THE SECRET OF THE GOLDEN PLATES

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7月14日

THE SECRET OF THE GOLDEN PLATES

THE SECRET OF THE GOLDEN PLATES

Where are the golden plates now?

I’ll guess I am one of the few outsiders who have ever read The Book of Mormon; Another Testament of Jesus Christ from cover to cover. Why did I read it? I read it because I was looking for clues as to where Joseph Smith had hidden the golden plates.

Joseph Smith “translated” The Book of Mormon early in the 19th century, from a set of ancient-looking, golden-colored plates with strange inscriptions he found buried in a hillside. Or so he said. Were there really golden-colored plates with inscriptions? I think it is likely. After all, there are the testimonies of 11 people saying they witnessed the golden plates in the introduction to the printed version of The Book of Mormon that I have.

Eight of the witnesses say the plates “have the appearance of gold; and as many of the leaves as the said Smith has translated we did handle with our hands; and we also saw the engravings thereon, all of which has the appearance of ancient work, and of curious workmanship. And this we bear record with words of soberness, that the said Smith has shown unto us, for we have seen and hefted, and know of a surety that the said Smith has got the plates of which we have spoken.” That’s fairly convincing. Three others say, “And we declare with words of soberness, that an angel of God came down from heaven, and he brought and laid before our eyes, that we beheld and saw the plates, and the engravings thereon.” (An angel???).

Could there have been ancient civilizations in the Americas that no one had ever heard of before, whose prophets testified about Jesus Christ, as Joseph Smith claimed? Could he have translated the plates by using their accompanying “sacred stones” as he claimed? Well, I’m trying to keep an open mind.

From reading the book, I’d have to say that I see a man on a journey, a man who fell in love with the artifact he found, and yes, I’d have to say the plates were something he found. One does not fall in love with a fraud one creates. And I’d have to say he fell in love with the story that came to him, that came to his mind, a story about his beloved artifact. And I’d have to say he fell in love with the journey, his journey of discovering the story.

The Book of Mormon is a masterpiece and monumental. Why? Because it is an account of a journey – one man’s spiritual journey, Joseph Smith’s very own journey. A journey he was wedded to for more than 500 printed pages.

Perhaps he questioned the story and the journey at some level: “O then, is not this real? I say unto you, Yea, because it is light; and whatsoever is light, is good, because it is discernible, . . . . ye have only exercised your faith to plant the seed that ye might try the experiment to know if the seed was good.” (Words of a character in The Book of Mormon (Alma, chapter 32)).

A concept of abiding beauty and goodness

Full-size image

I think he saw some enormous benefit coming from his journey: “This is my glory, that perhaps I may be an instrument in the hands of God to bring some soul to repentance; and this is my joy.” (Words of a character in The Book of Mormon (Alma, chapter 29).

Whenever someone takes such a journey, whether as artist, poet, writer, singer, parent or caregiver, patient or victim, lover or hater, there are many paths but the journey is always the same process. I do believe that the creative journey is available to each and every one of us, although the person who is abnormal in some way (not the norm) will be able to make a more unusual contribution.

To be a “seer,” one who sees, one who hears, one who envisions, like a Van Gogh, a Mary Magdalene, or a Mozart; to see or hear what others cannot and to make it visible or audible to them, to be caught up in mystery, in magic, in-spirited by inspiration, to hear the music of the spheres and bring it into the domain of the everyday – that is the creative process.

As a seer, Joseph Smith opened a new world to millions of believers who became his followers. You can get a taste of his vision of beauty and drama at the annual Mormon pageant at Palmyra, New York, with a costumed cast of over 650 people.

Do I recommend you read The Book of Mormon? No – not unless you are a history major, or thinking of joining The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the Mormon Church that was founded by Joseph Smith. I must say, I didn’t find much spiritually uplifting in the book. I found it tedious. Obviously, it’s not for everyone. And of course, some of the views on race, women, etc. in the book are not commendable.

