journals of William E. McLellin, 1831-1836, The

By William E. McLellin

Book Description

These remarkable personal journals offer an intimate window into the spiritual journey of one of early Mormonism's most enigmatic figures. William E. McLellin served as a missionary alongside prominent church leaders and was ordained as one of the twelve original Latter-day Saint Apostles, yet his path was marked by periods of doubt and tension that would eventually lead to his departure from the faith.

Spanning his most devoted years from 1831 to 1836, McLellin's detailed daily entries reveal the raw humanity behind religious conviction. His candid accounts of travels, sermons, healing experiences, personal struggles, and evolving feelings provide authentic insights into the challenges of maintaining faith amid uncertainty. These writings capture not only the development of early Mormon practices and beliefs but also the broader religious landscape of 1830s America.

For readers exploring questions of faith, doubt, and spiritual authenticity, McLellin's journals present a compelling case study in religious experience. His honest documentation of both devotion and difficulty offers valuable perspective on the complex nature of belief and the very human struggles that accompany spiritual commitment. These previously mysterious documents illuminate how personal faith develops, wavers, and transforms over time.

The journals provide a unique opportunity to witness the inner workings of someone grappling with profound spiritual questions during a pivotal period in American religious history.