“Chicago Democrat.”
Times and Seasons, vol. 2, p. 302
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints
Among the many papers published throughout this State, we know of none possessing more of the genuine principles of PURE REPUBLICANISM than the "Chicago Democrat;" It has always breathed a spirit of free toleration, and spoken against mobocracy in the highest terms; something never done by a religious bigot-but to the reverse, they fan the flame and urge on the midnight pillager to destroy the man or sect who is so unfortunate as to differ with them in religion; the constitution and laws are trampled upon by holy functionaries with impunity, and freedom's soil made crimson with the blood of innocence;-Missouri is on the black catalogue. No wonder the Freeman is aroused to see the same flame kindling in this or any other state.
We owe an apology to the "Democrat" for not having expressed our views upon this subject before, as we were highly pleased with the remarks which appeared in that paper of March 25th, in regard to the cry of mobbing which was raised about that time, by some of the lower class of community near Woodville, Adams co. in this state.
We are of the Editors opinion, that "a minister, who is afraid to encounter the doctrines of Jo. Smith, (Joseph Smith), should be made to quit the pulpit:" for the simple reason, that sectarian "pulpits" would soon be without inhabitants, as the "doctrines of Jo. Smith" (Joseph Smith) is "the intrinsic excellence of the code of our blessed Savior," which has stood the test of ages, and will stand while the earth rolls upon its axis: But coersion [coercion] in religion is far from us, and may God grant that this State shall NEVER be stained with crimson gore which has polluted Missouri's soil, and can never be erased-no NEVER.
The following is the article above alluded to.