The entire contents of each of the 26 volumes of the Journal of Discourses is now included here. This source is one of the best sources for learning the mind and thought of the former LDS leaders who were personally taught and instructed by the Prophet Joseph Smith. The Journal of Discourses also includes a few discourses by Joseph Smith himself.
LETTER FROM THE FIRST PRESIDENCY
Great Salt Lake City, Utah Territory, June 1, 1853,
Elder Samuel W. Richards, and the Saints abroad.
Dear Brethren-It is well known to many of you, that Elder George D. Watt, by our counsel, spent much time in the midst of poverty and hardships to acquire the art of reporting in Phonography, which he has faithfully and fully accomplished; and he has been reporting the public Sermons, Discourses, Lectures, &c., delivered by the Presidency, the Twelve, and others in this city, for nearly two years, almost without fee or reward. Elder Watt now proposes to publish a Journal of these Reports, in England, for the benefit of the Saints at large, and to obtain means to enable him to sustain his highly useful position of Reporter. You will perceive at once that this will be a work of mutual benefit, and we cheerfully and warmly request your co-operation in the purchase and sale of the above-named Journal, and wish all the profits arising therefrom to be under control of Elder Watt.
Brigham Young, Heber C. Kimball, Willard Richards,
First Presidency of
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
This Journal of Discourses appears in a semi-monthly sheet of sixteen pages, upon good paper, and in a plain round type that aged persons can read with ease, and forms a Volume of nearly four hundred pages.
It affords me great pleasure in being able to put in your possession the words of the Apostles and Prophets, as they were spoken in the assemblies of the Saints in Zion, the value of which cannot be estimated by man, not so much for any great display of worldly learning and eloquence, as for the purity of doctrine, simplicity of style, and extensive amount of theological truth which they develop.
Realizing the moral and intellectual benefit the Saints at home derive from them, I have earnestly desired the time when you also would be enriched by the same incalculable treasure.
To those who are unacquainted with the Doctrines of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, who are mantled in the darkness of ages, whose minds are sunk in the almost impenetrable shades of error, uncertainty, and doubt, but who sincerely desire to know the truth, these Sermons will prove a source of light, information, and joy. And, according to the vocation which belongs to the Eternal Priesthood, all authorized ministers of God will hail their publication with gladness, for such an embodiment of doctrine will greatly accelerate the grand object they have in view-the salvation of souls the instruction of Saints, and the building up of Zion in the last days.
Particularly to the Elders who are scattered abroad upon the face of the earth, far from those who alone can instruct them in the more exalted branches of the Everlasting Gospel, these Sermons will be most valuable, as a gauge of doctrine, a rule of rectitude, and a square to life, furnishing at the same time an extensive repository of historical information.
May the Lord prosper every department of His work, and every laudable effort of His servants to instruct the ignorant, build up and establish the faithful, and gather the honest in heart from among all nations home to Zion.
In the bonds of the New and everlasting Covenant, I remain your brother and fellow-labourer,
G.D. Watt.