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Liberty in Harmony: The Story of Joseph Smith in Pennsylvania
344 pages, Paperback
Published July 9, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
June 27, 2025
I love Harmony, Pennsylvania and the sacred history that blesses its landscape. This book recounts the experiences of William Penn and Joseph Smith in their quests to find and establish truth and liberty. This unique and beautiful location was the location for important events that brought God's words and priesthood power back to the earth. Here are some quotes I liked:
"Nestled in the endless mountains of northeastern Pennsylvania along the banks of the Susquehanna River is a place where heaven once descended upon the earth; a place where holy scripture was translated by the power of God; a place where God's angels ministered to His children; and a place where God bestowed His holy priesthood... a holy, hallowed, sacred place called Harmony, Pennsylvania... 'This rural and remote place was the scene of transcendent translation, reveltion, and restoration' (Russell M. Nelson, p. 1)."
"Joseph was not the first religious pioneer to seek refuge in Pennsylvania. Almost 150 years before Joseph set foot in Harmony, William Penn had founded the colony of Pennsylvania based on religious liberty (p. 2)."
"'Harmony provided Joseph with spiritual solitude and protection, allowing him to focus on the translation of the Book of Mormon' (Russell M. Nelson). Religous liberty prevailed in Harmony (p. 3)."
"Harmony, Pennsylvania also provided Joseph an environment to mature from an uneducated young man into the Lord's prophet... Joseph learned... to inquire of the Lord... to rely on others... receive official Church revelations as he gained his porophetic voice... overcame weakness... fear God more than man (p. 3)."
"The majority of the Book of Mormon was translated in Harmony (p. 5)."
"Feel the spirit of Harmony... feel the guiding hand of the Lord and His mercy and love (p. 7)."
"'We thank Thee for this land of liberty where we enjoy the freedom to worship in dignity and in faith' (p. 9)."
"1656... God appears to William Penn at the age of twelve at Chigwell, England, and tells William of his divine mission.
Decemer 1668 to July 1669... William is imprisoned in the Tower of London for preaching his Quaker faith in the streets of London. William writes his treatise on Jesus Christ entitled No Cross, No Crown (p. 13)."
"William... lands in Pennsylvania for the first time on Ocotber 28 or 29, 1682, at a location named Chester (p. 14)."
"Spring 1820... Joseph Smith sees God the Father and Jesus Christ in the woods near his family's log home in Palmyra Township, New York (Pp 15)."
"October 1825... Josiah Stowell hires Joseph to assist him in locating Spanish treasure...
December 1827... Joseph and Emma move to Harmony and stay with Emma's parents...
April 12 to June 14, 1828... Joseph and Martin complete the dictation and writing of the 116-page manuscript called the Book of Lehi...
April 5, 1829... Oliver Cowdery travels to Harmony to serve as Joseph's scribe...
About May 10, 1829... Joseph and Oliver run out of supplies and travel to the hom eof Joseph Knight Sr. to obtain supplies...
May 15, 1829... Joseph and Oliver receive the Aaronic Priesthood from John the Baptist in the woods near the banks of the Susquehanna RIver and baptize one another...
Between May 16 and 28, 1829... Peter, James, and John confer the Melchizedek Priesthood upon Josehp and Oliver...
August 1829... Joseph Smith and Martin Harris complete arrangements with Egbert B. Grandin to publish the Book of Mormon...
Early September 1830... Joseph and Emma move from Harmony to Fayette and then to Kirtland, Ohio (p. 16)."
"July 1828... Joseph called to repentance for repeatedly requesting the Lord to entrust the manuscript to Martin Harris and for fearing man more than God...
February 1829... Joseph receives a revelation for his father... containing the qualifications for missionary service...
Spring 1829... Joseph is advised of the designs of evil men to alter the 116 pages of lost manuscript...
April 1829... Joseph and Oliver learn that the Lord gave John, Jesus's disciple of the New Testament, power over death so that the might continue to live on the earth and bring souls unto the Lord...
May 1829... The Lord counsels Hyrum Smith to put his trust in the Spirit of God, which will enlighten his mind...
