List of prophecies of Joseph Smith

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Joseph Smith
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1805 to 1827 • 1827 to 1830
1831 to 1834 • 1834 to 1837
1838 to 1839 • 1839 to 1844
Death • Polygamy
Teachings • Prophecies
Bibliography • Chronology

Joseph Smith Jr., the founder of the Latter Day Saint movement, is viewed as a prophet in the tradition of the ancient prophets recorded in the Bible by members of the Latter Day Saint movement. During his life, he made several prophecies, many documented in the Doctrine and Covenants, a book of scripture in several denominations of the Latter Day Saint movement.

There is much dispute surrounding the known and alleged prophecies of Joseph Smith, Jr. Some critics contend that Joseph Smith could not be a genuine prophet, because they claim that some of his prophecies did not come true.[1][2][3] However, Mormons point out that many of the prophecies that critics claim have failed have actually been fulfilled after all. Mormons also have discussed in published writings how many alleged "prophecies" were not actual prophecies and many other so-called "prophecies" have yet to be authenticated or verified to any conclusive degree by both LDS and non-LDS historians. Mormons also claim that other "prophesies" should be interpreted metaphorically, not literally. It is also claimed that still other "prophesies" were conditional and did not come to pass based on the fact that the conditions to those prophesies were not met. Church members also accept that some of the prophecies will be fulfilled in the future.[4]

Contents

Table of prophecies organized by date [edit]

Prophecies from 1823 to 1830 [edit]

Prophecy Source Date Notes
Jesus comes to the temple - "I am Jesus Christ, the Son of God; wherefore, gird up your loins and I will suddenly come to my temple. Even so. Amen." D&C 36:8 December 1830 Mormons contend this prophecy was fulfilled. It is well recorded that Jesus Christ allegedly appeared to both Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery on 3 April 1836D&C 110.
Copyright sale - Hiram Page and Oliver Cowdery were to find a copyright buyer for the Book of Mormon in Canada. B. H. Roberts, Compr. History of the Church, vol. 1, p. 165, 1930 1829/1830

Winter

 Mormons claim this prophecy was fulfilled. Hiram Page himself felt that the prophecy was fulfilled, as stated in an 1848 letter.[5]
Gather in one place - The Mormons shall be gathered in one place "against the day when tribulation and desolation are sent forth upon the wicked" D&C 29:8 1830,

Sept

 Mormons claim this prophecy was fulfilled. Latter-day Saints recognize several meanings for gathering, stemming from the their concepts of Zion. Indeed, LDS authorities have stated that the LDS concept of Zion refers to the "stakes of Zion wherever they are located," and not to a single geographic and physical location.
Hour is nigh - The "hour is nigh and day soon at hand" when Jesus will return. D&C 29:9-11 1830

Sept

 Mormons claim this prophecy has yet to be fulfilled. Mormons believe that Jesus has not yet returned,[6] and Mormons advocate that the words "hour" and "day" are metaphorical and represent centuries or millennia, i.e., in a similar manner as is generally used in the same context in numerous instances in the Bible.[7]

Prophecies from 1831 to 1832 [edit]

Prophecy Source Date Notes
Land purchase - The Mormons were to gather riches and purchase a place of refuge and safety, where the wicked would not come, and the wicked would refuse to battle the Mormons. D&C 45:64-74 1831

Mar 7

 Mormons claim this prophecy was fulfilled.[7] Critic and anti-Mormon Richard Abanes claims this was not fulfilled.[6] However, Mormons have, indeed, gathered the riches in one location and purchased a place of refuge and safety. There is a long history showing how many, including the U.S. government, refused to battle with the Mormons shortly after they had relocated chiefly to Utah.
Zion in Missouri - Missouri is named as the place for the "City of Zion"; land will be purchased for "an everlasting inheritance". D&C 57:1-5 1831

July 20

 In The Doctrine and Covenants, Covenant 124:49-51 the project was postponed. Hence, subsequent prophecy replaced a prior statement.[7] In any case, many Latter-day Saint adherents generally believe that the temple will eventually be constructed on the site prepared, based on additional statements by Smith. Two branches of the LDS movement have churches in that location:Church of Christ (Temple Lot) and Community of Christ. The LDS Church still owns land in that location as well.
Zion in this generation - Zion and its temple will be built at Independence, Missouri "in this generation". D&C 84:2 1832

