Thirdly.—That apostasy from the original and pure order of the Gospel as established by Christ and His divinely commissioned servants, is clearly foretold in Holy Writ; and that the discrepant condition of professing Christian Churches is an existing proof of the genuine character of those predictions.
Fourthly.—That a latter day restoration of the true Gospel is prophetically promised in the Scriptures. The setting up, by revelation, of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, after the ancient pattern, sustains the validity of the prophecies given to that effect.
Fifthly.—That the comprehensive and far-reaching nature of the Gospel renders it applicable to the whole human race; that, consistent with its intrinsically liberal character, it provides for the correct teaching, improvement and ultimate salvation of the dead as well as the living. This fact alone should cause a sentiment of adoration to ascend to God from the heart of every human being to whom it is communicated.
Sixthly.—That the sectarian dogma of one universal heaven and hell, making but two distinct ultimate abodes for the multifarious grades of human intelligences, is an unscriptural fallacy, inconsistent with the just decree that men shall be rewarded according to their works.
Seventhly.—That the Scriptures promise a visit, before the end of the rule of wickedness, from Elijah the Prophet, to restore the keys and powers pertaining to the turning of the hearts of the children to the fathers, etc. In verification of the claim put forth by the Saints that that prediction has been fulfilled, the feelings of the children are being strongly inclined to their progenitors.
Eighthly.—That the propositions advanced are not only sustained by appeals to reason, but are so markedly scriptural that we are surely not claiming too much in assuming that the professed believer in Holy Writ is left with but two alternatives to choose from. He must either discard the sacred record as unworthy of his retention, or accept of the doctrines and principles herein set forth and clearly established.
Appeal and Testimony.
We appeal to every unconverted soul to whose notice these words shall be brought, to stop and reflect upon the importance of the message we declare. The note of warning is not to one nation or people, but to this whole generation of men. The proclamation of the Gospel, that was to be delivered by a holy angel in the latter days, was to be to "every nation, kindred, tongue and people." It was to be universal. None were to be exempt; not even those who would be professed followers of the Savior, for all were to be, at the time of the beginning of the restitution of all things, out of the way of the True Shepherd.
Reader, we appeal to you to step forward and, with an unbiased mind, investigate, that you may be able to intelligently decide whether or not the claim of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints be legitimate or otherwise. Be "fearless of the world's despising," for this was the independent position assumed by the former-day disciples of the Redeemer. Think of the great prize that awaits him who listens to the voice of the True Shepherd, rather than to the alluring popular praise of the multitude, and endures to the end.
We not only plead with you to consider the eternal welfare of your own soul, but, in the name of Jesus Christ, we testify to you that God the Eternal Father, has at last broken the speechless gloom of centuries. He has spoken from heaven and established his authority on the earth. If you have, by evil and false reports regarding the Saints, been surrounded by prejudice, break down the repulsive barrier. Draw the bolts and throw open the shutters of your mind, that the glorious sunlight of eternal truth may enlighten your soul with its illuminating beams. Remember the Saints of former days: how they were vilified, abused, maltreated and murdered for the truth's sake. Search diligently for the truth as it is in Christ, and when you have found it, treasure it as a gem of priceless value. It will lead you to seek for a duly commissioned servant of the Most High God, and inspire you to request him, after you have repented of your sins, to baptize you for the remission of the same, and to lay hands upon your head that you may receive the gift of the Holy Ghost; for thus did the ancients. Your thus becoming "like a little child," by obedience to the Lord's will, makes you a citizen of the kingdom of God, and by continued faithfulness, you can know, and not merely believe, that the doctrine, instead of being human, is divine.