Joseph’s Last Dreams

“Behold, I have dreamed a dream; or, in other words, I have seen a vision.” —Lehi, I Nephi 8:2

We read all throughout scripture of dreams and visions that have aided in the benefit of individuals and collective humanity. Lehi’s vision of the Tree of Life is a beautiful parable with deep symbolic significance, not only for his family but all students of truth. His son, Nephi, gives us the interpretation of many (but not all) elements of that dream. In modern days we also hear of many dreams and visions, yet it is the interpretation that becomes a bit more challenging.

Several years ago I stumbled upon three dreams that were reportedly had by Joseph Smith toward the end of his life. As with any historical retelling of an account, there can always be errors, misinterpretations, or even outright lies. Yet, in the telling of a dream, the interpretation is much more abstract, thus making it more difficult for someone to change details to fit an agenda or specific narrative. Let’s take a look at each dream and do a little interpretation of our own. Here they are:

Steamboat Dream #1

In early February 1844, four months prior to his death, Joseph Smith had a dream, which he related to Wilford Woodruff, Willard Richards, and W. W. Phelps. He stated, "I was standing on a peninsula, in the midst of a vast body of water where there appeared to be a large harbor or pier built out for boats to come to. I was surrounded by my friends, and while looking at this harbor I saw a steamboat approaching the harbor. There were bridges on the pier for persons to cross, and there came up a wind and drove the steamboat under one of the bridges and upset it. I ran up to the boat, expecting the persons would all drown; and wishing to do something to assist them, I put my hand against the side of the boat, and with one surge I shoved it under the bridge and righted it up, and then told them to take care of themselves. But it was not long before I saw them starting out into the channel or main body of the water again. The storms were raging and the waters rough. I said to my friends that if they did not understand the signs of the times and the spirit of prophecy, they would be apt to be lost. It was but a few moments after when we saw the waves break over the boat, and she soon foundered and went down with all on board. The storm and waters were still very rough; yet I told my friends around me that I believed I could stem those waves and that storm, and swim in the waters better than the steamboat did; at any rate I was determined to try it. But my friends laughed at me, and told me I could not stand at all, but would be drowned. The waters looked clear and beautiful, though exceedingly rough; and I said I believed I could swim, and I would try it anyhow. They said I would drown. I said I would have a frolic in the water first, if I did; and I drove off in the raging waves. I had swam but a short distance when a towering wave overwhelmed me for a time; but I soon found myself on the top of it, and soon I met the second wave in the same way; and for a while I struggled hard to live in the midst of the storm and waves, and soon found I gained upon every wave, and skimmed the torrent better; and I soon had power to swim with my head out of water: so the waves did not break over me at all, and I found that I had swam a great distance; and in looking about, I saw my brother Samuel by my side. I asked him how he liked it. He said, “First rate,” and I thought so too. I was soon enabled to swim with my head and shoulders out of water, and I could swim as fast as any steamboat. In a little time it became calm, and I could rush through the water, and only go in to my loins, and soon I only went in to my knees, and finally could tread on the top of the water, and went almost with the speed of an arrow. I said to Samuel, See how swift I can go! I thought it was great sport and pleasure to travel with such speed, and I awoke". (Joseph Smith, History of the Church, 6:194–95, bold & italics added)

INTERPRETATION: This “vast body of water” may have symbolic reference to the work he was engaged in or possibly to the greater work in the eternities. The steamboat, in particular, was unable to withstand the treacherous waves. We see parallels between boats and the church or organizations in both ancient and modern writings. It is here that Joseph tells his friends that they need to understand both the signs of the times (ancient prophecy as it relates to the last days) as well as having the spirit of prophecy. It is the combination of these two elements that will help them weather the storm and treacherous waves. How are we doing in regard to our own understanding of the scriptures and our capacity to receive revelation?

At this point, Joseph leaves his friends, struggles to swim through the waves, meets his brother Samuel, and they both are able to rise above the storm and travel swiftly. We too find ourselves being overcome by waves of opposition. It is through great struggle and effort that we are capable of rising above the storms of life. The boat, in this instance, was unable to carry Joseph across the waters, but it was his individual effort; potentially signifying the personal journey of enlightenment we must each make. Finding Samuel by his side may signify those who offer support and encouragement as we face difficulties. Samuel also found the experience to be “First rate.” It is interesting to note that Samuel also shows up in the second steamboat dream.

