Volume I.
Preface.
Introduction.
Antiquity of the Gospel.
The Gospel Revealed to Adam.
Establishment of the Ancient Church.
The Gospel Versus the Law.
From Moses to John the Baptist and Messiah.
The Dispensation of the Meridian of Time.
The Identity of the Dispensation of the Meridian of Time and the Dispensation of the Fullness of Times Considered.
Joel's Prophecy of the Dispensation of the Last Days.
Daniel's Prophecy of the Rise of the Kingdom of God in the Last Days.
The Announcement of the Universal Apostasy.
Character of the Early Christians.
The Rise of False Teachers.
The Development of False Doctrines After the Death of the Apostles.
The Revolution of the Fourth Century: Constantine.
Christianity Made a Persecuting Religion.
Persecution of "Heretics."
Christianity Before and After Constantine.
Decline in Moral and Spiritual Living Among Christians.
Loss of Spiritual Gifts.
Departure of "Christendom" from the True Doctrine of Deity.
The Christian Doctrine of God.
Paganization of the Christian Doctrine of God.
The Church of Christ Displaced by the Churches of Men.
Testimony of Prophecy to the Universal Apostasy.
Conclusion.
Joseph Smith's Birth and LineageThe Prophet's First Vision"This is My Beloved Son."
The Prophet's Introduction
Birth and Ancestry.
Religious Excitement in Western New York.
Reflection on Divided Christendom.
Perplexity of the Prophet.
The Promise of St. James Tested.
Effort of Satan to Destroy the Prophet.
The First Vision.
State of Christian World.
Sectarian opposition.
Reflections Upon Sectarian Oppositions.
All Doubts Settled.
The Visitation of MoroniExistence of the Book of Mormon Made Known.
Interval of Three Years, 1820-23.
Confession of Errors.
Appearing of Moroni.
Moroni's Message.
Ancient Prophecies Quoted.
Plates not to be Shown.
Second Appearing of Moroni.
Third Appearing of Moroni.
Fourth Appearing of Moroni.
The Hill Cumorah.
The Nephite Record.
Fourth Annual Visitation to Cumorah.
Story of Being a Money Digger.
The Prophet's Marriage.
The Nephite Record Delivered to JosephThe Angel's Warning The Work of Translation.
The Prophet Receives the Plates.
Efforts of Enemies to Get the Plates.
Misrepresentations.
Removal to Pennsylvania.
Words of the Book given to the Learned.
The Loss of 116 Pages of Manuscript.
Prophet's Journey to Manchester and Return to Pennsylvania.
Interpreters and Plates Returned to the Prophet.
Interval in the Work of Translation.
Three Witnesses Promised.
Oliver Cowdery Becomes the Prophet's ScribeThe Translation of the Plates Continued.
Oliver Cowdery.
Witness of the Spirit to Cowdery.
The Mission of John the Apostle.
Oliver desires to Translate.
Restoration of the Aaronic PriesthoodFirst Baptisms.
The Aaronic Priesthood Restored.
Limitation of the Aaronic Priesthood.
John the Baptist, May 15, 1829.
Outpourings of the Spirit.
Ordination and Baptism Kept Secret.
Conversion of Samuel H. Smith.
Hyrum Smith's Inquiries.
Assistance from Joseph Knight, Sen.
Prophet's Removal to Fayette.
David, John, and Peter Whitmer, Jun., as Assistants.
Early Baptisms.
The Testimony of the Especial Witnesses to the Book of Mormon.
Provision made for Special Witnesses.
Seeking the Fulfillment of the Promise.
The Order of Prayer.
The Visitation of the AngelViewing the Plates.
Martin Harris Views the Plates.
Statement of the Witnesses.
Early Progress in the Work.
The Day Appointed for Organizing the ChurchRevelation on Church Government.
Directions for the Organization of the Church.
Instructions on Church Organization.
The Book of Mormon PublishedThe Church Organized.
Price for Publishing Book of Mormon.
The Title Page.
Procedure in the Organization of the Church.
Joseph Smith, Jun., Appointed Prophet, Seer, and Revelator to the Church.
The Church of Jesus Christ Begins its Career.
Word of the Lord to Several Persons.
The Commencement of the Public Ministry of the Church.
The First Public Discourse.
The Prophet's Ministry at Colesville.
Labors of the Prophet with Newel Knight.
The First Miracle in the Church.
Remarkable Experience of Newel Knight.
Effect of Publishing the Book of Mormon.
