Joseph Smith gave this discourse on July 9 1843.
The expanded version is below.
Separately, a version was printed in the Deseret News on 21 Jan
1857.
https://www.josephsmithpapers.org/paper-summary/history-of-joseph-smith/510
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<9>
Sunday 9th. Meeting at the grove in the morning; I addressed the Saints, of
which the following is a brief synopsis as reported by Dr. Willard Richards. |
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“Joseph
remarked that all was well between him and the heavens— that he had no enmity
against any one, and as the prayer of Jesus, or his pattern so prayed Joseph
“Father forgive me my trespasses as I forgive those who trespass against me,”
for I freely forgive all men.” |
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If we would
secure and cultivate the love of others, we must love others even our
enemies, as well as friends. Sectarian [p. 1665] priests cry out concerning
me and ask “why is it this babler gains so many followers, and retains them”?
I answer, it is because I possess the principle of love, all I can
offer the world is a good heart and a good hand. |
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The Saints
can testify whether I am willing to lay down my life for my brethren. |
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If it has
been demonstrated that I have been willing to die for a Mormon, I am bold
to declare before heaven that I am just as ready to die in defending the
rights of a Presbyterian, a Baptist or a good man of any other denomination;
for the same principle which would trample upon the rights of the
Latter day Saints would trample upon the rights of the other denomination
<Roman Catholics> or of any other denomination who may be unpopular
and too weak to defend themselves. |
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It is a love
of liberty which inspires my Soul, civil and religious liberty to the whole
of the human race, love of liberty was diffused into my Soul by my
grandfathers, while they dandled me on their knees; and shall I want friends?
No. [HC 5:498] |
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The enquiry
is frequently made of me, “Wherein do you differ from others in your
religions views?” In reality and essence we do not differ so far in our
religious views but that we could all drink into one principle of
love. |
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One of the
grand fundamental principles of Mormonism is to receive truth,
let it come from whence it may. We believe in the great Eloheim, who sits
enthroned in yonder heavens, so do the Presbyterians. |
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If a skilful
Mechanic, in taking a welding heat uses borax alum &c. and succeeds in
welding together iron or steel more perfectly than any other mechanic, is he
not deserving of praise? and if by the principles of truth I succeed in
uniting all denominations in the bonds of love, shall I not have attained a
good object? |
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If I esteem
mankind to be in error, shall I bear them down? No; I will left them up, and
in their own way too if I cannot persuade them my way is better; and I will
not seek to compel any man to believe as I do, only by the force of
reasoning; for truth will cut its own way. |
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Do you
believe in <Jesus Christ and> the Gospel of Salvation which [blank]
he [blank]49 revealed? So do I. Christians should cease wrangling and
contention with each other and cultivate the principles of union and
friendship in their midst; and they will do it before the Millennuim can be
ushered in, and Christ takes possession of his kingdom. |
