Rare Possessions: From The Archives of Book of Mormon Central

This episode is in memorium of Dr. William J. Hamblin, who was a historian, retired professor, and a valiant defender of the Book of Mormon, who passed away unexpectedly on December 10th, 2019. Guest Stephen Smoot, a BMC researcher and writer, joins Nick and Jared in this episode where they discuss the life and work of Professor Hamblin. Specifically, they also discuss his short article "Warfare in the Book of Mormon." This article was a chapter in the book "Rediscovering the Book of Mormon" and was published by FARMS in 1991. To read the text for this episode, visit the Book of Mormon Central Archive: https://archive.bookofmormoncentral.org/content/warfare-book-mormon

"The Purposes for Which the Book of Mormon was Written" is a short chapter from the book, "New Witnesses for God: Volume II - The Book of Mormon" by Elder B.H. Roberts. This is a good introduction to the supplemental material for the Come, Follow Me Curriculum for 2020 available in the Book of Mormon Central Archives. For the complete text of this episode, click here: https://archive.bookofmormoncentral.org/content/purposes-which-book-mormon-was-written

From the FARMS Newsletter "Insights", comes a Christmas themed article from scholar John A. Tvedtnes entitled, "What Do We Know About the Wise Men?" Read the full text on the Book of Mormon Central Archive: https://archive.bookofmormoncentral.org/content/what-do-we-know-about-wise-men

This is the third in a three-part series focusing on Orson Pratt's remarkable missionary tract "An Interesting Account of Several Remarkable Visions" published in 1840. This tract included one of the first publications of the First Vision, and later influenced other documents such as the Wentworth Letter. We are joined in this series by guest Dr. Steven C. Harper, the editor-in-chief of BYU Studies Quarterly, who is the foremost authority on the First Vision. He has recently published a book on that subject, entitled "First Vision: Memory and Mormon Origins" through Oxford University Press. It can be found at: https://www.amazon.com/First-Vision-Memory-Mormon-Origins/dp/0199329478 To read the tract, visit the Book of Mormon Central Archive: https://archive.bookofmormoncentral.org/content/interesting-account-several-remarkable-visions-and-late-discovery-ancient-american-records-0

This is the second in a three-part series focusing on Orson Pratt's remarkable missionary tract "An Interesting Account of Several Remarkable Visions" published in 1840. This tract included one of the first publications of the First Vision, and later influenced other documents such as the Wentworth Letter. We are joined in this series by guest Dr. Steven C. Harper, the editor-in-chief of BYU Studies Quarterly, who is the foremost authority on the First Vision. He has recently published a book on that subject, entitled "First Vision: Memory and Mormon Origins" through Oxford University Press. It can be found at: https://www.amazon.com/First-Vision-Memory-Mormon-Origins/dp/0199329478 To read the tract, visit the Book of Mormon Central Archive: https://www.archive.bookofmormoncentral.org/content/interesting-account-several-remarkable-visions-and-late-discovery-ancient-american-records-0

This is the first in a three-part series focusing on Orson Pratt's remarkable missionary tract "An Interesting Account of Several Remarkable Visions" published in 1840. This tract included one of the first publications of the First Vision, and later influenced other documents such as the Wentworth Letter. We are joined in this series by guest Dr. Steven C. Harper, the editor-in-chief of BYU Studies Quarterly, who is the foremost authority on the First Vision. He has recently published a book on that subject, entitled "First Vision: Memory and Mormon Origins" through Oxford University Press. It can be found at: https://www.amazon.com/First-Vision-Memory-Mormon-Origins/dp/0199329478 To read the tract, visit the Book of Mormon Central Archive: https://www.archive.bookofmormoncentral.org/content/interesting-account-several-remarkable-visions-and-late-discovery-ancient-american-records-0

Concluding our series, this is Part 5 of 5 of "The Gospel to the Lamanites" by President Rey L. Pratt. In 1913, Pratt was President of the Mexican Mission during the publication of these articles in the Improvement Era. For a full text of this article, visit the Book of Mormon Central: https://archive.bookofmormoncentral.org/content/gospel-lamanites-parts-xvi-xvii

Continuing in our series from last week, this is Part 4 of 5 of "The Gospel to the Lamanites" by President Rey L. Pratt. In 1913, Pratt was President of the Mexican Mission during the publication of these articles in the Improvement Era. For a full text of this article, visit the Book of Mormon Central Archives: https://archive.bookofmormoncentral.org/content/gospel-lamanites-parts-xiii-xv

A continuation from our previous episode, this is Part 3 of 5 of "The Gospel to the Lamanites" by President Rey L. Pratt. In 1913, Pratt was President of the Mexican Mission during the publication of these articles in the Improvement Era. For a full text of this article, visit the Book of Mormon Central Archives: https://archive.bookofmormoncentral.org/content/gospel-lamanites-parts-ix-xii

A continuation from last week's episode, this is Part 2 of 5 of "The Gospel to the Lamanites" by President Rey L. Pratt. In 1913, Pratt was President of the Mexican Mission during the publication of these articles in the Improvement Era. For the full text of this episode, please visit the Book of Mormon Central Archives: https://archive.bookofmormoncentral.org/content/gospel-lamanites-parts-iii-viii

The first in a five-part series of articles published in the Improvement Era in 1913 by President Rey L. Pratt, the President of the Mexican Mission. Remembered by many as the "Father of the Mexican Mission", for his lengthy missionary service in Latin America and other Spanish-speaking areas, he speaks of the history of the natives - whom he refers to as the "Lamanite" people - and the prophecies and promises relating to them. For the text of this audio, visit the Book of Mormon Central Archives: https://archive.bookofmormoncentral.org/content/gospel-lamanites-parts-i-ii

"'Secret Combinations' Revisited" by Daniel C. Peterson is a short article that appeared in the first issue of the Journal of Book of Mormon Studies. This article revisited an early criticism of the Book of Mormon, that the use of the term "secret combinations" and some derivatives were a thinly veiled attack on Masonry in the early 19th century. Dr. Peterson spends some effort to show how such an assertion has little basis in context. For the full text, visit the Book of Mormon Central Archive here: https://archive.bookofmormoncentral.org/node/276

This episode features a short essay on the origins of the name "Nephi" in the Book of Mormon. Part of this scholarship is to show the deep connections that support the historical claims about the Book of Mormon. Written by John Gee, and narrated by Stephen Smoot. Read the article here: https://archive.bookofmormoncentral.org/node/233

"Winds and Currents: A Look at Nephi's Ocean Crossing", is a book chapter from Reexploring the Book of Mormon by John L. Sorenson. Based on previous published work by Sorenson, this chapter presents plausible data about the potential routes and stops which Nephi, Lehi and their family may have taken while on thier transoceanic voyage from Arabia to the New World.

Part 2 of the previous episode: In this paper from the Journal of Book of Mormon Studies, Latter-day Saint scholar Daniel C. Peterson explores research on the presence of Asherah, the divine consort of El (God), in both Israelite and Canaanite religious traditions from 1000-500 B.C. After addressing this history, Peterson applies this context to Nephi's vision of the Tree of Life in 1 Nephi 11. This potential connection can provide Latter-day Saints with additional layers of understanding, and insight into the world of Lehi and Nephi.

In this paper from the Journal of Book of Mormon Studies, Latter-day Saint scholar Daniel C. Peterson explores research on the presence of Asherah, the divine consort of El (God), in both Israelite and Canaanite religious traditions from 1000-500 B.C. After addressing this history, Peterson applies this context to Nephi's vision of the Tree of Life in 1 Nephi 11. This potential connection can provide Latter-day Saints with additional layers of understanding, and insight into the world of Lehi and Nephi. Read the full paper at: https://archive.bookofmormoncentral.org/content/nephi-and-his-asherah

George Q. Cannon, editor of the Juvenile Instructor, wrote an editorial concerning the treatment of Native Americans by gold prospectors, senators, and the government at large. In his comments, he views this treatment as a fulfillment of Book of Mormon prophecy, but also as counsel on how the Saints needed to be more Christlike in their behavior towards peoples of other nations and cultures. Read his full remarks at: https://archive.bookofmormoncentral.org/content/editorial-thoughts-9

This article from the Children's Section of the Juvenile Instructor appears with a short introduction, sharing that these short testimonies were given after a theology class taken at the "Latter-day Saint University." These testimonies highlight the way that young adults viewed the Book of Mormon as part of their studies. They also serve to remind readers of the Book of Mormon's message in practical ways.

