Joseph Smith/Money digging/"Treasure hunting" trip to Salem

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Criticism

• Critics claim that Joseph Smith was commanded by the Lord to go to Salem, Massachusetts to hunt for treasure in the cellar of a house. Upon arriving there, the treasure was nowhere to be found. This proves that Joseph was not a prophet.

Source(s) of the criticism

• Jerald and Sandra Tanner, The Changing World of Mormonism (Moody Press, 1979), 87.( Index of claims )

Response

This criticism refers to the revelation contained in D&C 111, also contained in the History of the Church. The introduction states:

At this time the leaders of the Church were heavily in debt due to their labors in the ministry. Hearing that a large amount of money would be available to them in Salem, the Prophet, Sidney Rigdon, Hyrum Smith, and Oliver Cowdery traveled there from Kirtland, Ohio, to investigate this claim, along with preaching the gospel. The brethren transacted several items of church business and did some preaching. When it became apparent that no money was to be forthcoming, they returned to Kirtland.

The revelation itself indicates that the Lord did not command the prophet to go to Salem:

I, the Lord your God, am not displeased with your coming this journey, notwithstanding your follies. (DC 111꞉1) (emphasis added)

The Lord indicates, however, that there is some benefit to be derived from them being there. The "treasure" referred to has to do with planting seeds for the future preaching of the Gospel:

I have much treasure in this city for you, for the benefit of Zion, and many people in this city, whom I will gather out in due time for the benefit of Zion, through your instrumentality. Therefore, it is expedient that you should form acquaintance with men in this city, as you shall be led, and as it shall be given you...For there are more treasures than one for you in this city. (DC 111꞉2-3,DC 111꞉10)

Conclusion

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Endnotes

None

Further reading

FAIR web site

• FAIR Topical Guide: