1
We believe that governments were instituted
of God for the benefit of man; and that he holds men accountable for
their acts in relation to them, both in making laws and administering
them, for the good and safety of society.
2
We believe that no government can exist in peace, except such laws are
framed and held inviolate as will secure to each individual the free
exercise of conscience, the right and control of property, and the
protection of life.
3
We believe that all governments necessarily require civil officers and
magistrates to enforce the laws of the same; and that such as will
administer the law in equity and justice should be sought for and upheld
by the voice of the people if a republic, or the will of the sovereign.
• • •
5
We believe that all men are bound to sustain and uphold the respective
governments in which they reside, while protected in their inherent and
inalienable rights by the laws of such governments; and that sedition
and rebellion are unbecoming every citizen thus protected, and should be
punished accordingly; and that all governments have a right to enact
such laws as in their own judgments are best calculated to secure the
public interest; at the same time, however, holding sacred the freedom
of conscience.
6
We believe that every man should be honored in his station, rulers and
magistrates as such, being placed for the protection of the innocent and
the punishment of the guilty; and that to the laws all men show respect
and deference, as without them peace and harmony would be supplanted by
anarchy and terror; human laws being instituted for the express purpose
of regulating our interests as individuals and nations, between man and
man; and divine laws given of heaven, prescribing rules on spiritual
concerns, for faith and worship, both to be answered by man to his
Maker.
• • •
8
We believe that the commission of crime should be punished according to
the nature of the offense; that murder, treason, robbery, theft, and the
breach of the general peace, in all respects, should be punished
according to their criminality and their tendency to evil among men, by
the laws of that government in which the offense is committed; and for
the public peace and tranquility all men should step forward and use
their ability in bringing offenders against good laws to punishment.
• • •
11
We believe that men should appeal to the civil law for redress of all
wrongs and grievances, where personal abuse is inflicted or the right of
property or character infringed, where such laws exist as will protect
the same; but we believe that all men are justified in defending
themselves, their friends, and property, and the government, from the
unlawful assaults and encroachments of all persons in times of exigency,
where immediate appeal cannot be made to the laws, and relief afforded.
1
We believe in God, the Eternal Father, and in His Son, Jesus Christ, and in the Holy Ghost.
2
We believe that men will be punished for their own sins, and not for Adam’s transgression.
3
We believe that through the Atonement of Christ, all mankind may be
saved, by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the Gospel.
4
We believe that the first principles and ordinances of the Gospel are:
first, Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ; second, Repentance; third,
Baptism by immersion for the remission of sins; fourth, Laying on of
hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost.
5
We believe that a man must be called of God, by prophecy, and by the
laying on of hands by those who are in authority, to preach the Gospel
and administer in the ordinances thereof.
6
We believe in the same organization that existed in the Primitive
Church, namely, apostles, prophets, pastors, teachers, evangelists, and
so forth.
7
We believe in the gift of tongues, prophecy, revelation, visions, healing, interpretation of tongues, and so forth.
8
We believe the Bible to be the word of God as far as it is translated
correctly; we also believe the Book of Mormon to be the word of God.
9
We believe all that God has revealed, all that He does now reveal, and
we believe that He will yet reveal many great and important things
pertaining to the Kingdom of God.
10
We believe in the literal gathering of Israel and in the restoration of
the Ten Tribes; that Zion (the New Jerusalem) will be built upon the
American continent; that Christ will reign personally upon the earth;
and, that the earth will be renewed and receive its paradisiacal glory.
• • •
12
We believe in being subject to kings, presidents, rulers, and magistrates, in obeying, honoring, and sustaining the law.
13
We believe in being honest, true, chaste, benevolent, virtuous, and in
doing good to all men; indeed, we may say that we follow the admonition
of Paul—We believe all things, we hope all things, we have endured many
things, and hope to be able to endure all things. If there is anything
virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy, we seek after these
things.
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