M. C. Vellinga 1928, Refutation to [a Mormon Pamphlet]

7/27/2019 M. C. Vellinga 1928, Refutation to [a Mormon Pamphlet]

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Los Angeles, Calif.Copyright 1928 By M.C.V.

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Foreword

The message conveyed in this booklet is a written answer to a pamphlet sent out by theMormon church entitled, "A Friendly Discussion." In it the Mormons endeavor to explaintheir doctrine by the Bible. And those who are not familiar with the subjects cannot easilydetect that they wrest the scriptures.

The subject of the discussion is that God is merely an exalted man and has a body of fleshand bone, and that to simply know this, is life eternal. They further declare that salvationcomes in the act of water baptism, providing, however, it is administered by them. Theyclaim they have the sole right to present the gospel.

The time has come for a refutation of their doctrine, and we trust that all will realize thenecessity of sending out the truth of God's Holy Word. "For ye shall know the truth, andthe truth shall make you free."

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Dear Friend,Are you looking for more

truthfor the Gospel of Jesus Christ initsprimitive purity and power, andaChurch with Apostles andProphets?As a humble servant of the LordIcome to you with a messagethatthis Gospel has been restoredand theChurch of Christ is againestablishedin the earth. The accompanyingtract,and others, which will follow,willmake plain the way of salvation.

I shall call again in a fewdays,

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and shall take pleasure inexplaininganything further you may desiretoknow concerning this message.

Very respectfully,

The above is a copy of a letter the Mormon elders distribute amongstthe people to attract them to Mormonism. Those who are not acquainted with

the scriptures are easily led to believe that by accepting Mormonism theybecome members of the true church. The following is an answer to this letterwhich was personally sent to me.

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Are You Seeking for More Truth?What is truth? Jesus said: "I AM the way, the truth and the life." I have sought

Him and found Him. Christ within the hope of glory.There is no greater truth than the Word of God, and the more we study it, the

more light we receive.Job says, "I have esteemed the words of His mouth more than my necessary

food." Job 23:12.The Word of God is the bread of Life and the living water for the soul.Faith cometh by the hearing, and the hearing by the Word of God, hence without

the Word of God there is no salvation for the soul.It does not matter how many times the Bible has been translated. God takes care

of His word. He said, "Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not passaway."

The Gospel of Jesus Christ?

The Gospel of Jesus Christ is not the Gospel of Joseph Smith, it is the old timereligion, nothing more, nothing less; it is everlasting. The Gospel everlasting cannot betaken away or restored. It is the Gospel of the Bible which Paul preached.

In Its Primitive Purity and Power?

The Gospel of Christ always has been, is, and always will be pure. The power isnot outward ceremonies or manifestations, but works inwardly, which brings about thechange of heart. Those who deny the blood of Christ for the remission of their personalsin, have a form of Godliness, but deny the power thereof. {2 Tim. 13:5.)

A Church With Apostles and Prophets?

The Church of God is built on Apostles and Prophets. There is only one truechurch. John saw the New Jerusalem, "And the wall of the city had twelve foundations,and in them the names of the twelve Apostles of the Lamb," (not of JosephSmith). Rev. 21:14. "'There were twelve foundations, and only the names of the twelveApostles needed, not twelve times twelve, or as many as Joseph Smith ordained. Thetwelve Apostles of the Lamb have never failed, they were true unto death."

This foundation is immovable, Jesus Christ being the chief corner stone.

The Church of Christ Again Established in the Earth?

Joseph Smith claims that after the death of Christ and His disciples, the truth wastaken away from the earth, and the world as a whole, became degenerate up until the timeof Joseph Smith, when the Gospel was again restored and established, as they say.

Friends, when the truth shall be taken away from this earth, the earth will becomea ball of fire.

The Church of God was established when the foundation was laid, and will standthrough all the Ages, for it is built on the Rock, Christ Jesus.

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The reason Joseph Smith could not see the true church, of the Kingdom of God onearth, is because he looked for it outside the Bible, the Word of God. He looked for aliteral kingdom. The Bible says, 1 Cor. 2:14; "The natural man receiveth not the things ofthe Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, becausethey are spiritually discerned".

I Cor. 3:11, "Other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is JesusChrist."

On Christ the solid Rock I standAll other ground is sinking sand.

Accompanying Tracts to Make Plain the Way of Salvation?

Friend, the plan of salvation is only contained in the BIBLE, and we areconvinced that you will find it, if you will prayerfully study with a hungry heart to knowthe truth. God will reveal it to you.

You said you would be glad to hear from me again. I thought in as much as yourletter was an open letter to all outside your church, I, also, would send you an openanswer.

I have studied all the tracts you sent me, and many more. I admire your sincerityand I know you mean well.

May God bless you and yours, and may we some day all come to the unity of thefaith, which is in Christ Jesus.

P. S. We are also giving you an answer to the little booklet you sent me, "AFRIENDLY DISCUSSION."

Yours truly,

_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __

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A RefutationTo "A Friendly Discussion"

(A booklet sent out by the Mormon Church}

I beg the reader to give a few minutes of their valuable time to study this little

booklet with me, which the Mormons distribute to draw people into their belief.In this booklet they claim that the Father and the Son have a body of flesh andbone, and that to simply know this, is life eternal. The Bible says in Hosea4:6, "My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge.

In order to pronounce righteous judgment, we must know both sides of the story.A few years ago, the Mormons were conducting a house to house canvas, during

which they freely distributed this little booklet called "A Friendly Discussion." No doubtmany have read it, and remember the story it contains, but for the benefit of those whohave not, we will give portions of it verbatim.

The booklet is written in the form of a conversational discussion.It speaks of a town called Westminster, a home for a limited number of guests. The house

has three guests at this time:A Lawyer named Brown.A Physician named Slocum.A Clergyman named Fitzallen.At this time another visitor appears. (Mr. Durant, a Mormon.)

"One subject after another was token of, discussed and disposed of, or at least laid aside to giveway to some other, until the Minister Fitzallen (representing the church), spoke up and said . . . "America isthoroughly Christianized.

"I partially concur with you." said the lawyer. "And yet, I belong to no church at all." . . ."Why, how is this!" said the Minister, (Page 2)- "I thought nearly everybody in this country must

be orthodox to some extent at least.""Not so with me, I assure you." the other replied, "and the strange part of it is, that my views are

the result of investigation, and the peculiar explanations of those who make religious teaching their calling.Those who accept the creeds which are supposed to base their tenets upon the Bible, do not, it appears tome, live up to their profession, and the clergyno offense intendedare more addicted to money-getting than soulsaving." (We will discuss this later on.}

"Well, gentlemen," said Durant, {the Mormon), "this topic interests me, and while I and myopinions are unknown to you all, I will, if agreeable to you, endeavor to throw some light upon the subject.

"I am a believer in religion, and lay claim to a testimony of the truth of the Gospel of Christ from adivine source, and yet, I often find myself opposed by ministers.

"I cannot imagine why this should be the case," said Fitzallen (the minister), "if you are, as youstate, a true believer in Christ and have a witness of Him."

If you will permit me to ask a few questions during your conversation with Mr. Brown, (thelawyer) I may be able to take a general part in the discussion, provided, however, that should we differupon any point it will be in a friendly manner."

"Certainly," said the clergyman, "I am sure it will be a pleasure to me to have you join in ourconversation, and I do not doubt that Mr. Brown and the other gentleman feel the same way."

The entire party expressed approval of the proposed interchange of opinions."Then, Mr. Brown," said Fitzallen "what particular part of the Christian faith appears to you as

being the most difficult to understand?""I confess there are many. However, let us commence with one of the principles of your belief. I will referto some of the literature of the Church of England. The first article of religion contained in the Church ofEngland prayer book is: "There is but one living and true God, everlasting; without body, parts or passions;of infinite power, wisdom and goodness; the maker and preserver of all things visible and

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* Small print is the verbatim word of their story.invisible; and in the unity of this Godhead there are three persons of one substance, power and eternitythe Father, Son and the Holy Ghost. According to this, then, your belief is that the Father, Son and HolyGhost are one person, without body, parts or passions."

"You have certainly quoted correctly from the prayer book; I fail to see anything wrong with that.What fault have you to find with it?"

"I cannot form a conception of a God who has neither body, parts nor passions. So far as the Bibleis concerned, I fail to see from what part of that book you derive such a conclusion."

"Well, Mr. Brown, using your own language, So far as the Bible is concerned,' let us do as Isaiahcommands, from to the law and the testimony (Isaiah viii:20), and I will soon convince you that the Bibleplainly sets forth the fact that the Father and the Son are One. In fact, Jesus Himself declares that He andHis Father are One. (John 1::30.) Is this not true?"

