A Restoration Before The Second Coming of Jesus Christ (Page 2)
But, what if The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is not His restored church? Perhaps there is another. Other than its conformity to what we know about the early church with a ‘foundation of Apostles and Prophets.’ what other signs are there of its validity?
A sign that may be overlooked is the similarity of how the early church began and developed compared to how the Restored Church has become established. When His disciples went forth, the Roman Empire with its power and influence, its infrastructure and technology, facilitated Christianity spreading throughout that empire and even beyond. Similarly the restoration began as:-
a) The British Empire was at the height of its power securing relative peace for over 80 years. In my opinion, during the reign of Queen Victoria was the only time when a restored church stood any chance of becoming established prior to the 20th century and beyond.
b) New technologies provided faster communication and ease of travel by land and by sea, as
c) A new expanding nation secured at least in principal, freedom of religion and persecution, and
d) Within its borders dynamic and talented people from all over the world would come, settle, build and prosper in what has become the most powerful and influential nation on Earth.
Remember also this story from the book of Acts:
In the early days of the church, Peter and other Apostles were brought before the High Priest and other officials. Despite being thrown in jail the night before, by divine intervention they escaped and continued preaching Jesus Christ. Under threat of further incarceration or worse, the situation was then diffused by one of their own, a Pharisee named Gamaliel:
Acts chapter 5:
34 Then stood there up one in the council, a Pharisee, named Gamaliel, a doctor of the law, had in reputation among all the people, and commanded to put the apostles forth a little space;
35 And said unto them, Ye men of Israel, take heed to yourselves what ye intend to do as touching these men.
36 For before these days rose up Theudas, boasting himself to be somebody; to whom a number of men, about four hundred, joined themselves: who was slain; and all, as many as obeyed him, were scattered, and brought to nought.
37 After this man rose up Judas of Galilee in the days of the taxing, and drew away much people after him: he also perished; and all, even as many as obeyed him, were dispersed.
38 And now I say unto you, Refrain from these men, and let them alone: for if this counsel or this work be of men, it will come to nought:
39 But if it be of God, ye cannot overthrow it; lest haply ye be found even to fight against God.
In the early days of the restoration, Joseph Smith was not the only one claiming revelation from God commissioning him to restore the true church. One such man Parley P Pratt encountered in 1836 when on a mission in Canada, he records in his autobiography:
'Now, there was a man named Caird, who, previous to my visit to Canada, had been over from England as a preacher, who pretended to be sent of God by revelation. He had preached many things, and told the people that God had raised up apostles in England, and organized the true church, and was sending preachers from thence into all the world, to prepare the way for the coming of the Son of Man. This man held to the sprinkling of infants, which he called baptism. He also held that the church of which he was a representative and messenger, included the national Church of England; and all
others who had been baptized (sprinkled), whether Catholic or Protestant. This great, universal church was the true church, only needing the restoration of apostles and gifts which had now commenced to be restored.
This man had great influence in Canada on his former visit, and he had long been looked for to return to Toronto on his second visit. The people were all expectation, and very anxious that he should arrive in time to meet me before I should return home; for many persons greatly wondered that there should arise about the same time one church in America and another in England, both professing apostolic power and universal jurisdiction. Some of those who had heard both of us, tried to think that both systems were one and would run together. Others said they would wait and see which ‘serpent swallowed the other’ before they would join either.'
Anxious to meet this man Parley travelled from Toronto to Kingston in the hope converting him to the restoration he represented. However, Parley had dreams that gave him cause for concern. The dreams were fulfilled for whilst Caird was a good preacher, he would in his sermons misrepresent Mormonism with lies and slander not allowing Parley any response to his accusations. Parley therefore had handbills printed and circulated exposing Mr Caird's lies and by this means descrediting him. The final words Parley records are:
'Mr. Caird retired from the country, returned home to Scotland, where I found him ten years afterwards living in private life and of no notoriety. The truth had now triumphed in Canada, as was predicted on my head on starting from Kirtland, Ohio. Several branches of the Church had been organized, and Elders had been ordained to take care of the flocks and to continue the work. I took an affectionate leave of my friends in that country, and, with my wife, returned home.’
Conclusion
The restoration of the Lord’s church in 1830 was the fulfilment of prophecy. Like the early church it was never the work of one man. Joseph Smith was no charismatic preacher drawing in crowds of simple souls. The Lord had prepared many intelligent, courageous and valiant men and women who were ready to bring about the restoration and take it forward, even after the death of the prophet. Many were the ‘pick and flower’ of England and to this day the Lord continues to gather leaders from all continents to progress that restoration in preparation for the Lord’s return.
