I say that because the First Vision means so much to me. It nails down so many—if not all—of my basic beliefs.

The first belief is God’s existence. Roman Catholic philosopher Peter J. Kreeft said:

“The question of whether God really exists is obviously one of the most interesting and important questions in the world for most people, especially for most philosophers. For God’s existence or nonexistence makes a difference to everything . . .” (The Philosophy of Tolkien: The worldview behind The Lord of the Rings, 50)

For me, the First Vision settles that question. God the Father and His Son Jesus Christ appeared to the teenage Joseph Smith. He saw, They spoke with him, and he knew beyond a doubt that They were real.

I also learn about the nature of God. The Father and the Son are two separate beings. Joseph Smith said, “I saw two personages.”(JS-H 1:17, 25) I mention this not to offend other’s beliefs, but to explain what we believe. Mormons do not believe in the Trinity. I have two friends—one a former Protestant, the other a former Roman Catholic—who left their denominations precisely because they did not understand the Trinity.

One of the leaders of the Mormon Church, Elder Jeffery R. Holland said:

“Our first and foremost article of faith in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is ‘We believe in God, the Eternal Father, and in His Son, Jesus Christ, and in the Holy Ghost.’ We believe these three divine persons constituting a single Godhead are united in purpose, in manner, in testimony, in mission. We believe Them to be filled with the same godly sense of mercy and love, justice and grace, patience, forgiveness, and redemption. I think it is accurate to say we believe They are one in every significant and eternal aspect imaginable except believing Them to be three persons combined in one substance, a Trinitarian notion never set forth in the scriptures because it is not true.” (Jeffrey R. Holland, “The Only True God and Jesus Christ Whom He Hath Sent,” Ensign, Nov 2007, 40–42.)

A third thing I learn from the First Vision is the importance and significance of faith. (“Faith,” True to the Faith, (2004),54–56.)

Joseph Smith had faith, and he exercised faith. He read the passage in the Bible, “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” (James 1:5) And then he then acted upon what he had read. Obedience is so simple!

A fourth thing is that God answers prayers. It is one thing to believe that God exists, but if He is ignoring us, then does it actually matter that He exists? Joseph Smith’s experience shows that God cares for us. He loves us to the point where He will talk to us and answer our questions.

A fifth thing is that Jesus Christ’s Atonement is real. Christ’s Atonement is His sacrifice for us; His suffering and death, burial, and resurrection. This, in part, motivated Joseph Smith to pray.

He explained:

“Thus from the age of twelve years to fifteen I pondered many things in my heart concerning the situation of the world of mankind … My mind become exceedingly distressed for I become convicted of my sins … I felt to mourn for my own sins and for the sins of the world.”

He went into a neighboring grove of trees and prayed. Joseph Smith continues:

“[I saw] a pillar of fire light above the brightness of the sun at noon day come down from above and rested upon me. I was filled with the spirit of God and the Lord opened the heavens upon me, and I saw the Lord.

“He spake unto me saying, “Joseph, my son, thy sins are forgiven thee. Go thy way, walk in my statutes and keep my commandments.” (1832 History, in Personal Writings of Joseph Smith, 2nd ed., 9-14, standardized)

Desiring to belong and to know our status before God I think underlies much of what we do. It certainly motivated Joseph Smith to take action. The good news is that he did find reunion with God.

Like Joseph, each of us can diligently search the scriptures and petition God.

Sixth, I learn that Joseph Smith was a real person with real problems. As I read and reread his account, I am impressed how straightforward—even down-to-earth—his statements are. I think that at times, we all feel the same way that he did.

Joseph Smith was a teenager, and he was confused by things. He also had an honest desire to do the right thing, but did not know what to do. He was a bit like James Dean’s character Jim Stark in Rebel Without A Cause. Stark gets into an argument with his parents, and then things erupt. Stark finally yells, “You, you say one thing, he says another, and everybody changes back again!”

Joseph Smith felt the same way. But instead of blowing up at people and drag-racing, he turned to the scriptures and prayer. The good news is that we all can do this, whether we are in the nineteenth century or the twenty-first. No matter what, they are always available.

kendalbhunter

In discussing this, sometimes we are tempted to say, “Well, that is just a matter of faith,” and then change the subject. The implication being that talking about God is like talking about breeds of unicorns—both God and unicorns are just fantastic creatures, so any discussion of either is merely academic. Or worse—nonsensical.

I disagree. I think these types of discussions about God can have merit, especially if done between close friends and in a relaxed setting.

Near the beginning of World War Two, Hugh B. Brown, a member of the Church who later became an apostle, had a theological discussion with a friend of his in England. They began by talking about the looming war-clouds, and then his friend, who happened to be a Member of Parliament and a lawyer, asked Hugh B. Brown to prepare a brief on his faith.

Following the advice of Peter (“Be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you.”), Brown said that he could give him the information right then and there

The discussion (which Brown said was like the process of discovery in legal proceedings) was an intellectual rough-and-tumble. They began with discussing the MP’s personal beliefs, and then they debated a version of the Epicurean Paradox. Next they established God’s modus operandi, which led to a discussion of prophets. The two men finally formulated what Brown later called a profile of a prophet.

Here is what they came up with:

1. He will boldly claim that God had spoken to him.

2. Any man so claiming would be a dignified man with a dignified message—no table jumping, no whisperings from the dead, no clairvoyance, but an intelligent statement of truth.

3. Any man claiming to be a prophet of God would declare his message without any fear and without making any weak concessions to public opinion.

4. If he were speaking for God he could not make concessions, although what he taught would be new and contrary to the accepted teachings of the day. A prophet bears witness to what he has seen and heard and seldom tries to make a case by argument. His message and not himself is important.

5. Such a man would speak in the name of the Lord, saying, “Thus said the Lord,” as did Moses, Joshua, and others.

6. Such a man would predict future events in the name of the Lord, and they would come to pass, as did those predicted by Isaiah and Ezekiel.

7. He would have not only an important message for his time but often a message for all future time, such as Daniel, Jeremiah, and others had.

8. He would have courage and faith enough to endure persecution and to give his life, if need be, for the cause he espoused, such as Peter, James, Paul, and others did.

9. Such a man would denounce wickedness fearlessly. He would generally be rejected or persecuted by the people of his time, but later generations and descendants of his persecutors would build monuments in his honor.

10. He would be able to do superhuman things—things that no man could do without God’s help. The consequence or result of his message and work would be convincing evidence of his prophetic calling: “By their fruits ye shall know them” (Matthew 7:20).

11. His teachings would be in strict conformity with scripture, and his words and his writings would become scripture. “For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost” (2 Peter 1:21).

That is an impressive list, to which many other things could be added. But the point stands that Joseph Smith meets every one of these criteria. He is on equal footing with any other biblical prophets. And that is one of the reasons why I am so attracted to him.

And it goes beyond simple attraction. It is a burning and abiding faith in his mission as prophet.

On the 200th anniversary of Joseph Smith’s birth, Thomas S. Monson, now the sixteenth president of the Church, said:

“I know he was God’s prophet, chosen to restore the gospel of Jesus Christ in these latter days. I pray that as we celebrate the 200th anniversary of his birth, we may learn from his life. May we incorporate into our own lives the divine principles which he so beautifully taught—by example—that we, ourselves, might live more completely the gospel of Jesus Christ. May our lives reflect the knowledge we have that God lives, that Jesus Christ is His Son, that Joseph Smith was a prophet. (Thomas S. Monson, “The Prophet Joseph Smith: Teacher by Example,” Ensign, Nov 2005, 67)

I add my faith to his. I know that Joseph Smith was a prophet. The things that he said happened to him really did happen to him. I have come to this conclusion because I have read his words, his teachings, and his journals many times over. Moreover, I have also felt God whispering to my heart, affirming what I have studied and read.

Of course this is in the realm of faith, but we can all make that leap of faith and know that Joseph Smith was a prophet. That is what motivates me and that is why I blog.

kendalbhunter

I got up at 3:30 AM to go to work. I work at a hospital, which explains both the oddball hours and why I was at work on Sunday. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, known as the Mormons, affirms the Law of the Sabbath and holds worship services on Sunday. However, the Church also allows servicemen, first responders, peace officers, and so forth to do their jobs on Sunday. A hospital, of course, comes under these obvious exemptions.

By the way, if you have this odd-hour, graveyard shift scheduling, one fun hobby to pick up is astronomy. Right now the stars Deneb, Vega, and Altair make a wonderful triangle, and Arcturus is a gem!

