Denunciation of Thieves-... TO THE PUBLIC. The occurrence of recent events makes it criminal for me to remain longer silent. ... It has been proclaimed upon the house top and in the secret chamber, in the public walks and private circle, throughout the length and breadth of this vast continent, that stealing by the Latter-day Saints has received my approval; nay, that I have taught the doctrine, encouraged them in plunder, and led on the van-than which nothing is more foreign from my heart. I disfellowship the perpetrators of all such abominations...
Before me, John C. Bennett, Mayor of the City of Nauvoo, personally came Joseph Smith, President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (commonly called the Mormon Church), who being duly sworn according to law, deposeth and saith, that he has never directly or indirectly encouraged the purloining of property, or taught the doctrine of stealing, or any other evil practice, and that all such vile and unlawful acts will ever receive his unreserved and unqualified disapproval, and the most vigorous opposition of the Church over which he presides; and further this deponent saith not. ...
[1841-November 29-DHC 4:461-462, in Clark, James R., Messages of the First Presidency (6 volumes)]
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