Part First — Chapter 1
Dear Reader:
Part first of this pamphlet is a brief address to those who
have not read the Book of Mormon, and who are not conversant
with the denominations that believe in that book.
Part second is an address to all believers in the Book of
Mormon. There are three distinct denominations that believe
the Book of Mormon to be the Word of God:
- First: The Church of Christ.
- Second: The Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day
Saints.
- Third: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints
The last named is the church in Salt Lake City; they believe
in the doctrine of polygamy, while the two first named
churches do not believe in that doctrine. I am an elder in
"the Church of Christ." We believe in the doctrine of Christ
as it is taught in the New Testament and the Book of Mormon,
the same gospel being taught in both these books. The Bible
being the sacred record of the Jews who inhabited the
eastern continent; the Book of Mormon being the sacred
record of the Nephites (descendants of Joseph, the son of
Jacob), who inhabited the western continent, or this land of
America. The Indians are the remnant of that people, who
drifted into unbelief and darkness about 350 years after
Christ appeared to them and established his church among
them, after finishing his mission at Jerusalem. We believe
in faith in Christ, repentance and baptism for the remission
of sins, and the gift of the Holy Ghost. We believe in the
laying on of hands as it was practiced in the days of the
Apostles. We believe in the resurrection of the dead and
eternal judgment. We also believe in the Words of Christ
when he said, "These signs shall follow them that believe."
Our belief concerning the order of offices in the church,
etc., will be found in Part Second of this pamphlet. The
Church of Christ holds to the original doctrine and order
that was first established upon the teachings of Christ in
the written word, in 1829, when the Lord set his hand on the
second time to establish the true gospel upon the earth and
recover his people, which is in fulfillment of the
prophecies in the Bible. We denounce the doctrine of
polygamy and spiritual wifeism. It is a great evil, shocking
to the moral sense, and the more so because practiced in the
name of Religion. It is of man and not of God, and is
especially forbidden in the Book of Mormon itself in these
words, "Behold, David and Solomon truly had many wives and
concubines, which thing was abominable before me, saith the
Lord." "For there shall not any man among you have save it
be one wife: and concubines he shall have none: For I the
Lord God, delighteth in the chastity of woman." (Book of
Mormon, page 116, chap. 2. par. 6). We do not indorse the
teachings of any so-called Mormons or Latter Day Saints,
which are in conflict with the gospel of our Lord and
Saviour Jesus Christ, as taught in the New Testament and the
Book of Mormon. They have departed in a great measure from
the faith of the Church of Christ as it was first
established , by heeding revelations given through Joseph
Smith, who, after being called of God to translate his
sacred word--the Book of Mormon--drifted into many errors
and gave many revelations to introduce doctrines, ordinances
and offices in the church, which are in conflict with
Christ's teachings. They also changed the name of the
church. Their departure from the faith is also according to
prophecy. "Now the spirit speaketh expressly that in the
latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed
to seducing spirits and doctrines of devils." (1 Tim. 1
v:1). On account of God giving to Joseph Smith the gift to
translate the plates on which was engraven the Nephite
scriptures, the people of the church put too much trust in
him--in the man--and believed his words as if they were from
God's own mouth. They have trusted in an arm of flesh.
(Jeremiah xvii:5) "Thus saith the Lord: Cursed be the man
that trusted in man, and maketh flesh his arm, and whose
heart departeth from the Lord." They looked to Joseph Smith
as lawgiver; we look to Christ alone, and believe only in
the religion of Jesus Christ and not in the religion of any
man.
The doctrine of polygamy was not introduced until about
fourteen years after the church was established; but other
doctrines of error were introduced earlier than this. I left
the body in June, 1838, being five years before polygamy was
introduced.
Joseph Smith drifting into errors after translating the Book
of Mormon, is a stumbling-block to many, but only those of
very weak faith would stumble on this account. Greater
abominations are recorded of David in the Bible, than is
recorded today of Joseph Smith; but do you reject the Psalms
on this account? Do you reject the Proverbs because Solomon
was a polygamist? Stop and think, you who are hasty to
condemn. If you desire to know whether or not the Book of
Mormon is true, read the book and investigate it, for Christ
has promised that he who seeks in the right way shall find
the truth of all things. We are commanded to "Prove all
things; hold fast that which is good." (1 Thes. v:21).
The Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints,
believe that Joseph Smith was a true prophet up to his
death, and accept his revelations in the Book of Doctrine
and Covenants. The revelation to practice polygamy is not
printed in their Doctrine and Covenants. They do not believe
in the doctrine of polygamy.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (the church
at Salt Lake City) believe that Joseph Smith was a true
prophet up to the time of his death, and accept his
revelations which they have published in their Book of
Doctrine and Covenants. In this book is the revelation on
polygamy.
