I conducted a poll recently on the greatest LDS missionary of all times. Joseph Smith received so far the most amount of votes. I am not sure other than the "No unhallowed hand can stop" quote that I have heard many doctrinal statements over the LDS pulpit that speakers have shared by the Prophet Joseph Smith.
The interesting thing was that thirty years ago I heard more things quoted by Joseph Smith than I do today. I don't know if the younger generation have not been exposed to him until the past year's priesthood/relief society use of his teachings or if it could be some other reason. I think we should be versed in the teachings of the man we consider the greatest Prophet of this dispensation.
I am glad they are going to release the Joseph Smith Papers soon so we can reacquaint ourselves with his life and teachings. I recently applied to work on the papers and received an editing test, it was a killer of a test but I think I did a fairly passable job. I haven't heard back from them whether I will be involved but I will blog about that either way later. It is an honor to even be considered. I noticed they have more chiefs than Indians so I would make a good worker.
Just to prove I'm not whacked out, here is a copy of the email:
From: "Deborah Bradford"
To: "tenbrunos@yahoo.com"
Date: Thu, 31 Jul 2008 15:01:47 -0600
Subject: Proofreading test
Hello,
The Joseph Smith Papers team would like to arrange for you to take a proofreading test. Do you have a fax number we could send it to?
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NOTICE: This email message is for the sole use of the intended recipient(s) and may contain confidential and privileged information. Any unauthorized review, use, disclosure or distribution is prohibited. If you are not the intended recipient, please contact the sender by reply email and destroy all copies of the original message.
I have compiled in to this post all his missionary quotes that I could find. If you have more please add them as comments at the end of the post.
Here goes:
The Standard of Truth has been erected; no unhallowed hand can stop the work from progressing; persecutions may rage, mobs may combine, armies may assemble, calumny may defame, but the truth of God will go forth boldly, nobly, and independent, till it has penetrated every continent, visited every clime, swept every country, and sounded in every ear; till the purposes of God shall be accomplished, and the great Jehovah shall say the work is done. (Joseph Smith, Jr., History of the Church, Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 1978, 4:536).
We don’t ask any people to throw away any good they have got; we only ask them to come and get more. (Joseph Smith, Jr., History of the Church, History of the Church, Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1978, 5:259).
Have the Presbyterians any truth? Yes. Have the Baptists, Methodists, etc., any truth? Yes. They all have a little truth mixed with error. We should gather all the good and true principles in the world and treasure them up, or we shall not come out true 'Mormons. (Joseph Smith Jr., quoted in Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, ed. Joseph Fielding Smith, Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 1976. p. 316).
I ask how righteousness and truth are going to sweep the earth...I will answer. Men and angels are going to be co-workers in bringing to pass this great work. (Joseph Smith, Jr., History of the Church, Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1978, 2:260).
Take Jacob Zundell and Frederick H. Maeser, and tell them never to drink of ale, wine, or any spirit, only that which flows right out from the presence of God; and send them to Germany; and when you meet with an Arab, send him to Arabia; when you find an Italian, send him to Italy; and a Frenchman, to France; or an Indian, that is suitable, send him among the Indians. Send them to the different places where they belong. Send somebody to Central America and to all Spanish America; and don't let a single corner of the earth go without a mission. (Joseph Smith, Jr., History of the Church, Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1978, 5:368).
But now, the gloomy cloud is burst, and the gospel is shining with all the resplendent glory of an apostolic day; and that the kingdom of the Messiah is greatly spreading, that the gospel of the Lord is carried to divers nations of the earth, the scriptures translating into different tongues; the ministers of truth crossing the vast deep to proclaim to men in darkness a risen Savior, and to erect the standard of Emmanuel where light has never shone; and that the idol is destroyed, the temple of images forsaken; and those who but a short time previous followed the traditions of their fathers and sacrificed their own flesh to appease the wrath of some imaginary god, are now raising their voices in the worship of the Most High, and are lifting their thoughts up to him with the full expectation that one day they will meet with a joyful reception in his everlasting Kingdom! (Joseph Smith, Jr., History of the Church, Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1978, 2:6).
