MORMONISM. DEAR BROTHER HUDSTON.-Observing that a party of adventurers, styling themselves 66 MORMONS," or followers of Joe Smith, the American PROPHET, are imposing upon the credulity of our townsmen, by holding out to them the alluring prospect of being able, by the imposition of the hands of the Priesthood, to become the recipients of the spiritual gifts of healing, speaking with tongues, prophesying, &c., &c., I am induced, for the sake of those who may not be sufficiently grounded in the truth, to test their doctrines, to offer, through the medium of your valuable periodical, a few remarks, in hope that some, whose eyes this may meet, may be upon their guard against this delusion. The main foundation which has been offered to me by some of their deluded followers, in proof of the existence of these powers in the church at the present day, is the promise of our Lord in Mark xvi. 17, 18-" And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out [devils; they shall speak with new tongues; they shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover." Taking it for granted, (as they assume and teach,) that the words, “them that believe," are addressed to the people to whom the gospel was to be preached-to those who should hear, believe, and obey its requirements, throughout this dispensation the foundation is a good one, and one upon which they have some show of authority for believing that the promised signs will follow their obedience. But, from a careful perusal of the whole chapter, an attentive consideration of all the circumstances which called forth the expression from the lips of our Saviour, I am inclined to believe, and I think I am borne out by the portion of Scripture in question, that the words, "them that believe,” was addressed solely to the individuals who were present on that occasion-those to whom our Lord was speaking-those whom he was on that occasion charging with the important work of " preaching the Gospel," viz., the Apostles. Let us briefly examine the context, and see how the matter stands. In the former part of the chapter it is recorded, that certain of the Lord's followers came to the tomb where he had been laid, bringing sweet spices, that they might anoint his body; but, contrary to their expectation, they found the stone rolled away from the sepulchre, and, entering, found there a young man sitting, clothed in a long white garment; and they were affrighted. He said unto them, "Be not affrighted: Ye seek Jesus of Nazareth, which was crucified: he is risen; he is not here; behold the place where they laid him. But go your way, and tell his disciples and Peter that he goeth before you into Galilee: there shall ye see him, as he said unto you. (See Matt. xxvi. 32.) But they fled quickly from the sepulchre, and told no man of this thing, for they were afraid and trembled." But, (verse 9,)" when Jesus was risen early the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, (See John xx. 11, 17.) and she went and told them that had been with him, as they mourned and wept. And they, when they heard that he was alive, and had been seen of her, believed not.” (Verse 12.) "After that he appeared in another form unto two of them, as they walked, and went into the country. (Luke xxiv. 13-34.) And they went and told it unto the residue: neither believed they them." Afterwards our Lord himself appeared unto the eleven as they sat at meat and "upbraided them with their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they believed not them which had seen him after he was risen." Thus, we perceive, that although our Lord had told them distinctly, previous to being arraigned at Pilate's bar, that he should be put to death, and on the third day rise again-although it had been announced to them by some of their own brethren who had seen him and spoken to him after his resurrection that Jesus was risen-yet they were faithless and unbelieving. Our Lord at once proceeded, (after having admonished them for their want of faith,) to deliver to them the terms of that Gospel which they were to preach in his name, to all the world, to every creature-and signified to them, at the same time, that these signs should follow them that believe. (Verse 19.) So then after the Lord had spoken unto them, he was received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of God. (20.) And they (the Apostles) went forth, (according to the commission,) and preached every where, the Lord working with them, and confirming the Word with signs following, viz.— They had power to take up serpents, and to drink any deadly thing without injury They had power to lay hands on the sick, and to heal them— They had power to cast out devils, and to speak with new tongues. If, then, we confine the expression, "them that believe," to the Apostles, whom our Lord was addressing and upbraiding for their hardness of heart and their unbelief, we find that the Scriptures and history confirm the truth that they acted faithfully in discharge of the duty imposed upon them, and that our Lord, according to his promise, worked with them in signs and wonders, in confirmation of the divinity of their mission; which things being recorded by them, and handed down to us, have a claim upon our faith in Christ as the Son of God. But if, on the other hand, the expression " them that believe," is referred to those whom the gospel was