"Excuse me," said Durant, (the Mormon), "but is it not more reasonable for us to believe that Hemeant that He and His Father are united in all things as one person ?not that they are actually one and thesame identity ?"

"Certainly not," said the Reverend, "Our Saviour meant just what He said when He declared thatHe and His Father were one."

"I differ from you." said the stranger. {the Mormon), "for He also asked His Father to make Hisdisciples one, even as He and the Father were one, as you will see by reference to John xvii:20 and 21, andby your argument it must have been His wish for those disciples to lose their separate and distinct

identities.""Stranger," said Mr. Brown, "your view of the case, I must confess, appears reasonable."

(Reasonable, thats right, but God is higher than reason. The Bible says He is pastfinding out.)

"Let me ask," said the preacher, "did not Jesus say, 'He that hath seen Me, hath seen the Father"?"(John xiv:9)

"Yes," said the Westerner, (Mr. Durant. the Mormon), "for as Paul says, 'He was in the expressimage of His (Father's) person, (Heb. 1:3), and this being the case, Jesus might well give them tounderstand that when they had seen one they had seen the other. When Jesus went out to pray, He said, 'O,My Father, if it be possible let this cup pass from me: nevertheless, not as I will, but as Thou wilt.' (Matt.

xxxvi:39.) Now then, to whom was our saviour praying? Was He asking a favor of Himself?"

"Oh, no; He was then praying to the Holy Spirit."

(Mormon) "By such admission you have separated one of the three from Jesus, for in thebeginning you declared that the three were one; and now than we have one of the three separated from theothers, let us see if we can separate the other two. In order to do this, I refer you to the account of themartyrdom of Stephen. While being stoned to death, he looked up to heaven and saw the glory of God, andthat Jesus was standing on the right hand of God. {Acts vii:55.] Would it not be impossible for a person tostand on the right hand of himself? In further proof that Jesus is a separate person from the Father, we willexamine the account of His baptism. On coming up out of the water, what was it that lighted on Him in theform of a dove?" (Matt. iii:16.)

"We are told it was the Spirit of God."

"Exactly! And whose voice was it that spoke from the heavens, 'This is My beloved Son, in whomI am well pleased"?" asked the Mormon. (Matt. iii:17.) "Now, mind you, there was Jesus, who had justbeen raised from the water, being one person, the Holy Ghost, which descended from above and restedupon Him in the form of a dove, making two personages; and does not the idea strike you very forcibly thatthe voice from heaven belonged to a. third person?"

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Readerthe above copy is a synopsis of the first part of the story.The topic in discussion is "A BODY GOD," by which they mean a God of flesh

and bone, which the reader will observe from the procedure. We must know who he is,what he looks like, etc.

Remember, reader, this booklet sent out by the Mormonleaders is simply an imaginary story to influence the people intobelieving in a men God who can be comprehended with the humanintellect.

For example, they try to prove this by our Bible, saying that Christ prayed for Hisdisciples, that those twelve (who all had their separate bodies), might be one as they wereone.

If this is proof that God has a body as man, then the Holy Ghost must have a bodyof flesh and bones also, otherwise He could not be included in the trinity. For I am surethat none of the disciples was a mere ghost.

They try to substantiate this theory by the account of Stephen being stoned. Acts

7:56, "I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing at the right hand of God."Is this proof that the Father and Son both have bodies of flesh and bone exactly as

man has?Then they give as proof the record of Jesus when He was baptized, when a voice

was heard from heaven saying, "This is my Beloved Son in whom I am well pleasedMatt. 3:17.

Does this prove that the Father has a body of flesh and bones? Did they see theFather? No, they only heard His voice.

I don't care what the Church of England teaches, we are here in America. I dontcare what Joseph Smith says either. It is what the Bible teaches that counts. (We willrefer to this subject later.)

The Story Proceeds. (Page 5)The churchman {the minister} was getting heated: "There are many things which we are not

expected to understand; and, my Young friends. I would advise you to drop such foolish ideas.""Excuse me," said the Mormon, "did you say 'foolish ideas'? Why, my dear sir, we are told in the

Bible that 'This is life eternal, that they might know thee, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thouhast sent." (John 17:3)

Therefore, it should be our first duty to had out the character and being of God. You say we arenot expected to understand these things, while the Bible says these are what we must understand if wedesire eternal life. It also says we can understand the things of man by the spirit of man, but to comprehendthe things of God, we must have the Spirit of God."

Think of it, reader; according to Mr. Durant (the Mormon}, to believe that Godhas a body of flesh and bones, is to know the character and being of God, and is lifeeternal. Nothing is mentioned that man must examine himself and know that he is lostwithout Christ, nor is anything said of Christs atonement for sin on Calvary, or the NewBirth through which we become partakers of His divine nature.

This plainly shows what little knowledge they really have of God and the plan ofsalvation.

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Joseph Smith says in his revelations Doc. & Cov. 130:22: "The Father has a bodyof flesh and bones as tangible as mans, and the Son also."

What a strange God Joseph Smith represents, who is no more capable than man,having to depend on His two legs to carry Him about.

When Jesus was on earth in the form of a man He walked as a man, and was

present in one place at a time. He told the woman at the well, John 4:23, "But the hourcometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and intruth." Also in Matt. 18:20, "For where two or three are gathered together in My name,there am I in the midst of them."

Christ went into heaven with a glorified body, the kind of body all will receivewho have received His resurrection life through the New Birth.

But you may say, "How about Jesus calling forth His disciples to touch His body,and even go so far as to ask for something to eat, and he did eat'!" I confess such thingswe cannot understand with the carnal mind. But it is just as impossible for us tounderstand, if Christ after His resurrection had a body of flesh and bone as the Mormonssay, how He could come into the room and appear unto His disciples when the doorswere shut. And it is even more impossible to understand how Christ, having aresurrected, incorruptible body, could partake of corruptible food.

I presume Jesus performed a miracle; changed the food and took out thecorruption. He had power to change water into wine, and to feed five thousand peoplewith two fishes and five loaves of bread, He had power also to transfigure Himself whilein their midst to prove to them that He was the same Christ who had been with them inthe flesh. He declares in John 10:18 that He has power to lay down His life, and power totake it again. He is all powerful. This was probably just another miracle which Christperformed, as it is clearly stated in the following verses of the same chapter, John 20:30,31. "And many other signs truly did Jesus, in the presence of Hisdisciples, which are not written in this book. But these are written that ye might believethat Jesus (had a body of flesh and bones? NO!) is the Christ, the Son of God, thatbelieving ye might have life through His name."

We can readily observe that the disciples knew that Christ had appeared to them,not for the purpose of showing them He had a body of flesh and bones, but to manifestHimself in such a way that they might know He was the same Christ who had walkedwith them on the shores of Galilee.

I firmly believe after we are resurrected we will have a body, as Christ has,incorruptible.

Paul makes this very plain in I Cor. 15:34, .35, "But some man will say, "How arethe dead raised up? And with what body do they come?"

36. Thou fool, that which thou sowest is not quickened, except it die:42. So also is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown in corruption; it is raised in

incorruption.43. It is sown in dishonour; it is raised in glory: it is sown in weakness; it is raised

in power:44. It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body. There is a natural

body, and there is a spiritual body.A Spiritual Body is Not a Natural Body, Yet it is a Body.

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I also believe we will eat and drink after the resurrection, not natural food, such asbread and fish, but spiritual food, as John, the revelator, writes in Rev. 7:16, 17: "Theyshall hunger no more, neither thirst any more.

v. 17 For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shalllead them into living fountains of water."'

The Story Proceeds. (Page 5.)"This is nonsense," said the churchman. "You know that God is a spirit, and I think we would

better not delve too deeply into matters which we are not permitted to comprehend? Mr. Durant: "Praylisten a while longer. for I have yet more to say in regard to what you call nonsense, although, if it be such.I must insist that it is Bible nonsense. You say God is a spirit: does that prove He has no body? We are alsotold we must worship Him in spirit. Am I to understand from this that we must worship Him without abody? Have you a spirit'? Yes. Have you also a body? Yes. Were you made in the image of God, body andspirit? So says the Bible. Man was crested in the image of God. (Gen.1:26, 27.} Then God has a body and.consequently, must have parts. Moses talked with Him face to face, as one man talks with another. (Ex.xxxiii:11). And he also saw His back parts, He promised. (Num. xii:8) to speak with Moses mouth tomouth. We are told in the fifth chapter of Deuteronomy that He has a. hand and arm. The Psalm,{cxxxix:16), tells us He has eyes, and Isaiah (xxx:27), says He has lips and tongue. John describes His

head, hair and eyes. (Rev. 1:14.) And as for passions, we are told in the Bible that He exercises love, and isa jealous God. Are these not parts and passions? It would appear that all who believe in the Scriptures mustconclude that they are parts and passions, and that the Creator is a God after whose likeness we are made."

