“For the Lord worketh not in secret combinations, neither doth he will that man should shed blood, but in all things hath forbidden it, from the beginning of man.”
“In the name of Jesus Christ, the Son of God, I do covenant and agree to support the First Presidency of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, in all things, right or wrong; I will faithfully guard them and report to them the acts of all men, as far as in my power lies; I will assist in executing all the decrees of the First President, Patriarch or President of the Twelve; and that I will cause all who speak evil of the presidency, or Heads of the Church, to die the death of dissenters or apostates, unless they speedily confess and repent, for pestilence, persecution and death shall follow the enemies of Zion. I will be a swift herald of salvation and messenger of Peace to the saints, and I will never make known the secret purposes of this society, called the DESTROYING ANGEL, my life being the forfeiture in a fire of burning tar and brimstone. So help me God, and keep me steadfast.”
John C. Bennett, History of the Saints “Danite Oath” (Boston, MA: Leland & Whiting, 1842), 271.
