John Taylor's sermon on his treason and the kingdom of God - November 1, 1857
I shall take the liberty, this afternoon, of selecting a text. In the
Second Epistle and last verse of the Gospel according to St. Brigham to
Colonel Alexander, will be found the following words: - "WE SAY IT IS
THE KINGDOM OF GOD OR NOTHING." (1)
We revere the testimony of ancient men of God, as recorded in what are
often termed "the Scriptures of divine truth;" and it is quite common
for men to refer to what the Prophets have said and to reason from
their words. Now, I have been of the impression, for some length of
time, that the sayings of modern men of God are of as great importance
as the sayings of ancient men of God, and a great deal more applicable
to our condition. (2)
In looking at the Epistle to Colonel Alexander, and considering the
important things said in it, I was particularly struck with the last
words, which compose my text - "The kingdom of God or nothing." (3)
In other days, men have had their theories and their ideas about
Christianity, Paganism, &c., which were referred to this morning.
But we believe in living Priesthood - in present revelation - in the
Church and kingdom of God as it now exists on the earth, as well as in
things that were spoken of by ancient Prophets: consequently we believe
in adapting our lives and actions to the position that we now occupy as
servants of the true and living God - as God's representatives on the
earth - as those who are destined to lay the foundation of that kingdom
which shall stand for ever. (4)
What is the kingdom of God? This is a question that is in almost
everybody's mouth. Every Saint is interested in this question. We need
not go into the nonsense of sectarianism: we will let it go entirely,
hook and line; for we know enough about it to care nothing about it,
nor about the absurd ideas entertained by sectarians of the Kingdom of
God. The question is, What is the kingdom of God? How do we stand
related to it? What is our position and what are the duties devolving
upon us to-day, tomorrow, and every day of our lives, as servants of
the living God? (5)
In the Epistle I have referred to, there is something said about the
struggles we have endured, the privations we have suffered, the
difficulties we have passed through, the wrongs and indignities that
have been heaped upon us continually, and the persecutions that have
been multiplied upon us as a people, even from the day of the
organization of this Church to the present. There was in it a strong,
marked, and determined expression. It gave Colonel Alexander and
whomsoever it concerned to understand that it was time that these
things should cease - that this people as well as every other people
should have their rights, and these rights they were bent upon having
at all events, not fearing the result, - that we, as a people, are
determined to be free; for with us it is - "The kingdom of God or
nothing." (6)
When we talk about kingdoms, we talk about governments, rule,
authority, power; for wherever there is a kingdom, these principles
exist to a greater or less extent. The kingdoms of this world have
their powers, authorities, rule, regulations, law-givers, &c.,
according to the kind of government they adopt. Hitherto we, as a
people, have been amalgamated to a great extent with other nations. It
is true we have had a Church government, Church laws, Church
discipline, and by the holy Priesthood associated with this Church we
have governed the people. Still we have been subject to another
government, power, and authority, to Gentile rule, Gentile dominion,
Gentile laws, to Gentile usages and customs, to which we have been
willingly subject, so far as they were righteous; and it was told us by
the Lord, that if we observed the laws of God, we need not break the
laws of the land. (7)
The laws of man we have kept faithfully, adhering tenaciously to the
principles of the Constitution of the Government, under which we have
lived. We have not transgressed them in one iota, but have maintained
our relationship honourably with the nation we have been associated
with. (8)
The first thing we did when we came to this land was to organize a
government for our protection, which was according to the pattern set
us by our neighbours - Oregon, for instance; then represented our case
to the United States. (9)
We came out here because we were disfranchised, exiled, robbed of our
rights as American citizens, and forced to wander in the wilderness to
seek among the savages of the forest that freedom denied us by
Christianity. Did we in this transgress any laws of the United States,
depart from any usage, or act contrary to any established custom or law
of the Government? We did not. We applied for the sanction of Congress
to our doings, and it was a matter of astonishment and surprise that we
should take such steps, after the usage we had received. Our course was
applauded by statesmen, senators, members of Congress, and the
authorities of the United States generally; and all our transactions,
constitution, and laws were approved gladly, considered right, and
according to the usages and laws of the United States. (10)
By-and-by we petitioned for a Territorial Government and obtained it.
Our enemies have all the time been complaining of us that we have
infringed upon the Constitution and laws of the United States. But I
ask, Wherein have we done it? Who appointed our Governor? The President
of the United States, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate,
according to the usage which exists, but indeed contrary to any right
they possessed; still he did it. Who appointed our Judges, United
States Marshal, Secretary of State, and Indian Agency? The President of
the United States. (11)
Has there been another Governor appointed? I suppose there has; but he
has not yet been qualified. No man has authority to act in the
gubernatorial capacity in this Territory at the present time, according
to the laws of the United States, but Governor Young. No Governor has a
right to act here, although he may have been appointed by the President
of the United States, until he comes here and is qualified. No man has
ever come yet to be qualified, and consequently Governor Young stands
legitimately in that place. (12)
What law have we transgressed? I have tried to find out. We have
examined the Constitution of the United States and the laws pertaining
to these matters; and if anybody here or elsewhere can point out any
law that we have transgressed as American citizens, they know more
about it than I have been able to learn; and I should like such a
person to put me in possession of that information. (13)
What next? Why, on the back of this, after lying about us, slandering,
abusing, and imposing upon us, trampling upon our rights, and sending
the meanest curses among us that ever disgraced the footstool of God -
men they are ashamed of themselves, they have now sent an armed force
contrary to law and right and to the principles that ought to prevail
in the United States. They have no more right to do this than I have to
cut any of your throats. (14)
There is no authority guaranteed to the President of the United States
to perpetrate so diabolical an act as the one he has engaged in. Why is
it that this is done? Is it because we are worse than other people? No.
