Chapter XXI - LARGER VIEWS ON THE DOCTRINE OF THE PRIESTHOOD REVEALED - THE MEETING OF THE PROPHET JOSEPH SMITH, JUN., BRIGHAM YOUNG, AND HEBER C. KIMBALL

George A. Smith was baptized. John Smith, his father, was a brother of Joseph Smith's father, and he was a cousin of the the Prophet Joseph Smith. Asael Smith, Joseph Smith's paternal grandfather, received a letter from Joseph Smith, Sen., informing him of some of the visions the youthful Prophet had received, and the letter was read in the hearing of George A. Smith, and it made a deep impression on him. "The letter declared that the judgments of God would overtake the wicked of this generation unless they repented." George Albert championed the Book of Mormon... "he never afterwards ceased to advocate the divine authenticity of the Book of Mormon." The letter is worth reading in its entirety. Here is an introduction to it:

"The letter is produced here for two reasons: first for its own intrinsic interest as a literary relic of one of the Prophet's ancestors, and of the American Revolutionary period; second, as showing the character of the stock from which the Prophet Joseph descended. This letter exhibits in Asael Smith a noble independence of character, united with a childlike humility before God, together with unbounded faith and trust in the wisdom of Providence and of His over-ruling hand in the affairs of nations. Loyalty to his country and faith in the stability of the government under the over-ruling providences of God are equally conspicuous. The letter will go far towards refuting the slanders which untruthful writers have been pleased to circulate concerning the character of that race from which the Prophet descended." (p. 286)

And here is the letter:

"ASAEL SMITH'S LETTER TO MB. JACOB TOWN.

"TUNBRIDGE, Jan. 14th, 1796.

"Respected Sir:" Having a favorable opportunity, altho' on very short notice, I with joy and gratitude embrace it, returning herewith my most hearty thanks for your respect shown in your favor of the 30th of November, by Mr. Willis, which I view as a singular specimen of friendship, which has very little been practiced by any of my friends in Topsfield, altho' often requested.

"My family are all, through the goodness of the Divine Benediction, in a tolerably good state of health, and desire to be remembered to you and to all inquiring friends.

"I have set me up a new house since Mr. Willis was here and expect to remove into it next spring, and begin again on an entire new farm, and my son Joseph will live on the old farm ( if this that has been but four years occupied can be called old), and carry it on at the halves, which half I hope will nearly furnish my family with food, whilst I with my four youngest sons shall endeavor to bring to another farm, etc.

"As to news, I have nothing, as I know of, worth noticing, except that grain has taken a sudden rise amongst us, about one-third.

"As to the Jocobin party, they are not very numerous here, or if they are they are pretty still; there are some in this state, viz., in Bennington, who like other children crying for a rattle, have blared out against their rulers, in hopes to wrest from them, if possible, what they esteem the plaything of power and trust. But they have been pretty well whipped and have become tolerably quiet again, and I am in hopes if they live to arrive to the years of discretion, when the empire of reason shall take place, that they will then become good members of society, notwithstanding their noisy, nucious behavior in their childhood, for which they were neither capable of hearing or giving any reason."

"For my part, I am so willing to trust the government of the world in the hands of the Supreme Ruler of universal nature, that I do not at present wish to try to wrest it out of his hands, and I have so much confidence in his abilities to teach our Senators wisdom, that I do not think it worth while for me to interpose, from the little stock of knowledge that he has favored me with, in the affair, either one way or the other. He has conducted us through a glorious revolution and has brought us into the promised land of peace and liberty, and I believe that he is about to bring all the world into the same beatitude in his own time and way; which, altho' his ways may appear never so inconsistent to our blind reason, yet may be perfectly consistent with his designs. And I believe that the stone is now cut out of the mountain without hands, spoken of by Daniel, and has smitten the image upon his feet, by which the iron, the clay, the brass, the silver, and the gold (viz.,), all the monarchial and ecclesiastical tyranny will be broken to pieces and become as the chafi of the summer thrashing floor, the wind shall carry them all away, that there shall be no place found for them. "Give my best regards to your parents and tell them that I have taken up with the Eleventh commandment, that the negro taught to the minister, which was thus - "The minister asked the negro how many commandments there were, his answer was, 'Eleben, sir.' 'Aye/ replied the other, 'what is the Eleventh? that is one I never heard of.' *The Elebenth commandment, sir, is mind your own business.' "So I choose to do, and give myself but little concern about what passes in the political world. "Give my best regards to Dr. Meriam, Mr. Willes, Joseph Dorman, and Mr. Cree, and tell Mr. Cree I thank him for his respects and hope he will accept of mine. Write to me as often and as large as you can and oblige your sincere friend and well wisher," asael smith. "Mr Jacob Town, Jun."

It was during this time, in 1832, when the Prophet Joseph Smith received the revelation on the priesthood now recorded in D&C 84.  The Oath and the Covenant of the Priesthood, the new covenant of the Book of Mormon, Christ calling us His friends, on your right hand and on your left, the new song, etc.  Joseph Smith continues the translation of the Bible.  Joseph and Emma had three children, a son who died at birth, and twins, a son and a daughter who lived only three hours.  After 9 days, they adopted the Murdock twins who were born the same day as their own children who had died. (p. 295)  Joseph Young, Brigham Young, and Heber Kimball met in Kirkland.  Brigham Young and John P. Greene spoke in tongues.  There is a brief biography of Brigham Young in this chapter, worth reviewing.  

One of the best things in this chapter is the account of Brigham Young, Joseph Young and Heber C. Kimball when they met the Prophet Joseph Smith.  Here is an excerpt:

"We rested a few minutes, took some refreshments and started to see the Prophet.  We went to his father's house, and learned that he was in the woods chopping.  We immediately repaired to the woods, where we found the Prophet, and two or three of his brothers, chopping and hauling wood.  Here my joy was full at the privilege of shaking the hand of the Prophet of God, and receiving the sure testimony, but the spirit  of prophecy, that he was all that any man could believe him to be as a true prophet.  He was happy to see us and bid us welcome.  We soon returned to his house, he accompanying us."

In this account, Brigham Young also prayed in tongues, and Joseph Smith told him that he had prayed in the pure Adamic language.  How cool is that?

Joseph Smith also recorded the following revelation (a portion here):

"Yea, thus saith the still small voice, which whispereth through and pierceth all things, and often times it maketh my bones to quake while it maketh manifest, saying:

And it shall come to pass that I, the Lord God, will send one mighty and strong, holding the scepter of power in his hand, clothed with light for a covering, whose mouth shall utter words, eternal words; while his bowels shall be a fountain of truth, to set in order the house of God, and to arrange by lot the inheritances of the saints whose names are found, and the names of their fathers, and of their children, enrolled in the book of the law of God;

While that man, who was called of God and appointed, that putteth forth his hand to steady the ark of God, shall fall by the shaft of death, like as a tree that is smitten by the vivid shaft of lightning.

And all they who are not found written in the book of remembrance shall find none inheritance in that day, but they shall be cut asunder, and their portion shall be appointed them among unbelievers, where are wailingand gnashing of teeth.

These things I say not of myself; therefore, as the Lord speaketh, he will also fulfil."

And this:

"Oh Lord, when will the time come when Brother William, thy servant, and myself, shall behold the day that we may stand together and gaze upon eternal wisdom engraven upon the heavens, while the majesty of our God holdeth up the dark curtain until we may read the round of eternity, to the fulness and satisfaction of our immortal souls? O Lord God, deliver us in due time from the little narrow prison, almost as it were, total darkness of paper, pen and ink; and a crooked, broken, scattered and imperfect language." 

Awesome.

CHAPTER XX. "THE EVENING AND MORNING STAR"

Joseph continues the "translation" of the scriptures.  The paper "The Evening and Morning Star" began to be published to "gratify and enlighten the humble inquirer after truth."  The press was arrayed against the truth, even back then.  But "The Evening and Morning Star" was a bulwark against the calumny.

More than a few lines from the first edition of the newspaper are noteworthy, but let these suffice:

"That it (the Star) comes to declare that goodness consists in doing good, not merely in preaching it; That it comes to show that all men's religion is vain without charity; That it comes to open the way for Zion to rise and put on her beautiful garments and become the glory of the earth, that her land may be joined, or married (according to the known translation of Isaiah) to Jerusalem again, and they be one as they were in the days of Peleg." (p.275)

And, "It is the duty of the Church of Christ, in Zion, to stand as an ensign to all nations."

W.W. Phelps signed this salutatory address.

Here is another passage worth remembering:

"Example is the great thing that defies the world with all its vain glory; by letting their moderation be known unto all men, both in dress and in living; in words and in deeds; in watching and in praying; in love and in labor, and in works as well as in faith, they [the Saints] preach the world a lecture, they set the inquirer an example, and teach all Christendom a lesson, that studied preaching and pulpit eloquence have failed to accomplish."

The Saints began to prepare schools and books for children.  The gathering of Israel was in full swing.  If revelations were given anciently, one article of the Star affirmed, then it only makes sense that revelations pertaining to different times and circumstances would be given as well.  Thus the Star explains the necessity of continuing revelation.

There is counsel given to the Elders of the Church, there is foreign news, items for the public, reports of the cholera, and invitations to the honorable men of the world.

"And fellow sojourners upon earth, it is your privilege to purify yourselves and come up to the same glory, and see for yourselves, and know for yourselves.  Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you."

It is a great name, and a great newspaper.  

CHAPTER XIX. MOB VIOLENCE AT HIRAM- THE SECOND JOURNEY OF THE PROPHET TO ZION, AND RETURN TO KIRTLAND.

This is an amazing chapter.  Read it all.

Joseph Smith and his associates endure many afflictions at the hands of the mob.  Emma had given birth to twins, who died shortly after birth.  She became the mother of the Murdock twins after that, but one night, while Joseph, Emma and the babies were sleeping, the wicked mob broke into their home and wrestled Joseph from his bed.  One of the strongest members of the mob would later remark that Joseph the Prophet was the most powerful man he had ever encountered.  Joseph was stripped, beaten, tarred and feathered.  The mob tried to force poison into his mouth, but the phial broke on his teeth.  There was tar on his lips, and his body was scratched and injured.  The next day, Joseph Smith, still in pain, preached and baptized several people, and some of the mob members were present to witness it.

Oliver Cowdery was badly hurt by the mob.  One of the Murdock twins died as a result of the mob violence.  Emma fainted when she saw her husband return from the persecution.

Joseph lept from a runaway horse coach, as did his associate, Bishop Whitney.  Joseph was unharmed, but Bishop Whitney broke his leg in several places.

Joseph Smith had been fed poisonous material, which he vomited up so violently that it dislocated his jaw.  It also caused him to loose tufts of hair (which is the reason why some depictions of the Prophet Joseph Smith show his hair combed in a funny sort of way.)  Joseph Smith praised God and thanked Him even in his afflictions.  He manifested the gifts of seership, and through his tribulations became stronger and drew closer to God.

Read this chapter if you wish to learn something about enduring tribulation and persecution in the name of Jesus Christ.   

CHAPTER XVIII. THE AMHERST CONFERENCE- THE VISION OF THE DEGREES OF GLORY IN MAN'S FUTURE LIFE.

Joseph Smith resumes the translation of the scriptures, a branch of his calling, and Sidney Rigdon is his scribe.

Consider how earnestly Joseph Smith sought to do God's will:

"Knowing now the mind of the Lord, that the time had come that the Gospel should be proclaimed in power and demonstration to the world, from the Scriptures, reasoning with men as in days of old, I took a journey to Kirkland, in company with Elder Sidney Rigdon on the 3rd day of December to fulfil the above revelation."

Joseph Smith wasn't just receiving revelations in response to curiosity.  His mind was set to fulfill God's will.  When he first ask which Church to join, with the real intent to act, to do God's will, he didn't stop there.  He was duty bound to fulfill the commandments that were given to him in the revelations.

Joseph Smith received more revelations about stewardship.  His labor with Sidney Rigdon was fruitful:

"From this time until the 8th or 10th of January, 1832, myself and Elder Rigdon continued to preach in Shalersville, Ravenna, and other places, setting forth the truth, vindicating the cause of our Redeemer; showing that the day of vengeance was coming upon this generation like a thief in the night..." (p. 241)

Joseph translates and preaches the Gospel.  In response to inquiries about the New Testament (1 Corinthians 7:14 and Revelation), he receives more revelation.

Joseph Smith discovers that the Bible had really been tampered with:

"Upon my return from Amherst conference, I resumed the translation of the Scriptures.  From sundry revelations which had been received, it was apparent that many important points touching the salvation of man, had been taken from the Bible, or lost before it was compiled.  It appeared self-evident from what truths were left, that if God rewarded everyone according to the deeds done in the body the term Heaven, as intended for the Saints' eternal home must include more kingdoms than one."

In response to this inquiry, Joseph Smith received one of the greatest revelations of this dispensation, on the kingdoms of glory.  D&C 76 is worthy of a lifetime of study, but verses 8-11, 19-23 provide great insights into how to obtain revelation.  This is how Joseph Smith described the revelation:

"Nothing could be more pleasing to the Saints upon the order of the kingdom of the Lord, than the light which burst upon the world through the foregoing vision.  Every law, every commandment, every promise, every truth, and every point touching the destiny of man, from Genesis to Revelation, where the purity of the scriptures remains unsullied by the folly of men, go to show the perfection of the theory [of different degrees of glory in the future life] and witnesses the fact that that document is a transcript from the records of the eternal world.  The sublimity of the ideas; the purity of the language; the scope for action; the continued duration for completion, in order that the heirs of salvation may confess the Lord and bow the knee; the rewards for faithfulness, and the punishments for sins, are so much beyond the narrow-mindedness of men, that every honest man is constrained to exclaim: 'It came from God.'" (p. 253)

Joseph Smith's revelation explaining a key to St. John's Revelation includes questions and answers, the last of which describes the role of two witnesses, who are the two prophets that are to be raised up to the Jewish nation in the last days.

In another revelation, the Lord even used code names for His servants: Ahashdah [Newel K. Whitney], Gazelam or Enoch [Joseph Smith, Jun.,] and Pelagoram [Sidney Rigdon]."  How cool is that?!

"And he who receiveth all things with thankfulness shall be made glorious; and the things of this earth shall be added unto him even an hundred fold, yea, more." (D&C 78:19)

Gratitude.  Be grateful.

Roberts provides an interesting note at the end of this chapter to explain that the First Presidency of the Church has operated since the days of Adam.  Peter, James, and John constituted the First Presidency of the Church who conferred the keys to Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery.  Noah also held this office.

CHAPTER XVII. THE APOSTASY OF EZRA BOOTH- PREPARATIONS FOR PUBLISHING THE BOOK OF COMMANDMENTS.

The Prophet Joseph Smith continues the "translation" of the Bible, which is really the revision, or the inspired revision of the English Bible.  Roberts notes that Smith never pretended to any knowledge of the ancient Hebrew or Greek at the time.

Ezra Booth came into the Church by curiosity and by a miracle, and thus was not truly converted, and became an apostate, perhaps the first to write openly against the Church.  He didn't understand the prerequisites to faith and testimony.  However, the miracle that brought him into the Church is worth remembering:

"Amos S. Hayden (eyewitness non-believer in Joseph Smith)

Ezra Booth, of Mantua, a Methodist preacher of much more than ordinary culture, and with strong natural abilities, in company with his wife, Mr. and Mrs. Johnson, and some other citizens of this place, (Hiram) visited Smith at his home in Kirtland, in 1831. Mrs. Johnson had been afflicted for some time with a lame arm, and was not at the time of the visit able to lift her hand to her head. The party visited Smith partly out of curiosity, and partly to see for themselves what there might be in the new doctrine. During the interview the conversation turned on the subject of supernatural gifts, such as were conferred in the days of the apostles. Some one said, "Here is Mrs. Johnson with a lame arm; has God given any power to men now on earth to cure her?" A few moments later, when the conversation had turned in another direction, Smith arose, and walking across the room, and taking Mrs. Johnson by the hand, said in the most solemn and impressive manner: "Woman, in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, I command thee to be whole," and immediately left the room. The company were awe-stricken at the infinite presumption of the man, and the calm assurance with which he spoke. The sudden mental and moral shock—I know not how better to explain the well-attested fact, electrified the rheumatic arm—Mrs. Johnson at once lifted it with ease, and on her return home the next day she was able to do her washing without difficulty or pain. (A Comprehensive History of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1:278)"

This is true.  It really happened.  It is a miracle, and one of many that the Lord performed through the Prophet Joseph Smith.  But faith precedes miracles, and it is the Holy Ghost that brings lasting conversion, not the witnessing of miracles.

W.W. Phelps purchases a printing press in order to establish the monthly paper at Independence, the Evening and Morning Star.  Orson Hyde is baptized, and "He was soon after designated as one of the chosen men of the Lord, to bear His word to the nations."  Orson had heard of a "golden Bible," and many people thought it was a hoax.  But Orson Hyde remarked: "Who knows but that this 'golden Bible' may break up our religion and change its whole features and bearing." (p. 218)  

Many revelations are received.  Powerful revelations.  The translation of the Bible continues.  There is a sad account of William Cahoon and Peter Devolue having abused one of Brother Whitney's children (although I'm guessing that "abused" in the parlance of the time did not have the same connotation as it has today).  William E. M'Lellin receives revelation through Joseph Smith's inquiry.

One very interesting thing is Joseph Smith's reticence about the manner in which the Book of Mormon came to light:

"'Brother Joseph Smith, Jun., said that it was not intended to tell the world all the particulars of the coming forth of the Book of Mormon; and also said that it was not expedient for him to relate these things.'  This will account for the Prophet confining himself to the merest generalities in all his statements concerning the coming forth of the Book of Mormon." (p. 220)

Faith is necessary.

More revelations are received, revelations concerning the Book of Commandments, etc.

"They seek not the Lord to establish his righteousness, but every man walketh in his own way, and after the image of his own god, whose image is in the likeness of the world, and whose substance is that of an idol, which waxeth old and shall perish in Babylon, even Babylon the great, which shall fall." (D&C 1:16)

The Lord accomplishes His purposes through the weak and the simple.

"What I the Lord have spoken, I have spoken, and I excuse not myself; and though the heavens and the earth pass away, my word shall not pass away, but shall all be fulfilled, whether by mine own voice or by the voice of my servants, it is the same." (D&C 1:38)

In mildly humorous episode in Church History, the Lord challenges any of the early saints to write something that even comes close to a revelation, and foolishly William E. M'Lellin, "as the wisest man, in his own estimation, having more learning than sense, endeavored to write a commandment like unto one of the least of the Lord's, but failed; it was an awful responsibility to write in the name of the Lord." (p. 226)

The Elders submit their testimony of the veracity of the Book of Commandments.

