| Joseph writes (May 2, 1838) to set the record
straight. Birth, family, religious excitement in Manchester, contention
among the sects. Reads James 1:5 §, decides to ask
God which church is true. Spring 1820 § tries first
vocal prayer, tongue-tied, cries out to God, pillar of light appears §.
Father and Son descend in light. Father tells Joseph to listen to Son: join
no church, none are true, form of godliness but deny the power. Vision ends
and Joseph is lying on his back. |
| Methodist preachers denies modern revelation
§. People become prejudiced, persecute young Joseph.
Youthful errors §, prays for forgiveness, Moroni
appears §, Alvin dies in 1823, Joseph becomes
a gold-digger in 1825 §, marries Emma in 1827 §. |
| Book on gold plates §,
containing history of ancient Americans and Jesus' visit to them. Stones
in silver bows on breastplate are Urim and Thummim §.
Moroni quotes prophets on last days §. |
| Written in 1838, this part of the Manuscript
History of the Church (HC), was first published in the March–August
1842 issues of the Times and Seasons as the beginning of the "History
of Joseph Smith" series. In
1851 Franklin D. Richards included it as "Extracts from the History
of Joseph Smith …" in his pamphlet for the British Mission,
the Pearl of Great Price. The pamphlet was revised for an American edition
in 1878, canonized in 1880, revised again in 1902, 1976, and 1979. |
| |
|
|
| |
Manuscript History of the Church |
|
Joseph Smith–History
1 |
MH-A,
1–9.
Joseph Smith–History 1 |
| Owing
to the many reports |
¶ Owing
to the many reports which have been put in circulation by evil disposed
and designing persons in relation to the rise and progress of the Church
of <Jesus Christ of> Latter-day Saints, all of which have been designed
by the authors thereof to militate against its Character as a Church, and
its progress in the world; I have been induced to write this history so
as to
disabuse the publick mind, and put all inquirers after truth in possession
of the facts as they have transpired in relation both to myself and the
Church, so far as I have such facts in my possession. |
1 |
OWING to the many reports which have been put
in circulation by evil-disposed and designing persons, in relation to the
rise and progress of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints,
all of which have been designed by the authors thereof to militate against
its character as a Church and its progress in the world—I have been
induced to write this history, to disabuse the public mind, and put all
inquirers after truth in possession of the facts, as they have transpired,
in relation both to myself and the Church, so far as I have such facts
in my possession. |
Joseph Smith—History 1 verse numbers are left of its text. MH-A paragraphs
are marked in the text.
¶ Oliver's
History of the Church (2) (1835)
Blue: not in Joseph Smith—History 1 . |
| Now
1838 |
In this history I will present
the various events in relation to this Church in truth and righteousness
as they have transpired. or as they at present exist, being now the
eighth year since the organization of the Said Church. |
2 |
In this history I shall present
the various events in relation to this Church, in truth and righteousness,
as they have transpired, or as they at present exist, being now the
eighth year since
the organization of the said Church.
|
Red:
not in MH-A.
now: 1838 |
Born
December 25, 1805
Sharon, Palmyra |
¶ I was born in the year of
our Lord One thousand Eight hundred and five, on the twenty third day of
December, in the town of Sharon, Windsor County, State of Vermont <See
page Note A 131>,, |
3 |
I was born in the year of our Lord one thousand
eight hundred and five, on the twenty-third day of December, in the town
of Sharon, Windsor county, State of Vermont … |
Doubled commas and ellipses in original. |
| |
Note A |
|
| |
¶ When I was five years old or thereabouts I was attacked with the Typhus Fever. and at one time during my sickness, my father despaired of my life. The doctors broke the fever, after which it settled under my Shoulder. & the Dr <Dr Parker> cal[l]ed it a sprained Shoulder & anointed it with bone ointment & freely applied the hot Shovel, when it proved to be a swelling under the arm. which was opened & discharged freely after which the disease removed & descended into my left Leg & ancle & terminated in a fever sore of the worst kind,, and I endured the most acute suffering for a long time under the care of Drs. Smith, Stone & Perkins. of Hanover |
MH-A, 131. |
| |
¶ At one time eleven Doctors came from the medical College. at Hanover. for the purpose of amputation, but, young as I was, I utterly refused to give my assent to the operation, but I conscnted to their Trying an experiment by removing a great of the bone from my left leg. which they did. & fourteen additional pieces of bone afterwards worked out before my leg healed, during which time I was reduced so very low that my mother could carry me with ease. & after I began to get about on crutches till I started to the State of New York
|
|
| |
In the mean time my father had gone to the State of New York for the purpose of preparing a place for the removal of his family, which he affected by sending a man after us by the name of Caleb Howard, who, after he had got started, on the Journey with my mother & family spent the money he had received of my father in drinking Gambling &c. |
|
| |
¶ We fell in with a family by the name of Gates who were travelling west, & Howard drove me from the waggon & made me travel in my weak State through the snow 40 miles per day for several days. during which time I suffered the most. excruciating weariness & pain, & all this that Mr Howard might enjoy the Society of two of Mr Gates' Daughters which he took on the waggon where I should have Rode, & thus he [132] continued to a day after day through the Journey. |
|
| |
¶ & when my brothers remonstrated with Mr Howard for his treatment of me. he would knock them down with the butt of his whip— |
|
| |
¶ When we arrived at Utica, N. York Howard threw the Goods out of the waggon into the Street. & attempted to run away with the Horses. & waggon. but my mother seized the horses by the rein, &, calling witnesses forbid his taking them away as they were her property. |
|
| |
Manuscript History of the Church |
|
Joseph Smith–History
1 |
|
| |
My
father Joseph Smith. Senior <See note E. page 2. adenda. |
|
|
|
| |
Note E [sic, C] |
|
| |
Note E [sic, C]. Joseph Smith <Senr> was born July 12, 1771, in Topsfield, Essex county his father Asael Smith was born March 7th. 1744 Topsfield <Massachusetts> his father Samuel Smith was born Jan'y 26th. 1714 Topsfield Massachusetts his father Samuel Smith was born Jan'y 26th, 1666. Topsfield his father Robert Smith came from England. page 1. |
MH-A, Addenda, 2.
The first addenda page contains an untitled note for September 4, 1833 (page 345). Note A for "about the 8th of November (page 240), and Note E [sic, C] are on page 2. The notes are in the hand of Willard Richards, who began writing in the history on December 21, 1842. |
| |
Manuscript History of the Church |
|
Joseph Smith–History
1 |
|
| |
My Father>,, left the State of Vermont and moved to Palmyra, Ontario, (now Wayne) County.
in the State of New York when I was in my tenth year. <or thereabouts.> |
|
My
father, Joseph Smith, Sen., left the State of Vermont, and moved to Palmyra,
Ontario (now Wayne) county, in the State of New York, when I was in my
tenth year, or thereabouts. |
MH-A, 1.
"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." Joseph Smith in ¶ Oliver Cowdery's
History of the Church (2) (1835) |
| Manchester |
¶ In about four years after, my father's arrival
in Palmyra, he moved with his family into Manchester in the same County
of Ontario. |
4 |
In about four years after my father’s arrival in Palmyra,
he moved with his family into Manchester in the same county of Ontario— |
|
| Family
members |
His family consisting of eleven souls, namely, my father,
Joseph Smith, My Mother Lucy Smith whose name previous to her Marriage
was Mack, daughter of Solomon Mack, my brothers Alvin (who is now
dead <died Nov 19th 1823—in the 25 year
of his age> Hyrum, Myself, Samuel —Harrison, William, Don Carloss,
and my Sisters Sophronia, Cathrine and Lucy. |
4 |
His family consisting of eleven souls, namely, my father,
Joseph Smith; my mother, Lucy Smith (whose name, previous to her marriage,
was Mack, daughter of Solomon Mack); my brothers, Alvin (who died November
19th, 1823, in the 26th year of his age), Hyrum, myself, Samuel Harrison,
William, Don Carlos; and my sisters, Sophronia, Catherine, and Lucy.
|
19,th and —in the 25 appear to be in a darker ink.
|
Excited second year in Manchester
No small stir and division |
¶ Some time in the second year
after our removal to Manchester, there was in the place where we lived
an unusual excitement on the subject of religion. It Commenced
with the Methodists, but soon became general among all the sects in that
region of country, indeed the whole district of Country seemed affected
by it and great [2] multitudes united themselves to the different religious
parties, which created no small stir and division among the
people, Some Crying, "Lo
here" and some Lo
there.
