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PREFACE TO THE FIRST EDITION.
PREFACE TO THE FIRST EDITION.
This work has been written for the purpose of instructing the youth of Zion in the first principles of the gospel. For the most part our parents have been converted to the gospel while living in the various States of this country, or in foreign lands, by the preaching of the servants of God sent forth of him to proclaim the ushering in of the Dispensation of the Fullness of Times, and to call mankind to repentance. They carefully and thoroughly examined every principle advanced by them; for notw
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PREFACE TO THE SECOND EDITION.
PREFACE TO THE SECOND EDITION.
I had determined in the second edition of this work to very much alter its general plan and enlarge it; but a number of friends who have used "The Gospel" as a text-book in our Church schools, in Improvement Associations and theological classes, persuaded me not to materially change or too much enlarge it. Their experience in using the little work as a text-book gives weight to their opinions, and I have so far yielded to their judgment that I have made but few changes, and those merely verbal,
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CHAPTER I. INTRODUCTORY.
CHAPTER I. INTRODUCTORY.
In the investigation of any subject, it is of first importance that the terms employed be thoroughly understood; hence, I begin the subject in hand by asking and answering the question, What is the Gospel? The definition to the term I shall derive from the scriptures; not from one passage alone, but from the consideration of a number of passages. The Apostle Paul, in defining the Gospel, calls it: "The power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth". [A] [Footnote A: Rom i: 16.] From ot
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CHAPTER II. GENERAL SALVATION.
CHAPTER II. GENERAL SALVATION.
Having defined what the Gospel is, it is my purpose now, for convenience, to separate the subject into two grand divisions. These I shall call respectively: General Salvation, and Individual Salvation. By General Salvation, I mean a salvation that is as universal as the race of man; that will extend to the sinner as well as to the saint; to the unbeliever, as well as to him who believes; to the impenitent, as well as to the penitent; in short, a salvation that is secured to every son and daughte
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CHAPTER III. GENERAL SALVATION.
CHAPTER III. GENERAL SALVATION.
In answer to the questions with which the last chapter closed, I may say that however difficult it may be to comprehend fully all things connected with man's fall, and God's plan for his redemption, we may be assured that the fall was not a blunder, nor was it an accident. The prophet Lehi bowed down under the weight of years, when giving his last testimony and instructions to his son Jacob, said: "Behold, all things have been done in the wisdom of him who knoweth all things. Adam fell that men
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CHAPTER IV. GENERAL SALVATION.
CHAPTER IV. GENERAL SALVATION.
Unbelievers delight to represent God, the great Law Giver, as unspeakably cruel in demanding such an Atonement as Christ made for the salvation of the children of men. But let it be borne in mind that he who made the Atonement did so voluntarily. Testifying to his disciples respecting the matter he says: "Therefore doth my Father love me, because I lay down my life that I may take it up again. No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down and I have power to
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CHAPTER V. INDIVIDUAL SALVATION.
CHAPTER V. INDIVIDUAL SALVATION.
Having dealt with what I called General Salvation, I now turn to Individual Salvation. You have seen that man is redeemed from the evils brought upon him through Adam's sin, without any act of belief or obedience being required of him. This is because his agency or will was not exercised in breaking the law given to Adam. The calamity overtakes him through no fault of his; and consequently his deliverance, so far, comes without his seeking—in fact, it comes independent of him. In this matter, ma
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CHAPTER VI. PRINCIPLES AND ORDINANCES.
CHAPTER VI. PRINCIPLES AND ORDINANCES.
In this chapter I shall deal briefly and collectively with those principles that must be accepted, the ordinances that must be observed, the precepts that must be followed and the kind of a life that must be led in order to secure a forgiveness of individual sins, and obtain and grow in the favor of heaven—in short, what laws and ordinances man is required to obey in the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I shall enter into no analysis of the respective principles spoken of, but shall merely point them out
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CHAPTER VII. FAITH.
CHAPTER VII. FAITH.
It is now my purpose to enter into a more particular consideration of the respective principles and ordinances which constitute the Gospel, or plan of man's salvation. First in order, both from necessity and because of its importance, is the principle of faith. And following the same method of investigation I adopted at the commencement of this inquiry, viz : defining as clearly as I am able, the meaning of the words and terms used, I come to the question. What is faith? And in answer say that i
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CHAPTER VIII. FAITH.—THE BIBLE.
CHAPTER VIII. FAITH.—THE BIBLE.
