From an early age, Joseph Smith, founder of the Mormon (“Latter-Day”) cult, sported with magical tricks, “crystal balls,” and sorcery. While digging a well he unearthed a black stone, which he later called a “seer” or “peek” stone. He would place the stone in his hat, cover his face, and “peep” into the stone to ascertain where earthen treasures were located. He hoodwinked a number of people who hired him to find treasures on their lands. In 1826, he was brought to court and found guilty of fraudulent practices. He later confessed to his father-in-law that his pretensions were bogus.
“Moroni” Out Of Nowhere!
One year later, the fictional angel “Moroni” appeared to him and informed him of certain “Gold Plates” that were hidden in the earth. The “language” on the plates was written in an extinct Egyptian tongue, and Joseph was given the responsibility of translating the language into English. Thus evolved
The Book of Mormon, from which Mormonism or “Latter-day Saintism” was contrived. This was the first of his many “divine revelations.”
Deranged & Magical
From these bits of history relating to Smith's magical tricks, “crystal ball dramas,” and sorcery, we are able to capture the first glimpses of the development of a mentally deranged leader, deceiver, and false prophet, which brings me to the following observation: Show me a cult founder who does not have a history of magical tricks, “crystal ball” performances, “divine revelations,” illusions, and grandiose feelings and I will eat your hat—along with the “peep stone” inside it!
The Death Of Joseph Smith
Joseph Smith was killed by a mob in a hail of bullets in June, 1844, in Carthage, Illinois, at about the age of 39, the same year he announced his candidacy for President of the United States. But let’s back up for a few moments.
“From Pillar To Post”
Due to opposition to his theology and lifestyle in New York, he moved his religious clan to Kirtland, Ohio, and later to Missouri, where he and his religious party were rejected and expelled. To make a long journey short, he eventually settled his tribe in Nauvoo, Illinois (named by Smith himself). He got himself appointed Mayor, and later “Lieutenant-General” by the State, and before long the town had swelled to a population of about 20,000.
Smith Arrested
In 1844, the same year Smith was slain, the editor of the
Nauvoo Expositor attacked Smith and his teachings. Smith retaliated by having the
Expositor’s office destroyed and burned and its editor expelled. Smith and a few of his cohorts were later arrested and incarcerated. This was not the only occasion of civil violations, however, for it seems Joseph had adopted a rebellious form of behavior. He had plural wives, but no one knew how many. Brigham Young said to a friend in 1866, “I myself sealed dozens of women to Joseph.” Polygamy (plural wives) aroused the animal emotions in Smith’s enemies and incited them to vehemently oppose him and his religious party.
Re-Arrested
As the colorful history of this man unfolds, he escaped incarceration but later decided to give himself up and report to Carthage (Illinois) for trial, where he had been ordered to report. Upon arriving in Carthage, he and his brother and a few others were re-arrested and re-incarcerated by angry troops from Warsaw and Carthage. While in jail, “Lieutenant-General” Smith attempted to send word to his Legion to come rescue him at all costs. However, the message was never delivered. Instead, the Warsaw militia showed up and stormed the jail.
Gunned Down
But Smith was shrewd enough to make a contingency plan. The day before, his friends had smuggled in two handguns. When the mob broke in, Smith’s brother, Hyrum, was killed almost immediately. Smith fired his six-shooter. Three of them missed fire, but the other three found targets, wounding three men. He threw down his empty six-shooter and ran to the window, only to discover even more of the mob, with painted faces, waiting outside. About that moment a shot struck him in the back and his body leaned forward out of the window, and he dropped to the ground. He was then propped up and orders were given to four men of the militia by Colonel Williams to shoot him. They did, and he fell forward on his face and breathed his last.
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It Is Finished
It was over. Thus ended in violence the life of a colorful man with a picturesque history. I detest the way Smith’s life was terminated. The mob was totally wicked and vicious—and clearly out of their heads. The whole matter should have been resolved in a court of law. But when man’s emotions are provoked and set on fire, his animal nature takes control of his senses. The results are violence and death. Smith instigated much, if not most, of the turmoil and violence. History confirms this truth.
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