Some were contending for the Methodist faith, Some for the Presbyterian,
and some for the Baptist; |
5 |
Some time in the second year after our removal
to Manchester, there was in the place where we lived an unusual excitement
on the subject of religion. It commenced with the Methodists, but soon
became general among all the sects in that region of country. Indeed, the
whole district of country seemed affected by it, and great multitudes united
themselves to the different religious parties, which created no small stir
and division amongst the people, some crying, Lo, here! and others, Lo,
there! Some were contending for the Methodist faith, some for the
Presbyterian, and some for the Baptist. |
|
| Contention |
for notwithstanding the great love which the converts to
these different faiths expressed at the time of their conversion, and
the great Zeal manifested by the respective Clergy who were active in
getting up and promoting this extraordinary scene of religious feeling
in order to have everybody converted as they were pleased to call it,
let them join what sect they pleased yet when the Converts began to file
off some to one party and some to another, it was seen that the seemingly
good feelings of both the Priests and the Converts were mere pretenc more pretended than real; for a scene of great confusion and bad feeling
ensued; Priest
contending against priest, and convert against convert so that all their
good feelings one for another (if they ever had any) were entirely lost
in a strife of words and a contest about opinions. |
6 |
For, notwithstanding the great love which
the converts to these different faiths expressed at the time of their conversion,
and the great zeal manifested by the respective clergy, who were active
in getting up and promoting this extraordinary scene of religious feeling,
in order to have everybody converted, as they were pleased to call it,
let them join what sect they pleased; yet when the converts began to file
off, some to one party and some to another, it was seen that the seemingly
good feelings of both the priests and the converts were more pretended
than real; for a scene of great confusion and bad feeling ensued—priest
contending against priest, and convert against convert; so that all their
good feelings one for another, if they ever had any, were entirely lost
in a strife of words and a contest about opinions. |
|
Joseph
14
Presbyterians: Lucy, Hyrum, Samuel Sophronia |
¶ I was at this time in my fifteenth
year. My father's family was <were> proselyted to the Presbyterian
faith, and four of them joined that Church, Namely, My Mother Lucy, My
Brothers Hyrum, Samuel Harrison, and my Sister
Soph[r]onia. |
7 |
I was at this time in my fifteenth year. My
father’s family was proselyted to the Presbyterian faith, and four
of them joined that church, namely, my mother, Lucy; my brothers Hyrum
and Samuel Harrison; and my sister Sophronia.
|
|
Joseph
reflects, partial to Methodists
Can't decide |
¶ 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 pungent,
still I kept myself aloof from all these parties though I attended their
several meetings <as often as occasion> would permit. But 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 was the
confusion and strife amongst 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 right and who was wrong. |
8 |
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 right and
who was wrong. |
|
| Parties
contend |
¶ My mind at times was greatly
excited for the cry and tumult were so great and incessant. The
Presbyterians were most decided against the Baptists and Methodists, and
used all their powers
of either reason
or 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. |
9 |
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. |
|
War
of words
Who is right? How to know? |
¶ 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? and if any one of
them be right which is it? And how shall I know it? |
10 |
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?
|
|
James
1:5
Ask of God |
¶ 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.["] |
11 |
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.
|
|
| Powerful
impression |
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 [3] passage of
Scripture so differently as <to> destroy all confidence in settling the
question by an appeal to the Bible. |
12 |
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. |
|
| Remain
in darkness or ask God |
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 last came
to the determination to ask
of God, Concluding that if he gave wisdom to them that lacked wisdom,
and would give liberally and not upbraid, I might venture. |
13 |
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 give liberally, and not upbraid, I might venture.
|
|
Spring
1820 to woods
First vocal prayer |
So, in accordance
with this, my determination to ask of God, I retired to the woods to make
the attempt. It was on the morning of a beautiful, clear day early in
the spring of Eighteen hundred and twenty. It was the first time in my
life that I had <made> such an attempt; for amidst all <my> anxieties
I had never as yet made the attempt to pray vocally. |
14 |
So, in accordance with this, my determination
to ask of God, I retired to the woods to make the attempt. It was
on the morning of a beautiful, clear day, early in the spring of eighteen
hundred and twenty. It was the first time in my life that I had made such
an attempt, for amidst all my anxieties I had never as yet made the attempt
to pray vocally.
|
|
Seized
by unseen power
Tongue-tied
Darkness gathers |
¶ After I had retired to the place
where I had previously designed to go, having looked around me and finding
myself alone, I kneeled down and began to offer up the desires of my heart
to God, I had scarcely done so, when immediately I was <seized> upon by
some power which entirely overcame me and <had> such an astonishing influence
over me as to bind my tongue so that I could not speak. Thick darkness
gathered around me, and it seemed to me for a time as if I were doomed
to sudden destruction. |
15 |
After I had retired to the place where I had
previously designed to go, having looked around me, and finding myself
alone, I kneeled down and began to offer up the desires of my heart to
God. I had scarcely done so, when immediately I was seized upon
by some power which entirely overcame me, and had such an astonishing influence
over me as to bind my tongue so that I could not speak. Thick darkness
gathered around me, and it seemed to me for a time as if I were doomed
to sudden destruction. |
|
Calls
on God
|
But exerting all my powers to call upon God
to deliver me out of the power of this enemy which had seized upon me,
and at the very moment when I was ready to sink into despair and abandon
myself to destruction, not to an imaginary ruin but to the power
of some actual being from the unseen world who had such marvelous power
as I had never before felt in any being. |
16 |
But, exerting all my powers to call upon
God to deliver me out of the power of this enemy which had seized upon
me, and at the very moment when I was ready to sink into despair and
abandon myself to destruction—not to an imaginary ruin, but to the
power of some actual being from the unseen world, who had such marvelous
power as I had never before felt in any being— |
|
| Pillar
of light descends |
Just at this moment of great alarm, I
saw a pillar <of> light exactly over my head above the brightness
of the sun, which descended gracefully gradually until it fell
upon me. |
|
just at this moment of great alarm, I saw a
pillar of light exactly over my head, above the brightness of the sun,
which descended gradually until it fell upon me. |
|
Delivered
from enemy
Two personages
This is my Beloved Son |
It no sooner appeared than I found myself delivered from
the enemy which held me bound. When the light rested upon me I saw two
personages (whose brightness and glory defy all description) standing
above me in the air. One of <them> spake unto me calling me by name and
said (pointing to the other) "This is my beloved Son, Hear Him." |
17 |
It no sooner appeared than I found myself delivered
from the enemy which held me bound. When the light rested upon me I saw
two Personages, whose brightness and glory defy all description,
standing above me in the air. One of them spake unto me, calling
me by name and said, pointing to the other—This is My Beloved Son.
