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And If We Go To Hell...

And if we go to hell...

I see no faults in the Church, and therefore let me be resurrected with the Saints, whether I ascend to heaven or descend to hell, or go to any other place. And if we go to hell, we will turn the devils out of doors and make a heaven of it.
-- Joseph Smith, Jr.

Hell To We And

I had never heard this quote before but I love it. What an awesome concept. Just think the good that would transpire if we applied this to our everyday lives. Living the Gospel to the best of our ability and changing the environment around us to become heaven on earth instead of allowing it to change us.

And If We Go To Hell... Studies Doctrine Mormon

The quote is a bit cocky eh? What is the source for it, when did he say it and who was he saying it to?

Hell To We And

Source is Smith, History of the Church 5:517. (Also in Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith.)

Hell To We And

Admittedly, it would be cocky for you and I, but for Joseph, probably not. He has defeated Satan more times than I could shake a stick at, so I don't think it is too far fetched for him to accomplish such a feat. Although it is probably meant as a jovial utterance. Then again, the question arises in my mind, who is Joesph really? Is he just some valiant spirit chosen to head up the last dispensation, or is he something more. He has done more for the salvation of men save Jesus only, than any other man... According to John Taylor. Of course there is another thread addressing this question.

And If We Go To Hell...

That's a good point, when you read a quote you also have to consider who is saying it. Personally the quote ranks in my top 10.

And We To Hell...

This quote is out of a larger speech from pages 516-518, its mainly talking about friendship, and how Joseph Smith had helped several different faiths, yet when he needed help, none of them was willing to help.

And We To Hell... Mormon Doctrine Studies

Having recently read Joseph Smith: Rough Stone Rolling, by Richard Bushman, I was reminded that metaphoric language such as this was commonplace in 19th century America. Restraint in language was seemingly not a virtue. The book City of the Saints, by Sir Richard Francis Burton, which is a personal account of the British explorer's sojourn in Salt Lake City in the 1860's, contains the following comment concerning Brigham Young:

From what I have read, such use of language, both oral and written, was ingrained in American culture, both within the church and without, well into the 20th century.

By the way, both above works referenced are highly recommended reading for insights into church history.