It is also a stumbling-block to those who desire to
investigate as to the truth of the Book of Mormon, to see
the believers in that book divided; but the divisions have
been brought about by the revelations of Joseph Smith. We,
the Church of Christ, who accept only the Bible and the Book
of Mormon as the rule and guide to our faith, agree on the
doctrine and gospel of Christ. The Book of Mormon comes
forth claiming to be the scriptures of the tribe of Joseph,
written by holy men of God, which record has been kept pure.
It claims that when the Bible was written by the tribe of
Judah (the Jews), it was plain to the understanding of men;
and that many plain and precious things have been taken from
it by a great and abominable church; and that on this
account the Gentiles stumble over the true doctrine of
Christ. The Book of Mormon comes forth claiming to make
plain the doctrine of Christ as taught in the New Testament,
and it does make it so plain that a child can understand it.
To all who are without prejudice, the Book of Mormon is the
key to the understanding of the Bible. As I have stated, all
who take it and the Bible alone as the guide to their faith,
agree on the doctrine of Christ.
I know that reproach has been brought upon the Book of
Mormon. Because some of those who believe it have drifted
into wickedness, the world has rejected the book and turned
it aside as a thing of naught; but if such persons will stop
and think, they will see that they refuse to read this book,
which claims to be a message from God, simply because some
have transgressed who believe in the book! Such persons are
not very earnestly seeking for truth. Those who have read
the history of the apostolic church know, that before John
wrote the Revelation, many of those who believed in Christ
went into all manner of wickedness and heresies, practicing
those things in the name of Christ, and thereby brought
reproach upon the name "Christian." Apostolic church history
tells us that the Nicolaitanes (Rev. ii:15), who departed
from the faith by following Nicolas, one of the first seven
deacons (Acts vi:5), were also called "Christians;" also
that many factions which sprang out of the Christian church,
also called themselves "Christians." The Nicolaitanes
claimed that Nicolas had received a revelation from God to
practice the doctrine of "free love," which is worse than
polygamy. (Irenaeus, Epiphanius, Hippolytus.) Reproach was
thus brought upon the name "Christian," just as it has been
brought upon the words of Christ--the Book of Mormon.
History tells us it was a disgrace in the eyes of the world
to be called a "Christian," even during the days of the
apostles. In Acts xxviii:22 we find that the true church was
evil spoken of. "For as concerning this sect, we know that
everywhere it is spoken against." Paul speaks of the
reproach his disciples will have to bear for his name,
telling them many times that his disciples would always be
persecuted. Peter prophesied (2 Peter ii:1-2), that damnable
heresies would be brought into the church; "and many shall
follow their pernicious ways, by reason of whom The Way of
Truth shall be evil spoken of." So has it been in these last
days. On account of the heresy of polygamy and other
heresies, "the way of truth" is evil spoken of; and those
who believe in all the scriptures of our Lord Jesus Christ,
are called by the world "Mormons," and are looked upon with
more or less shame by the majority of people; but we are
willing to bear the reproach for Him who died for us, for we
know that the Book of Mormon is His word, and by His word we
can inherit eternal life if was are faithful in keeping His
commandments. God's wisdom is not man's wisdom, and His ways
are not man's ways. He works in a way least expected by man.
He does his work in a way that all men may stumble and not
understand, unless their whole heart and desire is upon God,
and not upon the things of this world. "Love not the world,
neither the things that are in the world. If any man love
the world, the love of the Father is not in him." (1 John
ii:15.) "Ye cannot serve God and mammon." (Matt. vi:24.) He
who makes up his mind to serve God with an eye single to his
glory, the light that is in him will not be darkness to the
truth as it is in Christ; such a person will overcome the
stumbling-blocks. He ordained that Christ should come as a
stumbling-block to the Jews, so that all who did not have an
eye single to his glory might stumble and not understand.
"And He (Christ) shall be for a sanctuary; but for a stone
of stumbling and for a rock of offense to both the houses of
Israel, for a sin and for a snare to the inhabitants of
Jerusalem. And many among them shall stumble, and fall, and
be broken, and be snared, and be taken." (Isaiah
viii:14-15.) (See also 1 Peter ii:7-8, 1 Cor. i:23, Rom
ix:32-33.) The Jews did not expect the Christ to come in the
way he did, because the prophecies about his coming were
obscure; so they rejected him.