Sept

 The "City of Zion" [6] The site dedicated by Smith for the construction of the Temple at Independence is currently vacant. See Temple lot. However, members of the LDS Church believe that a temple will be built at this location in the future and that "this generation" is used figuatively, as it is used in a similar fashion in many instances in the Bible.[7]
New York destroyed - New York and Boston will be destroyed if they reject the gospel. The "hour of their judgement is nigh". D&C 84:114 1832

Sept

 Mormons contend that the gospel was accepted, not rejected, in both New York and Boston. Smith went to New York and Boston, and preached the gospel. Several wards and even several stakes of the LDS faith exist in both cities as a result of this and other later missionary efforts. Though critics contend that this prophecy was not fulfilled because both cities still exist,[8] Mormons contend that both cities still exist since the gospel was not rejected, but was accepted (and to this day remains accepted) by many thousands of New Yorkers and Bostonians.[7]
Civil War - This prophecy predicted war between the northern states and the southern states beginning in South Carolina some 30 years before the actual first shot of the Civil War was fired, and that (quotes from original published versions contained in missionary pamphlets in the 1830s) war will be "poured out on all nations", and that nations will be fighting against other nations, and that "slaves shall rise up against their masters, who shall be marshaled and disciplined for war" D&C 87 1832

Dec. 25

 This prophecy was fulfilled in part, especially as it applies to a broader span of time to mean that the rebellion of South Carolina and the American Civil War "marked the beginning of the era of war that will last until the Savior returns. . . ", which would include earthquakes, multi-nation warfare, and plagues.[9] The prophecy also states that the Southern States would call upon Great Britain, which did indeed happen.[10] However, the prediction that this war would "be poured out upon all nations" was not fulfilled.[citation needed]

Prophecies from 1833 to 1834 [edit]

Prophecy Source Date Notes
Current generation - "Not many years shall pass away" before the wicked "of this generation" will be swept off the face of the earth; and "there are those now living upon the earth whose eyes shall not be closed in death until they see all these things, which I have spoken, fulfilled" History of the Church, v1 p315 1833

Jan 4

 Critic Richard Abanes claims this was not fulfilled.[8]
Zion built here - Promise that if the saints are obedient in building a temple, then the City of Zion (in Missouri) will prosper and become glorious, and that Zion cannot "be moved" out of its place. D&C 97:15-20 1833

Aug 2

 The saints did not build a temple as commanded, and were subsequently driven out of Missouri by Missouri Executive Order 44. D&C 101:1-3
Stars fall from heaven - According to Philo Dibble, while preaching in Kirtland, Ohio, on October 5, 1833, Joseph Smith said, "Forty days shall not pass and the stars shall fall from heaven."[11] 1833

Oct 5

 On November 13, 1833, the Leonids meteor shower occurred, and it was such a brilliant and heavy meteor shower that some people thought that the world was ending.[12] Some critics of the Philo Dibble narrative say that he simply made up the story after the fact. Others assume that Smith must have studied celestial events and deduced that the Leonids shower would occur again soon, as records exist of its occurrence in 902, 1630, and 1799.[13]
Enemies not destroyed - If the Saints were not successful in legal action against their enemies (in Missouri) God would avenge them and all their adversaries would be destroyed. History of Church, v1, p 455 1833

Dec 10

 Critic Richard Abanes claims this was not fulfilled.[8]
United Order - The United Order would be "everlasting", and "immutable and unchangeable" to benefit the church until Jesus comes. D&C 104:1 1834

April 23

 Critics claim this prophecy was not fulfilled.[14] An Ensign article [15] provides the LDS explanation of the revelation made by Smith.
Missouri victory - The Lord says regarding Missouri: "I will fight your battles ... the destroyer I have sent forth to destroy and lay waste mine enemies; and not many years hence they shall not be left to pollute mine heritage, and to blaspheme my name upon the lands which I have consecrated for the gathering together of my saints". D&C 105:13 1834