"Well." replied the minister. "I had no idea when I commenced this conversation with Mr. Brownthat I was to find such an antagonist in yourself. One would naturally come to the conclusion that you hadmade the Bible a study."

Mr. Durant: "I have, as a Christian, studied the record: in fact, at a very early age my parentsrequired me to commit and remember a very important verse in that good old Book. It is found in the fifthchapter of the Gospel, according to St. John, being the 39th verse, and reads as follows: Search theScriptures, for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me."

Churchman: "That is proper: but I must again warn you against plunging into mysteries which wecannot understand."

Mr. Durant: "But, Peter tells us that, no prophecy of the Scripture is of any private interpretation(II Peter 1:20) and these are - the things which we should seek for information upon: for lack ofinformation by the ministers upon these points is, to a great extent, the cause of many persons being in Mr.Browns frame of mind today."

Churchman: "If your assertion be correct, perhaps it would he better for me to withdraw and leaveMr. Brown in your hands."

"I beg your pardon, said Durant, "I did not mean to offend you; l will endeavor to be more carefulduring the rest of the conversation?

"We will resume the discussion at another time. Tonight I only intended remaining a short time,having an important engagement; so if you will excuse me, I will wish you all good evening." (Exit theminister.)

"Well," said Mr. Brown, "things have taken a very peculiar turn. I seem to be out of the contest. I

have heard more that appears reasonable from you, Mr. Durant, regarding religion, than ever before in mylife, and I must also admit that if my early teaching on religious matters had been of this character, I believeI would have been a Christian . . . I am somewhat familiar with the doctrines of different Christiansocieties, and from the way you express yourself regarding the personality of God, I would like very muchto hear your views regarding other differences. Do you disagree with these ministers very much on otherprinciples?"

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Reader, this is all about the body of God. The story now goes into detailabout their mode of salvation, repentance, faith, water baptism, and the laying on ofhands for the Holy Ghost.

Before we discuss these things, we will make a few more re-marks on theirconversation about God having parts and passions.

The Bible tells us, John 4:24, "God is A SPIRlT," (not spirit), and they thatworship Him must worship Him in spirit and in truth."Because we believe the Bible, the Mormon leaders scoff at us and say that we

have a God who is everywhere and nowhere in particular, just a mass of somethinghaving no parts, or passions, etc. My inquiry is, is the body the man, or the spirit whichlives in the body'! Can the body hear, feel, or see without the spirit? NO!

Jesus says, John 6:63, "It is the spirit that quickeneth; (maketh alive}, the fleshprofiteth nothing."

Who then has eyes, ears, hands, feet, hatred and love, but the spirit.(Bible Dictionary.) The spirit is the immortal part of man. Breath, mind, vital

principle."Lippincotts Dictionary meaning of "Spirit" is, "an intelligent being,

imperceptible to the corporeal senses," etc.Bible Index"God created man in His own image, referring to His

spiritual, intellectual and moral likeness, {Gen. 1:27}, and fallen man isexhorted to be renewed in the spirit, (Eph. 4:23, 24; Col. 1:15), and image of his creator,that he may be prepared to enter the paradise of God. Col. 3:10.

There is but one God, but He makes Himself known to man as Father, Son andHoly Ghost, three separate personalities. This mystery of the trinity or Triune, God ispast finding out, for God is infinite and man finite. Matt. 3:16, 28:19; Mark 1:10, 11,10:18,12:29; Jno. 14:16; II Cor. 13:14; I Tim. 2:5.

From the above we may learn that God is past finding out. It is safe to saythe God that the Mormons represent is but an imaginary God, NOT THE GOD OF THEBIBLE.

God is a spiritual being and has all the faculties of man, but in a greater and divinecapacity.

God Cannot Be Comprehended by

Human Intellect

The Bible does not tell us that the Father has a body of flesh and bones, this is

simply the theory of Joseph Smith. He represents a God who can be understood byreason.

In Mormonism, sexualism is the hub of the wheel. They always say, "Have youever seen a son without a father," and "If the Son has a body is it not to be understoodthat the Father must have a body also. If there are no females in heaven, how can theFather have an offspring?"

Sexual intercourse is the salvation of the Mormons. It will be there eternal joy.They will propagate forever worlds without end. God said to Abraham: "Thy seed shall

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be as the stars of the heaven and the sands of the sea." How can this prophecy befulfilled," they say, "if men do not multiply after death? To multiply is the greatestcommand."

I heard about these doctrines while I was yet a Mormon. I investigated to see ifthese really were teachings of the church. They told me I could not depend on everything

I heard; that so many stories were told about Mormonism that were not true. But justbefore we left the Mormon church, an old Mormon sister gave me a book of Journal ofDiscourses, Vol II, which contained many sermons by Brigham Young and Orson Hyde.Therein 1 saw in black and white that they teach that Jesus was a polygamist and hadchildren in the flesh. The reason these things are not generally known is because they arenot preached from the platform. They are taught in the priesthood meetings, where onlymen are privileged to attend.

If I had known this abominable doctrine when I was in Holland, I am positivethey could never have converted me to Mormonism. But I am glad after all that I havebeen one, for now I can speak from experience.

The Mormons have a wrong conception of God and the Bible. It speaks in the

Bible of two kinds of seed. The corruptible, or human seed, which is in the loins of men,and the incorruptible seed, or the seed of God. Jesus said, in Luke 8:11, "The seed isthe word of God."

The Apostle James says, (Jas. 1:21), "Wherefore lay apart all filthiness andsuperfluity of naughtiness, and RECEIVE WITH MEEKNESS THE ENGRAFTEDWORD, WHICH IS ABLE TO SAVE YOUR SOULS."

When a soul is saved by the word, it is born of God. It becomes a child of God.

1 Peter 1:23: "Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, bythe word of God, which liveth and abideth forever."

In heaven there is no sex, no white slavery, no cesspools, for there is nocorruption there.

Gal. 3:28: "There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there isneither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus."

Christ is the only Bridegroom, and the Church of Christ is the Bride.Now, concerning Christ having a body of flesh and bone, I should like to add this;

it tells (in Acts 2:31), that Christs FLESH did not see corruption. This is true, butChrists body, after His resurrection was spiritually glorified. It was not that same weakbody that hung on the tree, a body that could be hurt and wearied, that hungered andthirsted for natural food, that was oppressed and suffered in the flesh, a body that wassubject to death. Christs lifeless body was laid in the tomb. It is true it did not seecorruption, even though it was mortal. For although Christ was truly God, He wasalso truly man.

Mortal: (Dictionary meaning is: "Subject to death, a man, a human being.")We do not believe, as the Christian Scientists do, that Christ did not die. Christ

would not have been verily man, if He had not been subject to death.1 Cor. 15:3: "Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures." But death could

not hold Him. The grave could not contain Him. He arose in immortality, henceforthnever more to die.

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The Bible speaks of Gods eyes, head, hair, hands, feet, voice, countenance andmouth in Rev. 1:14-17. It is also stated in Isa. 66:1, "Thus saith the Lord, the Heaven isMy Throne, and the earth is My Footstool."

His arm is so long that it can reach and lift a poor, fallen sinner out of the miryclay.

* * * * *One evening my daughter spoke on the text found in Prov. 15:3, "The eyes of theLord are in every place, beholding the evil and the good."

After the services a young man, a Mormon, confronted her saying, "I dontbelieve what you said, that the eyes of the Lord are in every place."

She said, "'That is what the Bible says. "Well," he replied, "then you believe in aGod who is so large that He is everywhere, and so small that He can dwell in yourheart."

"Exactly," she said, "but I have not a God of flesh and bone in my heart, I havethe spirit of God in my heart, because I have been born of Him, born again."

We wonder to whom the Mormons really pray, for if God cannot see in secret,neither can He hear in secret.

They pray for the sick, to whom do they pray? To their priesthood or some unseenspirit who passes the message on until it reaches the heavenly harbor, I suppose. For theyteach that God lives with His wife or wives on the highest planet called Kolob, and thatHe has His millions of serving angels, who keep Him in constant touch with thehappenings of this universe.

Thank God we do not have to depend on any invisible or visible spirit. ThroughChrist we are reconciled to God, all we have to do is to tune in, by faith and prayer wereach the throne of grace.

I Tim. 2:15, "For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, theman Christ Jesus."

If it is possible for mans voice to be broadcasted over the radio so that thousandswho tune in can hear at the same moment regardless of space, how much more can God,who is almighty, hear our prayers the moment we utter them.

