Simone Lawson
The White Horse Prophecy is a prediction made by Joseph Smith, the founder of Mormonism, in 1843. It states that the US Constitution will one day hang by a thread and be saved by the Latter-day Saints, also known as Mormons. While some believe that Smith made this prophecy, others dispute its authenticity, claiming that it is not supported by historical evidence and is not considered official Church doctrine. Despite this, the prophecy has been widely circulated and discussed, with some interpreting it as a warning about the fragility of the Constitution and the potential for it to be threatened or destroyed.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name of the person who made the statement | Joseph Smith |
| Date of the statement | May 1843 |
| Location of the statement | Nauvoo, Illinois |
| Witness to the statement | Edwin Rushton |
| People who will save the Constitution | Latter-Day Saints, Elders of the Church |
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What You'll Learn
Joseph Smith's prophecy
Joseph Smith, the founder of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, is believed to have made a prophecy in early May 1843 that the US Constitution would one day hang "by a thread".
According to some sources, Smith said:
> "You will see the Constitution of the United States almost destroyed. It will hang like a thread as fine as a silk fibre."
Smith is also believed to have said that when the Constitution was in danger, the Latter-Day Saints would step in "on the white horse" to save the country. This prediction is known as the "White Horse Prophecy".
However, the accuracy of these accounts has been disputed. In 2010, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints issued a statement saying that the "so-called 'White Horse Prophecy' is based on accounts that have not been substantiated by historical research and is not embraced as Church doctrine".
Joseph Smith made several other prophecies throughout his life, including predictions about the Second Coming of Jesus Christ, the future destiny of the Church, and various global events.
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Latter-day Saints' role
The "White Horse Prophecy" is a belief that the US Constitution will one day be in danger of destruction, hanging by a thread, and that the Latter-day Saints will play a crucial role in saving it. While the prophecy is attributed to Joseph Smith, the founder of the Latter-day Saint movement, its authenticity has been questioned.
According to the prophecy, Joseph Smith foresaw a time when the Constitution would be at risk of destruction due to a departure from the nation's founding principles. This period would be marked by disorder, secret combinations, and a disregard for Constitutional rights and liberties. During this crisis, the Latter-day Saints, also known as Mormon elders, would step in ""on the white horse"" to save the country and the Constitution. They would be instrumental in preserving the freedoms and rights guaranteed by the Constitution.
The prophecy holds significant importance for the Latter-day Saints, who believe that they have a duty to defend the Constitution and uphold its principles. It reflects their commitment to religious freedom, civil rights, and the rule of law. They see themselves as guardians of the nation's founding ideals and values, ensuring that the Constitution is protected and preserved for future generations.
However, it is essential to note that the "White Horse Prophecy" is not universally accepted within the Latter-day Saint community. In 2010, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints issued a statement clarifying that the prophecy is based on accounts that have not been substantiated by historical research and is not embraced as official Church doctrine. Some members of the Church have questioned the accuracy of the prophecy, citing differences in wording and speaking style from Joseph Smith's known manner of expression.
Despite the debate surrounding its authenticity, the "White Horse Prophecy" continues to hold cultural and spiritual significance for many Latter-day Saints. It serves as a reminder of their commitment to religious freedom, their belief in the importance of the US Constitution, and their willingness to defend the nation's founding principles.
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The Constitution's destruction
The Constitution of the United States is a revered document, outlining the country's core principles and values. However, throughout history, there have been concerns about its fragility and the potential for its destruction. One of the most famous predictions regarding the Constitution's fate came from Joseph Smith, the founder of Mormonism.
In the early 1840s, Smith is believed to have foretold that the Constitution would face a dire threat, stating that "the time would come when the Constitution of our country would hang as it were by a thread." This prediction, known as the "White Horse Prophecy," suggests that the nation would face a crisis where the Constitution would be almost destroyed, hanging "like a thread as fine as a silk fiber." Smith's exact words have been debated, with some questioning the prophecy's authenticity.
