Part I -
Church History
Thought: -
“Is there not something deep in our hearts that longs to draw nearer to God, to
be more like him in our daily walk, to feel his presence with us constantly? If
so, then the Book of Mormon will help us do so more than any other book. It is not just that the Book of Mormon
teaches us truth, though it indeed does that. It is not just that the Book of
Mormon bears testimony of Christ, though it indeed does that, too. But there is
something more. There is a power in the book which will begin to flow into your
lives the moment you begin a serious study of the book. You will find greater
power to resist temptation. You will find the power to avoid deception. You
will find the power to stay on the strait and narrow path. The scriptures are
called ‘the words of life’(D&C 84:85), and nowhere is that more true than
it is in the Book of Mormon. When you begin to hunger and thirst after those
words, you will find life in greater abundance... These promises - increased
love and harmony in the home, greater respect between parent and child,
increased spirituality and righteousness - are not idle promises, but exactly
what the Prophet Joseph Smith meant when he said the Book of Mormon will help
us draw nearer to God.” (ETB, Ensign Nov. 86. P. 7)
Book of the
Week- "The Keystone of Mormonism, Early Visions of the
Prophet Joseph Smith" Paul R. Cheesman.
Church History By The Year
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1816
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Smiths move to Palmyra
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Palmyra had only been settled for 25 years. Pop. 600
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1818*
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Martin Harris Experience
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1818-19
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Smiths move from Palmyra to farm
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Build log home 24'X30'
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1820
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First Vision
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He was anxious to know how to be saved. O. Pratt
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1822
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Construction begins on new house
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Alvin leads out
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1823-Sept. 21
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First Appearances of Moroni (1-5)
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"A light and too often, vain mind, exhibiting a
foolish & trifling conversation" (HC 1:10)
Fulfilling Rev. 14:6-7-Best description of an angel
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1823-Nov. 19
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Alvin died
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Rev. Stockton preached at the funeral that he had
gone to hell because he was not a church member.
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1824-27
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Joseph's annual visits to Cumorah
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Lucy said he thought he would get the plates in
1824.
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1825 Oct.
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Joseph worked for Josiah Stowell
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Met Emma Hale (Josiah baptized in 1830)
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1827-Jan. 18
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Joseph & Emma married
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1827-Sept. 22
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Joseph entrusted with plates
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1827-Dec
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Persecution forces move
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Martin Harris assists with $50 for move with in-laws
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1828-Feb.
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Martin Harris to New York City
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Visits Charles Anthon & Dr. Mitchell
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1828-Apr.-June
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116 pages t from Book of Lehi
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Martin looses-Joseph surrender Urim & Thummim
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1828-Summer
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D&C 3 & 10 received
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1828- Sept. 22
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Joseph regains plates & U&Th.
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Has plates, but is dirt poor, no scribe and no
support from in-laws
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1829-March
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Joseph started translating again
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Emma as scribe - Maybe as little as 5-16 pages
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1829-March
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Lucy Harris enters complaint vs. Joseph
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Joseph claims to have gold plates so people will
give him $. Martin testifies. Judge tears up complaint.
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1829-April 5
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Oliver Cowdery arrived in Harmony
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They started translating on April 7.
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1829-May 15
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Aaronic Priesthood restored
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Translation up to 3 Nephi 11-Melchizedek Priesthood
restored- May-June
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1829-June 1
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Joseph and Oliver move to Fayette
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1829-June 11
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Copyright obtained
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1829-June
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3 Witnesses see plates in
Fayette
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8 Witnesses see plates in
near Smith farm
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1829-July 1
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Translation completed
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5 weeks for Printers copy
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1829-Aug. 5
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Martin Mortgages farm
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1829-Aug. 25
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Contract signed with EB Grandin
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Printing began in Aug.
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1830-January
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Excerpts from Book of Mormon
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Printed by Esquire Cole in the Palmyra Reflector
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1830-Mar. 26
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Book of Mormon offered for sale.