"If men with their natural eyes can see the stars millions of miles distant, howmuch more can God, with His divine eyes, see everywhere."From ChristsAmbassador Herald.

The Bible tells us in Heb. 4:13: "Neither is there any creature that is not manifestin His sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the EYES of Himwith whom we have to do." (I believe the Bible.)

According to this little booklet, "A Friendly Discussion," to know that God haseyes, and ears, and hands and feet, etc., is life eternal, and is knowing the character ofGod. Nothing is said about His infinite power, or His marvelous love for sinners.Nothing of Salvation Through the Blood of Christ.

The story proceeds on page 8.

There they say that Christ died for the righteous and the unrighteous, and thatthereby the sin of Adam is completely done away, for they say that through Christs deathall receive immortality, which they claim is redemption, but not salvation. But, accordingto the scriptures, the fact that Christ has opened the grave and brought about the

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resurrection, will bring a greater condemnation upon the ungodly . Whoare the ungodly? Those who do not accept Jesus Christ as their personalSaviour. Those who do not receive the resurrected Christ in their heart, they will diethe SECOND DEATH.

Rev. 20 :6, "Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection, onsuch the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and ofChrist, and shall reign with Him a thousand years."

From the above we learn there is more than one death to conquer.

The Story Proceeds. Page 9.

"The first condition is this: To believe there is a God (not the kind mentioned in the Englishprayer-book), but the God that created man in His own image, and to have faith in that God and in JesusChrist. whom He has sent."

The reader may have noticed, they again and again remind us that God has a body

like man, and that the Bible states we are created in His image. We will nowendeavor to show by their own doctrine how they contradict themselves, for they denythat God has created Adam and Eve.

"Listen, Ye Latter Day Saints! Supposing that Adam was formed actually out of clay, out of thesame kind of material from which bricks are formed: that with this matter God made the pattern a man, andbreathed into it the breath of life, and left it there, in that state of supposed perfection, he would have beenan adobe to this day. He would not have known anything.

"Some of you may doubt the truth of what I now say, and argue that the Lord could teach him.This is a mistake. The Lord could not have taught him in any other way than in the way in which He didteach him. You believe Adam was made of the dust of this earth. This I do not believe, though it issupposed that it is written in the Bible; but it is not, to my understanding. You can write that information tothe States, if you pleasethat I have publicly declared that I do not believe that portion of the Bible as the

Christian world do. I never did, and I never want to. What is the reason I do not? Because I have come tounderstanding, and banished from my mind all the baby stories my mother taught me when I was achild."Brigham Young, J. of D, Vol. 2.

We will give an abstract from a booklet entitled, "The Way, the Truth, and the L1fe,"written by Mr. Orson F. Whitney, P. 18.

"Preliminary to the fall, earth and the encircling heavens were created not out of nothing, ashuman theology asserts, but out of previously existing materials, as divine revelation affirms.

"Nothing remains, nothing: common sense so declares, and science confirms the decree."

Yes, we observe Mr. Whitney is a common sense man, and he believes in a

common sense God. A God with an eight to twelve ounce brain, just as theaverage man. Mormonism is wholly a brain religion, that which they cannot understand isconsidered faulty translation.

Everyone who goes through their temple knows that in their illustrated servicesthey explain that Adam and Eve came from another planet.

How dare they say that they believe in the God who created man in His ownimage while in reality they deny the God spoken of in Genesis 2:7, "The Lord God (who)

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formed man out of the dust of the ground, and breathed into hisnostrils me breath of life; and man became a living soul.

Now, concerning the statement Mr. Whitney made, "Earth and the encirclingheavens were creatednot out of nothing," it is evident that Mr. Whitney, with all hiswisdom, does not know the actual meaning of the word "Create." A Creator makes hisown material. He calls things into existence that are not. Even the dictionary makes thisplain. (Create)To cause to exist; to bring into being; to make, to produce; to form.

(Creator) means, One who creates; the Supreme Being, who bestowsexistence.

Mr. O. F. Whitney, page 16: "The Latter-Day Saints derive their knowledge of it, not mainly fromthe Bible, nor from any other record of God's dealings with man. It came by direct revelation from JesusChrist to His servant, Joseph, the Prophet.

True enough, the kind of religion Mr. Whitney represents is not found in theBible. And it is more true that the revelation of Joseph Smith is not divine, forit denies

the Word of God.Mormonism is based on the same principle as Evolution, which also denies the

First book of Genesis, declaring man evolved. But whether they believe the Bible or not,does not make truth, untruth.

The Mormons say, "A carpenter can make a table, or a cupboard out of a tree, butno man can make something out of nothing."

This is true, but God says, "I AM GOD, AND NOT MAN." Hosea 11:9.To make a table out of a tree is not creating the table. We worship the God the

angel proclaims in Revelation 14:7, saying with a loud voice, "Fear God and give glory toHim; for the hour of His Judgment is come, and worship Him that made heavenand earth, and the sea and the fountains of waters."

Joseph Smith declared that he received this gospel from the angel. They, however,emphatically deny what the angel preached.

The Story Proceeds. P. 9. Faith being the topic of discussion.

"Well," continued Durant, "the kind of faith required is that which will enable a man, under allcircumstances to say, I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ; for it is the power of God unto salvation.'(Rom. i: 16.) This is the kind of faith by which the worlds were framed; by which the wells of Jericho fell;it was by faith that kingdoms were subdued; righteousness was wrought: promises were obtained, and themouths of lions were closed. (Heb. xi:32-38.) This faith comes by hearing the word of God. (Rom. x:17).And the lack of this faith and the absence of prayer and fasting caused even the Apostles to fall on oneoccasion in casting-out devils. (Matt. xvii:14, 20.) No wonder, then, that without faith it is impossible toplease God. (Heb. xi: 16.) Faith, then, is the first grand stepping-stone to that celestial pathway leading

towards salvation. The more we search into eternal truth, the more we discover that God works uponnatural principle. All the requirements which He makes of us are very plain and simple. How natural thatthe principle of faith should be the primary one of our salvation! With what principle are we more familiar?Faith is the first great principle governing all things: but great as it is, it is dead without works. (James ii:l4-17.) We must not expect salvation by simply having faith that Jesus is the Christ, for the devils inpurgatory are that far advanced.

You see, reader, they quote all the above verses from the Bible to prove to youthat they also believe in faith. Yet they say that the faith those great Bible characters had,

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is only a stepping stone to that celestial pathway leading towards salvation, and greatas it is, it is dead without works. For they claim that salvation comes only in the actof water baptism.

One can clearly observe from their own assertion, that they exalt themselvesabove everything in heaven or earth that is called God.

This alone is sufficient proof that they have not the slightest conception of aninward salvation. They think they have that, which they positively have not. Theseare men who call themselves Apostles of the Church of Jesus Christof Latter-day Saints, not even knowing the difference between brainfaith and saving faith.

The Christian world as a whole, say they believe, but not before we accept Christas the Saviour of our soul can we say we believe. Christ wants our heart, our confidence.

Mormonism is just an outward application of religion, the heart has nothing to dowith it. Joseph Smith absolutely denies a heart religion, which we can observe from thefollowing:

Doc. 8: Gov. Sec. 130:3. (John iv:23) "'The appearing of the Father and the Son in that verse, is apersonal appearance; and the idea, that the Father and the Son dwell in a man's heart, is an old sectariannotion, and is false."

This is sufficient proof that Joseph Smith was not a new bornman.

They claim to receive their knowledge by divine revelation of Joseph Smith, andnot mainly from the Bible, but there is no revelation Outside of the Word of God . It is acrime to believe such doctrine. It is a crime to send out suchliterature into the world.

Indeed God said in Jer. 2:13, For my people have committed two evils; they have

forsaken Me, the fountain of living waters, and hewed them out cisterns, broken cisterns,that can hold no water."

If we go beyond the Word of God, we go beyond God. If we go beyond God webelong to the devil, and the devil truly leads us a merry chase.

The Story proceeds. (Salvation in the act of water baptism.) P. 12.

"And do you really believe that baptism brings remission of sin?" queried the lawyer."Certainly," said the Mormon, "provided, however, honest faith and sincere repentance go before

it, and the ordinance is administered in the proper way by one endowed with divine authority: otherwise Ibelieve it is of no avail whatever."

(The lawyer continues, saying), "It seems to me you surround the doctrine of baptism with moresafeguards than anyone else of whom I have ever heard." . . .

(I should say they do, because they lean on it for salvation, and not on the bloodof Christ.)

Mr. Durant: '"There should be only one true and perfect plan as found in the days of Christ."

