Rigdon's July 4th oration facts for kids

Rigdon's July 4th Oration was an important speech given by Mormon leader Sidney Rigdon. He delivered it during a July 4th celebration in Far West, Missouri in 1838. Sidney Rigdon was a close advisor and often spoke for Joseph Smith Jr., who was the founder of the Mormon faith.

What Was the Speech About?

The speech had two main parts. The first part talked about how important the founding of the United States was. It also shared the Church's views on this. The second part was like a "declaration of independence" for the Mormons. It was a strong statement against groups of people who caused trouble, sometimes called "mobocrats," and against unfair treatment of Mormons.

Rigdon's Strong Words

In his speech, Rigdon made some very strong statements. He said that the Mormons would not put up with unfair treatment anymore. He warned that if people continued to bother them, the Mormons would defend themselves. He declared:

We call on God and all the holy angels to witness this day, that we warn all people, in the name of Jesus Christ, to stop bothering us forever. From this moment, we will not tolerate it anymore. Our rights will no longer be ignored without consequences. Any person or group who tries to harm us will do so at their own risk. And any group that comes to disturb us; it will be a major conflict between us and them. We will stand firm until the very end, or they will have to stop us. We will take the fight to their own homes and families, and one side or the other will be completely defeated.—Remember this, everyone.

We will never start trouble. We will not take away anyone's rights. But we will stand up for our own rights until we die. We claim our own rights, and we want everyone else to enjoy theirs too.

No one should feel free to come into our streets and threaten us with angry groups. If they do, they will face the consequences before they leave this place. Also, no one should be free to insult or spread lies about any of us, because we will not allow it here.

Impact of the Oration

The speech caused a lot of worry among the non-Mormon people who were at the celebration. Later, the leaders of the Church published the July 4th Oration. This made many people in northwestern Missouri even more upset and increased negative feelings towards Mormons. Many people at the time, and historians later, believe this speech was a big reason for the 1838 Mormon War.

Other Important Information

The July 4th Oration is sometimes confused with another speech called the Salt Sermon.