I wrote with my
own pen the entire book of Mormon (save a few pages) as
it fell from the lips of the Prophet as he translated it by
the gift and power of God by means of the Urim and
Thummim or as it is called by the book holy
Interpreters. I beheld with my eye and handled with my hands
the gold plates from which it was translated. I also beheld
the Interpreters. That book is true. . . . It contains
the everlasting gospel and came in fulfillment of the
revelations of John where he says [that] he saw an
angel come with the everlasting gospel to preach to every
nation, tongue and people.
Journal of Reuben Miller, 1848, or Millennial Star, Aug. 20, 1859, 544.
Joseph Smith could
neither write nor dictate a coherent and well-worded letter;
let alone dictating a book like the Book of Mormon. And,
though I was an active participant in the scenes that
transpired, and was present during the translation of the
plates, and had cognizance of things as they transpired, it
is marvelous to me, "a marvel and a wonder," as much so as
to any one else.
Emma Smith, "Last Testimony of Sister Emma," Saints' Herald, Oct. 1, 1879, 290.
