WHY I BECAME A MORMON

by Newman Bulkley

I was born August 18th 1817 in the town of Catharine, Tioga Co., N.Y.

My parents being Methodists taught me to believe in a God without body 
or parts, who had a son that took a body, died and rose again, and ascended 
into heaven and sits on the right hand of his father who had neither body nor 
parts.  When I became old enough to think for myself I could not believe in 
such a God.

	A Mormon Elder preached faith, repentance and baptism and the laying on 
of hands for the reception of the Holy Ghost.  I believed and was baptized, 
when my mind became enlightened so that I began to understand something about 
God, that he had a body and parts, that man was made in his image.  And as I 
increased in knowledge and understanding the doctrine taught by the Mormons 
appeared more reasonable than any other therefore, faith increased until it 
became a knowledge.

	I remained a Mormon after passing through the trials of the church now 
fifty three years, and am strong in the faith of the gospel.  I am not a 
great preacher therefore have thought it wise for me to leave my testimony 
for others to look upon when I am behind the vail.

	I know that God lives and has set his hand the second time to gather 
Israel, which will be accomplished in due time.

	I know that Joseph Smith was sent to do this great work of gathering in 
the last days.

	I know that Brigham Young was his lawful successor and that no man can 
lead this people unless inspired by the Holy spirit.  Joseph Smith will stand 
at the head of this dispensation, and that John Taylor was also called of God 
as his successor.

	Having this knowledge I do not desire to pass away without writing a 
few words to the young.  Firstly, then, obtain a knowledge of the truth of 
this work.  Leave off your vanities and seek unto God for his spirit.  Study 
the books until you come to an understanding of the plan of salvation, that 
you may be qualified to teach others.

	Prepare yourselves for the great work that lies before; its heavy 
responsibilities must soon rest upon you.

	To the middle aged; You are mostly raising families, I would, 
therefore, ask, are you setting good example before them?  Or are you 
permitting them to run the streets at night in all kinds of company?  When 
passing along I see groups of boys from eight to twelve years old smoking, 
and ask are these children of Latter-day Saints?  The answer returns; They 
are the children of those who are saints by profession, but, in too many 
instances not in practice, or these priceless jewels God has placed in their 
charge would be better cared for.

	These should be at home beside their mother's knee being taught 
principles of the gospel, instead of on the streets learning these habits.  
"As the twig is bent, the tree's inclined."

	Oh, what a responsibility rests upon parents in these matters.  Oh, ye 
parents see that your children are not left thus to be devoured by evil 
influences, or your cup of sorrow will overflow.

	What a power each man would be with the young would he only consecrate 
himself to this holy work.  Does not conscience accuse you for your neglect?  
Heed then this warning, and restore these priceless gems.  Place their young 
feet on the path of purity, repent of your neglect and of all your evil 
doings, and turn to the Lord.

	Be baptized for the remission of your sins and have hands laid upon you 
for the gift of the Holy Ghost, that you may even yet obtain salvation in the 
Kingdom of God.

	A word to the gentiles.  Cease your murders, your lyings and 
deceivings, and the taking of the name of God in vain.  Defraud not one 
another.  Oppress not the poor.

	Cease your persecutions of the just.  Seek peace and promote it.  
Cultivate righteousness, for destruction cometh as a whirlwind to the utter 
abolishment of wickedness.

	Finally I bid all farewell until we meet before the bar of the Judge of 
all the earth.

Newman Bulkley.

THE END