Joseph Smith's Prophecies

Joseph Smith, founder of the Latter Day Saint movement, is viewed by the movement's adherents as a prophet in the tradition of the ancient prophets recorded in the Bible. During his life, Smith made several prophecies, many documented in the Doctrine and Covenants, a book of scripture in several of the movement's denominations.

There is much dispute surrounding the known and alleged prophecies of Smith. Some critics contend that Smith could not be a genuine prophet because they claim that some of his prophecies did not come true. Latter Day Saint adherents have responded to these claims by putting forth the following six arguments:

  1. some prophecies that critics claim have failed have actually been fulfilled;
  2. some of Smith's statements have been mischaracterized as "prophecies";
  3. some prophetic statements ascribed to Smith have not been verified as legitimate by either Latter Day Saint or non–Latter Day Saint historians;
  4. some prophecies should be interpreted metaphorically, not literally;
  5. some legitimate prophecies were conditional and did not happen because the conditions precedent to those prophesies were not satisfied; and
  6. some legitimate prophecies remain unfulfilled but are expected to be fulfilled in the future.
Prophecy Source Date Notes
Smith spoken of for good and evil among all nations, kindreds, and tongues: Smith wrote in 1838 that previously, in the year 1823, an angel visited him and made prophetic statements regarding Smith's future. "He called me by name, and said unto me that he was a messenger sent from the presence of God to me, and that his name was Moroni; that God had a work for me to do; and that my name should be had for good and evil among all nations, kindreds, and tongues, or that it should be both good and evil spoken of among all people." Joseph Smith–History 1:33; History of the Church1:11–12 September 21, 1823 (reported in 1838) Latter Day Saints state that this prophecy has been fulfilled. As evidence, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Church of Jesus Christ) has cited discussions of Smith by American, German and Finnish scholars, as well as the Church of Jesus Christ's extensive missionary program, which leads many people around the world to speak of Smith for both positively and negatively. [4]
Three witnesses to testify of the Book of Mormon: At the request of Martin Harris, who desired to witness the golden plates containing the Book of Mormon, Joseph Smith received the revelation that "the testimony of three witnesses would be sent forth of God's word." By the time the revelation was given, neither Oliver Cowdery nor David Whitmer (the two remaining witnesses and later supporters) had met Smith. Section 5:15 March 1829 Latter Day Saints claim that this prophecy was fulfilled. [5]
Jesus comes to the temple: "I am Jesus Christ, the Son of God; wherefore, gird up your loins and I will suddenly come to my temple. Even so. Amen." Section 36:8 December 9, 1830 Latter Day Saints claim that this prophecy was fulfilled during Smith's lifetime. Smith stated that Jesus Christ appeared to him and Oliver Cowdery on April 3, 1836, in the Kirtland Temple. [6]
Copyright sale: Hiram Page and Oliver Cowdery were to find a buyer for copyright of the Book of Mormon in Canada. B. H. Roberts, Comprehensive History of the Church, 1:165 (1930) Winter 1829–30 Latter Day Saints claim that the conditions precedent for the fulfilment of this prophecy were not satisfied. [7] Page argued in an 1848 letter that the revelation was therefore fulfilled. [8]
Gather in one place: The Latter Day Saints shall be gathered in one place "against the day when tribulation and desolation are sent forth upon the wicked" Section 29:8 September 1830 Latter Day Saints claim that this prophecy was fulfilled. Adherents recognize several meanings for "gathering", stemming from their concepts of Zion. Indeed, general authorities have stated that the concept of gathering to Zion refers to the stakes of Zion wherever they are located, and not to a single geographic and physical location. [9] [10] [11]
Hour is nigh: The "hour is nigh and day soon at hand" when Jesus will return. Section 29:9-11 September 1830 Latter Day Saints claim this prophecy has yet to be fulfilled. Adherents believe that Jesus has not yet returned in his Second Coming, [12] and Latter Day Saints advocate that the words "hour" and "day" are metaphorical and represent centuries or millennia, i.e., in a similar manner as is generally used in the same context in some instances in the Bible. [13]
Prophecy Source Date Notes
Land purchase: The Latter Day Saints were to gather riches and purchase a place of refuge and safety, where the wicked would not come, and the wicked would refuse to battle the Saints. Section 45:64-74 March 7, 1831 Latter Day Saints claim that this prophecy was fulfilled. [13] Richard Abanes claims this was not fulfilled. [12] Members of the Church of Jesus Christ claim that the "place of refuge and safety" that was purchased is in the Salt Lake Valley, and that many, including the U.S. government, refused to battle with the Mormons shortly after their relocation to Utah.
Zion in Missouri: Missouri is named as the place for the "City of Zion"; the land will be purchased for "an everlasting inheritance". Section 57:1-5 July 20, 1831 In the Doctrine and Covenants, Section 124:49-51 the project was postponed. Hence, Latter Day Saints claim that a subsequent prophecy of Smith's replaced a prior prophecy. [13] In any case, many adherents generally believe that a temple will eventually be constructed on the site prepared, based on additional statements by Smith. The Community of Christ has constructed a temple on the Greater Temple Lot. The Church of Christ (Temple Lot) and the Church of Jesus Christ still own land on the Greater Temple Lot.
Strong hold in Kirtland for the space of five years: Elder Frederick G. Williams should not sell his farm because "[The Lord wills] to retain a strong hold in the land of Kirtland, for the space of five years". Section 64:21 September, 1831 Latter Day Saints claim that this prophecy was fulfilled. [13] A majority of Latter Day Saints fled from Kirtland to Far West, Missouri between 1837 and 1838 to escape mob violence.
Zion in this generation: Zion and its temple will be built at Independence, Missouri, "in this generation". Section 84:2 September 22 or 23, 1832 The precise site dedicated by Smith for the construction of the temple at Independence is the Temple Lot; it is currently vacant and owned by the Church of Christ (Temple Lot). Members of the Church of Jesus Christ believe that a temple will be built at this location in the future.

