| Text of William Smith's letter of apology and
Joseph Smith's response. For background, see Debating
School Incident, 1835. |
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Joseph Smith Diary, 1835
Diary-2, 77–79 |
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Manuscript History, 1834–1836
1834–1836 history, 155–157 |
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Other departures from Diary
, 667–668
HC 2:338–340 |
| |
¶ |
18th Inst |
¶ |
December 18th 1836 [1835] |
|
This day received the following Letter from Bro
Wm Smith: MS history 667.
This day I received the following letter from Brother William Smith: HC
2:338. |
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¶ |
Copy of a letter from Br. William Smith |
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William Smith's Letter to the Prophet.
HC
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| William contrite |
¶ |
Br. Joseph—Though I do not know but I have forfeited
all right and title to the word brother, in consequence of what I have
done, for I consider myself that I am unworthy to be called one, after
coming to myself, and concidering upon what
I have done I feel as though it was a duty,
to make a humble confession to you for what I
have done or what took place the other evening—but leave this
part of the Subject at present.— |
¶ |
Br Joseph—Though I do not know but I have forfeited
all right and title to the word brother in consequence of what I have done,
for I consider myself, that I am unworthy to be called one, after coming
to myself, and
reflecting upon what I have been
doing, I feel as though it was my duty,
to make an humble confession to you. on
account of what took place at my house the
other evening but I shall leave this part
of the subject for the present. |
|
considering what HC
2:339. |
Twelve called William to account, disgraced
Sick
Ready to give up apostleship |
|
I was called to an account, by the 12, yesterday for my
conduct; or they desired to know my mind or determination,
and what I was
going to do I told them that on reflection upon the many difficulties
that I had had with the church and the much disgrace I had brought upon
my Self in concequence of these things and
also that my health would not permit
me to go to school to <make> any preperations for
the endument and that my health was Such that I
was not able to travel, I told them that it
would be better for them to appoint one in the
office that would be
better able to fill it, and by doing this
they would throw me into the hands of the church, and leave me where I
was before I was chosen— |
|
I was called to an account yesterday by the quorum
of the 12. for my conduct; or in other
words they desired
to know my mind and determinations and what
I intended to do. I told them that on reflection
upon the many difficulties that I had, had, with the church & the much
disgrace I had brought upon myself in consequence of my
bad conduct;
and also that my health would not admit of my going to
school, to make any
preperation for the inducement, and that
I was not able to travel, therefore it
would be better for them to appoint one in my stead.
that would be better able to fill that important
station than myself and by doing
[156] this they would throw me into the hands of the church. and leave
me where I was before I was chosen among the twelve. |
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|
| Danger of falling from high position |
¶ |
Then I would not be in a situation [78] to bring so much
disgrace upon the cause, when I fell into temptation,
and perhaps by this I might obtain Salvation you know my passions and the
danger of falling from so high a Station, and thus
by withdrawing from
the office of the apostleship, while there is Salvation for me, and remaining a member of the church; I feel a fraid if I do'nt do
this it will be worse
for me, Some other day |
¶ |
Then I would not be in a situation to bring so much
disgrace upon the casuse [sic]. when I fell into temptations,
and perhaps by this I might obtain salvation. You know dear
brother my
passions and the danger of falling from so high a Station: and therefore
I chose to withdraw from the office of the Apostleship,
while there is salvation for me, and remain a
member in the church. I feel afraid if I
do not, it will be worse for me some other
day. |
|
I fall MS history and HC
the worse MS history and HC
|
Poor health
Passions may make it worse later |
¶ |
And again my health is poor and I
am not able to travel and it is necessary that the office Should not be idle—and again
I Say you know my passions and I am a fraid it will be worse for me, by
and by |
¶ |
and again my health is poor and it is necessary that the
office should not be idle. and again
I say, you know my passions and I am fearful that it
will be worse for me by, and by: |
|
necessary the office MS history |
| |
¶ |
do So if the Lord will have mercy on me and let me remain
