--- title: Improvement Era description: Monthly periodical of the Mormon church, 1897 onward. This library holds the issues of November 1897 to December 1930. authors: - Sjodahl, J. M. collections: - periodicals tags: - magazine - improvement-era periodical: Improvement Era volume: 16 number: 4 published: 1913-02 publisher: Young Men’s Mutual Improvement Associations publisher_place: Salt Lake City language: en type: magazine reference: 'Sjodahl, J. M., "The Book of Abraham," *Improvement Era* 16, no. 4 (February 1913): 326–341.' source: url: https://archive.org/details/improvementera1604unse transcription: Transcribed from the Internet Archive scan of each issue (the item for each issue is named in the issue's own source); unnumbered advertising leaves are omitted, printed page numbers are kept as page markers. identifier: improvementera1604unse start_page: 326 end_page: 341 rights: status: public-domain basis: US publication 1930 or earlier (published 1913-02) source: https://archive.org/details/improvementera1604unse publication_year: 1913 note: The Internet Archive item metadata carries a blanket "© Copyright by Intellectual Reserve, Inc." notice. The library owner judged it inapplicable because this issue was published in 1913, before 1931; a scan-level notice does not restore copyright. --- # The Book of Abraham of either the Book of Abraham or the "But the result has been to show in almost if not every part of scripture Book of Mormon, it is not necessary that what we have is not history prop- to his school of thought to take us to er; that the author's purpose was not task on these questions, since he must to write history, but to edify, to teach some religious truth which he regard- regard them as not at all vital to the ed as all-important As a result maintenance of the real truth of "Mor- — "JOSEPH SMITH, JR., AS A TRANSLATOR" 325 monism." Hence for him, upon re- against it; but it remains truth, just flection, his performance in the adroitly the same. And so in this case. prepared argument against Joseph I believe that in. the translations Smith as a translator, must ever be Joseph Smith has given to the world apropos to nothing. confessedly not by scholarship but by inspiration, by his own spirit being PLEA TN BAR. quickened by contact with God's spirit I trust that without laying myself — that in those translations are truths that are parts of a mighty system of open charge of egotism, I may to the truth, the like of which is not found claim that the modest task proposed at elsewhere among men. And that systhe outset of this writing has been tem of truth, now being worked out in achieved, namely, that a successful the experiences of both individual men plea has been made in bar of final and nations of men, will receive, ere conclusions upon the questions in- the end, a splendid vindication both as volved in Bishop Spalding's criticism a system and in all its parts. of Joseph Smith as a translator; that the case against the "Mormon" Prophet And here I might paraphrase a pasis not quite so formidable as it at first sage from George Rawlinson employed in his "Historical Evidences of the appeared to be; and that my readers will find sufficient reasons herein .'set Truth of the Scripture Records: If forth to cause them to suspend judg- any new form of evidence shall herement until some more worthy consid- after be needed to meet new forms of attack, and authenticate afresh the eration may be given to the bishop's — brochure until those more compe- word of truth, they will be found de- posited somewhere, waiting for the fultent, both in scholarship, and in analytical power, and skill in such ness of- time; and God will bring them learned controversy, may find oppor- forth in their season, from the dark tunity to give the subject the atten- hieroglyphics, or the desert sands, or tion it deserves. the dusty manuscripts, to confound the Meantime, I would suggest to my adversaries of his word, and to magown people that they should remem- nify his name. ber that there is a wide difference be- Secure in such a conviction, here let tween the thing that one may not be us stay ourselves, nothing daunted; able to explain and the thing which and let the world's investigation of overthrows his theory altogether. our truth be welcomed, confident, with the apostle of the Gentiles, that noth- One may not always account fully for his truth, nor beat down successfully ing can be done against the truth, but all objections that may be urged for the truth. — 326 IMPROVEMENT ERA The Book of Abraham. BY J. M. SJODAHL, EDITOR OF THE DESERET NEWS [On December 17, the following article appeared as an editorial in the Deseret News. The Era has permission from the author, Elder J. M. Sjodahl, to reproduce it in this series. The Editors.] We are indebted to the Right Rev. ham. His effort to break down faith in Bishop F. Spalding for a copy of S. the Book of Mormon by directing his pamphlet on "Joseph Smith, Jr., as against it the heavy batteries of Egypta