 |
| Oliver's Cowdery's History
of the Church (2) |
| In the December 1834 Messenger and Advocate,
Joseph Smith writes a separate letter, providing his date and place of
birth, and acknowledging his "vices and follies" as a young man—but
they were nothing out of the ordinary. |
| Letter 3—Oliver sets the stage of Joseph's 15th
year, with the preaching of Methodist Elder Lane. Joseph and two of his
sisters join the Presbyterian church. |
| Letter 4—Correction—Joseph was in his 17th
year (1823) when the angel visits and tells Joseph that his sins are forgiven
and that the Lord intends to use him to accomplish his marvelous work. He
explains the sacred history of the American Indians is buried in a nearby
hill, which Joseph sees in vision. But Joseph's motives must be pure. |
| Letter 5—Scriptural argument for restoration and
gathering. |
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| Letter
from Joseph Smith |
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BROTHER O. COWDERY: |
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MA 1, no. 3 (Dec. 1834): 40. |
| Opposers
mischaracterize him |
|
Having learned
from the first No. of the Messenger and Advocate, that you were, not only
about to "give a history of the rise and progress of the church of
the Latter Day Saints;" but, that said "history would necessarily
embrace my life and character," I have been induced to give you the
time and place of my birth; as I have learned that many of the opposers
of those principles which I have held forth to the world, profess a personal
acquaintance with me, though when in my presence, represent me to be another
person in age, education, and stature, from what I am. |
|
That
he has been misrepresented by others is Joseph's stated reason for writing
what is now Joseph Smith—History in the
Pearl of Great Price. |
| Birth |
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I was born, (according
to the record of the same, kept by my parents,) in the town of Sharon, Windsor
Co, Vt. on the 23rd of December, 1805.
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| Move
to Palmyra / Manchester |
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At the age of ten my
father's family removed to Palmyra, N.Y. where, and in the vicinity of which,
I lived, or, made it my place of residence, until I was twenty one the latter
part, in the town of Manchester.
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| Vices
and follies |
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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.
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"…
mingling with all kinds of society, I frequently fell into many foolish
errors, and displayed the weakness of youth, and the foibles of human nature;
which, I am sorry to say, led me into divers temptations, offensive in the
sight of God. In making this confession, no one need suppose me guilty of
any great or malignant sins. A disposition to commit such was never in my
nature. But I was guilty of levity, and sometimes associated with jovial
company, etc., not consistent with that character which ought to be maintained
by one who was called of God as I had been. But this will not seem very
strange to any one who recollects my youth, and is acquainted with my native
cheery temperament." ¶ Joseph Smith—History |
All
that can be said against me
Subject to human passions |
|
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 unchaste 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!)
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By giving the above
a place in your valuable paper, you will confer a lasting favor upon myself,
as an individual, and, as I humbly hope, subserve the cause of righteousness.
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I am, with feelings
of esteem, your fellow laborer in the gospel of our Lord.
JOSEPH SMITH jr.
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| Oliver's
3rd letter |
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LETTER
III. |
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MA 1, no.
3 (Dec. 1834): 41–43. |
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To W. W. Phelps,
Esq.
Dear Brother:— |
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| Many
things overlooked |
|
After a silence of another
month, agreeably to my promise, I proceed upon the subject I proposed in
the first No. of the Advocate. Perhaps an apology for brevity may not be
improper, here, as many important incidents consequently transpiring in
the organization and establishing of a society like the one whose history
I am about to give to the world, are overlooked or lost, and soon buried
with those who were the actors, will prevent my giving those minute and
particular reflections which I have so often wished might have characterized
the "Acts of the apostles," and the ancient saints. But such facts
as are within my knowledge, will be given without any reference to inconsistencies,
in the minds of others, or impossibilities, in the feelings of such as do
not give credence to the system of salvation and redemption so clearly set
forth and so plainly written over the face of the sacred scriptures: …
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Begin
with Joseph
One of the presidents |
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[42] …You will
recollect that I informed you, in my letter published in the first No. of
the Messenger and Advocate, that this history would necessarily embrace
the life and character of our esteemed friend and brother, J. SMITH JR.
one of the presidents of this church, and for information on that part of
the subject, I refer you to his communication of the same, published in
this paper. I shall, therefore, pass over that, till I come to the 15th
year of his life.
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Joseph was born December
23, 1805, making his 15th year 1820. |
Rev.