June 22

 Critics claim this prophecy was not fulfilled.[14]
Zion in Missouri - The Mormons should be ready to move into Jackson County, Missouri, on Sept 11, 1836, "the appointed time for the redemption of Zion" History of Church, v2, p 145 1834

Aug 16

 The Mormons fled Missouri in 1839.[14]

Prophecies from 1835 to 1839 [edit]

Prophecy Source Date Notes
Wind up in 56 Years "[T]he coming of the Lord, which is nigh - even fifty-six years should wind up the scene." History of Church, v2, p 182 1835

Feb 14

 There exists a debate between Mormons and critics of Mormon Christianity over this prophecy. Critics claim this prophecy was not fulfilled.[14] Mormons claim that since Smith did not preface this statement with the typical prophetical "Thus sayeth the Lord", it is not a proper prophecy. More importantly, in the full text, Joseph Smith himself explained how he understood the revelation as follows:

I was left thus, without being able to decide whether this coming referred to the beginning of the millennium or to some previous appearing, or whether I should die and thus see his face (DC :130).

The actual content of Joseph's prophecy—if personal opinion can be said to be prophecy—does not occur until the next verse:

I believe the coming of the Son of Man will not be any sooner than that time.(DC 130:17.)

Mormons contend that Joseph's belief proved correct. Jesus did not return to the earth for His Second Coming before that time -- (and, has yet to return).

Lastly, Mormons contend there are other aspects of fulfillment that should also be considered. It is not known when it was that the Smith earnestly prayed to know the time of the Lord's coming. The context, (verse 13 of the D&C 130), shows that it may have taken place in 1832 or earlier. At least twice, as is recorded in the Doctrine and Covenants, Joseph saw the face of the Son of Man.[16] Depending on when Smith sought counsel of the Lord, either of these two alleged visitations may constitute fulfillment of the Lord's promise. In any case, Smith recorded that he believed that this may also have referred to him seeing the Lord's face at the time of his death in 1844, as he clearly pondered as such in D&C 130:16.
Wealth from Salem - Smith was to go to Salem, Massachusetts, where he would receive "its wealth pertaining to gold and silver". (Verified that this was not a prophecy.) D&C 111:4 1836

Aug 4

 It is well recorded that this trip was not the result of a prophecy. Mormon Historians have written that the trip to Salem was apparently "a venture of their own design, not one of divine direction."[17] Two weeks after receiving the revelation recorded in D&C 111, Joseph wrote a letter to his wife Emma from Salem indicating that the four men spent their time in Salem preaching and sightseeing. It is well recorded in the D&C that the "treasure" referred to has to do with planting seeds for the future preaching of the Gospel.[18]
Marsh exalted - Apostle Thomas B. Marsh would be "exalted" and would preach "unto the ends of the earth ... among .. many nations". Through Smith, God tells Marsh: "I know thy heart". D&C 112:3-11 1837

July 23

 Though Marsh was excommunicated,[19] in 1857, he was rebaptized into The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Marsh wrote an autobiography in 1864, documenting his significant Church missionary service. Mormons believe that this prophecy was fulfilled.[7]
Enemies punished - While in prison, Smith prophesied that "cursed are all those that shall lift up the heel against mine anointed...." and that his enemies would be taken "in their own craftiness" and that "not many years hence ... [they] and their posterity shall be swept from under heaven, saith God, that not one of them is left to stand by the wall". D&C 121:11 1839

March 20

 The meaning of this prophecy, its referenced target, and the extent of its fulfillment has long been controversial. Many of the known persecutors of Joseph Smith met gruesome and ugly deaths, while others did not, dying of old age instead.[20] Critics claim this prophecy was not fulfilled.[19]

Mormons disagree and point to many of the unfortunate events which befell many of the persecutors of Smith as being evidence of the prophecy's fulfillment[7] The other argument set forth by Mormons is that the prophecy applied more to a spiritual punishment in the afterlife, rather than a temporal punishment.[7]

Prophecies from 1840s [edit]

Prophecy Source Date Notes
Relief Society - "I now prophecy that before ten years shall roll around, the queens of the earth shall come and pay their respects to this society" [spoken at a Relief Society meeting]. The Mormon Hierarchy: Origins of Power, D. Michael Quinn, p. 634 1842