After raking up everything they could, before I left the States, the
only thing they could find against us as a people was that we had
burned some books belonging to the United States' Court; and since that
I have seen published affidavits, totally denying any such thing, by
the Clerk of that Court. (15)
The President of the United States has now taken upon himself the
responsibility of sending into this Territory an armed force to trample
upon the rights of 100,000 American freemen, on purpose to subserve a
political interest, for the benefit of his own party. It becomes a
serious question with us what to do under these circumstances. (16)
Shall we lie down and let those scoundrels cut our throats? is the
first question. Shall we untie our neckcloths and tell them to come on
and cut and carve away as they please, and knock down, drag out, and
introduce their abominations among us - their cursed Christian
institutions - to prostitute our women and lay low our best men? Shall
we suffer it, I say? (17)
There are certain things that are sacred to us and to every man and
woman. If we submit to a thing of that sort, we submit to see the very
institutions of our own nation trampled under foot - the Constitution
of our country desecrated and rent in pieces. We submit to see the
bonds severed that have bound this nation together, and blood, anarchy,
and confusion prevail. (18)
If they have a mind to cut each other's throats, we have no objections.
We say, Success to both parties. But when they come to cut ours,
without ceremony, we say, Hands off, gentlemen. We are not so religious
as to sit down meekly and tamely submit to these things. We understand
something of the difference between what some call treason, or
treasonable acts, and base submission to the will of a tyrant, who
would seek to bring us into servile chains - into perfect submission to
his sway. (19)
We are engaged here in protecting ourselves, our wives, and families, -
in guarding everything that is sacred and honourable among men from
invasion and oppression of some of the most corrupt wretches that ever
disgraced the footstool of God. (20)
"This is pretty plain talk," say you. I meant to talk plain: I do not
wish to be misunderstood. I have lately been conversant with some of
their proceedings, having been in their neighbourhood for some time
recently. Some of our brethren, who went among them with messages, have
said that such was the filth and obscenity of their language - cursing,
swearing, and every meanness, that, rather than stay all night with
them, they chose to go off some distance and lie on the ground. If
these are the feelings of our brethren, some of whom are rough and
uncouth in their manners, we know not how our sisters would feel in
such delectable society. (21)
We will not submit to such a state of things for ever. If you, our
enemies, are determined to invade our rights, trample upon our
liberties, snatch from us the rich boon we have inherited from our
fathers, to make us bow in vile subservience to your will, we will
resist you: we will not submit to it. We will say, Stand back and give
us our rights. We will act the part of freemen, and we say it shall be
"The kingdom of God or nothing." (22)
Why is it that we are persecuted? It is because we believe in the
establishment of the kingdom of God upon the earth - because we say and
know that God has established his kingdom - because the principles of
righteousness are introduced among the children of men, and they expose
the evils, corruption, priestcraft, political craft, and the
abominations that everywhere exist. They lay naked before all men the
abominable acts of the human family. It is not because there is evil
among us, but because there is goodness, truth, holiness. It is because
God has spoken, and his word has had effect on our hearts, to govern
and influence our conduct. (23)
It is because of these things that the present crusade has been set on
foot against us, and no doubt it began to rage at the very time that
you were humbling yourselves before God, when you commenced the
reformation and were repenting of your sins and making restoration. At
the time the Spirit of God began to be manifested among you, the spirit
of the Devil began to rage among them against you, stirring them up to
pluck you down, root you up, and destroy you from the face of the
earth. (24)
Why was it that you had the reformation among you, that you were
stirred up to repent of your sins and make restitution? It was because
you had the holy Priesthood in your midst - the spirit of prophecy and
revelation, - because you had men among you who could commune with the
Most High and contemplate his purposes and designs towards the human
family. It was because they saw evils existing among you and dare tell
of it, and the Spirit of God pointed the word at your hearts, which
brought you to repentance. (25)
If we had corruption, grog-holes, rowdyism, and every kind of pollution
among us, and were this place permitted to be a perfect sink of
iniquity, where the gambler, horse-racer, black-leg, and every evil
character would be tolerated, then we should be hail fellows, well met,
with our enemies. The wicked would bow and scrape to us all over the
earth: they would call us gentlemen everywhere, and we should be
respected. It would be as it was with a few of our brethren who had to
play a ruse upon some of the Missourians. The "Mormon" boys were flying
from a mob and had to pass a meeting-house when the people were coming
out from their prayers. These pious souls suspected that the brethren
were "Mormons." "You are 'Mormons,' damn you," said they. "We are not,
damn you. Let go of my horse, or I will knock your damned head off."