Hear Him!
|
|
Purpose
to know which sect right
Asks |
¶ My object in going to inquire
of the Lord was to know which of all the sects was right, that I might
know which to join. No sooner therefore did I get possession of my self
so as to be able to speak, than I asked the personages who stood above
me in the light, which of all the sects was right, (for at this time it
had never entered into my heart that all were wrong) and which I
should join. |
18 |
My object in going to inquire of the
Lord was to know which of all the sects was right, that I might know which
to join. No sooner, therefore, did I get possession of myself, so as to
be able to speak, than I asked the Personages who stood above me in the
light, which of all the sects was right (for at this time it had never
entered into my heart that all were wrong)—and which I should join. |
|
Join
none, all wrong
A form of godliness, but deny the power |
I was answered that I must join
none of them, for they were all wrong, and the Personage who addressed
me said that all their Creeds were an abomination in his sight, that
those professors were all Corrupt, that "they draw near to me with
their lips, but their hearts are far from me, they teach for doctrines
the commandments of men, having a form of Godliness, but they deny the
power thereof." |
19 |
I was answered that I must join none of them,
for they were all wrong; and the Personage who addressed me said that
all their creeds were an abomination in his sight; that those professors
were all corrupt; that: “they draw near to me with their lips,
but their hearts are far from me, they teach for doctrines the commandments
of men, having a form of godliness, but they deny the power thereof.” |
|
Join
none, many other things
Comes to, lying on back |
He again forbade me to join with
any of them and many other things did he say unto me which I cannot write
at this time. When I came to myself again, I found myself lying on <my>
back looking up into Heaven. <B See Note P132> |
20 |
He again forbade me to join with any of them;
and many other things did he say unto me, which I cannot write at this
time. When I came to myself again, I found myself lying on my back,
looking up into heaven. |
|
Leans on fireplace
Tells Lucy Presbyterianism not true
Persecution from devil |
[Note B on page 132:] When the light
had departed I had no strength, but soon recovering in some degree.
I went home. & as I leaned up to the fire piece. Mother Enquired
what the matter was. I replied never mind all is well.—I am
well enough off. I then told my mother,
I have learned for myself that Presbyterianism is not True. It
seems as though the adversary was aware at a very early period of my
life that I was destined to prove a disturber & [133] an annoyer
of his kingdom, or else why should the powers
of Darkness combine against me. why the oppression and
persecution that arose against me. almost in my infancy? |
|
When the light had departed, I had
no strength; but soon recovering in some degree, I went home. And as
I leaned up to the fireplace, mother inquired what the matter was. I
replied, “Never mind, all is well—I am well enough off.” I
then said to my mother, “I have learned
for myself that Presbyterianism is not true.” It seems as though
the adversary was aware, at a very early period of my life, that I was
destined to prove a disturber and an annoyer of his kingdom; else why
should the powers of darkness combine against me? Why the opposition and persecution that arose against me, almost in my infancy? |
Doubled periods correct as shown. |
| |
|
|
Some preachers and other professors
of religion reject account of First Vision—Persecution heaped upon Joseph Smith—He
testifies of the reality of the vision. (Verses 21-26.) |
|
Contemptuous preacher
Visions, revelations ended with apostles |
Some few days after I had this vision
I happened to be in company with one of the Methodist preachers who was
very active in the before mentioned religious excitement and conversing
with him on the subject of religion I took occasion to give him an account
of the vision which I had had. I was greatly surprised at his behavior,
he treated my communication not only lightly but with great contempt,
saying it was all of the Devil, that there were no such things as visions
or revelations in these days, that all such things had ceased with the
[4] apostles and that there never would be
any more of them. |
21 |
Some few days after I had this vision, I happened
to be in company with one of the Methodist preachers, who was very active
in the before mentioned religious excitement; and, conversing with him
on the subject of religion, I took occasion to give him an account of the
vision which I had had. I was greatly surprised at his behavior; he treated
my communication not only lightly, but with great contempt, saying it was
all of the devil, that there were no such things as visions or revelations
in these days; that all such things had ceased with the apostles, and that
there would never be any more of them. |
|
Religious
folk prejudiced, persecute
All unite against young Joseph |
¶ I soon found however that
my telling the story had excited a great deal of prejudice against me
among professors of religion and was the Cause of great persecution,
which continued to increase and though I was an obscure boy only between
fourteen and fifteen years of age <or thereabouts,>
and my circumstance in life such as to make
a boy of no consequence in the world, yet men of high Standing would take
notice sufficiently to excite the public mind against me and create
a hot persecution,
and this was common <among> all the sects: all united to persecute
me. |
22 |
I soon found, however, that my telling the story
had excited a great deal of prejudice against me among professors of religion,
and was the cause of great persecution, which continued to increase;
and though I was an obscure boy, only between fourteen and fifteen
years of age, and my circumstances in life such as to make a boy of no
consequence in the world, yet men of high standing would take notice sufficient
to excite the public mind against me, and create a bitter persecution;
and this was common among all the sects—all united to persecute me. |
<or
thereabouts.>: in different handwriting, ink. |
| Strange
to attract so much attention |
It caused me m serious reflection both then
and often has since how very strange it was that an obscure boy of a
little over fourteen years of age and one, too who was doomed to the
necessity of obtaining a scanty maintenance by his daily labor should
be thought a character of sufficient importance to attract the attention
of the great ones of the most popular sects of the day and in a manner
to create in them a spirit of the most bitter persecution and reviling.
But strange or not, so it was, and was often the cause of great sorrow
to myself. |
23 |
It caused me serious reflection then, and often
has since, how very strange it was that an obscure boy, of a little
over fourteen years of age, and one, too, who was doomed to the necessity
of obtaining a scanty maintenance by his daily labor, should be thought
a character of sufficient importance to attract the attention of the great
ones of the most popular sects of the day, and in a manner to create in
them a spirit of the most bitter persecution and reviling. But
strange or not, so it was, and it was often
the cause of great sorrow to myself. |
|
Could
not deny vision
Paul couldn't deny either |
However it was nevertheless a fact, that I had beheld a vision.
I have thought since that I felt much like as Paul did when
he made his defence before King Aggrippa, and related the account of the
vision he had when t 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
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. |
24 |
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. |
|
Joseph
saw two personages
Hated and persecuted for telling the truth |
So it was with me, I had actual[l]y
seen a light and in the midst of that light I saw two personages, and
they did in reality speak <un>to me,
or one of them did, 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. |
25 |
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. |
|
| James
was right, will wait |
¶ I had now got my mind satisfied
so far as the sectarian world was concerned, that it was not my duty
to join with any of them, but continue
as I was untill further directed for I had found the testimony
of James to be true, that a man who lacked
wisdom might ask of God, and obtain and not be upbraided. |
26 |
I had now got my mind satisfied so far as the
sectarian world was concerned—that it was not my duty to join with
any of them, but to continue as I was until further directed. I
had found the testimony of James to be true—that a man who lacked
wisdom might ask of God, and obtain, and not be upbraided.
|
for: canceled
in different ink or pencil. |
| |
|
|
Moroni appears to Joseph Smith—Joseph’s name
is to be known for good and evil among all nations—Moroni tells him
of the Book of Mormon and of the coming judgments of the Lord, and quotes
many scriptures—The hiding place of the gold plates is revealed—Moroni
continues to instruct the Prophet. (Verses 27-54.) |
|
| Severe
persecution |
I continued to pursue my common vocations in
life untill the twenty first of September, One thousand Eight hundred
and twenty three, all the time suffering severe persecution at the hands
of all classes of men, both religious and irreligious because I continued
to affirm that I <had> seen a vision. |
27 |
I continued to pursue my common vocations in
life until the twenty-first of September, one thousand eight hundred and
twenty-three, all the time suffering severe persecution at the hands of
all classes of men, both religious and irreligious, because I continued
to affirm that I had seen a vision.
|
|
| Others
should have tried to help |
¶ During
the space of time which intervened between the time I had the vision and
the year Eighteen hundred and twenty three, (having
been forbidden to join any of the religious sects of the day, and being
of very tender years and persecuted by those who ought to have been my
friends, and to have treated me kindly [5] and if they supposed me to
be deluded to have endeavored in a proper and affectionate manner to have
reclaimed me) |
28 |
During the space of time which intervened between
the time I had the vision and the year eighteen hundred and twenty-three—having
been forbidden to join any of the religious sects of the day, and being
of very tender years, and persecuted by those who ought to have been my
friends and to have treated me kindly, and if they supposed me to be deluded
to have endeavored in a proper and affectionate manner to have reclaimed
me— |
|
Foolish
errors, weakness of youth
No great sin
Levity, jovial company |
I was left to all kinds
of temptations, and mingling <with> all kinds of society I frequently <fell> into many foolish errors and displayed the weakness
of youth, and the corruption <foibles> of human nature
which I am sorry to say led me into divers temptations to the gratification
of many appetites offensive in the sight of God. <See Note C. P. 133> |
|
I was left to all kinds of temptations; and,
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. |
"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,' ¶ Oliver's History of the Church |
| |
Note C |
|
|
|
| |
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, & sometimes associated
with Jovial company &c, 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 & is
acqur<auint>ed with my native cheerly Temperament. |
|
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. |
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.
… I often acted in violation of those holy precepts which I knew came
from God." Joseph Smith in ¶ Oliver Cowdery's
History of the Church (1835) |
1823 prays for forgiveness
Confident of getting a divine manifestation |
In consequence of these things I often
felt condemned for my weakness and imperfections; when on the evening
of the above mentioned twenty first of september, after I had retired
to my bed for the night I betook myself to prayer and supplication to
Almighty God for forgiveness of all my sins and follies, and also for
a manifestation to me that I might know of my state and standing before
him. For I had full confidence in obtaining a divine manifestation, as
I previously had one. |
29 |
In consequence of these things, I often felt
condemned for my weakness and imperfections; when, on the evening of the
above-mentioned twenty-first of September, after I had retired to my bed
for the night, I betook myself to prayer and supplication to Almighty
God for forgiveness of all my sins and follies, and also for a manifestation
to me, that I might know of my state and standing before him; for I had
full confidence in obtaining a divine manifestation, as I previously
had one. |
|
Light
appears
Personage standing in the air |
While I was thus in the act of Calling upon God, I discovered
a light appearing in the my room
which continued to increase untill the room was lighter than at noonday
and when immediately
a personage <appeared> at my bedside standing in the air for his feet
did not touch the floor. |
30 |
While I was thus in the act of calling upon
God, I discovered a light appearing in my room, which continued
to increase until the room was lighter than at noonday, when immediately
a personage appeared at my bedside, standing in the air, for his feet
did not touch the floor. |
|
| White
robe |
He had on a loose robe of most exquisite whiteness. It was
a whiteness beyond any <thing> earthly I had ever seen, nor do I believe
that any earthly thing Could be made to appear so exceedingly white and
brilliant, His hands were naked, and his arms also, a little above the
wrists. So also were his feet naked as were his legs a little above
the ankles. His head and neck were also bare. I could discover that he
had no other Clothing on but this robe, as it was open so that I could
see into his bosom. |
31 |
He had on a loose robe of most exquisite whiteness. It was
a whiteness beyond anything earthly I had ever seen; nor do I
believe that any earthly thing could be made to appear so exceedingly white
and brilliant. His hands were naked, and his arms also, a little above
the wrist; so, also, were his feet naked, as were his legs, a little
above the ankles. His head and neck were also bare. I could discover that
he had no other clothing on but this robe, as it was open, so that I could
see into his bosom. |
|
Glorious
personage
Afraid at first |
¶ Not only was his robe exceedingly
white, but his whole person was glorious beyond description, and his countenance
truly like lightning. The room was exceedingly light, but not so very
bright as immediately around his person. When I first looked upon him
I was afraid, but the fear soon left me. |
32 |
Not only was his robe exceedingly white, but his whole person
was glorious beyond description, and his countenance truly like lightning.
The room was exceedingly light, but not so very bright as immediately around
his person. When I first looked upon him, I was afraid; but the fear soon
left me. |
|
Moroni:
God has a work for you
To be known for good and evil world-wide |
He called me by name and said unto
me that he was a messenger sent from the presence of God to me and that
his name was Nephi <Moroni>.*
That God had a work for me to do, and that my <name> should be had for
good and evil among all nations kindreds and tongues. or that it should
be both good and evil spoken of among all people. |
33 |
He called me by name, and said unto
me that he was a messenger sent from the presence of God to me, and that
his name was Moroni; that God had a work for me to do; and that my name
should be had for good and evil among all nations, kindreds, and tongues,
or that it should be both good and evil spoken of among all people. |
*: Moroni is inserted
above Nephi.
The asterisk is above the period. Dean Jessee
suggests they may have been inserted by B. H. Roberts. Papers 1:277n1. |
Gold
plates, a history
Everlasting gospel |
He said there was a book deposited written
upon gold plates, giving an account of the former inhabitants of this
Continent and the source from whence they Sprang. He also said that the
fullness of the everlasting Gospel was contained in it as delivered by
the Savior to the ancient inhabitants. |
34 |
He said there was a book deposited,
written upon gold plates, giving an account of the former inhabitants of
this continent, and the source from whence they sprang. He also said that
the fulness of the everlasting Gospel was contained in it, as delivered
by the Savior to the ancient inhabitants; |
|
| Urim
and Thummim, the seers, made for translating |
Also that there were two stones in silver
bows and these <stones> (<fastened> put<the possession
and use of these stones> in to a breastplate) which constituted
what is called the Urim
& Thummin deposited with the plates, and that <their stones> was what
constituted seers in
ancient or former times and that God <had> prepared them for the
purpose of translating the book. |
35 |
Also, that there were two stones in silver
bows—and these stones, fastened to a breastplate, constituted what
is called the Urim and Thummim—deposited with the plates; and
the possession and use of these stones
were what constituted "seers" in
ancient or former times; and that God had prepared them for the purpose
of translating the book. |
(<stones> (<fastened>, <the
possession and use of these stones>, and ) are in a different
ink and handwriting. |
| Quotes
Malachi 3, 4 (modified) |
After telling me these things he commenced
quoting the prophecies of the Old testament, he first quoted part of
the third Chapter of Malachi and he quoted also the fourth or last chapter
of the same prophecy though with a little variation from the way it reads
in our Bibles. Instead of quoting the first verse as reads in our books
he quoted it thus, |
36 |
After telling me these things, he commenced
quoting the prophecies of the Old Testament. He first quoted part of the
third chapter of Malachi; and he quoted also the fourth or last chapter
of the same prophecy, though with a little variation from the way it reads
in our Bibles. Instead of quoting the first verse as it reads in our books,
he quoted it thus: |
Malachi
3 |
| Earth
shall burn as an oven |
"For behold the day cometh that shall burn
as an oven, and all the proud <yea> and all that do wickedly shall burn
as stubble, for <the y day>
that Cometh shall burn them saith the Lord
of hosts, that it shall leave them neither root nor branch." |
37 |
For behold, the day cometh that shall burn as
an oven, and all the proud, yea, and all that do wickedly shall burn as
stubble; for they that come shall burn them, saith the Lord of Hosts, that
it shall leave them neither root nor branch. |
"For, behold, the day cometh,
that shall burn as an oven; and all the proud, yea, and all that do wickedly,
shall be stubble: and the day that cometh shall burn them up, saith the
LORD of hosts, that it shall leave them neither root nor branch." Malachi
4:1. Unchanged in Joseph's translation
of the Bible. |
| Elijah
to reveal priesthood |
And again he quoted
the fifth verse thus, "Behold I will reveal unto you the Priesthood
by the hand of Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful
day of the Lord." |
38 |
And again, he
quoted the fifth verse thus: Behold, I will reveal unto you the Priesthood,
by the hand of Elijah the prophet, before the coming of the great and dreadful
day of the Lord. |
"Behold, I will send you
Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of
the LORD." Malachi
4:5. Unchanged in Joseph's
translation of the Bible. Included as D&C
2
in 1876. |
| Plant
promises in children's and fathers' hearts |
He also quoted the next verse differently.
[6] And he shall plant in the hearts of the Children the promises made
to the fathers, and the hearts of the Children shall turn to their fathers,
if it were not so the whole earth would be utterly wasted at his coming." |
39 |
He also quoted the next verse differently: And
he shall plant in the hearts of the children the promises made to the fathers,
and the hearts of the children shall turn to their fathers. If it were
not so, the whole earth would be utterly wasted at his coming. |
At the bottom of page 5 is the
following note: * Evidently a clerical error; see Book Doc & Cov.
See 50, par 2; See 106, par 20; also Elders' Journal 1, page 43. Should
read Moroni.
"And
he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart
of the children to their fathers, lest I come and smite the earth with
a curse." Malachi 4:6. Unchanged in Joseph's translation. |
Isaiah
11 about to be fulfilled (end time)
|
In addition to these, he quotations he
quoted the Eleventh Chapter of Isaiah, saying that it was about to be fulfilled.
He quoted also the third Chapter of Acts, twenty second and twenty third
verses precisely as they stand in our new testament, He said that that
prophet was Christ, but the day had not yet come when "they who would
not hear his voice should be cut off from among the people," but soon
would come. |
40 |
In addition to these, he quoted the eleventh
chapter of Isaiah, saying that it was about to be fulfilled. He quoted
also the third chapter of Acts, twenty-second and twenty-third verses,
precisely as they stand in our New Testament. He said that that prophet
was Christ; but the day had not yet come when "they who would not
hear his voice should be cut off from among the people," but soon
would come. |
Isaiah
11
"For Moses truly said unto the fathers, A prophet
shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren, like unto me;
him shall ye hear in all things whatsoever he shall say unto you. And
it shall come to pass, that every soul, which will not hear that prophet,
shall be destroyed from among the people." Acts 3:22–23 |
| Joel
Fulness of the
Gentiles |
¶ He
also quoted the second chapter of Joel from the twenty eighth verse to
the last. He also said that this was not yet fulfilled, but was soon to
be. And he further stated that the fullness of the gentiles was soon to
come in. He quoted many other passages of scripture and offered many
explanations which cannot be mentioned here. |
41 |
He also quoted the second chapter of Joel,
from the twenty-eighth verse to the last. He also said that this was not
yet fulfilled, but was soon to be. And he further stated that the fulness
of the Gentiles was soon to come in. He quoted many other passages of scripture,
and offered many explanations which cannot be mentioned here. |
¶
Joel 2 |
Don't
show plates, breastplate, Urim and Thummim unless commanded
Sees the place |
¶ Again he told me that when
I got those plates of which he had spoken (for the time that they
should be obtained was not yet fulfilled) I
should not show <them> to any person, neither the breastplate with the
Urim and Thummin only to those to whom I should be commanded to show
them. If I did I should be destroyed. While he was conversing with me
about the plates the vision was opened to my mind that I could see the
place where the plates were deposited and that so clearly and distinctly
that I knew the place again when I visited it. |
42 |
Again, he told me, that when I got those plates of which
he had spoken—for the time that they should be obtained was not yet
fulfilled—I should not show them to any person; neither the breastplate
with the Urim and Thummim; only to those to whom I should be commanded
to show them; if I did I should be destroyed. While he was conversing with
me about the plates, the vision was opened to my mind that I could see
the place where the plates were deposited, and that so clearly and distinctly
that I knew the place again when I visited it. |
|
| Light
gathers around the person, ascends into heaven |
¶ After this conversation communication
I saw the light in the room begin to gather immediately around the person
of him who had been speaking to me and it continued to do so untill the
room was again left dark, except just round him
when instantly I saw as it were a conduit open right up into heaven,
and he ascended till he entirely disappeared And the room was left as
it had been before this heavenly light had made its appearance. |
43 |
After this communication, I saw the light in the room begin
to gather immediately around the person of him who had been speaking to
me, and it continued to do so until the room was again left dark, except
just around him; when, instantly I saw, as it were, a conduit open right
up into heaven, and he ascended till he entirely disappeared, and the room
was left as it had been before this heavenly light had made its appearance. |
|
| Second
visit |
¶ I lay musing on the singularity
of the scene and marvelling greatly at what had been told me by this
extraordinary messenger, when in the midst of my meditation I suddenly
discovered that my room was again beginning to get lighted, and in an
instant as it were, the same heavenly messenger was again by my bedside. |
44 |
I lay musing on the singularity of the scene, and marveling
greatly at what had been told to me by this extraordinary messenger; when,
in the midst of my meditation, I suddenly discovered that my room was again
beginning to get lighted, and in an instant, as it were, the same heavenly
messenger was again by my bedside. |
|
Repeats
message without change
Judgments coming, calamities, wars |
He commenced and again related the very same things which
he had done at his first visit without the least variation which having
done, he informed me of great judgments which were coming upon the earth,
with great desolations by famine, sword, and pestilence, and that these
grievous judgments would come on the earth in this generation: Having
related these things he again ascended as he had done before. |
45 |
He commenced, and again related the very same things which
he had done at his first visit, without the least variation; which having
done, he informed me of great judgments which were coming upon the earth,
with great desolations by famine, sword, and pestilence; and that these
grievous judgments would come on the earth in this generation. Having related
these things, he again ascended as he had done before. |
|
| Astonished, can't sleep |
¶ By this time so deep were the
impressions made on my mind that sleep had fled from my eyes and I lay
overwhelmed in astonishment at what I had both seen and heard; |
46 |
By this time, so deep were the impressions made on my mind,
that sleep had fled from my eyes, and I lay overwhelmed in astonishment
at what I had both seen and heard. |
|
Third visit
Repeats message
Satan will tempt (poverty)
Only object to build God's kingdom |
¶ But what
was my surprise when again I beheld the same messenger at my bedside,
and heard him rehearse or repeat over again to me the same things as before
and added a caution to me, telling me that Satan would try to tempt me
(in consequence of the indigent circumstances of my father's family)
to get the plates for the purpose of getting rich, This he forbid me,
saying that I must have me 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. |
|
But what was my surprise when again I beheld the same messenger at my
bedside, and heard him rehearse or repeat over again to me the same things
as before; and added a caution to me, telling me that Satan would try to
tempt me (in consequence of the indigent circumstances of my father's family),
to get the plates for the purpose of getting rich. 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. |
|
| Cock
crows |
¶ After this third
visit he again ascended into heaven as before and I was again left to
ponder on the [7] strangeness of what I had just experienced, when almost
immediately after the heavenly messenger had ascended from me for the
third time, the Cock crew, and I found that
day was approaching, so that our interviews must have occupied the whole
of that night. |
47 |
After this third visit, he again ascended into heaven as
before, and I was again left to ponder on the strangeness of what I had
just experienced; when almost immediately after the heavenly messenger
had ascended from me for the third time, the cock crowed, and I found that
day was approaching, so that our interviews must have occupied the whole
of that night. |
|
Faints
at work
Falls unconscious |
¶ I shortly after arose from
my bed, and as usual went to the necessary labors of the day, but in
attempting to labor as at other times, I
found my strength so exhausted as rendered me
entirely unable. |
48 |
I shortly after arose from my bed, and, as usual, went to
the necessary labors of the day; but, in attempting to work as at other
times, I found my strength so exhausted as to render me
entirely unable. |
|
| |
¶ My father who was laboring along <with>
me discovered something to be wrong with me and told me to go home. I
started with the intention of going to the house, but in attempting to
cross the fence out of the field where we were, my strength entirely failed
