Why Joseph Smith?

[Greg West]

As a follow-up to the discussion on the necessity of modern prophets, I'd like to examine why we believe that Joseph Smith is the man God called in our day to restore the fulness of the gospel. We have already discussed what a prophet is in the last chapter. Now, for just a moment, I want you to imagine yourself living in the time of one of the ancient prophets.

If you lived in the time of Elijah, how would he appear if you were to encounter him in person? Would he have some distinctive manner of speaking? Would he dress differently? Would he seem peculiar to you in any fashion? I would venture that you would not perceive him as being anything other than what he was: a mortal man.

A prophet would have a personality. He would be a righteous man, but he would not be immune to the frailties of mortality. He could catch a cold, have allergies, stub his toe, or whack his finger with a hammer just as you or I. He would have a sense of humor or maybe be on the serious side. Maybe he'd be shy or perhaps outgoing. In all ways, he'd be a human being.

Would a prophet dress any differently? Other than John the Baptist, who wore coarse apparel from his life in the wilderness, the other prophets appeared as their contemporaries. Imagine how out-of-place Moses would have looked walking around in a three-piece business suit. So why is it today, when a Latter-day Saint advances the proposal that God has called prophets in our era, that people immediately imagine a guy in a long robe with a flowing white beard and sandals?

You know what I'm talking about. Remember that movie, Left Behind? In the beginning of the film, when Syrian planes are attacking Israel, Kirk Cameron encounters a wandering old man in a long robe, carrying what appears to be tablets. The old man, trance-like, utters some Hebrew phrases about the last days and wanders off as the battle rages around him.

A prophet, despite the wondrous gifts God may give him, will look just like any other mortal man. He would dress in the manner of the people of his day. His speech would be in the tongue of his people. Jesus and the apostles spoke Aramaic. Paul could speak Greek and Hebrew also. To the people around them, there was nothing exceptional about them aside from their testimony. What is it that pushed them into the limelight and incited either devotion or outrage? It was their testimony of Jesus Christ and the call to their fellowmen to repent of their sins..

Latter-day Saints proclaim to the world a stunning message: God has spoken in our time. He appeared to an American farm boy, Joseph Smith, in the year 1820. From that glorious vision, a series of watershed events transpired that led to the establishment of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Joseph received authority from heavenly messengers. He translated the Book of Mormon by the gift and power of God. Through him, God restored the Church of Jesus Christ as it was established anciently by Christ and the apostles. Mormons, as the members of the Church are often called, revere Joseph as a prophet of God and a witness of the reality of Jesus Christ's resurrection.

Nevertheless, Joseph Smith is most often the target of those who oppose the Church of Jesus Christ. His detractors can be grouped into four categories.

Category 1. Some critics are intellectuals who marvel at his accomplishments even as they scoff at his doctrines. These are they who dismiss talk of angels and visions and try to comprehend the legacy of Joseph Smith in terms of personality, leadership ability, and evangelical fervor.

Category 2. Others are misguided, ill-informed individuals who act out of superstition and ignorance. This group includes those who are ignorant, not only of the tenets and beliefs of Mormonism but are also unlearned as to the scriptures and the doctrines taught in their own churches, or those who are irreligious and superstitious in nature.

Category 3. The third group consists of those who oppose Joseph out of religious zealotry or bigotry. Such individuals include practitioners of priestcraft, ministers and the hireling clergy of various religious denominations, whose monied professions are threatened by the mere claim that authorized administrators of God's kingdom operate upon the earth once again. These persons are the modern-day analog of the priests and scribes who opposed and martyred Jesus Christ and his apostles.

Category 4. The last group is populated by apostates: individuals who once had a testimony of the truthfulness of the gospel, but through disobedience and sin, fell from grace. These individuals oppose Joseph Smith and the servants of God because the existence of such oracles is a constant reminder that they chose darkness over light. Their opposition is the fruit of their bitterness and hatred.