April 28

 It is disputed by Critics and apologists whether this prophecy was fulfilled. Critics claim this prophecy was not fulfilled.[21] Some Mormons counter that this may have been a jocular statement and that the use of the word "Queen" is metaphorical to a grand lady or a lady of presitge and power.[citation needed]
LDS settle in Rocky Mountains - "I prophesied that the Saints would continue to suffer much affliction and would be driven to the Rocky Mountains, many would apostatize, others would be put to death by our persecutors or lose their lives in consequence of exposure or disease, and some of you will live to go and assist in making settlements and build cities and see the Saints become a mighty people in the midst of the Rocky Mountains." (Documentary History of the Church 5:85) Aug 1842 Mormons contend that this prophecy was fulfilled. Not long after Smith's death, the Mormons relocated to Utah territory and established Salt Lake City. Church critics and anti-Mormons Jerald and Sandra Tanner claim that this alleged prophesy was inserted into Smith's "Manuscript History" after his death (in a different handwriting).[22][23] However, the Tanner's allegation has been conclusively demonstrated as being in error as the source and authentication for this prophecy was further verified in the biography of Anson Call, written in August 1842.[24][25]
85 years old - "I prophesy in the name of the Lord God, .. the Son of Man will not come in the clouds of heaven till I am eighty-five years old.... [T]he 14th chapter of Revelation... The hour of his judgement is come .... After ... 2,520 years; which brings it to 1890." History of the Church, v5, p 336; D&C 130:14-17 1843

April 6

 Whether this prophecy was fulfilled is disputed by critics and apologists. Joseph Smith himself stated his belief that this revelation he himself received did NOT refer to the beginning of the millennium or the second coming of Jesus; rather, it is documented that it was Smith's belief that this vision would likely mean that he would die and see "the Savior's face" prior 1890.[26] Since he was killed at Carthage Jail long before that time, Mormons argue that this prophecy was fulfilled.
Rising Generation - "There are those of the rising generation who shall not taste death till Christ comes." History of the Church, v5, p 336 1843

April 6

 Mormons and critics disagree as to whether this prophecy was (or is to be) fulfilled. Critics claim this prophecy was not fulfilled.[21] Mormons claim that the term "rising generation" is vague and could mean future generations and not just apply to those generations that existed in Smith's time.
White Horse Prophecy – A lengthy discourse in which Smith reportedly said that "You will see the Constitution of the United States almost destroyed. it will hang like a thread as fine as a silk fiber.... and it will be preserved and saved by the efforts of the White Horse"; and, additionally, that the temple in Jackson County, Missouri "will be built in this generation." Journal of John J. Roberts, March 2, 1902 1843

May 6

 An official statement from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints holds that the Church does not accept the White Horse Prophecy as being "doctrine." The authenticity of the alleged prophesy has never been verified. Although other statements by Joseph Smith appear to echo the claim that the United States Constitution would be threatened and that faithful Mormons would save it, the authenticity of the White Horse Prophecy as a whole is debated and has never been resolved among historians. The prophecy has been disclaimed officially by the LDS Church leadership and many individual LDS authorities.[27][28][29]
Government Overthrown - "I prophesy in the name of the Lord God of Israel, unless the United States redress the wrongs committed upon the Saints in the state of Missouri and punish the crimes committed by her officers that in a few years the government will be utterly overthrown and wasted, and there will not be so much as a potsherd left for their wickedness." History of the Church, v5, p 394 1843

May 18

 Whether this prophesy was fulfilled is debated among critics and apologists. Critics claim this prophecy was not fulfilled.[21] Some Mormons contend that Joseph Smith could not have been referring to the overthrow of the United States Constitutional government, because he had earlier prophesied that the Constitution would be preserved. The prophecy may have been referring to the Whig political party, which was powerful in the 1830s but did dissolve shortly thereafter.[30] Moreover, some Mormons argue that critics would do well to observe the conditions contained in these prophecies. Formal apologies have indeed been delivered to the Mormons on various occasions (both in public and in private) by both (a) former U.S. Presidents and (b) officially by the state of Missouri in 1976. Moreover, allowing the Mormons to obtain statehood in the early 1900s could have been seen as another possible "redress" of the wrongs committed. In essence, some Mormon apologists claim that this prophesy likely did not come to pass since clear redresses were given in the decades following the persecution of the Mormons.
Government broken up - "While discussing the petition to Congress, I prophesied, by virtue of the holy Priesthood vested in me, and in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, that, if Congress will not hear our petition and grant us protection, they shall be broken up as a government, and god shall damn them. And there shall nothing be left of them - not even a grease spot." Millennial Star, v.29, p. 455

