| In 1835, William Smith sponsors
a "debating school" in house where he and his parents live.
On Saturday evening, December 12, Joseph records in his journal that he
took the affirmative on the question, "Was
it necessary for God to reveal himself to man, in order for their happiness."
But he is called away to see Angeline Works, who was reportedly "dangerously
sick." |
| The debate continues on Wednesday, December
16, and at the conclusion a dispute arises over whether
the school should be continued. Joseph is of the mind that it should not.
William attacks him physically. The next
day, William, an apostle, is admonished by the rest of the Twelve to make
amends. He sends Joseph a three-page apology §,
begging to be released from his apostleship without losing his church membership.
In a seven-page reply §,
Joseph forgives William but admonishes him to control his temper. He thinks
it will not help William to be relieved of his apostleship, and as for
his membership, that will be up to the church. Later, their parents call
on Joseph § and he persuades them to move out of
William's house into his. |
In the meantime, seventy Almon Babbitt has
been blaming Joseph for the incident, asserting he can't handle
being bested in an argument. Joseph files a complaint with the high council
§ against Almon for "traducing
his character." In the end, Almon
makes an apology § that is accepted by
most of the council, but which does not satisfy the prophet. |
| Finally, Joseph and William meet with Hyrum,
Joseph Sr., Uncle John Smith, Martin Harris. Joseph Sr. expresses his sorrow
over the rift, all enmity is dissolved, the two brothers forgive each other,
and covenant to build one another up and never listen to rumors about
each other but deal with one another directly. |
| This is one of the best documented episodes
of the Kirtland period. It illustrates both church and Smith family dynamics
from multiple, contemporaneous sources. |
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| Joseph's Journal |
Joseph attends debate
Propriety of continuing the school
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¶ |
[December 16, 1835] This evening according to adjournment
I went to Br. Wm. Smiths, to take part in the debate that was commenced
on Saturday evening last.—after the debate was concluded, and a desision
given in favour of the affirmative of the question, some altercation took
place, upon the improp[r]iety of continueing the School fearing that
it would not result in good. |
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Diary-2, 69–70.
"… to take part in the debate, that was commenced on last Saturday
evening, upon the question before named, viz. was it necessary for God
to reveal himself to the world &c." 1834–1836 history, 149.
"[Joseph] and his brother Hyrum Smith were descidedly of the opinion that
it [continuing the school] would not result in good." 1834–1836 history,
150. |
William assaults Joseph, Jared Carter, others
Joseph grieved, prays for William |
¶ |
Br. Wm opposed these measures and insisted on having another
question proposed, and at length become much enraged particularly at me
and used
[70] violence upon my person, and also upon J.
Carter
and some others, for which I am grieved beyond expression, and can only pray
God to forgive him inasmuch as he repents of his wickedness, and humbles
himself before the Lord. |
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"… violence upon his person, and
others who interfered to stay him … Joseph, returned home, grieved
beyond expression, at <the> wickedness of his brother, who Cain like had
sought to kill him, and had conciderably wounded him "
1834–1836 history, 150. |
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December 17, 1835 after addressing Orson Hyde's complaint
that William Smith has received preferential treatment at the store, Joseph
journalizes: |
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Orson Hyde's
1835 Complaint |
Parents upset, call on Joseph
Joseph blameless |
¶ |
My
Father & Mother
called this evening to see me upon the subject of the difficulty, that
transpired at their house on wednesd[a]y evening between me and my Br.
William. they were sorely affected in mind on the account of that occurrence.