After all that has been said, the greatest and most important duty is to preach the Gospel. (History of the Church, 2:478).
It should be the duty of the elder to stand up boldly for the cause of Christ, and warn the people with one accord to repent and be baptized for the remission of sins, and for the Holy Ghost; always commanding them in the name of the Lord in the spirit of meekness. (Joseph Smith, Jr., History of the Church, Salt Lake City, Deseret Book Co., 1978, 2:262).
From a retrospect of the requirements of the servants of God to preach the Gospel. . . .if a Priest understands his duty, his calling, and ministry, and preaches by the Holy Ghost, his enjoyment is as great as if he were one of the Presidency; and his services are necessary in the body, as are also those of Teacher and Deacons. (Joseph Smith, Jr., History of the Church, Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 1978, 2:478).
Baptism is a sign to God, to angels, and to heaven that we do the will of God, and there is no other way beneath the heavens whereby God hath ordained for man to come to Him to be saved, and enter into the kingdom of God, except faith in Jesus Christ, repentance, and baptism for the remission of sins...; then you have the promise of the gift of the Holy Ghost." (History of the Church, 4:555).
Nothing is so much calculated to lead people to forsake sin as to take them by the hand, and watch over them with tenderness. When persons manifest the least kindness and love to me, O what power it has over my mind, while the opposite course has a tendency to harrow up all the harsh feelings and depress the human mind. (Joseph Smith, Jr., Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 1976, p. 24).
Every man who has a calling to minister to the inhabitants of the world was ordained to that very purpose in the Grand Council of heaven before this world was. (Joseph Smith, Jr., History of the Church, Salt Lake City: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1902, 6:364).
Oh, ye elders of Israel, hearken to my voice; and when you are sent into the world to preach, tell those things you are sent to tell; preach and cry aloud, “Repent ye, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand; repent and believe the Gospel.” Declare the first principles, and let mysterious alone, lest ye be overthrown. Never meddle with the visions of beasts and subjects you do not understand. (Joseph Smith, Jr., Conference Report, 8 April 1843 quoted in The Mind and Will of the Lord—Joseph Smith, compiled and indexed by Harold B. Pease, Taft, CA.: WestWood Book, 2001, p. 142).
Awake to righteousness, and sin not; let your light shine, and show yourselves workmen that need not be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. Apply yourselves diligently to study, that your minds may be stored with all necessary information. (Joseph Smith, Jr., Discourses of the Prophet Joseph Smith, comp. Joseph Fielding Smith. Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 1986, p. 176).
The gift of tongues by the power of the Holy Ghost in the Church is for the benefit of the servants of God to preach to unbelievers, as on the day of Pentecost. When devote men from every nation shall assemble to hear the things of God, let the Elders preach to them in their mother tongue, whether it is German, French, Spanish, or Irish. (Joseph Smith, History of the Church Salt Lake City: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1902, Vol. 4:485).
Also, I saw Elder Brigham Young standing in a strange land, in the far south and west, in a desert place, upon a rock in the midst of about a dozen men of color, who appeared hostile. He was preaching to them in their own tongue. (Joseph Smith, History of the Church [Salt Lake City: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1902], Vol. 2:238).
First, it becomes an elder when he is traveling through the world, warning the inhabitants of the earth to gather together, that they may be built up an holy city unto the Lord, instead of commencing with children....they should commence their labors with parents, or guardians; and their teachings should be such as are calculated to turn the hearts of the fathers to children, and the hearts of the children to the fathers; and no influence should be used with children, contrary to the consent of their parents or guardians....And if children embrace the gospel, and their parents or guardians are unbelievers, teach them to stay at home and be obedient to their parents or guardians, if they require it; but if they consent to let them gather with the people of God, let them do so, and there shall be no wrong; and let all things be done carefully and righteously and God will extend all such his guardian care.