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Emer Harris got the first copy
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1830-Aug.25
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Harmony Farm deeded to Joseph
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13 acres
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1831-Apr. 7
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M. Harris sold 151 acres
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$3,000
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1965-Christmas
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Over 1 million copies of Book of Mormon given to neighbors
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2011- April
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150,000,000 copies of Book of Mormon in print
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Initial printing of the in 1830 = 5000 copies. The 50 millionth copy in 1990, the 100
millionth in 2000 and 150 million in 2011. 5 million a year
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1. Accordingly, by sunset the
next day, we were all seated and Joseph commenced telling us the great and
glorious things which God had manifest to him; but, before proceeding, he
charge us not to mention out of the family that which he was about to say to
us. Hence the necessity of suppressing these things as much as possible, until
the time should come for them to go forth to the world... During our evening
conversations, Joseph would occasionally give us some of the most amusing
recitals that could be imagined. He would describe the ancient inhabitants of
this continent, their dress, mode of travel, and the animals upon which they
rode; their cities, their buildings, with every particular, their mode of
warfare; and also their religious worship. This he would do with as much ease
seemingly as if he had spent his whole life among them. (Lucy)
2. "We all had the most
implicit confidence in what he said. He was a truthful boy. Father and mother
believed him, why should not the children? (William)
3. During these 4 years he
was often ministered to by the angels of God, & received instruction
concerning the work that was to be performed in the latter days."
(O.Pratt, JD 15:185)
4. And when Joseph was raised
up as a prophet of God, Mormon, Moroni, Nephi and others other the ancient
Prophets who formerly lived on this continent, and Peter and John and others
who lived on the Asiatic Continent came to him and communicated to him certain
principles pertaining to the Gospel. (John Taylor, JD 17:374)
5. Joseph, "I have take
the severest chastisement."
6. "In all, Moroni
appeared to Joseph Smith 22 times and had conversations or interviews with
him." (H. Donl Peterson, Moroni:
Ancient Prophet and Modern Messenger, p. 119-129) "In all there have
been 59 personages who appeared to Joseph." p. 132-134.
7. "Joseph Smith could
neither write nor dictate a coherent and well worded letter, let alone
dictating a book like the Book of Mormon, and thou I was an active participant
in the scenes that transpired, and was present during the translating of the
plates, and had a cognizance of things as they transpired, it is marvelous to
me, a marvel and a wonder, as much so as to anyone else." (Emma, The
Saints Advocate, Oct. 1879)
8. "These were days
never to be forgotten-to sit under the sound of a voice-dictated by the
inspiration of heaven, awakened the utmost gratitude of this bosom, Day after
day I continued uninterrupted to write from his mouth, as he translated with
the Urim and Thummim, or as the Nephites would have said, Interpreters,"
the history or record called the Book of Mormon." (O. Cowdery, Times and
Seasons 2:201)
9. Joseph had many other
duties to perform at the same time. He received 11 revelations during this
period, the priesthood was restored, missionary work was done, he preached many
sermons and he visited with many people. In view of this Joseph at 23 years of
age wrote 4,128 words every day for 65 days. (Cheesman p. 81)
10. Possible scribes Martin
Harris, Emma Smith, Oliver Cowdery, John Whitmer, Christian Whitmer, Samuel
Smith, Ruben Hale, and David Whitmer. (Joseph mentioned only Martin &
Oliver)
11. Joseph said that it was
not intended to tell the world all the particulars of the coming forth of the
Book of Mormon, and also that it was not expedient for him to relate these
things. This will account for the Prophet confining himself to the merest generalities
in all his statements concerning the coming forth of the Book of Mormon. (HC
1:220 & Cheesman p. 101) See article
by Richard Lloyd Anderson in Ensign, Sept. 1977.
12. John H. Gilbert, a
typesetter for E. B. Grandin, publisher of the Book of Mormon, stated that the
first manuscript pages of the new book were brought into the printing office
about the middle of August - 1829. The completed edition was offered for sale
on 26 March 1830. It is noteworthy that during this interim period, before the
copies of the Book of Mormon were bound and
available to the general public, interested parties were taking extracts from
the volume and carrying them hundreds of miles from their place of origin to
share the contents with others.
