Joseph Smith Sermons of 1838

Date: 15 March 1838 (Thursday)

Location: Far West, Missouri, USA

Source: Ebenezer Robinson Record (Far West Record, 151)

President Joseph Smith jr gave a history of the ordination of David Whitmer, which took place in July 1834, to be a leader, or a prophet to this Church, which (ordination) was on conditions that he (J.Smith jr) did not live to God himself.

President J. Smith Jr. approved of the proceedings of the High Council, after hearing the minutes of the former Councils.

Date: 7 April 1838 (Saturday)

Location: Far West, Missouri, USA

Source: Ebenezer Robinson Record (Far West Record, 159)

President Joseph Smith jr made some remarks, also gave some instruction respecting the order of the day. . . . President Joseph Smith jr arose and addressed the congregation, at considerable length, on some important items.

Date: 8 April 1838 (Sunday)

Location: Far West, Missouri, USA

Source: Ebenezer Robinson Record (Far West Record, 161)

President Joseph jr made a few remarks respecting the Kirtland Bank. . .

President Joseph Smith jr next made a few remarks on the word of wisdom, giving the reason of its coming forth, saying it should be observed.

Date: 12 April 1838 (Thursday)

Location: At a Meeting of the Far West, Missouri High Council, Far West, Missouri, USA

Source: Ebenezer Robinson Record (Far West Record, 167-68)

George W. Harris testifies that one evening last fall O. Cowdery was at his house together with Joseph Smith jr, and Thomas B. Marsh, when a conversation took place between Joseph Smith jr & O. Cowdery, when he seemed to insinuate that Joseph Smith jr was guilty of adultery, but when the question was put, if he (Joseph) had ever acknowledged to him that he was guilty of such a thing; when he [Oliver] answered No.

David W. Patten testifies, that he went to Oliver Cowdery to enquire of him if a certain story was true respecting J. Smith's committing adultery with a certain girl, when he turned on his heel and insinuated as though he [Joseph] was guilty; he then went on and gave a history of some circumstances respecting the adultery scrape stating that no doubt it was true. Also said that Joseph told him, he had confessed to Emma.

Thomas B. Marsh testifies that while in Kirtland last summer, David W. Patten asked Oliver Cowdery if he Joseph Smith jr had confessed to his wife that he was guilty of adultery with a certain girl, when Oliver Cowdery cocked up his eye very knowingly and hesitated to answer the question, saying he did not know as he was bound to answer the question yet conveyed the idea that it was true. Last fall after Oliver came to this place he heard a conversation take place between Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery when J. Smith asked him if he [Joseph] had ever confessed to him that he was guilty of adultery, when after a considerable winking &c. he said No. Joseph then asked him if he ever told him that he confessed to any body, when he answered No.

Joseph Smith jr testifies that Oliver Cowdery had been his bosom friend, therefore he intrusted him with many things. He then gave a history respecting the girl business.

Date: 6 May 1838 (Sunday)

Location: Far West, Missouri, USA

Source: George W. Robinson Record in the "Scriptory Book"

This day, President Smith. delivered a discourse. to the people. showing forth the evils that existed, and would exist, by reason of hasty Judgement or dessisions [decisions] upon any subject, given by any people or in judgeing before they hear both sides of the question, He also cautioned them against men, who should come here whining and growling about their money, because they had helpt the Saints and bore some of the burden with others. and thus thinking that others, (who are still poorer and who have still bore greater burden than themselves) aught to make up their loss &c. And thus he cautioned them to beware of them for here and there they throw out foul insinuations, to level as it were a dart to the best interests of the Church, & if possible to destroy the Characters of its Presidency

He also instructed the Church, in the Mistories of the Kingdom of God; giving them a history of the Plannets &c. and of Abrahams writings upon the Plannettary System &c. In the after part of the day Prest. Smith spoke upon different Subjects he dwelt some upon the Subject of Wisdom, & upon the word of Wisdom. &c.