Why
should we have enemies? "Why is it," say our objectors, "that
you cannot mingle and mix in society like other religious denominations?"
It has been seen that the people would not permit us to dwell in their midst in
peace. We have been universally driven by illegal force, by mobs, murderers,
and assassins, as unworthy of having a place amongst the abodes of civilized
man, until, as a last resort, we found peace in these distant valleys. It is
because our religion is the only true one. It is because we have the only true
authority, upon the face of the whole earth, to administer in the ordinances of
the Gospel. It is because the keys of this dispensation were committed by
messengers sent from the Celestial world unto Joseph Smith, and are now held on
the earth by this people. It is because Christ and Lucifer are enemies, and
cannot be made friends; and Lucifer, knowing that we have this Priesthood, this
power, this authority, seeks our overthrow. (Brigham Young, February 18, 1855 |
JOD 2:177)