Richard Brunson on D&C 133:26

The late Richard Packham, in his “Joseph Smith As A Prophet” offered the following criticism of D&C 133:26:

 

ICE SHALL FLOW: Nov 3, 1831. D&C 133:26. Those "who are in the north countries... shall smite the rocks, and the ice shall flow down at their presence."

 

FULFILLED?: The church has made no claim that this prophecy has been fulfilled. Besides, what does it mean?

 

Here is one potential explanation of this verse:

 

ANOTHER SPHERE

 

If the Lord did indeed remove the ten tribes from the earth, it certainly would not have been the first time that He performed such an act. Earlier the Lord did this with Enoch’s city (see Moses 7:69) and again with Melchizedek’s city of Salem (see Joseph Smith Translation, Genesis 14:32-34 [in the Bible appendix]). It is also possible that the Lord may have done this at other times as well.

 

In each of these cases, the Lord took an entire civilization, with their land, and relocated them to another part of our galaxy. The Lord is said to be the same yesterday today and forever, and if He has done this in the past, He certainly could have repeated this process again for the lost ten tribes. After all, what better way of keeping the ten tribes hidden than by removing them from the earth?

 

Something else worth mentioning is that if these ten tribes were indeed taken from this earth, John the Revelator would still be able to minister unto them because John is translated being, and as Joseph Smith said about translated beings, “Their place of habitation is that of the terrestrial order, and a place prepared for such characters [the Lord] held in reserve to be ministering angels unto many planets.” This would allow John to minister unto the lost ten tribes, even if they are not currently on this earth.

 

. . .

 

If the lost ten tribes were indeed taken with a piece of this earth and relocated somewhere in our galaxy, who then would they then return in the latter days? As it turns out, this question may be answered by the description of their return, as recorded in section 133 of the Doctrine and Covenants. If we examine this section with this new information, we find the following.

 

We first read that “they who are in the north countries shall come in remembrance before the Lord” (Doctrine and Covenants 133:26). If the ten tribes returned from another sphere or planet, they would logically return to the same place from whence they disappeared, which would be somewhere in the north, near the Arctic Ocean. From here, these Israelites in the “north countries” would begin their journey toward Zion. (Richard Brunson, Before the Second Coming [2d ed.; Springville, Utah: CFI, 2025], 113-14, 115, Kindle edition)

 

 

Further Reading:

 

Resources on Joseph Smith’s Prophecies

Jeff Lindsay and John L. Fowles on the Fulfillment of Isaiah 11

 In his article, Joseph Smith as a Prophet, Richard Packham offered the following example of a purportedly false prophecy of Joseph Smith:

 

PEACE AND KNOWLEDGE: Sept 21, 1823. Joseph Smith says in the Pearl of Great Price, Joseph Smith 2:40, that Moroni told him that Isaiah 11 was "about to be fulfilled." Isaiah 11:6-11 prophesies that the wolf and the lamb, the calf and the lion, etc. shall dwell in peace together, and that nothing will "hurt or destroy," and that the earth shall be "full of the knowledge of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea."

 

FULFILLED?: None of this has yet come to pass.

 

In response, Jeff Linday noted that

 

. . . Isaiah 11 is a prophecy about many things that would occur before and after the return of Christ. To say that it is about to be fulfilled is like saying that the Second Coming of Christ is about to happen - and we stand firmly behind that prophecy. It hasn't been fulfilled yet, but in the Lord's timetable, it will happen in this era, shortly after the time of Joseph Smith, and even many Christians agree that we are in the time span in which the Second Coming is a real possibility - that the Second Coming is "about" to occur. Could be another 50 or 100 years, but we're still at the door of this great event.

 

How can Is. 11 be cited as the best example of an incorrect prophecy when there has not been sufficient time for its fulfillment but when numerous indications associated with its future fulfillment are coming to pass?