as a member in the church, and then
I can travel and preach, when I am
able—do not think that I am your enemy for what I have done, perhaps
you may say or ask why I have not remembered the good that you have done
to me— |
¶ |
do so if the Lord will have
mercy on me, and let me remain a member in the church, and travel
and preach, when I am able. do not think that I am your enemy. for what
I have done. perhaps the inquiry may arise in your
mind, why I do not rem[em]ber the good that you have done to
me; or if I do remember them, why it is that I should
treat you so basely.— |
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think I am HC |
| I do not know what I have been about |
|
When I reflect upon the injury I have done you, I must confess
that I do not know what I have been doing about—I
feel sorry for what I have done and humbly ask your forgiveness—I
have not confidence as yet to come and see you for I feel ashamed of what
I have done, and
as I feel now I feel as thou-[79]gh all the confessions that I could make
verbally or by writing would not be sufficient to atone for the transgression—be
this as it may I am willing to make all the restitution you Shall require,
If I can Stay in the church as a member—I will try to make all the
Satisfaction possible— |
|
when I reflect upon the injuries I
have done you. I must confess that I cannot account
for my conduct. I
feel truly sorry for what I have done and
humbly ask your forgiveness. I
have not confidence as yet, to come and see you. for I feel ashamed of
what I have been doing; and as I feel now
I feel as though all the confession that I
could make verbally, or by writing. would not be sufficient to atone for
my transgression. Be
this as it may, I am willing to make all the restitution you shall require,
if I can Stay in the church as a member, I will try to make all the
satisfaction I possibly can. |
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¶ |
yours with respect |
¶ |
Yours with respect |
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¶ |
William Smith |
¶ |
William Smith |
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Do not cast me off
You are merciful |
¶ |
do not cast me off for what I have
done but Strive to Save
me in the church as a member I do repent of what I have done to you and
ask your forgiveness—I concider the transgression
the other evening of no Small magnitude, —but it is done and I cannot
help it now—I
know brother Joseph you are always willing to forgive. |
¶ |
P. S. do not cast me off. but strive
to save me in the church as a member. I do heartily repent
of what I have done to you, and ask your forgiveness. I consider
my transgression the other evening. of no
small magnitude. But it
is done and I cannot help it now—I
know brother Joseph you are always willing to forgive; |
|
P. S. MS history, 668 and HC. |
| I have hurt you often |
¶ |
But I Sometimes think when I reflect upon the many injuries
I have done you I feel as though a confession was not hardly sufficient—but
have mercy on me this once and I will try to do so no more— |
|
but I sometimes think when I reflect upon the many injuries
I have done you [157] I feel as though a confession was not sufficient,
but have mercy on me this once. and I will try to do so no more. |
|
confession was hardly MS history
and HC 2:340. |
| I met with Twelve |
¶ |
The 12. called a council yesterday and sent over after me
and I went over |
¶ |
The quorum of the 12. called a council yesterday and sent
for me. and I went over. |
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| At their request |
¶ |
This council re[me]mber was called together by themselves
and not by me |
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This council was called together without
my knowledge, or concent.—Yours |
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Wm. S |
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Wm. S. |
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W. S.. HC 2:340. |
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Joseph Smith Diary, 1835
Diary-2, 80–87 |
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Manuscript History, 1834–1836
1834–1836 history, 157–162 |
|
Other departures from 1835 diary
Manuscript History, 1838–1839
MS history 668–672
History of the Church
HC 2:340–343 |
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¶ |
[80] Kirtland Friday Dec 18th 1835 |
¶ |
Kirtland. Friday December 18th 1836 [sic] |
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Omitted by MS history,
668 and HC 2:340. |
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¶ |
Answer to the foregoing Letter from Br. William
Smith a Copy |
¶ |
Answer to the foregoing letter. A Copy |
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Replaced by To the foregoing I gave the following
answer the same day. MS history and HC |
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Letter of the Prophet to his Brother William.