July 1830... Under intense persecution, Joseph and Oliver pray to the Lord. The Lord does not take away their affliction but comforts them...
July 1830... Emma, called an 'elect lady' by the Lord, is asked to compile the first hymnbook for the Church (p. 19)."
"As a young boy growing up in London, William was particularly sensitive, with an active spirit and mind (p. 23)."
"Because of his father's elite position and service to England, he was favored in English society and admitted to Oxford University (p. 24)."
"Joseph felt an inclination toward the Methodist Church (p. 26)."
"According to Joseph's younger brother, William Smith, George Lane preached a sermon on Palmyra on 'What church shall I join?'... George Lane's message may have awakened Joseph's mind and weighed heavy on his conscience (p. 29)."
"The heavenly visitors left Joseph with the instruction to continue as he was 'until further directed.'... Joseph anxiously awaited further direction since he did not know how to use his newfound knowledge (p. 30)."
"Though a strange and foregin concept for most people today, many early Americans believed treasures were hidden in the earth by earth Spanish explorers and pirates (p. 31)."
"Joseph Smith Sr. often prayed that Heavenly Father would manifest His will to Joseph concerning this marvelous power... Three long years passed with no direction from the heavenly messengers (p. 33)."
"Moroni informed Joseph that his sins were gorgiven and that his prayers were heard. Moroni said that God had a work for Joseph and that his name would be known for good and evil among all nations and people (p. 34)."
"Joseph learned an important lesson in obedience that day and later stated, 'Ever afterwards I was willing to keep the commandment of GOd' (p. 37)."
"Joseph's mother recalled that Joseph would gather the Smith children together every evening to relate his new discoveries (p. 38)."
"It was during this visit to Ireland that William encountered the Quakers and caught the spark of Quakerism... Quakers were a unique people who generally refused to accept restraints on their God-given freedoms and called each other 'Friends' (p. 49)."
"Had it not been for the Smith family's financial struggles, Joseph may have never set foot in Harmony, Pennsylvania (p. 51)."
"The settlement of Harmony had began only about 150 years earlier, on March 4, 1681, when King Charles II of England bestowed upon William Penn and his religious followers an unsurveyed tract of land, stretching from the Delaware River northward and westward around 300 miles to the shores of the Great Lakes of America... William at one made a treaty with the powerful Delaware Indian tribes and secured hunting and fishing rights for 'The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.' The Commonwealth became the center of personal, political, and reilgious freedoms for America (p. 53)."
"When settlers first arrive in Harmony, they encountered a dense growth of trees (p. 55)."
"The immigrants who came to the colonies of Pennsylvania were deeply and sincerely religious (p. 55)."
"On November 17, 1825, after digging for three weeks without success, Joseph persuaded Mr. Towell to cease the expedition for treasure (p. 61)."
"Isaac [Hale] converted from his faith of deism to Methodism when he happened upon Emma while she was praying out loud in the woods... The members of the Hale family were faithful Methodists (p. 63)."
"All the Hale children were considered bright, but Emma was exceptional (p. 68)."
"'Joseph was the best hand he ever hired' (p. 70)."
"William advocated that each person could know God personally and that the traditions of English society were contrary to God's laws (p. 85)."
"While employed with Mr. Stowell and Mr. Knight, Joseph made frequent visits to Emma in Harmony, and Emma visited Joseph in New York (p. 87)."
"Joseph may have felt pressure from Mr. Hale to pursue gainful employment to provide for Emma. He was probably not sure what the Lord had planned for him, or the amount of time it would take him to accomplish the Lord's purpose. Joseph may have believed that he could obtain full-time work while at the same time accomplishing God's work (p. 90)."
"Most of Joseph's family members later spoke of touching, lifting, or seeing the plates (p. 96)."
"The Urim and Thummim provided warning on several occasions (p. 96)."
"Joseph found odd jobs in Harmony in order to purchase goods and earn a little money when he was not occupied with translating the plates (p. 100)."
"Joseph allowed Mr. Hale to hold the plates while they were concealed in their box, but he would not allow Mr. Hale to see the plates... Needless to say, Joseph and his father-in-law struggled to develop a menaingful relationship... His lack of full-time employment would continue to cuase a rift between him and Mr. Hale, but he knew his divine mission and feared God more than the judgements of men (p. 101)."
"During the winter of 1828, Joseph commenced translting the plates in the book of Lehi with with Emma and her brother Reuben Hale as scribe (p. 102)."
"Emma never saw the plates and never felt a need to do so... 'I did not attempt to handle the plates, other than through the linen cloth... I was satisified that it was the work of God, and therefore did not feel it to be necessary to do so... I knew that Joseph had them, and was ont specially curious about them' (p. 102)."
"No one was more astonished by the quality of the translation than Emma (p. 103)."
"Joseph concluded that Martin's experience with Professor Anthon was the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy (p. 106)."
"Seeing and examining the characters greatly increased Martin's faith, and from that point forward he was convinced of the divine nature of Joseph's mission. The fact that Joseph was an illiterate man moved him to believe that Joseph was acting under divine inspiration (p. 107)."
"Joseph and Martin picked up the tranlsation where Joseph and Emma had left off in the Book of Lehi (p. 108)."
"Since translating consumed each day for the entire day, Joseph and Martin were unable to gainfully work, leaving them in need of supplies. Fortunately, Joseph Knight Sr. graciously came to their rescue (p. 110)."
"Prison did not deter William Penn in his missionary zeal (p. 130)."
"Joseph straightway humbled himself in mighty prayer, pouring out his soul to God for mercy and forgiveness... 'When the Lord commands, do it' (p. 139)."
"Samuel Smith... remained in Harmony with Joseph during the spring and helped him work on his property so Joseph could focus on completing the translation (p. 142)."
"Showing the plates to another person would relieve Joseph of the heavy burden of being their sole witness. At the request of Martin, Joseph inquired of the Lord (p. 143)."
"William decided to pursue his own colony and make Liberty of Conscious the hallmark of its laws and policies. In May 1680 he filed a petition with King Charles I for a land grant in America... William received a Royal Charter granting him proprietorship... William wrote that 'my God has given it me through many difficulties and will I believe bless and make it the seed of a nation' (p. 155)."
"'My soul prays to God for thee that thou may stand in thy day of trial, that thy children may be blessed of the Lord and thy people saved by His power' (William Penn, p. 163)."
"His most important purpose was to preserve Liberty of Conscience (p. 164)."
"William believed that religion unified the community against disorder and promoted common good... William believed God should be part of governement beause both civil and natural laws come from God (p. 168)."
"William understood that government and laws depended upon good, honorable men (p. 169)."
"The government that William Penn established, and his political thinking and policies, provided religious protection for Joseph Smith to succeed in translating the Book of Mormon and restoring the holy priestohod of God (p. 175)."
"Joseph knew that the prayer he had offered three days earlier for help in translating the plates--was answered, and that he would be able to now start the translation with Oliver as scribe (p. 176)."
"Hearing the words of the Lord illuminated Oliver's mind and touched his heart; he knew the work was true (p. 179)."
"Joseph and Oliver desired to be baptized but knew that no one had authority to administer the sacred ordinance... On May 15, 1829, they 'retired to the woods' adjacent to Joseph's home 'at the Susquehanna River' to inquire of the Lord concerning baptism for the remission of sins... 'we diligently sought for the right of the fathers and the authority of the Holy Priesthood and to administer the same' (p. 182)."
"A messenger suddenly appeared and descended in a cloud of light. He said his name was John the Baptist from the New Testament and that he acted under the direction of Jesus's disciples of the New Testament, Peter, James, and John. Laying his hands upon the heads of Oliver and Joseph, John the Baptist conferred upon them the power to baptize... John the Baptist told Joseph and Oliver that the Aaronic Priesthood did not have the power of laying on of hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost... The keys of the Melchizedek Priesthood--the keys of which were held by Peter, James, and John--would be conferred on them in due time. They... went to the Susquehanna River where Joseph baptized Oliver and Oliver baptized Joseph (p. 184)."
"On May 25, 1829, Oliver baptized Samuel. Samuel returned to Palmyra glorifying and praising God, being filled with the Holy Ghost. Samuel is considered to be one of the first convert baptisms of the Church (p. 186)."
"Peter, James, and John conferred upon Joseph and Oliver the Melchizedek Priesthood... ordaining them to the holy apostleship as special witnesses of Jesus Christ (p. 189)."
"Members of the Pennsylvania legislature were required to make the following declaration before taking office: 'I do believe in one God, the creator and governor of the universe, the rewarder of the good and the punisher of the wicked. And I do acknowledge the Scriptures of the Old and New Testament to be given by Divine inspiration.' Section 45 of the COnstituion secured further protection for religious societies. 'All religious societies or bodies of men heretofore united or incorporated for the advancement of religion or learning, or for other pious and chariable purposes, shall be encouraged and portected in the enjoyment of the privileges, immuniites and estates which they were accustomed to enjoy, or could of right have enjoyed, under the laws and former constituion of this state' (p. 200)."
"The Pennsylvania Constituion of 1790 arguably conferred more protection of Liberty of Conscience than the Constitution of 1776... all men have a natural and indefeasible right to worship Almighty God... No man can of right be compelled to attend... no human authority can... interfere with the rights of conscience... no preference shall ever be given... to any religious establishments (p. 200)."
"After showing the plates to Oliver, Martin, and David (sometimes called the Three Witnesses), Joseph told his parents that an extraordinary burden had been lifted from him (p. 214)."
"William Penn pioneered protections of liberty and conscience in early America... Pennsylvania was 'the cradle of toleration and freedom of religion' (p. 227)."
"It took seven months to print the Book of Mormon, from August 25, 1829 to March 26, 1830 (p. 241)."
"Eleven days after the publication of the Book of Mormon, on Tuesday, April 6, 1830, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was officially organized (p. 245)."
"Joseph scheduled a meeting with the people of Colesville on Sunday, June 27, 1830. On Saturday afternoon, June 26, the Saints piled rocks and logs in a nearby stream to create a pool of water for the performing of baptisms the following morning (p. 247)."
"Under the protection of God, Joseph and the others performed the confirmations and returned home to Harmony without being detected (p. 251)."
"After departing Harmony, Joseph and members of the Church encountered religious prejudice under the law in states where they settled (p. 278)."
"Because of persecution in Ohio, members of the Church were forced westward and relocated to Missouri. But Joseph's experience in MIssouri was similar to Ohio (p. 279)."
"Today the Priestohod Restoration Site stands as a testimony that God inspires prophets to bring forth His purposes and as a symbol of religious liberty (p. 283)."
"William Penn prepared the way for Joseph Smith to establish the Church. The deep connection between these two pioneers of religious liberty is apparent today in Philadelphia. On September 18, 2016, a Latter-day Saint temple was dedicated in Philadelphia, with a gold statue of the angel Moroni boldly standing atop one of the spires. Only six blocks away from the temple is... city ahlll, where a promiment statue of William Penn marks the skyline (p. 287)."
"Much of Pennsylvania's history is built around early settlements on the banks of the Susquehanna, and many people have received inspiration, economic prosperity, and opporutnity from its waters (p. 292)."
"'I have witnessed the finest scenery to be presented in the different quarters of the globe, but nowhere have I seen nature more beautiful than she appears from summits of these hills.'... The Susquehanna River will continue to serve as a source of inspiration and guidance for those who take a moment to contemplate near its waters (p. 293)."
"Nestled in the endless mountains of northeastern Pennsylvania along the banks of the Susquehanna River is a place where heaven once descended upon the earth; a place where holy scripture was translated by the power of God; a place where God's angels ministered to His children; and a place where God bestowed His holy priesthood... a holy, hallowed, sacred place called Harmony, Pennsylvania... 'This rural and remote place was the scene of transcendent translation, reveltion, and restoration' (Russell M. Nelson, p. 1)."
"Joseph was not the first religious pioneer to seek refuge in Pennsylvania. Almost 150 years before Joseph set foot in Harmony, William Penn had founded the colony of Pennsylvania based on religious liberty (p. 2)."
"'Harmony provided Joseph with spiritual solitude and protection, allowing him to focus on the translation of the Book of Mormon' (Russell M. Nelson). Religous liberty prevailed in Harmony (p. 3)."
"Harmony, Pennsylvania also provided Joseph an environment to mature from an uneducated young man into the Lord's prophet... Joseph learned... to inquire of the Lord... to rely on others... receive official Church revelations as he gained his porophetic voice... overcame weakness... fear God more than man (p. 3)."
"The majority of the Book of Mormon was translated in Harmony (p. 5)."
"Feel the spirit of Harmony... feel the guiding hand of the Lord and His mercy and love (p. 7)."
"'We thank Thee for this land of liberty where we enjoy the freedom to worship in dignity and in faith' (p. 9)."
"1656... God appears to William Penn at the age of twelve at Chigwell, England, and tells William of his divine mission.
Decemer 1668 to July 1669... William is imprisoned in the Tower of London for preaching his Quaker faith in the streets of London. William writes his treatise on Jesus Christ entitled No Cross, No Crown (p. 13)."
"William... lands in Pennsylvania for the first time on Ocotber 28 or 29, 1682, at a location named Chester (p. 14)."
"Spring 1820... Joseph Smith sees God the Father and Jesus Christ in the woods near his family's log home in Palmyra Township, New York (Pp 15)."
"October 1825... Josiah Stowell hires Joseph to assist him in locating Spanish treasure...
December 1827... Joseph and Emma move to Harmony and stay with Emma's parents...
April 12 to June 14, 1828... Joseph and Martin complete the dictation and writing of the 116-page manuscript called the Book of Lehi...
April 5, 1829... Oliver Cowdery travels to Harmony to serve as Joseph's scribe...
About May 10, 1829... Joseph and Oliver run out of supplies and travel to the hom eof Joseph Knight Sr. to obtain supplies...
May 15, 1829... Joseph and Oliver receive the Aaronic Priesthood from John the Baptist in the woods near the banks of the Susquehanna RIver and baptize one another...
Between May 16 and 28, 1829... Peter, James, and John confer the Melchizedek Priesthood upon Josehp and Oliver...
August 1829... Joseph Smith and Martin Harris complete arrangements with Egbert B. Grandin to publish the Book of Mormon...
Early September 1830... Joseph and Emma move from Harmony to Fayette and then to Kirtland, Ohio (p. 16)."
"July 1828... Joseph called to repentance for repeatedly requesting the Lord to entrust the manuscript to Martin Harris and for fearing man more than God...
February 1829... Joseph receives a revelation for his father... containing the qualifications for missionary service...
Spring 1829... Joseph is advised of the designs of evil men to alter the 116 pages of lost manuscript...
April 1829... Joseph and Oliver learn that the Lord gave John, Jesus's disciple of the New Testament, power over death so that the might continue to live on the earth and bring souls unto the Lord...
May 1829... The Lord counsels Hyrum Smith to put his trust in the Spirit of God, which will enlighten his mind...
July 1830... Under intense persecution, Joseph and Oliver pray to the Lord. The Lord does not take away their affliction but comforts them...
July 1830... Emma, called an 'elect lady' by the Lord, is asked to compile the first hymnbook for the Church (p. 19)."
"As a young boy growing up in London, William was particularly sensitive, with an active spirit and mind (p. 23)."
"Because of his father's elite position and service to England, he was favored in English society and admitted to Oxford University (p. 24)."
"Joseph felt an inclination toward the Methodist Church (p. 26)."
"According to Joseph's younger brother, William Smith, George Lane preached a sermon on Palmyra on 'What church shall I join?'... George Lane's message may have awakened Joseph's mind and weighed heavy on his conscience (p. 29)."
"The heavenly visitors left Joseph with the instruction to continue as he was 'until further directed.'... Joseph anxiously awaited further direction since he did not know how to use his newfound knowledge (p. 30)."
"Though a strange and foregin concept for most people today, many early Americans believed treasures were hidden in the earth by earth Spanish explorers and pirates (p. 31)."
"Joseph Smith Sr. often prayed that Heavenly Father would manifest His will to Joseph concerning this marvelous power... Three long years passed with no direction from the heavenly messengers (p. 33)."
"Moroni informed Joseph that his sins were gorgiven and that his prayers were heard. Moroni said that God had a work for Joseph and that his name would be known for good and evil among all nations and people (p. 34)."
"Joseph learned an important lesson in obedience that day and later stated, 'Ever afterwards I was willing to keep the commandment of GOd' (p. 37)."
"Joseph's mother recalled that Joseph would gather the Smith children together every evening to relate his new discoveries (p. 38)."
"It was during this visit to Ireland that William encountered the Quakers and caught the spark of Quakerism... Quakers were a unique people who generally refused to accept restraints on their God-given freedoms and called each other 'Friends' (p. 49)."
"Had it not been for the Smith family's financial struggles, Joseph may have never set foot in Harmony, Pennsylvania (p. 51)."
"The settlement of Harmony had began only about 150 years earlier, on March 4, 1681, when King Charles II of England bestowed upon William Penn and his religious followers an unsurveyed tract of land, stretching from the Delaware River northward and westward around 300 miles to the shores of the Great Lakes of America... William at one made a treaty with the powerful Delaware Indian tribes and secured hunting and fishing rights for 'The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.' The Commonwealth became the center of personal, political, and reilgious freedoms for America (p. 53)."
"When settlers first arrive in Harmony, they encountered a dense growth of trees (p. 55)."
"The immigrants who came to the colonies of Pennsylvania were deeply and sincerely religious (p. 55)."
"On November 17, 1825, after digging for three weeks without success, Joseph persuaded Mr. Towell to cease the expedition for treasure (p. 61)."
"Isaac [Hale] converted from his faith of deism to Methodism when he happened upon Emma while she was praying out loud in the woods... The members of the Hale family were faithful Methodists (p. 63)."
"All the Hale children were considered bright, but Emma was exceptional (p. 68)."
"'Joseph was the best hand he ever hired' (p. 70)."
"William advocated that each person could know God personally and that the traditions of English society were contrary to God's laws (p. 85)."
"While employed with Mr. Stowell and Mr. Knight, Joseph made frequent visits to Emma in Harmony, and Emma visited Joseph in New York (p. 87)."
"Joseph may have felt pressure from Mr. Hale to pursue gainful employment to provide for Emma. He was probably not sure what the Lord had planned for him, or the amount of time it would take him to accomplish the Lord's purpose. Joseph may have believed that he could obtain full-time work while at the same time accomplishing God's work (p. 90)."
"Most of Joseph's family members later spoke of touching, lifting, or seeing the plates (p. 96)."
"The Urim and Thummim provided warning on several occasions (p. 96)."
"Joseph found odd jobs in Harmony in order to purchase goods and earn a little money when he was not occupied with translating the plates (p. 100)."
"Joseph allowed Mr. Hale to hold the plates while they were concealed in their box, but he would not allow Mr. Hale to see the plates... Needless to say, Joseph and his father-in-law struggled to develop a menaingful relationship... His lack of full-time employment would continue to cuase a rift between him and Mr. Hale, but he knew his divine mission and feared God more than the judgements of men (p. 101)."
"During the winter of 1828, Joseph commenced translting the plates in the book of Lehi with with Emma and her brother Reuben Hale as scribe (p. 102)."
"Emma never saw the plates and never felt a need to do so... 'I did not attempt to handle the plates, other than through the linen cloth... I was satisified that it was the work of God, and therefore did not feel it to be necessary to do so... I knew that Joseph had them, and was ont specially curious about them' (p. 102)."
"No one was more astonished by the quality of the translation than Emma (p. 103)."
"Joseph concluded that Martin's experience with Professor Anthon was the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy (p. 106)."
"Seeing and examining the characters greatly increased Martin's faith, and from that point forward he was convinced of the divine nature of Joseph's mission. The fact that Joseph was an illiterate man moved him to believe that Joseph was acting under divine inspiration (p. 107)."
"Joseph and Martin picked up the tranlsation where Joseph and Emma had left off in the Book of Lehi (p. 108)."
