Thy Gold to Refine

The Work and the Glory #4

by Gerald N. Lund

In Thy Gold to Refine , volume 4 in the series The Work and the Glory, the story of the fictional Steed family enters one of the stormiest and yet most inspiring periods in Church history.

Picking up where volume 3 left off in the summer of 1838, this book finds most of the Steeds happily reunited in Far West, Missouri, only to be thrown into a maelstrom of intense and tragic events.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Lds, Lds Fiction, Religion, Fiction, Historical, Church

605 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1996

About the author

Gerald N. Lund received his B.A. and M.S. degrees in sociology from Brigham Young University. He served for thirty-five years in the Church Educational System, and he served as a member of the Second Quorum of the Seventy from 2002 to 2008. He is a prolific and bestselling author of both fiction and nonfiction and is best known for his historical novels, including The Work and the Glory series, Fire of the Covenant, The Kingdom and the Crown series, and The Undaunted. He and his late wife, Lynn, are the parents of seven children.

Reviews

[Yz]

I'll climb into bed at night and then I'll start reading from The Work And The Glory series and I'll say okay I'll stop reading at 11:30, actually no midnight okay how about 12:30 and then suddenly I found myself at 1:30 am with only a little over 100 pages left from the end telling myself don't finish don't finish you didn't get good sleep last night and you at least need to get better sleep this time and so after a few more pages I quickly shut the book and turned off the light wishing I was still reading.

[Lizzie Jones · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one made me really teary (a rarity for me while reading) two times during the account of what happened at Haun's Mill. It is so devastating to realize how awful things were for the early saints. Seeing the faith and goodness of the Smith family, Brigham Young, John Taylor, and so many others is just inspiring. Seeing the hated directed at the saints is just so disheartening.

I'm really glad I'm reading this series- it is really reminding me of my love for Joseph Smith. Knowing my ancestors were in the middle of all of these stories is just unreal.

[One Man Book Club · Rating 4 out of 5]

The United States of America is the country founded by seekers of freedom from oppressive governments. But did you know the Mormon Church, born on April 6th, 1830 in New York State, was forced with violence from New York, to Ohio, to Missouri, to Illinois, and ultimately west across the plains and over the Rocky Mountains—because of their beliefs? The governor of Missouri actually issued an official declaration that all Mormons were to be driven from the state or exterminated. It has always been ironic to me that the first Mormons actually had to leave the United States—the country founded on freedom—and travel 1300 miles before they were able find a place where they could peacefully worship.

This is the story found in the 9 volume series The Work and the Glory, by Gerald Lund.

5600 pages—exactly—in 32 days. That's what it took for me to read all 9 volumes of The Work and the Glory. Along the way I kept promising a grand review of the entire series once I finished book 9. Now that I've closed the cover on the last page of the last book, I feel a bit lost for words. I want to share what I learned, how I felt, what I liked, what annoyed me, what brought on the happy tears, and what caused the sad tears. I'm quite certain no one wants to read a review as long as the series itself, but I'm afraid that's what it's going to take.

So how do I do this? What do I say? How do I squeeze all these thoughts and feelings into a book review? I dunno. Let’s find out. . . .

The Work and the Glory is historical fiction. The historical part is thorough, accurate, well researched, and well documented. The books chronicle the incredible, inspiring, often tragic, always miraculous, and (to us Mormons) deeply meaningful first 20 years of existence of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Book one begins in 1827, just before Joseph Smith is to retrieve the Golden Plates that will become The Book of Mormon. Book nine ends in 1847, a few months after Brigham Young leads 12,000 Mormon Pioneers from Nauvoo, IL to the Valley of the Great Salt Lake.

