Before the Church was two years of age, having but a handful of members, the opposition against it became so intense that Joseph Smith and Sidney Rigdon were directed to “confound your enemies; call upon them to meet you both in public and in private.” Appended to that charge came the following promise: “Inasmuch as ye are faithful their shame shall be made manifest. Wherefore, let them bring forth their strong reasons against the Lord. Verily, thus saith the Lord unto you- there is no weapon that is formed against you shall prosper; and if any man lift his voice against you he shall be confounded in mine own due time.” (D&C 71:7-10.)
“They That Seek to Destroy Him Shall Be Confounded”
In Moroni’s initial instruction to Joseph Smith, the youthful prophet was told that when it became known that he had the records from which the Book of Mormon would come, the workers of iniquity would seek his overthrow.
“They will circulate falsehoods to destroy your reputation; and also will seek to take your life,” Moroni said, “but remember this, if you are faithful, and shall hereafter continue to keep the commandments of the Lord, you shall be preserved to bring these things forth.”
(Messenger and Advocate 2:199.)
Years later Joseph would write that “the envy and wrath of man have been my common lot all the days of my life” (D&C 127:2). At a time when there seemed little hope, the Prophet being incarcerated in the Liberty prison, the Lord spoke to him, saying:
“Hold on thy way, and the priesthood shall remain with thee; for their bounds are set [having reference to his enemies], they cannot pass. Thy days are known, and thy years shall not be numbered less; therefore, fear not what man can do, for God shall be with you forever and ever.”
(D&C 122:9)