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Show Page 93 matter came publicly to a head at a general meeting called for July 22 to present a formal, and open reply to Dr. John C. Bennett's published representations concerning Joseph Smith's character. A resolution was passed declaring Joseph Smith "...to be a good, moral, virtuous, peacable and patriotic man, and a firm supporter of law, justice and equal rights..." When the vote was called, Orson Pratt registered a lonely negative vote among a thousand affirmatives. His lengthy explanation for his vote was finally terminated by a question from Joseph Smith: "Have you personally a knowledge of any immoral act in me toward the female sex, or in any other way?" Orson responded, tellingly: "Personally, toward 36 the female sex, I have not." It is difficult to say at this point exactly what he believed of the Prophet's character - he surely would have announced it, given his probity, had he been an eyewitness to Joseph's supposed improprieties. He knew he had no first-hand evidence, and the case against Bennett and against Sarah Pratt's representations grew every day; nevertheless, Orson remained steadfast by his wife. The apostles were determined to rescue him and called an extraordinary council for four days during August to try and convince him that he was in error about Joseph Smith. Brigham Young wrote: "I spent several days laboring with Elder Orson Pratt, whose mind became so darkened by the influence and statements of his wife, that he came out in rebellion against Joseph, refusing to believe his testimony or obey his counsel. He said he would believe his wife in preference to the Prophet. Joseph told him if he did believe his wife and follow her suggestions he would go to hell." After reviewing the efforts of the Twelve, Joseph Smith finally excommunicated Orson Pratt August 20, 1842, after dropping him from the Quorum. Orson himself said to Brigham Young: "There is brother Amasa Lyman...he has been long in the ministry, go in and ordain him in my stead." |