First Conference of the Church.
Effect of Spiritual Manifestations.
Baptisms.
Labor of the Prophet at Colesville.
The Adventures of Emily Coburn.
Mobbings.
The Prophet Arrested.
The Prophet Escapes the Mob.
Excitement over the Prophet's Case.
The Trial.
Daughters of Mr. Stoal as Witnesses.
The Acquittal.
The Prophet's second Arrest.
Unnecessary Severity.
The Second Trial.
Newel Knight vs. Lawyer Seymour.
Plea for the State.
Plea for the Defendant.
Change in Sentiment.
The Prophet Acquitted.
The Molestation at Colesville by MobsThe Revelation Embodying the vision of Moses.
The Second Flight from Colesville.
Reflections on Persecution.
The Strength which God gave.
Encouragement from Inspired Dreams.
Compilation of Revelations.
Cowdery's Error.
Prophet's Correction of Error.
Further Light Respecting the SacramentProphet's Removal to Fayette.
Instructions on the Sacrament.
A Confirmation Meeting.
The Prophet's Father-in-law Embittered.
The Eyes of Enemies Blinded Through Faith.
The Prophet Finds an Asylum at Fayette.
Spurious Revelations Through Hyrum Page.
The Conference of September 26th.
Satisfactory Results of the Conference.
Mission to the Lamanites.
Departure of the Lamanite Mission.
Arrival at Kirtland.
Previous Relations of Pratt and Rigdon.
Presentation of the Book of Mormon to Sidney Rigdon.
Public Ministry at Mentor.
The Work Opened at Kirtland.
Conversion of Sidney Rigdon.
Lost Books of Ancient ScriptureCommandment to the Church in New York to Move to Ohio.
Readiness of the Lord to Impart Knowledge.
Orson Pratt Seeks to Know the Will of the Lord.
Sidney Rigdon and Edward Partridge Visit the Prophet.
Of the Lost Books of Scripture.
Prospects of the Church at the Opening of the year 1831Removal of the Prophet Joseph From New York to OhioDoctrinal Development.
Prospects of the Church, 1831.
Why Covill Rejected the Commandment.
The Prophet Removes to Ohio.
The Branch of the Church at Kirtland.
Revelation Giving the Law of the Church.
Pretensions of a Woman to Revelations, etc.
A Special Conference, 3rd-6th of June.
Effort to Overwhelm the Church By FalsehoodSundry Revelations Leading to Doctrinal Development.
Efforts Through the Press to Retard the Work.
The Gifts of the Holy Ghost.
John Whitmer Appointed Historian.
On the Purchase of Land in Ohio.
The Shaking Quakers.
Inquiry on Spiritual Manifestations.
Arrival in Ohio of the New York Saints.
The Important conference of June 3rd-6thArrival of the Elders in Western Missouri.
Important Conference of June 3rd-6th at Kirtland.
Difficulty in the Thompson Branch.
Report of Oliver Cowdery on Conditions on Western Missouri.
Marsh and Thayre Separated as Missionary Companions.
Departure of the Prophets and Company for Missouri.
Treatment by the Way.
Arrival in Missouri.
Questions and the Answer by Revelation.
The First Sabbath in Zion.
Arrival of the Colesville Branch.
The Founding of Zion.
The First Act in the Founding of Zion.
Description of the Land of Zion.
Agricultural Products.
Animals, Domestic and Wild.
The Climate.
The Future Glory of Zion.
Dedication of the Temple Site.
First Conference in Zion.
Death of Polly Knight.
Directions for the Elders.
Prophet and Others Depart for Kirtland.
A Chance Meeting of Elders.
Arrival of the Prophet and Party at Kirtland.
Anxiety of the Saints to Receive the Word of the Lord.
Preparation to Move to Hiram.
The Apostasy of Ezra BoothPreparations for Publishing Book of Commandments.
The Prophet Move to Hiram.
Ezra Booth's Apostasy.
The Purchase of a Press.
A Prayer Revealed.
Revision of the Bible Renewed.
Instructions and Appointments of the Conference of October 11th.
Special Conference of October 21st.
Conference at Orange, Ohio, October 25th.
Special Conference Nov. 1st.
Language of Revelations Criticised.
The Folly of William M'Lellin.
Preparation of the Revelations for Publication, November 1st-15th.
Dedication of the Book of Commandments.
Esteem in which the Conference Held the Book of Commandments and Book of Mormon.