 

While Isaiah 11 speaks of Christ as the Branch and rod of Jesse in verses 1 to 4, it also speaks of a "root of Jesse" - another person also descended from Jesse - who would establish an ensign that would bring in the Gentiles and play a role in the gathering of scattered Israel (verse 10-12). This could very well be Joseph Smith. The restored Church of Jesus Christ truly is an ensign that has been sought out by many of the Gentiles and that is seeking out the scattered remnants of Israel and bringing them back into the covenants of the Lord. This part has already been fulfilled.

 

Commenting on the aspects of Isa 11 that have been fulfilled, and the ongoing fulfillment of Moroni’s words to Joseph Smith, John F. Fowles wrote the following:

 

Isaiah 11 and Moroni

 

The reader will recall, that after Mormon died, his son Moroni, became the custodian of the golden plates. It was his mission to deliver them to Joseph Smith. Moroni, during his first “interview” with Joseph on September 21, 1823, quoted the “eleventh chapter of Isaiha, saying that it was about to be fulfilled.” (JS—H 1:40) Later, in August of 1830, Joseph received a revelation from the Lord regarding his angelic tutor, “Moroni, whom I have sent unto you to reveal the Book of Mormon, containing the fulness of my everlasting gospel, to whom I have committed the keys of the record of the stick of Ephraim.” (D&C 27:5) The passages Moroni quoted to the prophet that September evening spoke of a “root of Jesse.” (See Isaiah 11:1, 10-12) This root of Jesse would stand as an ensign to the people in order to recover Israel a “second time.” The Book of Mormon was the sign of the Lord’s attempt to gather Israel a second time in the last days. (See 3 Nephi 21:1-2)

 

In 1838, Joseph Smith interpreted the root of Jesse as a “descendant of Jesse, as well as of Joseph, (See 2 Nephi 3:7-15) unto whom rightly belongs the priesthood, and the keys of the kingdom, for an ensign and for the gathering of my people in the last days.” (D&C 113:6) Joseph Smith received the priesthood through the lineage of his fathers as the Lord stated:

 

. . . your life [Joseph Smith] and the priesthood have remained, and must needs remain through you and your lineage until the restoration of all things spoken by the mouths of all the holy prophets since the world began.

 

Therefore, blessed are ye if ye continue in my goodness, a light unto the Gentiles, and throughout this priesthood, a savior unto my people Israel. (D&C 86:10-11)

 

Joseph Smith received the priesthood, and the keys of the kingdom, in order to bring forth the Book of Mormon to the Gentiles in our day. He and the Lord’s saving message was a light to the Gentiles. The coming forth of the Book of Mormon represented the Lord’s attempt to gather Israel a second time from their long spiritual, as well as temporal, scattering among the nations. In addition, if they—the Gentiles—receive the Book of Mormon they will also receive salvation. (See D&C 20:8-14) These verses in Isaiah 11, quoted by Moroni to the boy Joseph stand fulfilled. (John L. Fowles, The Farm Boy Does it Again: Evidence of the Prophetic Calling of Joseph Smith [John L. Fowles, 2018], 67-69)

 

Further Reading:

Isaiah 11 and Moroni

 

The reader will recall, that after Mormon died, his son Moroni, became the custodian of the golden plates. It was his mission to deliver them to Joseph Smith. Moroni, during his first “interview” with Joseph on September 21, 1823, quoted the “eleventh chapter of Isaiha, saying that it was about to be fulfilled.” (JS—H 1:40) Later, in August of 1830, Joseph received a revelation from the Lord regarding his angelic tutor, “Moroni, whom I have sent unto you to reveal the Book of Mormon, containing the fulness of my everlasting gospel, to whom I have committed the keys of the record of the stick of Ephraim.” (D&C 27:5) The passages Moroni quoted to the prophet that September evening spoke of a “root of Jesse.” (See Isaiah 11:1, 10-12) This root of Jesse would stand as an ensign to the people in order to recover Israel a “second time.” The Book of Mormon was the sign of the Lord’s attempt to gather Israel a second time in the last days. (See 3 Nephi 21:1-2)

 

In 1838, Joseph Smith interpreted the root of Jesse as a “descendant of Jesse, as well as of Joseph, (See 2 Nephi 3:7-15) unto whom rightly belongs the priesthood, and the keys of the kingdom, for an ensign and for the gathering of my people in the last days.” (D&C 113:6) Joseph Smith received the priesthood through the lineage of his fathers as the Lord stated:

 

. . . your life [Joseph Smith] and the priesthood have remained, and must needs remain through you and your lineage until the restoration of all things spoken by the mouths of all the holy prophets since the world began.