Almost anyone, once they make a commitment to join the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints will be bombarded out of the blue by well-meaning (or not-so-well-meaning) individuals who come out of the woodwork to oppose the decision. The prospective Mormon will be given anti-Mormon pamphlets, books. or videos that are published by individuals from Category 3 above to try to sway their decision.

Most often, this literature targets Joseph Smith with a series of out-of-context statements, lies, and defaming allegations. These publications play on the relative ignorance of the sincere investigator. The language and wording of these publications are calculated to incite prejudice, fear, and suspicion.

They change with the times, depending on what the current buzz-words are. For example, I have noticed in the last year or so the accusations that Joseph Smith was a pedophile. This term crept into the slanderous lies about the Prophet Joseph about a year after it dominated the media coverage of pedophile Catholic priests in the United States.
In the anti-Mormon literature prior to that time, the term was never used to defame Joseph Smith. It's addition to the scurrilous lies is intended to elicit revulsion and shut down reasonable consideration of Mormon teachings. Joseph Smith was never, ever accused of being a pedophile prior to the Catholic priest scandals. Someone found a new handful of mud to sling in the Prophet's direction.

Mormonism (compared to denominations that teach that all there is to a religion is a confession of faith and eternal security) is a complex, multifaceted religion, rich in history, and with real answers to life's most complex questions. It is not anticipated that, when one is baptized, that they will know everything there is to know about the Church. That's why these opponents specifically and intentionally target a new or potential convert in an area where he is not equipped to defend his testimony.

For this reason, I want to present to you some quotations of the Prophet Joseph and his associates that will give you a feel for his personality, his warmth, his humor, and his devotion to Jesus Christ.

The angel Moroni, who revealed the location of the ancient plates upon which the Book of Mormon was engraved, prophesied, "that my [Joseph's] 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. (Pearl of Great Price JS-History 1:33) Let's take some time to hear from Joseph Smith himself. (Unless otherwise noted, the references below come from the book, Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, Joseph Fielding Smith, Deseret Book, reprint 1977)

JOSEPH SMITH, WITNESS OF CHRIST
I saw a pillar of light exactly over my head, above the brightness of the sun, which descended gradually until it fell upon me...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! (Joseph Smith History 1:17)

And now, after the many testimonies which have been given of him, this is the testimony, last of all, which we give of him: That he lives! “For we saw him, even on the right hand of God; and we heard the voice bearing record that he is the Only Begotten of the Father— “That by him, and through him, and of him, the worlds are and were created, and the inhabitants thereof are begotten sons and daughters unto God. (D&C 76:22–24).

THE veil was taken from our minds, and the eyes of our understanding were opened. We saw the Lord standing upon the breastwork of the pulpit, before us; and under his feet was a paved work of pure gold, in color like amber. His eyes were as a flame of fire; the hair of his head was white like the pure snow; his countenance shone above the brightness of the sun; and his voice was as the sound of the rushing of great waters, even the voice of Jehovah, saying: I am the first and the last; I am he who liveth, I am he who was slain; I am your advocate with the Father. (Doctrine and Covenants 110:1-4)

The Father has a body of flesh and bones as tangible as man’s; the Son also; but the Holy Ghost has not a body of flesh and bones, but is a personage of Spirit. Were it not so, the Holy Ghost could not dwell in us. (Doctrine and Covenants 130:22)

JOSEPH SMITH, THE MAN
Joseph Smith was known for his kindness, compassion, and humanity. He was a true follower of Jesus Christ. Unlike ancient prophets, many personal journals and diaries still exist that contain testimonies of Joseph Smith by independent witnesses of his prophetic ministry. Here are a few examples from some of those documents.

Joseph's love for children-- My older brother and I were going to school, near to the building which was known as Joseph’s brick store. It had been raining the previous day, causing the ground to be very muddy, especially along that street. My brother Wallace and I both got [our feet] in the mud, and could not get out, and of course, child-like, we began to cry, for we thought we would have to stay there. But looking up, I beheld the loving friend of children, the Prophet Joseph, coming to us. He soon had us on higher and drier ground. Then he stooped down and cleaned the mud from our little, heavy-laden shoes, took his handkerchief from his pocket and wiped our tear-stained faces. He spoke kind and cheering words to us, and sent us on our way to school rejoicing. (Margaret McIntire Burgess, in Juvenile Instructor, Jan. 15, 1892, 66–67.)

