Joseph Fielding Smith (1838-1918) was born in Far West, Missouri to Hyrum Smith (1800-1844) and Mary Fielding. After his father's martyrdom, he traveled with his mother to Utah. She died while he was still young and he lived in several homes while growing up. While still in his teenage years, he served a mission to Hawaii. In 1866 he became a counselor to Brigham Young. He served the remaining years as a counselor in the First Presidency, an apostle and as the sixth president of the LDS Church. He had six wives and was the father of a number of children.
Lorenzo Snow (1814-1901) was born in Mantua, Ohio to Oliver Snow and Rosetta Leonora Pettibone. Lorenzo was a well educated man and was attracted to Kirtland, Ohio by his sister, Eliza R. Snow. He was converted to the LDS CHurch and was baptized in 1836. In 1849 he was called to be an apostle. He was known as a very spiritual and dedicated man. In 1898 he became the fifth president of the LDS Church. During his administration there was a reemphasis on the payment of a full tithe.
Latter-day Saint families introducing youngsters to Joseph Smith and individuals wanting to know more about the prophet will be thrilled with this story that combines history with re-enactment photography to tell his story. From Smiths birth in Vermont, youll learn how he enjoyed playing in the snow and making maple syrupas well as how he struggled with deciding which church to join as he grew older after moving to Palmyra, New York. Jesus would tell Smith not to join a church, and he soon learned why: Smith would be tasked with bringing back the true church of Jesus Christ. Smith became a witness of God and Jesus Christ. Whether youre a child, adolescent, or adult, youll discover insights about the prophet and strengthen your testimony through this refreshing portrayal highlighting the beginnings of the Restoration. Discover how the Lord prepared his servant to reveal the true nature of God to the world in Joseph Smith Is a Prophet.
President Joseph F. Smith served for 52 years as a General Authority of the Church—as a member of the Quorum of the Twelve, as a Counselor to four Church Presidents, and for 17 years as the President of the Church. He taught the restored gospel of Jesus Christ with eloquence, tenderness, and conviction, calling for the people to “live in harmony with the designs of our Heavenly Father.” His ministry was marked by his powerful witness of Jesus Christ: “I have received the witness of the Spirit in my own heart, and I testify before God, angels and men… that I know that my Redeemer lives.” Today his messages and sermons continue to give divine direction on our path of eternal progress. Our work in this world, said President Smith, “is to do good, to put down iniquity under our feet, to exalt righteousness, purity, and holiness in the hearts of the people, and to establish in the minds of our children, above all other things, a love for God and his word.” He declared that “to be a Latter-day Saint requires the sacrifice of worldly aims and pleasures; it requires fidelity, strength of character, love of truth, integrity to principle, and zealous desire to see the triumphant, forward march of truth.” The First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles have established the series Teachings of Presidents of the Church to help Church members deepen their understanding of gospel doctrines and draw closer to Jesus Christ through the teachings of the prophets in this dispensation. This book features the teachings of President Joseph F. Smith, who said: “To be Latter-day Saints, men or women must be thinkers, and workers; they must be men and women who weigh matters in their minds, men and women who consider carefully their course of life and the principles that they have espoused. … When people understand the gospel of Jesus Christ, you will see them walking straightforward, according to the word of the Lord, and the law of God, strictly in accordance with that which is consistent, just, righteous, and in every sense acceptable to the Lord.” Each chapter in this book includes four sections: (1) a statement that briefly summarizes the focus of the chapter; (2) “From the Life of Joseph F. Smith,” which illustrates the chapter’s teachings by an example from President Smith’s life or his wisdom; (3) “Teachings of Joseph F. Smith,” which presents important doctrines from his many messages and sermons; and (4) “Suggestions for Study,” which encourages personal review and inquiry, further discussion, and application to our lives today through questions.