me and I fell helpless on the ground and for a time was quite unconscious
of anything. |
|
My father, who was laboring along with me, discovered something to be
wrong with me, and told me to go home. I started with the intention of
going to the house; but, in attempting to cross the fence out of the field
where we were, my strength entirely failed me, and I fell helpless on the
ground, and for a time was quite unconscious of anything. |
|
Messenger
appears
Repeats message
Tell father |
The first thing that I can recollect was a voice speaking
unto me, Calling me by name. I looked up and beheld the Same messenger
standing over my head surrounded by light as before. He then again related
unto me all that he had related to me the previous night, and commanded
me to go to my father and tell him of the vision and commandments which
I had received. |
49 |
The first thing that I can recollect was a voice speaking
unto me, calling me by name. I looked up, and beheld the same messenger
standing over my head, surrounded by light as before. He then again related
unto me all that he had related to me the previous night, and commanded
me to go to my father and tell him of the vision and commandments which
I had received. |
|
Tells
father
Joseph Sr. believes
Joseph goes to site |
¶ I obeyed. I returned to my
father in the field and rehearsed the whole matter to him. He replyed
to me, that it was of God, and to go and do as commanded by the
messenger. I left the field and went to the place where the messenger
had told me the plates were deposited, and owing to the distinctness
of the vision which I had had concerning it, I knew the place the instant
that I arrived there.* |
50 |
I obeyed; I returned to my father in the field, and rehearsed
the whole matter to him. He replied to me that it was of God, and told
me to go and do as commanded by the messenger. I left the field, and went
to the place where the messenger had told me the plates were deposited;
and owing to the distinctness of the vision which I had had concerning
it, I knew the place the instant that I arrived there. |
|
| |
* I mentioned to President Smith that I considered
it necessary that an explanation of <the location of> this place where
the box was desposited would be required in order that the history be
satisfactory. |
|
|
Purple:
Note in the hand of James Mulholland (according to Dean Jessee) attached
to the manuscript. |
| |
J, M. |
|
|
|
Hill
|
* Convenient to the little village
of Manchester, Ontario County, New york, Stands a hill of Considerable
Size, And the most elevated of any in the neighborhood, On the west side
of this hill not far from the top |
51 |
Convenient to the village of Manchester, Ontario county,
New York, stands a hill of considerable size, and the most elevated of
any in the neighborhood. On the west side of this hill, not far from the
top, |
Written on opposite of the note,
by James Mulholland. |
| Stone visible |
Under a stound stone of considerable size, lay the
plates deposited in a stone box, This stone was thick and rounding in the
middle on the upper side, and thinner towards the edges, so that the middle
part of it was visible above the ground, but the edge all round was covered with
earth. |
|
under a stone of considerable size, lay the plates, deposited in a stone
box. This stone was thick and rounding in the middle on the upper side,
and thinner towards the edges, so that the middle part of it was visible
above the ground, but the edge all around was covered with earth. |
|
Raises
with lever
Sees plates, Urim and Thummim, breastplate |
Having removed the earth off the edge of the Stone, and obtained
a lever which I got fixed under the edge of the Stone, and with a little
exertion raised it up, I looked in and there indeed did I behold the
plates, the Urim and Thummin, and the Breastplate as stated by the messenger
The box in which they lay was formed by laying stones together in some
kind of Cement, in the bottom of the box were laid two stones crossways
of the box, and on these stones lay the plates and the other things with
them. |
52 |
Having removed the earth, I obtained a lever, which I got
fixed under the edge of the stone, and with a little exertion raised it
up. I looked in, and there indeed did I behold the plates, the Urim and
Thummim, and the breastplate, as stated by the messenger. The box in which
they lay was formed by laying stones together in some kind of cement. In
the bottom of the box were laid two stones crossways of the box, and on
these stones lay the plates and the other things with them. |
|
Messenger
prevents taking plates
Wait 4 years
Come again in a year |
I made an attempt to take them out but was forbidden by
the messenger and was again informed that the time <for> bringing them
forth had not yet arrived, neither would untill four years from that
time, but he told me that I should come to that place precisely in one
year from that time, and that he would there meet with me, and that I
should continue to do so untill the time should come for obtaining the
plates. |
53 |
I made an attempt to take them out, but was forbidden by
the messenger, and was again informed that the time for bringing them forth
had not yet arrived, neither would it, until four years from that time;
but he told me that I should come to that place precisely in one year from
that time, and that he would there meet with me, and that I should continue
to do so until the time should come for obtaining the plates. |
|
| Goes
each year, sees messenger, who instructs regarding conduct of coming kingdom |
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. |
54 |
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. |
|
| Poor,
manual labor |
¶ As my father's worldly circumstances
were very <limited>, we were under the necessity of laboring with our
hands, hiring by days works and otherwise as we could get opportunity,
sometimes we were at home and some times abroad and by continued labor
were enabled to get a comfortable maintenance. |
55 |
As my father's worldly circumstances were very limited, we
were under the necessity of laboring with our hands, hiring out by day's
work and otherwise, as we could get opportunity. Sometimes we were at home,
and sometimes abroad, and by continuous labor were enabled to get a comfortable
maintenance. |
|
| 1823
Alvin dies |
¶ In
the year Eighteen hundred and twenty four my fathers family met with
a great affliction by the death of my eldest brother Alvin. |
56 |
In the year 1823 my father's family met with
a great affliction by the death of my eldest brother, Alvin. |
|
1825
works for Stoal
Spanish treasure rumor
Money-digger |
In the month of
October Eighteen hundred and twenty five I hired with an old Gentleman,
by the name of Josiah Stoal [8] who lived in Chenango County, State of
New York. He had heard something of a Silver mine having been opened by
the Spaniards in Harmony, Susquahanna County, State of Pensylvania, and
had previous to my hiring with him been digging
in order if possible to discover the mine. After I went to live with
<him> he took me among the rest of his
hands to dig for the silver mine, at which I continued to work for nearly
a month without success in our undertaking, and finally I prevailed with
the Old gentleman to cease digging after it. Hence arose the very prevalent
story of my having been a money digger. |
|
In the month of October,
1825, I hired with an old gentleman by the name of Josiah Stoal, who lived
in Chenango county, State of New York. He had heard something of a silver
mine having been opened by the Spaniards in Harmony, Susquehanna county,
State of Pennsylvania; and had, previous to my hiring to him, been digging,
in order, if possible, to discover the mine. After I went to live with
him, he took me, with the rest of his hands, to dig for the silver mine,
at which I continued to work for nearly a month, without success in our
undertaking, and finally I prevailed with the old gentleman to cease digging
after it. Hence arose the very prevalent story of my having been a money-digger. |
Stoal: elsewhere spelled Stowell |
Boards
with the Hales
1827 marries Emma |
¶ During
the time that I was thus employed I was put to board with a Mr Isaac
Hale of that place, Twas there that I
first saw my wife, (his daughter) Emma Hale. On the eighteenth of January
Eighteen hundred and twenty seven we were married while I was yet
employed in the service of Mr Stoal. |
57 |
During the time that I was
thus employed, I was put to board with a Mr. Isaac Hale, of that place;
it was there I first saw my wife (his daughter), Emma Hale. On the 18th
of January, 1827, we were married, while I was yet employed in the service
of Mr. Stoal. |
|
Persecution
Moves back to Joseph Sr.'s |
Owing to my continuing to assert that I had seen a vision,
persecution still followed me, and so much was my wife's father excited,
that he was greatly <and my wife's father's family were very much> opposed
to our being married, in so much that he would not suffer us to be married
at his house, I was therefore under the necessity of taking her elsewhere,
so we went and were married at Mr St the house of Mr Stoal. <Squire
