Accused Quote by Joseph Smith, Jr
“I had not been married scarcely five minutes, and made one proclamation of the Gospel, before it was reported that I had seven wives… I am innocent of all these charges… What a thing it is for a man to be accused of committing adultery, and having seven wives, when I can only find one. I am the same man, and as innocent as I was fourteen years ago; and I can prove them all perjurers.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Early church testimony, 1830
He defends himself against accusations of polygamy, asserting innocence and demanding proof of falsehood.
In simple terms: He denies having multiple wives and calls accusers liars.
Key Takeaway
Seek truth and demand evidence before judgment.
Themes
religion
justice
defense
Mood
defensive
serious
Type
historical
legal
When to use this quote
- courtroom
- community meetings
- personal testimonies
Key Concepts
polygamy
false accusations
integrity
Questions to Reflect On
- How does one protect reputation against false claims?
- What role does evidence play in moral judgments?
A Different Perspective
Accusations can damage reputation even if false.
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![“According to the laws and constitution of the people, which I [the Lord] have suffered to be established, and should be maintained for the rights and protection of all flesh, according to just and holy principles.” quote by Joseph Smith, Jr](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/ca1/joseph-smith-jr-1647_america_according-to-the-laws-and-constitution-o_73011.jpg)
![“[W]e shall have the satisfaction of knowing that we have acted conscientiously, and have used our best judgment. And if we have to throw away our votes, we had better do so upon a worthy rather than an unworthy individual who might make use of the weapon we put in his hand to destroy us.” quote by Joseph Smith, Jr](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/4ad/joseph-smith-jr-1647_hands_w-e-shall-have-the-satisfaction-of-knowi_98392.jpg)
