7 ID 1_S _J AS A

PREDICTIONS 'UTTERED BY HIM AND THEIR SIGNAL FULFILMENT.

His Prophetic Power Established by the Scriptural Rule.

A Lecture delivered by Elder Andrew Jenson before the Students' Society in the Social Hall, Salt Lake City, Friday Evening, January 16,1891,

INTRODUCTORY. nances of the same; that he received I will take for my text the following from the Moroni certain gold words of the Prophet Moses spoken to plates that had been hi iden in the the children of Israel while they were earth for fourteen hundred years, and journeying in the wilderness of Ara- that he translated the engravings upon these plates into the English language bia. by the gift and power of God, the re- "The prophet who shall presume to sult of which was the' Book of speak a word in my name which I have . We further claim that not commanded him to speak * * * he organized the Church of even that prophet shall die. And if thou Christ once more upon the earth, say in thine heart: How shall we know the word which .he Lord hast not spoken? and that he received by direct reve- When a prophet speaketh in the name of lation a code of laws and command- the Lord, if the thing follow not, nor ments by which to govern the affairs come to pass, that is the thing which the of that Church, according to the Lord ha h not spoken; but the prophet original pattern given by Jesus and hath spoken it presumptuously; thou His Apostles eighteen hundred years shalt not be afraid of him." Dent. xviii: ago. We further claim that it is of the 20-22. utmost importance for all people who The passage which I have read may desire eternal salvation to know be taken as a key by which to distin- whether these things are true or not. guish a true prophet from a false one. If is what he professed The first definition of the word to be: A true Prophet of God, no one prophet, according to the standard dic- can reject his testimony without being tionaries is, "one who prophesies; one condemned; while on the other hand, who foretells future events; a predicter; if he was an impostor, or a false proph- a foreteller; a seer." In this light we et, we can reject him without fear of shall proceed to test the claims of Divine punishment, and the condem- Joseph Smith, whom the Latter-day nation will rest upon the man who as- Saints claim to be the great Prophet sumes to speak in the name of the of the Nineteenth Century. We claim Lord presumptuously. In this lecture for him that he was visited by holy be- I shall confine myself to his prophetic ings, who restored to him the fulness and inspired utterances by proving of the gospel of Jesus Christ, with their fulfilment and truthfulness authority to administer in all the ordi- mostly from a historic standpoint. 2 JOSEPH SMITH AS A PROPHET. JOSEPH SMITH AS A PROPHET. of sufficient importance to attract the at- after attending the different revival' of New York, and was shown the JOSEPH'S . meetings without being able to con- tention of the great ones of the most popular sects of the day, so as to create in plates, which were delivered to him One of the first declarations made by elude which of the denominations was them a spirit of the hottest persecution four years later and froth which he Joseph Smith, when he was only a boy the right one for him to join, went and reviling. But strange or not, so it translated the . While between fourteen and fifteen years of into the woods to pray to the Lord for was, and was often cause of great sorrow standing on this historic hill, with the age, was, that the whole Christian that wisdom which the Apostle James to myself. However it was, nevertheless, angel at his side, he again received world ha I gone astray, and that the promises shall be given the honest a fact, that I had had a vision. I glorious instructions and warnings,and true Church of Christ was not to be believer. The result was an attack of have thought since, that I felt much among other things was told that when found upon the earth. What a start- the power of darkness which threatened like Paul when he made his defense he should bring forth the Book of Mor- ling declaration! Could anything be him with destruction, then a light far before King Agrippa, and related the ac- mon, the workers of iniquity would more presumptions on the part of a above him in the sky, then an evelop- count of the vision he had when he saw a seek his overthrow. Says the angel: light and heard a voice; but still there common uneducated farmer's boy than ment in that light which descended were but few who believed him; some "They will circulate falsehoods to de- such an assertion? Preachers of the upon him, then a vision of two glori- said he was dishonest; others said he was stroy your reputation, and also will seek various denominations in the neighbor- ous personages standing above him in mad, and he was ridiculed and reviled; to take your life; but remember this, if hood where the boy resided became the air, one of whom speaking to him, but all this did not destroy the reality of you are faithful, and shall hereafter con- exasperated and at once denounced while pointing to the other, said: "This his vision. He had seen a vision, he knew tinue to keep the commandments of the him as an impostor or a fraud. A. boy is my beloved son, hear him." Here, he had, and all the persecution under Lord, you shall be preserved to bring who had seen nothing of the world, then, was Jesus Christ being in- heaven could not make it otherwise; and these things forth; for in due time he will save the tract of country in Vermont, troduced by His Father to Joseph though they should persecute him unto give you a commandment to come and where he was born, and the western Smith, the praying boy. who next was death, yet he knew, and would know un- take them. When they are interpreted, wilds of the State of New York, where informed by the Great Redeemer Him- to his latest breath, that he had both seen the Lord will give the holy Priesthood to a light and heard a voice speaking to him, some, and they shall begin to proclaim he now resided with his parents. A self, that all the sects of the day were and all the world could not make him this Gospel and baptize by water, and boy who had perhaps never been even wrong, that all their creeds were an think or believe otherwise. after that they shall have power to give introduced to any of the prominent abomination in His sight, that the "So it was with me; I had actually seen the Holy Ghost by the laying on of hands. divines of the day, who had never cross- modern professors and teachers taught a light, and in the midst of that light I Then will persecution rage more and ed the threshold of any important for doctrine the commandments of saw two personages, and they did in more; for the iniquities of men shall be institution of le arning, who had never men, having a form of godliness, but reality speak unto me, or one of them revealed, and those who are not built thoroughly examined the creed of any denying the power thereof; that he did; and though I was hated and perse- upon the rock will seek to overthrow the one denomination, much less having a (Joseph) should join none of these cuted for saying that I had seen a vision, Church; but it will increase the more op- posed, and spread further and further." knowledge of them all, who had churches, but that the true church 1 yet it was true; and while they were per- never crossed the ocean to acquaint should be revealed to him at some fu- . secuting