Produced by the Mormon Texts Project
(MormonTextsProject.org), with thanks to Katie Liston and
David Cramer
THE LIFE OF
JOSEPH SMITH
THE PROPHET
BY GEORGE Q. CANNON
SECOND EDITION
Salt Lake City, Utah
1907
PREFACE.
Joseph and Hyrum are now dead; but like the first martyr they yet
speak. Their united voice is one of testimony, admonition and warning
to the world.
They lived men of God. They died pure and holy, sealing their testimony
with their blood.
No men ever suffered greater persecution than they: no men were ever
less understood by their generation.
It is in the hope that the Saints may find joy in reading of their
beloved Prophet and Patriarch, and that the world may judge more fairly
of these benefactors of mankind, that this book is written.
To the Author its preparation has been a loving duty. In the midst
of a somewhat busy and laborious life, he has found comfort in the
contemplation of this great subject. The closing chapters, detailing
the final sufferings upon earth of the Prophet of God and his
ever-constant brother, were finished in prison for adherence to the
principles which they taught, and for this, the Life is invested with
a dearer regard. To send the work away now is like being torn from a
beloved companion, when most the solace of his friendly presence is
needed.
In some respects this volume may be imperfect; the circumstances which
surrounded its preparation were not favorable to the collection and
arrangement of materials, but it is believed to be truthful and just.
To many friends the Author is indebted for information here embodied;
and he takes this occasion to thank them, hoping to live yet to meet
them and express his gratitude in the flesh.
That the sublime example and inspired teachings of Joseph the Prophet
of the last Dispensation, may be of eternal benefit to all who read
this Life, is the heart-felt wish of
THE AUTHOR.
Utah Penitentiary, October 1, 1888.
CONTENTS.
The Life of Joseph Smith the Prophet
Preface
The Ripened Time
The Apostasy and the Restoration
Joseph Smith at Nauvoo
The "Choice Seer"
CHAPTER I.
Joseph's Humble Extraction--The Godliness and Fair Fame of His
Ancestry--A Premonition of His Work