| 554 "We have ever held that there was freedom in the church for the expansion of the intellect and the affections, for the increase of that which tends to make men wiser and better, for the attainment unto every higher, holier good to which man may legitimately aspire; that there was a right to think, to speak, to act, subject only to the general rules of ecclesiastical government under which church unity is secured unto us, and the specific commandments of God unto the church.
"'Neither be ye called master,' is in the same strong spirit as, 'But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant;' 'for one is your master, even he whom your heavenly Father sent, which is Christ.'
"We cannot rejoice in schism, nor in the arraying of brethren in spiritual controversy, one against another; but having understood that the gospel was for the elevation of man, for the opposing and suppressing of evil and falsehood; for the upbuilding of right and true principles, which honorable men, seeking for life eternal, may advocate, sustain, and abide by; and to which the outcast and depraved may seek for deliverance from their depravity and alienation from God, we can but hail with gladness the evidences daily accruing of an early return to right ways of thinking, when men will, in their desires for the advancement of the cause of God, dare to counsel together freely and fairly, without fear of censure or hate, or the exercise upon them of arbitrary power, wielded by their fellow men.
"We shall note with great interest the result of the struggle now going on in Utah; and if Messrs. Harrison, Godbe, and Kelsey will permit us, without ascribing unto us any desire to widen the breach between Brigham Young and themselves, we offer them our congratulations upon the manly stand they have taken in defense of God-given human right.
"'AN APPEAL TO THE PEOPLE.
"'Since the date of writing my last editorial, a startling change has taken place in my situation, although not in my feelings or sentiments towards the members of our church.
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