Angels, Ordination, and the 144,000

Doctrine and Covenants 77 is a revelation given in March 1832 to the Prophet Joseph Smith explaining what John saw anciently about events that would take place in the days of the Restoration when the authority, keys and power would be restored. Holy angels were sent from God to ordain Joseph Smith to the Holy Priesthood and bestow upon him all necessary priesthood keys to bless the Saints of the Church in preparation for the Millennial return of the Savior Jesus Christ. Referring to events discussed in Revelation chapter 7, D&C 77:11 reads:

Q. What are we to understand by sealing the one hundred and forty-four thousand, out of all the tribes of Israel—twelve thousand out of every tribe? A. We are to understand that those  who are sealed are high priests, ordained unto the holy order of God, to administer the everlasting gospel; for they are they who are ordained out of every nation, kindred, tongue, and people, by the angels to whom is given power over the nations of the earth, to bring as many as will come to the church of the Firstborn (D&C 77:11).

Does this refer to angelic ordination outside of the authority and keys restored and existing in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints?

No.

This is clear from the words found in verse 11 and other revelations in the Doctrine & Covenants that explain how his Church is governed.

“High Priests”

The one hundred and forty-four thousand are stated to be high priests. High Priest is one of the priesthood offices of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. As is the case with other priesthood offices, High Priests do not act apart from the restored authority in the Lord’s Church. The only act in accordance with the “covenants and commandments of the Church” (D&C 107:12). Like all other officers of the Priesthood in the Church they must be sustained by common consent and under the direction of established and recognized Church authorities. “No person is to be ordained to any office in this church, where there is a regularly organized branch of the same, without the vote of that church” (D&C 20:65). Also, “Every president of the High Priesthood or presiding elder, bishop, high councilor, and high priest, is to be ordained by the direction of a high council or general conference” (D&C 20:67).

“Ordained”

The high priests spoken of are to be ordained. “We believe that a man must be called of God, by prophecy, and by the laying on of hands by those who are in authority, to preach the Gospel and administer in the ordinances thereof” (The Articles of Faith, 5). According to the revelations in the Doctrine and Covenants who can ordain to priesthood office? This requires priesthood authority. The Holy priesthood after the order of God, also known as the Melchizedek priesthood (of which the Aaronic priesthood is a lesser portion (D&C 107:1-7) is the authority through which all ordinations and ordinances must be done in order to be valid and recognized by God. “The Melchizedek Priesthood holds the right of presidency and has power and authority over all the offices in the church in all ages of the world to administer in spiritual things. The Presidency of the High Priesthood, after the order of Melchizedek, have a right to officiate in all the offices in the Church. High priests after the order of Melchizedek Priesthood have a right to officiate in their own standing under the direction of the presidency, in administering spiritual things” (D&C 107: 8-10). The President of the Church presides over all priesthood holders in the Church. “From the same comes the administering of ordinances and blessings upon the church, by the laying on of hands” (D&C 107:67). Also, “It is the duty of the Twelve also, to ordain and set in order all the other officers of the Church” (D&C 107:58). In other words, legitimate holders of the office of high priest, as with all other officers of the Church will always act under the direction and authorization of the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve, either directly, or as delegated to those who have been given authority.

“By the Angels to whom is given power”

As noted above, the revealed explanation in D&C 77:11 was given in March 1832 and is explaining what John the ancient Apostle saw about the future restoration. The revelations explain that the Lord sent angels to bestow and restore priesthood keys of authority to the Prophet Joseph Smith. These angels included John the Baptist who restored the keys of the Aaronic Priesthood and Peter James and John who restored the keys of the Melchizedek Priesthood. They also include other angels to bestow various keys, such as Moroni, Michael, Moses, Elias, Elijah the Prophet, and others to the Prophet as well (D&C 27:5-16; 110:11-16; 128:20-21). Among the most important of those keys was the sealing power restored to the Prophet Joseph Smith (D&C 128:14, 18; 132:7, 45-49).

In the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, this angelically restored priesthood authority is bestowed through those to whom has been delegated that authority through regular ordination through established and recognized Church leaders. This principle is shown in the revelations. For example, the Lord told Edward Partridge, “And I will lay my hand upon you by the hand of my servant Sidney” (D&C 36:2). In other words, the pattern given is that the Lord delegates the angelic authority restored to the Prophet Joseph Smith by the hand of his authorized servants in his established Church and kingdom. It it not bestowed outside of that authorized channel.

