The Blessing of Joseph Smith III*

As forged by Mark Hofmann


A blessing, given to Joseph Smith, 3rd., by his father, Joseph Smith Jun., on Jan.y 17 1844.

Blessed of the Lord is my son Joseph, who is called the third,- for the Lord knows the integrity of his heart, and loves him, because of his faith, and righteous desires.  And, for this cause, has the Lord raised him up;- that the promises made to the fathers might be fulfilled, even that the anointing of the progenitor shall be upon the head of my son, and his seed after him, from generation to generation.  For he shall be my successor to the Presidency of the High Priesthood:  A Seer, and a Revelator, and a Prophet, unto the Church; which appointment belongeth to him by blessing, and also by right.

Verily, thus saith the Lord:  if he abides in me, his days shall be lengthened upon the earth, but, if he abides not in me, I, the Lord, will receive him, in an instant, unto myself.

When he is grown, he shall be a strength to his brethren, and a comfort to his mother.  Angels will minister unto him, and he will be waffed as on eagle's wings, and be as wise as serpents, even a multiplicity of blessings shall be his.  Amen.


(Click here for a black-and-white image of the forgery.  Note:  This manuscript initially brought some trouble to Hofmann, since the blessing was generally recognized by scholars as having taken place in Spring.  Experts ended up rationalizing that perhaps an early thaw or unseasonable warmth in January 1844 caused a mix-up in the memories of later generations.)

*Courtesy RLDS Archives, Independence, Missouri.  Not for reproduction or other use except as authorized in writing, P.O. Box 1059, Independence, MO 64051.

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