History, 1838–1856, volume C-1 [2 November 1838–31 July 1842]

  • Source Note
  • Historical Introduction
Page 1256
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<​November 29​> plunder and led on the van— than which nothing is more foreign from my heart. I disfellowship the perpretrators of all such abominations— they are devils and not Saints, totally unfit for the society of Christians or men. It is true that some profes[HC 4:461]sing to be Latter Day Saints have taught such vile heresies, but all are not Israel that are of Israel; and I wish it to be distinctly understood in all coming time, that the Church over which I have the honor of presiding will ever set its brows like brass, and its face like Steel, against all such abominable acts of villainy and crime; and to this end I append my affidavit of disavowel taken this day before , that there may be no mistake hereafter as to my real sentiments, or those of the leaders of the Church, in relation to this important matter—
“State of Illinois, — Before me, , Mayor of the City of , personally came Joseph Smith, President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (commonly called Mormons) who being duly sworn according to law, deposeth and saith, that he has never directly or indirectly encouraged the purloining of property, or taught the doctrine of stealing, or any other evil practice, and that all such vile and unlawful acts will ever receive his unreserved and unqualified disapproval, and the most vigorous opposition of the Church over which he presides, and further this deponent saith not— Joseph Smith. President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Sworn to and subscribed before me, at my , in the City of , this 29th. day of November A.D. 1841. L.S. — Mayor of the City of ”—
Now it is to be hoped that none will hereafter be so reckless as to State that I, or the Church to which I belong, approve of thieving— but that all the friends of law and order will join in ferreting out thieves wherever, and whenever, they may be found, and assist in bringing them to that condign punishment, which such infamous crimes so richly merit. Joseph Smith— President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.”
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A Conference was held in , Elder presiding; <​in which were represented . 17 Elders 2 Priests 1 Teacher 2 Deacons, 179 Members. 5 Branches were rep[HC 4:462]resented including 5 Elders 6 Priests 3 Teachers <​3 deacons​> 149 Members. 3 Elders, 2 Priests. 1 Teacher were ordained. There were present at the Conference 1 Apostle, 6 High Priests. 16 Elders 3 Priests. 2 Teachers. 2 Deacons.​>
30 November 1841 • Tuesday
<​30​> Tuesday 30 <​See Addenda Book page 45​> I signed an approval of the doings of a Court Martial, consisting of the officers of the Nauvoo Legion convened for the trial of David Smith and Officers of the Legion charged with theft. They were Cashiered and their names stricken from the Rank Roll. for Particulars see Times and Seasons, page 618.
1 December 1841 • Wednesday
<​December 1​> Wednesday December 1. in view of the proceedings of the meeting of the Church at on the 18th. November when certain individuals were cut off from the Church for Stealing The Twelve issued the following Epistle
“We are glad that the perpetrators of the above crime have been caught in their iniquitous practices; and we are only sorry that anybody should be found who would bail them out of prison’; [p. 1256]
November 29 plunder and led on the van— than which nothing is more foreign from my heart. I disfellowship the perpretrators of all such abominations— they are devils and not Saints, totally unfit for the society of Christians or men. It is true that some profes[HC 4:461]sing to be Latter Day Saints have taught such vile heresies, but all are not Israel that are of Israel; and I wish it to be distinctly understood in all coming time, that the Church over which I have the honor of presiding will ever set its brows like brass, and its face like Steel, against all such abominable acts of villainy and crime; and to this end I append my affidavit of disavowel taken this day before , that there may be no mistake hereafter as to my real sentiments, or those of the leaders of the Church, in relation to this important matter—
“State of Illinois, — Before me, , Mayor of the City of , personally came Joseph Smith, President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (commonly called Mormons) who being duly sworn according to law, deposeth and saith, that he has never directly or indirectly encouraged the purloining of property, or taught the doctrine of stealing, or any other evil practice, and that all such vile and unlawful acts will ever receive his unreserved and unqualified disapproval, and the most vigorous opposition of the Church over which he presides, and further this deponent saith not— Joseph Smith. President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Sworn to and subscribed before me, at my , in the City of , this 29th. day of November A.D. 1841. L.S. — Mayor of the City of ”—
Now it is to be hoped that none will hereafter be so reckless as to State that I, or the Church to which I belong, approve of thieving— but that all the friends of law and order will join in ferreting out thieves wherever, and whenever, they may be found, and assist in bringing them to that condign punishment, which such infamous crimes so richly merit. Joseph Smith— President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.”
[3 lines blank]
A Conference was held in , Elder presiding; in which were represented . 17 Elders 2 Priests 1 Teacher 2 Deacons, 179 Members. 5 Branches were rep[HC 4:462]resented including 5 Elders 6 Priests 3 Teachers 3 deacons 149 Members. 3 Elders, 2 Priests. 1 Teacher were ordained. There were present at the Conference 1 Apostle, 6 High Priests. 16 Elders 3 Priests. 2 Teachers. 2 Deacons.
30 November 1841 • Tuesday
30 Tuesday 30 See Addenda Book page 45
1 December 1841 • Wednesday
December 1 Wednesday December 1. in view of the proceedings of the meeting of the Church at on the 18th. November when certain individuals were cut off from the Church for Stealing The Twelve issued the following Epistle
“We are glad that the perpetrators of the above crime have been caught in their iniquitous practices; and we are only sorry that anybody should be found who would bail them out of prison’; [p. 1256]
Page 1256