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

“I soon found, however, that my perambulations abroad were not to be borne with indifference by the world. 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. My house was frequently beset by mobs and evil designing persons. Several times I was shot at, and very narrowly escaped, and every device was made use of to take the plates away from me; but the power and blessing of God attended me, and several began to believe my testimony. On one occasion I was crossing the public square of the town of Colesville, when a committee of men met me, and warned me to leave the place, and that I should not be permitted to preach there. I told them that I should not leave the place, but should continue to preach, and that the Lord would protect me. I was not molested, however, and continued to preach, and many were baptized. The Lord was with me, and I was enabled to accomplish the work which he had given me to do, and to bring forth the record which he had committed to my charge.”

— Joseph Smith, History, 1838–1856, volume A-1, p. 8 (as published in the Times and Seasons, March 1, 1842, and subsequent historical compilations)