Joseph Smith Papers: Journals Vol. 1

Journals Volume 1 is the very first book published in the Joseph Smith Papers project. I bought this book when it first came out, and it has sat on my shelf ever since. It is actually because of this book that I finally decided to read every book in my personal library, and I'm so glad that I am undertaking that project!

A lot of the information in this book is also found in the History of the Church, which I read last year. This is due largely to the fact that Joseph Smith's journals were a primary source for the history. That being said, it was neat to see the prophet's personal insights and feelings on a variety of topics and incidents. Most of his journals were actually written by a scribe, but a handful in this book are also written by Joseph Smith himself.

Once of the most interesting incidents in this book is a fight between Joseph and his brother William. During a debate school at William's house, Joseph said he thought the school should be discontinued. William got offended at attacked Joseph, beating him in the same part of his body where Joseph had been abused by a mob when he was tarred and feathered. This incident caused a rift in the family for a few weeks. William recognized that what he did was wrong and wrote Joseph a letter to apologize, and also requested to be released from the Quorum of the Twelve, stating that the higher position he held, the farther he was likely to fall due to his passions that he easily would give into.

Joseph's answer to the letter is very insightful. He refused to release William, telling him that such an idea originated with the devil. He told him that if a man falls a step, he must regain that step. Leaving the apostleship would do the opposite of helping William achieve salvation. Furthermore, Joseph told William that what he called his "passions" was nothing more than the spirit of the evil one and that William needed to recognize it for what it was. All that being said, Joseph readily forgave his brother for the entire incident.

I loved reading Joseph's insights, instructions, and feelings. His desire to see members of the church become united was easily apparent. His admonition to shed light and not spread darkness is a great way to sum up the evils of gossip and the harm it can cause. Even where an offender is genuinely in the wrong, spreading darkness about that person does nothing to save them. We must shed light and have charity.

For an intimate look at Joseph Smith to discover his thoughts and feelings, I highly recommend reading his journals.