Lane visits Palmyra
Arouses Joseph's interest |
|
It
is necessary to premise this account by relating the situation of the public
mind relative to religion, at this time: One Mr. Lane, a presiding Elder
of the Methodist church, visited Palmyra, and vicinity. Elder Lane was a
talented man possessing a good share of literary endowments, and apparent
humility. There was a great awakening, or excitement raised on the subject
of religion, and much enquiry for the word of life. Large additions were
made to the Methodist, Presbyterian, and Baptist churches. Mr. Lane's manner
of communication was peculiarly calculated to awaken the intellect of the
hearer, and arouse the sinner to look about him for safety—much good
instruction was always drawn from his discourses on the scriptures, and
in common with others, our brother's mind became awakened.
|
|
Rev. George Lane's visits to Palmyra occurred between July 1824 and January
1825 (Inventing, 20–27), not 1820. If it was his revival that agitated
Joseph, the First Vision occurred in 1825.
As Marvin Hill notes, Joseph's 1832 account, which does mention a revival,
allows for an 1820 vision. ¶ Joseph
Smith's 1832 History |
| Sectarian
strife |
|
For a length of time
the reformation seemed to move in a harmonious manner, but, as the excitement
ceased, or those who had expressed anxieties, had professed a belief in
the pardoning influence and condescension of the Savior, a general struggle
was made by the leading characters of the different sects, for proselytes.
Then strife seemed to take the place of that apparent union and harmony
which had previously characterized the moves and exhortations of the old
professors, and a cry—I am right—you are wrong—was introduced
in their stead. |
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| Mother,
a sisters, and 2 brothers join the Presbyterians |
|
In this general strife
for followers, his mother, one sister, and two of his natural brothers,
were persuaded to unite with the Presbyterians. This gave opportunity for
further reflection; and as will be seen in the sequel, laid a foundation,
or was one means of lay-[43]ing a foundation for the attestation of the
truths, or professions of truth, contained in that record called the word
of God.
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| Joseph
troubled |
|
After strong solicitations
to unite with one of those different societies, and seeing the apparent
proselyting disposition manifested with equal warmth from each, his mind
was led to more seriously contemplate the importance of a move of this kind.
To profess godliness without its benign influence upon the heart, was thing
so foreign from his feelings, that his spirit was not at rest day nor night.
To unite with a society professing to be built upon the only sure foundation,
and that profession be a vain one, was calculated, in its very nature, the
more it was contemplated, the more to arouse the mind to the serious consequences
of moving hastily, in a course fraught with eternal realities. To say he
was right, and still be wrong, could not profit; and amid so many, some
must be built upon the sand.
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| All
profess to be true |
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In this situation where
could he go? If he went to one he was told they were right, and all others
were wrong—If to another, the same was heard from those: All professed
to be the true church; and if not they were certainly hypocritical, because,
if I am presented with a system of religion, and enquire of my teacher whether
it is correct, and he informs me that he is not certain, he acknowledges
at once that he is teaching without authority, and acting without a commission!
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If one professed a degree
of authority or preference in consequence of age or right, and that superiority
was without evidence, it was insufficient to convince a mind once aroused
to that degree of determination which at that time operated upon him. And
upon farther reflecting, that the Savior had said that the gate was straight
and the way narrow that lead to life eternal, and that few entered there;
and that the way was broad, and the gate wide which lead to destruction,
and that many crowded its current, a proof from some source was wanting
to settle the mind and give peace to the agitated bosom. It is not frequent
that the minds of men are exercised with proper determination relative to
obtaining a certainty of the things of God.—They are too apt to rest
short of that assurance which the Lord Jesus has so freely offered
in his word to man, and which so beautifully characterizes his whole plan
of salvation, as revealed to us.
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LETTER
IV. |
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MA 1, no. 5 (Feb. 1835): 77–80. |
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To W. W. Phelps, Esq.
DEAR BROTHER:—
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| Correction:
Joseph was 16, not 14 (1823) |
|
[78] …You will
recollect that I mentioned the time of a religious excitement, in Palmyra
and vicinity to have been in the 15th year of our brother J. Smith Jr's,
age that was an error in the type—it should have been in the 17th.—You
will please remember this correction, as it will be necessary for the full
understanding of what will follow in time. This would bring the date down
to the year 1823. |
|
On
the Palmyra revival, despite its unfortunate title, see chapter 2 of Inventing.