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Yes, reader, truly this perfect plan is salvation through the blood of Jesus Christ,not through water baptism. The reader, no doubt, has noticed that the blood of Christ isnot as much as mentioned for salvation. The entire Mormon religion is based onobedience to outward ceremonies, and is a form without life.

It is true there is only one true and perfect plan of salvation. This plan has not, and

will never change. Although there are many creeds and churches, there is only one routeto heaven, and that is the BLOOD ROUTE. Mormon authority has nothing to do with it,neither has water baptism. God does not need the help of a man to save a soul.

The Story Proceeds. (Receiving the Holy Ghost by the laying on of hands.) P. 15.

"But how were they to receive the Holy Ghost?" The Mormon answered, "By the laying on ofhands . . .. 'These signs shall follow them that believe etc. Mark. 16:17-18.

Lawyer: "You must remember, my friend, that the signs were only given in order to establish thechurch in the days of the apostles: but now they are dispensed with, and no longer needed."

"To the law and the testimony," replied Durant."

Mr. Durant doesnt quote the rest of the verse, so we will.

Isaiah 8:20: "To the law and to the testimony, if they speak not according to thisword, it is because there is no light in them."

The law and the testimony is only contained in the Bible, for this reason it readsTHIS WORD, and because they do not speak according to the truths of the Bible, theypronounce their own condemnation, "there is no light in them."

As the reader may notice, Mr. Durant (the Mormon), continually refers to theBible as the law and the testimony, while they hold that the Bible is not divine, and thatmany scriptures are mistranslated, and that it is a record of the past.The Story Proceeds. (Page 16.)

Lawyer: "I must admit that you have convinced me that baptism is a necessity. And when I am

baptized, the ordinance will be performed in the proper manner," said the doctor."I am pleased to learn that, but I may have another surprise for you yet. May I ask. who do you

intend shall baptize you?""My minister, I suppose; why ?""If the words of the Bible he true, there may be a doubt as to whether your minister is authorised

to baptize you."

What words? Nowhere in the Bible is it stated that only the Mormons areauthorized to baptize. They make that up themselves to win their point.

This is now they enslave the souls or man by their man-made authority. First, theymake plain, by the Bible, the necessity of being baptized and promise them salvation inthe act thereof, and when they have convinced them, they say that baptism is of no availunless they perform the ordinance. This unchristianizes the entire Christian world, and

denies the children of God everywhere.Further in the story Durant explains that they alone have a perfect organization

with Apostles, Prophets, and Seventies, etc.But to call a man an Apostle is no proof that he is one. It is character that makes a

man, not the name.The Bible tells us that "God gave some apostles, and some prophets, and some

Evangelists; and some pastors and teachers. (Eph. 4:11.) He knows where they are, forHe placed them in the church, and not man.

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"The listeners were very much surprised, but those who read the Quotations from the Bible, werenot slow to inform Mr. Durant, (the Mormon), that the good old Book substantiated his argument. [??]Thanking him for the patient explanation of his belief, each obtained his card containing the articles of faithof his church, and bidding each other good night, all retired."

It is to be expected that Mr. Durant the Mormon would win the argument for he is

really the only one speaking in the story, the other characters are simply imaginarypersons.

The Bible absolutely does not substantiate Mr. Durants theory of the Body God,etc. How subtle it is to publish a made-up story to introduce religious doctrine. Anyonewith a little knowledge of the truth can readily detect the ignorance of such teachings.

Thank God, we have more than a story book to present. Not merely words or agood old book, for there are many good old books. It is the divine, living word of God,THE BIBLE.

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The angel in the picture called Moroni, standing on the temple wire holding the trumpet is supposedto be the one spoken of in Revelation 14:6, who told Joseph Smith where the records of the Book ofMormon were hidden.

May God help the true believers to hold high THE LIVING WORD OF GOD, THEBIBLE.

The Mormon elders distribute these pamphlets by the thousands an effort to makeproselytes out of the Christian churches.

They truly will admit that we have an equal right to put forth effort to convert theMormons to the Christian faith.

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[23]Reader, this is the story they call "A Friendly Discussion.

In a friendly way they have told you and me that we have no God, no salvation, noauthority to preach the Gospel, no true church, and in order to become saved we mustappeal to them. And furthermore, they tell us that our ministers are out for

money, and not for souls.So, in a friendly way, they strip every one outside of their church of salvation byfaith, and their trust in the Word of God and the fundamentals of the Gospel as given inthe Bible. (They are the only people.)

Now, in regards to the ministers being more addicted to money-getting than tosoul-saving, as recorded in the first part of the story, we wish to say that the Mormonleaders do not know what it means to have their own souls saved, muchless the souls of others. (We do not say this of the Mormons in general.) Theybelieve if man reforms outwardly and does not smoke, drink or chew, and goes through anumber of ceremonies such as baptism, laying on of hands, paying tithes, and some othergood deeds, that he will be saved without having the blood of Christ appliedto his heart. They think they can work their way into heaven.

Mr. O. F. Whitney, a Mormon apostle, writes in his booklet, "The Way, TheTruth, and The Life." Page 8.-

"But now, the ladder {meaning their Gospel} having been let down to man, he can use to fulleffect his God-given power: he can climb from earth to Heaven, round by round."

Reader, let us pray that the same thing will happen to them that happened toMartin Luther while he was climbing the 28 Pilate steps in the chapel Sancta Sanctorumat Rome. That the Lord will also speak to them, "THE JUST SHALL LIVE BY FAITH.

Jesus said, (John 10:1), "He that entereth not by the door (Christ) into the

Sheepfold, but climbeth up some other way, the same is a thief and arobber."

Salvation is of the Lord. It is not reformation, but reconstruction we need.Without the regeneration of the soul we are like white washed sepulchres which appearclean on the outside, while inwardly they are full of (corruption) dead mens bones.

Jesus said, "For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries,fornications, thefts, false witnesses, blasphemies." (Matt. l5:19.)

But thus far we havont answered what they said about the ministers being moneygetters. The Bibles reply is, if a man devotes all his time to the service of the Lord, he

must be provided for, "For the laborer is worthy of his hire."

It is true there are ministers who draw too high a salary. But we cannot place themall on one level, for there are many sincere preachers who are not out for the money, butfor souls, and many of them have but a meager income, and merely live by faith.

I am told that all the high men in the Mormon church draw large salaries. In fact, Iknow that those who hold responsible positions in the church receive their salary everymonth. And this is no more than right, for no one can live on air.

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Matt. 7:3, 4. But why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brothers eye, butconsiderest not the beam that is in thine own eye?

v. 5 Thou hypocrite, First cast out the beam out of thine own eye, and then shaltthou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brothers eye.

The Mormon leaders indulge in all kinds of money-making devices, such as realestate, life insurance, picture shows, factories, etc. Some of the greatest pleasure resorts,such as Lagoon and Salt Air are controlled by the Mormons.

They live in luxury, fare sumptuously and travel extensively. Where does thismoney come from? - It is piled in the church by tithes and offerings of the people.Because they have made the paying of tithes part of their saving ordinance, bywhich they make merchandise out of the souls of men; putting up million dollar temples,and $200,000 tabernacles, besides their other buildings and Academies. They truly graball the money they possibly can get. What right have they to sneer at theministers?

The Mormons claim that their elders are sent out without purse or script. But theyare in the mission field for only two or three years, and then return home and work fortheir living.

They generally take enough wearing apparel to last them. They are given severalfarewell parties and dances to raise the money to send them off. I am sure each and everyone of them take their overcoat with them, and a good purse of money. Yet, I becausethey are not promised a regular salary, they make it appear to the public as though theyare sent out the Bible way.

Many of the elders they send out are merely inexperienced young boys. They maylive good, moral lives, but they know nothing of the regeneration of the soul through theblood of Christ.

They are not taught to receive Christ by faith into their heart. They do not believein it, and furthermore, they deny all who claim this testimony. Such unregenerated,ignorant youths are sent out to the foreign lands, to convert people into Mormonism.

They preach water baptism by immersion according to the Bible, and even a greatnumber who are saved in the Salvation Army are entrapped by this principle intoMormonism, because the Salvation Army does not preach water baptism. When thisprinciple is explained to them, they want to obey it because it is Biblical. After theybecome Mormons, they are led astray from the word of God and Jesus Christ, and nowtheir testimony is that they believe the Gospel, and that Joseph Smith is a true prophet.They are fed on the Book of Mormon Doc. & Cov., and the Pearl of Great Price, the latterbeing of heathen origin, completely coinciding with their doctrine of sexualism througheternity, while as a matter of fact, it is nothing more or less than a fable.

