Title Page

Introduction vii

Historical Summary xiv

The Life and Ministry of Joseph Smith 1

1 The First Vision: The Father and the Son Appear to Joseph Smith 27

2 God the Eternal Father 37

3 Jesus Christ, the Divine Redeemer of the World 45

4 The Book of Mormon: Keystone of Our Religion 57

5 Repentance 69

6 The Mission of John the Baptist 79

7 Baptism and the Gift of the Holy Ghost 89

8 The Everlasting Priesthood 101

9 Gifts of the Spirit 115

10 Prayer and Personal Revelation 125

11 The Organization and Destiny of the True and Living Church 135

12 Proclaim Glad Tidings to All the World 149

13 Obedience: "When the Lord Commands, Do It" 159

14 Words of Hope and Consolation at the Time of Death 171

15 Establishing the Cause of Zion 183

16 Revelation and the Living Prophet 193

17 The Great Plan of Salvation 207

18 Beyond the Veil: Life in the Eternities 217

19 Stand Fast through the Storms of Life 227

20 A Heart Full of Love and Faith: The Prophet's Letters to His Family 239

21 The Second Coming and the Millennium 249

22 Gaining Knowledge of Eternal Truths 261

23 "How Good and How Pleasant It Is . . . to Dwell Together in Unity" 271

24 Leading in the Lord's Way 281

25 Truths from the Savior's Parables in Matthew 13 293

26 Elijah and the Restoration of the Sealing Keys 307

27 Beware the Bitter Fruits of Apostasy 315

28 Missionary Service: A Holy Calling, a Glorious Work 327

29 Living with Others in Peace and Harmony 339

30 Valiant in the Cause of Christ 349

31 "God Shall Be with You Forever and Ever": The Prophet in Liberty Jail 359

32 Responding to Persecution with Faith and Courage 369

33 The Spiritual Gifts of Healing, Tongues, Prophecy, and Discerning of Spirits 379

34 The Power of Forgiving 391

35 Redemption for the Dead 401

36 Receiving the Ordinances and Blessings of the Temple 413

37 Charity, the Pure Love of Christ 423

38 The Wentworth Letter 435

39 Relief Society: Divine Organization of Women 449

40 How Glorious Are Faithful, Just, and True Friends 459

41 Becoming Saviors on Mount Zion 469

42 Family: The Sweetest Union for Time and for Eternity 479

43 "He Was a Prophet of God": Contemporaries of Joseph Smith Testify of His Prophetic Mission 493

44 The Restoration of All Things: The Dispensation of the Fulness of Times 507

45 Joseph Smith's Feelings about His Prophetic Mission 517

46 The Martyrdom: The Prophet Seals His Testimony with His Blood 529

47 "Praise to the Man": Latter-day Prophets Bear Witness of the Prophet Joseph Smith 541

Appendix: Sources Used in This Book 558

List of Visuals 565

Index 568