Translator." ian scholarship, is, therefore, not sur- In this pamphlet the author quotes prising. But it will prove in vain. eminent scholars in proof of the as- UNFAIR REASONING. sertion that the Prophet's translation of certain Egyptian documents accom- Before taking up the "scholarship" panying the "Book of Abraham" is argument, we may state that the reawrong. And he argues that if the soning of the Bishop concerning the Prophet failed in one Instance, he failed translation of the Book of Mormon and in another, and his translation of the the Book of Abraham is hardly fair. Book of Mormon must also be rejected. The Book of Mormon was translated by The scholars quoted are: Dr. A. H. inspiration, by means of "Urim and Sayce, Oxford, England; Dr. W. H. Thummim, the same instrument which Flinders Petrie, London University; Dr. enabled ancient men of God to render James H. Breasted, Haskell Oriental an infallible judgment and give to the Museum, Chicago; Dr. Arthur C. Mace, people the mind and will of God. The assistant Curator, Metropolitan Mu- Prophet Joseph, at the time he was seum of Art, New York; Dr. John Pet- called to render those ancient records ers, University of Pennsylvania; Prof. into English, was an unlearned youth C. A. B. Mercer, Western Theological and the book itself was written in a Seminary; Dr. Edward Meyer, Uni- language beyond the reach of the versity of Berlin, and Dr. Friedri^h scholarship of our day. Its contents Freiherr von Bissing, University of had to be revealed by the operation Munich. of the Holy Spirit upon the mind of This is, of course, a formidable array the Prophet, or remain unknown. It of scholarship, but not half as formid- was different with the Book of Abraable as that which could be quoted ham. That record came into his hands against the genuineness and authentic- by purchase, as any other ancient docity of the Pentatuech, for instnace. ument might have been procured. When Bishop Spalding is well aware of it first attracted his attention he knew the truth of this proposition. In very little about its importance, but fact, the Rev. gentleman is, we with the aid of W. W. Phelps and Olibelieve, somewhat infatuated with very Cowdery he began to decipher the scholarship which has pro- some of the hieroglyphics, and as this duced a criticism known, since the work proceeded, he found to his joy days of Eichhorn, as "higher," though that he had before him a literary pro- "negative" would describe its character duction traceable to Abraham. Then he more accurately. If he would state, took up the study of the letters and the freely and frankly, his views on cer- grammar of the Egyptian language. In tain portions of the Bible, they would this research he found himself, virtube found not to differ essentially from ally, on pioneer ground, but, like Chamthose expressed on the correctness of pollion, he had an almost intuitive lin- the translation of the Book of Abra- guistic sense The work, however, pro- "JOSEPH SMITH, JR., AS A TRANSLATOR" 327 Ifeedea slowly. It was begun in 1835. the Rev. gentleman knows better. Not till seven years later, in 1842, could He knows that scholars sometimes are he begin the publication. (See "History wrong, and that they are compelled by of the Church" by Brigham H.Roberts, facts to abandon old theories for new page 519, Vol. 4.) And it was never ones. In the case of a difference of completed. opinion, how does he know which side Here, then, is a difference between is certainly right? How does he know the two translations. The meaning of that the Prophet is not right, and that the characters on the Book of Mormon those on the other side are not wrong? plates was given to him miraculously, Mathematics is an exact science, and by the direct operation of the Spirit its propositions may be demonstrated, of God upon his mind made receptive but not so archeology. through prayer, visions, and meditation. The correct understanding of the Book SCHOLARS SOMETIMES ARE of Abraham was fiven, also by the WRONG power of the Spirit of God but through Need we the illustrate fact that the usual channels of research and as scholars sometimes are wrong? a reward for faithful Investigation and It is still within the memory of man labor. That the Prophet prayed earnest- that Heinrich Schliemann was branded, ly for light and knowledge during the by some pretty good scholars, as a time he was occupied upon the trans- dreamer, if not an impostor, when he lation,we need not say; for, like all first announced his startling discoverthe mighty men of God, he was a man ies. And yet, today, it is generally acof prayer and supplication; that the knowledged thai, as a result of his Lord answered his prayer, there can be archeological researches, new light has no doubt. Both translations are, there- been thrown on the ancient Greek civilfore, given by. inspiration, but they ization. came through different channels. That August le Plongeon. who devoted is the reason why the Bishop's argu- years to researches in Yucatan, was