Joseph Smith's Leg Surgery Survival Against Medical Odds - Divine Intervention

“The typhus fever, which had been raging in the neighborhood, now made its appearance in our family, and in a short time, every member of the family was taken down with it, except myself. Joseph was the first who was attacked, and he was confined to his bed for two weeks. He was then recovering, when the fever settled in his shoulder, and he was seized with the most excruciating pain. He suffered for some time, and then the pain left his shoulder and settled in his leg, where it became so severe that he was almost frantic. We sent for a physician, who, after examining the leg, said that the disease was a fever sore, and that it must be lanced. He did so, and the pain was somewhat relieved for a time, but it soon returned with redoubled violence. We then called in a number of physicians, who, after a consultation, decided that the leg must be amputated. To this, however, I would not consent, and I told them that I would not have his leg taken off, if I could help it. They then said that they would try to save it, but that it would be a very difficult task. They made an incision in the leg, and took out a large piece of the bone, which was badly diseased. After this, the pain was much relieved, and he began to recover, though it was a long time before he was able to walk. He was obliged to use crutches for a considerable time, and it was several years before he was entirely free from the effects of the disease. During all this time, he was very patient, and never complained of his sufferings, although they were often so great that he could not sleep. I have often thought that his patience and fortitude under such severe trials were a manifestation of the divine favor which he was destined to receive.”

— Lucy Mack Smith, Biographical Sketches of Joseph Smith the Prophet and His Progenitors for Many Generations