Changes in Belief

CHANGES IN BELIEF. BY M. P. CROSBY. When Joseph Smith first stated to the world, in 1820, that he had received a visitation from God the Father and his Son Jesus Christ, and declared that they were two distinct beings, it was greatly opposed by modern divines. The people had been taught by tradition that the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost were all one, without body, parts or passions; consequently, it was easy to believe error, and the truth found much opposition. It is wonderful how the minds of the people have changed during the last twenty-five years. The constant teachings of the elders before the world, on the Godhead, which are supported by strong scriptural proof, have caused many to read the scriptures; and now the old belief is fast dwindling away, and the world is accepting the truth. Before the days of the Prophet Joseph, the general belief was that when men die they either go direct to heaven or hell; and it mattered not how good one had been, if he never confessed, nor joined the church, he would go to hell and its burnings forever; while, on the other hand, if one had committed all kinds of crime, all that was necessary was to confess Christ, or join the church before death, and he would then go to the realms of glory, there to remain forever with the just. A revelation to the prophet states that there are degrees of glory in heaven. (Doctrine and Covenants, Sec. 86.) This throws light on the saying of our Savior: "In my Father's house are many mansions:" also on the teachings of the Apostle Paul (I Cor.

CHANGES IN BELIEF. 601 15:40-42). Many people no longer hold to the old tradition. We now find those, quite often, who believe in a preparatory state, where the spirit awaits the resurrection, and that men will receive a final reward according to their works. To believe formerly that there would be any more revelations, or signs following the believers, was to be frowned at. Today we have false prophets, miracles, spirit rappings, signs, etc., on every side, all claiming to be of God. Those who will not believe the testimony of the servants of God are being tossed about by every wind of doctrine. The revelation on the Word of Wisdom, (Doctrine and Covenants, sec. 89) promises us health, strength, wisdom and great treasures of knowledge, even hidden treasures. In fulfilment of the promise, today, our people, generally and as a whole, stand head and shoulders above the world inhealth,and strength, and with them in education. In many of the colleges, our young people have led their classes because of their bright intellects. The world is also gradually accepting this principle. A denomination called the "Church of God," with its headquarters at Moundsville, West Virginia, teach their members to abstain from the use of strong drinks and tobacco, claiming them to be filthy habits, and not pleasing in the sight of God. It is a well-known fact to college professors that young men who are users of tobacco scarcely ever graduate, if they do, they are in the lower ranks of the class. A health journal called Life and Health says, "Coffee, if used freely/ may cost one dollar a month a head, or even more; it should never be given to growing children, and it is a prolific source of nervous and digestive derangement in adults. Tea is less expensive, rather less harmful to the nervous system, and rather more so to the digestive organs." All this goes to show that the revealed principle is true. The apostles and elders in the days of the Savior preached the gospel free of charge, going from city to city. Modern ministers say that the conditions have changed, and it is necessary for them to receive a salary or they will not preach. A plan was instituted through the prophet for the preaching of the gospel free of charge, and it has been preached that way by