALL men to condemnation; even so, by the
righteousness of one, the free gift came upon ALL men unto the
justification of life." This is the reason why ALL men are redeemed
from the grave. This is the reason that the spirits of all men are
restored to their bodies. This is the reason that all men are
redeemed from their first banishment, and restored into the presence
of God, and this is the reason that the Saviour said, John xii. 32,
"If I be lifted up from the earth I will, draw ALL men unto me."
After this full, complete and universal redemption, restoration and
salvation of the whole of Adam's race, through the atonement of Jesus
Christ, without faith, repentance, baptism or any other works, then
all and every one of them, will enjoy eternal life and happiness,
never more to be banished from the presence of God, IF _they
themselves have committed no sin_: for the penalty of the original
sin can have no more power over them at all, for Jesus hath destroyed
its power--broken the bands of the first death--obtained the victory
over the grave,--delivered all its captives, and restored them from
their first banishment into the presence of his Father, hence eternal
life will then be theirs, IF _they themselves are not found
transgressors of some law_.
We believe that all mankind, in their infant state are incapable of
knowing good and evil, and of obeying or disobeying a law, and that,
therefore, there is no law given to them, and that where there is no
law, there is no transgression; hence they are innocent, and if they
should all die in their infant state, they would enjoy eternal life,
not being transgressors themselves, neither accountable for Adam's
sin.
We believe that all mankind, in consequence of the fall, after they
grow up from their infant state, and come to the years of
understanding, know good and evil, and are capable of obeying and
disobeying a law, and that a law is given against doing evil, and
that the penalty affixed is a second banishment from the presence of
God, both body and spirit, _after_ they have been redeemed from the
FIRST _banishment_ and restored into his presence.
We believe that the penalty of this second law can have no effect
upon persons who have not had the privilege, in this life, of
becoming acquainted therewith; for although the light that is in them
teaches them good and evil, yet that light does not teach them the
law against doing evil, nor the penalty thereof. And although they
have done things worthy of many stripes, yet the law cannot be
brought to bear against them, and its penalty be inflicted, because
they can plead ignorance thereof. Therefore they will be judged, not
by the revealed law which they have been ignorant of, but by the law
of their conscience, the penalty thereof being a few stripes.
We believe that all who have done evil, having a knowledge of the
law, or afterwards, in this life, coming to the knowledge thereof,
are under its penalty, which is not inflicted in this world, but in
the world to come. Therefore, such, in this world, are prisoners,
shut up under the sentence of the law, awaiting, with awful fear, for
the time of judgment, when the penalty shall be inflicted, consigning
them to a _second banishment_ from the presence of their Redeemer,
who had redeemed them from the penalty of the FIRST law. But,
enquires the sinner, is there no way for my escape? Is my case
hopeless? Can I not devise some way by which I can extricate myself
from the penalty of this SECOND _law_, and escape this SECOND
_banishment_? The answer is, if thou canst hide thyself from the
all-searching eye of an Omnipresent God, that he shall not find thee,
or if thou canst prevail with him to deny justice its claim, or if
thou canst clothe thyself with power, and contend with the Almighty,
and prevent him from executing the sentence of the law, then thou
canst escape. If thou canst cause repentance, or baptism in water, or
any of thine own works, to _atone_ for the least of thy
transgressions, then thou canst deliver thyself from the awful
penalty that awaits thee. But, be assured, O sinner, that thou canst
not devise any way of thine own to escape, nor do any thing that will
_atone_ for thy sins. Therefore, thy case is hopeless, unless God
hath devised some way for thy deliverance; but do not let despair
seize upon thee; for though thou art under the sentence of a broken
law, and hast no power to atone for thy sins, and redeem thyself
therefrom, yet there is hope in thy case; for he, who gave the law,
has devised a way for thy deliverance. That same Jesus, who hath
atoned for the original sin, and will redeem all mankind from the
penalty thereof, hath also atoned for thy sins, and offereth
salvation and deliverance to thee, on certain conditions to be
complied with on thy part.
We believe that the first condition to be complied with on the part
of sinners, is, to _believe_ in God, and in the sufferings and death
of his Son Jesus Christ, to atone for the sins of the whole world,
and in his resurrection and ascension on high, to appear in the
presence of his Father, to make intercessions for the children of
men, and in the Holy Ghost, which is given to all who obey the gospel.
That the second condition is, to _repent_, that is, all who believe,
according to the first condition, are required to come humbly before
God, and confess their sins with a broken heart and contrite spirit,
and turn away from them, and cease from all their _evil deeds_ and
make restitution to all whom they have in any way injured, as far as
it is in their power.
