Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith
Section Two (1834-1837) | Modern Sons of Sceva
1We also would notice one of the modern sons of Sceva, who would fain have made people believe that he could cast out devils, by a certain pamphlet, the Millennial Harbinger, that went the rounds through our country; who felt so fully authorized to brand "Jo" Smith with the appellation of Elymas the sorcerer, and to say with Paul, "O full of all subtlety, and all mischief, thou child of the devil, thou enemy of all righteousness, wilt thou not cease to pervert the right ways of the Lord?" We should reply to this gentleman, Paul we know, and Christ we know, but who are ye?
2And with the best of feeling would say to him, in the language of Paul to those who said they were John's disciples, but had not so much as heard there was a Holy Ghost--to repent and be baptized for the remission of sins, by those who have legal authority, and under their hands you shall receive the Holy Ghost, according to the Scriptures: "Then laid they their hands upon them, and they received the Holy Ghost" (Acts 8:17). "And when Paul had laid his hands upon them the Holy Ghost came on them and they spake with tongues and prophesied" (Acts 19:6). "Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead and of eternal judgment" (Hebrews 6:2). "How, then, shall they call on him in whom they have not believed?
3And how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach, except they be sent? As it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the Gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things" (Romans 10:14, 15).
4But if this man will not take our admonition, but will persist in his wicked course, we hope that he will continue trying to cast out devils, that we may have the clearer proof that the kingdom of Satan is divided against itself, and consequently cannot stand; for a kingdom divided against itself, speedily hath an end. * * *