In my imagination, I see myself finding the golden plates in a newly opened sinkhole in my backyard . I notice that there are many plates, thousands in fact, as fine as sheets of paper, still in mint condition despite their antiquity, covered with a delicate lettering. Could it be something from another planet? Could it be the cure for AIDS? Could it be the cure for aging – the secret of eternal youth? And here are the translator stones. They are shiny, like cell phones. As I touch one, I hear a voice saying in English, “What is your command?” OK enough of that.

I wish that Joseph Smith or at least some of his closest associates had made greater efforts to document the inscriptions on the plates, make accurate drawings of them, and correspond with language experts in the universities or museums in America or Europe at that time who might have been interested in reviewing and commenting on the inscriptions. Then maybe we would have a substantial record today. Now it is all lost – except for a few lines of characters (the “Anthon transcript”) and Joseph Smith’s envisioning.

A passage in the book’s introduction makes it clear Joseph Smith feared that the plates would be stolen. “No sooner was it known that I had them, than the most strenuous exertions were used to get them from me. Every stratagem that could be invented was resorted to for that purpose. The persecution became more bitter and severe than before, and multitudes were on the alert continually to get them from me if possible.” History makes it clear that his “translation” was not well received (except by his followers); in fact, he was murdered by a mob because of his work, and because of the growing political strength of his movement. So he was right to feel unsafe, to fear for the safety of the plates.

Did Joseph Smith destroy the golden plates? I don’t think so. I think he was too filled with awe. I think he loved those plates.

So where did he hide them (or “deliver them to the messenger”)? I have to believe he hid them where he knew he could find them again, and where others could find them in the fullness of time. “Then shalt thou seal up the book again, and hide it up unto me, that I may preserve the words which thou hast not read, until I shall see fit in mine own wisdom to reveal all things unto the children of men.” (God speaks in The Book of Mormon (Nephi, chapter 27)).

I’ll guess Joseph Smith left clues in his book as to where the plates are. It’s interesting that he writes in a sort of rambling, stream-of-consciousness way. He dictated his work, and apparently, there is little or no attempt to wordcraft. Once he finds a word he likes, he uses it over and over, much to the annoyance of the reader I must say. Thus his rambling lays out fairly clearly for the reader, the landscape of his mind.

What I looked for were passages that dealt with that landscape – especially the geographical and geological features of that landscape: mountains, mounts, hills, cavities (caves), rocks, stones, rivers, waters, seas, islands, and place names, and words like hide, hid, hidden. And the book overflows with such references. And references to sealing up and burying records.

Do I know where he hid the golden plates? I’ll guess either in a cave, in a pouch under water, in a well, or deep in a mountainside. No, I don’t know. But I’m thinking now, perhaps there is some sort of code or anagram woven into the book that could reveal the location. Somewhere in 500 plus pages.

I think I’ll take another look at it.

Just forget what you know about the inner landscape of my mind.

Slide show and music on my main page.

-2008-

X Keywords: secret hid hide hidden gold plates brass plates MSN Windows Live Spaces X

