Can I just say... Joseph Smith is a great guy. I'm taking "Doctrines and Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith" this semester, and it has been incredible. For part of the class, we have to read a book about him. I chose "Life of Joseph Smith the Prophet" by George Q. Cannon (such a good writer... I'm excited to read more of his stuff when I finish this one.) Here are the 3 main things I've learned/some of my feelings so far, taken from a paper I just wrote for the class:
1. From page to page, I find myself teetering with impressions of how human and normal he was, and then how spiritually mature and inhuman he was. On one hand, Joseph was much like a young person in that day ought to be. His father, Joseph the elder, after being treated dishonestly by friends and agents early in his and Lucy’s marriage, struggled to provide for the family throughout Joseph’s childhood. The Smith family lived in severe poverty, but with the trials of destitution come valuable lessons of hard work and perseverance. Joseph the younger was in no doubt exempt from these lessons; he knew what hard work was. The men and boys of the Smith family worked the land together, and although they never knew prosperity in the slightest, they were able to make ends meet. They were always able to pay their debts and maintain a good reputation. Even once the boy began his journey to prophethood, such daily responsibilities were always a priority that he never neglected. He knew of the potential he held. He knew his destiny and he knew that he would be a powerful leader, yet his humility remained intact. In Ether 12:27 we read: “And if men come unto me I will show unto them their weakness. I give unto men weakness that they may be humble; and my grace is sufficient for all men that humble themselves before me; for if they humble themselves before me, and have faith in me, then will I make weak things become strong unto them.” The Smith family’s humble circumstance prepared Joseph for the time when he would be made strong.
2. Then come the overwhelming feelings of how remarkable Joseph was even in his youth; how far he was from an average person. He was perfectly sincere in his desires to know God’s will. He had a close relationship with many of the religious leaders at the time and was known to have long and thoughtful conversations with them, where he craved the knowledge of God’s true religion and plan for him. Joseph as a young teenage boy seemed mature beyond his years, in matters both spiritual and secular. Even in early adulthood, while working for Josiah Stoal, he was well-known for his vigor and good judgment, once even reasoning with his employer and encouraging him to to retract from foolish goals and vain projects. He had a perspective that encompassed a whole lot more than most people’s do. He never lost sight of the big picture, and this simple ability he possessed from youth is a characteristic that shaped the prophet he was to become. In all things spiritual and secular, God was preparing Joseph Smith. As Cannon wrote: “For the choice seed which is to bring forth rich and perfect fruit, the Lord Almighty prepares the soil of His garden.” Joseph was a most choice seed, and long before he was even aware of it, God was preparing his soil.
3. Joseph Smith was a prophet, and those who really knew him could never deny it. While aspects of his life reflect those of an average individual, his overall character testified of his divine appointment. “Life of Joseph Smith The Prophet” provides insights to his personality and qualities that foster a deep-rooted appreciation for his life and teachings. Although well-acquainted with tribulation throughout his life, his remarkable character turns these trials into experiences all can look to for strengthened faith. It was prophesied that his name “should be had for good and evil among all nations, kindreds, and tongues,” a prophecy that has certainly been fulfilled, but I believe that an honest study of the life and character of Joseph Smith, through books such George Q. Cannon’s, will give yield to an appreciation and love for a true servant of God, even Joseph Smith. Cannon writes that he was “ever the leader (whether engaging in manly sport, during hours of relaxation, or proclaiming words of wisdom in pulpit or grove). His magnetism was masterful and his heroic qualities won universal admiration. Where he moved all classes were forced to recognize in him the man of power. Strangers journeying to see him from a distance, knew him the moment their eyes beheld his person. Men have crossed ocean and continent to meet him, and have selected him instantly from among a multitude.” This was an exceptional man. From the study of Joseph Smith springs an understand of his prophetic calling. He was destined to be an instrument in the Lord’s hands, through which the true Gospel of Jesus Christ would be restored to the earth in the latter days. The Lord was consistently involved in Joseph’s life, through heavenly messengers, spiritual visitations, and personal revelation. Joseph was so good, so honest and Christ-like that to believe him a fraud is simply a showing of ignorance or misinterpretation of character. Joseph Smith was a man of unwavering faith, a natural leader, and a true prophet of God.
I love this.
