LDS Church releases images of never before seen 'seer stone' & Book of Mormon manuscripts
SALT LAKE CITY (ABC 4 Utah) - The Church of Jesus of Christ of Latter-day Saints is releasing a new set of never before seen manuscripts of the Book of Mormon: it includes images of the "seer stone" which was used to translate the book. As of Tuesday you can view it for yourself.
For the first time, after nearly 200 years, people can view a very important piece of LDS Church history. This is what's called the "seer stone." Before Tuesday only a select group of people have ever seen it. Back in the 1820's, Church founder Joseph Smith likely used it to translate the Book of Mormon.
"This image allows us to connect in a way with something that's actually a physical object," said Richard E. Turley Jr., Assistant LDS Church Historian.
Tuesday during a press conference, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints released the 3rd volume of the Joseph Smith Papers. This set includes the seer stone and printer's manuscripts of the Book of Mormon entitled "Revelations and Translations."
"They're beautiful and we hope that both images and discussion of this sacred object will add to the understanding of the translation of the Book of Mormon," said Elder Steven E. Snow, Church Historian.
Right now the LDS Church is working to release every document produced by Joseph Smith or his scribes. Church historians said Tuesday's release is a major accomplishment between the LDS Church History Department and the Community of Christ formerly known as the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
"One of our core values is lifting up peace and reconciliation, it's hard to proclaim that as a core value if you haven't made peace with your cousins," said Lachlan MacKay, Historic Sites Coordinator, Community of Christ.
As of Tuesday you can celebrate with them, and in a way, see what Joseph Smith saw.
If you'd like to learn more information about the new Book of Mormon manuscripts, the LDS Church will make them available to view at the Church History Museum. It's currently being renovated and expected to be completed by October. The papers and images will be printed in the October issue of the Ensign and a brief video has been posted on one of the LDS websites,
CLICK THE LINK TO SEE THE SEER STONE
http://www.good4utah.com/story/d/story/lds-church-releases-images-of-never-before-seen-se/27403/rc9yOCSKm0aCSxGdg-nTGQ
