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The Joseph Smith Papers Documents, Volume 6: February 1838-August 1839
This sixth volume of the Documents series contains personal letters, revelations, discourses, minutes, legal documents, and financial documents, among other documents. The documents in the volume trace the establishment of Far West, Missouri, as the center place of Zion; the spread of Mormon settlements in northwestern Missouri; Joseph Smith's incarceration in Clay County, Missouri; the Saints' expulsion from the state; and initial efforts to establish Church settlements in Illinois and in Iowa Territory. The documents highlight Smith's continued efforts to remove dissension from the Church, establish a city of Zion, protect the Saints from anti-Mormons, and prepare the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles for a mission to Europe.
800 pages, Hardcover
First published September 25, 2017
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30 people want to read
About the author
Mark Ashurst-McGee
7 books3 followersMark Roscoe Ashurst-McGee (born 1968) is an American historian of the Latter Day Saint movement and editor for the Joseph Smith Papers project.
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October 2, 2017
The late scholar and Mormon apologist Hugh Nibley wrote that “[a]nyone who writes church history has the inescapable and dangerous obligation of deciding somehow just what evidence shall be made available to his readers and what shall not; obviously, he cannot include it all.”
The editors of the Joseph Smith Papers Project, however, are doing just that – including it all – making publicly available every extant Joseph Smith document they can access.
In this, the sixth volume of the “Documents” series in the Project, the authors present all known and available documents – 126 in all – created by Smith or by staff whose work he directed for the 19-month period February 1838 to August 1839. They provide unaltered and unabridged transcripts of letters, discourses, revelations, meeting minutes, resolutions, promissory notes, receipts, affidavits, and more.
The historical introductions to each of the documents, together with editorial notes, footnotes, illustrations, maps, biographies, and index, provide a wealth of background and context to the documents themselves.
The Volume 6 documents are divided into 4 parts, each with its own introduction, briefly summarized here:
Part 1: 15 February – 28 June 1838. The period opened on a hopeful note. Joseph Smith had received a revelation designating Missouri as “the land of Zion.” The town of Far West would become the main gathering place for the Saints. Plans were underway for the construction of a new temple there.
The steady influx of newcomers mostly from the East and from British North America, however, caused great uneasiness among the Missourians already settled in this part of the state, most of whom were from the South. The conflicts that quickly ensued can be explained not only by opposition to the new religion, but also by the cultural differences that would divide the nation itself.
Part 2: 8 July – 29 October 1838. Mormons seeking to settle in Jackson County, Missouri, in the earlier part of the decade had found they could count on neither state nor local government authorities to shield them from persecution. In the summer of 1838, Joseph Smith and other church leaders in the northwest counties of the state concluded they had only themselves to defend against mob violence.
They published a paper recounting the “sufferings and persecutions of the Church from its rise.” The persecutions, they wrote, “we are absolutely determined no longer to bear, come life or come death, for to be mob[b]ed any more without taking taking vengeance, we will not.”
Latter-day Saint men organized a military group that came to be known as the Danites. When a crowd of angry men kept Mormons from voting in Gallatin, Daviess County, Danites on hand engaged them; men on both sides were injured. Conflicts between Missouri vigilantes and the Mormons escalated. Legal proceedings proved unfruitful in stemming the violence.
Part 3: 4 November 1838 – 16 April 1839. Part 3 covers the time Joseph Smith was held in state custody. State civil and militia forces had been generally unwilling to quell October’s violence. Anti-Mormon vigilantes burned houses and ransacked homes; Danites did so, as well.
In late October Missouri Governor Lilburn Boggs claimed that “the Mormons must be treated as enemies and must be exterminated or driven from the state” and issued an order to the state militia to do so.
On October 30, 1838, an anti-Mormon vigilante force of about 200 men rode into the small Mormon settlement of Hawn’s Mill in Caldwell County where they shot and killed 17 men and boys. No vigilante was killed, and none were ever arrested for the murders.
Joseph Smith and other church leaders were arrested at Far West for destruction and theft of property. They were brought before a circuit judge who had been appointed by Governor Boggs. The judge was the brother-in-law of a man who had been killed in a skirmish between Latter-day Saints and anti-Mormons in 1833, when Mormons were forced to leave Jackson County. The judge found probable cause that Smith and others had committed treason and committed them to jail to await trial. They spent the winter in the unheated Liberty, Missouri, jail, but never came to trial.
In prison chains, Joseph wrote his wife, “tell little Joseph [age 6] he must be a good boy, and Father loves him with a perfect love . . . Oh, my affectionate Emma, I want you to remember I am a true and faithful friend, to you and the children, forever, my heart is intwined around yours forever and ever, Oh may God bless you all.”
