Church History Gems - 20 November 2009

85 Days

"It was on 5 April 1829 that Oliver Cowdery arrived at the Smith home. Now you can see the hand of the Lord in preparing this work to go forward. Having been hired to teach school in the Manchester township in New York, Oliver was invited to board at the home of Joseph Smith Sr. Here he heard of the miraculous story of their son. He made his way to Harmony to meet the Prophet Joseph Smith, who recognized him as the assistant the Lord had promised for the translation. On Tuesday, 7 April, they commenced the work of translation in earnest. To me the most exciting miracle in the bringing forth of the Book of Mormon happened during the next 85 days. The complete book was translated from a then-unknown language into English. This is no common, simple book. Someone has figured out that it covers 1,000 years of colonization in which 54 chapters deal with war, 21 are historical, 55 are on visions and prophecies, 71 on doctrines and exhortations, 17 on missionary work, and 21 on the mission of the Savior, for a total of 239 chapters."

L. Tom Perry, "By the Hands of His Prophets," Ensign, Aug. 1998, 49–50

Topics: Book of Mormon

Church History Gems - 18 November 2009

Tangible Evidence

"One time I became so interested in the speed of the work [of translating the Book of Mormon] that was accomplished by Oliver Cowdery and Joseph Smith that I asked someone to research some of the other translations of scriptures for me to see how purely remarkable this work was. I found out that in translating the books of Moses from Hebrew to Greek, six men were called from each of the 12 tribes to perform the labor. Their project required 72 days, or 5,184 man days. Jerome was commissioned by the pope to translate the Bible from Hebrew to Latin; he worked on the project for 23 years, or 8,395 days. In the commission given by King James to translate the English version of the Bible from several other translations to what the king hoped would be the perfect English version, he selected 54 men who worked on the project for 4 years, or 78,840 man days.

"Now contrast that to the translation of the Book of Mormon, which for all intents and purposes started on 7 April 1829 and was completed by 30 June 1829—two men working 85 days, or 170 man days. It was truly a miracle. It could only have been done under the direction of the Lord.

"This great book is one tangible evidence that we have of the call of the Prophet Joseph Smith to bring about the long-awaited restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ and again establish the Lord's Church on earth. According to prophecy, this time its establishment was to endure (see Isa. 2:2–3; Dan. 2:44). This being true, the Lord would carefully prepare his Church leadership to give continuity to the work."

L. Tom Perry, "By the Hands of His Prophets," Ensign, Aug. 1998, 50

Topics: Book of Mormon

Youth Gems - 5 November 2009

Converting Power

“Conversion depends upon our feeling the Spirit. The words of the Book of Mormon invite the Holy Ghost. There is great converting power in the word of God. Alma taught us that the word of God was ‘more powerful . . . than the sword, or anything else’ in changing people’s hearts (Alma 31:5).”

Henry B. Eyring, “Why the Book of Mormon?” New Era, May 2008, 9

Topics: Testimony, Conversion, Book of Mormon

Church History Gems - 28 October 2009

Very Weighty Responsibility

"When I study the scriptures and history, I find my interest being focused on the organization of events, the chemistry and human relationships of the individuals involved, and I marvel at the evidence of the Lord's hands in the events that occur.

"I have always been intrigued with the account of the coming forth of the Book of Mormon. I have tried to place myself many times in the position of the young Prophet Joseph Smith as this very weighty responsibility fell on his shoulders. At the time he received the plates for translation, he was still a new bridegroom, having been married just a few days over eight months. To complicate his life, his father-in-law had not been too happy about the marriage. In this situation the Prophet was entrusted with this very valuable record, which had not been given to a mortal for over 1,400 years. Just protecting the plates from the curious and from treasure seekers was a challenge in itself. Almost driven from his home near Palmyra, New York, he traveled to Harmony, Pennsylvania, his wife Emma's hometown, where he hoped he could begin the translation. Within three months of receiving the plates, he was finally settled in his own home, where he could work in some peace.

"Between December 1827 and February 1828, he spent considerable time becoming familiar with the language of the plates and learning how to translate."