“To Administer the everlasting Gospel”

The high priests in question would be called to “administer the everlasting Gospel” and “bring as many as will come to the Church of the Firstborn” (D&C 77:11). In the revelation of the law for governing his Church the Lord made it clear  that “it shall not be given to any one to go forth to preach my gospel, or to build up my church, except he be ordained by some one who has authority, and it is known to the Church that he has authority and has been regularly ordained by the heads of the church” (D&C 42:11). This means that the high priests mentioned above, whatever the details of the responsibility will act under the direction of the regularly established Church leaders who have the authority to ordain and set such things in order, not by others who might take such things upon themselves or claim revelation to do so outside established lines of authority.

From the above, it is clear that whatever the details and future roles and responsibility of the one hundred and forty-four thousand high priests may be, these things will be revealed and appointed under the direction of the Lord’s authorized servants in his Church, that is the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve.

Joseph Smith and Book of Mormon Evidence from Central America

In 1842 three articles on the subject of Central America and the Book of Mormon were published in the Times and Seasons, a newspaper published at Nauvoo Illinois by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The Prophet Joseph Smith had taken over editorial responsibility of the paper in the early part of that year. At this time Church leaders and missionaries were interested in the recent publication of John Lloyd Stephens and Frederick Catherwood’s book Incidents of Travel in Central America reports of which had widely been reported in the press. While the views expressed in these articles were not presented as revelatory, they do suggest that the Joseph Smith shared an interest with his fellow Saints in these new discoveries and their potential relevance to and possible evidence for the Book of Mormon.

In recent years some have questioned Joseph Smith’s involvement in the publication of these articles. Others have gone so far as to suggest that these articles were published without his authorization or approval or were even inconsistent with what had been revealed or his views about where the Book of Mormon may have taken place.

In 2013 my colleagues Paul Fields, Atul Nepal and I published an article for the Journal of Book of Mormon and Other Restoration Scripture which included a stylometric analysis of the articles in question.

Matthew Roper, Paul J. Fields, Atul Nepal, “Joseph Smith, the Times and Seasons, and Central American Ruins,” Journal of Book of Mormon and Other Restoration Scripture 22, No. 2 (2013): 84-97.

The results of that initial study indicated that “the editorials on the Central American ruins and the Book of Mormon, published during Joseph Smith’s tenure as editor of the Times and Seasons show a strong alignment with his personal writing style and the editorials to which he signed his name” pointing to his role in their authorship. The evidence also suggested that his close associates (Apostles John Taylor and Wilford Woodruff) also may have assisted in the writing of these articles (94).

Following the publication of our article Jonathan Neville published a brief critique of our article in his book The Lost City of Zarahemla: From Iowa to Guatemala and Back Again (2015). Neville argued that the articles published in Nauvoo in 1842 should have been attributed to Benjamin Winchester, a contemporary of Joseph Smith and a Church member who later became disaffected and left the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Neville suggested that our 2013 analysis was faulty because we had not included any of the writings of Winchester in our 2013 study. Neville’s book including his criticism of the stylometric analysis led to a series of three articles that were published in Interpreter: A Journal of Latter-day Saint Faith and Scholarship. This included a 2016 expanded stylometric analysis which included Winchester and eight other contemporary Latter-day Saint writers who wrote about Central America as a possible candidates in additional to Joseph Smith, John Taylor, and Wilford Woodruff. Notably, out of these twelve potential candidates, Benjamin Winchester was shown in that analysis to be the least likely author.

Matthew Roper, “The Treason of the Geographers: Mythical Mesoamerican Conspiracy and the Book of Mormon,” Interpreter: A Journal of Latter-day Saint Faith and Scholarship 16 (2015): 161-205.

Matthew Roper, “John Bernhisel’s Gift to a Prophet: Incidents of Travel in Central America and the Book of Mormon,” Interpreter: A Journal of Latter-day Saint Faith and Scholarship 16 (2015): 207-253.

Matthew Roper, “Zarahemla Revisited,” Interpreter: A Journal of Latter-day Saint Faith and Scholarship 17 (2016): 13-63.

Our 2016 expanded stylometric analysis published in “Zarahemla Revisited” again yielded results strengthening our earlier findings that the articles on Central America and the Book of Mormon from 1842 showed the strongest alignment with Joseph Smith’s writing style. Also, though not as strong as that of Joseph Smith, as with out earlier study, notable alignment with the writing styles of John Taylor and Wilford Woodruff was also clearly apparent. This indicated again that the articles from 1842 were most likely a collaborative effort in which Joseph Smith was very much involved but was likely assisted by John Taylor and Wilford Woodruff as historical evidence had previously suggested. Claims that the 1842 Central America articles were unknown to Joseph Smith or were introduced against his will by Benjamin Winchester or some other designing individual are not supported by the stylometric evidence. Joseph Smith was clearly involved in their production.