13. Reverend George Lane, his
sister Irene Lane Foote, William Smith, James 1:5, Oliver Cowdery
14. Source: Journal of Edward
Stevenson, vol. 32, in Joseph Grant Stevenson, "The
Life of Edward Stevenson" (M.A. Thesis,BYU, 1955), pp.
163-164. [SLC, September 4, 1870,]
"In the year 1818, fifty-two years ago I was inspired of the
Lord and taught of the spirit that I
should not join any church, although I was anxiously sought for by
many of the sectarians. I was taught I
could not walk together unless agreed. What can you not be agreed
in? In the trinity, because I cannot find
it in any Bible. Find it for me and I am ready to receive it.
Three persons in one God--one personage I can
not concede to, for this is anti-Christ, for where is the Father
as Son. I have more proof to prove nine
persons in the trinity than you have three. How do you do so? John
tells us of the seven spirits sent into all
the world. If you have a right to make a personage of one spirit,
I have of the seven--and the Father and Son
are two more, making nine. Other sects also tried me. They say
three persons in one God, without body,
parts or passions. I told them such a God I would not be afraid
of. I could not please or offend him. [I]
would not be afraid to fight a duel with such a God. The
Methodists teach two [one word illegible] them
exceed from one. I told them to [retract] to my saying, "God
would hold me accountable for the use I made
of it. All of the sects called me "Bro" [Brother]
because the Lord had enlightened me.
The spirit told me to join none of the churches, for none had
authority from the Lord, for there will
not be a true church on the earth until the words of Isaiah shall
be fulfilled. When interrogated closely, I
told them, "If any church [be] the church of Christ, the
Christians then claim me. But join and lectuien [?]
as much as any other. The time has not come for you to take that
name. No thanks for your name, so I remained, for there was no authority, for
the spirit told me that I might just as well plunge myself into the water as to
have any one of the sects baptize me. So I remained until the Church was
organized by Joseph Smith, the Prophet. Then I was baptized by the hands of
Oliver Cowdery, by Joseph Smith's command, being the first after Joseph and
Oliver
Cowdery. And then the spirit bore testimony that this was all
right, and I rejoiced in the established Church.
Part 2 - Doctrine and Covenants
Thought: "The first
thing to be remembered is that the revelations contained in the Book of
Doctrine and Covenants are answers to questions. If that is kept in mind it
will help to a better understanding." ...But the Doctrine and Covenants
not only fosters insight into the questions and answers of the past but also
gives answers to those who ask their own questions from their own
experience."
Book of the Week: "Who's Who In The Doctrine and Covenants"
Susan Easton Black
D&C 4 -Qualifications to
serve- First published as chapter 3 in Book of Commandments
Most of the great revelations came because someone asked.
Vs. 1 - What
is the marvelous work that is about to come forth? The use of the word “about”
suggests that, at the time this revelation was given (February 1829), it had
not yet come forth. When do you think it either did or will? Notice that this
verse is repeated in D&C 6:1, D&C 11:1,
D&C 12:1,
and D&C 14:1,
and it is paraphrased in D&C 18:44.
It also appears in the JST version of Isaiah 29:26 (=Isaiah 29:14),
and it occurs regularly in the Book of Mormon (eight times). What does the word
“marvelous” mean in this context?
Vs. 2 - "I have asked mission presidents in many parts of
the world this question, How many missionaries do you have in your mission who
are really spiritual and also lazy? There isn't one in all the world. Laziness
and spirituality don't go together. The most spiritual people I know are also
some of the hardest working people I have ever met. So if you want to increase
your level of spirituality, work hard. Magnify your callings within the Church.
Really work. (Joe J. Christensen, "Ten ideas to Increase your
Spirituality, Ensign, March 1999, p. 59)
Vs. 3 - Willingness to serve will give birth to the
opportunity.
Vs. 4 - Field is white- Shortly after Joseph Sr.'s return he
was instrumental in the lives of Oliver Cowdery, Thomas B. Marsh Solomon
Chamberlain and Parley P. Pratt
Perisheth not,
but bringeth salvation to his soul- See D&C 50:36; 62:3; 84:61; 108:1.
