The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1899-12-18

the instrumentality of the Prophet Jo-
seph Smith, with its perfect organiza-
ton of apostles, prophets, pastors,
seventies, bishops, elders. priests,
deacons; with all the laws, ordinances.
principles, keys, powers, gifts and
blessings. The same requirements are
necessary to obtain salvation now, as
have been in times past, when Gods
church was upon the earth.
WHAT 1T TEACHES.
"Mormonism teaches that the plan
of salvation was perfect, and when es-
tablished by Christ it was to always
be the same in all times. under all con-
ditions, and no man will obtain saliva
tion except in strict obedience to the
laws regulating the same. That be-
lief alone will save no man, but 1t Is
the life one daily leads, rather than
the profession of faith alone, coupled
with a fulfllment of the great laws of
salvation, that entitle one to it's bless.
ings. 1t teaches that God is a perfect
personal immortal being; that Jesus is
likewise a personality, but separate
and distinct from His Father, yet
united with Him in all their plans,
purposes and in the carrying out Of
their great works.
'Mormonism teaches that the Holy
Ghost is their agent to execute their
will in all things, and that it is the
power that animates all living things,
and by which the Father and Son are
omnipotent. 1t is the comforter the
spirit of truth, which was to bring to
the mind of man all things past, and
show thirgs to come. Mormonism
teaches f; \ i'm God, in His Son Jesus
Christ ana in the Holy Ghost. 1t
teaches that mans spirit is the off
spring of God. that it lived with its
Father the same as Christ did before
| coming here was familiar with the
plan of life, understood the necessity
of coming to this earth, was willing to
undergo the trials and gain the expert
ence this life afforded i'm order, like
Jesus Christ, to rise above all things.
THE GENERAL SCOPE.
"Mormonism covers the grand scope
! of eternal salvation to every creature
based on Christ's atonement and mans
willingness in complying with the
laws on which salvation is based. II
is not only for the living, but redemp-
tion is possible for those who never
heard the gospel here, for while
Christ's body lay in the tomb His spiri!
went and preached to the spirits IL,
prison and there those who never heard
the name of Christ had the glad mes
sage taught to them and they, living
according to men in the spirit will be
judged according to men in the flesh
Salvation is an individual work
each must do what God requires. Nc
one will be forever damned without
the fullest opportunity for betterment
and man damns his own progress
When he refuses to accept light anC
truth then he ceases to grow.
"Mormonism seeks the development
of the good, the beautiful, the God
like attributes within man. 1t appeals
to his reason, calls for the exercise o
his judgment, requires a most holy ant
upright life. 1t teaches what Chris
taught; promises what He promised, re
quires what He required, holds out the
same beautiful hopes that have en-
abled it's adherents to undergo the Sc
we're prosecutions heaped upon then
in the past for conforming to His laws
1t has brought, peace, comfort, jo!
and happiness to those who have ac
cepted it's teachings and live up there
to
1T has adorned their lives will
graces of virtue, purity, chastity ans