Levi H. Dowling

“ This rite of cleansing and this church are but symbolic of the cleansing of the soul by purity in life, and of the kingdom of the soul, which does not come from outward show, but is the church within.
23. Now, you may never point the way and tell the multitudes to do what you have never done; but you must go before and show the way.
24. You are to teach that men must wash; so you must lead the way, your body must be washed, symbolic of the cleansing of the soul. ”

“ Matheno said, It is not well to weep because of death.
3. Death is no enemy of man; it is a friend who, when the work of life is done, just cuts the cord that binds the human boat to earth, that it may sail on smoother seas. ”

“ Men comprehend the inner life by what they see and do. They come to God through ceremonies and forms.
18. And so when you would make men know that sins are washed away by purity in life, a rite symbolic may be introduced.
19. In water wash the bodies of the people who would turn away from sin and strive for purity in life.
20. This rite of cleansing is a preparation rite and they who thus are cleansed comprise the Church of Purity. ”