Joseph's compassion-- While he was acting as mayor of the city, a colored man named Anthony was arrested for selling liquor on Sunday, contrary to law. He pleaded that the reason he had done so was that he might raise the money to purchase the liberty of a dear child held as a slave in a Southern State. He had been able to purchase the liberty of himself and his wife and now wished to bring his little child to their new home. Joseph said, 'I am sorry, Anthony, but the law must be observed and we will have to impose a fine.' The next day Brother Joseph presented Anthony with a fine horse, directing him to sell it, and use the money obtained for the purchase of the child. (Young Woman's Journal, p.538)

Joseph's humility-- Although I do wrong, I do not the wrongs that I am charged with doing; the wrong that I do is through the frailty of human nature, like other men. No man lives without fault.

Joseph's sense of humor-- In response to the question, "Will everybody be damned, but Mormons?" Joseph answered, "Yes, and a great portion of them [the Mormons], unless they repent, and work righteousness."

JOSEPH, THE GOSPEL TEACHER
On the value of instruction-- We consider that God has created man with a mind capable of instruction, and a faculty which may be enlarged in proportion to the heed and diligence given to the light communicated from heaven to the intellect; and that the nearer man approaches perfection, the clearer are his views, and the greater his enjoyments, till he has overcome the evils of his life and lost every desire for sin; and like the ancients, arrives at that point of faith where he is wrapped in the power and glory of his Maker and is caught up to dwell with Him.

On kindness-- Nothing is so much calculated to lead people to forsake sin as to take them by the hand, and watch over them with tenderness. When persons manifest the least kindness and love to me, O, what power it has over my mind, while the opposite course has a tendency to harrow up all the harsh feelings and depress the human mind.

On unity-- Come all the world: let us be brethren, let us be one great family, and let there be a universal peace. Let reason and friendship reign.

On God's gifts-- Everything that God gives us is lawful and right; and it is proper that we should enjoy His gifts and blessings. …

On pride-- Beware of pride, and not seek to excel one above another, but act for each other’s good.

On obedience to God-- I made this my rule: When the Lord commands, do it.

On loyalty-- The man who willeth to do well, we should extol his virtues, and speak not of his faults behind his back. A man who willfully turneth away from his friend without a cause, is not easily forgiven. The kindness of a man should never be forgotten. That person who never forsaketh his trust, should ever have the highest place of regard in our hearts, and our love should never fail, but increase more and more, and this is my disposition and these my sentiments.

On kindness to animals-- In pitching my tent we found three massasaugas or prairie rattlesnakes, which the brethren were about to kill, but I said, "Let them alone—don't hurt them! How will the serpent ever lose its venom, while the servants of God possess the same disposition, and continue to make war upon it? Men must become harmless before the brute creation, and when men lose their vicious dispositions and cease to destroy the animal race, the lion and the lamb can dwell together, and the sucking child can play with the serpent in safety.

On persecution-- Falsely imprisoned, held without charges, while the Mormons were driven from Missouri by hateful mobs, Joseph wrote, "Therefore, dearly beloved brethren, we are the more ready and willing to lay claim to your fellowship and love. For our circumstances are calculated to awaken our spirits to a sacred remembrance of everything, and we think that yours are also, and that nothing therefore can separate us from the love of God and fellowship one with another; and that every species of wickedness and cruelty practiced upon us will only tend to bind our hearts together and seal them together in love."

On recognizing the spirit of personal revelation-- The Spirit of Revelation is in connection with these blessings. A person may profit by noticing the first intimation of the spirit of revelation; for instance, when you feel pure intelligence flowing into you, it may give you sudden strokes of ideas, so that by noticing it, you may find it fulfilled the same day or soon; (i.e.,) those things that were presented unto your minds by the Spirit of God, will come to pass; and thus by learning the Spirit of God and understanding it, you may grow into the principle of revelation, until you become perfect in Christ Jesus.

