Joseph Smith, Hyrum Smith & the “Resignation” Rumor
Introduction
A listener asked about a story taught by a political philosophy professor claiming that Joseph Smith became frustrated with the institutionalization of the Church, wished to step down as prophet, and wanted Hyrum Smith to replace him so Joseph could “simply be a priest.” This section evaluates the historical accuracy of that claim using original sources.
Joseph Smith’s July 1843 Sermon
The story originates from July 16, 1843, during a sermon in Nauvoo.
Joseph Smith’s Journal (kept by Willard Richards)
Willard Richards recorded the entry (speaking in Joseph’s voice):
“…proposing Hyrum as a prophet that he might be a priest—so the hearers tell the story.”
Important details:
Richards was not present at the sermon.
He explicitly states he is reporting what others told him.
Nothing in the surviving text suggests Joseph was “fed up” with church administration or intended to resign.
Thus, this entry alone is insufficient to claim motives or intentions.
The Context for Joseph’s Statement: D&C 124
Hyrum Smith’s Calling
Doctrine and Covenants section 124 (given 1841) declared:
Hyrum Smith was to become Patriarch to the Church “by blessing and by right” (vv. 91–92).
Hyrum was appointed “a prophet, and a seer, and a revelator unto my Church,” as well as Joseph’s appointed partner in spiritual matters (vv. 93–95).
Key point:
Hyrum was already called by revelation to be a prophet, not as Joseph’s replacement, but as a prophetic partner—similar to Oliver Cowdery’s early role.
Joseph’s Intent in July 1843
The sermon is delivered in the context of:
Nauvoo Temple construction
Increasing emphasis on temple ordinances
Revelation on eternal marriage (D&C 132) being written down that month
Joseph emphasizing Hyrum’s prophetic calling and authority
The evidence suggests Joseph was not stepping down, but urging the Saints to recognize Hyrum’s divinely appointed role.
William Clayton’s Diary: The Most Direct Eyewitness
William Clayton was present and recorded Joseph’s sermon in greater detail:
Joseph taught that Hyrum held the office of prophet to the Church by birthright, and that the Saints must regard Hyrum because he had authority.
He also taught that a man must enter an everlasting covenant with his wife in this life or he would have no claim on her in the next.
Joseph said he could not reveal the fullness of these teachings until the temple was completed.
Clayton does not record Joseph attempting to resign. Instead, the emphasis is:
Hyrum’s authority
Eternal marriage
The urgency of temple completion
The “higher knowledge” Joseph intended to teach there
Clayton’s firsthand account strongly contradicts the “Joseph was tired and wanted to quit” interpretation.
Reaction of the Saints & Joseph’s Clarification (One Week Later)
Joseph’s comment created confusion. Some Saints misunderstood and feared Joseph was abandoning his prophetic office.
Joseph clarified his intent the following week (recorded in his journal):
“It has gone abroad that I was no longer a prophet. I said it ironically… I do not renounce being a prophet, but renounce the idea of proclaiming myself as such.”
Joseph states plainly:
He did not renounce being a prophet.
His earlier words were ironic, misunderstood by listeners.
He was reacting to people’s expectations about titles, not expressing frustration with church organization.
Additional Confirmation: Willard Richards’ Letter to Brigham Young
Richards later wrote to Brigham Young explaining the event:
Joseph said Hyrum should be recognized as a prophet.
Joseph did not say he was giving up his own role.
Joseph instructed elders not to prophesy when preaching.
Joseph did not claim he was “just going to be a priest,” nor announce resignation.
This supports Joseph’s clarification and contradicts interpretations of exhaustion or withdrawal.
Why Joseph Mentioned “Priest” and “King”
Some historians note that Joseph contrasted earthly titles (such as “prophet”) with the higher temple offices of “priest and king,” which were associated with:
Temple ordinances
The fullness of the priesthood
Divine kingship in the eternities
Thus Joseph may have meant:
Earthly titles matter less than the higher temple blessings to be conferred.
This interpretation aligns with the doctrinal context of mid-1843.
Summary & Conclusion
What the Historical Sources Actually Show
Joseph Smith did NOT attempt to resign.
Joseph did NOT state he was tired of administration or “institutionalization.”
Joseph was emphasizing that Hyrum held full prophetic authority by revelation (D&C 124).
Listeners misunderstood Joseph’s remarks.
Joseph clarified one week later that he did not renounce being a prophet.
The context involved temple ordinances, higher priesthood teachings, and Hyrum’s role—not administrative frustration.
Final Assessment of the Professor’s Story
The story contains one small piece of factual history:
Joseph did say something about Hyrum being prophet.
But the explanation, motivation, and framing:
“fed up with institutionalization,”
“wanted to step down,”
“wanted to be simply a priest,”