There is a relevant passage in The Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ, which Latter-day Saints believe to be scripture. The prophet Alma is confronting Korihor, a wicked philosopher. The discussion turns to the topics of God’s existence. Korihor says that he does not believe that God exists. He then asks Alma for a sign. Alma replies:

“Thou hast had signs enough; will ye tempt your God? Will ye say, Show unto me a sign, when ye have the testimony of all these thy brethren, and also all the holy prophets? The scriptures are laid before thee, yea, and all things denote there is a God; yea, even the earth, and all things that are upon the face of it, yea, and its motion, yea, and also all the planets which move in their regular form do witness that there is a Supreme Creator.” (Alma 30:44, emphasis added.)

Astronomy (not astrology) can be a faith-promoting science.

After I finished my shift at work, I came home and made a Carnation Instant Breakfast, put on some church music, and then had a catnap. When I woke up an hour later, I put on my church clothes and went home teaching with my companion.

Home teaching is a program in the church were two men are assigned to visit a certain number of families. We deliver a spiritual message, and then see how they are doing, both spiritually and with physical necessities. It helps unify the congregation, and eases the workload of the local leadership.

The first family we visited had recently graduated from university. The husband had a summer internship, while the wife was looking for a job. I referred her to LDS Employment Resources Services. This is a job-hunting and career planning service offered by the Church. They have several senior missionaries that help people in need. They help with writing résumés, interviewing practice, internet job-hunting, and so forth. They also have resources for self-employment, small business entrepreneurs, and home-businesses. All of this for free.

We then visited our second family. They dropped a bomb on us. The husband got an education opportunity in the San Francisco Bay Area, so they were moving next month. So we spent most of the time talking about their plans: How they were getting there? Did they have an agent or any buyers? What about the furniture? We got a nice tour of the house, which was good practice in dealing with potential buyers.

We then delivered the spiritual message, which was from Thomas S. Monson, the current world leader of the Church of Jesus Christ. He began the spiritual thought this way:

“When I was a boy, I enjoyed reading Treasure Island, by Robert Louis Stevenson. I also saw adventure movies where several individuals had separate pieces of a well-worn map which led the way to buried treasure if only the pieces could be found and put together.”

“I recall listening to a 15-minute radio program each weekday afternoon—Jack Armstrong, the All-American Boy. As it began, a voice filled with mystery would emanate from the radio: “We now join Jack and Betty as they approach the fabulous secret entry to the elephants’ burial ground, where a treasure is concealed. But wait; danger lurks on the path ahead.” Nothing could tear me away from this program. It was as though I were leading the search for the hidden treasure of precious ivory.”

I pointed out that Raiders of the Lost Ark used a similar gimmick: Indiana Jones has to bring Marion Ravenwood along with him because she owned the Headpiece to the Staff of Ra, which Indy needs to find the Ark of the Covenant. The friction between these two ex-lovers adds to the comedy of the film.

I also pointed out that we sometimes get funny ideas about spirituality. We sometimes get the idea that we aren’t supposed to like these adventure stories because they are not “churchy.” Righteous people just don’t watch these types of things. But the prophet of our church used these fun adventure stories to illustrate an important spiritual truth.

President Monson explained:

At another time and in a different setting, the Savior of the world spoke of treasure. In His Sermon on the Mount, He declared:

“Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal:

“But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal:

“For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.”

The promised reward was not a treasure of ivory, gold, or silver. Neither did it consist of acres of land or a portfolio of stocks and bonds. The Master spoke of riches within the grasp of all—even joy unspeakable here and eternal happiness hereafter.

I wish to provide the three pieces of your treasure map to guide you to your eternal happiness. They are:

1.Learn from the past.

2.Prepare for the future.

3.Live in the present.

(Thomas S. Monson, “Treasure of Eternal Value,” Ensign, Apr 2008, 4–9.)

The visits took two hours total. I came home, cooked a microwave dinner, reheated some homemade cornbread, then had a large salad. After my late lunch, I did some Sunday reading.

I am reading We Reach The Moon, a book about the Apollo 11 moonshot. Then I read a chapter in Miracle At Philadelphia, about the 1787 Constitutional Convention. I also read in a theological commentary, and then a chapter in a book on personal finance. I am also slowly plodding my way though The Life And Times Of Jesus The Messiah, by Alfred Edersheim. I got about halfway through the chapter and realized that I had not yet written in my journal.

My memory is not as good as the already written page, so I stopped reading at a convenient break, and set the book aside. The journal entry was a short one, mostly recording three dreams I had.

The journal is really a writing journal for another project I am working on. And when your mind is purring like a Formula-1 engine, your dreams can take on a creative significance. And, of course, God speaks to people by way of dreams. The Bible says, “And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions.” (Joel 2:28)

So I recorded these dreams. When I finished putting my journal in order, I then retired.

I mention this “day in the life of a blogger” for one reason: There are two reasons why I spent my Sunday this way, instead of vegging-out in front of the idiot box, or hanging out at the beach or a casino.

The first reason is my faith in Jesus Christ. I have a testimony, or a witness that He is the Son of God, and that He died for my sins, and that He resurrected.

The second reason is my faith that Joseph Smith was called of God to establish a Church, to translate The Book of Mormon, and to restore the priesthood to operate this church.

Since I actually and honestly believe these things, I change my behavior accordingly. I do what I do because I know what I know. I spent my time that Sunday in the way I did because of both Jesus Christ and Joseph Smith.

One hundred and eighty-eight years ago, Joseph Smith walked into a nearby grove and prayed. He had two concerns. One was about his sins—he wanted forgiveness. The second was about denominationalism—he wanted to know which church to join.

In response to that prayer, God the Father and Jesus Christ appeared to him. The Savior said that Joseph’s sins were forgiven him. He was also told not to join any church, since they were not recognized by the Lord. He was also told that the fullness of the gospel would be made known to him at a future point.

What I did that one Sunday was a direct result of this First Vision of Joseph Smith. If you believe that God exists, that His Son died for our sins, and that there is a true church on the face of the earth, then it affects everything you do. Your priorities in life are completely different.

In this sense, I feel a close connection to Joseph Smith. Across the ages, Joseph Smith and I are coworkers and compatriots in this religious endeavor. Not in a mystical sense, but in a way that causes me to order my daily schedule in such a way to serve. It’s a matter of both faith and works.

kendalbhunter

This reminds me of an incident in the life of Joseph Smith, the founding prophet of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, known as the Mormons.

In October, 1838, Missouri Governor Lilburn W. Boggs issued Executive Order 44, now known as the Extermination Order, to General John B. Clark. This order, in part, read as follows:

“Sir:—Since the order of the morning to you, directing you to cause four hundred mounted men to be raised within your division, I have received by Amos Rees, Esq. and Wiley E. Williams Esq., one of my aids, information of the most appalling character, which changes the whole face of things, and places the Mormons in the attitude of an open and avowed defiance of the laws, and of having made open war upon the people of this state.”

“Your orders are, therefore, to hasten your operations and endeavor to reach Richmond, in Ray County, with all possible speed. The Mormons must be treated as enemies, and must be exterminated or driven from the state, if necessary, for the public good. Their outrages are beyond all description.”

If you can increase your force, you are authorized to do so to any extent you may think necessary. … You will proceed immediately to Richmond, and there operate against the Mormons.” (Executive Order 44, emphasis added.)

In the process of events, Joseph Smith was captured by the militia, and held in Richmond Jail to await trial. Parley P. Pratt, an apostle in the Church, was with Joseph Smith during his imprisonment. In his autobiography, he told of Joseph Smith standing up to abusing guards, exhibiting the power of one.

Here are Parley P. Pratt’s words:

“In one of those tedious nights we had lain as if in sleep till the hour of midnight had passed, and our ears and hearts had been pained, while we had listened for hours to the obscene jests, the horrid oaths, the dreadful blasphemies and filthy language of our guards, Colonel Price at their head, as they recounted to each other their deeds of rapine, murder, robbery, etc., which they had committed among the ‘Mormons’ while at Far West and vicinity. They even boasted of defiling by force wives, daughters and virgins, and of shooting or dashing out the brains of men, women and children.”

“I had listened till I became so disgusted, shocked, horrified, and so filled with the spirit of indignant justice that I could scarcely refrain from rising upon my feet and rebuking the guards; but had said nothing to Joseph, or any one else, although I lay next to him and knew he was awake.”

