Joseph Smith addressed the title of the Book of Mormon (at least tangentially) a few times. 2 occasions where Joseph used that title when referring to the Book of Mormon (one in a letter to Stephen Post (1838) and another in JS-History, Part 19 (written before Nov. 1839), --see SOJ p. viii). Another instance where Joseph mentions the title of the Book of Mormon was a letter Joseph wrote to the editor of the Times and Seasons, circa 15 May 1843 (https://www.josephsmithpapers.org/paper-summary/letter-to-editor-circa-15-may-1843/1). The letter to the editor, may in fact be the last time he addressed the subject during his life.
In the letter, Joseph states that he hopes "sober-thinking and sound-reasoning people will sooner listen to the voice of truth, than be led astray by the vain pretensions of the self-wise" and then seeks to overcome an error about the definition of "Mormon." Joseph then says "Let the language of that book speak for itself" and quotes from the book about how the record was written in Reformed Egyptian and no other people knows the Nephites language. It also states that God "hath prepared means for the interpretation thereof." Joseph states that he was the means through which God translated the record "through the grace of God."
Joseph also states that "the word Mormon stands independent of the learning and wisdom of this generation" and that the world is "destitute of revelation."
Because "none other people knoweth our language" Joseph states "therefore the Lord, and not man, had to interpret." Therefore Joseph gives the following definition of Mormon by revelation. Right before he gives the definition he talks about the "Bible" which is the title for the Old and New Testaments, therefore when he gives the interpretation of "Mormon" through revelation it is related to the title of the Book of Mormon as that is the context of the surrounding interpretation. He says "the Bible in its widest sense, means 'good.'"
Then the literal interpretation of "Mormon" is given — "more good".
Of the accounts reflecting Joseph’s relations with the Lamanites is one made by Wilford Woodruff 2 months after the above referenced letter to the editor of Times and Seasons. A visit with Pottawattamie chiefs in July 1843.
In the letter, Joseph states that he hopes "sober-thinking and sound-reasoning people will sooner listen to the voice of truth, than be led astray by the vain pretensions of the self-wise" and then seeks to overcome an error about the definition of "Mormon." Joseph then says "Let the language of that book speak for itself" and quotes from the book about how the record was written in Reformed Egyptian and no other people knows the Nephites language. It also states that God "hath prepared means for the interpretation thereof." Joseph states that he was the means through which God translated the record "through the grace of God."
Joseph also states that "the word Mormon stands independent of the learning and wisdom of this generation" and that the world is "destitute of revelation."
Because "none other people knoweth our language" Joseph states "therefore the Lord, and not man, had to interpret." Therefore Joseph gives the following definition of Mormon by revelation. Right before he gives the definition he talks about the "Bible" which is the title for the Old and New Testaments, therefore when he gives the interpretation of "Mormon" through revelation it is related to the title of the Book of Mormon as that is the context of the surrounding interpretation. He says "the Bible in its widest sense, means 'good.'"
Then the literal interpretation of "Mormon" is given — "more good".
Of the accounts reflecting Joseph’s relations with the Lamanites is one made by Wilford Woodruff 2 months after the above referenced letter to the editor of Times and Seasons. A visit with Pottawattamie chiefs in July 1843.
Photo courtesy of Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum
We as a people have long been distressed and oppressed. We have been driven from our lands many times. We have been wasted away by wars, until there are but few of us left. The white man has hated us and shed our blood, until it has appeared as though there would soon be no Indians left. We have talked with the Great Spirit, and the Great Spirit has talked with us. We have asked the Great Spirit to save us and let us live; and the Great Spirit has told us that he has raised up a great Prophet, chief, and friend, who would do us great good and tell us what to do; and the Great Spirit has told us that you are the man (pointing to the Prophet Joseph). We have now come to see you, and hear your words, and to have you tell us what to do. . . . (HC 5:480)
Wilford Woodruff comments: “The Spirit of God rested upon the Lamanites, especially the orator. Joseph was much affected and shed tears. He arose and said unto them: ‘I have heard your words. They are true. The Great Spirit has told you the truth. Im [sic] am your friend and brother, and I wish to do you good.’” After Joseph spoke of the Book of Mormon and directed them to pray to the Great Spirit and live in peace the chief asked, “How many moons would it be before the Great Spirit would bless them?” Joseph told them, “Not a great many” (HC 5:480–81).
The Great Spirit told them that he would do them "great good" and Joseph responded and said he would do them "good." And once Joseph said he would do them "good", he immediately spoke to them about the Book of Mormon (or "more good").The Covenant of Christ is indeed more good. He who IS good provided the title by revelation. It's a covenant text, approved by the Lord for our day! What a perfect example of "more good".
From the back cover of the new volume:
This record was first introduced to the world in the poetic and archaic language of the King James Bible almost two hundred years ago. It has been preserved by the Lord to come forth in clear modern English. This book is both a revelation and a warning. Though it may seem improbable, it extends an unmistakable invitation to connect with God through a renewed covenant.
Anything that persuades people to do good comes from Me, because good comes from no one other than Me. - Ether 1:18. (Ether 4:12 LE)
Another important development worth noting is that this new Covenant of Christ volume has an edition specifically addressed to one of the intended audiences:
Covenant of Christ - First Nations
Covenant of Christ - First Nations
From the item description:
This book is a sacred record written by earlier covenant people brought by God to live on the Western Hemisphere. In scripture this land is part of the islands of the sea in what is now referred to by many First Nations people as Turtle Island. This record contains a spiritual message from the holy men of this promised land to the Indigenous people living today who are their descendants. The things written in this book are valuable for mankind, especially for Native people who are identified in this text as a sacred remnant of the house of Israel through Joseph, the son of Jacob. This record was buried in the ground for fourteen centuries and protected by God. An American prophet was given the record by an angel and that prophet then translated and published it as scripture. Now these ancient voices are coming forth from the dust and calling out in a way that is a direct, clear message. The Lord has promised that the simplicity of these words will result in strong faith for First Nations people as they learn of the promises made to their forefathers and of God's covenant to be fulfilled in the last days. This book is a prophetic record that will help bring all holy bundles of sacred teachings and ancient traditions into one great circle of light and truth. It is a sign that the time has come to include all Native blood with the house of Israel again. It is a covenant to Indigenous people of this land from the great Creator, the Great Spirit, the Peacemaker, the Holy One of Israel who is Jesus Christ. He rose from the grave and visited your ancestors, confirming they were and are a chosen people with a promised destiny. This record invites you to follow God's path to rise up to receive eternal glory with the Great Father of us all.
No comments:
Post a Comment