Mormon Dilemma 263

Joseph Smith a Mason

Evidences and Reconciliations, pg 358; “The people of the Church needed friends. The work in Nauvoo would be hindered if opposition to the Church were allowed to grow. The Prophet and his brethren and sisters of the Church had suffered much without cause. They wanted peace. Perhaps Masonry would help. So, in the light of history, ran the thoughts of the people.”

Matthew 5:36-37; “Neither shalt thou swear by thy head, because thou canst not make one hair white or black. 37 But let your communication be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay: for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil.” 

Someone should’ve reminded Smith what he said about penal oaths and how it weakens true friendships. (TPJS pg 146)  While there were things that locals did to the Mormon people that were not justified, it should be noted that most of their “suffering” was either self imposed by their outrageous behavior in the communities they lived or they were being punished for the illegal activities they participated in – polygamy, anti-banking schemes, and money-digging to name a few.