The Smith Family owned three magic parchments that were carried in a bag meant to be worn by the owner. The parchments blend a mixture of Christianity and magical occult symbolism and were probably used as lamens; pendants meant to focus magical energies for a variety of purposes. The existence of these parchments suggest that the Smith family had more than a passing interest in magic. Many of the magic symbols are copied directly out magical texts, including The Magus by Francis Barrett published in 1801, the New and Complete Illustration of Celestial Sciences by Ebenezer Sibly published in 1784, and The Discoverie of Witchcraft by Reginald Scot published in 1584.

The parchments likely belonged to Joseph Smith Sr. and Joseph Smith Jr., but were inherited by Hyrum’s family after Joseph’s and Hyrum’s death in 1844. The parchments are in the property of a private collector and only a few photographs are and eye witness accounts are available.

The parchments are known as:

Jehovah, Jehovah, Jehovah Parchment

St. Peter Bind Them Parchment

Holiness to the Lord Parchment

Learn More: