History of the Prophet Joseph, by His MotherSmith, Lucy
History
History of the Prophet Joseph, by His Mother
Smith, Lucy
Smith, Joseph, Jr., 1805-1844
"I thought," said he, "I was traveling in an open, desolate field,
which appeared to be very barren. As I was thus traveling, the
thought suddenly came into my mind that I had better stop and
reflect upon what I was doing, before I went any further. So I
asked myself, 'What motive can I have in traveling here, and what
place can this be?' My guide, who was by my side, as before, said,
'This is the desolate world; but travel on.' The road was so broad
and barren, that I wondered why I should travel in it; for, said
I to myself, 'Broad is the road, and wide is the gate that leads
to death, and many there be that walk therein; but narrow is the
way, and strait is the gate that leads to everlasting life, and
few there be that go in thereat.' Traveling a short distance
further, I came to a narrow path. This path I entered, and, when
I had traveled a little way in it, I beheld a beautiful stream
of water, which ran from the east to the west. Of this stream, I
could see neither the source nor yet the mouth; but as far as my
eyes could extend I could see a rope, running along the bank of it,
about as high as a man could reach, and beyond me, was a low, but
very pleasant valley, in which stood a tree, such as I had never
seen before. It was exceedingly handsome, insomuch that I looked
upon it with wonder and admiration. Its beautiful branches spread
themselves somewhat like an umbrella, and it bore a kind of fruit,
in shape much like a chestnut bur, and as white as snow, or, if
possible, whiter. I gazed upon the same with considerable interest,
and as I was doing so, the burs or shells commenced opening and
shedding their particles, or the fruit which they contained, which
was of dazzling whiteness. I drew near, and began to eat of it, and
I found it delicious beyond description. As I was eating, I said
in my heart, 'I cannot eat this alone, I must bring my wife and
children, that they may partake with me.' Accordingly, I went and
brought my family, which consisted of a wife and seven children,
and we all commenced eating, and praising God for this blessing.
We were exceedingly happy, insomuch that our joy could not easily
be expressed. While thus engaged, I beheld a spacious building
standing opposite the valley which we were in, and it appeared to
reach to the very heavens. It was full of doors and windows, and
they were all filled with people, who were very finely dressed.
When these people observed us in the low valley, under the tree,
they pointed the finger of scorn at us, and treated us with all
manner of disrespect and contempt. But their contumely we utterly
disregarded. I presently turned to my guide, and inquired of him
the meaning of the fruit that was so delicious. He told me it was
the pure love of God, shed abroad in the hearts of all those who
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