It appears that Rev. Lane's visits to Palmyra occurred between July 1824
to January 1825 (Inventing, 21). |
Joseph
calls on the Lord for acceptance
Knock, partake freely |
|
… our brother was
urged forward and strengthened in the determination to know for himself
of the certainty and reality of pure and holy religion. And it is only necessary
for me to say, that while this excitement continued, he continued to call
upon the Lord in secret for a full manifestation of divine approbation,
and for, to him, the all important information, if a Supreme being did exist,
to have an assurance that he was accepted of him. This, most assuredly,
was correct—it was right. The Lord has said, long since, and his word
remains steadfast, that for him who knocks it shall be opened, & whosoever
will, may come and partake of the waters of life freely. … |
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September
21, 1823
Anxious for God's acceptance |
|
On
the evening of the 21st of September, 1823, previous to retiring to rest,
our brother's mind was unusually wrought up on the subject which had so
long agitated his mind—his heart was drawn out in fervent prayer, and
his whole soul was so lost to every thing of a temporal nature, that earth,
to him, had lost its claims, and all he desired was to be prepared in heart
to commune with some kind messenger who could communicate to him the desired
information of his acceptance with God.
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Continues
to pray as family sleeps
Determined |
|
At length the family
retired, and he, as usual, bent his way, though in silence, where others
might have rested their weary frames "locked fast in sleep's embrace;"
but repose had fled, [79] and accustomed slumber had spread her refreshing
hand over others beside him he continued still to pray—his heart, though
once hard and obdurate, was softened, and that mind which had often flitted,
like the "wild bird of passage," had settled upon a determined
basis not to be decoyed or driven from its purpose. |
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| Hours
pass |
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In this situation hours
passed unnumbered—how many or how few I know not, neither is he able
to inform me; but supposes it must have been eleven or twelve, and perhaps
later, as the noise and bustle of the family, in retiring, had long since
ceased.— |
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Desires
manifestation of forgiveness
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While continuing in
prayer for a manifestation in some way that his sins were forgiven; endeavoring
to exercise faith in the scriptures, |
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| Bright,
pure light, like fire |
|
on a sudden a light
like that of day, only of a purer and far more glorious appearance and brightness,
burst into the room.—Indeed, to use his own description, the first
sight was a though the house was filled with consuming and unquenchable
fire. |
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Shock,
then calmness, joy
Personage |
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This sudden appearance
of a light so bright, as must naturally be expected, occasioned a shock
or sensation, visible to the extremities of the body. It was, however, followed
with a calmness and serenity of mind, and an overwhelming rapture of joy
that surpassed understanding, and in a moment a personage stood before him. |
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Bright
light, glory around personage
Pleasing, innocent appearance
Calm |
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Notwithstanding the
room was previously filled with light above the brightness of the sun, as
I have before described, yet there seemed to be an additional glory surrounding
or accompanying this personage, which shone with an increased degree of
brilliancy, of which he was in the midst and though his countenance was
a lightening, yet it was of a pleasing, innocent and glorious appearance,
so much so, that every fear was banished from the heart, and nothing but
calmness pervaded the soul. … |
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| Taller
than average, white, seamless garment |
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But it may be well to
relate the particulars as far as given—The stature of this personage
was a little above the common size of men in this age; his garment was perfectly
white, and had the appearance of being without seam. |
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Sins
forgiven
God chooses the foolish to confound the mighty
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Though fear was banished
form his heart, yet his surprise was no less when he heard him declare himself
to be a messenger sent by commandment of the Lord, to deliver a special
message, and to witness to him that his sins were forgiven, and that his
prayers were heard; and that the scriptures might be fulfilled, which say
"God has chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the things
which are mighty; and base things of the world, and things which are despised,
has God chosen; yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things
which are, that no flesh should glory in his presence. |
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About
to do a marvelous work and a wonder
House of Israel to be converted
Gather with Gentiles
One fold, one shepherd |
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Therefore, says the
Lord, I will proceed to do a marvelous work among this people, even a marvelous
work and a wondor; the wisdom, of their wise shall perish, and the understanding
of their prudent shall be hid; for according to his covenant which he made
with his ancient saints, his people, the house of Israel, must come to a
knowledge of the gospel, and own that Messiah whom their fathers rejected,
and with them the fulness of the Gentiles be gathered in, to rejoice in
one fold under one Shepherd." |
|
Isaiah
29:14
John 10:16,
3 Nephi 15:17–21. |
Preparation
Joseph to perform the Lord's marvelous work
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This cannot be brought
about until first certain preparatory things are accomplished, for so
has the Lord purposed in his own mind. He has therefore chosen you as
an instrument in his hand to bring to light that which shall perform his
act, his strange act, and bring to pass a marvelous work and a wonder. |
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Pure
in heart will rejoice
Others will seek its destruction |
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Wherever the sound
shall go it shall cause the ears of men to tingle, and wherever it shall
be proclaimed, the pure in heart shall rejoice, [80] while those who draw
near to God with their mouths, and honor him with their lips, while their
hearts are far from him, will seek its overthrow, and the destruction
of those by whose hands it is carried. |
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| Joseph
will be derided |
|
Therefore, marvel
not if your name is made a derision, and had as a by-word among such,
if you are the instrument in bringing it, by the gift of God, to the knowledge
