Declaration of Principles

We believe in the religion taught by Jesus Christ.MMM 205.2

We believe in temperance, and regard the liquor traffic as a curse to society.MMM 205.3

We believe in supporting the civil government, and submitting to its authority.MMM 205.4

We deny the right of any civil government to legislate on religious questions.MMM 205.5

We believe it is the right, and should be the privilege, of every man to worship according to the dictates of his own conscience.MMM 205.6

We also believe it to be our duty to use every lawful and honorable means to prevent religious legislation by civil government so that we and fellow-citizens may enjoy the inestimable blessings of both religious and civil liberty.MMM 205.7

Dear Sister White,-MMM 205.8

For some time I have been thinking that I would write you in regard to a certain report that is going the rounds to some extent in Battle Creek at the present time.MMM 205.9

You have doubtless noticed from the Review that there is something of a disagreement between Brother Jones and Brother Smith in regard to whether the image to the beast is already formed in this country. Those who are in line with Eld. Smith say that you said, about the time that Bro. Smith made his confession in regard to the part he took in the Minneapolis matter, that you had seen Eld. Smith down near the end of the journey, carrying the banner of the truth at the head of the people. It does not seem in harmony with what I heard you say in the Tabernacle on one occasion in regard to the report that you had seen that Eld Butler would be saved, and I have wondered if there was any truth in this, Of course if you have seen it, that settles the matter with me, but I cannot approve of the use that some of our people are making of it. For instance, one man said to me that he was going to keep pretty close to the man with the banner. But it would seem to me that it would be better to keep close to the Saviour so that we would know when the man was waving the right kind of a banner.MMM 205.10

I don’t think that the report is being circulated very extensively, partly because; perhaps, that the controversy between the two men above named is not so sharp as it was. But should the thing come up very strong at any time I have no doubt that the question or rather the banner story would be put out quite vigorously.MMM 205.11

Trust that your health has improved. We hope that your health and strength may be spared for the next General Conference and the many other important things that lie before you.MMM 205.12

Would be glad if you could drop me a few lines in regard to the above story about Brother Smith. Very Truly your Brother, (Signed) A. O TaitMMM 205.13