Tad R. Callister is author of the book “A Case For The Book of Mormon. Tad Callister received a bachelor of science degree in accounting from Brigham Young University, a Juris Doctorate degree from the University of California–Los Angeles, and a master’s degree in tax law from New York University Law School. He spent most of his professional career practicing tax law. He and his wife Kathryn Saporiti are the parents of six children. Brother Callister was serving in the Presidency of the Seventy and as a member of the Second Quorum of the Seventy when he was called as the 21st Sunday School general president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He has served in a number of Church callings including full-time missionary in the Eastern Atlantic States Mission, bishop, stake president, regional representative, mission president, and Area Seventy. Brother Callister was released as Sunday School General President in the April 2019 General Conference where he gave his 6th and possibly last General Conference talk. 1/3 of his General Conference talks were about our subject on this podcast episode, The Book of Mormon. He is the author of the book “A Case For The Book of Mormon”, published by Deseret Book.

George Q. Cannon, then editor of the Juvenile Instructor, wrote this opinion piece in March of 1876. This article discusses the prophecy relating to the righteousness of God's people with respect to the Land of Promise now called The Americas. https://archive.bookofmormoncentral.org/content/editorial-thoughts-10

In 1841, in Doctrine and Covenants 124, the Prophet Joseph Smith was commanded to write and distribute a proclamation about the coming forth of the Restored Gospel and distribute it to the leaders and peoples of the world. Four years later, in 1845, following the deaths of the prophet Joseph and his brother Hyrum, Elder Parley Pratt composed this proclamation which carried the support of the Twelve Apostles. This is part 2, containing the second half of the Proclamation. For the audio for the first part of this document, listen to our last episode. To read the entire Proclamation in the Book of Mormon Central Archive, click here: archive.bookofmormoncentral.org/content/p…ay-saints

In 1841, in Doctrine and Covenants 124, the Prophet Joseph Smith was commanded to write and distribute a proclamation about the coming forth of the Restored Gospel and distribute it to the leaders and peoples of the world. Four years later, in 1845, following the deaths of the prophet Joseph and his brother Hyrum, Elder Parley Pratt composed this proclamation which carried the support of the Twelve Apostles. This is part 1, containing the first half of the Proclamation. In our next episode, we will discuss the second half. To read the entire Proclamation in the Book of Mormon Central Archive, click here: https://archive.bookofmormoncentral.org/content/proclamation-twelve-apostles-church-jesus-christ-latter-day-saints

"Questions and Answers - Were All the Unsealed Records of the Book of Mormon Translated?" was an article written by Elder Matthias F. Cowley in the March 1902 Improvement Era. He wrote to answer a question regarding the translation of the Book of Mormon, and discussed the Anthon Transcript and other aspects of the history of the Gold Plates. For the full transcript of the article, visit the Book of Mormon Central Archive, click here: https://archive.bookofmormoncentral.org/content/questions-and-answers-were-all-unsealed-records-book-mormon-translated

In a lecture presented at several universities throughout the United States, Dr. James E. Talmage spoke on early Latter-day Saint history. In this second part, he focused on the critical reception that the Book of Mormon received, and dismantles one popular theory of its origin. He mentions early Latter-day Saint missions to the "Lamanites" and the persecutions that the early Saints endured. Find the full text here: https://archive.bookofmormoncentral.org/content/story-mormonism-part-ii

In a lecture presented at several universities throughout the United States, Dr. James E. Talmage spoke on early Latter-day Saint history. In this first part, he focused on the young Joseph Smith and the First Vision, as well as a basic overview of the Book of Mormon and its ancient origins. Find the full text here: https://archive.bookofmormoncentral.org/content/story-mormonism-part-i

The article "He Shall Perish" was written by Elder George Reynolds and published in the Improvement Era. In it, Elder Reynolds discusses a proposed connection to the dismal fate of European powers that sought to establish a kingdom in the American Continents. For the full text of this article, click here: https://archive.bookofmormoncentral.org/content/he-shall-perish