me, reviling me and speaking The angel further told him: himself with the great learning of ture time. This, then, was Joseph's au- against me, falsely, for so saying, I was led to say in my heart, Why persecute "Your name shall be known among Europe, with its thousands of preach- thority. Jesus Christ himself, the Re- the nations; for the work which the Lord deemer of the world, the Son of God, for telling the truth? I have actually ers and its universities and institu- seen a vision, and who am I that I can will perform by your. hands shall cause tions of learning. What did he know He that was crucified and put to death withstand God? Or why does the world the righteous to rejoice and the wicked to about the creeds and organizations ex- on Mount Calvary, but who arose tri- think to make me deny what I have ac- rage; with the one it shall be had in isting among the millions of Christians umphant from the grave, the founder, tually seen? For I have seen a vision. I honor and with the other in reproach." in Europe and America, thus to de- the organizer, the head, the President knew it, and I knew that God knew it, (Historical Record: page 362.) nounce them all without further cere- of the Christian Church, explained to and I could not deny it, neither dare I do These prophetic sayings have had so mony. Why, even Luther, the great Joseph Smith the condition of the it, at least I knew that by so doing I literal a fulfilment that no further ex- reformer of the sixteenth century, with world. There is no higher authority would offend God and come under con- planation is necessary. If the predic- his profound learning and thorough than He. If anyone in heaven or demnation." tions here made were Joseph's own pro- knowledge of the Catholic creed, did earth has a right to say what is true Since the time Joseph had this vis- ductions, and no angel of God had a not denounce the Roman Catholic Christianity, and what is not, ion the Elders of the Church of Jesus part in it, is it not strange that every Church in such a manner as that. He Christ himself, the founder of the Christ of Latter-day Saints have word of it should prove true? did not say it was rejected as a whole church, has that right. With that au- traversed the globe, they have visited TRIBULATIONS PREDICTED. and that it was not the Church of thority to ,back him, Joseph Smith all the so-called Christian nations of Christ; he 'simply contended that it had had no fear that his declarations the earth; they have examined the In 1831 the Saints were commanded incorporated into its system doctrines, would be met with successful creeds and organizations of the Chris- to gather to Jackson County, Mo., sacraments and ordinances which were contradiction. There is only one tian sects of every land and every which was designated as a land of in- not true and not warranted in the question that can present itself to our clime, and have learned beyond doubt heritance for the Saints in the last Bible. Luther simply desired to re- minds in that connection, and that is: that the true Church of Christ was days, and also as the identical spot form the Church, to purge it and Did the boy tell the truth? Did he not upon the earth at the time Joseph where they should build that great remove from it erroneous doctrines really converse with Jesus Christ, or made his sweeping declaration, and city, the New Jerusalem, about which and wicked practices. But Joseph was it an imagination of a bewildered that it does not exist outside of the the ancient Prophets and Saints had Smith, without any more knowledge of and excited mind? We shall see as we Church organized under the direction sung, prayed and rejoiced so much. the religions of the world than what proceed. I will first introduce the and authority of the Redeemer Him- Joseph Smith had just arrived in that opportunities his attendance of the Prophet's own testimony concerning self by Joseph Smith. goodly land, together with a number numerous revival meetings held in his this his first vision. He says in his of his brethren, when a , immediate neighborhood had given history: THE WORDS OF THE ANGEL. containing some very strange sayings him, denounced them all as false. was given on the 1st of August, 1831. "It has often caused me serious reflec- On the 22nd of September, 1823, The Lord said: Whence, then, his authority for the tions, both then an since, how very Joseph Smith, after spending the pre- sweeping declaration he made as to t e strange it was that an obscure boy, of a vious night under the tutorship of the "Hearken, 0 ye Elders chfymy Church, condition of the so-called Christian little over fourteen years of age, and one, angel Moroni, was again visited by and give ear to my word, and learn of me churches? His story is a simple, plain too, who was doomed to the necessity or that holy personage on the hill Cu- what I will concerning you, and also con- anfl imiambeilished one. He tells in "htainin' a. scanty maintenance by his cerning this land unto which I have sent JOSEPH SMITH AS A PROPHET. 7 6 JOSEPH SMITH 45 A PROPHET. sit, as spoken of by Daniel the Proph- entirely inconsistent. But the ark being catacombs of Egypt, (near a place the direction of the star Alcyon, one of et." (Doc. and Coy., sec. 116.) Joseph built in America, somewhere, we may where once stood the renowned city of the Pleiades. We do not know how far imagine in the latitude of Missouri, when off in the immensities of space that centre was also told that 'it was the place Thebes) by the celebrated Antonio where Adam, as mentioned in a previ- taken up by the eastern borne current, Sebolo, in the year 1831. Joseph of revolving cycles and epicyles may be; and wafted by the hurricane following nor have our oldest observers or nicest ous revelation, three years before his Smith, upon examining the rolls of death, blessed his posterity, when they the same course, it is not out of the way papyrus, discovered that one of them instruments been able to tell us how far to suppose it to have progressed as far as off in the skies that beautiful cluster of rose up and called him Michael the Ararat, some six or seven thousand miles contained the writings of Abraham stars is hung, whose influences man can Prince, the ; and he, being and another the writings of Joseph from America, even had it traveled at a never bind. In this question alone, and full of the Holy Ghost, predicted what more rapid rate than forty or fifty who was sold into Egypt. The whole the answer to it are involved both the should befall his posterity to the latest miles a day. Over sixteen hundred collection was bought by the Saints, recognition and exposition of the whole years had passed from the creation until theory of gravitation." (Family Bible, generations. (Doc. and Coy., 107: 53- and Joseph subsequently translated the 56.) the ark was finished. In this time man- writings of Abraham which, together published by Henry S. Goodspeed & Co., kind had increased and multiplied and New York, page 18.) With all the claims of our American with a number of illustrations, were people, none, so far as I know, had up spread out far beyond the country published in the , another proof that Joseph to that time imagined for our country around Eden (the Mississippi Valley), at Nauvoo, Ill., in 1843, and which Here is as signs of an antediluvian population was a prophet and an inspired man, the honor of being the home of our indicate, and we may suppose the ark we now have in