Remarkable Visions

VisjojMs OF Joseph Smith— Discoveet op Gold Plates, filled -inrn Egyptian Chabaoteks and Hiebogltphics— Theik Tbanslation into the English LANqpAOE by the aid op the Ukim and Thommim— The SacbeI) HisTOEY op Ancient Ameeica, noV cleaely eevealed fbom the eaeliest AGES apteb the Flood, to the beginning op the Fifth Centuet op the Chbistian Era— a Sketch of the Rise, Faith, and Docibine op the . Chuecii op Jesus Christ op Latteb-day Saints.

Me. Joseph Smith, jun., who made the following important discovery, was born in the town of Sharon, Windsor county, Vermont, on the 23rd of December, A.D., 1805. When ten years old, his parents with their family, moved to Palmyra, New" York, in the vicinity of which he resided for about eleven years, the latter part in the town of Manchester. He was a farmer by occupation. His advantages for acquiring scientific knowledge were exceedingly small, bemg limited to a slight acquaintance with two or three of the common branches of learning. He could read without much difficulty, and write a very imperfect hand ; and had a very limited understanding of this elementary rules of arithmetic. These were his highest and only attainments ; while the rest of those branches, so universally taught in th« common schools throughout the United States, were entirely unknown to him. — When somewhei-e about fourteen or fifteen years old, he began seriously to reflect upon the necessity of being prepared for a future state of existence ; but how, or in what .way to prepare himself, was a question, as yet, undetermined in his own mind : he perceived that it was a question of infinite importance, and that the salvation of his soul depended upon a correct understanding of the same. He saw, that if he understood not the 'vvay, it would be impossible to walk in it, except by chance ; and the thought of resting his hopes of eternal life upon chance or uncertainties, was more than he, could endure. If he went to the religious denominations to seek informal tipi), each one pointed to his particular tenets, saying — " This is the way, walk ye in itj" Tyhile at the same time, the doctrines of each were, in many respects, in direct opposition to one another. It also occurred to his mind, that God was not the author of but one doctrine, and, therefore, could not acknowledge but one denomination as his church ; and that such denomination must be a people who believe and teach that one doctrine (whatever it may be,) and build upon the same. He then reflected upon the immense number of doctrines now in the worll?' which had given rise to many hundreds of diflferent denominations. The great question to be decided in his niind, was — if any one of these denominations be the Church of Christ, which one is it ? TJntiJ he could become satisfied in relation to this question, he could not rest contented. To trust to the decisions of fallible man, and build his hopes upon the same, without any certainty and knowledge of his own, would not satisfy the anxious desires that pervaded his breast. To decide without any poative and definite evidence oa which he could rely, upon a subject involving the future welfare of his soul, was re-

Tolting to his feelings. The only alternative that seemed left to him was, to read the scriptures, and endeavour to follovir their directions. He accordingly commenced perusing the sacred pages of the Bible with sincerity, believing the things that he read. His mind soon caught hold of the following passage — " If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally and upbraideth not ; and it shall be given him." — James i. 5. From this promise he learned that it wa's the privilege of all men to ask God for wisdom, with' the sure and certain expectation of receiving liberally, without being upbraided for so doing. This was cheering information to him, tidings that gave him great joy. It was like a light shining forth in a dark place, to guide him to the path in which he should walk. He now saw that if he inquired of God, there was not only a possibility but a probability, yea more, a certainty, that he should obtain a knowledge which of all the doctrines was the doctrine of Christ, and which of all the churches was the Church of Christ. He, therefore, retired to a secret place, in a grove, but a short distance from his father's house, and knelt down and began to call upon the Lord. At first, he was severely tempted by the powers of dark- . ness, which endeavoured to overcome him, but he continued to seek for deliverance, until darkness gave way from his mind, and he was enabled to pray in fervency of the spirit, and in faith ; and while thus pouring out his soul, anxiously desiring an answer from God, hei saw a very bright and glorious light in the heavens above, which at first seemed to be at a considerable distance. He continued praying, while the light appeared to be gradually descending towards him ; and, as it drew nearer, it increased in brightness and magnitude, so that by the time that it reached the tops of the trees, the whole wilderness, for some distance around, was illuminated in a most glorious and brilliant manner. He expected to have seen the leaves and boughs of the trees consumed, as soon as the light came in contact with them ; but perceiving that it did not produce that effect, he was encouraged with the hopes of being able to endure its presence. It continued descending slowly until it rested upon the earth, and he was enveloped in the midst of it. When it first came upon him, it produced a pe- . culiar sensation throughout his whole .system ; and, immediately, his mind was caught away from the natural objects with which he was surrounded, and he was enwrapped in a heavenly vision, and saw two glorious personages, who exactly resembled each other in their features or likeness. He was informed that his sins were forgiven. He was also informed upon the subjects which had for some time previously agitated his mind, namely, that all religious denominations were believing in incorrect doctrines ; and, consequently, that none of them was acknowledged of God as his church antikingdom. And he was expressly commanded to go not after them ; and he received , a promise that the true, doctrine — the fulness of the gospel — should, at some future time, be made known to him ; after which, the vision withdrew, leaving his niind in a state of calmness and peace indescribable. Some time after having received this glorious manifestation, being young, he was again entangled in the vanities of the world, of which he afterwards sincerely and truly repented.

