Joseph Smith — "I am a champion of liberty, and an advocate for the rights of man."

"God did not make the earth out of nothing—for it is contrary to a rational mind and reason that a something could be brought from a nothing."

"If men do not comprehend the character of God, they do not comprehend themselves."

"I am a prophet of God, and I am not afraid of man."

"They have souls, and are subjects of salvation. Go into Cincinnati or any city, and find an educated negro, who rides in his carriage, and you will see a man who has risen by the powers of his own min…"

"I have asked of the Lord concerning the practice of the Saints, and I have received for answer, that I should take unto myself more wives than one, and that the Saints should do likewise."