More revelations are poured out, to Orson Hyde, Luke Johnson, and William E. M'Lellin.  Parents are responsible to teach their children TO UNDERSTAND the doctrine of repentance; faith in Christ the Son of the living God, and of baptism and the gift of the Holy Ghost by the laying on of hands.  Seek the riches of eternity.  Oliver Cowdery is chosen to bring the Book of Commandments to Independence for printing.  Be ye clean that bear the vessels of the Lord.  First to the Gentiles then to the Jews.  Prepare for the coming of the Bridegroom.  All men everywhere are commanded to repent. Prophecies of great future events.  The tribe of Judah shall see Christ return, who shall be red in his apparel.  He trod the winepress alone.  He comes in a day of vengeance.  The Lord's errand.  The weak confound the wise.  

John Whitmer accompanies Oliver in his journey, for safety purposes.  The saints are to prize the revelations contained in the Book of Commandments.  They will give an account of their stewardship.

CHAPTER XVI. THE FOUNDING OF ZION.

"At the same time, through prayer, the land of Zion was consecrated and dedicated by Elder Sidney Rigdon for the gathering of the Saints.  It was a season of joy to those present, and afforded a glimpse of the future, which time will yet unfold to the satisfaction of the faithful." (p. 196)

The land of Zion was blessed "to become one of the most blessed places on the globe." (p. 198)

Joseph Smith dedicated ground for the temple:

"On the third day of August, I proceeded to dedicate the spot for the Temple, a little west of Independence, and there were also present Sidney Rigdon, Edward Partridge, W.W. Phelps, Oliver Cowdery, Martin Harris and Joseph Coe." (p. 199)

There was another conference, this time at the house of Brother Joshua Lewis.  There was a funeral for Sister Polly Knight, the first death in the Church.  Joseph Smith described the situation thus: "a worthy member sleeps in Jesus till the resurrection."  Polly Knight was very ill, but she held on long enough to obtain the desire of her heart to stand upon the land of Zion. (p. 199)

Many revelations are received.  "Thou shalt thank the Lord thy God in all things."  Keep unspotted from the world.  Thanksgiving, cheerful hearts and countenances.  "And in nothing doth man offend God, or against none is his wrath kindled, save those who confess not his hand in all things, and obey not his commandments."  Open your mouths.  Be more faithful.  The Lord is able to make us holy. The Lord forgives sins.

Joseph Smith travels from Independence to Kirtland.  There are dangers upon the waters, and the destroyer is upon the waters.  More revelations are received about gathering in the land of Zion.

"For this is a day of warning, and not a day of many words.  For I, the Lord, am not to be mocked in the last days."

Joseph Smith plans to go to the town of Hiram and to renew work on the translation of the Bible.

The Lord is merciful, and forgives.

"I, the Lord, will forgive whom I will forgive, but of you it is required to forgive all men."

The Lord's errand.  The Lord requires the heart and a willing mind.

There are many revelations and details concerning the gathering to Zion, but this will suffice for now as a summary.

CHAPTER XV. THE IMPORTANT CONFERENCE OF JUNE 3RD-6TH- ARRIVAL OF THE ELDERS IN WESTERN MISSOURI.

The Lord pours out the power of His Spirit even more abundantly.  Joseph Smith commands the devil to depart.  The history reads:

"It is clearly evident that the Lord gave us power in proportion to the work to be done, and strength according to the race set before us, and grace and help as our needs required.  Great harmony prevailed; several were ordained; faith was strengthened; and humility, so necessary for the blessing of God to follow prayer, characterized the Saints." (p. 176-177)

The office of high priest is introduced.

Joseph Smith receives another spiritual manifestation:

"The spirit of the Lord fell upon Joseph in an unusual manner. And prophesied that John the Revelator was then among the ten tribes of Israel who had been led away by Salmanasar King of Israel be Assyria], to prepare them for their return, from their long dispersion, to again possess the land of their fathers. He prophesied many more things that I have not written. After he had prophesied he laid his hands upon Lyman Wight [ordained him] to the High Priesthood after the Holy Order of God. And the spirit fell upon Lyman, and he prophesied, concerning the coming of Christ, he said that there were some in the congregation that should live until the Savior should descend from heaven, with a shout, with all the holy angels with him. He said the coming of the Savior should be, like; the sun rising in the east, and will cover the whole earth, so with the coming of the Son of man be, yea, he will appear in his brightness and consume all before him. And the hills will be laid low, and the valleys be exalted; and the crooked be made straight; and the rough smooth. And some of my brethren shall suffer martyrdom, for the sake of the religion of Jesus Christ, and seal the testimony of Jesus with their blood.

He saw the heavens opened, and the Son of man sitting on the right hand of the Father. Making intercession for his brethren, the Saints. He said that God would work a work in these last days that tongue cannot express, and the mind is not capable to conceive. The glory of the Lord shone around."

More of the early saints are introduced: Lyman Wight, John Corral, John Murdock, Thomas B. Marsh, Ezra Thayer, Isaac Morely, Ezra Booth, Harvey Whitlock, Solomon Hancock, Simeon Carter, Edson Fuller, Jacob Scott, Levi W. Hancock, Zebedee Coltrin, Reynolds Calhoon, Wheeler Baldwin, William Carter, Selah J. Griffin, Joseph Wakefield, Solomon Humphrey, Herman Bassett, Simonds Ryder, Jared Carter, George James, etc.

Information is given about the breaking of the covenant in the branch of the Church in Thompson.

Revelations are received about missions to the Lamanites (referring to Native American Indians).  We even have a record of Oliver Cowdery's fascinating speech to the Delaware Indians:

"Once the red men were many; they occupied the country from sea to sea—from the rising to the setting sun; the whole land was theirs; the Great Spirit gave it to them, and no pale faces dwelt among them. But now they are few in numbers; their possessions are small, and the pale faces are many.

Thousands of moons ago, when the red men’s forefathers dwelt in peace and possessed this whole land, the Great Spirit talked with them, and revealed His law and His will, and much knowledge to their wise men and prophets. This they wrote in a Book; together with their history, and the things which should befall their children in the latter days.

This Book was written on plates of gold, and handed down from father to son for many ages and generations.

It was then that the people prospered, and were strong and mighty; they cultivated the earth; built buildings and cities, and abounded in all good things, as the pale faces now do.

But they became wicked; they killed one another and shed much blood; they killed their prophets and wise men, and sought to destroy the Book. The Great Spirit became angry, and would speak to them no more; they had no more good and wise dreams; no more visions; no more angels sent among them by the Great Spirit; and the Lord commanded Mormon and Moroni, their last wise men and prophets, to hide the Book in the earth, that it might be preserved in safety, and be found and made known in the latter day to the pale faces who should possess the land; that they might again make it known to the red man; in order to restore them to the knowledge of the will of the Great Spirit and to His favor. And if the red man would then receive this Book and learn the things written in it, and do according thereunto, they should cease to fight and kill one another; should become one people; cultivate the earth in peace, in common with the pale faces, who were willing to believe and obey the same Book, and be good men and live in peace.

Then should the red men become great, and have plenty to eat and good clothes to wear, and should be in favor with the Great Spirit and be his children, while he would be their Great Father, and talk with them, and raise up prophets and wise and good men amongst them again, who should teach them many things.

This Book, which contained these things, was hid in the earth by Moroni, in a hill called by him, Cumorah, which hill is now in the State of New York, near the village of Palmyra, in Ontario County." (from the Autobiography of Parley P. Pratt)

Many more revelations are received, some of which instruct as to the location of the New Jerusalem in the land of Missouri, and Independence.  W.W. Phelps preaches up a storm.  The following encouraging verses of revelation were also received at this time:

"Ye cannot behold with your natural eyes, for the present time, the design of your God concerning those things which shall come hereafter, and the glory which shall follow after much tribulation.

For after much tribulation come the blessings. Wherefore the day cometh that ye shall be crowned with much glory; the hour is not yet, but is nigh at hand." (D&C 58:3-4)

Be obedient.  Be anxiously engaged in a good cause.  He who has repented of his sins, the same is forgiven, and the Lord remembers them no more.  Repentance means confessing and forsaking sin.  And so forth.

CHAPTER XIV. EFFORT TO OVERWHELM THE CHURCH BY FALSEHOOD - SUNDRY REVELATIONS LEADING TO DOCTRINAL DEVELOPMENT.

False reports and foolish stories about the Church spread, among which is a story about "Mormonism in China," concerning a great earthquake in Pekin that a young "Mormon" girl had predicted.  Simonds Ryder, a Campbellite preacher, joins the Church.  Roberts notes that "His surrender caused an excitement almost equal to that which followed the fall of Rigdon." (p. 158)

Joseph Smith receives more revelations, revelations about the temple in Jerusalem, the Jews, the last days, the love of men waxing cold, an overflowing scourge, standing in holy places, the parable of the fig tree, the cleaving in twain of the Mount of Olives, the Savior appearing to the Jews, and the following important verse:

"For they that are wise and have received the truth, and have taken the Holy Spirit for their guide, and have not been deceived—verily I say unto you, they shall not be hewn down and cast into the fire, but shall abide the day." (D&C 45:57)

A revelation on the gifts of the Holy Ghost is received. Each and every gift is for the edification and the benefit of those who love and serve God, or those who seek so to do.  The Lord reasons with his saints and teaches them what it means to teach and learn by the Spirit:

"Wherefore, he that preacheth and he that receiveth, understand one another, and both are edified and rejoice together.