One oft repeated explanation of the supposed non-fulfillment of this prophecy is that the phrase "in this generation" is used figuratively to designate those of this "gospel dispensation" (those who have received or will receive divine revelation during the "dispensation" of revelation and inspiration from God (or "heaven") since the time that Joseph Smith began receiving such revelation, and afterwards, (as it is used in a similar fashion in some instances in the Bible).

Another plausible explanation that this prophecy was fulfilled can be taken at face value from this revelation (D&C 84), in that it was received in Kirtland, Ohio. And though verse 3 indicates that the place of the temple (in Independence, MO) was indicated "by the finger of the Lord" (previously), the phrase in verse 4 "beginning at this place" is rather a transition of reference to Kirtland, Ohio, where Joseph Smith was at when this revelation was received by him [14] [ non-primary source needed ] And, indeed, the Kirtland Temple was built and finished and dedicated by the spring of 1836.

The reference to building "New Jerusalem" in this context then is not one of physical edifices (though the 'temple' being reared "in this generation" was, but occurred in Kirtland, OH, and not in Independence, or Jackson County, MO)—but, rather indicated that 'building' or developing the future inhabitants of that city (yet to be built physically) began in earnest, spiritually, by the reception of priesthood keys, [15] [ non-primary source needed ] as well as priesthood organization of quorums, and temple practices and ordinances revealed by Joseph Smith to holders of both the Melchizedek and Aaronic Priesthood among duly ordained male members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in Kirtland who received these things were begun in the temple there, Ohio finished within four years from the year this prophecy was given. [13] [ third-party source needed ]

The Community of Christ has constructed the Independence Temple on the Greater Temple Lot.