Steamboat Dream #2

Two nights before his death, on the way to Carthage Jail, Joseph dreamed that he and Hyrum boarded a large steamboat. It was anchored some distance from shore in a small bay near the ocean. The boat caught fire. Their only escape was to leap into the water. Edited versions of this dream often leave out the fiery sinking ship portion of his dream, concentrating instead on the latter portion of the dream. Addressing Joseph Smith's second steamboat dream in 1862, W.W. Phelps, stated, "In June 1844, when Joseph Smith went to Carthage and delivered himself up to Governor Ford, I (W. W. Phelps) accompanied him, and while on the way thither, he related to me and his brother Hyrum the following dream. He (Joseph) said:

“While I was at Jordan's in Iowa the other night, I dreamed that myself and my brother's Hyrum went on board a steamboat lying in a small bay, near the great ocean. Shortly after we went on board there was an alarm of fire, and I discovered that the boat had been anchored some distance from the shore, out in the bay, and that an escape from the fire, in the confusion, appeared hazardous: but, as delay was folly, Hyrum and I jumped overboard...On looking towards the burning boat in the east, we saw that it was drifting towards the wharf and the town, with a great flame and clouds of smoke; and, as if by whirlwind, the town was taking fire, too, so that the scene of destruction and horror of the frightened inhabitants were terrible. We proceeded on the bosom of the mighty deep and were soon out of sight of land. The ocean was still; the rays of the sun were bright and we forgot all the troubles of our mother earth. Just at that moment I heard the sound of a human voice, and turning around, saw my brother SamH. approaching towards us from the east. We stopped and he came up. After a momen'ts conversation he informed me that he had been lonesome back there, and he had made up his mind to go with me across the mighty deep. We all started again, and in a short time were blest with the first sight of a city, whose gold and silver steeples and towers were more beautiful than any I had ever seen or heard of on earth. It stood, as it were, upon the western shore of the mighty deep we were walking on, and its order and glory seemed far beyond the wisdom of man. While we were gazing upon the perfection of the city a small boat launched off from the port, and, almost as quick as thought, came to us. In an instant they took us on board and saluted us with a welcome, and with music such as is not on earth. The next scene, on landing, was more than I can describe; the greeting of old friends, the music from a thousand towers, and the light of God Himself at the return of three of His sons, soothed my sould into a quite and a joy that I felt as if I was truly in heaven. I gazed upon the splendor; I greeted my friends. I awoke, and lo, it was a dream. [Elder Phelps added] "I will say that Joseph never told this dream again, as he was martyred about two days after. I related from recollection as nearly as I can." (Quote of Joseph Smith's dream by W.W. Phelps, in Marlene Bateman Sullivan, By the Ministering of Angels, pps. 44-45, bold & italics added. Note: W.W. Phelps wrote this dream down in 1862, and entitled it, "Joseph Smith's Last Dream," it was actually the second to last dream. His final dream was of his barn in Kirtland (below), with men fighting for ownership of it.)

INTERPRETATION: This dream is quite fascinating. There may be significance in the “small bay” versus the “great ocean.” It is my understanding that the work that Joseph and Hyrum were doing was only a preface (small bay) to the work that the Father would later commence (a great ocean). Both Nephi and the Savior speak of the Restoration as a beginning of the work but it would be halted for a time due to a period of tribulation, and THEN the work of the Father in gathering His children would commence. (I’ll do a future essay on the analyses of those scriptures.) I believe that the vile practice of spiritual wifery (polygamy) was the essence of the fire that brought down the steamboat. Days prior to his murder, Joseph was attempting to excommunicate many high-level church leaders for their secret abominations. Their murder is symbolized by both of them jumping out of the boat. I also find it highly ironic that a common theme among the church is to stay in the “Old Ship Zion”, or “stay in the boat.” What are we to do when the boat is on fire?

The secret practice of adultery among Brigham and others may have been the beginning of the fire, but it wasn’t the end. As the saints continued this practice they also brought in many false cultures, doctrines, and beliefs. The steamboat, which caught fire out in the bay, continued to the city where all was engulfed in flame and smoke. The town in this instance may have reference to the people of the earth and the commotion that will ensue during the tribulations of the last days. The entire earth will be vexed with fire and smoke, causing great fear among the people.

As Joseph and Hyrum move out toward the ocean they are met by their younger brother Samuel. This is no coincidence. One month after the murders at Carthage, Samuel Smith also died under very suspicious circumstances. The official church history states that during the horse ride to Carthage Samuel was shot at twice, once in the hat, and the other in the sleeve, neither of them hitting him. But due to either the stress of the ride or the anxiety of the event, he developed a pain in his side that worsened over the coming month eventually leading to his death of “bilious fever.” (Essentially vomiting from stomach problems.) This stomach pain was attributed to a previous farming accident that was aggravated by the events at Carthage. But there are also written accounts from Samuel’s younger brother William and his wife and daughter, claiming that Samuel began vomiting after Willard Richards poisoned him.

The remainder of the dream is simply beautiful, with the reunion of three brothers with their friends in great splendor and the glory of Heaven.

