“He Was a Prophet of God”: Contemporaries of Joseph Smith Testify of His Prophetic Mission

Has it been a month already? Time always seems to go by too fast this time of year. Another teaching Sunday has rolled around and here's my lesson for this week...

CHAPTER 43
“He Was a Prophet of God”: Contemporaries of Joseph Smith Testify of His Prophetic Mission

“I feel like shouting, hallelujah, all the time, when I think that I ever knew Joseph Smith, the Prophet.” (Brigham Young)

Dallin H. Oaks: During my college studies at BYU, I was introduced to the History of the Church, an edited compilation of the writings of Joseph Smith and others. After I graduated from law school, I carefully read all seven volumes. I also pursued personal research in original records in Illinois, where the prophet Joseph lived the last five years of his life. The man I came to know in this way was not the man I had imagined. When I was a boy, growing up in the Church, I imagined the Prophet Joseph to be old and dignified and distant. But the Joseph Smith I met in my reading and personal research was a man of the frontier – young, emotional, dynamic, and so loved and approachable by his people that they often called him “Brother Joseph.” My studies strengthened my testimony of his prophetic calling. What a remarkable man! At the same time, I could see that he was mortal and therefore subject to sin and error, pain and affliction. Overarching the Prophet Joseph’s entire ministry were his comparative youth, his superficial formal education, and his incredibly rapid acquisition of knowledge and maturity. He was 14 at the First Vision and 17 at the first visit from the angel Moroni. He was 21 when he received the golden plates and just 23 when he finished translating the Book of Mormon (in less than 60 working days). Over half of the revelations in our Doctrine and Covenants were given through the Prophet while he was 25 or younger. He was 26 when the First Presidency was organized and 30 when the Kirtland Temple was dedicated. He was just over 33 when he escaped his imprisonment in Missouri and resumed leadership of the Saints gathering in Nauvoo. He was 38-1/2 when he was martyred.

Amasa Potter recalled being present at a powerful sermon the Prophet Joseph Smith preached to a large group of Saints in Nauvoo: “When [the Prophet] had spoken about thirty minutes there came up a heavy wind and storm. The dust was so dense that we could not see each other any distance, and some of the people were leaving when Joseph called out to them to stop and let their prayers ascend to Almighty God that the winds may cease blowing and the rain stop falling, and it should be so. In a very few minutes the winds and rain ceased and the elements became calm as a summer’s morning. The storm divided and went on the north and south of the city, and we could see in the distance the trees and shrubs waving in the wind, while where we were it was quiet for one hour, and during that time one of the greatest sermons that ever fell from the Prophet’s lips was preached on the great subject of the dead.”

The Saints who heard the Prophet Joseph Smith speak bore powerful and vivid testimonies of his prophetic mission. Many of them recorded their memories of discourses they heard him give and experiences they had with him, for they wanted the generations that followed them to know, as they knew, that Joseph Smith was truly a prophet of God.

For a testimony of the restored gospel to be complete, it must include a testimony of Joseph Smith’s divine mission. The truthfulness of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints rests on the truthfulness of the First Vision and the other revelations the Lord gave to the Prophet Joseph.

LIKE THE EARLY SAINTS, WE CAN KNOW THAT JOSEPH SMITH IS THE PROPHET THROUGH WHOM THE LORD RESTORED THE FULNESS OF THE GOSPEL.

President Gordon B. Hinckley: An acquaintance said to me one day: “I admire your church very much. I think I could accept everything about it – except Joseph Smith.” To which I responded: “That statement is a contradiction. If you accept the revelation, you must accept the revelator.” It is a constantly recurring mystery to me how some people speak with admiration for the Church and its work while at the same time disdaining him through whom, as a servant of the Lord, came the framework of all that the Church is, of all that it teaches, and of all that it stands for. They would pluck the fruit from the tree while cutting off the root from which it grows… We do not worship the Prophet. We worship God our Eternal Father and the risen Lord Jesus Christ. But we acknowledge the Prophet; we proclaim him; we respect him; we reverence him as an instrument in the hands of the Almighty in restoring to the earth the ancient truths of the divine gospel, together with the priesthood through which the authority of God is exercised in the affairs of His Church and for the blessing of His people.

Eliza R. Snow, the general president of the Relief Society from 1866 to 1887: “In the cause of truth and righteousness – in all that would benefit his fellow man, his integrity was as firm as the pillars of Heaven. He knew that God had called him to the work, and all the powers of earth and hell combined, failed either to deter or divert him from his purpose. With the help of God and his brethren, he laid the foundation of the greatest work ever established by man – a work extending not only to all the living, and to all the generations to come, but also to the dead. He boldly and bravely confronted the false traditions, superstitions, religions, bigotry and ignorance of the world – proved himself true to every heaven-revealed principle – true to his brethren and true to God, then sealed his testimony with his blood.”

Wilford Woodruff, the fourth President of the Church: “I have felt to rejoice exceedingly in what I saw of Brother Joseph, for in his public and private career he carried with him the Spirit of the Almighty, and he manifested a greatness of soul which I had never seen in any other man.”