Pratt had a gift for prose. You can feel the damp walls and the palpable darkness in his words. The guard’s trash-talk stings you now just as it stung Smith and Pratt 170 years ago.

So the guards had Joseph Smith in custody, but that was not enough. They had to brag about their atrocities and hate crimes against the Latter-day Saints. However, the prisoners as prisoners were powerless to do anything about the verbal abuse.

But Joseph Smith was not really a prisoner. Parley P. Pratt explains what happened next:

“On a sudden he [Joseph Smith] arose to his feet, and spoke in a voice of thunder, as the roaring lion, uttering, as near as I can recollect, the following words:

“‘SILENCE, ye fiends of the infernal pit. In the name of Jesus Christ I rebuke you, and command you to be still; I will not live another minute and bear such language. Cease such talk, or you or I die THIS INSTANT!’”

There is a saying that goes “if you have nothing to lose, then go for broke.” But I’m not sure if gambling was on Joseph Smith’s mind. He always believed that the Lord would protect him: “God will always protect me until my mission is fulfilled” (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, 365). This belief gave him the faith to speak truth to power.

Whatever his thought-process was, he stood his ground. Again, picture this in your mind. Joseph Smith was worn out from his time in jail. He had been wearing the same clothes for several weeks. I imagine that he was unshaved and haggard form the ordeal, and a tad bit stir-crazy.

On top of that he was the Lord’s prophet. Every person who was abused, looted, raped, or murdered was his responsibility. They depended upon him for guidance, and here he was pinned-down in a stinking cell. He was powerless.

And then he had to endure the taunting guards reliving their sadism.

We think of Christ before Pilate and the Sanhedrin, or Paul before Agrippa. Like them, Joseph Smith took the initiative and drew a hard line against these obscene guards. He made his voice heard.

Parley P. Pratt continues:

“He ceased to speak. He stood erect in terrible majesty. Chained, and without a weapon; calm, unruffled and dignified as an angel, he looked upon the quailing guards, whose weapons were lowered or dropped to the ground; whose knees smote together, and who, shrinking into a corner, or crouching at his feet, begged his pardon, and remained quiet till a change of guards.”

That is the power of one. Be it standing up to tanks in Tiananmen Square, or rebuking obscene jailors, we must stand tall for what is right, regardless of the consequences.

Of course standing up for the right can be frightening. Some people believe that public speaking is scarier than death. If that is true, standing up for the right must require an extraordinary amount of courage. If anything, Joseph Smith’s example should encourage, even empower us to speak up.

And notice the guard’s reaction: they fell back into a corner, like the cowards they were. Keep that in mind the next time you must take a stand for the right and the good. Your opponent (and all opponents are potential allies) may just be bluffing. Shakespeare spoke of “sound and fury, signifying nothing” (Macbeth V.5.32). Have the courage to call someone’s bluff, get past the bluster, and speak the truth—even when you are afraid.

This encounter also suggests this question: Who were the real prisoners? Joseph Smith in irons or the vulgar guards? Jesus Christ said, “Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin” (John 8:34). The vainglorious guards were guilty of atrocities and hate crimes, and Governor Boggs’s Extermination Order was an affront to the spirit and intent of America, and a violation of Constitutional liberties. Yet, according to Christ, Joseph Smith was free as a bird, and the perpetrators were the ones in stocks. Worse than physical bondage is spiritual bondage.

Whatever your personal faith is, Joseph Smith was no less a hero than the apostle Paul, Martin Luther King, Boethius, Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Henry David Thoreau, or Gandhi. They were all prisoners of hope, and had the courage to stand firm in the face of abusing power.

Parley P. Pratt summed his reaction to Joseph Smith’s rebuke this way:

“I have seen the ministers of justice, clothed in magisterial robes, and criminals arraigned before them, while life was suspended on a breath, in the courts of England; I have witnessed a Congress in solemn session to give laws to nations; I have tried to conceive of kings, of royal courts, of thrones and crowns; and of emperors assembled to decide the fate of kingdoms; but dignity and majesty have I seen but once, as it stood in chains, at midnight, in a dungeon in an obscure village of Missouri.” (Parley Pratt Autobiography, 179-180.)

Joseph Smith has inspired me over the years. This event, in particular, was one of his finest moments. He drew a hard line, took a stand, and spoke up for the right. He exhibited in a marvelous way the power of one.

Wrong is wrong and right is right. When we are put in dilemmas, we need to stand up for the right, just like Joseph Smith. Even if we stand alone.

kendalbhunter

“At the request of Mr. John Wentworth, Editor and Proprietor of the Chicago Democrat, I have written the following sketch of the rise, progress, persecution, and faith of the Latter-day Saints, of which I have the honor, under God, of being the founder. Mr. Wentworth says that he wishes to furnish Mr. [George] Barstow, a friend of his, who is writing the history of New Hampshire, with this document. As Mr. Barstow has taken the proper steps to obtain correct information, all that I shall ask at his hands, is, that he publish the account entire, ungarnished, and without misrepresentation.” (“Chapter 38: The Wentworth Letter,” Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Joseph Smith, [2007], 435–47.)

This is not a long letter, but it carries quite a punch. It is a priceless thumbnail-sketch of its history, and is an essential source of key doctrines of the Church’s faith. If a person wanted a bare-bones explanation about the Church, I would give them a copy of this letter along with the Family Proclamation and a copy of the Living Christ Proclamation. All three of these documents give a basic understating of the nature of the Church. THE OUTLINE The letter can be broken down in six parts: The First Vision, The Book of Mormon, the Organization of the Church, the Persecution of the Saints, Nauvoo—the Beautiful, the Standard of Truth, and the Articles of Faith. In this blog I will present several selections from the letter. To read a full transcript of the letter, click HERE. Although this letter was never published by Wentworth or Barstow, it was published in the local Nauvoo newspaper Times and Seasons. Two years later a similar letter (with slight variations) was published by Daniel Rupp in 1844. THE FIRST VISION All things Joseph Smith begin with the First Vision. In his own words here is what happened:

When about fourteen years of age, I began to reflect upon the importance of being prepared for a future state, and upon inquiring [about] the plan of salvation, I found that there was a great clash in religious sentiment; if I went to one society they referred me to one plan, and another to another; each one pointing to his own particular creed as the summum bonum of perfection. Considering that all could not be right, and that God could not be the author of so much confusion, I determined to investigate the subject more fully, believing that if God had a Church it would not be split up into factions, and that if He taught one society to worship one way, and administer in one set of ordinances, He would not teach another, principles which were diametrically opposed. “Believing the word of God, I had confidence in the declaration of James—‘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.’ [James 1:5.] I retired to a secret place in a grove, and began to call upon the Lord; while fervently engaged in supplication, my mind was taken away from the objects with which I was surrounded, and I was enwrapped in a heavenly vision, and saw two glorious personages, who exactly resembled each other in features and likeness, surrounded with a brilliant light which eclipsed the sun at noon day. They told me that all religious denominations were believing in incorrect doctrines, and that none of them was acknowledged of God as His Church and kingdom: and I was expressly commanded ‘to go not after them,’ at the same time receiving a promise that the fullness of the Gospel should at some future time be made known unto me.