New York destroyed: New York and Boston will be destroyed if they reject the gospel. The "hour of their judgement is nigh". Section 84:114 September 22 or 23, 1832 Richard Abanes contends that this prophecy was not fulfilled because both cities still exist. [16] But Latter Day Saints believe that the conditions precedent for this prophecy were not fulfilled, because the gospel was accepted, not rejected, in both New York and Boston. Smith went to New York and Boston to preach and there are large groups of Latter Day Saints in both cities today. [13]
Civil War: there will be a war between the northern states and the southern states beginning in South Carolina; the southern states will call upon Great Britain for assistance; that after this, war will be "poured out on all nations"; and that "slaves shall rise up against their masters, who shall be marshaled and disciplined for war". Section 87 December 25, 1832 Latter Day Saints believe that the American Civil War fulfilled this prophecy, in part: it was a war between the northern and the southern states, the war began in South Carolina, and the southern states did call upon the United Kingdom for military assistance. [17] The prediction that after this, war would "be poured out upon all nations" is disputed, but Latter Day Saints argue that the wars that have occurred since the American Civil War—which include two world wars—adequately fulfill this prophecy. [18]
Prophecy Source Date Notes
Current generation: "Not many years shall pass away" before the wicked "of this generation" will be swept off the face of the earth; and "there are those now living upon the earth whose eyes shall not be closed in death until they see all these things, which I have spoken, fulfilled". History of the Church1:315 January 4, 1833 Critic Richard Abanes claims this was not fulfilled. [16] Many Latter-day Saints, however, point to the atrocities of the coming "Civil War" in which Union troops decimated the lands and peoples occupied then by many who had driven the saints from their lands. One non-Mormon who referenced the destruction was General Alexander Doniphan, who, when he saw the burned homes in Missouri, said he recalled Smith's words when he, Smith, advised him not to purchase land in that region. "The fields and farms and houses will be destroyed, and only the chimneys will be left to mark the desolation, Smith said." Later, Donaphan observed: "In the spring of 1862 my regiment went south, and it was during that time that ‘Order No. 11’ was issued ... [when] I went down the Blue river, we found houses, barns, outbuildings, nearly all burned down, and nothing left standing but the chimneys.... I remember very well that the country looked a veritable desolation." (A. Saxey of Utah in a letter to Mr. Junius Wells, August 25, 1902). [19]
Zion built here: Promise that if the Saints are obedient in building a temple, then the City of Zion will prosper and become glorious, and that Zion cannot "be moved" out of its place. Section 97:15-20 August 2, 1833 The Latter Day Saints were not able to build a temple as commanded because they were driven out of Missouri by Executive Order 44. Section 101:1-3 Latter Day Saints argue that the Latter Day Saints' disobedience led to this result, thus nullifying the prophecy.
Stars fall from heaven: According to Philo Dibble, while preaching in Kirtland, Ohio, Smith said, "Forty days shall not pass and the stars shall fall from heaven." [20] October 5, 1833 On November 13, 1833, the Leonids meteor shower occurred, and it was such a brilliant and heavy meteor shower that some people thought that the world was ending. [21] Some critics of the Dibble narrative say that he simply invented the story after the fact. Others assume that Smith must have studied celestial events and deduced that the Leonids shower would occur again soon, as records exist of its occurrence in 902, 1630, and 1799. [22] Smith himself records the events in his own history: "About 4 o'clock a.m. I was awakened by Brother Davis knocking at my door, and calling on me to arise and behold the signs in the heavens. I arose, and to my great joy, beheld the stars fall from heaven like a shower of hailstones.... I was led to exclaim, 'How marvelous are Thy works, O Lord! I thank Thee for Thy mercy unto Thy servant; save me in Thy kingdom for Christ's sake. Amen.'" [23]
Enemies not destroyed: If the Saints were not successful in legal action against their enemies in Missouri, God would avenge them and all their adversaries would be destroyed. History of Church1:455 December 10, 1833 Critic Richard Abanes claims this was not fulfilled. [16] As stated above, Latter-day Saints believe that God avenged them by bringing the terrible conflict of the Civil War upon them, in which many of their adversaries died, their livestock slaughtered and their homes decimated.
United Order: The United Order would be "everlasting", and "immutable and unchangeable" to benefit the church until Jesus comes. Section 104:1 April 23, 1834 Richard Abanes claims this prophecy was not fulfilled. [24] Members of the Church of Jesus Christ claim that the adjectives "everlasting ... immutable and unchageable" may refer to the divine source of the United Order rather than a prophecy that it will always be practiced. They also argue that the United Order is part of the eternal gospel and that its practice is simply in abeyance pending other events. [25] Members also argue that similar phraseology is used in the bible. [26]
Missouri victory: Speaking through Smith, God says regarding Missouri: "I will fight your battles ... the destroyer I have sent forth to destroy and lay waste mine enemies; and not many years hence they shall not be left to pollute mine heritage, and to blaspheme my name upon the lands which I have consecrated for the gathering together of my saints". Section 105:13 June 22, 1834 Richard Abanes claims this prophecy was not fulfilled. [24] As stated above, the Latter-day Saints maintain that the bloody Civil War laid waste to the land under General Order 11, and saw the destruction of their enemies and their property as prophesied by Joseph Smith.
Zion in Missouri: The Latter Day Saints should be ready to move into Jackson County, Missouri, on September 11, 1836, "the appointed time for the redemption of Zion" History of the Church2:145 August 16, 1834 Richard Abanes claims that this was not fulfilled: the Latter Day Saints fled Missouri in 1839. [24] Latter Day Saints claim that the Saints did move into Jackson County on the appointed date, thus forfeiting the conditional prophecy.
Prophecy Source Date Notes
Wind up in 56 Years "[T]he coming of the Lord, which is nigh—even fifty-six years should wind up the scene." History of Church2:182 February 14, 1835 Critic Richard Abanes claims this prophecy was not fulfilled because the Second Coming of Jesus did not happen within 56 years of the statement. [24] Latter Day Saints claim that this was not necessarily a prophecy because it was not contained in a revelation and that Smith may have been expressing an opinion on the timing of the Second Coming. [27]