The impoverished Saints were indeed driven from Missouri, as Boggs had ordered. As many as 10,000 walked in bitter cold and snow 200 miles to the east to Quincy, Illinois, across the Mississippi River. There they were given food, shelter, and employment.
In April, apparently sympathetic guards allowed Smith and his fellow prisoners to escape.
Part 4: 24 April – 12 August 1839. Part 4 of the Documents covers the 4-month period following the Saints’ expulsion from Missouri. One of the first items of business was the preparation of a formal expression of gratitude for the generosity of the people of Quincy in welcoming and aiding the refugees. Efforts were made to obtain redress for members’ losses in Missouri, without success.
Church leaders who had arrived earlier in the year began arranging for the purchase of large tracts of land in Commerce, Illinois, to the north of Quincy, and in Montrose, Iowa Territory, across the Mississippi from Commerce. Members in Quincy and throughout the country were urged to move to Commerce; it would become the headquarters of the church. After receiving counsel from Smith on matters of doctrine and church administration, members of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles were called to preach the gospel in Europe and England.
The Joseph Smith Papers, Documents, Volume 6 is a scholarly work. It is nearly 800 pages in length and has almost 3,000 footnotes. It has 176 pages of reference material plus meticulously researched source notes for each of the 126 documents and an exhaustive index. One might be tempted to describe it as a research volume to be found primarily on the shelves of the reference library.
But the serious reader of Mormon history will find personal stories of love, hope, sorrow, tenderness, sadness, betrayal and unbridled evil, with a rich variety of characters, heroes and villains, who loved or hated the Mormon prophet and his fellow Saints.
This book gets five stars.
The editors of the Joseph Smith Papers Project, however, are doing just that – including it all – making publicly available every extant Joseph Smith document they can access.
In this, the sixth volume of the “Documents” series in the Project, the authors present all known and available documents – 126 in all – created by Smith or by staff whose work he directed for the 19-month period February 1838 to August 1839. They provide unaltered and unabridged transcripts of letters, discourses, revelations, meeting minutes, resolutions, promissory notes, receipts, affidavits, and more.
The historical introductions to each of the documents, together with editorial notes, footnotes, illustrations, maps, biographies, and index, provide a wealth of background and context to the documents themselves.
The Volume 6 documents are divided into 4 parts, each with its own introduction, briefly summarized here:
Part 1: 15 February – 28 June 1838. The period opened on a hopeful note. Joseph Smith had received a revelation designating Missouri as “the land of Zion.” The town of Far West would become the main gathering place for the Saints. Plans were underway for the construction of a new temple there.
The steady influx of newcomers mostly from the East and from British North America, however, caused great uneasiness among the Missourians already settled in this part of the state, most of whom were from the South. The conflicts that quickly ensued can be explained not only by opposition to the new religion, but also by the cultural differences that would divide the nation itself.
Part 2: 8 July – 29 October 1838. Mormons seeking to settle in Jackson County, Missouri, in the earlier part of the decade had found they could count on neither state nor local government authorities to shield them from persecution. In the summer of 1838, Joseph Smith and other church leaders in the northwest counties of the state concluded they had only themselves to defend against mob violence.
They published a paper recounting the “sufferings and persecutions of the Church from its rise.” The persecutions, they wrote, “we are absolutely determined no longer to bear, come life or come death, for to be mob[b]ed any more without taking taking vengeance, we will not.”
Latter-day Saint men organized a military group that came to be known as the Danites. When a crowd of angry men kept Mormons from voting in Gallatin, Daviess County, Danites on hand engaged them; men on both sides were injured. Conflicts between Missouri vigilantes and the Mormons escalated. Legal proceedings proved unfruitful in stemming the violence.
Part 3: 4 November 1838 – 16 April 1839. Part 3 covers the time Joseph Smith was held in state custody. State civil and militia forces had been generally unwilling to quell October’s violence. Anti-Mormon vigilantes burned houses and ransacked homes; Danites did so, as well.
In late October Missouri Governor Lilburn Boggs claimed that “the Mormons must be treated as enemies and must be exterminated or driven from the state” and issued an order to the state militia to do so.
On October 30, 1838, an anti-Mormon vigilante force of about 200 men rode into the small Mormon settlement of Hawn’s Mill in Caldwell County where they shot and killed 17 men and boys. No vigilante was killed, and none were ever arrested for the murders.
Joseph Smith and other church leaders were arrested at Far West for destruction and theft of property. They were brought before a circuit judge who had been appointed by Governor Boggs. The judge was the brother-in-law of a man who had been killed in a skirmish between Latter-day Saints and anti-Mormons in 1833, when Mormons were forced to leave Jackson County. The judge found probable cause that Smith and others had committed treason and committed them to jail to await trial. They spent the winter in the unheated Liberty, Missouri, jail, but never came to trial.