I conversed with them, and showed convinced them that I was not to blame
in taking the course I did, but had acted in righteousness, in all thing[s]
on that occasion |
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Diary-2, 75.
occurrence: recurrence, 1834–1836 history, 154. |
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William apologizes to Hyrum
Hyrum agrees with Joseph |
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December 18, 1835 Hyrum reads Joseph a letter from William
asking forgiveness for "the abuse he offered to him, at the
debate." They discuss the difficulty between Joseph and William most
of the morning. Hyrum is "perfectly satisfied" with Joseph's
course, but |
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Diary-2, 76. |
| Hyrum sympathizes with William |
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he is wounded to the verry Soul, with <because of> the
conduct of William, and although he feels the tender feelings of a brother
toward him yet he can but look upon his conduct as an abomination in the
sight of God. |
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William's Apology |
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William and Joseph Smith's
Apologies, 1835 compares both versions of William's letter |
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Later in the day, Joseph receives William's apology, dated
December 18: |
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| William contrite |
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William, fearful that he has "forfeited all right
and title to the word brother, in consequence of what I have done … after
coming to myself, and concidering upon what I have done," recognizes it
his his responsibility "to make a humble
confession to you for what I have done or what took place the other evening." |
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Twelve called William to account, disgraced
Sick
Ready to give up apostleship
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The Twelve called him on the carpet yesterday, and he told
them that in view of "the many difficulties
that I had had with the church and the much disgrace I had brought upon
my Self," and that his health would prevent him from attending school to
prepare for the endowment and from traveling, perhaps it would be better
for them to appoint someone else to take his place in the quorum. |
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Danger of falling from high position
Passions may make it worse later |
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This way, when he falls into temptation, he would not "bring
so much disgrace upon the cause. … 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." |
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"For of him unto whom much is given much
is required; and he who sins against the greater light shall receive
the greater condemnation." ¶ D&C
82:3 (Apr. 26, 1832) |
Begs to retain membership
Will make amends |
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"Do not think that I am your enemy" he pleads, "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 feel as though
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—" |
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Joseph's Reply |
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¶ William
and Joseph Smith's Apologies, 1835 contains both versions of Joseph's
letter. |
Joseph's reply
Pleased with William's debating school idea
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Joseph replies on the 19th that he was "delighted" with
the idea of William's debating school, and when he went last Wednesday
night, it was "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." But before he left home, |
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Diary-2, 80–87. |
| Negative feelings before attending |
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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 <Spirit> and seemed to manifest that all
was not right … |
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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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| Duty to reprove |
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But he felt those who presided should have been more sober "when
folly and that which militates against truth and righteousness" was expressed.
So in the spirit of his calling, he considered it his 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." |
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| Shouldn't have interrupted McLellin |
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In particular, he felt "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." |
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Hyrum asks to speak
William defensive
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Then, when the debate was over, and Hyrum requested permission
to speak, William said he could "if he would not abuse the school" and
that "you would not allow any man to abuse the
school in your house." |
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Joseph mortified, tries to intervene
William as ugly as devil
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¶ |
Now you had no reason to suspect that Hyrum, would abuse
the School, therefore my feelings were mortifyed, at these unnecessary
observations. I undertook to reason, with you but you manifisted, an inconsiderate
and stubborn spirit, I then despared 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. |
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Joseph Sr. commands silence
William refuses |
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Father then commanded silence, and I formed a determination
to obey his mandate, and was about to leave the house … [but] you
replyed that you, would say what you pleased in your own house. Father
replyed, say what you please, but let the rest hold their, tongues … |
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Joseph Jr. helped build the house
Joseph's birthright to reprove younger brother
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Immediately Joseph thought of all he had done for William
and his family, finishing his house, providing flour, etc. Besides, it
was Joseph Sr.'s house as well, and Joseph Jr. had a right to speak in
his father's house. Furthermore, it was Joseph's birthright to reprove
his younger brothers. |
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| Joseph declares his 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,) … |
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Ignores Joseph Sr.'s command? |
| William assaults Joseph |
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At this, William came after Joseph, who started to take
off his coat, but William was too quick. It took others to pull him off.
