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The Wentworth Letter


The Wentworth Letter Study Guide – to be discussed April 15
NOTE: Although the letter Joseph Smith wrote to John Wentworth in 1842 is easily found (online, in the Joseph Smith manual, even free on the Kindle!), I have decided to include the text with each day’s questions simply because I want us all to be looking at and discussing the same sections together as we go through this document.
Day 1: Read paragraphs below and review JS-H 1:15-17
INTRO: March 1, 1842.—At the request of Mr. John Wentworth, Editor and Proprietor of the Chicago Democrat. I have written the following sketch of the rise, progress, persecution, and faith of the Latter-day Saints, of which I have the honor, under God, of being the founder. Mr. Wentworth says that he wishes to furnish Mr. Bastow, a friend of his, who is writing the history of New Hampshire, with this document. As Mr. Bastow has taken the proper steps to obtain correct information, all that I shall ask at his hands, is, that he publish the account entire, ungarnished, and without misrepresentation.
1. I was born in the town of Sharon, Windsor County, Vermont, on the 23rd of December, A.D. 1805. When ten years old, my parents removed to Palmyra, New York, where we resided about four years, and from thence we removed to the town of Manchester. My father was a farmer and taught me the art of husbandry. When about fourteen years of age, I began to reflect upon the importance of being prepared for a future state, and upon inquiring [about] the plan of salvation, I found that there was a great clash in religious sentiment; if I went to one society they referred me to one plan, and another to another; each one pointing to his own particular creed as the summum bonum of perfection. Considering that all could not be right, and that God could not be the author of so much confusion, I determined to investigate the subject more fully, believing that if God had a Church it would not be split up into factions, and that if He taught one society to worship one way, and administer in one set of ordinances, He would not teach another, principles which were diametrically opposed.
2. Believing the word of God, I had confidence in the declaration of James—"If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him." I retired to a secret place in a grove, and began to call upon the Lord; while fervently engaged in supplication, my mind was taken away from the objects with which I was surrounded, and I was enwrapped in a heavenly vision, and saw two glorious personages, who exactly resembled each other in features and likeness, surrounded with a brilliant light which eclipsed the sun at noon day. They told me that all religious denominations were believing in incorrect doctrines, and that none of them was acknowledged of God as His Church and kingdom: and I was expressly commanded "to go not after them," at the same time receiving a promise that the fullness of the Gospel should at some future time be made known unto me.
1. Why did Joseph Smith write this letter to John Wentworth? How might the reason for writing impact content?



2. List concerns that led the boy Joseph to investigate more fully the subject of religion.



3. Compare Joseph’s description of his First Vision with JS-H 1:15-17. What details are included only in the Wentworth letter? What details are exclusive to JS-H?


Day 2: Read the paragraphs below:
3. On the evening on the 21st of September, A.D. 1823, while I was praying unto God, and endeavoring to exercise faith in the precious promises of Scripture, on a sudden a light like that of day, only of a far purer and more glorious appearance and brightness, burst into the room, indeed the first sight was as though the house was filled with consuming fire; the appearance produced a shock that affected the whole body; in a moment a personage stood before me surrounded with a glory yet greater than that with which I was already surrounded. This messenger proclaimed himself to be an angel of God, sent to bring the joyful tidings that the covenant which God made with ancient Israel was at hand to be fulfilled, that the preparatory work for the second coming of the Messiah was speedily to commence; that the time was at hand for the Gospel in all its fullness to be preached in power, unto all nations that a people might be prepared for the Millennial reign. I was informed that I was chosen to be an instrument in the hands of God to bring about some of His purposes in this glorious dispensation.
4. I was also informed concerning the aboriginal inhabitants of this country and shown who they were, and from whence they came; a brief sketch of their origin, progress, civilization, laws, governments, of their righteousness and iniquity, and the blessings of God being finally withdrawn from them as a people, was made known unto me; I was also told where were deposited some plates on which were engraven an abridgment of the records of the ancient Prophets that had existed on this continent. The angel appeared to me three times the same night and unfolded the same things. After having received many visits from the angels of God unfolding the majesty and glory of the events that should transpire in the last days, on the morning of the 22nd of September, A.D. 1827, the angel of the Lord delivered the records into my hands.
4. According to the Wentworth letter, for what reasons did the heavenly messenger say he had come to visit Joseph Smith on September 21, 1823?