And it pleased God. on the evening of the 21st of September, A.D., 1823, to again hear his prayers. For he had retired to rest as usual, only that his mind' was drawn out in fervent prayer, and his soul was filled with the most earnest desire " to commune with some kind messenger who could communicate to him the desu-ed information of his acceptance with God," and also unfold the principles of the doctrine of Christ, according to the promise which he had received in the former vision, while he thus continued to pour out his desires before the Father of all good, endeavouring to exercise faith in his precious promises, " on a sudden, a light like that of day, only of a purer and far more glorious appearance and brightness, burst into the room. Indeed the fii'st sight was as though the house was filled with consuming fire. This sudden appearance of a light so bright, as must naturally be expected, occasioned a shock or sensation visible to the extremities of the body. It wasj however,' followed with a calmness and serenity of mind, and an overwhelniung rapture of joy, that surpassed understanding, and, in a moment, a personage stood before hind."

Notwithstanding the brightness of the. light which previously illuniinated libe room, '• yet there seemed to be an additional glory surrounding oi" accompanying this personage, which shone with an increased degree of brilUancy, of which he was

in the midst ; and though his countenance was as lightning, yet it was of a pleasing, innocent, and glorious appearance ; so much so, that every fear was banished from iSfa heart, and nothing but calmness pervaded the soul."

" The stature of this personage was a little above the common size of men in this age ; his garment was perfectly white, and had the appearance of being without seam."

This glorious being declared himself to be an angel of God, sent forth by commandment, to communicate to him that his sins were forgiven, and that his prayers were heard ; and also to bring the joyful tidings, that the covenant which God made with ancient Israel, concerning their posterity, was at hand to be fulfilled — that the great preparatory work for the second coming of the Messiah was speedily to commence — that the time was at hand for the gospel, in its falness, to be preached in power unto all nations, that a people might be prepared with faith and righteousneac ■for the Millennial reign of universal peace and joy.

He was informed that he was called and chosen to be an instrument in the hands of God, to bring about some of his marvellous purposes in this glorious dispensation. It was also madejBanifest to him, that the " American Indians" were a remnant of Israel ; that when they first emigrated to Ameriqa, they were an enlightened people, possessing a knowledge of the true God, enjoying his favour and peculiar blessings from his hand ; that the prophets and inspu-ed writers among them, were required to keep a sacred history of the most important events transpiring among them, which history was handed down ,for many generations, till at length they fell into great wickedness. The greatest part of them were destroyed, and the records (by commandment of God to one of the last prophets among them,) were safely deposited to preserve them from the hands of the wicked who sought to destroy them. He was informed that these records contained many sacred revelations pertaining to the gospel of the kingdom, as well as prophecies relating to the great events of the last days ; and that to fulfil his promises to the ancients, who wrote the records, and to accomplish his purposes, in the restitution of their children, &c., they were to come forth to the knowledge of the people. If faithAil he was to be the instrument who should be thus highly favoured m bringing these sacred things to light ; at the same time being expressly informed, that it must be done with an eye single to the glory of God, that no one could be entrusted with those sacred writings, who should endeavour to aggrandize himself, by converting sacred things to unrighteous and speculative purposes. After giving him many instructions concerning things past and to come, which would be foreign to our purpose to mention here, he disappeared, and the light and glory of God withdrew, leaving his mind in perfect peace, while a calmness and serenity indescribable pervaded the soul. But before morning, the vision was twice renewed, instructing him further and still further concerning the great work of God about to be performed on the earth. In the morning he went out to his work as usual, but soon the vision was renewed — the angel again appeared, and having been informed by the previous visions of the night, concerning the place where those records were deposited, he was instructed to go immediately and view them.

Accordingly he repaired to the place, a brief description of which shall he given in the words of a gentleman named OUver Cowdery, who has visited the spot.

" As you pass on the mail-road from Palmyra, Wayne county, to Canandaigua, Ontario county. New York, before arriving at the little village of Manchester, say from three to four, or about four miles from Palmyra, you pass a large hill on the east side of the road. Why I say large, is because it is as large, perhaps, as any in that country.

"The north end rises quite suddenly until it assumes a level vsith the more southerly extremity, and, I think I may say, an elevation higher than at the south, a short distance, say half or three-fourths of a mile. As you pass towards Canandaigua it lessens gradually, until the surface assumes its common level, or is broken by other smaller hills or ridges, water-courses and ravines. I think I am justified in saying that this is the highest hill for some distance round, and I am certain that its appear- :ance, as it rises so suddenly from a plain on the north, must attract the notice of the

traveller as he passes by."—" The north end, (which has been described as risingsuddenly from the plain,) forms a promontory without timber, but covered with grass. As you pass to the South you soon come to scatterii timber, the surface having been cleared by art or wind ; and a short distance further left, you are surrounded with the common forest of the country. It is necessary to observe, that even the part deared, was only occupied 'for pasturage ; its steep ascent and narrow summit not admitting the plough of the husbandman with any degree of ease or profit. It was at tiie second mentioned place, where the record was found to be deposited, on the west side of the hill, not far froin the top down its side ; and when myself visited the place in the year 1830, there were several trees standing — enough to cause a shade in summer, but not so much as to prevent the surface being covered with grass, which was also the case when the record was first found.