An old wound in Joseph's side was re-injured, making it impossible for
him to stand or sit without assistance. |
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| Forgives, but … |
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William has "asked my forgivness, which I readily
grant," but he suspects that William still harbors some resentment. Joseph
assures him that whatever he said was motivated by his desire to save William
from "falling into difficulties, and sorrows which
I foresaw you plunging into, by giving way to that wicked spirit, which
you call your passions, 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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Forsaking apostleship a bad idea
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The idea of William forsaking his apostleship is "a
stratagem of the evil one." Instead, William needs to rise up and overcome
his passions "and please God … forsaking your apostleship, is
not to be willing, to make that sacrafice that God requires at your hands
and is to incur his displeasure, and without pleasing God, do not think,
that it will be any better for you." |
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Joseph brought salvation to family
Duty to admonish |
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Joseph reminds William, "I brought salvation to my father's
house, as an instrument in the hand of God, when they were in a miserable
situation, 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,
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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| 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, |
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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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| Not a tyrant |
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Joseph is not a tyrant; he has never wanted to take away
men's rights. |
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| Prayer for mercy, blessings, etc. |
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He prays, " may God have mercy upon my fathers house,
may God take away enmity, from betwe[e]n me and thee, and may all
blessings be restored, and the past be forgotten forever, 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." |
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Joseph's Journal |
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| Joseph writes William, prays for him |
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[December 19, 1835:] I have
had many Sollum <Solemn> feelings this day Concerning my Brothe[r] William
and have prayed in my heart to fervently that the Lord will not him <cast
him> off but <he> may return to the God of Jacob and magnify his apostleship
and calling may this be his happy lot for the Lord of Glorys Sake Amen |
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Diary-2, 87. The quoted
portion of this entry, and the entries for Dec. 20, 21, and 22 are
in Joseph's hand. On the 22nd he notes, "my scribe also is unwell O my
God heal him and for his kindness to me O my Soul be thou greatful to
him and bles him …< for I believe him to be a faithful friend to
me therefore my Soul delighteth in him Amen / Joseph Smith Jr" |
| Stays home Sunday |
¶ |
[Sunday, December 20, 1835] At home all day and took Solled
Comfort with my family had many Serious reflections Brother Palmer and
Tailor [Taylor] Came to see me I showed them the sacred record to their Joy and
satisfaction … |
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December 21, 1835 Joseph spends the day at home studying. |
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Diary-2, 88. |
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December 22, 1835 Joseph spends the day at home studying
Hebrew. Addresses the church in the evening. |
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Diary-2 |
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December 23, 1835 Joseph spends the day at home studying
Greek. |
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Entries from here to Jan. 16, 1836 are
in the hand of Frederick G. Williams. |
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Almon Babbitt
Trial |
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Joseph's complaint against Almon Babbit
"Traducing
my character" |
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December 28, 1835 Joseph submits a complaint to the high
council against Almon Babbit for "traducing my character." Almon
maintains that Joseph "got mad [at the debate] because he was overpowered
in argument" and "it had not been for J. Smith getting mad
there would have been no difficulty." |
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Diary-2
¶ Minutes
of December 28, 1835 |
| Majority accept confession |
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After considerable discussion, Sidney Rigdon, who is presiding, decides that Almon shall
publicly confess that he "let the adversary get the
possession of his heart … has spoken things
falsely to the injury of J. Smith Junr., and by injuring him he has insulted
the feelings of the church of Christ." |
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William Smith
Charged |
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Complaint against William
Parents live with Joseph and Emma |
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The day after Almon's trial, high counselor Orson
Johnson submits a complaint to the council charging William with
(1) "Unchristian like conduct in speaking disrespectfully of President
Joseph Smith Junr. and the revelations & commandments given through
him;" and (2) "attempting to inflict personal violence on President
J. Smith Junr." By this time, Joseph Sr. and Lucy Mack
have moved into Joseph Jr.'s home. |