In 1843, Smith related the following: "I was once praying very earnestly to know the time of the coming of the Son of Man, when I heard a voice repeat the following: Joseph, my son, if thou livest until thou art eighty-five years old, thou shalt see the face of the Son of Man; therefore let this suffice, and trouble me no more on this matter. I was left thus, without being able to decide whether this coming referred to the beginning of the millennium or to some previous appearing, or whether I should die and thus see his face. I believe the coming of the Son of Man will not be any sooner than that time." [28]

Wealth from Salem: Smith would receive "wealth pertaining to gold and silver" in Salem, Massachusetts. Section 111:4 August 4, 1836 Latter Day Saints argue that the revelation did not say that Smith would receive the wealth on his 1836 trip to Salem, but rather that it would occur "in due time". The Church of Jesus Christ teaches that "in Salem was a treasure of much greater value to the kingdom than that for which they had come. There were many souls in Salem whom the Lord knew would accept the gospel. ... [in the early 1840s,] Elder [Erastus] Snow baptized over one hundred people" in the city. [29] [ third-party source needed ]
Marsh exalted: Apostle Thomas B. Marsh would be "exalted" and would preach "unto the ends of the earth ... among ... many nations". Section 112:3-11 July 23, 1837 Though Marsh was excommunicated shortly thereafter, [30] in 1857, he was rebaptized into the Church of Jesus Christ. Marsh wrote an autobiography in 1864, documenting his significant missionary service. Latter Day Saints therefore believe that the prophecy was fulfilled as it pertains to Marsh's preaching. [13] [ third-party source needed ]
Oliver Granger: "And again, I say unto you, I remember my servant Oliver Granger; behold, verily I say unto him that his name shall be had in sacred remembrance from generation to generation, forever and ever, saith the Lord." Section 117:12-15 July 8, 1838 One member of the Church of Jesus Christ has written: "The surest evidence that Oliver Granger is held in sacred remembrance is that his name is included in one of our four (4) most sacred books constituting the Standard Works, the Doctrine and Covenants. This, in itself, fulfills the prophecy." [31] Another Mormon apologist has argued that "the words 'sacred remembrance' most likely refer to the fact that the Lord would remember him. After all, the verse begins with the Lord saying, 'I remember my servant Oliver Granger.'" [32]
During this captivity [in Liberty Jail], not one of our lives shall be taken: Smith said on the morning after their capture after the 1838 Mormon War that "the word of the Lord came to me last night that ... whatever we may suffer during this captivity, not one of our lives shall be taken". Dona Hill, Joseph Smith: The First Mormon (Doubleday and Company, Garden City, New York, 1977) p. 244. November 1838 Latter Day Saints assert that this prophecy was fulfilled, because neither Smith nor any of his companions were killed during their imprisonment in Liberty Jail.[ citation needed ]
Enemies punished: While in prison, God stated through Smith that "cursed are all those that shall lift up the heel against mine anointed", that Smith's enemies would be taken "in their own craftiness", and that "not many years hence ... [they] and their posterity shall be swept from under heaven, saith God, that not one of them is left to stand by the wall". Section 121:11 March 20, 1839 The meaning of this prophecy, its referenced target, and the extent of its fulfillment has long been controversial. Although some of the known persecutors of Smith met gruesome and ugly deaths, others died peacefully of old age. [33] Critic Richard Abanes claims this prophecy was not fulfilled. [30]

Latter Day Saints argue that the unfortunate events which befell some of Smith's enemies is evidence that the prophecy was fulfilled. [13] Another argument set forth by adherents is that the prophecy applied more to spiritual punishments in the afterlife rather than temporal punishments. [13]

