[Abraham O. Smoot:] There is a translation of the bible
sent here by Jos. Smith jun. the prophets son – which purports to be a
translation made by his father – he claims that the Mormons must pay him for
it. Joseph had been to work no this translation for some time but did not complete
it – at Joseph’s death these books fell into the hands of Emma – they have now
complete it and set it forth as Joseph’s Bro. Clayton was private secretary to
Joseph and he says that Joseph’s Translation was incomplete, some of the saints
have sent for this book, and others are about to send. I would council the
brethren do not send for this so that it will not get into the hands of our
family and children.
. . .
G. G. Bywater- when Alexander paid us a visit to this
Territory Dr. Bernhisel had an interview with him the subject of the
translation was brought up. Dr. Bernhisel told him that Joseph had told him
that the Book was not completed – Alex answered that Young Joseph was quite capable
of finishing it and would do so the world do[es] not want this book they are satisfied
with King James translation we do not want to create a [ ] to obtain this book. I am satisfied with
the present Bible – Prest. Young has said there is enough in the Bible to safe
us all.
J. F. Fleming Referred to the saying of Bro Hyde where-in
he says “Whatever is right if the Lord had wanted this new translation he could
have had it – King James Translation is good enough, it is a great club in the
hands of the elders bringing sinners to light – I feel to support the old bible
until we can get a better one.
Thos. Childs The books say the “letter killeth but the
spirit giveth life – any person who will send for this book and the Book of [Lucy’s
?] they are weak in the faith – referred to us as a people doing as we are told
by the proper authority – spoke in relation to sending or machinery &c. and
suggested the idea of the Bps of the County learning the kind of trade that the
men of each settlement are in the habit of working at and so that such
institutions or businesses could be started [
] place is in a position more [
] ourlseves.
A. Johnson – Felt we should go into measures to bring about
the selfsustaining Policy: referred to the Bible & said a very short time
before Joseph’s death he told me about the non [fulfillment] of the translation
at the time we started to cross the river and I unlocked my boat – and ferried him
across;
. . .
John B. Fairbanks – We are a bible of ourselves or ought
to be we can make a bible of our own when we want one referred to the first Rule
of our school in being on hand at the time of meeting and would suggest that
the door be closed at least 10 minutes after the time appointed. (Provo School
of the Prophets, July 6, 1868, 51-52, 53-54, 55, MSS 7979, Brigham Young University,
L. Tom Perry Special Collections)
[Brigham Young:] I asked Orson to look over the “New translation”
and found him speaking in the school – the Translation is incorrect-and it says
it shall not be published until completed – referred to the note or Orson – “When
I opposed you I Felt bitterness etc; and when I agreed with you I have felt
well and rejoiced” (Provo School of the Prophets, July 20, 1868, 63, MSS 7979,
Brigham Young University, L. Tom Perry Special Collections)
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