| 559 "'We believe that it is the right of all persons, so long as they obey the ordinances of the gospel, and live pure and moral lives, to retain a standing in this church, whether they can see the propriety of all the measures of the leaders of the church or not.
"'We also believe that it is the right of all members of the church to discuss, in the pulpit or through the press, in public or in private, all measures presented to them by the priesthood, provided that they do it in the spirit of moderation, with due regard to the sentiments of others.
"'We, therefore, hold that it is an illegal and an unrighteous use of the holy priesthood to expel any person from the church because they cannot conscientiously admit the divinity of any measure presented by the priesthood.
"'We protest against counsel for the members of the church to watch one another and observe how each votes or acts, as calculated to breed suspicion, coldness, and distrust between our brethren; and as opposed to that voluntary spirit which is the greatest beauty and glory of the gospel of Christ.
"'We also protest against the inquisitorial practice of catechising the members of this church, through the teachers, as to their private views respecting church measures.
"'And finally, we protest against the spirit of compulsion in every form, as well as against the irresponsible investment of power in any person holding the priesthood.
"'We claim the right of, respectfully but freely, discussing all measures upon which we are called to act. And, if we are cut off from this church for asserting this right, while our standing is dear to us, we will suffer it to be taken from us sooner than resign the liberties of thought and speech to which the gospel entitles us; and against any such expulsion we present our solemn protest before God and angels.
"'As witness our hands this 23d October, 1869.
"'E L. T. HARRISON.
"'W. S. GODBE.'
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