Vs. 5 - What does it mean to have one’s eye single to the
glory of God? When is my eye not single to his glory? D&C 88:67
Mormon 8:15.
See Marlin K. Jensen. General Conference Oct. 1989
Vs. 6 - See 2 Peter 1:5-10: D&C 107:30-31.
D&C 5- First published as chapter 4 in the Book of Commandments
Vs. 1 - It has
been 7 months since Martin lost the 116 pages. He now comes to visit Joseph looking
for evidence that Joseph has the plates.
Vs. 7 - People
would not believe by seeing the plates.
Vs. 11- Joseph
did not show the plates to the 3 witnesses. Moroni did. Note footnote 11-A
Vs. 12 - The
witnesses will know of a surety that the Book of Mormon is true, because God
will tell them.
Vs. 14 - Out of
the wilderness of Apostasy- See Rev. 12:1-6. "The
phrase 'clear as the moon' first appears in the Song of Solomon (see also
D&C 109:73). In that song Shulamite is seen as 'fair as the moon, clear as
the sun and terrible as an army with banners, meaning Shulamite was
indescribably beautiful, but inaccessible to flatterers or conquerors who were
no match for an army under banners. This expressive phrase is applied the
Church. (400 Questions and Answers about the D&C, Susan Easton Black, p,
41)
Vs. 21- See
D&C 3:7
Vs. 22 - 1st
hint that Joseph may be martyred.
Vs. 24 - Martin
has repented before man. He needs to do the same with God.
Vs. 28 - If
Martin doesn't repent, he won't see the plates.
Vs. 29 - Don't
keep bugging Me like you did to take the manuscript home.
Vs. 32 - Martin
will not be static-he will either be a witness or will fall.
Church History By The Year-
Joseph Smith Sr. - Joseph Sr. 6'2"
about 200 pounds
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1771-July 12
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Birth of Joseph Smith Sr.
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Topsfield, Mass. Son of Asael and Mary Duty Smith (2 Nephi 3:15)
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1796-Jan. 24
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Married Lucy Mack Smith
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25 yrs. old, Lucy 19, Tunbridge, Vt. - 11 children
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1811-April
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First Vision
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The barren field, magic box, and beasts
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1811-Summer
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Second Vision
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Desolate
field, broad and narrow ways, delicious white fruit, spacious building
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1816
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Moved to Palmyra
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After loss of farm, being swindled and 3 yrs. of crop failure
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1816
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3rd Vision
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Flower garden and bowing wooden images
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1818
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6th Vision
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Judgment
day and Jesus' name
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1819
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7th Vision
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Just
one more thing
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1823-Sept. 22
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First to hear of Moroni's visit
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1829 - Feb.
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Joseph Sr. & Lucy travel to Harmony
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Sr. asks Jr. to inquire of the Lord in his behalf relative to his
duty. D&C 4 received.
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1829 - Mar.
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D&C 5
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Martin H. returns and desires to be a BoM witness
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Joseph Sr. 1 of 8 Witnesses
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1830-Apr. 6
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Joseph Sr. baptized
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"Praise to my God that I have lived to see my own father
baptized into the true Church of Jesus Christ."
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1830 - Oct.-Nov.
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In jail for not paying $14
debt or denying the BoM
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In Jail, he worked in the jail cooper shop to pay off his debt,
preached every Sunday & later baptized 2 fellow inmates
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1831
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Moved to Kirtland, Ohio
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1833, Dec. 18
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Ordained Church Patriarch
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62 yrs. old- Recieved his Patriarchal blessing from his son.
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1836
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Mission to Eastern States
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Served w/ brother John. In 4 months travelled 2400 miles
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1837-Sept. 3
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Assistant to 1st Presidency
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1838-Summer
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Moved to Farr West, Mo.
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1839
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Moved to Nauvoo, Ill.
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1840-Sept. 14
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Died, Nauvoo-69 yrs. old
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Died from a disease he contracted during the forced exodus of the
Saints from Missouri.