On devotion to God-- Let us realize that we are not to live to ourselves, but to God; by so doing the greatest blessings will rest upon us both in time and in eternity.

Little children who die are saved in the Kingdom of God-- The doctrine of baptizing children, or sprinkling them, or they must welter in hell, is a doctrine not true, not supported in Holy Writ, and is not consistent with the character of God. All children are redeemed by the blood of Jesus Christ, and the moment that children leave this world, they are taken to the bosom of Abraham. The only difference between the old and young dying is, one lives longer in heaven and eternal light and glory than the other, and is freed a little sooner from this miserable wicked world. Notwithstanding all this glory, we for a moment lose sight of it, and mourn the loss, but we do not mourn as those without hope.

On prayer-- The Lord cannot always be known by the thunder of his voice, by the display of His glory or by the manifestation of His power, and those that are the most anxious to see these things, are the least prepared to meet them, and were the Lord to manifest His powers as He did to the children of Israel, such characters would be the first to say, "Let not the Lord speak any more, lest we His people die...We would say to the brethren, seek to know God in your closets, call upon him in the fields. Follow the directions of the Book of Mormon, and pray over, and for your families, your cattle, your flocks, your herds, your corn, and all things that you possess; ask the blessing of God upon all your labors, and everything that you engage in. Be virtuous and pure; be men of integrity and truth; keep the commandments of God; and then you will be able more perfectly to understand the difference between right and wrong—between the things of God and the things of men; and your path will be like that of the just, which shineth brighter and brighter unto the perfect day.

On happiness-- Happiness is the object and design of our existence; and will be the end thereof, if we pursue the path that leads to it; and this path is virtue, uprightness, faithfulness, holiness, and keeping all the commandments of God.

On what constitutes a prophet-- If any person should ask me if I were a prophet, I should not deny it, as that would give me the lie; for, according to John, the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy; therefore, if I profess to be a witness or teacher, and have not the spirit of prophecy, which is the testimony of Jesus, I must be a false witness; but if I be a true teacher and witness, I must possess the spirit of prophecy, and that constitutes a prophet; and any man who says he is a teacher or a preacher of righteousness, and denies the spirit of prophecy, is a liar, and the truth is not in him...

When is a prophet a prophet?-- This morning I read German and visited with a brother and sister from Michigan, who thought that "a prophet is always a prophet;" but I told them that a prophet was a prophet only when he was acting as such.

Prophets are not "supermen"-- The burdens which roll upon me are very great. My persecutors allow me no rest, and I find that in the midst of business and care the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak. Although I was called of my Heavenly Father to lay the foundation of this great work and kingdom in this dispensation, and testify of His revealed will to scattered Israel, I am subject to like passions as other men, like the prophets of olden times. (History of the Church, 5:516).

A prophet is not infallible-- I never told you I was perfect—but there is no error in the revelations which I have taught. (The Words of Joseph Smith, ed. Andrew F. Ehat and Lyndon W. Cook [1980], 369).

Sign-seekers-- When I was preaching in Philadelphia, a Quaker called out for a sign. I told him to be still. After the sermon, he again asked for a sign. I told the congregation the man was an adulterer; that a wicked and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign; and that the Lord had said to me in a revelation, that any man who wanted a sign was an adulterous person. "It is true," cried one, "for I caught him in the very act," which the man afterwards confessed when he was baptized.

On friendship-- Friendship is one of the grand fundamental principles of "Mormonism"; [it is designed] to revolutionize and civilize the world, and cause wars and contentions to cease and men to become friends and brothers.

On hypocrisy-- I am a lover of the cause of Christ and of virtue chastity and an upright steady course of conduct & a holy walk, I despise a hypocrite or a covenant breaker (The Personal Writings of Joseph Smith, ed. Dean C. Jessee [1984], 246).

On other churches-- Have the Presbyterians any truth? Yes. Have the Baptists, Methodists, etc., any truth? Yes. They all have a little truth mixed with error. We should gather all the good and true principles in the world and treasure them up, or we shall not come out true "Mormons.”

