Scrap Book of Mormon Literature (Vol. 1 of 2): Religious Tracts
Religion
Scrap Book of Mormon Literature (Vol. 1 of 2): Religious Tracts
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints -- Doctrines; Latter Day Saint churches -- Doctrines; Latter Day Saints
A farmer, named Martin Harris, who had become interested in the work,
received from Joseph Smith a copy of some of the hieroglyphics with
their translation. These he carried to New York and submitted them to
some learned linguists, among them Prof. Anthon, who after examining
them, pronounced them true characters and the translation, so far as
he could determine, to be correct. He wrote a certificate to this
effect, and gave it to Martin Harris. But questioning him as to how
the young man had obtained the record containing these characters,
he was informed that it was revealed to him by an Angel of God. He
then requested Mr. Harris to let him look at the certificate he had
given him. On receiving it he tore it up, declaring that there was no
such thing as angels from heaven now-a-days, but said if the book was
brought to him he would endeavor to translate it. A portion of the
record being sealed, Martin Harris informed him of that fact, when he
exclaimed, "I cannot read a sealed book." As will be seen subsequently,
he was, though unwittingly, fulfilling a scriptural prophecy.
That portion of the record which was not sealed was finally translated
into the English language by Joseph Smith, and formed a volume of about
600 pages, which was published as the Book of Mormon. This title was
given to it because a Prophet named Mormon, by command of God, about
four hundred years after Christ, compiled and abridged the records of
Prophets who ministered on the American continent, back to about 600
years before Christ, when a colony of Israelites was led from Palestine
across the waters and became a numerous people, the ancestors of the
present race of American Indians. The account of their travels, their
establishment on the Western Hemisphere, the revelations of God to
them, their division through wickedness into separate tribes, the
manner in which the hue of their complexion was changed, their wars,
their works, their buildings, their customs, their language, the
words of their prophets, are all given in great plainness in the Book
of Mormon. An account is also given of the visit of our Lord Jesus
Christ to this people {239} after His resurrection, fulfilling His
own prediction recorded in John X; 16: "And other sheep I have which
are not of this fold. Them also I must bring, and they shall hear
my voice, and there shall be one fold and one shepherd." That these
"other sheep" were not the Gentiles, as popularly supposed, is clear
from Christ's statement, "I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the
House of Israel." (Matt. XV; 24.) He established His Church among them,
ordaining Twelve Apostles, and giving them the same Gospel, authority,
gifts, powers, ordinances and blessings as He gave to His "sheep" on
the Eastern Hemisphere. Thus the fulness of the Gospel is contained
in the Book of Mormon, which stands as a witness of the truth of the
Bible. The two records supporting each other, and both united bearing
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Elsewhere in the archive
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account