Saul consults a witch when traditional revelatory methods do not work.

1 Samuel 28:3-25, The Holy Bible, (Salt Lake City: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, 2013), accessed November 20, 2021

Now Samuel was dead, and all Israel had lamented him, and buried him in Ramah, even in his own city. And Saul had put away those that had familiar spirits, and the wizards, out of the land.And the Philistines gathered themselves together, and came and pitched in Shunem: and Saul gathered all Israel together, and they pitched in Gilboa.And when Saul saw the host of the Philistines, he was afraid, and his heart greatly trembled.And when Saul enquired of the Lord, the Lord answered him not, neither by dreams, nor by Urim, nor by prophets.Then said Saul unto his servants, Seek me a woman that hath a familiar spirit, that I may go to her, and enquire of her. And his servants said to him, Behold, there is a woman that hath a familiar spirit at Endor.And Saul disguised himself, and put on other raiment, and he went, and two men with him, and they came to the woman by night: and he said, I pray thee, divine unto me by the familiar spirit, and bring me him up, whom I shall name unto thee.And the woman said unto him, Behold, thou knowest what Saul hath done, how he hath cut off those that have familiar spirits, and the wizards, out of the land: wherefore then layest thou a snare for my life, to cause me to die?And Saul sware to her by the Lord, saying, As the Lord liveth, there shall no punishment happen to thee for this thing.Then said the woman, Whom shall I bring up unto thee? And he said, Bring me up Samuel.And when the woman saw Samuel, she cried with a loud voice: and the woman spake to Saul, saying, Why hast thou deceived me? for thou art Saul.And the king said unto her, Be not afraid: for what sawest thou? And the woman said unto Saul, I saw gods ascending out of the earth.And he said unto her, What form is he of? And she said, An old man cometh up; and he is covered with a mantle. And Saul perceived that it was Samuel, and he stooped with his face to the ground, and bowed himself.And Samuel said to Saul, Why hast thou disquieted me, to bring me up? And Saul answered, I am sore distressed; for the Philistines make war against me, and God is departed from me, and answereth me no more, neither by prophets, nor by dreams: therefore I have called thee, that thou mayest make known unto me what I shall do.Then said Samuel, Wherefore then dost thou ask of me, seeing the Lord is departed from thee, and is become thine enemy?And the Lord hath done to him, as he spake by me: for the Lord hath rent the kingdom out of thine hand, and given it to thy neighbour, even to David:Because thou obeyedst not the voice of the Lord, nor executedst his fierce wrath upon Amalek, therefore hath the Lord done this thing unto thee this day.Moreover the Lord will also deliver Israel with thee into the hand of the Philistines: and to morrow shalt thou and thy sons be with me: the Lord also shall deliver the host of Israel into the hand of the Philistines.Then Saul fell straightway all along on the earth, and was sore afraid, because of the words of Samuel: and there was no strength in him; for he had eaten no bread all the day, nor all the night.And the woman came unto Saul, and saw that he was sore troubled, and said unto him, Behold, thine handmaid hath obeyed thy voice, and I have put my life in my hand, and have hearkened unto thy words which thou spakest unto me.Now therefore, I pray thee, hearken thou also unto the voice of thine handmaid, and let me set a morsel of bread before thee; and eat, that thou mayest have strength, when thou goest on thy way.But he refused, and said, I will not eat. But his servants, together with the woman, compelled him; and he hearkened unto their voice. So he arose from the earth, and sat upon the bed.And the woman had a fat calf in the house; and she hasted, and killed it, and took flour, and kneaded it, and did bake unleavened bread thereof:And she brought it before Saul, and before his servants; and they did eat. Then they rose up, and went away that night.See Full


King Benjamin spoke about how important the records were to knowing the mysteries of God.

Mosiah 1:3-5, The Book of Mormon, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, accessed January 19, 2022

3 And he also taught them concerning the records which were engraven on the plates of brass, saying: My sons, I would that ye should remember that were it not for these plates, which contain these records and these commandments, we must have suffered in ignorance, even at this present time, not knowing the mysteries of God.4 For it were not possible that our father, Lehi, could have remembered all these things, to have taught them to his children, except it were for the help of these plates; for he having been taught in the language of the Egyptians therefore he could read these engravings, and teach them to his children, that thereby they could teach them to their children, and so fulfilling the commandments of God, even down to this present time.5 I say unto you, my sons, were it not for these things, which have been kept and preserved by the hand of God, that we might read and understand of his mysteries, and have his commandments always before our eyes, that even our fathers would have dwindled in unbelief, and we should have been like unto our brethren, the Lamanites, who know nothing concerning these things, or even do not believe them when they are taught them, because of the traditions of their fathers, which are not correct.See Full


Jacob says that God gave him a commandment to keep the history of his people.

Jacob 1:2-3, The Book of Mormon, (Salt Lake City: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, 2013), accessed November 29, 2021

And he gave me, Jacob, a commandment that I should write upon these plates a few of the things which I considered to be most precious; that I should not touch, save it were lightly, concerning the history of this people which are called the people of Nephi.For he said that the history of his people should be engraven upon his other plates, and that I should preserve these plates and hand them down unto my seed, from generation to generation.


Exodus records how God appeared to Moses in the form of a burning bush.

Exodus 3:1-6, Old Testament, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, accessed January 19, 2022

1 Now Moses kept the flock of Jethro his father in law, the priest of Midian: and he led the flock to the backside of the desert, and came to the mountain of God, even to Horeb.2 And the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a flame of fire out of the midst of a bush: and he looked, and, behold, the bush burned with fire, and the bush was not consumed.3 And Moses said, I will now turn aside, and see this great sight, why the bush is not burnt.4 And when the Lord saw that he turned aside to see, God called unto him out of the midst of the bush, and said, Moses, Moses. And he said, Here am I.5 And he said, Draw not nigh hither: put off thy shoes from off thy feet, for the place whereon thou standest is holy ground.6 Moreover he said, I am the God of thy father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob. And Moses hid his face; for he was afraid to look upon God.See Full


God commands Moses to use the Urim to receive revelation.

Numbers 27:18-21, The Holy Bible, (Salt Lake City: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, 2013), accessed November 29, 2021

And the Lord said unto Moses, Take thee Joshua the son of Nun, a man in whom is the spirit, and lay thine hand upon him;And set him before Eleazar the priest, and before all the congregation; and give him a charge in their sight.And thou shalt put some of thine honour upon him, that all the congregation of the children of Israel may be obedient.And he shall stand before Eleazar the priest, who shall ask counsel for him after the judgment of Urim before the Lord: at his word shall they go out, and at his word they shall come in, both he, and all the children of Israel with him, even all the congregation


Ammon refers to the object used in translating ancient records as "interpreters."

Mosiah 8:13, 18, Book of Mormon, (Salt Lake City: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, 2013), November 20, 2021

Now Ammon said unto him: I can assuredly tell thee, O king, of a man that can translate the records; for he has wherewith that he can look, and translate all records that are of ancient date; and it is a gift from God. And the things are called interpreters, and no man can look in them except he be commanded, lest he should look for that he ought not and he should perish. And whosoever is commanded to look in them, the same is called seer. . . . Thus God has provided a means that man, through faith, might work mighty miracles; therefore he becometh a great benefit to his fellow beings.


King Mosiah said that the interpreters have been passed down from before Lehi left Jerusalem.

Mosiah 28:20, Book of Mormon, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, accessed November 20, 2021

And now, as I said unto you, that after king Mosiah had done these things, he took the plates of brass, and all the things which he had kept, and conferred them upon Alma, who was the son of Alma; yea, all the records, and also the interpreters, and conferred them upon him, and commanded him that he should keep and preserve them, and also keep a record of the people, handing them down from one generation to another, even as they had been handed down from the time that Lehi left Jerusalem.


The apostles picked the apostle to replace Judas (Matthias) by lots.

Acts 1:24-26, The Holy Bible, (Salt Lake City: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, 2013), accessed November 29, 2021

And they prayed, and said, Thou, Lord, which knowest the hearts of all men, shew whether of these two thou hast chosen,That he may take part of this ministry and apostleship, from which Judas by transgression fell, that he might go to his own place.And they gave forth their lots; and the lot fell upon Matthias; and he was numbered with the eleven apostles.


Elias Ashmole discusses Belief in "Angellical Stones" which Can Result in Apparitions.

Elias Ashmole, Theatrum Chemicum Britannicum, Containing Several Poeticall Pieces of our Famous English Philosophers, who have written the Hermetique Mysteries in their owne Ancient Langauge (London: J. Grismond, 1652), "Prolegomena"

By the Magicall or Prospective Stone it is possible to discover any Person in what part of the World soever, although never so secretly concealed or hid; in Chambers, Closets, or Cavernes of the Earth: For there it makes a strict Inquisitoin. In a Word, it fairely presents to your view even the whole World; wherein to behold, heare, or see your Desire. Nay more, It enables Man to understand the Language of the Creatures, as the Chirping of Birds, Lowing of Beasts, &c. To Convey a Spirit into an Image, which by observing the Influence of Heavenly Bodies, shall become a true Oracle; And yes this as E.A. assures you, is not any ways Necromanticall, or Devilish; but easy, wonderous easy, Naturall and Honest.Lastly, as touching the Angelicall Stone, is to be so subtill, saith the aforesaid Author, that it can neither be seene, felt, or weighed; but Tasted only. The voyce of Man (which bears some proportion to these subtill properties,) comes short in comparison; Nay the Air it selfe is not so penetrable, and yet (Oh mysterious wonder!) A Stone, that will lodge in the Fire to Eternity without prejudiced. It hath a Divine Power, Celestiall, and Invisible, above the rest; and endowes the possessor with Divine Gifts. It affords the Apparition of Angells, and gives a power of conversing with them, by Dreames and Revelations: nor dare any Evill Spirit approach the Place where it lodgeth. Because it is a Quintessence wherein there is no corruptible Thing: and where the Elements are not corrupt, no Devill can stay or abide.See Full


Francis Barrett describes how a man can use a stone to find treasure.

Francis Barrett, The Magus (London: Lackington, Allen, and Company, 1801), 64

Of the Preparation of a Man to qualify him for the Search of this Treasure ; and of the first Matter (prima materia) of the Stone.Lesson I. The preparation for this work is simply this: ---Learn to cast away from thee all vile affections--- all levity and inconstancy of mind ; let all thy dealings be free from deceit and hypocrisy ; avoid the company of vain young men ; hate all profligacy, and profane speaking. Lesson II.Keep thy own, and thy neighbours' sects ; court not the favours of the rich ; despite not the poor, for he who does will be poorer than the poorest. Lesson III.Give to the needy and unfortunate what little thou canst spare ; for he that has but little, whatever he spares to the miserable, God shall amply reward him. Lesson IV.Be merciful to those who offend thee, or who have injured thee ; for what must that man's heart be, who would take heavy vengeance on a slight offence? Thou shalt forgive thy brother until seventy times seven. Lesson V.Be not hasty to condemn the actions of others, lest thou shouldst, the next hour, fall into the very same error ; despise scandal and tattling ; let thy words be few. See Full


Aaron Willey described how folk-magic and superstition captivated the human mind.

Aaron C. Willey, "Observations on Magical Practices," Medical Repository 15 (1812): 377

It is truly surprising to see what an ascendancy of these absurd and superstitious notions have gained over the human mind. They seem to have prevailed, in a greater or less degree, in all ages, and among all nations. They had their origin in the early stages of society, while the mental faculties were shrouded in clouds and darkness. As modern science began to dispel these unfriendly shades, their empire became considerably shaken. But in no country has knowledge become sufficiently diffused to wholly eradicate these long established errors. Although the present is an age of intellectual light, and prejudices are daily vanishing before the bright illumination of truth, yet these irrational and preposterous opinions are still found to predominate over the minds of numerous classes of honest, but credulous and unlettered citizens. Indeed, they are sometimes cherished by those who have just pretensions to information above mediocrity.


Joseph wrote that he obtained the plates on September 21, 1827.

Joseph Smith-History, The Pearl of Great Price, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, accessed January 19, 2022

59 At length the time arrived for obtaining the plates, the Urim and Thummim, and the breastplate. On the twenty-second day of September, one thousand eight hundred and twenty-seven, having gone as usual at the end of another year to the place where they were deposited, the same heavenly messenger delivered them up to me with this charge: that I should be responsible for them; that if I should let them go carelessly, or through any neglect of mine, I should be cut off; but that if I would use all my endeavors to preserve them, until he, the messenger, should call for them, they should be protected.60 I soon found out the reason why I had received such strict charges to keep them safe, and why it was that the messenger had said that when I had done what was required at my hand, he would call for them. For no sooner was it known that I had them, than the most strenuous exertions were used to get them from me. Every stratagem that could be invented was resorted to for that purpose. The persecution became more bitter and severe than before, and multitudes were on the alert continually to get them from me if possible. But by the wisdom of God, they remained safe in my hands, until I had accomplished by them what was required at my hand. When, according to arrangements, the messenger called for them, I delivered them up to him; and he has them in his charge until this day, being the second day of May, one thousand eight hundred and thirty-eight.See Full


Joseph recorded that he translated characters from the plates between December 1827 and February 1828.

Joseph Smith-History, Pearl of Great Price, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, accessed January 19, 2022

62 By this timely aid was I enabled to reach the place of my destination in Pennsylvania; and immediately after my arrival there I commenced copying the characters off the plates. I copied a considerable number of them, and by means of the Urim and Thummim I translated some of them, which I did between the time I arrived at the house of my wife’s father, in the month of December, and the February following.63 Sometime in this month of February, the aforementioned Mr. Martin Harris came to our place, got the characters which I had drawn off the plates, and started with them to the city of New York. For what took place relative to him and the characters, I refer to his own account of the circumstances, as he related them to me after his return, which was as follows:64 “I went to the city of New York, and presented the characters which had been translated, with the translation thereof, to Professor Charles Anthon, a gentleman celebrated for his literary attainments. Professor Anthon stated that the translation was correct, more so than any he had before seen translated from the Egyptian. I then showed him those which were not yet translated, and he said that they were Egyptian, Chaldaic, Assyriac, and Arabic; and he said they were true characters. He gave me a certificate, certifying to the people of Palmyra that they were true characters, and that the translation of such of them as had been translated was also correct. I took the certificate and put it into my pocket, and was just leaving the house, when Mr. Anthon called me back, and asked me how the young man found out that there were gold plates in the place where he found them. I answered that an angel of God had revealed it unto him.65 “He then said to me, ‘Let me see that certificate.’ I accordingly took it out of my pocket and gave it to him, when he took it and tore it to pieces, saying that there was no such thing now as ministering of angels, and that if I would bring the plates to him he would translate them. I informed him that part of the plates were sealed, and that I was forbidden to bring them. He replied, ‘I cannot read a sealed book.’ I left him and went to Dr. Mitchell, who sanctioned what Professor Anthon had said respecting both the characters and the translation.”See Full


Joseph indicated that the plates were returned to him after a season and his wife began scribing for him.

Joseph Smith, Jr., "History," 1832: [6], The Joseph Smith Papers website, accessed January 26, 2022

I inquired again and also the third time and the Lord said unto me let him go with them only he shall covenant with me that he will not shew them to only but four persons and he covenented withe Lord that he would do according to the word of the Lord therefore he took them and took his journey unto his friends to Palmire [Palmyra] Wayne County & State of N York and he brake the covenent which he made before the Lord and the Lord suffered the writings to fall into the hands of wicked men and Martin was Chastened for his transgression and I also was chastened also for my transgression for asking the Lord the third time wherefore the Plates was taken from me by the power of God and I was not able to obtain them for a season and it came to pass afte[r] much humility and affliction of Soul I obtained them again when Lord appeared unto a young man by the name of Oliver Cowd[e]ry and shewed unto him the plates in a vision and also the truth of the work and what the Lord was about to do through me his unworthy Servant therefore he was desiorous to come and write for me and to translate now my wife had writen some for me to translate and also my Brothr Samuel H Smith but we had become reduced in property and my wives father was about to turn me out of doores I & I had not where to go and I cried unto the Lord that he would provide for me to accomplish the work whereunto he had commanded meSee Full


In a revelation, Joseph was told that he had been given the right to translate by God.

Revelation Book 1, 1-2, The Joseph Smith Papers website, accessed July 16, 2021

. . . behold thou art Joseph & thou wast chosen to do the work of the Lord but because of transgression thou mayest fall. . . .& when thou deliveredst up that Which that which God had  given thee right to Translate thou deliveredest up that which was Sacred into the hands of a wicked man . . . this is the reason that thou hast lost thy Privileges for a Season . . .


Joseph receives revelation about his gift to translate; he should not claim any other spiritual gift at the time.

Revelation, ca. March 1829, 1, 2-3, The Joseph Smith Papers website, accessed June 8, 2021

He [Joseph Smith] hath A gift to translate the Book & I have commanded him that he should shall pretend to no other gift for I will grant unto him no other gift . . . & if this be the case I command him that he shall do no more nor trouble me no more Concerning this matter & if this be the case Behold I say unto you Joseph when thou hast translated a few more pages & then shalt thou stop for a season even untill I command thee again. then thou mayest translate & excep thou do this Behold thou shalt have no more gift & I will take away the things which I have entrusted with thee.


Joseph receives revelation that translation is done according to faith.

Revelation Book 1, 13, The Joseph Smith Papers website, accessed July 16, 2021

ask that ye ^you^ [Oliver Cowdery] may know the mysteries of God & that ^you^ may Translate all those ancient Records which have been hid up which are Sacred & according to your faith shall it be done unto you


Revelation to Oliver about how Oliver cannot translate BOM.

Revelation Book 1, 14,  The Joseph Smith Papers website, accessed August 11, 2021

Behol[d] I say unto you my Son [Oliver Cowdery] that because ye did not Translate according to that which ye desired of me & did commence again to write for my servent Joseph even so I would that ye Should continue until ye have finished this Record which I have entrusted unto you & then Behold other Records have I that I will give unto you power that ye may assist to Translate be patient my Son for it is wisdom in me & it is not expedient that ye should translate at this time Behold this is the work which ye are called to do is to write for my Servent & Behold it is because that ye did not continue as ye commenced when ye commenced to Translate that I have taken away this privilege from you. . . . but Behold I say unto you that ye must study it out in your mind then ye must ask me if it be right & if it is right I will cause that your bosom shall burn within you therefore ye shall feel that it is right but if it be not right ye shall have no such feelings but ye shall have stupor of thought that shall cause you to forget the thing which is wrong


In a revelation, God tells Oliver Cowdery through Joseph that he needs to study before translating.

Section 9:1-14, Doctrine and Covenants, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, accessed January 19, 2022

1 Behold, I say unto you, my son, that because you did not translate according to that which you desired of me, and did commence again to write for my servant, Joseph Smith, Jun., even so I would that ye should continue until you have finished this record, which I have entrusted unto him.2 And then, behold, other records have I, that I will give unto you power that you may assist to translate.3 Be patient, my son, for it is wisdom in me, and it is not expedient that you should translate at this present time.4 Behold, the work which you are called to do is to write for my servant Joseph.5 And, behold, it is because that you did not continue as you commenced, when you began to translate, that I have taken away this privilege from you.6 Do not murmur, my son, for it is wisdom in me that I have dealt with you after this manner.7 Behold, you have not understood; you have supposed that I would give it unto you, when you took no thought save it was to ask me.8 But, behold, I say unto you, that you must study it out in your mind; then you must ask me if it be right, and if it is right I will cause that your bosom shall burn within you; therefore, you shall feel that it is right.9 But if it be not right you shall have no such feelings, but you shall have a stupor of thought that shall cause you to forget the thing which is wrong; therefore, you cannot write that which is sacred save it be given you from me.10 Now, if you had known this you could have translated; nevertheless, it is not expedient that you should translate now.11 Behold, it was expedient when you commenced; but you feared, and the time is past, and it is not expedient now;12 For, do you not behold that I have given unto my servant Joseph sufficient strength, whereby it is made up? And neither of you have I condemned.13 Do this thing which I have commanded you, and you shall prosper. Be faithful, and yield to no temptation.14 Stand fast in the work wherewith I have called you, and a hair of your head shall not be lost, and you shall be lifted up at the last day. Amen.See Full


Joseph describes the end of translating and the copyright deals with publishers.

History, 1838–1856, volume A-1 [23 December 1805–30 August 1834], 34, The Joseph Smith Papers website, accessed June 17, 2024

Mean time our translation drawing to a close, we went to Palmyra, Wayne County, N. Y: Secured the Copyright; and agreed with Mr Egbert Grandon [E. B. Grandin] to print five thousand Copies, for the sum of three thousand dollars.


Wayne Sentinel reports on the that the "Golden Bible" can only be interpreted by someone with a "special gift" given by "inspiration."

E. B. Grandin, Wayne Sentinel (Palmyra, New York), June 26, 1829, p. 3, accessed November 17, 2025

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 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 up by the hand of Moroni, and hid up unto the Lord, to come forth in due time by the way of 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, which 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 shew 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 God, manifesting himself unto all nations. And now, if there be fault, it be the mistakes 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"See Full


Jesse Smith refers to Joseph's spectacles and deciphering of hieroglyphics.

Jesse Smith to Hyrum Smith, June 17, 1829, in “Letterbook 2,” 60–61,  The Joseph Smith Papers website, accessed August 11, 2021

You state your Father cannot write by reason of a nervous affection this is a poor excuse, worse than none, he can dictate to others and they can write, he can If he knows not what to write, he can get your Brother’s spectacles he would then be as able to write dictate a letter, as Joe is to decypher hieroglyphics, if more should be wanting he can employ the same scoundrel of a scribe, and then not only the matter but manner and style would be correct.


Palmyra Freeman tells of an angel appearing to Joseph Smith and the Book of Mormon translation.

Jonathan Hadley, “GOLDEN BIBLE,” Palmyra Freeman (Palmyra, New York) August 11, 1829


According to Jonathan Hadley, Joseph said that he used a huge pair of spectacles to translate the BOM.

Jonathan A. Hadley, "Golden Bible," Palmyra Freeman (August 11, 1829) in Rochester Advertiser and Daily Telegraph [New York], August 31, 1829

The Palmyra Freeman says—The greatest piece of superstition that has ever come within our knowledge, now occupies the attention of a few individuals of this quarter. It is generally known and spoken of as the “Golden Bible.” Its proselytes give the following account of it In the fall of 1827, a person by the name of Joseph Smith, of Manchester, Ontario county, reported that he had been visited in a dream by the spirit of the Amighty and informed that in a certain hill in that town, was deposited this Golden Bible, containing an ancient record of a divine nature and origin  After having been thrice thus visited, as he states, he proceeded to the spot, and after penetrating “mother earth” a short distance, the Bible was found, together with a huge pair of spectacles! He had been directed, however, not to let any mortal being examine them, “under no less penalty” than instant death! They were therefore nicely wrapped up and excluded from the “vulgar gaze of poor wicked mortals!” It was said that the leaves of the bible were plates of gold, about 8 inches long, 6 wide, and one eighth of an inch thick, on which were engraved characters or hyeroglyphics. By placing the spectacles in a hat, and looking into it, Smith could (he said so, at least,) interpret these characters.An account of this discovery was soon circulated. The subject was almost invariably treated as it should have been—with contempt. A few, however, believed the “golden” story, among whom was Martin Harris, an honest and industrious farmer of this town, (Palmyra). So blindly enthusiastic was Harris, that he took some of the characters interpreted by Smith, and went in search of some one besides the interpreter, who was learned enough to English them; but all to whom he applied (among the number was Professor Mitchell, of New York) happened not to be possessed of sufficient knowledge to give satisfaction! Harris returned, and set Smith to work at interpreting the Bible. He has at length performed the task, and the work is soon to be put to press in Palmyra. Its language and doctrine are said to be far superior to those of the book of life!!!See Full


The Gem records that Harris says Joseph translated the BOM by putting the spectacles in a hat.

"Golden Bible," The Gem [Rochester, New York], September 5, 1829: 70

By placing the spectacles in a hat and looking into it, Smith interprets the characters into the English language.

Harris states that he went in search of some one to interpret the hieroglyphics, but found that no one was intended to perform that all important task but Smith himself.


The 1830 titlepage of the Book of Mormon states it was interpreted by the power of God.

"Copyright," Book of Mormon, 1830, p. i, The Joseph Smith Papers

Wherefore it is an abridgment of the Record of the


Fenn tells Bronson about the vision and translation process and angel appearing to the 3 witnesses.

Lucius Fenn, Letter to Birdseye Bronson, February 12, 1830, William Robertson Coe Collection of Western Americana, Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, in Holland, "Mormon Americana," 387-88 in Larry E. Morris, ed., A Documentary History of the Book of Mormon (New York: Oxford University Press, 2019), 383-384

There is something that has taken place lately that is mysterious to us it is this there has been a bible found by 3 men but a short distance from us which is something remarkable we think. there was it is said an an angel appeared to these 3 men and told them there was a bible concealed in such a place and if one of them would go to that place he would find it he went and found as the angel said it was in a stone chest what is most to be wondered at is this that the man that found it could not read at all in the english language but he read this bible and nobody else cannot it has been concealed there for fourteen hundred years it is written on a kind of gold leaf it is the same that our is only there is an addition to it they are a printing it in Palmyra it is expected that it will come out soon so that we can see it it speaks of the Millennial day and tells when it is a going to take place and it talks that the man that is to find this bible his name as Joseph and his fathers name is Joseph. some people think that it is all a speculation and some think that something is going to take place different from what has been for my part I do not know how it will be but it is something singular to me, as it respects religion there has been considerable of an attention paid to it this winter between these lakes and there has been considerable many as we humbly hope have been [renewed?] by the grace of God there is a general solemnity upon the people generally in these parts and we hope that there will be a greater outpouring of the spirit than ever

See Full


Blatchley relates Harris's quote about Joseph using "stone-eyed spectacles" to translate the BOM.

C.C. Blatchley, "Caution Against the Golden Bible," New-York Telescope (New York, New York) 6, no. 38 (February 20, 1830): 150

The editor of the Palmyra Freeman, their neighbor, adds to the above, that "in the fall of 1827, Joseph Smith, of Manchester, Ontario county, reported that he had been visited in a dream by the spirit of the Almighty, and informed, that in a certain hill, in that town, was deposited this Golden Bible, containing an ancient record of a divine nature and origin. After being thrice visited thus, as he states, he proceeded to the spot, and found the bible, with a huge pair of spectacles. He has been directed, however, not to let any mortal being examine them [i.e., the plates and the stone-eyed spectacles] under no less penalty than instant death! It was said that the leaven of the bible were plates of gold, about eight inches long, six inches wide, and one-eighth of an inch thick [i.e. 8 plates are one inch thick, 8 long and 6 wide.] On these plates were characters, or hieroglyphics, engraved." The whole of the plates are said to weigh about thirty pounds; which would be in gold near eight thousand dollars, beside the value of the engraving.

One of Joseph Smith's proselytes, is, continues the Palymra Freeman, "Martin Harris, an honest and industrious farmer of Palmyra." He is said to have shown some of these characters to Professor Samuel L. Mitchell, of this city, who would not translate them. Martin Harris returned, and set Joseph Smith to the business of translating them: who, "by placing the spectacles in a hat and looking into them, Joseph Smith said he could interpret these characters."
See Full


8 Witnesses published statement in 1830 claiming that Joseph showed them the plates.

Joseph Smith, Book of Mormon (Palmyra: E.B. Grandin, 1830), 590,  The Joseph Smith Papers website, accessed August 11, 2021

AND ALSO THE TESTIMONY OF EIGHT WITNESSES.Be it known unto all nations, kindreds, tongues, and people, unto whom this work shall come, that Joseph Smith, Jr. the Author and Proprietor of this work, has shewn unto us the plates of which hath been spoken, which have the appearance of gold; and as many of the leaves as the said Smith has translated, we did handle with our hands; and we also saw the engravings thereon, all of which has the appearance of ancient work, and of curious workmanship. And this we bear record, with words of soberness, that the said Smith has shewn unto us, for we have seen and hefted, and know of a surety, that the said Smith has got the plates of which we have spoken. And we give our names unto the world, to witness unto the world that which we have seen: and we lie not, God bearing witness of it.CHRISTIAN WHITMER,JACOB WHITMER,PETER WHITMER, Jr.JOHN WHITMER,HIRAM PAGE,JOSEPH SMITH, Sen.HYRUM SMITH,SAMUEL H. SMITH.See Full


Articles and Covenants of the Church teaching that God gave Joseph the means to translate.

Articles and Covenants of the Church (= D&C 20:6-9), March 1831-July 1835,  Revelation Book 1, 53, The Joseph Smith Papers website, accessed August 11, 2021

but after truly Repenting God ministered unto him [Joseph Smith] by an Holy Angel. . . . & gave unto him Commandments which insp[i]red him from on high & gave unto him power by the means of which was ^were^ before prepared that he should translate a Book which Book contained a record of a fallen


Joseph records a revelation where God commands him to keep a record.

Section 21:1-3, Doctrine and Covenants, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, accessed November 29, 2021

Behold, there shall be a record kept among you; and in it thou shalt be called a seer, a translator, a prophet, an apostle of Jesus Christ, an elder of the church through the will of God the Father, and the grace of your Lord Jesus Christ,Being inspired of the Holy Ghost to lay the foundation thereof, and to build it up unto the most holy faith.Which church was organized and established in the year of your Lord eighteen hundred and thirty, in the fourth month, and on the sixth day of the month which is called April.


Wayne County Inquirer reports that Joseph used a white stone to translate BOM.

"A fellow by the name of Joseph Smith," Wayne County Inquirer, Pennsylvania, c. May 1830 in Cincinnati Advertiser and Ohio Phoenix, June 2, 1830, accessed July 8, 2021

A fellow by the name of Joseph Smith, who resides in the upper part of Susquehanna county, has been, for the last two years we are told, employed in dedicating as he says, by inspiration, a new bible. He pretended that he had been entrusted by God with a golden bible which had been always hidden from the world. Smith would put his face into a hat in which he had a white stone, and pretend to read from it, while his coadjutor transcribed.


Obadiah Dogberry (in work of fan-fiction) writes about how Joseph used the Spectacles to translate the Book of Mormon.

Obadiah Dogberry, The Reflector (Palmyra, New York), June 12, 1830, 36-37

THE BOOK OF PUKEI.—Chap. 1.1. And it came to pass in the latter days, that wickedness did much abound in the land, and the “Idle and slothful said one to another, let us send for Walters the Magician, who has strange books, and deals with familiar spirits; peradventure he will inform us where the Nephites, hid their treasure, so be it, that we and our vagabond van, do not perish for lack of sustenance.2. Now Walters, the Magician, was a man unseemly to look upon, and to profound ignorance added the most consummate impudence,—he obeyed the summons of the idle and slothful, and produced an old book in an unknown tongue, (Cicero's Orations in latin,) from whence he read in the presence of the Idle and Slothful strange stories of hidden treasures and of the spirit who had the custody thereof.3. And the Idle and Slothful paid tribute unto the Magician, and besought him saying, Oh! thou who art wise above all men, and can interpret the book that no man understandeth, and can discover hidden things by the power of thy enchantments, lead us, we pray thee to the place  where the Nephites buried their treasure, and give us power over “the spirit,” and we will be thy servants forever.4. And the Magician led the rabble into a dark grove, in a place called Manchester, where after drawing a Magic circle, with a rusty sword, and collecting his motley crew of latter-demallions, within the centre, he sacrificed a Cock (a bird sacred to Minerva) for the purpose of propiciating the prince of spirits.5. All things being ready, the Idle and Slothful fell to work with a zeal deserving a better cause, and many a live long night was spent in digging for “the root of all evil.” Howbeit, owing to the wickedness and hardness of their hearts, these credulous and ignorant knaves, were always disappointed, till finally, their hopes, although frequently on the eve of consummation–like that of he hypocrite perished, and their hearts became faint within them.7. And it came to pass, that when the Idle and Slothful became weary of their nightly labors, they said one to another, lo! this imp of the Devil, hath deceived us, let us no more of him, or peradventure, ourselves, our wives, and our little ones, will become chargeable on the town.8. Now when Walters the Magician heard these things, he was sorely grieved, and said unto himself, lo! mine occupation is gone, even these ignorant vagabonds, the idl eand [idle and] slothful detect mine impostures. I will away and hide myself, lest the strong arm of the law should bring me to justice.9. And he took his book, and his rusty sword, and his magic stone, and his stuffed Toad, and all his implements of witchcraft and retired to the mountains near Great Sodus Bay, where he holds communion with the Devil, even unto this day.10. Now the rest of the acts of the magician, how his mantle fell upon the prophet Jo. Smith Jun. and how Jo. made a league with the spirit, who afterwards turned out to be an angel, and how he obtained the “Gold Bible,” Spectacles, and breast plate–will they not be faithfully recorded in the book of Pukei?”See Full


Diedrich Willers describes how Joseph would use spectacles that he claimed to find next to the plates to translate.

Diedrich Willers to Reverend Brethren, June 18, 1830, Diedrich Willers Collection in John W. Welch, "Documents of the Translation of the Book of Mormon" in John W. Welch, ed., Opening the Heavens: Accounts of Divine Manifestations, 1820-1844, 2nd ed. (Provo, UT: BYU Studies, 2011), 195


The Reflector reports that Joseph used "magic spectacles."

"Every thing in this world . . .," The Reflector (Palmyra, New York), 3d series, no. 14  (August 28, 1830): 108

Although there may appear much of jest, in the self-conceits of our fellow mortals, it frequently has the faculty to impress upon our minds, a melencholy tinge; still the vices and follies of others, if rightly appreciated are full of instruction, & we only require JO SMITH’S Magic Spectacles, or some other powerful optical instrument to turn them to our own advantage.


The Philadelphia Album reports that Joseph used two clear stones to translate the Book of Mormon.

"The Book of Gold," The Philadelphia Album (Pennsylvania), December 18,1830, 405 in “The Book of Mormon,” Auburn Free Press 7, no. 29 (December 18, 1830): 2

Upon opening this, he found enclosed a bundle of plates similar to gold, about 7 inches long, 6 broad, and in all about 6 inches deep, each sheet being of about the thickness of tin. They were united, at one edge with 3 silver wires, so that they opened in a manner similar to a book. “ They were engraven in a character unintelligible to the learned men of the United States, to many of whom it is said to have been presented. The same angel afterwards appeared to three individuals, who call themselves Oliver Cowdry, David Whitmer, and Martin Harris, and showed them the plates. To Smith was given the power to translate the character, which he was enabled to do by looking through two semi- transparent stones, but as he was ignorant of the art of writing, Cowdry and the others wrote as Smith, the person who was first directed to dig for the plates, interpreted. They say that part of the plates escaped from them in a supernatural manner and are to be again revealed when the events of time shall require them.” The book which these men have pretended to translate from these sheets of gold has been printed, and they are now busily engaged in scattering copies of it throughout the country. See Full


The Jesuit or Catholic Sentinel circulates rumors that Joseph translated the characters using two semi-transparent stones and supernatural methods.

"Delusion," Geauga Gazette (Ohio) circa November 1830 in The Jesuit or Catholic Sentinel (Boston, Massachusetts), December 18, 1830: 126

They were engraved in a character unintelligible to the learned men of the United States, to many of whom it is said they have been presented. The angel afterwards appeared to the three individuals, and showed them the plates. To Smith was given to transcribe the character which he was enabled to do by looking through two semi-transparent stones, but as he was ignorant of the writing, Cowdery and others wrote as Smith interpreted. They say, that part of the plates escaped from them in a supernatural manner, and are again to be revealed when the events of time shall require them.


Lucy Smith says that after Joseph repented of his sins, he was given an instrument by God by which to translate the BOM.

Lucy Mack Smith letter, Waterloo, New York to Solomon Mack, Gilsum, New Hampshire, January 6, 1831, 2, MS 3468, Church History Library

Joseph after repenting of his sins and humbling himself before God was visited by an holy Angel whose countenance was as lightning and whose garments were white above all whiteness and gave unto him commandments which inspired him from on high. and gave unto him by the means of which was before prepared that he should translate this this book, and by <reading> this this our eyes are opened that we can see the situation in which the world now stands that the eyes of the whole world are blinded, that the churches have all become corrupted, yea every church upon the face of the earth that the Gospel of Christ is no where preached. this is the situation which the world is now in, and you can judge for yourselves if we did not need something more than the wisdom of men for to show us the right way


Richard McNemar writes in his journal that Joseph translated with two transparent stones and a hat.

Richard McNemar, Diary entry for January 29, 1831, 45-46, Library of Congress, Manuscript Division, Shaker Collection, Item 253

The engraving being unintelligible to learned & unlearned. there is said to have been in the box with the plates two transparent stones in the form of spectacles thro which the translator looked on the engraving & afterwards put his face into a hat & the interpretation then flowed into his mind. which he uttered to the amanuensis who wrote it down, The said amanuensis by name Oliver Cowdery, was lately at the North lot & gave this account . . . there being no intelligible correspondence between the marks on the plates, & the dictates of the pretended interpreter. All his ideas were acquired by looking into a hat, where in all probability the translation appeared quite plainly in our english language. we must therefore conclude that the confabulation was cunningly devised, whether by visibles or invisibles & whether those bright & unsullied plates had been deposited in ancient or modern times.BHR Staff Commentary


Campbell describes the BOM translation process as occurring in a dark room with spectacles.

Alexander Campbell, "Delusions," Millennial Harbinger 2, no. 2 (February 7, 1831): 93, 95

This prophet Smith, through his stone spectacles, wrote on the plates of Nephi, in his book of Mormon, every error and almost every truth discussed in N. York for the last ten years. He decides all the great controversies - infant baptism, ordination, the trinity, regeneration, repentance, justification, the fall of man, the atonement, transubstantiation, fasting, penance, church government, religious experience, the call to the ministry, the general resurrection, eternal punishment, who may baptize, and even the question of freemasonry, republican government, and the rights of man. All these topics are repeatedly alluded to. How much more benevolent and intelligent this American Apostle, than were the holy twelve, and Paul to assist them!!! He prophesied of all these topics, and of the apostacy, and infallibly decided, by his authority, every question. How easy to prophecy of the past or of the present time!! . . . These are but as one drop out of a bucket compared with the amount of Smithisms in this book. It is patched up and cemented with 'And it came to pass' - 'I sayeth unto you' - 'Ye saith unto him' - and all the King James' HATHS, DIDS and DOTHS - in the lowest imitation of the common version; and is, without exaggeration, the meanest book in the English language; but it is a translation made through stone spectacles, in a dark room, and in the hat of the prophet Smith from the REFORMED EGYPTIAN!! It has not one good sentence in it, save the profanation of those sentences quoted from the Oracles of the living God. I would as soon compare a bat to the American eagle, a mouse to a mammoth, or the deformities of a spectre to the beauties of Him whom John saw in Patmos, as to contrast it with a single chapter in all the writings of the Jewish or Christian prophets. It is as certainly Smith's fabrication as Satan is the father of lies, or darkness the offspring of night. So much for the internal evidences of the Book of Mormon.See Full


"A Presbyterian" describes the translation as Joseph looking into a small stone and reading the will of the Lord.

"A Presbyterian," Letter, February 22, 1831, Independent Messenger, (Worcester, Massachusetts), 1 no. 24  (June 17, 1831): 96

He [Joseph Smith] has 10 years’ translating to do; he looks in a small stone he has, and there reads the will of the Lord and writes it for the good of his fellow-men; he can read a person’s heart by looking in his face.


David S. Burnett reports that Joseph translated the inscriptions from the Book of Mormon without looking at the plates.

David S. Burnett, "Something New—The Golden Bible," Evangelical Inquirer [Dayton, Ohio] 1, no. 10 ( March 7, 1831): 219

However the angel ( ghost!) that discovered the plates to him, likewise informed him that he would be inspired to translate the inscriptions without looking at the plates, while an amanuensis would record his infallible reading; all which was accordingly done. But now the book must be published, the translation of the inscriptions which Smith was authorized to show to no man save a few accomplices, who subscribe a certificate of these pretended facts at the end of the volume. Truly a wise arrangement!


The Reflector reports that Book of Mormon translation was done with a sheet in between Harris and Joseph.

"Gold Bible, No. 6," The Reflector (Palmyra, New York) 2, no. 16 (March 19, 1831): 126

Smith and Harris gave out that no mortal save Jo could look upon it and live; and Harris declares, that when he acted as amanuensis, and wrote the translation, as Smith dictated, such was his fear of the Divine displeasure that a screen (sheet) was suspended between the prophet and himself.


"AWB" reports that Joseph used glass-looking techniques to translate the Book of Mormon.

“Mormonites,” Evangelical Magazine and Gospel Advocate (Utica, New York) 2, no. 15 (April 9, 1831): 120

For several years preceding the appearance of his book, he was about the country in the character of a glass- looker: pretending, by means of a certain stone, or glass, which he put in a hat, to be able to discover lost goods, hidden treasures, mines of gold and silver, & c. . . .  Oliver Cowdry, one of the three witnesses to the book, testified under oath, that said Smith found with the plates, from which he translated his book, two transparent stones, resembling glass, set in silver bows. That by looking through these, he was able to read in English, the reformed Egyptian characters, which were engraved on the plates. So much for the gift and power of God. by which Smith says he translate his book. Two transparent stones, undoubtedly of the same properties, and the gift of the same spirit as the one in which he looked to find his neighbor’s goods. It is reported, and probably true, that he commenced his juggling by stealing and hiding property belonging to his neighbors, and when inquiry was made, he would look in his stone, ( his gift and power) and tell where it was. Josiah Stowell, a Mormonite, being sworn, testified that he positively knew that said Smith never had lied to, or deceived him, and did not believe he ever tried to deceive any body else.See Full


Ashbel Kitchell writes that Cowdery was an assistant in the translation of the "golden Bible."

Tagged 'Scribed Paraphrase 2nd Hand Reprint'

Ashbell Kitchell, “A Mormon Interview,” Interview by Ashbell Kitchell, Pocket Journal, May 7, 1831, transcribed, 1

Late in the fall a number of them came to visit the Believers. One by the name of Oliver Lowdree [Cowdery], who stated that he had been one who had been an assistant in the translation of the golden Bible, and had also seen the Angel, and had been commissioned by him to go out and bear testimony, that God would destroy this generation.BHR Staff Commentary


Hampshire Gazette reports that Joseph used a stone to read the will of the Lord.

"The Mormon Delusion," Hampshire Gazette, c. May 1831 in Baptist Chronicle and Literary Register (Georgetown, Kentucky) 2, no. 9 (September 1831): 135-36

he looks in a small stone he has, and there reads the will of the Lord and writes it for the good of his fellow men


Mourning Courier and New-York Enquirer suggests that Sidney Rigdon wrote the BOM and Joseph fallaciously claimed to translate it.

“Mormon Religion— Clerical Ambition— Western New York.— The Mormonites Gone to Ohio,” Morning Courier and New-York Enquirer (New York City) 7, no. 1334 (September 1, 1831): 2

At last a printer in Palmyra undertook to print the translations of Joe Smith, Harris becoming responsible for the expense. They were called translations, but in fact and in truth they are believed to be the work of the Ex-Preacher from Ohio, who stood in the back ground and put forward Joe to father the new bible and the new faith. After the publication of the golden bible, they began to make converts rapidly.


William Owen reports that ten witnesses handled the plates.

W. O. [William Owen], “Mormon Bible,” Letter to Editor, in Free Enquirer, September 3, 1831: 364

Ten persons say they have sene them and hefted them, three declare that an angel of God appeared to them and showed htem to them, and told them that God had given Smith power to be able to read them, understand them, and translate them. The names of these persons are signed to the certificates in the book.


Unknown author described Joseph finding two stones and plates connected with rings in the shape of 'D' in the same place.

"The Mormonites," Illinois Patriot (September 16, 1831) in Christian Intelligencer and Easter Chronicle 5, no. 46 (November 18, 1831): 184

At the place appointed he found in the earth a box which contained a set of thin plates resembling gold, with Arabic characters inscribed on them. The plates were minutely described as being connected with rings in the shape of the letter D, which facilitated the opening and shutting of the book. The preacher said he found in the same place two stones, with which he was enabled by placing them over his eyes and putting his head in a dark corner, to decypher the hieroglyphics on the plates!


Ebenezer Robinson reports that Joseph says BOM translation process not intended for public reading.

Minutes of conference at Orange Township, Ohio, October 25, 1831, in Minute Book 2, 13, The Joseph Smith Papers website, accessed July 7, 2021

Br. Hyrum Smith said that he thought best that the information of the coming forth of the book of Mormon be related by Joseph himself to the Elders present that all might know for themselves. Br. Joseph Smith jr. said that it was not intended to tell the world all the particulars of the coming forth of the book of Mormon, & also said that it was not expedient for him to relate these things &c.


Ezra Booth says that Joseph used the same dark glass to translate the BOM as he did for treasure digging.

Ezra Booth, "Mormonism no. III," Ohio Star (Ravenna, Ohio), October 27, 1831

[I]n translating.—The subject stands before his eyes in print, but it matters not whether his eyes are open or shut; he can see as well one way as the other. You have probably read the testimony of the three witnesses appended to the Book of Mormon. These witnesses testify, that an angel appeared to them, and presented them the golden plates, and the voice of God declared it to be a Divine Record. To this they frequently testify, in the presence of large congregations. . . .These [buried] treasures were discovered several years since, by means of the dark glass, the same with which Smith says he translated most of the Book of Mormon.


David Marks reports as hearing that only Joseph could translate the BOM.

David Marks, The Life of David Marks, To the 26th year of his age. Including The Particulars of His Conversion, Call to the Ministry, and Labours in Itinerant Preaching For Nearly Eleven Years (Limerick Maine: Office of the Morning Star, 1831), 340

They stated the writing could be read by no person, except by the said Smith; and, that the Lord had inspired him to translate and publish the book,—that none, but twelve chosen witnesses, had been allowed to see these plates, and that now they were "hid up unto the Lord."


The neighbors of Joseph assert that he pretended to find a box in the woods with plates that had characters that only he could decipher.

Nathaniel W. Howell and Others to Ancil Beach, January 1832 in Dan Vogel, ed. Early Mormon Documents, 5 vols. (Salt Lake City: Signature Books, 2000), 3:14-16

The neighbours of Smith and the others give the following account of them—Joseph Smith has lived in and about Manchester for several years an idle worthless fellow; previous to the Mormon project he had been engaged for some time in company with several others of the same Character Employed in digging for money[.] They were poor as well as worthless and for a time were supported by a man Mr Fish an illiterate man of some property who was duped by them, and when he found that his money diggers were like to consume what he had gathered by his industry he turned them off—Joseph Smith then pretended to have found a box, in digging in the woods, containing some gold plates with Characters upon them which none but himself could decypher—Cowdry who certifies to the Book of Mormon was a school master in the town of Manchester and went away with Smith to the State of Pennsylvania and was employed by Smith to write down for him what he interpreted from the mystic characters upon the plates—They then induced Martin Harris a farmer of respectable property to become responsible for an edition of 5000 copies of the Book which was accordingly published in Palmyra.See Full


Joseph translated the characters using spectacles prepared by the Lord.

History, circa Summer 1832, 5, 6, The Joseph Smith Papers website, accessed August 11, 2021

[Martin Harris] imediately came to Su[s]quehanna and said the Lord had shown him that he must go to new York City <with> some of the c<h>aracters so we proceeded to coppy some of them and he took his Journy to the Eastern Cittys and to the Learned <saying> read this I pray thee and the learned said I cannot but if he would bring the blates [plates] they would read it but the Lord had fo<r>bid it and he returned to me and gave them to <me to> translate and I said said [I] cannot for I am not learned but the Lord had prepared spectticke spectacles for to read the Book therefore I commenced translating the characters and thus the Prop[h]icy of Is<ia>ah was fulfilled . . . [The] Lord appeared unto a young man by the name of Oliver Cowdry and shewed unto him the plates in a vision and also the truth of the work and what the Lord was about to do through me his unworthy servant therefore he was desirous to come and write for me and to translate now my wife had writen some for me to translate and also my Brother Samuel H Smith but we had be come reduced in property and my wives father was about to turn me out of doors & I had not where to go and I cried unto the Lord that he would provide for me to accomplish the work whereunto he had commanded me.See Full


W. W. Phelps writes about "sacred spectacles" and links them to the biblical Urim and Thummim.

"Hosea Chapter III," Evening and Morning Star 1, no. 2 (July 1832): [4]

Then salvation to the Gentiles: which salvation was to continue many days, viz: to the present day. The fourth verse shows the time that the children of Israel were to remain scattered abroad, without the sacred things which God gave unto them when they were in favour with him. They were even to do without the Teraphim, [Urim & Thumim, perhaps] or sacred spectacles or declarers; supposed to be the same called gods and images when Jacob fled, [f]rom Laban. For Jacob was a man of God and did not worship idols or images. The original in Hebrew is Teraphim. Moses when blessing the tribes in the 33rd of Deuteronomy, says: Let thy Thummim and thy Urim be with thy Holy one. This brings to mind that important information on the same subject, which is recorded in the second Chapter of II. Maccabees, which the wisdom of man has seen fit to call Apocrypha.


William McLellin claims that Joseph translated plates with engravings in an inspired way.

William E. McLellin letter, Independence, Missouri to Samuel McLelin, Carthage, Tennessee, August 4, 1832, microfilm, photocopy of holograph, MS 617, Church History Library

Some time in July 1831, Two men [Elders Samuel H. Smith and Reynolds Cahoon] came to Paris & held an evening meeting. . . . They said that in September 1827 an Angel appeared to Joseph Smith (in Ontario Co. New York) and showed to him the confusion on the earth respecting true religion. It also told him to go a few miles distant to a certain hill and there he should find some plates with engravings, which (if he was faithful) he should be enabled to translate. He went as directed and found plates (which had the appearance of fine Gold) about 8 inches long 5 or 6 wide and alltogether about 6 inches thick; each one about as thick as thin paste board fastened together and opened in the form of a book containing engravings of reformed Egyptian Hieroglyphical characters: which he was inspired to translate and the record was published in 1830 and is called the book of Mormon.


Boston Investigator reports that Joseph used the Urim and Thummim, two crystal stones, to translate the BOM.

“Questions proposed to the Mormonite Preachers and their answers obtained before the whole assembly at Julian Hall, Sunday Evening, August 5, 1832,” Boston Investigator 2, August 10, 1832


Nathaniel Willis believes that Joseph pretended to have a vision and pretended to find spectacles.

"Mormonism," Boston Recorder (Boston, Massachusetts) 17, no. 41 (October 10, 183): 17

About two years since, Smith pretended to have been directed, in a dream, or vision, to a certain spot located between the village of Palmyra and Manchester. A slight excavation of the earth, enabled him to arrive at this new revelation, written in mysterious characters upon gold plates. A pair of spectacles, of strange and peculiar construction were found with the plates, to aid the optics of the prophet. Soon after another very fortunate circumstance occurred. This was the introduction of Oliver Cowdery, to whom, and whom only, was given the ability—with the aid of spectacles-to translate the mysterious characters . . .


Joseph writes how the Anthon incident reinforced the idea that JS needed to use the spectacles to translate the BOM.

Letterbook 1, [ca. 27 Nov. 1832–ca. 4 Aug. 1835], 5,  The Joseph Smith Papers website, accessed August 11, 2021

[Martin Harris] imediately came to Su[s]quehanna and said the Lord had shown him that he must go to new York City <with> some of the c<h>aracters so we proceeded to coppy some of them and he took his Journy to the Eastern Cittys and to the Learned <saying> read this I pray thee and the learned said I cannot but if he would bring the blates [plates] they would read it but the Lord had fo<r>bid it and he returned to me and gave them to <me to> translate and I said I said [I] cannot for I am not learned but the Lord had prepared spectticke spectacles for to read the Book therefore I commenced translating the characters and thus the Prop[h]icy of Is<ia>ah was fulfilled.


Thomas Hamilton said that Joseph used the spectacles to translate the BOM.

Thomas Hamilton, Men and Manners in America (New York: Russell & Russell, 1833), 364

In this emergency, Smith judged it more prudent to shoulder his spade, than by farther obstinacy to excite the vengeance of some unearthly intelligence. Having dug to the requisite depth in the place commanded, he found a book with golden clasps and cover, and a pair of elegantly mounted spectacles, somewhat old-fashioned to be sure, but astonishing magnifiers, and possessing qualities which it might puzzle Sir David Brewster to explain on optical principles.

Smith had some difficulty in undoing the clasps of this precious volume, but on opening it, though his eyes were good, it appeared to contain nothing but blank paper. It then occurred to him to fit on his spectacles, when, lo! the whole volume was filled with certain figure and pot-hooks to him unintelligible. Delighted with his good fortune, Smith trudged home with the volume in his pocket and the spectacles on his nose, happy as bibliomaniac who has been lucky enough to purchase some rare Editio Princeps "dog cheap" from the ignorant proprietor of an obscure book-stall. On reaching his own house, his first care was to secure his miraculous treasures from profane observation; his second, to copy out a page or two of the characters, and look about for an interpreter. His search was long fruitless, but, at length, he hit on precisely the two individuals who were qualified conjointly for the office. One of these gentlemen possessed the faculty of reading the hieroglyphics, and the other of interpreting them.
See Full


Joseph receives revelation (now D&C 3) over lost pages/translation; God's plans will prevail in spite of errancy of men.

Book of Commandments (Independence, MO: W.W. Phelps, 1833), 7-9,  The Joseph Smith Papers website, accessed August 11, 2021

1 THE works, and the designs, and the purposes of God, can not be frustrated, neither can they come to nought, for God doth not walk in crooked paths; neither doth he turn to the right hand nor to the left; neither doth he vary from that which he hath said: Therefore his paths are strait and his course is one eternal round.2 Remember, remember, that it is not the work of God that is frustrated, but the work of men: for although a man may have many revelations, and have power to do many mighty works, yet, if he boasts in his own strength, and sets at nought the counsels of God, and follows after the dictates of his own will, and carnal desires, he must fall and incur the vengeance of a just God upon him.3 Behold, you have been intrusted with these things, but how strict were your commandments; and remember, also, the promises which were made to you, if you did not transgress them; and behold, how oft you have transgressed the commandments and the laws of God, and have gone on in the persuasions of men: for behold, you should not have feared man more than God, although men set at naught the counsels of God, and despise his words, yet you should have been faithful and he would have extended his arm, and supported you against all the fiery darts of the adversary; and he would have been with you in every time of trouble.

4 Behold thou art Joseph, and thou wast chosen to do the work of the Lord, but because of transgression, if thou art not aware thou wilt fall, but remember God is merciful: Therefore, repent of that which thou hast done, and he will only cause thee to be afflicted for a season, and thou art still chosen, and wilt again be called to the work; and except thou do this, thou shalt be delivered up and become as other men, and have no more gift.5 And when thou deliveredst up that which God had given thee sight and power to translate, thou deliveredst up that which was sacred, into the hands of a wicked man, who has set at nought the counsels of God, and has broken the most sacred promises, which were made before God, and has depended upon his own judgment, and boasted in his own wisdom, and this is the reason that thou hast lost thy privileges for a season, for thou hast suffered the counsel of thy director to be trampled upon from the beginning.6 Nevertheless, my work shall go forth and accomplish my purposes, for as the knowledge of a Savior has come into the world, even so shall the knowledge of my people, the Nephites, and the Jacobites, and the Josephites, and the Zoramites, come to the knowledge of the Lamanites, and the Lemuelites and the Ishmaelites, which dwindled in unbelief, because of the iniquities of their fathers, who have been suffered to destroy their brethren, because of their iniquities, and their abominations: and for this very purpose are these plates preserved which contain these records, that the promises of the Lord might be fulfilled, which he made to his people; and that the Lamanites might come to the knowledge of their fathers, and that they might know the promises of the Lord, and that they may believe the gospel and rely upon the merits of Jesus Christ, and be glorified through faith in his name; and that through their repentance they might be saved: Amen.See Full


The Evening and the Morning Star recorded that Joseph translated using the Urim and Thummim.

"The Book of Mormon," The Evening and The Morning Star, 1, no. 8 (January 1833): 58

The book of Mormon, as a revelation from God, possesses some advantage over the old scripture: it has not been tinctured by the wisdom of man, with here and there an Italic word to supply deficiencies. It was translated by the gift and power of God, by an unlearned man, through the aid of a pair of Interpreters, or spectacles—(known, perhaps, in ancient days as Teraphim, or Urim and Thummim) and while it unfolds the history of the first inhabitants that settled this continent, it, at the same time, brings a oneness to scripture, like the days of the apostles; and opens and explains the prophecies, that a child may understand the meaning of many of them; and shows how the Lord will gather his saints, even the children of Israel, that have been scattered over the face of the earth, more than two thousand years, in these last days, to the place of the name of the Lord of hosts, the mount Zion.

It may be well to state, that the prophet of God, in ancient days, according to the accounts of men, kept their sacred records on plates of gold, and those of less consequence on plates of brass, copper, wood, &c., see Jahn's biblical archeology, Josephus, and others. These plates were generally made from the sixteenth to the thirty second part of an inch thick (of metal) and something like six by eight inches square, and fastened at the back with three rings through which a rod was put to carry them, or hang them. The word of the Lord, the history of the doings of the children of God, and their genealogy was engraved in a nice workmanlike manner, upon them, in Hebrew, reformed Egyptian, &c. Such was the condition of the plates, from which came the book of Mormon. As may be seen by an allusion in the book of Ether, all that was on them is not translated; wherefore, as they are sacred, when the Book of Mormon was translated from them, they were again hid up to the Lord, to come forth again in his own due time. The Ark of the covenant containing the sacred stone tables, was hid up to the Lord, in the cave where Moses climbed up to view the heritage of God, and was not to come forth till God received his people again unto mercy, when all these things and the cloud shall return, and the glory of God shall rest upon his temple. The present generation is great with events.
See Full


Joseph Knight recalls Joseph using "glass" to see Emma Hale.

Joseph Knight, Reminiscences, undated, 2, MS 3470, Church History Library

. . . he exclaimed why Cant I stur this Book? and he was answerd you have not Done rite you should have took the Book and a gone right away you cant have it now Joseph says when can I have it? the answer was the 22nt Day of September next if you Bring the right person with you Joseph says who is the right person the answer was your oldest Brother But before September Came his oldest Brother Died then he was Disapinted and did not [k]now what to do But when the 22nt Day of September Came he went to the place and the personage appeard and told him he Could not have it now But the 22nt Day of September nex he mite have tho Book if he Brot with him the right person Joseph says who is the right Person the answer was you will know then he looked in his glass and found it was Emma Hale Daughter of old Mr Hail of Pensylvany a girl that he had seen Before for he had Bin Down there Before with me


Joseph recorded a revelation that promised Oliver Cowdery the ability to translate if he was faithful.

Book of Commandments (Independence, MO: W.W. Phelps, 1833): 19,  The Joseph Smith Papers website, accessed August 11, 2021

O remember, these words and keep my commandments. Remember this is your gift. Now this is not all, for you have another gift, which is the gift of working with the rod: behold it has told you things: behold there is no other power save God, that can cause this rod of nature, to work in your hands, for it is the work of God; and therefore whatsoever you shall ask me to tell you by that means, that will I grant unto you, that you shall know.

Reading Public, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints


Joseph said that the Book of Mormon was  translated by the gift and power of God.

Joseph Smith, Letter to Noah C. Saxton, January 4, 1833, Letterbook 1, 17, The Joseph Smith Papers website, accessed July 8, 2021

The Book of Mormon is a record of the forefathers of our western Tribes of Indians, having been found through the ministration of an holy Angel translated into our own Language by the gift and power of God, after having been hid up in the earth for the last fourteen hundred years containing the word of God, which was delivered unto them, By it we learn that our western tribes of Indians are desendants from that Joseph that was sold into Egypt, and that the land of America is a promised land unto them, and unto it all the tribes of Israel will come. with as many of the gentiles as shall comply with the requesitions of the new co[v]enant. But the tribe of Judah will return to old Jerusalem.


Isaac Hale relates that Joseph used a stone in a hat to be a "money-digger."

"Statement of Isaac Hale," December 22, 1833 in Susquehanna Register [Montrose, Pennsylvania] 9, no. 21 (May 1, 1834): 1

I first became acquainted with JOSEPH SMITH, Jr. in November, 1825. He was at that time in the employ of a set of men who were called “money-diggers;” and his occupation was that of seeing, or pretending to see by means of a stone placed in his hat, and his hat closed over his face. In this way he pretended to discover minerals and hidden treasure. His appearance at this time, was that of a careless young man—not very well educated, and very saucy and insolent to his father. Smith, and his father, with several other ‘money-diggers’ boarded at my house while they were employed in digging for a mine that they supposed had been opened and worked by the Spaniards, many years since. Young Smith gave the ‘money-diggers’ great encouragement, at first, but when they had arrived in digging, to near the place where he had stated an immense treasure would be found—he said the enchantment was so powerful that he could not see. They then became discouraged, and soon after dispersed. This took place about the 17th of November, 1825; and one of the company gave me his note for $12[.]68 for his board, which is still unpaid.See Full


Jesse Townsend wrote that Joseph and Oliver Cowdery wrote a pretended translation of the BOM.

Jesse Townsend to Phines Stiles, December 24, 1833, printed by the Christian Tract Society as “A Minister’s Opinion of Joseph Smith, Jr." (1968), M209 T748m, Church History Library

Joe visited a visionary fanatic by the name of Martin Harris, and told him he had received some golden plates of ancient records from the Lord, with a “revelation” to call on him for fifty dollars to enable him to go to Pennsylvania and translate the contents of the plates. . . . Some other men, having a great dislike to labor, joined Joe in his deceptions, among whom was a sort of schoolmaster named Cowdery, who assisted him in writing or transcribing the “Book of Mormon,” as a pretended translation of the golden plates which he affirmed he had been directed by the Spirit of the Lord to dig from the earth. This was all done in the most secret manner. At the same time it was assumed to the uninitiated that it would be “immediate death” for any except the translators to see the plates.


Peter Bauder explains process of Joseph acquiring "parcel of plate resembling gold."

Peter Bauder, The Kingdom and Gospel of Jesus Christ: Contrasted with That of Anti-Christ. A Brief Review of Some of the Most Interesting Circumstances Which Have Transpired Since the Institution of the Gospel of Christ, from the Days of the Apostles (Canajoharie, N.Y.: A.H. Calhoun, 1834), 36-37

[Joseph Smith] went, and after the third or fourth time, which was repeated once a year, he obtained a parcel of plate resembling gold, on which were engraved what he did not understand, only by the aid of a glass which he also obtained with the plate, by which means he was enabled to translate the characters on the plate into English. . . . and after he had a part translated, the angel commanded him to carry the plate into a certain piece of woods, which he did:—the angel took them and carried them to parts unknown to him.


Per Martin Harris, Joseph confessed that he drank too much before translating the BOM and didn't know the contents of the BOM beforehand.

"Minute Book 1,” 28-29, 12 February 1834,  The Joseph Smith Papers website, accessed August 11, 2021

The case of Bro. Martin Harris, against whom certain charges were preferred by bro. Sidney Rigdon, [was presented]. One was that he told Esqr. A. C. Russel that Joseph [Smith] drank too much liquor when he was translating the Book of Mormon and that he wrestled with many men and threw them &c. Another charge was that he exalted himself above bro. Joseph, in that he said bro. Joseph knew not the contents of the Book of Mormon until it was translated. Bro. Martin but that he himself knew all about it before it was translated. Bro. Martin said he did not tell Esqr Russell that bro. Joseph drank too much liquor while translating the Book of Mormon, but this thing took place before the Book of Mormon was translated. He confessed that his mind was darkened and that he had said many things, inadvertently calculating to wound the feelings of his brother and promised to do better. The council forgave him and gave him much good advice.


Charles Anthon Denies Having Vindicated the Characters from the Plates Harris showed him to Eber Howe.

Charles Anthon to E.D. Howe, February 17, 1834 in E.D. Howe, Mormonism Unvailed (Painesville, 1834), 270-72

Dear Sir—I received this morning your favor of the 9th instant, and lose no time in making a reply. The whole story about my having pronounced the Mormonite inscriptions to be "reformed Egyptian hieroglyphics" is perfectly false. Some years ago, a plan and apparently simple-hearted farmer, called upon me with a note from Dr. Mitchell of our city, now deceased, requesting me to decypher, if possible, a paper, which the farmer would hand me, and which Dr. M. confessed he had been unable to understand. Upon examining the paper in question, I soon came to the conclusion that it was all a trick, perhaps a hoax. When I asked the person, who brought it, how he obtained the writing, he gave me, as far as I can now recollect, the following account: A "gold book," consisting of a number of plates of god, fastened together in the shape of a book by wires of the same metal, had been dug up in the northern part of New York, and along with the book an enormous pair of "gold spectacles"! These spectacles were so large, that, if a person attempted to look through them, his two eyes would have to be turned towards one of the glasses merely, the spectacles in question being altogether too large for the breadth of the human face. Whoever examined the plates through the spectacles, was enabled not only to read them, but fully to understand their meaning. All this knowledge, however, was confined at that time to a young man, who had the trunk containing the book and spectacles in his sole possession. This young man was placed behind a curtain, in the garret of a farm house, and, being thus concealed from view, put on the spectacles occasionally, or rather, looked through one of the glasses, decphyered the characters in the book, and having committed some of them to paper, handed copies from behind the curtain, to those who stood on the outside. Not a word, however, was said about the plates having been decyphered "by the gift of God." Every thing, in this way, was effected by the large pair of spectacles. The farmer added, that he had been requested to contribute a sum of money towards the publication of the "golden book," the contents of which would, as he had been assured, produce an entire change in the world and save it from ruin. So urgent had been these solicitations, that he intended selling his farm and handing over the amount received to those who wished to publish the plates. As a last precautionary step, however, he had resolved to come to New York, and obtain the opinion of the learned about the meaning of the paper which he brought with him, and which had been given him as a part of the contents of the book, although no translation had been furnished at the time by the young man with the spectacles. On hearing this odd story, I changed my opinion about the paper, and, instead of viewing it any longer as a hoax upon the learned, I began to regard it as part of a scheme to cheat the farmer of his money, and I communicated my suspicions to him, warning him to beware of rogues. He requested an opinion from me in writing, which of course I declined giving, and he then took his leave carrying the paper with him. This paper was in fact a singular scrawl. It consisted of all kinds of crooked characters disposed in columns, and had evidently been prepared by some person who had before him at the time a book containing various alphabets. Greek and Hebrew letters, crosses and flourishes, Roman letters inverted or place sideways, were arranged in perpendicular columns, and the whole ended in a rude delineation of a circle divided into various compartments, decked with various strange marks, and evidently copied after the Mexican Calendar given by Humboldt, but copied in such a way as not to betray the source whence it was derived. I am thus particular as to the contents of the paper, inasmuch as I have frequently conversed with my friends on the subject, since the Mormonite excitement began, and well remember that the paper contained any thing else but "Egyptian Hieroglyphics." Some time after, the same farmer paid me a second visit. He brought with him the golden book in print, and offered it to me for sale. I declined purchasing. He then asked permission to leave the book with me for examination. I declined receiving it, although his manner was strangely urgent. I adverted once more to the roguery which had been in my opinion practised upon him, and asked him what had become of the gold plates. He informed me that they were in a trunk examined. he said the "curse of God" would come upon him should he do this. On my pressing him, however, to pursue the course which I had recommended, he told me that he would open the trunk, if I would take the "curse of God" upon myself. I replied that I would do so with the greatest willingness, and would incur every risk of that nature, provided I could only extricate him from the grasp of rogues. He then left me.I have thus given you a full statement of all that I know respecting the origin of Mormonism, and must beg you, as a personal favor, to publish this letter immediately, should you find my name mentioned again by these wretched fanatics.See Full


F.E.M. claims that Joseph was reported to find plates and spectacles, but delayed the translation due to memorizing NT chapters.

"Mormonism," New England Review, c. May 1834 in Protestant Sentinel [Schenectady, New York] 5, no. 1 (June 4, 1834): 4

In the year 1828, one Joseph Smith, an illiterate young man, unable to read his own name, of Palmyra, Wayne County, New York, was reported to have found several golden plates, together with a pair of spectacles, relics of high antiquity. The spectacles were designed to aid mental vision, under rather peculiar circumstances. They were to be adjusted, and the visage thrust into a close hat. This done Smith could interpret the sacred mysteries of the plates, in which lay, by the hypothesis, in the top of the hat! But what gives Smith peculiar claims to the title of Prophet and Divine Messenger, among his followers, is the fact that no other eye than his have been able, as yet, to see the plates. For, by an attempt to exhibit one of them, he once incurred six months of "spiritual darkness;" which circumstance serves effectually to quiet the inquisitive. Hence he enjoys his indisputable claims to supremacy, without fear of rivalry.

Previous to his "spiritual darkenss," he gained the credulity of one Harris, a simple, but rich farmer.—During this period, he was assisted in committing to memory several chapters from the New Testament.—He was also informed of the most common words, printed in italics, as not being found in the Greek original. At length "after much humiliation, frequent and fervent prayer," his lost powers of vision were restored. Now in order to establish more firmly his claims to divinity, he would put on his glasses, draw over his hat, and refer his hearers to some chapter—then commence the rehersal, observing to omit all words which have been inserted by translators. If, however, by failure of memory or otherwise, he chanced to differ from the commonly received text, he always claims a prerogative—pleading error of translation.—By these and like means, he imposed upon the credulity of many well meaning persons. Of these, however, Harris was the favorite, not only as being the first to embrace Mormonism, but also for being unwavering in the faith of Smith's mission from the Almighty to "publish hidden mysteries." Consequently, he so far gained the confidence of Smith as to be commissioned by him to act as amanuensis in recording an interpretation of the "golden plates." Whilst this work was progressing, Smith received intimation, "miraculously," of the propriety of publishing it. This was well calculated to test Harris' zeal—for all the expense of publication must inevitably fall on him. The terms of the printers, as at first proposed well nigh subverted his faith; but at length the parties agreed, and the "Book of Mormon" was published.
See Full


Jesse Townsend described Joseph's translation of the BOM as done in secret.

Jesse Townsend, Letter to Elisha Camp, August 16, 1834, Camp Family Papers, #891, Box 1, Folder, 7, Cornell University Special Collections in John W. Welch, "Documents of the Translation of the Book of Mormon" in John W. Welch, ed., Opening the Heavens: Accounts of Divine Manifestations, 1820-1844, 2nd ed. (Provo, UT: BYU Studies, 2011), 209

The Smiths used Martin [Harris]’s money freely—some other men, who had a great dislike to honest labor, about that time, joined Joe in his acts of deception. In that reinforcement was a ready writer by name [Oliver] Cowdry and a Whitney who declared he had once been in heaven, who assisted Joe in writing the Book of Mormon, as a pretended translation of the Golden Plates which Smith affirmed he had been directed by the Spirit of the Lord to dig from the earth. The whole was done in the most secret manner. At the same time, Smith affirmed that it would be immediate death for any one to see those plates besides himself & the writers of the Book of Mormon.


Oliver Cowdery says Joseph used U&T to translate the BOM.

Oliver Cowdery, Letter to W. W. Phelps, in Latter-day Saints' Messenger and Advocate 1, no. 1, (October 1, 1834): 14

These were days never to be forgotten— to sit under the sound of a voice dictated by the inspiration of heaven, awakened the utmost gratitude of this bosom! Day after day I continued, uninterrupted, to write from his mouth, as he translated, with the Urim and Thummim, or, as the Nephites whould have said, “Interpreters,” the history, or record, called "The book of Mormon."


W.W. Phelps records that the Book of Mormon was translated with the Urim and Thummim.

William W. Phelps, "Letter No. 4,"  in  Latter Day Saints’ Messenger and Advocate 1, no. 5 (February 1835): 65

The first one is where you sat day after day and wrote the history of the second race that inhabited this continent, as the words were repeated to you by the Lord’s prophet, through the aid of the “Urim and Thumim,” “Nephite Interpreters,” or Divine Spectacles.


Eber Howe says that Martin Harris recorded that a screen was between them or JS would be in a different room during the dictation of the translation.

Eber D. Howe, Mormonism Unvailed (Painesville: E.D. Howe, 1834), 14

He [Howe] says he [Harris] wrote a considerable part of the book, as Smith dictated, and at one time the presence of the Lord was so great, that a screen was hung up between him and the Prophet; at other times the Prophet would sit in a different room, or up stairs, while the Lord was communicating to him the contents of the plates. He does not pretend that he ever saw the wonderful plates but once, although he and Smith were engaged for months in deciphering their contents.


Nancy Towle records Joseph refusing to swear an oath that the BOM is divine.

Nancy Towle, Vicissitudes Illustrated, in the Experience of Nancy Towle in Europe and America (Portsmouth, 1833), 156

Ques. "Mr Smith,— Can you, in the presence of Almighty God, give your word by oath—That, an Angel from Heaven, shewed you the place of those Plates?—and that, you took the things, contained in that Book, from those plates? And at the direction of the Angel, you returned said Plates,—to the place, from whence you had taken them?"
Ans. "I will not swear at all!"


Isaac Hale describes Joseph as using the stone in the hat while translating the BOM.

Eber D. Howe, Mormonism Unvailed (Painesville, E. D. Howe 1834), 264-65

About this time, Martin Harris made his appearance upon the stage; and Smith began to interpret the characters or hieroglyphics which he said were engraven upon the plates, while Harris wrote down the interpretation. It was said, that Harris wrote down one hundred and sixteen pages, and lost them. . . . . . . I went to the house where Joseph Smith Jr., lived, and where he and Harris were engaged in their translation of the Book. Each of them had a written piece of paper which they were comparing, and some of the words were “my servant seeketh a greater witness, but no greater witness can be given him.” There was also something said about “three that were to see the thing”—meaning I supposed, the Book of Plates, and that “if the three did not go exactly according to the orders, the thing would be taken from them.” I enquired whose words they were, and was informed by Joseph or Emma, (I rather think it was the former) that they were the words of Jesus Christ. I told them, that I considered the whole of it a delusion, and advised them to abandon it. The manner in which he pretended to read and interpret, was the same as when he looked for the money-diggers, with the stone in his hat, and his hat over his face, while the Book of Plates were at the same time hid in the woods! After this, Martin Harris went away, and Oliver Cowdery came and wrote for Smith, while he interpreted as above described. This is the same Oliver Cowdery, whose name may be found in the Book of Mormon. Cowdery continued a scribe for Smith until the Book of Mormon was completed as I supposed and understood.See Full


W.W. Phelps recounts that Harris declared that Joseph used silver spectacles to translate the BOM.

E. D. Howe, Mormonism Unvailed (Painesville, OH: The Author, 1834), 273

[H]e [Martin Harris] is honest, and sincerely declares upon his soul’s salvation that the book is true, and was interpreted by Joseph Smith, through a pair of silver spectacles, found with the plates. The places where they dug for the plates, in Manchester, are to be seen. When the plates were said to have been found, a copy of one or two lines of the characters, were taken by Mr. Harris to Utica, Albany and New York; at New York, they were shown to Dr. Mitchell, and he referred to professor Anthon who translated and declared them to be the ancient short-hand Egyptian. So much is true. The family of Smiths is poor, and generally ignorant in common learning.


Oliver Cowdery described Joseph using the Urim and Thummim during the BOM translation.

Oliver Cowdery, “Letter IV,” Messenger and Advocate 1 (February 1835): 80

[The messenger] said this history was written and deposited not far from that place, and that it was our brother’s privilege, if obedient to the commandments of the Lord, to obtain, and translate the same by the means of the Urim and Thummim, which were deposited for that purpose with the record.


Brookville Enquirer  reports that Joseph was given plates by an angel from heaven to translate.

"The Latter day Saints, or Mormons," Brookville Enquirer [Indiana] (February 1835) in Messenger and Advocate 1, no. 5 (February 1835): 77

On last Saturday evening, for the first time, in this place, a gentleman, and minister belonging to this new sect, preached in the court house, to a very respectable audience; and discoursed briefly on the various subjects connected with his creed; explained his faith and gave a brief history of the book of Mormon—united it with the Holy Bible, &c. . . .He believes the book of Mormon to be a series of revelations, and other matters appertaining to the Ephraimites, Lamanites, &c. whom he believes to have been the original settlers of this continent; and that an ancient Prophet caused the plates from which the book of Mormon was translated to be buried nearly two thousand years ago, in what is now called Ontario county; New York. He is also of the belief that Joseph Smith was cited to the plates by an angel from Heaven, and endowed with the gift to translate the engraving upon them into the known language of the country.


D&C 107: when describing the President of the office of the High Priesthood, Joseph is called "a seer, a revelator, a translator, and a prophet."

Section 107:91-9, Doctrine and Covenants, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, accessed November 17, 2021

And again, the duty of the President of the office of the High Priesthood is to preside over the whole church, and to be like unto Moses—Behold, here is wisdom; yea, to be a seer, a revelator, a translator, and a prophet, having all the gifts of God which he bestows upon the head of the church.And it is according to the vision showing the order of the Seventy, that they should have seven presidents to preside over them, chosen out of the number of the seventy;And the seventh president of these presidents is to preside over the six;And these seven presidents are to choose other seventy besides the first seventy to whom they belong, and are to preside over them;And also other seventy, until seven times seventy, if the labor in the vineyard of necessity requires it.See Full


William Burnett states that Joseph pretended that he was inspired to translate through either a stone in a hat or two flat smooth stones.

William Burnett, "Mormonism," New York Weekly Messenger and Young Men’s Advocate (April 29, 1835) from The Pioneer (Rock Springs, Illinois), 4, no. 41 (March 1835): 1

Smith pretended that he had found some golden or brass plates, like the leaves of a book, hid in a box in the earth, to which he was directed by an Angel, in 1827,--that the writing on them was in the "Reformed Egyptian language,"—that he was inspired to interpret the writing, or engraving, by putting a plate in his hat, putting two smooth flat stones, which he found in the box, in the hat, and putting his face therein--that he could not write, but as he translated, one Oliver Cowdery wrote it down.


J. Newton Brown writes an encyclopedia entry where he describes Joseph as being a glass-looker and this contributing to the coming forth of the Book of Mormon.

J. Newton Brown, "Mormonites," in Encyclopedia of Religious Knowledge (Boston: Shattuck & Company, 1835), 844

MORMONITES; believers in the "Book of Mormon." This famous book, which its misguided followers regard as a second Bible, or more properly as the Mohammedans do the Koran, is said to be a translation from certain brass plates, found in the town of Palmyra, (N.Y.) in 1826, They were enclosed in a box, which had to all appearance been used for common sized window glass. Smith pretended to interpret them, with a stone in his hat, and this hat over his face, while one Martin Harris was employed to write down the contents at his dictation. Some disagreement arising between the parties, Harris went away, and Oliver Cowdery came and wrote for Smith, while he interpreted as above described, till the "Book of Mormon" was completed. Smith then gave out that it was a revelation from heaven, and that he himself was a prophet; and thus collected around him a class of simple and credulous people, whom he persuaded to dspose of their peroperty, and follow him to the New zion which he was commissoned to establish in Missouri, west of the Mississippi river, "in the centre of the world."See Full


Oliver Cowdery stated that the plates were "translated by the gift and power of God."

Oliver Cowdery, “Letter VIII,” Messenger and Advocate 2, no. 1 (October 1835): 198

[T]hey cannot be interpreted by the learning of this generation; consequently, they would be considered of no worth, only as precious metal. Therefore, remember, that they are to be translated by the gift and power of God. By them will the Lord work a great and a marvelous work