Prophecy Source Date Notes
Relief Society: "I now prophecy that before ten years shall roll around, the queens of the earth shall come and pay their respects to this society" [spoken at a Relief Society meeting]. D. Michael Quinn, The Mormon Hierarchy: Origins of Power, p. 634 April 28, 1842 Critic Richard Abanes claims this prophecy was not fulfilled. [34] Latter Day Saints claim that the conditions precedent for the fulfillment of this prophecy were not satisfied. [35] All Relief Society meetings were suspended in 1844 and the organization went on hiatus until it was reorganized in 1867 by Brigham Young.
Saints to settle in Rocky Mountains: "I prophesied that the Saints would continue to suffer much affliction and would be driven to the Rocky Mountains, many would apostatize, others would be put to death by our persecutors or lose their lives in consequence of exposure or disease, and some of you will live to go and assist in making settlements and build cities and see the Saints become a mighty people in the midst of the Rocky Mountains." History of the Church5:85 August 1842 Members of the Church of Jesus Christ contend that this prophecy was fulfilled. Not long after Smith's death, the majority of Latter Day Saints followed Brigham Young in relocating to the Salt Lake Valley, where they established Salt Lake City and other settlements in Utah. Critics Jerald and Sandra Tanner claim that this alleged prophesy was inserted into Smith's History after his death and that it was written in handwriting that does not match Smith's. [36] [37]
Smith will not return to Missouri : When Smith was captured by Missouri agents in Illinois, he stated that he would not set foot in Missouri again either dead or alive. History of the Church5:216 1842 Latter Day Saints believe that this prophecy was fulfilled. Smith did not return to Missouri even though he was captured by Missouri agents in Illinois. He never entered Missouri again and was killed and buried in Illinois.[ citation needed ]
Rising Generation: "There are those of the rising generation who shall not taste death till Christ comes." History of the Church5:336 April 6, 1843 Critic Richard Abanes claims this prophecy was not fulfilled. [34] Latter Day Saints claim that the term "rising generation" is vague and could mean future generations and not just apply to those generations that existed in Smith's time.[ citation needed ]
White Horse Prophecy: A lengthy discourse in which Smith reportedly said, "You will see the Constitution of the United States almost destroyed. It will hang like a thread as fine as a silk fiber ... and it will be preserved and saved by the efforts of the White Horse"; and that the temple in Jackson County, Missouri, "will be built in this generation." Journal of John J. Roberts, March 2, 1902 May 6, 1843 The Church of Jesus Christ does not accept the White Horse Prophecy as authentic. [38] [39] [40] Although other authenticated statements by Smith appear to echo the claim that the United States Constitution would be threatened and that faithful Latter Day Saints would save it, the authenticity of the White Horse Prophecy is debated and has never been resolved among historians.[ citation needed ]
Government Overthrown: "I prophesy in the name of the Lord God of Israel, unless the United States redress the wrongs committed upon the Saints in the state of Missouri and punish the crimes committed by her officers that in a few years the government will be utterly overthrown and wasted, and there will not be so much as a potsherd left for their wickedness." History of the Church5:394 May 18, 1843 Critic Richard Abanes claims this prophecy was not fulfilled; [34] however, in 1861, the secession of Missouri was in dispute. During the war, Missouri was claimed by both the Union and the Confederacy, and had two competing state governments, sending representatives to both the United States Congress and the Confederate Congress. Missouri was hotly contested during the war and her Confederate government was utterly overthrown and wasted when the state was laid waste by Union troops. Many people who had driven the saints from their homes were themselves ousted and their property burned, their livestock slaughtered or confiscated under General Order 11. [41] [ unreliable source? ] [ neutrality is disputed] Other Latter Day Saints argue that Smith may have been referring to the ruling Whig Party [ citation needed ] , which was defeated in the presidential election of 1852, later to dissolve and disappear from the political sphere.Still other Latter Day Saints argue that formal apologies have been delivered to the Saints by government officials, including an official apology from Missouri in 1976. They argue that allowing Utah—which was dominated by Latter Day Saints—to obtain statehood in 1896 could be regarded as "redress" of the wrongs committed.[ citation needed ]
Stephen A. Douglas to run for president: Smith stated that Stephen A. Douglas would run for the presidency of the United States. Smith also predicted that if Douglas slandered the Latter Day Saints then he would feel the weight of the hand of the Almighty upon him. History of the Church5:394 May 1843 Latter Day Saints believe that this prophecy was fulfilled. Douglas ran for U.S. president in 1860. He did make some negative comments towards the Latter Day Saints,[ citation needed ] and he did not win the 1860 election, and later died in 1861.