For those who are may be interested in the findings of our study see the article "Zarahemla Revisited" mentioned above which is freely accessible through Interpreter: A Journal of Latter-day Saint Faith and Scholarship. In that article we wrote that “a list of all the texts used in the analysis is available from the authors to interested readers upon request” (41). Although we never received a response to that invitation, a list of documents used in our 2016 analysis is given below for those who may be interested.  

Joseph Smith Holographic Documents (A Convenient Collection of these may be found in Deane C. Jesse, Personal Writings of Joseph Smith, Revised edition (Salt Lake City, UT.: Deseret Book, 2002). Holographic material in this volume is indicated by bolding in the transcriptions of documents.

Holographic portions of 1832 History

Holographic Portions of Journal 1832-34

Holographic Portions of Journal 1835-36

Joseph Smith to Hyrum Smith, 3, 4 March 1831

Joseph Smith to Emma Smith, 6 June 1832

Joseph Smith to Emma Smith, 13 October 1832 

Parts of Letter to William W. Phelps, 27 November 1832

Joseph Smith to Newell K. Whitney, 1833/1834

Joseph Smith to William W. Phelps, 18 August, 1833

Joseph Smith to Emma Smith, 19 May 1834

Joseph Smith to Almira Scobey, 2 June 1835

Joseph Smith to Sally Phelps, 20 July 1835

Joseph Smith to Emma Smith, 4 November 1838 

Joseph Smith to Emma Smith, 12 November 1838

Joseph Smith to Emma Smith, 1 December 1838

Joseph Smith to Emma Smith, 21 March 1839 

Joseph Smith to Emma Smith, 4 April 1839

Joseph Smith to Henry G. Sherwood, 7 November 1839

Joseph Smith to Emma Smith, 9 November 1839

Joseph Smith to Emma Smith, 20 January 1840

Joseph Smith to the Wilkinson Family, [February 1840]

 Joseph Smith to Newell K. Whitney, 12 December 1840 

Agreement, 14 May 1841

Joseph Smith to Ebenezer Robinson, 24 February, 1842

Resolution 5 March 1842

Joseph Smith to the Whitney’s, 18 August 1842

Joseph Smith to Lucien Adams, 2 October 1843

Joseph Smith to William Clayton, 9 December 1843

Joseph Smith to Barbara Matilda Neff, May 1844

Joseph Smith to Emma Smith, 27 June 1844 (Just a paragraph in Joseph Smith’s hand)

Published Articles from the Times and Seasons Signed by Joseph Smith

 Joseph Smith, “Church History” [This is the Wentworth Letter] Times and Seasons (March 1, 1842): 706-710.

 Joseph Smith, “To the Brethren in Nauvoo City, Greeting,” Times and Seasons (March 1, 1842): 715.

 Joseph Smith, “To Subscribers” Times and Seasons (March 15, 1842): 710.

 Joseph Smith to John C. Bennett, 7 March, 1842, in Times and Seasons (March 15, 1842): 724.

 Joseph Smith, “In the last number . . .” Times and Seasons (March 15, 1842): 726.

 Joseph Smith, “To the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints . . .” Times and Seasons (July 1, 1842): 839-42.

 Joseph Smith, “To All the Saints . . .” (Times and Seasons September 15, 1842): 919-20.

 Joseph Smith, “To the Church . . .” Times and Seasons (October 1, 1842): 934-36.

 Joseph Smith, “Valedictory” Times and Seasons (November 15, 1842): 8.

 Published Articles from the Times and Seasons Signed “Editor”

 “To Subscribers” Times and Seasons (Feb 15, 1842): 696.

 “Ladies Relief Society,” Times and Seasons (April 1, 1842): 743.

 “Try the Spirits,” Times and Seasons (April 1, 1842): 743-748.

 “Baptism for the Dead” Times and Seasons (April 15, 1842): 759-61.

 “The Temple,” Times and Seasons (May 2, 1842): 775-776.

 Ed., “We have in our possession . . .” Times and Seasons (May 2, 1842): 774-75.

 “Had Mr. Ash . . .” (Times and Seasons May 2, 1842): 781-82.