I appreciate this unvarnished, straightforward telling of what happened. For me, the simplicity of the story is everything. It has the ring of truth. Due to constraints of space, however, this telling does not have all of the details of what happened in the vision. Joseph Smith’s 1832 History included more details that were left out, and his official Church History of 1838 provides more context to the event. THE BOOK OF MORMON Three years after this marvelous vision, Joseph Smith had a second. He was up late one evening praying. While he was having this spiritual wrestle, Joseph Smith had a visit from an angel

:

“On the evening of the 21st of September, A. D. 1823, while I was praying unto God, and endeavoring to exercise faith in the precious promises of Scripture, on a sudden a light like that of day, only of a far purer and more glorious appearance and brightness, burst into the room; indeed the first sight was as though the house was filled with consuming fire; the appearance produced a shock that affected the whole body; in a moment a personage stood before me surrounded with a glory yet greater than that with which I was already surrounded. This messenger proclaimed himself to be an angel of God, sent to bring the joyful tidings that the covenant which God made with ancient Israel was at hand to be fulfilled, that the preparatory work for the second coming of the Messiah was speedily to commence, that the time was at hand for the Gospel in all its fullness to be preached in power, unto all nations that a people might be prepared for the Millennial reign. I was informed that I was chosen to be an instrument in the hands of God to bring about some of His purposes in this glorious dispensation. “I was also informed concerning the aboriginal inhabitants of this country and shown who they were, and from whence they came; a brief sketch of their origin, progress, civilization, laws, governments, of their righteousness and iniquity, and the blessings of God being finally withdrawn from them as a people, was made known unto me; I was also told where were deposited some plates on which were engraven an abridgment of the records of the ancient Prophets that had existed on this continent. The angel appeared to me three times the same night and unfolded the same things. After having received many visits from the angels of God unfolding the majesty and glory of the events that should transpire in the last days, on the morning of the 22nd of September, A. D. 1827, the angel of the Lord delivered the records into my hands. …

This is the origin of The Book of Mormon, which Latter-day Saints consider to be scripture. Joseph Smith summed up the message of the book this way:

“… This book … tells us that our Savior made His appearance upon this continent after His resurrection; that He planted the Gospel here in all its fulness, and richness, and power, and blessing; that they had Apostles, Prophets, Pastors, Teachers, and Evangelists, the same order, the same priesthood, the same ordinances, gifts, powers, and blessings, as were enjoyed on the eastern continent; that the people were cut off in consequence of their transgressions; that the last of their prophets who existed among them was commanded to write an abridgment of their prophecies, history, etc., and to hide it up in the earth, and that it should come forth and be united with the Bible for the accomplishment of the purposes of God in the last days. For a more particular account I would refer to the Book of Mormon …

I have read The Book of Mormon many times. I am strengthened by its teachings about the Savior and His sacrifice. I am glad that Joseph Smith was called to translate and to publish this book so that we all could benefit by this additional testament. THE ORGANIZATION OF THE CHURCH These visions, the angel, and the new scripture, however, were not enough. There needed to be structure. Joseph Smith was a champion of organized religion. Consequently he organized the small group of believers into a church. Here are the details:

“On the 6th of April, 1830, the ‘Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints’ was first organized in the town of Fayette, Seneca county, state of New York. Some few were called and ordained by the Spirit of revelation and prophecy, and began to preach as the Spirit gave them utterance, and though weak, yet were they strengthened by the power of God, and many were brought to repentance, were immersed in the water, and were filled with the Holy Ghost by the laying on of hands. They saw visions and prophesied, devils were cast out, and the sick healed by the laying on of hands.

The last sentence explains why there needed to be organized believers: theses miracles and gifts of the Spirit serve to strengthen members in their daily battle to do good. We have our friendships at work, old college buddies or classmates, and professional and political associations. But there is something special, and subtly different, being with fellow believers. You both are on the same page in regards to values, ethics, and doctrine. You can talk about spiritual and sacred things that you could not with your casual carpool comrades. Additionally, this spiritual dimension enhances—even lubricates—the day to day grind we have to endure. It gives an overarching meaning to the trivialities of the day. THE PERSECUTIONS OF THE SAINTS Once formally organized, the activities of the Church took off. As people were baptized, the new members gathered in several cities:

From that time the work rolled forth with astonishing rapidity, and churches were soon formed in the states of New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, and Missouri; in the last named state a considerable settlement was formed in Jackson county: numbers joined the Church and we were increasing rapidly; we made large purchases of land, our farms teemed with plenty, and peace and happiness were enjoyed in our domestic circle, and throughout our neighborhood; but as we could not associate with our neighbors (who were, many of them, of the basest of men, and had fled from the face of civilized society, to the frontier country to escape the hand of justice,) in their midnight revels, their Sabbath breaking, horse racing and gambling; they commenced at first to ridicule, then to persecute, and finally an organized mob assembled and burned our houses, tarred and feathered and whipped many of our brethren, and finally, contrary to law, justice and humanity, drove them from their habitations; who, houseless and homeless, had to wander on the bleak prairies till the children left the tracks of their blood on the prairie. This took place in the month of November, and they had no other covering but the canopy of heaven, in this inclement season of the year; this proceeding was winked at by the government, and although we had warranty deeds for our land, and had violated no law, we could obtain no redress. “There were many sick, who were thus inhumanly driven from their houses, and had to endure all this abuse and to seek homes where they could be found. The result was, that a great many of them being deprived of the comforts of life, and the necessary attendances, died; many children were left orphans, wives [were left] widows, and husbands, widowers; our farms were taken possession of by the mob, many thousands of cattle, sheep, horses and hogs were taken, and our household goods, store goods, and printing press and type were broken, taken, or otherwise destroyed.

Persecution is a leitmotif that runs throughout Church history. For some reason members of the Church and the rest of the population did not mix. As Joseph Smith pointed out, there was a clash of culture. The Latter-day Saints were cultured and temperate yeoman farmers, while the locals were frontier riffraff and rabble. Whatever the cause of the friction, it was real, and the facts must be told:

“Many of our brethren removed to Clay county, where they continued until 1836 … “We next settled in Caldwell and Daviess counties, where we made large and extensive settlements, thinking to free ourselves from the power of oppression, by settling in new counties, with very few inhabitants in them; but here we were not allowed to live in peace, but in 1838 we were again attacked by mobs, an exterminating order was issued by Governor Boggs, and under the sanction of law, an organized banditti ranged through the country, robbed us of our cattle, sheep, hogs, etc., many of our people were murdered in cold blood, the chastity of our women was violated, and we were forced to sign away our property at the point of the sword; and after enduring every indignity that could be heaped upon us by an inhuman, ungodly band of marauders, from twelve to fifteen thousand souls, men, women, and children, were driven from their own firesides, and from lands to which they had warranty deeds, houseless, friendless, and homeless (in the depths of winter) to wander as exiles on the earth, or to seek an asylum in a more genial clime, and among a less barbarous people. Many sickened and died in consequence of the cold and hardships they had to endure; many wives were left widows, and children [were left] orphans, and destitute. It would take more time than is allotted me here to describe the injustice, the wrongs, the murders, the bloodshed, the theft, misery and woe that have been caused by the barbarous, inhuman, and lawless proceedings of the state of Missouri.

This passage needs no commentary. It is straightforward, and the facts speak for themselves. The members gathered in towns to worship as they saw fit. But they were always run out. Complicit with the crimes were various government officials. To paraphrase The Declaration of Independence, their repeated petitions for justice were answered only by repeated injury. Eventually, the body of believers relocated to Nauvoo, Illinois, where they found a measure of stability for five years. NAUVOO—THE BEAUTIFUL The Rupp Letter (the parallel document to the Wentworth Letter) fills in some of the details of life in Nauvoo:

After being thus inhumanely expelled by the government and people from Missouri, we found an asylum and friends in the state of Illinois. Here, in the fall of 1839, we commenced a city called Nauvoo, in Hancock County, which in December, 1840, received an act of incorporation from the legislature of Illinois, and is endowed with as liberal powers as any city in the United States. Nauvoo, in every respect, connected with increase and prosperity, has exceeded the most sanguine expectations of thousands. It now contains near 1,500 houses, and more than 15,000 inhabitants. The charter contains, amongst its important powers, privileges, or immunities, a grant for the “University of Nauvoo,” with the same liberal powers of the city, where all the arts and sciences will grow with the growth, and strengthen the strength of this beloved city of the “Saints of the last days.” Another very commendatory provision of the charter is, that that portion of the citizens subject to military duty are organized into a body of independent military men, styled the “Nauvoo Legion,” whose highest officer holds the rank, and is commissioned lieutenant-general. This legion, like other independent bodies of troops in this republican government, is at the disposal of the governor of this state, and President of the United States. There is also an act of incorporation for an agricultural and manufacturing association, as well as the Nauvoo House Association. The temple of God, now in the course of erection, being already raised one story, and which is 120 feet by 80 feet, of stone, with polished pilasters, of an entire new order of architecture, will be a splendid house for the worship of God, as well as an unique wonder for the world, it being built by the direct revelation of Jesus Christ for the salvation of the living and the dead. Since the organization of this church its progress has been rapid, and its gain in numbers regular. Besides these United States, where nearly every place of notoriety has heard the glad tidings of the gospel of the Son of God, England, Ireland, and Scotland, have shared largely in the fullness of the everlasting gospel, and thousands have already gathered with their kindred Saints, to this the cornerstone of Zion. Missionaries of this Church have gone to the East Indies, to Australia, Germany, Constantinople, Egypt, Palestine, the Islands of the Pacific, and are now preparing to open the door in the extensive dominions of Russia. There are no correct data by which the exact number of members composing this now extensive, and still extending, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints can be known. Should it be supposed at 150,000, it might still be short of the truth.

