Gospel Order
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set apart by the laying on of hands. Having received their commission
from God, and having the approbation of the church, they go forth
baptizing in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Ghost, and to
administer the ordinances of the Lord’s house, often waiting upon the
saints by presenting them the emblems of the broken body and spilt
blood of the crucified Saviour, to keep fresh in the memory of God’s
beloved children, his sufferings and death.
I saw that we are no more secure from false teachers now than they
were in the apostles’ days; and if we do no more, we should take as
special measures as they did to secure the peace, harmony and union
of the flock. We have their example, and should follow it. Brethren
of experience, and of a sound mind, should assemble, and follow the
word of God, and with fervent prayer, and by the sanction of the Spirit
of God, should lay hands upon those who have given full proof that
they have received their commission of God, and set them apart to
devote themselves entirely to the work. And by this act show the
approving voice of the church, in their going forth as messengers to
carry the most solemn message ever given to men.
God will not intrust the care of his precious flock to men whose
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minds and judgment have been weakened by former errors that they
have been in, such as so-called perfectionism and spiritualism, and
by their course, while in these errors, have brought reproach upon
the cause of truth and disgraced themselves. And although they may
now feel free from error, and competent to go forth to teach this last
message, God will not accept them. He will not intrust precious souls
to their care; for their judgment has been perverted while in error, and
is now weakened.
The great and holy One is a jealous God, and he will have holy
men to carry his truth. The holy law, spoken by God from Sinai, is a
part of himself, and holy men, who are its strict observers, will alone
honor him by teaching it to others.
I saw that the servants of God who teach the truth should be men
of judgment. They should be men that can bear opposition, and not
get excited; for those who oppose the truth will pick those who teach
it, and every objection that can be produced, in its worst form, will
be brought to bear against the truth. And the servants of God, who
bear the message, must be prepared, with calmness and meekness, to
remove these objections by the light of truth. I saw that the opposers