Deseret evening news. [volume] (Great Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1867-1920, 1906-09-10
A BAPTIST ISLANDER.

I'VE reiterate our protest against the
manifest and continued interference OF
the Mormon Church in political and
secular affairs"
That Is one OF the resolutions adopt
ed by the Baptist state convention
which recently held its sessions in this
city. Like all other sects. the Baptist
church is perfectly free TO lay plans
and carry them out for the Surtherance
Of its home and foreign missionary
work and the promotion OF its cause
In any and every way that II desires.
Blu, II steps out Of It's legitimate sphere,
and IS not entitled TO respect. when Il
attacks another Church that is mind
Ing It's own affairs. and when Il In
vades the domain Of business aud poll
itics. Particularly is this improper and
10 be resented when its pretenees In
that direction are false. and II has
nothing to offer as fact TO justify It's
assertions or inslnuations.
A religious society is In very poo
business when II becomes the mere
echo OF political Adventures and pro-
fessional libellers. Their vain repeti-
tons OF palpable untruths may be pass
ed by as too puerile and vicious for no.
tice But when pretended Chris
tlan' church. in solemn assembly, with
parrot-iike chatter copies such vicious
falsehoods by formal resolution. II be-
comes proper II not absolutely neees-
sary 70 expose Its petty yet shameful
mendaciiy.
In what way has the Baptist church,
or any OF its preachers or members,
been interfered with. rellgiously or
politically or In secular way Of any
kind by the Mormon church, Have
any OF them been hlndered or OBJ
structed IN the exercise Of the elective
franchise or OF the freedom Of speech
or OF Worship DO they not enjoy the
fullest liberty TO vote for or oppose
any candidate or measure before the
public, TO hold their meetings. pass
their collection plates or boxes, berate
''Mormonism." talk platitudes, and act
in the name OF the Holy Trinity from
whom they do not even claim they
have received any definite authority
Who has attempted TO prevent them
from doing anything Of the kindl Ger
tainly not the Mormon" Church.
Can any preacher OF the Baptist con-
vention produce person. Mormon"
or non-"M Mormon" who has been in
terfered with in his politics or his
business by the Mormon" church, II
not, on what basis was that ridiculous
resolution founded? What Is the ex-
cuse for It? Is Il not a falsehood IN
essence and fraud IN It's intent? II
is clearly designed for outside effect
and TO convey the lying impression
that the Mormon" Church interferes
with political and secular affairs, when
the truth is Il does nothing Of the
kind. The only pretense that can be
made 20 substantiate the covert charge
made by the Baptist convention. is that
I; has been reiterated time ana again
10 public prints and Is believed by
many people unaequain,ed With the
facts.
Nothing has ever been advanced BY
the yirulent maligners OF the Nor
mon" Church. even as pretended oy-
dence OF the Interference alleged,
hut trumped-up and shadowy stories
that viii not bear the least inyesti-
cation. Where is there an individual
who has been required 10 vote for or
against anybody or snythin- contrary
70 his or her own will and judgment?
Who Is there. anywhere IN this state
that can truthfully say ho Is net free
20 engage In any lawful business or
other secular pursuit? We can AFFORD
TO smile at the drlvel Of scribes, hired
to malign the Mormon" Church, that
drools along in sterotypsd channels.
But when an organized body OF alleged
Christian wofshippers taken up the
Islander and gives il voice by solemn
resolution. we protest against the out
rage. And we brand the authors Of
the accusation adopted by the Baptist
convention as common defamsrs, to be
classed with those who love as well as
Al.