
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
2014-07-10
Rights
Public domain in the USA.

1811–1881
A founding apostle in the early Latter Day Saint movement, he paired missionary zeal with a lifelong love of mathematics, astronomy, and clear argument. His writings helped explain and defend early Mormon beliefs while his work as a church leader carried him across the United States and Europe.
View all books
by Orson Pratt

by Orson Pratt

by Orson Pratt, George Q. (George Quayle) Cannon, John Philip Newman, George Albert Smith

by Order of the Eastern Star. General Grand Chapter

by John Gibson Paton

by Elizabeth Stuart Phelps

by Henry Adams