Lecture on Joseph Smith

Introduction

• Speaker shares insights about Joseph Smith's character and teachings.
• Focus on a lesser-known experience from 1843 involving John Finch, an Owenite socialist.

John Finch's Visit to Nauvoo

• Finch expected to meet a pompous religious figure but found Joseph Smith to be polite and well-respected.
• Finch's description of Joseph: athletic, intelligent, cheerful, and playful.
• Joseph emphasized the principle of love in Christianity.
• Quote from Joseph: "the great principle of Christianity was love."

Joseph Smith’s Religious Context

• Joseph grew up in a time of religious turmoil, surrounded by Calvinist teachings of eternal damnation.
• Sermons like Jonathan Edwards' "Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God" portrayed a wrathful God.
• Joseph's religious journey began with these teachings, leading to his First Vision.

The First Vision

• At age 12, Joseph was deeply concerned about his soul's welfare.
• Prayed for mercy and claimed to have seen the Lord forgiving his sins.
• The vision was transformative, filling Joseph with love and influencing his teachings.

Criticism and Opposition

• Joseph faced significant opposition and criticism.
• Angel Moroni predicted Joseph's name would be spoken for good and evil.
• Parallel drawn between the criticism of Jesus and Joseph Smith.

Importance of Joseph Smith

• Modern witness of Jesus Christ’s resurrection.
• Established ongoing prophetic revelations.
• Revealed the Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants, and Pearl of Great Price.
• Taught about heavenly parents, universal salvation, and pre-existence.
• Emphasized eternal families and divine justice.

Joseph Smith’s Teachings

• Advocated for equal rights, universal freedom, and love for those struggling.
• Stressed charity towards others, regardless of their beliefs.

Resurrection and Personal Loss

• Joseph's teachings on resurrection offer comfort in personal loss.
• Speaker shares personal story of losing a brother and finding solace in Joseph's teachings.

John Taylor’s Testimony

• John Taylor, a close associate of Joseph, testified to Joseph's honesty and prophetic calling.
• Emphasized Joseph's integrity and commitment to his mission.

Conclusion

• Speaker affirms belief in Joseph Smith’s prophetic role.
• Encourages reliance on personal spiritual experiences over external criticisms.
• Ends with a personal testimony of Joseph Smith's influence and character.