No Toil Nor Labor Fear: The Story of William Clayton

by James B. Allen

William Clayton joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in 1838, becoming an important figure in church history. Friend and scribe to Joseph Smith, Clayton recorded the revelation on plural marriage, wrote the first history of the Nauvoo Temple, and penned the powerful hymn “Come, Come Ye Saints.” One of the original settlers of Salt Lake City, Clayton participated in a variety of religious, economic, and civil activities throughout his life. He experienced nearly all the joys and struggles possible for a church member of his day, and yet, following his own hymnal advice, “no toil nor labor” did he fear.

 

Genres: Biography, Nonfiction, History

480 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2002

About the author

James Brown Allen was an American historian of Mormonism and was an official Assistant Church Historian of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church) from 1972 to 1979. While working as Assistant Church Historian, he co-authored The Story of the Latter-day Saints with Glen M. Leonard. After Ezra Taft Benson dismissed the book as secular new history, other events led to the dissolution of the LDS Church History department in 1982. Allen resigned as Assistant Church Historian in 1979, returning to work at Brigham Young University (BYU) full-time.

Reviews

[Liz Hokanson · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

[Jacob Lines · Rating 4 out of 5]

William Clayton was as committed a Latter-day Saint as you will find. He was never prominent, but he was immersed in Church service from the time he converted as a young man in 1837 until his death in Utah in 1879. Along the way he was a missionary, scribe for the Prophet Joseph Smith, diarist, pioneer, husband to 9 wives, father of 42, hymn writer, and inventor. This book is a very well done account of his life. It is thorough and exacting in its research. Clayton’s life was full of challenges that he had to meet with hard work and faith. This book does a good job of detailing his struggles and joys and disappointments. I am so impressed with his faithful service, even when he was disappointed and mistreated. He used his talents to bless others and make the world brighter. This is a good book about a life lived very well, and a great encouragement for those of us trying to do what is right when it is hard.

[Jennifer Mackley · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked the book, but I think I was hoping for more emphasis on aspects of William Clayton's life that James B. Allen did not include. The author focused in minute detail on some incidents and skimmed over others, perhaps because he did not have access to more specific information ... but I still felt like there were gaps. I will continue searching!

[Tom · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book - probably because I identified in some respects with Clayton and what he was going through as a clerk / secretary. He was a good man. Solid, steady and faithful. Not a dynamic leader, the eternal clerk.. but true and faithful.