The Prophet Joseph Smith continues the "translation" of the Bible, which is really the revision, or the inspired revision of the English Bible. Roberts notes that Smith never pretended to any knowledge of the ancient Hebrew or Greek at the time.
Ezra Booth came into the Church by curiosity and by a miracle, and thus was not truly converted, and became an apostate, perhaps the first to write openly against the Church. He didn't understand the prerequisites to faith and testimony. However, the miracle that brought him into the Church is worth remembering:
"Amos S. Hayden (eyewitness non-believer in Joseph Smith)
Ezra Booth, of Mantua, a Methodist preacher of much more than ordinary culture, and with strong natural abilities, in company with his wife, Mr. and Mrs. Johnson, and some other citizens of this place, (Hiram) visited Smith at his home in Kirtland, in 1831. Mrs. Johnson had been afflicted for some time with a lame arm, and was not at the time of the visit able to lift her hand to her head. The party visited Smith partly out of curiosity, and partly to see for themselves what there might be in the new doctrine. During the interview the conversation turned on the subject of supernatural gifts, such as were conferred in the days of the apostles. Some one said, "Here is Mrs. Johnson with a lame arm; has God given any power to men now on earth to cure her?" A few moments later, when the conversation had turned in another direction, Smith arose, and walking across the room, and taking Mrs. Johnson by the hand, said in the most solemn and impressive manner: "Woman, in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, I command thee to be whole," and immediately left the room. The company were awe-stricken at the infinite presumption of the man, and the calm assurance with which he spoke. The sudden mental and moral shock—I know not how better to explain the well-attested fact, electrified the rheumatic arm—Mrs. Johnson at once lifted it with ease, and on her return home the next day she was able to do her washing without difficulty or pain. (A Comprehensive History of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1:278)"
"They seek not the Lord to establish his righteousness, but every man walketh in his own way, and after the image of his own god, whose image is in the likeness of the world, and whose substance is that of an idol, which waxeth old and shall perish in Babylon, even Babylon the great, which shall fall." (D&C 1:16)
"What I the Lord have spoken, I have spoken, and I excuse not myself; and though the heavens and the earth pass away, my word shall not pass away, but shall all be fulfilled, whether by mine own voice or by the voice of my servants, it is the same." (D&C 1:38)
Ezra Booth came into the Church by curiosity and by a miracle, and thus was not truly converted, and became an apostate, perhaps the first to write openly against the Church. He didn't understand the prerequisites to faith and testimony. However, the miracle that brought him into the Church is worth remembering:
"Amos S. Hayden (eyewitness non-believer in Joseph Smith)
Ezra Booth, of Mantua, a Methodist preacher of much more than ordinary culture, and with strong natural abilities, in company with his wife, Mr. and Mrs. Johnson, and some other citizens of this place, (Hiram) visited Smith at his home in Kirtland, in 1831. Mrs. Johnson had been afflicted for some time with a lame arm, and was not at the time of the visit able to lift her hand to her head. The party visited Smith partly out of curiosity, and partly to see for themselves what there might be in the new doctrine. During the interview the conversation turned on the subject of supernatural gifts, such as were conferred in the days of the apostles. Some one said, "Here is Mrs. Johnson with a lame arm; has God given any power to men now on earth to cure her?" A few moments later, when the conversation had turned in another direction, Smith arose, and walking across the room, and taking Mrs. Johnson by the hand, said in the most solemn and impressive manner: "Woman, in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, I command thee to be whole," and immediately left the room. The company were awe-stricken at the infinite presumption of the man, and the calm assurance with which he spoke. The sudden mental and moral shock—I know not how better to explain the well-attested fact, electrified the rheumatic arm—Mrs. Johnson at once lifted it with ease, and on her return home the next day she was able to do her washing without difficulty or pain. (A Comprehensive History of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1:278)"
This is true. It really happened. It is a miracle, and one of many that the Lord performed through the Prophet Joseph Smith. But faith precedes miracles, and it is the Holy Ghost that brings lasting conversion, not the witnessing of miracles.
W.W. Phelps purchases a printing press in order to establish the monthly paper at Independence, the Evening and Morning Star. Orson Hyde is baptized, and "He was soon after designated as one of the chosen men of the Lord, to bear His word to the nations." Orson had heard of a "golden Bible," and many people thought it was a hoax. But Orson Hyde remarked: "Who knows but that this 'golden Bible' may break up our religion and change its whole features and bearing." (p. 218)
Many revelations are received. Powerful revelations. The translation of the Bible continues. There is a sad account of William Cahoon and Peter Devolue having abused one of Brother Whitney's children (although I'm guessing that "abused" in the parlance of the time did not have the same connotation as it has today). William E. M'Lellin receives revelation through Joseph Smith's inquiry.
One very interesting thing is Joseph Smith's reticence about the manner in which the Book of Mormon came to light:
"'Brother Joseph Smith, Jun., said that it was not intended to tell the world all the particulars of the coming forth of the Book of Mormon; and also said that it was not expedient for him to relate these things.' This will account for the Prophet confining himself to the merest generalities in all his statements concerning the coming forth of the Book of Mormon." (p. 220)
Faith is necessary.
More revelations are received, revelations concerning the Book of Commandments, etc.
The Lord accomplishes His purposes through the weak and the simple.
In mildly humorous episode in Church History, the Lord challenges any of the early saints to write something that even comes close to a revelation, and foolishly William E. M'Lellin, "as the wisest man, in his own estimation, having more learning than sense, endeavored to write a commandment like unto one of the least of the Lord's, but failed; it was an awful responsibility to write in the name of the Lord." (p. 226)
The Elders submit their testimony of the veracity of the Book of Commandments.
More revelations are poured out, to Orson Hyde, Luke Johnson, and William E. M'Lellin. Parents are responsible to teach their children TO UNDERSTAND the doctrine of repentance; faith in Christ the Son of the living God, and of baptism and the gift of the Holy Ghost by the laying on of hands. Seek the riches of eternity. Oliver Cowdery is chosen to bring the Book of Commandments to Independence for printing. Be ye clean that bear the vessels of the Lord. First to the Gentiles then to the Jews. Prepare for the coming of the Bridegroom. All men everywhere are commanded to repent. Prophecies of great future events. The tribe of Judah shall see Christ return, who shall be red in his apparel. He trod the winepress alone. He comes in a day of vengeance. The Lord's errand. The weak confound the wise.
John Whitmer accompanies Oliver in his journey, for safety purposes. The saints are to prize the revelations contained in the Book of Commandments. They will give an account of their stewardship.
No comments:
Post a Comment