History of Utah, 1540-1886 - Brigham Young University

6S THE STORY OF MORMONISM.
men surrounded Mr Knight's house, threatening violence.
The same night Joseph was arrested by a
constable on a charge of disorderly conduct, and for
preaching the book of Mormon. It was the purpose
of the populace to capture Joseph from the constable
and use him roughly, but by hard driving he escaped.
At the trial which followed, an attempt was made to
prove certain charges, namely, that he obtained a
horse from Josiah Stoal, and a yoke of oxen from
Jonathan Thompson, by saying that in a revelation he
was told that he was to have them; also as touching
his conduct toward two daughters of Mr Stoal; but
all testified in his favor, and he was acquitted. As
he was leaving the court-room, he was again arrested
on a warrant from Broome county, and taken midst
insults and buffetings to Colesville for trial. The old
charges were renewed, and new ones preferred. Newel
Knight was made to testify regarding the miracle
wrought in his behalf, and a story that the prisoner
had been a money digger was advanced by the prosecution.
Again he was acquitted, and again escaped from
the crowd outside the court-house, whose purpose it
was to tar and feather him, and ride him on a rail.
These persecutions were instigated, it was said, chiefly
by presbyterians.
While Joseph rested at his home at Harmony farther
stories were circulated, damaging to his character,
this time by the methodists. One went to his fatherin-law
with falsehoods, and so turned him and his
family against Joseph and his friends that he would
no longer afford them protection or receive their doc-
trine. This was a heavy blow; but proceeding in
August to Colesville, Joseph and Hyrum Smith and
John and David Whitmer continued the work of
prayer and confirmation. Fearing their old enemies,
who lay in wait to attack them on their way back,
they prayed that their eyes might be blinded; and so
it came to pass. Then they held service and returned
safely, although five dollars reward had been offered