Mary Alice Cannon Lambert, an English convert who emigrated to Nauvoo in 1843: “I first saw Joseph Smith in the Spring of 1843. When the boat in which we came up the Mississippi River reached the landing at Nauvoo, several of the leading brethren were there to meet the company of saints that had come on it. Among those brethren was the Prophet Joseph Smith. I knew him the instant my eyes rested upon him, and at that moment I received my testimony that he was a Prophet of God… He was not pointed out to me. I knew him from all the other men, and, child that I was (I was only fourteen) I knew that I saw a Prophet of God.”

What impresses you about these testimonies?

• This was a man who was so filled with the Spirit that those around him could feel and see it
• Despite possible persecution, they were compelled to testify that Joseph Smith was truly called of God

What is the foundation of your own testimony of Joseph Smith?

• I have a personal testimony of the truthfulness of the Book of Mormon and, therefore, believe that Joseph Smith – as the man who brought this great book forward – must be a true prophet of God.

How did you obtain this testimony?

• [Invite class members to share their personal experiences. I plan to share mine during my lesson but it's very sacred & personal and not really appropriate for posting on the internet.]

You may wish to write your testimony in your journal or share it with your family.

JOSEPH SMITH WAS AN EXAMPLE WE CAN FOLLOW IN DEVELOPING A CHRISTLIKE CHARACTER.

John Needham, an early English convert: “Joseph Smith is a great man, a man of principle, a straight forward man; no saintish long-faced fellow, but quite the reverse. Indeed some stumble because he is such a straight forward, plain spoken, cheerful man, but that makes me love him the more.”

John M. Bernhisel, a medical doctor who boarded in Joseph and Emma’s home in Nauvoo for several months during 1843 and 1844: “Joseph Smith is naturally a man of strong mental powers, and is possessed of much energy and decision of character, great penetration, and a profound knowledge of human nature. He is a man of calm judgment, enlarged views, and is eminently distinguished by his love of justice. He is kind and obliging, generous and benevolent, sociable and cheerful, and is possessed of a mind of a contemplative and reflective character. He is honest, frank, fearless and independent, and as free from dissimulation [false appearances] as any man to be found… As a religious teacher, as well as a man, he is greatly beloved by this people.”

William Clayton, an English convert who served as a clerk to Joseph Smith: “The more I am with him, the more I love him; the more I know of him, the more confidence I have in him.”

Joseph F. Smith, the sixth President of the Church: “He was brimming over with the noblest and purest of human nature, which often gave vent in innocent amusements – in playing ball, in wrestling with his brothers and scuffling with them, and enjoying himself; he was not like a man with a stake run down his back, and with his face cast in a brazen mold that he could not smile, that he had no joy in his heart. Oh, he was full of joy; he was full of gladness; he was full of love, and of every other noble attribute that makes men great and good, and at the same time simple and innocent, so that he could descend to the lowest condition; and he had power, by the grace of God, to comprehend the purposes of the Almighty too. That was the character of the Prophet Joseph Smith.”

How do these statements describing Joseph Smith’s appearance, personality, and character influence your feelings about Joseph Smith?

• Preparing this lesson has really helped me to see how great and marvelous his accomplishments were

Think about ways you might develop some of these same character traits.

• Post a favorite quote/testimony on my bathroom mirror
• Pray for strength to develop our own spiritual character
• Read scriptures and other good works for inspiration and greater understanding

Joseph Smith: I shall speak with authority of the Priesthood in the name of the Lord God, which shall prove a savor of life unto life, or of death unto death… If you wish to go where God is, you must be like God, or possess the principles which God possesses, for if we are not drawing towards God in principle, we are going from Him and drawing towards the devil… Search your hearts, and see if you are like God. I have searched mine, and feel to repent of all my sins.

Thomas S. Monson: I love the words of President Brigham Young, who said, “I feel like shouting Hallelujah, all the time, when I think that I ever knew Joseph Smith, the Prophet whom the Lord raised up and ordained, and to whom He gave keys and power to build up the kingdom of God on earth.” To this fitting tribute to our beloved Joseph, I add my own testimony that I know he was God’s prophet, chosen to restore the gospel of Jesus Christ in these latter days. I pray that… we may learn from his life. May we incorporate into our own lives the divine principles which he so beautifully taught – by example [courage, faith, honesty, patience, diligence, missionary work, love]– that we, ourselves, might live more completely the gospel of Jesus Christ. May our lives reflect the knowledge we have that God lives, that Jesus Christ is His Son, that Joseph Smith was a prophet, and that we are led today by [a] prophet of God.

AS THE PROPHET THROUGH WHOM THE GOSPEL WAS RESTORED, JOSEPH SMITH TAUGHT GOD’S PLAN OF SALVATION WITH CLARITY AND POWER.

Brigham Young: “The excellency of the glory of the character of Brother Joseph Smith was that he could reduce heavenly things to the understanding of the finite. When he preached to the people – revealed the things of God, the will of God, the plan of salvation, the purposes of Jehovah, the relation in which we stand to him and all the heavenly beings – he reduced his teachings to the capacity of every man, woman and child, making them as plain as a well defined pathway. This should have convinced every person, that ever heard him, of his divine authority and power, for no other man was able to teach as he could, and no person can reveal the things of God, but by the revelations of Jesus Christ.”

