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Source: Church History Vol. 1 Chapter 12 Page: 290 (~1833)

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290 genuine character and principles of the church, and for these things we are heartily sorry, and would apologize if an apology would do any good."-Messenger and Advocate, vol. 1, p. 180.

However, we say, and without hesitation or fear of contradiction, that there was nothing in the actions of the saints, that gave the least color of excuse for the outrages they suffered at the hands of lawless mobs, or for the treatment they often received at the hands of officers of the law. To us it seems strange, but no less strange than commendable, that they bore their persecution with as much fortitude and patience as they did. It seems evident that some influence such as mortals are not usually controlled by held them in check; and that Joseph Smith also used his influence to restrain the people from excesses.

Joseph mentions this first hostile demonstration together with events happening at Kirtland as follows:-

"In the month of April the first regular mob rushed together, in Independence (Zion), to consult upon a plan for the removal or immediate destruction of the church in Jackson County. The number of the mob was about three hundred. A few of the first elders met in secret, and prayed to Him who said to the winds, 'Be still,' to frustrate them in their wicked design. They, therefore, after spending the day in a fruitless endeavor to unite upon a general scheme for 'moving the Mormons out of their diggings' (as they asserted), and becoming a little the worse for liquor, broke up in a regular Missouri 'row,' showing a determined resolution that every man would 'carry his own head.'

"April 30 a conference of high priests assembled at the schoolroom, in Kirtland, and appointed Brother Albert Brown a committee to circulate a subscription to procure money to pay for the use of the house where meetings had been held the past season; and John P. Green was instructed to go and take charge of the branch of the church in Parkman, carrying with him an epistle to the brethren, and as soon as convenient remove his family to that place.

"On the fourth of May, 1833, a conference of high priests assembled in Kirtland, to take into consideration the necessity

(page 290)

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