Why do they get so many followers'? Because they maintain to have somethingnew for the people. The message they bring is that God has spoken again from heaventhrough the prophet Joseph Smith, and that the true church of Christ is restored on earthwith apostles and prophets, with healings and speaking in tongues, etc.

They promise salvation in the act of water baptism if the ordinance is performedby their authority.

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They believe that eventually all will be saved and even the devil will have some chance.

Good and Bad in Every Church.

The Mormons claim the only true church, nevertheless they have to admit there isgood and bad in their church also. For they, themselves, call those who do not live up tothe requirements of their church, "Jack Mormons," though they have beenbaptized by their authority.

Truth is universal and cannot be obtained by one body of people alone.Christs invisible church consists of all true believers who are really washed by

the blood. The church is the people, not the building. Christs church is pure and holy,there is no bad in it.

Eph. 5:25-27 . . . "Christ loved the church, and gave Himself for it, that He mightsanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, that He mightpresent it to Himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; butthat it should be holy and without blemish."

If the Mormon church was THE true church, there would not be one unclean soul

in it.The true, yet invisible church is found in all churches everywhere. The Mormon

church not excluded, for we do not believe we are the only people. Any class of peoplewho claim to alone be right and all others wrong are bound to be out of harmony withGod.

I went to hear Evangelist Gypsy Smith. He stated that someone told him that theirchurch was "THE" church. The Evangelist told him to go home and fill the bathtub full ofwater and call it, "THE ocean."

I would not be a bit surprised if this man was a Mormon. They say in theirArticles of Faith, No. 11, "We claim the privilege of worshipping Almighty God

according to the dictates of our conscience, and allow all men the same privilege, letthem worship how, where or what they may."But generally when they hear someone preaching the Gospel according to our Bible, theyconfront them by saying, "W-H-E-R-E D-O Y-O-U G-E-T Y-O-U-R A-U-T-H-O-R-I-T-Y?

They are so sure that no man is called of God to preach but they that they feel it istheir duty to tell us so.

Christ, the Head of the True Church.

The Bible tells us Christ is the head of the true church, and in due time He willestablish His literal kingdom on earth. Nothing unclean shall enter in, because (HE

ALONE) knows the heart of men. No mistake can be made. You may be called anapostle, or a prophet, but if your name is not written in the book of life, you are out of thekingdom.

Remember the book of life is kept. in heaven, it is not a church record.Job said, "Now also behold, my witness is in heaven, and my record is on high."

(Job 15:19.)

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Jesus said to His disciples, (Luke 10:20), "Notwithstanding in this rejoice not, thatthe spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice because your names are written inheaven."

When are our names written in heaven? When we apply for mercy, when we

knock at the door which is Christ. There is only one door, one faith, one Lord, onebaptism, one route, which is by way of Calvary. Therefore, many souls are saved throughthe entire world unknown to man, but known to God.

The Church of England.

We will now refer to the statement given from the Church of England."There is but one living and true God, everlasting; without body, parts, or

passions; of infinite power, wisdom and goodness, the maker and preserver of all thingsboth visible and invisible." They must mean by this, no visible body or passions like man.The Mormon doctrine states that they everlastingly will propagate and bring forthchildren as they do here. This is unbiblical, for there is no sex in heaven.

Gal. 3:28, "There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there isneither MALE nor FEMALE: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus."

Now, concerning the character of God, I would rather have the Church ofEnglands representation of a. spiritual God who has infinite power, the Creator of allthings visible and invisible, etc., than a God of flesh and bones that Joseph Smithrepresents, who cannot hear, see, save or create, and cannot be present in our places ofworship; a God who is as tangible as a man, and has to depend on his two legs to move,as any human being.

Joseph Smith said in one of his revelations:

(Doe. & Cov. 130:1.} "When the Saviour shall appear, we shall see Him as He is. We shall seethat He is a man like ourselves."

I am convinced that that man, which they shall call Saviour, will be the man ofsin, the Son of Perdition, the Anti-Christ; and while they will be worshipping him andpaying homage to him, believing that he is God, the Lord will suddenly descend fromheaven in a cloud.

2 Thess: 2:8, "And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shallconsume with the spirit of His mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of hiscoming."

Joseph Smith Needed Only One Verse of the Bible.

In Mormonism men become their OWN God and their OWN Saviour.Their words shall stand, and not those of the Bible. All that Joseph Smith needed

of the Bible was ONE verse, Jas. 1:5, "If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God thatgiveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him."

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He said this verse struck him very forcibly, and he asked God for wisdom,whereupon he declared the Father and the Son came down from heaven and spoke to himin a vision, telling him that all churches were corrupt, that all the ministers had a form ofGodliness, but denied the power thereof. He alone was right, for he was chosen to do agreat work; and put up a church of his own, which he established April 6, 1830. After this

he even changed that one verse, and told his followers, instead of going to God forwisdom, they now should come to him and accept his word, as from the mouth ofGod. This we will prove from his own revelation.

Doc. & Cov. See. 21:1-2. Revelation to Joseph Smith, Jun., given at Fayette. New York, April ll,1830.

"Behold, there shall be a record kept among you, and in it thou shalt be called a seer, a translator, aprophet, an apostle of Jesus Christ, an elder of the church through the will of God, the Father, and the graceof your Lord, Jesus Christ.

"Being inspired of the Holy Ghost to lay the foundation thereof, and to build it up unto the mostholy faith."

Joseph Smith claims that after the death of Jesus Christ and His apostles, the truthwas taken away from the earth until his time, when the Gospel was restored. Butaccording to the above statement, there must never have been truth, for Joseph Smith isappointed to lay the foundation of the only true church of Jesus Christ.Joseph Smith speaks as though God were speaking.

v. 4. "Wherefore. meaning the church, thou shalt give heed unto all his words and commandments,which he shall glve unto you as he receiveth them, walking in all holiness before me."

Notice, it says to heed unto all his words, which he (Joseph Smith), shall giveunto them.

Doc. & Cov. Sec. 2l:5-66: "For his word ye shall receive, as if from mine own mouth, in allpatience and faith."

v. 6. "For by doing these things the gates of hell shall not prevail against you; yea, and the LordGod will disperse the powers of darkness from I before you, and cause the heavens to shake for your good,and His name's glory."

Think of it reader, he says the heavens will shake for their good, if they accept hisWords as from the mouth of God. Right here is where the Bible isannulled and laid aside. Men are not told to go directly to God for wisdom, (whichJoseph Smith claimed he did), but to Joseph Smith, and accept his word as from themouth of God. Here is where they change the law and the testimony , I

the very thing they accuse the Christians of doing.

I have told you that Joseph Smith just needed one verse of our Bible to get a startto establish a church of his own, for you may notice not a single word ismentioned that the blessed Word of God. should be their guide. Theycan make scriptures now themselves, but let us read a few more verses of this samerevelation before we refer to that subject.

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v. 7. "For thus saith the Lord God, him have I inspired to move the muse of Zion in mighty powerfor good, and his diligence I know, and his prayer I have heard."

v. 8. "Yea, his weeping for Zion I have seen, and I will cause that I he shall mourn for her nolonger, for his days of rejoicing are come unto the remission of his sins, and the manifestations of myblessings upon his works."

From the above we may observe that Joseph Smith, although called Prophet, Seerand Revelator, did not even have forgiveness of sins.How can an unregenerated man walk in holiness before God with an Adamic,

carnal nature?It is safe to say that there has never been a more deceiving religion than that of

Joseph Smiths.From the revelation of Joseph Smith we have learned that his words are as

infallible as the word of God. In other words, when he speaks, God speaks, and hisfollowers are told to give heed to all his words and commandments.

I will now show to the reader that he again contradicts his own prediction.

Doc. & Cov. Sec 68. (Revelation given through Joseph, the Seer, at Hiram, Portage County, Ohio,November, 1881, to Orson Hyde, Luke Johnson, Lyman Johnson, William E. M'Lellin. The mind and willof the Lord, as made known by the voice of the Spirit, to a conference concerning certain elders. and alsocertain items as made known in addition to the Covenants and commandments.)

1. My servant, Orson Hyde, was called by his ordinance to proclaim the everlasting Gospel, hy theSpirit of the living God, from people to people, and from land to land. in the congregations of the wicked,in their synagogues, reasoning with. and expounding all Scriptures unto them.

(What scriptures? Let us carefully read the following.)