5. What was Joseph told about the aboriginal inhabitants of America?



6. What did Joseph learn from the many visits of angels between Moroni’s first visit and his delivery of the sacred records?



Day 3: Read the paragraphs below:
5. These records were engraven on plates which had the appearance of gold, each plate was six inches wide and eight inches long, and not quite so thick as common tin. They were filled with engravings, in Egyptian characters, and bound together in a volume as the leaves of a book, with three rings running through the whole. The volume was something near six inches in thickness, a part of which was sealed. The characters on the unsealed part were small, and beautifully engraved. The whole book exhibited many marks of antiquity in its construction, and much skill in the art of engraving. With the records was found a curious instrument, which the ancients called "Urim and Thummim," which consisted of two transparent stones set in the rims of a bow fastened to a breast plate. Through the medium of the Urim and Thummim I translated the record by the gift and power of God.
6. In this important and interesting book the history of ancient America is unfolded, from its first settlement by a colony that came from the Tower of Babel, at the confusion of languages to the beginning of the fifth century of the Christian Era. We are informed by these records that America in ancient times has been inhabited by two distinct races of people. The first were called Jaredites, and came directly from the Tower of Babel. The second race came directly from the city of Jerusalem, about six hundred years before Christ. They were principally Israelites, of the descendants of Joseph. The Jaredites were destroyed about the time that the Israelites came from Jerusalem, who succeeded them in the inheritance of the country. The principal nation of the second race fell in battle towards the close of the fourth century. The remnant are the Indians that now inhabit this country. This book also tells us that our Savior made His appearance unto this continent after His resurrection; that He planted the Gospel here in all its fulness, and richness, and power, and blessing; that they had Apostles, Prophets, Pastors, Teachers, and Evangelists; the same order, the same priesthood, the same ordinances, gifts, powers, and blessings, as were enjoyed on the eastern continent, that the people were cut off in consequence of their transgressions, that the last of their prophets who existed among them was commanded to write an abridgment of their prophecies, history, &c, and to hide it up in the earth, and that it should come forth and be united with the Bible for the accomplishment of the purposes of God in the last days. For a more particular account I would refer to the Book of Mormon, which can be purchased at Nauvoo, or from any of our Traveling Elders.
7. Describe the plates on which the records were engraved.



8. By what power was Joseph able to translate the records?



9. Name the two distinct races of people inhabiting ancient America who are mentioned in the Book of Mormon. What links these peoples to the Children of Israel, the Church as established by Jesus Christ in the meridian of time, and the Church today? (See also the Title Page and Introduction to the Book of Mormon.)




Day 4: Read the paragraphs below:
7. As soon as the news of this discovery was made known, false reports, misrepresentation and slander flew, as on the wings of the wind, in every direction; the house was frequently beset by mobs and evil designing people. Several times I was shot at, and very narrowly escaped, and every device was made use of to get the plates away from me; but the power and blessing of God attended me, and several began to believe my testimony.
8. On the 6th of April, 1830, the "Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints" was first organized in the town of Fayette, Seneca county, state of New York. Some few were called and ordained by the Spirit of revelation and prophecy, and began to preach as the Spirit gave them utterance, and though weak, yet were they strengthened by the power of God, and many were brought to repentance, were immersed in the water, and were filled with the Holy Ghost by the laying on of hands. They saw visions and prophesied, devils were cast out, and the sick healed by the laying on of hands. From that time the work rolled forth with astonishing rapidity, and churches were formed in the states of New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, and Missouri; in the last named state a considerable settlement was formed in Jackson county: numbers joined the Church and we were increasing rapidly; we made large purchases of land, our farms teemed with plenty, and peace and happiness were enjoyed in our domestic circle, and throughout our neighborhood; but as we could not associate with our neighbors (who were, many of them, of the basest of men, and had fled from the face of civilized society, to the frontier country to escape the hand of justice,) in their midnight revels, their Sabbath breaking, horse racing and gambling; they commenced at first to ridicule, then to persecute, and finally an organized mob assembled and burned our houses, tarred and feathered and whipped many of our brethren, and finally, contrary to law, justice and humanity, drove them from their habitations; who, houseless and homeless, had to wander on the bleak prairies till the children left the tracks of their blood on the prairie. This took place in the month of November, and they had no other covering but the canopy of heaven, in this inclement season of the year; this proceeding was winked at by the government, and although we had warrantee deeds for our land, and had violated no law, we could obtain no redress.
10. How was Joseph Smith’s life affected by news of his work with the ancient records?