"Oh, we discover you are not 'Mormons,' gentlemen: we are under a
mistake;" and they let them go. (26)
Who is it that is acquainted with this people and does not know that
they are better, more pure, more virtuous and true to their God and his
laws, and more faithful to the laws and Constitution of their country
than any other people? I know the difference, for I have been among
others and seen their actions. (27)
What is the cause, then, of the evil planned against us? IT is because
we are the Church and kingdom of God. Have we ever left our houses to
interfere with other people anywhere? Did you ever hear of a crusade by
a set of "Mormons" upon any other people? Did the "Mormons," when in
Nauvoo, go to Carthage, La Harpe, Warsaw, or to any place, and
interfere with the rights of anybody? Have we done it here? Have we
gone to Mexico, California, Kansas, Nebraska, Oregon, Minnesota, or to
any of the surrounding districts, to interfere with their business or
rights? If there has been such a crusade, I have remained altogether
ignorant of it, as to when it took place, who were engaged in it, and
how many. (28)
If we do not interfere with anybody else, what right has anybody else
to interfere with us? I speak now as an American citizen. I speak, if
you please, as a politician. On this ground I ask what right any people
or number of people have to come and interfere with us? There is o such
right in the catalogue, gentlemen. They, however, do interfere with us;
and what is the cause of it? It is because of the kingdom of God -
because of the truth of God - because of the Spirit of God and certain
principles that exist among this people. And what are they? It is
polygamy that they are so incensed against. They need not draw down
such a long face about that, for they themselves do a thousand times
worse than that, were it even as heinous a crime as they say it is. (29)
It is not polygamy that they are so horrified at. I know their meanness
and abominations, and have told them of them scores of times. There
have been from the foundation of the world two principles and powers –
the principles of darkness and the principles of light, the principles
of truth and the principles of error, the Spirit of God and the spirit
of the Devil; - and there has been a mighty struggle between these two
principles and powers. (30)
Hitherto the good, the virtuous, the pure and upright, the men of God,
the Saints of the Most High have been trampled under foot and cast out
- have wandered about in sheep-skins and goat-skins, dwelt in deserts,
dens, holes, and caves of the earth, of whom the world was not worthy;
and the spirit and power of darkness have prevailed over the powers of
light, error over truth, and the spirit of the Wicked One over the
Spirit of God, to a certain extent; so much so, that truth, equity, and
righteousness have always been at a discount, and men of God have been
deprived of their rights and robbed of their inheritances. (31)
God has had a certain design to accomplish, associated with the human
family; and I suppose that everything which has taken place has been
just. I am not going to find fault with God or the Devil. I suppose the
Devil is as necessary as any other being, or he would not have been.
The righteous have been trampled under foot, but it is well with them.
It was not their day. The time for them to reign and have dominion was
not come. While wrapt in prophetic vision, they could view the events
that were to transpire in the last days, and prophesied of a kingdom
that should be set up and stand for ever. They looked with joyful
anticipation to this day. They expected a time when a certain power
would exist on the earth, that would be more powerful than the powers
of darkness, when the righteous should no more be trodden under foot,
cast out, and oppressed, - when the kingdoms of this world should
become the kingdoms of our God and his Christ, over which he should
rule for ever. (32)
Men in our day have got hold of many odd ideas. The Millerites, for
instance, have talked about Christ's coming to reign on the earth at a
certain time; and they were all going to be transfigured, changed,
caught up, &c. In France and elsewhere, they had their social
systems; but they knew no more about God, Christ, or anything of this
kind than the Devil, I was going to say; but they did not begin to know
as much as the Devil about God and his ways. These Socialists talked
about a great millennium, and people went to them, expecting them to be
a very righteous, praying people. They were something like the man whom
the Indian thought was a "Mormon;" but when the Indian found out that
he did not pray, that convinced him to the contrary. They did not
regard God or his laws, but took up a little twig of Christianity and
planted it on to their infidelity. They were going to ameliorate the
condition of the human family and bring about the millennium. (33)
In relation to the kingdom of God, what is it? Is it a spiritual
kingdom? Yes. Is it a temporal kingdom? Yes. Does it relate to the
spiritual affairs of men? Yes. Does it relate to the temporal of men?
Yes. And when it is fully established upon the earth, the will of God
will be done upon the earth precisely as it is done in heaven. It is
the will of God we are trying to do at the present time, in trying to
fulfil his law, submit to his ordinances, and obey his commandments -
not in one little item, but in every action of our lives, seeking to be
perfectly submissive to the admonitions of the Almighty. (34)
Was the kingdom that the Prophets talked about, that should be set up
in the latter times, going to be a Church? Yes. And a State? Yes, it
was going to be both Church and State, to rule both temporarily and
spiritually. It may be asked, How can we live under the dominion and
laws of the United States and be subjects of another kingdom? Because
the kingdom of God is higher, and its laws are so much more exalted
than those of any other nation, that it is the easiest thing in life
for a servant of God to keep any of their laws; and, as I have said
before, this we have uniformly done. (35)
Who made this earth? The Lord. Who sustains it? The Lord. Who feeds and
clothes the millions of the human family that exist upon it, both Saint
and sinner? The Lord. Who upholds everything in the universe? The Lord.
Who provides for the myriads of cattle, fish, and fowl that inhabit the
sea, earth, and air? The Lord. Who has implanted in them that instinct
which causes them to take care of their young, and that power by which
to propagate their species? The Lord. Who has given to man
understanding? The Lord. Who has given to the Gentile philosopher,
machinist, &c., every particle of intelligence they have with
regard to the electric telegraph, the power and application of steam to
the wants of the human family, and every kind of invention that has
been brought to light during the last century? The Lord. Who sets up
the kings, emperors, and potentates that rule and govern the universe?
The Lord. (36)
And who is there that acknowledges his hand? Where is the nation, the
people, the church even, or other power that does it? You may wander
east, west, north, and south, and you cannot find it in any church or
government on the earth, except the Church of Jesus Christ of
Latter-day Saints. (37)
What is the cause of all the darkness, confusion, and misery that
abound, the imprisonment and chains, and the thousand evils that
afflict mankind, embracing all the wars, bloodshed, and distress of
nations? It is because they do not acknowledge the hand of the Lord in
all things nor understand his will. They pursue their own course, and
do not seek the wisdom and intelligence of God. (38)
Why is it that thrones will be cast down, empires dissolved, nations
destroyed, and confusion and distress cover all people, as the Prophets
have spoken? Because the Spirit of the Lord will be withdrawn from the
nations in consequence of their wickededness, and they will be left to
their own folly. (39)
Who has a right to rule the nations, to control kingdoms, and govern
all the people of the earth? Are you a father? Have you wives and
children? Do you feed, clothe, and provide for them? Yes. Have they a
right to rebel against you? If they did, what would you think of such
children? Such is the position of the whole human family; such is the
position of the whole world - of every society, religious, political,
social, or otherwise; and none of them acknowledge God or are obedient
to his laws. Now, then, suppose you had a farm, and you put people on
it to work - you fed and clothed them, and expected them to be obedient
to you; but instead of that, while you were feeding, clothing, and
taking care of them, they were abusing you, departing from your laws,
transgressing your precepts, and listening to somebody else who was
your enemy, instead of listening to you; - would you let them remain
for ever on your farm, or would you by-and-by put somebody else in
their place that would be more faithful to you? (40)
The transactions of men are even more outrageous against the Lord, and
the only excuse for them is their ignorance. What! are Christians
ignorant? Yes, as ignorant of the things of God as the brute beast. Let
us look at it a little further. If you wished the welfare of your
family, would you not chastise them? You would, if they did wrong.
