The Joseph Smith Papers

It's been an interesting experience to look at the Joseph Smith papers, to read the text, to ponder all that they imply historically and doctrinally.  This book is one of many in a planned series.  A compilation of Joseph Smith's notes and the notes of others as they documented the revelation that Joseph was receiving.  Many of the documents recorded in the Joseph Smith Papers are not found anywhere else.  Certain revelations from these papers were used in the Doctrine and Covenants but not all.  Thus, through the Joseph Smith Papers, we get a more complete look at all the doctrine and organizing that was taking place in the early days of the church.

I've particularly enjoyed noticing the consistent manner of speech used in the Book of Mormon, the Doctrine and Covenants, and the Joseph Smith Papers.  Part of that I'm sure is due to conformities from writer to writer and the way of speaking in those days.  I like to see that the consistency in language makes the works more tied together.  Not that the Joseph Smith Papers should be cannonized but, they are certainly a valuable supplement to scripture.

In the particular sections I've read through, there is one about creating a court of justice for religious matters.  In reading about the organizing of such a court, I naturally compare this court to state and federal courts of justice.  It seems fitting that a court for spiritual matters would have more clearly defined "rights and wrongs" but so much more forgiving and justice.  Then  I compare the organizing of such a court to that of courts in heaven.  God is merciful and he gives us a lifetime of opportunity to come unto him and receive all that he has.  When judgment day arrives, the only thing that will matter is if we tried, followed Christ, and endured.