Joseph Smith and Plural Marriage: A Key Factor in His Martyrdom

The story of Joseph Smith, the founder of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, is deeply intertwined with the practice of plural marriage. This controversial aspect of his life has been a subject of intense discussion, especially in the context of his death. While numerous factors contributed to the events that ultimately led to his martyrdom, plural marriage played a crucial role. Understanding how plural marriage influenced Joseph’s life, relationships, and, ultimately, his death sheds light on the profound challenges he faced as a prophet. This understanding begins with the Joseph Smith polygamy timeline, which documents the significant milestones of Joseph’s practice of plural marriage.

The Early Years of Plural Marriage

Joseph Smith’s introduction to plural marriage was neither straightforward nor easy. For much of his early ministry, the concept of plural marriage was not part of his teachings. However, over time, Joseph received revelations that led him to introduce the principle of polygamy. This practice would later become one of the most defining, yet controversial, aspects of his prophetic mission. As part of the Joseph Smith polygamy timeline, the early years reveal the gradual and deliberate introduction of this principle.

The revelation on plural marriage, as Joseph understood it, was not just a personal choice but a divine commandment. He often faced opposition not only from those outside the church but from within, including members of his inner circle. One of the most significant figures in this internal opposition was William Law, Joseph’s second counselor in the First Presidency. Law’s involvement was crucial in understanding the Joseph Smith escaping polygamy tree—a term that can be used to illustrate the connections of individuals who, while initially aligned with Joseph, became key figures in opposing plural marriage.

William Law’s Disaffection

William Law was initially one of Joseph Smith’s most loyal supporters, even being called to a high position in the First Presidency. However, the introduction of plural marriage caused a rift between Joseph and Law that would have far-reaching consequences. Law’s reaction to the idea of polygamy was deeply negative. He was vehemently opposed to the practice, stating that if an angel were to reveal to him that a man should have more than one wife, he would “kill him.”

This strong opposition, however, did not deter Joseph from continuing to teach the doctrine of plural marriage. Ironically, as Law struggled with the doctrine, he was also grappling with his own moral failings, including adultery. In 1843, while secretly committing adultery, Law found himself at a crossroads. He encountered Joseph Smith’s revelation on marriage, which Joseph had received and shared with the Saints. Law’s initial response was skepticism, but after discussing the matter with Joseph, he came to believe in the authenticity of the revelation. Despite his personal doubts, Law’s anger only deepened when Joseph confirmed the validity of the revelation and refused to renounce it. Law’s frustration grew as he was denied the opportunity to be sealed for eternity to his wife, Jane, due to his own adulterous actions. This marked the beginning of a long and bitter fallout with Joseph Smith. Law’s role in the Joseph Smith escaping polygamy tree became significant as he and others conspired to destroy Joseph’s credibility and teachings.

A Growing Hostility

By late 1843, Law’s relationship with Joseph Smith had deteriorated significantly. He became increasingly hostile toward the doctrine of plural marriage, which he saw as a threat not only to his personal beliefs but also to his status within the church. In December of that year, Law and his wife Jane decided to distance themselves from the Saints in Nauvoo, selling their property and planning to leave the city. However, Law’s anger toward Joseph did not subside; instead, it intensified.

Law became involved with a group of dissenters who were equally disillusioned with Joseph’s teachings, particularly plural marriage. This group included people who had once been part of the church but had now turned against Joseph. Law’s personal vendetta against Joseph, fueled by his resentment of the prophet’s refusal to abandon plural marriage, led him to secretly conspire with others to bring about Joseph’s downfall. The question, did Joseph Smith have multiple wives, was being loudly asked and answered in a negative light by those who sought to destroy his reputation.

The Nauvoo Expositor and the Plot to Destroy Joseph

One of the key turning points in this conspiracy came in the form of the Nauvoo Expositor, a publication founded by William and Wilson Law, who sought to expose what they viewed as the false teachings of Joseph Smith. The Expositor made two major accusations against Joseph: the practice of plural marriage and the belief in a plurality of gods. These accusations were framed in the most inflammatory and derogatory terms, accusing Joseph of moral corruption and blasphemy.

