July 1831–July 1833

Trouble in Missouri

Keeping faith strong in dangerous times

Many Saints came to live in Independence, Missouri. The Lord wanted them to build the city of Zion there. But the Saints and the people who were already living in Independence didn’t get along. They disagreed about many things. Some people in the town were angry and wanted to make the Saints leave.

Doctrine and Covenants 57:1–3; Saints, 1:171–74

Edward Partridge was the bishop in Independence. He came to a meeting with leaders of the town. They said the Saints had to leave Independence. Bishop Partridge knew that God wanted the Saints to build Zion in Independence. He said the Saints could not leave.

Saints, 1:176

Angry men started tearing down the homes and buildings that the Saints had built.

Saints, 1:177–78, 182

The men took Bishop Partridge and another man named Charles Allen from their homes. They dragged the two men to the center of the town.

Saints, 1:179

Bishop Partridge said, “If I must suffer for my religion, it is no more than others have done before me.” The men pushed Bishop Partridge and Charles to the ground. They put hot tar and feathers all over their bodies.

Saints, 1:179–80

William McLellin, a member of the Church in Independence, heard about what the angry people were doing. He was afraid and ran into the woods to hide.

Saints, 1:182

William wondered what would happen if the angry men found him. Would he still say the Book of Mormon was true, even if they tried to kill him for it?

Saints, 1:182–83

William’s friends Oliver Cowdery and David Whitmer found him in the woods. William knew that Oliver and David had strong faith. An angel had shown them the gold plates. “Tell me,” William asked them, “is that Book of Mormon true?”

Saints, 1:183

Oliver and David told William that the Book of Mormon is true. They said that even if the angry men tried to kill them, they would never stop sharing their testimony with people. “I believe you,” William said.

Doctrine and Covenants 17:3–6; Saints, 1:183