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Orson Johnson's
Charge Against William Smith
Diary-2, 92. |
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Joseph Meets with Twelve |
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| Twelve confer with Joseph |
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[December 31, 1835] the 12. convened in the <upper> room
in the printing office directly over the room wher[e] we were convened,
in our studies, they sent for me and the presidency, (or part of them,)
to receive council from us on the subject of the council, which is to be
held on Saturday next |
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Diary-2, 93. |
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Meeting of the Smith Men |
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Joseph's Diary
Diary-2, 94–95
Oliver Cowdery scribe |
1834–1836 History
1834–1836 history
Warren Parrish scribe |
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| Dust and ashes
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¶ |
Friday morning Jany 1st 1836 this being the beginning of a new year, my heart is filled with gratitude to God, that
he has preserved my life and the lives of my family while
another year has rolled away, we have been, sustained and upheld in
the midst of a wicked and perverse generation, and exposed
to all, the afflictions temptations, and misery that are incident to
human life, for which I feel to humble myself in
dust and ashes, as it were before the Lord.— |
Friday morning January 1st 1836.—on
the introduction of the new year, his heart is filled with greatful
praise to God, for
his kind care that has been over him and his family in
preserving their lives while ann other year has rolled away. They have been sustained
and upheld in the midst of a wicked and pervers generation and exposed
to all the afflictions temptations and miseries that are incident to
human life; for which [167] he felt to humble himself, as
it were in
dust and ashes before the Lord.— |
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| Dispute affects brothers, sisters |
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but notwithstanding, the gratitude that fills
my heart on
retrospecting the past year, and the multiplyed blessings that have crowned our heads, my heart is pained within
me because of the difficulty that
exists in my fathers family, |
But notwithstanding the gratitude that filled his heart,
on retrospecting the past year, with the multiplied blessings that have
crowned his head; his heart is pained,
and his peace disturbed, when he reflects upon the difficulties that exists in his fathers family |
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¶ |
the Devil has made a violent attack on Br. Wm and Br Calvin
and the powers of darkness, seeme lower over their minds and not only theirs
but cast a gloomy shade over the minds of my my parents and some of my
brothers and sisters. which prevents them from seeing things as they realy
are. |
The Devil has made a violent attack upon
his brother William
Smith & his brother in
law Calvin Stoddard, and the powers of darkness
seem to hover over their minds and
obscure the light of truth: and not
only theirs but a gloomy shade appears to be cast over the minds of some of his brothers & Sisters, which prevents them from seeing thing[s]
as they really are. |
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Calvin: Sophronia's husband. |
Twelve divided, also seventies
Bickering among members |
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and the powers of Earth & hell seem combined to overthrow
us and the church by [95] causing a division in the family. and indeed
the adversary is bring[ing] into requisition all his subtlety to prevent
the Saints from being endowed. by causing division among the 12. also among
the 70, and bickerings and jealousies among the Elders and official members
of the church. and so the leaven of iniquity foments and spreads among
the members of the church. |
And the powers of earth & hell seem combined to overthrow
us, and the church by causing a division in his fathers family.
Indeed the adversary is bringing into requisition all his subtlety to prevent
the saints from being endued; by causing divisions among
the twelve, also among the seventy, and bickerings & jealousies among
the Elders, & official
members, and thus the leaven of iniquity foments & spreads
among the
lay members of the church.— |
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| Joseph determined to settle it today |
¶ |
But I am determined that nothing on
my part shall be lacking to
adjust and amicably dispose of and settle all family difficulties, on this
day. that the ensuing year, and years, be they many or few may be
spent in righteousness before God, and I
know that the cloud will burst
and satans kingdom be laid in ruins with all his black designs, and the
saints come forth like gold seven times tried in the fire, being made perfect
throug[h] sufferings, and temptations, and the blessings of heaven and
earth multiplyed upon our heads which may God grant for Christ sake Amen — |
But Joseph determined in
his heart, that no exertion on
his part Should be wanting to adjust, and amicably dispose of, and settle,
all family difficulties, on this day; that the ensuing year, & years,
be they many, or few, may be spent in righteousness before the Lord. and
he declared that he feels confident, that the clowd will burst, and
satan’s
kingdom be laid in ruins, with all his black designs; and the Saints come
forth like gold seven times tried in the fire, being made perfect throug[h]
temptations & sufferings, and the blessings of heaven, & earth, will
be multiplied on our heads, which may God grant for his Sons sake, Amen. |
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Smith men and Martin Harris meet
Joseph Sr.'s sorrow |
¶ |
Br. William came to my house and Br.