"Since translating consumed each day for the entire day, Joseph and Martin were unable to gainfully work, leaving them in need of supplies. Fortunately, Joseph Knight Sr. graciously came to their rescue (p. 110)."
"Prison did not deter William Penn in his missionary zeal (p. 130)."
"Joseph straightway humbled himself in mighty prayer, pouring out his soul to God for mercy and forgiveness... 'When the Lord commands, do it' (p. 139)."
"Samuel Smith... remained in Harmony with Joseph during the spring and helped him work on his property so Joseph could focus on completing the translation (p. 142)."
"Showing the plates to another person would relieve Joseph of the heavy burden of being their sole witness. At the request of Martin, Joseph inquired of the Lord (p. 143)."
"William decided to pursue his own colony and make Liberty of Conscious the hallmark of its laws and policies. In May 1680 he filed a petition with King Charles I for a land grant in America... William received a Royal Charter granting him proprietorship... William wrote that 'my God has given it me through many difficulties and will I believe bless and make it the seed of a nation' (p. 155)."
"'My soul prays to God for thee that thou may stand in thy day of trial, that thy children may be blessed of the Lord and thy people saved by His power' (William Penn, p. 163)."
"His most important purpose was to preserve Liberty of Conscience (p. 164)."
"William believed that religion unified the community against disorder and promoted common good... William believed God should be part of governement beause both civil and natural laws come from God (p. 168)."
"William understood that government and laws depended upon good, honorable men (p. 169)."
"The government that William Penn established, and his political thinking and policies, provided religious protection for Joseph Smith to succeed in translating the Book of Mormon and restoring the holy priestohod of God (p. 175)."
"Joseph knew that the prayer he had offered three days earlier for help in translating the plates--was answered, and that he would be able to now start the translation with Oliver as scribe (p. 176)."
"Hearing the words of the Lord illuminated Oliver's mind and touched his heart; he knew the work was true (p. 179)."
"Joseph and Oliver desired to be baptized but knew that no one had authority to administer the sacred ordinance... On May 15, 1829, they 'retired to the woods' adjacent to Joseph's home 'at the Susquehanna River' to inquire of the Lord concerning baptism for the remission of sins... 'we diligently sought for the right of the fathers and the authority of the Holy Priesthood and to administer the same' (p. 182)."
"A messenger suddenly appeared and descended in a cloud of light. He said his name was John the Baptist from the New Testament and that he acted under the direction of Jesus's disciples of the New Testament, Peter, James, and John. Laying his hands upon the heads of Oliver and Joseph, John the Baptist conferred upon them the power to baptize... John the Baptist told Joseph and Oliver that the Aaronic Priesthood did not have the power of laying on of hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost... The keys of the Melchizedek Priesthood--the keys of which were held by Peter, James, and John--would be conferred on them in due time. They... went to the Susquehanna River where Joseph baptized Oliver and Oliver baptized Joseph (p. 184)."
"On May 25, 1829, Oliver baptized Samuel. Samuel returned to Palmyra glorifying and praising God, being filled with the Holy Ghost. Samuel is considered to be one of the first convert baptisms of the Church (p. 186)."
"Peter, James, and John conferred upon Joseph and Oliver the Melchizedek Priesthood... ordaining them to the holy apostleship as special witnesses of Jesus Christ (p. 189)."
"Members of the Pennsylvania legislature were required to make the following declaration before taking office: 'I do believe in one God, the creator and governor of the universe, the rewarder of the good and the punisher of the wicked. And I do acknowledge the Scriptures of the Old and New Testament to be given by Divine inspiration.' Section 45 of the COnstituion secured further protection for religious societies. 'All religious societies or bodies of men heretofore united or incorporated for the advancement of religion or learning, or for other pious and chariable purposes, shall be encouraged and portected in the enjoyment of the privileges, immuniites and estates which they were accustomed to enjoy, or could of right have enjoyed, under the laws and former constituion of this state' (p. 200)."
"The Pennsylvania Constituion of 1790 arguably conferred more protection of Liberty of Conscience than the Constitution of 1776... all men have a natural and indefeasible right to worship Almighty God... No man can of right be compelled to attend... no human authority can... interfere with the rights of conscience... no preference shall ever be given... to any religious establishments (p. 200)."
