REMINISCENCES

OF

Joseph, the Prophet

And the Coming Forth of

The Book of Mormon

By Elder Edward Stevenson

Of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

Illustrated

Salt Lake City, Utah

Published By The Author

1893

[p.2]

Preface

In presenting this pamphlet of Reminiscences to the public, the Authordesires to explain the circumstances that induced him to issue it.While delivering a series of illustrated lectures in the varioustabernacles and public halls throughout the Territory--and whichwere repeated on more than 200 different occasions--the Author wasearnestly solicited to publish the lectures, including engravings ofthe paintings, in the form in which they now appear.

Having become convinced from the great interest taken in the lectures,that they were productive of much good, the Author finally determinedto submit the lectures to the public.

The Author having been personally acquainted with the Prophet JosephSmith, and having been with him in many of his trying experiences,desires to add his testimony to the truth of the work inaugurated byhim, under instructions from the Almighty, and hopes that the incidentsherein related will induce many to investigate this great and importantwork; for he that judgeth without investigation is unwise.

Respectfully,
The Author.

[p.3]

Reminiscences

of

Joseph, The Prophet

Chapter 1

The Mighty Messenger of the Latter-day Dispensation—A Brief Record of a Life fraught with Matchless Heroism, under all manner of Persecution, Trials, Imprisonment, Hardships and finally Martyrdom.

Joseph Smith, the Prophet

Joseph Smith, the Prophet.

The picture herewith presented is one of the few produced of theProphet Joseph Smith. It is here reproduced from one published inHarper’s Pictorial many years ago and now makes its appearance forthe second time. Although it is only a wood cut, there are in it sometrue lines and features of the Prophet when he was about the age oftwenty-six. At this early period the science of photography was butin its infancy and pictures of prominent men were neither so correctnor plentiful as at the present time. It is, indeed, very proper anddesirable to preserve the best pictures of those who have proventhemselves the benefactors of our country, and more especially so ofhim who was chosen and ordained of God to give light and truth andeternal blessings to mankind.

Of the few likenesses of our martyred Prophet placed before the [p.4] public,there has been one presented by his son (Joseph Smith, Jr.), whichpurports to be a copy or fac simile of a painting which was evidentlytaken when he was quite young. It is a front view and, in somerespects, bears a striking resemblan

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