L. Tom Perry, "By the Hands of His Prophets," Ensign, Aug. 1998, 49

Topics: Joseph Smith, Book of Mormon

Youth Gems - 6 October 2009

A Testament of Jesus Christ

“The Book of Mormon has been at the center of missionary work since the gospel was restored through the Prophet Joseph. We use it every day in missionary work. One fact about the Book of Mormon being the key to power in each part of missionary work is this: the Book of Mormon is a testament of Jesus Christ. The title page tells us that. It says that the purpose of the book is to show what great things the Lord has done for His people, to help them know that the covenants the Lord has made with His people are still in force, and to convince all people that Jesus is the Christ.”

Henry B. Eyring, “Why the Book of Mormon?” New Era, May 2008, 6–8

Topics: Book of Mormon, Testimony

Church History Gems - 21 August 2009

Answering All Objections Ever Made

"We are to use the Book of Mormon in handling objections to the Church. God the Father and His Son Jesus Christ revealed themselves to Joseph Smith in a marvelous vision. After that glorious event, Joseph Smith told a minister about it. Joseph was surprised to hear the minister say that there were no such things as visions or revelations in these days, that all such things had ceased. (See JS—H 1:21.)

"This remark symbolizes practically all of the objections that have ever been made against the Church by nonmembers and dissident members alike. Namely, they do not believe that God reveals his will today to the Church through prophets of God. All objections, whether they be on abortion, plural marriage, seventh-day worship, etc., basically hinge on whether Joseph Smith and his successors were and are prophets of God receiving divine revelation. . . .

"Therefore, the only problem the objector has to resolve for himself is whether the Book of Mormon is true. For if the Book of Mormon is true, then Jesus is the Christ, Joseph Smith was His prophet, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is true, and it is being led today by a prophet receiving revelation."

Ezra Taft Benson, "The Book of Mormon Is the Word of God, Ensign," Jan. 1988, 4

Topics: Book of Mormon

Daily Gems - 30 June 2009

Truth Gained from the Book of Mormon

"When you know that the Book of Mormon is true, you know that Joseph Smith was called by God to restore the Church of Jesus Christ to the earth. . . . You know that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, the only name whereby you can receive salvation."

Marcos A. Aidukaitis, "Because My Father Read the Book of Mormon," Ensign, Nov. 2008, 16

Topics: Plan of Salvation, Book of Mormon

Church History Gems - 26 June 2009

Answering All Objections Ever Made

"We are to use the Book of Mormon in handling objections to the Church. God the Father and His Son Jesus Christ revealed themselves to Joseph Smith in a marvelous vision. After that glorious event, Joseph Smith told a minister about it. Joseph was surprised to hear the minister say that there were no such things as visions or revelations in these days, that all such things had ceased. (See JS—H 1:21.)

"This remark symbolizes practically all of the objections that have ever been made against the Church by nonmembers and dissident members alike. Namely, they do not believe that God reveals his will today to the Church through prophets of God. All objections, whether they be on abortion, plural marriage, seventh-day worship, etc., basically hinge on whether Joseph Smith and his successors were and are prophets of God receiving divine revelation. . . .

"Therefore, the only problem the objector has to resolve for himself is whether the Book of Mormon is true. For if the Book of Mormon is true, then Jesus is the Christ, Joseph Smith was His prophet, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is true, and it is being led today by a prophet receiving revelation."

Ezra Taft Benson, The Book of Mormon Is the Word of God, Ensign, Jan. 1988, 4

Topics: Book of Mormon

Daily Gems - 17 June 2009

Most Powerful Resource in Conversion

"The Book of Mormon is a proof that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is true. Preach My Gospel teaches that 'the Book of Mormon, combined with the Spirit, is [the] most powerful resource in conversion' ([2004], 104)."

Marcos A. Aidukaitis, "Because My Father Read the Book of Mormon," Ensign, Nov. 2008, 15–16

Topics: Proclaim the Gospel, Book of Mormon

Church History Gems - 25 May 2009

Unlikely Beginning

"I hold in my hand a first-edition copy of the Book of Mormon. It was printed in 1830 on a hand-operated letter press at the E. B. Grandin Company in the village of Palmyra, New York.

"In June of 1829, Joseph Smith, then 23 years old, called on 23-year-old Mr. Grandin in company with Martin Harris, a local farmer. Mr. Grandin had three months earlier advertised his intent to publish books. Joseph Smith provided pages of a handwritten manuscript.

"If the content of the book did not doom it to remain obscure, the account of where it came from certainly would. Imagine an angel directing a teenage boy to the woods where he found buried a stone vault and a set of golden plates.