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	....я¢∂ω°o.O♥Gєяî♥O.o°发表: Hello There ♥ Truly ♥ Wishin you a Happy Sunkissed Weekend! http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s34/geri_p/Summerkissed.gif Pass this Free HUG coupon around, and redeem yours today........... http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s34/geri_p/freeHugCouponLightGrn.gif Much Love Geri xoxo ♥ 7 月 25 日
	T发表: Lovely weekend to you! Hug, T 7 月 25 日
	justhuman being发表: Golden plates and bronze or brass plates were popular among rulers 2000 years ago. Where did these rulers get their precious metals? What language did they write in? 7 月 24 日
	....я¢∂ω°o.O♥Gєяî♥O.o°发表: Hello Truly ♥ Love is like a butterfly it goes where is pleases & it pleases wherever it goes............... http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s34/geri_p/Butterflykisses.gif ♥ Much Love ♥ Geri 7 月 22 日
	Faye发表: Hi Truly, This is the most interesting blog of your to date. Could be because I read much, not all like you, of the book of Mormons also. I'm not entirely sure about the authenticity of the plates but then again many say the same thing about the Gospels. I do agree that God had made Himself known to people on this continent at the time of Christ. The Messiah may have appeared to early natives (Incas?) in the appearance of their race. I'll have to look for a copy of August's National Geographic. I'd love to read the article on Sea Glass. I have two pieces of red but haven't seen orange. My most exciting finding about sea glass is "Vaseline" glass (not from the jars but a type of glass some dishes were made). It has some uranium in it. This makes it glow in the dark under a black light. I bought a black bulb and sure enough I have almost a half dozen the are a florescent yellow/green under it! Hugs, Faye 7 月 22 日
	Barb发表: A very interesting post ... Thank you for your insightful comments on my last post too :) I so enjoy folks that have theri belifs and yet are tolerant of others BE Well Barb 7 月 22 日
	Hope发表: Very interesting post.. I wonder where the arc is, as well ... hope you have been well and that summer is treating you kindly.. you do come up with some very interesting subjects.. have a wonderful day.. Hope 7 月 21 日
	Jorge发表: Sounds like you have the makings of anothe DaVinci Code. Thanks for an interesting post. be well, J. 7 月 19 日
	Archer♥ Aimee发表: nice place you got here... ♥~♥ :oD because you shared a smile...someones day got brighter... :oD ♥~♥ 7 月 19 日
	Isabelle发表: My island is in the Indian ocean near malagasy Republic. It is also in the surrounding of Africa.....look for the little dot!LOL!! Well, I have decided to blog about water because it stared with a "lost" friend who talk about the subject. i wanted to keep that going bycreating a chain of awareness.... I think i owe my son at least that....it is my contribution to preserving one natural resource so easily taken for granted and wasted. That's the reasons.... Thank for asking! Take care, Isa 7 月 19 日
	没有名字发表: Interesting blog. I read the Book of Mormon when my youngest step-daughter decided to convert. I knew from reading it that she wouldn't stick... and she didn't. She may not have been my child by birth, but she was my child by raising... Thanks for dropping by my space. I've sent a friend's invite, if you're interested... xx Jake 7 月 19 日
	Ann发表: I love how you 'do your homework' and I know you are very openminded, and that's good....which is why I hope you won't mind me tossing my 2 cents in here. I did a ton of research on Mormonism before I moved to Salt Lake City for a 3 year stint. I disagree with their beliefs, but felt I really needed to understand what they believed before heading into a discussion with them about it. And I did have some very interesting discussions with missionaries who came to my home! They are for the most part good people who are doing a lot of good things; however - I could write volumes here, but I'll stick to what you have written about! I have issue with this book simply in the fact they (mormons) claim it is "Another Testament of Christ" when in the Bible (Scriptures) it very clearly states that nothing should be added to or taken away from the contents. But they do add by writing a whole new book. Secondly, since there is no real evidence of the plates, there is nothing to back up the claims.... to say "evidences of authenticity" are "secondary" and the only way to know it's true is because it's "revealed" to you seems like a nice way to skirt the issue of 'no way to back up' what they believe. They find more stuff all the time that bears factual evidence to the Bible. This is MY opinon. Please don't anyone get up in arms over it!! We all get to believe what we want, right? 7 月 19 日
	BaileyLinda发表: Hi Truly..Ej says thank you for the birthday song. He studies world religions. Well, I did too, but forgot most of what I learned. Interesting blog and informative too. Hugs, Linda 7 月 16 日
	Isabelle发表: I have no idea what the Mormon religion is all about. I just see them....always young handsome men wonder on the streets here in Mauritius. Always white shirts and dark pants. Your blog is quite interesting and I must admit you are a very passionate woman! To your honour! Blessings, Isa 7 月 16 日
	MormonSoprano 发表: (sorry if this is a duplicate, the last one I placed did not show up) Your post is thoughtful. I commend you for being open minded, for reading the Book of Mormon, and taking the time to learn more about The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. You have come to some very intelligent and important conclusions so far in your study. 1. The ancient record existed. Many witnesses saw them and held them. 2. "The Book of Mormon is a masterpiece and monumental". Absolutely! Now, at this point, one has to either conclude that Joseph Smith was a brilliant novelist who could compose a masterful 500 word religious text full of names, places, events and ancient history (a "spiritual journey" as you have termed) in less than 60 days. or, he was indeed called of God, given the plates by an angel just as he claimed, and then given the divine ability to translate the ancient text. If he was a prophet and what he claimed his entire life was truth, and as you have noted was killed because he would not deny, then it is easy to know where the gold plates are. They are exactly where he said they are. He did not bury them. He gave them back to the Angel Moroni as directed by God once the translation was completed, and God has not revealed where they are now, as He deems it not necessary knowledge at this time. It is important not to expect scientific proof for spiritual matters. However, a very good article of evidences of the Book of Mormon you will enjoy reading is here: http://lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?vgnextoid=2354fccf2b7db010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD&locale=0&sourceId=741f6a4430c0c010VgnVCM1000004d82620a____ I am unsure if links are allowed in this forum. You can find the article at lds.org “Mounting Evidence For the Book of Mormon”, and also many other good testimonies and articles. Here are some of the great points from the article: 1. The Book of Mormon, a monumental text as you have pointed out of 500 pages with 100s of characters, events and places, was completed in less than 60 days. 2. Joseph Smith was not a scholar. He was a poor farm boy, who spent his entire early life laboring in the fields. He only had a 1st grade formal education, and his mother stated that even into his late teens, “he seemed much less inclined to the perusal of books than any of the rest of our children.” 3. Joseph's wife Emma had the most intimate knowledge of Joseph as a man, and of the Book of Mormon translation. Her history states: In the late 1820s, Joseph “could neither write nor dictate a coherent and well worded letter, let alone dictate a book like the Book of Mormon. … The larger part of this labor [of translation] was done [in] my presence and where I could see and know what was being done. … During no part of it did Joseph Smith have any [manuscripts] or book of any kind from which to read or dictate except the metalic plates which I knew he had."“If,” she said, “he had had anything of the kind he could not have concealed it from me.”She added: “I am satisfied that no man could have dictated the writing of the manuscripts unless he was inspired; for, when acting as his scribe, your father would dictate to me hour after hour; and when returning after meals, or after interruptions, he would at once begin where he had left off, without either seeing the manuscript or having any portion of it read to him. This was a usual thing for him to do. It would have been improbable that a learned man could do this; and, for one so ignorant and unlearned as he was, it was simply impossible.” 4. All of his other scribes have stated the same testimony - that Joseph would translate the words in fluid sentences and never ask for a line to be read back even after being away from it for hours. 5. In recent years, rigorous statistical analysis strongly indicates that neither Joseph Smith nor any of his known associates composed the English text of the Book of Mormon. In fact, research suggests that the book was written by numerous distinct authors (thus, the multiple generations of prophets of the Americas) 6. Research shows that the book does not seem to fit the culture of early 19th-century America. There is little of the military romanticism of Joseph Smith’s America. Instead, we see grimly realistic portrayals of war’s devastation and suffering. And in the story of the Gadianton robbers we have a detailed, realistic portrayal of a prolonged guerrilla struggle—lacking any trace of fife and drum, uniforms, or parades—published well over a century before the guerrilla theorists of the 20th century put pens to paper. 7. I sympathize with your observation of the "tedious" words and repetitive paragraph structure that occurs at times (lots of "and it came to pass", etc) However, this actually stands as another witness of authenticity. It has been analyzed by leading Linguistics experts. The sentence structure and use of terms in the Book of Mormon is in direct harmony with the ancient Hebraic and Egyptian language and their use of Chiasms in sentence structure. Joseph Smith would have known nothing of this as a humble rural farm boy. I disagree with you that the entire book is tedious. Far from it! There are many exciting and beautiful stories included in its pages. The most important is the story of Jesus visiting the people on the American continent after his Resurrection and establishing His church in the same manner as Jerusalem. This