In prison chains, Joseph wrote his wife, “tell little Joseph [age 6] he must be a good boy, and Father loves him with a perfect love . . . Oh, my affectionate Emma, I want you to remember I am a true and faithful friend, to you and the children, forever, my heart is intwined around yours forever and ever, Oh may God bless you all.”
The impoverished Saints were indeed driven from Missouri, as Boggs had ordered. As many as 10,000 walked in bitter cold and snow 200 miles to the east to Quincy, Illinois, across the Mississippi River. There they were given food, shelter, and employment.
In April, apparently sympathetic guards allowed Smith and his fellow prisoners to escape.
Part 4: 24 April – 12 August 1839. Part 4 of the Documents covers the 4-month period following the Saints’ expulsion from Missouri. One of the first items of business was the preparation of a formal expression of gratitude for the generosity of the people of Quincy in welcoming and aiding the refugees. Efforts were made to obtain redress for members’ losses in Missouri, without success.
Church leaders who had arrived earlier in the year began arranging for the purchase of large tracts of land in Commerce, Illinois, to the north of Quincy, and in Montrose, Iowa Territory, across the Mississippi from Commerce. Members in Quincy and throughout the country were urged to move to Commerce; it would become the headquarters of the church. After receiving counsel from Smith on matters of doctrine and church administration, members of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles were called to preach the gospel in Europe and England.
The Joseph Smith Papers, Documents, Volume 6 is a scholarly work. It is nearly 800 pages in length and has almost 3,000 footnotes. It has 176 pages of reference material plus meticulously researched source notes for each of the 126 documents and an exhaustive index. One might be tempted to describe it as a research volume to be found primarily on the shelves of the reference library.
But the serious reader of Mormon history will find personal stories of love, hope, sorrow, tenderness, sadness, betrayal and unbridled evil, with a rich variety of characters, heroes and villains, who loved or hated the Mormon prophet and his fellow Saints.
This book gets five stars.
February 22, 2018
This volume of the Joseph Smith Papers was edited by Mark Ashurst-Mcgee, David W. Grua, Elizabeth A. Kuehn (who spoke at the FairMormon Conference last year about the Kirtland Crisis of 1837), Brenden W. Rensink, and Alexander L. Baugh. It covers the aftermath of the Kirtland Crisis of 1837 and the move to Far West, the identification of Adam-ondi-Ahman, the formation of the Danites, Hawn’s Mill, the Extermination Order, the stay at Liberty Jail, and the beginning of the building of Nauvoo.
As with all of the volumes, it contains an explanation of the Joseph Smith Papers Project and its methodologies, a volume introduction that gives the general history of the time covered by the volume, section introductions with more detailed history and context of the documents contained in each section, the documents themselves, and reference material such as source notes, timelines, maps, biographical information, organizational charts, and works cited. Each document is introduced by a source note and historical introduction. The document transcripts then contain extensive footnotes with sources and explanations. In some cases, the footnotes are multiple levels deep.
The editors did a good job of explaining controversial events and putting them in context, but also freely admitted when things are unclear. In the first document, the source note discusses Joseph Smith’s plural marriage with Fanny Alger, including Oliver Cowdery’s allegations of adultery. It is explained that “A few individuals who knew JS well recounted later that he had received a revelation about the doctrine of plural marriage as early as 1831, possibly in connection with his work on the revision, or new ‘translation’ of the Bible” (page 12). “After his separation from Alger and the controversy arising from Cowdery’s accusations, JS set aside the practice of plural marriage for several years” (page 13). A later footnote explains “It is unclear precisely what information JS entrusted to Cowdery regarding JS’s relationship with Fanny Alger. Later accounts variously claim that Cowdery performed a marriage ceremony between JS and Alger, was called upon by JS to mediate between JS and Emma Smith after the relationship with Alger was discovered, or had been taught the doctrine of plural marriage privately and took a plural wife contrary to JS’s instructions” (page 91, footnote 454).
The Society of the Daughter of Zion, more commonly known as the Danites, was a controversial organization that comes up many times in this volume. It is introduced in the volume introduction: “several men organized as a private militia known as the Society of the Daughter of Zion – later called the Danites – to defend the church from any remaining internal and external opposition. The intent of the organization was to support the members of the First Presidency and their policies, as well as to defend the church against any future aggression” (page xxiv). Sampson Avard was an early general who “reportedly advocated unquestioned obedience to the First Presidency, lying, stealing, killing, and resistance to the law” (page 306) and has been the source of many anti-Mormon criticisms. Joseph Smith removed him from leadership. “Perhaps embittered by his demotion, Avard was the key witness for the state in the November 1838 hearing” (page 306). There is more information about the Danites and their known leadership in the Organizational Charts section in the back.