" How far below the surface these records were" anciently " placed, I am unable to say; but from the fact that they had been some fourteen hundred years buried, and that too, on the side of a -hOl so steep, one is ready to conclude that they were some feet below, as the earth would naturally wear, more or less, in that length of time. But being placed toward the top of the hill, the ground would not remove as much as at two-thirds, perhaps. Another cu-cumstanee would prevent a wearing <rfthe earth; in all .probability, as soon as timber had time to grow, the hill was .covered, and the roots of the same would liold the surface. However, on this point, I shall leave every man to draw his own cdnelvision, and form his own speculation." But, suffice to say, '' a hole of su&cient depth was dug. At the bottom of this was laid a stone of suitable size, the upper surface being smooth. At each edge, was rplaced a large quantity of cement, and into this cement, at the four edges of this stCHie, were placed erect four otliers ; their bottom edges resting in the cement, at the outer edges of the first stone. The four last named, when placed erect, formed a box ; the corners, or where the edges of the four came in contact, were also cemented so 'firmly, that the moisture from without was prevented from entering. It is to be .observed, also, that the inner surfaces of the fpur erect or side stones werfe smooth. This box was sufficiently large to admit a breastplate, such as was used by th?, ancients to defend the chest, .&c., from the arrows and weapons of their enemy. From the bottom of the box, or from the breastplate, arose three small pillars composed of the same description of cement used on the edges) and upon these three pillars were placed the records." — " This box, containing the records, was covered with another stoi\e,'the bottom sm-face being flat, and the upper crowning." When it was first visited fBf Mr. Smith, onthe'momingof the22d of September, 1823, "apartof the crowTiing stone was visible above the surface, while the ed.ges were concealed by the soil and grass." From which circumstance, it may be seen, " that however deep this box ;might have been placed at first, thetime had been sufficient to wear the earth, so that It was easily discovered, when once directed, and yet not enough to make a perceive- ;ble difference, to the passer by." — " After arriving at the repository, a little exertion in removing the soil froin the edges of the top of the box, and a light lever, brought to his natural vision its contents." While viewing and contemplating this sacred treasure with wonder and astonishment, behold ! the angel of the Lord, vho hayd previously visited- him, again stood in his presence, andlus soul was ao-ain enlightened as it was the evening before, and he was filled with the Holy Spirit, and the heavens were opened, and the glory oif the Lord shone round about and rested upon him. , While he thus stood gazing and admiring, the angel said, " Look !" Jbid as he thus spake, he beheld the Prince of Darkness, surrounded by his innumerable train of associates. All this passed before hun, and the heavenly messengeir-said, « All this is shown, the good and the etil, the holy and impure, the glory of God, and the power of darkness, that ,you may know hereafter the two powers, and never be influenced or overcome by the wicked one. Behold, whatsoevMeaticeth and eadeth to good and to do goad is of God, and whatsoever doth notis of at, wicked one. It is he that fiUeth the hearts of men -with evil, to walk in darkness and blaspheme God; and you may learn from henceforth that his ways are to destructipii, but the way of holiness is i peace and rest. You cannot at this time obtain this record, for the commandment of God is strict, and if ever these

-sawed things are obtained, they must be by prayer and faithfulness in obeying the Lord. They are not deposited here for the sake of accumulating gain and weajtb for the glory of this world ; they were sealed by the prayer of faith, ai>d because •of the knowledge -which they contain ; they are of no worth among the childem of men only for their knowle(%e. On them is contained the fulness of the gospel olj Jesus Christ, as it was given to his people on this land; and when it shall be brought forth by the power of God, it shall be carried to the Gentiles, of whom nianjr will receive it, and aitpr wiU the seed of Israel be brought into the fold of their Redeemer by obeying it also. Those who kept the commandments of the Lord on thijs land desired this at his hand, and through the prayer of faith obtained the promise that if their descendants should transgress and fall away, that a record should be kept, and in the last days come to their children. These things are sacred and must be kept so, for the promise of the Lord concerning them must be fulfilled. No man can obtain them if his heart is impure, because they contain that which is sacred." * * « " By them will the Lord work great and marvellous work ; the wisdom of the -wise shall become as nought, and the understanding of the prudent shall be hid, and because the power of God shall be displayed, those who profess to know the truth buj; walk in deceit shftU tremble with anger ; but with signs and with wonders, with gifts a,nd with healings, with the manifestations of the power of God, and with the Holy Ghost, shall the hearts of the faithful be comforted. You have now beheld the power ■of God manifested and the power of Satan ; you see that thei:e is nothing desirable in the w6rks of darkness ; that they cannot bring happiness ; that those who are overcome therewith are miserable; while, on the other hand, the righteous are blessed with 4 place in the kingdom of God, where jpy unspeakable sufToirads them. There they rest beyond the power of the enemy of mith, where no evil can disturb them. The glory of God crowns them, and they continually feast upon his goodness and enjoy his siiiiles.. Behold, nptvTithstanding you have seen this great displ,ay of power, by which you may ever be able to detect the evil one, yet I give unto you another sign, and when it comes to pass then know that the Lord is God, and that ne will fulfil hia purposes, and that, the knowledge which this record coijtains will go to every nation, and kindrfe'd, and tbngue, arid people under the whole heaven. This is the sign:, when these things begin to be kno-wn, that is, when it is known that the Lord has shown you these things, the workers of iniquity wiU seek your overthrow. They will cu'culate falsehoods to destroy your reputation, and also will eek to take your life ; but remeinber' this, if you are faithful and shall hereafter continue to keep the commandments of the Lord, you shall be preserved to bring these things forth ; for iix due time he will give you a commandment to come and take them. When they ar interpreted, the Lord -will give the holy priesthood to some, and they[shall begin to pro- aim this gospel and baptize by water, and after that they shall have" power to give the Holy Ghost by the laying on of their hands. Then will persecution rage more and niore ; for the iniquities of men shall be revealed, and those who are not built upon the Rock will seek to overthrow the church ; but it will increase the more opposed, and spread father and father, increasing in knowledge till they shall be sanctified, and recdve an inheritance where the glory, of God will rest upon them ; and when this takes place, and all things are prepared, the ten tribes of Israel will be revealed in the north country, whither they have been for a long season; and when this is fulfilled will be brought to pass that saying of the prophet, — 'And the Redeemer shall come -to Zion, and unto them that turn from transgression in Jacob, saith the Lord.' But» notwithstanding the ivorkers of iniquity shall seek your destructioij, the arm of the Lord will be extended, and you yvill be borne off conqueror if you keep all his commandments. Your name aU be known among the nations, for the work which the Lord will perform by yoilr hands shall cause the righteous to rejoice and the wicked to rage ; with the one it shall be had in honour, and -with the other in reproach ; yeb ■with these it shall be a terror, because of the great. and' marvellous work which -sfiall follow the coming forth of this fulpess of the gospel. Now, gb thy way, rememlierii what the Lord hath done for thee, and be diligent in keeping his cpmmandments,-ari4 he vyill deliver thee froni temptations and all the arts arid devices of the wicked-onei Forget not to pray, that thy mind may become strong, that when he shall manifesB

