The Book of Mormon, a testament of Jesus Christ and a witness of God’s dealings with His children, holds a remarkable history regarding its translation. Joseph Smith, called as a prophet of God, received this sacred record from an angel named Moroni in 1827. The translation process was not merely an academic effort but a divine undertaking, accomplished by the gift and power of God. This article explores the faithful scribes who assisted, the miraculous process and timeframe, the use of sacred instruments such as the Urim and Thummim, how Joseph Smith received the words of the translation, and the trials he endured in bringing forth this sacred work.
Scribes Called to Assist
God prepared faithful individuals to aid in this marvelous work:
- Martin Harris – A man of great faith who mortgaged his property to help finance the publication of the Book of Mormon. He humbly served as a scribe and later became one of the Three Witnesses.
- Oliver Cowdery – Guided by the Spirit, Oliver traveled to meet Joseph and soon became his primary scribe. He was a diligent servant in recording the sacred words and later bore testimony as a Three Witness.
- Emma Smith – Joseph’s beloved wife, whose faith and devotion were essential in the early translation efforts. She testified of the divine nature of the process.
- John Whitmer – A faithful disciple who also assisted as a scribe and later became one of the Eight Witnesses, testifying of the plates’ reality.
Each of these individuals was foreordained to play a crucial role in bringing forth the Book of Mormon, serving with faith and diligence in the Lord’s work.
A Miraculous and Swift Translation
The translation of the Book of Mormon was accomplished in an astonishingly short period. Although Joseph received the plates in 1827, many obstacles delayed the work. However, in April 1829, with the arrival of Oliver Cowdery, the translation proceeded at a miraculous pace, concluding by June 1829. This divine process, guided by the Spirit, resulted in a book of over 500 pages filled with profound doctrine, prophecies, and the testimony of Jesus Christ.
This rapid translation was not the work of man but evidence of God’s hand in bringing forth a record that would change lives and bring souls to Christ.
Sacred Instruments: The Urim and Thummim and Seer Stones
God prepared instruments for the translation process:
- The Urim and Thummim – Sacred stones, prepared by God, which Joseph used to receive divine revelation. These were provided with the plates to aid in translation.
- Seer Stones – Through revelation, Joseph was also guided to use seer stones, placed in a hat to block out external light, allowing him to focus on the words given by the Lord.
Through these divine means, Joseph was able to bring forth the sacred words with accuracy, as directed by the Spirit.
Revelation: How Joseph Smith Received the Words
The translation was not a conventional process of linguistic study but a revelatory event. Joseph, under the direction of the Lord, would see the characters along with their inspired English meaning, which he dictated to his scribes. The plates were often covered, emphasizing that the work was done by the power of God, not by human means.
Emma Smith and other witnesses testified that Joseph did not need reference materials or time for contemplation but dictated the text as it was revealed to him. This process was a clear manifestation of the gift and power of God.
Trials of Faith and Endurance
As with all divine endeavors, opposition arose. Joseph faced many trials:
- The Loss of 116 Pages – A difficult trial of faith, as Martin Harris lost the manuscript. Joseph, in sorrow, repented and was again entrusted with the work.
- Persecution and Harassment – Enemies of the Restoration sought to disrupt the work, forcing Joseph and Emma to move frequently.
- Financial Sacrifice – Printing the Book of Mormon required great personal and financial sacrifice, demonstrating the unwavering faith of those involved.
- Legal and Religious Opposition – Joseph faced false accusations and arrests, yet he pressed forward in faith.
Despite these challenges, the hand of the Lord guided the work, ensuring its completion.
The Book of Mormon’s Role in the Restoration
The timing of the Book of Mormon’s translation was of divine significance. This sacred record was brought forth just before the restoration of the priesthood and the establishment of Christ’s Church in this dispensation. The Book of Mormon provided the doctrinal foundation upon which the restored gospel would be built, preparing the way for the restoration of priesthood authority and the formal organization of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in 1830. Its message confirmed the truths of the Bible, testified of Jesus Christ, and established a witness to all nations of God’s ongoing revelation to His children. This timing was not coincidental but divinely orchestrated to restore lost truths and gather scattered Israel in preparation for the Second Coming of Christ.
A Testament of Divine Power
The translation of the Book of Mormon stands as a testament to the power of God. This sacred record, brought forth through revelation, provides another witness of Jesus Christ and His gospel. To those who seek truth, it offers a pathway to greater faith and spiritual understanding.
The faith, perseverance, and obedience of Joseph Smith and those who assisted in the translation serve as an inspiration. Their sacrifices allowed this sacred record to bless millions. As we study its pages, we, too, can gain a witness of its divine origin, just as those who participated in its miraculous translation did.
Truly, the coming forth of the Book of Mormon is one of the greatest miracles of our time—a witness that God continues to speak to His children today.
