Comments about ‘'A chain of testimony': 1841 copy of Book of Mormon stays preserved’

Arguably one of the most powerful talks given on Joseph Smith and the Book of Mormon, was the one given by Elder Holland this past conference. I had never heard the story related, by Elder Holland, concerning Hyrum reading the passages from the Book of Mormon to comfort Joseph as they left for prison. Elder Holland's heart felt, and powerful testimony still stands out to me days later. I felt Elder Callister's talk was very good, concerning Joseph Smith, as well.

Joseph Smith and the Book of Mormon have been, and will continue to be praised and derided until the ultimate clarity will be born to all when the Savior returns again.

Faith will always be the only way to know if Joseph was what he said he was, and if the Book of Mormon is really scripture. Science, historical documents, scriptural arguement, etc, etc will never replace faith, nor create faith. Only by earnestly studying the Book of Mormon, and asking God, in "faith", will anyone every really know if Joseph Smith and the Book of Mormon are true.

I was surprised to see such a priceless book in Elder Hollands hands during his Conference talk. But, it really did add emphasis on his powerful testimony. The last paragraph of this article, I believe is very true!

I found Elder Hollands talk so inspiring. It was the favorite of most of us that I talked to in our tiny branch. == Jeanene Vomocil, Kentucky

I along with two others (Elders Helstrom of Washington and Wells of So. Calif. were the First Missionaries called to the newly formed Cumorah Mission (now Rochester, NY Mission). I got to serve
in the Palmyra District and learn more about the Prophet Joseph Smith. Growing up with his family and the love he had for his older brothers Samuel & Hyrum.
The physical altercations he endured in returning with the "Gold Plates" from the Hill Cumorah. He thought his Methodist Minister friend would be excited to learn what he had experienced in the Sacred Grove. On some Sunday afternoons he would go to the northern part of those woods to answer religious questions that the young men in his Congregation might have, Joseph was part of that
group. This is why Joseph was most anxious to tell
this mentor what he had experienced....an answer to his prayer. Unfortunately he became the most viscious detractor against Joseph who was only 14
and a 1/2 years old.
In 1964 I was chosen to portray the Angel Moroni in the Hill Cumorah Pageant. Elder Chuck Jones portrayed Joseph Smith. We later met in Germany - 1969 US Army.

All I know was that was one powerful talk last Sunday. I was riveted by Elder Holland's words and cannot wait to get the conference issue of the Ensign.

Elder Hollands conference talk/testimony reminds me of Hugh B Brown's (I think that's correct) Profile of a Prophet - a very powerful testimony of the Book of Mormon and Joseph Smith.

My soul was stirred as I saw the book in Elder Holland's hand and as he bore such a passionate and powerful testimony of it and Joseph and Hyrum. I want those feelings to last as a reminder of it's truthfulness and testimony of our Savior, Jesus Christ.
I thank my Heavenly Father for inspiring Elder Holland in such a way as he did for his conference talk Sunday.
Amen to truth and the Book of Mormon and Joseph Smith the first prophet of God in this the Last Dispensation of the Fullness of Times.

I was surprised to learn there exist more than one of these old books with the corner turned down on the page of Ether. It isn't clear to me which one (if any) is the original that Hyrum read from... or maybe he read from several in a sequence, to further emphasize the testimony. Who knows? It's kind of like a Catholic artifact now... steeped in mystery. Anyway, it is likely that Holland didn't really hold up "the one" in his conference talk, just like that shard of wood in the Catholic shrine probably wasn't really part of Jesus' cross. Myth making in action.

We were also overcome with the beautiful and informative talk by Elder Holland. We had the priviledge of meeting him, his wife, and his mother a few months ago in southern Utah. He is a remarkable witness for our Lord, and we could feel the spirit in a very special way in being with him for our short visit.
Elder Clegg: my mother's maiden name is Clegg. I would like to contact you.

Key words: "It isn't clear to me..." and your strange speculations based on your lack of knowledge.
"maybe", "Who knows?"
It's clear to the historians who have it, and were quoted it in the article.
You are casting shadows not because you are shedding light, but because you stand in the way of the light.

Being a collector, I have always wondered about the book Hyrum used that day, wanted to see it, and was thrilled to see both it and the brief video showing it being opened to the turned-down page!

This chain of testimony is another example of the value of family history and the stories of ancestry. Ancestors are the People of History(TM) and by knowing and sharing their place in history, our faith and testimony are built and strengthened. Elder Holland's retelling for a new generation of Saints of this very special piece of Hyrum Smith's place in history has brought to light, once again, Hyrum's powerful witness of the Prophet Joseph Smith, the Book of Mormon and the Gospel.

We encourage all to learn about their ancestors lives and their contributions to history; share their stories today with your families and preserve them so future generations can benefit from the past. By knowing family history and our ancestors place in history, we bring history home and build and strengthen testimony. Thank you, Elder Holland.

The University of Utah Marriott Library has an original Book of Mormon (from the first printing, I believe) in its special collections. The name escapes me right now, but it was owned by a well-known LDS historian who made personal notes throughout the book. It's kept locked up pretty tight.

Actually, Mythbuster is correct.

The church has previously identified a different BOM as being the one Hyrum Used. In the LDS church news, an article by John L. Hart, dated May 5 2007, titled "Fabric of History: Geo. A and Bathsheba Smith Artifacts Donated to Church"

It is the first result in a google search for "fabric of history batsheba"

Elder Holland's talks are always powerful, BUT his talk in this conference was one of the most powerful talks I have EVER heard. There can be no doubt about his overwhelming testimony of the truthfulness of the Book of Mormon which will stand for all time.

I'm so grateful for General Conference. It is so important for us all the hear the words of prophets and apostles...their testimonies help all of us as we try to for forward in faith each day.

Have had the privilege of working in Elder Holland home a couple of times. He is perhaps, the most genuine person I have ever had the pleasure of talking with. He immediately made me feel like a good friend of his. His talks have always been a source of inspiration for me.

What an awesome opportunity to hold so much history in a single book. Thanks for sharing that moment Elder Holland, and for strengthening so many testimonies including mine.

Mythbuster:
Provenance is the key here. The second book had the corners folded in imitation by the owners. The article made it very clear that the book displayed in conference was the very book referred to.

As for your putative piece of wood, what is the provenance? That should be the basis of one's conclusion.

Thank you Elder Holland for your example and testimony of a special witness of Christ!

@ Mythbuster | 7:18 a.m. Oct. 8, 2009

Not sure why you would make such bold and unsubstantiated conjectcure.

It seems to me that you are trying to create myth by merely stating opinion wihout any real knowledge or facts to back it up.

Dartmouth College in Hanover, NH has an original 1830 Book of Mormon in its special collections. I was there not long ago and asked to see it. Not only did they let me see it, they let me handle it and read from it. The next time you're in NH, stop in and give it a look.

That talk was really remarkable and faith promoting! Elder Holland is a man of integrity and spoke from the heart. In my mind there is no question as to the Book of Mormon and this knowledge comes from my personal experiences with the book itself. Elder Holland's talk was yet another confirmation of my beliefs. It was one of many many witnesses that together build a mountain of faith. Thank you Elder Holland for your wonderful talk. Also, Elder Callister's talk on Joseph was very powerful as well.