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Source: Church History Vol. 3 Chapter 34 Page: 677 (~1872)

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677 one of them. Let this be borne in mind, and the brethren will be relieved of any necessity for writing in reply to us, or in defense of what is not attacked. All we wish to write about them is this. We know of nothing in the gospel making them necessary; nor do we know of any authorized by the church. There is nothing enjoined in any of them that is noble, kind, and good, that is not enjoined in the gospel covenant. As a writer on the subject, who is by the way a member of one of them, tritely remarks, They begun in time, and will end in time, while the gospel begun in eternity and will end in eternity.'

"We have now taken up one by one the principal measures of the men of the immediate past, and propose to view them with regard to our relation to them.

"That some if not all of these measures which we have been considering are as much an essential part of the policy of the Reorganization as they were a part of the policy of the men of the past, is not a question for controversy, hence our relation to them is one of careful measurement and adjustment. Whatever is conducive to our advancement as a people, as a church, as individuals, will demand and should have, our earnest, cordial indorsement [endorsement], and our active and energetic support.

"Disguise it as we may to ourselves, the many organizations that have succeeded what is sometimes called 'the old church,' may be regarded as factions; nor do we intend any disrespect to persons now living, either in or out of the Reorganization, in using this term; and with the dead we have no quarrel. Hence, when this article is read by anyone who takes issue with us, we wish them to understand that we have never had, nor can we now have, any but the kindliest feelings towards the seekers after truth, no matter what may be their denominational name.

"Since the death of Joseph and Hyrum Smith there has sprung into existence the following parties, associations, nearly all claiming some kind of authority or sanction from the 'old church.' An organization under Sidney Rigdon, in Pennsylvania, and one in Iowa; one under Lyman Wight,

(page 677)

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