A word, in passing, on the Bible as a whole, I am of the opinion that a very great many people look upon the Bible as simply one book, one testimony—one witness for God; when in fact it is not one book, but a collection of books; not one witness for God, but the collected testimony of many witnesses for him. The word does not come, I am assured on very good authority, from the word biblos , as many have supposed; nor does it signify the book by way of eminence—the Book of books, but it is a word
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CHAPTER IX. FAITH.—THE OLD TESTAMENT.
CHAPTER IX. FAITH.—THE OLD TESTAMENT.
Certain it is that the Hebrew Scriptures, the Old Testament, the same collection of books that we now have, was recognized by the Lord Jesus Christ and the prophets and apostles of that dispensation as the word of God, and was referred to by them as "the law and the prophets." This is evident from the fact of their frequently appealing to those scriptures to sustain their own doctrine and teachings. Nearly every book of the Old Testament is quoted in the New, and therefore all the evidence which
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CHAPTER X. FAITH.—THE NEW TESTAMENT.
CHAPTER X. FAITH.—THE NEW TESTAMENT.
There is an impression existing, and it is one encouraged by infidel writers, that the acceptance of the books now comprising the New Testament, was the arbitrary action of a council of bishops three or four hundred years A. D. This I believe to be a wrong impression. I do not think the list of books that now constitute the New Testament was made up in an arbitrary manner, at one time, or by any single council. It can be shown that the books and epistles now in the collection known as the New Te
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CHAPTER XI. FAITH.—THE NEW TESTAMENT.
CHAPTER XI. FAITH.—THE NEW TESTAMENT.
The earliest reference we have to any writings or collection of writings now in the New Testament, and in which they are recognized as authoritative scripture, is in the second Epistle of Peter. That apostle, writing about the year 65 A. D., says: "Account that the long suffering of our Lord is salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you; as also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard
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CHAPTER XII. FAITH—THE NEW TESTAMENT.
CHAPTER XII. FAITH—THE NEW TESTAMENT.
I now come to the tenth allegation of Dr. Paley, viz .: "Formal catalogues of authentic scriptures were published, in all of which our present sacred histories were included." In the writings of Origen which remain, and in some extracts preserved by Eusebius, from works of his which are now lost, there are enumerations of the books of scripture, in which the four Gospels and the Acts of the Apostles are distinctly and honorably specified, and in which are no books beside what are now received. T
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CHAPTER XIII. FAITH—TRADITION.
CHAPTER XIII. FAITH—TRADITION.
Having now concluded our inquiry as to the authenticity and credibility of our principal volume of scripture—the Bible; having proven, as I hope, to the satisfaction of my readers, that the Bible is authentic, and worthy of their confidence in what it says of God, of Christ and the Gospel, I have only to remark that the evidence it contains—especially when considered in connection with that found in the other scriptures, the Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants and Pearl of Great Price—is suff
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CHAPTER XIV. FAITH.—REVELATION.
CHAPTER XIV. FAITH.—REVELATION.
The evidence of tradition, confirmed by the works of nature, created the assurance or faith in the minds of men that God existed; and that faith led them to the performance of works of righteousness that they might win his approbation; for doubtless, side by side with the tradition of his existence, came also the idea that he loved righteousness and truth, and those who wrought them. In other words, it is but reasonable to suppose that Adam brought from the period of his life on the other side o
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CHAPTER XV. FAITH.—THE CHARACTER OF GOD.
CHAPTER XV. FAITH.—THE CHARACTER OF GOD.
Although belief in the fact that God exists is of first importance, it is not all that is necessary to an intelligent faith. It is the primary element, perhaps, but there are others in addition to that which are needful to a rational exercise of faith—such an exercise of faith that will lead to eternal salvation in God's Kingdom. Something must be known of the character of God, of his attributes; for I hold this truth to be self-evident, that without some knowledge of God's character men cannot
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CHAPTER XVI. FAITH.—COURSE OF LIFE.
CHAPTER XVI. FAITH.—COURSE OF LIFE.
I have now considered two elements which enter into the principle of faith, and which are essential to its existence; viz ., a belief in the being of God; and, secondly, the nature of his character. There is still one more thing that must be considered, one more element that must enter into this principle of faith, before it can become a living, active power in the life of man —and that is, herein the worth of faith exists. I may say of faith as Guizot does of science, that it may be a beautiful
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CHAPTER XVII. REPENTANCE.
CHAPTER XVII. REPENTANCE.
In saying that the first result of belief in God, and in the revelations which he has given is repentance , I shall raise no controversy, for it is a truth generally accepted; indeed it follows faith in logical sequence. No sooner does conviction of God's existence, and of the truth of the revelations which he has given of himself, and of his laws, dawn upon the mind, than man becomes conscious of his being a violator of the holy and just laws of heaven. In the days of his unbelief and spiritual
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CHAPTER XVIII. REPENTANCE.