"After showing the plates to Oliver, Martin, and David (sometimes called the Three Witnesses), Joseph told his parents that an extraordinary burden had been lifted from him (p. 214)."
"William Penn pioneered protections of liberty and conscience in early America... Pennsylvania was 'the cradle of toleration and freedom of religion' (p. 227)."
"It took seven months to print the Book of Mormon, from August 25, 1829 to March 26, 1830 (p. 241)."
"Eleven days after the publication of the Book of Mormon, on Tuesday, April 6, 1830, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was officially organized (p. 245)."
"Joseph scheduled a meeting with the people of Colesville on Sunday, June 27, 1830. On Saturday afternoon, June 26, the Saints piled rocks and logs in a nearby stream to create a pool of water for the performing of baptisms the following morning (p. 247)."
"Under the protection of God, Joseph and the others performed the confirmations and returned home to Harmony without being detected (p. 251)."
"After departing Harmony, Joseph and members of the Church encountered religious prejudice under the law in states where they settled (p. 278)."
"Because of persecution in Ohio, members of the Church were forced westward and relocated to Missouri. But Joseph's experience in MIssouri was similar to Ohio (p. 279)."
"Today the Priestohod Restoration Site stands as a testimony that God inspires prophets to bring forth His purposes and as a symbol of religious liberty (p. 283)."
"William Penn prepared the way for Joseph Smith to establish the Church. The deep connection between these two pioneers of religious liberty is apparent today in Philadelphia. On September 18, 2016, a Latter-day Saint temple was dedicated in Philadelphia, with a gold statue of the angel Moroni boldly standing atop one of the spires. Only six blocks away from the temple is... city ahlll, where a promiment statue of William Penn marks the skyline (p. 287)."
"Much of Pennsylvania's history is built around early settlements on the banks of the Susquehanna, and many people have received inspiration, economic prosperity, and opporutnity from its waters (p. 292)."
"'I have witnessed the finest scenery to be presented in the different quarters of the globe, but nowhere have I seen nature more beautiful than she appears from summits of these hills.'... The Susquehanna River will continue to serve as a source of inspiration and guidance for those who take a moment to contemplate near its waters (p. 293)."
August 9, 2024
I have been back to Pennsylvania many times and have visited the church sites mentioned in this book. I really enjoyed how he explained each revelation. This is a great addition to our study of the doctrine and covenants next year. It is so interesting how the author brought William Penn into our history. I received an advance copy, and this is my opinion only.
July 29, 2024
This book was quite the good surpise! It is chalk full of interesting, vibrant church history-- things I didn't realize! I recieved an advanced copy of "Liberty in Harmony" but these words are my own.
July 30, 2024
a enjoyable book. Lots of background and Insights to this period of Church History. Brings the information to life, would recommend to anyone studying church history.
I received an ARC Advanced Reader Copy from the publisher however the opinions are my own.
I received an ARC Advanced Reader Copy from the publisher however the opinions are my own.
March 19, 2025
An outstanding book on the religious effect of William Penn’s beliefs and the parallels to Joseph Smith and the restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ. A must read to supplement your church history and the trials of both William and Joseph. 5 stars.
July 29, 2024
Great read loved the history in this book I have received an advanced copy of this book but all opinions are my own
July 31, 2024
Another book that gives a glimpse into a specific time in history and religion! I love how this book parallels William Penn in Pennsylvania with Joseph Smith's time in Harmony, Pennsylvania. I hadn't really thought before about how divinely inspired Penn was to have set up the Pennsylvania charter with such religious freedoms as he did & how that allowed Joseph Smith a place to live while translating most of the Book of Mormon. I also hadn't realized that Penn's charter gave different/greater protections to religious freedom than the other colonies did. I received an arc from Cedar Fort Publications. All opinions expressed are my own.
January 22, 2026
This was a very good book! William Penn and Joseph Smith! Two great men who fought for religious freedom among those who would deny it!
Thank you Cedar Fort for the opportunity to read and review!
Thank you Cedar Fort for the opportunity to read and review!
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