The Peace Maker - Definition and Overview

The Peace Maker is a pamphlet written by the Mormon author Udney Hay Jacob in 1842. The original two-chapter Peace Maker pamphlet was published in Nauvoo, Illinois with Joseph Smith, Jr. (the Mormon prophet) listed as the printer. The pamphlet advocated polygamy, and Smith quickly disavowed any connection to the work.

The history of this pamphlet is still shrouded in mystery. Udney Hay Jacob was not a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (LDS Church) when it was published, and Smith called the pamphlet "trash" in the church newspaper, but Jacob was baptised in the church very shortly after the publication, possibly weeks afterward. This two chapter pamphlet deals mainly with Biblical marriage laws, and the original manuscript it is stated to have been taken from has never been found although Udney is reported to have sent the entire book to United States President Martin Van Buren before he became a Mormon.

The issue of sanction of the work is important in a discussion of whether or not Smith and the early LDS Church officially supported Jacob's views on marriage.

External links

• Online Copy of "The Peace Maker" (http://olivercowdery.com/smithhome/1840s/1842Udny.htm)
• PDF File of "The Peace Maker" (http://www.2bc.info/PeaceMaker.pdf)