HC |
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¶ |
Br William |
¶ |
Br William |
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¶ |
having recived your letter I now procede to answer it, |
¶ |
Having received your letter I now procede to answer it. |
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| First learned of school |
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and shall first procede, to
give a brief naration of my feelings and emotions, since the night I first
came to the knowledge, of your having a debating School, which
was at the time I happened, in with, Bishop
Whitney his Father and Mother &c— |
|
I shall first proceed to give a brief narration of my feelings
and emotions. since the night I first came to the knowledge of your having
a debating School at your house; which was at the time I called with Bishop
Whitney & family— |
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which was the first that I
knew any thing about it, |
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This was the first that I knew
any thing about it, |
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Omitted by MS history |
| Pleased with idea |
|
and from that time I took an interest in them, and was delighted with
it, and formed a determination, to attend the School for the purpose of
obtaining information, and with the idea of imparting the Same, through
the assistance of the Spirit of the Lord, if by any means I should have
faith to do so; |
|
and from that time I took an interest in them; and was delighted
with it, and formed a determination to attend the school for the purpose
of obtaining [information], and with the idea of imprarting [sic] the same.
through the assistance of the Spirit of the Lord; if by any means I should
have faith to do so, |
|
and so from MS history
interest in it HC |
| Didn't intend to break it up |
|
and with this intent, I went to the School on <last> Wednesday
night, not with the idea of braking up the School; neither did it enter
into my heart, that there was any wrangling or jealousy's in your heart,
against me; |
|
and with this intent I went to the School on Wednesday night.
not with the idea of breaking up the school; neither did it enter into
my heart that there was any wrangling or jealousy's in your heart. against
me. |
|
Joseph's journal indicates he went "to
take part in the debate." ¶ Debating
School Incident, 1835 Almon Babbit claimed Joseph "got mad because
he was overpowered in argument." ¶ Minutes
of December 28, 1835 |
| Premonitions |
¶ |
Notwithstanding previous to my leaving home
there were feelings of solemnity, rolling across my breast,
which were unaccountable to me, and also these
feelings continued by spells to depress
my feelings <Spirits> and seemed to
manifest that all was not right, even after the debate School commenced,
and during the debate, yet I Strove to believe that all would work together
for good; |
¶ |
However previous to my leaving home there
were feelings of solemnity rolling across my heart.
which were unaccountable to me. These feelings continued by times to depress
my spirits. and seemed to manifest that all was not right. even after the
school commenced. and during the debate. Yet I strove to believe that all
would work together for good. |
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| Pleased with arguments |
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I was pleased with the power of the
arguments, that were
aduced, and did [81] not feel to cast any reflections, upon any one that
had spoken; |
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I was pleased with the argument. & ingenuity manifested and did not feel to cast any reflections, upon any one that had spoken |
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that were used MS history
and HC |
| Body language of those who preside |
|
but I felt it was my <the> duty of old men that
set as presidents, to be as grave, at least as young men, and that it was
our duty to Smile at Solid arguments, and sound reasonings and be impressed,
with solemnity, which should be manifested in our countenance, when folly
and that which militates against truth and righteousness, rears its head |
|
But I felt it was the duty of old men that
set as presidents, to be as grave at least as young men. And that it was
our duty to smile at solid arguments, and sound reasoning;
and be impressed, with Solemnity, which should be manifested in our countenances
[158] when folly and that which militates against truth and righteousness.
