Orson Pratt, Letter to Marian Pratt, September 18, 1878

 The following is a transcription of Orson Pratt, Letter to Marian Pratt, September 18, 1878 (CHL call no.: MS 935):

 

For the present Address care of G. Staines Box 3957. New York city.

 

Stevens House, New York city,

Sept. 18th, 1878.

My Dear Marian:

 

It is over two weeks since we parted for a short time, at Ogden City. Three days brought us to Independence, Jackson county, Missouri, where we visited the temple block. Forty-seven years had passed away, since I was favored with the privilege of standing upon that consecrated spot. The ground, then, was covered with the common trees of the forest. But now there are no trees standing, not even a stump. There is a triangular space, of a few acres, thrown open to the street or road passing to the east and west, about one mile west of Independence; on this, a future temple will be erected, and a cloud of glory will rest upon it. There are several houses built, facing the spot, on the three sides of the triangle. There are about 3000 inhabitants in the village of Independence, about fifty thousand in Kansas city, Jackson county, where you will recollect, we stopped several days, and where little Marinda Althera was buried; and about seventy thousand inhabitants in Jackson County. We had two or three hours chat with William E. McLelin, who formerly was one of the first Twelve, but was cut off the church about forty-two years ago: he now lives at Independence: his mind is full of self conceit and darkness; but he treated us very kindly, and seemed to feel bad when we left him: he does not belong to any church, but professes to believe in the Book of Mormon and Bible, he rejects all other revelations. We next went to Richmond, Ray County, Missouri, tarried at the Hotel two days; had several interviews with David Whitmer—one of the three witnesses of the plates of the Book of Mormon. He showed us the original manuscripts of the Book of Mormon in Oliver Cowdery’s hand-writing. Oliver lived at Richmond, the last year of his life, and at his death gave the manuscripts into David’s possession. David would not sell the manuscripts for any price; he esteems them very sacredly, and would for no earthly consideration part with them. David gives the same solemn testimony that he did 48 years ago, but he has not progressed in spiritual things since he was dropped from the church. He has lately organized a church or society of his own, of about 30 members; they profess to believe the Bible and Book of Mormon, but reject all other revelations; this is rather slow progress for the great work of the last dispensation. Joseph F. Smith will start for home in a day or two. We visited the hill Cumorah, about which I will write more fully hereafter. Give my love to all. I am well.

 

God bless you all. O. Pratt, Sen.

 

John Morgan (Elder in the Southern states mission) (1899) Affirming Baptismal Regeneration

  

BAPTISM.

 

Then necessity for baptism was plainly taught by the Savior and the Apostles. Comparatively speaking it stood in the same light to the kingdom or church of God that the oath of allegiance does to any temporal government. Jesus stated to Nicodemus that a man could not enter the kingdom of God without having first obeyed this ordinance.

 

To become a citizen of an earthly government where a person is not born so, a man is required to subscribe to a certain prescribed oath. To become a citizen of the government of God requires that a person must be baptized in water, in obedience to the command of the Great Head of the government, and the laws of the kingdom as they are found in the Bible, the book of commandments for the Church of Christ.

 

“Go ye into all the world, and preach the Gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized, shall be saved:” (Mark xvi., 15, 16). “Verily, I say unto thee, except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God” (John, iii., 5). “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of
the Holy Ghost” (Matt. xxviii., 19). “Repent, and be baptized, every one of you” (Acts ii., 38.)

 

Its form should be by immersion. “Buried with Him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with Him through faith” (Col. ii., 12.) “Were all baptized of Him in the River of Jordan” (Matt. iii., 6; Mark i., 5-9). “Jesus when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water” (Matt. iii., 16; Mark i., 10). “John also was baptizing in Ænon near to Salim, because there was much water there” (John iii., 23). “And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized? And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him. And when they were come up out of the water” (Acts viii., 36-39).

 

Its OBJECT.—“John did baptize in the wilderness, and preach the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins” (Mark i., 4). “And he came into the country about Jordan, preaching the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins” (Luke iii., 3). “Then Peter said unto them, Repent and be baptized every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ, for the remission of sins” (Acts ii., 38). “Arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins” (Acts xxii., 16). (John Morgan, “Doctrines of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints: Its Faith and Teachings,” pp. 2-3, repr. Tracts from Southern states mission, Chattanooga, Tenn. [1899], [3-4]

 

 

Ben E. Rich (December 25, 1899) vs. a Baptist Minister Who Denied Baptismal Regeneration

  

You teach that

 

Baptism Is Not Essential

To salvation, and that it is only an outward sign of an inward grace.  Jesus says, Mark 16:16: "He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved: but he that believeth not (and consequently is not baptized) shall be damned." Peter commanded the people on the day of Pentecost to be baptized. Peter was the chief Apostle and had the power to bind on earth and it should be bound in heaven. Does this not make baptism a command of God? If it is a command of God is it not essential to salvation? If this is not essential, why not do away with that part of the commission which commands His disciples to go and preach? Are you sure the teachings of your church are in strict accord with the Divine record?