in ment is not fair.If a mistake should his day regarded as little better than a be proved in the translation of the charlatan, and some of his labors were Egyptian documents, that would not necessarily expended on a defense of in any way the translation of affect his claim to a hearing in the scientific the Book of For such a Mormon. world. Either he was wrong, or his mistake might be due to the channel critics were wrong. In either case the through which the inspiration flowed, fact remains that, scholars sometimes without lessening the value of the Book are wrong. itself. There can be no such mistake But hear Dr. M. G. Kyle, an eminent in the Book of Mormon which came Egyptologist: without the aid of scientific channels. "In 1904 one of the foremost archeolo- THE SCHOLARSHIP ARGUMENT. gists of Europe said to me: 'I do not Bishop Spalding's chief argument is believe there ever were such people as the Hittites and I do not believe this: Because there is a difference of 'Kheta' in the Egyptian inscriptions opinion between certain eminent schol- was meant for the name 'Hittites.' ars and the Prophet Joseph concerning We will allow that archeologist to be the meaning of the hieroglyphics the nameless now, but the ruins of Troy vindicated the right of her people to a Prophet translated, therefore he is wrong place in real history and the ruins of and the scholars are right. This is the Boghatz-koi bid fair to afford a more most extraordinary attempt at logic striking vindication of the Bible repre- sentation of the Hittites." ever put forth by a scholar. The conclusion rests upon the monstrous as- We appreciate the courtesy of Dr. sumption that there is an infallible, un- Kyle in not mentioning the name of the changeable scholarship, incapable of prominent European archeologist who receiving more light, and to contradict manifested his ignorance by his skepwhich is heresy. We know better, and ticism. For ought we know, it might 328 .IMPROVEMENT ERA have been one of the European scien- as held by nearly all Semitic scholars." tists quoted by Bishop Spalding. But Here is a possible change announced in whoever he was, he was as mistaken the conceptions of scholarship, which as he was positive. For, through the promises a complete scientific revolu- researches of Winckler, and others, an tion. entire Hittite empire has been recov- There is no infallibility in scholarship. ered from the debris of the past. It was To assume that the Prophet was wrong simply because scholars say so is to an empire in Asia Minor, extending in bea; the question. every direction, and it was important enough to enter into treaties with DISCREPANCIES IN THE TESTI- Babylonia on one side and Egypt on MONY OF SCHOLARS. the other. The Hittites occupy a prominent part We have no prejudice against schol- arship. Scholars are witnesses, and in the Bible. In Joshua the country their testimony on any question is of as between Lebanon and the Euphrates is much value as "expert" testimony alcalled the Land of the Hittites. Solo- ways is, provided it is unprejudiced mon imported horses from the king of and based on facts. But as to that the Hittites, and the Syrians, when the jury, in this case the public, must making war upon Israel on one oc- be the judge. Scholarship certainly has casion, feared that they would have And yet an a right to a respectful hearing but it to fight the Hittites, too. happens that the authorities quoted eminent scholar, a very few years ago by Bishop Spalding disagree on some denied that they ever existed. Bible essential points, in their translations. students were necessarily forced to take In fact, they contradict each other, and issue with such scholars on this ques- their testimony is, consequently, of less tion, without having the proofs at their value than it would have been othercommand, until further light came. It wise. has now been proved that Thotmes III., Dr. Sayce maintains that the hieroof Egypt, marched to the banks of the glyphs are so ignorantly copied that Euphrates and received tribute from hardly one of them is correct, but in the "greater Hittites" to the amount the pictographs in the third illustration of 3,200 pounds of silver. It is known he recognizes a representation of the also that Rameses the Great was un- Goddess Maat leading "the pharaoh" successful in his attempt to capture the before Osiris, behind whom stands the Hittite stronghold Kadesh, and that he came near perishing. Four years later Goddess Isis. Dr. Petrie almost agrees with Dr. a Hittite princess became the wife of Rameses. Scholarship had a great Sayce. He also regards the third il- lustration as a representation of a deal to learn on the Hittites, and who, shall say that it has nothing to learn judgment scene. Figure 1, he says, Is Osiris in the usual form; figure 2 is Isis on the subject treated on in the Book of Abraham? behind him; figure 3 is the stand of offerings with lotus flowers; figure 4 Another illustration: Until this time is the Goddess Nebhat, or