Show SHAM MARTYRDOMS Scripture Applied to tie Actions of Stubborn Couabs EDITOR DEMOCRAT Theologians are continually quarrelling about the inter tations of the Scriptures each one claiming claim-ing that his construction is superior to all others There is one passage of Scripture which only needs a common sense interpretation inter-pretation It reads But if any provide not for his own and specially for those of his own house he hath denied the faith and is worse than an infidel I Tim V 8 The right meaning of fidelity is to be true and faithful and the meaning of infidelity in-fidelity is to be untrue and unfaithful The modern meaning of infidel is an unbeliever in Christianity while the ancient an-cient meaning was apostate But it makes little difference to this writing which definition is accepted Then what is the meaning of the passage just quoted It means exactly what it says that is a man who will not provide for his kindred especially his wife and children is worse than an apostate or if preferable an infidel I Now if those who have been convicted under the provisions of the Edmunds act I will consider this matter in their quiet deliberate moments they will see that it places them in a very unenviable position posi-tion By refusing to promise to obey the law they enclose themselves in a prison Many of them leave little children un provided for and who will suffer by the absence of their father Mothers have to take the responsibility of caring for and supporting the family Women and children are made to suffer unnecessary hardships What for Because their husbands and father have refused to provide pro-vide for them by refusing to stay out of prison According to the Bible such men I are worse than infidels God does not I require men to neglect their families and I tie condemns instead of blessing them for so doing Neither does God require I men to disobey the law but instead tells them to be subject unto the powers that j I be for all power is ordained of God I I is a great mistake for a man to think he pleases the Almighty by disobeying the I laws of his country going to prison and neglecting his family for all such work is in positive conflict with the teachings of the Bible Suppose the authorities of the Mormon > Church should come forth tomorrow and j I say Brethren God does not require t you t break the laws of the land neither does he require you to neglect your families but on the other hand he I commands you to be subject to the laws and above all to support your families 7 f C = I any of you are guilty of polygamy or unlawful cohabitation go and plead guilty and promise to keep the laws in the future By doing this you will gin favor in the sight of God and man and your sentence will likely be suspended After this go home to the bosom of your family and enjoy the blessings of you homes with your loved ones I the priesthood would do something like this and set an example to their followers it i would look like they had the welfare of humanity at heart SALT LAKE Crrv March 2 1887 |