of the people. |
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God's
ancient promises
History of American Indians, descendants of Abraham
Their record buried nearby
Joseph to translate using the Urim and Thummim |
|
He then proceeded and
gave a general account of the promises made to the fathers, and also gave
a history of the aborigines of this country, and said they were literal
descendants of Abraham. He represented them as once being an enlightened
and intelligent people, possessing a correct knowledge of the gospel, and
the plan of restoration and redemption. He said this history was written
and deposited not far from that place, and that it was our brother's privilege,
if obedient to the commandments of the Lord, to obtain, and translate the
same by the means of the Urim and Thummim, which were deposited for that
purpose with the record. |
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| "Sealed
book" must first be presented to the learned |
|
"Yet," said
he, "the scripture must be fulfilled before it is translated, which
says that the words of a book, which were sealed, were presented to the
learned; for thus has God determined to leave men without excuse, and show
to the meek that his arm is not shortened that it cannot save." |
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Sealed
part of the book contains revelation given to John
Will be revealed when people are worthy |
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A part of the book was
sealed, and was not to be opened yet. The sealed part, said he, contains
the same revelation which was given to John upon the isle of Patmos, and
when the people of the Lord are prepared, and found worthy, then it will
be unfolded unto them. |
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| Joseph's
motive must be pure |
|
On the subject of bringing
to light the unsealed part of this record, it may be proper to say, that
our brother was expressly informed, that it must be done with an eye single
to the glory of God; if this consideration did not wholly characterize all
his proceedings in relation to it, the adversary of truth would overcome
him, or at least prevent his making that proficiency in this glorious work
which he otherwise would. |
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Angel
describes location of record minutely
Joseph sees it in vision
Already familiar with it |
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While describing the
place where the record was deposited, he gave a minute relation of it, and
the vision of his mind being opened at the same time, he was permitted to
view it critically; and previously being acquainted with the place, he was
able to follow the direction of the vision, afterward, according to the
voice of the angel, and obtain the book.
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I close for the present
by subscribing myself as ever, your brother in Christ.
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OLIVER COWDERY. |
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LETTER
V.—TO W. W. PHELPS, ESQ.
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MA 1, no. 6 (Mar. 1835): 94–95. |
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Dear Brother: |
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| God
chooses foolish and despised things |
|
… You will notice
in my last, on rehearsing the words of the angel, where he communicated
to our brother—that his sins were forgiven, and that he was called
of the Lord to bring to light, by the gift of inspiration, this important
intelligence, an item like the following—"God has chosen the foolish
things of the world, and things which are despised, God has chosen;"
&c. This, I conceive to be an important item—Not many mighty and
noble, were called in ancient times, because they always knew so much that
God could not teach them, and a man that would listen to the voice of the
Lord and follow the teachings of heaven, always was despised, and considered
to be of the foolish class—Paul proves this fact, when he says, "We
are made as the filth of the world—the off-scouring of all things unto
this day."
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| Modern
visions rejected |
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I am aware, that a rehearsal
of visions of angels at this day, is as inconsistent with a portion of mankind
as it formerly was, after all the boast of this wise generation in the knowledge
of the truth; but there is a uniformity so complete, that on the reflection,
one is led to rejoice that it is so. |
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| Previous
letter on angel, gathering |
|
In my last I gave an
imperfect description of the angel, and was obliged to do so, for the reason,
that my pen would fail to describe an angel in his glory, or the glory of
God. I also gave a few sentences which he uttered on the subject of the
gathering of Israel, &c. |
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| More
details on angel |
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Since writing the former,
I have thought I would, perhaps, be interesting to give something more full
on this important subject, as well as a revelation of the gospel. That these
holy personages should feel a deep interest in the accomplishment of the
glorious purposes of the Lord, in his work in the last days, is consistent,
when we view critically what is recorded of their sayings in the holy Scriptures. |
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Daniel
refers to Michael, the great prince
9 rhetorical questions |
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You will remember to
have read in Daniel "And at that time, [the last days] shall Michael
stand up, the great prince, who stands for the children of they people;"
and also in Revelations—"I am thy fellow servant, and of thy brethren
the prophets." Please compare these sayings with that singular expression
in Heb. "Are they [angels] not all ministering Spirits, sent forth
to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation?" And then let
me ask nine questions: first, |
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| 1–3 |
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Are the angels now in
glory, the former prophets and servants of God? Secondly; Are they brethren
of those who keep his commandments on earth? and thirdly, have brethren
& fleshly kindred, in the kingdom of God, feelings of respect and condescension
enough to speak to each other, though one may be in heaven and the other
on the earth? |
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| 4–5 |
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Fourthly: If angels
are ministering spirits, sent [96] forth to minister for those who shall
be heirs of salvation, will they not minister for those heirs? and fifthly,
if they do, will any one know it? |
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| 6–9 |
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Sixthly: Will Michael,
the archangel, the great prince, stand up in the last days for Israel? Seventhly:
will he defend them from their enemies? Eighthly will he lead them, as they
were once lead; and ninthly, if so, will he be seen?