the little excellent and that the,Book of Abraham is true. first parents, but since tldha it has be- work called the Pearl of Great Price, was built some distance east of the Gar- come.a favorite theory wit% many. A den, between the States of New York and under the caption of the Book of LOCATION OF ANCIENT EDEN. few years after Joseph had proclaimed Abraham. This book, besides giving Missouri. Couple this supposition with In 1832 Joseph Smith made the start- that the great Mississippi Valley was the circumstances connected with the a history of the creation of the earth the first home of man, the learned an- flood, the current flowing from America, and man, also introduces a new Lice- ling declaration that the Garden of Eden had its existence on the Ameri- tiquarian, Samuel L. Mitchell of New with the fact of the ark's resting in an trine in regard to astronomy. It tells York, with other gentlemen eminent easterly direction from this country, and of a planet called Kolob, near which is can continent—even in Jackson Coun- we can form no other reasonable conclu- ty, Mo. People as a rule ridiculed the for their knowledge of natural history, the throne of God, and around which advanced the theory that America was sion than that here the miraculous vessel everything in the great universe re- idea and thought Joseph very ignorant was constructed and freighted with its indeed in not knowivg that which the land where Adam dwelt. He treasure of animal life, and the progeni- volves in regular order. At that time supported his theory by tracing the the generally accepted theoryamong as- every school boy at thal time was sup- tors designated and set apart to renew the posed to know, that Asia was the cradle progress of colonies westward from human race. That the ancient Americans tronomers was that, with the excep- America over the Pacific Ocean to new tion of the few planets (among which is of mankind. And when be further knew of the deluge is beyond dispute, as declared that the Grand River Valley settlements in Europe and Africa. we have several versions of the story of our own earth) which sweep regular- ( Juvenile Instructor, vol. 9: 278). Other the flood that have been handed down as ly around the sun, all the heavenly bod- in Daviess County, Mo., was the val- ley in which Adam our father had lived scientists have reasoned elaborately tradition by different nations, and in one ies called stars, were fixed or station- from the relics found in different parts instance we have a picture-written de- ary, and that the sun, furnishing light and that he (Joseph) on an adjoining scription of it, an old Toltec record, for- hill had discovered the remnants of an of North and South America. and and warmth for our earth, besides be- have proven that the Western Conti- tunately preserved from the wholesale ing the centre of gravitation for our altar upon which the great Patriarch destruction that followed the conquest. had offered sacrifice, the world thought nent was inhabited before the flood. solar system, was the nearest fixed or Now, if Adam dwelt in America, Noah Suffice it to say that it is no longer • stationary star. Hence, when Joseph that Joseph Smith was either a re- considered an absurd theory that ligious crank, a blasphemer or a fool. I also dwelt here and must have built Smith, in the astronomy of Abraham, his ark on this continent. Without America was the cradle of man, introduced the doctrine that there was will introduce au item of history in or- and the home of Adam, Noah and the• der to make this more plain. It was in entering into a detailed argument to a grand centre set far beyond the limits prove this, I will simply read the fol- other antediluvian patriarchs, but it of our own solar system, be was de- the su mmer of 1838 when theSaints were has taken many years of patient study flocking into Missouri from different lowing from an able and lengthy arti- rided by not a few, who ascribed the cle entitled "Old America," written and thorough investigation of scientific idea to his ignorance, in not having parts of the country that it became evi- problems for men of learning to come dent that there would not be room for by G. M. 0., and published in the ninth even a superficial knowledge of the volume of the Juvenile Instructor: to the same conclusion that Joseph principles of astronomy. But the all to settle in the immediate vicinity Smith did by revelation between fif- of Far West, or in Caldwell County. . "Modern science has given us very ac- theories of men change as the Lord curately drawn charts of the course of the ty and sixty years ago. The following gives tnem more light and intelligence, The Prophet, therefore, together with was punished in .the DESERET NEWS others, started out to select other gath- wind through the atmosphere surround- and today the doctrine advanced in ing us. We have no reason to believe of Sept. 18, 1888: • the Book of Abr them is a generally ac- ering places. Arriving at a hill where these wind •currents have changed since "A CORROBORATIVE DISCOVERY. cepted one among astronomers. there was a fine spring of water, at a the creation. Now the prevailing current In proof of this I will intro- point where Grand River suddenly of wind over the central part of North -A short time ago the Washington Post duce the following extract of a letter changes its course from a southerly to America is from the west, and possibly made a remarkable statement regarding from Lieutenant M. F. Maury, of the an easterly direction, he was struck this was the course followed by the tor- the location of the Garden of Eden. It with the natural beauty of the country nado during the deluge. Nov if the ark announced that Dr. Campbell, of Ver- United States Navy, a man acknowl- sailles had lately discovered that it was on edged on all sides as one of the most and also with what he thought would had been built in Armenia, where the be a fine townsite on the slope of the mountain Ararat is situated, and it is this continent, and near where St. Louis eminent scientific men living, dated, found that the wind and currents have a now stands. That gentleman, according Washington D. C., Jan. 22, 1855. hill. Accordingly, the accompanying to the Post, asserted that thesissippi is surveyors began their work of running general eastern direction, the ark would, during the one hundred and fifty days River is the Euphrates of Scripture, and "It is a curious fact that the revela- lines for streets and lots, and it was or five months of the deluge (that is from that the Bible furnishes evidence of the tions of science have led astronomers of decided to name the place Spring Hill; the commencement until the waters correctness of his conclusions. our day to the discovery that the sun is but they had not proceeded far when gained their greatest depth), have gone in "It is probable that Dr. Campbell is not not the dead centre of motion around the Lord, on May 19, 1838, gave a reve- an eastern course, say at the rate of about aware of the fact that he is not the discov- which comets sweep and planets whirl; lation through the Prophet Joseph, forty miles a day, some six thousand erer of what he now announces, the but that it, with its splendid retinue of naming the place'Adam-ondi-Ahman, miles or beyond China; or if it floated Prophet Joseph ,Smith hxying many worlds and satellites, is revolving through "because," said the Lord, "it is the faster, it would have left the ark some- years ago stated that the Garden of Eden the realms of space, at the rate of mil- was located in what is'now known as the lions of miles in a year, and in obedience place where Adam shall come to visit where in the Pacific Ocean. This would anrna ini-113.nna saitilarpel nrAniciAlv in his neonle. or the Ancient of Days shall be an unreasonable theory to adopt, being State of Missouri. The Prophet also 8 JOSEPH SMITH AS A PROPHET. JOSEPH SMITH AS A PROPHET. 