Ignorance: Joseph Smith

If the Church knew all the commandments, one half they would condemn through prejudice and ignorance. (Joseph Smith, History of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 7 Vols. 2:477)

We have been misrepresented and misunderstood, and belied, and the purity and integrity and uprightness of our hearts have not been known—and it is through ignorance—yea, the very depths of ignorance is the cause of it; and not only ignorance, but on the part of some, gross wickedness and hypocrisy also; for some, by a long face and sanctimonious prayers, and very pious sermons, had power to lead the minds of the ignorant and unwary, and thereby obtain such influence that when we approached their iniquities the devil gained great advantage. (JOSEPH SMITH, History of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 7 VOLS. 3:231-32)

But I beg leave to say unto you, brethren, that ignorance, superstition and bigotry placing itself where it ought not, is oftentimes in the way of the prosperity of this Church. (JOSEPH SMITH, History of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 7 VOLS. 3:296)

There are a great many wise men and women too in our midst who are too wise to be taught; therefore they must die in their ignorance, and in the resurrection they will find their mistake. Many seal up the door of heaven by saying, So far God may reveal and I will believe. (Joseph Smith, History of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 7 Vols. 5:424)

He that believeth in our chartered rights may come here and be saved; and he that does not shall remain in ignorance. (Joseph Smith, History of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 7 Vols. 5:467)

6 They are ready to destroy me for the least foible, and publish my imaginary failings from Dan to Beersheba, though they are too ignorant of the things of God, which have been revealed to me, to judge of my actions, motives or conduct, in any correct manner whatever.

The only principle upon which they judge me is by comparing my acts with the foolish traditions of their fathers and nonsensical teachings of hireling priests, whose object and aim were to keep the people in ignorance for the sake of filthy lucre; or as the prophet says, to feed themselves, not the flock. (Joseph Smith, History of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 7 Vols. 5:516-17)