What's In This Blog

I created this blog for my journal. I am a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. In this blog I keep many of the things I come across as a member of the church. I also share my experiences on the ACE Train and getting to work, my experiences in Manteca where we have lived for three years, and other things I think are noticeable.
Showing posts with label Jerry Harston. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Jerry Harston. Show all posts

Thursday, January 28, 2016

Book Review: Joseph Smith and the Priesthood: Why Heavenly father Gives Us His Power and Authority

Joseph Smith and the Priesthood, By jay A. Parry illustrated by Jerry Harston, Liahona Publisher, Salt Lake City, Utah, 1979.
This is an interesting book, geared for children, about the restoration of the priesthood.  It tells the story of the restoration of the Aaronic Priesthood very succinctly.  It tells a story with regards to the restoration of the Melchizedek priesthood which I had never heard before.  It tells that Oliver and Joseph were running away from a mob intent on taking their lives and putting an end to the new religion.  The fled into a wood, which became very dark.  the struggled all night.  As the sun was coming up the next day, Oliver asked Joseph how long would there be persecutions.  At this moment a light appeared and Peter James and John who restored the Melchizedek Priesthood and called Oliver and Joseph as apostles.
As I had never heard this story, and this is a children's book, I wondered if it could be true.  The story is attributed to Brother Addison Everett.  He said it was told to him by Joseph Smith shortly before the martyrdom.  However he did not relate the story until some 38 years later, and then he was in his seventies.  So this is a witnessed account, but the reliability of the witness may be in question.  
This article linked from lds.org spends considerable time discussing the date of the restoration.  It concludes it had to take place between 16 May and 29 May 1829; the day after the restoration of the Aaronic Priesthood until Joseph and Oliver left the Susquehanna area due to persecution.

Wednesday, October 14, 2015

Mormon Book Review: My First Church History Stories

My First Church History Stories, retold by: Deanna Draper Buck, Illustrated by Jerry Harston and Leslie Harston, Deseret Book, Salt Lake City, Utah, 1999.
The brief stories in this book are well told, and include many tidbits about church history.  Of course included are some of the major events such as Joseph Smith's first vision, the visit of the Angel Moroni, and the restoration of the church and the priesthood.  Lesser known stories that are also included are: the healing of a boys hip after he was shot by a member of a mob, two young women who gathered and saved many pages of the Book of Commandments.  They hid in a cornfield.  The martyrdom of the prophet, and exodus form Nauvoo are included.  The pioneers moving west, and the story of the seagulls eating the crickets are exciting stories.  The book also includes a look at the present-day church with temples and prophets.