Joseph L. Robinson, a counselor in a bishopric in Nauvoo: “We have long since believed and verily known that Joseph Smith was a true and humble Prophet of God, but now our eyes do see him, and our ears hear his voice, which is like the voice of the mighty thunders of Heaven, yet his language is meek and instructive, edifying much. But there is a power and majesty that attends his words and preaching that we never beheld in any man before, for he is a mighty Prophet, a holy man of God. He truly had been educated in the things pertaining to the kingdom of God and was highly charged with the Holy Ghost, which was a constant companion.”

How can these testimonies about the way the Prophet Joseph taught the gospel and explained the scriptures help us as we study and teach the gospel?

• Sometimes we may think the Gospel is too complex but its principles are simple and beautiful
• Let the Spirit guide us in our study and in the things we say to others when sharing our beliefs

LIKE THE EARLY SAINTS, WE CAN TREASURE UP THE WORDS OF JOSEPH SMITH AND LIVE THE PRINCIPLES HE TAUGHT.

Wilford Woodruff, reporting an April 6, 1837, sermon: “President Joseph Smith Jr. arose and addressed the congregation for the term of three hours, clothed with the power, spirit, and image of God. He unbosomed his mind and feelings in the house of his friends. He presented many things of vast importance to the minds of the elders of Israel. Oh, that they might be written upon our hearts as with an iron pen to remain forever that we might practice them in our lives. That fountain of light, principle, and virtue that came forth out of the heart and mouth of the Prophet Joseph, whose soul like Enoch’s swelled wide as eternity – I say, such evidences presented in such a forcible manner ought to drive into oblivion every particle of unbelief and dubiety from the mind of the hearers, for such language, sentiment, principle, and spirit cannot flow from darkness. Joseph Smith Jr. is a prophet of God raised up for the deliverance of Israel as true as my heart now burns within me.”

What do you think it means to allow the truth to be “written upon our hearts as with an iron pen”?

• To have a testimony that will stick with us, no matter what comes
• Job described using an “iron pen” to carve his testimony on a rock to stand as a witness for all time – our testimonies should be shared with others as well [see Job 19:23–24].

Brigham Young: “From the first time I saw the Prophet Joseph I never lost a word that came from him concerning the kingdom. And this is the key of knowledge that I have to-day, that I did hearken to the words of Joseph, and treasured them up in my heart, laid them away, asking my Father in the name of his Son Jesus to bring them to my mind when needed. I treasured up the things of God, and this is the key that I hold to-day. I was anxious to learn from Joseph and the Spirit of God.”

How can you follow the examples of Wilford Woodruff and Brigham Young in your study of this book and as you study the teachings of the living prophets?

• Hunger after the words of our prophets & leaders to gain a greater understanding of God’s plan for us
• Cherish the words of God’s servants
• Study diligently so that we can recall these things in times of need

BECOMING SAVIORS ON MOUNT ZION

Since I have continued to receive positive feedback in doing this, it's time for another installment of Beckie teaches Relief Society. The lesson below comes from the manual, Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Joseph Smith, Chapter 41. Entries in italics represent excerpts from the manual or other quotes, as indicated.

BECOMING SAVIORS ON MOUNT ZION

• Note how Joseph Smith and the early Saints grew in their understanding of the doctrine of baptism for the dead.
As the Saints moved forward with this sacred work, “it soon became apparent that some had long records of their dead, for whom they wished to administer,” recalled Elder George A. Smith, a member of the Quorum of the Twelve. “This was seen to be but the beginning of an immense work, and that to administer all the ordinances of the Gospel to the hosts of the dead was no light task. Some of the Twelve asked Joseph if there could not be some shorter method of administering for so many. Joseph in effect replied: ‘The laws of the Lord are immutable; we must act in perfect compliance with what is revealed to us. We need not expect to do this vast work for the dead in a short time.’”

• Think about how the Saints might have felt when they first learned of salvation for the dead.
It seems apparent by their actions that they early saints were both excited about the work and also felt a great responsibility to it.

• What were your feelings when you first participated in ordinances for the dead?
I grew up in the Denver area before we had a temple here and our youth group used to take long bus trips to Manti to do baptisms for the dead. It was always a wonderful experience. The first time that I went, I was a bit overwhelmed by all the names there were to do – and by how fast the ordinance worker could say the words before dunking me in again for the next person on my list… there was barely time to catch my breath!
On many occasions, I experience a sensation that seemed to send both chills and warmth from the top of my head all the way down to my toes and I knew, in that instant, that someone was very happy that I had performed this service for them.

The doctrine of salvation for the dead shows the greatness of God’s wisdom and compassion.