CHAPTER XVIII. REPENTANCE.
Something of the importance of the subject of repentance, as connected with the Gospel, may be learned from the stress laid upon it by those who have been sent of God to instruct the people in the ways of life. The burden of John the Baptist's teaching was, "Repent ye, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand." [A] Jesus also told the people of Jerusalem, that except they repented, they should perish. [B] When upon the Western hemisphere, among the Nephites, he also taught repentance as one of the c
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CHAPTER XIX. REPENTANCE.—HISTORICAL ILLUSTRATION.
CHAPTER XIX. REPENTANCE.—HISTORICAL ILLUSTRATION.
Historical illustration of the truth of the statement made by Isaiah, with which our last chapter closed, and which in effect says that the Lord will have mercy on the penitent sinner and abundantly pardon him—would be easy, whether in the experience of individuals or of peoples and nations. When Cain was crest-fallen because the offerings of his more righteous brother were accepted. while his own half-hearted and begrudgingly- tendered offerings were rejected, the Lord said to him, "Cain, why a
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CHAPTER XX. REPENTANCE.—HISTORICAL ILLUSTRATION.
CHAPTER XX. REPENTANCE.—HISTORICAL ILLUSTRATION.
If we turn to the history of peoples and nations in order to learn the lessons which their experiences teach, we shall find that the hand- dealings of God with them as collected bodies, as well as the experiences of individuals, demonstrate the same great facts of God's long-suffering and abundant mercy, and of his willingness to pardon on the first manifestation of sincere repentance. It was not until the antediluvians had become thoroughly corrupt, not until every imagination of the thoughts o
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CHAPTER XXI. BAPTISM.
CHAPTER XXI. BAPTISM.
"Except be born again he cannot see the kingdom of God." [A] Such was the statement of Jesus to Nicodemus, a Pharisee, and a ruler of the Jews, who came to Jesus by night to be taught of him. The statement of the Son of God created no little astonishment in the mind of Nicodemus, and he inquired if a man could be born again when he was old; could he enter a second time into his mother's womb and be born. Jesus then gave an answer which was explanatory of his first statement: "Except a man be bor
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CHAPTER XXII. OBJECT OF BAPTISM.
CHAPTER XXII. OBJECT OF BAPTISM.
In speaking of the necessity of baptism I incidentally referred to the object of the ordinance also; which the reader will doubtless remember, is for the remission of sins. Such was the object for which John the Baptist administered baptism. Mark says: "John did baptize in the wilderness, and preach the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins." [A] Luke also says: "And he [John] came into all the country about Jordan, preaching the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins." [B] [F
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CHAPTER XXIII. THE SUBJECTS FOR BAPTISM.
CHAPTER XXIII. THE SUBJECTS FOR BAPTISM.
Having shown from all worthy sources of information that baptism is for the remission of sins, and that necessarily repentance and faith precede it, and, moreover, are pre-requisites thereto; it follows as a logical sequence of these facts, that baptism can only be properly administered to those capable of exercising faith in God, and repentance of sin. Therefore the baptism of infants, or of children of such tender years that they are unable to comply with these conditions —is not in accordance
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CHAPTER XXIV. THE MODE OF BAPTISM.
CHAPTER XXIV. THE MODE OF BAPTISM.
There still remains to be discussed, in connection with baptism, one thing more—the manner of administering it. In relation to this matter there is much division among professed believers of the Bible. One class maintaining that the immersion of the whole body in water is the only manner in which baptism can be administered; that immersion, in fact, and immersion only, is baptism. Others, however, while they admit that immersion is baptism, claim that it may be performed in some other manner, by
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CHAPTER XXV. THE HOLY GHOST.
CHAPTER XXV. THE HOLY GHOST.
He who said a man must be born again—born of water, said also that he must be born of the spirit; [A] and it is to that birth, or baptism of the Spirit that we now direct the attention of the reader. [Footnote A: John iii: 5.] John the Baptist made reference to this matter when he was preaching repentance and baptism throughout Judea. He told the people that he truly baptized with water, but one should come after him, mightier than he was, who would baptize them with the Holy Ghost, [B] Afterwar
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CHAPTER XXVI. THE HOLY GHOST.—WHO MAY RECEIVE IT.
CHAPTER XXVI. THE HOLY GHOST.—WHO MAY RECEIVE IT.
The reader has observed, perchance, that John the Baptist was sent to preach repentance and baptism before the coming of him who was to baptize with the Holy Ghost. We may also have observed in the teachings of Peter on the day of Pentecost, after his arguments and the power of the Spirit by which he spake had aroused belief in the minds of the people, that he required them to repent and to be baptized for the remission of their sins before he gave them the promise of the Holy Ghost. If we turn
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CHAPTER XXVII. THE HOLY GHOST.—HOW IMPARTED.