Would you not try to make them submit to your law? You certainly would;
and if they would not, after you had pleaded with them and chastised
them, you would disinherit them. The Lord said of Abraham, "I know he
will fear me and command his children after him to do it.? It was this
principle that recommended him to the favour of God. (41)
What would you think of the conduct of a God who would let the human
family continue for ever to transgress his law without interfering? You
would think he was getting foolish and in his dotage - that he did not
understand himself nor correct principles in allowing a lot of bad boys
to rise up and increase around him, letting evil principles exist
instead of righteous ones, and the wicked afflict and persecute the
good with impunity. The time was to come, and is now, that God has set
up his kingdom upon the earth, and he is determined that men shall be
in subjection to his laws. Can the Lord go to any other people but this
and declare his will? He cannot. There is not a nation, kingdom, power,
or people, - there is not a political, moral, social, philosophical, or
religious society in the world that would receive the word of God,
except this people. (42)
If there cannot be a people anywhere found that will listen to the word
of God and receive instructions from him, how can his kingdom ever be
established? It is impossible? What is the first thing necessary to the
establishment of his kingdom? It is to raise up a Prophet and have him
declare the will of God; the next is to have people yield obedience to
the word of the Lord through that Prophet. If you cannot have these,
you never can establish the kingdom of God upon the earth. What is the
kingdom of God? It is God's government upon the earth and in heaven. (43)
What is his Priesthood? It is the rule, authority, administration, if
you please, of the government of God on the earth or in the heavens;
for the same Priesthood that exists upon the earth exists in the
heavens, and that Priesthood holds the keys of the mysteries of the
revelations of God; and the legitimate head of that Priesthood, who has
communion with God, is the Prophet, Seer, and Revelator to his Church
and people on the earth. (44)
When the will of God is done on earth as it is in heaven, that
Priesthood will be the only legitimate ruling power under the whole
heavens; for every other power and influence will be subject to it.
When the millennium which we have been speaking of is introduced, all
potentates, powers, and authorities – every man, woman, and child will
be in subjection to the kingdom of God; they will be under the power
and dominion of the Priesthood of God: then the will of God will be
done on the earth as it is done in heaven. (45)
This places man in his true relationship to the Most High; and while
others are boasting of their own intelligence, powers, authority, rule,
greatness, and might, our boast, glory, might, strength, and power are
in the Lord. Do we have any temporal blessings? We acknowledge the hand
of God in it. Do we have spiritual blessings? We acknowledge the hand
of God in it. Do we do wrong and receive chastisement? We acknowledge
his hand in it, and consider it a blessing. Are we in difficulties? We
acknowledge the hand of God therein, and consider that it is necessary
we should be tried and proved in all things, that we may be counted
worthy to associate with the intelligences that surround the throne of
God. Do we have prosperity? We acknowledge the hand of God in it, and
pray him for wisdom to use properly what he has put in our hands. Do we
possess scientific knowledge - knowledge on agriculture or any other
kind of knowledge? We acknowledge his hand in it. Are we here in these
mountains, surrounded, as a people, by the barriers of the everlasting
hills, brought out from our enemies to inherit these valleys? We
acknowledge the hand of God in it. Does an army come to make war on us?
We acknowledge the hand of God in it. We feel that we are in his hands,
and say "It is the Lord; let him do what seemeth good unto him, and we
will seek to do what is right on our part. Have we to go to war? We
will acknowledge the hand of God in it. If we are told not to kill our
enemies, we will not kill them, but cultivate a spirit of meekness and
humility, doing what the Priesthood of God dictates - what the servants
of the living God tell us. In peace and prosperity, war and adversity,
we will lean on the hand of God, and acknowledge it, and say,
"Hallelujah! the Lord God Omnipotent reigneth." (46)
What is it we are seeking to do? Is it to get a farm, a house, or a
possession of any kind? Who is anxious about such things, which are
here to-day and gone to-morrow? They are well enough in their place.
Some of you are tried because you do not have many things you would
like to have. If you had those things, you would not be tied in that
point, and it is therefore necessary you should be placed in that
position. It may be necessary, after awhile, that you should be tried
with more of the things of this life than you know what to do with.
With none is the Lord God angry except those who do not acknowledge his
hand in all things. What does it matter whether we are farming,
building, planting, fighting, or anything else, if we are doing as we
are told? Who cares? I do not. Let matters come in whatever way they
have a mind to, it is all right, if we do right. (47)
As eternal beings, associated with eternity that was and with eternity
that is to come - beings that dwelt in eternal light before we came
here, we are now seeking for salvation, preparing for celestial
inheritances in the eternal worlds. This is what we are after: we are
trying to lay a foundation for ourselves, for our progenitors, and for
our posterity, that will endure and extend while countless ages roll;
and we are taught the principles by which we may obtain this salvation
by the holy Priesthood - by the revelations of God communicated to us
through that Priesthood. (48)
And now, having been forced from the United States, after having been
driven time and time again from our homes by our murderous enemies -
having fulfilled all the requirements that God or man could require of
us, and kept every law necessary for us to observe, - after all this,
and more, I say, shall we suffer those poor, miserable, damned,
infernal scoundrels to come here and infringe upon our sacred rights?
