Deseret evening news. [volume] (Great Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1867-1920, 1902-12-10

work Neither Is there policy, No
class, nor party nor faction, nor fami-
ly. IL recognized. 1t Is contrary 20
the spirit of the Gospel for any man to
seek power, and strength, and advan-
tage, and prestige, by separating any
number OF people into faction, and
then use such factIonai organization or
number as whip over the whole body
to command his personal wishes. These
things may be common In politlcsmuch
to the detrlment Of the people ana
state or nation, but can never obtain
in the Church,
"The Church Is provided with so many
Priesthood organizations that only
these can be recognized therein. NO
outside organization Is necessary
There Is no call for individuals TO or
ganize clubs, or special gatherings In
social, educational. or national capaci-
~ In order to express wishes or desires
for reforms that can always be ex-
pressed IN the organizations that al
ready exist In the Church, There Is
enough TO 40 In the general ward or
CARNATIONS under Church control to
Ill all reaulrementst satisfy all right
eous ambitions, and to develop the lat
ent talent Of the people. II Is neither
proper nor necessary to establish fur
Their public organizations under indi-
yldual leadership, unsanctioped by the
Church authorities, II further public
organizations are required they Will
be founded by proper authority, when
It can be proved that there is indeed
any need for them. Such separate ac-
ton leads to clannishness, Conflict and
dsunon, and Is not pleasing In the
sight Of God
where men are ambitious 10 show
their ability and fitness as leaders,
teachers, organizers. champions of
righteous cause, or saviors Of men, let
them develop these qualities in the
many suitable organizations now exist
ing in the Church. which are waiting
yea, often crying aloud-for men with
just such superior ability. This course
pursued with the right spirit, will do
good, and meet the blessings Of the
Lord; while the other, by playing upon
their pride Of nationality their natural
desire to conquer and their sectional
cannishness, will lead 10 sehlsms
among the people that win finally cause
them to lose the spirit % the Gospel.
mo member OF the Church should be
led away by men who under any pre-
text seek to induce them to become
members OF any organization, secret
social or otherwise, outside OF the
control Of the Church. When solicited
to so Join, ask yourselves II such ac-
tion leads TO peace and union, or TO
strife and discussions, When you have
thought the request over ask your
selves II consent leaves you with
good spirit, and love for your
brethren, or with hatred and contention
In your breast. Then, don't
hurry about action, till you have asked
the Lord or sought the counsel Of your
brethren in authority. No mans selfish
aims should become your standard Of
right and wrong. il Is easy for selfish
men 10 find plausible excuses for their
grievances, and to erect them as cri-
terions OF justice. There Is proper
way to settle all grievances, and 1t is
not by taking the law in ones own
hands; neither IL II by abusing the
brethren and laying before the world
their sins, faults and faillngs, OF which,
for aught you know, they may have
repented sincerely, and obtained for
glveness OF God--cven as all hope, who
repent,
Paul gives the Romans some good
advice on this subject, which Is very
appropriate for the Z. Latter-day Saints,
and trust we may all lay 1t to heart
and learn wisdom therefrom: Now |
beseech you, brethren, mark them
which cause divisions and offenses con-
trary to the doctrine which ye have
learned; and avoid them, For they that
are such serve not our Lord Jesus
Christ, but their own belly; and by
good words and fair speeches deceive
the hearts of the simple Let us not
be simple, but let us continue to be
united and to serve the Lord Jesus
Christ. JOSEPH r. SMITH