 Ed., “It is very difficult . . .”  Times and Seasons (May 2, 1842): 780-81.

 Ed., “It will be seen by several extracts . . .” Times and Seasons (May 16, 1842): 790.

 “There are many things contained in the above . . .” Times and Seasons (June 15, 1842): 819-20.

 “Gift of the Holy Ghost,” Times and Seasons (June 15, 1842): 823-26.

“The above are plain matters of fact . . .” Times and Seasons (July 1, 1842): 832.

 “The Government of God” Times and Seasons (July 15, 1842): 855-58.

 “The Book of Mormon speaks of ores, swords, cities . . .” Times and Seasons (July 15, 1842): 859-60.

 “John C. Bennett,” (August 1, 1842): 868-69.

 “In regard to his being a scapegoat . . .” Times and Seasons (August 1, 1842): 878.

 “`Knowledge is Power,’” Times and Seasons (August 15, 1842): 889-90.

 “Baptism,” Times and Seasons (September 1, 1842): 903-5.

 Published Articles from the Times and Seasons Signed “Editors”

 “To the Saints of God,” Times and Seasons (October 15, 1842): 951-52.

 Published Material from the Times and Seasons Unsigned

 “The Coming of Christ” Times and Seasons (March 1, 1842): 714-715.

 “The above is from the able pen . . .” Times and Seasons (April 15, 1842): 759.

 “In Liverpool . . .” Times and Seasons (May 2, 1842): 780.

 “Elder Amos Fielding . . .” Times and Seasons (May 16, 1842): 790.

 “We had a general review . . .” Times and Seasons (May 16, 1842): 790.

 “It is asserted . . .” Times and Seasons (June 1, 1842): 806.

 “So much for the veracity . . .” Times and Seasons (June 1, 1842): 808.

 “Such then is the conduct . . .” Times and Seasons (June 1, 1842): 809.

 “We have received a letter . . .” Times and Seasons (July 1, 1842): 843.

 “Elder John E Page writes . . .” Times and Seasons (July 1, 1842): 843.

 “The whole of these affidavits . . .” Times and Seasons (August 1, 1842): 874.

 “Persecution” Times and Seasons (August 15, 1842): 886-89.

 “Notice. Since the Excitement . . .” Times and Seasons (August 15, 1842): 893.

“Opinion” Times and Seasons (September 1, 1842): 901.

 “Persecution of the Prophets,” Times and Seasons (September 1, 1842): 902-3.

 “Reply [to NY Evangelist]” Times and Seasons (September 1, 1842): 905-6.

 “Health of Nauvoo” Times and Seasons (September 1, 1842): 906.

 “Books” Times and Seasons (September 1, 1842): 908.

 “The Foregoing Extract . . .” Times and Seasons (September 15, 1842): 914-15.

 “We do not make the above extract . . .” Times and Seasons (September 15, 1842): 919.

 “Mob Law,” Times and Seasons (September 15, 1842): 920-21.

 “`Facts are Stubborn Things,’” Times and Seasons (September 15, 1842): 921-22.

 “Elder Rigdon,” Times and Seasons (September 15, 1842): 922-23.

 “To the Saints abroad,” Times and Seasons (September 15, 1842): 923.

 “Tolerable Fair,” Times and Seasons (September 15, 1842): 926.

 “Zarahemla,” Times and Seasons (October 1, 1842): 927.

 “Nauvoo,” Times and Seasons (October 1, 1842): 936-37.

 “The Temple,” Times and Seasons (October 1, 1842): 937-39.

 “Extracts of History,” Times and Seasons (October 15, 1842): 945.

 “We take pleasure . . .” Times and Seasons (October 15, 1842): 948.

 “Fallen Away,” Times and Seasons (October 15, 1842): 954-55.

 “We have extracted the above . . .” Times and Seasons (October 15, 1842): 956.

 “End of the Third Volume,” Times and Seasons (October 15, 1842): 957.

John Taylor Published Articles

John Taylor, letter, May 3, 1837, Latter-Day Saints’ Messenger and Advocate (June 1837): 513-16.

John Taylor, Manx Liberal, 17 October 1840, reprinted in Latter Day Saints’ Millennial Star (November 1840): 180-83.

John Taylor, Manx Sun, October 30 1840, reprinted in Latter Day Saints’ Millennial Star (December 1840): 197-202.

John Taylor to the Editor of the Millennial Star, 17 February 1841, Latter Day Saints’ Millennial Star (March 1841): 276-80.

