RIGDON, SIDNEY (Teachings of Joseph Smith)

Sidney Rigdon a Good Man But Lacking in Pure & Steadfast Love — Joseph Smith Jr.’s Book for Record (November 19, 1833)

Brother ​Sidney [Rigdon]​ is a man whom I love but is not capab[le] of that pure and stedfast love for those who are his benefactors as should posess possess the breast of an man a Presedent of the chu[r]ch of Christ this with some other little things such as a selfish and indipendance of mind which to[o] often manifest distroys the confidence of those who would lay down their lives for him but notwithstanding these things he is ​a​ very great and good man a man of great power of words and can gain the friendship of his hearrers very quick he is a man whom god will uphold if he will continue faithful to his calling O God grant that he may for the Lords sake Amen

Journal, 1832–1834, pp. 20-21, The Joseph Smith Papers.

Sidney Rigdon High & Lifted Up, but Also Under the Yoke of His Master — Joseph Smith Jr.’s Book for Record (November 19, 1833)

And again, blessed be brother Sidney, also, notwithstanding he shall be high and lifted up, yet he shall bow down under the yoke like unto an ass that coucheth beneath his burthen; that learneth his master’s will​ by the stroke of the rod: thus saith the Lord. Yet the Lord will have mercy on him, and he shall bring forth much fruit; even as the vine of the choice grape when her clusters are ​is​ ripe, before the time of the gleaning of the vintage: and the Lord shall make his heart merry as with sweet wine because of him who putteth forth his hand and lifteth him up out of​ deep mire, and pointeth him out the way, and guideth his feet when he stumbles; and humbleth him in his pride.

Journal, 1832–1834, pp. 24-26, The Joseph Smith Papers.

Lord Will Watch Over and Save Descendants of Sidney Rigdon — Joseph Smith Jr.’s Book for Record (November 19, 1833)

Blessed are his generations. Nevertheless, one shall hunt after them as a man hunteth after an ass that hath strayed in the wilderness, & straitway findeth him and bringeth him into the fold. Thus shall the Lord watch over his generation that they may be saved: even so; Amen.

Journal, 1832–1834, p. 26, The Joseph Smith Papers.

Sidney Rigdon Excommunicated by Vote — William Clayton (August 13, 1843)

He then showed that Sidney Rigdon had bound himself by an oath to Governor Carlin to deliver J into the hands of the Missourians if he could & finally in the name of the Lord withdrew the hand of fellowship from him & put it to the vote of the people. He was cut off by an unamous vote & orders to demand his licence. 

Discourse, 13 August 1843–B, as Reported by William Clayton, pp. 87-88, The Joseph Smith Papers.

Vote to Revoke Sidney Rigdon’s Licenses — Willard Richards (August 27, 1843)

Joseph said 2 weeks to day something said about Elder Rigdon — vote taken to take away his licenses, on account of a report brought by Elder Hyde from Quincy.— 

The letter is one of the most evasive things. — and carries with it a design to hide the truth

Qu[i]ncy Ill. Aug—18. 1843

in answer to S. Rigdon of the 15. inst Thom Carlin. — Has any man been concerned in a conspiracy to deliver Joseph Smith to Mo? —if so whoo?

Discourse, 27 August 1843, as Reported by Willard Richards, p. 69, The Joseph Smith Papers.

Sidnrey Rigdon Reinstated as Counsellor to the First Presidency — (October 7-8, 1843)

President Joseph Smith related to the Conference the detention of documents from J. Butterfield, Esq., which were designed for the benefit of himself, (President Smith,) but was not handed over for some three or four weeks, greatly to his disadvantage. Also, an indirect testimony from Missouri, through the mother of Orin P. Rockwell, that said Rigdon and others had given information, by letter, of President Smiths’ visit to Dixon, advising them to proceed to that place and arrest him there. He stated that in consequence of those, and other circumstances, and his unprofitableness to him as a counsellor, he did not wish to retain him in that station, unless those difficulties could be removed; but desired his salvation, and expressed his willingness that he should retain a place among the saints. 

Elder Almon Babbitt suggested the propriety of limiting the complaints and proofs to circumstances that had transpired since the last Conference. 

President Joseph Smith replied, and showed the legality and propriety of a thorough investigation, without such limitation. 

Elder Sidney Rigdon plead, concerning the documents from J. Butterfield, Esq., that he received it in answer to some inquiries which he had transmitted to him — that he received it at a time when he was sick, and unable to examine it — did not know that it was designed for the perusal and benefit of President Joseph Smith- that he had, consequently, ordered it to be laid aside, where it remained until inquired for by Joseph Smith. He had never written to Missouri concerning the visit of Joseph Smith to Dixon, and knew of no other person having done so. That, concerning certain rumors of belligerent operations under Governor Carlin’s administration, he had related them, not to alarm or disturb any one, but that he had the rumors from good authorities, and supposed them well founded. That he had never received but one communication from John C. Bennett, and that of a business character, except one addressed to him conjointly with Elder Orson Pratt, which he handed over to President Smith  — that he had never written any letters to John C. Bennett. . . .

Elder Sidney Rigdon resumed his plea of defence. He related the circumstances of his reception in the city of Quincy, after his escape from Missouri—the cause of his delay in not going to the city of Washington, on an express to which he had been appointed—and closed with a moving appeal to President Joseph Smith concerning their former friendship, associations and sufferings, and expressed his willingness to resign his place, though with sorrowful and indescribable feelings. During this address, the sympathies of the congregation were highly excited.

Elder Almon Babbitt related a conversation he had had with Esq. Johnson, in which he exonerated elder Sidney Rigdon from the charge or suspicion of having had a treacherous correspondence with Ex-Governor Carlin.

President Joseph Smith arose and satisfactorily explained to the congregation the supposed treacherous correspondence with Ex-Governor Carlin, which wholly removed suspicion from elder Sidney Rigdon, and from every other person. He expressed entire willingness to have elder Sidney Rigdon retain his station, provided he would magnify his office, and walk and conduct himself in all honesty, righteousness, and integrity; but signified his lack of confidence in his integrity and steadfastness, judging from their past intercourse.

President Hyrum Smith followed with appropriate and expressive remarks on the attribute of mercy in God, as that by which He influences, controls, and conquers—and the propriety and importance of the saint’s exercising the same attribute towards their fellows; and especially towards their aged companion and fellow servant in the cause of truth and righteousness.

Elder Almon Babbitt and pres’t. Wm. Law followed with remarks in defence of elder Sidney Rigdon.

On motion by President William Marks, and seconded by President Hyrum Smith, Conference voted that elder Sidney Rigdon be permitted to retain his station as Counsellor to the First Presidency.

Minutes, 6–9 October 1843, p. 330, The Joseph Smith Papers.