The Gentiles cannot expect the words of Christ--the Book of
Mormon--to come in the way it has, because the prophecies
about its coming forth are obscure; so they have rejected
it; but the stone which the builders have rejected, the same
will become the head of the corner. The Book of Mormon is
the word of God. The prophecies in the scriptures concerning
the way in which Christ would come to the Jews, are obscure,
but they are just as God wanted them. Likewise are the
prophecies in the Bible concerning the coming forth of the
word of Christ in these last days, which is "the
dispensation of the fullness of times." The prophecies which
foretell the coming forth of the Book of Mormon are fully as
plain to the Gentiles, as the prophecies were to the Jews
concerning Christ's coming. The people cannot understand why
the Lord would bring forth his word from "a book (plates)
that is sealed" and was buried in the ground by his ancient
prophets on this land: and why He should have the words of
the book delivered "to one that is learned," telling him to
read it, etc.; (see Isa. xxix) but the learned and wise men
of the world could not read it; God gave to an unlearned
boy, Joseph Smith, the gift to translate it by the means of
a Stone. See the following passages concerning the "Urim and
Thummin," being the same means and one by which the Ancients
received the word of the Lord. (1 Sam. xxviii:6, Neh.
vii:65, Ezra ii:63, Num. xxvii:21, Deut. xxxiii:8, Exodus
xxviii:30, Lev. viii:8.) But this is a great stumbling-block
to the people now. They cannot understand why God would work
in this manner to bring forth his word; and why he would
choose such a man as Joseph Smith to translate it: and they
think the canon of scripture is full: and that angels do not
minister unto men in these days. But oh kind reader, if you
desire to know the truth, be not hasty to condemn and judge,
but I pray you to investigate. The scriptures teach that God
works in a way least expected by men.
"Neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord." (Isa.
LV:8). "How unsearchable are His judgments, and His ways
past finding out." (Rom. xi:33). Read Isa. xxix, whole
chapter, which is a prophecy concerning the way in which the
Book of Mormon was to come forth. "Out of the ground;" "Out
of the dust;" From, "the words of a Book (plates) that is
sealed:" The men of the world who are wise and prudent in
the eyes of the world, shall be confounded; they will not
understand the Lord's way of working. "For the wisdom of
their wise men shall perish, and the understanding of their
prudent men shall be hid." But the meek and lowly in heart
will understand it. "The meek also shall increase their joy
in the Lord, and the poor among men shall rejoice in the
Holy One of Israel." And those who are spiritually blind and
deaf shall "hear the words of the Book," and "see out of
obscurity, and out of darkness." "They also that erred in
spirit shall come to understanding, and they that murmured
shall learn doctrine;" (The above quotations are from the
29th chapter of Isaiah.) John, in his vision on the Isle of
Patmos, of "things which must be hereafter," saw "Another
angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting
gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth." (Rev.
xiv:6.) In Isaiah xi:11-12, it is prophesied as follows:
"and it shall come to pass in that day (dispensation) that
the Lord shall set his hand again the second time to recover
the remnant of his people * * * * and he shall set up an
ensign for the nations, and shall assemble the outcasts of
Israel, and gather together the dispersed of Judah (the
Jews) from the four corners of the earth." The coming forth
of the Book of Mormon is only a preparatory work for the
great and "marvelous work" of God which is yet to come in
gathering scattered Israel, which is spoken of so often
through the prophets. The Book of Mormon contains many
prophecies which are now and have been during my life, under
course of fulfillment. It says that more records are yet to
come forth from the "book that is sealed," which book is the
sacred scriptures or records of the people who inhabited
this land of America.
The children of Israel are to be gathered by the record of
Judah (the Bible); and the record of Joseph; of which record
the Book of Mormon is only a part. I will now quote from
Ezekiel xxxvii:16-21, which is plain concerning this matter.
Remember that in ancient times, writing was engraved upon
stone and upon metallic plates, and they also wrote upon
parchment which they rolled around a stick. A roll of
parchment was called a "stick."
"Moreover, thou son of man, take the one stick, and write
upon it, For Judah, and for the children of Israel his
companions: then take another stick, and write upon it, For
Joseph, the stick of Ephraim, and for all the house of
Israel his companions: and join them one to another in one
stick; and they shall become one in thine hand. And when the
children of thy people shall speak unto thee, saying, Wilt
thou not show us what thou meanst by these? say unto them, *
* * * Thus saith the Lord God; Behold, I will take the
children of Israel from among the heathen, whither they be
gone, and will gather them on every side, and bring them
into their own land."
It is evident that this, like many other prophecies, refers
to the time when the Israel of God will be gathered together
in righteousness and holiness; when they shall be God's holy
people forever. It says in this chapter, 23d to 28th verses,
that when they are gathered, they shall "No more defile
themselves with their idols * * * * nor with any of their
transgressions," and the Lord "will cleanse them, so they
shall be my people, and I will be their God." * * * and
"they shall walk in my judgments * * * * * and (I) will set
my sanctuary in the midst of them forevermore. * * * * And
the heathen (all who are not Israel) shall know that I the
Lord do sanctify Israel when my sanctuary shall be in the
midst of them forevermore." (Concerning a literal gathering
of the House of Israel, in righteousness and holiness, see
chapter 2.) The Gentiles are first now, and the Jews last:
but the Jews and all the House of Israel will be first some
day, and the Gentiles last. It is through the "fullness of
the Gentiles," that the veil of blindness which is now over
Israel, shall be taken away. The cup of iniquity of the
Gentiles is almost full; then God will turn to Israel, for
Israel is not cast away forever. "Blindness in part is
happened to Israel, until the fullness of the Gentiles be
come in. * * * There shall come out of Sion, the Deliverer,
and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob." (See Romans
11th chapter).