These two paragraphs show what happens when members of the Church are left alone to practice their religion. They were busy doing good. It is no surprise that Brigham Young, Joseph Smith’s successor as prophet, gave Utah the state motto of “Industry.” If you move into a community with a lot of Latter-day Saints, this is what you will get: well-kept yards, a vibrant social life, emphasis on education, activity in politics and in the military, and a desire to life the good life. That is what we are all about. THE STANDARD OF TRUTH Near the end of the letter, Joseph Smith summed up the missionary, or evangelization work of the Church, this way:

Our missionaries are going forth to different nations, and in Germany, Palestine, New Holland [Australia], the East Indies, and other places, the Standard of Truth has been erected; no unhallowed hand can stop the work from progressing; persecutions may rage, mobs may combine, armies may assemble, calumny may defame, but the truth of God will go forth boldly, nobly, and independent, till it has penetrated every continent, visited every clime, swept every country, and sounded in every ear, till the purposes of God shall be accomplished, and the Great Jehovah shall say the work is done

I was part of this missionary endeavor. I served a mission for two years in Portugal, and every week we would recite this passage, now known as the Standard of Truth. Missionary work is hard. You get sent to different areas—I was in Portugal, my brothers served in Texas and New Jersey, my dad in Nashville, my great-grandfather in Denmark—and sometimes you have to learn a new language. Once in the Mission Field, you spend all day, every day, talking with people about your faith. Some people were indifferent, some we decent and gave us a fair haring, and sometimes we could actually connect. Of course this is all done on a one-on-one level (“one of a city, and two of a family, and I will bring you to Zion” [Jeremiah 3:14]). We did not have the large arena revivals and mega-churches. It was plodding work at times. But through it all, this passage buoyed me up and reminded me of the real nature of the work I was doing. THE ARTICLES OF FAITH The letter ends with a summery of the key doctrines of the Church:

“We believe in God the eternal Father, and in His Son Jesus Christ, and in the Holy Ghost. “We believe that men will be punished for their own sins, and not for Adam’s transgression. “We believe that through the atonement of Christ all mankind may be saved by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the Gospel. “We believe that the first principle and ordinances of the Gospel are: (1) Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ; (2) Repentance; (3) Baptism by immersion for the remission of sins; (4) Laying on of hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost. “We believe that a man must be called of God by prophecy and by the laying on of hands, by those who are in authority, to preach the Gospel and administer in the ordinances thereof. “We believe in the same organization that existed in the primitive Church, viz.: apostles, prophets, pastors, teachers, evangelists, etc. “We believe in the gift of tongues, prophecy, revelation, visions, healing, interpretation of tongues, etc. “We believe the Bible to be the word of God, as far as it is translated correctly; we also believe the Book of Mormon to be the word of God. “We believe all that God has revealed, all that He does now reveal, and we believe that He will yet reveal many great and important things pertaining to the kingdom of God. “We believe in the literal gathering of Israel and in the restoration of the Ten Tribes; that Zion will be built upon this [the American] continent; that Christ will reign personally upon the earth; and that the earth will be renewed and receive its paradisiacal glory. “We claim the privilege of worshiping Almighty God according to the dictates of our own conscience, and allow all men the same privilege, let them worship how, where, or what they may. “We believe in being subject to kings, presidents, rulers and magistrates, in obeying, honoring, and sustaining the law. “We believe in being honest, true, chaste, benevolent, virtuous, and in doing good to all men; indeed we may say that we follow the admonition of Paul, We believe all things, we hope all things, we have endured many things, and hope to be able to endure all things. If there is anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report, or praiseworthy, we seek after these things.

That is the brass-tacks of what we believe. Of course, it is not a complete listing of everything, down to the smallest jot, tittle, and iota. But it does answer any doctrinal question, in a broad and general way. Of these articles, the historian and Church leader B. H. Roberts observed:

These Articles of Faith were not Produced by the labored efforts and harmonized contentions of scholastics, but were struck off by one inspired mind at a single effort to make a declaration of that which is most assuredly believed by the church, for one making earnest inquiry shout the truth. The combined directness, perspicuity, simplicity and comprehensiveness of this statement of the principles of our religion may be relied upon as strong evidence of a divine inspiration resting upon the Prophet, Joseph Smith. (History of the Church 4:535n.)

There is a logical sequence to the articles: the nature of the Godhead, our denial of Original Sin, the nature of the Atonement, then Church Organization and the character of scripture and revelation. These articles end with a nice boilerplate statement of the Christian Life in general: “If there is anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report, or praiseworthy, we seek after these things.” As you get to know your Latter-day Saint friends, I hope you see these Articles of Faith in practice. We are not perfect, but we try. We are striving towards our ideals. And we do have a framework wherein we can measure progress. CONCLUSION I honestly cannot remember the first time I read the Wentworth Letter. However, I love rereading this document. I think it touches upon the key points of my faith—the existence of God, the reality of the Atonement, the importance of The Book of Mormon, the persecutions of the Saints, and the ultimate triumph of truth. And the bullet-points of belief have helped me in my gospel study. Really, if anyone wonders what makes us tick, this Wentworth Letter, in very plain language, answers the question.

kendalbhunter

“Some years ago, in Nauvoo [Illinois], a gentleman in my hearing, a member of the Legislature, asked Joseph Smith how it was that he was enabled to govern so many people, and to preserve such perfect order; remarking at the same time that it was impossible for them to do it anywhere else. Mr. Smith remarked that it was very easy to do that. ‘How?’ responded the gentleman; ‘to us it is very difficult.’ Mr. Smith replied, ‘I teach them correct principles, and they govern themselves.’ ” (“Chapter 24: Leading in the Lord’s Way,” Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Joseph Smith, [2007], 281–91.)

Isn’t that answer impressive? “I teach them correct principles, and they govern themselves.”

AUTOCRATIC BOSS

To me, it seems that Joseph Smith has bridged the gap between two leadership styles. One is the autocratic “toxic boss” approach, where the leader both leads, manages, and ultimately micromanages those under his watch.

I think we have all dealt with this kind. Essentially, their approach to leadership is that they give you a “to-do list” and then hover over you waiting for that one false step. Then you get chewed out for making that one little mistake.

HANDS WAY-OFF

The other approach to leadership is akin to an absentee landlord. It is a bit hard to describe this type of boss, since they really don’t do anything. They have an open door policy, but they are never in the office. When you do see them, the conversations are so superficial, it is almost pointless to have them, except to say, “Long time, no see.” The fundamental mistake with this approach is that it confuses delegation with dereliction.

TEACHING CORRECT PRINCIPLES

Joseph Smith’s approach is a third way, completely separate from the other two. The first half of the formula is “I teach them correct principles.” Now, there is a hidden premise to this: the leader must first know correct principles. This involves life-long learning, be it by formal enrollment in classes and seminars, or informal erudition.

Then, once the leader has mastered these principles (both in theory and in practice), the leader needs to teach them to those in the organization. This, of course, brings up subject of time-wasting meetings. At your next staff or in-service meeting, see how many times your boss discusses correct principles.

If your workplace is anything like the company depicted in the Dilbert comics, they you quickly realize that this teaching does not go on as it should. This explains why things don’t go so well, but it also suggests the solution. The answer is simply a return to fundamental truths.

SIMPLE TRUTH

Truth is easy to master. Shakespeare spoke of “simple truth miscall’d simplicity” (Sonnet 66) and my experience confirms this.

Right now I am reading Albert Einstein’s book on relativity. Instead of an alphabet soup of equations resembling an explosion at a printing shop, Einstein explains his special and general theories of relativity with trains, lighting strikes, and with other commonplace things. He creates vivid word-pictures that anyone can understand.

Indeed, his approach reminds me of Jesus Christ’s use of parables. If we understand planting seeds, casting nets, and finding buried treasure, then we can understand how the gospel works. Or general relativity, for that matter.

Along these lines C. S. Lewis, a Christian philosopher, wrote:

“There is a strange idea abroad that in every subject the ancient books should be read only by the professionals, and that the amateur should content himself with the modern books. Thus I have found as a tutor in English Literature that if the average student wants to find out something about Platonism, the very last thing he thinks of doing is to take a translation of Plato off the library shelf and read the Symposium. He would rather read some dreary modern book ten times as long, all about ‘isms’ and influences and only once in twelve pages telling him what Plato actually said.”