The Amherst ConferenceThe Vision of the Degrees of Glory in Man's Future Life.
The Labors of the Prophet and Sidney Rigdon.
The Prophet's Earnest Labors in Kirtland.
Effectiveness of the Prophet's and Sidney Rigdon's Labors.
Translation Renewed.
The Amherst Conference.
Revelation of the Degrees of Future Glory.
The Prophet's Views on the Foregoing Revelation.
A Key to St. John's Book of Revelation.
Sundry Revelations.
Mob Violence at HiramThe Second Journey of the Prophet to Zion, and Return to Kirtland.
Prospects of the "Evening and Morning Star."
The Prophet's Life in Hiram.
A Prophecy on Omsted Johnson.
Apostates.
Mob Violence at Hiram.
Brutality of the Mob.
The Prophet's Pitiable Condition.
A Case of Mistaken Identity.
The Prophet's Undaunted Spirit.
Elder Rigdon's Condition.
Composition of the Mob.
The Prophet Starts on his Second Visit to Zion.
Incidents by the Way.
Prophet Acknowledged President of the High Priesthood.
The Purposes the Prophet Seeks to Effect Through Church Organization.
A Visit to the Colesville Saints Literary Affairs of the Church Considered.
Transaction of Temporal Business.
Return Journey to KirtlandIncidents by the Way.
The Foreknowledge of a Seer.
"The Evening and Morning Star."
Occupation of the Prophet, Summer of 1832.
Opposition by the Press.
Second No. of the "Star."
Larger Views of the Doctrine of Priesthood RevealedThe Meeting of the Prophet Joseph Smith. Jun., Brigham Young, and Heber C. Kimball.
Baptism of George A. Smith.
Return of Elders from Missouri.
The Prophet's Visit to Eastern Cities.
The Arrival of the Youngs at Kirtland.
The Prophecy on the War of the RebellionThe Olive LeafCommunication to Mr. SeatonWarning to Zion.
State of the World at the Close of 1832.
The Enjoyment of Spiritual Blessings in the ChurchThe Word of Wisdom.
Enjoyment of Spiritual Gifts.
Ordinances of the Washing of Feet.
The Elders Pronounced Clean.
Revision of the New Testament Completed.
John Murdock's Message to the Thompson Branch.
Concerning the Prophet's Communication to Seaton.
Case of Burr Riggs.
Consideration of Missouri Correspondence of the 11th and 12th of January.
Excommunication of Burr Riggs.
A Word of Comfort to the Prophet.
The Apocrypha.
A Mission to the East Appointed.
Case of Brother Lake.
Kirtland to be a Stake of ZionRegulation of Church Affairs in Missouri.
School of Prophets.
Rigdon and Williams Ordained Presidents.
Kirtland a Stake of Zion.
Matters Relating to Church Government in Zion Settled.
Purchase of the French Farm.
Conference in Zion.
The State of the World.
First Assembly of Mob in Zion.
Conference of High Priests in Kirtland.
Another Conference of High Priests.
Council Proceedings Approved.
Signs of the Times.
Removal of Indians.
Arrival of the Prophet's Relatives in Kirtland.
Preparations for Building the Kirtland TempleTrial and Excommunication of "Doctor" Philastus Hurlburt.
The House of the Lord at Kirtland.
The Trial of "Doctor" Hurlburt.
The House of the Lord to be Built at Kirtland.
The French Farm.
John Johnson Ordained a High Priest.
Ground Broken for Kirtland Temple.
Action of Conference with Reference to the Temple.
Hurlburt's Appeal.
Copley's Case.
Excommunication of "Doctor" Hurlburt.
Case of James Higbee.
The Plat of the City of ZionIts TemplesCorrespondence on Affairs in Zion and Eugene.
The General Plan of the City of Zion.
The Blocks Set Aside for Temples.
Location of Land for the Agriculturist.
Zion a Group of Cities.
Names of the Temples.
The House of the Lord for the Presidency.
The Pulpits of the Temple.
The Windows.
General Dimensions.
Arrangements of the Curtains.
Important Letter to Brethren in Zion.
Preparation of the Mob in Jackson County to Resort to ViolenceImportant Excerpts From the "Star."
The Rise of Mob Force in Jackson County.
The Mob Ignores the Constitutional Guarantee of Religious Freedom.
Council of Elders in Kirtland.
Mob Violence in the Land of Zion.
Demands of the Mob.
The Mob's Treatment of Elder Partridge.
Charles Allen.