rears its deformed head |
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that sat HC
smile (not) at HC
countenances HC
folly which HC |
| Joseph's duty to reprove |
¶ |
Therefore, in the spirit of my calling, and in view of the
authority of the priesthood that has been confered upon me, it would
be my duty to reprove whatever I esteemed to be wrong fondly hoping in my
heart that all parties, would consider it right, and therefore humble themselves,
that satan might not take the advantage of us, and hinder the progress
of our School. |
¶ |
Therefore in the spirit of my calling, and in view of the
authority of the priesthood which has been
confered upon me, it was my duty to reprove
whatever I considered to be wrong; fondly
hoping in my heart, that all parties. would think it right; and therefore
humble themselves, that satan might not take the advantage of us, and hinder
the progress of our School. |
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¶ D&C 43:21 |
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¶ |
Now Br. William I want you should
bear with me, notwithstanding my plainness— |
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Now brother William I want you should
bear with me, notwithstanding my plainness. |
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| William shouldn't have interrupted McLellin |
¶ |
I would say to you that my feelings, were grieved at
the interuption you made upon Elder McLellin. I thought, you should have considered
your situation, with him, in your apostle ship, and not manifest any division
of sentiment, between you, and him, for a surrounding multitude to take
the advantage of you.— |
¶ |
I would
say to you then, that my feeling[s] were
grieved when you interupted Elder
McLellen in
his speech. I thought that you
should have considered your situation, with him in your Apostleship:
and not have manifested any divission
of sentiment, between you & him, for the surrounding
multitude to take the advantage of you. |
|
M'Lellin MS history, 669
and HC
should consider HC
your relation with him MS history |
| |
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Therefor[e] by way of entreaty, on account of the anxiety
I had for your influence and wellfare, I said, unto you, do not have any
feelings, or something to that amount. why I am thus particular, is that
if You, have misconstrued, my feelings, toward you, you may be corrected.— |
¶ |
Therefore by way of entreaty, on account of the anxiety
I had for you, & your influence <& welfare>
in society, I said unto you do not have any
feeling. or something to that amount.—Why I am thus particular, is
that if you have misunderstood my feelings or motives toward
you; you may be corrected.— |
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Hyrum tries to discuss it with William
William defensive |
¶ |
But to procede—after the school was closed Bro Hyrum
requested, the privilege, of speaking, you objected, however you said if
he would not abuse the school, he might speak, and that you would not allow
any man to abuse the school in your house.— |
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But to procede.—After the school was commenced closed
brother Hyrum requested the privilege, of speaking; you. objected. However
you said if he would not abuse the school. he might speak. observing
at the same time that you would not allow any
man to abuse the school in your house.— |
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| No reason to suspect Hyrum |
¶ |
Now you had no reason to suspect
that Hyrum, would abuse the School, |
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You had no reason dear brother to
suspect that Hyrum, would abuse the School. |
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Joseph mortified, tries to intervene
William as ugly as devil |
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therefore my feelings were mortifyed, at those unnecessary
observations. I undertook to reason, with you but you manifisted, an inconciderate
and stubborn spirit, I then dispared of benefiting you, on account of the
spirit you manifested, which dr[e]w from me, the expression that you was
as ugly as the Devil. |
¶ |
Therefore my feelings were mortified, at those unnecessary
observations. I undertook to reason with you; but you manifisted an inconsiderate
and Stubborn Spirit. I then dispared of benefiting you on account of
the spirit you manifested; which drew from me the expression that you
was as ugly as the devil. |
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Joseph Sr. commands silence
William refuses |
¶ |
Father then commanded silence, and I formed a determination
to obey his mandate, and was about to leave the house, with the impression
that You was under the influence of a wicked spirit, you replyed that you,
would say what you pleased in your own house. |
¶ |
Father then commanded silence and I formed a determination
to obey his mandate, and was about to leave the house, with the impression
that You was under the influence of a wicked spirit, [159] you replyed
that you, would say what you pleased. in your own house. |
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| Joseph Sr. urges others to be still |
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Father replyed, say what you please, but let the rest hold
their, tongues, |
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Father replyed say what you please; but let the rest hold
their toungs. |
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Father said HC |
Joseph Jr. helped build the house
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then a reflection, rushed through my mind, of the, anxiety,
and care I ha[v]e had for you and your family,
in doing what I did, in finishing your house and providing flour for your
family &c |
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Then a reflection rushed through my mind, of the anxiety
and care I had for you and your family, in doing what I did in finishing
your house and providing flower for your family &c. |
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Joseph's right to speak out
Reprove younger brother |
|
and also father had possession in the house, as well, as
your self; and When at any time have I transgressed, the commandments of
my father? or sold my birthright, that I should not have the privilege
of speaking in my fathers house, or in words in my fathers family, or in
your house, [83] (for so we will call it, and so it shall be,) that I should
not have the privilege of reproving a younger brother? |
|
And also father had possession in the house as well as yourself.
and when at any time have I transgressed the commandments of my father.