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"Father Smith never
sought prominence over the Prophet, Rather, he humbly followed the prophet's
lead in all things pertaining to the kingdom of God...Theirs was a father-son
relationship in which the son was greater than the father, yet the father was,
in every sense, a worthy sire to such a noble son. ("Father of the
Prophet" Mark McConkie p. 92)
Solomon
Chamberlain, 1788-1862Autobiography
(1788-1850)
[This account was written by Solomon Chamberlain at
Beaver City, Utah, July 11, 1858.] I was born July 30th, 1788, of goodly
parents in Old Canaan, Connecticut. My father's name was Joel Chamberlin
[Chamberlain], born in Tolland, Connecticut. Sarah Dean, his wife, born in same
state. By her he had six sons and three daughters. When I was about 20 years
old, which would be about the year 1808, I went to the house of Philip Haskins
and took one of his daughters to wife, by the name of Hopee [Hope] Haskins, of
goodly parents. By her I had one son, and two daughters. My father was an
honest, hard-working man, a farmer by trade, and earned his bread by the sweat
of his brow, and accumulated considerable property, and died when I was about 8
years old, and my mother died about 10 years after. What little property I
received from my father's estate did me little or no good, and I began the
world like my father, earned my bread by the sweat of my face. I soon learned
the cooper's trade and worked the most of my days at that. From the time my
father died, till I was 19 years of age I lived a very wicked life. About that
time, I had a vision of hell, and which alarmed me very much, and I reformed
and had another of three heavens, and their glories, and the third one, far
exceeded the others. My visions so alarmed me, I was in sorrow and repentance
for many days, on account of my sins, I thought I would give all the world if I
could find a man that could tell me what I should do to be saved. I sought
much, but could find none. I thought I would go to the Presbyterian Minister
and enquire of him, I accordingly went, and asked him what I should do to be
saved, he appeared like a man astonished, he said I must wait the Lord's due
time, and in His own due time he would bring me in. As all others had failed I
thought I would go to God and plead for mercy, and if I went to hell, I would
go praying, and I cried unto the Lord night and day, for the forgiveness of my
sins. Like Enos of old, till at length the Lord said, "Solomon, thy sins
are forgiven thee. Go in peace and sin no more." My heart then leaped for
joy unspeakable, I now joined the Methodist Order, and thought they were the
rightest of any on the earth. About the year 1814 or 1815, the Reformed
Methodists broke off from the Episcopal Methodists. I was in hope that they
were right. [This last sentence was crossed out in the original manuscript.] I
found them to be more right than the Episcopal, and joined them. About this
time the Lord showed me in a vision, that there were no people on the earth
that were right, and that faith was gone from the earth, excepting a few and
that all churches were corrupt. I further saw in vision, that he would soon
raise up a church, that would be after the Apostolic Order, that there would be
in it the same powers, and gifts that were in the days of Christ, and that I
should live to see the day, and that there would a book come forth, like unto
the Bible and the people would [be] guided by it, as well as the Bible. This
was in the year of 1816. I then believed in gifts and miracles as the
Latter-day Saints do, for which I was much persecuted and called deluded. This
vision I received from an angel or spirit from the eternal world that told me
these things. About the time that Joseph Smith found the gold record, I began
to feel that the time was drawing near, that the Lord would in some shape or
other, bring forth his church. I made some inquiry through the country where I
traveled if there was any strange work of God, such as had not been on the
earth since the days of Christ. I could hear of none. I was living about 20
miles east of where the gold record was found, on the Erie Canal. I had
occasion to go on a visit into Upper Canada. I took boat for Lockport, when the
boat came to Palmyra, I felt as if some genie or good spirit told me to leave
the boat. This was a few miles from where the record was found. After leaving
the boat, the spirit manifested to me, to travel a south course. I did so for
about 3 miles. I had not as yet heard of the Gold Bible (so called) [Book of
Mormon] nor any of the [Joseph] Smith family. I was a stranger in that part of
the country, a town where I never before had set my foot, and knew no one in
the town. It was now about sundown, and my guide directed me to put up for the
night, which I did to a farm house. In the morning, the people of the house
asked me if I had heard of the Gold Bible [Book of Mormon]. When they said Gold
Bible, there was a power like electricity went from the top of my head to the
end of my toes. This was the first time I ever heard of the Gold Bible. I was
now within half a mile of the Smith family where Joseph lived. From the time I
left the boat until now, I was wholly led by the Spirit or my genie. The women
spoke considerable of the Gold Bible that Joseph Smith had found. When she
mentioned Gold Bible, I felt a shock of the power of God go from head to foot.
