Prelude to Destruction Summary and Analysis

1844 seemed to be a time of little resentment towards the prophet and his people, except for the anti-Mormon antagonism in the surrounding counties. Actually, the hostility was deep and far-flung. It was feared that Joseph sought to overcome the one deeply held tenant of the Constitution—that of separation of church and state. Others sought grounds to extradite Joseph on a variety of charges.

Joseph knew of the hatred of the anti-Mormons, yet he knew that the true problem would come from within the church, from apostates. As always, it was apostates who fed half-truths or lies to those who sought to destroy the church and Joseph Smith. He was right. Trouble came from his Second Counselor, William Law, and others close to him.

If Ms. Brodie's assumptions and reading of the history is correct, which...