Latter Day Saints' Messenger and Advocate/Volume 1/Number 9/To the patrons of the Latter Day Saints' Messenger and Advocate
KIRTLAND, OHIO, JUNE, 1835.
TO THE PATRONS OF THE LATTER
DAY SAINTS' MESSENGER
AND ADVOCATE.
On assuming the editorship of this paper, its patrons, no doubt, will expect me to give them an outline of the course I intend to pursue while conducting its columns in future.
The labors of this station, to those acquainted with them, are known to be many and complicated; the responsibility resting upon an individual who steps forward in our religious country, at this day, and assumes to teach others the gospel of the Lord Jesus, and point the path to holiness, is fraught with so many reflections of importance, that one would scarce venture forward without faltering, were it not for the fact, that good may be done, the field being wide, the harvest great and the laborers few. Not that all men are pursuing the right way, and are walking before God according to his holy commandments, do I say religious world—far from this. Were I sensible that all religions were one religion, and that one the true, it would be foreign from my heart to think that my feeble exertions could benefit mankind: for if it were thus, my labors would be uncalled for. But while we discover so many, one is led to enquire, which is right? Has the Lord ordained so many ways for the salvation of his people? Does this, almost numberless train of professions, comport with the scriptures? Does it show one Lord and one faith? And amid so many professed gospels, where is the one which is correct, and where is that order of things which the Lord approbates and acknowledges his? If all are not one, and if these, or a part are incorrect, to convince men of the correct one, needs labor—and that mine may bear the strict scrutiny of my Master, in the great day approaching, I shall endeavor to have it correspond with the strictest principles of virtue and holiness.
Yet, another reflection, that one is destined to labor for some thousands, and suit matter for all, would be a sufficient excuse to urge on my own part, to my friend and brother,—who has conducted this paper since its commencement with so much talent and ability, for him to select another person, were it not that every man is to be rewarded for his diligence and perseverance in attempting to do good, by one who knows the thoughts and intents of the hearts of all.
In this introduction, then, I take the occasion to say, that I shall not labor to please men, any farther than a relation of sacred principles will be satisfactory. The applause of this world may be courted by whom it may, and enjoyed, (if enjoyment it can be called) by whoever possesses it, but with me it will be regarded as worthless as the idle wind or the vainly attempted allurements of fabled vision. So with the frowns and scoffs of men their worthlessness alike shall be considered as a parallel of the beating waves against the rocks in the distant ocean, and the rushing tornado in the trackless wilderness—one may foam its anger in perpetual solitude, and the other discharge its fury and its wrath without injury—they lose their force and spend their violence in fruitless attempts to harm in vain.
There is a way of salvation,—a path to heaven—a crown for the pure in heart, and principles teaching men how to escape the evil and enjoy the good. One way, and only one has the Lord pointed out for me to pursue in order to obtain eternal life, and it shall be my duty to set forth such facts as are calculated to inform the mind on those principles. That they are plainly written will not be doubted by those who have made themselves acquainted with all the revelations extant, notwithstanding a majority of the professing inhabitants of our country, doubt there being any other than the one given to the Jews, and a few churches among the Gentiles, by a part of the apostles.
The last item is one that has been, and still is a matter of much controversy. Such as profess to be in the right way and enjoy the true light, are disturbed, while those who fear for the safety and profits of their craft, are trembling lest the world will be dissuaded from following them.
No man, possessing his common faculties of understanding, unconnected with, or influenced by sectarian prejudice, will hesitate to say that something is wrong; and how is the evil to be remedied? Men act for themselves, choose for themselves, and if saved are saved for themselves, and not for another they cannot be driven into salvation, as compulsion would at once destroy their agency; and if that is taken away, why was it ever spoken "Whosoever will may take of the water of life freely?" Correct reasoning, plain facts, and undeniable assertions, on the plan of redemption, when presented to the mind, will, if any thing, call up that serious enquiry which is requisite in all. How often do we see men of first moral characters, bountiful to the poor, and filled with compassion toward the afflicted, enquiring for the "old paths" wherein Israel used to walk, standing with deep anxiety and concern for their souls, and say, "If I could but see the consistent order of which the revelations of the Lord teach, how gladly would I embrace it." How frequently do we also hear those whose names are registered with a church, say they are dissatisfied? and only continue because they have been made to believe it important that they should belong to some church?
The great point at issue, is, whether the Lord ever promised to bring back an order, in the last days, like the one in former times, and set free those who are in bondage to the systems and crafts of men; and from this another would necessarily arise, whether the situation of the world in this day requires it? And if so, has it been ushered in? These cannot be considered any other than items of deep moment to the human family, and worthy the careful investigation of all. If our opinion is based upon the rock, it is worth believing, and if it is a fable, it is unworthy the notice of the intelligent and the concern of the sure; but till these facts are settled, it may be well to investigate.
The principles of my predecessor have been faithfully written and ably defended; and it is only necessary to add, that the patrons of this paper will find mine to correspond with his.
The former correspondents of the Messenger and Advocate, are respectfully solicited to continue to write for its columns; and the elders abroad and travelling brethren, earnestly desired to give us accounts of their prosperity and travels.
With its former, and increasing correspondents, it is hoped that this paper will continue to be worthy of patronage; and as it continues to circulate and receive accounts of the increase and spread of truth, to be interesting to every family wherever it may appear.
The elders and brethren generally are requested to obtain and forward subscribers, who will be entitled to their numbers gratis according to the conditions on the last page.
One reflection more, and only one—If, in the performance of the duties which now devolve upon me, I so discharge them as to meet the approbation of the pure in heart, and still maintain the present respectability of this paper, and above all to have my work correspond with the principles of holiness, that at the great day of the Lord Jesus, I may but receive the reward of the just and the approbation of the same, that a crown of righteousness may be placed upon my head, I shall be satisfied and give the praise and glory to the exalted name of the Most High.
JOHN WHITMER.