9 pointed out the precise spot where Adam tives,that they had fully determined they would neither eat nor drink until brooding in Hancock County, Illinois, offered sacrifice to the Lord, and where, to kil the leaders of the Church; and they had killed the "Mormon Proph- Joseph was inspired to make prepara- as the great patriarchal head of the race, there were scores in that mob militia et," all the brethren in due course tions for sending an expedition to the he blessed his children previous to his camp to which Joseph and his brethren of time, escaped from their per- Rocky Mountains, to seek out a new departure from the earth. That sacred secutors and would-be murderers, and, location for the Saints, as it had been spot in Missouri was designated by the were brought that memorable day who would have considered it a great honor although they suffered as only few men revealed to him that they would not be Prophet as Adam-ondi- &ham, the mean- permitted to remain much longer in ing of which is—the land where Adam to put to death Joseph and his fellow • have suffered, they arrived safely, and dwelt." prisoners. They knew also that there all alive, among their friends in Il- their Illinois homes. On Sunday, would be no danger of them being linois. This surely is another proof of Feb. 25, 1844, while the Prophet was My conclusion is this: If scientific brought to justice for such a deed, oven Joseph Smith's prophetic gift, while engaged in selecting brethren to go on men, by the evidences produceableat if they should assassinate them with- General Clark at the same tinge is this expedition, he gave them some this late day can indicate that the Gar- out orders from any commander. It proven to be a false prophet. important instructions, and proph- den of Eden was at or near the place was on this occasion that the mobbers PREDICTIONS ABOUT COMING TO THE esied, "that within five years the where St. Louis, Mo., now stands, the cursed and shouted like mad-men and MOUNTAINS. Saints should be out of the power Lord, who originally planted the garden of their old enemies, Whether they swore that Joseph and those with him Under date of Saturday, August 6, himself, could designate the exact spot should never see their friends or were apostates or of the world;" and and tell His prophet that that first gar- 1842, Joseph wrote: the Prophet also told the brethren to families ape a live; and to prove that "I passed over the river to Montrose, den, the original paradise of man, was this was not he boast and threat'of the record it, that when it came to pass, located in Jackson County, Mo., just Iowa, in company with General Adams, they need not say they had forgotten common soldier only, I will refer you Col, Brewer and others and witnessed the 150 miles northwest of St. Louis. to what John Clark, the head general the saying. (Historical Record, page In connection with this, I desire to installation of the officers of the Rising and commander of the whole militia, Sun Lodge of Ancient York Masons at 542.) relate a little experience of my own. said in his notorious speech which he Montrose, by General James Adams, Five years after this prediction was About two years ago, in company with delivered before the brethren at Far deputy grand master of Illinois. While uttered the Saints bad been driven Elders Edward Stevenson and Joseph West, after be had made them prison- the deputy grand master was engaged in from Nauvoo; the noble band of Pio- S.' Black, I visited Adam-ondi-Ah- ers Gffwar. Referring to Joseph and giving the requisite instructions. to the neers had, under the guidance of Je- man, in Missouri, and as we stood upon his fellow prisoners, who then were on master elect, I had a conversation with a hovah, been led to these valleys in the site of the altar that I have referred number of brethren in the shade of the 1847, about three years after the predic- the road to Jackson County in the building on the subject of our persecution to and looked over the beautiful valley hands of Gen. Lucas and his army, tion was made; and in 1849 (five years lying south and east of us, I said to in. Missouri and the constant annoyance after) the bulk of the exiles from Nau- myself, "Can it be possible that these General Clark said: which had followed us since we were driven from that State. I prophesied voo had gathered here, thirteen hun- stones—fragments of which I held in "As for your leaders, do not once think dred miles from their Illinois persecu- —do not imagine for a moment—do not that the Saints should continue to suffer my hand—were once parts of the altar much affliction and would be driven to tors. upon which our first parent offered let it enter your minds, that they will be delivered, or that you will see their faces the Rocky Mountains; many would STEPHEN A. DOUGLAS. sacrifice to God?" apostatize, others would be put to death I had previously listened to the testi- again, for their fate is fixed, THEIR DIE is OAST, THEIR DOOM IS SEALED." by our persecutors or lose their lives in I will now refer you to another most mony of Presidents Wilford Woodruff, consequence of exposure or disease, and remarkable prophecy and its fulfilment. A. 0. Smoot and other men of prom- But while, from a human standpoint, some of you will live to go and assist in Among the prominent men of Illinois, inence and unimpeachable character, it seemed absolutely impossible for making settlements and build cities and who befriended the Saints when they to the effect that they were present Joseph and his brethren to escape from see the Saints become a mighty people in were expelled from Missouri, was Ste- with the Prophet Joseph in 1838 when their enemies alive, Joseph rose up in the Rocky Mountains. (Historical Rec- ord, page 487.) phen A. Douglas, afterwards known as the glorious facts relating to that par- the spirit of his prophetic calling, and the "Little Giant," and who became ticular tract of country were revealed. prophesied that they ALL should be de- I need spend no time to prove the one of the great statesman of our na- But I desired a direct testimony from livered alive. Parley P. Pratt, one of fulfilment of this remarkable prophecy. tion. This than continued friendly to the Lord condbrning the matter, and the prisoners with Joseph, writes the All of you who are present in this hall the Saints for many years, and espec- consequently made it a subject of following: tonight can testify to its literal fulfil- ially to Joseph Smith, in whose case prayer. And I desire,on this occasion, ment. The Latter-day Saints have in- he, as an Illinois district judge, ren- "As we arose and commenced our, deed become a mighty people in these to bear my testimony that I received march on the morning of the 3rd of No- dered a fair and impartial decision at an answer to my prayer sufficient to vember, Joseph Smith spoke to me and mountains, numbering as they do now Monmouth, June 10, 1841, at a time convince me that these things are true. the other prisoners in a low but cheerful about two hundred