["NO!" resounded throughout the Tabernacle, making the walls of the
building tremble.] (49)
NO! It shall be "The Kingdom of God or nothing" with us. That is my
text, I believe; and we will stick to it - we will maintain it; and, in
the name of Israel's God, the kingdom of God shall roll on, and all the
powers of earth and hell cannot stop its progress. It is onward,
onward, ONWARD, from this time henceforth, to all eternity. [Voices of
"Amen."] (50)
"Are you not afraid of being killed?" you may ask me. No. Great
conscience! who cares about being killed? They cannot kill you. They
may shoot a ball into you, and your body may fall; but you will live.
Who cares about dying? We are associated with eternal principles: they
are within us as a well springing up to eternal life. We have begun to
live for ever. Who would be afraid of a poor, miserable soldier - a man
that gets eight dollars a month for killing people, and a miserable
butcher at that - one of the poorest curses in creation? Mean as the
Americans are, they will not, many of them, hire for soldiers. But the
Government must hire foreigners for eight dollars a month to come out
here to kill us! Who is afraid of them? Let them come on or stay and
wiggle, it is all right. (51)
We are the Saints of God; we have the kingdom of God, and the devils in
hell and all the wicked men on the earth cannot take it from us. We
shall rule and have dominion in the earth, and they cannot help
themselves. They can take their own course. They may fight against us,
if they like, or they can back out and leave us; but the kingdom will
go on. They may take what course they please: the kingdom is ours, and
we are Christ's, and Christ is God's. (52)
It is for us to live our religion, keep God's commandments, and we
shall be saved: we shall thus have the honour of doing something for
the kingdom of God, in rolling back the flood of darkness that is
enveloping the universe, and preparing ourselves for dominion on the
earth and eternal exaltation in the kingdom of God for ever. (53)
God bless you and preserve you in purity and holiness before him, that
you may inherit all you anticipate, I pray in the name of Jesus Christ!
Amen. (54)
1) Brigham Young was a traitor that should have been hung and not a Christian saint.
When the soldiers crossed the boundary of the territory of Utah,
Brigham sent a letter to Colonel E.B. Alexander, commander of the
advance guard. This letter informed the colonel that he had
transgressed the orders of the august governor of Utah, who had
forbidden armed troops to enter that sacred territory. The army must
retreat immediately, declared Brigham; but if this should be
impossible, owing to the lateness of the season, they might remain
during the winter, provided they surrendered their arms to the Utah
authorities! Instead of hanging the messenger who brought such an
epistle, Colonel Alexander returned a courteous if somewhat curt
rejoinder. With this exchange of missives, hostilities may be said to
have begun. Brigham Young and his Mormon Empire, page 294.
2) Modern men of God will not resist governmental authorities.
Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no
authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed
by God. Romans 13:1.
3) In Christianity it is Jesus Christ or nothing.
Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” John 14:6.
4) Christian revelation and testimony is about Jesus Christ.
The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave Him to show His
servants—things which must shortly take place. And He sent and
signified it by His angel to His servant John, who bore witness to the
word of God, and to the testimony of Jesus Christ, to all things that
he saw.
Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of this prophecy,
and keep those things which are written in it; for the time is near.
Revelation 1:1-3.
5) Repentance is a step towards the kingdom of God.
From that time Jesus began to preach and to say, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” Matthew 4:17
6) Christian suffering is for Jesus Christ not for a false prophet based in Utah.
“Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds
of evil against you falsely for My sake. Rejoice and be exceedingly
glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the
prophets who were before you.” Matthew 5:11-12.
7) Christians will acknowledge their government that God has ordained.
Therefore whoever resists the authority resists the ordinance of God,
and those who resist will bring judgment on themselves. For rulers are
not a terror to good works, but to evil. Do you want to be unafraid of
the authority? Do what is good, and you will have praise from the same.
For he is God’s minister to you for good. But if you do evil, be
afraid; for he does not bear the sword in vain; for he is God’s
minister, an avenger to execute wrath on him who practices evil. Romans
13:2-4.
8) 19th century Mormons were at war with non-Mormons.
And thus, even as I have said, if ye are faithful ye shall assemble
yourselves together to rejoice upon the land of Missouri, which is the
land of your inheritance, which is now the land of your enemies.
Doctrines and Covenants 52:42, June 7, 1831.
9) 19th century Mormons illegally did not want to separate their church from the state.
As I have concluded to resign the office of justice of the supreme
court of the Territory of Utah, which position I accepted in A.D.,
1854, under the administration of President Pierce, I deem it due to
the public to give some of the reasons why I do so. In the first place,
Brigham Young, the governor of Utah Territory, is the acknowledged head
of the “Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints,” commonly called
“Mormons;” and, as such head, the Mormons look to him, and to him
alone, for the law by which they are to be governed: therefore no law
of Congress is by them considered binding in any manner. Judge
Drummond’s letter of resignation, March 30, 1857.
10) 19th century Mormons illegally destroyed non-Mormon property in Nauvoo, Illinois.
Calling together the city council, he ordered a trial, not of the
apostates, but of the Expositor itself. It was strange, highhanded
proceeding. There were no jury, no lawyers, no witnesses for the
defense. The councilors simply stood up, one after another, and accused
the editors of seduction, pandering, counterfeiting, and thievery. The
prophet went so far as to say that the apostate Joseph H. Jackson had
been proved a murderer before the city council. No Man Knows My
History, page 377.
11) 19th century Mormons did not believe in the separation of church and state.
The concept of separation of church and state refers to the distance in
the relationship between organized religion and the nation state. The
term is an offshoot of the phrase, "wall of separation between church
and state," as written in Thomas Jefferson's letter to the Danbury
Baptists Association in 1802. The original text reads: "...I
contemplate with sovereign reverence that act of the whole American
people which declared that their legislature should 'make no law
respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free
exercise thereof,' thus building a wall of separation between Church
& State." The phrase was quoted by the United States Supreme Court
first in 1878, and then in a series of cases starting in 1947.
