“These Stones, Fastened to a Breastplate” by Rian Nelson NEW Book! Art by Ann Marie Oborn

Description

Endorsements

“Foundational to the Restoration is the validity of the translation of the Book of Mormon. The primary editors, Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdrey, maintained that the process was accomplished using an instrument provided centuries in advance by the Lord for the very purpose of sacred inspired translation. Some detractors claimed that Joseph abandoned the
Lord’s instrument, the Urim and Thummim, for a more convenient stone in a hat. The Lord Himself in several revelations validated Joseph’s use of this instrument. Yet modern historians point to hostile witnesses to bolster their stone in the hat (SITH) narrative. Rian explores important new insights into this critical aspect of Church History. “
R o d M e l d r u m  T h e F I R M F o u n d a t i o n

“What I appreciate about Rian’s hypothesis and search for answers is that in doing so, he does not undermine, disregard, or ignore the clear testimonies of the Lord, the ancient prophets, the Prophet Joseph Smith, and Oliver Cowdery regarding the translation process! Joseph Smith was clear that he translated the Nephite characters from literal plates using a sacred instrument comprising of a breastplate and two clear stones used by ancient prophets for many centuries⁠—the Urim & Thummim. Embracing real history and real facts only serves to bolster one’s testimony and appreciation for the many sacrifices made to give us the Book of Mormon today! May this work strengthen your faith.”
L . H a n n a h S t o d d a r d , J o s e p h S m i t h F o u n d a t i o n

“Rian has done a great job answering a perplexing question in my mind about the translation process of the Book of Mormon. Joseph Smith was given a solemn charge to be very careful about how he shared the sacred articles entrusted to him, and Rian has provided an interesting “key” to how this happened!”
R u s s B a r l o w D i r e c t o r , T r u t h S e e k e r s F o u n d a t i o n

“Joseph Smith received the same Urim and Thummim had by the Brother of Jared for it was the one expressly provided for the translation of the Jaredite and Nephite records. (D&C 10: 1; 17:1; Ether 3:22- 28.) It was separate and distinct from the one had by Abraham and the one had by the priests in Israel. The Prophet also had a seer stone which was separate and distinct from the Urim and Thummim, and which (speaking loosely) has been called by some a Urim and Thummim.” Joseph Fielding Smith Mormon Doctrine page 576(Doctrines of Salvation, vol. 3, pp. 222-226.

In canonized scripture Joseph says, “Also, that there were two stones in silver bows—and these stones, fastened to a breastplate, constituted what is called the Urim and Thummim—deposited with the plates; and the possession and use of these stones were what constituted “seers” in ancient or former times; and that God had prepared them for the purpose of translating the book.” JSH 1:35 The breastplate and the spectacles attached to each other and made the Urim and Thummim, or Interpreters as the Nephites called them.

In this new book, “These Stones, Fastened by a Breastplate” you will see very scriptural evidence where Joseph Smith indeed used the spectacles fastened to a breastplate for the complete translation of the Book of Mormon. No where in scripture does it say that Joseph used a stone in a hat.

Joseph’s mother said, “That of which I spoke, which Joseph termed a key, was indeed nothing more nor less than a Urim and Thummim by which the angel manifested those things to him that were shown him in vision; by which also he could at any time ascertain the approach of danger, either to himself or the record, and for this cause he kept these things constantly about his person.” (History of Joseph Smith, Revised and Enhanced, p. 139, 145) How could Joseph keep his oath of non-concealment without a curtain. It seems wearing the breastplate under his shirt and blocking the vision of the scribe would be an excellent way of concealment. Lucy also said,” It is composed of pure gold and is made to fit the breast very exactly.” Lucy Mack Smith (in Henry Caswall, The City of the Mormons; or, Three Days at Nauvoo, in 1842, 2nd ed. revised and enlarged, (London: J. G. F. & J. Rivington, 1843), 26)

The hat was nothing more than a prop to block out Emma’s vision so Joseph could keep his promise to not show the breastplate (under his shirt), or the spectacles hidden from view and not in the hat; and the plates lay partially covered as Emma could not see them at all from her angle. Yes, the Prophet of the Lord kept his promise not to show anyone these articles the best way he knew how with his shirt, the hat, and the linen; these became special articles of the translation and a special part of the” gift and power of God”. How marvelous are these spectacles as I can see “everything” as Joseph said to Josiah Stowell as written by Lucy and written by her transcribers, Brother, and Sister Coray. I know the title of the art for me is, “Mother”, I have got the Key” and as Lucy continued to say, “Joseph seems to like the glasses far more than the plates.” Joseph said, Mother, I can see anything! This Key (Spectacles) unlocked the Heart (Breastplate) so Joseph by the “Gift and Power of God”, could translate this special book for the world to enjoy. How I love the Book of Mormon, another witness of Jesus Christ.