or sold my birthright? that I should not have <the> privilege of
speaking in my fathers house, or in words in my fathers family, or in your
house. (for so we will call it; and so it shall be) that I should not have
the privilege of reproving a younger brother? |
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| Right to speak |
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therefore I said I will speak, for I built the house, and
it is as much mine as yours, or something, to that effect. (I should have
said that I helped to finish the house,) I said it merely to show that
it could not be, the right spirit, that would rise up for trifling matters,
and undertake to put me to silence, |
¶ |
Therefore I said I will speak, for I built the house. and
it is as much mine as yours, or something to that effect, (I should have
said that I helped to finish the house.) I said it merely to show that
it was not the right spirit. that would
rise up for trifling matters, and undertake to put me to silence |
|
helped finish MS history, 670. |
| William assaults Joseph |
|
I saw that your indignation was kindled against me, and
you made towards me, I was not then to be moved, and I thought to pull
off my loose coat, least it should tangle me, and you be left to hurt me,
but not with the intention, of hurting You, |
¶ |
I saw that your indignation was kindled against me, and
you made towards me; I was not then to be moved, and I thought to pull
off my loose coat. least it should tangle me. and you be left to hurt
me. But not with the intention of hurting you. |
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| Old injuries, side gives way |
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but you was to soon for me, and having once fallen into
the hands of a mob, and now been wounded in my side, and now into
the hands of a brother, my side gave way, |
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But you was to soon for me; and having once fallen into
the hands of a mob, and been wounded in my side, and now into the
hands of a brother, my side gave way: |
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| Joseph's indescribable feelings |
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and after having been rescued, from your grasp, I left your
house, with feelings that were indescriba[b]le, the scenery had changed,
and all those expectations, that I had cherished, when going to your house.
and brotherly kindness, charity forbearance and natural affection, that
in duty binds us not to make each other offenders for a word |
|
and after having been rescued from your grasp, I left your
house, with feelings that were indiscribable. The scenery had now changed,
and all those fond expectations, that I had
cherished (when going to your house,) of brotherly
kindness. charity forbearance, and natural affection, that binds
us in duty, not to make each other an offender for
a word. |
|
feelings indescribable MS history
and HC
each others MS history |
Abused, injured
|
¶ |
But alass! abuse, anger, malice, hatred, and rage <with
a lame side> with marks, of violence <heaped> upon my body me
by a brother, |
¶ |
But alas! abuse, anger, malice, hatred, and rage, are heaped
upon me,
by a brother; and with marks of violence upon my
body, with a lame side, I left your habitation bruised. and wounded; and
not only oppressed with these, but more severely so in mind being
born down under |
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| Requires help to sit or stand |
|
were the reflections of my disapointment, and
with these I returned home, not able to sit down or rise up, without
help, but, through the blessings of God,
I am now better.— |
|
the reflection of my disapointment. I returned
home, not able to sit down or rise up without help. But through the blessing of
God I am [160] now better.— |
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reflection MS history
blessing MS history and HC |
| Old debilitating injuries |
|
[84] I have received your letter and purused it with care,
I have not entertained a feeling of malice, against you, I am, older than
you and have endured, more suffering, having been marred by mobs, the labors
of my calling, a series of persecutions, and injuries, continually heaped
upon me, all serve to debilitate, my body, |
|
I have received your letter and purused it with care;
I have not entertained a feeling of malice, against you: I am older than
yourself, and have endured, more suffering,
having been mar<r>ed by mobs. with the
labour's of my calling, with a series of persecution and
injuries, continually heaped upon me, all serve to debiletate my system. |
|
I received MS history and HC |
| Honor in strength or debate |
|
and it may <be> that I cannot boast of being stronger,
than you. if I could, or could not, would this be an honor. or dishonor
to me, if I could boast like David of slaying a Goliath, who defied the
armies of the living God, or like Paul, of contending with Peter face to
face, with sound arguments, it might be an honor, |
|
And it may be that I cannot boast of being stronger
than you: If I could, or could not, would this be an honour, or dishonour
to me? If I like David could boast of slaying a Goliath, who defied the
armies of the living God; or like Paul, of contending with a Peter
face to face, with sound and iresistable arguments,
it might be an honour. |
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| Against an innocent? |
|
But to mangle the flesh or seek revenge upon one who never did you