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| Answers
obvious |
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These questions I leave
without answering, because the reasoning is so plain, and so many might
be brought, that, they must be at hand in the heart and mind of every Saint.
But to the gospel, and then to the gathering. |
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| Plan
of redemption |
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The great plan of redemption
being prepared before the fall of man, and the salvation of the human family
being as precious in the sight of the Lord at one time as at another, before
the Messiah came in the flesh and was crucified, as after the gospel was
preached, and many were found obedient to the same. This gospel being the
same from the beginning, its ordinances were also unchangeable. Men were
commanded to repent and be baptized by water in the name of the Lord: and
were then blessed with the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit being thus given;
men were enabled to look forward to the time of the coming of the Son of
Man, and to rejoice in that day, because through that sacrifice they looked
for a remission of their sins, and for their redemption. …
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| Gathering
promised |
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In the last days, to
fulfill the promises to the ancient prophets, when the Lord is to pour out
his Spirit upon all flesh, he has determined to bring to light his gospel,
to the Gentiles, that it may go to the house of Israel. This gospel has
been perverted and men have wandered in darkness. That commission given
to the apostles at Jerusalem, so easy to be understood, has been hid from
the world, because of evil, and the honest have been lead by the designing,
till there are none to be found who are practicing the ordinances of the
gospel, as they were anciently delivered. |
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| Time
of visions and propnesy is near |
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But the time has now
arrived, in which, according to his covenants, the Lord will manifest to
the faithful that he is the same today and forever, and that the cup of
suffering of his people, the house of Israel, is nearly fulfilled; and that
the way may be prepared before their face he will bring to the knowledge
of the people the gospel as it was preached by his servants on this land,
and manifest to the obedient the truth of the same, by the power of the
Holy Spirit; for the time is near when his sons and daughters will prophesy,
old men dream dreams, and young men see visions, and those who are thus
favored will be such as embrace the gospel as it was delivered in old times;
and they shall be blessed with signs following.
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| Moses
predicted misery in latter days |
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Farther on the subject
of the gathering of Israel.—This was perfectly understood by all the
ancient prophets. Moses prophesied of the affliction which should come upon
that people even after the coming of the Messiah, where he said: and evil
will befall you in the latter days; because ye will do evil in the sight
of the Lord, to provoke him to anger through the work of your hands. Connecting
this with a prophecy in the song which follows; which was given to Moses
in the tabernacle—remembering the expression—"in the latter
days"—where the Lord foretells all their evil, and their being
received to mercy, to such as seek the peace of Israel much instruction
may be gained. It is as follows:— |
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I will heap mischiefs
upon them; I will spend my arrows upon them. They shall be burnt with hunger,
and devoured with burning heat: I will also send the teeth of beasts upon
them, with the poison of serpents of the dust. The sword without, and terror
within, shall destroy both the young man and the virgin, the suckling with
the man of gray hairs. |
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| Lord
will avenge |
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But after all this,
he will judge their enemies and avenge them of theirs; for he says:
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I, whet my glittering
sword, and my hand take hold on judgment, I will render vengeance to my
enemies, and will reward them that hate me. I will make my arrows drunk
with blood, and my sword shall devour flesh. |
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| After
restoration |
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After all this after
Israel has been restored, and afflicted and his enemies have also been chastised,
the Lord says: |
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| Rejoice,
the Lord will avenge |
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Rejoice, O ye nations,
with his people: for he will avenge the blood of his servants, and will
render vengeance to his adversaries, and will be merciful unto his land
and to his people. |
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I will give a further
detail of the promises to Israel, hereafter, as rehearsed by the angel.
Accept assurance of my esteem as ever. |
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Oliver Cowdery's History of the Church (1)
Oliver Cowdery's History of the Church (3)
Oliver Cowdery's 1834–1835 History
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