Mormon Patriotism in Missouri.
Posted: Tue Jul 04, 2023 2:28 pm
On July 4th, 1838 Sidney Rigdon gave a stirring speech in Far West, Missouri. The speech essentially said Rigdon and the LDS had suffered enough and if anybody gave them any trouble in the future, Sidney declared "a war of extermination" would occur between the Mormons and their persecutors. The ceremonies included a parade by the Danite Militia. Joseph Smith endorsed Rigdon's remarks and had them printed and distributed.
Not so well know, but attested to in the Joseph Smith Papers is a Danite Constitution-- "A Constitution For the Society of the Daughters of Zion" which briefly outlines the beliefs about government in the Church at that time. Who actually wrote the constitution is disputed, with Rigdon and Danite leader Sampson Avard being considered possibilities, but Joseph Smith's ideas and sponsorship are apparent.
The irony is that Rigdon's "war of extermination" speech preceded the more famous "extermination order" by Governor Boggs, and seems to have been a significant flash point leading up to the "Mormon War" in Missouri.
Rigdon's Speech and the new Constitution are now documented in the Joseph Smith Papers but how many LDS are aware of them? It just seems worth mentioning this July 4th.
Not so well know, but attested to in the Joseph Smith Papers is a Danite Constitution-- "A Constitution For the Society of the Daughters of Zion" which briefly outlines the beliefs about government in the Church at that time. Who actually wrote the constitution is disputed, with Rigdon and Danite leader Sampson Avard being considered possibilities, but Joseph Smith's ideas and sponsorship are apparent.
The irony is that Rigdon's "war of extermination" speech preceded the more famous "extermination order" by Governor Boggs, and seems to have been a significant flash point leading up to the "Mormon War" in Missouri.
Rigdon's Speech and the new Constitution are now documented in the Joseph Smith Papers but how many LDS are aware of them? It just seems worth mentioning this July 4th.