Voices of the Restoration: Translation of the Book of Mormon

In April 1829, the month when sections 6–9 of the Doctrine and Covenants were received, Joseph Smith’s main work was the translation of the Book of Mormon. We don’t know many details about the miraculous translation process, but we do know that Joseph Smith was a seer, aided by instruments that God had prepared: two transparent stones called the Urim and Thummim and another stone called a seer stone. When asked later to relate how this record was translated, Joseph said “that it was not intended to tell the world all the particulars.” He often stated simply that it was translated “by the gift, and power of God.” The following statements, from eyewitnesses to the translation process, support Joseph’s witness.