11. List miracles that attended the infant church.



12. What did the saints’ lawless neighbors in Missouri do first when members of the Church refused to join them in revelry? Then what? Finally what?



Day 5: Read paragraphs below:
9. There were many sick, who were thus inhumanly driven from their houses, and had to endure all this abuse and to seek homes where they could be found. The result was, that a great many of them being deprived of the comforts of life, and the necessary attendances, died; many children were left orphans, wives, widows and husbands, widowers; our farms were taken possession of by the mob, many thousands of cattle, sheep, horses and hogs were taken, and our household goods, store goods, and printing press and type were broken, taken, or otherwise destroyed.
10. Many of our brethren removed to Clay county, where they continued until 1836, three years; there was no violence offered, but there were threatenings of violence. But in the summer of 1836 these threatenings began to assume a more serious form, from threats, public meetings were called, resolutions were passed, vengeance and destruction were threatened, and affairs again assumed a fearful attitude, Jackson county was a sufficient precedent, and as the authorities in that county did not interfere they boasted that they would not in this; which on application to the authorities we found to be too true, and after much privation and loss of property, we were again driven from our homes.
13. List results of the heartless persecution.



14. How did the saints react in the face of persecution?



15. How much legal protection was offered by the authorities in Jackson and Clay Counties?



Day 6: Read paragraphs below:
11. We next settled in Caldwell and Daviess counties, where we made large and extensive settlements, thinking to free ourselves from the power of oppression, by settling in new counties, with very few inhabitants in them; but here we were not allowed to live in peace, but in 1838 we were again attacked by mobs, an exterminating order was issued by Governor Boggs, and under the sanction of law, an organized banditti ranged through the country, robbed us of our cattle, sheep, hogs, &c., many of our people were murdered in cold blood, the chastity of our women was violated, and we were forced to sign away our property at the point of the sword; and after enduring every indignity that could be heaped upon us by an inhuman, ungodly band of marauders, from twelve to fifteen thousand souls, men, women, and children were driven from their own firesides, and from lands to which they had warrantee deeds, houseless, friendless, and homeless (in the depths of winter) to wander as exiles on the earth, or to seek an asylum in a more genial clime, and among a less barbarous people. Many sickened and died in consequence of the cold and hardships they had to endure; many wives were left widows, and children, orphans, and destitute. It would take more time than is allotted me here to describe the injustice, the wrongs, the murders the bloodshed, the theft, misery and woe that have been caused by the barbarous, inhuman, and lawless proceedings of the state of Missouri.
12. In the situation before alluded to, we arrived in the state of Illinois in 1839, where we found a hospitable people and a friendly home: a people who were willing to be governed by the principles of law and humanity. We have commenced to build a city called "Nauvoo," in Hancock county. We number from six to eight thousand here, besides vast numbers in the county around, and in almost every county of the state. We have a city charter granted us, and charter for a Legion, the troops of which now number 1,500. We have also a charter for a University, for an Agricultural and Manufacturing Society, have our own laws and administrators, and possess all the privileges that other free and enlightened citizens enjoy.
16. Why did the saints settle in Caldwell and Daviess Counties? How long were they allowed peace?



17. Who signed the extermination order, legalizing murder and mayhem?



18. By the time Joseph Smith wrote his letter to John Wentworth in 1842 (about 3 years after arriving in Nauvoo), what charters had been issued for the benefit of the citizenry?



Day 7: Read paragraphs below and Daniel 2:44-45; D&C 65:1-2
13. Persecution has not stopped the progress of truth, but has only added fuel to the flame, it has spread with increasing rapidity. Proud of the cause which they have espoused, and conscious of our innocence, and of the truth of their system, 'midst calumny and reproach, have the Elders of this Church gone forth, and planted the Gospel in almost every state in the Union; it has penetrated our cities, it has spread over our villages, and has caused thousands of our intelligent, noble, and patriotic citizens to obey its divine mandates, and be governed by its sacred truths. It has also spread into England, Ireland, Scotland, and Wales, where, in the year 1840, a few of our missionaries were sent, and over five thousand joined the Standard of Truth; there are numbers now joining in every land.
14. Our missionaries are going forth to different nations, and in Germany, Palestine, New Holland, Australia, the East Indies, and other places, the Standard of Truth has been erected; no unhallowed hand can stop the work from progressing; persecutions may rage, mobs may combine, armies may assemble, calumny may defame, but the truth of God will go forth boldly, nobly, and independent, till it has penetrated every continent, visited every clime, swept every country, and sounded in every ear, till the purposes of God shall be accomplished, and the Great Jehovah shall say the work is done.
19. Look up the word, “calumny” in a dictionary. What does it mean? Why didn’t it stop the progress of truth?



20. How many people had joined the Church in Great Britain between 1840 and 1842?



21. Read Daniel 2:44-45 and D&C 65:1-2. How is the truth of God like a “stone which is cut out of the mountain without hands”?




From Ensign, July 2002: “Of this classic, Elder B. H. Roberts of the First Council of the Seventy wrote: ‘The letter is one of the choicest documents in our church literature; as also it is the earliest published document by the Prophet personally, making any pretension to consecutive narrative of those events in which great Latter-day work had its origin. … For combining conciseness of statement with comprehensiveness of treatment of the subject with which it deals, it has few equals among historical documents, and certainly none that excel it in our church literature.’”

Joseph Smith - History 1:66-75


Joseph Smith – History 1:66-75 Study Guide – to be discussed March 25
Day 1: Read JS-H 1:66-67; D&C 8:1-12
1. Why did Oliver Cowdery seek out Joseph Smith in April, 1829?



2. Look at map 3 in the Church History maps at the back of your scriptures. Approximately how far is it (as the crow flies) from Palmyra, NY to Harmony, PA? (Note: If you don’t have the Church History maps in your scriptures, you can find this map online at http://scriptures.lds.org/en/chmaps/3)


3. Read D&C 8:1-12, given to Oliver Cowdery in April, 1829. What gifts did the Lord tell Oliver he had been given? List also specific warnings to Oliver.




Day 2: Read JS-H 1:68-71
4. What questions regarding baptism might Joseph and Oliver have gone to the woods to ask in prayer?



5. List the keys of the Priesthood of Aaron.




6. How did John the Baptist (the heavenly messenger) answer any questions Joseph and Oliver may have had about baptism?



Day 3: Read paragraphs 1-3 in Oliver Cowdery’s endnote to JS-H at the bottom of page 58; 3 Nephi 11:18-41
7. How did Oliver feel about being Joseph’s scribe?



8. Read 3 Nephi 11:18-41.This is where Joseph and Oliver were in the translation of the Book of Mormon in May 1829. List three phrases from this passage in 3 Nephi that might have motivated the men pray fervently.



