Subject
Smith, Joseph, Jr., 1805-1844 Books
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Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
History of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Volume 6
"History of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Volume 6" is a historical work published between 1902-1912. This sixth volume covers September 1843 to June 1844, documenting the final months of Joseph Smith's life. Part of B.H. Roberts's seven-volume series, it draws from Smith's writings, dictations, and accounts by his scribes and secretaries. The work presents a detailed chronicle of the early Latter Day Saint movement through firsthand sources and editorial commentary, offering readers access to pivotal moments in church history.
B. H. (Brigham Henry) Roberts
New Witnesses for God (Volume 2 of 3)
"New Witnesses for God (Volume 2 of 3)" by B. H. Roberts is a theological work that was written in the early 20th century. This volume focuses specifically on the Book of Mormon and seeks to provide evidence for its authenticity, significance, and divine origin from a Latter-day Saint perspective. The text argues for the Book of Mormon's role as a witness to the truth of the Bible and the Gospel of Jesus Christ, asserting that its claims must be understood and affirmed within the broader context of Joseph Smith's prophetic mission. The opening of this work serves to establish the foundational arguments for the Book of Mormon, beginning with reflections on the challenges of biblical criticism in the 19th century. Roberts outlines the historical and theological importance of the Book of Mormon, postulating that if it can be proven true, then it reinforces the credibility of biblical scripture. He discusses how the Nephite record serves as a testimony of God's dealings with the ancient inhabitants of the Americas and highlights the book's significance not only as a companion to Biblical scripture but also as a vital record of Christ's presence and teachings among the Nephite people after His resurrection. This portion lays the groundwork for a detailed exploration of specific themes within the Book of Mormon and prepares the reader for an in-depth examination of its evidences and the objections raised against it.
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
History of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Volume 5
"History of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Volume 5" is a historical chronicle published in 1909. This volume covers fifteen months from May 1842 to August 1843 in the life of Joseph Smith and the early Latter Day Saint movement. Based on Smith's writings and accounts by his scribes, it forms part of a seven-volume series edited by B. H. Roberts. The work documents a pivotal period in church history through narrative accounts, correspondence, and contemporary records of Smith's activities and teachings.
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
History of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Volume 2
"History of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Volume 2" is a historical work published between 1902-1912. This volume covers January 1834 through December 1837 of Joseph Smith's life and the early Latter Day Saint movement. Based on Smith's writings and his scribes' accounts, the text was extensively revised by B. H. Roberts, who added commentary and corrected errors from the original manuscript. The work chronicles a pivotal period in Mormon history through firsthand accounts and editorial interpretation.
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
History of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Volume 4
"History of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Volume 4" is a historical work published between 1902 and 1912. This volume covers events from July 1839 to May 1842 in the early Latter Day Saint movement. Part of a seven-volume series edited by B. H. Roberts, it draws from Joseph Smith's writings and his scribes' records, extensively revised with commentary and corroborative material. The work chronicles a pivotal period in the church's development through firsthand accounts and historical documentation.
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
History of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Volume 1
"History of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Volume 1" is a semi-official history written between 1839 and 1856. This chronicle of the early Latter Day Saint movement during Joseph Smith's lifetime combines his writings with contributions from secretaries and scribes. The work was later extensively revised and republished by B. H. Roberts between 1902 and 1912. Volume 1 covers the period from 1805 through December 1833, documenting the founding years of a religious movement that would shape American religious history.
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
History of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Volume 3
"History of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Volume 3" is a historical work published in 1905. This third volume documents the early Latter Day Saint movement from January 1838 to July 1839, chronicling founder Joseph Smith's activities during a turbulent period. Originally compiled from Smith's writings and his secretaries' records, the text was extensively revised by B. H. Roberts with added commentary and corroborative material. Volume 3 captures a critical chapter in Mormon history through firsthand accounts and editorial interpretation.
George Q. (George Quayle) Cannon
The Life of Joseph Smith, the Prophet
"The Life of Joseph Smith, the Prophet" by George Q. Cannon is a historical account written in the late 19th century. The book chronicles the life of Joseph Smith, founder of the Latter-day Saint movement, detailing his early experiences, revelations, and the trials he faced in his quest to restore the Gospel. It serves both as a testament to Smith's character and a historical narrative of the events surrounding the establishment of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The opening of the work sets the stage for an exploration of Joseph Smith’s life, emphasizing his humble beginnings and the profound spiritual experiences that shaped his mission. The preface speaks to the enduring legacy of Smith and his brother Hyrum, highlighting their martyrdom and the misconceptions surrounding them. As the narrative progresses, it introduces key themes such as the religious fervor of the early 19th century, the significant challenges faced by Smith and his family, and the divine revelations that directed the foundation of his faith. The beginning presents a compelling invitation to understand Smith’s struggles and triumphs as he sought to fulfill his divine calling amidst societal persecution.
B. H. (Brigham Henry) Roberts
New Witnesses for God (Volume 3 of 3)
"New Witnesses for God (Volume 3 of 3)" by B. H. Roberts is a historical account written in the early 20th century. This volume continues the series dedicated to providing evidence supporting the claims of the Book of Mormon, particularly focusing on external and internal evidences that may authenticate its truth. The book delves into various themes, such as American traditions of the Messiah's birth and death, paralleling key events in the Book of Mormon with native legends and prophecies. The opening of this volume presents a detailed exploration of traditions surrounding the signs of the Messiah's birth and death, particularly in the context of the Western Hemisphere. Roberts references various indigenous accounts and attempts to identify continuity between these narratives and those found in the Book of Mormon. He discusses instances of cataclysms like eclipses and darkness that coincide with the death of the Messiah while weaving in native American traditions that may echo the events described in sacred texts, suggesting a link between ancient Hebrew culture and the origins of native American civilizations.
Edward Stevenson
Reminiscences of Joseph, the Prophet, and the Coming Forth of the Book of Mormon
"Reminiscences of Joseph, the Prophet, and the Coming Forth of the Book of Mormon" by Elder Edward Stevenson is a historical account written in the late 19th century. This work provides a personal testimony and a collection of stories regarding the life of Joseph Smith, the founder of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and the historical context surrounding the emergence of the Book of Mormon. Stevenson's detailed recollections emphasize the trials, triumphs, and significant events that marked Smith's prophetic journey. The opening of the book introduces the author’s motivations for sharing these reminiscences, primarily stemming from his close acquaintance with Joseph Smith and the impact of Smith's teachings on his life. Stevenson recounts his first encounter with the Prophet and the powerful testimonies shared about Smith's visions and the divine origins of the Book of Mormon. The text begins by setting up the narrative around Smith's life, including instances of persecution, miraculous events, and the founding of the Church, capturing the historical significance of Smith’s role as a leader and prophet in the context of early Latter-day Saint history.
Lucy Smith
History of the Prophet Joseph, by His Mother
"History of the Prophet Joseph, by His Mother" by Lucy Smith is a biography published in 1853. Dictated by the mother of Latter Day Saint movement founder Joseph Smith, this family memoir sparked immediate controversy. Church leader Brigham Young condemned it as lies and ordered copies destroyed, possibly due to conflicts with its publisher and the book's portrayal of the Smith family as legitimate church leaders. Despite the opposition, historians later recognized it as an essential source for understanding Mormon origins.
John Andreas Widtsoe
Joseph Smith as Scientist: A Contribution to Mormon Philosophy
"Joseph Smith as Scientist: A Contribution to Mormon Philosophy" by John A. Widtsoe is a scholarly work written in the early 20th century. This text explores the intersections between science and the religious beliefs of Mormonism, particularly from the perspective of Joseph Smith, the founder of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The overarching theme is the assertion that scientific principles and religious doctrine are not mutually exclusive, but rather compatible and that Joseph Smith’s teachings anticipated modern scientific ideas. The opening of this work establishes the context for the discussions to follow, emphasizing that many educated individuals struggle to reconcile faith and scientific understanding. Widtsoe introduces the idea that Mormonism views all knowledge as part of a holistic theology that encompasses both spiritual and natural laws. The author outlines his goals for the text, asserting that the principles of Mormonism align with established scientific concepts, such as the indestructibility of matter and energy. This preface sets the stage for a detailed exploration of these relationships in the subsequent chapters, which will examine various scientific laws through the lens of Mormon philosophy.
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