I said to myself, "I shall soon find why I have been led in this singular
manner." I soon made my way across lots, to Father Smith's and found Hyrum
walking the floor. As I entered the door, I said, "Peace be to this
house." He looked at me as one astonished, and said, "I hope it will
be peace." I then said, "Is there anyone here that believes in
visions or revelations?" He said, "Yes, we are a visionary
house." I said, "Then I will give you one of my pamphlets, which was
visionary, and of my own experience." They then called the people
together, which consisted of five or six men who were out at the door. Father
Smith was one and some of the Whitmer's. They then sat down and read my
pamphlet. Hyrum read first, but was so affected he could not read it. He then
gave it to a man, which I learned was Christian Whitmer, he finished reading
it. I then opened my mouth and began to preach to them, in the words that the
angel had made known to me in the vision, that all churches and denominations
on the earth had become corrupt, and no church of God on the earth, but that he
would shortly raise up a church that would never be confounded nor brought down
and be like unto the Apostolic Church. They wondered greatly who had been
telling me these things, for said they we have the same things wrote [written]
down in our house, taken from the Gold record, that you are preaching to us. I
said, "The Lord told me these things a number of years ago." I then
said, "If you are a visionary house, I wish you would make known some of
your discoveries, for I think I can bear them." They then made known to me
that they had obtained a gold record, and just finished translating it here.
Now, the Lord revealed to me by the gift and power of the Holy Ghost that this
was the work I had been looking for. Here I stayed 2 days and they instructed
me, in the manuscripts of the Book of Mormon. After I had been here two days, I
went with Hyrum and some others to Palmyra printing office where they began to
print the Book of Mormon, and as soon as they had printed 64 pages, I took them
with their leave and pursued my journey to Canada, and I preached all that I
knew concerning Mormonism, to all both high and low, rich and poor, and thus
you see this was the first that ever printed Mormonism was preached to this
generation. I did not see anyone in traveling for 7 or 800 miles, that had ever
heard of the Gold Bible (so called). I exhorted all people to prepare for the
great work of God that was now about to come forth, and it would never be
brought down nor confounded. As soon as the book was printed, I took 8 or 10 of
them and traveled for 8 days, and sold one in that time. About this time I
thought if I could see the Reformed Methodists I could convince them of the
truth of the Book of Mormon. I accordingly went to one of their conferences,
where I met about 40 of their preachers and labored with them for two days to
convince them of the truth of the Book of Mormon, and they utterly rejected me
and the Book of Mormon. One of their greatest preachers so called, by the name
of Buckly, (if a mistake not) abused me very bad, and ordered me off from their
premises. He was soon taken crazy, and died a miserable death. At this
conference was Brigham and his brother Phineas Young. They did not oppose me
but used me well. On my way home I stopped at their camp meeting, where I found
one of their greatest preachers, whom I contended with concerning the Book of
Mormon, by the name of William Lake, who utterly condemned it and rejected it,
who spurned at me and the Book and said, if it was of God, do you think He
would send such a little upstart as you are around with it? But he soon after
died a poor drunken sot. While on my way home I stopped at a Free Will Baptist
Church, and preached to a large congregation, and they received the work, but
there was no one to baptize them. The Church was not yet organized, but was
soon after, April 6th, 1830. A few days after, I was baptized in the waters of
Seneca Lake, by Joseph Smith, (and) emigrated same spring to Kirtland, Ohio,
and in the fall of 1831, emigrated to Jackson County, Missouri, and in the
beginning of the winter of 1833, was broken up by mobs, and driven out of the
county and suffered the loss of all things, with hundreds of my brethren and
sisters. (and) Settled again in Clay County and was there broke up and suffered
the loss of 3 houses and my plantation. (and) Again settled in Caldwell County
and was broke up and also in Daviess County, and was driven out of the counties
in the coldest part of the winter and suffered the loss of all things. And
great was the suffering of the Saints while in Missouri, that I was a witness
to and many times had my life threatened, and sometimes been knocked down, and