Joseph Smith wrote many letters while in jail, but also included here is a letter to him from Emma describing what she is going through: “…No one but God, knows the reflections of my mind and the feelings of my heart when I left our house and home, and allmost all of every thing that we possessed excepting our little Children, and took my journey out of the State of Missouri, leaving you shut up in jail that lonesome prison. But the reflection recollection is more than human nature ought to bear, and if God does not record our sufferings and avenge our wrongs on them that are guilty, I shall be sadly mistaken… The people in this state are very kind indeed, they are doing much more than we ever anticipated they would… But I hope there is better days to come to us yet. Give my respects to all in that place that you respect, and am ever your’s affectionately” (page 340).
Although it is nice to read the actual documents, what is really nice about these volumes are the historical essays and source notes that put them in context, and the annotations that explain each detail of what is encountered in the documents. I can only imagine the hours of research that must have gone into them. Although they are ostensibly intended mainly as a reference for historians, an interested reader can learn an extensive amount of church history from them.
As with all of the volumes, it contains an explanation of the Joseph Smith Papers Project and its methodologies, a volume introduction that gives the general history of the time covered by the volume, section introductions with more detailed history and context of the documents contained in each section, the documents themselves, and reference material such as source notes, timelines, maps, biographical information, organizational charts, and works cited. Each document is introduced by a source note and historical introduction. The document transcripts then contain extensive footnotes with sources and explanations. In some cases, the footnotes are multiple levels deep.
The editors did a good job of explaining controversial events and putting them in context, but also freely admitted when things are unclear. In the first document, the source note discusses Joseph Smith’s plural marriage with Fanny Alger, including Oliver Cowdery’s allegations of adultery. It is explained that “A few individuals who knew JS well recounted later that he had received a revelation about the doctrine of plural marriage as early as 1831, possibly in connection with his work on the revision, or new ‘translation’ of the Bible” (page 12). “After his separation from Alger and the controversy arising from Cowdery’s accusations, JS set aside the practice of plural marriage for several years” (page 13). A later footnote explains “It is unclear precisely what information JS entrusted to Cowdery regarding JS’s relationship with Fanny Alger. Later accounts variously claim that Cowdery performed a marriage ceremony between JS and Alger, was called upon by JS to mediate between JS and Emma Smith after the relationship with Alger was discovered, or had been taught the doctrine of plural marriage privately and took a plural wife contrary to JS’s instructions” (page 91, footnote 454).
The Society of the Daughter of Zion, more commonly known as the Danites, was a controversial organization that comes up many times in this volume. It is introduced in the volume introduction: “several men organized as a private militia known as the Society of the Daughter of Zion – later called the Danites – to defend the church from any remaining internal and external opposition. The intent of the organization was to support the members of the First Presidency and their policies, as well as to defend the church against any future aggression” (page xxiv). Sampson Avard was an early general who “reportedly advocated unquestioned obedience to the First Presidency, lying, stealing, killing, and resistance to the law” (page 306) and has been the source of many anti-Mormon criticisms. Joseph Smith removed him from leadership. “Perhaps embittered by his demotion, Avard was the key witness for the state in the November 1838 hearing” (page 306). There is more information about the Danites and their known leadership in the Organizational Charts section in the back.
Joseph Smith wrote many letters while in jail, but also included here is a letter to him from Emma describing what she is going through: “…No one but God, knows the reflections of my mind and the feelings of my heart when I left our house and home, and allmost all of every thing that we possessed excepting our little Children, and took my journey out of the State of Missouri, leaving you shut up in jail that lonesome prison. But the reflection recollection is more than human nature ought to bear, and if God does not record our sufferings and avenge our wrongs on them that are guilty, I shall be sadly mistaken… The people in this state are very kind indeed, they are doing much more than we ever anticipated they would… But I hope there is better days to come to us yet. Give my respects to all in that place that you respect, and am ever your’s affectionately” (page 340).
Although it is nice to read the actual documents, what is really nice about these volumes are the historical essays and source notes that put them in context, and the annotations that explain each detail of what is encountered in the documents. I can only imagine the hours of research that must have gone into them. Although they are ostensibly intended mainly as a reference for historians, an interested reader can learn an extensive amount of church history from them.