This week we feature an article from the August 1882 Juvenile Instructor by George Reynolds. This article introduces the absurdity of the notion that Joseph Smith plagiarized the Book of Mormon from Solomon Spaulding's manuscript. https://archive.bookofmormoncentral.org/content/internal-evidences-book-mormon-showing-absurdity-spaulding-story

"Book of Mormon and Napoleon III" is an article written by George C. Fergusun, originally printed in October 1880 in the Latter-day Saints' Millennial Star. Nick and Jared discuss the historical context for this article as well as provide a reading of the article. The text of this article can be found in the Book of Mormon Central Archive. https://archive.bookofmormoncentral.org/content/book-mormon-and-napoleon-iii

Jared and Nick discuss and provide a reading of the late LeGrand L. Baker's 2007 book, "Joseph and Moroni: The 7 Principles Moroni Taught Joseph Smith". This episode discusses the conclusion and some of our thoughts on the book, as well as Nick's tribute to the late LeGrand L. Baker, who passed away on August 2nd, 2018. For the text of Joseph and Moroni: https://archive.bookofmormoncentral.org/content/joseph-and-moroni-7-principles-moroni-taught-joseph-smith

Jared and Nick discuss and provide a reading of the late LeGrand L. Baker's 2007 book, "Joseph and Moroni: The 7 Principles Moroni Taught Joseph Smith". This episode discusses the Seventh Principle of the book, "The Lord Provides Whatever Help He Understands We Need," as well as some broader ideas to be considered as we continue through the book. For the text of the seventh principle:https://archive.bookofmormoncentral.org/content/seventh-principle-lord-provides-whatever-help-he-understands-we-need Full text of Joseph and Moroni: https://archive.bookofmormoncentral.org/content/joseph-and-moroni-7-principles-moroni-taught-joseph-smith

Jared and Nick discuss and provide a reading of the late LeGrand L. Baker's 2007 book, "Joseph and Moroni: The 7 Principles Moroni Taught Joseph Smith". This episode discusses the Sixth Principle of the book, "The Lord Has Already Planned for His Children's Success," as well as some broader ideas to be considered as we continue through the book. For the text of the sixth principle: https://archive.bookofmormoncentral.org/content/sixth-principle-lord-has-already-planned-his-childrens-success For the full text of the book: https://archive.bookofmormoncentral.org/content/joseph-and-moroni-7-principles-moroni-taught-joseph-smith

Jared and Nick discuss and provide a reading of the late LeGrand L. Baker's 2007 book, "Joseph and Moroni: The 7 Principles Moroni Taught Joseph Smith". This episode discusses the Fifth Principle of the book, "Friendships, However Important, are Not as Important as Keeping God's Commandments," as well as some broader ideas to be considered as we continue through the book. For the text of the fifth principle: For the full text of the book: https://archive.bookofmormoncentral.org/content/joseph-and-moroni-7-principles-moroni-taught-joseph-smith To purchase the book: https://ebornbooks.com/shop/uncategorized/joseph-and-moroni-7-principles-moroni-taught-joseph-smith-legrand-l-baker-isbn-9781890718992/ To purchase Joseph and Moroni in Spanish: https://ebornbooks.com/shop/non-fiction/mormon-lds/jose-y-moroni-legrand-l-baker-spanish-edition-of-joseph-and-moroni-9781890718817/

Jared and Nick discuss and provide a reading of the late LeGrand L. Baker's 2007 book, "Joseph and Moroni: The 7 Principles Moroni Taught Joseph Smith". This episode discusses the Fourth Principle of the book, "Sometimes Prophets Must Make Their Own Decisions," as well as some broader ideas to be considered as we continue through the book. For the Fourth Principle of the book, visit: https://archive.bookofmormoncentral.org/content/fourth-principle-sometimes-prophets-must-make-their-own-decisions For the full text of the book, visit: https://exit.sc/?url=https%3A%2F%2Farchive.bookofmormoncentral.org%2Fcontent%2Fjoseph-and-moroni-7-principles-moroni-taught-joseph-smith To purchase a copy in English: https://exit.sc/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FJoseph-Moroni-Pri%E2%80%A6ith%2Fdp%2FB000NE0FIA For the Spanish Version: https://exit.sc/?url=http%3A%2F%2Febornbooks.com%2Fshop%2Fnon-fiction%2F%E2%80%A6ni-9781890718817%2F

