Deseret evening news. [volume] (Great Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1867-1920, 1905-02-10
AS TO "THE HIGHER LAW"

Some years ago there was much dis
cusslon IN the United states over what
was called THE higher law doctrine
II was entertained by vast number
Of the people Of this country, including
some of the greater lights In the ma
tional armament II was advocated
strongly In opposition to the legisla-
tion that permitted and protected negro
slavery. 1t was briefly but pointedly
enunclated In 1850 In speech on the
admission OF California as a State OF
the Union, by no less a parsonage than
William H. Seward, who afterwards
became one Of President Abraham Lin
coins cabinet, and was Secretary Of
State during the administration OF
President Andrew Johnson. This Is part
of what he said on the occasion mem
toned
"There II a higher law than the Con-
stitution which regulates the authors
" Of Congress-the law OF God and the
interests Of humanity"
without offering amy criticism or on
dorsement Of the sentiment expressed
by the celebrated statesman, we would
like to know what Judge Robert W.
Tayler, counselor for the protestants,
and a number Of the Committee on Pr-
vlleges and Elections In the case Of
Senator Reed smoot, have to say In
regard to that doctrine, They were 80
anxious, apparently to make It seem
that because the "Mormons' believe
in divine revelation they must OF neces-
sity place II above and IN hostility to
the laws Of Congress. They did not
succeed In establishing that there Is
anything IN "Mormonism" antagonlstc
to national law, but as Mr., Tayler
enunciated as an axiom they endeav-
ored to hold out TO the public the no.
ton that a man who believes I'm reye-
latlon from God must be ga traitor to
his country
Would any oc these gentlemen in
Guiding Judge Taylcr attempt to pre-
fer the charge against the late Secre-
tary Seward that he was a traitor to
his country? We think such declara-
ton would raise storm Of dissent, not
only in the Republican party but
throughout the nation. We do not
here wish 10 set up any claim that the
Mormon Church or It's authorities
consider themselves above the law OF
the land We have taken the ground
that there need be no conflict between
divine revelation and the Constitution OF
our country, or laws made In pursuance
thereof, but we recognize the principle
that the pure word Of Cod which Ia
simple truth, IS and must be para
mount. and that conscience ought to
be the guide Of every Intelligent hui
man being.
Mormon theology recognizes the
supremacy OF the Almighty as the
maker Of an things IN heaven and on
earth. u regards "the powers that be-
as established or permitted by Him to
regulate civil affairs 1t teaches obedi-
ence 10 the properly constituted rulers
governors and officials OF nations and
their subdivisions, within the bounds
Of their legitimate authority. And n
requires recognition Of both divine and
human law each limited within lie
proper sphere,
There Is no menace In "Mormonlsm'
10 the nation or to any Of its institu
lions, but It seeks TO promote harmony
between tho duties Of the servants OF
God ana those NJ loyal citizens t.
earthly governments, Mr.. Seward held
extreme opinions on the subject We
touched upon, but however they may
be viewed by persons who do not ac'
cept them, his belief In the higher
law" does not Justify anyone In brand
Ing him therefore as "a traitor to nj,
country"