"The writings on the plates were translated by use of a Urim and Thummim, which is referred to a number of times in the Old Testament and described by Hebrew scholars as an instrument 'whereby the revelation was given and truth declared.'

"Before the book was off the press, pages of it were stolen and printed in the local newspaper, accompanied by ridicule. Opposition was destined to excite mobs to kill the Prophet Joseph Smith and drive those who believed him into the wilderness.

"From that very unlikely beginning to this day, 108,936,922 copies of the Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ have been printed. It has been published in 62 languages, with selections of it in another 37 languages, and 22 more translations are in process."

Boyd K. Packer, "The Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ," Ensign, Nov. 2001, 62

Topics: Book of Mormon

Daily Gems - 29 April 2009

Solemn Witness

"I express my solemn witness that the Book of Mormon is true. It is a book that has brought about a mighty change in my life. I know that God lives. Jesus is the Christ. His gospel has been restored to the earth. President Thomas S. Monson is His prophet and living oracle at this time. The Spirit I feel as I daily read, ponder, and pray about the book of Mormon strengthens my understanding and testimony of these things and reaffirms to me that they are true."

Craig C. Christensen, "A Book with a Promise," Ensign, May 2008, 107

Topics: Testimony, Book of Mormon, Truth

Church History Gems - 20 April 2009

10 Pages per Day

"The King James Version of the Bible . . . was produced by 50 English scholars who accomplished their work in seven years, translating at the rate of one page per day. Expert translators today do well if they can also translate scripture at the rate of one page per day.

"In contrast, Joseph Smith translated the Book of Mormon at the rate of about 10 pages per day, completing the task in about 85 days! (Many of us feel good if we can read the book in that time.)

"Such a pace is even more remarkable considering the circumstances under which the Prophet labored. In that same period, while enduring constant distractions and incessant hostility, Joseph Smith moved more than 100 miles from Harmony, Pennsylvania, to Fayette, New York. He applied for a copyright. He received revelations comprising 12 sections of the Doctrine and Covenants. Heavenly beings restored the holy priesthood. Yet he completed the translation in less than three months.

"The First Presidency provided opportunity for the Twelve Apostles to see portions of the original manuscript and the printer's manuscript of the Book of Mormon. Words cannot describe the deep emotions we felt as we examined these precious documents and observed that marks of editing were remarkably rare."

Russell M. Nelson, "A Testimony of the Book of Mormon," Ensign, Nov. 1999, 71

Topics: Book of Mormon

Daily Gems - 10 April 2009

Tangible Evidence

"The Book of Mormon is tangible evidence that Joseph Smith was chosen by the hand of the Lord to restore the Church of Jesus Christ to the earth in these latter days. As stated in the introduction to the Book of Mormon, 'Those who gain [a] divine witness from the Holy Spirit [of the divinity of the Book of Mormon] will also come to know by the same power that Jesus Christ is the Savior of the world, that Joseph Smith is his revelator and prophet in these last days, and that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the Lord's kingdom once again established on the earth.' "

Craig C. Christensen, "A Book with a Promise," Ensign, May 2008, 107

Topics: Kingdom of God, Book of Mormon, Restoration

Daily Gems - 19 February 2009

Solemn Witness of Jesus Christ

"The Book of Mormon is a book that testifies that Jesus is the Christ, the Savior of the world. Great prophets throughout the Book of Mormon have borne solemn witness that Jesus Christ is the Creator of the earth (see Mosiah 3:8), the Redeemer of mankind (see Helaman 5:9-12), the Only Begotten of the Father (see 1 Nephi 11:18-21; Jacob 4:11). These Book of Mormon prophets knew Him, as Abraham and Moses did, and received and taught His everlasting gospel. As we read and study their words, we gain a deeper understanding of the Savior's matchless love, His perfect life and example, and the blessings of His great atoning sacrifice."

