Filling in the History

There is a lot going on here. The first baptisms of the Church, the first miracle of the Church, the first time Joseph is arrested. Lots of firsts, some are good, some are stressful, and some lift you off the floor...literally.

The Articles and Covenants are part of this episode. This is a foundational section of doctrine and Church policy that is held to this day. It was also published without permission in a random newspaper in Ohio to not glowing reviews. We do get an ad about cough drops, an article about loyal dogs, and so much more.

Martin Harris mortgages his property to publish 5,000 copies of the Book of Mormon. We get to see letters preserved in a book we still have to this day. The big thing is a revelation that was never published. These are the kinds of things that make the Joseph Smith Papers so interesting. Enjoy!

At the close of an era of Church History, the Three Witnesses are asked to seek out 12 Apostles, which they get around to in 5 years or so. This era of missing documents and fragmented stories is a reminder that life is worth remembering, so write it down, keep a copy, and believe that your life is worth remembering.

Lots of small sections to cover. Joseph Knight, David, John, and Peter Whitmer all get answers through the Urim and Thummim. The Aaronic Priesthood is restored. The witnesses to the Book of Mormon are chosen and title pages and copyrights to the Book of Mormon are all covered in this episode.

Hyrum Smith, Samuel Smith, and a debate about getting the Book of Lehi back on the press. Enjoy.

Oliver Cowdery joins the story. He will be the main scribe for what remains of the Book of Mormon translation project, a major figure in early Church events, even before there is a Church, and become one of the Three Witnesses. We get a parchment from John the Beloved, a diving rod, and some revelations from the Urim and Thummim. If any of that sounds odd, it probably is. Enjoy!

I used translate and transcribe incorrectly and it is important to know the difference, so please accept my apologies.

116 pages are lost. Martin Harris breaks his promise. Joseph suffers enormous tragedy. Things are not going well, but people keep supporting and believing, and we get some wonderful insight into how difficult everything becomes during the early translation effort for the Book of Mormon.

Moroni appears to Joseph Smith, plates are introduced, and a few touching family stories with good fathers, good mothers, and good brothers are unearthed.