- Verses 1-2: Selected from “Letter to the Church”, February 1834
- Verse 3: Selected from “Church History” by Joseph Smith in “Times and Seasons,” March 1, 1842, 3:710
- Verse 4: Selected from a discourse delivered by Joseph Smith on April 8, 1843, in Nauvoo, Illinois
- Verses 5—7, 13: Selected from a letter from Joseph Smith, in Liberty, Missouri, to Edward Partridge and the church, in Quincy, Illinois, March 22nd 1839.
- Verses 8—9: Selected from a letter from Joseph Smith, in Nauvoo, Illinois, to James Arlington Bennet, in Flatbush, New York, September 8th, 1842
- Verses 10—11: Selected from “Declaration on Government and Law”, August 1835
- Verse 12: Selected from Council of Fifty Administrative Records from April 11,1844
1. We deem it a just principle, and it is one, the force of which ought to be considered by every individual, that all people are created equal and that all have the privilege of thinking for themselves upon all matters relative to conscience.
2. Consequently, then, we are not disposed to deprive anyone of exercising that free independence of mind which heaven has so graciously bestowed upon the human family as one of its choicest gifts.
3. We claim the privilege of worshipping Almighty God according to the dictates of our conscience, and allow all men the same privilege; let them worship how, where, or what they may.
4. It does not prove that a person is not a good person because he or she errs in doctrine.
5. We ought always to be aware of those prejudices—which sometimes so strongly present themselves and are so congenial to human nature—against our neighbors, friends, and brethren of the world who choose to differ with us in opinion and in matters of faith.
6. Our religion is between us and our God. Their religion is between them and their God.
7. There is a tie from God that is without prejudice but gives scope to the mind, enabling us to conduct ourselves with greater liberality toward all others who are not of our faith.
8. When we see virtuous qualities in others, we should always acknowledge them, let their understanding be what it may in relation to creeds and doctrine.
9. For all people are, or ought to be free, possessing unalienable rights to think, act and speak as they please, while they maintain a due respect to the rights of all others, infringing upon none.
10. We believe that all people are answerable only to God for their religious opinions, unless their religious opinion prompts them to infringe upon the rights and liberties of others.
11. We do not believe that human law has a right to prescribe rules of worship to bind an individual’s conscience, or dictate forms for public or private devotion. Governments should never attempt to control conscience or suppress the freedom of the soul.
12. Let us from henceforth drive from us every species of intolerance.
13. These principles approximate nearer to the mind of God because they are like God or godlike.