O how I loved those men [Joseph and Hyrum Smith], and rejoiced under their teachings! . . . But I must live, and labor, and try to do good, and help to build up the kingdom of our God here on the earth. And I pray God my Father that I may be reconciled unto my lot, and live and die a faithful follower of [their] teachings.
Quoted in William G. Hartley, "They Are My Friends": A History of the Joseph Knight Family, 1825–1850 (1986), 153–54.
Joseph F. Smith, 6th President of the Church, 1901–1918
It is the duty of the Latter-day Saints, . . . to teach to the children that are brought within our influence and care the divinity of the mission of Joseph Smith, the prophet. Do not forget it. Do not let him perish out of your thoughts and minds.
"Character, Mettle and Mission of the Latter-day Saints," Improvement Era, Oct. 1910, 1057.
Gordon B. Hinckley, 15th President of the Church, 1995–present
How great indeed is our debt to [Joseph Smith]. . . . It was he who brought us a true knowledge of God, the Eternal Father, and His Risen Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. . . . He brought us the marvelous Book of Mormon as another witness for the living reality of the Son of God. . . . Through him were restored the keys of the holy temples, that men and women might enter into eternal covenants with God and that the great work for the dead might be accomplished to open the way for eternal blessings.
"A Season for Gratitude," Ensign, Dec. 1997, 2.
