Warren Parrish and David W. Patten Delivered from Mob Violence

In June 1836, while serving in Benton County, Tennessee, Warren Parrish and David W. Patten were arrested at Seth Utley's house by a mob of forty men led by Sheriff Robert C. Petty on the complaint of a Methodist priest named Matthew Williams. The mob issued a warrant alleging they falsely prophesied Christ's return and the reception of the Holy Ghost. Held under $2,000 bond, the men faced a mock trial on June 22nd before 100 armed men who confiscated their walking sticks and penknives. When forbidden to present witnesses, Patten stood and, filled with the Holy Ghost, rebuked the court for 20 minutes, leaving them spellbound. Challenged by the judge, Patten boldly declared his weapons were the Holy Priesthood. After paying court costs, they fled to Albert Petty's home, where a heavenly messenger warned Patten of the mob's pursuit, allowing them to escape into the next county just before the mob surrounded the house.

Fuller account of this event (as retold in David Wyman Patten – Doctrine and Covenants Central):

When brothers Patten and Parrish arrived at brother Seth Utley's in Benton co., Tennessee, they were taken by a mob under pretext of law. June 19th. About forty men armed with deadly weapons, led by Sheriff Robert C. Petty, and a Colonel and Major, with some other officers, and a Methodist priest with a gun on his shoulder; the Sheriff informed the brethren that he had a States' warrant for D. W. Patten, W. Parrish and W. Patten and Parrish were bound over to appear on June 22nd under $2000 bonds. Early on the 22nd Elders Patten and Parrish had their trial. Brother Patten, being filled with the Holy Ghost, arose to his feet, and by the power of God bound them fast to their seats while he addressed them. He rebuked them sharply for their wicked and unjust proceedings... When Patten closed, the Judge addressed him, saying, 'You must be armed with concealed weapons, or you would not treat an armed court else you have this.' Patten replied, 'I am armed with weapons you know not of, and my weapons are the Holy Priesthood and the power of God.'