is why the Book of Mormon is another testament that Jesus is the Christ. There are many more exciting things to learn on this, that bolster belief, but these are secondary in importance to receiving a personal spiritual witness. The primary evidence for the authenticity or truth of the Book of Mormon we each can have, comes from God. There is a promise in the Book of Mormon, that anyone can know of its truth by reading it and asking God with a sincere heart and with real intent to know that it is true (see Moroni 10:3–5). "With real intent" means that those who ask must be willing or committed to act upon a manifestation once it is received. Otherwise, there is no promise. The Holy Ghost confirms the truth by revelation directly to the individual. All other evidences for authenticity of the Book of Mormon are secondary. The Book of Mormon is the only book I know of that includes such a promise. Millions of people have testified that they have received this personal witness that the Book of Mormon is true scripture. Over 13 million people currently alive testify of this and rejoice in having another testament of Jesus Christ. I am one who has received this witness. I love the Book of Mormon and revere the prophets who sacrificed everything so that we can read it. Everyone now has the opportunity to read and learn and then pray to God for an answer. This is why our church sends missionaries throughout the entire earth. It is the most important message anyone could hear. We have additional scriptures from God. The heavens are open. God speaks to a living prophet and apostles today. If you have a sincere desire to know, you will receive the witness. Please feel welcome to read more on my blog, and you may send me any of your questions. You may also go to the official websites mormon.org and lds.org. I wish you all the best on your personal spiritual journey. It is a very exciting time to be alive! Janet - we have missionaries throughout the entire world who serve for 2 years at their own expense in order to share our message. Perhaps God is placing them in your path many times because the message is important for you. Beth, you can learn more at the websites I mentioned above. Michelle, hopefully you have seen accurate media reports. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons) do not practice polygamy and are not associated with polygamist sects. There has been confusion in the media because some small groups have chosen to call themselves "fundamentalist" LDS, etc. which has caused alot of confusion and misinformation. For more clarification you may see websites above Thanks!! 7 月 15 日
	MormonSoprano 发表: Your post is thoughtful. I commend you for being open minded, for reading the Book of Mormon, and taking the time to learn more about The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. You have come to some very intelligent and important conclusions so far in your study. 1. The ancient record existed. Many witnesses saw them and held them. 2. "The Book of Mormon is a masterpiece and monumental". Absolutely! Now, at this point, one has to either conclude that Joseph Smith was a brilliant novelist who could compose a masterful 500 word religious text full of names, places, events and ancient history (a "spiritual journey" as you have termed) in less than 60 days. or, he was indeed called of God, given the plates by an angel just as he claimed, and then given the divine ability to translate the ancient text. If he was a prophet and what he claimed his entire life was truth, and as you have noted was killed because he would not deny, then it is easy to know where the gold plates are. They are exactly where he said they are. He did not bury them. He gave them back to the Angel Moroni as directed by God once the translation was completed, and God has not revealed where they are now, as He deems it not necessary knowledge at this time. It is important not to expect scientific proof for spiritual matters. However, a very good article of evidences of the Book of Mormon you will enjoy reading is here: http://lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?vgnextoid=2354fccf2b7db010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD&locale=0&sourceId=741f6a4430c0c010VgnVCM1000004d82620a____ I am unsure if links are allowed in this forum. You can find the article at lds.org “Mounting Evidence For the Book of Mormon”, and also many other good testimonies and articles. Here are some of the great points from the article: 1. The Book of Mormon, a monumental text as you have pointed out of 500 pages with 100s of characters, events and places, was completed in less than 60 days. 2. Joseph Smith was not a scholar. He was a poor farm boy, who spent his entire early life laboring in the fields. He only had a 1st grade formal education, and his mother stated that even into his late teens, “he seemed much less inclined to the perusal of books than any of the rest of our children.” 3. Joseph's wife Emma had the most intimate knowledge of Joseph as a man, and of the Book of Mormon translation. Her history states: In the late 1820s, Joseph “could neither write nor dictate a coherent and well worded letter, let alone dictate a book like the Book of Mormon. … The larger part of this labor [of translation] was done [in] my presence and where I could see and know what was being done. … During no part of it did Joseph Smith have any [manuscripts] or book of any kind from which to read or dictate except the metalic plates which I knew he had."