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Tarring and Feathering the ProphetC.C.A. Christensen, 1865
"[I] was soon
after awakened by [Emma] screaming murder, when I found
myself going out of the door, in the hands of about a dozen
men" (History of the Church, 1:261).
Cold Missouri NightJoseph Brickey, 1997"Blessed is he that keepeth my commandments, whether in life or in death; and he that is faithful in tribulation, the reward of the same is greater in the kingdom of heaven" (D&C 58:2).The Prophet Joseph Attacked by a MobSam Lawlor, 2001"If the very jaws of hell shall gape open the mouth wide after thee, know thou, my son, that all these things shall give thee experience, and shall be for thy good" (D&C 122:7).Extermination OrderGovernor Lilburn W. Boggs, 1838
"And all they who suffer
persecution for my name, and endure in faith, though they
are called to lay down their lives for my sake yet shall
they partake of all this glory" (D&C 101:35).
Joseph Rebuking the Guard at Richmond JailDanquart Weggeland, 1888
"Silence,
ye fiends of the infernal pit! In the name of Jesus
Christ I rebuke you, and command you to be still; I
will not live another minute and hear such language. Cease
such talk, or you or I die this instant!"
(History of the Church, 3:208).
Mary Fielding Smith Letter to Mercy Thompson, 1837Joseph Smith and Sidney Rigdon spent all night fleeing a mob who accosted them outside of Kirtland, Ohio. The day following this persecution Joseph was teaching again at the temple.I felt much pleased to see Sisters Walton and Snider who arrived here on Saturday about noon. Having left Joseph S. and Rigdon about 20 miles from Fareport to evade the Mobbers they were to come home in Dr Avards Carrage and expected to arrive about 10 Oclock at night, but to their great disappointment they were prevented in a most greavous manner. They had got about within 4 miles of home after [a] very fatueging ,journey which pleased with their visit to Canada & great antissapating [the pleasure] of seeing their homes and familys. When they where surrounded with a Mob and taken back to Painesville and secured as was supposed in a Tavern where they intended to hold a mock trial but to the disappointment of the wretches the Housekeeper was a Member of the Church who assisted our beloved Brethren in making their escape. But as Br. JL [says] not by a basket let down through a Window but by the Kitchen Door no doubt the hand of the Lord was in it or it could not have been effected. the day had been extremely whet and [the] night was unusually dark and you may try if you can conceive what their situation was they hardly knew which way to the store as it had by that time got he[re] about 10 Oclcok. The first step they took was to find the Woods as quick as possible where they thought they should be safe. But in order there to they had toMary Fielding Smith Letter to Mercy Thompson, 1837Joseph Smith and Sidney Rigdon spent all night fleeing a mob who accosted them outside of Kirtland, Ohio. The day following this persecution Joseph was teaching again at the temple.
to lay down in a
swamp or by an old log just were they happened to be. So
deteriminately wer they pursued by their mad enemeys in
every direction sometimes as closely that Br J was
obliged to entreat Br. Rigdon after his exertion in
running while lying by a log to breath more softly if he
ment to escape when they could run or walk they took each
other by the hand and covenanted to live and die
together. Owing to the darkness of the night their
persuers have to carry lighted torches which was one
means of the escape of our beloved suffers as they could see
them in every direction while they were climbing over
fences or traveling through bush or corn fields until
about 12 Oclock.. when after traveling as they suppose
in this manner 5 or 6 miles they found the road which led
homeward and saw no more of their persuers. After traveling
on foot along muddy slippery roads til near 1 am [in]
the morning they arrived safe at home almost finting
[fainting] with fatuage [fatigue]. He Bro J. told us
that he decread in his heart when first taken that he would
see home before Sun rise and thank God so it was.
And not
withstanding all he had to endure he appeared in the House
of the Lord throughout the Sabath in excellent Spirits
and spoak in very powerful manner and blessed the
congregation in the name of the Lord. And I so assure
you the Saints felt the blessing and left the House
rejoicing abundantly returning their blessing upon him
Brother Rigdon through his great weariness and a
sma[ll] [hurt] received from a fall did not attend the
House but is now well. I suppose all these things will only
add another gem to their Crown. I did not think of
takeing up so much room in relating these
circumstances but I have been as brief as possible.
Joseph Smith Protecting the Gold PlatesSam Lawlor, 2000"Be patient in afflictions, for thou shalt have many; but endure them, for, lo, I am with thee, even unto the end of thy days" (D&C 24:8).Joseph Smith in Liberty JailGreg Olsen, 1990
"Thine adversity
and thine afflictions shall be but a small moment.
"And then, if
thou endure it well, God shall exalt thee on high; thou
shalt triumph over all thy foes" (D&C
121:7–8).
Dignity and MajestyRose Datoc Dall, 2002"All things wherewith you have been afflicted shall work together for your good, and to my name's glory, saith the Lord" (D&C 98:3).
