"As that year [1837] wore on, a spirit of apostasy grew among some of the Saints in Kirtland. Some members became proud, greedy, and disobedient to the commandments. ... As many as two or three hundred members fell away from the Church in Kirtland, sometimes joining with those who opposed the Church to torment and even physically threaten the Saints. Some apostates openly claimed that the Prophet [Joseph Smith] was fallen and tried to have other men put in his place. ...
Of the Church’s situation in May 1837, the Prophet lamented: 'It seemed as though all the powers of earth and hell were combining their influence in an especial manner to overthrow the Church at once. … The enemy abroad, and apostates in our midst, united in their schemes, … and many became disaffected toward me as though I were the sole cause of those very evils I was most strenuously striving against.'"It's hard to imagine the emotions Joseph Smith experienced during this time as some of his closest friends and most faithful supporters were openly, vigorously turning against him. Thinking about this last night, I remembered the experience of my great-great-great grandfather, Parley P. Pratt, who was present in Kirtland, Ohio during this chaotic time. From Parley's autobiography:
"About this time, after I had returned from Canada, there were jarrings and discords in the Church at Kirtland, and many fell away and became enemies and apostates. There were also envyings, lyings, strifes and divisions, which caused much trouble and sorrow. By such spirits I was also accused, misrepresented and abused. And at one time, I also was overcome by the same spirit in a great measure, and it seemed as if the very powers of darkness which war against the Saints were let loose upon me. But the Lord knew my faith, my zeal, my integrity of purpose, and he gave me the victory.
I went to brother Joseph Smith in tears, and, with a broken heart and contrite spirit, confessed wherein I had erred in spirit, murmured, or done or said amiss. He frankly forgave me, prayed for me and blessed me. Thus, by experience, I learned more fully to discern and to contrast the two spirits, and to resist the one and cleave to the other."
I feel two things when I read this. First, I'm touched by the way Joseph Smith responded to my ancestor's apology. No holding onto grudges, no "I'm going to need some time to think about this, Parley." Not even close. Forgiveness, prayer, and a blessing immediately to one who had taken part in criticizing and complaining against the Prophet. Second, I feel overwhelmingly grateful to my great-great-great grandfather. "Thank you" doesn't cut it in this instance. He had a choice to make during that confusing and difficult time. There were hundreds of other Saints facing the same decision who ultimately chose to leave the fold. Blaming others, ignoring one's former promises and commitments, and forgetting about God by far would have been the easier path. But Parley instead chose to do that which is so often too hard for the rest of us. He accepted responsibility for his misdeeds, resolved to correct his mistakes, and found the humility to approach Joseph Smith with a sincere apology. That one simple choice kept him on the path of faithfulness and loyalty to the Church. I am blessed - almost 172 years later - because he chose humility and repentance. Parley stayed true, at that moment and throughout his life. His son, Helaman, stayed true. Helaman's son, Emerson, likewise stayed true. And what of Emerson's daughter, Marjorie? Well, I just spoke to her two weeks ago, and she's as strong and true as anyone could hope their Grandmother to be. I pray now that "my faith, my zeal, my integrity of purpose" can somehow measure up. Thank you Parley.