thousand souls, or- when the Missourians were endeavor- and confidential tone. Said he: 'Be of ganized into thirty-two Stakes of Zion, ing to get Joseph Smith into their MIRACULOUS ESCAPE PREDICTED.. good cheer, brethren; the' word of the or nearly five hundred wards and power. After that he and the Prophet On the 31st of October, 1838, Joseph Lord came to me last night that our lives branches; and this does not include the exchanged visits, and on one occasion should be given us, and that whatever Saints in Mexico and Canada. It is when Joseph dined with him in Car- and a number of his brethren, all we may suffer during this captivity, not also a matter of history that the Saints, prominent men in the Church, were one of our lives should be taken.' thage, Illinois, May 18, 1843, he lis- for years after the prediction was ut- tened to a lengthy explanation from betrayed by Col. George M. Hinkle "Of this prophecy I testify in the name tered, continued to suffer persecution into the hq,nds of the mob militia who of the Lord, and though spoken in secret, the Prophet about the Missouri perse- and affliction from their enemies; that cutions. Winding up the conversation, had surrounded Far West, Mo., de- its public fulfilment and the miraculous -many apostatized, while others, who termined to sack the town. Although escape of each one of us is too notorious Joseph spoke of the dire effects that to needs my testimony."—Parley P. proved faithful and true to their cove- would flow to the nation if the United Joseph had only been in Missouri a few nants,swere put to death for conscience months and had not done the least Pratt's Aut., page 210. States should refuse to redress the sake, and the remainder were driven wrongs of murder, arson and robbery harm to a single soul there, nearly the Notwithstanding the fact that they by a ruthless mob from the beautiful whole population of that State, includ- were sentenced on two or three differ- committed against the Saints in Mis- ing its highest officers, both civil and ent occasions to be shot, that several city of Nauvoo into the western wil- souri and the crimes committed military, had become so exasperated, attempts were made to poison them derness in the year 1896. upon the Saints by the officers of the through the stream of lies which had while incarcerated in filthy dungeons; ESCAPE FROM ENEMIES PREDICTED. government. Turning to JAsolge Doug- been circulated through the country that forty men at a certain time and Early in the year 1844, while the las he said: concerning the Saints and their mo- place entered into a conspiracy that spirit of renewed persecution was "You will aspire to the presidency

10 JOSEPH SMITH AS A PROPHET. JOSEPH SMITH AS A PROPHET. 11 of the United States, and if ever you When the result of the election be- hearing of these predictions, declared our eyes, that we beheld and saw the turn your hand against me or the Lat- came known in Utah Apostle Orson . that they would not be iulfllled, and plates and the engravings thereon; and ter-day Saints, you will feel the weight Hyde published the following in the said he, "I will take the responsibility we know that it is by the grace of God of the hand of the Almighty upon you; DESERET NEWS of December 12, 1860: upon myself to prophesy in the name the Father. and our Lord Jesus Christ, that we beheld and bear record that these and you will live to see and know that "EPHRAIM, Utah Ter., Nov. 27,1.860. of the Lord, that Christ will I have testified the truth to you, for things are true; and it is marvelous in our "Will the Judge now acknowledge that not come this year, as Fa- eyes; nevertheless, the voice of the Lord the conversation of this day will stick Joseph Smith was a true Prophet? If be ther Miller has prophesied, commanded us that we should bear rec- to you through life." will not, does he recollect a certain con- and I also prophesy that Christ will not ord of it: wherefore, to be obedient unto This remarkable prophecy con- versation had with Mr. Smith at the come4n forty years; and if God ever the commandments of God, we bear tes- cerning Judge Douglas personally house of Sheriff Backenstos, in Carthage, spoke by my mouth,he will not come in timony of these things. And we know has had a literal fulfilment. Illinois, in the year 1843, in which Mr. that length of time. Brethren, when that if we are faithful in Christ, we shall Judge Douglas continued to rise in Smith said to him: You will yet aspire you go home, write this down that it rid our garments of the blood of all men, prominence in the nation as long as he to the presidency of the United States. and be found spotless before the judg- But if you ever raise your hand, or your may be remembered." remained a friend to the Saints. But, More than forty years have passed ment seat of Christ, and shall dwell with voice against the Latter-day Saints, you him eternally in the heavens. And the finally he turned against them, and at shall never be President of the United since 1844; hence here we again the time the excitement ran high honor be to the Father, and to the Son, States.' have Joseph proven to be a true and to the Holy Ghost, which is one God. against the "" in 1857, and "Does Judge Douglas recollect that in Prophet, while Father Miller missed it Amen. , preparations were being made to send a public speech delivered by him in the very much. , an army against the people of Utah, year 1857, at Springfield, Illinois, of com- MARTIN HARRIS." Judge Douglas thought he would add a paring the Mormon community, then THE . little to the great popularity be had al- constituting the inhabitants of Utah Ter- When Joseph Smith was translating This is plain,strong testimony. Joseph ready achieved by doing the most ritory, to a 'loathsome ulcer on the body the Book of Mormon, with Oliver Cow- Smith or any other man could easily popular thing that could be done at the politic,' and of recommending the knife enough have made.a promise like the to be applied to cut it out? dery as scribe, the following words of one made in the 5th chapter of Ether, time, namely, denouncing the "Mor- "Among other things the Judge will Moroni directed to the translator, oc- mons." Hence, in a political speech but he could not have called down an doubtless recollect that I was present and curred in the translation: angel from heaven, nor caused the which he delivered in Springfield, heard the conversation between him and June 12th, 1857, and which was pub- Joseph Smith, at Mr. Backenstos' resi- "Behold ye may be privileged that ye voice of God to be heard, in order to lished in the Minouri Republican of dence in Carthage, before alluded to. may show the plates unto those who shall have the promise fulfilled. The Lord assist to bring forth this work (meaning only could fulfil this perdiction, and he June 18th following and partly repub- "Now Judge, what think you about the Book of Mormon). And unto three lished with comments in the DESERET Joseph Smith and ? did it, in his own way, time and place. ORSON HYDE." shall they be shown by the power of God; But, says the skeptic, the three wit- NEWS of September 2nd, 1857, Senator wherefore they shall know of a surety Douglas attacked the Saints in Utah A few months later, or in June, that these things are true. And in the nesses subsequently left the Church in a most fierce and unwarranted man- 1861, Judge Douglas died in disap- mouth of three witnesses shall. these and deserted Joseph Smith. Yes, that ner, and among many other bitter ex- pointment and grief. Never has the things be established, and the testimony is true, and this is what makes their pressions which he made, he called saying of any Prophet of God been of three and this work * * * testimony of ten-fold more weight. If "Mormonism" a loathsome, disgusting shall stand as a testimony against the their testimonies were not true, if any more literally and minutely fulfilled world at the last day."