Craig C. Christensen, "A Book with a Promise," Ensign, May 2008, 107

Topics: Book of Mormon, Prophets

Daily Gems - 13 February 2009

Christ's Ministry on the Earth

"I testify that the heavens are open. I testify that Joseph Smith was and is a prophet of God, that the Book of Mormon is truly another testament of Jesus Christ. I testify that Thomas S. Monson is God's prophet, a modern apostle with the keys of the kingdom in his hands, a man upon whom I personally have seen the mantle fall. I testify that the presence of such authorized, prophetic voices and ongoing canonized revelations have been at the heart of the Christian message whenever the authorized ministry of Christ has been on the earth. I testify that such a ministry is on the earth again, and it is found in this, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

"In our heartfelt devotion to Jesus of Nazareth as the very Son of God, the Savior of the world, we invite all to examine what we have received of Him, to join with us, drinking deeply at the 'well of water springing up into everlasting life' (John 4:14), these constantly flowing reminders that God lives, that He loves us, and that He speaks. I express the deepest personal thanks that His works never end and His 'words . . . never cease.' "

Jeffrey R. Holland, "My Words . . . Never Cease," Ensign, May 2008, 93-94

Topics: Revelation, Book of Mormon

Daily Gems - 21 January 2009

Purpose of the Book of Mormon

"The Book of Mormon is a book with a purpose. From the title page we read that the Book of Mormon was 'written by way of commandment' and 'by the spirit of prophecy and of revelation' to 'come forth by the gift and power of God' to the convincing of each of us 'that Jesus is the Christ, the Eternal God.' In a personal expression of this purpose, Nephi, as one of the authors of the Book of Mormon, wrote, 'The fulness of mine intent is that I may persuade men to come unto the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, and be saved' (1 Nephi 6:4)."

Craig C. Christensen, "A Book with a Promise," Ensign, May 2008, 106-107

Topics: Book of Mormon

Daily Gems - 8 January 2009

The Reality and Love of God

"I rejoice that for the balance of my life I shall be able continually to offer Christ, to offer the good news of Christ in all the world. I bear witness of the reality and love of God, our Heavenly Father, to whom Jesus gave all glory. I love and bear witness of the Prophet Joseph Smith. Through his personal association with the Lord, his translation and publication of the Book of Mormon, and the sealing of his testimony with his martyr's blood, Joseph has become the preeminent revelator of Jesus Christ in His true character as divine Redeemer. Jesus has had no greater witness nor more devoted friend than Joseph Smith. I declare my testimony of the calling of President Thomas S. Monson as prophet and President of the Church of Jesus Christ in this time and pledge my loyalty to him and his counselors in their sacred roles."

D. Todd Christofferson, "Born Again," Ensign, May 2008, 78-79

Topics: Proclaim the Gospel, Joseph Smith, Book of Mormon

Daily Gems - 5 January 2009

Promise of the Book of Mormon

"The Book of Mormon is a book with a promise. . . . All who study and ponder its teachings are given a promise found in the last chapter of Moroni (see Moroni 10:3-4) as well as in the introduction to the Book of Mormon, where we read: 'We invite all men [and women] everywhere to read the Book of Mormon, to ponder in their hearts the message it contains, and then to ask God, the Eternal Father, in the name of Christ if the book is true. Those who pursue this course and ask in faith will gain a testimony of its truth and divinity by the power of the Holy Ghost.' "

Craig C. Christensen, "A Book with a Promise," Ensign, May 2008, 106

Topics: Testimony, Book of Mormon, Faith

Daily Gems - 9 December 2008

Continuing Revelation

"Some Christians, in large measure because of their genuine love for the Bible, have declared that there can be no more authorized scripture beyond the Bible. In thus pronouncing the canon of revelation closed, our friends in some other faiths shut the door on divine expression that we in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints hold dear: the Book of Mormon, the Doctrine and Covenants, the Pearl of Great Price, and the ongoing guidance received by God's anointed prophets and apostles. Imputing no ill will to those who take such a position, nevertheless we respectfully but resolutely reject such an unscriptural characterization of true Christianity."

Jeffrey R. Holland, "My Words . . . Never Cease," Ensign, May 2008, 91

Topics: Scripture, Bible, Book of Mormon

Youth Gems - 2 December 2008

The Book of Mormon

"We do not have to defend the Prophet Joseph Smith. The Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ will defend him for us. Those who reject Joseph Smith as a prophet and revelator are left to find some other explanation for the Book of Mormon.

"And for the second powerful defense: the Doctrine and Covenants, and a third: the Pearl of Great Price. Published in combination, these scriptures form an unshakable testament that Jesus is the Christ and a witness that Joseph Smith is a prophet."

Boyd K. Packer, "The Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ--Plain and Precious Things," Ensign, May 2005, 9

Topics: Book of Mormon