The complete and unabridged First Edition of "History of Joseph Smith by His Mother." Originally published in 1853 under the title "Biographical Sketches of Joseph Smith, the Prophet, and His Progenitors for Many Years." "The following pages, embracing biographical sketches and the genealogy of Joseph Smith, the Prophet, and his Progenitors, were mostly written previous to the death of the Prophet, and under his personal inspection. "Most of the historical items and occurrences related [will] be exceedingly interesting to all Saints, and sincere inquirers after the Truth, affording them the privilege of becoming more extensively acquainted with the private life and character of one of the greatest Prophets that ever lived upon the earth. Independent of this, the events which have occurred in connection with the history of this remarkable family, are, in themselves, of the most marvellous kind, and of infinite importance in their bearings upon the present and future generations. "No events that have happened since the first advent of our Saviour, are of more thrilling interest than those connected with the history of the Prophet, Joseph Smith. Every incident relating to his life, or the lives of his progenitors, will be eagerly sought after by all future generations. The geographical, mechanical, and other scientific discoveries of modern ages, sink into insignificance, compared with the importance of those discoveries made by this great man. They are designed by the Almighty to produce the greatest moral and physical revolutions which the inhabitants of this globe ever witnessed—revolutions which, through the judgments of God, will utterly overthrow and destroy all governments and kingdoms that will not become subject to Christ. "Under these infinitely important considerations, the following pages are recommended to the careful and candid perusal of all nations." ORSON PRATT ~ 1853 PREFACE