Life of Joseph Smith

I have to say that Life of Joseph Smith by George Q. Cannon is one of the best books written about the prophet. The author states at the very beginning of the book that he has an agenda and the reader knows immediately that the book will speak very favorably of the prophet. Cannon states that his purpose in doing so is to give the reader a clear picture of Joseph Smith from those who knew him best, and not from the slanderous reports that were being published in his day.

Although it can be accused that the author writes with a bias, it also must be stated that he uses reliable sources for his information (eyewitnesses to the events he describes in the life of Joseph Smith). He does not try to paint the prophet as a perfect man, but he does demonstrate that Joseph constantly tried to do the right thing.

As I read the account of the final days of his life and the action taken by Governor Ford that led to the prophet's death, I decided that I was wrong about a statement I made on another post. Ford is not a modern-day Pilate. He is much worse. Pilate knew Jesus was innocent, but feared the people and so he allowed the Savior to be crucified. Ford knew Joseph was innocent, but he never admitted to being in compliance with the mob. His heart was with the mob all along and constantly told lies to the prophet and his associates. Reading the accounts of Ford himself, along with others involved, there can be no doubt that Ford had a perfect knowledge about the planned assassination to take the prophet's life.

Contrast the actions and attitudes of Governor Ford, Governor Boggs, apostates, or mobbers with that of Joseph Smith, and you can plainly see a man who was endowed with a higher calling and a clear vision. Joseph was a man of remarkable character. Today there continue to be many people, both in and out of the Church who attempt to discredit him. But these scoffers will also fade into history, or leave an embarrassing stain on their name as those who opposed the prophet in his own day. Yet the name of Joseph Smith shall continue to be had for good despite those who have it for evil. Opponents will never be able to erase who he was, what he did, and who he represented as he restored the true Gospel of Jesus Christ on the earth.