John Taylor to Joseph Smith, 3 February 1841, Times and Seasons (1 May 1841): 400-2.

John Taylor Letter, 1841, Latter Day Saints’ Millennial Star (May 1841): 12-16.

John Taylor, “Valedictory,” Times and Seasons (15 November 1842): 8.

Wilford Woodruff Published Articles

Wilford Woodruff to Oliver Cowdery, 26 November, 1836, Latter-Day Saints’ Messenger and Advocate (December 1836): 421-22.

Wilford Woodruff letter, Latter-Day Saints’ Messenger and Advocate (February 1837): 449-51. 

Wilford Woodruff to Don Carlos Smith, 20 November, 1837, Elders’ Journal (November 1837): 17-19.

Wilford Woodruff to Willard Richards, 25 March, 1840

Wilford Woodruff, 29 April 1840, Times and Seasons (June 1840): 122.

Wilford Woodruff, 8 July 1840, Times and Seasons (September 1840): 167-69.

Wilford Woodruff to the Editor of the Millennial Star, 5 August 1840, Latter Day Saints’ Millennial Star (August 1840): 93.

Wilford Woodruff to E. Robinson and D.C. Smith, 7 October 1840, Times and Seasons (15 February 1841): 311-14.

Wilford Woodruff to E. Robinson and D.C. Smith, 7 October 1840 (continued), Times and Seasons (1 March 1841): 327-31.

Wilford Woodruff to E. Robinson and D.C. Smith, 29 March 1841, Times and Seasons (1 June 1841): 435.

References for Expanded List of Potential Authors as of September 2015

George J Adams

George J. Adams, 7 October 1840, Times and Seasons (November 1840): 220-21.

George J. Adams to Parley P. Pratt, 14 December 1841, Times and Seasons (15 April 1842): 755-57.

George J. Adams, 21 April 1842, Times and Seasons (15 June 1842): 826-28. 

George J. Adams to John Taylor, 11 December 1843, Times and Seasons (1 January 1844): 387-88.

G. J. Adams, A Lecture on the Authenticity & Scriptural Character of the Book of Mormon (Boston: J. E. Farwell, 1844).

John E. Page

John E. Page, “For the Chronicle: To A Disciple.” Morning Chronicle (Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania) (1 July 1842).

John E. Page, “Mormonism Concluded: To ‘A Disciple.’” Morning Chronicle (Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania) (20 July 1842).

John E. Page, “I am as well assured.” Gospel Herald, 3, No. 6 (6 Jul 1848): 64.

John E. Page, “Collateral Testimony” No 1. Gospel Herald 3, No. 24 (31 August, 1848): 108

John E. Page, “Collateral Testimony” No 2. Gospel Herald 3, No. 25 (7 September, 1848): 114-115

John E. Page, “Collateral Testimony” No 3. Gospel Herald V3 N26 (14 September , 1848): 123

John E. Page, “Collateral Testimony” No 4. Gospel Herald 3, No. 27 (21 September, 1848): 125-126 

W. W. Phelps

W. W. Phelps to Oliver Cowdery, Christmas 1834, Latter-Day Saints’ Messenger and Advocate, 1, No. 5 (February 1835): 65-67.

W. W. Phelps to Oliver Cowdery, 24 February 1835, Latter-Day Saints’ Messenger and Advocate, 1, No. 7 (April 1835): 97.

W. W. Phelps to Oliver Cowdery, 19 May 1835, Latter-Day Saints’ Messenger and Advocate, 1, No. 8 (May 1835): 114-15.

W. W. Phelps to Oliver Cowdery, June 1835, Latter-Day Saints’ Messenger and Advocate, 1, No. 9 (June 1835): 129-31.

W. W. Phelps to Oliver Cowdery, Latter-Day Saints’ Messenger and Advocate, 1, No. 10 (July 1835): 145-47.

W. W. Phelps to Oliver Cowdery, Latter-Day Saints’ Messenger and Advocate, 1, No. 12 (September 1835): 177-79.

W. W. Phelps to Oliver Cowdery, Latter-Day Saints’ Messenger and Advocate, 2, No. 1 (October 1835): 193-95.

W. W. Phelps to Oliver Cowdery, Latter-Day Saints’ Messenger and Advocate, 2, No. 2 (November 1835): 221-23.

W. W. Phelps, “Despise not Prophesyings,” Times and Seasons (1 February 1841): 297-99.

W. W. Phelps, 29 June 1840, Times and Seasons (1 February 1841): 304.

W. W. Phelps, “Pray without Ceasing,” Times and Seasons (15 June 1841): 445-47.

Orson Pratt

Orson Pratt, An Interesting Account of Several Remarkable Visions: And of the Late Discovery of Ancient American Records. Joseph W. Harrison, printer, no. 465 Pearl Street, 1841.