And secondly, it is the duty of elders, when they enter into any house, to let their labors and warning voice be unto the master of that house; and if he receive the gospel, then he may extend his influence to his wife also, with consent, that peradventure she may receive the gospel; but if a man receive not the gospel, but gives his consent that his wife may receive it, and she believes, then let her receive it. But if a man forbid his wife, or his children, before they are of age, to receive the gospel, then it should be the duty of the elder to go his way, and use no influence against him, and let the responsibility be upon his head; shake off the dust of thy feet as a testimony against him, and thy skirts shall then be clear of their souls....Thirdly, it should be the duty of an elder, when he enters into a house, to salute the master of that house, and if he gain his consent, then he may preach to all that are in that house; but if he gain not his consent, let him not go unto his slaves or servants, but let the responsibility be upon the head of the master of that house, and the consequences thereof. (Joseph Smith, Jr., History of the Church, Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 1978, 2:262-263).
Souls are as precious in the sight of God as they ever were; and the Elders were never called to drive any down to hell, but to persuade and invite all men everywhere to repent, that they may become the heirs of salvation. It is the acceptable year of the Lord: liberate the captives that they may sing hosannas. (Joseph Smith, Jr., Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 1938, p. 77).
The Elders would go forth, and each must stand for himself... to go in all meekness, in sobriety, and preach Jesus Christ and him crucified; not to with others on account of their faith, or systems of religion, but pursue a steady course. This I delivered by way of commandment; and all who observe it not, will pull down persecution upon their heads, while those who do, shall always be filled with the Holy Ghost; this I pronounced as a prophecy, and sealed with hosanna and amen. (Joseph Smith, Jr., History of the Church, Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1978, 2:431).
Let the elders be exceedingly careful about unnecessarily disturbing and harrowing up the feelings of the people. Remember that your business is to preach the Gospel in all humility and meekness, and warn sinners to repent and come to Christ. Avoid contentions and vain disputes with men of corrupt minds who do not desire to know the truth. Remember that 'it is a day of warning, and not a day of many words.' If they receive not your testimony in one place, flee to another, remembering to cast no reflections, nor throw out any bitter sayings. If you do your duty, it will be just as well with you, as though all men embraced the Gospel. (Joseph Smith, Jr., Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 1976, p. 176).
Seek to help save souls, not to destroy them: for verily you know, that 'there is more joy in heaven, over one sinner that repents, than there is over ninety and nine just persons that need no repentance.' Strive not about the mysteries of the kingdom; cast not your pearls before swine, give not the bread of the children to dogs, lest you and the children should suffer, and you thereby offend your righteous Judge. (Joseph Smith, Jr., Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 1976, p. 172).
When we arrived, some of the young elders were about engaging in a debate on the subject of miracles. The question-'Was it, or was it not, the design of Christ to establish his Gospel by miracles?' After an interesting debate of three hours or more, during which time much talent was displayed, it was decided, by the president of the debate, in the negative, which was a righteous decision. I discovered in this debate, much warmth displayed, too much zeal for mastery, too much of that enthusiasm that characterizes a lawyer at the bar, who is determined to defend his cause, right or wrong. I therefore availed myself of this favorable opportunity to drop a few words upon this subject, by way of advice, that they might improve their minds and cultivate their powers of intellect in a proper manner, that they might not incur the displeasure of heaven; that they should handle sacred things very sacredly, and with due deference to the opinions of others, and with an eye single to the glory of God. (Joseph Smith, Jr., Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 1976, pp. 176-177).
Preach short sermons, make short prayers, deliver your sermon with a prayerful heart, and you will be blessed, and the truth will prosper in your hands. (Joseph Smith Jr., to 17-year-old George A. Smith who was called on a mission, cited in Elders Journal, 4:108).
