Joseph Smith, The Prophet

177 years ago today was the death of Joseph and Hyrum Smith. It occurred June 27th 1844. Their martyrdom ended a life of service, dedication, and faithfulness in the light of some of the greatest hardships. Together they endured the death of children, a spouse, tar and feathering, beatings, imprisonment, isolation, and the seemingly continual loss of home. Today I would like to reflect on the accomplishment of Joseph, the prophet. During his lifetime he brought about the translation of the Book of Mormon, was chosen to receive the restoration of the priesthood, and reestablished Christ's church on this earth. Christ told us that "by their fruits ye shall know them." I think he brought forth fruit that has benefited my life to this day. I am astounded by him. Both as a man, and for the office I truly believe he held. I'm in awe at the trials he faced. 

Now I know a lot of people have different conclusions of the man I'm lauding. Some believe him to be a charlatan. Others just call him misguided. Others call him a predator even. I've read enough to understand how some may feel that way. At some other time I hope to write about the fallibility that surrounds most of the prophets (and all of Christ's apostles) in scripture. I don't think I can say that Joseph was faultless. But that has not limited my testimony of him as a prophet. I will at some point address that directly because I feel it needs to be. But today I wish to speak briefly about the fruit this prophet brought that has most greatly influenced my life. Other writings will need their own day.

First the translation of the Book of Mormon. In it, there is one section of scripture that defined the Atonement of Christ for me in a way no other has. Alma Chapter 7:11-13 teaches us about the Saviors unique and singular ability succor and comfort us not only in sin but in our trials, weaknesses, and infirmities. I'm thankful to Joseph for translating that book of scripture for me. For having it to save me. To benefit me in my life. 

Few passages of scripture have hit me as hard as those penned in Liberty Jail. Those scriptures written in the darkest of hours. These words ever seem to be the ultimate balm to my soul, "My son, peace be unto thy soul; thine adversity and thine afflictions shall be but a small moment." To know that in our darkest hours, the Lord, God, still hears our prayers and is there for us. It means the world to me. 

Joseph Smith truly believed in serving his fellow man. In that small jail in Carthage Illinois he asked John Taylor to sing a hymn about the devotion we should have for our fellow man. It contains this line that always seems to be an indictment to me, a call to do better, 

"In pris’n I saw him next, condemned 

 To meet a traitor’s doom at morn. 

 The tide of lying tongues I stemmed, 

 And honored him ’mid shame and scorn. 

 My friendship’s utmost zeal to try, 

 He asked if I for him would die.

 The flesh was weak; my blood ran chill, 

 But my free spirit cried, “I will!”

A Poor Wayfaring Man of Grief asks of us. It asks us to do what the Savior would. I truly think that is how Joseph tried to live his life. There are constant tales of service surrounding him. Both to his family, to the church, the people of the church, and the people of their communities. I believe that legacy of service has continued and I hope that I am a part of it. That I can live up to that legacy.

The final fruit for me is a true dedication to religious freedom for all. Not just for himself. Joseph Smith said in 1843, 

"If it has been demonstrated that I have been willing to die for a "Mormon," I am bold to declare before Heaven that I am just as ready to die in defending the rights of a Presbyterian, a Baptist, or a good man of any denomination; for the same principle which would trample upon the rights of the Latter-day Saints would trample upon the rights of the Roman Catholics, or of any other denomination who may be unpopular and too weak to defend themselves. It is a love of liberty which inspires my soul — civil and religious liberty to the whole of the human race."

That sentiment was codified as a city ordinance in Nauvoo where he served as mayor. That desire for the liberty to worship (or not worship) according to the dictates of one's conscience is something I have signed up to defend, and one that is dear to my heart. I'm happy to know it was important to him too. It's been a guide for me when evaluating how and what to do at different aspects of my life. That we can, "claim the privilege of worshiping Almighty God according to the dictates of our own conscience, and allow all men the same privilege" is something we can't take for granted. 

These are just a few of the reasons I am thankful for the Prophet Joseph Smith. I truly believe he was a prophet, in the most real sense. And on today I think about him. I agree with John Taylor that,

These are just a few of the reasons I am thankful for the Prophet Joseph Smith. I truly believe he was a prophet, in the most real sense. And on today I think about him. I agree with John Taylor that, "Joseph Smith, the Prophet and Seer of the Lord, has done more, save Jesus only, for the salvation of men in this world, than any other man that ever lived in it." I truly have a testimony of that. It's not something that I share enough. But today I couldn't not. I've been to the room in Carthage. It's stayed with me. I've read his words of his miraculous visitation from Jesus Christ and Heavenly Father. And after praying and pondering, I received an answer from the spirit that mirrored his, that as he had seen a vision, I had a confirmation, and, "I knew it, and I knew that God knew it, and I could not deny it." It's my earnest prayer that others can read of his life, see his work, read words he wrote or translated, and benefit as I have from them.