• How does the doctrine of salvation for the dead show God’s compassion and mercy?
(Excerpt from: Why These Temples? by President Gordon B. Hinckley):
Was there ever a man who truly loved a woman, or a woman who truly loved a man, who did not pray that their relationship might continue beyond the grave? Has a child ever been buried by parents who did not long for the assurance that their loved one would again be theirs in a world to come? Can anyone believing in eternal life doubt that the God of heaven would grant His sons and daughters that most precious attribute of life, the love that finds its most meaningful expression in family relationships? No, reason demands that the family relationship shall continue after death. The human heart longs for it, and the God of heaven has revealed a way whereby it may be secured. The sacred ordinances of the house of the Lord provide for it. But all of this would appear to be unfair indeed if the blessings of these ordinances were available only to those who are now members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The fact is that the opportunity to come into the temple and partake of its blessings is open to all who will accept the gospel and be baptized into the Church. For this reason, the Church carries forward an extensive missionary program in much of the world and will continue to expand this program as widely as possible, for it has the responsibility, under divine revelation, to teach the gospel to “every nation, kindred, tongue, and people.” But there are uncounted millions who have walked the earth and who have never had the opportunity to hear the gospel. Shall they be denied such blessings as are offered in the temples of the Lord? Through living proxies who stand in behalf of the dead, the same ordinances are available to those who have passed from mortality. In the spirit world these same individuals are then free to accept or reject those earthly ordinances performed for them, including baptism, marriage, and the sealing of family relationships. There’s no compulsion in the work of the Lord, but there must be opportunity. This vicarious work constitutes an unprecedented labor of love on the part of the living in behalf of the dead. It makes necessary a vast undertaking of family history research to find and identify those who have gone before. To assist in this research, the Church coordinates a family history program and maintains research facilities unmatched in all the world. Its archives are open to the public and have been used by many who are not members of the Church in tracing their forebears. This program has been praised by genealogists throughout the world and has been utilized by various nations as a safeguard of their own records. But its primary purpose is to afford members of the Church the resources needed to identify their ancestors that they might extend to them the blessings that they themselves enjoy. They in effect say to themselves, “If I love my wife and children so dearly that I want them for all eternity, then should not my deceased grandfather and great-grandfather and other forebears have opportunity to receive the same eternal blessings?” And so these sacred buildings are scenes of tremendous activity, quietly and reverently carried forward.

• In what ways can this doctrine “enlarge the understanding” and “sustain the soul”?
There is so much to learn and understand about the Gospel and the Lord’s Plan of Salvation for us. Only by studying the scriptures and the words of the prophets will we be able to “enlarge our understanding” of these things.
The answers to our questions and the comfort they bring to us can “sustain our souls” and increase our faith in Heavenly Father’s love for us both collectively and individually.
This great plan of redeeming our dead solidifies this loving bond with our Father by helping us to know that every single one of His children is special and is given equal opportunity to live with Him for eternity.

We become saviors on Mount Zion by performing sacred ordinances for the dead.

• What does it mean to be a savior on Mount Zion?
“But how are they to become saviors on Mount Zion? By building their temples, erecting their baptismal fonts, and going forth and receiving all the ordinances, baptisms, confirmations, washings, anointings, ordinations and sealing powers upon their heads, in behalf of all their progenitors who are dead, and redeem them that they may come forth in the first resurrection and be exalted to thrones of glory with them; and herein is the chain that binds the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the children to the fathers, which fulfills the mission of Elijah.”

• Why do you think it is impossible for our deceased ancestors to be made perfect without us?
(Excerpt from Gospel Library – Gospel Topics on LDS.org, Baptisms for the Dead):
Jesus Christ taught that baptism is essential to the salvation of all who have lived on earth. Many people, however, have died without being baptized. Others were baptized without proper authority. Because God is merciful, He has prepared a way for all people to receive the blessings of baptism. By performing proxy baptisms in behalf of those who have died, Church members offer these blessings to deceased ancestors. Individuals can then choose to accept or reject what has been done in their behalf. Jesus Christ said, “Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God” (John 3:5). Even Jesus Christ Himself was baptized (see Matthew 3:13–17). Many people have lived on the earth who never heard of the gospel of Jesus Christ and who were not baptized. Others lived without fully understanding the importance of the ordinance of baptism. Still others were baptized, but without proper authority. Because He is a loving God, the Lord does not damn those people who, through no fault of their own, never had the opportunity for baptism. He has therefore authorized baptisms to be performed by proxy for them. A living person, often a descendant who has become a member of [the Church], is baptized in behalf of a deceased person. This work is done by Church members in temples throughout the world. Some people have misunderstood that when baptisms for the dead are performed, deceased persons are baptized into the Church against their will. This is not the case. Each individual has agency, or the right to choose. The validity of a baptism for the dead depends on the deceased person accepting it and choosing to accept and follow the Savior while residing in the spirit world. The names of deceased persons are not added to the membership records of the Church.

• Why do you think it is impossible for us to be made perfect without them?
John A. Widtsoe (“The Worth of Souls,” The Utah Genealogical and Historical Magazine, Oct. 1934, p. 189.):
“In our preexistent state, in the day of the great council, we made a[n] … agreement with the Almighty. The Lord proposed a plan. … We accepted it. Since the plan is intended for all men, we became parties to the salvation of every person under that plan. We agreed, right then and there, to be not only saviors for ourselves but … saviors for the whole human family. We went into a partnership with the Lord. The working out of the plan became then not merely the Father’s work, and the Savior’s work, but also our work. The least of us, the humblest, is in partnership with the Almighty in achieving the purpose of the eternal plan of salvation.” “That places us in a very responsible attitude towards the human race. By that doctrine, with the Lord at the head, we become saviors on Mount Zion, all committed to the great plan of offering salvation to the untold numbers of spirits. To do this is the Lord’s self-imposed duty, this great labor his highest glory. Likewise, it is man’s duty, self-imposed, his pleasure and joy, his labor, and ultimately his glory.”

