Joseph Smith Prophesies the Constitution Will Hang by a Brittle Thread (May 1843)

In the month of May 1843, several miles east of Nauvoo, the Nauvoo Legion was on parade and review. At the close of the review, Joseph Smith addressed the Saints on their condition as a people and their future prospects, contrasting their present circumstances with their past trials and persecutions. He then prophesied of the United States: the time would come when the Constitution and government would hang by a brittle thread and be ready to fall into other hands — but the Latter-day Saints would step forth and save it. General Winfield Scott and part of his staff of the American Army were present on the occasion. James Burgess, who recorded the statement in his journal, testified to its truthfulness as an eyewitness.

Fuller account of this event (in the witness’s own words):

In the month of May 1843. Several miles east of Nauvoo. The Nauvoo Legion was on parade and review. At the close of which Joseph Smith made some remarks upon our condition as a people and upon our future prospects contrasting our present condition with our past trials and persecutions by the hands of our enemies. Also upon the constitution and government of the United States stating that the time would come when the constitution and government would hang by a brittle thread and would be ready to fall into other hands but this people the latter day Saints will step forth and save it. General Scott and a part of his staff of the American Army was present on the occassion I James Burgess was present and testify to the above as being true.