.) 8.
What proof was given that Joseph and his brethren were true believers. (See
Mark 16: 16, 17.) 9. When was the first conference of the Church held?

CHAPTER IX.

PERSECUTION OF JOSEPH.

By this time you will see that when the Lord set his hand to begin the
great latter-day work, the evil one was also present, trying to hinder its
progress. At the very beginning there were only Joseph and a few friends to
work against, but now the Church was fast becoming established in the land,
and if it were to be stopped some strong effort would have to be made. So
the evil one inspired men to gather in large crowds or mobs to annoy and do
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
told him to get the horse from you?"

"No; he told me no such story."

"Well, how had he the horse of you?"

"He bought him of me as another man would do?"

"Have you had your pay?"

"That is not your business."

The same question was asked aga