And that which doth not edify is not of God, and is darkness.

That which is of God is light; and he that receiveth light, and continueth in God, receiveth more light; and that light groweth brighter and brighter until the perfect day." (D&C 50:22-24)

Parely P. Pratt records much of the background to these revelations, such as the attempt to preach the Gospel among the Shaking Quakers.  Pratt also sheds light on the manner in which Joseph Smith received and dictated revelations:

"Elder Parley P. Pratt; in his Autobiography, referring to this revelation, for he was present when it was given—indeed it was obtained chiefly at his own and Elder John Murdock's solicitation—takes occasion to relate how this and other revelations were given through the Prophet. "Each sentence," says he, "was uttered slowly and very distinctly, and with a pause between each, sufficiently long for it to be recorded by an ordinary writer in long hand. This was the manner in which all his written revelations were dictated and written. There was never any hesitation, reviewing, or reading back, in order to keep the run of the subject; neither did any of these communications undergo revisions, interlinings or corrections. As he dictated them so they stood, so far as I have witnessed; and I was present to witness the dictation of several communications of several pages each."—Aut. Parley P. Pratt, pp. 65-66. This statement of Elder Pratt's is true in a general way, and valuable as a description of the manner in which revelations were dictated by the Prophet; and needs modifying only to the extent of saying that some of the early revelations first published in the "Book of Commandments," in 1833, were revised by the Prophet himself in the way of correcting errors made by the scribes and publishers; and some additional clauses were inserted to throw increased light upon the subjects treated in the revelations and paragraphs added, to make the principles or instructions apply to officers not in the Church at the time some of the earlier revelations were given. The addition of verses, 65, 66 and 67 in sec. 20 of the Doctrine and Covenants, is an example."

CHAPTER XIII. PROSPECTS OF THE CHURCH AT THE OPENING OF THE YEAR 1831 - REMOVAL OF THE PROPHET JOSEPH FROM NEW YORK TO OHIO - DOCTRINAL DEVELOPMENT.

Many more revelations are received for the welfare of the Kingdom.

"If ye are prepared, ye shall not fear."

"Beware of pride."

"Be ye clean that bear the vessels of the Lord."

James Covill's heart is right before the Lord, but then he breaks the covenant.

Sidney Rigdon, Edward Partridge, Emma and Joseph Smith are welcomed into the house of Brother Newel K. Whitney who had prayed the prophet there:

"About the first of February, 1831, a sleigh containing four persons drove through the streets of Kirtland and drew up in front of the store of Gilbert and Whitney. One of the men, a young and stalwart personage alighted, and springing up the steps walked into the store and to where the junior partner was standing. “Newel K. Whitney! Thou art the man!” he exclaimed, extending his hand cordially, as if to an old and familiar acquaintance. “You have the advantage of me,” replied the merchant, as he mechanically took the proffered hand, “I could not call you by name as you have me.” “I am Joseph the Prophet,” said the stranger smiling. “You’ve prayed me here, now what do you want of me?” ‘The Prophet, it is said, while in the East had seen the Whitneys, in vision, praying for his coming to Kirtland. ‘Mother Whitney’ [Elizabeth Ann, wife of Newel] also tells how on a certain night prior to the advent … , while she and her husband were praying to the Lord to know how they might obtain the gift of the Holy Ghost, which of all things they desired, they saw a vision as of a cloud of glory resting upon their house, and heard a voice from heaven saying, ‘Prepare to receive the word of the Lord, for it is coming.’" (HC, 1:146.) (p. 146)

More revelations are received.  "Thou shalt love thy wife with all thy heart..."

A woman by the name of Hubble professes to be a prophetess and a teacher, but she is discerned as a hypocrite, and her follies and abominations were manifest.

The Elders of the Church are called to preach repentance, and so forth.

Chapter XII. LOST BOOKS OF ANCIENT SCRIPTURE - COMMANDMENT TO THE CHURCH IN NEW YORK TO MOVE TO OHIO

Missionary work gathers momentum.  The missionaries begin to open their mouths, to declare repentance with the voice of a trump.  The Spirit quickens them.

Orson Pratt comes on the scene because of the preaching of his brother Parley Parker.  Edward Partridge is a pattern of piety.  Many revelations are received.  The weak things of the world are called upon to thresh the nations by the power of the Spirit of God.

"It may be well to observe here, that the Lord greatly encouraged and strengthened the faith of His little flock, which had embraced the fulness of the everlasting Gospel, as revealed to them in the Book of Mormon, by giving some more extended information upon the Scriptures, a translation of which had already commenced." (p. 132)

Lost scripture?  Yes.  Lots of lost scripture.  A lot of scripture still to come forth in the due time of the Lord.  Here are a few of the lost books:

• Scripture of Abraham's time
• Prophecy of Enoch
• Another Epistle of Jude
• Another Epistle to the Ephesians
• An Epistle to the Laodiceans
• Another Epistle to the Corinthians

Joseph Smith also receives the Prophecy of Enoch which is included in the Book of Moses:

"This prophecy of Enoch is contained in the 'Writings of Moses,' which about this time were revealed to the Prophet, and are now published in the 'Pearl of Great Price.'  It will be understood, then, by the reader, that the 'Prophecy of Enoch' itself is found in the 'Writings of Moses,' and that in the text above we have but a few extracts of the most prominent parts of 'Enoch's Prophecy.'  For the complete prophecy the reader is referred to the 'Pearl of Great Price.'"

And what a prophecy it is.  Read it.

Chapter XI. FURTHER LIGHT RESPECTING THE SACRAMENT - THE PROPHET'S REMOVAL TO FAYETTE.

There are many mentions of partaking of the sacrament in the early portions of this record.  One day as Joseph Smith was on his way to procure wine for the sacrament, he was met by a heavenly messenger and given a revelation about the sacrament.  "It mattereth not," the Lord taught Joseph Smith through his messanger, "what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink, when ye partake of the sacrament, it is so be that ye do it with an eye single to my glory..." (p. 106)

Section 27 of the Doctrine and Covenants lists the various servants of God who hold the keys for different portions of the Lord's work.  Persecutions increase, but the Church grows, and the members increase in spiritual strength and in joy.  On one occasion, Joseph Smith and his associates are miraculous preserved from a mob which is blinded from recognizing them. (p. 109)  There is an incident with Hiram Page who is deceived by Satan into thinking that he receives revelation for the Church through a stone.  The Lord deals compassionately with Hiram, for Joseph Smith is commanded to correct Hiram Page privately.

Many more revelations are received.  The saints partake of the sacrament again, and the power of God is abundantly manifested.  The Whitmers are given instructions through revelation.  There is another conference of the Church:

"During this conference, which continued three days, the utmost harmony prevailed, and all things were settled satisfactorily to all present, and a desire was manifested by all the Saints to go forward and labor with all their power to spread the great and glorious principles of truth, which had been revealed by our Heavenly Father.  A number were baptized during the conference, and the word of the Lord spread and prevailed." (p. 118)

The Elders, because of their testimony of the Book of Mormon, feel a desire to declare the Gospel to the Lamanites.  This is when Parley P. Pratt enters the scene.  B.H. Roberts gives a brief synopsis of Pratt's life up to this point, including the following passage:

"En route, however, he was moved upon by the spirit to stop off at Newark, in New York, while his wife continued her journey to her father's home.  At Newark, Mr. Pratt first heard of and saw the Book of Mormon, and, without delay, hastened to Palmyra to investigate the story of its coming forth.  At the home of the Smiths, near Manchester, he met with Hyrum, brother of the Prophet, and from him learned the particulars of the work." (p. 119)

The Autobiography of Parley P. Pratt is one of my all time favorite books.  His description of the impact of the Book of Mormon in his early life is just one of many memorable stories:

"Next morning I called at his house, where, for the first time, my eyes beheld the 'BOOK OF MORMON' that book of books-that record which reveals the antiquities of the 'New World' back to the remotest ages, and which unfolds the destiny of its people and the world for all time to come; that Book which contains the fulness of the gospel of a crucified and risen Redeemer; that Book which reveals a lost remnant of Joseph, and which was the principal means, in the hands of God, of directing the entire course of my future life.

I opened it with eagerness, and read its title page. I then read the testimony of several witnesses in relation to the manner of its being found and translated. After this I commenced its contents by course. I read all day; eating was a burden, I had no desire for food; sleep was a burden when the night came, for I preferred reading to sleep.

As I read, the spirit of the Lord was upon me, and I knew and comprehended that the book was true, as plainly and manifestly as a man comprehends and knows that he exists. My joy was now full, as it were, and I rejoiced sufficiently to more than pay me for all the sorrows, sacrifices and toils of my life. I soon determined to see the young man who had been the instrument of its discovery and translation."

I love that.  That is the kind of attitude that I would like to have each time that I open the Book of Mormon.

Missions are organized to "the borders of the Lamanites," to the Lamanites, such as the Catteraugus Indians.  Book of Mormon geography battles enter here.  Sidney Rigdon comes on the scene as one of the proselytes of Parley P. Pratt and his associates.  Pratt was already friends with Rigdon and his crew, which opened the door to many conversions.  After initial skepticism, Rigdon receives a testimony of the truthfulness of the Book of Mormon.  Frederick G. Williams is also converted to the Lord.  He abandons his practice of medicine to engage in the work of the ministry.  The stone cut out of the mountain without hands has begun to roll forth with greater power and velocity.

