Supplemental Reading for The Introductions and Testimonies

It's amazing that, for as many times as I've read the Book of Mormon, I rarely take a moment to read these initial testimonies. But reading through them this time has given me a powerful reminder of just how important the BofM is in our developing a testimony of Jesus Christ. I'd like to offer a few thoughts about the introductions and testimonies found at the beginning of the BofM.

First, the title page to the BofM according to Joseph Smith is a literal translation taken from the last leaf, left hand side of the gold plates and was written by Moroni. The title page contains the thesis statement or purpose of the BofM. It is written "to show unto the remnant of the House of Israel what great things the Lord hath done for their fathers; and that they may know the covenants of the Lord, that they are not cast off forever-And also to the convincing of the Jew and Gentile that Jesus is the Christ, the Eternal God, manifesting himself unto all nations". To me, this statement reminds me that Jesus is the Christ- my personal Savior- and that through His Atonement, I can make covenants with the Lord that will return me into His presence.

Next comes the Introduction, written to give an overview of the history of the BofM peoples and some of the crowning events found therein. The lines that stuck out to me in the third paragraph described how when Christ visited America he gave instructions that "puts forth the doctrines of the gospel, outlines the plan of salvation, and tells men what they must do to gain peace in this life and eternal salvation in the life to come." I thought this was a very succinct summary of the gospel of Christ. I also enjoyed the quote by Joseph Smith found further down the page that states, "I told the brethren that the Book of Mormon was the most correct of any book on earth, and the keystone of our religion, and a man would get nearer to God by abiding by its precepts, than by any other book."

When I read the testimonies of the witnesses, I am humbled by the fact that these men were given the privilege of seeing and handling the plates and were given the opportunity of testifying of its truth to the world. I find it interesting that all 3 witnesses-David Whitmer, Martin Harris, and Oliver Cowdery- did eventually apostatize from the church, though Harris and Cowdery did later repent and return to membership. But even after their apostasy, none of them denied their testimony of the Book of Mormon. Even David Whitmer, who never returned to activity in the church, never did denounce his testimony included in that of the 3 witnesses. Similarly, 3 of the 8 witnesses were also excommunicated, but did not deny their experiences or testimony of the Book of Mormon.

I love the testimony of the Prophet Joseph Smith because it shows how he had to learn and progress in order to be worthy of his calling from the Lord. Sometimes I think that he must have been nearly perfect in order to be given such an assignment, but the fact that it took 4 years of preparation before he was even allowed to remove the plates, shows that he needed to learn and grow just as I do. This account also strengthens my testimony that God will protect us and assist us in doing the works that he has commanded. There are numerous accounts of attempts made to steal the plates from Joseph, starting with the very night he received them. Men hid in the woods and attacked him as he ran for home. But God kept Joseph and the plates safe until the work was finished, just as He will protect us as we strive to do His will.

One last note. In seminary I wrote down 3 keys through which the light of the Holy Ghost allows us to understand the Book of Mormon, and I'd like to share them. First, remember the BofM is a modern witness that Jesus is the Christ (Matthew 8:6, 2 Nephi 25:22-30). Second, remember that this was written for our day-for us (Mormon 8:34-37). Third, remember you can know for yourself that this book is true through revelation from the Holy Ghost (Moroni 10:3-5).

-Jennie Smith (Naomi's cousin)

Note from Naomi: The BOM Book Club will be held this Friday, September 16th, at 9:00 AM at the Woodridge Ward Building. For anyone who can not come but still wants to participate, Jennie and I will be doing weekly posts on this blog about the topics we are studying. Feel free to follow along and leave your thoughts and feelings in the comment section for the rest of us to see! Otherwise, see you Friday!