Lecture on William E. McLellin, James Cobb, and the Book of Mormon

Background Information

• Brigham Young had a stepson named James Cobb.
• James Cobb disillusioned with the church, sought to prove the Book of Mormon was a sham.
• James wrote a letter in 1880 to William E. McLellin, a former Apostle.
• William's reply to James was unexpected and reaffirmed the Book of Mormon.

William E. McLellin: A Brief Biography

• Baptized: 1831
• Excommunication: 1832, 1838 (final)
• Served a mission: 1833
• Quorum of the Twelve Apostles: Early 1835
• Briefly disfellowshipped: August 1835
• Reinstated: September 1835
• Formally withdrew from the church: 1836
• Returned: 1837
• Post-1838: Affiliated with LDS breakoff groups
• Gave up organized religion: 1869

William's Important Role

• Witnessed early church history.
• Personal relationships with early leaders.
• Journals and writings: Revealed his thoughts on church truth claims.

Key Experiences and Testimonies

• 1833: Inquired into the origin and progress of the church with Hyrum Smith.
• Earnest prayer: Acknowledged the truth and validity of the Book of Mormon.
• Jackson County, Missouri (1833):
  • Persecuted, a reward was offered for delivering William or Oliver Cowdery to the mob.
  • Retreated to the woods with David Whitmer and Oliver Cowdery.
  • Direct conversation: Affirmation of the Book of Mormon's truth.
  • Hyrum Page: Beaten by a mob; refused to deny the Book of Mormon despite severe beating.

William's Reply to James Cobb

• Core Message: William had issues with church leadership, not the Book of Mormon.
• Firm Testimony: Strong belief in the divine truth of the Book of Mormon.
  • Experiences outweighed any arguments against its righteousness.
• Advice to James:
  • Fight against LDS leadership if desired, but leave the Book of Mormon alone.
  • Recalled hearing David Whitmer's testimony in 1879 and 1831, without change.
• Final Thoughts:
  • Stressed unwavering belief in the Book of Mormon despite church disagreements.

Conclusion

• Even after leaving the church, William could not deny his testimony of the Book of Mormon or the testimonies of those involved in its origins.