Jared and Nick discuss and provide a reading of the late LeGrand L. Baker's 2007 book, "Joseph and Moroni: The 7 Principles Moroni Taught Joseph". This episode discusses the Third Principle of the book, "Integrity is Keeping One's Covenants with God", as well as some broader ideas to be considered as we continue through the book. For the Third Principle of the book, visit: https://archive.bookofmormoncentral.org/content/third-principle-integrity-keeping-ones-covenants-god For the full text of the book, visit: https://archive.bookofmormoncentral.org/content/joseph-and-moroni-7-principles-moroni-taught-joseph-smith To purchase a copy in English: www.amazon.com/Joseph-Moroni-Pri…ith/dp/B000NE0FIA For the Spanish Version: ebornbooks.com/shop/non-fiction/…ni-9781890718817/

Jared and Nick discuss and provide a reading of the late LeGrand L. Baker's 2007 book, "Joseph and Moroni: The 7 Principles Moroni Taught Joseph". This episode discusses the Second Principle of the book, "One Must Learn How to Recognize the Feeling That Identifies the Holy Ghost", as well as some broader ideas to be considered as continue through the book. For the Second Principle of the book, visit: https://archive.bookofmormoncentral.org/content/second-principle-one-must-learn-how-recognize-feeling-identifies-holy-ghost For the full text of the book, visit: https://archive.bookofmormoncentral.org/content/joseph-and-moroni-7-principles-moroni-taught-joseph-smith To purchase a copy in English: https://www.amazon.com/Joseph-Moroni-Principles-Taught-Smith/dp/B000NE0FIA For the Spanish Version: https://ebornbooks.com/shop/non-fiction/mormon-lds/jose-y-moroni-legrand-l-baker-spanish-edition-of-joseph-and-moroni-9781890718817/

Jared and Nick discuss and provide a reading of the more recent book, "Joseph and Moroni: The 7 Principles Moroni Taught Joseph" by the late LeGrand L. Baker. This first episode discusses the Introduction and "First Principle" of the book, as well as some broader ideas to be considered as we go through this text. For the First Principle of the book, visit: https://archive.bookofmormoncentral.org/content/first-principle-one-does-not-speak-too-openly-about-sacred-things For the full text of the book, visit: https://archive.bookofmormoncentral.org/content/joseph-and-moroni-7-principles-moroni-taught-joseph-smith To purchase a copy in English: https://www.amazon.com/Joseph-Moroni-Principles-Taught-Smith/dp/B000NE0FIA For Spanish Version: https://ebornbooks.com/shop/non-fiction/mormon-lds/jose-y-moroni-legrand-l-baker-spanish-edition-of-joseph-and-moroni-9781890718817/

"Angels Announce the Coming of Christ" is a chapter in the book entitled, The "Most Correct Book: Insights from a Book of Mormon Scholar" by John A. Tvedtnes. Originally published in 1999, John gave permission to BMC to place this entire book and many of his other publications in the Book of Mormon Central Archive following Tvedtnes' death earlier this year. We share it this Christmas Eve as part of our way of honoring the connection of the birth of our Savior Jesus Christ. Enjoy the text of the chapter here: https://archive.bookofmormoncentral.org/content/angels-announce-coming-christ

Originally published as a chapter in the book, "Reexploring the Book of Mormon" by Robert F. Smith and edited by John W. Welch, this chapter is a great way to mix our love of the Book of Mormon and Christmas. Original article found here: https://archive.bookofmormoncentral.org/node/195

The final part in a 3-part Miniseries from the Editor's Table of the Improvement Era, this time from the June 1904 issue. This article from President Joseph F. Smith reflects on the death of his friend; early pioneer and prominent politician James Sharp. He discusses the Savior's resurrection in the New Testament, as well as the teachings of the Book of Mormon prophet Alma the Younger on that topic. President Smith's words here show that the doctrine of the resurrection had been on the prophet's mind for many years, and serves as a notable connection for us today with what he would eventually reveal in section 138 of the Doctrine and Covenants. For the full text, please visit: https://archive.bookofmormoncentral.org/content/editors-table-resurrection

