Joseph Smith the Prophet-Teacher Part 4

In view of all that is here set forth, I submit that Joseph Smith was pre-eminently the American Prophet.

Standing in the midst of these ideas to which we have ascended in thought about this man and his life's work, all which tend to establish his claims as a Prophet--"a Teacher sent of G.o.d"--how unworthy indeed seem the attempts of men to stay his work, or defame his character by their silly misrepresentations! We hear a babel of confused voices coming up from the past, "pelting his memory with their unsavory epithets," but all is vain; he may not be disposed of in such manner.

Meanwhile, the truths he taught will live to instruct mankind, and of Joseph Smith it will yet be said--as Josiah Quincy half predicted sixty-three years ago--He influenced his countrymen more than any other historical American of his time.