The Prophet and His Work: Essays from General Authorities on Joseph Smith and the Restoration

The miraculous beginnings of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints may surprise an inquirer who is not accustomed to having faith in a living God or listening to the words of a modern prophet. Yet these early beginnings are true. God did speak to the youthful Joseph Smith and while calling him by name said, "This is My Beloved Son. Hear Him!" (Joseph Smith-History 1:17.) Since Joseph's first vision of Deity, Joseph's name has been known "for good and evil." (Joseph Smith-History 1:33.) In this book we sincerely declare that we know Joseph's name for "good."

Joseph Smith was what he proclaimed himself to be-a prophet, seer, revelator, and translator for God. Joseph magnified these callings by testifying, prophesying, translating, and obeying the commandments of God. Unfortunately, most of his contemporaries rejected both Joseph and the word of the Lord. With this rejection came Joseph's continual foe-persecution. Ridicule, arrest warrants, and evil speaking were his common companions throughout his short life. Doctrines revealed by the Lord to Joseph Smith were distorted by apostates to disprove his claims of divine revelation and to arouse public sentiment against him.

Yet amid the persecution, suffering, and rejection by man, the Lord did not leave Joseph comfortless. While in Liberty Jail, under the sentence of death, the Prophet was promised that he would be delivered and his friends would greet him again with "warm hearts and friendly hands." (D&C 121:9.) This prophecy was fulfilled.

Not until 27 June 1844 was Joseph's life taken. Assassins destroyed his body, but they could not destroy the "broad seal affixed to 'Mormonism'" which repeatedly affirms that Joseph, the religious martyr, sealed his testimony with his blood. (D&C 135:7.)