12) Brigham Young was disposed as governor by President Buchanan and it was common knowledge.
President Buchanan first decided to appoint a new governor in place of
Brigham Young. The position was offered to several individuals who
refused, and the President finally settled on Alfred Cumming during the
summer. Wikipedia Encyclopedia.
13) 19th century Mormons were habitual liars or openly ignorant in their sermons.
An incorporated territory of the United States is a specific area under
the jurisdiction of the United States, over which the United States
Congress has determined that the United States Constitution is to be
applied to the territory's local government and inhabitants in its
entirety (e.g., citizenship, trial by jury), in the same manner as it
applies to the local governments and residents of the U.S. states.
Incorporated territories are considered an integral part of the United
States, as opposed to being merely possessions. Wikipedia
Encyclopedia.
14) 19th century Mormons were habitual liars or openly ignorant in their sermons.
SIR: The Government of the United States have decided to form the
Territory of Utah into a Military Department, similar in all respects
to the Military Department of New Mexico, the Pacific, and other
geographical Military districts into which our country has been
subdivided; at the same time, the undersigned has been named to the
honor of commanding the troops assigned to the Department of Utah.
General Harney’s letter to Brigham Young dated July 28, 1857.
15) 19th century Mormons were habitual liars or openly ignorant in their sermons.
Among the Saints natural law – God’s law – had greater force than any
man-made law, and they eventually challenged the very foundation of the
legal system of the United States. In their isolated mountain
sanctuary, the Saints codified their rejections of English common law,
and besides Louisiana, Utah became the only American territory not to
use some form of common law as the basis of its legal system. Blood of
the Prophets, pages 40-41.
16) 19th century Mormons had no respect for the federal government.
The American public was alarmed by the semi-theocratic dominance of the
Utah Territory under Brigham Young. While the Mormons believed in some
of the principles of the American Constitution, Mormon political
thought was strongly influenced by a concept dubbed "Theodemocracy."
They associated it with their belief in the imminence of Christ's
Second Coming. Although Mormons supported republican processes to elect
ecclesiastical leaders into positions of secular power their beliefs
required subservience of civil government to church decree. Wikipedia
Encyclopedia.
17) The United States army was well ordered and protected private property.
Into Salt Lake Valley the army advanced without incident. Halting on
June 25, Johnston issued orders for the observation of strict
discipline: soldiers were to keep rank meticulously; private property
was not to be trespassed upon. At ten o’clock on the morning of the
twenty-sixth, riding at the head of his column, Johnston entered the
city of the Saints. Albert Sidney Johnston, page 213.
18) 19th century Mormons practiced violence.
Still in Zion he preached war and rebellion, vengeance and ultimate
redemption. On August 5, as the Fancher Train lodged nearby, the
prophet issued a proclamation to the citizens of Utah declaring “we are
invaded by a hostile force who are evidently assailing us to accomplish
our overthrow and destruction.” An order went out to all outlying
settlements to hoard their grain, and to “report without delay any
person in your District that disposes of a Kernal of grain to any
Gentile merchant or temporary sojourner.” The result of this “violent
and treasonable proclamation,” a Utah resident wrote several years
later, “was to incite the people to revenge and bloodshed.” American
Massacre, page 115.
19) 19th century Mormons were expert cut throats.
They said, "O, they are good men, they are gentlemen." With that, I
took my large bowie knife, that I used to wear as a bosom pin in
Nauvoo, and cut one of their throats from ear to ear, saying, "Go to
hell across lots." The other one said, "You dare not serve me so." I
instantly sprang at him, seized him by the hair of the head, and,
bringing him down, cut his throat, and sent him after his comrade; then
told them both, if they would behave themselves they should yet live,
but if they did not, I would unjoint their necks. Sermon delivered by
Brigham Young on March 27, 1853.
20) 19th century Mormon leadership was totally corrupt.
The rift between William Law and the prophet thus began in a
fundamental divergence of economic attitudes. The final break in their
friendship, however, came from a question, not of finance, but of
fidelity. With sorrow and suspicion Law watched Joseph ever enlarging
his circle of wives. Then the prophet tried to approach Law’s own wife,
Jane. In a violent session with his leader, Law called for a
reformation and an end to the debauchery that was corrupting the
church. Joseph argued, pleaded, and quoted Old Testament, to no avail.
Law threatened that unless Joseph went before the High Council,
confessed his sins, and promised repentance, he would expose his
seductions before the whole world. No Man Knows My History, page
369.
21) Religious fanatics will always resort to personal slander.
“For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, ‘He has a
demon.’ The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, ‘Look, a
glutton and a winebibber, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!’ But
wisdom is justified by her children.” Matthew 11:18-19.
22) 19th century Mormons were traitors not Christians.
Therefore you must be subject, not only because of wrath but also for
conscience’ sake. For because of this you also pay taxes, for they are
God’s ministers attending continually to this very thing. Render
therefore to all their due: taxes to whom taxes are due, customs to
whom customs, fear to whom fear, honor to whom honor. Romans
13:5-7.
23) Mormon sufferings were the result of consequences of their lawlessness not persecution.
In Manti, a party led by Bishop Warren Snow seized a young man who was
engaged to a woman Snow wanted to take for a plural wife. Accusing his
rival of sexual misconduct, Snow and the others castrated him “in a
brutal manner, tearing the chords right out,” one witness later
recalled, “and then took the portion severed from his victim and hung
it up in the schoolhouse on a nail, so it could be seen by all who
visited the house afterwards.” Rumors of slayings pervaded the realm
yet none of the crimes were ever reported in the Deseret News, nor was
anyone brought to justice, “although what they had done was common
knowledge in their settlements,” according to David Bigler. American
Massacre, pages 106-107.