 

Therefore, blessed are ye if ye continue in my goodness, a light unto the Gentiles, and throughout this priesthood, a savior unto my people Israel. (D&C 86:10-11)

 

Joseph Smith received the priesthood, and the keys of the kingdom, in order to bring forth the Book of Mormon to the Gentiles in our day. He and the Lord’s saving message was a light to the Gentiles. The coming forth of the Book of Mormon represented the Lord’s attempt to gather Israel a second time from their long spiritual, as well as temporal, scattering among the nations. In addition, if they—the Gentiles—receive the Book of Mormon they will also receive salvation. (See D&C 20:8-14) These verses in Isaiah 11, quoted by Moroni to the boy Joseph stand fulfilled. (John L. Fowles, The Farm Boy Does it Again: Evidence of the Prophetic Calling of Joseph Smith [John L. Fowles, 2018], 67-69)

Resources on Joseph Smith's Prophecies

Excerpts from Dellas W. Lee, The Infinite Christ (2020)

 

Being born again is aided by the sanctifying power of the sacrament as we continue to repent of our sins, day by day, even moment to moment, together with the sanctifying and refining influence of Christ-like service—at home, in the Church, through family history, in temple service, and in the community, out of love for our brothers and sisters, and God and Christ. (Dellas W. Lee, The Infinite Christ [Lubbock, Tex.: Woodsworth Books, 2020], 34)

 

 

Why was God confident Jehovah would succeed?

 

The Father had observed his Firstborn honor the holy order of God over eons of time, and thus knew of his unwavering capacity to honor covenants with exactness, and this with “a glad heart and a cheerful countenance.” (D&C 59:15; Prov 8:30). From the beginning, God had anticipated the need for a Redeemer who could satisfy the demands of justice through an infinite atonement, and in his omniscience he knew that his Firstborn would qualify.

 

President Lorenzo Snow had pondered this question and made the following observation: “Thousands of years before He came upon earth, the Father had watched His course and knew that He could depend upon Him when the salvation of worlds should be at stake, and He was not disappointed.” (Lorenzo Snow, 18 May 1899, Millennial Star, 61:532, a quoted in The Teachings of Lorenzo Snow, 93) Thus, eons back, upon Jehovah covenanting, “Father, thy will be done, and the glory be thine forever,” the Savior had given his word of honor, which he would not break, because Gods do not break their covenants. Henceforth the Father was able to describe him as, and thus he became, “the Lamb . . . slain from the foundation of the world.” (Moses 7:47; 1 Pet 1:20; Rev 13:8). And so he was.

 

The foreknowledge of God in no way impinged upon the agency of the Savior. He was free to choose the path he would follow at any moment in the many events leading up to and during his final tribulation. His infinite suffering would cause himself, “even God, the greatest of all, to tremble because of pain, and to bleed at every pore, and to suffer both body and spirit—and would that [he] might not drink the bitter cup, and shrink—” Through he foresaw the depths of pain, knowing the worlds without number depended upon him, or all was lost, he did not waver, he did not shrink. Thus, the Great Jehovah, our Beloved Savior, midst unimaginable agony, “partook and finished [his] preparations unto the children of men.” (D&C 19:19, 18 . . .) (Dellas W. Lee, The Infinite Christ [Lubbock, Tex.: Woodsworth Books, 2020], 50-51)

 

Grace being ontic/transformative, etc:

 

Transition from man to godhood by grace

 

How does God bring about this “transition” from man to godhood of which President Taylor writes? It appears to be by the grace of the Gods. Yes, the Gods created the universe and Christ performed the atonement by the power of the priesthood, but it appears that even the priesthood is an element of grace. The Lord revealed that man can “receive grace for grace,” and grow “from grace to grace,” until he receives “a fullness”—which is godhood. (D&C 93:12, 13, 19-20, 27-28, 36.)

