What you read from this poor, misguided soul who encourages good people to not believe the truth by his outrageous, exaggerated, or totally false statements is a real tragedy. Let me try and set the record straight on each of the points that you mentioned in your e-mail. First of all, you found that "Joseph Smith was tried for money digging." The truth is that as a young married man, he worked for a friend of his father-in-law who had purchased mining property in Northwestern Pennsylvania. Joseph was hired along with others to work for the man as they attempted to seek a vein of silver, which surveys had said was on the mining property. They never found it. Over the years thereafter, Joseph’s enemies used this simple and sad fact to show that Joseph was a "money digger" seeking fortune. He wasn’t any of that at all. He was a young man trying to provide a living for himself and his new bride and when it eventually went bad he moved on to some other gainful employment so that he could provide for his little family.

The next thing you found was that "eight years after his first vision God told him to join no church, but he joined the Methodist church." That is not true. Joseph’s family had joined the Methodist church back in 1820 when he was 14 years old. He was the only one in the family who would not join. It was shortly after their joining that church when Joseph went to the sacred grove and knelt in prayer to ask God which of all the churches he should join and which one was right. It was then that he was told to join none of them. I couldn’t possibly guess where this misguided soul comes up with this eight years that you have referred to, or even the fact that he joined the Methodist church at all since his history points out that he would not join.

Through your life you will meet many people who will be against the church. It is because it is the kingdom of God on the earth restored in these latter-days. All that the missionaries have told you is true. That good feeling you have had while you were being taught and as you have read in the Book of Mormon and attended your meetings is the spirit of the Holy Ghost bearing witness to you that these things are true. Satan doesn’t like you. He will do anything to dissuade you from the truth. He does not want the church to grow and progress, nor does he want you to grow and progress. Through the evil influence of others, he will try and talk you out of your testimony of the gospel.

When I was younger I wondered many times about whether the church was really true or not and I have had many people over my lifetime speak against the church and criticize me for my beliefs. As I have studied and prayed about these things it has become perfectly clear to me that the church IS true and that all I was ever taught and believed is true as well. This did not come easily for me and I have had many questions many times. What is clear to me now is that Satan will do all that he can to try and stop the work of the Lord. He will not be successful in his attempt, but on the way innocent people like you will get hurt as he does his evil work. I caution you not to be swayed by misguided souls, not to be influenced by Satan and not to believe those who would follow him. Simply have faith in the Lord, Jesus Christ. Don’t ever forget your morning and evening prayers. Ask the Lord to bless you that you will know the truth of all things. Attend your meetings regularly and study everyday in the Book of Mormon. If you will do that, I promise you that by the power of the Holy Ghost you will come to know the truth of all things and you will be able to withstand the lies that are constantly told about the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

I hope this is helpful to you.

Sincerely,

Donny Osmond


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