The Dilapidated Barn

Joseph Smith's last dream occurred on June 26, 1844, while he was in the Carthage Jail, the last night of the Prophet's life. He was killed the next day, June 27. The Prophet Joseph stated, "I was back in Kirtland, Ohio, and thought I would take a walk out by myself, and view my old farm, which I found grown up with weeds and brambles, and altogether bearing evidence of neglect and want of culture. I went into the barn, which I found without floor or doors, with the weather - boarding off, and was altogether in keeping with the farm. While I viewed the desolation around me, and was contemplating how it might be recovered from the curse upon it, there came rushing into the barn a company of furious men, who commenced to pick a quarrel with me. The leader of the party ordered me to leave the barn and farm, stating it was none of mine, and that I must give up all hope of ever possessing it. I told him the farm was given me by the Church, and although I had not had any use of it for some time back, still I had not sold it, and according to righteous principles it belonged to me or the Church. He then grew furious and began to rail upon me, and threaten me, and said it never did belong to me nor to the Church. I then told him that I did not think it worth contending about, that I had no desire to live upon it in its present state, and if he thought he had a better right I would not quarrel with him about it but leave; but my assurance that I would not trouble him at present did not seem to satisfy him, as he seemed determined to quarrel with me, and threatened me with destruction of my body. While he was thus engaged, pouring out his bitter words upon me, a rabble rushed in and nearly filled the barn, drew out their knives, and began to quarrel among themselves for the premises, and for a moment forgot me, at which time I took the opportunity to walk out of the barn about up to my ankles in mud. When I was a little distance from the barn, I heard them screeching and screaming in a very distressed manner, as it appeared they had engaged in a general fight with their knives. While they were thus engaged, the dream or vision ended" (Joseph Smith, History of the Church, 6:609–10 / History, 1838–1856, volume F-1,” 177–78).

INTERPRETATION: There are a variety of angles we could look at this dream. One perspective is that Joseph encountered corruption and wickedness among the brethren. The structure he was in the process of building was now in great disrepair and neglect. These men were hellbent in their desire to claim what Joseph had established. Many early church leaders laid claim to Joseph’s authority to lead after he was murdered. Stepping out of the barn may have been symbolic of his death.

Another angle to look at this dream is through the lens of Joseph’s future return to reclaim a fallen people. The church established by Joseph had fallen into disrepair and apostasy. These men had rushed in to claim the church organization as their own. After Joseph’s death, there were at least 6 main churches that branched off of the original restored church (there are in fact dozens today). Throughout history, these men have squabbled over who has the correct keys and authority. The Temple Lot Case is one such instance wherein the RLDS church was awarded rightful succession. The LDS church in particular had egg on its face when that trial was finished; the judge called out Wilford Woodruff for his lying and hypocrisy with regard to polygamy.

The dream continues with threats of destruction and fighting among these men. If we take a closer study of D&C 101 we come to understand that a servant (Joseph) begins the work of restoration. Those who follow him are slothful and misuse the money, given to them by the Lord, by not building up a tower to warn of impending danger. We then learn in this parable that this original servant will return to reclaim the work that he originally started. There is much discussion whether that work is to be done through the cleansing of the Lord’s house, or in a complete separation or division from it. Think of the parable of new bottles being required for new wine. There is also much speculation around the prophesied role of the “one mighty and strong”, also known as the Davidic Servant.

Conclusion

There seems to be a very common theme among these dreams. We’ve just read about a boat that sinks, a boat that burns, and a barn that is in great disrepair. In all of these instances, Joseph separates himself from the chaos. By attempting to gain a more correct understanding of church history and ancient prophecy, we can begin to see how these pieces fit together. It should be noted that these dreams, although given right before Joseph’s martyrdom and certainly benefited him, may have greater significance for us today. The work of the Restoration was a beginning. One main aspect of Joseph’s work was to bring forth the Book of Mormon, which includes beautiful clarity on doctrine as it relates to the role and mission of Jesus Christ. In 3 Nephi 16:10-11, the Lord prophesies that the future Gentile church will become wicked. (Moroni reiterates this pride and wickedness in Mormon 8.) If they do not repent the Lord will take the gospel from among them and give it to the House of Israel. This same prophecy by the Lord is shared in other apocryphal writings as well.

Throughout history, we see cycles of pride, wickedness, judgment, and repentance. This is often referred to as the Pride Cycle, and it is no different in our day. One great lesson we learn from the Book of Mormon is that the humble and pure in heart will eventually find lasting peace and happiness. Yes, some of them had to endure great hardship and were burned by fire, but their souls were eventually filled with the overwhelming joy of Heaven. Just as Joseph was given guidance through dreams and visions, we can find our way through a darkened world by strengthening our faith in Jesus Christ and His true teachings. We each have the gift of discernment and the promptings of the Spirit to help guide us along. Just know that jumping out of the boat, as taught by Peter and Joseph, may be required in your pursuit of spiritual growth and progression.

Shalom

P.S. I plan on doing a future essay that dives into the concept that the Restoration was a beginning or preface to the true work of gathering, or work of the Father, that will commence after the tribulations.

Disclaimer: Only a small portion of my thoughts and feelings are contained within this essay. It is nearly impossible to condense a lifetime of study, thoughts, and impressions, into a few paragraphs. I value and encourage the need for altering perspective as new light and knowledge is acquired. One of the best ways to know a person’s heart is to sit down and talk face-to-face, perhaps while consuming a mild barley drink.