Tarbill. in South Bainbridge. Chenango County. New york.> Immediately
after my marriage I left Mr. Stoals, and went to my father's and farmed
with him that season. |
58 |
Owing to my continuing to assert that I had seen a vision,
persecution still followed me, and my wife's father's family were very
much opposed to our being married. I was, therefore, under the necessity
of taking her elsewhere; so we went and were married at the house of Squire
Tarbill, in South Bainbridge, Chenango county, New York. Immediately after
my marriage, I left Mr. Stoal's, and went to my father's, and farmed with
him that season. |
|
September
22, 1827
Messenger delivers plates to Joseph
Will be protected |
¶ At length the
time arrived for obtaining the plates, the Urim and Thummin and the breastplate,
On the twenty second day of September, One thousand Eight hundred and twenty
seven, having went as usual at the end of
another year to the place where they were deposited, the same heavenly
messenger delivered them up to me with this charge that I should be responsible
for them. That if I should let them go Carelessly or <through> any
neglect of mine I should be cut off; but that if I would use all my endeavours
to preserve them untill <he> (the messenger) Called should
call for them, they should be protected. |
59 |
At length the time arrived for obtaining the plates, the
Urim and Thummim, and the breastplate. On the twenty-second day of September,
one thousand eight hundred and twenty-seven, having gone as usual at the
end of another year to the place where they were deposited, the same heavenly
messenger delivered them up to me with this charge: that I should be responsible
for them; that if I should let them go carelessly, or through any neglect
of mine, I should be cut off; but that if I would use all my endeavors
to preserve them, until he, the messenger, should call for them, they should
be protected. |
|
| Attempts
to get plates
|
¶ I
soon found out the reason why I had received such strict charges to keep
them safe, and why it was that the messenger had said that when I had
done what was required at my hand, he would call for them, for no sooner
was it known that I had them, than the most strenious exertions were used
to get them from me. Every stratagem that Could be resorted invented
was resorted to for that purpose. |
60 |
I soon found out the reason
why I had received such strict charges to keep them safe, and why it was
that the messenger had said that when I had done what was required at my
hand, he would call for them. For no sooner was it known that I had them,
than the most strenuous exertions were used to get them from me. Every
stratagem that could be invented was resorted to for that purpose. |
|
| |
¶ The persecution
became more bitter and severe than before, and multitudes were on the alert
continualy to get them from me if possible |
|
The persecution became more bitter and severe than before, and multitudes
were on the alert continually to get them from me if possible. |
|
Joseph
completes work, messenger has plates
|
but by the wisdom of God they remained safe in my hands
untill I had accomplished by them what was required at my hand, when
according to arrangement the messenger called for them, I delivered them
up to him and he has them in his charge untill this day, being the Second
day of May, One thousand Eight hundred and thirty eight |
|
But by the wisdom of God, they remained safe in my hands,
until I had accomplished by them what was required at my hand. When, according
to arrangements, the messenger called for them, I delivered them up to
him; and he has them in his charge until this day, being the second day
of May, one thousand eight hundred and thirty-eight. |
|
Rumors,
persecution
Moves to Pennsylvania
Meets Martin Harris of Palmyra |
The excitement however still continued, and rumour with her
thousand tongues was all the time employed in circulating tales about
my father's family and about myself. If I were to relate a thousan<d>th
part of them it would fill up volumes. The persecution however became
so intolerable that I was under the necessity of leaving Manchester and
going with my wife <to> Susquahana County in the State of Pensyllvania.
While preparing to start (being very poor and the persecution
so heavy upon us that there was no probability that we would ever be other
wise) in
the midst of our afflictions we found a friend in a Gentleman by the name
of Martin Harris, who Came to us and gave me fifty dollar [9] to assist
us in our affliction,
Mr. Harris was a resident of Palmyra township Wayne County in the State
of New York and a farmer of respectability. |
61 |
The excitement, however, still continued, and rumor with
her thousand tongues was all the time employed in circulating falsehoods about my father's family, and about myself. If I were to relate a thousandth
part of them, it would fill up volumes. The persecution, however, became
so intolerable that I was under the necessity of leaving Manchester, and
going with my wife to Susquehanna county, in the State of Pennsylvania.
While preparing to start—being very poor, and the persecution so heavy
upon us that there was no probability that we would ever be otherwise—in
the midst of our afflictions we found a friend in a gentleman by the name
of Martin Harris, who came to us and gave me fifty dollars to assist us
on our journey. Mr. Harris was a resident of Palmyra township, Wayne county,
in the State of New York, and a farmer of respectability. |
|
Copies characters
Translates
at Hale home
|
By this timely aid was I enabled to reach the place of my
destination in Pensylvania, and immediately after my arrival there I
commenced copying the characters off all the plates. I copyed a
considerable number of them and by means of the Urim and Thummin I translated
some of them which I did between the time I arrived at the house of my
wife's father in the month of December, and the February following. |
62 |
By this timely aid was I enabled to reach the place of my
destination in Pennsylvania; and immediately after my arrival there I commenced
copying the characters off the plates. I copied a considerable number of
them, and by means of the Urim and Thummim I translated some of them, which
I did between the time I arrived at the house of my wife's father, in the
month of December, and the February following. |
|
| Martin
visits, takes characters |
Some time in this month of February the
aforementioned Mr Martin Harris came to our place, got the Characters
which I had drawn off of the plates and started with them to the
City of New York. For what took place relative to him and the characters
I refer to his own account of the Circumstances as he related them to me
after his return, which was as follows. |
63 |
Sometime in this month of February, the
aforementioned Mr. Martin Harris came to our place, got the characters
which I had drawn off the plates, and started with them to the city of
New York. For what took place relative to him and the characters, I refer
to his own account of the circumstances, as he related them to me after
his return, which was as follows: |
|
| Charles
Anthon |
"I went to the City of New
York and presented the Characters which had been translated, with the
translation thereof, to Professor <Charles> Anthony a gentleman
celebrated for his literary attainments. |
64 |
I went to the city of New York, and presented
the characters which had been translated, with the translation thereof,
to Professor Charles Anthon, a gentleman celebrated for his literary attainments. |
|
| Verifies
translation |
Professor Anthony stated that the translation
was correct, more so than any he had before seen translated from the Egyptian. |
|
Professor Anthon stated that the translation
was correct, more so than any he had before seen translated from the Egyptian. |
|
| Characters
authentic |
¶ I then shewed him
those which were not yet translated, and he said that they were Egyptian,
Chaldeak, Assyriac, and Arabac, and he said they were true characters. |
|
I then showed him those which were not yet translated, and
he said that they were Egyptian, Chaldaic, Assyriac, and Arabic; and he
said they were true characters. |
|
| Certificate |
He gave me a certificate certifying to the
people of Palmyra that they were true characters and that the translation
of such of them as had been translated was also correct. |
|
He gave me a certificate, certifying to the
people of Palmyra that they were true characters, and that the translation
of such of them as had been translated was also correct. |
|
| Gold
plates, angel |
¶ I took the Certificate
and put it into my pocket, and was just leaving the house, when Mr Anthony called me back, and asked me how the young man found out that there were
gold plates in the place where he found them. I answered that an Angel
of God had revealed it unto him. |
|
I took the certificate and put it into my pocket,
and was just leaving the house, when Mr. Anthon called me back, and asked
me how the young man found out that there were gold plates in the place
where he found them. I answered that an angel of God had revealed it unto
him. |
|
| Destroys
certificate |
He then said to me, Let me see that certificate.
I accordingly took it out of my pocket and gave it to him when he took
it and tore it to pieces, saying that there was no such thing now as
ministering of angels, and that if I would bring the plates to him,
he would translate them. |
65 |
He then said to me, "Let me see that certificate." I
accordingly took it out of my pocket and gave it to him, when he took it
and tore it to pieces, saying that there was no such thing now as ministering
of angels, and that if I would bring the plates to him he would translate
them. |
|
| Cannot
read a sealed book |
* <I informed him that part of the plates were
sealed, and that I was forbidden to bring them. he replied, "I cannot
read a sealed book".> |
|
I informed him that part of the plates were
sealed, and that I was forbidden to bring them. He replied, "I cannot
read a sealed book." |
The inserted sentence in MHC
appears to be in the same hand as the surrounding the text. |
|
I left him and went to Dr Mitchel who sanctioned what Professor
Anthony had said respecting both the Characters and the translation." |
|
I left him and went to Dr. Mitchell, who sanctioned what
Professor Anthon had said respecting both the characters and the translation. |
Mitchell: Samuel L. Mitchell or Mitchel |
| |
Manuscript
History of the Church |
|
Martin returns April
12, 1828
Complete 116 pages on June 14 |
¶ Mr
Harris having returned from this tour he left me and went home to Palmyra,
arranged his affairs, and returned again to my house about the twelfth
of April Eighteen hundred and twenty eight, And commenced writing for me
while I translated from the plates, which we Continued untill the fourteenth
of June following, by which time he had written one hundred and sixteen <pages> of
manuscript on foolscap paper. |
Not in Joseph Smith–History. |
| |
Manuscript History of the
Church |
|
Joseph Smith—History |
|
| Oliver
Cowdery arrives April 5, 1829 |
¶ On the 5th day of April, 1829, Oliver
Cowdery came to my house, until which time I had never seen him. He stated
to me that having been teaching school in the neighborhood where my father
resided, and my father being one of those who sent to the school, he went
to board for a season at his house, and while there the family related to
him the circumstances of my having received the plates, and accordingly
he had come to make inquiries of me. |
66 |
On the 5th day of April, 1829, Oliver Cowdery
came to my house, until which time I had never seen him. He stated to me
that having been teaching school in the neighborhood where my father resided,
and my father being one of those who sent to the school, he went to board
for a season at his house, and while there the family related to him the
circumstances of my having received the plates, and accordingly he had
come to make inquiries of me. |
|
| Writes
for Joseph |
Two days after the arrival of Mr. Cowdery (being the 7th of
April) I commenced to translate the Book of Mormon, and he began to write
for me. |
67 |
Two days after the arrival of Mr. Cowdery (being the 7th
of April) I commenced to translate the Book of Mormon, and he began to
write for me. |
|
May,
1829 pray about baptism
Messengers lays on hands |
We still continued the work of translation, when, in the
ensuing month (May, 1829), we on a certain day went into the woods to pray
and inquire of the Lord respecting baptism for the remission of sins, that
we found mentioned in the translation of the plates. While we were thus
employed, praying and calling upon the Lord, a messenger from heaven descended
in a cloud of light, and having laid his hands upon us, he ordained us,
saying: |
68 |
We still continued the work of translation, when, in the
ensuing month (May, 1829), we on a certain day went into the woods to pray
and inquire of the Lord respecting baptism for the remission of sins, that
we found mentioned in the translation of the plates. While we were thus
employed, praying and calling upon the Lord, a messenger from heaven descended
in a cloud of light, and having laid his hands upon us, he ordained us,
saying: |
|
| Priesthood
of Aaron |
Upon you my fellow servants, in the name
of Messiah, I confer the Priesthood of Aaron, which holds the keys of the
ministering of angels, and of the gospel of repentance, and of baptism by
immersion for the remission of sins; and this shall never be taken again
from the earth until the sons of Levi do offer again an offering unto the
Lord in righteousness. |
69 |
Upon you my fellow servants, in the name
of Messiah, I confer the Priesthood of Aaron, which holds the keys of the
ministering of angels, and of the gospel of repentance, and of baptism
by immersion for the remission of sins; and this shall never be taken again
from the earth until the sons of Levi do offer again an offering unto the
Lord in righteousness. |
Subsequently included in
the Doctrine and Covenants as Section 13.
|
| Authority
to baptize |
He said this Aaronic Priesthood had not the power of laying
on hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost, but that this should be conferred
on us hereafter; and he commanded us to go and be baptized, and gave us
directions that I should baptize Oliver Cowdery, and that afterwards he
should baptize me. |
70 |
He said this Aaronic Priesthood had not the power of laying
on hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost, but that this should be conferred
on us hereafter; and he commanded us to go and be baptized, and gave us
directions that I should baptize Oliver Cowdery, and that afterwards he
should baptize me. |
|
| Baptize,
ordain each other, |
Accordingly we went and were baptized. I baptized him first,
and afterwards he baptized me—after which I laid my hands upon his
head and ordained him to the Aaronic Priesthood, and afterwards he laid
his hands on me and ordained me to the same Priesthood—for so we were
commanded. |
71 |
Accordingly we went and were baptized. I baptized him first,
and afterwards he baptized me—after which I laid my hands upon his
head and ordained him to the Aaronic Priesthood, and afterwards he laid
his hands on me and ordained me to the same Priesthood—for so we were
commanded. |
|
Messenger
John, acting under Peter, James and John.
May 15, 1829 |
The messenger who visited us on this occasion and conferred
this Priesthood upon us, said that his name was John, the same that is called
John the Baptist in the New Testament, and that he acted under the direction
of Peter, James and John, who held the keys of the Priesthood of Melchizedek,
which Priesthood, he said, would in due time be conferred on us, and that
I should be called the first Elder of the Church, and he (Oliver Cowdery)
the second. It was on the fifteenth day of May, 1829, that we were ordained
under the hand of this messenger, and baptized. |
72 |
The messenger who visited us on this occasion and conferred
this Priesthood upon us, said that his name was John, the same that is
called John the Baptist in the New Testament, and that he acted under the
direction of Peter, James and John, who held the keys of the Priesthood
of Melchizedek, which Priesthood, he said, would in due time be conferred
on us, and that I should be called the first Elder of the Church, and he
(Oliver Cowdery) the second. It was on the fifteenth day of May, 1829,
that we were ordained under the hand of this messenger, and baptized. |
|
Holy
Ghost
Joseph prophesies of church |
Immediately on our coming up out of the water after we had
been baptized, we experienced great and glorious blessings from our Heavenly
Father. No sooner had I baptized Oliver Cowdery, than the Holy Ghost fell
upon him, and he stood up and prophesied many things which should shortly
come to pass. And again, so soon as I had been baptized by him, I also had
the spirit of prophecy, when, standing up, 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. |
73 |
Immediately on our coming up out of the water after we had
been baptized, we experienced great and glorious blessings from our Heavenly
Father. No sooner had I baptized Oliver Cowdery, than the Holy Ghost fell
upon him, and he stood up and prophesied many things which should shortly
come to pass. And again, so soon as I had been baptized by him, I also
had the spirit of prophecy, when, standing up, 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. |
|
Scriptures
laid open to understandings
Keep priesthood secret to avoid more persecution |
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. In the meantime we
were forced to keep secret the circumstances of having received the Priesthood
and our having been baptized, owing to a spirit of persecution which had
already manifested itself in the neighborhood. |
74 |
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. In the meantime
we were forced to keep secret the circumstances of having received the
Priesthood and our having been baptized, owing to a spirit of persecution
which had already manifested itself in the neighborhood. |
|
Mob
threats
Hales now friendly, oppose mobs. |
We had been threatened with being mobbed, from time to time,
and this, too, by professors of religion. And their intentions of mobbing
us were only counteracted by the influence of my wife's father's family
(under Divine providence), who had become very friendly to me, and who were
opposed to mobs, and were willing that I should be allowed to continue the
work of translation without interruption; and therefore offered and promised
us protection from all unlawful proceedings, as far as in them lay. |
75 |
We had been threatened with being mobbed, from time to time,
and this, too, by professors of religion. And their intentions of mobbing
us were only counteracted by the influence of my wife's father's family
(under Divine providence), who had become very friendly to me, and who
were opposed to mobs, and were willing that I should be allowed to continue
the work of translation without interruption; and therefore offered and
promised us protection from all unlawful proceedings, as far as in them
lay. |
|
Joseph Smith
New York / Pennsylvania
|