MORE ON THE INDIAN PROPHET

      In 1830, Ohio newspaper writer Eber D. Howe noted that Joseph Smith sent Oliver Cowdery and his companions “on their mission to the Indians (or Lamanites, as they term them) in the “far west,” where they say “a Prophet is to be raised up, in whom the tribes will believe” (“The Book of Mormon,” The Painesville [Ohio] Telegraph, 30 November 1830, 3). The Lamanites will be taught best by one of their own, and one God Himself has raised up for this purpose. Most of the Saints today associate this particular future “Joseph” with the Prophet Joseph Smith, who was also a choice seer. Thirty two years after Joseph Smith’s death in 1876, Apostle Orson Pratt added a footnote to verse 24 of 2 Nephi 3:24, preserving the knowledge of “an Indian prophet.” This reference was changed 33 years later in 1909 to read “Joseph Smith.” Though our latest edition of the Book of Mormon is more extensively cross-referenced than ever, it no longer emphasizes the original idea of a future Native American seer, something early leaders clearly believed in and understood. The early focus on Native Americans generally is apparent in The Proclamation of the [early] Twelve. Statement by Elder Spencer W. Kimball Early Apostles Parley P. Pratt, Orson Pratt, and Oliver Cowdery (leader of the mission to the Lamanties), and Book of Mormon witness David Whitmer, all knew Joseph Smith well. They were also familiar with the early focus of the Book of Mormon on the Remnant of Jacob here - the Lamanites. Elder Spencer W. Kimball was an advocate for Native Americans in his day. As an Apostle, he was Chairman of the Indians Relations Committee for a time and later became LDS Church President. He focused much of his work on the Lamanite people, as did Joseph Smith in the first missionary labors of the Church, a forgotten focus today. Speaking of Joseph, the future choice seer, Elder Kimball said, “The Lamanites must rise in majesty and power . . . And in the day when their prophet shall come, one shall rise . . . mighty among them . . . ‘being an instrument in the hands of God, with exceeding faith, to work mighty wonders.’ This is a direct quote of Lehi’s blessing on Joseph his youngest son in 2 Ne. 3:24. These and other related statements were made in his October 1947, General Conference address. Statements by David