“The error is rather an amiable one, for it springs from humility. The student is half afraid to meet one of the great philosophers face to face. He feels himself inadequate and thinks he will not understand him. But if he only knew, the great man, just because of his greatness, is much more intelligible than his modern commentator.”

“The simplest student will be able to understand, if not all, yet a very great deal of what Plato said; but hardly anyone can understand some modern books on Platonism. It has always therefore been one of my main endeavours as a teacher to persuade the young that firsthand knowledge is not only more worth acquiring than secondhand knowledge, but is usually much easier and more delightful to acquire.” (On Reading Old Books)

Understanding correct principles is within the grasp of everyone.

GOVERNING OURSELVES

To begin, the leader must be proactive in understand correct principles and simple truths, and then consistently—and sometimes persistently—teach them. The second part of the equation is “and they govern themselves.” This is where the concepts of empowerment, stewardship, and accountability come in. We think that these ideas are cutting-edge approaches to business administration and organizational behavior, but Joseph Smith pioneered these in the 1840s

This part allows people to shine. Once taught correct principles, the individual can act upon these principles in the specific situations and aspects of their job. Empowerment leads to synergy, which, as Stephen R. Covey explained, is when the whole becomes greater than the sum of the parts (Seven Habits of Highly Effective People, 262-263).

Covey also observed:

“The difference between people who exercise initiative and those who don’t is literally the difference between night and day. I’m not talking about a 25 to 50 percent difference in effectiveness; I’m talking about a 5000-plus percent difference, particularly if they are smart, aware, and sensitive to others.” (ibid, 76)

BOY SCOUT ANALOGY

We see this leadership model in the Boy Scout merit badge program. The scout has the requirements for the ranks, which serve as a guide and a measure of the progress. Additionally, the scout must earn 21 merit badges for the Eagle Scout rank. Some of these merit badges are required, such as first aid and personal finance, but other merit badges are optional.

These optional merit badges allow for personal initiative. For example, some of the merit badges that interested me were astronomy, space exploration, and atomic energy. My brother got the rifle and shotgun merit badge, and the computer merit badge. These just reflect personal taste. Moreover, each merit badge is also a door to a possible career—my brother is now a software engineer—or they can become a new hobby, as astronomy is for me.

But the point is that with the merit badges, we have the correct principles outlined by the rules and bylaws of the Boy Scout program. But then we are allowed to govern ourselves in selecting our own path to the Eagle Scout award. Truth and empowerment, again.

CONCLUSION

Joseph Smith’s approach to leadership brings out the strengths of both the leader and the team. It is the ultimate in empowerment and synergy, which explains why The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints can function with so many members—13 million members and growing strong.

kendalbhunter

In 1844, Joseph Smith wrote:

“Jesus said: ‘Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.’ [Matthew 5:9.] Wherefore if the nation, a single State, community, or family ought to be grateful for anything, it is peace.”

“Peace, lovely child of heaven!—peace like light from the same great parent, gratifies, animates, and happifies the just and the unjust, and is the very essence of happiness below, and bliss above. … ”

“Animation, virtue, love, contentment, philanthropy, benevolence, compassion, humanity and friendship push life into bliss: and men, a little below the angels, exercising their powers, privileges, and knowledge according to the order, rules, and regulations of revelation, by Jesus Christ, dwell together in unity; and the sweet odor that is wafted by the breath of joy and satisfaction from their righteous communion is like the rich perfume from the consecrated oil that was poured upon the head of Aaron, or like the luscious fragrance that rises from the field of Arabian spices. Yea, more, the voice of the peacemaker—”

“It is like the music of the spheres—
It charms our souls and calms our fears;
It turns the world to Paradise,
And men to pearls of greater price.”
(“Chapter 29: Living with Others in Peace and Harmony,” Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Joseph Smith, [2007], 339–48.)

This statement reaffirms the importance of being peacemakers. Whichever circles we move in, or whomever we deal with, we need to be civil, friendly, and peaceful. Love is the basis of society and civilization.

Recently this message was reaffirmed by Thomas S. Monson, the sixteenth president of the Church:

“I would encourage members of the Church wherever they may be to show kindness and respect for all people everywhere. The world in which we live is filled with diversity. We can and should demonstrate respect toward those whose beliefs differ from ours.” (Looking Back and Moving Forward)

I grew up in California, which is a melting-pot of cultures. I had friends from about every demographic: black, white, Asian, Mid-eastern, male, female, rich, poor, native-born, immigrant, Christian, Jew, Muslim, Hindu—everything.

One wonders how we could unify so many people with different backgrounds. Part of it has to do with the American Outlook as codified in the Declaration of Independence and reaffirmed in the Bill of Rights:

“We hold these Truths to be self-evident, that all Men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness.” (Declaration of Independence)

“Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech.”(First Amendment)

Both of these create a philosophical and legal framework for tolerance and respect. Of course we all have our own ideas about religion, but it is understood that in America everyone has a right to believe as they wish.

But behind the legal framework of these founding American documents there is something deeper. It doesn’t come form the law, but from the heart. I think in America we have a sense of love for other people. This is not to say we are perfect (however you choose to define that word), but we do have to admit there is a “special something” in the air that has kept us stable since 1776.

This love for other people is a fundamental ingredient to my faith. Joseph Smith taught:

“Love is one of the chief characteristics of Deity, and ought to be manifested by those who aspire to be the sons of God. A man filled with the love of God, is not content with blessing his family alone, but ranges through the whole world, anxious to bless the whole human race.” (“Chapter 37: Charity, the Pure Love of Christ,” Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Joseph Smith, [2007], 327–38.)

I think that is the key. We can live in unity—despite differences—if we love one another.

So what is love? The Book of Mormon, which is book of scripture and is another testament of Jesus Christ, gives a supernal definition of love. The book was translated in 1830, and follows the wording of the King James Version of the Bible. So instead of the common word “love,” it sometimes uses an older word “charity.” The word charity means more than just almsgiving or organizations like the Salvation Army. The word is defined as “the pure love of Christ” (Moroni 7:47) and is also described as being “everlasting love” (Moroni 8:17), both meaning the kind of “super-delux love” that God has for us.

The Book of Mormon passage is as follows:

“And charity suffereth long, and is kind, and envieth not, and is not puffed up, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil, and rejoiceth not in iniquity but rejoiceth in the truth, beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.” (Moroni 7:45)

So charity, or love, is not just attraction or affection. It is an invigorating power that enlivens all aspects of our lives.

I have seen love build bridges and melt hearts. I recently moved, so I began attending a new congregation. Things were awkward at first. In my area there are a lot of move-ins and movie-outs, so skins are understandably thick. But here and there, as I have spoken in scripture study classes, or talked with people, and attended church-sponsored activities, I have come to be accepted in the ward.

I did have to work at it, yes. But I think this same thing can happen anywhere, and to anyone. If we work at loving others, it will surely come back to us. That is the key to living in unity—commonplace love.

kendalbhunter

As Albert Einstein said:

Great spirits have always found violent opposition from mediocrities. The latter cannot understand it when a man does not thoughtlessly submit to hereditary prejudices, but honestly and courageously uses his intelligence and fulfills the duty to express the results of his thought in clear form. (Quoted in New York Times, March 19, 1940.)

One story from Joseph Smith’s youth always tugs at my heartstrings. When he was a preteen (we do not know the exact date, possibly about seven years old), Joseph Smith contracted typhoid fever. It was so severe that his left leg became infected.

A Dr. Nathan Smith (no family relation) of Dartmouth College was consulted. After examining young Joseph, he suggested amputation—indicating how severe the infection was. When the family objected, he then suggested performing an experimental surgery. It involved opening up the leg, drilling into the bone, and removing the infected matter.

Keep in mind that there were none of the niceties that we find in hospitals today. No CAT scans, no MRIs, no X-rays, no antibiotics. This was frontier surgery. And there was no general anesthesia. The first use of ether was in 1842; before that, it was either opium or liquor. So before they began the surgery, the doctors suggested that he take a swig of brandy to relax him. Then they would tie him down while they cut the bone.

Joseph Smith’s mother Lucy remembered the boy’s response this way:

“‘No,’ exclaimed Joseph, ‘I will not touch one particle of liquor, neither will I be tied down; but I will tell you what I will do—I will have my father sit on the bed and hold me in his arms, and then I will do whatever is necessary in order to have the bone taken out.’

“Looking at me, he said, ‘Mother, I want you to leave the room, for I know you cannot bear to see me suffer so; father can stand it, but you have carried me so much, and watched over me so long, you are almost worn out.’ Then looking up into my face, his eyes swimming in tears, he continued. ‘Now, mother, promise me that you will not stay, will you? The Lord will help me, and I shall get through with it.’” (Lucy Mack Smith, History of Joseph Smith, 57)

Imagine that: having your leg opened, the bone drilled, fourteen fragments removed, and all this while fully conscious. But he did it.

Even thought the experimental operation was a success, it took three years for Joseph Smith to recover (Rough Stone Rolling, 21). While he was convalescing, however, the family was forced to move from New Hampshire to Palmyra, New York for financial reasons.

Even in this weakened state, Joseph Smith was not immune from troubles. He explained what happened during their journey this way:

“After I began to get about, I went on crutches till I started for the State of New York, where my father had gone for the purpose of preparing a place for the removal of his family, which he affected by sending a man after us by the name of Caleb Howard, who, after he had started on, the journey with my mother and family spent the money he had received of my father by drinking and gambling, etc.”

“We fell in with a family by the name of Gates who were traveling west, and Howard drove me from the wagon and made me travel in my weak state through the snow 40 miles per day for several days, during which time I suffered the most excruciating weariness and pain, and all this that Mr. Howard might enjoy the society of two of Mr. Gates daughters which he took on the wagon where I should have rode.”

“And thus he continued to do day after day through the journey. And when my brothers remonstrated with Mr. Howard for his treatment to me, he would knock them down with the butt of his whip.”

“When we arrived at Utica, New York, Howard threw the goods out of the wagon into the street and attempted to run away with the horses and wagon. But my mother seized the horses by the reign, and calling witnesses forbid his taking them away as they were her property. On our way from Utica, I was left to ride on the last sleigh in the company, (the Gates family were in sleighs) but when that came up, I was knocked down by the driver, one of Gate’s sons, and left to wallow in my blood until a stranger came along, picked me up, and carried me to the town of Palmyra.” (Encyclopedia of Joseph Smith’s Teachings, 261)

This inhumane treatment—even child abuse—is unbelievable. But it reminds us that pain is real. Joseph’s being abused was real. His being kicked while he was down was real. That was just the physical pain—there was also the emotional pain. After all, imagine being ten years old, wounded, and being knocked down and abandoned in the snow, all in a strange part of the country.

I think we all feel like this at times. We get kicked when we are down, adding insult to injury. And sometimes, as Shakespeare pointed out, “when sorrows come, they come not single spies but in battalions!” (Hamlet IV.V.47-48). But like Joseph Smith, we can overcome difficulties. He was helped by an unknown stranger, which coincidentally, reminds me of the story of the Unknown Boy Scout.

William D. Boyce was an American entrepreneur and newspaperman. While in London in 1909, he got lost in the fog. He asked a young man for directions, was put aright, and when he offered the boy a tip, the young man refused. He said that he was a Boy Scout and only doing his duty.

Boyce was impressed with the lad, and from him got the address to the scouting office where he picked up a copy of Scouting For Boys. As a result of this second-nature, inconspicuous act of charity, scouting came to America. This is an impressive example of the Ripple Effect.

As Joseph Smith explained in his Wagon-Wheel Analogy, sometimes we are up, and sometimes we are down. And it is comforting to know that Jesus Christ has experienced these gyrations, too:

“He that ascended up on high, as also he descended below all things, in that he comprehended all things, that he might be in all and through all things, the light of truth” (D&C 88:6).

That is why He places people in our path to help us when we are down. Christ understands pain perfectly because He experienced it.

And if we are up, sometimes we have to be that Unknown Stranger to Joseph Smith or the Unknown Boy Scout to Boyce. We see someone in need, so we help them, and then disappear into the sunset without a thought of reward. For me, these times are the best—you feel like a spiritual secret agent.

kendalbhunter

SELF-RELIANCE

As I attended the training meeting (much of what I was taught can be found at the Church’s web-page Provident Living), one word was repeated over and over again: self-reliance.

Bruce R. McConkie, a leader and theologian in the Church, defined self-reliance this way:

“Properly understood and practiced, self-reliance is a desirable saintly virtue … The saints [members of the Church], for instance, should have confidence in their own abilities, efforts, and judgments to make a living, to increase in faith and the attributes of godliness, to work out their salvation, to pass all the tests of this mortal probation.”

“They should know that the Lord has not placed his children in positions beyond their capacities to cope with, that the normal trials and tribulations of life are part of the eternal system. Ordinarily members of the Church should make their own personal decisions, using the agency [free will] the Almighty has given them, without running to their bishops (the leaders of the local congregation) or others for direction.” (Mormon Doctrine, 701)

Self-reliance covers every aspect of Church and the gospel; however, my focus is on employment and provident living.

JOSEPH SMITH AND SELF-RELIANCE

The Church’s emphasis on self-reliance goes back to its beginnings. Joseph Smith, the founding prophet of the Church, grew up in a poor family. He was candid about his family’s situation, but was clear that it was not due to laziness:

“Being in indigent circumstances, [we] were obliged to labor hard for the support of a large family, having nine children. And … it required the exertions of all that were able to render any assistance for the support of the family.” (1832 History. Standardized.)

In an interview with Joseph’s younger brother William, we learn more about their family’s circumstances:

“Well,” said Brother Briggs, “It is said that Joseph and the rest of the family were lazy and indolent.”

“[William Smith replied] We never heard of such a thing until after Joseph told his vision, and not then by our friends. Whenever the neighbors wanted a good day’s work done they knew where they could get a good hand and they were not particular to take any of the other boys before Joseph either.”

“We cleared sixty acres of the heaviest timber I ever saw. We had a good place. We also had on it from twelve to fifteen hundred sugar trees, and to gather the sap and make sugar and molasses from that number of trees was no lazy job. We worked hard to clear our place and the neighbors were a little jealous.”

“If you will figure up how much work it would take to clear sixty acres of heavy timber land, heavier than any here, trees you could not conveniently cut down, you can tell whether we were lazy or not, and Joseph did his share of the work with the rest of the boys.” (William Smith, “Another Testimony,” Deseret Evening News, 20 January 1891)

They were sturdy pioneer stock. The Smith family knew the importance of work. So it is not surprising that Joseph Smith taught the following:

“Let the Saints remember that great things depend on their individual exertion.” (Chapter 23: “How Good and How Pleasant It Is … to Dwell Together in Unity”, Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Joseph Smith, [2007], 271–80)

HELPING HANDS

Of course, at times people are in need of help. That is why Joseph Smith also taught:

“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.”

“The greatest temporal [physical] and spiritual blessings which always flow from faithfulness and concerted effort, never attended individual exertion or enterprise. The history of all past ages abundantly attests this fact.” (ibid.)

That is the delicate balance. Sometimes we need to be self-reliant, and sometimes we honestly need a helping hand. That, in part, was what my training was about. I have to help people without smothering them.

A CASE STUDY

A few years ago I was visiting a friend of mine. As we talked, she opened up and mentioned that she was in-between jobs—and she really was: she had quit her previous job and would be starting her new job in a week—and was out of food. I told her that the Church had resources available for her. She should not feel guilty because she was working, and had honestly hit a snag. Later, she visited with our bishop and he took care of her immediate needs.

This is an ideal case. Not only was she self-reliant, she was improving her work situation. But she was just a victim of circumstance and Murphy’s Law. And The Church of Jesus Christ was there for her when she had a legitimate need.

Self-reliance. Self-reliance. Self-reliance. All of my training could be summed up in that one compound word.

CONSTRUCTIVE HELP

As these principles of work and self-reliance were being taught, I thought about the words of Henry David Thoreau, who was, coincidentally, a contemporary of Joseph Smith:

“Be sure that you give the poor the aid they most need … If you give money, spend yourself with it, and do not merely abandon it to them. … ”

“There are a thousand hacking at the branches of evil to one who is striking at the root, and it may be that he who bestows the largest amount of time and money on the needy is doing the most by his mode of life to produce that misery which he strives in vain to relieve. … ” (Walden, Ch. 1)

That is a good guide: am I being constructive in my help? Are people becoming self-reliant, and therefore stronger? Or am I aggravating a problem with short-term band-aid solutions? My charge is to help people with long-term solutions. I do this by encouraging self-reliance.

CONCLUSION

That is what makes the Church of Jesus Christ so great—we want people to become better and stronger. I am excited for this calling, and for the chance to help people to better themselves financially. This is one of the practical—and financial—fruits of Joseph Smith.

kendalbhunter

In the story they were childhood friends. Politics, however, drove a wedge between them. This rift was further aggravated by an accident, when Ben-Hur accidentally knocked roofing-tile on the Roman governor. It seemed to be an assassination attempt. Out of spite and political calculation, Messala sent Ben-Hur to the galleys and his sister and mother to prison.

Returning spite for spite, Ben-Hur swore a vengeance-oath. The remainder of the film follows his quest for revenge against Messala, and his attempts to free his mother and sister from prison.

ESTRANGEMENT

In a way, we are all like Ben-Hur. If we haven’t been wronged or burnt by friends and associates, we at least have had our toes stepped on. For example, Joseph Smith, the founder of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (known as the Mormons), was betrayed many times by his close associates.

Take the case of W. W. Phelps. He was one of Joseph Smith’s close associates and leader of the Church in Missouri. He was an active member, and generous contributor. He oversaw many of the printing concerns, edited a newspaper, wrote the lyrics to many hymns, and even had a revelation (D&C Section 55) given to him.

However, in 1838 things changed. He fell out of favor with the members of the Church living in Missouri. Later, he spoke out against Joseph Smith and signed a petition that led to Joseph Smith’s arrest. Finally, on March 17, 1839, he was excommunicated.

W. W. PHELPS LETTER

But after two years of estrangement, he had a change of heart. Phelps had an impressive dream, and then wrote this following letter:

BROTHER JOSEPH—I am alive, and with the help of God I mean to live still. I am as the prodigal son, though I never doubt or disbelieve the fulness of the Gospel. I have been greatly abused and humbled, and I blessed the God of Israel when I lately read your prophetic blessing on my head, as follows:

“The Lord will chasten him because he taketh honor to himself, and when his soul is greatly humbled he will forsake the evil. Then shall the light of the Lord break upon him as at noonday and in him shall be no darkness,” etc.

I have seen the folly of my way, and I tremble at the gulf I have passed. So it is, and why I know not. I prayed and God answered, but what could I do? Says I, “I will repent and live, and ask my old brethren to forgive me, and though they chasten me to death, yet I will die with them, for their God is my God. The least place with them is enough for me, yea, it is bigger and better than all Babylon.” Then I dreamed that I was in a large house with many mansions, with you and Hyrum and Sidney, and when it was said, “Supper must be made ready,” by one of the cooks, I saw no meat, but you said there was plenty, and you showed me much, and as good as I ever saw; and while cutting to cook, your heart and mine beat within us, and we took each other’s hand and cried for joy, and I awoke and took courage.

I know my situation, you know it, and God knows it, and I want to be saved if my friends will help me. Like the captain that was cast away on a desert island; when he got off he went to sea again, and made his fortune the next time, so let my lot be. I have done wrong and I am sorry. The beam is in my own eye. I have not walked along with my friends according to my holy anointing. I ask forgiveness in the name of Jesus Christ of all the Saints, for I will do right, God helping me. I want your fellowship; if you cannot grant that, grant me your peace and friendship, for we are brethren, and our communion used to be sweet, and whenever the Lord brings us together again, I will make ail the satisfaction on every point that Saints or God can require. Amen. W. W. PHELPS. (History of the Church, 4:141-142)

This letter speaks for itself. There was no guile, or self-serving explanations. Phelps stood up, confessed his wrongs (“The beam is in my own eye.”), and was willing to make amends.

JOSEPH SMITH’S REPLY

In response, Joseph Smith wrote:

DEAR BROTHER PHELPS:—I must say that it is with no ordinary feelings I endeavor to write a few lines to you in answer to yours of the 29th ultimo; at the same time I am rejoiced at the privilege granted me.

You may in some measure realize what my feelings, as well as Elder Rigdon’s and Brother Hyrum’s were, when we read your letter—truly our hearts were melted into tenderness and compassion when we ascertained your resolves, etc. I can assure you I feel a disposition to act on your case in a manner that will meet the approbation of Jehovah (whose servant I am), and agreeable to the principles of truth and righteousness which have been revealed; and inasmuch as long-suffering, patience, and mercy have ever characterized the dealings of our heavenly Father towards the humble and penitent, I feel disposed to copy the example, cherish the same principles, and by so doing be a Savior of my fellow men.

It is true, that we have suffered much in consequence of your behavior—the cup of gall, already full enough for mortals to drink, was indeed filled to overflowing when you turned against us. One with whom we had oft taken sweet counsel together, and enjoyed many refreshing seasons from the Lord—”had it been an enemy, we could have borne it.” “In the day that thou stoodest on the other side, in the day when strangers carried away captive his forces, and foreigners entered into his gates, and cast lots upon [Far West], even thou wast as one of them; that thou shouldest not have looked on the day of thy brother, in the day that he became a stranger, neither shouldst thou have spoken proudly in the day of distress.”

However, the cup has been drunk, the will of our Father has been done, and we are yet alive, for which we thank the Lord. And having been delivered from the hands of wicked men by the mercy of our God, we say it is your privilege to be delivered from the powers of the adversary, be brought into the liberty of God’s dear children, and again take your stand among the Saints of the Most High, and by diligence, humility, and love unfeigned, commend yourself to our God, and your God, and to the Church of Jesus Christ.

Believing your confession to be real, and your repentance genuine, I shall be happy once again to give you the right hand of fellowship, and rejoice over the returning prodigal.

Your letter was read to the Saints last Sunday, and an expression of their feeling was taken, when it was unanimously

Resolved, That W. W. Phelps should be received into fellowship.

“Come on, dear brother, since the war is past, For friends at first, are friends again at last.”

Yours as ever, JOSEPH SMITH, JUN. (History of the Church, 4:162-164. To read the original in Personal Writings of Joseph Smith, click here.)

Unlike Ben-Hur, Joseph Smith did not want revenge. When Phelps confessed and apologized, Joseph Smith welcomed him back with open arms.

AN OBSERVATION

B. H. Roberts, a church leader and historian, made this observation:

“When the great offense of Elder William W. Phelps is taken into account—amounting as it did to a betrayal of the Prophet and the Church in Missouri, during the troubles of the saints in that state—this letter is remarkable.”

“The Prophet’s frank forgiveness of his erring brother, gently chiding his wrong-doing, but at the same time remembering in a large way that brother’s former devotion and labors; the Prophet’s willingness to have the prodigal return and occupy his former high standing among the Saints—all this exhibits a broad-mindedness and generosity that can come only from a great soul, influenced by the spirit of charity enjoined upon his disciples by the teachings of the Son of God.”

“One of the surest evidences of Joseph Smith’s greatness of mind and of the inspiration of God upon him is to be seen in his treatment of those who had fallen but were willing to and did repent of their sins. His capacity to forgive under these circumstances seemed boundless.” (History of the Church, 4:162n)

Broad-mindedness, generosity, boundless forgiveness—these are good watchwords for anyone.

RECONCILIATION

I am grateful to belong to a church that teaches the importance of reconciliation. President Monson, current world leader of the Church, recently said:

“Throughout the journey along the pathway of life, there are casualties. Some depart from the road markers which point toward life eternal, only to discover the detour chosen ultimately leads to a dead end. Indifference, carelessness, selfishness, and sin all take their costly toll in human lives.”

“Change for the better can come to all. Over the years we have issued appeals to the less active, the offended, the critical, the transgressor—to come back. ‘Come back and feast at the table of the Lord, and taste again the sweet and satisfying fruits of fellowship with the Saints.’”

“In the private sanctuary of one’s own conscience lies that spirit, that determination to cast off the old person and to measure up to the stature of true potential. In this spirit, we again issue that heartfelt invitation: Come back. We reach out to you in the pure love of Christ and express our desire to assist you and to welcome you into full fellowship.”

“To those who are wounded in spirit or who are struggling and fearful, we say, Let us lift you and cheer you and calm your fears. Take literally the Lord’s invitation, ‘Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.’” (Looking Back and Moving Forward)

CONCLUSION

This conciliatory attitude means everything to me. It creates an atmosphere of warmth and human concern. This, I believe, is how Jesus Christ would do things. For W. W. Phelps, Joseph Smith, and even the fictitious Ben-Hur, the road to reconciliation is found in Jesus Christ. We can repair hurts, forgive, and come home again.

kendalbhunter