CHAPTER XXVII. THE HOLY GHOST.—HOW IMPARTED.
The manner in which the saints under the teachings of the apostles received the baptism of the Holy Ghost was through the laying on of hands. In proof of this I call attention once more to the labors of Philip in the city of Samaria. It is already known how he taught them the Gospel, how they believed it and were baptized; then we are informed that "when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John: who, when they were c
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CHAPTER XXVIII. THE HOLY GHOST.—CHARACTER AND SOURCE.
CHAPTER XXVIII. THE HOLY GHOST.—CHARACTER AND SOURCE.
Can the naturalist find out and comprehend the secret of the endless variety of life in the vegetable and animal kingdoms? Can the chemist find out the essences of substances, or make himself master of the secrets of great nature's laboratory where those wonderful combinations are wrought which produce the substances that constitute the material universe? Can the physician or surgeon with scalpel and microscope "trace to its source the lightning of the soul"—trace out the secret springs of life
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CHAPTER XXIX. THE HOLY GHOST.—ITS POWER.
CHAPTER XXIX. THE HOLY GHOST.—ITS POWER.
As the time drew near for Jesus to make his great sacrifice, and then depart from the immediate presence of his disciples, he manifested a great desire to comfort them in prospect of this separation, and this he did by promising to send to them from the Father the Holy Ghost, that he might abide with them for ever; [A] and in explaining to them the powers of this Spirit, he said: "But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and
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CHAPTER XXX. AUTHORITY.
CHAPTER XXX. AUTHORITY.
I have now considered, at some length, the doctrines and ordinances which constitute the First Principles of the Gospel of Christ. In connection with these principles, however, there is another matter which must claim the reader's attention; viz .: the important fact that the gospel must be preached and its ordinances administered by those having authority from God; or the administrations will have no binding force in heaven or on earth, in time or in eternity. We are informed in the scriptures
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CHAPTER XXXI. LAWS OF SPIRITUAL DEVELOPMENT.
CHAPTER XXXI. LAWS OF SPIRITUAL DEVELOPMENT.
If a man accepts the principles and obeys the ordinances I have now treated upon, and I hope with sufficient clearness, and they are administered by men having authority from God to act in his name, then he is born again, born of the water and of the Spirit—born into the kingdom of God, and hence is a child of God, a citizen of his kingdom. And since by submitting to these ordinances a man is born into the kingdom, I would remind the reader that his position in that kingdom is closely analogous
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CHAPTER XXXII. HISTORY OF THE GOSPEL.
CHAPTER XXXII. HISTORY OF THE GOSPEL.
I think it proper in this chapter to give a brief history of the gospel—for this reason: There is a very general idea existing in the Christian world that nothing was known of the gospel of Christ—its principles and ordinances, until the personal ministry of the Messiah began; whereas the truth is, the plan of redemption, the gospel, was understood in the eternal heavens before the foundations of the earth were laid; and was revealed to the first patriarchs of the race, and extensively preached
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CHAPTER XXXIII. SALVATION FOR THE DEAD.
CHAPTER XXXIII. SALVATION FOR THE DEAD.
The reader will have observed, doubtless, that according to the history of the gospel, as given in the last chapter, there have been long periods of time when it has not been upon the earth. One of these periods was from the time that Moses and the Holy Priesthood, together with the fullness of the gospel, were taken from among the children of Israel, until the restoration of the gospel in the days of Messiah's ministry in the flesh. Another such period was from the time the gospel was corrupted
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CONCLUSION.
CONCLUSION.
My task now draws to a close. I have completed the exposition of the First Principles of the Gospel of Christ, contemplated in this work. I have endeavored to explain what the Gospel is—its two-fold powers of redeeming mankind from the consequences of Adam's transgression; and also from the consequences of their own personal violations of the principles of righteousness, on the condition of their repentance and obedience. The various principles and ordinances constituting the gospel have been an
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SUPPLEMENT. MAN'S RELATIONSHIP TO DEITY.
SUPPLEMENT. MAN'S RELATIONSHIP TO DEITY.
In order to a clear understanding of man's redemption through the atonement of Jesus Christ—the grand central truth of the gospel—it is necessary to know something of the relationship between God and man. The very fact that such a sacrifice was made for his redemption— being no less than the immolation of him, who in heaven bore the second name—argues at once some special relationship between man and Deity. In view of the greatness and importance of that sacrifice, we may well ask, with the Psal
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