Ivan Barrett (1910–1999)

As we are studying Church History in Sunday School this year, I pulled it out, and find it as delightful as I did back when I first read it. This was the textbook for a college class I took in 1973, and has been a favorite book ever since. I felt like the newer editions left out too much. My edition (1967) is soft bound and the font looks like a san-serif typewriter font, but I would not trade it for the later edition, because this edition has much more detail than the professionally printed edition. ([b:Joseph Smith & the Restoration: A History of the LDS Church to 1846|1251941|Joseph Smith & the Restoration A History of the Lds Church to 1846|Ivan J. Barrett|http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1183277138s/1251941.jpg|1240701]) This is the one book that I would never loan out.

This book describes the marvelous work of the restoration of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. ([b:Marvelous Work and a Wonder|596290|Marvelous Work and a Wonder|LeGrand Richards|http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1204161895s/596290.jpg|1268158]) I know it is marvelous because when persecution became overwhelming, they did not do what man would do, but instead sent out missionaries into the world to preach the restored gospel. There was a lot more persecution than I remembered. As I have read some other church history books recently, I begin to develop a feel for some of the major events.

Although I have read this book before, I was astonished at the complicity with the mob of the governors of Missouri, and Illinois, and speaking charitably, what might be called the complacency of the United States government. The last chapter indicates that this is according to prophecy.

A few things that I found interesting:

p. 21 Educational opportunities in 1800's

"Universalism rested upon the principle that lal mankind would eventually be saved." (p. 88)

As expressed by Fred Swarts, "tell a lie, make it big, repeat it often, and the majority of the people will believe you." (Page 171)

"Brethren held captive in the town square were brought forward at bayonet point and compelled to sign a deed of trust... The mob expected them to be downcast and sorrowful when they walked up to sign the deeds of trust to the assassins, violaters of womanhood, and thieves, but instead, the Mormon brethren rejoiced and praised God, 'for his sake taking joyfully the despoiling of their goods.' Judges, magistrates, sectarian preachers, and soldiers stood by amazed, yet angry that the saints bore their misfortunes so cheerfully. Judge Cameron, with an oath, said, 'see them alugh and kick up their heels. They are whipped, but not conquered.'" (Page 346)

"We want a president of the United States, not a party President, but a President of the whole people; for a party president disfranchises the opposite party." (Page 488)

"That man who rises up to condem others, finding fault with the Church, saying that they are out of the way, while he himself is righteous, then know assuredly, that that man is i the high road to apostasy; and if he does not repent will apostatize as sure as God lives." (DHC, Vol. 3, p. 385)… (more)