Reflection of the Prophet.
Aftermath of Mob Violence.
The Second Gathering of the Mob.
A Messenger Sent to Kirtland.
The "Western" Monitor on Jackson County Troubles.
The Prophet's Comment of the "Monitor" article.
Corner Stone of Kirtland Temple Laid.
Minor Events in Zion and KirtlandAn Appeal to the Governor of Missouri.
Prophet's Letter to Vienna Jaques.
The Prophet's Mission to Canada.
The Prophet Starts for Canada.
Letter to Saints in Zion.
Distraction about Zion.
Narrative of Canada Journey Renewed.
At Father Nickerson's.
Through Upper Canada.
Meeting at Bradford.
Meeting and Baptisms at Mt. Pleasant.
Return to Kirtland.
Action of Governor Dunklin on Petition.
Preparations for Asserting Rights.
Counsel Employed.
Expulsion of the Saints From Jackson County.
Attack on the Saints Settled on Big Blue.
The Saints at the Prairie Settlement Attacked.
Mobbing at Independence.
Other Incidents at Independence.
An Appeal to the Circuit Court.
Events of Monday, Nov. 4th.
The Battle.
Gilbert et al. on Trial.
Assault on the Prisoners.
Incidents of the 5th November.
One Hundred Volunteers.
The Demand of the Mob Militia.
The Savagery of the Mob.
Events of the 5th and 6th of November.
Scenes on the Banks of the Missouri.
Lieutenant Governor Boggs.
In Exile.
The Stars Fall.
Remembrance of Canada SaintsCorrespondence and Petition Relative to Missouri Affairs.
Letter to Moses C. Nickerson.
The Prophet's Reflections.
Sidney Rigdon.
A Prophecy.
The Prophet's Maxims.
Frederick G. Williams.
Attorney General's Letter to the Exiles' Counsel.
Judge Ryland's Letter to Amos Reese.
Hyde and Gould Return to Kirtland.
Remnants Scattered.
New Church Press.
The Dedication of the New Press.
The Prophet's Sympathy for the Exiled SaintsReasons for their expulsion From Zion.
Expulsion of Saints from Van Buren County.
Sad Condition of the Saints
A Press Established at KirtlandBlessing Upon the Prophet's FamilyResponsibility for Lawless Acts in Missouri.
Dedication of Printing Press.
Strength and Weakness of Oliver Cowdery.
The Prophet's Blessing Upon his Father's House.
His Mother.
His Brother Hyrum.
His Brother Samuel.
Prophecy on the Head of his Brother William.
A Prayer.
Messengers to Zion.
A Life Guard of Washington Driven from Jackson County.
Court of Inquiry.
Excommunications at Kirtland.
Elliott, Haggart and Babbitt cases.
Disposition of the Star Press.
Where Responsibility Rests.
Important Correspondence on Jackson County Affairs, Chiefly Between Leading Officials of the Church in Zion and State Officials of Missouri.
Algernon Sidney Gilbert's Letter to Governor Dunklin.
Letter of the First Presidency to the Scattered Saints.
Letter from Governor Dunklin to the Brethren in Missouri.
Letter of Algernon Sidney Gilbert to A. Leonard, Esq., Attorney.
Letter from Brethren in Clay County, Mo., to Judge Ryland.
Letter of W. W. Phelps et al. to Judge Woodward.
Affidavit of Abigail Leonard.
Letter of W. W. Phelps to the Brethren in Kirtland, Detailing the Farcical Effort of the Officers of Missouri to Enforce the Law.
Second Petition to the President of the United States.
Letter of Algernon S. Gilbert et al. to President Accompanying Foregoing Petition.
Letter of the Brethren to Governor Dunklin, Asking him to Write the President in Connection with their Petition.
Letter of W. W. Phelps to U. S. Senator Benton of Missouri on the Subject of the Petition to the President.
Letter from Governor Dunklin to the Brethren, Answering the one Inviting him to Write the President on the Subject of Saint's Petition.
The Brethren in Missouri to Governor Dunklin, Informing him that they Expect the Arrival of Reinforcement from their Brethren in the East.
Letter of Governor Dunklin Replying to the Communication of April 24th from the Brethren in Clay County.
Letter to Governor Dunklin Answering his of April 20th, Wherein he Cautioned the Saints to Keep their Enemies in the Wrong.
Letter to Colonel S. D. Lucas Asking About Arms Surrendered at Independence.
Reply of the General Government to the Petition of the Saints.