 

James says, 5:14-16: "Is any sick among you, let him call for the Elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord; and the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him." Do you call for the Elders? Ben R. Rich, letter to Rev. J. Whitcomb Brougher, pastor of First Baptist Church, Chattanooga, Tennessee, December 25, 1899, in ”Two Letters to a Baptist Minister,” pp. 14-15, repr. Tracts from Southern states mission, Chattanooga, Tenn. [1899], [87-88])

 

Ben E. Rich (March 26, 1899) Affirming Baptismal Regeneration

  

"Is it necessary for preachers and members of other churches to be baptized anew in order to enter your church and be saved?"

 

"The voice of God is to all people, without exception, re- pent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost and shall know that you have received the truth and that God and Jesus Christ His Son have manifested themselves in this age of the world, and can be approached as of old, and that the blessings and gifts enjoyed in former days may be had in their fulness in these days. This is the only way of salvation and in this church is the only divine authority to administer the ordinances of salvation. They who receive this gospel and endure unto the end will be saved; they who wilfully reject it will be condemned."

 

"Is it necessary that baptism should be administered by total immersion? Will not sprinkling or pouring water upon the candidate be sufficient?"

 

"Baptism means immersion. It is a burial in water and afterwards the coming forth into a new life. It is symbolical of death and the resurrection. Paul said: 'Therefore we are buried with Him by baptism into death; that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. For if we have been planted together in the likeness of His death, we shall be also in the likeness of His resurrection' (Roman vi: 4-5.) The believer becomes dead to sin by repentance; he is buried from the old life by baptism. Coming from the womb of water into the air, he is born of water. Through remission of sins given in baptism, but proceeding from the atonement, he is born of the water and is thus prepared as a new creature in Christ Jesus to receive the Holy Ghost and thus be born of the spirit. Jesus said when on earth, 'Except a man be born of water and of the spirit he cannot enter into the kingdom of God' (John iii:5.) He set the example. He was baptized by John, His forerunner, in the river Jordan. When 'He came up straightway out of the water the heavens were opened and the spirit of God descended like a dove and lighted upon Him.' Thus He was born of the water and of the spirit and left us an example that we should follow in His steps. All other forms of baptism are inventions of men, and are not recognized of God; nor is this form accepted of heaven unless administered by one who has the divine right to do so, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. The Lord accepts only such ordinances as are performed by His authority and according to His commandment."

 

"Would you baptize infants by immersion?"

 

"We would not baptize infants at all. That would be a mockery in the sight of God. Faith and repentance must precede baptism. Infants cannot believe and they have nothing to repent of. Jesus did not baptize little children, but laid His hands on them and blessed them, saying, 'Of such is the kingdom of heaven' (Matthew xix:v13-15.) We give names to infants and bless them after this pattern, but do not baptize children until they come to years of accountability, are able to understand right from wrong, to believe in Christ and repent of their sins. We baptize no children less than eight years of age." (“An Interview in the Atlanta Constitution on the ‘Mormon Faith,’ with Ben E. Rich, of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, From the Atlantic Constitution, March 26, 1899, pp. 13-14, repr. Tracts from Southern states mission, Chattanooga, Tenn. [1899], [62-63])

 

Ben E. Rich (March 26, 1899) on Latter-day Saint Satanology and Demonlogy

  

"What about heaven and hell? Do you believe when people die they go either to heaven or to hell, or do you deny hell and disbelieve in a devil?"

 

"We believe in a personal Satan, as we believe in a personal Deity. The being who deceived Eve and tempted Jesus is a fallen spirit, the embodiment of the principle of evil, as God is the embodiment of all that is good. A principle in the abstract is of no force or effect. There must be some being through which it is manifest. We do not believe in the mythological evil one with horns and hoofs, nor in a literal bottomless pit of fire and brimstone. But we believe that there are many evil spirits who, under that being called the devil and Satan, tempt human beings and lead them astray if possible, and who are enemies to Christ and to the truth. They will eventually be banished from this earth when Christ's work of salvation is made complete. Hell is a place and condition of torment, in which the suspense and remorse and anguish of soul of the wicked, waiting for judgment and not knowing what their fate will be, is as 'the worm that dieth not and the fire that is not quenched.' This thev will endure as long as justice demands, and until they repent and turn to God and are perfectly willing to obey Him. When they are released, in future ages, their destiny will be as they have fixed it themselves by their own acts and according to the external principles of justice and mercy extended by the all-wise Judge, the eternal Father. We believe in heaven as a place and a condition. This earth, when it is redeemed and restored to its paradisic state, will be a heaven. Sin, darkness, sorrow, pain and death will be banished from it. The righteous in their glorified, resurrected state will dwell upon it in everlasting peace and joy. After it has been purified with fire and made a new earth, righteousness will dwell in it. The thorn and the brier having departed, the fig tree and the myrtle tree will bloom and bear fruit in the place thereof. The enmity between man and brute will be no more. There will be nothing to hurt or destroy. The flowers of Eden will blossom, the tree of life will bear its glorious fruits, the river of life will flow forth from the throne of God; the globe itself will be as a sea of glass mingled with fire. Christ will dwell upon it as King; the Father will visit it and grace it with His presence. Everything that is upon it, above it, around it and beneath it will be sanctified, beautified and glorified, and praise to God and the Lamb will ascend from every part and from every creature, Satan and his hosts will be vanquished, and Adam and his posterity will be redeemed from the curse and everything that hath breath will glorify the great Crea- tor; every knee will bow and every tongue confess that Jesus is the Lord, to the glory of God the Father, and He will be all in all," (“An Interview in the Atlanta Constitution on the ‘Mormon Faith,’ with Ben E. Rich, of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, From the Atlantic Constitution, March 26, 1899, pp. 23-24, repr. Tracts from Southern states mission, Chattanooga, Tenn. [1899], [73-74])

