Praising the Prophet     Joseph Smith and the Restoration in History and Verse




“These words make an indelible impression. They will wind their way into your heart and stay there forever.”
Karen Keith Gibson, Award Winning Poet




“What a breath of fresh air! Poetic, historic insights that make you want to gaze into those magnificent blue eyes and heartily shake the hand of Brother Joseph”
Patrick St. Clair, Author.




“Sharon's talents as a careful researcher and gifted poet are
amply evident in this collection.”
Grant Underwood, BYU Professor of History, and Research Historian for the Joseph
Fielding Smith Institute for Latter-day Saint History.




This book is a significant contribution to the
literature surrounding the life of the Prophet. Roger K.Petersen, Author, PhD.

To view excerpts from the book (without footnotes), click on links below:

  1. Sharon Vermont — “Birthplace”
  2. Joseph’s Mission to Canada — “Who Will Listen?”
  3. The Work Continues — “On Nauvoo’s Hill”

Note: Copies of Birthplace, Who Will Listen? and On Nauvoo’s Hill may be made for incidental non-defamatory and non-commercial church or home use. 

Joseph’s Mission to Canada

Even before the Church was organized the Lord had instructed those who knew of the glorious events that were taking place to share the good news with others. In February 1831 He declared, “Ye shall go forth in the power of my Spirit, preaching my gospel, two by two, in my name, lifting up your voices as with the sound of a trump, declaring my word like unto angels of God.” During the Kirtland years, many of the brethren, including Joseph himself, left their families and homes to share the story of the Restoration with family and friends, as well as with strangers.

Fourteen times between 1831 and 1838 Joseph left Kirtland to preach the gospel. In the fall of 1833 he went to Upper Canada with Sidney Rigdon where he spoke to a group of people in the Nickerson home in Mount Pleasant. Lydia Bailey Knight who heard them speak described the experience.

. . . rumors of a new prophet and a “golden bible” had reached Mount Pleasant. . . The Prophet commenced by relating the scenes of his early life. He told how the angel visited him, of his finding the plates and the translation of them, and gave a short account of the matter contained in the Book of Mormon. As the speaker continued his wonderful narrative, I was listening and watching him intently. I saw his face become white and a shining glow seemed to beam from every feature.

Then, as now, those who were seeking the truth recognized the Book of Mormon as the word of God and Joseph Smith as His prophet.

Who Will Listen?

Declaring the Book
that testifies
Jesus is the Christ,
the Eternal God,
Joseph preaches
treasured pages.

Prophetic words
once etched in gold
compass the truth,
covenant the righteous,
plant promises of peace.

Pointing the way
to God’s presence,
ancient writings
keystone His Church,
scripture the past,
purpose the future.
They perish learning
of the worldly-wise,
kindle a faith
that forever changes
hearts and lives.

And the Book of Mormon and the holy scriptures are given of me for your instruction; and the power of my Spirit quickeneth all things (D&C 33:16).

Copyright 2005 Sharon Price Anderson