God has placed upon us a great responsibility to seek after our dead.

• What is our great responsibility to “seek after our dead”?
(Read excerpt from: Michael Otterson, “In Search of My Dad - Online,” Ensign, Oct 2009, 58–61):
All Done? Some say, “My family history is all done.” Others say, “Uncle Fred is doing it all.” That’s a bit like saying, “I don’t go to Church, but that’s okay because Uncle Fred goes for me.” The fact is that we need to be personally engaged in family history so our hearts will be turned to our fathers. Then we will forge that welding link between our ancestors and us that is so important to the Lord. Think about it. We each have four grandparents and that doubles each generation. In 10 generations we have 512 “grandparents” – not counting the thousands of other family members they bore. In 16 generations, we have nearly 33,000 direct ancestors. Our family history hasn’t all been done – I guarantee it.

Elder Theodore M. Burton, Assistant to the Council of the Twelve, “Genealogy: A Personal Responsibility,” Ensign, Jan 1973, 52:
Stated, …in simple words, I say to every member of the Church that you have a personal, individual responsibility to become engaged in priesthood genealogical activity. The real impact of the priesthood genealogy program is one of individual responsibility. The actual work must be performed by individuals, not by organizations. What is everybody’s business is nobody’s business, so I must say that this work is your individual responsibility and each of you, as an individual, must become converted to this work as a personal responsibility. It is not my responsibility alone, nor that of your stake president, nor that of your bishop alone. It is not confined to the high priests. Neither is genealogy and temple work reserved for older people. It should not be put off until you retire or become too old and infirm to do anything else. Some persons have asked me, “Just what is my personal responsibility in this work?” I answer that your individual responsibility is to be, or to become, worthy to enter the temple of God to participate in ordinances of salvation for yourself and for others. Youth are to be baptized in behalf of the dead. Young adults are to receive an endowment of power and to be married in the Lord’s appointed way. Wives are to be sealed to husbands and have their children sealed to them for all eternity. Thus, just as you can be saviors for the living through active missionary work, so you are to qualify yourselves to become saviors for those who are dead who rely on you for help and assistance.

• What can we do to help children appreciate their family heritage and participate in temple and family history work?
What Young Adults Can Do (from Michael Otterson, “In Search of My Dad—Online,” Ensign, Oct 2009, 58–61):
I doubt there are many young adults who aren’t familiar with how to use a computer. The same isn’t true for many of their parents or grandparents. So I want to encourage you as young adults to do three things next time you are in their home. 1. Download. If your parents or grandparents have a computer with an Internet connection but don’t have an electronic family history program on their hard drive, go to www.familysearch.org and download a free copy of Personal Ancestral File (PAF) or other family history software for them. It will take you only a few minutes. 2. Tutor. If they have never done any family history work, sit down with them and get them to enter their own names into the software. Enter husband, wife, and children—no more for the moment—and just add the names, birth dates and places, marriage dates and places, and death dates and places. That will take about 20 minutes. Then encourage and help your parents or grandparents to gather up any written family history information from shoeboxes, scraps of paper, and pedigree charts and to begin entering it into the computer. In the weeks to come, help them with this goal. Once information is in an electronic format, you will be able to access the power of the Internet and amazing things can begin to happen as you search for your family history. If you do not know how to access this information from the Internet, a Church family history specialist should be able to help you. 3. Interview. If you can, use a digital recorder or digital video camera and ask your parents about their early lives and what they remember of their parents and grandparents. Do this in multiple sittings, but get it while you still have the blessing of living parents and grandparents. If you don’t have that opportunity, then try to gather this information from aunts and uncles or anyone of the previous generations. If you don’t do it, those memories will pass out of existence. Becoming involved in family history as young adults will turn your hearts toward your ancestors, enrich your temple experiences, and help to unite your family together forever.

Pose the following questions to the class:
• What experiences have you had as you have learned about your ancestors?
• How has your love for your family and your faith in God been strengthened as you learned about your ancestors?
• How has performing temple ordinances for your ancestors influenced your feelings about them?

Family Search Basics and FREE genealogical software available at FamilySearch.org

Closing

President Gordon B. Hinckley (1910–2008), “Excerpts from Recent Addresses of President Gordon B. Hinckley,” Ensign, July 1997, 73:
“I hope that everyone gets to the temple on a regular basis. I hope your children over 12 years of age have the opportunity of going to the temple to be baptized for the dead. If we are a temple-going people, we will be a better people, we will be better fathers and husbands, we will be better wives and mothers. I know your lives are busy. I know that you have much to do. But I make you a promise that if you will go to the house of the Lord, you will be blessed, life will be better for you.”

RELIEF SOCIETY: DIVINE ORGANIZATION OF WOMEN

This month, I have to teach a week early. I'm sharing my lesson outline below for those who have said they appreciate these posts. The entire lesson can be found here: http://www.lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?hideNav=1&locale=0&sourceId=7ca8b00367c45110VgnVCM100000176f620a____&vgnextoid=198bf4b13819d110VgnVCM1000003a94610aRCRD)

RELIEF SOCIETY: DIVINE ORGANIZATION OF WOMEN
“If you live up to your privileges, the angels cannot be restrained from being your associates.”

