Divine Authority; Or, the Question: Was Joseph Smith Sent of God?

"Divine Authority; Or, the Question: Was Joseph Smith Sent of God?" by Orson Pratt is a theological publication written in the mid-to-late 19th century. The book presents an argument in favor of the divine authority attributed to Joseph Smith, the founder of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and seeks to address the central question of whether Smith was sent by God as a prophet. As a discourse on religious doctrine, it engages with the claims of Smith's prophetic mission and the teachings of the Church, scrutinizing the existing Christian sects' authority and practices in contrast. In the book, Pratt lays out a series of arguments aimed at validating Joseph Smith's mission as divinely sanctioned. He discusses the significance of the revelations Smith reportedly received, including the translation of the Book of Mormon, and the authority of the apostleship conferred upon him by heavenly messengers. Pratt systematically dismantles the idea that the various Christian denominations hold any genuine apostolic authority, arguing that the consistent teachings and miraculous occurrences surrounding Smith point to his divine mission. He emphasizes the necessity of a restoration of authority within the church, claiming that Smith's work fulfills ancient prophecies regarding the last days, particularly the gathering of Israel and the establishment of a unified church led by inspired leaders. Through these assertions, Pratt endeavors to bolster confidence in the church's legitimacy and the transformative power of its teachings, portraying Smith as a modern prophet, uniquely chosen and empowered to guide believers toward salvation.