October 4, 2017
The Lord said, “I am able to do mine own work." (2 Nephi 27:21) Joseph Smith Papers Documents Volume 6 is proof that God can do His work through prophets. In this compelling read, you will transport yourself into Joseph’s darkest days: disloyalty of "bosom friends”; horrific persecutions from dissenters and non-Mormon settlers; the extermination order; incarceration in Liberty Jail; evacuation and relocation of thousands of saints; a swampy mosquito-infested settlement.
This meticulously, well-organized book will expand your understanding of LDS history against the backdrop of American religious freedom. With 173 pages of reference material, you will never be lost or confused.
• Are you wondering when Joseph moved to Far West? Check the chronology chart.
• Trying to locate a significant location in church history? See Maps in the back of the book.
• Did you forget how many children Joseph and Emma had and lost? See the pedigree chart on page 611.
• Trying to identify or understand more about a historical figure? The Biographical Directory quickly brings you up to speed.
• Did you lose track of who’s who in church history? The at-a-glance Organizational Charts can set you straight.
• Curious about federal laws that governed issues relevant to the Saints at the time? Simply drop down to bottom of any page for continuous informative footnotes that run throughout the book.
To top it all off, concise historical introductions precede all documents, putting everything into context. Simply put, this book is a treasure and a must-have for any student of Church history!
Follow the unfathomable history of a simple, ordinary young man from New York -- a prophet -- as he seeks to establish the “centre place” of Zion on earth with seemingly all forces arrayed against him. It reads like the book of Exodus with Moses leading the children of Israel out of Egypt. Miraculous! How could someone lead ever-growing masses of people from city to city, state to state, even country to country? Joseph did it and this book explains how.
Joseph proclaimed, "No unhallowed hand can stop the work from progressing.” This book brings life to how Joseph accomplished that vision. The closing pages capture key points recorded by Willard Richards of a discourse in which Joseph recounted the story of Jesus telling his apostles, “yet a little while & ye shall see me no more.” A poignant foreshadowing of the prophet’s own destiny as a martyr.
The annals of history cry out for religious freedom both then and today, and this book captures a significant part of that history from the life of a modern-day prophet. If you have not yet bought a book from the Joseph Smith Papers series, start now. Joseph declared, "no man knows my history,” but with modern technology and preservation, his restored history can and should be known.
Read this book as you anxiously await forthcoming volumes to roll off The Church Historian’s Press and see the Lord do His work!
Start now. Order today!
This meticulously, well-organized book will expand your understanding of LDS history against the backdrop of American religious freedom. With 173 pages of reference material, you will never be lost or confused.
• Are you wondering when Joseph moved to Far West? Check the chronology chart.
• Trying to locate a significant location in church history? See Maps in the back of the book.
• Did you forget how many children Joseph and Emma had and lost? See the pedigree chart on page 611.
• Trying to identify or understand more about a historical figure? The Biographical Directory quickly brings you up to speed.
• Did you lose track of who’s who in church history? The at-a-glance Organizational Charts can set you straight.
• Curious about federal laws that governed issues relevant to the Saints at the time? Simply drop down to bottom of any page for continuous informative footnotes that run throughout the book.
To top it all off, concise historical introductions precede all documents, putting everything into context. Simply put, this book is a treasure and a must-have for any student of Church history!
Follow the unfathomable history of a simple, ordinary young man from New York -- a prophet -- as he seeks to establish the “centre place” of Zion on earth with seemingly all forces arrayed against him. It reads like the book of Exodus with Moses leading the children of Israel out of Egypt. Miraculous! How could someone lead ever-growing masses of people from city to city, state to state, even country to country? Joseph did it and this book explains how.
Joseph proclaimed, "No unhallowed hand can stop the work from progressing.” This book brings life to how Joseph accomplished that vision. The closing pages capture key points recorded by Willard Richards of a discourse in which Joseph recounted the story of Jesus telling his apostles, “yet a little while & ye shall see me no more.” A poignant foreshadowing of the prophet’s own destiny as a martyr.
The annals of history cry out for religious freedom both then and today, and this book captures a significant part of that history from the life of a modern-day prophet. If you have not yet bought a book from the Joseph Smith Papers series, start now. Joseph declared, "no man knows my history,” but with modern technology and preservation, his restored history can and should be known.
Read this book as you anxiously await forthcoming volumes to roll off The Church Historian’s Press and see the Lord do His work!
Start now. Order today!
September 30, 2017
Volume Six in the Documents Series of the Joseph Smith Papers contains documents from the period of Joseph Smith’s arrival in Missouri, the so-called “Mormon War,” and the expulsion of the Latter-day Saints from Missouri. This volume covers a crucial period in the history of Joseph Smith, climaxing with his months-long incarceration in Liberty Jail. It continues the high standard of excellence in the publishing of primary source documents exhibited in earlier volumes, not only of the series, but of the entire Joseph Smith Papers project.