It is recorded in the American Cyclopedia and the
Encyclopedia Britannica, that I, David Whitmer, have denied
my testimony as one of the three witnesses to the divinity
of the Book of Mormon; and that the other two witnesses,
Oliver Cowdery and Martin Harris, denied their testimony to
that Book. I will say once more to all mankind, that I have
never at any time denied that testimony or any part thereof.
I also testify to the world, that neither Oliver Cowdery or
Martin Harris ever at any time denied their testimony. They
both died reaffirming the truth of the divine authenticity
of the Book of Mormon. I was present at the death bed of
Oliver Cowdery, and his last words were, "Brother David, be
true to your testimony to the Book of Mormon.'' He died here
in Richmond, Mo., on March 3d, 1850. Many witnesses yet live
in Richmond, who will testify to the truth of these facts,
as well as to the good character of Oliver Cowdery. The very
powers of darkness have combined against the Book of Mormon,
to prove that it is not the word of God, and this should go
to prove to men of spiritual understanding, that the Book is
true. To show the reader what I have had to contend with, I
give you below a copy of a leaflet which I had printed and
distributed in March, 1881.
A Proclamation
"Unto all Nations, Kindred Tongues and People, unto whom
these presents shall come:
"It having been represented by one John Murphy, of Polo,
Caldwell County, Mo., that I, in a conversation with him
last summer, denied my testimony as one of the three
witnesses to the Book of Mormon.
"To the end, therefore, that he may understand me now, if he
did not then; and that the world may know the truth, I wish
now, standing as it were, in the very sunset of life, and in
the fear of God, once for all to make this public statement:
"That I have never at any time denied that testimony or any
part thereof, which has so long since been published with
that Book, as one of the three witnesses. Those who know me
best, well know that I have always adhered to that
testimony. And that no man may be misled or doubt my present
views in regard to the same, I do again affirm the truth of
all of my statements, as then made and published.
"'He that hath an ear to hear, let him hear;' it was no
delusion! What was written is written, and he that readeth
let him understand.
"And that no one may be deceived or misled by this
statement, I wish here to state: that I do not indorse
polygamy or spiritual wifeism. It is a great evil, shocking
to the moral sense, and the more so, because practiced in
the name of religion. It is of man and not God, and is
especially forbidden in the Book of Mormon itself.
"I do not indorse the change of the name of the church, for
as the wife takes the name of her husband so should the
Church of the Lamb of God, take the name of its head, even
Christ himself. It is the Church of Christ.
"As to the High Priesthood, Jesus Christ himself is the last
Great High Priest, this too after the order of Melchisedec,
as I understand the Holy Scriptures.
"Finally, I do not indorse any of the teachings of the
so-called Mormons, of Latter Day Saints, which are in
conflict with the Gospel of our Lord and Savior Jesus
Christ, as taught in the Bible and Book of Mormon; for the
same gospel is plainly taught in both of these books as I
understand the word of God.
"And if any man doubt should he not carefully and honestly
read and understand the same, before presuming to sit in
judgment and condemning the light, which shineth in
darkness, and showeth the way of eternal life as pointed out
by the unerring hand of God.
"In the spirit of Christ who hath said: 'Follow thou me, for
I am the life, the light and the way.' I submit this
statement to the world. God in whom I trust being my judge
as to the sincerity of my motives and the faith and hope
that is in me of eternal life.
"My sincere desire is that the world may be benefited by
this plain and simple statement of the truth.
"And all the honor be to the Father, the Son and the Holy
Ghost, which is one God. Amen. David Whitmer."
"Richmond, Mo., March 19, 1881."
"We, the undersigned citizens of Richmond, Ray County, Mo.,
where David Whitmer, has resided since the year A.D. 1838,
certify that we have long and intimately acquainted with him
and know him to be a man of the highest integrity, and of
undoubted truth and veracity.
"Given at Richmond, Mo., this March 19, A.D. 1881.
Gen. Alexander W. Doniphan.
Hon. Geo. W. Dunn, Judge of the Fifth Judicial Circuit.
Thos. D. Woodson, President of Ray Co. Savings Bank.
J. T. Child, editor of Conservator.
H.C. Garner, Cashier of Ray Co. Savings Bank.
L. C. Cantwell, Postmaster, Richmond.
Geo. I. Wasson, Mayor.
Jas. A. Davis, County Collector.
C. J. Hughes, Probate Judge and Presiding Justice of Ray
County Court.
Geo. W. Trigg, County Clerk.
W. W. Mosby, M.D.
W. A. Holman, County Treasurer.
J.S. Hughes, Banker, Richmond.
James Hughes, Banker, Richmond.