The fiction part is engaging, well written, and breathes life into the historical events. Through the eyes of the fictional-but-representative-of-the-time Steed Family, we become first hand witnesses to all of the major events surrounding the Restoration (as it’s known within the Church). The Steeds meet Joseph Smith shortly after moving to Palmyra, New York in 1927, and soon they find themselves involved with all the peoples, places, and events those familiar with the history of the LDS Church will quickly recognize. Martin Harris, Oliver Cowdry, the Whitmer’s, Brigham Young, Parly P. Pratt, Herber C. Kimball, Emma Smith, Hyrum Smith. April 6th, 1830, the Grandin Press, the Sacred Grove, Hill Cumorah, the Kirtland Temple, Haun’s Mill, Liberty Jail, the Nauvoo Temple, Carthage Jail. Mission calls, the law of consecration, plural marriage, the Kirtland Safety Society, extermination order, martyrdom, the trek West, the Donnor Party, the Mormon Battalion. Palmyra, Kirtland, Independence, Far West, Nauvoo, Carthage, Winter Quarters, the Salt Lake Valley. Conversion, apostasy, persecution, miracles, revelations, visitations, resilience, tragedy, joy, and finally, peace and rest. The Steeds are part of it all.

For me, the best part of The Work and the Glory is the way becoming invested in the lives of the Steed Family makes history personal. Now, instead of just knowing the facts surrounding a historical event, I have an idea of what it was like to actually be a part of that event. What did it feel like to hear Joseph’s testimony straight from his own mouth? What was it like to be told to leave your lives in Palmyra and follow the Church to Kirtland? Can I really imagine the terror of the hateful mobs driving us from every place we worked to start a new life? How about the joy of being there when the Kirtland Temple was dedicated? Cutting stone for the Nauvoo Temple? What would I have thought on the great day of healing when Joseph rose from his sick bed of malaria and healed so many others who were sick? What was it like to ride in a wagon across Iowa and Wyoming? How did it feel to watch your children leave bloody footprints in the snow after being forced at gunpoint from Far West? What about when Joseph was killed? What did it feel like to witness Brigham Young suddenly look and sound like Joseph on that day in Nauvoo? And on and on. After all the trials, I feel like I caught a glimpse of their joy and relief to finally reach the Salt Lake Valley, where they would be out of reach of their enemies.

I’m a firm believer that the best books are the ones that make you feel, and there is a lot of feeling to be felt in reading The Work and the Glory.

As literature, the books are engaging and well written—but packed full of Mormon cheesiness. The cheesiness wasn’t too distracting for me, however, thanks to the strength of the characters. I really cared about the Steeds and I loved watching their family grow through both sorrow and joy over the course of 20 years.

It was also fun to read about my own pioneer ancestors as the Steeds even interacted with some of those that I am actually descended from.

Mostly, I feel proud of my heritage. The first members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints had the faith and courage to do and endure impossible things. I feel steeled up more than ever before to carry on with the work they started and to live my life with as much faith and courage as I can find in myself. I want them to look down on me from heaven and be proud that I am carrying on their legacy.

See, now I’m caught up in Mormon cheesiness! But, what can I say? It’s how I feel after reading The Work and the Glory.

I recommend these books to everyone, especially lovers of American History and members or friends of the LDS Church. For non-Mormons especially, I think reading a detailed history of the LDS church such as this would go a long way in helping you understand better what makes us tick.

Happy Reading!

Dan

[Andralynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one is so hard to read. The events of Haun’s Mill and Far West are heart wrenching, and it’s hard to imagine that people could be so cruel and unfeeling toward other people.

It’s been years since I last read these books, and I completely forgot about Joshua’s storyline after he rescued his family from the Missourians. That whole bit sucked me in for sure.

Despite the horrors that the Saints endured, the book ends on such a hopeful note. They made it out of Missouri, and they were looking forward to the future. I also loved the Steed reunion after so much separation.

[Jennifer B. (jenn.reads) · Rating 4 out of 5]

The most heartbreaking one yet in the series 💔

BUT that ending was so good. A happy moment after traveling.

[Monica · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was definitely the darkest in the series so far, but not surprising as it recounts some of the most horrible scenes in early Church history, including the persecution against the saints in Misourri and the horrible massacre at Haun's Mill. A good portion of this book left me feeling quite depressed, especially knowing it's all based on true accounts. Some scenes were very graphic for my taste, but perhaps necessarily so. I am grateful for the perspective this series is giving me. It is always beneficial for me to study church history, particularly to help me increase in gratitude. This book had a lasting impact on me in that regard.

