The Restored Church, pp 197-198; “Such a band as the “Danites” did exist, as historians affirm; but that Joseph Smith had nothing to do with it and exposed the participants when he became aware of it, is equally well-confirmed…The organization had been for the purpose of plundering and murdering the enemies of the Saints.” – William E. Berrett
History of the Church 3:181-182; “…let no one hereafter, by mistake or design, confound this organization of the Church for good and righteous purposes, with the organization of the “Danites,” of the apostate Avard, which died almost before it had existed.”
History of the Church 6:165; “The Danite system alluded to by Norton never had any existence. It was a term made use of by some of the brethren in Far West, and grew out of an expression I made use of when the brethren were preparing to defend themselves from the Missouri mob, in reference to the stealing of Macaiah’s images (Judges chapter 18)—If the enemy comes, the Danites will be after them, meaning the brethren in self-defense.” – Joseph Smith
Why is Smith denying the Danites existed when he knows they did? Then we have David Whitmer’s insight. You’ll recall Whitmer was one of the original three witnesses to the BoM and was ex-communicated.
An Address To All Believers In Christ, pp 27-28; “In the spring of 1838, the heads of the church and many of the members had gone deep into error and blindness…. In June, 1838, at Far West, Mo., a secret organization was formed, Doctor Avard being put in as the leader of the band; a certain oath was to be administered to all the brethren to bind them to support the heads of the church in everything they should teach. All who refused to take this oath were considered dissenters from the church, and certain things were to be done concerning these dissenters, by Dr. Avards secret band… my persecutions, for trying to show them their errors, became of such a nature that I had to leave the Latter Day Saints;…” – David Whitmer, Richmond, Mo., 1887
In addition to Whitmer’s book there’s also the Diaries of John D Lee where Danite activity is addressed, “Wild Bill” Hickman’s book “Brigham’s Avenging Angel” as well as many other examples that tell of Smith’s knowledge and full blown endorsement of blood atonement.
This is truly a dilemma is it not? Whom do you believe?
The Lord tells us that where our treasure is our hearts will be also – Luke 12:34.
In light of this where might Joseph Smith’s heart be? Why was it important for him to lie about the activities he was involved in if he felt they were from God?
Would Mormons today accept the same behavior from Thomas Monson?
Can we apply Moroni 10:4-6 to this scenario? The BoM tells us that if we pray correctly we’ll receive a burning in the bosom to see if it’s right so I’m wondering if that principle can be used here.
The words of Mark Twain always come to mind whenever I see Moroni’s counsel. Twain said “you can’t pray a lie” so I’m wondering how this fits into the Mormon’s life – in particular, my own mother.