Part 2 in a 3-part Miniseries from the Editor's Table of the Improvement Era, this time from the December 1901 issue. This article from President Joseph F. Smith answers the question of a young missionary "who was troubled upon" the subject of redemption beyond the grave after reading certain passages in the Book of Mormon and "ask[ed] to have the matter explained." For the text of this article, visit the Book of Mormon Central Archives here: https://archive.bookofmormoncentral.org/content/editors-table-redemption-beyond-grave

Part 1 in a 3-part Miniseries from the Editor's Table of the Improvement Era. This article is counsel from the then-Prophet, President Joseph F. Smith, to the youth of the Church in his day. It is just as relevant in June 1906 as it is today. For the text of this article, visit the Book of Mormon Central Archives here: https://archive.bookofmormoncentral.org/content/editors-table-principle-not-popularity

In the April 1929 General Conference, Elder James Talmage spoke on the controversial topics of Book of Mormon Geography, and the authorship of the book of Isaiah. This track includes a full audio version of the General Conference talk, as well as commentary by Jared Riddick and Nick Galieti. For the full text of the talk in the Book of Mormon Central Archives, click here: https://archive.bookofmormoncentral.org/content/book-mormon-and-book-isaiah

This is the final episode in our miniseries on "A Nephite's Commandments to His Three Sons" by B.H. Roberts. These four articles appeared in the Improvement Era in 1900. To read the full text of this article, visit this link: https://archive.bookofmormoncentral.org/content/nephites-commandments-his-sons-iii-corianton-ii-concluded

Part 3 in our 4-Part Mini-Series on "A Nephite's Commandments to His Three Sons" By B.H. Roberts. Jared Riddick and Nick Galieti discuss the third in this series of articles originally published in 1900 in the Improvement Era. Corianton was considered the wicked of the three sons, or and required counsel to help him repent of his past mistakes. Full text of this article can be found at: https://archive.bookofmormoncentral.org/content/nephites-commandments-his-three-sons-iii-corianton-i

A Nephite's Commandments to His Three Sons - II. Shiblon" This episode features commentary by B.H. Roberts on Alma 38. Jared and Nick offer their own commentary on this series of articles originally published in 1900 in the Improvement Era. Audio version read by Nick Galieti. For the full text of the article click here: https://archive.bookofmormoncentral.org/content/nephites-commandments-his-three-sons-ii-shiblon

Part 1 in a four-part B.H. Roberts Miniseries "A Nephite's Commandments to His Three Sons - I. Helaman" This episode features commentary by B.H. Roberts on Alma 36-37. Jared and Nick offer their own commentary on this series of articles originally published in 1900 in the Improvement Era. Audio version read by Nick Galieti. For the full text of the article click here: https://archive.bookofmormoncentral.org/content/nephites-commandments-his-three-sons-i-helaman

In a tribute to Latter-day Saint Scholar, Richard Lloyd Anderson who passed away 12 August 2018, Nick Galieti and Jared Riddick discuss his life, his work, more specifically his article, "Attempts to Redefine the Experience of the Eight Witnesses" as published in the Journal of Book of Mormon Studies. Following the discussion, Nick Galieti does a reading of that article. Used by Permission from the Neal A. Maxwell Institute and Brigham Young University.

Originally published in 1888 by the Millennial Star Office in Liverpool, England. This was Elder B.H. Roberts introduction to the Book of Mormon, an approach to understanding the narrative. Archive text https://archive.bookofmormoncentral.org/content/analysis-book-mormon-suggestions-reader

Parley P. Pratt, an early Apostle of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, wrote a bold letter to the Queen of England. This letter was later printed as a pamphlet and used in proselyting efforts. The historical background and commentary of this rare bit of Church History is shared by Jared Riddick, and Nick Galieti. The commentary is followed by a reading of the full letter to the Queen, in its entirety.

In 1916, the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles released a statement entitled, "The Father and the Son: A Doctrinal Exposition." Jared Riddick and Nick Galieti discuss the historical background and some of the more fascinating elements of this definitive declaration; followed by a reading of the full statement by Nick Galieti.

The final chapter of Life of Nephi by George Q. Cannon. In this chapter Nephi dies and is eulogized. We also announce the next documents that we will feature from the Book of Mormon Central Archive.