to be preached-to those who should, in after generations believe its report, and obey its requirements-then we are driven to the alternative, (seeing that these signs have not been continued in the church,) either To admit that there have been no believers during this dispensation; or, To charge our Lord with making a promise which has not been fulfilled. I leave our "Mormon expositors" to take which side of the dilemma they choose and, at the same time, earnestly exhort those who are brought within the influence of error, to beware, and test every doctrine which is advanced, by the sure standard-the Word of God-not by detached portions, but the whole passage, taking full cognizance of its circumstances, its arguments, and its object, with this shield, an unprejudiced mind, and a child-like disposition of inquiry after truth, there is little to fear. Yours faithfully, Basford, January 23, 1849. D. WIDDOWSON. ASHTON. News from Churches. Our little church has suffered through the pressure of the times driving a number of brethren to seek subsistence in the United States. The additions that we make from time to time, only maintaining our number at about 20; but we are living in love and peace, and, I think, increasing in the knowledge of God. N. HARRISON. BULWELL. THIS congregation is walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, and as a consequence, is multiplied. Five individuals have recently been added to our number, and the proclamations of the gospel are well attended. W. J. DAWSON. DUNDEE. OUR church is in the enjoyment of every blessing which we can expect to enjoy on earth. Many are being added to our numbers—and although now and then a refractory character rises up, still the good judgment and straight forwardness of the officers of the church, combined with the confidence of the brethren are more than sufficient to root out every "root of bitterness" which rises up. W. ANDERSON. GLASGOW. THE congregation at Glasgow is getting along very harmoniously, and feels gratified from time to time by seeing individuals come forward to confess the truth, and yield obedience to the Lord Jesus Christ, to whom every knee shall yet bow, and every tongue confess that he is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. I see, during the year 1848, we have had 13 added to our number by immersion, (if we may so express it,) about 15 more have been received by letter, and personal commendation, and 3 restored, making in all 31. There have left, during the year, for various quarters, 15, some to Paisley, Greenock, Liverpool, Australia, &c., 2 have fallen asleep in Jesus. and 3 have been separated, making in all 20. (Separation is the most painful of all duties, it is also the last resource to be adopted, but it is indispensable.) You will observe that we have had an increase of 11, notwithstanding the continual coming and going to and from this great city, to which so many resort in pursuit of a livelihood. Our present number is 70, and I think our prospect good, for there seems a disposition on the part of the brethren to exert themselves in the ser vice of our Lord Jesus Christ-and when this is done, his blessing is sure to follow, and the result is the salvation of some of our guilty race. And what gain so great and so valuable! "What would it profit a man if he should gain the whole world, and loose his own soul?" W. LINN. NEWTHORPE. THIS is a small village about 8 miles west of Nottingham. A company of disciples "unknown to fame," exists here, whose numbers amount to 15. This small congregation exhibits in bold relief, the power of the truth, and the value of Christian fortitude and per severance. They have no public meeting house, but assemble in a private one, and although they have not till recently been regularly visited for a long period by any speakers from the neighbouring churches, and although not possessing themselves the gifts of speaking, yet have they maintained their position amid the slander and blasphemy of a cold, heartless, and wicked world.-ED. NEWARK. WE had a female translated out of darkness into light, through faith and baptism, on Saturday evening, December 23, 1848. J. HAGE. REPORT Of the formation and first Meeting of the London District Association of Christian Churches, held in Providence Chapel, St. Pancras, London, on Monday the 25th December, 1848. A portion of time having been ovenpied in the presentation of praise and prayer to the Father of all mercies, Brother Black of London was called upon to take the presidency of the meeting, and Brother Johnson to act as Secretary. The president having made some reLarks upon the purposes for which the neting was convened, adverting partienarly to the necessity, utility, and paramount importance of Christian cooperation, It was proposed and unanimously agreed 1st. That this meeting adjudge that in order to a full and proper manifestation of Original Christianity, it is requisite for all the known Christian churches in the world, to co-operate for the purposes of aiding each other in times of need, and for extending the reign of the Messiah, (see John xvii.) and that, to advance this universal co-operation, it is expedient to form the churches into districts, which districts must not in any case interfere with the internal management of the individual churches forming the same. 2nd. That it is most desirable for the