History of the Church, v.6 p. 116

 1843

Dec. 16

 It is disputed by Critics and apologists whether this prophecy was fulfilled. Critics claim this prophecy was not fulfilled.[31] However, as with the above version of the prophecy, it may have referred to the Whig Party. Moreover, Congress, some years later, did grant protection to members of the LDS Church in several forms, not the least of which being actually granting the Utah territory and the Mormons official statehood. In the years that followed, certain legal protections for the freedom of religion were further established. That said, Mormon apologists have also contended that, since the conditions for the protection of the Saints were (at least eventually) met, this prophecy never came to fruition.
Orrin Porter Rockwell protected from enemies - "I prophesy, in the name of the Lord, that you -- Orrin Porter Rockwell -- so long as ye shall remain loyal and true to thy faith, need fear no enemy. Cut not thy hair and no bullet or blade can harm thee."[32] - December 25, 1843 Mormons contend this prophecy was fulfilled. There is no known record of his having been injured by his many enemies after this day, despite a long life filled with violence.[citation needed]
Son David - Smith prophesies that his unborn child will be called David, and will be "church president and king over Israel". The Mormon Hierarchy: Origins of Power, D. Michael Quinn, p. 644 1844

Apr-May

 There is dispute between critics and apologists over the authenticity and the reliability of the evidences claiming that Smith made such a prophecy. David Hyrum Smith was not raised a member of the LDS Church, nor did he became a member of it during his lifetime; however, he was a leader in the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, including being a member of its First Presidency. Critics claim this prophecy was not fulfilled.[31] In contrast, Mormon apologists dispute the authenticity and the problems with the reliability as to whether Smith actually uttered this prophecy, which has not been conclusively verified.

Prophecies of uncertain date [edit]

