History of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Volume 6Smith, Joseph, Jr.
History
History of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Volume 6
Smith, Joseph, Jr.
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints; Smith, Joseph, Jr., 1805-1844
We are now the most noble people on the face of the globe, and
we have no occasion to fear tadpoles. We are designated by the
All-seeing Eye to do good, not to stoop to anything low. We are apt
to suffer prejudice to get into our hearts on hearing reports. We
never should allow it--never should pass our judgment until we hear
both sides.
I will tell a Dutch anecdote: A certain Dutchman had a case brought
before him, and heard one side, and he gave in his decision--"Sure
you have got the case;" and when the other party brought their
witnesses, he said again, "Sure, you have got the case, too." If
you hear of any one in high authority, that he is rather inclined
to apostasy, don't let prejudice arise, but pray for him. God may
feel after him, and he may return. Never speak reproachfully nor
disrespectfully; he is in the hands of God. I am one of those
peacemakers who take a stand above these little things. It has
been intimated we should have investigations this conference. Do
you think I would trouble this conference with it? If I have a
difficulty with a man, I will go and settle it. Let them settle
their difficulties. There is not a man who has had a difficulty
{300} who would trouble this congregation about it. We ask no
favors; we can settle it ourselves. Don't think anything about
persons who are on the eve of apostasy; God is able to take care of
them. Let God judge, do your duty and let men alone.
Never undertake to destroy men because they do some evil thing. It
is natural for a man to be led, and not driven. Put down iniquity
by good works. Many men speak without any contemplation; if they
had given the matter a little contemplation it would not have been
spoken. We ought to be careful what we say, and take the example of
Jesus, cast over men the mantle of charity, and try to cover their
faults. We are made to enlighten, and not to darken one another;
save men, not destroy them. Do unto others what you would have them
do unto you. It is well enough to root out conspiracy. Do not fear,
but if you are in the right track, having God to guide you, He will
save you; for God will save you, if He has to destroy the wicked so
as by fire.
I want to put down all false influence. If I thought I should be
saved and any in the congregation be lost, I should not be happy.
For this purpose Jesus effected a resurrection. Our Savior is
competent to save all from death and hell. I can prove it out of
the revelation. I would not serve a God that had not all wisdom and
all power.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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