churches holding "one Lord, one Faith, and one Baptism," and which are engaged in restoring the original order of the church, in or near London, to cooperate for the purposes expressed in the foregoing proposition, the following churches being considered, by the presence of their delegate or delegates, or by their acknowledgement of this meeting by letter or otherwise, to form, for the present, the LONDON DISTRICT, the following is a list of the churches alphabetically arranged fully known to the churches of this District, (through the medium of the Committee hereafter to be appointed by this meeting,) in order that they may contribute as the Lord enables them. The contributions of the churches to be sent to some person or persons to be appointed by this meeting to receive the same, who shall hand it to the church for which it is forwarded, keep a due account thereof, and read it at the next General Meeting of the Churches. THAT Brother MacIntire and Black of Hammersmith, and Brothers Black, Warren, Draper and Johnson of London, be appointed the Committee referred to in the foregoing resolution. THAT it is expedient to secure the labours of an Evangelist or Evangelists, for the London District, to the fullest possible extent, and that such Evangelist or Evangelists, if provided, be under the direction of a Committee to be appointed by this meeting, and be considered the Evangelist or Evangelists of this district, (which regulation is deemed strictly in harmony with the conclusions of the Glasgow meeting, which assembly recommended District Evangelists to be called out,) and that immediate steps be taken to ascertain from each church what amount they can contribute toward sustaining such Evangelist or Evangelists. THAT the committee referred to in the foregoing resolution, to superintend the operations of the District Evangelist or Evangelists, consist of Brothers Mac Intire and Black of Hammersmith, and Brothers Black, Warren, Draper, and Johnson of London. THAT Brother King be appointed an Evangelist for the London District. THAT should the Committee find themselves in a position to sustain and to require another Evangelist, they shall call a district meeting to appoint the same. THAT the various meeting places of the churches of this District, be advertized monthly in the Bible Advocate. And this meeting recommends the printing of a large number of bills, briefly explanatory of our order, and containing the addresses of all the meeting places of this District, to be supplied at the lowest rate and at the same cost per 100 to the churches, whether in small or large quantities. And this Meeting further recommend the establishment of Bible Classes, for instructing the children of the saints and others. THAT the Committee appointed be re quested to correspond with any Districts now formed, or which may be formed hereafter, that they may co-operate with this District. Minutes read and confirmed. Meeting adjourned to Friday, 6th April, 1849, to commence at 11 a.m. Thoughts for Thinkers. Ir is a common lamentation," I have but little time to read!" I answer, We need but little time for this purpose; and subjoin with confidence, He that finds much time to read, will not attain any great store of knowledge. Knowledge he may have; but an intellection of things as they are, must be sought for in a different way. An outline of that "more excellent way "is as follows:-Know thyself," for only what we have within us, that can we see without." Acquaint thyself with God, by the study of his works and his word-both being accompanied with fervent prayer, and full reliance upon Him as the inspirer of all wisdom for the created mind. Universally study subjects, not books. If books can assist, very well; but there is only one volume that may be our master; and in learning from this instructor, we must be careful to understand his teachings. His language is sometimes misapprehended, to the no small prejudice of the truth. A GARDEN. WE pity the man that has no garden. For ourselves, we had rather be deprived of almost any other earthly good. Home would lose half its charms if destitute of the enchanting spot. Deprive an English cottage of its "little garden neatly planned before," and you destroy at once those fine associations which cluster around it and invest it with as many innocent delights and peaceful scenes. house without a garden-then a home not half so happy as it might be. It was the curse of Adam to be driven from a garden, and to lose its pleasures with the smiles of his Creator. To say nothing of its rich and luscious products-the cool, refreshing salad, the juicy melon, the fragrant strawberry, the purple plum, the delicious grape, and other A fruits so grateful to the palate, so conducive to the health; the garden exerts a most salutary influ ence on the heart. We here behold, in our morning and evening walks, the silent, yet wonderful operations of the finger of Godthe mysterious transformation of cold, inanimate, and sluggish earth, into living and most delicately wrought and painted buds and leaves, stems and fruits and flowers. How favourable to meditation at eventide, a walk amid the fragrance and beauties of the garden. What sweet and secret sympathies of nature in "her visible forms." What harmony between the soul and the gentle influences-the smile of eloquence of beauty from every living thing. |