unto thee thou; mayest have power to escape the evil and obtain these precious things. "

We here remark that the above quotation is an extract [from a letter written by Elder Oliver Cowdery, which was published in one of the numbers of the " Latter-day Saints' Messenger and Advocate."

Although many more instructions were given by the mouth of the angel to Mr. Smith, which we do not write in this paniphletj yet the most important items are contained in the foregoing relation. During the period of the four following years, he frequently received instructions from the mouth of the heavenly messenger. And on the morning of the 22d of September, a.d. 1827, the angel of the Lord delivered the records into his hands.

These records were engraved on plates, which had the appearance of gold. Each plate was not far from seven by eight inches in width and length, being not quite as thick as common tin. They were filled on both sides with engravings in Egyptian diaracters, and bound together in a volume as the leaves of a book, and fastened at (me edge with three rings running through the whole. This volume was something near six inches in thickness, a part of which was sealed. The characters or letters upon the unsealed part were small and beautifully engraved. The whole book exhibited many marks of antiquity in its construction, as well as much skill in the art of engraving. With the records was found " a curious instrument, called by the ancients the Urim and Thummim, which consisted of two transparent stones, clear as crystal, set in the twp rims of a bow. This was in use in ancient times by persons called seers. It was an instrument, by the use of which they received revelation of things distant, or of things past or future."

In the mean time the inhabitants of that vicinity, having been informed that Mr. Smith had seen heavenly visions, and that he had discovered sacred records, began to ridicule and mock at those things. And after having obtained those sacred things, while proceeding home through the vsTlderness and fidds, he was waylaid by two ruffians, who had secreted themselves for the purpose ,of robbing him of the records. One of them struck him with a club before he perceived them ; but being a strong man and large in stature, with great exertion he cleared himself from them and ran towards home, being closely pursued untU he came near his father's house, when his pursuers, for fear of being detected, turned and fled the other way.

Soon the news of Ijis discoveries spread abroad throughout all those parts. False reports, misrepresentations, and base slanders, flew as if upon the wings of the wind in every directioil. The house was frequently beset by mobs and evil designing persons. Several times he was shot at and very narrowly escaped. Every device was used to get the plates away from him. And being continually in danger of his life from a gang of abandoned wretches, he at length concluded to leave the place and go to Pennsylvania ; and, accordingly, packed up his goods, putting the plates into a barrel of beans, and proceeded upon his journey. He had not gone far before he was overtaken by an officer with a search-warrant, who flattered himself with the idea that he should surely obtain the plates ; after searching very diligently, he was sadly disappointed at not finding them. Mr. Smith then drove on, but before he got to hie journey's end he was again overtaken by an officer on the same business, and after ransacking the wagon very carefully, he went his way as much chagrined as .firstj at not being able to discover the object of his research. Without any further molestatationhe pursued his journey until he came into the northern part of Peimsylvania, near the Susquehanah river, in which part his father-in-law resided.

Having provided himself with a home, he commenced translating the record, by the gift and power of God, through the means of the Urim and Thummim ; and being a. poor writer, he was under the necessity of employing a scribe, to write the translation as it came from his mouth.

In the mean time a few of the original characters were accurately transcribed and translated by Mr. Smith, which, with the translation, were taken by a gentleman by the name of Martin Harris to the city of New York, where they were presented to a learned gentleman of the name of Anthon, who professed to be extensively acquainted with many languages, both ancient and modem. He examined

them ; but was unable to decipher them correctly ; but he presumed that if the original records could be brought, he could assist in translating them.

But to return. Mr. Smith continued the work of translation, as his pecuniary cirmimstances would permit, until he finished the unsealed part of the records. The part' translated is entitled the " Book of Mormon," which contains nearly as much reading' afi the Old Testament.

In this important and most interesting book, we can read the history of ancient America, from its early settlement by a colony who came from the tower of Babel at the confusion of languages, to the beginning of the fifth century of the Christian era. By these records we are informed, that America, in ancient times, has been inhabited by two distinct races of people. The first, or more ancient race, came directly from the gi-eat tower, being called Jaredites. The second race came directly from the city of Jerusalem, about six hundred years before Christ, being Israelites, principally the descendants of Joseph. The first nation, or Jaredites, were destroyed about the time that the Israelites came from Jerusalem, who succeeded them in the inherit-' ance of the country. The principal nation of the second race, fell in battle towards the close of the fourth century. The remaining remnant, having dwindled into an uncivilized state»still continue to inhabit the land, although divided into a " multituds (rf nations," and are called by Europeans the " American Indians."

