The transpiration of recent events makes it criminal for me to remaim longer silent. The tongue of the vile yet speaks, and sends forth the poison of asps—the ears of the spoler yet hear, and he puts forth his hands to iniquity. It has been proclaimed upon the house-top and in the secret chamber, in the public walks and private circle, throughout the length and breadth of this vast continent, that stealing by the has received my approval; nay, that I have taught the doctrine, encouraged them in plunder, and led on the van—than which nothing is more foreign from my heart. I disfellowship the perpetrators of all such abominations—they are devils and not saints, totally unfit for the society of Christians, or men. It is true that some professing to be Latter Day Saints have taught such vile heresies, but all are not Israel that are of Israel; and I wish it to be distinctly understood in all coming time, that the church over which I have the honor of presiding will ever set its brows like brass, and its face like steel, against all such abominable acts of villainy and crime; and to this end I append my affidavit of disavowal taken this day before , that there may be no mistake hereafter as to my real sentiments, or those of the leaders of the church, in relation to this important matter.—

Before me, , Mayor of the City of , personally came Joseph Smith, of the , (commonly called Mormons,) who being duly sworn according to law, deposeth and saith, that he has never directly or indirectly encouraged the purloining of property, or taught the doctrine of stealing, or any other evil practice, and that all such vile and unlawful acts will ever receive his unqualified and unreserved disapproval, and the most vigorous opposition of the church over which he presides, and further this deponent saith not.

Sworn to, and subscribed before me, at my office, in the City of , this twenty-ninth day of November, Anno Domini 1841.

Now it is to be hoped that none will hereafter be so reckless as to state that I, or the church to which I belong, approve of thieving—but that all the friends of law and order will join in ferreting out thieves wherever, and whenever, they may be found, and assist in bringing them to that condign punishment which such infamous crimes so richly merit.