—Ether v: 2-4. ulcer," to which he recommended that than the prediction made by the fraud or deception had been practiced Congress apply the knife and cut it out. in regard to the coming forth of the Prophet Joseph Smith concerning this Here is a positive promise that the Book of Mormon they would undoubt- In the DESERET NEWS of the date man. plates of the Book of Mormon should mentioned, the prophecy of Joseph edly have exposed the same as soon as CHRIST'S SECOND COMING. be shown to three "by the power of the break occurred between Joseph Smith was republished with warn- God." I will now read the testimony ing remarks, directed to Mr. Some have thought that Joseph Smith and themselves. But the facts Smith was an enthusiast or a reli- of three men who, as soon as this are these: They always remained true Douglas, who at that time, in promise was made known, desired of fulfilment of Joseph's words, was gious fanatic, and that his prophetic to their testimony, even in their dark- utterances were the result of his im- the Lord to he chosen as these three est hours. Then why did they leave already aspiring to the presidency special witnesses, and who, when their of the United States. In the cam- pulsive nature or visionary mind. But the Church? They fell into transgres- such was not the case. When he was desire was granted, prepared and sion; they sinned against God and had paign of 1860 he became the candidate signed the following: of the Imlependent Democratic party under the influence of the Spirit of to be dealt with the same as other trans- for that position. It is asserted that no God his mind was perfectly calm and "Be it known unto all nations, kin- gressors; for although a man may have man ever entered into a campaign collected, and his countenance beamed dreds, tongues and people unto whom seen and had glorious visions, with brighter prospects of success than with heavenly intelligence. this work shall come, that we, through etc., he has no license to sin any did Senator Douglas on that occasion. While some of his contemporaries al- the grace of God the Father, and our more than those less favored. His friends viewed him as sure to be lowed their zeal and enthusiasm to Lord Jesus Christ, have seen the plates We will now briefly allude to the lead them into erroneous expectations, which contain this record—which is the seated in the Presidential chair, be- record of the people of Nephi, and also of individual witnesses: cause of his great popularity. But, he would reason with them calmly and the Lamanites, their brethren, and also Oliver Cowdery, after his excommu- alas, he and his friends had reckoned endeavor to balance their minds. To of the people of Jared,who came from the nication in Far West, April 11, 1838, without Divine interposition. He had illustrate this I will relate an incident tower of which hath been spoken; and we engaged in law business and practiced lifted his hands against the Saints of that transpired shortly before he suf- also know that they have been trans- for some years as a lawyer in Michi- the Most High God and denounced fered martrydom: lated by the gift and power of God, for gan, but he never denied the truth of the people whom he knew to be inno- A man by the name of Miller, the His voice hath declared it unto us; where- the Book of Mormon. On the contrary, cent and whom he ought to have de- founder of the sect known as Millerites fore we know of a surety that the work is he seems to have used every oppor- fended. The result was that he wa- was preaching to the people in the true. And we also testify that we have tunity he had to bear testimony of its sadly defeated at the election, as he Eastern States in 1844, that the Savior seen the engravings which are upon the plates, and they have been shown unto us divine origin. While in Michigan. a only received two electoral votes would make His appearance that year. gentleman, on a certain occasion, ad- .by the power of God, and not of man; against seventeen cast for Abraham This caused considerable excitement at and we declare with words of soberness, dressed him as follows: "Mit4Cowdery, Lincoln (Republican) and eleven cast the time, and a number of people were that an angel of God came down from I see your name attached to this book. rnraran ri ci at Dem omit 1. ouite alarmed about it. Joseph Smith heaven, and he brought, and laid before If you believe it to be true, why are

12 JOSEPH SMITH AS A PROPHET. JOSEPH SMITH AS A PROPHET. 13 you in Michigan?"The gentleman then "I was also present with Joseph when read the names of the Three Witnesses the higher or Melchisedek Priesthood that book, as one of the Three Witnesses. hearing this, Martin Harris brightened and asked:"Mr.Cowdery,cloyou believe was conferred by holy angels from on Those who know me best, well know that up, his pulsation improved, and, al- this book?" "No, sir," was the reply. high. This Priesthood we then conferred I have always adhered to that testimony. though very weak, he began to talk as on each other, by the will and command- And that no man may be misled or doubt he formerly had done previous to his "Very well," continued the gentle- my present views in regard to the same, man, "but your name is attached to it, ment of God. This Priesthood, as was sickness. He conversed for about two then declared, is also to remain upon the I do again affirm the truth of all my state- hours, and it seemed that the mere and you declare here (pointing to the earth until the last remnant of time. ments as then made an,1 published. book) that you saw an angel, and also This holy Priesthood, or authority, we "He that hath an ear to hear, let him mention of the Book of Mormon put the plates, from which the book pur- then conferred upon many, and is just as hear; it was nb delusion; what is written new life into him. ports to be translated; and now you say good and valid as though God had done is written, and he that readeth let him It will also be remembered that Mar- you don't believe it. Which time did it in person. understand. * 4 * * * * tin Harris, soon after his arrival in you tell the truth?" Oliver Cowdery "I laid my bands upon that man—yes, "In the Spirit of Christ, who hath said: Utah, spoke to a large congregation of replied with emphasis, "My name is I laid my right hand upon his head 'Follow thou me, for I am the life, the Saints and strangers in the Tabernacle attached to that book, and what I there (pointing to Brother Hyde), and I con- light and the way,' I submit this state- in Salt Lake City, where he bore a ferred upon him this Priesthood, and he ment to the world; God in whom I trust faithful testimony to the truth of the have said is true. I did see this; I - being my judge as to the sincerity of my know I saw it. and faith has nothing holds that Priesthood now. He was also Book of Mormon. called through me, by the prayer of faith, motives and the faith and hope that is Also the , whose testi- to do with it, as a perfect knowledge an Apostle of the Lord Jesus Christ." in me of eternal life. has swallowed up the faith which I "My sincere desire is that the world mony is published in the Book of Mor- had in the work, knowing, as I do, that Soon afterwards Oliver Cowdery was may be benefited by this plain and sim- mon after the testimony of the three it is true." rebaptized, but while making prepara- ple statement of the truth. witnesses, remained true to their testi- At a special conference held at tions to come to Utah, he was sudden- "And all the honor to the Father, the monies until the last; they are all dead Banesville, Iowa October 21, 1848, ly stricken with death in Richmond, Son, and the Holy Ghost, which is one now. Mo.,March 3rd, 1850. Elder Phinehas God. Amen! Oliver Cowdery was' present and made DAVID VVHITMER, SEN. THE SIGNS FOLLOWING THE BE- the following remarks: H. oung, who was present when he LIEVERS. died, testifies: RICHMOND, Mo., March 19, 1881. "Friends and Brethren.