We learn from this very ancient history, that at the confusion of languages, when the Lord scattered the people upon all the face of the eai-th, the Jaredites, being a righteous people, obtained favour in the sight of the Lord, and were not confounded. And because of their righteousness, the Lord raii'aculously led them from the tower to the great ocean, where they were commanded to build vessels, in which they were marvellously brought aoi'oss the great deep to the shores of North America.

And the Lord Uod promised to give them America, which was a very choice land in his sight, for an inheritance. And He swore unto them in his wrath, that whoso should possess this land of promise, from that time henceforth and for ever, should serve him, the true and only God, or they should be swept off when the fulness of his wrath ahpuld come upon them, and they were fully ripened in inauity. Moreover, he promised to make them a great and powerful nation, so that tliere should be no greater nation upon all the face of the earth.

Accordingly, in proctes of time, they became a very numerous and powerful people, occupying pnncipally North America ; building large cities in all quarters of the land ; being a civilized and enlightened nation. Agriculture and machinery were carried on to a great extent. Commercial and manufacturing business flourished on eriery hand ; yet, in consequence of wickedness they were often visited with terribki judgments. Many prophets were raised up among them from generation to generation, who testified against the wickedness of the people, and prophesied of judgments and calamites which awaited them if they did not repent, &c. Sometimes they were visited by pestilence and' plagues, and sometimes by famine and war, until at length (having occupied the land some fifteen or sixteen hundred years) their wickedness became so great, that the Lord threatened, by the mouth of his prophets, to utterly destroy them froin the face of the land. But they gaVe no heed to these Wrnings ; therefore the word of the Lord was fulfilled, and they were entirely destroyed ; leaving their houses, theii- cities, and their land desolate ; and their saa-ed records also, vrhich were kept on gold .plates, were left by one of their last prophets, whose name was Ether, in such a situation that they were discovered by the remnant of Joseph, who soon afterwards were brought from Jerusalem to inherit the land.

This remnant of Joseph were also led in a miraculous manner from Jerusalem, in the first year of the reign of Zedekiah, king of Judah. They were first led to the eastern bordfers of the Red Sea ; then they journeyed for some time along the borders thereof, nearly in a south-east direction ; after which they altered their course nearly eastward, until they came to the great waters, where, by thie command of God, they built a vessel, in which they were safely brought across the great Pacific Ocean, and landed upon the western coast of South America.

In the eleventh year of the reign of Zedekiah, at the time the Jews were carried away captive into Babylon, another remnant were brought out of Jerusalem; som«

of whom were descendants of Judah. They landed in North America ; soon after which they emigrated into the northern parts of South America, at which place they were discovered by the remnant of Joseph, something like ftur hundred years after.

From these ancient records, we learn that this remnant of Joseph soon after they landed, separated themselves into two distinct nations. This division was caused ty a. certain portion of them being greatly persecuted, because of their righteousnes, by the remainder. The persecuted nation emigrated to the northern parts of South America, leaving the wicked nation in possession of the middle and southern parts of the same. The former were called Nephites, being led by a prophet whose name was Nephi. The latter were called Lamanites, being led by a very wicked man whose name was Laman. The Nephites had in then- possession a copy of the Holy Scriptures, viz., the five books of Moses and the prophecies of the holy prophets, down to Jeremiah, in whose days they left Jerusalem. These Scriptuies were engraved on plates of brass in the Egyptian language. They themselves also made plates soon after their landing, on which they began to engrave their own history, prophecies, visions, and revelations. All these sacred records were kept by' holy and righteous men, who were inspired by the Holy Ghost, and were carefully preserved and handed down from generation to generation.

And the Lord gave unto them the whole continent for a land of promise, and he pi'omised that they and their children after them should inherit it, on condition of their obedience to his commandments ; but if they were disobedient they should be cut off from his presence. And the Nephites began to prosper in the land , according to their righteousness, and they multiplied and spread forth to the east, and west, and north ; building large villages, cities, synagogues, and temples, together with forts, towers and fortifications, to defend themselves against their enemies. They cultivated the earth, and raised various kinds of grain in abundance. They also raised numerous flocks of domestic animals, and became a very wealthy people : having in abundance gold, silver, copper, tin, iron, &c. Arts and sciences flourished to a great extent. Various kinds of machinery were in use. Cloths of various kinds were manufactured ; swords, cymeters, axes, and varioxis implements of war were made, together with head-shields, aria-shields, and breastplates, to defend themselves in battle with their enemies. And in the days of their righteousness they were a civilised, enlightened, and happy people.

, But, on the other hand, the Lamanites, because of the hardness of their hearts, brought down many judgments upon their own heads ; nevertheless they were not destroyed as a nation ; but the Lord God sent forth a curse upon them, and they became a dark, loathsome, and filthy people. Before their rebellion they were white and exceedingly fair, Uke the Nephites; but the Lord God cursed them in their complexions, and they \/eve changed to a dark colour; and they became a wild, savage, and ferocious people; being great enemies to the Nephites, whom they sought by every means to destory, and many times came against them with their numerous hosts to battle, but were repulsed by the Nephites and driven back to their own possessions, not, however, generally speaking, without great loss on both sides; for tens of thousands were very frequently slain, after which they were piled together in great heaps upon the face of the ground, and covered with a shallow covering of earth, which will satisfactorily account for those ancient mounds, filled with human bobes, so numerous at the present day, both in North and South America.

