218th Anniversary of the Birth of the Prophet Joseph Smith

  

Chosen spirit sent of God,
Welder of “The Iron rod,”
Stick of Ephraim in his hand,
Zion built on Joseph’s land.

 

Humble youth and mighty seer;
Man of truth and prophet dear;
Soul of sorrow, full of cheer;

Mind of mercy, voice of fear.

 

Life extended from above,
Life uplifting, life of love,
Death triumphant, full of grief
Martyr made him with his Chief.

 

Bless the eve and bless the morn
Of the day when he was born.
Celebrations round the earth
Yet shall glorify his birth. (George H. Brimhall, “Joseph Smith,” November 18, 1905, in Long and Short Range Arrows [Provo, Utah: Brigham Young University Press, 1934], 162-63)

 

 Further Reading:

Joseph Smith Worship? Responding to Criticisms of the Role and Status of the Prophet Joseph Smith in Latter-day Saint Theology