While other men were peacefully following their vocations and extending their interests they [the Saints in Clay County] have been deprived of the right of citizenship, prevented from enjoying their own, charged with violating the sacred principles of our Constitution and laws.
Joseph Smith, Jr.Unless we members of the Church do all we can to preserve the freedoms we have within the bounds of the laws of God, we will be held accountable.
Joseph Smith, Jr.That by him, and through him, and of him, the worlds are and were created and the inhabitants thereof are begotten sons and daughters unto God.
Joseph Smith, Jr.Afflictions, persecutions, imprisonments, and death, we must expect, according to the scriptures, which tell us that the blood of those whose souls were under the altar could not be avenged on them that dwell on the earth, until their brethren should be slain as they were.
Joseph Smith, Jr.