Sept 20 2016 Doctrine & Covenants Class 3 by Bekah Ellsworth

The Coming Forth of the Book of Mormon JS-History 1:27-67

Sections 3, 10

□    Neal A. Maxwell, “By the Gift and Power of God,” Ensign, Jan. 1997, 36-41

□    “Book of Mormon Translation,” Gospel Topics, lds.org/topics

□    “Coming Forth of the Book of Mormon and Restoration of the Priesthood,” chapter 5 in Church History in the Fullness of Times Student Manual, 2nd ed. (CES manual, 2003), 52-66

Scriptural pearls
D&C 3:1, 3 – the work of God is not frustrated
D&C 3:7 – fear not man more than God

“Why do we not have more disclosure concerning the process of translation of the Book of Mormon? Perhaps the full process was not disclosed because we would not be ready to understand it, even if given. Perhaps, too, the Lord wanted to leave the Book of Mormon in the realm of faith, though it is drenched with intrinsic evidence. After all, Christ instructed Mormon, who was reviewing the Savior’s own teachings among the Nephites, not to record all of them on the plates because “I will try the faith of my people” (3 Ne. 26:11). Perhaps the details of translation are withheld also because we are intended to immerse ourselves in the substance of the book rather than becoming unduly concerned with the process by which we received it.”

Elder Neal A. Maxwell, “By the Gift and Power of God,” Ensign, Jan. 1997

“The Book of Mormon is like a vast mansion, with gardens, towers, courtyards, and wings. My tour of it has never been completed. Some rooms I have yet to enter, and there are more felicitous fireplaces waiting to warm me. Even the rooms I have glimpsed contain further furnishings and rich detail yet to be savored. There are panels inlaid with incredible insights, and design and décor dating from Eden. There are even sumptuous banquet tables painstakingly prepared by predecessors which await all of us. Yet we as church members sometimes behave like hurried tourists scarcely entering beyond the entry hall. May we come to feel, as a whole people, beckoned beyond the entry hall. May we go inside far enough to hear clearly the whispered truths from those who have slumbered – which whisperings will awaken in us individually a life of discipleship as never before.”

Elder Neal A. Maxwell, “Great Answers to the Great Question,” FARMS Symposium Address, 10/86