One segment was especially touching to me; I wept as I read of the frequency of babies lost to pneumonia, having just returned a few days prior from a hospital stay with my own little one suffering from pneumonia. Had we lived just a century earlier, my son likely would not have lived. I loved re-reading the account of Amanda Smith's healing of her son's shattered hip socket (a true story) and the inspiration she received as to how to heal and repair it. So inspiring. My heart fills with gratitude for the pioneers' sacrifice and their faith. Not my favorite book because of the bleakness, but necessary to truly appreciate the full story of the saints' experience.

[Megan H. 6 Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thy Gold to Refine written by Gerald N. Lund is a great book. The Steed family has moved out to the Far west, except for Melissa and her family, and they are all united again. But when things look good there is always trouble around the corner for the Mormons. Governor Boggs sends out an extermination order for the Mormons. The state militia is called to come and carry out Boggs's order. Joshua is in the militia and does not know what to do. And the Mormons, where will they go. I like this book a lot. It has the excitement I want from every book I read. This is the fourth book in The Work and the Glory series and they just keep getting better and better. They do get bigger too. I am not a huge fan of big books but they are worth reading. There is nothing in this book that is slow or unnecessary. Every detail in this book is needed to make this book what it is. I like the way that Gerald made the perspective of the story. It is inside everyone. You now what they are thinking or what they are feeling. This book shows the love of a family living together and sticking together no matter what happens. This book make me feel part of the family. All of the books made me feel that way. This is an amazing book. The theme for this book is “Always have faith”.

[Allyson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was somewhat resistant to the idea of reading these books - I didn't take the time to really see what they were all about, I just assumed that since they seemed so 'trendy' at the time, they would probably be 'light' reading or even 'corny.' I was SO wrong... and I'm SO glad that I realized that if my mom was enjoying them so much and recommending them to me, they must be worthwhile.

This series, along with the Kent Family Chronicles (by John Jakes, about the United States), made me fall in love with historical fiction. In this case, it was not only my knowledge of Church history events that was increased, but my understanding of those events. When I read about all of the people and events in story form, chronological order, and in a cultural and historical context, I felt that I had a much clearer 'big picture' than ever before. Reading this series was such a wonderful way to increase both my knowledge of the Church and my testimony of the gospel.

[Camille · Rating 5 out of 5]

This one was very hard to read. I love my country but am finding myself feeling a little angry as July 4th is just around the corner. How could American citizens treat their fellow countrymen in such a manner? The pure evil nature of the mobs related in this book, with the full blessing of their government leaders who are supposed to uphold the rights of all of its citizens, is appalling to me. Let us hope we will not be faced with such evil again for a long time. You can see the father of lies and hate hard at work trying to stop the important work the early saints were starting. I'm very grateful to those who would not deny their faith to escape such horror.

[Roy · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a masterpiece! While tastefully, yet accurately retelling the awful atrocities committed in Missouri in 1838 & 39 against the Saints, this book manages to also weave in some wonderful messages of hope and faith that left me feeling like anything is ultimately conquerable.

Update, 2024, this reading, left me pondering even greater how much God loves us to let us go through trials to help us improve, usually far faster then we would otherwise. This is such a an amazing novel

[Robyn Porter · Rating 5 out of 5]

so many of us know about the pioneers in wagons and handcarts, but know very little about the persecutions and atrocities that happened in Missouri prior to the exodus. Should be a must-read for every Latter-day Saint, in my humble opinion.

[Kari · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a great book, it contained a lot of history in it. I really enjoyed how the author brought this other family to life in those hard times.

[Heidi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is possibly my favorite book in the series. So much heartache and trial, but so much faith and joy as well.

[Wesley Morgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is easily the best volume in the series so far. It is significantly longer than the previous three, and Lund states in the introduction that he did not originally intend to focus so much time on one short period of history. When I read that, I worried that the book would spend too much time on fictional character backstories like the last volume. That was not the case. This book gives a detailed accounts of the 1838 "Mormon War" in Missouri. It is written in a way that is fast-paced, engaging, and quite accurate.