The second colony, which left Jerusalem eleven yeai-s after the remnant of Joseph Jeft that city, landed in North America, and emigrated from thence to the northern parts of South America ; and about four hundred years after, they were discovered by the Nephites, as vve statgd in the foregoing,

They were called the" people of Zarahemla, They had been perplexed witi many wars among themselves, and having brought no records with, them, their language had become corrupted, and they denied the beirig of God ; and at the time they were discovered by the Nephites, they were vei-y numerous, and only in a partial state of civilization ; but the Nephites united with them and taught them the Holy Scriptures, and they were restored to civilization and became one nation with them.

And in process of time, the Nephites began to build ships near the Isthmus of Darien and launch them forth into the western ocean, in which great numbers sailed a great distance to the northward, and began to colonize North America. Other colonies emigi'ated by land, and in a few centuries the whole continent became peopled. North America, at that time, was almost entirely destitute of .timber, it having been cut off by the more ancient race, who came from the great tower at the confusion of languages ; but the Nephites became very skilful in building houses of cement ; also much timber was carried by the way of shipping from South to North America. They also planted groves and began to raise timber, that in time their wants might be supplied. Large cities were built in various parts of the continent, both among the Lamanites and Nephites. The law of Moses was observed by the latter. Numerous prophets were raised up from time to time throughout their generations. Many records, both historical and prophetical, which were of great size, were kept among them ; some on plates of gold and other metals, and some on other materials. The sacred records, also, of the more ancient race who had been destroyed, were found by them. These were engraved on plates of gold. They translated them into their own language by the gift and power of God, through the means of the Urim and Thummim. , They 56ntained an historical account from the creation dovm to the Tower of Babel, arid from that time down until they were destroyed, comprising a period of about thu-ty-four hundred, or thirty-five hundred years. They also contained many prophecies, great and marvellous, reaching forward to the final end and consumatiou of all things, and the creation of a new heaven and new earth.

The prophets also among the Nephites prophesied of great things. They opened the secrets of futurity — saw the coming of Messiah in the flesh — prophesied of the blessings to come upon their descendants in the latter times — made known the history of unborn generations — unfolded the grand events of ages to come — viewed the power, glory, and majesty of Messiah's second advent — beheld the establishment of the kihdom of peace — gaaed upon the glories of the day of righteousness — saw creation redeemed from the curse, and all the righteous filled with songs of eveii'lasting joy-

The Nephites knew of the birth and crucifixion of Christ by cei-tain celestial and terrestrial phenomena, which, at those times, were shown forth in fulfilment of the predictions of many of their prOphets. Notwithstanding the many blessings they had received, they had fallen into great wickedness, and had cast out the saints and the prophets, and Stoned and killed them. Therefore, at the time of the crucifixion of Christ, they were visited in great judgment. Thick darkness covered the whole continent. The earth was tembly convulsed. The rooks were rent_into broken fragments, and afterwards found in seams and cracks upon all the face of the land. Mountains were Sunk into valleys, and valleys raised into mountains. The highways and level roads were broken up and spoiled. Many cities were laid in rums. Others were buried up in the depths of the earth, and mountains occupied their place ; while others were sunk, and waters came up in their stead, and others still were burned by fire from heaven.

Thus, the predictions of their prophets were fulfilled upon their heads. Thus the more wicked part, both of the Nephites and Lamanites were destroyed. Thus, the Almighty executed vengeance and ftiry upon them, that the blood of the saints and prophets might no longer cry from the ground against them.

Those who survived these terrible' judgments, were favoured with the personal ministry of Christ. For after He arose from the dead, finished his ministry at Jesusalem, and ascended to heaven, be descended in the pi-esence of the Nephites, who were assembled round about their temple in the northern parts of South America. He exhibited to them his wounded hands, side, and>feet ; commanded the law of Moses to be abolished ; introduced and established the Gospel in its stead ; chose twelve dis6iples from amoAg them to administer the same ; instituted the sacrament J prayed for and blessed their little children; healed their sick, blind, lame, deaf, and those who were afflicted in any way ; raised a man from the dead ; showed forth his power in their midst; expounded the Scriptures, which had been given from the beginning down to that time ; and taade known unto them all things

which should take place down until He should come in his glory, and from that time down to the end, when all people, nations, and languages, should stand before Grod •to be judged, and the heaven and the earth should pass away, and there should be a new heaven and a new earth. These teachings of Jesus were engraved upon plates, some of which are contained in the Book of Mormon ; but ' thfr greater part are not revealed in that book, but hereafter are to be made manifest to the saints.

After Jesus had finished ministering unto them, he ascended into heaven ; and the twelve disciples whom he had chosen, went forth upon all the face of the land, preaching the gospel ; baptizing those who repented for the remission of sins, after which, they laid their hands upon them, that they might receive the Holy Spirit. Mighty miracles were wrote by them, and also by many of the church. The Nephites aria and Lamanites were all Converted uno the Lord, both in South and North America ; and they dwelt in righteousness above three hundred years ; but towards the close of the fourth century of the Christian era, they had so far apostatized from God, that he suffered great judgments to fall upon them. The Lamanites at that time dwelt in- South America, and the Nephites in North America.

A great and terrible war commenced between them, which lasted for many years, and resulted in the complete overthrow and destruction of the Nephites. This war commenced at the Isthmus of Darien, and was very destructive to both nations for many years. At length, the Nephites were driven before their enejnies, a great distance to the north and north-east; and having gathered their whole nation together, both men, women, and children, they encamped on and round about the hill Cumorah, where the records were found, which is in the State of New York, about two hundred miles west of the city of Albany. Here they were met by the numerous hosts of the Lamanites, and were slain, hevni dovsm, and slaughtered, both male and female — the aged, middle aged, and children. Hundreds of thousands were slain on both sides ; and the nation of the Nephites were destroyed, excepting a few who had deserted over to the Lamanites, and a few who escaped into the south country, and a few who fell wounded, and were left by the Lamanites on the field of battle for dead, among whom were Mormon and his son Moroni, who were righteous men.

