Comment By Torchlight

Mormon Activity

Among the many cults being vigorously propagated in Britain today is that of the Mormons. Their missionaries-usually in pairs-are engaging in persistent house-to-house visitation. Carefully trained, personable young men offer Mormon literature and arrogantly urge the claims of the "revelations" given to Joseph Smith. These claims are a blasphemous perversion of Christian doctrine.

Because of the Mormons' devotion and enthusiasm, and a certain "severity to the body" (Colossians 2.23), many people are impressed and some are attracted to the movement. The growth of the cult in some areas of the United Kingdom is evidence that a considerable number of converts is being made.

Some of the beliefs of the Mormons are too blasphemous to quote here. While no Bible-instructed believer is likely to be taken in by their claims, it is well to be forearmed so as to be able to help others. Like some other cults, the Mormons keep in the background of their teaching the more blatant denials of Christian doctrine until the convert is indoctrinated. The writer had evidence of this some time ago. When a blasphemous statement attributed to the Mormon prophet, Brigham Young, was put to a Mormon missionary, to his obvious discomfiture, he replied, "You want the cream before you have had the skimmed milk!"

Readers wishing to be more accurately informed on the teaching of the Mormons, and some other modern cults, will find a brief but helpful treatment of the subject in a pamphlet published by Tyndale Press, Some Modern Religions, by J. Oswald Sanders and J. Stafford Wright.

European Common Market

The decision of the Government that Britain shall make early application to join the European Economic Community is an historic one. In making his announcement, the Prime Minister said that Britain was now prepared to accept the Treaty of Rome subject to certain necessary adjustments. Apparently the greater number of politicians in the main political parties have decided that it is in Britain's interest to take this momentous step. A minority has serious misgivings and considers that the advantages gained will not be worth the price that will have to be paid. The man in the street has little authentic information on which he can base a judgement. This is one of those decisions which can only be assessed by those who are skilled in political strategy. Whether or' not the application to join will be successful and what conditions may be imposed in the event of Britain becoming a member of the E.E.C. remain to be seen.

It is clear that the decision has important political as well as economic implications. The rapid developments among the great powers since the second world war left Britain with a choice which had to be faced and decided. Should she "go it alone" or seek to align herself with the great power bloc developing in Europe and play her part there in world political and economic strategy? This is the crux of the problem the Government had to resolve. The decision to adopt the policy of full partnership with the European Six has now been taken and, according to Mr. Wilson's statement, will be vigorously pursued.

Whatever view is taken of the present developments among the nations and their eventual outcome, we believe that now, as ever, "the Most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever He will" (Daniel 4.25). All history comes within the scope of the prophetic word, and the march of events in our time is but leading on to the glad day when "the kingdom of the world is become the kingdom of our Lord, and of His Christ: and He shall reign for ever and ever" (Revelation 11.15). We should be neither indifferent to the momentous events of these days nor anxious about them. The Psalmist's words assure our faith:

"Be still, and know that I am God:

I will be exalted among the nations,

I will be exalted in the earth" (Psalm 46.10).

Our concern should be that in the present phase of God's dealings with men His people should serve the counsel of God

The Infallible Word

God... "so loved us as to give us so pure a record of His will - God-given in all its parts, even though cast in the forms of human speech - infallible in all its statements - divine even to its smallest particle! ... Look at those who have lost the knowledge of this infallible guide: see them evincing man's most pressing need by inventing for themselves an infallible church, or even an infallible Pope. Revelation is but half revelation unless it be infallibly communicated: it is but half communicated unless it be infallibly recorded. The heathen in their blindness are our witnesses of what becomes of an unrecorded revelation. Let us bless God, then, for His inspired word! And may He grant that we may always cherish, love, and venerate it, and conform all our life and our thinking to it! So may we find safety for our feet, and peaceful security for our souls" (Warfield).

Father of mercies, in Thy word

What endless glory shines!

For ever be Thy name adored

For these celestial lines.

unknown | Jun 1967
Comment By Torchlight