this matter, there has [already]
been much interference, and countless efforts have been made. What blood
has been shed! What heads have been hung up! Thousands of persons have
been slain; thousands of women and children have become wanderers or
captives; many are the buildings which have been ruined; and how many
noble races and families have become headless and homeless! Yet naught has
been effected and no advantage has been gained; no remedy has been
discovered for this ill, nor any easy salve for this wound. [To insure]
freedom of conscience and tranquility of heart and soul is one of the
duties and functions of government, and is in all ages the cause of
progress in development and ascendency over other lands. Other civilized
countries acquired not this preeminence, nor attained unto these high
degrees of influence and power, till such time as they put away the strife
of sects out of their midst, and dealt with all classes according to one
standard. All are one people, one nation, one species, one kind. The
common interest is complete equality; justice and equality amongst mankind
are amongst the chief promoters of empire and the principal means to the
extension of the skirt of conquest. From whatever section of earth's
denizens signs of contentiousness appear, prompt punishment is required by
a just government; while any person who girds up the loins of endeavor and
carries off the ball of priority is deserving of royal favors and worthy
of splendid gifts. Times are changed, and the need and fashion of the
world are changed. Interference with creed and faith in every country
causes manifest detriment, while justice and equal dealing towards all
peoples on the face of the earth are the means whereby progress is
effected. It is right to exercise caution and care with regard to
political factions, and to be fearful and apprehensive of materialist
sects; for the subjects occupying the thoughts of the former are [designs
of] interference in political matters and [desire of] ostentation, while
the actions and conduct of the latter are subversive of safety and
tranquility. But this sect are steadfast in their own path and firmly
established in conduct and faith; they are pious, devoted, tenacious, and
consistent in such sort that they freely lay down their lives, and, after
their own way, seek to please God; they are strenuous in effort and
earnest in endeavor; they are the essence of obedience and most patient in
hardship
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