Latter Day Saints' Messenger and Advocate/Volume 3/Number 1/Judge after hearing

JUDGE AFTER HEARING.

Liberty is a principle, though perhaps, but little cultivated in its true sense, which serves to soften the feelings of the human heart, and instead of widening the breach, already existing between men of different views and sentiments, will, if not bring them to see alike, do away many prejudices, and thereby better human society.—By liberality we do not merely mean giving to the poor, and alleviating the distressed, but a willingness to give each a candid hearing upon matters where a difference of opinion arise.

It has appeared to us, that but few were to be found who really and truly understood, or sought to understand, the purpose of the great author of our being in placing us here. Some say, to prepare for a latter state. True, we grant; but how widely they differ from us on the point of preparation.—They say religion is necessary—so say we: "pure and undefiled before God and the Father." But, are no feelings of friendship, sociality and interchange of sentiments, to be cultivated. Are not these an important link in the purpose for which God placed us here? We are aware of the saying "keep themselves unspotted from the world:" but this is not saying we are not to show ourselves social and familiar, (in soberness and propriety,) upon the principles of truth, with our fellowmen.

It not unfrequently happens, that when a man is what many call converted, a spirit of strife, animosity, hatred, and intolerance, mingled with bitter feeling against all such as differ from his particular dogmas, spring up in his bosom; as though, after sorrowing and mourning, for several months, and perhaps years, and having, as he says, his "soul set at liberty," he is to distinguish himself, from the rest of the world, in his party, by being very orthodox, precise and tenacious. Such is the love that common religion creates, that it is a matter of difficulty that any of the elders of the church of Latter Day Saints, can obtain liberty to deliver a lecture upon the principles of their faith in a building owned, or occupied, by the different sects, or one over which they hold influence. True, in many cases we have no claim other than the great admonition of Paul to the Thessalonians "Prove all things; hold fast that which is good."

It may be urged, that the principles advanced by this church are so perfectly known, that they are already proven. We ask how have they been made known, that they might be proven? The answer must be—"From rumor!" This, we declare to be very incorrect. In all our experience in this matter, hardly in any instance, have we known rumor to speak the truth, especially, when it touched upon the principles of our faith. Such being the case, the public are uninformed relative to what we approve or disapprove, touching religion. If then, they are uninformed, how shall they be informed, except they hear us?

Aside, however, from the general course pursued by the different religionists toward us, we are happy to say, there are many honorable exceptions, as we are informed by elders from the east. Many houses, owned or occupied by other denominations, have been gratuitously furnished our brethren while travelling among strangers to proclaim the gospel; and so far as we have been able to learn, when ever such has been the case, a general expression of good feelings has been manifested.

Our readers may say, that we ought not to expect favors from others, that we will not grant ourselves. To which we answer: since our meeting house has been finished suitable to convene a congregation, but two persons have made application to occupy it, to our knowledge,—one a Campbellite, (so called,) and the other a Methodist. And we believe, that it was more from the solicitation of some members of the church to preach in our house, than from a request from them, first. The Campbellite did not preach, the other did. Previously to the finishing the house, a Universalean; made application, and attained a hearing—we know of no others. But for any preacher of respectable character, and in fellowship, with his society, or of respectability if he is joined to no sect, almost any day of the week, except the Sabbath, our doors will be opened, and he or they may preach whatever they call or think to be the gospel. There may be times or seasons when our house will be occupied by the society here; but generally, not. So far as regards propriety and decency; we do not intend there shall be rudeness or improper conduct in the house on any occasion.

We have made these remarks, and given this general invitation to all or any professed teacher of religion, at the request and suggestions of several of the brethren, and proprietors in our house; and also in perfect accordance with our own feelings.