D. P. Whitmer, Attorney-at-Law.
Hon. Jas. W. Black, Attorney-at-Law.
Thos. McGinnis, ex-Sheriff Ray County.
J. P. Quesenberry, Merchant.
W. R. Holman, Furniture Merchant.
Lewis Slaughter, Recorder of Deeds.
Geo. W. Buchanan, M. D.
A.K. Reyburn."
From the Richmond, (Mo.) Conservator, March 24, 1881.
An Explanation.
"Elsewhere we publish a letter from David Whitmer, an old
and well-known citizen of Ray, as well as an indorsement of
his standing as a man, signed by a number of the leading
citizens of this community, in reply to some unwarranted
aspersions made upon him.
"There is no doubt that Mr. Whitmer, who was one of the
three witnesses of authenticity of the gold plates, from
which he asserts that Joseph Smith translated the Book of
Mormon (a fac simile of the characters he now has in his
possession with the original records), is firmly convinced
of its divine origin, and while he makes no effort to
obtrude his views or beliefs, he simply wants the world to
know that so far as he is concerned there is no
'variableness or shadow of turning.' Having resided here for
near a half of a century, it is with no little pride that he
points to his past record with the consciousness that he has
done nothing derogatory to his character as a citizen and
believer in the son of Mary, to warrant such an attack on
him, come from what source it may, and now with the lilies
of seventy-five winters crowning him like an aureole, and
his pilgrimage on earth well nigh ended, he reiterates his
former statements, and will leave futurity to solve the
problem that he was but a passing witness to its
fulfillment. His attacks on the vileness that has sprung up
with the Utah Church, must have a salutary effect upon those
bigamists who have made adultery the cornerstone in the
edifice of their belief."
Besides other false statements that are in the two
encyclopedias above mentioned is the old story of the
Spaulding manuscript. That is, that, one Solomon Spaulding
who died in Amity, Penn., in 1816, had written a romance,
the scene of which was among the ancient Indians who lived
in this country. That Spaulding died before he published his
romance, and that Sydney Rigdon got hold of the manuscript
in a printing office and copied it; that subsequently the
manuscript was returned to Solomon Spaulding; that thirteen
years after the death of Spaulding, in 1829, Rigdon became
associated with Joseph Smith, who read the Spaulding
manuscript from behind a blanket to Oliver Cowdery, his
amanuensis, who wrote it down. Hence the origin of the Book
of Mormon. This is what is claimed by the enemies of the
book: Satan had to concoct some plan to account for the
origin of that book. I will say that all who desire to
investigate the Spaulding manuscript story will not be
obliged to go very far before they will see the entire
falsity of that claim. I testify to the world that I am an
eyewitness to the translation of the greater part of the
Book of Mormon. Part of it was translated in my father's
house in Fayette, Seneca County, N.Y. Farther on I give a
description of the manner in which the book was translated.
When the Spaulding story was made known to believers in the
book, they called for the Spaulding manuscript, but it could
not be found; but recently, thanks to the Lord, the original
manuscript has been found and identified. It has been placed
in the library of Oberlin College, Oberlin, Ohio, for public
inspection. All who have doubts about it being the original
Spaulding manuscript, can satisfy themselves by visiting
Oberlin and examining the proofs. The manuscript is in the
hands of those who are not believers in the Book of Mormon.
They have kindly allowed the believers in the book to
publish a copy of the manuscript, with the proofs that it is
the manuscript of Solomon Spaulding. There is no similarity
whatever between it and the Book of Mormon. Any one who
investigates this question will see that the Spaulding
manuscript story is a fabrication concocted by the enemies
of the Book of Mormon, in order to account for the origin of
that book. Neither Joseph Smith, Oliver Cowdery, Martin
Harris or myself ever met Sydney Rigdon until after the Book
of Mormon was in print. I know this of my own personal
knowledge, being with Joseph Smith, in Seneca County, N.Y.,
in the winter of 1830, when Sydney Rigdon and Edward
Partridge came from Kirtland, Ohio, to see Joseph Smith, and
where Rigdon and Partridge saw Joseph Smith for the first
time in their lives.
The Spaulding manuscript story is a myth; there being no
direct testimony on record in regard to Rigdon's connection
with the manuscript of Solomon Spaulding.
I have in my possession the original manuscript of the Book
of Mormon, in the handwriting of Oliver Cowdery and others,
also the original paper containing some of the characters
transcribed from one of the golden plates, which paper
Martin Harris took to Professor Anthon, of New York, for him
to read : "the words of a book that is sealed:" but the
learned professor, although a great linguist could not read
the language of the Nephites. There is some evidence in the
American Cyclopedia favorable to the Book of Mormon that I
will speak of. It is as follows:
"Martin Harris called upon Prof. Anthon, of New York, with a
transcript on paper which Smith had given him of the
characters on one of the golden plates. 'This paper,' Prof.