Chapter X. FURTHER MOLESTATION AT COLESVILLE BY MOBS - THE REVELATION EMBODYING THE VISION OF MOSES.

Mobs and persecutions continue.

"Thus were we persecuted on account of our religious faith—in a country the Constitution of which guarantees to every man the indefeasible right to worship God according to the dictates of his own conscience—and by men, too, who were professors of religion, and who were not backward to maintain the right of religious liberty for themselves, though they could thus wantonly deny it to us."

Joseph enumerates and records the names of some of his persecutors.  The Lord protects them and sends revelations, such as the first chapter in the Book of Moses.  There is an eternity of meaning in even a single verse of this great revelation:

"For behold, this is my work and my glory—to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man." (Moses 1:139)

Moses learns that he is a son of God, in the image of God, and that God knows him.  He learns that God has a work for him to do, and he resists the temptations of Satan.  Moses receives many blessings, and is enabled to discern many things through the Spirit of God.  Joseph Smith is like Moses.  

In a somewhat humorous story, Oliver Cowdery attempts to correct the word of God as received by Joseph Smith.  Joseph reasons calmly with him, and to his credit, Cowdery realizes his error:

"And thus was this error rooted out, which having its rise in presumption and rash judgment, was the more particularly calculated (when once fairly understood) to teach each and all of us the necessity of humility and meekness before the Lord, that He might teach us of His ways, that we might walk in His paths, and live by every word the proceedeth froth from His mouth." (p. 105)

Chapter IX. THE COMMENCEMENT OF THE PUBLIC MINISTRY OF THE CHURCH.

The public ministry of the Church begins.  Many others join the ranks, such as Hiram Page, Katharine Page, Christian Whitmer, Anne Whitmer, Jacob Whitmer, Elizabeth Whitmer, Peter Whitmer, Mary Whitmer, William Jolly, Elizabeth Jolly, Vincent Jolly, Richard B. Peterson, and Elizabeth Ann Whitmer.  Newel Knight disobeys a commandment to pray vocally, and later encounters the devil.  Joseph Smith casts the devil out of him:

"This was the first miracle which was done in the Church, or by any member of it; and it was done not by man, nor by the power of man, but it was done by God, and by the power of godliness; therefore, let the honor and the praise, the dominion and the glory, be ascribd to the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, for ever and ever.  Amen."

Brother Newel Knight, the same who had been possessed of the devil, later saw a glorious vision:

"He felt his heart filled with love, with glory, and pleasure unspeakable, and could discern all that was going on in the room; when all of a sudden a vision of the future burst upon him. He saw there represented the great work which through my instrumentality was yet to be accomplished. He saw heaven opened, and beheld the Lord Jesus Christ, seated at the right hand of the majesty on high, and had it made plain to his understanding that the time would come when he would be admitted into His presence to enjoy His society for ever and ever. When their bodily strength was restored to these brethren, they shouted hosannas to God and the Lamb, and rehearsed the glorious things which they had seen and felt, whilst they were yet in the spirit."

All of these things took place around the time of the first conference of the Church.  It is reminiscent of the miracles that took place during the ministry of the Savior and the formation of His Church in ancient Palestine.  It filled the members of the Church with "fresh zeal" and "energy in the cause of truth." (p. 86)

As a dam was built for the purpose of baptism, mobs began to grow more intense in their persecutions.  Joseph Smith was arrested on false charges and imprisoned.  He was arraigned before a court full of false accusations but others defended his character.  One witness exclaimed: "I am well acquainted with Joseph Smith, Jun., and I know him to be an honest man."  Joseph Smith was reviled, ridiculed, and spat upon by people who knew not what they did.  He was removed from the company of his family, received very little food, and was forced to sleep in the clutches of a paranoid constable.

One other person who defended Joseph Smith was a man named Mr. Reid:

"The first acquaintance I had with Gen. Smith, was about the year 1823. He came into my neighborhood, being then about eighteen years of age, and resided there two years; during which time I became intimately acquainted with him. I do know that his character was irreproachable; that he was well known for truth and uprightness; that he moved in the first circles of community, and he was often spoken of as a young man of intelligence, and good morals, and possessing a mind susceptible of the highest intellectual attainments." (Times and Seasons, 1 June 1844, p. 549.)

That's a great tribute.  But there's more:

"I early discovered that his mind was constantly in search of truth, expressing an anxious desire to know the will of God concerning His children here below, often speaking of those things which professed Christians believe in. I have often observed to my best informed friends (those that were free from superstition and bigotry) that I thought Joseph was predestinated by his God from all eternity to be an instrument in the hands of the great Dispenser of all good to do a great work. What it was I knew not. After living in that neighborhood about three years, enjoying the good feelings of his acquaintance as a worthy youth, he told his particular friends that he had had a revelation from God to go to the west about eighty miles to his father's, in which neighborhood he should find hid in the earth an old history written on golden plates, which would give great light and knowledge concerning the will of God towards His people in this generation, unfolding the destiny of all nations, kindreds and tongues. He said that he distinctly heard the voice of him that spake."

Persecutions were heaped upon the innocent Prophet while his "cheeks blossomed with the beauty of youth." (p. 95)  Some of his accusers apologized to him, but others grew more rabid in their accusations.  Joseph Smith was acquitted, and returned to his wife, after experiencing trials that are reminiscent of the Apostle Paul before Felix. (p. 96)

Chapter VIII. THE BOOK OF MORMON PUBLISHED - THE CHURCH ORGANIZED.

By this time the translation of the Book of Mormon is almost complete.  That was quick!  Joseph Smith asserts that the title page of the Book of Mormon is original, not his own fabrication.  Two manuscript copies of the translation of the Book of Mormon were made, in case something were to happen to one of them.  After what happened with the 116 pages, and because of mounting pressures from mobs, it makes sense that the Prophet would take these precautions.  There are great manifestations of the Holy Ghost to the Church.  The Lord gives a revelation that explains the proper way to hearken to a living prophet:

"Wherefore, meaning the church, thou shalt give heedunto all his words and commandments which he shall give unto you as he receiveth them, walking in all holinessbefore me;

For his word ye shall receive, as if from mine own mouth, in all patience and faith." (D&C 21:4-5)

Joseph Smith's father and mother are baptized and join the Church, as do Martin Harris and Orrin Porter Rockwell.  We also learn more about the noble character of Hyrum Smith, Joseph's beloved brother.

Chapter VII. THE DAY APPOINTED FOR ORGANIZING THE CHURCH - REVELATION ON CHURCH GOVERNMENT.

The Lord organizes His Church through the instrumentality of the Prophet Joseph Smith.  Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery receive revelations concerning the nature of their callings in the Priesthood.  It is helpful to read the revelations in context, because we can learn what questions the Prophet Joseph Smith was asking, and why the Lord revealed certain things at certain times.  The Lord reveals the sacrament prayers and many other things.

Chapter VI. THE TESTIMONY OF THE ESPECIAL WITNESSES TO THE BOOK OF MORMON.

The Lord prepares three especial witnesses of the Book of Mormon as was prophesied in the Book of Mormon.  Oliver Cowdery, David Whitmer and Martin Harris desire and receive a manifestation, by an angel, of the reality of the plates and the truth of the Book of Mormon.  They not only view the plates, but also the breastplate, the sword of Laban, and the Urim and Thummim that were given to the brother of Jared.  Martin Harris had to make an extra effort to humble himself and to repent before he received a witness of the truth together with the Prophet Joseph Smith.  The Prophet's mother told Martin Harris:

"Martin Harris, you have got to humble yourself before your God this day, that you may obtain a forgiveness of your sins.  If you do, it is the will of God that you should look upon the plates in company with Oliver Cowdery and David Whitmer."

B.H. Roberts also records the following noteworthy passage:

"Another circumstance is related by Lucy Smith which is here apropos, namely, the joy of the Prophet in having other witnesses than himself to the truth of the work the Lord was then bringing forth to the world. Speaking of the witnesses returning to the Whitmer home after seeing the plates, she says: "When they returned to the house, it was between three and four o'clock p. m. Mrs. Whitmer, Mr. Smith, and myself were sitting in the bedroom at the time. On coming in, Joseph threw himself down beside me, and exclaimed, 'Father, mother, you do not know how happy I am; the Lord has now caused the plates to be shown to three more besides myself. They have seen an angel, who has testified to them, and they will have to bear witness to the truth of what I have said, for now they know for themselves that I do not go about to deceive the people, and I feel as if I was relieved of a burden which was almost too heavy for me to bear, and it rejoices my soul that I am not any longer to be entirely alone in the world.' Upon this, Martin Harris came in. He seemed almost overcome with joy, and testified boldly to what he had both seen and heard. And so did David and Oliver, adding that no tongue could express the joy of their hearts and the greatness of the things which they had both seen and heard."—History of the Prophet Joseph, ch. 31."

The burden of truth is real.  Joseph Smith understood things that no one else understood, and he had no one to share his burden.  This was a great relief to him.  I believe, however, that he carried this burden throughout his life, because he was light years ahead of his company with regards to understanding, light and knowledge, and he could only impart the portion that the people were ready to receive.

