Shoshone journal. [volume] (Shoshone, Idaho) 1884-1931, 1896-04-10


Salt Lake City, April 5.-Dear Breth-
rem and Sisters: Every Latter-day
Saint will recognize the value of union,
not only in action, but in matters of
faith and discipline. AS to the rights
and authority of the priesthood of the
Son of God, it is of the highest impor-
lance that there should be no difference
of opinion among the officers and mem
bers of the Church of Jesus Christ of
Latter-day Saints. Feeling the necessity
of a correct understanding OF this Pri
ciple, we deem it proper at this sixty
sixth anniversary of the organization of
the church in these last days, to prepare
and present a statement on the subject,
embodying the doctrine which has al
WAYS prevailed in the church, and our
views upon it. We are prompted to adopt
this course at the present time, because
of events which have happened during
the late political contest. A great di-
versity of opinion on the subject has
been expressed, and even by leading ell
ders in the church, which latter fact has
naturally led in some instances to con-
siderable division of sentiment
1t is of great Importance that we un
derstand each other, and that there be
harmony in our teachings. 1t is especial
Nv important that these teachings shall
he in accordance with the rules and reg
ulations and doctrines hich have been
taught and which have prevailed from
the beginning until the present time,
having not only the sanction OF undis-
puted usage, but the approval OF all
faithful leaders in the church and OF
him in whose name and by whose au-
thority they act.
In the late exciting contest, to which
reference has been made, the presiding
authorities in some instances have been
misunderstood. In other instances
they have been misrepresented, which
has led to a wrongful conception of
their real views. 1t has been asserted
too freely, and without foundation, that
there has been a disposition on their
mart TO interfere with individual liberty
and to rebuke III some men a course
which was applauded in others. In
word. that they have appeared to desire
to assert and maintain an unjust and
oppressive control over the actions OF
the members of the church, and in thus
DOING have endeavored to effect a union
of church and state. In the heat of
Dolitical discussion, assertions have been
made and arguments used conveying to
the public mind false idea concerning
the position of the officers of the church
and leaving the impression that there
has been and was now being made an
attempt to accomplish the union above
referred to. Now that the excitement
has passed, and calmer reason has
resumed its sway, we think it prudent
to set forth, so that all may understand
the exact position occupied by the lead
ing authorities of the church.
In the first place we wish to state in
the most positive and emphatic language
At at no time has there ever been any
attempt or even desire on the part of
the leading authorities referred to to
have the church in any manner en-
croach upon the rights of the state, or
to unite in any degree the functions OF
the one with those of the other.
Peculiar circumstances have sur
rounded the people of Utah. For many
years majority of them in every Por-
ton of the territory belonged to one
church, every reputable member of
which was entitled to hold and did hold
some ecclesiastical office. Is is easy to
see how. to the casual observer, 1t might
appear singular that so many officers
of the church were also officers of the
state; but while this was in fact the
case. the distinction between church and
state throughout those years was care
fully maintained. The president for
eight years held the highest civil Office
in the community, having been appoint
ed by the national administration gov
erner of the territory. The FIRST secre-
tary of the territory was prominent
church official. An apostle represented
the territory in congress as delegate
during ten years. The members of the
legislature also held offices III the
church. This was unavoidable; for the
most suitable men were elected by the
votes of the people, and, as we have
stated every reputable man in the entire
held some church position,