While the documents themselves are invaluable in understanding the events associated with Joseph Smith, perhaps the greatest strength of the volume is the inclusion of historical introductions, which provide much needed background and context for the reader. Each document includes an historical introduction and there are introductions for each of the four parts that the volume is divided into. In addition, there is a twenty-page volume introduction providing a readable overview of the period covered by the documents.
Each introduction and document is fully annotated. The notes are refreshingly placed at the bottom of the page for ease of reference. These notes provide additional sources and explanations. Together with the reference material at the back of the volume, the reader’s curiosity can generally be satisfied, and if not, there is enough information to provide a catalyst for further individual research.
Of particular interest, in Part 3, is the inclusion of five letters from Joseph Smith written in his own hand. These letters were written from Joseph to his wife Emma while he was in custody in Missouri. They offer insight into Joseph Smith the man, revealing his personality, his feelings for his family, his calling, the welfare of the Saints, and even concern for his dog. The reader can come close to “hearing” Joseph Smith and when compared to the letter from Emma to Joseph during the same period, his lack of formal education becomes vividly apparent.
This volume is an intriguing and informative book that is well worth the time spent with it.
While the documents themselves are invaluable in understanding the events associated with Joseph Smith, perhaps the greatest strength of the volume is the inclusion of historical introductions, which provide much needed background and context for the reader. Each document includes an historical introduction and there are introductions for each of the four parts that the volume is divided into. In addition, there is a twenty-page volume introduction providing a readable overview of the period covered by the documents.
Each introduction and document is fully annotated. The notes are refreshingly placed at the bottom of the page for ease of reference. These notes provide additional sources and explanations. Together with the reference material at the back of the volume, the reader’s curiosity can generally be satisfied, and if not, there is enough information to provide a catalyst for further individual research.
Of particular interest, in Part 3, is the inclusion of five letters from Joseph Smith written in his own hand. These letters were written from Joseph to his wife Emma while he was in custody in Missouri. They offer insight into Joseph Smith the man, revealing his personality, his feelings for his family, his calling, the welfare of the Saints, and even concern for his dog. The reader can come close to “hearing” Joseph Smith and when compared to the letter from Emma to Joseph during the same period, his lack of formal education becomes vividly apparent.
This volume is an intriguing and informative book that is well worth the time spent with it.
October 4, 2017
As a lifelong member of the Community of Christ, I have found, 'The Joseph Smith Papers" project to be quite fascinating for a number of reasons. I would not call myself a student of church history, but I do own several books published as apart of this project. I find it fascinating the struggles the early members of the church and how things currently happening in the church. The church has been through a lot and I believe can learn from the early saints, because if we don't know where we've been we are bound to encounter some of the same issues.
Some of the things I learned by reading this book, including how many of the early members packed up everything and followed church leaders to places like Kirtland, Far West, various parts of Missouri among many other places. In some cases, members of the first presidency were called to move to Far West and a short time later was advised they need to pack things up, move themselves and their families back to Kirtland because that's where they were needed.
Other points of interest in this book included as Josep Smith was in prison in 1839 his thoughts and focus remain with the members of the church. Though in prison it seemed as if his heart was broken because he could not be with the church members as they faced conflict.
One of the many topics of particular interest to me covered in this book is the designation of Missouri as the “Land of Zion” and Kirtland as a “Stake of Zion”. Over the years, I've been fortunate enough to visit both places. One summer I was fortunate enough to work at the Community of Christ in the history department as an intern. Part of my responsibility was to photograph certain church artifacts and scan photographs in the church position. It was an interesting summer that let me have a small glimpse into church history.
Anyone that has any interest in church would be missing a mountain of information if they are not reading 'The Joseph Smith Papers' or connected to the website connected with the book.
Some of the things I learned by reading this book, including how many of the early members packed up everything and followed church leaders to places like Kirtland, Far West, various parts of Missouri among many other places. In some cases, members of the first presidency were called to move to Far West and a short time later was advised they need to pack things up, move themselves and their families back to Kirtland because that's where they were needed.
Other points of interest in this book included as Josep Smith was in prison in 1839 his thoughts and focus remain with the members of the church. Though in prison it seemed as if his heart was broken because he could not be with the church members as they faced conflict.
One of the many topics of particular interest to me covered in this book is the designation of Missouri as the “Land of Zion” and Kirtland as a “Stake of Zion”. Over the years, I've been fortunate enough to visit both places. One summer I was fortunate enough to work at the Community of Christ in the history department as an intern. Part of my responsibility was to photograph certain church artifacts and scan photographs in the church position. It was an interesting summer that let me have a small glimpse into church history.