The greatest strength of these books is their ability to tell a real history through the eyes of fictional characters. Reading the historical accounts of the Hawn's Mill Massacre and the Mormon exodus would be heartbreaking, but feeling like you personally know the characters makes you feel their emotions more deeply. Even the fictional subplots at the beginning and end of the novel were exciting enough to keep you reading.

To help my understanding of the history and check Lund's research, I read Alexander Baugh's 1996 dissertation, "A Call to Arms: The 1838 Mormon Defense of Northern Missouri." I highly recommend it for anyone who wants to further investigate these historical events. Comparing that dissertation to this book, it is surprising how accurate Lund's research is. He covers the election brawl in Gallatin, the harassment of Mormons in Daviess county, the DeWitt siege, the Battle of Crooked River, and the final surrender at Far West. All the horrible things described in this book really did happen.

There was only one major gap I could find in the story, which is explained in Baugh's research. After the DeWitt siege, many Mormons, most of which were "Danites", decided to retaliate in Daviess county by attacking homes of suspected mob members or those related to the recent violence. They stole property and occasionally burned down homes. Some of these attacks were led by Lyman Wight and Joseph Smith, though it is a matter of historical debate how much they approved of the violence. Several Mormons disagreed with these tactics, which led to some of them leaving the Church.

Reading Baugh's paper, it is clear that the Mormons had been pursuing legal avenues for a relief from persecution since 1833, and in all cases they were told to go through the very same officers, judges, and governors who were leading the persecution. Every time they gave up their arms and peacefully surrendered, they were treated horribly, from pillaging and rape to all-out massacre and winter exile. I can understand why Mormons today are still hostile to the idea of governments taking their weapons away. They had every right to defend themselves, their women, and children, and nothing these Mormons did was ever as bad as the persecutions they had received, nor did it justify the inhumane response from the militia/mob.

As far as the Danites, Lund writes them off simply as rebels and ruffians who acted outside the direction of Church leaders. There is some historical basis for this view, especially with respect to Sampson Avard, who turned on the Church as soon as the conflict was over. Even though we do not fully understand questions about the number of Danites and their relation to Church leadership, I can understand why Lund chose to portray them this way. I just wish he had been a little clearer about the role Mormon retaliation played in the escalating conflicts.

Besides that, I think it is an excellent telling of historical events. I would even recommend this to those who had not read the other books in the series, though it will be more meaningful if they do.

[Riley Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book covers from Independence Day in Far West Missouri 1838, through the Missouri Expulsion and ends touchingly with most of the Steed Family united in Quincy, Illinois in spring of 1839. This is a dense part of LDS history and deserves a lot of coverage. It is frank in admitting where Church members and the secret band of Danites drove opposition to the church for their vengeance rhetoric. However it does well in covering the tragedy that is the Mormon Extermination order and expulsion from Missouri.

The Steeds are there for the battle of Crooked River where Apostle David Patten is killed, Jessica Steed is at Haun's Mill for the massacre and it helps one understand why the Mormon settlers stayed put despite warnings. The Steeds are present when George Hinkle betrays Joseph Smith, the leading Mormon men are imprisioned while the Town of Far West is looted. The Steed women are only saved when Joshua Steed of the Missouri Militia kills some missourians but is nearly killed in return. His family in Indpendence is told he has been killed by Mormons and their house is burned down allegedly by Mormons. Caroline returns to Georgia to flee the Mormons. Meanwhile Joshua is nursed back to health and has to track down Caroline, but his step son will has gone on the hunt for who he believes killed Joshua, which goes poorly. In the spring of 1838 the Steeds are driven from Missouri and struggle across the state. They are saved at the last minute when Melissa from Kirtland and Joshua return with supplies and help them to Quincy. The Melissa surprise was a good twist.

The only continuing conflict when the book ends is Will is has been placed into indentured servitude on a packet ship and the family doesn't know how to find him.

