The Angel Moroni told Joseph Smith
that his “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.”
For a 17-year-old young man, this must have
been a startling prophecy.
And yet time has proven it to be true.
Today, seekers of truth continue to face strongly
opposing views about Joseph Smith’s character
and prophetic calling.
Fortunately, many important historical documents
concerning the prophet’s life
are now freely available online through resources like the
Joseph Smith Papers Project.
Joseph Smith openly acknowledged his human
imperfections,
yet his sincerity and moral character shine through
in his letters and other personal documents.
It’s also valuable to look at statements
from those closest to him.
Joseph’s own family those who knew him best
were among his most devoted and faithful followers,
including his older brother Hyrum,
who died with him as a martyr.
Their willingness to sacrifice their lives
for their beliefs
is a powerful testament to their sincerity.
In regard to discerning between true and false
prophets,
the Savior taught that we can know  “them by their fruits.”
Certainly, part of discerning Joseph’s fruits
is to look at the historical record of his life.
Yet historical documents and artifacts can
never give us a complete picture of the past.
There will always be unanswered questions.
This is why gaining a spiritual witness and
testimony of Joseph Smith’s prophetic calling
is crucial.
Elder Neil L. Andersen taught that “Each
believer needs a spiritual confirmation
of the divine mission and character of the Prophet
Joseph Smith.
This is true for every generation.
Spiritual questions deserve spiritual answers
from God.”
Elder Andersen further testified,
“I give you my witness that Jesus is the Christ
He chose a holy man,
a righteous man to lead
the Restoration of the fullness of His gospel.
He chose Joseph Smith.”
This same spiritual witness is available to
all who diligently seek it.
Now you know why.
