Papurau Newydd Cymru

Chwiliwch 15 miliwn o erthyglau papurau newydd Cymru

Cuddio Rhestr Erthyglau

10 erthygl ar y dudalen hon

Advertising

--_._-_---Letters to the Editor.…

--+-The Incorporation of the…

--Utah Mormonism.

Newyddion
Dyfynnu
Rhannu

Utah Mormonism. The Doctrine of Polygamy. To the Editor of the Rhondda Leader." Sir,—The Utah Mormons are doing all they can to deny the existence of polygamy among them at the present time. But, unfortunately, all their denials are false; and polygamy is still practised in Utah, and is also taught to-day as a true principle by the Elders travelling in our midst. But it is done covertly. I It is generally believed that polygamy was a tenet of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints organised by Joseph Smith and others April 6th. 1830. But this is a sad mistake, and has been brought about by the artifices of Brigham Young and his colleagues. The Mormon hierarchy in Utah was organised by Young, and is in no way connected with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints organised in 1830, excepting that Brigham Young and his following had once been members of the original Church. This Church is, therefore, not responsible for the abominations taught and prac- tised in Utah. We might as well say that the Apostles Paul or Peter or John were responsible for the "community of wives," or polygamy, taught by Nicolas and condemned in Rev. ii. 6, 15; or im- pute to the true Christian religion the abominations of the Cainites; or of the followers of Carpocrates, who. though a believer in Christ, or was going under the name of Christian, taught with re- spect to practice, licentiousness in the highest degree, for he not only allowed his disciples full liberty to sin, but re- commended to them a vicious course of life, as a matter both of obligation and necessity asserting that eternal salvation was onlv attainable by those who had committed all sorts of crimes, and had daringly filled up the measure of in- daringly filled up the measure of in-I equity (Mosheim Tr. by Dr. Maclain. paige 63).. No fair-minded man, whether he be Christian or heathen, would impute to the early Christian fathers the abomina- tions of the sects that practised all manner of crimes in the name of Chris- tianity. But it is the natural tendency of man to yield to the popular clamour without investigating for himself the facts in any case. That which has hap- pened to the Church of Jesus Christ in the latter day is only a repetition of history. The doctrine of the Church on the marriage question was strictly monogamic. or one wife to one husband, and vice versa. It taught that Thou shalt love thy wife with all thy heart and shalt cleave unto her and none else." Speak- ing of this law Orson Pratt said: This you have, no doubt, all read; but let me ask whether the Lord had the privi- lege and the right to vary from this law (sermon by Orson Pratt, October 7th 1869). But Mr. Charles W. Penrose, in his "Rays of Living Light," referring to the present condition of Christendom," says What is the reason of this trans- formation? Has God changed? Or, have not men changed the order, ordinances, discipline, doctrines and spirit of the Church, of Christ?" (page 22). According to Orson Pratt, God has a right to change when it suits Brighamism for Him to change. But when it comes to Protestantism or Roman Catholicism, it is man that has brought about the changes. What a partial God these Brighamites worship! A changeable God condemning changeability! But we might ask in the words of Mr. Penrose, What is the reason of this transformation? and we might let him answer the question, too. God is the same yesterday, to-day, and for ever. A principle of truth never changes. Yet Mr. Penrose agrees with Mr. Pratt that the Lord had the privilege and the rip-ht to vary from this law." Are these Utah Mormons consistent? Have they the truth to present to the people? To ask us to believe in a changeable God Who is the same yesterday, to-day, and for ever, and in a changeable principle of truth that never changes, is a little too much like trading on ignorance and credulity. Again, Mr. Penrose says of Rays of Living Light This tract is but preliminary to others, in which the ONE everlasting way of life and plan of salvation will be plainly pointed out, for the benefit of mankind and the glory of the Supreme and Eternal God, to Whom be honour and praise for ever. Amen (page 4). This statement shows plainly how easy it is for Mr. Penrose to make false state- ments in order to mislead his readers. Mr. Penrose is well aware that, according to the faith of the church he represents, No one can reject this (celestial and pluiral marriage) covenant, and be per- mitted to enter into glory," but he shall be damned, said the Lord God (Utah Doc. & Cov. 132; 4, 6). And on this same question, President Geo. A. Smith, speaking in the Tabernacle in Salt Lake City, October 8th, 1869, says:- All good Christians are flattering themselves with the hope that they will finally enter the gates of the New Jeru- salem. I presume this is the hope of all denominations Catholics, Protestants, Greeks, and all who believe the Bible. Suppose they got there, what will they find ? They will find at the twelve gates twelve angels, and names written thereon, which are the names of the twelve tribes of the children of Israel.' The names of the twelve sons of Jacob, the polygamist. Can a monogamist enter there? Those who denounce patriarchal (Dlural) marriage will have to stay without and never1 walk the golden streets. And any man or woman that lifts his or her voice to proclaim against a plurality of wives under the govern- ment of God, will have to seek an inherit- ance outside of that city. For there shall in no wise enter into it, anything that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination or maketh a lie, for without are the sorcerers, whoremongers, and whosoever loveth and maketh a lie.' Is not the man that denounces celestial marriage a liar? Does he not work abominations? 'I, Jesus, have sent mine angel to, testify unto you these things in the churches. I am the root and off- spring of (the polygamist) David, the bright and morning star.' May God enable us to keep this law, for blessed are they that do His com- mandments, that they may have a right to the tree of life and may enter in through the gate into the city. Amen." (" Does the Bible sanction Polygamy?" pages 157-8). In the face of these thinss. we cannot help but conclude that Mr." Penrose and others of the same cult are among the number who seek deep to hide their counsel from the Lord. And their works are in the dark; and they say, Who seeth us and who knoweth us." Let them come out of their hiding and let the people know their true doctrines. It will not do for them to declare in the

Advertising

--+--The Church Congress,

Sanitary Accommodation at…

-------------__---_-A Mother's…

Advertising

--Utah Mormonism.