[Footnote A: Autobiography of P. P. Pratt, p. 140.]
When the city of Nauvoo was chartered, a section was included, providing for the establishment of a university, to be called the University of the City of Nauvoo, under the direction of which should be taught "all matters pertaining to education, from common schools up to the highest branches of a most liberal collegiate education."[A]
[Footnote A: History of Joseph Smith, George Q. Cannon, pp. 341, 343.]
In numerous revelations did the Lord urge the Prophet and the Church to gather information from every source, of which the following quotations are good illustrations: "Teach ye diligently, that you may be instructed in theory, in principle, of things both in heaven and in the earth, and under the earth; things which have been, things which are, things which must shortly come to pass; things which are at home, things which are abroad; the wars and perplexities of the nations, and a knowledge also of countries and kingdoms. Seek ye out of the best books words of wisdom; seek learning even by study."[A] "Obtain a knowledge of history, and of countries and of kingdoms, of laws of God and man."[B] "Study and learn and become acquainted with all good books, and with languages, tongues and peoples."[C] "It is impossible for a man to be saved in ignorance."[D] A more comprehensive outline of education can hardly be imagined. The energetic manner in which the Church has acted upon these instructions, during its whole history, need not be recounted here.
[Footnote A: Doctrine and Covenants, 88:78, 79, 118.]
[Footnote B: Ibid., 93:53.]
[Footnote C: Ibid., 90:15.]
[Footnote D: Ibid., 131:6.]
However much the Prophet sought for knowledge, even from books, in his later life, the fact remains that the evidence in our possession indicates that, up to the time of the organization of the Church, his book learning was very slight, and that during the years immediately following, his time was so fully occupied with the details of the organization that little or no time was given to education, as ordinarily understood. These statements are of especial importance, in view of the fact that all the principles discussed in this volume were enunciated before the end of the year 1833.
[Sidenote: Though the Prophet had little book learning, the spiritual and intellectual growth was great.]