any wrong, can not be a source of sweet reflection to you, nor to me,
neither to an honorable father & mother,
brothers, and sisters, |
|
But to mangle the flesh or seek revenge upon one who never done you
any wrong, cannot be a source of sweet reflection to you, nor me, neither
to our honerable father & mother. brothers & sisters. |
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never done MS history |
| Parents deserve better |
|
and when we reflect with what care our
parents and with
what unremiting diligence our parents, have strove
to watch over us, and
how many hours, of sorrow, and anxiety, they have spent, over our cradles
and, bedsides, in times of sickness, how careful we ought to be of their
feelings in their old age, it cannot be a source of swe[e]t reflection
to us to say or do any thing, that will bring their gray hairs down with
sorrow to the grave |
¶ |
And when we reflect upon the care
and unremitting diligence our parents have wa[t]ched over
us by night, & by day, and how many hours
of sorrow and painful anxiety they have spent
over our cradles and by our bedsides. in
sickness and in health. How careful ought
we to be of their feelings in their old age? It surely cannot
be a source of sweet reflection to us, to say or do any thing that would bring
down their gray hairs with sorrow to the grave. |
|
striven HC |
| Forgives, but … |
¶ |
In your letter you asked my forgivness, which I readily
grant, but it seems to me, that you still retain an idea, that I have given
you reasons to be angry or disaffected with me. |
|
In your letter you asked my forgivness, which I readily
grant: but it seems to me that you still retain an idea that I have done
given you reason to be angry, or dissatisfied with
me. |
|
you ask HC |
| Only admonishes to rescue |
¶ |
Grant me the privilege of saying then, [85] that however
hasty, or harsh, I may have spoken, at any time to you, it has been done
for the express purpose of endeavouring, to warn exhort, admonish, and
rescue you, from falling into difficulties, and sorrows which I foresaw
you plunging into, by giving way to that wicked
spirit, which you call your passions, |
¶ |
Grant me the privilege then of saying, that however
hasty. or harsh. I might have spoken at any
time to you, it has been done for the express purpose of endeavouring
to warn exhort, admonish & rescue you from falling into difficulties &
sorrows which I foresaw you were plunging
yourself, by giving way to that wicked spirit.
which you call your passion's. |
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| Curb passions or never be saved |
|
which you should curb and break down, and put under your
feet; which if you do not you, never can be saved, in my view, in the kingdom
of God. |
|
which you should curb and break down, and put under your
feet, which if you do not, you never can be saved, (in my view) in the
Kingdom of God. |
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| God requires his will be done |
¶ |
God requires the will of His creatures to be swallowed up
in His will. |
¶ |
The Lord requires the will
of his creatures to be swallowed up in his will. |
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| Remain a member, not an apostle
|
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You desire to remain in the church, but forsake your apostleship, |
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[161] you desire to remain in the church. but to forsake
your apostleship |
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| Idea from the devil |
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this is a stratagem of the evil one; when he has gained
one advantage, your he lays a plan for another, |
¶ |
This permit me to tell you is
a stratagem of the evil one. When he has gained one advantage, he lays
a plan for another; |
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the strategem MS history and HC |
| Make the effort to overcome |
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but by maintaining your apostleship, in
rising up and making one tremendious effort, you may over come
your passions and please God |
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but by rising up and maintaining
your apostleship and by making one tremendious
effort, you may overcome your passions and please God. |
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| Refuse to pay the price? |
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and by forsaking your apostleship, is not to
be willing,
to make that sacrafice that God requires at your hands and is to incur
his displeasure, |
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And by forsakeing your apostleship, you
say that you are not willing to make that sacrafice
that God requires at your hand. and by
so doing you <will> incur his displeasure, |
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| Cannot skip steps |
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and without pleasing God, do not think, that it will be
any better for you, when a man falls one Step, he must regain that step
again, or fall another, he has still more to gain, or eventually all is
lost. |
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and without pleasing God, do not think that it will be any
better for you. When a man falls one Step he must regain that Step, or
fall another, he then has still more to regain or
eventually all is lost. |
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we do not think HC
2:343. |
| Humble yourself |
¶ |
I desire brother William that you will humble yourself,