2. And, behold. and lo, this is an ensample unto all those who were ordained unto this Priesthood,

whose mission is appointed unto them to go forth;3. And this is the ensample unto them, that they shall speak as they are moved upon by the Holy

Ghost.4. And whatsoever they shall speak when moved upon by the Holy Ghost, shall he scripture, shall

be the will of the Lord, shall be the mind of the Lord, shall he the word of the Lord, shall be the voice ofthe Lord, and the power of God unto salvation:

5. Behold this is the promise of the Lord unto you, O ye, my servants.

Joseph Smith in the above told his followers that their words also wereinfallible and were scripture. Notwithstanding the fact that he had told them theyshould accept his words as from the mouth of God, and obey hiscommandments, but in this last revelation he tells them that their words were also

infallible and were scripture. That is why they all become gods, as they believe.

Reader, it takes the Holy Ghost to expose the lies of the devil. When the HolyGhost speaks, he does not call Tom, Dick and Harry by name through a human agency.He speaks to men personally, and points them to the living word of God.

If men should commit no other sin than to deny the word of God, it would besufficient to send them to hell for eternity.

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How shall they escape damnation who deny the divinity of the

Word of God? If we go beyond the word, we go beyond God, and then we are lost.

John, the Revelator, said in Rev. 22:18- 19, "For I testify unto every man thatheareth the words of the prophecy of this book, if any man shall add unto these things,

God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book:"And, if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy,God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and thethings which are written in this book."

"Oh," the Mormons say, "this only pertains to the book that John wrote, not to allof the Bible."

But, reader, they add to this very book of John, the Revelator, the revelations ofJoseph Smith. Therefore, the penalty pronounced in the hook shall be meted out to them,if they do not repent. In fact, this verse is pertaining to the scriptures as a whole.See Prov. 35:6, "Every Word of God is pure; He is a shield to them that put their trust inHim. Add thou not unto His words, lest he reprove thee, and thou befound a liar."

We cannot help but feel sorry for Joseph Smith. We do not say that he was awillful deceiver, but truly he was deceived, and through his doctrine, thousands of soulshave been led astray from Christ and His word.

Truly the judgment day will reveal all the secret things. We will know as also weare known by God. We shall then be sorry if we have not fully relied on the word of God,and have neglected the day of salvation.

When our Lord shall come again,Therell be weeping, therell be wailing,

Therell be sorrow, therell be pain,Therell be singing, therell be shouting,

When our Lord shall come again.

Orson Hyde, one of the leaders mentioned in the previous revelation of JosephSmith, wrote the following in Journal of Discourses, Volume II, page 210.

"I discover that some of the Eastern papers represent me as a great blasphemer, because I said, inmy lecture on Marriage, at our last Conference, that Jesus Christ was married at Cana of Galilee, that Mary,Martha, and others were his wives, and that he begat children."All that I have to say in reply to that charge is this--they worship a Saviour that is too pure and holy tofulfill the commands of His Father. I worship one that is just pure and holy enough 'to fulfill allrighteousness, not only the righteous law of baptism, but the still more righteous and important, 'to multiplyand replenish the earth. Startle not at this! for even the Father, Himself, honored that law by coming downto the Virgin Mary, without a natural body, and begetting a Son; and if Jesus begat children, He only 'didthat which He had seen His Father do'."

Reader, these are the exact words, and let me remind you that they believe that theVirgin Mary was conceived of Adam, and not of the Holy Ghost.

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NO SALVATION IN WATER BAPTISM

I would like to say a little more concerning water baptism.The Mormons always remark how foolish it is to baptize infants, for they say they

are sinless and cannot repent or believe. But in my opinion, it is far greater mockery for

those who have understanding and know they are sinners an can repent, and believe tothink that through water baptism their sinful heart is changed, and their sins are forgiven;that through water baptism they are regenerated, or born again. You may make yourselfbelieve this until you enter into eternity, and then you will find out you have fooledyourself.

Nothing can regenerate the heart of man but the power ofGod. Unless we come in contact with Him by faith in Christ'satonement, water or priest is of no efficacy to our lost soul.

It is surprising that with all the progress man has made scientifically, they are stilldrifting farther and farther away from the truth of the Word of God. Today, more than

ever before, man is trying to find a substitute for the plan of salvation. They want to enterin their own way and not in Gods way.

How can any one believe that an infant through water baptism can become an heirof God and an inheritor to the kingdom of heaven? Where does the New Birth come inthat Jesus spoke of?

How can man believe that a grown person can receive salvation through waterbaptism? If this was so, what was the need of Christs death.

"Well," they say, "you cannot separate the water and the spirit, for Jesus said toNicodemus, Ye must be born again through water and spirit."

Friends, if Jesus meant the water of the earth, why was Nicodemus so puzzledabout it. Why didnt Jesus tell him plainly that He meant water baptism? On the contrary,when Nicodemus thought on the earthly birth which comes through water, Jesus said,"'That which is born of the flesh, is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit, is spirit." Inother words, what is of the earth is earthly, but what is of the spirit is from heaven. Iswater not of the earth? How can the New Birth be half earthly and half from heaven?Spiritual and material things do not mix together.

That Jesus was referring to the water of the Word of God is evident by thefollowing scripture.

Eph. 5:25, 26 "Christ also loved the church, and gave Himself for it, that Hemight sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word."

This scripture refers us to John 15:3: Now ye are clean through the word which Ihave spoken unto you."

If the spirit and water baptism bring the New Birth, where does the word come in?

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The only agency the Lord uses to reconstruct the souls of men is the Word ofGod, which is the living water for the soul.

Anyone who does not understand this truth is not seeking for salvation, does notknow their lost condition, and have no conception of the efficacy of the death of Christ.

They may become religious and join some church to work out their own salvation, asthey suppose.If water baptism regenerates the soul of man, then all who are baptized are saved,

and all who are not baptized are lost. And this is really the belief of these water savers.They send every one to hell who is not baptized. If we point them to the thief on thecross, some say he wasnt saved, others say he was under the Jewish law, and wascircumcised. But Paul says that neither circumcision nor uncircumcision is of any avail,but we have to become new creatures in Christ Jesus. God looks at the heart. He takes thewill for the deed. He knew that if the thief on the cross had a chance he would have beenwilling to be baptized. He would have been mighty glad to witness, through baptism, thathe had become a new creature.

Water baptism is of a great significance to those who are really born again andwashed by the blood, otherwise it is of no avail.

There will be an awful awakening in eternity, to those who believe that waterbaptism, in any form, or by any authority can regenerate the soul. It is a receiving liefrom Satan, deluding multitudes into the belief that they are safe for heaven, when, as afact, they are on the road to meet that wrath of God against the unrepentant sinner whichis everywhere disclosed in Gods Holy Word.

THE LATEST NEWS OF THE MORMON CONFERENCE OF 1927.

I read in the paper the latest news of the Mormon conference of 1927. Theheading was "DIVINITY OF CHRIST ROCK OF MORMONS. It reads as follows:

SALT LAKE CITY, April 3"Divinity of Jesus Christ and of the mission of theprophet, Joseph Smith, was the keynote of the ninety-seventh annual cnoference of theMormon Church, as voiced by the President, Heber J. Grant, in his opening addresstoday. The theme was taken up by other speakers, special emphasis being placed on thepoint that while other churches are said to be torn by discussion placed on the Divinity ofChrist, the members of the Latter-Day Saints, {Mormon) church stand solidly in theirtestimony that Christ was the Son of the Living God.

"In the opening address of the afternoon, Charles W. Nibley, second counselor inthe first presidency of the church, scoffed at the idea advanced by some sectarian writersthat the Mormon Church is crumbling, and that its members will embrace other faiths.He asked what the other churches have to offer, and declared that he hadno ill will toward other organizations, and no bad feeling, but that he felt sorry for themand wished to help them.

"Statistics read by President Grant called attention to the fact that the Californiamission transferred to the Los Angeles stake, at the time of the organization of the stake,property valued at $200,000. The church, said President Grant, now owns propertyvalued at $400,000 in the California mission.

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"Substantial growth in the church during the year was noted in other statistics readby the president. These showed a total of 6,663 converts baptized and entered on therecords of the stakes and missions during that time. Children baptized in the stakes andmissions during the year numbered 15,025."L. A. Daily Times.

A lady said, after she read this article in the paper; "Thats one thing I respect the

Mormons for, they are standing on the Divinity of Christ.""Yes," I replied, "that is what they say, but I know that they do notbelieve it in the way the Bible teaches it. They talk as the Christians do forthey know that is the best way to get people into Mormonism.

The Mormons believe in the divinity of Christ as the Christian Scientists do. Theysay we are all divine sons and daughters from birth. They say our spirits are born inheaven of a father and mother, and predestined to come on earth and take up a body asJesus was predestinated. THEY DENY THE INCARNATION OF CHRIST BY THEHOLY GHOST.

As the reader may observe from the above statements, they challenge thechurches to tell them what they have to offer that they have not. They think they have

everything, and we have nothing.It is about time that we send them an answer to their questions, and we hope they willstudy our literature as we do theirs.

AN APPEAL TO THE MORMON PEOPLE TO RETURN TOCHRIST AND THE BIBLE.

The reason we make such a strenuous effort to explain the scriptures to theMormon people is because we know they are weaned away from Jesus Christand the Word of God. In order to awaken them, the Word of God has to be broughtto them in a new way. At any rate, we must send forth the warning,whether they accept it or not.

You may say, "I am a member of the true church, we haveprophets and apostles;We have the authority and priesthood;We have a perfect organization;We have the highest light."But friends, have you Christ? Without Christ in our heart, religionis an empty shell, a form with life.

"Yes," you say, "I believe Christ is the Saviour of the World."Is He your Saviour? Does He dwell in your heart by faith? (Eph. 3:1.7.)

Have you passed from death unto life? (John 5:24.)Do you know your sins are blotted out? {Isa. 44:22.)Is there no condemnation in your soul? (Rom. 8:1.)Have you become a new creature in Christ Jesus? (2 Cor. 5:17.)You say, "I work out my salvation.You cannot work it out before you have received it. Salvation is a free gift of

God. Anything we partly pay for cannot be called a free gift.

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Study the Word of God.

Dear ones, study the Word of God and He will reveal the truth to your soul. Youhave severed your connection with God by relying on Joseph Smiths revelations, and thebook of Mormon, etc. God cannot speak to you until you surrender to Him and accept His

Word, (the Bible). There is no salvation outside of the Bible. There is no forgiveness ofsin but through the blood of Christ. If you do not know that, you are still a lost sinner,bound for an endless destruction.

Study the Word of God and give Him a chance to put conviction upon your soul,that you can see your lost condition without Him. Your soul is starving for the lack ofspiritual food.

I John 5:12: "He that hath the Son (in his heart), hath life, and he that hath not theSon, hath not life."

No man can save his own soul, it takes blood of Christ toremove all stain of sin.

Evangelist Gypsy Smith says: "Mans way of salvation is to glorify selfGods Way humbles self and enthrones God. Your religion, your ownsalvation, your own working out, will take Gods divinity from Him and put divinity inyou. God's way of salvation just dethrones the sinner and makes him feel a poor, lostman, but it enthrones God, and therefore makes salvation possible in his humility. Yourway takes away my hope, and robs God of His glory - Gods way takes away my gloryand makes me set in the heavenly place in Christ Jesus .... * * Remember! Christ madeHimself of no reputationremember, He laid His glory by; who, being equal to God. Hehumbled Himself and became a man. He humbled Himself even to the death of the cross.Remember! Remember!

"And then show your love - if you love Him show your gratitude, if you haveany? Come out of your hide and confess your God.The world is sayinghard things about Jesus, and the church is standing by and is silent.God help us to say a good word for our friend Jesus. It is time we did

it. He deserves it. Ho deserves it ... You have gone astray and you have brokentrust.

Do you want to be reconstructed? Come back to Him. Give Him yourheart. Nobody can put you right but Godnobody but God. Dont forget it. Nobodybut Jesus . . . A man told me my sins were forgiven a thousand times, but the moment

Jesus said, Your sins are forgiven, my heart found it out! When men put their hands onyou, they only aggravate. When God puts His hands on you, He makes a new creature.When human lips say forgiveness is yours, it only aggravates; when the divine says it,your heart leaps for joy. Only God can do that. Thats why He says, Give Me thyheart. You cannot have a new life with an old heart.

Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.

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Thank God for a man like Brother Gypsy Smith, who still clings to that oldtime religion which every true Christian believes in.

Salvation comes through faith in the atonement of the blood of Christ, and notthrough any of our own good merits.

Eph. 2:8: "For by grace are ye saved through faith: and that not of yourselves: it is

the gift of God."9. "Not of works, lest any man should boast."Rom. 3:20: "For by the deed of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his

sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin."Gal. 5:4: "Christ is become of no effect unto you whosoever of you are justified

by the law; ye are FALLEN FROM GRACE.The devil is rocking men to sleep, promising a chance after death. It is a lie from

the pit, man-made doctrine by those who claim to have authority over your soul.

Jer. 17:5: "Thus saith the Lord; cursed be the man that trusteth in man, andmaketh flesh his arm, and whose heart departeth from the Lord."

Jesus said in Matt. 23:8: BE not ye called Rabbi: for ONE is your master evenChrist; and all ye are brethren."Rev. 22:13: "I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the

1ast."Rev. 1:18: "I am He that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive

forevermore, Amen; and HAVE THE KEYS OF HELL AND OF DEATH."

God is still on the throne, and He has not, and will not, transfer His

rights to anyone else.* * * * *

We have the burden for your souls and are praying for youconstantly, especially for the people of my own nationality who are

raised and nurtured by the Word of God and by guile are weanedaway from the fountains of living waters; and they dont know it.

lsa. 52:3: "For thus saith the Lord, Ye have sold yourself fornaught; and ye shall be redeemed without money.

I Peter 1:17. Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemedwith corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vainconversation received by tradition from your fathers;

"But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb withoutblemish and without spot." We cannot be saved by any of our owngood merits, neither by our morality or churchianity.

Mark 8:37. What shall a man give in exchange for his soul?"lt takes the price of the blood of Christ to redeem us from

eternal damnation. It is not true that through the death of Christ ALLmen are redeemed, although they will be resurrected from thegrave. Only those who receive the blood of Christ on the door postsof their heart will receive redemption. Ex. 2:13. " ..... When l see theblood, I will pass over you." Those who do not receive Christ as theirpersonal Saviour, here on earth, will die the second death. This isBiblical.

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We must receive salvation before we can work it out. RETURNT0 CHRIST AND THE BIBLE.

The love of God constrains us to send out this message. God iscalling you, He loves you. He wants your heart, your confidence.

Repent now, plead for mercy, flee from wrath to come, time isshort. Repent now, accept Jesus.

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IN CONCLUSION.

I have received a tract written by a Mormon Elder, Joseph A. McRae, entitled

"Facts for Thinkers Mr. McRae said, "We have been subjected to the light ofinvestigation for many years, and the charges against us have never been sustained.

"The man who is afraid to have the sunlight of investigation thrown upon hisreligious convictions is a coward, untrue to his pretended position.

"We court inquiry, and ask for an expose of all the doctrines we teach."

* * * * *

It would take a good sized book to expose all the doctrines they teach, but wehave endeavored to answer many.We indeed count it our duty to answer the literature they continually distribute

against the Christian religion of the Bible.

* * * * *

We have written a book entitled, "MORMON MYSTERIES REVEALED. Itcontains about sixty different subjects on Mormonism, answered by the scriptures.

The book has already been a great blessing to many.Price 50c postpaid.Please enclose postage for reply to letters.

* * * * *

Address all mail and orders to International Truth Distributors,P. O. Box 1283, Los Angeles, California.

WEST COAST PUBLISHING CO.,127 So. Spring St.,

. LOS ANGELES, CALIF.

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Sow the Seed of the Word of God

The Mormon elders often make a house to house canvas to distributetheir free literature. They tell the reader they will be back in fourteen days

for a reply. They are well posted on their subject and so nearly resemble thetruth that those who do not know their doctrine cannot easily detect thewrong.

May we draw the attention of the reader to the fact that in this booklet,called "A Friendly Discussion," nothing is mentioned about Joseph Smith,the Book of Mormon or any of their other books.

They win people by the Bible, and after they are won, they substitutethe doctrine of the church. They make the majority of their proselytes fromthe Christian churches, promising them salvation in the act of water baptism,

providing the ordinance is performed by their authority; hence, when theyleave the church they lose their salvation. They are ignorant of a real heartexperience through faith in Christs atonement.

Many of their followers do not live their religion, but they cling totheir church, thinking thus to be saved. Still they claim to be the mostenlightened people on the earth. That is why it is so hard for them to come tothe light; because they think they have it all, they are not yet looking foranything else.

Oh, if they knew what they are missing without a REAL SOULSALVATION.

We think it is about time that the Christians awakened to theirresponsibility, and put forth a little more effort and be bold enough to makea house to house canvas to SOW THE SEED OF THE WORD OF GOD,convert the Mormons back to Christ and the Bible. We know that Godsword will not, and cannot, return unto Him void, and that every creaturemust stand or fall by the Bible.

"In the beauty of the lilies, Christ was born across the sea,With a glory in His bosom that transfigures you and me;

As He died to make men holy, let us live to make men free;While God is marching on."

Please pass this message on to a Mormonfriend.

Documents

M. C. Vellinga 1928, Refutation to [a Mormon Pamphlet]