On intolerance-- A victim of intolerance, Joseph Smith was deeply offended when a Catholic convent was burned in New England, saying, “Yes, in sight of the very spot where the fire of American Independence was first kindled.” (History of the Church, 2:465.) Maligned, even today, Joseph once declared, “I am just as ready to die in defending the rights of a Presbyterian, a Baptist, or…any other denomination. (History of the Church, 5:498.)

On the power of truth-- In relation to the power over the minds of mankind which I hold, I would say, It is in consequence of the power of truth in the doctrines which I have been an instrument in the hands of God of presenting unto them, and not because of any compulsion on my part. I wish to ask if ever I got any of it unfairly? If I have not reproved you in the gate? I ask, Did I ever exercise any compulsion over any man? Did I not give him the liberty of disbelieving any doctrine I have preached, if he saw fit? Why do not my enemies strike a blow at the doctrine? They cannot do it: it is truth, and I defy all men to upset it.

On eternal progression-- When you climb up a ladder, you must begin at the bottom, and ascend step by step, until you arrive at the top; and so it is with the principles of the Gospel—you must begin with the first, and go on until you learn all the principles of exaltation. But it will be a great while after you have passed through the veil before you will have learned them. It is not all to be comprehended in this world; it will be a great work to learn our salvation and exaltation even beyond the grave.

Comments at a funeral-- I have a father, brothers, children, and friends who have gone to a world of spirits. They are only absent for a moment. They are in the spirit, and we shall soon meet again. The time will soon arrive when the trumpet shall sound. When we depart, we shall hail our mothers, fathers, friends, and all whom we love, who have fallen asleep in Jesus.

Facing martyrdom-- I am going like a lamb to the slaughter, but I am calm as a summer's morning. I have a conscience void of offense toward God and toward all men. If they take my life I shall die an innocent man, and my blood shall cry from the ground for vengeance, and it shall be said of me, 'He was murdered in cold blood!'

Parting words-- I cannot lie down until all my work is finished. I never think any evil, nor do anything to the harm of my fellowman. When I am called by the trump of the archangel and weighed in the balance, you will all know me then.

JOSEPH, THE SERVANT OF GOD
Journals and diaries also contain accounts of God's power resting on Joseph Smith in marvelous ways. There are literally thousands of journals in the hands of the descendants of Mormon pioneers that relate similar accounts of incidents such as these:

“On another occasion, Emily Williams, widowed, not yet a member of the Church, residing in Michigan, saw her baby girl become very ill and after many days heard the doctor tell her that all hope for the baby’s recovery was gone. Hearing that Joseph Smith was in the area visiting his cousins, she sent for him to come and administer to her child. The Prophet came with his father and kneeling down by the little girl laid hands on her head and promised her that she would recover. Emily reports that “the child turned over, her fits left her and she went to sleep and was completely healed the next morning.” (Joseph Smith, Prophet of Kindness By Kenneth W. Godfrey, Liahona/Tambuli 1978)

From the memoirs of Wilford Woodruff-- “While I was living in this cabin in the old barracks we experienced, with the Prophet Joseph, a day of God’s power. It was a very sickly time; Joseph had given up his home in Commerce to the sick, and had a tent pitched in his dooryard and was living in that himself. The large number of Saints who had been driven out of Missouri were flocking into Commerce, but had no homes to go to, and were living in wagons, in tents, and on the ground; many, therefore, were sick through the exposure to which they were subjected. Brother Joseph had waited on them until he was worn out and nearly sick himself.

“On the morning of the 22nd of July, 1839, he arose, reflecting upon the situation of the Saints of God in their persecutions and afflictions. He called upon the Lord in prayer, the power of God rested upon him mightily, and as Jesus healed all the sick around Him in His day, so Joseph, the Prophet of God, healed all around on this occasion. He healed all in his house and dooryard; then, in company with Sidney Rigdon and several of the Twelve, went among the sick lying on the bank of the river, where he commanded them in a loud voice, in the name of Jesus Christ, to rise and be made whole, and they were all healed.