The inflammatory nature of the Expositor’s content made it impossible for Joseph and the city council to ignore. As mayor of Nauvoo, Joseph felt compelled to respond, and the city council, after consulting legal texts, concluded that the Expositor’s contents constituted a public nuisance. They decided to destroy the press that published it, a decision that would later be used against Joseph and his followers.

This move to destroy the press, while legal according to some interpretations of the law, created a crisis. The destruction of the Expositor press led to charges of riot being filed against Joseph and the city council, and the entire group was required to respond to these charges in Carthage, a location where Joseph would soon face his death.

The Conspiracy and the Road to Carthage Jail

The destruction of the Expositor press, and the subsequent charges, marked the beginning of the end for Joseph Smith. As Joseph and his followers traveled to Carthage Jail to face trial, it became clear that the stakes had escalated. The forces against Joseph were aligning, both from within Nauvoo and from external enemies who had long sought his downfall. Among these enemies were people like Thomas Sharpe, whose animosity toward Joseph was well-known, and who now had an excuse to call for Joseph’s arrest and removal from Nauvoo.

Some accounts suggest that William Law was present at Carthage Jail when Joseph arrived, reportedly stating that Joseph would never leave the jail alive. The tension surrounding Joseph’s imprisonment was palpable, and the forces that had conspired against him were now closing in. While there were other reasons for Joseph’s death, including political tensions and his bid for the U.S. presidency, the role of plural marriage in the conspiracy against him cannot be overstated.

Joseph Smith’s Final Testimony

Throughout the controversy surrounding plural marriage, Joseph Smith remained steadfast in his commitment to the principles he believed were revealed to him by God. Even when faced with the intense opposition from trusted friends like William Law, Joseph never wavered in his commitment to the doctrine of plural marriage. In fact, when pleading with William Law to accept the doctrine, Joseph is said to have wept, as did Law, but Joseph maintained that he could not retract the teachings that had been revealed to him.

The deep emotional and spiritual conflict that Joseph experienced in the face of this controversy highlights the inner turmoil he must have felt. He believed that he was acting in obedience to divine commands, and yet, this very obedience placed him at odds with many of those closest to him. Despite his personal struggles, Joseph remained committed to his mission, even knowing that it might cost him his life.

The Martyrdom of Joseph Smith

On June 27, 1844, Joseph Smith was martyred at Carthage Jail. While his death was the result of a complex set of political, social, and religious factors, plural marriage was undeniably at the center of the conflict that led to his demise. The hostility generated by his teachings on polygamy, combined with the actions of those like William Law who sought to destroy him, set in motion the tragic events that culminated in Joseph’s death.

In his final moments, Joseph Smith remained resolute in his faith. He faced the ultimate test of discipleship, choosing to uphold his teachings despite the immense personal cost. Joseph’s martyrdom serves as a testament to his unwavering commitment to the principles he believed were divinely revealed to him.

The Legacy of Joseph Smith and Plural Marriage

The practice of plural marriage and its role in Joseph Smith’s life and death has left a lasting legacy, one that continues to be discussed and debated by scholars and members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Joseph’s commitment to the doctrine of plural marriage, despite the immense personal and social consequences, demonstrates the depth of his faith and obedience to what he understood as divine will.

While plural marriage was a deeply challenging and controversial aspect of Joseph Smith’s life, it is clear that he viewed it as a sacred commandment, one that he could not ignore or abandon. His willingness to live and die for this principle remains one of the most profound aspects of his legacy.

As we reflect on Joseph Smith’s life and martyrdom, we are reminded of the profound sacrifices made by those who followed him. Whether through the practice of plural marriage or the other challenges they faced, the early Latter-Day Saints exhibited remarkable faith and devotion to their beliefs. For Joseph Smith, his death was not the end but a continuation of his testimony, one that continues to inspire and challenge those who seek to understand the complexities of his life and teachings.

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