Mormon had made an abridgement from the records of his forefathers upon plates, which abridgment he entitled the "Book of Mormon ; and, (being commanded of God,) he hid up in the hill Cumorah, all the sacred records of his forefathers which were in his possession, except the abridgment called the " Book of Mormon," which he gave to his son Moroni to finish. Moroni survived his nation a few years, and continued the writings, in which he informs us that the Lamanites hunted those few Nephites who escaped the great and tremendous battle of Cumorah, until they were all destroyed, excepting those who were mingled with the Lamanites, and that he was left alone, and kept himself hid, for they sought to destroy every Nephite who would not deny the Christ. He furthermore states, that the Lamanites were at war one with another, and that the whole face of the land was one continual scene of murdering, robbing, and plundering. He continued the history until the four hundred and twentieth year of the Christian era, when (by the commandment of, God) he hid up the records in the hill Cumorah, where they remained concealed until ijy the ministry of an angel they were discovered to Mr. Smith, who, by the gift and power of God, translated them into the English language by the means of the TJrim and Thummim, as stated in the foregoing.

After the book was translated, the Lord raised up witnesses to bear testimony to the nations of its truth, who, at the close of the volume send forth then: testimony, which reads as follows : —

TESTIMONY OF THREE WITNESSES.

" Be it known unto all nations, kindreds, tongues, and people, unto whom this work rfiall come, that we, through the grace of God the Father, and our Lord Jesus Christ, have seen the plates which contain this record, which is a record of the people of Nephi, and

also of the Lamanites, their brethren, and also of the people of Jared, who came from the tower of which hath been spoken ; and we also know that they have been translated by the gift and power of God, for his voice hath declared it nnto ns ; wherefore we know of a surety that the work is true. And we also testify that we have seen the engravings vhich are upon the plates; and they have been shown unto us by the power of God, and not of man. And we declare, with words of soberness, that an angel of God came down from heaven, and he brought and laid before our eyes, that we beheld and saw the plates and the engravings thereon ; and we know that it is by the grace of God the Father, and our Lord Jesus Christ, that we beheld and bear record that these things are true, and it is marvellous in our eyes ; nevertheless, the voice of the Lord commanded us that we shouldbear record of it; wherefore, to be obedient unto the commandments of God, we bear testimony of these things. And we know that if we are faithful in Christ, we shall rid our garments of the blood of all men, and be found spotless before the judgment seat of Christ, and shall dwell with him eternally in the heavens. And the honour be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost, which is one God. Amen.

* OLIVER COWDERY,

DAVID WHITMER, MARTIN HARRIS."

AND ALSO THE TESTIMONY OF EIGHT WITNESSES.

"Be it known unto all nations, kindreds, tongues, and people, unto whom this work shall came, that Joseph Smith, Jun,, 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 th« 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 gives 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, Jun., JOHN WHITMER, HIRAM PAGE, JOSEPH SMITH, Seh., HYRtJM SMITH, SAMUEL H. SMITH."

Also, in the year 1829, Mr. Smith and Mr. powdery, having learned the cofl-ect qiode of baptism from the teachings of the Saviour to the ancient NepMtes, 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 on the subject, a holy angel appeared and stood before them, and laid his hands upon their heads and ordained them,, and comtuanded 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 Lords and being immersed in water, for the remission, of sins, after which, by the commandment of Grod, hands were laid upon them in the name of the Lord, for the gift of the Holy Spirit.

And on the sixth of Aprfl, 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 Fayette, Seneca County, State of New Yorlc, North America. Some few were called and oi'dained by thespirit of revelationand 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 the laying on of hands. Thus was the word confirmed unto the faithful by the signs following. Thus the Lord raised up witnesses to bear testimony o£ 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 centm-y of the Christia,n era ; that this history is interspersed with many important prophecies, which unfold the great events of the last days, and fjiat in it also is recorded the gospel in its fulness and plainness as it was revealed hy 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 proceeed to give a sketch of the faith and doctrine of this Church.

Fu-st, — We behave 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 trangression of their first parents, and not by their own sins, were brought under the curse and penalty of that trangression; 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 tod 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, firom the endless .banishment and curse to which they were consigned by Adam's trangression ; 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 : tha,t is, that they are not required to believe, or repent, or be baptized, or do anything 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 cominandments 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 trangression 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. 18 — " 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 ave This isthe reason Hoi, 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 jdi. 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 preswice of God ir th&f themselves have committed no sin ; for the penalty of the original siA can have no more power over them at all, for Jesus hath destroyed its power, and; broken the bands of the first death, and obtained the victory over the grave, and delivered all its captives, and restored them from their first banishment into the presence of his Father ; hence eternal life will then be theirs, iP they themselves are not found transgressors of some law.

e believe that all mankind, in their infant state, are incapable of knowing good amd «vil, 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 dieiin their infant state, they would enjoy eternal life,

. not beiqg transgressors themselves, neither. accountable for Adam's sin.

We believe that all iniankind, in consequence of the fall, after they grow up from tiheir infant state.and come to the years of understanding, know good and evil, and are capable of obeying or disobeying a law, and that a law is given against doing evil, and that the penalty afiixed is a second banishment from the presence of God, both body and ■pait, after they have been redeemed from the first haTmhment and. ' restored into his presence.

