JOSEPH SMITH HISTORY
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.
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 [1838] the eighth year since the organization of the said Church.
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 … 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. 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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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?
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 todestruction—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—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.
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, standingabove 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!
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.
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 allcorrupt; 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.”
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. 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 oppose-tion and persecution that arose against me, almost in my infancy?
SECOND YEAR YOUNG WOMEN COMMENTS
Girls camp this year has been a blast! I have learned so much and my testimony has been strengthened. I know that the church and Gospel are true and Heavenly Father loves me for who I am. We are fighting a battle and Satan won't win! I love the girls at camp and have enjoyed it so much! I cannot wait for next year and I am enjoying the time I have now. I know that even when life gets hard I can make it through and keep my standards and be a better person. I am so glad I have the gospel in my life and I can be whoever I want to be. Heavenly Father knows who I am and I know who I am and that helps strengthen me.G
I just read part of the Joseph Smith History. One part that stood out to me was how brave Joseph Simth was to find the true church. I can't even imagine what it would be like being him. I have a testimony that Joseph Smith was a Prophet and he restored the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. I am so grateful for him and his hard work. Being here at camp is the funnest week of my year. Every time I go, it strengthens my testimony and helps guide me to be more like Christ. I am so grateful that families can be together forever. I know that I make mistakes, but I can repent. G
When I am at camp I feel so close to our Heavenly Father and to Jesus Christ. The spirit is just so strong here its just breathtaking. I love coming to girls camp!!! N6
I've been feeling very happy and good about myself at camp because everybody here is always telling you how much they love you and how your beautiful. And when we are reading our scriptures a sense of Spirit and calmness comes over you and its really totally amazing!
Last night we had our hike and I was feeling very inspired and I was feeling the spirit as one of the YCL's was speaking. I felt the spirit the strongest. She was talking about how hard it was to choose friends and I have already lost some of my friends and I know high school will be harder so I'm reading my scriptures every night and it will help me. W
I love reading Joseph Smiths history because He was a prophet from God and I love reading about his experiences. Reading about Heavenly Father and Jesus coming to him really hit me that he was just a boy, just like us, and he was chosen by Heavenly Father to translate the Book of Mormon. I have a testimony of prayer. I know that Heavenly Father will answer my prayers. I know we have a living Prophet and that families are together forever. N1
I love how girls camp is a place where everyone has the same standards and knows who they are and wants to go back to heaven someday! The spirit is so strong here it feels like its just so far away from evil and anyone wanting to bring me down. Girls camp just makes you feel good! I just love being able to feel the spirit everyday! At school and even at home, the spirit is never there as often. I love the good warm feelings girls camp gives me. N1
I know Joseph Smith is a true Prophet of the Gospel and he truly saw my Father and my Brother Jesus Christ. I know Joseph Smith was guided by our Father ad I know that Heavenly Father loves all of us. Being at camp has made me feel closer to my Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. I love them. N1
After reading the Joseph Smith History it really amazes me how eager he is to find the one true church. He was so faithful to his Heavenly Father. I am very thankful for what he did. If he had never restores the gospel I wouldn't be here at girls camp. W
When I read Joseph Smith history it made me realize how blessed we are to have the gospel in our lives because others are not as fortunate as us. W
When I read the scriptures about Joseph Smith I felt the spirit and I felt really happy inside. Grils camp this year has been a really awesome and spiritual year. It is so much fun. I learned so much that would help certify me. I love all the girls here and love this experience. G
I love the scriptures because it is the word of God. I think that it's important to read the scriptures so that we can draw closer to Heavenly Father and Jesus. I feel peaceful when I read the scriptures. I love camp because it really is a sort of Heaven on Earth. The story of Joseph Smith is wonderful because it's how we got the scriptures today in the latter days. The scriptures for me have been a great place to go to and a set of books that answers all of my questions. I have a testimony that the Bible and the Book of Mormon are the word of God and that Joseph Smith really did translate it. G
My thoughts about all of this is that it's AMAZING! I have met so many new people who are always smiling and are very nice to me and my friends! My testimony has grown a lot about friends and how I can always count on them to be there for me whenever I need anybody and I am not the only one I have everyone in my cabin that are Great and so much fun! Also they have helped me spiritually. They are the perfect example to have surrounding me and we need more people like this to be around. I think we should have girls camp everyday. I love the second year leaders. They are so much fun and spiritual and I can feel how much they love me and I hope they know how much I love them. SC
My thoughts about all of this is that it's AMAZING! I have met so many new people who are always smiling and are very nice to me and my friends! My testimony has grown a lot about friends and how I can always count on them to be there for me whenever I need anybody and I am not the only one I have everyone in my cabin that are Great and so much fun! Also they have helped me spiritually. They are the perfect example to have surrounding me and we need more people like this to be around. I think we should have girls camp everyday. I love the second year leaders. They are so much fun and spiritual and I can feel how much they love me and I hope they know how much I love them. SC
Sometimes I don't get things and I have to be told a lot. I feel stupid and embarrassed. But I know the more I read the scriptures, look at the foot notes, pray, and go to church, the more that I will not only get blessings but I'll be able to understand things and even if I don't understand things right away I will someday. Moving on to a completely different subject, I am so thankful to have this earth. My brother told me that we don't realize when they say '7 days' that doesn't mean each day is 24 hours. That could be 100's of years! I'm so thankful that Joseph Smith translated the scriptures so that wed can read them and suck up all of the spirit. I love this church. I love all the people in it. G
When I read that passage about Joseph Smith trying to find what religion to join it made me feel happy that he wanted to make sure the was joining the right one to be able to learn about the gospel. W
I feel like now I have a better understanding of the First Vision. I feel like I have been told first hand what exactly happened. The church was obviously not what Satan wanted to be created. I believe that the First Vision happened. Wo
This chapter was about Joseph Smith and the First Vision. I thought about how confused I would be if I were only 15 and I had all that weight on my shoulders. He liked his church but it just didn't feel right. The things He was being taught. He finally found out that the right church was not on Earth at the time, and he would help restore it.
I feel like now I have a better understanding of the First Vision. I feel like I have been told first hand what exactly happened. The church was obviously not what Satan wanted to be created. I believe that the First Vision happened. Wo
This chapter was about Joseph Smith and the First Vision. I thought about how confused I would be if I were only 15 and I had all that weight on my shoulders. He liked his church but it just didn't feel right. The things He was being taught. He finally found out that the right church was not on Earth at the time, and he would help restore it.