The Church of Christ was again established upon the earth on the 6th day of April, 1830; and, from that day to the present, has steadily increased, notwithstanding the prejudice, caused by misrepresentation and the "refuge of lies," brought to bear against it, and the persecution it has gone through. It has been guided to the tops of the mountains, and is being established in power, gathering the seed of Israel from all nations where they have been scattered, teaching them "the ways of the Lord," preparing them for the second coming of Christ, and offering a home for the oppressed of all nations.
All mankind are required to repent, to "seek the Lord while He may be found," to be baptized for the remission of their sins, that they may receive the Holy Ghost, the Comforter, in God's appointed way, by the laying on of hands; that they may know these things are true for themselves, by the revelations of God, and gain a living testimony. "If any man will do His will (that of the Father) he shall know of the doctrine" (John vii. 17), and no more be carried about by "every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive" (Eph. iv. 14).
Then flee to Zion for safety; as it is written "come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues" (Rev. xviii. 4, 5), "For wheresoever the carcass is, there will the eagles be gathered together" (Matt. xxiv. 28).
Your kind, prayerful consideration of these truths is earnestly invited. Search the scriptures; surely the signs of the times proclaim the second coming of our Lord and Savior to be right at hand, but who shall stand when he appeareth?
SUGGESTIONS TO ELDERS.
BY ELDER B. H. ROBERTS, IN MILLENNIAL STAR, 1888.
In the concluding paragraphs of a revelation on the subject of priesthood, the Lord says:
"Now let every man learn his duty, and to act in the office in which he is appointed, in all diligence. He that is slothful shall not be counted worthy to stand, and he that learns not his duty and shows himself not approved, shall not be counted worthy to stand." (Doc. and Cov., sec. cvii. 99, 100.)
We have no doubt but there is a general desire among the brethren of the priesthood to know their duty and then do it; especially is this the case with the Elders who have been sent to these lands to preach the Gospel. The duties and labors of these brethren are varied, consisting not only of preaching the Gospel, but also administering in all the ordinances and ceremonies pertaining to it. They are required at times to baptize people for the remission of their sins, and to confirm the members of the Church and bestow upon them the Holy Ghost by the laying on of hands. At other times they are called upon to anoint the sick with oil, or to confirm the anointing performed by others, and rebuke the sickness or disease, and bless with life and health those who are afflicted. Then they are called upon to administer the sacrament of the Lord's Supper, and all these things should be done decently, intelligently, and in order that no reproach or derision may be thrown upon the work of God by reason of their awkwardness in any of these things.