| 350 "As it respects the charges and crimes which they accuse us of being guilty, I think that they are not worthy of notice; for the law is open and they hold the execution of it in their own hands; and if we were guilty of crimes they certainly would have brought us to an account for them. But their not doing this, is clearly an evidence that we are innocent.
"And again, in their declaration or memorial, published after they tore down the printing office, they, as nearly as I can recollect, say, that the thing or crime for which they proceeded against us, was that that could not have been foreseen by any legislature: therefore no law has been enacted against it. This is plainly acknowledging that we are guilty of no crime for which the law could take any hold of us.
Yours, etc.,
"John Corrill."
Bishop Partridge's testimony concerning the mobbing of himself at the beginning of these difficulties may be of interest here. This testimony was published immediately after the occurrence, in July (1833) extra of Evening and Morning Star, when, if ever, he would have been embittered, and filled with the spirit of resentment and revenge; hence it is valuable as showing the spirit of Christ-like meekness exhibited by church leaders in this trying hour.
This testimony will be found in the history of Joseph Smith as stated in Times and Seasons, volume 6, pages 818 and 819, continued on pages 832, 881, 882, 896-898.
"On the 20th the mob collected, and demanded the discontinuance of the printing in Jackson County, a closing of the store, and a cessation of all mechanical labors. The brethren refused compliance, and the consequence was that the house of W. W. Phelps, which contained the printing establishment, was thrown down, the materials taken possession of by the mob, many papers destroyed, and the family and furniture thrown out doors.
"The mob then proceeded to violence towards Edward Partridge, the Bishop of the Church, as he relates in his autobiography: 'I was taken from my house by the mob,
(page 350) |