“When he had healed all on the east side of the river that were sick, he and his companions crossed the Mississippi River in a ferry-boat to the west side, where we were, at Montrose. The first house they went into was President Brigham Young’s. He was sick on his bed at the time. The Prophet went into his house and healed him, and they all came out together. “As they were passing by my door, Brother Joseph said: ‘Brother Woodruff, follow me.’ These were the only words spoken by any of the company from the time they left Brother Brigham’s house till they crossed the public square, and entered Brother Fordham’s house.

“Brother Fordham had been dying for an hour, and we expected each minute would be his last. I felt the spirit of God that was overpowering His Prophet. When we entered the house, Brother Joseph walked up to Brother Fordham and took him by the right hand, his left hand holding his hat. He saw that Brother Fordham’s eyes were glazed, and that he was speechless and unconscious.

“After taking his hand, he looked down into the dying man’s face and said: ‘Brother Fordham, do you not know me?’ At first there was no reply, but we all could see the effect of the spirit of God resting on the afflicted man. Joseph again spoke. ‘Elijah, do you not know me?’ With a low whisper Brother Fordham answered, ‘Yes.’ The Prophet then said, ‘Have you got faith to be healed?’ The answer, which was a little plainer than before, was: ‘I am afraid it is too late; if you had come sooner, I think I might have been.’ He had the appearance of a man waking from sleep; it was the sleep of death. Joseph then said: ‘Do you believe that Jesus is the Christ?’ ‘I do, Brother Joseph,’ was the response. Then the Prophet of God spoke with a loud voice as in the majesty of Jehovah: ‘Elijah, I command you, in the name of Jesus of Nazareth, to arise and be made whole.’

“The words of the Prophet were not like the words of man, but like the voice of God. It seemed to me that the house shook on its foundation. Elijah Fordham leaped from his bed like a man raised from the dead. A healthy color came to his face, and life was manifested in every act. His feet had been done up in Indian meal poultices; he kicked these off his feet, scattered the contents, then called for his clothes and put them on. He asked for a bowl of bread and milk and ate it. He then put on his hat and followed us into the street, to visit others who were sick.

“The unbeliever may ask, ‘Was there not deception in this?’ If there is any deception in the mind of the unbeliever, there was certainly none with Elijah Fordham, the dying man, or with those who were present with him; for in a few minutes he would have been in the spirit world, if he had not been rescued. Through the blessing of God he lived up till 1880, when he died in Utah; while all who were with him on that occasion, with the exception of one (myself) are in the spirit world. Among the number present were Joseph and Hyrum Smith, Sidney Rigdon, Brigham Young, Heber C. Kimball, George A. Smith, Parley P. Pratt, Orson Pratt, and Wilford Woodruff.

“As soon as we left Brother Fordham’s house, we went into the home of Joseph B. Noble, who was very low. When we entered the house, Brother Joseph took Brother Noble by the hand, and commanded him, in the name of Jesus Christ, to arise and be made whole. He did arise, and was healed immediately."

CONCLUSION
I hope the quotations above give you a greater understanding of the personality and prophetic calling of Joseph Smith. It is one thing for a man to proclaim himself a prophet and it is entirely another for a man who proclaims himself a prophet to leave many volumes of independent, documentary testimony that he truly manifested the power of God. The Prophet's life and teachings is a subject worthy of study. Joseph, like many prophets before him, laid down his life for his testimony of Jesus Christ.

I testify that God's power rested upon Joseph Smith and that his testimony is true. He received keys of Divine authority from heavenly messengers and restored the ancient Church of Jesus Christ, exactly as it was in the time of the New Testament.

As Jesus and the apostles of old, Joseph Smith was persecuted and reviled by those who had their own spiritual agendas. Today, he is the target of the modern-day counterparts of Caiaphas and Annas who turned the Lord of Life over to Pilate to be crucified.

The Holy Spirit will bear witness of the testimony of the Prophet of the Restoration to those who ask humbly and seek to apply God's will in their lives.