Joseph's granite-hard nurturing in Vermont opens Truman Madsen's reflections on the Prophet's life. Part 1 highlights his family roots, Mother Smith's tender influence, and the bonding of Joseph with his father and Hyrum through Joseph's excruciating surgery. It traces the family migration to New York and the heavy labor of clearing the land and establishing a home. Joseph's youthful craving for family unity occurs amidst sectarian rivalry and is fulfilled in the grandeur of the First Visitation. Following his youthful follies, Joseph is initiated into angelic ministration with the coming of Moroni. It closes with the farewell and premature death of his brother, Alvin
Part 2 begins with Joseph's elopement with Emma Hale. Emma joins Joseph in the recovery of the plates from the Hill Cumorah, and amidst their poverty and the loss of their firstborn infant, the concentrated process of Book of Mormon translation consumes them. The timely conversion of Oliver Cowdery is followed by the loss of the initial manuscript pages by Martin Harris. Then new light follows discouragement with the shared Visitations of John the Baptist and, in the nearby wilderness, of Peter, James, and John. It concludes with events surrounding the organization of the Church, the baptism of Joseph Sr. and Mother Smith, and the beginnings of temple awareness.
The Kirtland period witnessed the gathering of converts from far and near. Under Joseph's charismatic guidance they became a consecrated community. A veritable flood of revelations brought doctrinal clarification, and led to the school of the prophets, the outlines of organizational and sacramental leadership, and the merging of secular and sacred in daily life.
The Kirtland Temple, built with sacrificial faith amidst bleak poverty and grinding opposition called down the "riches of eternity." It became the lodestone of divine outpourings "fulfilled as on the day of Pentecost." For the fledgling saints of all ages it forged an indissoluble link with Christ who had promised "I will manifest myself to my people in mercy in this house."
Drawn by Joseph's vision to the exact center of the continent in Missouri, the saints were taught it was the location of their primal parents, a veritable Eden. These teachings included covenant renewal with Christ-the Sabbath, the sacrament and above all consecration. Their clustering unity brought violent reactions from the old settlers. Hammer-hard pillaging was followed by expulsion. Joseph was buffeted, betrayed, and confined with his brother in an underground prison. Out of these afflictions emerged sublime revelatory communion with God. Many were able to overcome searing bitterness with Christ-like demeanor and faith. They left with one invincible conviction: they would someday return to build the most glorious temple in human history.
As the beleaguered saints build the beautiful city, Nauvoo, Joseph was at the height of his prophetic calling. All were to serve, teach, and minister. Women were given callings in a quorum-like organization, the Relief Society. There was to be a burgeoning of culture: of the arts, music, theater, and dance. Recognized far and near in his multiple roles Joseph became beloved to the faithful and a nemesis to religious and political rivals.
In Nauvoo Joseph taught that in and through the temple would come Christ's "new and everlasting covenant" with His transforming power. Now "all that the Father hath" could be made available to the entire human family on both sides of the veil. Joseph as a teacher and transmitter of priesthood keys became, for the gathering converts, transparent to Christ. But his final charge to the Twelve anticipated his untimely death.
Joseph was often held hostage in his own city. Exonerated from wrong-doing only to be charged anew his very notoriety and influence worked against him. He crossed the river hoping to lead a vanguard company of saints to the Rockies. Instead he submitted to the Illinois Governor's demand, and went to Carthage. Joseph's statesmanlike submission and final efforts toward peace set the stage for his people to receive triumphant blessings in the Temple. Then they sought their destiny in the uncharted west.
