| 292 December 2, he wrote that he and his colaborers had organized the Utah mission with W. W. Blair, presiding; Robert Warnock, financial agent, and Joseph Foreman, secretary.
"blood-atonement," or human sacrifice for sin, to idolatrous murder-a relic of barbarism -and should be treated as such.
We shall teach that the Adam-god doctrine is a blasphemous and hurtful heresy, being contrary to the Holy Scriptures, and repugnant to all that is worthy the name of religion.
We shall teach that tithing the poor is anti-Christian, is squarely against the letter and spirit of the gospel of Christ, is contrary to the dictates of right, reason, and the common instincts of humanity, and is in direct violation of the laws and provisions for tithing as taught by Joseph the Seer, by the Doctrine and Covenants and the Book of Mormon.
We shall teach that "vengeance" belongeth alone to God, and that none but God and civil rulers are or can be justified in executing wrath and judgment upon offenders, either in respect to person or property.
We shall teach that all men, whether religious or otherwise, should heartily honor, and faithfully support the laws and accredited authorities of those nations and countries where they reside.
We shall teach that the true "endowment" under the gospel of Christ, is that of the Holy Spirit in all spiritual grace and gifts; in all spiritual peace, and comfort, and love; and in all spiritual power, and knowledge, and wisdom; and that it is, and is to be effected, not by robings, scenic display, grips, covenants, and oaths, nor in secrecy; but that it is wrought solely, and only, by the Spirit of God upon the heart and in the soul of those who come into right relations with God, as in the case of Moses and the seventy elders at Sinai; of the apostles and saints on Pentecost, at Jerusalem; of the Nephites on this continent (Nephi, chapter 9); and that of Joseph the Seer and Saints at Kirtland, Ohio, in the winter of 1836, described in the "Messenger and Advocate" and in the 15th volume "Millennial Star."
We shall teach that the sufferings of the Saints by persecution and otherwise is not solely the result of their righteousness, but that it has been, and is, largely of the bad counsels of unwise leaders. and because of their disobedience towards the laws of God and the laws of the land.
We shall teach that when God's people serve him aright, he will "make their enemies to be at peace with them," and will "soften the hearts" of the people toward them, and give them "favor and grace in their eyes" that they "may rest in peace and safety," as prophesied by Joseph the Seer. (Doctrine and Covenants 102: 7.)
We shall teach that the Reorganized Church under the presidency of Joseph, the eldest son of the Seer, has enjoyed such "favor and grace," such "peace and safety," for the last near twenty years, notwithstanding the odium that has been brought upon the sacred name of the church by polygamy, disloyalty, and kindred evils, so that at Independence and throughout Missouri, at Nauvoo and throughout Illinois, in Iowa, Nebraska, and elsewhere, the best classes of citizens, in large numbers, are asking our people to settle among them, which is being done in many places with most gratifying results
We shall teach that Joseph Smith, eldest son of Joseph the Seer, is the divinely called and appointed successor of his father in the presidency of the Church of Jesus of Latter Day Saints, as provided for in the laws, the prophetic promises and the traditions of the church.
Finally, we shall teach that all who profess to be Saints should emulate the love, the gentleness, the quiet submission, the sinless purity, and the enlightening, ennobling spirituality of Christ our Savior, and that none should follow any minister only as such do truly follow Christ in his moral precepts and in his doctrinal requirements.
Trusting in the kind providences of our heavenly Father, in the saving light and power of his Son Jesus Christ, and in the comfort and guidance of the Holy Spirit. we shall
(page 292) |