some of my blood spilt [spilled] by mobs. We were driven from the state of
Missouri, and settled in Illinois, at Nauvoo, where we remained in peace for
several years, and built a temple. On June 27, 1844, our Prophet and Patriarch
was murdered, and about the year 1846 we were broken up and had to flee to the
Rocky Mountains. April 2, 1847--this day the Pioneers began to leave the
Council Bluffs or Winter Quarters for the valley of the lake to make the road
and hunt a place for the saints. I, being one of them and was unwell when I
started, I suffered much of cold and hunger. When we got to Green River, I was
taken sick with the mountain fever, the second time, and got a little better,
and was taken down with the cholera, or cholera morbus, and was brought to the
point of death, and for 6 days and nights I took nothing into my stomach but
cold water, and that distressed me much. The road was new and rough, and we
continued to travel, and it seemed I must die, and I longed for death, my fare
was coarse, and scant. When we got to the valley many of us were out of
provision, July 24th here we stayed about one month. August 26 we started for
Council Bluffs, for my outfit to go back with, I had but 2 quarts of parch corn
and 3 quarts of coarse cornmeal. I was sick all the way back, and suffered
everything but death. Many times I had nothing to eat, and sometimes I had a
little poor buffalo bull meat. We returned back to the Bluffs about the last of
October, and found my family well. In the spring of 1848, I moved to the
valley. I shall have to omit many dates because of my negligence in recording
them. The wife of my youth died at Winter Quarters just before I started to the
valley with the Pioneers. I said, then all my happiness as to the things of
this world is gone, and so it has proved to this time. I am now alone, except
my little daughter 8 years old. I have endeavored to magnify my calling as well
as I knew how. Somewhere about the year 1850, I thought I would go to
California, as gold digging was cried up very much, and get gold to make myself
and family comfortable, as I was in poor circumstances. I accordingly went, the
North route, and made my stand this side of Sacramento, on Weber Creek. I went
up this creek about 5 miles, and began to dig for gold. I made one dollar per
day, board was one dollar per meal in this place. This morning I found myself
in the woods, and but one mule, to help myself with. I now found if I stayed
any longer, I should have to sell my mule, and live on the proceeds thereof. As
digging was poor at this time, and the large streams were so high, there could
be no digging on them for a month or more. I now thought I would ask the Lord
what I should do, as I was now alone, and far from home, I knelt down and asked
the Lord in faith what I should do, and the voice of the Lord came unto me as
plain as though a man spake, and said, if you will go home to your family, you
shall go in peace, and nothing shall harm you. I rose up and started with my
one mule, and left all that I had, a chest of clothes, and my rifle, in a store
and said nothing to no man where I was going. I took the Lord at his word and
put myself over the California mountains with no weapon but my pocket knife.
This year the Indians were more troublesome than ever they were before or
since. They were killing and being killed every night. I put my trust in God,
and in the power of the priesthood, which carried me safe through, although I
came all the way alone, me and my one mule. So the Lord was as good as his word
in bringing me safe through. I now will return back and speak of my
ordinations. In the spring of 1830, I was ordained a Priest, under the hands of
Hyrum Smith. I remained in that office about 10 years. I magnified it to the
best of my ability. I then was ordained an Elder, and remained in that office
until the first conference after the death of Joseph, by the council of Brother
Brigham [Young] and under the hands of George Miller, I was ordained a High
Priest and still remain in that quorum and the faith and confidence in the
doctrine and principles of the Church are as good as ever they were, and in all
the authorities of God's Kingdom, and am perfectly satisfied with all things as
they roll along. I feel as though my years were not many more in this life, yet
if I could live and be prepared to return to the land of my inheritance in
Jackson County, it would rejoice my heart. I am endeavoring to live every day
in a way that I am willing to meet the Judge of all the earth at any time. May
God bless all that blesses the authorities of the Church of Christ and all
honest hearted Saints, and may God curse all that curses the authorities of the
Church of Christ and honest hearted Saints. Even so, Amen.