 

Brother Packham gives us this observation on the process of cleansing and sanctification by the atonement of Christ through the power of the Holy Ghost: “While sanctification comes through Christ [“the blood of mine Only Begotten,” Moses 6:59-60], the Holy Ghost is the actual cleansing agent and the manifestation of this renewing power is conditional (see 3 Nephi 9:20.” (E. Richard Packham, My Maturing Views of Grace, Aug Ensign 22 at 25 [2005])

 

Thus, because of the atonement, through the grace of Christ we are redeemed from the fall and cleansed from our sins by the blood of Christ, following repentance. Then comes forgiveness by the mercy of God, by which we are made innocent. (Moses 6:59-60.) But the power by which we are sanctified and perfected and granted a fulness of the glory of God, is the power of the Holy Ghost, through the grace of God. (Elder D. Todd Christofferson, The Divine Gift of Repentance, General Conference, Nov Ensign 38 [2011]; President Russell M. Nelson, Drawing the Power of Jesus Christ into Our Loves, General Conference, May Ensign 39 [2017]) (3 Ne 27:20; D&C 93:20.) That is exaltation in the celestial kingdom.

 

Although the prophets do speak of the light of truth, the light of Christ, the Spirit of Christ, etc., often they summarize the foregoing (the transition from man to godhood) by simply referring to the mission of the Holy Ghost. For example, Nephi said that the mysteries of God will be unfolded to them that seek by the power of the Holy Ghost. (1 Ne 10:19.) However, later he adds “through the merits, mercy and grace of the Holy Messiah” (2 Ne 2:8), and still later, “for we know that it is by grace that we are saved, after all we can do.” (2 Ne 25:23.)

 

In summary, we again cite the particularly precious key to eternal progression through the principles we have been discussing, as revealed by the Lord through Moroni: “And if men come unto me I will show unto them their weakness. I give unto men weakness that they may be humble; and my grace is sufficient for all men that humble themselves before me; for if they humble themselves before me, and have faith in me, then will I make weak things become strong unto them.” (Ether 12:27; Moro 10:32-33.)

 

That is, because of the atonement of Jesus Christ, we can be saved by grace—the power of Christ, the power of the Godhead, after all we can do. (Moro 10:32-33; 2 Ne 25:23.) (Dellas W. Lee, The Infinite Christ [Lubbock, Tex.: Woodsworth Books, 2020], 385-86)

 

 

Repentance is a gift of the Spirit

 

Through the grace of God, true repentance comes as a gift through the Holy Ghost—a spiritual gift. True repentance is a broken heart and a contrite spirit, and is a process, not a single event. It includes godly sorrow, which is also a spiritual gift. It goes hand in hand with sanctification, which is the perfecting process. (3 Ne 27:19-20.) Through repentance our guilt is swept away and the gate is opened to the pathway to godhood. (Enos 1:6.) Repentance may be the greatest of all the gifts of the Spirit, for without the gift of repentance we would be limited in our capacity to receive all other gifts of the Spirit. We are now ready to receive gift upon gift that will lead us to perfection.

 

How then can we receive this most precious of all spiritual gifts?

 

We begin with the agency of man. Until he understands the fall of Adam and the need for Christ, until he sees the need for repentance, desires it, has faith in the atonement of Christ, is pricked in his conscience, and is willing to pay the price for it, he will not receive it. The price is a broken heart and a contrite (penitent, sorry) spirit. (Elder Bruce D. Porter, A Broken Heart and a Contrite Spirit, General Conference, Nov Ensign 31 [2007]) (2 Ne 2:7; 3 Ne 9:20; 12:19; Moro 6:2; D&C 59:8.) It beings with gratitude as we learn about the infinite sacrifice that has been made for us by Jesus Christ. “How shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard?” (Rom 10:14) As we learn of Christ we are touched by the grace of God. (1 Pet 1:13.) Gratitude leads to humility. (Mosiah 2:23-24.) And humility leads to a desire to be the beneficiary of true repentance. Desire can be nurtured and enlarged until it leads to faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. (Elder Dallin H. Oaks, Desire, May Ensign 42 [2011]) (Alma 32:27.)