What was the difference between the witness of the three witnesses and that of the eight witnesses?

"The difference between the testimony given the Three Witnesses and that given to the Eight, is that the former was attended by a splendid display of the glory and power of God and the ministration of an angel, while the latter was attended by no such display, but was a plain, matter-of-fact exhibition of the plates by the Prophet to his friends, and they not only saw the plates, but handled them and examined the engravings upon them."

The last passage in this chapter is also powerful:

"Meantime we continued to translate, at intervals, when not under the necessity of attending to the numerous inquirers who now began to visit us—some for the sake of finding the truth others for the purpose of putting hard questions, and trying to confound us. Among the latter class were several learned priests, who generally came for the purpose of disputation. However, the Lord continued to pour out upon us His Holy Spirit, and as often as we had need, He gave us in that moment what to say; so that although unlearned and inexperienced in religious controversies, yet we were able to confound those learned priests of the day; whilst at the same time we were enabled to convince the honest in heart that we had obtained, through the mercy of God, the true and ever lasting Gospel of Jesus Christ; and occasionally we administered the ordinance of baptism for the remission of sins to such as believed."

Chapter V. RESTORATION OF THE AARONIC PRIESTHOOD - FIRST BAPTISMS.

Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery continued the work of translation, and in May of 1829 they retired to the woods to inquire of the Lord concerning baptism.  In answer to their prayer, John the Baptist, under the direction of Peter, James and John, appeared as an angel to them and conferred the Priesthood of Aaron upon them.  Roberts notes the following verses as a joyful allusion to the restoration of the Melchizedek Priesthood:

"Now, what do we hear in the gospel which we have received? A voice of gladness! A voice of mercy from heaven; and a voice of truth out of the earth; glad tidings for the dead; a voice of gladness for the living and the dead; glad tidings of great joy. How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of those that bring glad tidings of good things, and that say unto Zion: Behold, thy God reigneth! As the dews of Carmel, so shall the knowledge of God descend upon them!

And again, what do we hear? Glad tidings from Cumorah! Moroni, an angel from heaven, declaring the fulfilment of the prophets—the book to be revealed. A voice of the Lord in the wilderness of Fayette, Seneca county, declaring the three witnesses to bear record of the book! The voice of Michael on the banks of the Susquehanna, detecting the devil when he appeared as an angel of light! The voice of Peter, James, and John in the wilderness between Harmony, Susquehanna county, and Colesville, Broome county, on the Susquehanna river, declaring themselves as possessing the keys of the kingdom, and of the dispensation of the fulness of times!

And again, the voice of God in the chamber of old Father Whitmer, in Fayette, Seneca county, and at sundry times, and in divers places through all the travels and tribulations of this Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints! And the voice of Michael, the archangel; the voice of Gabriel, and of Raphael, and of divers angels, from Michael or Adam down to the present time, all declaring their dispensation, their rights, their keys, their honors, their majesty and glory, and the power of their priesthood; giving line upon line, precept upon precept; here a little, and there a little; giving us consolation by holding forth that which is to come, confirming our hope!

Brethren, shall we not go on in so great a cause? Go forward and not backward. Courage, brethren; and on, on to the victory! Let your hearts rejoice, and be exceedingly glad. Let the earth break forth into singing. Let the deadspeak forth anthems of eternal praise to the King Immanuel, who hath ordained, before the world was, that which would enable us to redeem them out of their prison; for the prisoners shall go free.

Let the mountains shout for joy, and all ye valleys cry aloud; and all ye seas and dry lands tell the wonders of your Eternal King! And ye rivers, and brooks, and rills, flow down with gladness. Let the woods and all the trees of the field praise the Lord; and ye solid rocks weep for joy! And let the sun, moon, and the morning stars sing together, and let all the sons of God shout for joy! And let the eternal creations declare his name forever and ever! And again I say, how glorious is the voice we hear from heaven, proclaiming in our ears, glory, and salvation, and honor, and immortality, and eternal life; kingdoms, principalities, and powers!

Behold, the great day of the Lord is at hand; and who can abide the day of his coming, and who can stand when he appeareth? For he is like a refiner’s fire, and like fuller’s soap; and he shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver, and he shall purify the sons of Levi, and purge them as gold and silver, that they may offer unto the Lord an offering in righteousness. Let us, therefore, as a church and a people, and as Latter-day Saints, offer unto the Lord an offering in righteousness; and let us present in his holy temple, when it is finished, a book containing the records of our dead, which shall be worthy of all acceptation.

Brethren, I have many things to say to you on the subject; but shall now close for the present, and continue the subject another time. I am, as ever, your humble servant and never deviating friend,

Joseph Smith." (D&C 128:19-25)

This is powerful.  It is true.  It is also beautifully written.

When Joseph Smith baptized Oliver Cowdery, and Oliver Cowdery baptized Joseph Smith, they each were filled with the Spirit of prophecy:

"I prophesied concerning the rise of this church, and many other things connected with the Church, and this generation of the children of men.  We were filled with the Holy ghost, and rejoiced in the God of our salvation." (p. 42)

There is a lot that we can learn about the Spirit of revelation and prophecy.  The following passage gives me pause to ponder:

"Our minds being now enlightened, we began to have the scriptures laid open to our understandings, and the true meaning and intention of their more mysterious passages revealed unto us in a manner which we never could attain to previously, nor ever before had thought of" (JS—H 1:74).

The Holy Ghost can reveal mysteries to us, things that we could never understand with the unassisted mortal intellect.  The Holy Ghost can reveal things that we have never even considered before.

B.H. Roberts points out the difference between Joseph Smith's plain and straightforward accounts of revelations, and the more exuberant expressions of Oliver Cowdery.  Even though Cowdery couches his experience in more flowery language, there are parts of his expression that I find exhilarating just to read:

"I shall not attempt to paint to you the feelings of this heart, nor the majestic beauty and glory which surrounded us on this occasion; but you will believe me when I say, that earth, nor men, with the eloquence of time, cannot begin to clothe language in as interesting and sublime a manner as this holy personage. No; nor has this earth power to give the joy, to bestow the peace, or comprehend the wisdom which was contained in each sentence as they were delivered by the power of the Holy Spirit! Man may deceive his fellow-men, deception may follow deception, and the children of the wicked one may have power to seduce the foolish and untaught, till naught but fiction feeds the many, and the fruit of falsehood carries in its current the giddy to the grave; but one touch with the finger of his love, yes, one ray of glory from the upper world, or one word from the mouth of the Savior, from the bosom of eternity, strikes it all into insignificance, and blots it forever from the mind. The assurance that we were in the presence of an angel, the certainty that we heard the voice of Jesus, and the truth unsullied as it flowed from a pure personage, dictated by the will of God, is to me past description, and I shall ever look upon this expression of the Savior’s goodness with wonder and thanksgiving while I am permitted to tarry; and in those mansions where perfection dwells and sin never comes, I hope to adore in that day which shall never cease.”—Messenger and Advocate, vol. 1 (October 1834), pp. 14—16."

I love that!

Joseph Smith's brothers Samuel and Hyrum receive witnesses of the truth and revelations.  Joseph Knight Senior comes to the aid of the young prophet Joseph Smith.  Peter Whitmer and his sons David, John and Peter, Jun. also receive revelations.  The most important thing that any of us can do, the thing that is of most worth to our souls, is to declare repentance.

Chapter IV. OLIVER COWDERY BECOMES THE PROPHET'S SCRIBE - THE TRANSLATION OF THE PLATED CONTINUED.

Joseph Smith meets Oliver Cowdery for the first time.  He begins translating the Book of Mormon on April 7, 1829, with Oliver as his scribe.  They receive a wonderful revelation.  The revelation to Oliver and Joseph Smith applies as much now to us as it did to them at that time:

"Now, as you have asked, behold, I say unto you, keep my commandments, and seek to bring forth and establish the cause of Zion;

Seek not for riches but for wisdom, and behold, the mysteries of God shall be unfolded unto you, and then shall you be made rich. Behold, he that hath eternal life is rich.

Verily, verily, I say unto you, even as you desire of me so it shall be unto you; and if you desire, you shall be the means of doing much good in this generation.

Say nothing but repentance unto this generation; keep my commandments, and assist to bring forth my work, according to my commandments, and you shall be blessed." (D&C 6:6-9)

I like that.  He that hath eternal life is rich.  The Lord wants us to seek for wisdom and eternal life.  He wants us to declare repentance.  He wants us to treasure up the words of life in our hearts.  

I also like verse 20:

"Behold, thou art Oliver, and I have spoken unto thee because of thy desires; therefore treasure up these words in thy heart. Be faithful and diligent in keeping the commandments of God, and I will encircle thee in the arms of my love." (D&C 6:20)

That is a beautiful promise worth every effort to become worthy of: to be encircled in the arms of the love of Jesus Christ.

Oliver Cowdery had prayed and received a witness that Joseph Smith had the plates.  It was something that only he and the Lord knew about.  

Joseph Smith was a master asker.  He was thirsty for truth.  He and his friend Oliver desired to know the truth about John the Apostle in the New Testament, whether he died or continued to live.  They both agreed to use the Urim and Thummim to discover the truth of the matter.  This is the heading for Section 7 of the Doctrine and Covenants:

"Revelation given to Joseph Smith the Prophet and Oliver Cowdery, at Harmony, Pennsylvania, April 1829, when they inquired through the Urim and Thummim as to whether John, the beloved disciple, tarried in the flesh or had died. The revelation is a translated version of the record made on parchment by John and hidden up by himself."