FROM THE LIFE OF JOSEPH SMITH

In the spring of 1842, members of the Church in Nauvoo were busily occupied with the work of building the Nauvoo Temple. Two such members were Sarah Granger Kimball and her seamstress, Margaret A. Cook, who, while talking together one day, decided to combine their efforts in order to help the temple workmen. Sister Kimball said that she would provide fabric so that Sister Cook could make shirts for the men. The two women decided to invite other sisters to join them in forming a ladies’ society to further their benevolent efforts. Sarah Granger Kimball recalled: “The neighboring sisters met in my parlor and decided to organize. I was delegated to call on Sister Eliza R. Snow and ask her to write for us a Constitution and By-laws, and submit them to President Joseph Smith prior to our next Thursday’s meeting.”

After looking over the proposed constitution and bylaws, the Prophet pronounced them the best he had ever seen but then said: “ ‘This is not what you want. Tell the sisters their offering is accepted of the Lord, and he has something better for them than a written Constitution. I invite them all to meet with me and a few of the brethren… next Thursday afternoon.’ ”

Accordingly, on March 17, the Prophet, accompanied by Elders John Taylor and Willard Richards, met with 20 women of all ages in the upstairs room of the Red Brick Store. The Prophet officially organized the Female Relief Society of Nauvoo and taught those present about the purposes of the new organization. The sisters elected Emma Smith as president of the Relief Society, and Emma selected her two counselors. The Prophet then read a revelation received 12 years earlier in which the Lord assigned Emma to collect hymns for publication and designated her as an “elect lady” (D&C 25:3). Emma Smith rose to speak, emphasizing the society’s vast potential: “We are going to do something extraordinary… We expect extraordinary occasions and pressing calls.”

Since those early days of the Relief Society, the women of the Church have remained a tremendous force for good. At a meeting held a week after the Relief Society was organized, Lucy Mack Smith, the Prophet’s mother, gave the sisters counsel that extends to millions of women in the Church today: “We must cherish one another, watch over one another, comfort one another and gain instruction, that we may all sit down in heaven together.”

Read the statement by Emma Smith at the top of page 450:

Emma Smith rose to speak, emphasizing the society’s vast potential: “We are going to do something extraordinary… We expect extraordinary occasions and pressing calls.”

Why do you think Relief Society sisters are able to accomplish extraordinary things?

1. called of the Lord
2. led by men of God
3. divine duties – the “errand of angels”

In what ways have you and your family been blessed through the efforts of Relief Society sisters?

1. friendship
2. food
3. funerals
4. Visiting Teaching program

Read the counsel from Lucy Mack Smith at the bottom of page 450:

At a meeting held a week after the Relief Society was organized, Lucy Mack Smith, the Prophet’s mother, gave the sisters counsel that extends to millions of women in the Church today: “We must cherish one another, watch over one another, comfort one another and gain instruction, that we may all sit down in heaven together.”

In what ways do Relief Society sisters follow this counsel today?

1. develop loving relationships with each other & our visiting teaching sisters
2. be cognizant of needs/challenges of others
3. be available/approachable to help
4. LISTEN, sympathize, empathize
5. teach – share our experiences, offer guidance, bring a message/lesson when we visit teach
6. When it’s hard to do these things, keep an eternal perspective; Christ loved ALL men.

THE RELIEF SOCIETY, ORGANIZED UNDER THE PRIESTHOOD AND AFTER ITS PATTERN, IS AN ESSENTIAL PART OF THE CHURCH

The Prophet Joseph Smith organized the Relief Society “under the priesthood after the pattern of the priesthood” (page 451).

Sarah Granger Kimball recalled that shortly before the Prophet Joseph Smith organized the Relief Society, he said: “I will organize the women under the priesthood after the pattern of the priesthood… The Church was never perfectly organized until the women were thus organized.”

How does this set them apart from other service organizations in the world?

1. divinely organized according to God’s plan
2. power in the priesthood / sustained by the hand of God
3. led by divine guidance & inspiration

Why do you think the Church was “never perfectly organized” until Joseph Smith organized the Relief Society?

1. God’s plan includes ALL of his children
2. We have innate qualities and divine duties as women of God.

THE RELIEF SOCIETY ENABLES WOMEN TO ACT ACCORDING TO THEIR BENEVOLENT NATURES, GIVING CARE TO THOSE IN NEED

The Family: A Proclamation to the WorldAll human beings – male and female – are created in the image of God. Each is a beloved spirit son or daughter of heavenly parents, and, as such, each has a divine nature and destiny. Gender is an essential characteristic of individual premortal, mortal, and eternal identity and purpose.

1. gender specific roles – men & women have divinely different qualities, talents, and abilities to develop and use for the benefit of the gospel

Doctrine & Covenants 88:125 And above all things, clothe yourselves with the bond of charity, as with a mantle, which is the bond of perfectness and peace.

How do the responsibilities of Relief Society sisters today compare to the assignments the sisters received from Joseph Smith?

