
audiobook
by Orson Pratt
DIVINE AUTHORITY; OR THE QUESTION, WAS JOSEPH SMITH SENT OF GOD?
BY ORSON PRATT, ONE OF THE TWELVE APOSTLES OF THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS.
In this thoughtful apologetic work, a leading early apostle of the Latter‑Day Saint movement engages a courteous visit from a curious gentleman and his family in Liverpool. Through a series of candid letters and careful explanations, he presents the core claims of the restored gospel, emphasizing how a message claimed to be divinely authorized cuts through centuries of entrenched doctrine. The author gently contrasts the certainty offered by this new revelation with the uncertainties of contemporary religious scholarship, inviting readers to consider the profound implications of a living, heavenly commission.
The narrative unfolds as a respectful exchange of ideas, offering clear arguments about prophetic authority, scriptural authenticity, and the promise of spiritual clarity. It captures the earnest spirit of early 19th‑century seekers, illustrating how sincere inquiry can lead to a deeper exploration of faith. Listeners will find a measured, historically grounded defense that encourages personal reflection on the nature of divine guidance.
Language
en
Duration
~1 hours (79K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Credits
Produced by Heidi Billy, Mormon Texts Project Intern. See http://mormontextsproject.org/ for a complete list of Mormon texts available on Project Gutenberg, to help proofread similar books, or to report typos.
Release date
Jul 10, 2014
Rights
Public domain in the USA.

1811–1881
A leading early Latter-day Saint thinker, he paired missionary work and church leadership with a strong interest in mathematics, astronomy, and theology. His life sits at the crossroads of faith, debate, and the building of the early Mormon movement.
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