Despite the doubts, Smith's prophecy holds significance for many. He envisioned a crucial role for the Latter-day Saints in saving the nation during this tumultuous period. According to Smith, the Latter-day Saints, or "the sons of Zion," would step forward to rescue the Constitution and the country, ensuring their survival. This belief has been echoed by subsequent leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, who have warned about the Constitution's vulnerability.
The idea of the Constitution hanging by a thread reflects a broader concern about the fragility of democracy and the constant vigilance required to protect fundamental rights and freedoms. Throughout history, there have been numerous instances where the Constitution has faced challenges, from political divisions to social unrest. Each time, the resilience of the American people and their commitment to democratic ideals have proven crucial in safeguarding the nation's founding principles.
While the Constitution's destruction has been averted thus far, the ongoing challenges facing the nation serve as a reminder that democracy requires constant upkeep and defense. The words attributed to Smith continue to resonate, highlighting the importance of unity, respect for the law, and the preservation of the rights and liberties enshrined in the Constitution.
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The White Horse Prophecy
> "go to the Rocky Mountains and will be a great and mighty people established there, which I will call the White Horse of peace and safety."
Smith also predicted continued persecution by enemies of the church and said:
> "You will see the Constitution of the United States almost destroyed. It will hang like a thread as fine as a silk fibre... I love the Constitution; it was made by the inspiration of God; and it will be preserved and saved by the efforts of the White Horse, and by the Red Horse who will combine in its defence."
The meaning of the "Red Horse" is not explained in the prophecy.
The authenticity of the White Horse Prophecy has been questioned, with critics pointing out that most of its symbolic content was not attested to during Smith's lifetime but was instead reported by Rushton years after Smith's death. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has stated that the prophecy "is not embraced as Church doctrine."
However, the idea that the US Constitution would one day hang by a thread has been attributed to Smith by several sources, and Church leaders have issued similar warnings. Smith is believed to have said that when the Constitution hung by a thread, Latter-Day Saint elders would step in "on the white horse" to save the country.
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The Church's response
However, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has issued statements clarifying that the "White Horse Prophecy" is not based on substantiated historical accounts and is not embraced as official Church doctrine. In 1918, Joseph F. Smith, the sixth LDS President, stated that the prophecy was "simply false". Despite this, some Church leaders have referenced the prophecy in their teachings. For example, in 1922, the Church's fifth presiding bishop, Charles W. Nibley, stated that the Constitution would hang by a thread due to disorder and the trampling of Constitutional rights, but that it would be saved by good people, including those outside the Church who respect law and order.
Other Church leaders have emphasized the importance of the Constitution in protecting religious freedom and have expressed faith that the Constitution will be saved, as prophesied by Joseph Smith. In 1942, J. Reuben Clark, an apostle and member of the Church's First Presidency, acknowledged the prophecy while also affirming the need for the Constitution to guarantee the Church's right to worship. Similarly, in 1986, Ezra Taft Benson, then president of the LDS Church, expressed faith in the prophecy and stated that the Constitution would be saved by enlightened members of the Church who abide by its principles.
Overall, while the "White Horse Prophecy" is not officially embraced by the Church, some Church leaders have utilized the prophecy to emphasize the importance of the Constitution and the role of Church members in preserving it.
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Frequently asked questions
Joseph Smith is believed to have said that the US Constitution would one day hang by a thread.
The White Horse Prophecy is a statement made by Joseph Smith in early May 1843 while the Latter-day Saints were headquartered in Nauvoo, Illinois. It is said to have prophesied that the Mormons would go to the Rocky Mountains and become a great and mighty people.
Joseph Smith said, "The time will come when the destiny of the nation will hang upon a single thread. At that critical juncture, this people will step forth and save it from the threatened destruction."
Joseph Smith met with politicians in Washington, DC, in November 1839 to discuss the expulsion of the Mormons from Missouri in 1838. He left disappointed after President Martin Van Buren said he could not help without losing the vote in Missouri.
In 2010, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints issued a statement saying that the White Horse Prophecy is based on accounts that have not been substantiated by historical research and is not embraced as Church doctrine.