We beUeve 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 ngt teach them .the law against doifig evil, nor the penalty thereof. And although they have done thmgs worthy of many stripes, yet the law cannot be brought to bear , gainst them and its penalty be inflicted, because they can plead ignorance thereof. "'Kierefore they will be judged, not hy 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, havilug 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 beiicred, consigning them to a aeeond banishment from the presence of their Redeemer, who had redeemed them from the penalty of the pmsT 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, tiiat he shall not find thee, or if thou canst pi-avail withhim 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 a,waits thee. But, he assured, 6 sinner, that thou canst not devise any way of thine own to escape, nor do anything that will oione for thy sins. Tha:efore, thy case is hopeless, unless God hath devised some way for thy deliverance ; but do not let despair seize upon.thee: for .though thou tart under.the sentence of a broken law, and hast no power to atone for thy sins, apd redeem thyself therefrom, yet, there .is hope in thy case ; for he who gave the law has devised a way for thy deli\reraiM2e- That same Jesus, who hatkatoned for the original sin, .and will redeem all mankind from the pemdty thereof, hath also atoned for, thy sins, and oflferetb salvation and d«- . liveraoce to thee, qn 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 intercession 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 hiraibly before God, and confess their sins with a broken heart and contrite spirit, and to turn away from them, and cease from aU their evil deeds, and make restitution to all they have in any way injured, as far as it is in their power.

That the third condition is, to be baptised 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 Chrbt 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. AU 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 — theirs of God — saints of the most High — the church of the first bom — 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 himgry and clothe the naked, according to the dictates of wisdom and jHTidence ; 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 Jesiis, the working of miraqles, and, in short, all the gifts as mentioned in Scripture, or as enjoyed by the ancient saints." We believe that inspired aposties 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 aU the known world have been left for centuries without the Church of Christ among them ; without a priesthood authorised 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, inave 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 the 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 miraculotis 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 <Jf 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 wiU 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 I'eads 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 glory to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nationnd 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 thb church since its rise, which have been printed and sent forth to the world. These also contain the gospel in gi-eat plainness, and instructions of infinite impoi-tance to the Saints. They also unfold the great events that await this generation ; the terrible judgments to b« 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 gded into all tenth, that is, until they come in possession of all the ti-uth there is in existence, and are made perfect in knowledge. So long, therefore, as they are ignorant of anything 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 " ths measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ" — when they are made perfect in one, and become like then- 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 mor« can they enjoy ? Then they will no longer need revelation.

We believe that wherever the people enjoy the religion of the Kew 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 th« 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 thea the saints who are asleep in their graves will be raised, and reign with him on earth a thousand years.

We believe that great and terrible judgments await the nations of the wicked, and, that after the message of the Book of Mormon has been sufficiently sounded in their ears, if they reject it, they will be overthrown and wasted away until the earth shall no longer be encumbered with them. New and unheard of plagues will sweep through the nations, baffling the skill of the most experienced and learned physicians, depopulating whole cities and towns, and carrying off millions of wretched beings in every quarter of our globe. Nations, no longer restrained by the Spirit of God which wiH cease striving in them, will rise against nations till itie whole earth, comparativdy speaking, shall be filled with blood and carnage. Thrones and empires shall be cast down— new governments will be erected but to meet with the same fate. Peace shaH

be taken from among the nations, and it shall happen as vith the Papists so with the Protestants, as with their ministers so with the people whom they have deceived — they shall all fall into the ditch and perish together because they reject the voice of the Lord from the heavens,,and the voice of his servants whom he hath sent io testify against their wickedness, and prepare the way of the Lord for his second conuijg.

But the righteous shall escape, for the Lord shall gather them from all nations unto a land of peace, and his arms shall be stretched out over them, and his glory shall be -upon them for a defence, and " they shall be the only people under heaven that shall not be at war one with another," for thus hath the Lord spoken.

We believe that in this generation a house of the Lord shfjl be built by the saints upon Mount Zion, and a cloud of glory shall rest upon it by day and the shining of a flaming fire by night, and that the face, of the Lord will be unveiled, and the pure in heart shall see him and live. O Zion, how glprious are thy habitations, and how blessed are thy children ! Many people shall come unto thee to be taught in the ways of the Lord and instructed in his paths; for out of thee shall proceed forth a perfect law which shall establish righteousness in the eith.

We believe that the ten tribes, of Israel, with the dispersed of Judah shall soon herestored to their own lands, according to the covenants which God inade with their ancient father-s, and that when this great work of restitution shall take place, thepower of God shall be made manifest in signs, and wonders, and mighty deeds far exceeding anything that took place in their exodus from Egypt. Jerusalem will be •rebuilt, together .with a glorious temiple, and the Lord shall visit them also, as well as his saints in Zion. In that day, the name of the Lord shall become great unto the ends of the earth, and all nations shall serve and obey him, for the wicked shall have ; perished out of the earth.

We believe that all persons who wish to escape the judgments of great Babylon,, must come out from among both the Papists and Protestants, for they are the whore of all the earth, and have made the nations drunk with their abominations, and areto be burned by fire ; therefore, wo imt,o that man or woman that shall stand in connexion with them, for the hour of their judgment is at hand.

And we now bear testimony to all, both small and great, that the Lord of Hostsi 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, /or remission o/ins, 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 beUeve, and if they continue faithful to the end they shall be saved. But wo 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 sh41 not escape. Therefore, eemembek, reader, and perish not !

15, Wilton Street, Liverpool, December Uth, 1848.

B. J.iMES, PKINTEB, 39, SOUTH CASTLE STBEET, LIVEBFOOL.