[Ashtynne Degroff · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 15
In the beginning of this book, Mary Ann woke up early and she was looking at the sunrise. Then, Rebecca gets married and she moves away. Next, Joseph gets captured and is put into jail. After that, Joshua gets shot!!The biggest thing that happened was that the Steed family figure out that Joshua is still alive. Then they go and get Joshua. And then they get back. Finally, most of the Steed family is reunited again.
Some figures of speech that I found include some Simile's: "She's as lovely as a flower" (page 78). This is when Matthew first met Jenny for the first time when he went to get Joshua. "He's as strong as a lion" (page 106). This was when the Steeds were building a barn and the girls were watching as they were putting it up. Next comes Metaphors. "They are wild beasts" (page 245). This was when the Di-Ahman attack was going on and the men were acting like wild beasts. "He's the devil" (page 337). This was when the order went out to exterminate all of the Mormons and take the leaders to jail. Lastly, we have the alliteration. "The saints suffered sufficiently" (page 345). This was when the Mormons fell apart because all the leaders were in jail.
I really liked how much information and truth was given. I also enjoyed how there was always things to keep me on my toes. I didn't really like all of the killing! I also didn't like how sad this book made me feel! But, this DEFINITELY gets a five-star rating. I would recommend this to everyone who likes adventure and excitement!

[Ami · Rating 4 out of 5]

My original rating would have been 4 stars, but my re-read rating this year is right about a 3.5 stars.

Probably the biggest gaps in knowledge that I have in my Church's history come during this time period so this book is a much needed resource for filling in the missing information I have.
Looking back this novel, and the next installment in the series, are probably some of my favorites. The Steed fictional family hasn't grown so large as to be somewhat unwieldy and the timing and pacing of these novels feels the smoothest.
The trick with these books is to remember two things. First, remember what is fictional and what is taken from actual accounts. Mr. Lund does a solid job at the end of each chapter delineating between truth and make believe. Second, the reader needs to keep in mind that these novels were created with the purpose of showing the sweeping history of the beginning years of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints; NOT because the author has high literary ambitions. So while the writing is decent, I must overlook any failings and keep the true purpose of Mr. Lund in mind.

[Kiana Roylance · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great historical fiction by Lund!

I’ve read multiples series by this author and he never disappoints.

The amount of research he puts into these is remarkable. I appreciate how hard he works to make all of this books as accurate as possible and that he includes sources and info after each chapter.

I’ve enjoyed getting to follow the imaginary Steed family through the early days of the church.

This book covers the massacre at Hahn’s Mill and the driving of the Mormons from the state as well as the unfair treatment and imprisonment of Joseph smith and other leaders.

Parts are very heartbreaking to hear (such as the cruel murder of children, the raping of women, and the suffering of the saints as they traveled hundreds of miles in the winter with nothing) but I think it is so important for us to remember that this really happened in America and not that long ago.

He writes about some very hard things in an appropriate way. I felt educated and not held back from the gravity of what occurred while not feeling like it was too dark or gory or detailed to allow for the spirit.

Looking forward to continuing on to the next one!

[Abby · Rating 4 out of 5]

best and most interesting book of the series.

the sexism was turned down quite a few notches, which i was happy about.

also, matthew and Jenny's relationship is so out-of-the-blue, like it really confuses me. seriously, they met for one second and everybody was like "ohh, they MUST end up together" and then they kissed at the end (which i don't know if this was socially correct in america in the 1800s, but i KNOW it at least was DEFINITELY NOT socially appropriate to kiss in public in London, especially in that time period), but there was 0 development???????? hopefully, they get lots more development in the next one, cause i checked and they do get married sometime in the next book. i mean, Matthew and Peter had way more chemistry than Matthew and Jenny, and Matthew and Peter aren't really even into each other, which is funny (i still ship them, tho. don't hate)

[Michael · Rating 4 out of 5]

'Thy Gold to Refine' covers the events of the expulsion of the Latter-Day Saints in Far West, Adam-Ondi-Ahman, and the surrounding area from the state of Missouri. Not a cheerful book or for the faint of heart, I still like this book because it shows the fictional family, the Steeds, coming closer together through the trials. The thing I most disliked about this book was unavoidable because it was a part of history. It was the story of a group of Latter-Day Saints that made secret combinations to brutally attack the Missourians. That part of the book was the hardest for me to read because it was about so-called 'Saints' doing, and planning to do, something inexplicably evil. I recommend this book to those who want to receive inspiration from the stories of members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.