 

Faith leads to repentance, and repentance leads to a broken heart and a contrite spirit, which leads to baptism and a healing miracle. “Think of the good that comes from broken things,” said Elder Funk. “Soil is broken to plant wheat. Wheat is broken to make bread. Bread is broken to become the emblems of the sacrament. When one who is repentant partakes of the sacrament with a broken heart and a contrite spirit, he or she becomes whole.” (Elder Randy D. Funk, Called of Him to Declare His World, General Conference, Nov Ensign 52 at 53 [2013])

 

. . .

 

But true repentance includes more than a reformation of bad behavior. Merely refraining from sin is not repentance. It requires a “mighty change” of heart as well as a disposition to refrain from evil (Mosiah 5:2; Jer 31:33; Ezek 36;26.) It requires godly sorrow. “For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death” (2 Cor 7:10.) Godly sorrow is also a gift of the Spirit, and may come only through the deeply humble prayer. It needs the help of the Spirit. It is to be born of the Spirit. (Mosiah 27:24; Moses 6:59-65.) So we humbly pray that God will bless us with the gift of repentance. As that comes, we learn to follow the counsel of Alma to his son, Shiblon: “bridle all your passions, that ye may be filled with love.” (Janet Jacob Erickson, “Can commitment and Sacrifice Survive Culture of Cheap Sex?,” Deseret News, 10, Funday, February 11, 2018) (Alma 38:12) (Dellas W. Lee, The Infinite Christ [Lubbock, Tex.: Woodsworth Books, 2020], 439-41)

 

We see in these words (Moses 6:59-61; Rom 2:13) that justification [being forgiven and made innocent] invokes water (baptism), the Spirit (additional light and truth through the Holy Ghost, though not the gift) and the blood of Christ, through the “wisdom, mercy, truth, justice, and judgment” (i.e., the grace of God. (Rom 3:24; 5:15). (Dellas W. Lee, The Infinite Christ [Lubbock, Tex.: Woodsworth Books, 2020], 478-79)

 

At this point, through born of water and justified, i.e., cleansed by the blood of Christ, and having received additional light of truth, they have not yet been born of the Spirit. President Lorenzo Snow made this distinction with respect to the Saints in Samaria who had been baptised by authority, but not yet received the laying on of hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost: (Acts 8:5): “They probably were rejoicing in consequence of having received a remission of sins, through faith, repentance, and baptism, and of receiving some portion of the Holy Spirit of God, which naturally followed them, after having obtained the answer of a good conscience by the remissions of sins. Through this portion of the Holy Spirit which they came in possession of, they began to see the kingdom of God. For it will be recollected that our Saviour has declared that no man can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again; and in [the] verse following, he says—he cannot enter into it, except he is born twice; first of water, then of the Spirit [see John 3:3-5].” Teachings Of the Presidents Of The Church, Lorenzo Snow, 52-53, emphasis added). (Ibid., 479 n. 33)

 

Did Hyrum Smith Teach that a Prophet being 10% Accurate in their Prophecies is Acceptable?

It is common to hear that Hyrum Smith taught that a prophet only needed 10% accuracy in their prophecies. Consider the following:

17 November 1868: Stake President (and former Nauvoo resident) Abraham 0. Smoot told the Provo School of the Prophets that Hyrum Smith "used to say [about] prophecy if you hit once in 10 times that is alright." (D. Michael Quinn, Dilemmas of Feminists & Intellectuals in the Contemporary LDS Church,", Sunstone 17, no. 1 [June 1994]: 72)