 

Jewish/Rabbinic Texts Paralleling Luke 7:51 and the "Uncircumcised in heart and ears"

  

[Luke] 7:51 B: Uncircumcised in heart and ears.

 

Genesis Rabbah 46 (29A): R. Huna (ca. 350) said in the name of Bar Qappara (ca. 220), “Abraham sat there (pondering about the place where circumcision is to be performed) and drew a conclusion from the verbal analogy (גְּזֵרָה שָׁוָה): The ‘orla (foreskin) is spoken of with regard to the tree and to the man. As the ‘orla of the tree is in the place where it bears fruit, so also the ‘orla of the man is in the place where he bears fruit.” It was said (erase the following “to him”) by R. Hanina b. Pazzi (ca. 280), “Did Abraham draw such conclusions on the basis of verbal analogy? Instead, God gave him a hint (about the body part in question) with the words, ‘I make my covenant between me and you, and I will multiply you exceedingly’ (Gen 17:2), that is, I will make my covenant between me and you in the place where reproduction occurs.” R. Ishmael († ca. 135) and R. Aqiba († ca. 135). R. Ishmael said, “Abraham was a high priest; for it says in Ps 110:4, ‘Yahweh has sworn and does not repent. You are a priest forever (on this, see § Heb 5:6)’; and it says, ‘You shall be circumcised in the flesh of your foreskin (‘orla)’ (Gen 17:11). Where should he perform the circumcision? If on the ear, he (as a priest) would not be fit to sacrifice (because no one who has been mutilated in the body may perform priestly functions). So where was he allowed to perform circumcision in order to be fit for sacrifice?” Answer: “On the foreskin of the male member.”—R. Aqiba said, “There are four ‘orla. There is talk of the ‘orla on the ear; see Jer 6:10, ‘Behold, their ear has a foreskin.’ There is an ‘orla on the mouth; see Exod 6:12, ‘I am of uncircumcised lips.’ Furthermore, there is an ‘orla on the heart; see Jer 9:25, ‘The whole house of Israel is uncircumcised in heart עַרְלֵי לֵב.’ Finally, there is an ‘orla on the male member; see Gen 17:14, ‘An uncircumcised male who is not circumcised in the flesh of his foreskin will be cut off.’ Furthermore, it was said to Abraham in Gen 17:1, ‘Walk before me and be perfect (in the sense of the Midrash = unharmed).’ If he were to perform circumcision on the ear, he would not be perfect; if he were to circumcise the mouth, he would not be perfect; if he were to circumcise the heart, he would not be perfect either. So where can he perform circumcision and still be perfect? Answer: At the ‘orla of the male member. Scripture says in Gen 17:12, ‘At the age of eight days, all males among you shall be circumcised according to your generations.’ If he were circumcised on the ear, he would not be able to hear; if on the mouth, he would not be able to speak; if on the heart, he would not be able to think. Where then shall he be circumcised so he might still think? Answer: On the ‘orla of the male member.” R. Tanḥuma (probably b. Abba [ca. 380]) said, “This passage of Scripture makes sense: ‘A male uncircumcised …’ (Gen 17:14). Is there also a female uncircumcision? Therefore, at the time where it is recognized whether one is male or female, circumcision is to be performed.”—The same is said in Lev. Rab. 25 (123C); a shorter version is present in TanḥB לך לך § 27 (41A); in another version in b. Šabb. 108A and Tanḥ. לך לך 19B, it is anonymous. ‖ In b. Zebaḥ. 22B, ערל לב “who is uncircumcised of heart” (Ezek 44:9) is explained by “he whose heart is not turned to God.”—On περιτομὴ καρδίας, see further at § Rom 2:29 B. (Hermann L. Strack and Paul Billerbeck, A Commentary on the New Testament from the Talmud and Midrash, ed. Jacob N. Cerone, 4 vols. [trans. Andrew Bowden and Joseph Longarino; Bellingham, Wash.: Lexham Press, 2022], 2:786-87)

 

Robert Alter on Ezekiel 11:21

  

But those whose heart goes after their disgusting things. The beginning of this clause is in the Masoretic Text reads, incomprehensibly, “But to the heart [we’el lev] of their disgusting things.” The translation reflects a widely accepted emendation grounded in the Targum Yonatan, we’eleh ‘aḥarey. (Robert Alter, The Hebrew Bible, 3 vols. [New York: W. W. Norton & Company, 2019], 2:1080)