RELIEF SOCIETY LESSON 10/18/09
CHAPTER 43: "He Was a Prophet of God" Contemporaries of Joseph Smith Testify of His Prophetic Mission

This lesson is full of beautiful testimonials of Joseph Smith. When you study it, you can really get a feel of what he was like, his true character. One of my favorite quotes was given by Parley P. Pratt which states: "President Joseph Smith was in person tall and well built, strong and active; of a light complexion, light hair, blue eyes, very little beard, and of an expression peculiar to himself...His countenance was ever mild, affable beaming with intelligence and benevolence; mingled with a look of interest and an unconscious smile, or cheerfulness, and entirely free from all restraint or affectation of gravity; and there was something connected with the serene and steady penetrating glance of his eye, as if he would penetrate the deepest abyss of the human heart, gaze into eternity, penetrate the heavens, and comprehend all worlds. He possessed a noble boldness and independence of character; his manner was easy and familiar; his rebuke terrible as the lion; his benevolence unbounded as the ocean; his intelligence universal."

The more we study the Prophet Joseph, the more we can learn how to become closer with our Savior. His life was dedicated to doing the Lord's will. Joseph L. Robinson stated, "He truly had been educated in the things pertaining to the kingdom of God." Sister Richey talked of how there is such reference to being public schooled and homeschooled, but Joseph was "Heaven Schooled". I want to be "Heaven Schooled", and become more like Joseph Smith who was always striving to be like our Savior.

Elisha Jones