24) The Mormon reformation that began in 1856 was the murder of perceived apostates.
Brethren and sisters, we want you to repent and forsake your sins. And
you who have committed sins that cannot be forgiven through baptism,
let your blood be shed, and let the smoke ascend, that the incense
thereof may come up before God as an atonement for your sins, and that
the sinners in Zion may be afraid. Sermon delivered by Jedediah Grant
on September 21, 1856.
25) The Mormon reformation that began in 1856 was the murder of perceived apostates.
As for living here, as I have done for a length of time, hid up in the
chambers of the Lord, with a people that are full of contention, full
of covetousness, full of pride, and full of iniquity, I will not do it.
And if the people will not repent, let the sinners and hypocrites look
out. I will repent with you and I will try with my might to get the
spirit of my calling; and if I have not that spirit now to fullness, I
will get more of it, so as to enjoy it to its fullness. And if I should
be filled with the power and spirit of the mission that is upon me, I
shall not spare the wicked; I shall be like a flaming sword against
them, and so will all those that live their religion; it is not to be
suffered any longer. Sermon delivered by Brigham Young on September 21,
1856.
26) Mormon sufferings were the result of consequences or their lawlessness not persecution.
On June 24, 1838 William Swartzell made a troubled entry in his diary:
“I cannot listen with ease to the teachings of Lyman Wight – his
exhorting a war upon the peaceful citizens of Missouri. In one of his
sermons he denounced them because they would not embrace the Mormon
faith as ‘hypocrities, long-faced dupes, devils, infernal hob-goblins,
and ghosts, and that they ought to be damned and sent to hell where
they properly belonged.’” No Man Knows My History, page 222.
27) 19th century Mormons were violent religious fanatics.
On the 11th July, 1857, I was appointed by the President to be Governor
of this Territory. Since my arrival within the limits of the Territory,
I regret to have found that many acts of violence have been committed
on the highways, in the destruction & robbing of property belonging
to the United States. These acts which indicate that the Territory is
in a state of rebellion, are ascribed, how truly I do not know, to
yourself. Letter from Governor Cumming to Brigham Young dated November
21, 1857.
28) 19th century Mormon religious fanatics were habitual liars.
News that the Mormons were on the offensive was a terrific shock to the
gentiles in Daviess County. They scattered into the wind. When David
Patten charged into Gallatin with a mounted company, he found it almost
deserted. The men promptly looted Jacob Stolling’s store and then set
fire to it along with several cabins. No Man Knows My History, page
231.
29) The kingdom of God concerns Jesus Christ not polygamy.
So when they had appointed him a day, many came to him at his lodging,
to whom he explained and solemnly testified of the kingdom of God,
persuading them concerning Jesus from both the Law of Moses and the
Prophets, from morning till evening. Acts 28:23.
30) Religious fanatics will always try to find fault in others.
At that time Jesus went through the grainfields on the Sabbath. And His
disciples were hungry, and began to pluck heads of grain and to eat.
And when the Pharisees saw it, they said to Him, “Look, Your disciples
are doing what is not lawful to do on the Sabbath!” Matthew
12:1-2.
31) Hardened Mormons left Ohio, Missouri, and Illinois after their criminal activities were exposed and suppressed.
Emma did not follow Brigham Young west, but she would have followed her
husband. The gentiles then would not have been able to point to her
second marriage to an unbeliever, the attractive Major Lewis Bidamon,
as proof that in her heart she had scorned Joseph’s mission from the
beginning. There is no evidence, however, that Emma scorned anything
but Brigham Young, whom after Joseph’s death she came to fear and
despise. No Man Knows My History, page 399.
32) A spiritual conversion must occur for one to enter the kingdom of God.
Jesus answered and said to him, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless
one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” John 3:3.
33) Sincere belief or faith in Jesus Christ is necessary to enter the kingdom of God.
And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the
Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in Him should not perish
but have eternal life. For God so loved the world that He gave His only
begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have
everlasting life. John 3:14-16.
34) You must be doing the will of God to enter the kingdom of God.
“And this is the will of Him who sent Me, that everyone who sees the
Son and believes in Him may have everlasting life; and I will raise him
up at the last day.” John 6:40.
35) John Taylor was a traitorous false prophet since the end of the world did not occur in 1857.
Now I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the
first earth had passed away. Also there was no more sea. Then I, John,
saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God,
prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a loud voice
from heaven saying, “Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He
will dwell with them, and they shall be His people. God Himself will be
with them and be their God. And God will wipe away every tear from
their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There
shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.” Then He
who sat on the throne said, “Behold, I make all things new.” And He
said to me, “Write, for these words are true and faithful.” Revelation
21:1-5.
36) 19th century Mormons never acknowledged the governmental plan of God.
Therefore submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord’s
sake, whether to the king as supreme, or to governors, as to those who
are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers and for the praise of
those who do good. For this is the will of God, that by doing good you
may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men—as free, yet not using
liberty as a cloak for vice, but as bondservants of God. Honor all
people. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the king. 1 Peter
2:13-17.
37) Mormons have never preached the Christian message.
For Jews request a sign, and Greeks seek after wisdom; but we preach
Christ crucified, to the Jews a stumbling block and to the Greeks
foolishness, but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ
the power of God and the wisdom of God. 1 Corinthians 1:22-24.
38) Mormons have never had the wisdom of God.
For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing,
but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. For it is
written: “I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and bring to nothing
the understanding of the prudent.” 1 Corinthians 1:18-19.
39) Believers are sanctified by the Holy Spirit through Jesus Christ not a bogus church based in Utah.
Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of
God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor
adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, nor thieves, nor covetous,
nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom
of God. And such were some of you. But you were washed, but you were
sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by
the Spirit of our God. 1 Corinthians 6:9-11.
40) Sincere belief or faith in Jesus Christ is necessary to enter the kingdom of God.
But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He
loved us, even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together
with Christ (by grace you have been saved), and raised us up together,
and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, that
in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in
His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. For by grace you have been
saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God,
not of works, lest anyone should boast. Ephesians 2:4-9.
41) Abraham was saved by faith not the law.
Therefore He who supplies the Spirit to you and works miracles among
you, does He do it by the works of the law, or by the hearing of
faith?—just as Abraham “believed God, and it was accounted to him for
righteousness.” Therefore know that only those who are of faith are
sons of Abraham. And the Scripture, foreseeing that God would justify
the Gentiles by faith, preached the gospel to Abraham beforehand,
saying, “In you all the nations shall be blessed.”
So then those who are of faith are blessed with believing Abraham. Galatians 3:5-9.
42) The kingdom of God is not a bogus church based in Utah.
Now when He was asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would
come, He answered them and said, “The kingdom of God does not come with
observation; nor will they say, ‘See here!’ or ‘See there!’ For indeed,
the kingdom of God is within you.” Luke 17:20-21.
43) God speaks through Jesus Christ not Mormon false prophets.
God, who at various times and in various ways spoke in time past to the
fathers by the prophets, has in these last days spoken to us by His
Son, whom He has appointed heir of all things, through whom also He
made the worlds; who being the brightness of His glory and the express
image of His person, and upholding all things by the word of His power,
when He had by Himself purged our sins, sat down at the right hand of
the Majesty on high, having become so much better than the angels, as
He has by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they. Hebrews
1:1-4.
44) The false Mormon priesthood and prophets has never had the true spirit of prophecy.
Then he said to me, “Write: ‘Blessed are those who are called to the
marriage supper of the Lamb!’” And he said to me, “These are the true
sayings of God.” And I fell at his feet to worship him. But he said to
me, “See that you do not do that! I am your fellow servant, and of your
brethren who have the testimony of Jesus. Worship God! For the
testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.” Revelation 19:9-10.
45) The will of God on earth occurs whenever repentance with faith in Jesus Christ happens in an individual.
“What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he loses one of them, does
not leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness, and go after the one which
is lost until he finds it? And when he has found it, he lays it on his
shoulders, rejoicing. And when he comes home, he calls together his
friends and neighbors, saying to them, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have
found my sheep which was lost!’ I say to you that likewise there will
be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine
just persons who need no repentance.” Luke 15:4-7.
46) The Mormon priesthood and false prophet demanded murder of non-Mormons.
I say, rather than that apostates should flourish here, I will unsheath
my bowie knife, and conquer or die. [Great commotion in the
congregation, and a simultaneous burst of feeling, assenting to the
declaration.] Now, you nasty apostates, clear out, or judgment will be
put on the line, and righteousness to the plummet. [Voices, generally,
"go it, go it."] If you say it is right, raise your hands. [All hands
up.] Let us call upon the Lord to assist us in this, and every good
work. Sermon delivered by Brigham Young on March 27, 1853.
47) Religious fanatics will never be citizens of heaven.
Brethren, join in following my example, and note those who so walk, as
you have us for a pattern. For many walk, of whom I have told you
often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the
cross of Christ: whose end is destruction, whose god is their belly,
and whose glory is in their shame—who set their mind on earthly things.
For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for
the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body
that it may be conformed to His glorious body, according to the working
by which He is able even to subdue all things to Himself. Philippians
3:17-21.
48) Believers obtain salvation through faith in Jesus Christ.
For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of
God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also
for the Greek. For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from
faith to faith; as it is written, “The just shall live by faith.”
Romans 1:16-17.
49) 19th century Mormons were all traitors to the United States of America.
In law, treason is the crime that covers some of the more serious acts
of betrayal of one's sovereign or nation. Wikipedia Encyclopedia.
50) 19th century Mormons were continually in violation of the true Word of God.
Therefore, when they had come together, they asked Him, saying, “Lord,
will You at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?” And He said to
them, “It is not for you to know times or seasons which the Father has
put in His own authority. But you shall receive power when the Holy
Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in
Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”
Acts 1:6-8.
51) The United States army was well ordered and protected private property.
Through the dead city Johnston led his army with bands playing and
flags flying. Rigid order was preserved; Mormon property was untouched,
save for some accidental and unavoidable trampling of fields by army
herds. When the column reached Young’s residence, the Lion House, the
band struck up a ribald camp song named “One-Eyed Riley.” Albert Sidney
Johnston, page 214.
52) Mormon hate is evidence of their being outside the kingdom of God.
For this reason we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to
pray for you, and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of
His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; that you may walk
worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good
work and increasing in the knowledge of God; strengthened with all
might, according to His glorious power, for all patience and
longsuffering with joy; giving thanks to the Father who has qualified
us to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in the light. He
has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the
kingdom of the Son of His love, in whom we have redemption through His
blood, the forgiveness of sins. Colossians 1:9-14.
53) Faithless Mormons are unsaved and outside the kingdom of God.
But the Scripture has confined all under sin, that the promise by faith
in Jesus Christ might be given to those who believe. But before faith
came, we were kept under guard by the law, kept for the faith which
would afterward be revealed. Therefore the law was our tutor to bring
us to Christ, that we might be justified by faith. But after faith has
come, we are no longer under a tutor. For you are all sons of God
through faith in Christ Jesus. Galatians 3:22-26.
54) God will never bless traitorous religious fanatics.
“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for
theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they
shall be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the
earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for
they shall be filled. Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain
mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. Blessed are
the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God. Blessed are those
who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil
against you falsely for My sake.” Matthew 5:3-11