The same remarks will, in all their force apply to Methodism in all its branches and to all other systems which have derived their priesthood and ordinances from the mother church. If the Catholics are false, then Protestantism has no foundaion. Luther derived his authority from the Catholics. Wesley derived his authority and baptism from the established church, as so did his followers.

We might trace this matter from one branch of reformers or dissenters to another, in all their various sects, from the the early dawn of the pretended reformation down to the smallest sprig or branch, of which the great tree of corrupt Christianity, or anti-christianity, is composed; but we forbear. Suffice it to say, that the same rule will apply to all, except such as can absolutely claim authority by revelation from God.

But churchmen, Methodist, and Protestants in general, deny in the plainest terms, the possibility of any revelation later than the Bible.

Hence if you enquire of them what they have against the principles of the Latter Day Saints, the answer is, “They are deluded because they admit of new revelation.”

Now the very moment they (the Protestants) take this stand, they deprive themselves of every claim to authority from God, in ministering holy things, unless it is derived from the mother of abominations.

“No man taketh this ministry upon himself (says Paul) but him who is called of God, as was Aaron.” It is plain that Aaron was called by revelation. One of the prophets in reproving the corruptions of the priesthood, says as follows: “The priests’ lips should keep knowledge and receive the law at his (God’s) mouth.” Revelation is inseparably connected with the priesthood, as an unchanging principle from all eternity to all eternity. Where there is no gift of revelation there can be no priesthood, and where there is no priesthood there can be no ordinances of God, and where there are no ordinances of God there can be no church of God.— All doctrine, ordinances, gifts, and blessings pertaining to the church of God, spring from an inspired priesthood as directly as a stream flows from a fountain, or as fruit is produced from a tree. As well might man attempt to produce apples or figs independent of a tree, as to expect a church of Christ to be in existence without apostles, prophets, &c., to administer the ordinances and blessings thereof.

Since the great apostacy from primitive Christianity, all the reformers of which we have any knowledge have fallen into this one inconsistency, viz: of patching new cloth on to old garments; and thus the rent has been made worse. For instance, the Protestants have sought a reformation in doctrine without a recommission and a new administration of ordinances. The Wesleyans sought a reformation in practice, with a reformation of doctrine. The Irvingites sought to graft the gifts of the spirit on to a corrupt church, without a change of ordinances or priesthood. The Rev. has attempted to restore the ordinances without the priesthood, or gifts of the spirit. The friends or Quakers have considered both priesthood and ordinances of no use, and that the spirit itself is sufficient, &c., &c. Thus all the attempts at reformation have failed to produce the desired effect; ages have rolled away, and the rent is still made worse, or the new wine has burst the old bottles; and thus bottles and wine have been lost or destroyed.

At length the full time had arrived for the great restoration of all things to commence, for the great and last dispensation to be ushered into the world. The Lord uttered his voice from the heavens, an holy angel came forth and restored the priesthood and apostleship, and hence has arisen the church of the saints;* new in priesthood, new in ordinances, new in spirit gifts, and blessings. It claims no affinity with the “mother of harlots or any of her daughters.” It denies the ordinances and priesthood which have grown out of her roots. In short it is a new tree—new fruit— new wine and new* bottles, new cloth and new garments—new leven and new lump—a new covenant and spirit; and may it roll on till we have a new heaven and a new earth, that we may dwell forever in the new Jerusalem, while old things pass away, and all things are made new, even so, Amen.

* New to this generation.

Train up child in the was he should go, a[nd] when he is old he will not depart from it. [p. 816]