Prophecy Source Date Notes
Oliver Granger - "And again, I say unto you, I remember my servant Oliver Granger; behold, verily I say unto him that his name shall be had in sacred remembrance from generation to generation, forever and ever, saith the Lord." D&C 117:12-15 - The LDS assert that this prophecy was fulfilled. Stephen Gibson states: "The surest evidence that Oliver Granger is held in sacred remembrance is that his name is included in one of our four (4) most sacred books constituting the Standard Works, the Doctrine and Covenants. This, in itself, fulfills the prophecy."[33] The LDS revere the Doctrine and Covenants as "scripture" in addition to the Bible and the Book of Mormon.
During this captivity [in Liberty Jail], not one of our lives shall be taken - That Smith and his companions would not be killed in Liberty Jail, despite evidence that his captors intended to kill him. Joseph said on the morning after their capture after the 1838 Mormon War that "the word of the Lord came to me last night that ... whatever we may suffer during this captivity, not one of our lives shall be taken" (Dona Hill, Joseph Smith: The First Mormon, Doubleday and Company, Garden City, New York, 1977, p. 244). - Mormons assert that this prophecy was fulfilled. Liberty Jail is not to be confused with Carthage Jail. Neither Smith nor any of his companions were killed in Liberty Jail, despite prior evidences and knowledge that Smith's captors intended to kill him there.
Smith will not return to Missouri - That although he was captured by Missouri agents in Illinois, he would not set foot in Missouri dead or alive. (Smith 1902 5:216) - Mormons hold the position that this prophecy was fulfilled. Smith did not return to Missouri even though he was captured by Missouri agents in Illinois.
Smith spoken of for good and evil among all nations, kindreds, and tongues - "He called me by name, and said unto me that he was a messenger sent from the presence of God to me, and that his name was Moroni; that God had a work for me to do; and that my name should be had for good and evil among all nations, kindreds, and tongues, or that it should be both good and evil spoken of among all people" Joseph Smith — History 1:33 - The LDS contend this prophecy has been fulfilled. A recent PBS documentary about the Mormons discussed how Smith remains one of the most controversial figures in American History and, one of the things that makes him particularly interesting, is that no one can have a neutral opinion of the frontier prophet; people either love him or they hate him.
Stephen A. Douglas to run for president - That Stephen A. Douglas, a prominent politician at the time, would run for the presidency. He also predicted that if Stephen Douglas slandered the Church then he would feel the weight of the hand of the Almighty upon him. Smith 1902 5:394 - The LDS believe this prophecy was fulfilled. Douglas did indeed run for president in 1860. After making a slanderous comment towards the Church and its members, he (indeed) did not win the election. Critics will argue this is all circumstantial and has no relevancy.
Stakes established in Boston and New York - "In the great cities, as Boston, New York, etc., there shall be stakes" Smith 1902 6:319 - Mormons believe this prophecy has been fulfilled. Several Stakes have established in those cities. There are now thousands (and in some cases tens of thousands) of members of the LDS Church in every arguably "great city" in America.
Joseph and Hyrum Smith to die if re-captured - That he and his brother Hyrum Smith would die if they were re-captured. On June 22, 1844, five days before his death, he wrote: "I told Stephen Markham that if I and Hyrum were ever taken again we should be massacred, or I was not a prophet of God" Smith 1902 6:546 - Mormons believe this prophecy was fulfilled. Both Joseph and Hyrum were killed by a mob after they returned to custody.
Dr. Richards will not have hole in garment - Dr. Richards would not be injured during an altercation. Smith 1902 6:619 - Mormons believe this prophecy was fulfilled. Dr. Richards was not injured and, indeed, had not a single bullet hole in his clothing as a result of a very serious altercation and mass mob shooting at Carthage Jail which took the life of Smith and his brother, Hyrum. John Taylor, another of Smith's associates hid under a bed and was pierced three times by bullets. Taylor stated that the air was full of lead.
Dan Jones to visit Wales - "Soon after Dr. Richards retired to the bed ... and when all were apparently fast asleep, Joseph whispered to Dan Jones, "are you afraid to die?" Dan said, "Has that time come, think you? Engaged in such a cause I do not think that death would have many terrors." Joseph replied, "You will yet see Wales, and fulfill the mission appointed you before you die" Smith 1902 6:601 - Mormons believe this prophecy was fulfilled. It is well documented by multiple sources that Dan Jones was on his deathbed and was widely believed to be dying of a severe illness at the time this prophecy was recorded. Jones recovered and did indeed visit Wales.

See also [edit]

Notes [edit]