Hyrum, also, Uncle
John Smith, we went into a room in company with father
and Elder Martin Harris, and father, Smith then opened our interview by prayer after which,
he expressed his feelings on the ocasion in a verry feeling and pathetic
manner even with all the sympathy of a father whose feelings were
wounded deeply on the [96] account of the difficulty that was existing
in his family, |
This morning his brother Wm Smith called
to see him upon the subject of their difficulties, they retired to a private room with their father and their uncle John
Smith, their brother Hyrum Smith, & Eldr. Martin
Harris; their aged father then
opened the interview by prayer [168] after which he expressed his feelings
on the occasion in a very feeling and pathetic manner; even with all the
sympathy of a father whose feelings were deeply wounded on account of the
difficulty that was existing in his family: |
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pathetic: "Affecting or moving
the passions, particularly pity, sorrow, grief or other tender emotion;
as a pathetic song or discourse." Webster's 1828 American
Dictionary of the English Language.
Uncle John Smith
Martin Harris |
Spirit melts hearts
Ask forgiveness of each other
Covenant |
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and while he addressed
us the Spirit of God
rested down upon us in mighty power, and our hearts
were melted Br. William
made an humble confession and asked our my forgiveness
for the
abuse he had offered me and wherein I had
been out of the way I asked his forgivness, and the spirit of confession
and forgiveness,
was mutual among us all, and we covenanted with
each other in the Sight of God and the holy
angels and the brethren, to strive from hence forward to build each other
up in righteousness, in all things and not listen to evil reports concerning
each other, but like brethren, indeed go to each other, with our greivances
in the spirit of meekness, and be reconciled and thereby promote
our own happiness and well being of all.— |
and while he was speaking the
Spirit of God rested down upon them in mighty
power and their hearts were melted down
in contrition and humility before the Lord. William made an humble
confession and asked his brother Joseph's forgiveness for having abused
him; and wherein Joseph had been out of the way he asked his forgivness,
and indeed the spirit of confession, and forgiving,
was mutual among us all, and we entered into a covenant with
each other, before the Lord, & the Holy Angels,
and the brethren present, to strive from hence
forward to build each other up in righteousness in all things, and not
listen to evil reports concerning eachother; but like brethren of
the same household, go to eachother, with our greivances in the spirit
of meekness and be reconciled, and strive to promote our own happiness,
and well being of all. |
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| Lucy, Emma, and scribe join |
¶ |
my wife and mother, Uncle
John & my Scribe was then
called in and we repeated the covenant
to them that we had entered into, and while gratitude
swelled our bosoms, tears flowed from our ey[e]s.— |
His wife, mother and scribe was then
called in to partake of our joys to whom we related the covenant we had
entered into, and
while gratitude swelled our bosoms, tears flowed from our eyes. |
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scribe: Frederikk G. Williams |
| Joseph prays |
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I was then requested to close our interview which I did with prayer, and it was truly
a jubilee and time of rejoiceing |
Joseph was then requested to close our interview, which
he did by prayer. and truly it was
a time of rejoicing, and <a> jubillee to his
fathers family |
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Denouement |
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| William recants, Almon confesses |
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January 2, 1836 William Smith acknowledges
that the charges preferred against him by Orson Johnson are true and promises
to make a public confession. Almon Babbit also confesses
and is "restored to fellowship." |
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¶ Minutes
of January 2, 1836 |
| William's confession in church |
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January 3, 1836 (Sunday) William makes
his confession to the church and is "cordially received into fellowship
again." He
gives out "an appointment to preach in the evening at early candlelight,
and preached a fine discourse," Joseph's scribe observes, |
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Diary-2, 97–98. |
| Day of rejoicing, unit |
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This day has been a day of rejoicing to him, of whom
we write; the cloud that has been hanging ove[r] his mind has burst with
grt blessings on his head and satan has been foiled in his attempts to
destroy him and the church by causing divisions & jealousies to arise
in the hearts of some of the brethren, and we unitedly thank our Heavenly
Father for the union and harmony that now exists in the church |
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¶ William
and Joseph Smith's Apologies, 1835
William Smith
Kirtland 1835
Smith Family
Home
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