# Title: 'To the Public' (opening editorial), Latter Day Saints' Messenger and Advocate (Pittsburgh) I:1
# Date: 1844-10-15
# Source: http://www.sidneyrigdon.com/RigWrit/M&A/MA-1844.htm | Provenance: signed SIDNEY RIGDON. High confidence.

TO THE PUBLIC.

In presenting this paper to the reading public, long established usage with editors, has made it a matter of respect
to our readers, that we should say a few things in relation to the course we shall pursue in managing the editorial
department.

We have held it as a maxim from early life, that there was a degree of courtesy and condescension, due from one member
of society to another, from which men are not at liberty to depart, only when measures of self-defence rendered it
an imperious duty a man owed himself. Men have their religious belief, which to themselves, if to none others, is
sacred: they also have their feelings; both of which should be regarded, and treated in a manner becoming the true
character of man. It is our intention, in conducting this paper, to exclude from its columns, all matters tending to
lessen the character of any person in the estimation of society, or injure their feelings, unless the attempt to
maintain our own religious belief should have this effect, or setting forth that of others in its true light.

We have never, at any time, supported a system of religion which rendered necessary an attack on the character of any
person to support it, nor never expect to. If our religious belief cannot be maintained on the principles of truth,
it is our intention to let it fall.

An appeal to the revelations of heaven, in all disputed points, is an end of all strife with us. To the law and to
the testimony, and not men's characters, shall be our standing motto. Attacks made on our own character by others,
we have rarely, very rarely condescended to notice, and this course we will carry out in conducting the editorial
department of this paper. We have always let our general course of conduct sustain our character, and if this will
not do it, we have but little faith in our being able to do it by our pen.

We are told by him, whom the world ought to reverence, that all the law, and all the prophets, hang on two principles,
love to God, and love to man, and it is our wish that these principles should govern us in the management of this
paper; but, if our patronage will justify it, our readers shall know more of this hereafter.

SIDNEY RIGDON.