I freely forgive you and you know, my unshaken and unshaken unchangable
disposition I think know in whom I trust, I stand upon [86] the rock,
the floods cannot, no, they shall not, overthrow me, |
¶ |
I desire brother William that you will humble yourself,
I feel for you and, freely forgive you all; and
you know, my unshaken and unchangable disposition, I know in whom
I trust, I stand upon the rock, the floods cannot, no they shall
not overthrow me. |
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| Teaches true doctrine |
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you know the doctrine I teach is true, and you know that
God has blessed me, |
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You know the doctrine I teach is true, and you know that
God has blessed me, |
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| Joseph brought salvation to family |
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I brought salvation to my fathers house, as an instrument
in the hand of God, when they were in a miserable situation, |
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I brought salvation to my father's house, as an instrument
in the hand of God, when they were in a miserable situation. |
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hands of God HC |
| Joseph's duty to admonish |
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You know that it is my duty to admonish you when you do
wrong this liberty I shall always take, and you shall have the same privilege, |
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You also know that it is my
duty to admonish you when you do wrong. This liberty I shall always take,
and you shall have the same privilege,— |
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| William's privilege to admonish Joseph |
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I take the privilege, to admonish you, because of my birthright,
and I grant you the privilege because it is my duty, to be humble and receive
rebuke, and instruction, from a brother, or a friend. |
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I take the privilege to admonish you, because of my birthright,
and I grant you the privilege because it is my duty to be humble and receive
rebuke, and instruction from a brother, or a friend. |
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| Joseph clear of William's sins |
¶ |
As it regards, what course you shall persue hereafter, I
do not pretend to say, I leave you in the hands of God and his church.
make your own desision. I will do you good, altho you mar me, or slay me,
by so doing my garments, shall be clear of your sins, |
¶ |
As it regards, what course you shall persue hereafter I
do not pretend to say; I leave you in the hands of God and his church.
Make your own decision, I will do you good, although you marr me, or slay
me; by so doing my garments shall be clear of your sins. |
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If you think me an imposter
Leave me in God's hands |
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and if at any time you should concider me to be an imposter,
for heavens Sake leave me in the hands of God, and not think to take vengance
on me your self. |
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And if at any time you should consider me to be an impostor,
for heavens sake leave me in the hands of God, and not think to take vengance
on me your self.— |
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| Not a tyrant |
¶ |
Tyranny usurpation, and to take mens rights ever been and
ever shall be banished from my heart. |
¶ |
Tyranny, userpation, and to take mens rights, ever has been,
and ever shall be, banished from my heart.— |
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| Like David, not like David |
¶ |
David sought not to kill Saul, although he was guilty of
crimes that never entered my heart. |
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entered into MS history |
| Prayer for mercy, blessings, etc. |
¶ |
And now may God have mercy upon my fathers house, may God
take [87] away enmity, from betwe[e]n me and thee,
and may all blessings be restored, and the past be forgotten forever, |
¶ |
And now may God have mercy upon my fathers house; may God
[162] take away enmity, from between me, and them and
may all blessings be restored, and the past be forgotten forever, |
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| Be with family in heaven |
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may humble repentance bring us both to thee <O God> and to thy
power and protection, and a crown, to enjoy the society of father mother
Alvin Hyrum Sophron[i]a Samuel Catharine Carloss Lucy the Saints and all
the sanctified in peace forever, is the prayer of |
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may humble repentance bring us both to thee
O God, and under thy power and protection,
and to a crown to enjoy the society of father,
mother, Alvin, Hyrum, Sophronia, Samuel, Catharine, Carloss, Lucy, the
Saints and all the sanctified in peace forever, is the prayer of |
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¶ |
This from Your brother, |
¶ |
Your brother, |
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¶ |
Joseph Smith, Jun. |
¶ |
Joseph Smith, Jun. |
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¶ |
To Wm. Smith— |
¶ |
To Wm. Smith— |
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Debating School Incident, 1835
William Smith
Kirtland 1835
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