1. have faith in leaders & pray for them
2. listen to God’s counsel
3. be sympathetic
4. give relief to poor, destitute, widows, & orphans
5. provide relief for strangers
6. tend to the wounded heart of the distressed
7. be benevolent & kind
8. open doors to the weary traveler
9. share with the hungry & unclothed
10. practice holiness
11. remain pure & innocent
12. feed the Lord’s sheep
13. have no strife among us
14. repent
15. do not be self-righteousness
16. be honorable
17. don’t gossip
18. speak kindly of others

Read the first full paragraph on page 452:

“Said Jesus, ‘Ye shall do the work, which ye see me do.’ [See 2 Nephi 31:12.] These are the grand key-words for the society to act upon.”

In what ways do opportunities to give service help us become more like the Savior?

1. As we emulate Him, we become more like Him.

• “As I have loved you, love one another.”
• Shepherd
• Healer
• Teacher
• He sacrificed for others

THE RELIEF SOCIETY ENCOURAGES WOMEN TO PRACTICE HOLINESS AND TO INSTRUCT ONE ANOTHER

Read the first paragraph on page 453:

“The Ladies’ Relief Society is not only to relieve the poor, but to save souls.”

What do you think it means to save a soul?

1. lead others to the path of salvation
2. sustain them along that path

In what ways do members of the Relief Society fulfill this responsibility, both temporally and spiritually?

TEMPORAL
Feed families
Teach homemaking skills
Play dates
Book club

SPIRITUAL
invite sisters to attend meetings & activities
offer to carpool/babysit so they can attend church/temple/etc.
make them feel welcome
comfort & mourn with them (suffering loss can be a huge test of faith)

Review the second full paragraph on page 452 and the fourth paragraph on page 453:

Willard Richards reported: “The [Female Relief Society] meeting was addressed by President Joseph Smith, to illustrate the object of the Society – that the Society of Sisters might provoke the brethren to good works in looking to the wants of the poor – searching after objects of charity, and in administering to their wants – to assist by correcting the morals and strengthening the virtues of the community.”

“You must put down iniquity, and by your good examples, stimulate the Elders to good works.”

What can Relief Society sisters do to stimulate good works among priesthood holders?

1. set a good example
2. be supportive & encouraging
3. create opportunities for them to serve

What can priesthood holders do to support Relief Society sisters in their work?

1. set a good example
2. be supportive & encouraging
3. create opportunities

Read the paragraph that begins at the bottom of page 453:

Willard Richards reported: “President Joseph Smith read the revelation to Emma Smith, from the book of Doctrine and Covenants [D&C 25]; and stated that she was … to expound the scriptures to all; and to teach the female part of the community; and that not she alone, but others, may attain to the same blessings.”

Doctrine & Covenants 25:1 Hearken unto the voice of the Lord your God, while I speak unto you, Emma Smith, my daughter; for verily I say unto you, all those who receive my gospel are sons and daughters in my kingdom. 2 A revelation I give unto you concerning my will; and if thou art faithful and walk in the paths of virtue before me, I will preserve thy life, and thou shalt receive an inheritance in Zion. 3 Behold, thy sins are forgiven thee, and thou art an elect lady, whom I have called. 4 Murmur not because of the things which thou hast not seen, for they are withheld from thee and from the world, which is wisdom in me in a time to come. 5 And the office of thy calling shall be for a comfort unto my servant, Joseph Smith, Jun., thy husband, in his afflictions, with consoling words, in the spirit of meekness. 6 And thou shalt go with him at the time of his going, and be unto him for a scribe, while there is no one to be a scribe for him, that I may send my servant, Oliver Cowdery, whithersoever I will. 7 And thou shalt be ordained under his hand to expound scriptures, and to exhort the church, according as it shall be given thee by my Spirit. 8 For he shall lay his hands upon thee, and thou shalt receive the Holy Ghost, and thy time shall be given to writing, and to learning much. 9 And thou needest not fear, for thy husband shall support thee in the church; for unto them is his calling, that all things might be revealed unto them, whatsoever I will, according to their faith. 10 And verily I say unto thee that thou shalt lay aside the things of this world, and seek for the things of a better. 11 And it shall be given thee, also, to make a selection of sacred hymns, as it shall be given thee, which is pleasing unto me, to be had in my church. 12 For my soul delighteth in the song of the heart; yea, the song of the righteous is a prayer unto me, and it shall be answered with a blessing upon their heads. 13 Wherefore, lift up thy heart and rejoice, and cleave unto the covenants which thou hast made. 14 Continue in the spirit of meekness, and beware of pride. Let thy soul delight in thy husband, and the glory which shall come upon him. 15 Keep my commandments continually, and a crown of righteousness thou shalt receive. And except thou do this, where I am you cannot come. 16 And verily, verily, I say unto you, that this is my voice unto all. Amen.

What can we learn from this about each sister’s responsibilities and opportunities?

