Joseph Smith's Ring: History, Meaning, and Speech Patterns of the Mormon Prophet

The History and Significance of Joseph Smith's Ring

Joseph Smith, the founder and first prophet of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, owned a unique ring that he wore throughout his life. This ring has become an object of fascination and intrigue for many members of the LDS faith.

The Origin of the Ring

In 1842, Joseph Smith commissioned a local jeweler, John Barnes, to make a gold ring for him. Barnes constructed the ring out of 14 karat gold and set it with a solid oval-shaped carnelian stone. The stone itself was quite large, measuring in at around one inch long. Smith provided very specific instructions on the design of the ring. He wanted the carnelian stone to be set in such a way that the bottom would be flush with the outside of the band. He also requested that Barnes include intricate gold swirl designs on each side of the stone. Finally, Smith asked for a simple inscription on the inside of the band reading "Virtue"

The ring that Barnes crafted for Joseph Smith was quite unique and unlike standard ring designs of the time. The large, reddish carnelian stone was an unusual choice. The flush setting and decorative swirl designs were also distinctive elements. This ring was clearly custom-made to Smith's very deliberate specifications.

The Meaning and Use of the Ring

Joseph Smith spoke about the meaning behind his special ring on several occasions. He is reported to have told people that the stone in the ring represented "the Urim and Thummim" and that it assisted him in receiving revelations. The Urim and Thummim were special interpreters used by prophets and seers in the Book of Mormon to receive direction and revelation from the Lord.

Smith also indicated that the insertion of the word "Virtue" on the inside of the ring served as a reminder to let virtue garnish his thoughts unceasingly. This phrase echoes a teaching found in the Book of Mormon about the importance of virtue. Smith sought constant guidance and inspiration from the Lord in his role as President and Prophet of the LDS Church, so the ring served as a symbolic reminder for him to be worthy of such revelation.

In addition to the spiritual significance of the ring, Smith also wore it frequently as a practical tool and identifier. He used the ring to stamp wax seals on important letters and documents. This act authenticated his signature and verified his authorization of the contents. The prominent, custom design of Smith's ring also helped distinguish him when he wished to keep his identity discreet.

The Ring After Joseph Smith's Death

After Joseph Smith was murdered in 1844, his ring was passed down among family members for several decades. His wife Emma originally kept the ring in her possession. Later, their son Joseph Smith III inherited it. Joseph Smith III then passed the ring down to his own son Frederick Madison Smith in the early 1900s.

Frederick Smith donated the ring to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the 1920s. It was put on display at the Church's Museum at Temple Square in Salt Lake City, Utah. The ring remained at this museum for nearly 70 years. Then, in the late 1990s, the Church's Museum of Church History and Art opened, and Joseph Smith's ring was moved to its current home there.

The Ring as a Treasured Symbol

Today, Joseph Smith's ring remains an important artifact cherished by many Latter-day Saints. The unique history and spiritual symbolism behind the ring have elevated its status to that of a relic. For some Church members, being able to view Smith's actual ring in the Church museum represents a special link to the early days of Mormonism and the origins of the LDS faith.

The ring offers a tangible connection to Joseph Smith himself and to his ministry as the founding prophet of the Church. The ring's inscriptions and associations with revelation reinforce Smith's legacy as a visionary leader who initiated Mormonism through divine guidance. Additionally, the ring represents how objects, symbols, and stories from the past continue to play a role in present-day Latter-day Saint culture and worship.

Though it is a small, simple piece of jewelry, Joseph Smith's ring has become imbued with much wider meaning today. It endures as physical evidence of Smith's existence and his profound spiritual impact that still shapes the LDS Church and its members worldwide.

Joseph Smith's Accent and Speech Patterns

As the founder and first prophet of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Joseph Smith had a profound influence on Mormon history and doctrine. However, Smith was not just an influential religious figure. He was also a human being with distinctive traits, including physical features and speech patterns that set him apart.

Smith's New England Accent

Joseph Smith was born in 1805 in Sharon, Vermont and spent his early life in New England. This upbringing meant that he likely spoke with a rural New England accent that was common for the time and region. Some key features of this historical accent include:

• Rhoticity - Smith probably pronounced all "R" sounds rather than dropping them.
• The caught-cot merger - Smith likely did not differentiate certain vowel sounds like "ah" and "aw"
• Raising of short "a" - Words like "hat" and "cat" would have sounded more like "het" and "cet."

As Smith spent more time in Ohio and eventually Illinois later in life, his speech patterns may have shifted. But accounts suggest he retained his characteristic Yankee accent from Vermont throughout his life.

Lisp and High Pitch

In addition to his regional dialect, Smith seems to have had a lisp that contributed to his distinct manner of speaking. Contemporary accounts describe him having "a little impediment in his speech." They note his inability to pronounce words containing sibilants like "s" clearly and his tendency to replace "s" sounds with "th" sounds. This lisp made Smith speak with a very noticeable whistle or hiss on certain words.

Those who heard Smith preach also described his voice as high-pitched. He did not have a deep, booming voice often associated with powerful orators. Instead, he spoke in a higher pitch that some characterized as shrill. However, he was still able to use inflection and volume to capture audiences' attention when preaching.

Impact on Views of Smith's Authority

Joseph Smith's regional Yankee accent and high-pitched, lisping speech patterns sometimes influenced how others perceived him during his ministry. At the time, many Americans associated northern New England accents with rural ignorance and a lack of education. Some who heard Smith preach felt his dialect took away from his authority and credibility as a religious leader.

There are also reports that Smith occasionally leaned into his accent and played it up more strongly in certain situations. This technique allowed him to portray a more folksy, plain-spoken persona as needed. While his accent was authentic, Smith realized he could strategically use it to craft a down-to-earth preacher image when useful.

Ultimately, Joseph Smith's teachings and revelations transcended any superficial perceptions about his accent or speaking style. But his distinctly New England-influenced way of speaking provides interesting insights into his cultural background and human side. Examining these details about Smith's voice reminds us that towering figures often have humble and unexpected origins.

FAQs

What was unique about Joseph Smith's ring?

Joseph Smith had a large, custom-made gold ring with a reddish carnelian stone. The ring had a flush setting, decorative swirl designs, and "Virtue" inscribed inside the band.

What was the meaning behind Joseph Smith's ring?

Smith said the carnelian stone represented the Urim and Thummim and helped him receive revelations. The "Virtue" inscription reminded him to be worthy of such revelations in his role as prophet.

What happened to Joseph Smith's ring after his death?

The ring passed down among Smith's family members for decades before being donated to the LDS Church in the 1920s. It is now displayed in the Church's Museum of Church History and Art.

What characterized Joseph Smith's speech patterns?

Smith had a rural New England accent and high-pitched, lisping voice. He could not pronounce "s" sounds clearly.

Did Smith's way of speaking affect perceptions of him?

Some felt his Yankee accent and speech impediment took away from his authority. But Smith used his manner of speaking strategically at times to craft a down-to-earth preacher persona.