Preface

In the subjoined " Life of Joseph the Prophet," I have not attempted to give an exhaustive record of his acts and sayings. Rather have I attempted to present those matters only of wide and general significance— those gems of thought and deed that best exhibit the prophet-nature of the man.

Whenever I have had occasion to incorporate any portion of his many and voluminous revelations, the endeavor has been to set them in their proper historical connections and surroundings, as only in such a presentation are some of them clear to the general reader.

In its compilation I have been placed under obligations to the Hon. Joseph F. Smith and Eliza R. Snow, who kindly read and revised the manuscript.

The late President Young requested me to write this book, and the late Apostle George A. Smith, on his death-bed, charged me solemnly concerning it. Its production has therefore been both a work of duty and affection. Its kind acceptance by the Saints, and fair consideration by the world at large will be my ample reward.

Respectfully,

Edward W. Tullidge.

Salt Lake City, Utah, April, 1878.