BYU Studies Quarterly
Article Title
Ann Booth's Vision and Early Conceptions of Redeeming the Dead among Latter-day Saints
Keywords
Mormon studies, redeeming the dead, vision
Abstract
On October 5, 1840, Joseph Smith addressed the general church body in Nauvoo on the subject of baptism for the dead, an ordinance he had introduced less than two months previously. On this historic occasion, the Prophet referenced a vision or dream that has until now escaped thorough study by Church historians. The vision was received by Ann Booth, a recent convert in Great Britain, and included images of John Wesley accepting the restored gospel and being baptized in the spirit world through the administration of David W. Patten. Booth’s revelation had garnered attention of missionaries in England and among some of their families and friends in Nauvoo. According to Vilate Kimball, Joseph explained during his October 5 sermon that the dead “will have the Gospel preached to them in Prison but there is no such thing as spirrits being baptised. He does not wholey discard sisters Booths Vishon; says it was to show her the necesity of being Baptised.” Phebe Woodruff quoted the Prophet as stating that “John Wesley can receive this work but how can his spirit be baptize[d] in water[?]”
Recommended Citation
Blythe, Christopher James
(2017)
"Ann Booth's Vision and Early Conceptions of Redeeming the Dead among Latter-day Saints,"
BYU Studies Quarterly: Vol. 56:
Iss.
2, Article 6.
Available at:
https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/byusq/vol56/iss2/6