Joseph Smith:
Pioneer Prophet
The Prophet Joseph Smith
Joseph Smith was a very influential American. He founded the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. This was a great accomplishment, as it still exists, and it was not easy. His life was full of trials and surprises which makes it interesting! Joseph Smith was born on December 23,1805 in a town called Sharon,which is located in Windsor County, Vermont. His parents were Joseph Smith (senior) and Lucy Mack Smith. He was the fifth child and had many children. During his childhood he had many events that would help make him the man he would become. In 1815 (at the age of 10) Joseph and his family moved to a city called Palmyra. A few years later there was lots of controversy over religion. Both the Methodists & the Prespeterians were trying to convert many people. Joseph though still young, was very interested in this controversy and as a result was confused at which church he should join. His family was split between the churches and likewise sought the right one to join. Soon after Joseph read the passage in the Bible found on James 1:5. |
Joseph Smith's first vision- where he saw God the Father and Jesus Christ. |
If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God who giveth to all men liberally, and abraideth not; and it shall be given him. James 1:5 |
He took the scripture literally and went to the woods, to a spot known as the Sacred Grove. There he prayed innocently and sincerely as to which church he should join. His answer was given in the form of a vision. He was only 14 when he saw the two heavenly personages who were God the father and Jesus Christ. They told him not to join any of the churches and that when the time came he would start the true church. |
On September 21,1823 Joseph was visited by an angel named Moroni. Moroni told Joseph many of the things that he would have to do. During the next 4 years, Joseph was visited by angels as well as being persecuted and discriminated against by people who thought he spoke blasphemy. On January 18,1827 Joseph married Emma Hale. On September 22,1827 , Joseph received the gold plates (The writings of former prophets on the American continent.) From the Angel Moroni. From 1828-1930, Joseph spent his time translating the Book of Mormon (the name given to the translated plates) as well as being hated down and persecuted. Finally in March 1830 the Book of Mormon was first published. Later that year on April 6, 1830, Joseph officially organized the Mormon church. Soon after Joseph's family and the rest of the Mormons started their Exodus West. They sought Zion (the place where they could practice their religion freely). They moved from state to state but eventually forced out by mobs or edicts. During this time Joseph was persecuted and humiliated by mobs who did such things as tar and feathering. On March 27, 1836, Joseph dedicated the first L.D.S. temple in Kirtland, Ohio. However they were soon shown that they were not welcome there. Three years later in Illinois, Joseph founded the city of Navoo. They started another temple as well, however Joseph Smith was made to stay in jail "for his safety." This safety soon proved insufficient when mobs raided the Carthage Jail and shot the beloved Mormon prophet and his brother, Hyrum among others. There Joseph's life ended, but his legacy continues and will live on for years.
For more info on Joseph Smith and the Mormon church go to..... http://www.lds-Mormon.com/jsmith.shtml
Or for more info on the western movement in America go to..... |
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