According to Martin Harris, Joseph could not translate the BOM without the gift of God.
Martin Harris (declarant, Jan 1871) --- The Saints' Herald (recorder) · 0.0 yrs after events · Thirdhand+
Reference
Martin Harris, letter to Mr. Emerson, January 1871, in Saints’ Herald 22, no. 20 (October 15, 1875): 630, M291.5 S157 v. 1- 1860-, Church History Library
Date of Account
Jan 1871
Date of Events
1828–1829
Retrospective Distance
0.0 yrs after events
Hearsay Tier
Thirdhand+ — Tagged 'Direct Reprint Late'
Point of View
todo
Status
Unreviewed
Source Type
Periodical
Audience
General Public
Transcription
I do say that the angel did show to me the plates containing the Book of Mormon. Further, the translation that I carried to Prof. Anthon was copied from these same plates; also, that the Professor did testify to it being a correct translation. I do firmly believe and do know that Joseph Smith was a prophet of God; for without I know he [Joseph Smith] could not had that gift; neither could he have translated the same.