This is amazing.  John the beloved made a record on parchment and hid it up.  Did Joseph Smith receive this parchment somehow? or was the revelation communicated directly through the Urim and Thummim?  In any case, they discovered that John the Beloved was blessed to tarry because of his righteous desire to live and bring souls unto Christ, to do a greater work.  I really like this section of the Doctrine and Covenants, and it is great to understand how this revelation came about in context of the history of the Church.  Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery inquired.  They asked.

Chapter III. THE NEPHITE RECORD DELIVERED TO JOSEPH - THE ANGEL'S WARNING - THE WORK OF TRANSLATION.

The amount of labor and inspiration that went into writing the History of the Church is incredible.  The following testimony is something to keep in mind while reading this history: 

"We, therefore, hereby bear our testimony to all the world, unto whom these words shall come, that the History of Joseph Smith is true, and is one of the most authentic histories ever written."

 - George A. Smith, Wilford Woodruff

One of the best books that I have ever read is The Words of Joseph Smith.  Naturally there is a difference between the way in which the Prophet described his own experiences and the way in which others described them, but both are valuable, and both prove that Joseph Smith was a good, honest, upright and sincere man.  Moreover, they prove that he was not perfect, and that he never claimed to be perfect.  These records have helped to solidify my testimony that Joseph Smith was a true prophet of God.  The witness that I have comes from the Holy Ghost, but the historical records and journals have given me even more reasons to believe.

Joseph Smith was greatly persecuted for his testimony from the moment he began to share it.  He found a friend in Martin Harris, even though Harris foolishly lost a portion of the sacred records that were entrusted to him.  Joseph Smith learned a lesson from this incident, namely, not to go on in the persuasions of men, but to trust in the Lord and in His work.  The lesson is that the Lord's work is never frustrated, even though the work of men may be frustrated.  The lesson is also that God is merciful and that He constantly and lovingly persuades His children to repent and to come unto Him.

There are many other lessons in this chapter, but this suffices as a summary.

Chapter II. THE VISITATION OF MORONI - EXISTENCE OF THE BOOK OF MORMON MADE KNOWN.

This is a remarkable chapter.  Joseph Smith is so utterly sincere and free from guile.  He is quick to confess his imperfections, and he is quick to seek the Lord for forgiveness of his sins.  He was a young man with a "native cheery temperament."  His letter to Oliver Cowdery that was published in vol. I, no. 3 of the Messenger and Advocate gives further insights into the Prophet's honest assessment of his own character.  Consider, for example, the candor of this passage:

"During this time, as is common to most, or all youths, I fell into many vices and follies; but as my accusers are, and have been forward to accuse me of being guilty of gross and outrageous violations of the peace and good order of the community, I take the occasion to remark, that, though, as I have said above, 'as is common to most, or all youths, I fell into many vices and follies,' I have not, neither can it be sustained, in truth, been guilty of wronging or injuring any man or society of men; and those imperfections to which I allude, and for which I have often had occasion to lament, were a light, and too often, vain mind, exhibiting a foolish and trifling conversation.

This being all, and the worst, that my accusers can substantiate against my moral character, I wish to add, that it is not without a deep feeling of regret that I am thus called upon in answer to my own conscience, to fulfill a duty I owe to myself, as well as to the cause of truth, in making this public confession of my former uncircumspect walk, and trifling conversation: and more particularly, as I often acted in violation of those holy precepts which I knew came from God. But as the 'Articles and Covenants' of this church are plain upon this particular point, I do not deem it important to proceed further. I only add, that I do not, nor never have, pretended to be any other than a man 'subject to passion,' and liable, without the assisting grace of the Savior, to deviate from that perfect path in which all men are commanded to walk." (see also: Latter Day Saints' Messenger and Advocate 1:40)

Even though he was not guilty of any great or malignant sins, and even though a disposition to commit such was never in his nature, he turned to God for forgiveness and to know of his standing before the Lord.  His supplications for forgiveness again opened the heavens, this time with instruction and intelligence from the angel Moroni.  God had a work for Joseph Smith to do, and Joseph Smith qualified for his work in the same way that all of us need to qualify for whatever work that God has for us to do.  

The repeated visits from the angel Moroni are instructive, and there is much more that I could write on this chapter.  But there are a couple of things that I would like to note here.  The first is that Joseph Smith's motives were pure.  The angel warned him that Satan would try to tempt him to get the plates for the purpose of getting rich, but the angel warned him:

"This he forbade me, saying that I must have no other object in view in getting the plates but to glorify God, and must not be influenced by any other motive than that of building his kingdom; otherwise I could not get them."

In retrospect it is clear that Joseph Smith's only object in view was to glorify God, and that his only motive was to build the kingdom of God, otherwise, we would not now have the Book of Mormon.

Joseph Smith's father was also a man of God.  He directed his son to do as the angel had bid him.  The following passage is noteworthy:

"Accordingly, as I had been commanded, I went at the end of each year, and at each time I found the same messenger there, and received instruction and intelligence from him at each of our interviews, respecting what the Lord was going to do, and how and in what manner his kingdom was to be conducted in the last days."

Joseph Smith was simply doing the work that the Lord have given to him to do.  But he recognized that it was the Lord's work.  Moroni taught Joseph Smith what the Lord was going to do, and how the Lord's kingdom would be conducted in the last days.  It is the work of God, not the work of a man.

While Joseph Smith was employed in what his accusers called "money digging," he met Mr. Isaac Hale's daughter, Emma Hale.  She was in her twenty third year.  They were married on January 18, 1827.  Was it love at first sight?  I like to think so.  But this first meeting brought to mind a passage that I recall from a later tribute of the Prophet Joseph Smith to his wife Emma:

“How glorious were my feelings when I met that faithful and friendly band, on the night of the eleventh, on Thursday, on the island at the mouth of the slough [swamp], between Zarahemla and Nauvoo: with what unspeakable delight, and what transports of joy swelled my bosom, when I took by the hand, on that night, my beloved Emma—she that was my wife, even the wife of my youth, and the choice of my heart. Many were the reverberations of my mind when I contemplated for a moment the many scenes we had been called to pass through, the fatigues and the toils, the sorrows and sufferings, and the joys and consolations, from time to time, which had strewed our paths and crowned our board. Oh, what a commingling of thought filled my mind for the moment, again she is here, … undaunted, firm, and unwavering—unchangeable, affectionate Emma!" 

Now that's poetry.

It reminds me of something that Parley P. Pratt learned from the Prophet Joseph Smith:

"It was at this time that I received from him [Joseph Smith] the first idea of eternal family organization, and the eternal union of the sexes in those inexpressibly endearing relationships which none but the highly intellectual, the refined and pure in heart, know how to prize, and which are at the very foundation of everything worthy to be called happiness. …

It was from him that I learned that the wife of my bosom might be secured to me for time and all eternity; and that the refined sympathies and affections which endeared us to each other emanated from the fountain of divine eternal love. It was from him that I learned that we might cultivate these affections, and grow and increase in the same to all eternity; while the result of our endless union would be an offspring as numerous as the stars of heaven, or the sands of the sea shore. …

I had loved before, but I knew not why. But now I loved—with a pureness—an intensity of elevated, exalted feeling. … I felt that God was my heavenly Father indeed; that Jesus was my brother, and that the wife of my bosom was an immortal, eternal companion; a kind ministering angel, given to me as a comfort, and a crown of glory for ever and ever."

What a beautiful articulation of an even more beautiful truth.

Chapter I. JOSEPH SMITH'S BIRTH AND LINEAGE - THE PROPHET'S FIRST VISION - "THIS IS MY BELOVED SON."

I absolutely love reading Joseph Smith's accounts of his own life and of his first vision.  I don't know how many thousands of times that I have read this account, but it never gets old.  It grows ever new with each reading and with each retelling.  The account in the Pearl of Great Price is the same as far as I can tell:

"During this time of great excitement my mind was called up to serious reflection and great uneasiness; but though my feelings were deep and often poignant, still I kept myself aloof from all these parties, though I attended their several meetings as often as occasion would permit. In process of time my mind became somewhat partial to the Methodist sect, and I felt some desire to be united with them; but so great were the confusion and strife among the different denominations, that it was impossible for a person young as I was, and so unacquainted with men and things, to come to any certain conclusion who was rightand who was wrong.

My mind at times was greatly excited, the cry and tumult were so great and incessant. The Presbyterians were most decided against the Baptists and Methodists, and used all the powers of both reason and sophistry to prove their errors, or, at least, to make the people think they were in error. On the other hand, the Baptists and Methodists in their turn were equally zealous in endeavoring to establish their own tenets and disprove all others.

In the midst of this war of words and tumult of opinions, I often said to myself: What is to be done? Who of all these parties are right; or, are they all wrong together? If any one of them be right, which is it, and how shall I know it?

While I was laboring under the extreme difficulties caused by the contests of these parties of religionists, I was one day reading the Epistle of James, first chapter and fifth verse, which reads: If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.

Never did any passage of scripture come with more power to the heart of man than this did at this time to mine. It seemed to enter with great force into every feeling of my heart. I reflected on it again and again, knowing that if any person needed wisdom from God, I did; for how to act I did not know, and unless I could get more wisdom than I then had, I would never know; for the teachers of religion of the different sects understood the same passages of scripture so differently as to destroy all confidence in settling the question by an appeal to the Bible.