—My name is In December, 1830, a few months Cowdery, Oliver Cowdery. In the early "His last moments were spent in bear- Three days before his death Mr. after the Church was organized in history of this Church I stood identified ing testimony of the truth of the Gospel Whitmer called his family and some Fayette, N. Y., with six members, with her, and one in her councils. True revealed through Joseph Smith, and the friends to his bedside and addressing the following predictions were made: it is that the gifts and callings of God are power of the Holy Priesthood which he himself to the attending physician, without repentance; not because I was had received through his administra- said: "I give unto thee a commandment, that better than the rest of mankind was I tion." "'Dr., Buchanan, I want you to say thou shalt baptize by water, and they called; hut to fulfill the purposes of' God, David Whitmer, who died in Rich- whether or not I am in my right mind, shall receive the Holy Ghost by the lay- He called me to a high and holy calling. mond, Mo., Jan. 25th, 1888, was also before I give my dying. testimony.' ing on of hands, even as the Apostles of "1 wrote, with my own pen, the entire "The doctor answered: 'Yes, you are old. * * * .For I am God, and Book of Mormon (save a few pages) as it true to his testimony until the last, al- mine arm is not shortened; and I will though he never united himself with in your right mind, for I have just had fell from the lips of the Prophet Joseph a conversation with you.' show miracles, signs and wonders unto Smith, as he translated it by the gift and the Church after his excommunication "He then addressed himself to all all those who believe on my name. And power of God, by the means of the Urim in 1838. During the last few years of around his bedside in these words: 'Now whoso shall ask it in my name in faith, and Thummim, or, as it is called by that his life he was frequently visited by you must'all be faithful in Christ, I want they shall cast out devils; they shall heal book, `holy interpreters.' I beheld with representatives of the press and many to say to you all, the Bible and the record the sick; they shall cause the blind to re- my eyes, and handled with my hands, others, to whom he would always bear of the (Book of Mormon) is ceive their sight, and the deaf to hear, and the gold plates from which it was strong and faithful testimonies of the true, so you can say that you have heard the dumb to speak, and the lame to walk; transcribed. I also saw with divinity of the Book of Mormon. me bear my testimony on my death-bed. and the time speedily cometh that great my eyes and handled with my hands All be faithful in Christ, and your reward things are to be shown forth unto the dip 'holy interpreters.' That book is On one occasion when the report reached him that he was accused by a will be according to your works. God children of men."—Doc. & Coy. xxxv: tide. did not write it; bless you all. My trust is in Christ for- 6-10. Mr. Spaulding did not write it; I wrote it certain party .of having denied his former testimony, he wrote the follow- ever, worlds without end. Amen.'" * Again, in September, 1832, in a myself as it fell from the lips of the revelation given to Joseph Smith and' Prophet. It contains the Everlasting ing, which was published in the Rich- Martin Harris also absented himself Gospel, and came forth to the children of mond (Mo.) Conservator of March 25, from the Church for many years, but six Elders, "as they unveiled their men in fulfilment of the of hearts and lifted their voices on 1881: was always true to his testimony in high," the following glorious promises John. where he says he saw an angel Unto all Nations, Kindreds, Tongues and regard to the Book of Mormon. He come with the EV'erlasting Gospel to finally emigrated to Utah, arriving in were made: preach to every nation, kindred, tongue People, unto whom these presents shall come: Salt Lake City, August 30, 1870,in care "Therefore, as I said unto mine Apos- and people. It contains principles of sal- of Elder Edward Stevenson. He lo- tles I say unto you again, that every soul vation; and if you, my hearers, will walk "It having been represented by one who beheveth on your words, and is bap- by its light and obey its precepts, you John Murphy, of Polo, Caldwell County, cated in Smithfield, Cache County, and later in Clarkston, where he died tized by water for the remission of sins, will be saved with an everlasting salva- Missouri, that I, in a conversation with shall receive the Holy Ghost; and these tion in the kingdom of God on high. him last summer, denied my testimony July 10, 1875, being nearly ninety-three signs shall follow them that believe In Brother Hyde has just said that it is very as one of the Three Witnesses of the Book years of age. my name they shall do many wonderful important that we keep and walk in the of Mormon. A few hours before his death, when works; in my name they shall cast out true channel, in order to avoid the sand- "To the end, therefore, that he may prostrated with great weakness, Bishop devils; in my name they shall heal the bars. This is true. The channel is here. understands me now, if he did not then; Simon Smith came into his room; sick; in my name they shall open the The holy Priesthood is here. and that the world may know the truth, Martin Harris stretched forth his hands eyes of the blind, and unstop the ears oi "I was present with Joseph when an I wish now, standing as it were, in the the deaf; and the tongue of the dumb holy angel from God came down from to salute him and said, "Vishop, I am very sunset of life, and in the fear of going." The Bishop told him that he shall speak; and if any man shall ad- heaven and conferred on us, or restored., God, once for all to make this public minister poison unto them it shall not the lesser or Aaronic Priesthood, and said statement: had something of importance to tell him in relation to the Book of Mor- hurt them; and the poisou..pf a serpent to us, at the same time, that it should re- "That I have never at any time denied shall not have power to Warm them." main upon the earth while the earth that testimony or any part thereof, which mon, which was to be published in the Doc. ando ,‘Cno 8,4,rnn 64-72. a0 stands. has so long since been published with Spanish language, by the request of VSI, rs ' npr■ n an imnnator