That the third condition is, to be _baptized_ by immersion in water,
in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, _for remission of
sins_; and that this ordinance is to be administered by one who is
called and authorized of Jesus Christ to baptize, otherwise it is
illegal and of no advantage, and not accepted by him; and that it is
to be administered only to those persons, who believe and repent,
according to the two preceding conditions.
And that the fourth condition is, to receive the _laying on of
hands_, in the name of Jesus Christ, for the gift of the Holy Ghost;
and that this ordinance is to be administered by the apostles or
elders, whom the Lord Jesus hath called and authorized to lay on
hands, otherwise it is of no advantage, being illegal in the sight of
God; and that it is to be administered only to those persons who
believe, repent, and are baptized into this church, according to the
three preceding conditions. These are the first conditions of the
gospel. All who comply with them receive forgiveness of sins, and are
made partakers of the Holy Ghost. Through these conditions, they
become the adopted sons and daughters of God. Through this process,
they are born again, first of water, and then of the spirit, and
become children of the kingdom--heirs of God---saints of the most
High--the church of the first-born--the elect people, and heirs to a
celestial inheritance, eternal in the presence of God. After
complying with these principles, their names are enrolled in the book
of the names of the righteous.
They are then required to be humble, to be meek and lowly in heart,
to watch and pray, to deal justly; and inasmuch as they have the
riches of this world, to feed the hungry, and clothe the naked,
according to the dictates of wisdom and prudence; to comfort the
afflicted, to bind up the broken-hearted, and to do all the good that
is in their power; and besides all these things, they are required to
meet together as often as circumstances will admit, and partake of
bread and wine, in remembrance of the broken body, and shed blood of
the Lord Jesus; and, in short, to continue faithful to the end, in
all the duties enjoined upon them by the word and spirit of Christ.
"It is the duty and privilege of the saints thus organized upon the
everlasting gospel, to believe in and enjoy, all the gifts, powers,
and blessings which flow from the Holy Spirit. Such, for instance, as
the gifts of revelation, prophecy, visions, the ministry of angels
healing the sick by the laying on of hands in the name of Jesus, the
working of miracles, and, in short, all the gifts as mentioned in
Scripture, or as enjoyed, by the ancient saints." We believe that
inspired apostles and prophets, together with all the officers as
mentioned in the new Testament, are necessary to be in the church in
these days.
We believe that there has been a general and awful apostacy from the
religion of the New Testament, so that all the known world have been
left for centuries without the Church of Christ among them; without a
priesthood authorized of God to administer ordinances; that every one
of the churches has perverted the gospel; some in one way, and some
in another. For instance, almost every church has done away
"_immersion for remission of sins_." Those few who have practised it
for remission of sins, have done away the ordinance of the "_laying
on of hands_," upon baptized believers for the gift of the Holy
Ghost. Again, the few who have practised this last ordinance, have
perverted the first, or have done away the ancient gifts, powers, and
blessings, which flow from the Holy Spirit, or have said to inspired
apostles and prophets, we have no need of you in the body in these
days. Those few, again, who have believed in and contended for the
miraculous gifts and powers of the Holy Spirit, have perverted the
ordinances, or done them away. Thus all the churches preach false
doctrines and pervert the gospel, and instead of having authority
from God to administer its ordinances, they are under the curse of
God for perverting it. Paul says, Gal. i, 8, "Though we, or an angel
from Heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have
preached unto you, let him be accursed."
We believe that there are a few sincere, honest, and humble persons,
who are striving to do according to the best of their understanding;
but, in many respects, they err in doctrine, because of false
teachers and the precepts of men, and that they will receive the
fulness of the gospel with gladness, as soon as they hear it.
The gospel in the "Book of Mormon," is the same as that in the New
Testament, and is revealed in great plainness, so that no one that
reads it can misunderstand its principles. It has been revealed by
the angel, to be preached as a witness to all nations, first to the
Gentiles, and then to the Jews, then cometh the downfall of Babylon.
Thus fulfilling the vision of John, which he beheld on the Isle of
Patmos, Rev. xiv, 6, 7, 8, "And I saw," says John, "another angel fly
in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto
them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and
tongue, and people, saying, with a loud voice, Fear God, and give
glory to him, for the hour of his judgment is come; and worship him
that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of
waters. And there followed another angel, saying Babylon is fallen,
is fallen, that great city, because she made all nations drink of the
wine of the wrath of her fornication."