Anyone that has any interest in church would be missing a mountain of information if they are not reading 'The Joseph Smith Papers' or connected to the website connected with the book.
October 8, 2017
The Church Historian's press recently released another great volume of the Joseph Smith Papers Project. Volume 6 of the Documents series covers documents authored by, dictated, or owned by Joseph Smith between February, 1838 and August, 1839. I have been looking forward to the volume for a long time, as it contains documents from a tumultuous, ever-changing time in the history of the early LDS Church.
The quality of historical research as observed in introductory material (both for the entire volume and each individual section of the book), source notes, and footnotes is at least on par with that of the other volumes of the Joseph Smith Papers I've purchased. The volume introduction, in particular gave excellent contextual background for the documents contained in the volume. I thought it did a great job of reminding the reader that the events in this volume directly followed the Kirtland (and national) banking crisis of 1837, which was a key event in the larger Kirtland apostasy. It spoke in great detail about the disharmony amongst Church leaders in Missouri, the Mormon war in Missouri, and the eventual expulsion of the saints into Illinois while Joseph Smith and other leaders were in Liberty Jail.
I look forward to digging deeper into all of the documents contained in this book in detail (my third great grandfather Reynolds Cahoon is mentioned in a number of the documents). So far I really have enjoyed reading about the events surrounding the changes amongst Church leadership in Missouri in early 1838, which eventually led to Church discipline and removal of some key early leaders from the church. I also have really enjoyed the historical material and documents transcripts of the letters from Liberty Jail. This was probably the material I was most looking forward to, as section 121 of the Doctrine and Covenants has always been one of my favorite passages in all the scriptures.
The quality of historical research as observed in introductory material (both for the entire volume and each individual section of the book), source notes, and footnotes is at least on par with that of the other volumes of the Joseph Smith Papers I've purchased. The volume introduction, in particular gave excellent contextual background for the documents contained in the volume. I thought it did a great job of reminding the reader that the events in this volume directly followed the Kirtland (and national) banking crisis of 1837, which was a key event in the larger Kirtland apostasy. It spoke in great detail about the disharmony amongst Church leaders in Missouri, the Mormon war in Missouri, and the eventual expulsion of the saints into Illinois while Joseph Smith and other leaders were in Liberty Jail.
I look forward to digging deeper into all of the documents contained in this book in detail (my third great grandfather Reynolds Cahoon is mentioned in a number of the documents). So far I really have enjoyed reading about the events surrounding the changes amongst Church leadership in Missouri in early 1838, which eventually led to Church discipline and removal of some key early leaders from the church. I also have really enjoyed the historical material and documents transcripts of the letters from Liberty Jail. This was probably the material I was most looking forward to, as section 121 of the Doctrine and Covenants has always been one of my favorite passages in all the scriptures.
October 6, 2017
This volume covers February 1838 through August 1839, which is a very important historical period in the Church. The timeline of Joseph Smith's life provides a detailed although easily understood historical context of events contained in this volume. The most interesting portion of this volume provides significant insight and documentation of the period Joseph spent in Jail in Missouri and the anguish and frustration of being jailed while the Church members were severely persecuted. Some of the most important revelations were received during this period of difficulty for Joseph and the Church. The continuing conflict with the State of Missouri and the expulsion of the saints from Missouri are critical to understanding the progress of the early Church. Joseph's leadership was in question and the manner in which he handled it is indicative of his Holy Calling as the Prophet of the Restoration. Historical introductions are provided to give the reader additional context in reviewing individual documents. Footnotes are detailed and also provide a wealth of information to the reader. The Geographical Directory, Maps, and Biographical Directory are worth reading just for their information alone. Overall, highly recommend adding this volume to your personal library.
October 3, 2017
By any measure the Prophet Joseph Smith was an exceptional man. He was called of the Lord to be His spokesman to reorganize His Church. When the Lord called Joseph Smith to be his prophet he prepared him well to face opposition. The Lord did this by revelations through the Holy Spirit. Joseph learned he should not join any of the churches on the earth. More importantly he learned he was going to become an instrument in the Lords hand to establish the gospel of Jesus Christ on earth once again. What followed for the people are spiritually remarkable revelations as being correct and true. Life giving revelations from the Lord are contained for all to read and follow without hesitation. Revelations are plainly noted through out in Volume 6 are contained for those who want to review them, can. Not only words of Jesus Christ are related but sad times are described. Imprisoned by corrupt men and secular leaders, Joseph Smith's life was taken by violent people. The reader will find a fair and balance writing now given to them for their research as part of their blessings given by the Lord Jesus Christ.
