I’m sure that the prophet Moroni, had the question of errors and his weakness in writing on his mind before he sealed up the records of his people and their forefathers. The final custodian of the plates containing the fullness of the everlasting gospel, sealed up ancient records to come forth in our day, and exclaimed: “Wherefore, when we write we behold our weakness, and stumble because of the placing of our words; and I fear lest the Gentiles shall mock at our words.” (Ether 12:23)
Moroni also engraved on the title page of the Book of Mormon – “And now, if there are faults they are the mistakes of men; wherefore, condemn not the things of God, that ye may be found spotless at the judgment-seat of Christ.”
Artwork by: Tom Lovell – Moroni Hides the plates in the Hill Cumorah
Clearly the original writers of the Book of Mormon may have sometimes got it wrong. But wait!
– they continued on with their engraving of the record and corrected their mistakes.
If their message engraved on the original metal plates (which had the appearance of gold) contained something that was not right or misleading – they had to correct their own engravings – there were no erasers!
An obvious example is: 1 Nephi 19:7
For the things which some men esteem to be of great worth, both to the body and soul, others set at naught and trample under their feet. Yea, even the very God of Israel do men trample under their feet; I say, trample under their feet but I would speak in other words—they set him at naught, and hearken not to the voice of his counsels.
Nephi did not mean that God of Israel was literally trampled upon by man – although He was crucified by wicked men. It is true that most of the population of the earth, generally, do not even read or believe scriptures such as the Bible or the Book of Mormon, so metaphorically they are trampling God’s words under their feet. They do not hearken unto His commandments. Most are blissfully unaware of the commandments, or, if they do know about them, they say they are not relevant today. How many of the 10 commandments are being broken every day by millions? Well did the Savior say “Strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.” (Matthew 7:14)
Artwork by: Joseph Brickey – The road to Bethlehem
Another example is found in Alma 24:19
And thus we see that, when these Lamanites were brought to believe and to know the truth, they were firm, and would suffer even unto death rather than commit sin; and thus we see that they buried their weapons of peace, or they buried the weapons of war, for peace.
Mormon clearly meant to say buried their weapons of war, and had to correct himself.
This book of Mormon event gave rise to the saying – Bury the hatchet
Further examples are as follows:
Alma 26:28
And now behold, we have come, and been forth amongst them; and we have been patient in our sufferings, and we have suffered every privation; yea, we have travelled from house to house, relying upon the mercies of the world—not upon the mercies of the world alone but upon the mercies of God.
The writer Ammon meant to say that they had to rely upon the mercies of God not man.
Alma 40:2
Behold, I say unto you, that there is no resurrection—or, I would say, in other words, that this mortal does not put on immortality, this corruption does not put on incorruption—until after the coming of Christ
Whoops – Alma did not mean to say there is no resurrection. He had to correct himself.
Alma 53:10
And now behold, I have somewhat to say concerning the people of Ammon, who, in the beginning, were Lamanites; but by Ammon and his brethren, or rather by the power and word of God, they had been converted unto the Lord; and they had been brought down into the land of Zarahemla, and had ever since been protected by the Nephites
Mormon wanted to make clear that it was the power of God, not Ammon (the power of a man) that converted the Lamanites. It is always through the witness of Holy Ghost that conversion takes place in the hearts of men.
Artwork by: Tom Lovell – Mormon Abridging the Plates
To me, these examples are clear indications that the book of Mormon was translated from ancient engravings, and they are an additional testimony to me that the book is true. The doctrines taught in it are true. It goes hand in hand with the Holy Bible, and affirms it’s truthfulness, and is a second witness of Jesus Christ and testifies of Him.
The book of Mormon teaches that Jesus Christ came to earth as the only begotten Son of the Father. He loved and healed people. He wrought out the infinite atonement for all mankind, was crucified, died and His body buried in a tomb. After three days He came forth as a glorious resurrected being. He completed the work His Father send Him forth to do.
This supreme act of love and sacrifice made possible the resurrection for all mankind.
The book of Mormon was written for the purpose of the convincing of the Jew and Gentile that Jesus is the Christ, the Eternal God, manifesting himself unto all nations.
It teaches that all can be saved by obedience to the laws & ordinances of the gospel.
Faith is the first principle, baptism the first ordinance. The choice to obey is yours.
Jesus Christ is my Lord & my God, His arms of mercy are extended to all.
Geoffrey R Fitton
Artwork by James H Fullmer – Ancient Records
Great site! Thanks for posting it.