1. we are called of God to be teachers (in our classes, in our homes, among our friends/associates)
2. we are expected to be knowledgeable in the scriptures
3. we have a responsibility for the spiritual growth of our fellow sisters

THE RELIEF SOCIETY ENCOURAGES WOMEN TO FOLLOW THE EXAMPLE OF THE SAVIOR IN SHOWING MERCY AND AVOIDING STRIFE

The Prophet warned against “feeding on the faults of others” (page 454):

“If you would have God have mercy on you, have mercy on one another… We are full of selfishness; the devil flatters us that we are very righteous, when we are feeding on the faults of others.”

What do you think this means?

1. We may form an elevated opinion of ourselves by looking down on others.
2. This may be a way of subconsciously defending our own shortcomings.

How might this attitude hinder the efforts of the Relief Society – or any quorum or group in the Church?

1. prevent us from loving those who we deem unworthy
2. cause us to think they don’t “deserve” our service
3. make others feel unloved or unwanted

What can we do to feed the Lord’s sheep rather than feed ourselves on their faults?

1. pray for patience and understanding
2. pray for guidance to know what they need from us

CLOSING OBSERVATIONS & TESTIMONY

Consider following verses from Proverbs 31:
10 Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies. 11 The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil. 12 She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life. 13 She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands. 14 She is like the merchants’ ships; she bringeth her food from afar. 15 She ariseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens. 16 She considereth a field, and buyeth it: with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard. 17 She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms. 18 She perceiveth that her merchandise is good: her candle goeth not out by night. 19 She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff. 20 She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy. 21 She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed with scarlet. 22 She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple. 23 Her husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land. 24 She maketh fine linen, and selleth it; and delivereth girdles unto the merchant. 25 Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come. 26 She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness. 27 She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness. 28 Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her. 29 Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all. 30 Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the Lord, she shall be praised. 31 Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates.

Bear testimony of the holiness of the Relief Society

Random Observations

I know I haven't taken much time to write here lately... I have been so busy and so tired. But enough with the excuses - here are a few random observations I've had recently:

NATURE
During the last rainstorm, tiny rainbows were following every car ahead of me in traffic...
We had some black storm clouds one day that made it as dark as an hour after sunset...
Today there was a little ladybug resting on my car door...

WORK
Crushing on the handsome (single) soldiers who are transferring here...
Have had some super busy workdays the past couple weeks...
The boss is leaving for a three week cruise...

HOME
Finally put all my luggage away from my trip last month...
Bought new pants that actually fit - I'm down more than 3 sizes from a year ago...
Loving the "Genius" feature on my iPod...

ART
Found my muse - at least long enough to get a couple projects done...
Hosting a "Fun with Maps" ATC swap on Paper Traders...
Planning to attend a rubber stamp & scrapbook expo this weekend...

CHURCH
Dear friend's hubby was recently baptized - and her daughter will be doing so soon...
Attended the temple this month...
Making a personal commitment to go to more Single Adult activities this year...

SPORTS
Reserved my tickets to see the Padres take on the Rockies next month...
Excited for football season to start - Go Broncos!

The Singles Conference

This weekend, I attended a church-sponsored Singles Conference up in the Denver area. When I first heard about the event, I wrote out a check for my pre-registration and mailed it in before I could talk myself out of going. I rarely attend the singles activities here because, well, I never meet anyone that I connect with... I'm not just talking about men, but women too. I feel so disconnected from the others - there aren't many people close to me in age and no one that I have found anything in common with (besides being single, of course). The really ironic thing about all this is that, in San Diego, I was the Stake Single Adult Representative for five years and was responsible for organizing the entire program, meetings, activities, newsletter, etc. As such, I understand the challenges with getting the support and attendance necessary to make everything a success.

So, anyway, I drove the hour-long trip up on Friday night to attend the temple with some other singles. Then, afterward, we met up with some other singles for board games and refreshments. On Saturday morning, I had to get up extra early to get ready in time to drive back up to Denver for the day. We had a short opening meeting (for which I was asked to give the invocation - opening prayer - on the spur of the moment), followed by several really good workshops, lunch, and then off to the temple again - this time to do service work on the grounds. Some of us did mulching, weeding, and planting; others, myself included, repainted some of the iron fencing around the perimeter of the grounds. I wasn't dressed for painting and, despite all cautions, managed to get it on both of my blouses AND the only pair of jeans I own that still fit decently. So, if anyone has a good idea for getting paint out of clothing, please let me know! After working at the temple, we were supposed to play lawn games but the rain had other ideas so we moved everything inside for more board games, followed by dinner, and a dance.

All in all, it was a fun yet busy weekend. I had an enjoyable time and met some nice people (but not my eternal companion). Apparently, I didn't drink enough water during the day and, especially after working outdoors, found myself quite tired and dehydrated this morning. I'm feeling better this evening but am not thrilled that the weekend is almost over and I have to go back to work in the morning. There's just never enough time, is there?

Acorn Sketch

A few years ago, while visiting the Puget Sound, I went to the Seattle Temple. While there, I saw thousands of acorns on the ground under an oak tree. I searched and searched for one that still had its cap on and, when I finally found one, I saved it as a memento of my trip. Later, I was so sad to realize that as the nut dried, it shrunk... and the cap came off! But I still have kept it in my little jar of keepsakes.

I decided to use it as my model for a sketching exercise. With the positive response I got on my drawn animals, I thought that maybe it was time I got over my fear of drawing.