Saints May Use Weapons to Defend Family — Thomas Bullock (May 12, 1844)
I once offered my life to the Missouri Mob as a sacrifice for my people — and here I am — it will not be by Sword or Gun that this Kingdom will roll on — the power of truth is such that all nations will be under the necessity of obeying the Gospel— the prediction is that army will be against army — it may be that the Saints will have to beat their Ploughs into Swords for it will not do for men to sit down and see their women & children destroyed patiently,
Discourse, 12 May 1844, as Reported by Thomas Bullock, pp. 1-2, The Joseph Smith Papers.
To Escape Regret, Wield Weapons Solely for Truth’s Defense — Thomas Bullock (May 12, 1844)
— he that arms himself with Gun, sword, or Pistol except in the defense of truth, will some time be sorry for it — I never carry any weapon with me bigger than my Pen Knife — when I was dragged before the Cannon and muskets in Missouri, I was unarmed, God will always protect me until my mission is fulfilled.
Discourse, 12 May 1844, as Reported by Thomas Bullock, p.1, The Joseph Smith Papers.
