History of the Church 6:448; “To the Marshal of said City, greeting.
You are here commanded to destroy the printing press from whence issues the Nauvoo Expositor, and pi the type of said printing establishment in the street, and burn all the Expositors and libelous handbills found in said establishment; and if resistance be offered to your execution of this order by the owners or others, demolish the house; and if anyone threatens you or the Mayor or the officers of the city, arrest those who threaten you, and fail not to execute this order without delay, and make due return hereon.
By order of the City Council,
Joseph Smith, Mayor.”
Psalm 73:3-8; “For I was envious at the foolish, when I saw the prosperity of the wicked. 4 For there are no bands in their death: but their strength is firm. 5 They are not in trouble as other men; neither are they plagued like other men. 6 Therefore pride compasseth them about as a chain; violence covereth them as a garment. 7 Their eyes stand out with fatness: they have more than heart could wish. 8 They are corrupt, and speak wickedly concerning oppression: they speak loftily.”
As we’ve mentioned before on this subject, Smith’s behavior back then is known as terrorism today.
Smith was a loose cannon and if you crossed paths with the guy, you’d better watch your back.
The Nauvoo Expositor was a town paper established by new ex-Mormons who had discovered their beloved prophet was a sham. Ol’ Joe had hit on William Law’s wife, Jane, and the rumors of Smith’s philandering ways became reality for him and many others.
William Law and his friends bought equipment and supplies to publish an expose of Joseph’s behavior and Smith didn’t take too kindly to being exposed. In retaliation he gave the orders we’ve posted above. The problem with his order was that it was illegal. A mayor has the authority to temporarily shut down a libelous publication, but it can’t legally be destroyed until a complete independent investigation has been completed.
Smith’s public display of a temper tantrum led to his eventual arrest on charges of arson, treason and two other charges which landed him and his brother Hyrum in jail along with two other LDS leaders.
As everyone is well acquainted with the chain of events, both Smith brothers were killed while awaiting trial in Carthage. You can read the one and only publication of the Nauvoo Expositor here.
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