October 6, 2017
This volume covers February 1838 to August 1839. As with the other volumes in this series, this book will serve as a wonderful reference for additional study related to Joseph Smith, Jr. and allow the reader to understand him to a level not previously possible. The source notes, historical introductions, and footnotes are thorough and allow for the reader to more fully understand each document that is presented. Often the notes are longer than the actual document being presented.
There are so many interesting documents in this volume it is hard to choose those which are of most significance. However, I find the letters written to Emma Smith to be of particular interest. This volume includes the following:
Letter to Emma Smith, 4 November 1838
Letter to Emma Smith, 12 November 1838
Letter to Emma Smith, 1 December 1838
Letter from Emma Smith, 7 March 1839
Letter to Emma Smith, 21 March 1839
Letter to Emma Smith, 4 April 1839
Four of the above mentioned letters were written while Joseph was in Liberty (December 1, 1838, to April 6, 1839).
There are so many interesting documents in this volume it is hard to choose those which are of most significance. However, I find the letters written to Emma Smith to be of particular interest. This volume includes the following:
Letter to Emma Smith, 4 November 1838
Letter to Emma Smith, 12 November 1838
Letter to Emma Smith, 1 December 1838
Letter from Emma Smith, 7 March 1839
Letter to Emma Smith, 21 March 1839
Letter to Emma Smith, 4 April 1839
Four of the above mentioned letters were written while Joseph was in Liberty (December 1, 1838, to April 6, 1839).
October 3, 2017
This is a wonderful addition to the writings of the Prophet Joseph Smith. This particular volume builds on the previous five volumes in the Documents Series. In Volume 6, you get a sense of quite a contrast in the prophet’s life, from the anticipation of the founding of Zion in Missouri and the experience of Liberty Jail, to the dealings of apostasy from his closest associates. I particularly enjoy the annotations and footnotes, which add a richness to the texts. The editors do a wonderful job in the introductions to each section in giving what not only is happening historically with the church, but the nation as a whole. I highly recommend Documents, Volume 6 for an in depth insight into the life and thought of the Prophet Joseph Smith.
July 23, 2018
This is probably my favorite volume of Joseph Smith Papers thus far. The contextualization and annotations for Joseph Smith's letters from the Liberty Jail were outstanding. All active Mormons should read those letters in their entirety (not just the selections we have in our Doctrine & Covenants) to see how much Joseph benefited from the support of his family and friends during those very trying months he spent in prison. We obviously received from Joseph many important teachings and principles in the letters he wrote, but when you read the historical background for those letters and all of the things Joseph said in them that do not appear in our canonized scriptures, you realize how much Joseph relied upon and was lifted by visits from his family and friends. He was able to do what he did--he was able to receive the revelations he received--because of the community of support that he had among Church members. There is an important lesson there that I would not have learned if I had not read this volume.
October 6, 2017
This newest release in the Joseph Smith Papers project reflects the excellent scholarship that is a hallmark of the series. In this volume, the documents chronicle the organization and operations of the Latter-Day Saints during a particularly troubling period in history, from February 1838 - August 1839. The documents are treasures in their own right for scholars researching Mormon Studies, but what I deeply appreciate is the historic background and context information that brings the documents into focus. This volume, as well as those that preceded it, renders a comprehensive study that is enlightening and thoroughly a pleasure to read. Highest recommendations!!!!!
January 4, 2024
Missouri and Nauvoo.
October 6, 2017
Excellent introduction and context for each documents. This volume covers the move from Ohio to Missiouri (1838 to 1839). The initial introduction to the volume provides an excellent overview of historical events leading up to this 1838. The authors/editors are candid and provide good detail to allow the reader to understand the context for each document.
LDS and non LDS readers will appreciate the "Editorial Method" section in the beginning of the volume. It explains the documents used, the editorial process, and the efforts to preserve the documents as they were written by the authors. You will appreciate the time and detail that the authors/editors have taken to examine each document and its historical context.
While the beginning introduction provides an excellent overview (the introduction sections of each volume of the JSPP would probably make a good introduction to church history), you can skip to any ahead to any document you want and the authors provide a good summary of what is happening in that period of time so that you can understand the context for each document.
Very well done and highly recommended!
LDS and non LDS readers will appreciate the "Editorial Method" section in the beginning of the volume. It explains the documents used, the editorial process, and the efforts to preserve the documents as they were written by the authors. You will appreciate the time and detail that the authors/editors have taken to examine each document and its historical context.
While the beginning introduction provides an excellent overview (the introduction sections of each volume of the JSPP would probably make a good introduction to church history), you can skip to any ahead to any document you want and the authors provide a good summary of what is happening in that period of time so that you can understand the context for each document.
Very well done and highly recommended!
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