At length I came to the conclusion that I must either remain in darkness and confusion, or else I must do as James directs, that is, ask of God. I at length came to the determination to “ask of God,” concluding that if he gave wisdom to them that lacked wisdom, and would giveliberally, and not upbraid, I might venture." (JS-History 1:8-13)

Joseph Smith was the master asker.  He asked inspired questions, and received inspired answers.  

I love the Prophet's description of his youth, and his affinity for the Apostle Paul:

"However, it was nevertheless a fact that I had beheld a vision. I have thought since, that I felt much like Paul, when he made his defense before King Agrippa, and related the account of the vision he had when he saw a light, and heard a voice; but still there were but few who believed him; some said he was dishonest, others said he was mad; and he was ridiculed and reviled. But all this did not destroy the reality of his vision. He had seen a vision, he knew he had, and all the persecution under heaven could not make it otherwise; and though they should persecute him unto death, yet he knew, and would know to his latest breath, that he had both seen a light and heard a voice speaking unto him, and all the world could not make him think or believe otherwise.

So it was with me. I had actually seen a light, and in the midst of that light I saw two Personages, and they did in reality speak to me; and though I was hated and persecuted for saying that I had seen a vision, yet it was true; and while they were persecuting me, reviling me, and speaking all manner of evil against me falsely for so saying, I was led to say in my heart: Why persecute me for telling the truth? I have actually seen a vision; and who am I that I can withstand God, or why does the world think to make me deny what I have actually seen? For I had seen a vision; I knew it, and I knew that God knew it, and I could not deny it, neither dared I do it; at least I knew that by so doing I would offend God, and come under condemnation." (JS-History 1:24-25)

I know this is true.  Joseph Smith saw what he saw.  He knew what he knew.  These passages of scripture enter with great power into my heart whenever I read them.  I hope to read the entire history of the Church, and to gain knowledge of many things, but nothing compares to the witness of the Holy Ghost that Joseph Smith saw God the Father and His beloved Son Jesus Christ.  I am grateful for this knowledge and this testimony, because it fills me with the love of God and with hope through the Atonement of Jesus Christ.  

Joseph Smith was a true prophet of God.  He was the chosen instrument of the Restoration of the Gospel.  I want to learn all that I can about him, not because he was anything other than a man, but because of what he teaches me about the Savior Jesus Christ.

Introduction III

Roberts continues his account of the Great Apostasy.  It is worth reading the entire introduction, but for now I can only single out a couple of observations.  Roberts poses a question that is worth pondering:

"I shall say no more upon the matter of moral declensions among Christians, except this: If there were such moral declensions among Christians as are represented by the foregoing high authorities on Christian affairs in the centuries preceding Constantine, what moral declension must have prevailed when from a proscribed religion Christianity was exalted to the dignity of the state religion of the empire; and her prelates and clergy were recalled from exile and suffering, poverty and disgrace, and loaded with the wealth and honors that the lord of the Roman world could bestow?"

Good question.

In addition to the moral declensions in the Church, Roberts describes the loss of spiritual gifts.  The following paragraph summarizes well the cause of the Great Apostasy:

"These fruits of the Spirit indicate the change that the Spirit of God may effect in human nature; by which that which is corrupted through sin may be conformed to that which is pure and holy, according to the working whereby the Spirit is able to subdue all things unto Himself, in them that give place for His indwelling in their souls. This effectual working of the Spirit in the souls of men, by which they were transformed from vileness to holiness, was the boast of the early saints. And, upon reflection, all will concede that the victories of the Spirit in reforming the lives of men and making them in their very nature conform to the likeness of Christ in righteousness, are more to be desired and more to be celebrated than those victories which are physical or intellectual merely in their nature. Indeed these latter fruits of the Spirit derive their chief value from the extent to which they contribute to the production of the former—that is, to the extent that they establish men in the faith, enable them to crucify the flesh with the lusts thereof, and help them to live in harmony with the sweet influence of the Spirit of God. When men live in harmony with that Spirit there will righteousness obtain; there will love abound; there will the Gospel of Christ appear triumphant. Where these fruits do not appear, there the Gospel of Christ is not; there the powers of darkness, for the time being, are triumphant. Yet notwithstanding this promise, concerning the enjoyment of the spiritual gifts of the Gospel, the evidence is abundant and conclusive that when all the Apostles were deceased, then there was a marked declension in the manifestation of the spiritual powers of the Gospel. "With the close of the New Testament records," says Dr. Phillip Smith, author of The Students' Ecclesiastical History, "and the death of the last surviving Apostle, the history of the Church passes from its sacred to its purely human phase. The miraculous gifts which attested the divine mission of the Apostles ceased; not indeed by any formal record of their withdrawal, but by the clear evidence that they were possessed no longer."

The Holy Ghost is vital.

Roberts sifts through a variety of teachings of the early church fathers, and he outlines the events that led to the convening of the Council of Nicea.  There was real clarity in Christ's teachings concerning the anthropomorphic nature of God, but this simple truth was obfuscated by the admixture of the philosophies of men, whether Greek, Oriental or generally pagan.  Thus emerged the creeds that Joseph Smith was later to discover, creeds that proliferate such falsehoods as God's incorporeality and creation ex-nihilo:  

"This view of God as an incorporeal, immaterial, bodiless, partless, passionless being is now and has been from the days of the great apostasy from God and Christ, in the second and third centuries, the doctrine of Deity generally accepted by apostate Christendom. The simple doctrine of the Christian Godhead, set forth in the New Testament is corrupted by the meaningless jargon of these creeds, and their explanations; and the learned who profess a belief in them are wandering in the darkness of the mysticisms of the old pagan philosophies. No wonder that Athanasius himself, whom Gibbon with a quiet sarcasm calls the most sagacious of the Christian theologians, candidly confessed that whenever he forced his understanding to mediate on the divinity of the Logos (and which, of course, involved the whole doctrine of the Godhead), his 'toilsome and unavailing efforts recoiled on themselves; and the more he thought, the less he comprehended: and the more he wrote, the less capable was he of expressing his thoughts!' It is a fine passage with which Gibbon closes his reflections upon this subject, and hence I shall give it place here:

'In every step of the inquiry, we are compelled to feel and acknowledge the immeasurable disproportion between the size of the object and the capacity of the human mind. We may try to abstract the notions of time, of space, and of matter, which so closely adhere to all the perceptions of our experimental knowledge; but as soon as we presume to reason of infinite substance, or spiritual generation; as often as we deduce any positive conclusions from a negative idea, we are involved in darkness, perplexity, and inevitable contradiction.'"

Wow.

Gibbon was right.

The result was that man-made churches filled the vacuum that was left behind by the extinction of Christ's original church. 

Finally, Roberts summarizes his own introduction to the history of the church.  

"In vain men sought to establish reforms, and through them bring back the religion of Jesus Christ, and the Church of Christ. To do that, however, was beyond the power of these men, however good their intentions. The Gospel taken from the earth, divine authority lost, the Church of Christ destroyed, there was but one way in which all these could be restored, viz.: By re-opening the heavens and dispensing again a knowledge of the Gospel; by once more conferring divine authority upon men, together with a commission to teach all the world, and re-establish the Church of Christ on earth. In a word, it would require the incoming of the Dispensation of the Fulness of Times to restore all things, and gather together in one all things in Christ, both in heaven and in earth. Such Dispensation is promised of God, as we have seen: and now it only remains to add that the History of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, as set forth in these volumes, is the history of that series of events which has resulted in the restoration of the Gospel in its fullness, and the re-establishment of the Church of Jesus Christ on earth."

This is a great introduction to the greatest story ever told.

Introduction II

Roberts outlines the characteristics of the early Christians, and paints a picture that seems truer to reality, less flattering than the one that has been handed down to us by historians seeking to defend Christianity as a whole, from protestant, Catholic, and other perspectives.  It is a bold position:

"The Protestant writers must need set forth the theory that the Christian religion survived all the abuses and corruptions of it through ages of apostasy, else they would have no logical ground for the sixteenth century 'Reformation' to stand upon.  They seem not oblivious to the fact, though never mentioning it, that if the Christian religion was displaced by a paganized religion 'a false religion' as is fully predicted, as we shall see later, in the New Testament prophecies, and of which the works of Protestant writers go far towards proving- then the only possible way in which the true Christian religion and the Church of Christ could be restored would be by a re-opening of the heavens, and the giving forth of a new dispensation of the Gospel, together with a renewal of divine authority to preach it, and administer its ordinances of salvation. Catholics hold that there has been no great apostasy in the Church, Their theory is, that there has been a constant, unbroken, perpetuation of the Christian Church from the days of the Messiah and His Apostles until now; and that the Roman Catholic church is that very Church so perpetuated through the ages."

I was impressed with the no nonsense presentation of Constantine.  This is not the story that I am used to hearing, and it is interesting how those who tell the story shape our understanding of history.  Roberts descriptions are erudite and accurate, rather than simply flattering to preconceived notions of Christianity.  He shows that the seeds of apostasy were already present in the early Church, and that there is no reason to sugar coat the story.  By the time of the Renaissance it was clear that there were serious problems in Christendom, but I enjoyed learning about the early deviations and transformations of Christ's original Church.  The Great Apostasy was sad, but a necessary precursor to the Restoration of the Gospel.