History of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Volume 1Smith, Joseph, Jr.
Religion
History of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Volume 1
Smith, Joseph, Jr.
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints; Smith, Joseph, Jr., 1805-1844
We were at this time not far distant from my own house. I wished to
be allowed the privilege of spending the night with my wife at home,
offering any wished for security for my appearance; but this was
denied me. I applied for something to eat. The constable ordered me
some crusts of bread and water, which was the only food I that night
received. At length we retired to bed. The constable made me lie next
the wall. He then laid himself down by me and put his arm around me,
and upon my moving in the least, would clench me fast, fearing that I
intended to escape from him; and in this very disagreeable manner did
we pass the night.
[Sidenote: The Second Trial.]
Next day I was brought before the magistrate's court at Colesville,
Broome county, and put upon my trial. My {92} former faithful friends
and lawyers were again at my side; my former persecutors were arrayed
against me. Many witnesses were again called forward and examined,
some of whom swore to the most palpable falsehoods, and like the
false witnesses which had appeared against me the day previous, they
contradicted themselves so plainly that the court would not admit their
testimony. Others were called, who showed by their zeal that they were
willing enough to prove something against me, but all they could do was
to tell something which somebody else had told them.
[Sidenote: Newel Knight vs. Lawyer Seymour.]
In this frivolous and vexatious manner did they proceed for a
considerable time, when, finally, Newel Knight was called up and
examined by Lawyer Seymour, who had been especially sent for on this
occasion. One Lawyer Burch, also, was on the side of the prosecution;
but Mr. Seymour seemed to be a more zealous Presbyterian, and appeared
very anxious and determined that the people should not be deluded by
any one professing the power of godliness, and not "denying the power
thereof."
Mr. Knight was sworn, and Mr. Seymour interrogated him as follows:
"Did the prisoner, Joseph Smith, Jun., cast the devil out of you?"
"No, sir."
"Why, have not you had the devil cast out of you?"
"Yes, sir."
"And had not Joe Smith some hand in its being done?"
"Yes, sir."
"And did not he cast him out of you?"
"No, sir; it was done by the power of God, and Joseph Smith was the
instrument in the hands of God, on the occasion. He commanded him to
come out of me in the name of Jesus Christ."
"And are you sure that it was the devil?"
"Yes, sir."
{93} "Did you see him after he was cast out of you?"
"Yes, sir! I saw him."
"Pray, what did he look like?"
[Here one of my lawyers informed the witness that he need not answer
the question.] The witness replied:
"I believe I need not answer your last question, but I will do it,
provided I be allowed to ask you one question first, and you answer me,
viz., Do you, Mr. Seymour, understand the things of the spirit?
"No," answered Mr. Seymour, "I do not pretend to such big things."
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