This prophecy was not published until 1856, when William Clayton claimed he had recorded it in his journal. [42] Previously that same year, Douglas had tried and failed to get the Democratic nomination. [43] A later compilation of Clayton's journals showed no mention of the prophecy from May 1843. [44]

Stakes established in Boston and New York: "In the great cities, as Boston, New York, etc., there shall be stakes" History of the Church6:319 Latter Day Saints believe that this prophecy has been fulfilled. Several stakes of the Church of Jesus Christ have established in those cities. There are stakes of the Church of Jesus Christ in many other "great cities" of the United States and the world.[ citation needed ]
Government broken up: "While discussing the petition to Congress, I prophesied, by virtue of the holy Priesthood vested in me, and in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, that, if Congress will not hear our petition and grant us protection, they shall be broken up as a government, and God shall damn them. And there shall nothing be left of them—not even a grease spot." Millennial Star29:455; History of the Church6:116 December 16, 1843 Critic Richard Abanes claims this prophecy was not fulfilled. [45] Latter Day Saints argue that years later Congress did grant protection to the Latter Day Saints and that adherents are now free to practice their religion in the United States. Since the conditions for the protection of the Saints were eventually met, it is argued that prophecy never came to fruition.[ citation needed ]
Orrin Porter Rockwell protected from enemies: "I prophesy, in the name of the Lord, that you—Orrin Porter Rockwell—so long as ye shall remain loyal and true to thy faith, need fear no enemy. Cut not thy hair and no bullet or blade can harm thee." Sonne, Kristen (June 21, 1998), "Rockwell's colorful history recounted", Deseret News December 25, 1843 Latter Day Saints contend this prophecy was fulfilled: Rockwell died of natural causes at an old age, having never been wounded by a bullet or a blade. However he did cut his hair in 1855, several years after Joseph's statement, to make a wig for Agnes Smith, the widow of Don Carlos Smith, Joseph's younger brother. [46]
Son David: Smith prophesied that his unborn child will be named David and will be "church president and king over Israel". D. Michael Quinn, The Mormon Hierarchy: Origins of Power, p. 644 April–May 1844 There is dispute between critics and apologists over the authenticity of this prophecy. The son David Hyrum Smith became a member of the First Presidency of the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (Community of Christ). Critic Richard Abanes claims this prophecy was not fulfilled, as David did not become the president of the Community of Christ or any other Latter Day Saint church. [45] Members of the Church of Jesus Christ dispute the authenticity of the prophecy.[ citation needed ]
Dr. Richards will not have hole in garment: Shortly before his imprisonment in Carthage Jail, Smith told Willard Richards that the time would come that the balls would fly around him like hail, and he should see his friends fall on the right and on the left, but that there should not be a hole in his garment. History of the Church6:619 More than a year before June 1844 Latter Day Saints believe that this prophecy was fulfilled. Although he was in the room where Smith and his brother Hyrum were shot and killed, Richards escaped from the incident uninjured.[ citation needed ]
Joseph and Hyrum Smith to die if re-captured: Five days before his death, Smith wrote: "I told Stephen Markham that if I and Hyrum were ever taken again we should be massacred, or I was not a prophet of God" History of the Church6:546 July 22, 1844 Latter Day Saints believe this prophecy was fulfilled. Four days later, Smith and his brother Hyrum were imprisoned, and on the second day of their incarceration they were killed by a mob in the jail.[ citation needed ]
Dan Jones to serve a mission to Wales: This is commonly referred to as Smith's "last prophecy" and took place in Carthage Jail the night before Smith was killed. "Soon after Dr. Richards retired to the bed ... and when all were apparently fast asleep, Joseph whispered to Dan Jones, 'are you afraid to die?' Dan said, 'Has that time come, think you? Engaged in such a cause I do not think that death would have many terrors.' Joseph replied, 'You will yet see Wales, and fulfill the mission appointed you before you die.'" History of the Church6:601 July 26 or 27, 1844 Latter Day Saints believe this prophecy was fulfilled. Although Jones was ill and believed to be dying of an illness at the time of his conversation with Smith,[ citation needed ] Jones recovered and later went to Wales as a missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ.