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Criticism of Mormonism/Books/No Man Knows My History: The Life of Joseph Smith/Chapter 17
Response to claims made in "Chapter 17: Ordeal in Liberty Jail"
| Claims made in "Chapter 16: The Alcoran or the Sword" | A FAIR Analysis of: No Man Knows My History: The Life of Joseph Smith A work by author: Fawn Brodie
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Claims made in "Chapter 18: Nauvoo" |
246
Claim
- William Smith stated regarding his brother Joseph that he "would have hung him years ago!"
Author's source(s) - History of the Church 3:226-33
FAIR WIKI EDITORS: Check sources
251-252 - While in Liberty Jail, Joseph was worried that Sidney Rigdon would revive the United Order and the Danites
The author(s) of No Man Knows My History make(s) the following claim:
While in Liberty Jail, Joseph was worried that Sidney Rigdon would revive the United Order and the Danites.
Author's sources: History of the Church 3:295, 301, 303
FAIR's Response
If anything should have been suggested by us, or any names mentioned, except by commandment, or thus saith the Lord, we do not consider it binding; therefore our hearts shall not be grieved if different arrangements should be entered into. Nevertheless we would suggest the propriety of being aware of an aspiring spirit, which spirit has often times urged men forward to make foul speeches, and influence the Church to reject milder counsels, and has eventually been the means of bringing much death and sorrow upon the Church.[1]
And again, we further suggest for the considerations of the Council, that there be no organization of large bodies upon common stock principles, in property, or of large companies of firms, until the Lord shall signify it in a proper manner, as it opens such a dreadful field for the avaricious, the indolent, and the corrupt hearted to prey upon the innocent and virtuous, and honest.
We have reason to believe that many things were introduced among the Saints before God had signified the times; and notwithstanding the principles and plans may have been good, yet aspiring men, or in other words, men who had not the substance of godliness about them, perhaps undertook to handle edged tools. Children, you know, are fond of tools, while they are not yet able to use them.[2]
And again, I would further suggest the impropriety of the organization of bands or companies, by covenant or oaths, by penalties or secrecies; but let the time past of our experience and sufferings by the wickedness of Doctor Avard suffice and let our covenant be that of the Everlasting Covenant, as is contained in the Holy Writ and the things that God hath revealed unto us. Pure friendship always becomes weakened the very moment you undertake to make it stronger by penal oaths and secrecy.[3]
252
Claim
- Lucinda Morgan Harris claimed to have been "the prophet's mistress" at one time.
ResponseFAIR WIKI EDITORS: Check sources