7. THAT IN ALL PAST AGES PROPHETS HAVE BEEN PERSECUTED.
WAS JOSEPH SMITH A PROPHET?
TESTIMONY OF HIS WORKS.
The passages of scripture already given prove beyond question that a prophet is to be raised up to prepare the way before the coming of the Lord. If the Bible prophecies are to be fulfilled we are certainly justified in believing that this should be the case.
So far as known only one man of the nineteenth century claimed to be the inspired messenger sent to prepare the way of the Lord. His name was Joseph Smith. He was born on the 23rd day of December, 1805, in Sharon, Windsor County, Vermont, (U. S. A.)
JUDGING BY THE FRUITS.
Let us test the claims he made by the teachings of the scriptures, and see if they are worthy of acceptance.
"Beware of false prophets," says the Savior; then He adds, "Ye shall know them by their fruits. . . A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit." (Matthew 7: 15, 16, 18).
This test which the Savior gives is a good one to be guided by.