harm to the members of the Church and their friends.

Shortly after the conference mentioned in the last chapter, Joseph and a
number of other elders went to Colesville to hold meetings and baptize some
believers. The brethren built a dam in a creek on Saturday where they were
to baptize on Sunday, but during the night a mob tore the dam away.
However, meeting was held on Sunday, and early on Monday morning the dam
was repaired and the baptisms were attended to; but before they were
through, the mob gathered and followed the Saints to their homes, making
all kinds of threats. That evening as they were going to hold a meeting, a
constable arrested Joseph Smith on the charge of making disorder, setting
the country in an uproar by preaching the Book of Mormon, etc.

The constable was a good man, and told Joseph that the mob was going to try
to take him and perhaps kill him; but he would protect Joseph. In driving
to another town where the court was to be held, the mob lay in waiting by
the road, but the constable whipped up his horse and they got away.

The next day when Joseph was called to be tried, there was a large crowd
and much excitement as many wished to see and hear the young prophet. The
trial commenced and many persons who knew Joseph were called to tell
something about him. Among the number was Mr. Stoal, for whom Joseph had
worked.

"Did not the prisoner, Joseph Smith, have a horse of you?" was asked of Mr.
Stoal.

"Yes, sir," was the answer.

"Did not he go to you and tell you that an angel had appeared unto him and