 Orson Pratt Letter, 23 January, 1833, Evening and Morning Star (March 1833): [78].

Orson Pratt to Oliver Cowdery, 16 February, 1835, Latter-Day Saints’ Messenger and Advocate (March 1835): 89-90.

Orson Pratt to Oliver Cowdery, 18 May, 1835, Latter-Day Saints’ Messenger and Advocate (June 1835): 139-40.

Orson Pratt letter, 18 November, 1835, Latter-Day Saints’ Messenger and Advocate (November 1835): 223-24.

Orson Pratt to Oliver Cowdery, 5 September, 1836, Latter-Day Saints’ Messenger and Advocate (October 1836): 396-97.

Parley P. Pratt

Parley P. Pratt,, A Voice of Warning and Instruction to All People: Containing a Declaration of the Faith and Doctrine of the Church of the Latter Day Saints, Commonly Called Mormons. Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, 1867, Ch 4-6 (in Joseph Smith, Jr.’s Rare Reprints, No 54 printed in 1992, Burlington, Wisconsin, pp. 121-192). 

Parley P. Pratt, letters, 26 May, 1836, Latter-Day Saints’ Messenger and Advocate (May 1836): 317-20.

Parley P. Pratt, letter, 3 October, 1837, Elders’ Journal (October 1837): 8-9.

Parley P. Pratt, “To the Public,” Elders’ Journal (August 1838): 50-51.

Parley P. Pratt to Sidney Rigdon, 8 January, 1841, Times and Seasons (1 April 1841): 364-65.

Parley P. Pratt, “A Letter to the Queen of England,” Times and Seasons (15 November 1841): 593-96.

Parley P. Pratt, “To the Leaders and Members of the Church in Nauvoo . . .” 12 August 1841, Times and Seasons (15 December 1841): 623-25.

Parley P. Pratt, “Ruins in Central America” Latter-day Saints’ Millennial Star, 2, no. 11 (March 1842): 161–65.

William Smith

William Smith, “Evidences for the Book of Mormon,” Latter-Day Saints’ Messenger and Advocate (December 1836): 423-35.

William Smith to D. C. Smith, Times and Seasons (15 December 1840): 252-53.

William Smith, “`Infatuated and Deluded Sect,’” Times and Seasons (15 February 1841): 314-16.

William Smith to D. C. Smith, 8 May 1841, Times and Seasons (15 June 1841): 444-45.

William Smith to W W Phelps, Times and Seasons 1 Jan 1845, (original erroneously had 1844), V5 No 24, pp. 755-757.

Erastus Snow

Erastus Snow, E. Snow's Reply to the Self-Styled Philanthropist of Chester County (Philadelphia, 1840).

Erastus Snow, Letter, 30 December, 1836, Latter-Day Saints’ Messenger and Advocate (December 1836): 440. 

Erastus Snow to Don Carlos Smith, 2 December 1837, Elders’ Journal (November 1837): 22-23.

Erastus Snow, 31 October 1840, Times and Seasons (15 October 1840): 221.

Erastus Snow to E. Robinson, 10 October 1841, Times and Seasons (15 November 1841): 602-4.

Charles B. Thompson

Charles Thompson, Evidences in Proof of the Book of Mormon, being a Divinely Inspired Record, Written by the Forefathers of the Natives whom we call Indians, (Who are a remnant of the tribe of Joseph,) and Hid Up in the Earth, But come Forth in Fulfilment of Prophecy for the Gathering of Israel and the Re-Establishing of the Kingdom of God upon the Earth. Together with all the Objections Commonly urged Against It, Answered and Refuted—To which is added a Proclamation and Warning to the Gentiles who Inhabit America (Batavia, New York: D.D. Waite, 1841).

Benjamin Winchester

Benjamin Winchester, An Examination of a Lecture: delivered by the Rev. H. Perkins, on the religious opinions and faith of the Latter-day Saints, and some of his most prominent errors and misstatements corrected (1840).

Benjamin Winchester  1841 03 01 “Intro to Subject of the Book of Mormon” Gospel Reflector V1 N5 pp 97-120.

Benjamin Winchester 1841 03 15 “Claims of the Book of Mormon Established” Gospel Reflector V1 N6 pp 121-128.