Church History Matters 067 The Carthage Decision: Why Joseph and Hyrum Chose to Go
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Jun 11, 2024 The podcast delves into the intense decision-making process of Joseph and Hyrum to go to Carthage despite imminent danger, exploring the escalating threats they faced and their ultimately fatal choice. It discusses the assassination plot against Joseph Smith, the rising tensions and appeals for peace, Joseph's emotional dilemma, and his peaceful character in the face of violence.
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Open Threats Against Joseph Smith
- Thomas Sharp, editor of the Warsaw Signal, openly threatened Joseph Smith's safety outside Nauvoo before the Expositor's destruction.
- After the Expositor was destroyed, Sharp explicitly called for violence against the Mormons using "powder and ball".
Escalating Hostility and "Missouri Justice"
- Following Sharp's call to violence, anti-Mormon committees began forming and rumors of Mormon expulsion spread.
- Sharp advocated for taking up arms if legal means couldn't ensure safety and alluded to "Missouri justice".
Joseph's Attempts to Comply with the Law
- Joseph and the Nauvoo City Council agreed to a legal trial but feared going outside Nauvoo due to threats.
- They were acquitted twice, once by an LDS judge and once by a non-LDS judge, but this didn't satisfy their enemies.