14 JOSEPH SMITH AS A PROPHET. JOSEPH SMITH AS A PROPHET. 15 and his revelations consequently not gazing upon the costly treasures tation of tongues, and, in short, all the persecutions, sufferings, imprisonmenst • genuine, would he have dared to make the Pone remarked : We can gifts and blessings enjoyed by the for- and trials to which he was constantly promises like those contained in the not truthfully say now as Peter and mer day Saints have been and subjected, during his entire life, and fin- foregoing? Could anything have John said anciently that we have no are now being enjoyed by the ally his martyrdom in Carthage jail proven more disastrous to his schemes silver and gold." "No, that is true," Latter-day Saints. Our books, pam- for the sake of the testimony he than to promise people gifts which answered the cardinal, "and there is phlets, papers and periodicals are full of bore and the principles he advocated. were not in his power to give? If he something else we cannot say. We instances of this kind, and should an And I would ask, What more proofs was not a servant of God would he not cannot command the lame in the name attempt be made to gather, compile does mankind want to establish the studiously ha ve avoided to connect the of Jesus Christ to arise and walk." and publish testimonies of this nature, fact that Joseph Smith was a Prophet Lord with any of his schemes in such We all remember the beautiful story we would have material enough for a of the living God? If the divine call- a way? Could he imagine that God related in the third chapter of the Acts book larger than the Bible and Book ing of any Prophet in any age and would sanction his doings by pouring of the Apostles, of a certain man who of Mormon combined. In the face of dispensation of the world has been out his gifts and blessings upon people had been lame from his mother's womb all these testimonies, what additional proven, then I claim Joseph Smith's who were being deceived by a wicked and who daily lay at the gate of the proofs db we need to establish the fact prophetic calling has been established impostor? Certainly not. If Joseph Temple in Jerusalem to ask alms of that Joseph Smith was a true Prophet. beyond dispute. The proofs for this are Smith was not called of God he would those who entered; and how he, seeing so numerous, clear and positive that have had to re-echo the old, old sec- Peter and John about to go in, also CONCLUSION. they ought to convince every honest tarian song from the dark ages: These asked them for alms. Peter, after Time will not permit me to multiply soul. things (the gifts and blessings follow- fastening his eyes upon the cripple, to- proofs any further, although I have And now, in conclusion, I will ing the believer) have ceased, because gether with Johr, said, being moved only presented a few of the many that bear my own testimony,which is, that I they are no longer necessary. It is a upon by the power of God: "Silver might be cited. But in the face of the know by the inspiration of the Almigh- well known fact that the signs which and gold have I none; but such as I evidence already adduced, I claim ty,by the power of the Holy Spirit, that were promised by the Savior and have give I thee: in the name of Jesus positively that no one has the right to Joseph Smith was a true prophet, and enumerated in St. Mark, 16th chapter, Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk." denounce Joseph Smith as a false that the doctrines he promulgated are 17th and 18th verses, did follow the be- And he took him by the right hand prophet, for in the light of the key also true; for desiring to know the lievers. The Acts of the Apostles are and lifted him up,and immediately his given by Moses, he must of necessity "will of the Father," I sought unto full of examples of this kind. It is also feet and ankle bones received strength. be a true prophet, as the things spoken God to know whether "the doctrine a known fact that when Christianity And he, leaping up, stood and walked, by him in the name of the Lord was of God" or whether Joseph Smith in the days of Constantine the Great, and entered with them into the Tem- have come to pass. Even his most "spoke of himself," and the result was and later became mixed up with Pagan- ple, walking and leaping, and praising bitter opponents have failed in one the testimony that I bear here tonight, ism and was then made the State Relig- God. solitary instance to prove his prophetic and that I have borne to thousands ion of the Roman empire, and the neo- The contrast is this: The Apostles of utterances false. Add to this the con- both in this land and in Europe. I ask ple were compelled at the edge of the the true Church had no silver and sistency of his life, his almost unparal- God to grant to every honest soul, who sword to accept it, that these signs did gold, for they had been sent out to leled zeal in bearing testimony of the desires salvation and exaltation in the not follow the members of this false preach without purse or scrip; but things the Lord revealed to him, and kingdom of God, the same testimony, church. But when the clergy, in they possessed the power of God to this in the midst of the most trying in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen. order to blind the masses, told the such an extent that they healed people that the reason why the the sick, the lame, the blind, etc. members did not enjoy these The Catholic Church is wealthy, has blessings, as in former years, was plenty of silver and gold, but not the that they were no longer necessary, power of God. Joseph Smith was also they told a deliberate falsehood. The poor as reaards this World's goods, but real cause was that this apostate he was powerful in the Priesthood, and church had "transgressed the law, in the strength of the Lord, and hun- changed the ordinance and broken the dreds were healed under his adminis- everlasting covenant," and that Christ trations. How then about the promises did not recognize this new form of so- made in the revelations from which called Christianity as His doctrines of I have quoted? The answer is easily salvation, nor accept of the order of given and can be stated hriefly. They their organization as anything akin to have been fulfilled to the very letter. the Church organized by Himself and There are thousands in the Church His Apostles. Hence, He withheld who can testify and who do bear testi- His gifts, signs and blessings from mony continually to the effect that the them, and for hundreds of years they gifts and blessings follow the believers, were unknown so far as church gifts who have embraced the Gospel as re- were concerned. stored through Joseph Smith. Not An anecdote that I heard a only in the United States, but in Eu- friend relate several years ago will rope, upon the islands of the sea, illustrate the contrast between the true and in all parts of the world Church of Christ and fallen Christian- where the Gospel has been ity. A prominent cardinal of the Ro- preached by our Elders, have the sick man Catholic church, on a certain oc- been healed under their administration, casion, visited the Pope of .Rome, and the lame have received their strength, together with him examined the con- the blind have been restored to their tents of the treasure chamber at the sight and the deaf to their hearing; Vatican where gold,diamonds and other evil spirits have been cast out; the gifts °nal v things were el ennsi CPC]. While of nronhpev. of torpropQ the intornrp. Printed and Sold by the Deseret News Co., Salt Lake Oily.

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