9. What is the “liquid grave” and who is buried there? (See also Romans 6:4, Colossians 2:12, Mosiah 18:14-16.)



Day 4: Read paragraphs 4-5 in Oliver Cowdery’s endnote to JS-H on page 59; 3 Nephi 8:20-22; Revelation 19:10
10. Read 3 Nephi 8:20-22. How was this description of the conditions among Nephites before the appearance of the Savior like the state of religion prior to the restoration of the gospel?





11. Read Revelation 19:10. How did Oliver know the true church of Christ would be built on continuing revelation?



12. List what Oliver KNEW through direct revelation.




Day 5: Read paragraphs 6-7 in Oliver Cowdery’s endnote to JS-H on page 59
13. Why did John the Baptist address Joseph and Oliver as his “fellow-servants”?



14. What feelings did Oliver list specifically as coming to him by the power of the Holy Spirit?




15. What did “one touch with the finger of his love” cause for Oliver?



Day 6: Read JS-H 1:72-73
16. Under whose direction did John the Baptist act?



17. What did Joseph and Oliver experience directly after their baptisms?



18. Upon what subjects did Joseph prophesy?



Day 7: Read JS-H 1:74-75; Luke 24:30-32
19. Review JS-H 1:73, along with verse 74. What were Joseph and Oliver able to do because of the Holy Ghost? Were Joseph and Oliver members of the church yet? Had they received the gift of the Holy Ghost?



20. Read Luke 24:30-32. List similarities between the experience described in JS-H 1:74 and Luke’s description of the disciples on the road to Emmaus.




21. What blessings were received as part of the Lord’s answer to a simple but fervent prayer about the principle of baptism?

Joseph Smith - History 1:55-65



Joseph Smith – History 1:55-65 Study Guide – to be discussed March 18
Day 1: Read JS-H 1:55-56;D&C 137:1-10
1. How did Joseph Smith and his brothers assist in providing for their father’s family?



2. What “great affliction” transpired in the Smith family in 1823? Read D&C 137:1-10. When and where was D&C 137 received? What peaceful doctrine did Joseph receive in this revelation, relative to his brother Alvin.



3. Where and why did Joseph go to work for Josiah Stoal (or “Stowell”)?



Day 2: Read JS-H 1:57-58; D&C 25:1-5
4. How might the experience of courting and marrying Emma have helped Joseph in his preparation to receive the Book of Mormon plates?



5. Read D&C 25:1-5. When and where was this revelation received? What was Emma counseled to do in D&C 25:1-5?



6. Why was Joseph continually persecuted, even seven years after his first vision?



Day 3: Read JS-H 1:59-60
7. List the two IF-THEN promises Moroni gave Joseph, as recorded in JS-H 1:59.



8. Why did Joseph need to be alert and diligent in safeguarding the plates?



9. What happened to the plates after Joseph had finished translating all that was required of him? Do you think he was sorry to let them go?



Day 4: Read JS-H 1:61
10. Why might rumor and falsehoods have been employed against Joseph and his family? Are they still?



11. Where did Joseph and Emma go to escape further persecution?





12. What role did Martin Harris play in Joseph’s move? Who was he to Joseph?



BONUS: Read D&C 17:1-9. When and where was this revelation received? List promises to Martin Harris.




Day 5: Read JS-H 1:62-63
13. When did Joseph and Emma arrive in Pennsylvania? What did Joseph do immediately after their arrival?



14. By what means was Joseph able to translate the ancient characters?



15. Why did Martin Harris visit the Smiths in February 1828? Why do you think Joseph deferred to Harris’ own account instead of writing about the circumstances in his own words?



Day 6: Read JS-H 1:64
16. Why did Martin Harris take copied characters and Joseph’s translation to New York?



17. Who was Professor Charles Anthon? What was his opinion of the characters and translation?



18. What questions did Professor Anthon call Martin Harris back to answer?



Day 7: Read JS-H 1:65; Isaiah 29:11-12; 2 Nephi 27:15-20
19. Why did Anthon destroy his witness?