Anthon said, in a letter dated New York, Feb. 17, 1834, 'was
in fact a singular scroll. It consisted of all kinds of
crooked characters, disposed in columns, and had evidently
been prepared by some person who had before him at the time
a book containing various alphabets. Greek and Hebrew
letters, crosses and flourishes, Roman letters, inverted or
placed sideways, were arranged and placed in perpendicular
columns," etc. The "learned" could not read it, and the book
was delivered to him that is not learned. I will quote two
verses from the twenty-ninth chapter of Isaiah, which is the
prophecy regarding this matter.
"And the vision of all is become unto you as the words of a
book that is sealed, which men deliver to one that is
learned, saying, Read this, I pray thee: and he saith, I
cannot, for it is sealed: and the book is delivered to him
that is not learned, saying, Read this, I pray thee: and he
saith, I am not learned."
(Verses 11 and 12.) No man could read it, but God gave to an
unlearned boy the gift to translate it.
I will now give you a description of the manner in which the
Book of Mormon was translated. Joseph Smith would put the
seer stone into a hat, and put his face in the hat, drawing
it closely around his face to exclude the light; and in the
darkness the spiritual light would shine. A piece of
something resembling parchment would appear, and on that
appeared the writing. One character at a time would appear,
and under it was the interpretation in English. Brother
Joseph would read off the English to Oliver Cowdery, who was
his principal scribe, and when it was written down and
repeated to Brother Joseph to see if it was correct, then it
would disappear, and another character with the
interpretation would appear. Thus the Book of Mormon was
translated by the gift and power of God, and not by any
power of man.
The characters I speak of are the engravings on the golden
plates from which the book was translated. They were
engraved thereon by the hand of a holy prophet of God whose
name was Mormon, who lived upon this land four hundred years
after Christ. Mormon's son, Moroni, after witnessing the
destruction of his brethren, the Nephites, who were a white
race--they being destroyed by the Lamanites
(Indians)--deposited the golden plates in the ground,
according to a command of God. An angel of the Lord directed
Brother Joseph to them. The language of the Nephites is
called the reformed Egyptian language.
I will give you the preface to the Book of Mormon, written
by Moroni, and translated in the same manner as the Book was
translated.
Preface.
An Account Written By The Hand Of Mormon Upon Plates Taken
From The Plates Of Nephi.
"Wherefore, it is an abridgment of the record of the people
of Nephi, and also of the Lamanites; written to the
Lamanites; who are a remnant of the house of Israel; and
also to Jew and Gentile; written by way of commandment, and
also by the Spirit of prophesy and of revelation. Written
and sealed up, and hid up unto the Lord, that they might not
be destroyed; to come forth by the gift and power of God
unto the interpretation thereof; sealed by the hand of
Moroni, and hid up unto the Lord, to come forth in due time
by the way of Gentile; the interpretation thereof by the
gift of God.
"An abridgment taken from the Book of Ether: also, which is
a record of the people of Jared; who were scattered at the
time the Lord confounded the language of the people, when
they were building a tower to get to heaven: which is to
show unto the remnant of the house of Israel what great
things the Lord hath done for their fathers; and that they
may know the covenants of the Lord, that they are not cast
off forever; and also to the convincing of the Jew and
Gentile that Jesus is the Christ, the Eternal God,
manifesting himself unto all nations. And now if there are
faults, they are the mistakes of men; wherefore, condemn not
the things of God, that ye may be found spotless at the
judgment seat of Christ." "Moroni."
Also The Testimony Of The Three Witnesses
"Be it known unto all nations, kindreds, tongues, and
people, unto whom this work shall come, that we, through the
grace of God the Father and our Lord Jesus Christ, have seen
the plates which contain this record, which is a record of
the people of Nephi, and also of the Lamanites, their
brethren, and also of the people of Jared, who came from the
tower of which hath been spoken, and we also know that they
have been translated by the gift and power of God, for His
voice hath declared it unto us; wherefore we know of a
surety, that the work is true. And we also testify that we
have seen the engravings which are upon the plates; and they
have been shown unto us by the power of God, and not of man.
And we declare with words of soberness, that an angel of God
came down from heaven, and he brought and laid before our
eyes, that we beheld and saw the plates, and the engravings
thereon; and we know that this is by the grace of God the
Father, and our Lord Jesus Christ that we beheld and bear
record that these things are true; and it is marvelous in
our eyes, nevertheless, the voice of the Lord commanded us
that we should bear record of it; wherefore, to be obedient
unto the commandments of God, we bear testimony of these
things. And we know that if we are faithful in Christi, we
shall rid our garments of the blood of all men, and be found
spotless before the judgment seat of Christ, and shall dwell
with him eternally in the heavens. And the honor be to the
Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost, which is one
God. Amen.
Oliver Cowdery David Whitmer Martin Harris."
And Also Testimony Of Eight Witnesses.
"Be it known unto all nations, kindreds, tongues, and
people, unto whom this work shall come, that Joseph Smith,
Jr., the translator of this work, has shown unto us the
plates of which hath been spoken, which have the appearance
of gold; and as many of the leaves as the said Smith hath
translated, we did handle with our hands, and we also saw
the engravings thereon, all of which has the appearance of
ancient work, and curious workmanship. And this we bear
record with words of soberness, that the said Smith has
shown unto us, for we have seen and hefted, and known of a
surety, that the said Smith has got the plates of which we
have spoken. And we give our names unto the world to witness
unto the world that which we have seen; and we lie not, God
bearing witness of it.
Christian Whitmer, Jacob Whitmer, Peter Whitmer, Jr., John
Whitmer, Hiram Page, Joseph Smith, Sr., Hyrum Smith, and
Samuel H. Smith."
Dear Reader:-I want to ask you this question, if you are an
unbeliever in the Book of Mormon, and I hope you will study
over it prayerfully. The testimony of seven men, Matthew,
Mark, Luke, John, Paul, Peter, and Jude, comes down to us
eighteen hundred years old; you accept their testimony as
true. Today we have the testimony of eleven witnesses who
have lived in our generation one of which (myself) is still
living -- these eleven men having lived honorable and
upright lives -- but you reject their testimony and accept
the testimony of the seven men who have been dead eighteen
hundred years.
If you will not grant a possibility of the Book of Mormon
being true, and sit in judgment and hastily condemn it after
reading what I have written, you can surely see for yourself
that your heart is full of prejudice. Remember that
prejudice is not of God. It is the spirit that hastily
condemned and stoned the prophets of God in all ages past.
So beware, and look well to your own heart, that Satan does
not blind your understanding to the truth. If you are open
to investigation and conviction, I pray you to read the Book
of Mormon with a prayerful heart. All persons who are
spiritual, having a fair understanding of the scriptures,
how they can read that Book and reject it, is very strange
indeed. The Book carries conviction with it. The wise men of
this world could never write a book like it. Any one without
prejudice, who is honestly seeking for the truth, can see
the finger of God in that book. It makes plain the doctrines
which are so obscure in the New Testament, and over which
the religious world is divided. For instance, the mode of
baptism; the "signs" or spiritual gifts which Christ said in
plain words should follow them that believe in Him. All who
are not blinded to the understanding of the New Testament
scriptures, will admit that the spiritual gifts should be
with the believers in Christ today, is because they have not
that strong and living faith that the ancient church had --
down to about 200 years after the death of the Apostles: the
Book of Mormon explains this matter in full. Likewise many
other questions of vital importance in the doctrine of
Christ, which the Christian world has been contending and
disputing about for ages, this Book comes forth from God to
explain them.
As we know, Christ and the apostle have taught that man must
worship God in His appointed way; that is, that they must be
right as to the true points of Christ's doctrine: But
because a man is right on the doctrine of Christ, this alone
will not entitle him to the highest glory hereafter. We are
taught that we must endure faithful unto the end, and bring
forth fruit. Coming into the fold of Christ is simply the
birth into the church; we are then babes, and from a babe we
must grow in charity, grace, and knowledge, on toward the
full stature of the perfect man in Christ; and to grow, we
must walk in the Spirit, having the fruits of the Spirit,
which is "love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness,
goodness, faith, meekness, temperance." Then we are
Christ's, and "have crucified the flesh with the affections
and lusts." (Gal. v:22-24). This is the subject that is
nearest my heart. The Spirit of Christ in man. I could write
volumes on this subject, but why should I, when God's Holy
Word is so full upon this matter. Those who cannot
understand from the Word of God regarding the boundless love
and Spirit of Christ, which Spirit must be in man or he is
not Christ's, they could not comprehend it from my writing,
however eloquent I might be. It is a gift which God alone
gives to man, when man complies with certain conditions of
heart as laid down in God's Word. The object of this
pamphlet is to guide some honest hearts into the true
doctrine of Christ, hoping that when they have found the
straight and narrow way, that they may continue to walk
therein, and bring forth much fruit to the glory of God.
I desire to say a few words concerning the Holy Ghost, which
is the Spirit of Christ -- the greatest gift of God to man.
Many people claim to have this gift. I am not judging
anyone, but I will tell you how we can tell when we have the
Spirit of Christ; and when we have not this feeling and
spirit, we have not His Spirit. When we have the Spirit of
Christ, our hearts are filled with the love of God that
reaches out and takes in all men, even our enemies. We then
have every particle of prejudice, malice, envy and hatred
cast out of our heart; we then have no hatred whatever
toward any person, even an enemy. Remember the words of
Christ: "For if ye love them which love you, what reward
have ye? Do not even the Publicans the same? But I say unto
you, Love your enemies; bless them that curse you; do good
to them that hate you. * * * That ye may be the children of
your Father which is in heaven." Nothing short of this is
the Spirit of Christ. By this you can know whether you have
the Holy Ghost or not. This is the test.