 16 July [1843]. Joseph Smith creates confusion by declaring that he “would not prophesy any more, and proposed Hyrum to hold the office of prophet to the Church, as it was his birthright” as Presiding Patriarch. Stake president and former Nauvoo resident Abraham O. Smoot would tell the Provo School of the Prophets in 1868 that Hyrum Smith “used to say [about[ prophecy if you hit once in 10 times that is alright.” (D. Michael, Quinn, The Mormon Hierarchy, 3 vols. [Salt Lake City: Signature Books, 1994], 1:639)

Hyrum Smith, Joseph’s brother, was a bit more forgiving saying that any prophet, if they “hit once in 10 times that is alright.” (Richard Abanes, One Nation Under Gods: A History of the Mormon Church [New York: Four Walls Eight Windows, 2002], 461; on ibid., 617 n. 1, the Abanes gives his source: “Hyrum Smith. Quoted by Abraham O. Smoot, 1868, Provo School of the Prophets (See D. Michael Quinn, The Mormon Hierarchy: Origins of Power [Salt Lake City: Signature Books, 1994], 639–see above)

Joseph Smith's brother Hyrum held a different view, however. He once said about prophesying that "if you hit once in 10 times that is alright." (Edmond C. Gruss and Lane A. Thuet, What Every Mormon (and Non-Mormon) Should Know [Xulon Press, 2006], 206)

 

Hyrum Smith, who was also a "prophet," on Nov 1, 1831, commented about prophecy and said that "if you hit once in 10 times, that is alright." [quoted by Abraham O. Smoot in 1868 at the Provo School of the Prophets] This also is a contradiction of Deut 18:22. (Richard Packham, "Joseph Smith as a Prophet"; this essay also appears on the Infidels.org, Recovery from Mormonism, and the Bible Prophecy and Truth Websites)

 

Here is an interesting thought reportedly made by Hyrum Smith, I am not sure if it's a reflection of his perceived ability to accurately prophesy or his opinion of his brother's ability to accurately prophesy or just the people in general:

 

Stake president and former Nauvoo resident Abraham O. Smoot would tell the Provo School of the Prophets in 1868 that Hyrum Smith "used to say [about] prophecy if you hit once in 10 times that is alright."

 

-Minutes of the Provo School of the Prophets 1868, LDS church archives

 

Hyrum seemed to have low expectations. ("Joel," Julie Rowe; Is it wrong to question the messenger if we like the message? LDS Freedom Forum, July 22, 2015)

 

Joseph Smith creates confusion by declaring that he "would not prophesy any more, and proposed Hyrum to hold the office of prophet to the Church, as it was his birthright" as Presiding Patriarch. Stake president and former Nauvoo resident Abraham O. Smoot would tell the Provo School of the Prophets in 1868 that Hyrum Smith "used to say [about] prophecy if you hit once in 10 times that is alright." (175 Years ago Today - Jul 16, 1843, Today in Mormon History; cf. July16th, On This Day in Mormon History)

 

Hyrum Smith said about being a prophet, "if you hit once in 10 times, that is alright." [Nov 1, 1831, quoted by Abraham O. Smoot]

 

So, the standard of Mormon prophecy is being correct roughly 10% of the time. ("Goldang," Morg Leaders are the most skilled liars on earth, Exmormon Reddit Forum)

 

Anyway I found this quote and will see if I can find a bit more direct link:

 

"Hyrum Smith, who was also a "prophet," on Nov 1, 1831, commented about prophecy and said that "if you hit once in 10 times, that is alright." [quoted by Abraham O. Smoot in 1868 at the Provo School of the Prophets]" ("Palerider," Hyrum Smith, New Order Mormon Forum, May 24, 2017; cf. the very next comment by "Mad Jax": "So prophecy = statistically likely outcome, is the position of Hyrum Smith on the subject...")

 

As I have done a lot of work on Joseph Smith's prophecies, I decided to actually check the minutes of the Provo School of the Prophets.

On p. 122 of the Provo School of the Prophets (November 10, 1868), Abraham O. Smoot stressed the importance of tithing. For e.g.:

. . . the 8th rule of the School [of the Prophets] spoken of is in relation to tithing - Is a subject that we never [    ] - you will all bear me witness that tithing has been paid grudgingly - it is a matter of choice with us to pay our tithing. . . . I have remarked that the cause of the earth not producing as it once did was because we have failed to Tithe ourselves as we should - when we first came here we was humble and prayful and the Lord was with us, we paid our tithing the land was bless for our good [    now] we have trampelled the blessings of the Lord under our feet - the Lord is gradually with drawing his blessings from us - let us wake up and see our position - it is our duty to pay out tithing by this we will be blessed. . . .

The next time the Provo School of the Prophets would meet, Smoot again would stress tithing and make reference to a comment from "Hiram" (probably Hyrum Smith):

Nov. 17. 1868

[opening Prayer etc., not indicated] A. O. Smoot - the time is not far distant when we will be required to pay our tithing - we have met together in order to qualify our-selves for the requirements of the Lord, to form our judgments to quichen our understanding and obtain the Spirit that inspired the Prophets of old - also our modern prophets. Hiram used to say prophecy if you hit once in 10 times that is alright - We want to become men of Sterling worth in the Kingdom of God - . . . our heavenly Father will call us out one at a time and we will be chosen - their will always be settlements of Saints in Utah where the Saints will be schooled and be prepared to go back [   ] [   ] he will not suffer the land to be polluted when we go back we will want to know the Law of Tithing and every law required by the Priesthood and tithing [not] paid will have to be paid - I have received a note from Pres[iding]Bp. setting for that that not one tenth of the the tithing is paid - this is not right - the lord is nor poor - yet it is a privilege that is ranted to pay our tithing - he did not want subjects, when he gave us the gospel and he said we must be baptized - he can save us without [   ] being baptized but we [   ] do so we are all satisfied that he will [    ] our tithing - this is a subject we should all understand for our own interest - let us understand it is alike - then let the influence go out from this school - see that we pay our tithing and influence all others to do so - andy questions that you may chose to ask me on this subject I will endeavor to answer - if I am [not] able I will tell you so - before we adjourn I shall probably call some missionary to travel & preach through this Co[unty] of Utah. May the Lord bless you Amen. (pp. 123, 124-25)

The other speakers at this meeting would stress tithing, too. For e.g.:

Geo. Halladay - I believe that the law of Tithing is con-hected with the first principles and for [   ] in faith - this covers tithing & consecration and tithing is one of the Lords Laws to prove us as Saints - if we cannot or do not pay our tithing we need not espect that we will ever consecrate our property. I believe that Enoch & his city lived above this law of tithing for I believe they gave their all and was thus prepared for a higher sphere.

Chas. D. Miller - Spoke on the subject of Tithing be-lieved and was satisfied it was correct spoke of the views of some of the Elders - said he believed in paying a little more than less - (p. 125)

So, what can we conclude from the above?

(1) The quote does not come from Hyrum Smith; it is secondhand and from Abraham O. Smoot, 24 ½ years after Hyrum’s death (assuming “Hiram” is “Hyrum Smith” [which I think is probable).

(2) Abraham O. Smoot, the source of this late secondhand reminiscence, does not tell us when or where he heard Hyrum teach this.

(3) There is nothing from Hyrum directly, or attributed to him from a scribe or other source, during his lifetime, that teaches this concept of the accuracy of prophecy.

(4) Contra Richard Packham, November 1, 1831 is never listed as the date when Hyrum Smith purportedly taught this. It first appears on November 17, 1868.

(5) The context of Abraham O. Smoot’s comments is not that of prophecy but instead tithing. It appears that he is making a point about the importance of 10% of one’s increase and making a parallel to prophecy.

(6) Contra Packham, Quinn, Abanes, et al., this is not evidence that Hyrum and other early Latter-day Saints had a low view of the necessity of fulfilled prophecy.

(7) Finally, as I have documented, Joseph Smith made a number of accurate prophecies.

This once again shows the importance of checking sources.

Further Reading:

Resources on Joseph Smith's Prophecies