Many revelations and prophecies have been given to this church since
its rise, which have been printed and sent forth to the world. They
also contain the gospel in great plainness, and instructions of
infinite importance to the saints. They also unfold the great events
that await this generation; the terrible judgments to be poured forth
upon the wicked, and the blessings and glories to be given to the
righteous. We believe that God will continue to give revelations by
visions, by the ministry of angels, and by the inspiration of the
Holy Ghost, until the saints are guided into all truth, that is,
until they come in possession of all the truth there is in existence,
and are made perfect in knowledge. So long, therefore, as they are
ignorant of any thing past, present, or to come, so long, we believe
they will enjoy the gift of revelation. And when in their immortal
and perfect state--when they enjoy the measure of the stature of the
fulness of Christ--when they are made perfect in one, and become
like their Saviour, then they will be in possession of all knowledge,
wisdom, and intelligence: then all things will be theirs, whether
principalities or powers, thrones or dominions; and, in short, then
they will be filled with all the fulness of God. And what more can
they learn? What more can they know? What more can they enjoy? Then
they will no longer need revelation.
We believe that wherever the people enjoy the religion of the New
Testament, there they enjoy visions, revelations, the ministry of
angels, &c. And that wherever these blessings cease to be enjoyed,
there they also cease to enjoy the religion of the New Testament.
We believe that God has raised up this church, in order to prepare a
people for his second coming in the clouds of heaven, in power, and
great glory; and that then the saints who are asleep in their graves
will be raised, and reign with him on earth a thousand years.
We believe that the nations are fast ripening in wickedness, and that
judgments, fearful, and terrible, speedily await them. For the signs
of the times clearly betoken a general and universal convulsion. The
ripening of the harvest--the decay of vegetables--the withering
leaves, never indicated more clearly the approaching winter, than the
signs of the times betoken approaching judgment. The awful apostacy
of the Christian World--the great corruptions that pervade all
governments, and the alarming wickedness of the present generation,
have engraved UNIVERSAL JUDGMENT, RUIN, and OVERTHROW upon all the
kingdoms of this world. A dreadful storm is gathering in every
region, find will, ere long, break forth with inconceivable fury upon
this guilty generation. Already the fearful tempest begins to rage.
The calm repose of ages is disturbed. Ancient and powerful monarchies
which have stood the test of centuries, unmoved and unaltered, are
now fast crumbling to ruin. Kingdoms are in terrible commotion,
divided among themselves, and each distracted with internal broils,
disorder, and confusion. The fountains of the nations seem to be
broken up. The whole frame work of government is loosened and torn
asunder. Every nation is alarmed and in consternation. Fearful
forebodings have seized upon Politicians and Statesman, Kings and
Rulers. All are perplexed with dreadful anxieties, looking after
those things which are coming on the earth.
In the midst of all these commotions, just as every government seems
to be on the very eve of crumbling to pieces, and just as a thick
cloud of judgment seems to hang frightfully over all nations, ready
to burst with awful fury upon their guilty heads--a voice of mercy
is heard. An angel is sent forth from the eternal worlds. Truth
springs forth from the earth clothed with her native simplicity and
beauty. Messengers are called of God, and sent forth with a
proclamation to all people, requiring them to repent and obey the
same. A way of safety for the meek of the earth is clearly pointed
out. The kingdom of God is re-organized upon the earth, which alone
will stand secure and triumphant in the midst of the dissolution of
all earthly governments.
Thus, dear reader, we have laid before you a brief narrative of some
of the most important things transpiring in this generation--things
most firmly believed by the church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day
Saints--things which have already been embraced by many tens of
thousands in our own native country. Thousands also among other
nations are rejoicing in these tidings, having received this message
with gladness. Never were mankind visited with a more important
message than the one which has now saluted the ears of mortals. It is
a message that deeply concerns all people, and calls for their most
candid and sincere investigation. It is a message from the great
Jehovah committed into the hands of mortals by holy angels sent forth
from his presence. It is a message that will speedily penetrate the
darkest corners of the earth, and enter into the palaces of Kings,
while proud and haughty monarchs shall tremble at its power. It is a
message which unveils the secrets of futurity, and draws aside the
curtains which hide the destinies of all countries and governments.
By the proclamation of this message, Judah shall be gathered from
their long dispersion--the tribes of Israel be restored, with power
and glory to their own lands--the remnant of Joseph, or the American
Indians, become civilized and enlightened, and the Millennial reign
of universal peace and joy be ushered in.
And we now bear testimony to all, both small and great, that the Lord
of Hosts hath sent us with a message of glad tidings--the everlasting
gospel, to cry repentance to the nations, and prepare the way of his
second coming. Therefore, _repent_, O ye nations, both Gentiles and
Jews, and cease from all your _evil deeds_, and come forth with
broken hearts and contrite spirits, and be _baptized_ in water, in
the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, for remission of sins,
and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit by the _laying on of
the hands_ of the Apostles, or Elders of this church; and signs shall
follow them that believe, and if they continue faithful to the end,
they shall be saved. But woe unto them who hearken not to the message
which God has now sent, for the day of vengeance and burning is at
hand, and they shall not escape. Therefore, REMEMBER, O reader, and
_perish not_!