Journal of Discourses

by Brigham Young

Complete 26 volumes of the Journal of Discourses. Nearly 10,000 pages. Fully indexed for easy navigation. The Journal of Discourses (often abbreviated J.D.) is a 26-volume collection of public sermons by early leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church). The first editions of the Journal were published in England by George D. Watt, the stenographer of Brigham Young. Publication began in 1854, with the endorsement of the church's First Presidency, and ended in 1886. The Journal is one of the richest sources of early Mormon theology and thinking. It includes 1,438 sermons given by 55 church leaders, including most numerously Brigham Young, John Taylor, Orson Pratt, Heber C. Kimball, and George Q. Cannon. George D. Watt recorded the first four volumes of sermons himself, and he continued to contribute through volume twelve, but at least eleven other stenographers were involved. Brigham Young has by far the most sermons recorded in the Journal, with 390. It was said Brigham Young secured stenographic reports of his addresses. As he traveled among the people, reporters accompanied him. All that he said was recorded. Practically all of these discourses (from December 16, 1851 to August 19, 1877) were published in the Journal of Discourses, which was widely distributed. The public utterances of few great historical figures have been so faithfully and fully preserved. Though never accepted as Mormon canon, the Journal was highly esteemed in its day. The preface to the 8th volume, written by Apostle George Q. Cannon, stated "The Journal of Discourses deservedly ranks as one of the standard works of the Church, and every rightminded Saint will certainly welcome with joy every Number as it comes forth from the press as an additional reflector of 'the light that shines from Zion's hill.'" Today, however, the LDS Church has expressed some reservations about the Journal. Below is the current, official position of the church on the "The Journal of Discourses is not an official publication of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It is a compilation of sermons and other materials from the early years of the Church, which were transcribed and then published. It includes practical advice as well as doctrinal discussion, some of which is speculative in nature and some of which is only of historical interest. ... Questions have been raised about the accuracy of some transcriptions. Modern technology and processes were not available for verifying the accuracy of transcriptions, and some significant mistakes have been documented. The Journal of Discourses includes interesting and insightful teachings by early Church leaders; however, by itself it is not an authoritative source of Church doctrine."

Genres: Religion, Nonfiction, Mormonism, History

Kindle Edition

First published May 6, 2008

About the author

Brigham Young was an American leader in the Latter Day Saint movement. He was the president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church) from 1847 until his death. He was also the founder of Salt Lake City and the first governor of the Utah Territory, United States. Brigham Young University was named in his honor.

Young had a variety of nicknames, among the most popular being "American Moses," (alternatively the "Modern Moses" or the "Mormon Moses") because, like the Biblical figure, Young led his followers, the Mormon pioneers, in an exodus through a desert, to what they saw as a promised land. Young was also dubbed the "Lion of the Lord" for his bold personality, and was commonly called "Brother Brigham" by Latter-day Saints.

Reviews

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

For those looking to evangelize to the Mormons, this is an extremely helpful tool having this on Kindle. Being able to find quotes of these self proclaimed apostles and prophets giving false information, highlighting those quotes, and engaging with your intended audience is necessary in exposing the false teachings and evil perpetrated by these guys of the past. These sermons very clearly indicate the mindset of classical Mormonism in contrast to modern day Mormonism.

[Joe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Even though I haven't read all of these they are a great research tool.

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I haven’t read every book in this series, but I’ve read many of them and can vouch for it being well sourced and cited. Mormon history in all of its raw glory, and shame. If more members read this series, the church would likely struggle to keep up with all the resignations letters, IMO. I wasn’t ready for the information found within. The racism, sexism, and bigotry in the church from its conception is well documented. If you’re a member and want to keep the warm fuzzies the church gives you, I’d recommend skipping this series. And any other historically accurate portrayals of early Mormon history.

[Luke · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is as important to LDS members as the Book of Mormon. If every member read this book and lived the teachings, we wouldn't be as lost as we are now. That's all I have to say about that.

[Gary and Isabell Kunz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Journal of discourse set

This is an amazing history of early latter-day, Saints leaders, and others who gave talks on many subjects. I love this set of books.

[Don Gubler · Rating 3 out of 5]

There’s a lot of information here. Hard to zero in on what you might want.

[Cynthia Todd · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everyone should read John Taylor's talk in volume one starting on page 147. It explains the whole point of Mormonism.