The religion of Jesus Christ is embodied in one word, and
that word is Love; it is the first and great commandment,
for on it hangs the law and the prophets. Charity is the
great lack of religious professors. As we love and judge
others, so we will be judged at the last day. The principal
idea in religion is the fatherhood of God, and brotherhood
of man. Christ taught us to pray, Our Father who art in
heaven. Our motive in serving God must be love and not fear.
Those who have never had the gift of the Holy Ghost, cannot
understand how a person could actually love and do good to
any enemy; but those who have this gift can understand some
things of the Spirit of God, because they are spiritually
discerned. (1 Cor. ii:14.) He who cannot forgive an enemy
and actually love him and do good to him, has not yet been
born again, and has not the Spirit of Christ.
"Now if any man have not the spirit of Christ, he is none of
his." (Rom. viii:9.) When a man has this spirit -- which is
the Holy Ghost -- he loves all men so much that his greatest
desire in this world is to do the greatest amount of good to
his fellowman that is possible. What is the greatest good I
can do to my fellowmen? It is to turn their footsteps
heavenward; to preach the gospel and the love of Christ to
them. The spirit of Christ is unselfish. It will act in all
men today as it did in Paul. He said: "Not seeking mine own
profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved." (1
Cor. x:33.) My soul enlarges when I contemplate this
subject. My heart goes out in fervent zeal and love for the
children of men, in my great desires for their salvation;
but God is just, and in His wisdom we are here in this world
to suffer trials for a season, which will work out for us a
far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, if we are
faithful while here in this world. God has placed man on the
earth to be a free agent unto himself, and he receives good
or evil, truth or error, just according to the way his heart
is inclined.
In chapter ii, I give a few quotations from the Book of
Mormon. I would especially call the reader's attention to
chapter iv, in Part Second of this pamphlet, in which I
explain how the church drifted in errors by giving heed to
revelations that were given by Joseph Smith after he had
translated the Book of Mormon.
I have briefly noticed some of the evidences of that Book,
hoping that this pamphlet may fall into the hands of some
honest hearts who love the Lord in deed and in truth; who
are willing to take upon themselves reproach for the name of
Christ, and that by reading this work they may be led to
investigate the evidence of the truth of that Book -- which
are many -- and become convinced that it is the Word of God.
Part Second of this pamphlet is an address to the Latter Day
Saints to point out the errors they are in. By reading the
address to them you can understand the position of the
Church of Christ, and how the Latter Day Saints have in
great measure departed from the faith of the church as it
was first established. I will close this chapter by some
quotations from the Book of Mormon, and a few remarks.
"And when ye shall receive these things (the Book of
Mormon), I would exhort you that ye ask God, the eternal
Father, in the name of Christ, if these things are not true;
and if ye shall ask with a sincere heart, with real intent,
having faith in Christ, he will manifest the truth of it
unto you, by the power of the Holy Ghost; and by the power
of the Holy Ghost, ye may know the truth of all things." (Moroni
x:1.)
"For it (the Book of Mormon) shall be brought out of
darkness unto light, according to the Word of God; yea, it
shall be brought out of the earth, and it shall shine forth
out of darkness, and come unto the knowledge of the people:
and it shall be done by the power of God. * * * * It shall
come in a day when the power of God shall be denied (2 Tim.
iii:5), and churches become defiled, and shall be lifted up
in the pride of their hearts; yea, even in a day when
leaders of churches, and teachers, in the pride of their
hearts, even to the envying of them who belong to their
churches; yea, it shall come in a day when there shall be
heard of fires, and tempests, and vapors of smoke in foreign
lands; and there shall also be heard of wars and rumors of
wars, and earthquakes in divers places." (Book of Mormon,
chap. iv, par. 2,3.)
Dear reader, can you not discern the signs of the times? God
is beginning to warn the inhabitants of the earth, and these
signs shall increase. The fullness of the iniquity of the
Gentiles is nigh at hand -- in the Lord's manner of
speaking. Christ says in the Book of Mormon, that
destructions will come upon this nation if they do not
repent. I cry unto you with all my soul, repent! repent! and
seek unto God that you may know the truth of these things,
whether that book is from God or not. It is truly the
straight and narrow way. Straight means close, narrow, and
difficult to find. Christ said, "Straight is the gate, and
narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be
that find it," If the truth as it is in Christ is hid away
down in the depths of the so-called Mormon Problem, it is
truly the straight and difficult way to find. And I will say
to all who desire to have part in the first resurrection,
having the whole truth as it is in Christ, that in the depth
of these seeming mysteries and stumblingblocks, there you
will find the Pearl of Great Price. May God help you dear
reader, to break the bands of Satan -- give up this vain
world -- and fulfill the mission for which the God of heaven
created you into the world.