20. Read Isaiah 29:11-12 and 2 Nephi 27:15-20. How do Charles Anthon and Joseph Smith fit the descriptions in Isaiah’s prophecies?




21. How did Martin Harris’ journey to New York strengthen his testimony of the sacred work of translation?

Joseph Smith - History 1:21-54


Joseph Smith – History 1:21-54 Study Guide – to be discussed March 11
Day 1: Read JS-H 1:21-23; James 5:10-11; Amos 7:14-15
1. When the young Joseph Smith shared his experience with a local preacher, what was the reaction? What logic did the preacher use?


2. Why might local clergy have been quick to denounce Joseph? Did Joseph pose a threat?



3. Read James 5:10-11 and Amos 7:14-15. How did the reactions of preachers and religious professors to Joseph’s vision confirm the Lord’s counsel in the First Vision (see JS-H 1:19)?



Day 2: Read JS-H 1:24-26; Acts 26:13-28
4. Read the account of Paul’s witness before Festus and Agrippa in Acts 26:13-28. List similarities between Joseph’s and Paul’s experiences.



5. What did Joseph fear more, offending God or offending men? How do you know?


6. Underline or count every instance in these verses where Joseph wrote, “I had [or have] seen [or beheld] a vision [or light]…” List elements of Joseph’s testimony, or in other words, truths he had learned.



Day 3: Read JS-H 1:27-32; D&C 110:1-4; Revelation 1:13-17
7. Review JS-H 1:14. How many years had Joseph affirmed his vision by autumn 1823?


8. In Joseph’s prayer on September 21, 1823, for what did he petition the Lord, specifically? What gave him confidence that his prayer would be answered? (See also D&C 63:8-12.)



9. Compare the description of the angel Moroni with the two descriptions of the resurrected Christ in Revelation 1:13-17 and D&C 110:1-4. List similarities.



Day 4: Read JS-H 1:33-39; Revelation 14:6-7; Malachi 4:1, 5-6
10. List five things Moroni wanted Joseph Smith to know.



BONUS: Read Revelation 14:6-7. How was this prophecy fulfilled in part on September 21, 1823?


11. What is the connection between the coming forth of the Book of Mormon and Malachi’s prophecy (JS-H 1:37-39) regarding the last days?



12. Compare Malachi 4:1 and 5-6 with the revised versions as quoted by Moroni. What phrases were added or revised?



BONUS: What does it mean to be without root or branch?


Day 5: Read JS-H 1:40-42; Isaiah 11; D&C 113:1-6; Joel 2:28-32; D&C 88:84-85; Isaiah 42:6-7
13. Read Isaiah 11, D&C 113:1-6 and Joel 2:28-32. In what way(s) would the study of Isaiah 11 and Joel 2 help prepare Joseph for the “work” he was called to do? How has scripture study helped you fulfill a calling?



14. Read D&C 88:84-85 with Isaiah 42:6-7. What is the “fullness of the Gentiles” (JS-H 1:41)?



15. What warning did Moroni issue before he opened a vision of the location of the plates?



Day 6: Read JS-H 1:43-48
16. How did Moroni exit Joseph’s room? How did he return?



17. What did Moroni add to his recitation on his second visit? on his third visit?



18. Review the three nighttime visits of Moroni. List words Joseph used to describe his own reactions to the miraculous communication in verses 44, 46 and 47 (eg: “musing” in v. 44).



Day 7: Read JS-H 1:49-54
19. What counsel did Moroni give after another repetition of the same scriptural message during his fourth visit? What was the result of Joseph’s obedience?



20. What physical evidence did Joseph have to confirm the validity of the messenger and his message?



21. How often and for how long did Joseph meet with Moroni after his initial visits?


EXTRA CREDIT: Read 1 Corinthians 1:27-28, Isaiah 28:21, 29:11-14, John 10:16. These verses of scripture were identified (along with others) by Oliver Cowdery as quoted by Moroni - part of the “many passages of scripture” indicated in JS-H 1:41. How did these add to Joseph’s understanding of his “work”?