Translation, Frustration, and Demoralization | 3 Mormons

The LDS Church is slowly releasing a series of books, called 'Saints,' about the history of the Mormon church. Today we talk about chapter 5 of the first book.

In this chapter, a few pivotal events happen (okay let's be honest, pivotal events seem to be happening in ALL the chapters of the book... but this one has some of the most notable events).

First, Joseph Smith meets Martin Harris, a wealthy, respected man from Palmyra. He wanted to help in the translation process of the Book of Mormon and was willing to give up all that he had, assuming it was "of God," something he prayed about and knew was true. Martin Harris would eventually contribute a significant amount of money to the Church and help Joseph translate much of the Book of Mormon.

The second notable event involved a scholar named Charles Anthon. Anthon was a young professor of Latin and Greek at Columbia College. Martin took a copy of characters from the plates to Anthon in NYC, hoping he could verify the Egyptian. Anthon said that though he wasn't totally well versed in Egyptian, the characters were accurate to his knowledge. He even gave Martin a certificate as verification of the authenticity. However, as Martin was leaving, Anthon called him back to ask how Joseph Smith had found the gold plates. He told him of the angel of God that visited Joseph. Immediately after, Anthon took the certificate and tore it apart. But Martin didn't need a paper to know that the characters were accurate.

The last part of the chapter explains the losing of the manuscripts. Martin Harris's wife was very persistent for proof of the gold plates, considering the amount of time and money Martin had dedicated to this new religion. So Martin asked Joseph who prayed to God. God said no twice but when Joseph asked a third time, the answer was yes. Martin took the transcripts to his wife but ended up losing them.

What have you learned from these stories of Mormon history? Let us know in the comments below!

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[ingvildkvakestad]

Thank You really Thank You I was very broken and this made me smile that might sound silly but I almost never smile I really loved this video again Thank You

[ivylalure]

I went on this long road trip, and I found your channel through youtube link suggestions. I binge watched all of your videos. I just want to say that I think it's great that you all share so much, and how wonderful your channel is! Also, bring back Jimmy, JS.

[artloveranimation]

One thing I like about this story, is the fact that even though it seems like a sad story that the professor ripped up the paper, the event was prophecied in the scriptures.

[oliverbush]

Johnny Appleseed is VERY real! His real name was John Chapman and throughout the early 1800's, he planted hundreds upon hundreds of Apple Trees. He did this to try to conserve farm areas to those who were trying to industrialize the entire country. (This WAS during the industrial era). He planted these trees in some parts of the Midwest and even as far east as West Virginia! Even in his life, he was named an American Legend due to his kind spirit and leadership in conservation and the symbolic importance of which he bestowed upon apples! Just a little food for thought! (Haha, get it? FOOD? For THOUGHT?) :)

[briangamboa]

When is "Mormons Respond to Comments and Trolls - Part 4?"

[alorachapman]

This was great thanks guys, I love your show! Also Johnny Appleseed is my 5th great uncle, on my dad's side, not even joking (:

[smosbystintsfire]

David adds flavor...leaves an interesting aftertaste

[ronaldhiler]

One does not need to be a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints To have an understanding that the book is true.

[crystalsovanski]

Yes Johnny Appleseed is real! He planted trees in my town. My parents have one in their yard and he had a cabin here for a short time.

[jeanbelcher]

I don't think this channel should have political ads. Politics isn't allowed in church and they shouldn't be allowed for a channel representing mormons.

[oliverbush]

And Columbia Missouri, Kwaku... I didn't know that CU was so old though! Okay, I'm done commenting.

[nealljones]

Well done, guys!

I believe that Joseph didn't use the seer stones much (if at all) till Joseph translated w/ Oliver Cowdery. And Joseph and Oliver didn't meet and work together till the spring of 1829 ( after Martin had misplaced the 116 pages).

The first round of translation that occurred with Martin, Emma, and a few others was in 1828. All of this translation was done primarily (if not completely) using the breastplate and spectacles. This method -- using breastplate and spectacles -- were hard for Joseph to manage. Hard to wear. Hard to see through, etc. Unfortunately, their efforts were in vain, as Martin lost the manuscripts they produced in 1828.

As I understand it, Joseph stopped using the breastplate/spectacles method when Oliver came along in the spring of 1829. With Oliver Joseph as his scribe, Joseph primarily (if not exclusively) used his seer stone in his hat.

The inspiration, however, came to Joseph in an identical manner as he experienced earlier with Martin. That is, whether the instrument was the stone or the breastplate with the mounted spectacles Joseph was inspired to dictate the Book of Mormon...

[C-so]

These guys are so annoying... hiding it in a barrel of beans is quite fitting... reading the book of Mormon makes you break wind