[Kevin R. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a tough book to read. I already knew of the events that took place in this book (events surrounding the so-called "Mormon War" in Missouri) and there were no stories told that surprised me. But the events were brought to life in a way that they never had been before. Tears came to my eyes multiple times as I read this book. I don't even have words to describe the shock and sickening feeling that comes when one realized that the stories told in this book actually happened to real people. To think of the merciless cruelty of the mobs is beyond comprehension. But people endured it. People came out of the forge with their faith stronger than ever. It's absolutely incredible.

[Patti · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh, this one was a tough one to get through! To read about Crooked River and Haun’s Mill Massacre was heart-wrenching! The persecution, brutality and horror were hard to read, yet I know it was a sad part of Church history and Ohio history. And Gov. Boggs – I simply have no words.

What I really appreciate, beginning with this volume, is that the author’s notes are at the end of each chapter. A much better way to follow-up with documentation than in a whole section at the back of the book. Excellent improvement!

I must take a break after this one, read something less painful and lighter before starting #5…

[Karen]

I resisted reading this one the first time I started the series. I knew it included Hans Mill and I just didn't want to read it, so I stopped reading the series. I think it is tragic, and sad, but I think it is done well. This series does bring me to tears on occasion, and of course, Hans Mill was one of those times. Such depravity...to be able to commit such acts on other human beings. But the faith and miracles that followed cannot be discounted. This is a beautiful story. I am familiar enough with the real happenings that I am able to enjoy true amazement at the miracles that really happened, while enjoying the story as well.

[Chelsea · Rating 3 out of 5]

The fictional Steed family parts are so cheesy and fake to me. I only keep reading this series because the history in it comes alive for me. I found such fascination with the background behind the extermination order (lies from both sides, and nobody double checking facts), the Haun's Mill Massacre (follow the prophet people!), the exodus out of Missouri, and what the mobs did while Joseph was in liberty jail.

Definitely a trying time for the saints, and this book made their sacrifice more meaningful to me.

[Grant Garcia · Rating 4 out of 5]

If progress lagged in the last volume, it picks up speed in this one. Characters acting how we expect them to, drama unfolding realistically and logically, and hard choices made. The outrages the members of the Church suffered are myriad, and this book does a good job of examining them through the eyes of those that lived them.

Four stars instead of five because the cast of characters is still so large, and not always handled adeptly. Some of the children are indistinguishable. Having similar and replicated names certainly doesn’t help.

[Rachelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. This book laid out in detail the suffering and persecution that early members of the Mormon church faced. It was sad to read of all the terrible events. I feel that this historical fiction type of style is teaching me a lot about the history of the Mormon church. I am learning more than I have ever learned before and I really enjoy having a greater understanding of many of these events.

[Summer Meyers · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great addition to the Work and the Glory series. This had some heavier things to cover with the driving out of members from Missouri (particularly Haun's Mill), but I think Lund handled it well. The end felt a bit dragged on. It was less about the story of the church, and more of the drama within the Steed family. I vaguely remember that it was mostly a setup for the next book though, so its probably necessary.

[Trevor · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm so caught up in these books, it's crazy! :) I'm learning details of Church History I hadn't really paid attention to before, even though fiction in the Steed family and others is involved. This particular Volume was a little more story than history, but I still think it served the purpose of vividly describing the horrible nature of these short months in time.

[Elizabeth Bench · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was very hard to read with what happened. But the ending with all of the family there was so cute and how Matthew kissed Jenny... my heart couldn't handle it. If only the rest of the grandkids were there that would have made the ending more beautiful. But it was already so beautiful. I hope they find Will soon...

[Deborah · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book definitely pulls on your emotions. I think I felt the entire spectrum of emotions through out the book. Be aware, there is a lot of triggering content through out the story. Also, as a part of long series, there are references to events and character's in previous books that might be confusing if you have not read the previous novels in the series.