“If,” she said, “he had had anything of the kind he could not have concealed it from me.”She added: “I am satisfied that no man could have dictated the writing of the manuscripts unless he was inspired; for, when acting as his scribe, your father would dictate to me hour after hour; and when returning after meals, or after interruptions, he would at once begin where he had left off, without either seeing the manuscript or having any portion of it read to him. This was a usual thing for him to do. It would have been improbable that a learned man could do this; and, for one so ignorant and unlearned as he was, it was simply impossible.” 4. All of his other scribes have stated the same testimony - that Joseph would translate the words in fluid sentences and never ask for a line to be read back even after being away from it for hours. 5. In recent years, rigorous statistical analysis strongly indicates that neither Joseph Smith nor any of his known associates composed the English text of the Book of Mormon. In fact, research suggests that the book was written by numerous distinct authors (thus, the multiple generations of prophets of the Americas) 6. Research shows that the book does not seem to fit the culture of early 19th-century America. There is little of the military romanticism of Joseph Smith’s America. Instead, we see grimly realistic portrayals of war’s devastation and suffering. And in the story of the Gadianton robbers we have a detailed, realistic portrayal of a prolonged guerrilla struggle—lacking any trace of fife and drum, uniforms, or parades—published well over a century before the guerrilla theorists of the 20th century put pens to paper. 7. I sympathize with your observation of the "tedious" words and repetitive paragraph structure that occurs at times (lots of "and it came to pass", etc) However, this actually stands as another witness of authenticity. It has been analyzed by leading Linguistics experts. The sentence structure and use of terms in the Book of Mormon is in direct harmony with the ancient Hebraic and Egyptian language and their use of Chiasms in sentence structure. Joseph Smith would have known nothing of this as a humble rural farm boy. I disagree with you that the entire book is tedious. Far from it! There are many exciting and beautiful stories included in its pages. The most important is the story of Jesus visiting the people on the American continent after his Resurrection and establishing His church in the same manner as Jerusalem. This is why the Book of Mormon is another testament that Jesus is the Christ. There are many more exciting things to learn on this, that bolster belief, but these are secondary in importance to receiving a personal spiritual witness. The primary evidence for the authenticity or truth of the Book of Mormon we each can have, comes from God. There is a promise in the Book of Mormon, that anyone can know of its truth by reading it and asking God with a sincere heart and with real intent to know that it is true (see Moroni 10:3–5). "With real intent" means that those who ask must be willing or committed to act upon a manifestation once it is received. Otherwise, there is no promise. The Holy Ghost confirms the truth by revelation directly to the individual. All other evidences for authenticity of the Book of Mormon are secondary. The Book of Mormon is the only book I know of that includes such a promise. Millions of people have testified that they have received this personal witness that the Book of Mormon is true scripture. Over 13 million people currently alive testify of this and rejoice in having another testament of Jesus Christ. I am one who has received this witness. I love the Book of Mormon and revere the prophets who sacrificed everything so that we can read it. Everyone now has the opportunity to read and learn and then pray to God for an answer. This is why our church sends missionaries throughout the entire earth. It is the most important message anyone could hear. We have additional scriptures from God. The heavens are open. God speaks to a living prophet and apostles today. If you have a sincere desire to know, you will receive the witness. Please feel welcome to read more on my blog, and you may send me any of your questions. You may also go to the official websites mormon.org and lds.org. I wish you all the best on your personal spiritual journey. It is a very exciting time to be alive! 7 月 15 日
	PEP发表: Very interesting indeed. 7 月 15 日
	srougijanett发表: I know a little bit about Mormon.The first Mormon I met in my life it was in year 1983 when I use to live in Germany,In that period I hesitated a lot but I only accepted their invitations although they put me in confusion,soon I moved into Italy,I thaught over there I'll never meet somebody of them but for my surprise once more they where going around ,believe me I never was able neither in the past nor now adays to understand this kind of religion...probably the same reason you are looking for the plates ....where they are ????!!!! 7 月 15 日
	Beth发表: A very interesting post. I know nothing of the Mormon religion. 7 月 15 日
	michelle发表: know a little bit about mormon recently from NEWS OF CNN and BBC. 7 月 15 日