So far as known only one man of the nineteenth century claimed to be the inspired messenger sent to prepare the way {236} of the Lord. His name was Joseph Smith. He was born on the 23rd day of December, 1805, in Sharon, Windsor County, Vermont, (U. S. A.) JUDGING BY THE FRUITS. Let us test the claims he made by the teachings of the scriptures, and see if they are worthy of acceptance. "Beware of false prophets," says the Savior; then He adds, "Ye shall know them by their fruits. . . A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit." (Matthew 7: 15, 16, 18). This test which the Savior gives is a good one to be guided by. JOSEPH SMITH'S CLAIM. Joseph Smith claimed that when between fourteen and fifteen years of age, while praying for religious guidance, he had a vision in which he saw both God the Father and His Son Jesus Christ. He described them as two glorious personages in the form of man and exactly resembling each other in features. They told him that all religious denominations at that time were believing in incorrect doctrines, and that none of them was acknowledged of God as His church and kingdom; and they promised that the fullness of the Gospel should at some future time be made known unto him. HIS CLAIM COMPARED WITH SCRIPTURE. There is nothing contrary to scripture in this claim. That God is a personage in form like a man harmonizes with what the Bible says: "So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them." (Genesis 1: 27). That Jesus Christ was in feature like His Father is stated by St. Paul: "Being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person." (Hebrews 1: 3). That holy beings appear to men is also scriptural. The Savior appeared to Paul. (Acts 22: 6-11). Cornelius saw in vision an angel of God. (Acts 10: 1-6). That the various churches of the day were believing incorrect doctrine and were not acceptable unto the Lord, is also {237} apparent when their teachings are compared with the doctrines of the Bible. [1] PREDICTIONS THAT THE GOSPEL SHOULD BE RESTORED. That the fullness of the Gospel should be restored to the earth in latter days is predicted in the scriptures. When Jesus was asked by His disciples what should be the sign of His second coming, and of the end of the world, He replied "This gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come." (Matthew 24: 14). The Apostle John in reference to events that should take place in latter days, says: "And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people, saying with a loud voice, Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment is come." (Revelation 14: 6, 7).