Minutes and Testimonies, 12–29 November 1838 [State of Missouri v. Gates et al. for Treason]
Source Note
Minutes and Testimonies, , Ray Co., MO, 12–29 Nov. 1838, State of MO v. Gates et al. for Treason (Fifth Judicial Circuit of MO 1838); unidentified handwriting; 126 pages; Eugene Morrow Violette Collection, State Historical Society of Missouri, Columbia.
of God we do agree to be governed by such laws, as shall perpetuate these high priviledges, of which we know ourselves to be the rightful possessors. & of which priviledges, wicked and designing men have tried to deprive us, by all manner of evil and that purely in consequence of the tenacity we have manifested in the discharge of our duty towards our God, who had given us those rights and privileges, and a right in common with others to dwell on this Land. But we, not having the priviledges of others allowed unto us; have determined, like unto Father our Fathers, to resist tyrany, whether it be in Kings, or in people, It is all alike unto us, Our rights we must have, and our rights we will <shall> have, in the name of Israels God—
Article 1st—
All power belongs originally and legitimately to the people and they have a right, and they have a right to dispose of it as they shall deem fit.— But as it is inconvenient, and impossible to convene the people in all cases. The legislative powers have been given by them from time to time into the hands of a representation, composed of delegates from the people themselves. This is and has been the law, both in civil and religious bodies, and is the true principle.
Article 2nd
The executive power shall be vested in the President of the whole church and his counsellors.
Article 3rd
The legislative powers shall reside in the president and his counsellors. Together, with and with the generals and colonels of the Society. By them all Laws shall be made regulating the Society— [p. [11]]