Remember that your business is to preach the gospel in all humility and meekness, and warn sinners to repent and come to Christ. Avoid contentions and vain disputes with men of corrupt minds, who do not desire to know the truth. (D&C 10:62-63). Remember that "it is a day of warning, and not a day of many words" (D&C 63:58). If they receive not your testimony in one place, flee to another, remembering to cast no reflections, nor throw out any bitter sayings. If you do your duty, it will be just as well with you, as though all men embraced the gospel. (Joseph Smith, Jr., History of the Church, Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1978, 1:468).
Oh, ye elders of Israel, hearken to my voice; and when you are sent into the world to preach, tell those things you are sent to tell; preach and cry aloud, "Repent ye, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand; repent and believe the gospel." Declare the first principles, and let mysteries alone, lest ye be overthrown. Never meddle with the visions of beasts and subjects you do not understand. Elder Brown, when you go to Palmyra, say nothing about the four beasts, but preach those things the Lord has told you to preach about--repentance and baptism for the remission of sins. (Joseph Smith, Jr., History of the Church, Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1978, 5:344).
You might as well baptize a bag of sand as a man, if not done in view of the remission of sins and getting of the Holy Ghost. Baptism by water is but half a baptism, and is good for nothing without the other half—that is, the baptism of the Holy Ghost” (History of the Church, 5:499).
The baptism of water, without the baptism of fire and the Holy Ghost attending it, is of no use; they are necessarily and inseparably connected” (History of the Church, 6:316).
Baptism by the water is but half a baptism, and is good for nothing without the other half—that is, the baptism of the Holy Ghost. (Joseph Smith, Jr. History of the Church 5:499).
If thou wilt lead a soul unto salvation...thou must commune with God. (Joseph Smith, Jr., Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 1976, p. 137).
Faith comes by hearing the word of God, through the testimony of the servants of God; that testimony is always attended by the Spirit of prophecy and revelation. (History of the Church Vol. 3, page 379).
Tell the brethren to be humble and faithful and be sure to keep the Spirit of the Lord, that it will lead them aright. Be careful and not turn away the still, small voice; it will teach them what to do and where to go; it will yield the fruits of the kingdom. Tell the brethren to keep their hearts open to conviction, so that when the Holy Ghost comes to them their hearts will be ready to receive it. They can tell the Spirit of the Lord from all other spirits—it will whisper peace and joy to their souls; it will take malice, hatred, strife and all evil from their hearts, and their whole desire will be to do good. (Joseph Smith, Juvenile Instructor, [19 July 1873]: 114).
It is a time-honored adage that love begets love. Let us pour forth love—show forth our kindness unto all mankind, and the Lord will reward us with everlasting increase; cast our bread upon the waters and we shall receive it after many days, increased to a hundredfold. Friendship is like Brother Turley in his blacksmith shop welding iron to iron; it unites the human family with its happy influences. (Joseph Smith, Jr., History of the Church, Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 1978, 5:517).
I told the brethren that the Book of Mormon was the most correct of any book on earth, and the keystone of our religion, and a man would get nearer to God by abiding by its precepts, than by any other book." (History of the Church, 4:461).
The Prophet felt that the field of souls was white for harvest and that it was incumbent upon him to thrust in his sickle and gather the honest-in-heart. On the 5th day of October, 1833, he departed from Kirtland upon a missionary journey to Canada, in company with Sidney Rigdon and Freeman A. Nickerson. At various places on the road, they stopped and proclaimed the world of the Lord unto the inhabitants. In some villages they found God-fearing men and women who were praying for the light and were willing to obey when the simple gospel was presented before the eyes of their understanding. On the 12th day of October they arrived at Perrysburg, New York, where they halted for a little time. Here the Prophet received a revelation (See D&C 100) in which the Lord instructed him that Zion must be chastened for a season, although she would finally be redeemed. (George Q. Cannon, Life of Joseph Smith the Prophet, Salt Lake City: Deseret News Press, 1907, p. 142).
If you have a great Joseph Smith quote from primary sources be sure to put it in a comment below.
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