  1. ^ Abanes, Richard (2003). One Nation Under Gods: A History of the Mormon Church. Thunder's Mouth Press. pp. 461–467. ISBN 1-56858-283-8. 
  2. ^ "IRR web site list of false prophecies". 
  3. ^ "Tanners list of false prophecies". 
  4. ^ Joseph Smith- prophecies
  5. ^ Letter to William McLellin, February 2, 1848, as cited in Dan Vogel, Early Mormon Documents, Vol. 5, pages 257-9
  6. ^ a b c Abanes, p 462
  7. ^ a b c d e f g h FAIR LDS, Joseph Smith, Prophecies, http://en.fairmormon.org/Joseph_Smith/Alleged_false_prophecies.
  8. ^ a b c Abanes, p 463
  9. ^ "Doctrine and Covenants Student Manual, Section 87". Retrieved 2008-01-09. 
  10. ^ See, Doctrine and Covenants Section 87
  11. ^ Edwin, Perry (1934). "Philo Dibble Narrative." Stories about Joseph Smith. Salt Lake City. 
  12. ^ Horack, John M. "The Great Leonid Meteor Storm of 1833". 
  13. ^ "Brief history of the Leonid shower". 
  14. ^ a b c d Abanes, p 464
  15. ^ "I Have a Question" from the June 1986 issue of Ensign
  16. ^ DC 76:20-24 and DC 110:2-10 both record appearances of the Lord Jesus Christ to Joseph Smith
  17. ^ Brigham H. Roberts, Comprehensive History of the Church (Provo, Utah: Brigham Young University Press, 1965), 1:410–411.
  18. ^ "I have much treasure in this city for you, for the benefit of Zion, and many people in this city, whom I will gather out in due time for the benefit of Zion, through your instrumentality. Therefore, it is expedient that you should form acquaintance with men in this city, as you shall be led, and as it shall be given you...For there are more treasures than one for you in this city." (DC 111:2-3,DC 111:10)
  19. ^ a b Abanes, p 465
  20. ^ Poulsen, Richard "Fate and the Persecutors of Joseph Smith: Transmutations of An American Myth" Dialogue: A Journal of Mormon Thought, Vol.11, No.4, Winter 1978, p.63-68
  21. ^ a b c Abanes, p 466
  22. ^ The Changing World of Mormonism, p. 404
  23. ^ Mormonism: Shadow or Reality? p. 134-135
  24. ^ Biography of Anson Call (1842) which states as follows: "Joseph as he was tasting the cold water, warned the brethren not to be too free with it. With the tumbler still in his hand, he prophesied that the Saints would yet go to the Rocky Mountains, and said he, 'This water tastes much like that of the crystal streams that are running from the snow-capped mountains. I had before seen him in a vision, and now saw, while he was talking, his countenance change to white, not the deadly white of a bloodless face, but a living, brilliant white. He seemed absorbed in gazing upon something at a great distance and said, "I am gazing upon the valleys of those mountains." The Biography further states: I had before seen him [Joseph Smith] in a vision [i.e., while seeing or reporting a divine vision or revelation], and now saw while he was talking his countenance change to white; not the deadly white of a bloodless face, but a living brilliant white. He seemed absorbed in gazing at something at a great distance, and said: "I am gazing upon the valleys of those mountains." This was followed by a vivid description of the scenery of these mountains, as I have since become acquainted with it. Pointing to Shadrach Roundy and others, he said: "There are some men here who shall do a great work in that land." Pointing to me, he said, "There is Anson, he shall go and shall assist in building up cities from one end of the country to the other, and you, rather extending the idea to all those he had spoken of, shall perform as great a work as has been done by man, so that the nations of the earth shall be astonished, and many of them will be gathered in that land and assist in building cities and temples, and Israel shall be made to rejoice." The Biography continues: It is impossible to represent in words this scene which is still vivid in my mind, of the grandeur of Joseph's appearance, his beautiful descriptions of this land, and his wonderful prophetic utterances as they emanated from the glorious inspirations that overshadowed him. There was a force and power in his exclamations of which the following is but a faint echo: "Oh the beauty of those snow-capped mountains! The cool refreshing streams that are running down through those mountain gorges!" Then gazing in another direction, as if there was a change in locality: "Oh the scenes that this people will pass through! The dead that will lay between here and there." Then turning in another direction as if the scene had again changed: "Oh the apostasy that will take place before my brethren reach that land! But," he continued, "The priesthood shall prevail over its enemies, triumph over the devil and be established upon the earth, never more to be thrown down!" He then charged us with great force and power, to be faithful to those things that had been and should be committed to our charge, with the promise of all the blessings that the Priesthood could bestow. "Remember these things and treasure them up. Amen."
  25. ^ See also,Tullidge's Histories, Vol I. History of Northern Utah, and Southern Idaho.--Biographical Supplement, p. 271
  26. ^ "Doctrine and Covenants 130 14-17". Retrieved 29 August 2010. 
  27. ^ Don L. Penrod (2010). "Edwin Rushton as the Source of the White Horse Prophecy". BYU Studies 49 (3): 75–131. Retrieved November 2, 2010. 
  28. ^ McConkie, Bruce R. (1966). Mormon Doctrine (2nd ed.). Bookcraft. p. 835. 
  29. ^ "Church Statement on 'White Horse Prophecy' and Political Neutrality", Public Affairs Department, LDS Church, January 6, 2010. Retrieved August 25, 2011.
  30. ^ Jeff Lindsay (4 November 2008). "LDS FAQ". Retrieved 29 August 2010. 
  31. ^ a b Abanes, p 467
  32. ^ Sonne, Kristen (June 21, 1998), "Rockwell's colorful history recounted", Deseret News 
  33. ^ Stephen R. Gibson, "Is Oliver Granger's Name Forgotten?"

References [edit]

External links [edit]

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