Joseph Smith Shot At and Narrowly Escaped Enemies Seeking the Golden Plates

After the 1827 discovery of the golden plates, Joseph Smith reported that “as soon as the news of this discovery was made known, false reports, misrepresentation, and slander flew, as on the wings of the wind, in every direction.” He wrote that his house was frequently beset by mobs and “evil designing persons,” and that “several times I was shot at, and very narrowly escaped.” Every device was made to get the plates away from him, but “the power and blessing of God attended me,” several began to believe his testimony, and the Lord preserved both Joseph and the records. That preservation allowed Joseph Smith to complete the translation of the Book of Mormon and later establish the restored Church.