Mormon History
Joseph Smith, Junior – Author & Proprietor
The Wayne Sentinel – June 26, 1829
Just about in this particular region, for some time past, much speculation has existed, concerning a pretended discovery, through superhuman means, of an ancient record, of a religious and divine nature and origin, written in ancient characters, impossible to be interpreted by any to whom the special gift has not been imparted by inspiration. It is generally known and spoken of as the "Golden Bible." Most people entertain an idea that the whole matter is the result of a gross imposition, and a grosser superstition. It is pretended that it will be published as soon as the translation is completed. Meanwhile we have been furnished with the following, which is represented to us as intended for the title page of the work -- we give it as a curiosity:
THE BOOK OF MORMON.
AN
account written by the hand of Mormon, upon plates, taken from the plates of
Nephi.
Wherefore, it is an abridgment of the Record of the People of Nephi, and also of
the Lamanites; written to the Lamanites, which are a remnant of the House of
Israel; and also to Jew and Gentile; written by way of commandment, and also by
the spirit of prophecy and of revelation. Written, and sealed up, and hid up
unto the LORD,
that they might not be destroyed; to come forth by the gift and power of GOD
unto the interpretation thereof, sealed by the hand of Moroni, and hid up unto
the LORD,
to come forth in due time by way of the Gentile, the interpretation thereof by
the gift of GOD.
An abridgment taken from the Book of Ether.
Also, which is a record of the People of Jared, who were scattered at the time
the LORD
confounded the language of the people when they were building a tower to get to
Heaven, Which is to show unto the remnant of the House of Israel how great
things the LORD
hath done for their fathers; and that they may know the covenants of the LORD,
that they are not cast off forever; and also to the convincing of the Jew and
Gentile that JESUS
is the CHRIST,
the ETERNAL
LORD,
manifesting Himself unto all nations. And now, if there be fault, it be the
mistake of men; wherefore, condemn not the things of GOD,
that ye may be found spotless at the judgment seat of CHRIST.
BY JOSEPH
SMITH, JUNIOR, Author and
Proprietor.