Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith

Section Six (1843-1844) | The Prophet's Premonition

1--Joseph remarked, "I have had a good deal of anxiety about my safety since I left Nauvoo, which I never had before when I was under arrest. I could not help those feelings, and they have depressed me. Most of the forenoon was spent by Dan Jones and Col. Stephen Markham in hewing with a pen-knife a warped door to get it on the latch, thus preparing to fortify the place against any attack.

2The Prophet, Patriarch, and their friends took turns preaching to the guards, several of whom were relieved before their time was out, because they admitted they were convinced of the innocence of the prisoners. They frequently admitted they had been imposed upon, and more than once it was heard, "Let us go home, boys, for I will not fight any longer against these men." During the day Hyrum encouraged Joseph to think that the Lord, for His Church's sake, would release him from prison.

3Joseph replied, "Could my brother, Hyrum, but be liberated, it would not matter so much about me. Poor Rigdon, I am glad he is gone to Pittsburg out of the way; were he to preside he would lead the Church to destruction in less than five years." (June 26, 1844.) DHC 6:592-593.