before all was fulfilled, as the sacred writers understood it, and taught the disciples, and the world of mankind. If it were possible for the plan of redemption to have been unfolded, without the actual appearance of Christ in the flesh, why did not the patriarchs with whom God made his covenants, and his promises, preach redemption through the atonement, instead of sacrifices and ceremonies? But we are informed by this same prophet Lehi, that "all mankind was in a lost, and in a fallen state; and ever would be, save they should rely on this Redeemer." p. 22. From the last paragraph, the author views the matter in the same light with us, that is, that the Christian religion was revealed and made known to the Nephites, six hundred years before the advent of Jesus Christ. Lehi speaks by the power of the Holy Ghost, which power he received by faith on the son of God. And the son of God was the Messiah.' Let us compare the above sentiments with the declarations and views of the inspired writers of the New Testament. "But when the comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the father," &c. John XV. 26. From this we should infer, that the Holy Ghost was yet in anticipation, because he is promised; and to confirm our view of this subject, we will cite a few other passages. "It is expedient for you that I go away; for if I go not away the comforter will not come unto you." John XIV, 7. "And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment." John 16, 8. "But ye shall receive, after that the Holy Ghost has come upon you." Acts 1, 8. In the second chapter of the Acts, we find all the above promises fulfilled.
Lehi continues his preaching, speaks of John and of the Virgin Mary, and calls her the "mother of God," and declares the way of salvation, by Jesus Christ, through faith and repentance. p. 25. All the prophets of old, were far behind our Lehi, and they prophecied falsely too, if our