Maat; he is scholarship has confidently maintained not sure which; figure 5 is the dead that the religion of Palestine came person, and figure 6 is the God Anubis, from Babylonia. Another view has re- the conductor of the souls of the dead. cently been announced by Albert T. Where Dr. Sayce sees the Goddess Clay, an authority on cuneiform in- Maat (Ma't?) Dr. Petrie is not certain scriptions. He says "that the Semitic- of the name, because of the bad draw- Babylonian religion is an importation ing, and where Dr. Sayce recognizes the from Syria and Palestine (Amurru), spirit of "the pharaoh," Dr. Petrie sees that the creation, deluge, ante-diluvian only a dead person— any dead person. patriarchs, etc., of Babylonia, came Attention is called to this by the very from Amurru, instead of the Hebraic wording of Dr. Sayce's translation, for stories having come from Babylonia, he employs the definite article, indi- • "JOSEPH SMITH, JR.. AS A TRANSLATOR' 329 eating that a well known pharaoh 1 — Dr. Breasted calls Isis, as the soul of — "the pharaoh" is here portrayed. But the departed Egyptian (Kos). Three which of them? different theories on one figure! In fig- Dr. Breasted agrees with Dr. Sayce ure 9, which Dr. Breasted ignores, ho and Dr. Petrie that the figure on the sees a crocodile ready to devour the throne represents Osiris. But who is dead if he is not properly embalmed, the figure behind him? Probably Isis, which naturally suggests the question he says. He is not as positive as the whether the Egyptians believed that two other authorities. Figure 5, he crocodiles fed on the souls of the dead. says, is "a man" (not the pharaoh) We cannot within the necessarily rebeing led before Osiris. The figure stricted limits of this article pay attenwhich Dr. Sayce calls Maat. and Dr. tion to every detail of the learned tes- Petrie either Nebhat or Maat, Dr. timony submitted, but it would not be Breasted calls the Goddess Truth, proper to slight the opinion of Dr. (Ma't), but the figure which Dr. Petrie Frederick Freiherr von Bissing, that is sure is Anubis, Dr. Breasted leaves the figure which Dr. Petrie calls Anubis without a name. It is but fair to is merely the "shadow" of the dead state that the diccrepancies in the ex- man. Will not Dr. Friedrich Freiherr planations of this illustration are not von Bissing kindly explain how the material. shadow comes to wear a white apron? On the first illustration, however, On the second illustration there is the divergence is serious. Dr. practical unanimity. All the scholars fayce wisely ignores this illustration quoted say it is a disc with magic inentirely, b"t Dr. Petrie offers the fol- scriptions intended as a protection for lowing explanations: Figure 1 is the the dead on the other side. But none hawk of Horus; figure 2 is a dead of them offers an interpretation of the person; figure 3 is Anubis; figure 4 is inscription. This is all the more rethe usual funeral couch; figures 5, 6, 7, markable because they all agree that and 8 are the regular jars for embalm- the object is very familiar to Egyptian ing parts of the body; figure 10 are the scholars. funeral offerings. His view is that A QUESTION OF WORDS. the picture represents an embalming scene, but he ignores figures 9, 11, and Dr. Sayce ventures the assertion that 12, entirely. Do they not fit into the em- the word "kolob," used by the Prophet balming theory? Joseph, is not Egyptian. How does Dr. Breasted differs with Dr. Petrie. he know? Does he know every word in He considers that the reclining figure the entire Egyptian literature? It in represents Osiris rising from the dead, certainly a Semitic word. By referring although there is no resemblance be- to an Arabic dictionary we find that tween the Osiris of this illustration and it is still used in the Arabian language that of the third. The figure which Dr. As a verb it means "to turn," and. a Petrie tells us represents the hawk of derivative might very properly be used Horus, Dr. Breasted says is the God- as a noun to denote the center around — dess Isis quite a different Isis from whish something turns, as it is used that in the third illustration. And the in the illustration in the Book of Abrafigure which Dr. Petrie feels sure is ham. The Arabian verb "qalaba" has. Anubis, Dr. Breasted says is an of- many derivatives. We find it in the ficiating priest. Both these interpreta- term "inqilab ashshams" which means tions cannot be correct. Either Dr. "solstice," and in "qalb ulaqrab," which is the name for the star Alpha in Petrie or Dr. Breasted, is wrong. the constellation Scorpio. This is proof Dr. John Peters also offers a sugges- tion, or two, on the proper interpre- enough that the word is used in the tation of the first illustration. Semitic group of languages as an He regards the figure which Dr. astronomical term, whether it is Egyp- Petrie says is the hawk of Horus, and tian or not, and it is not improbable 330 IMPROVEMENT ERA that Abraham, a Semite, should so rael," takes this view and writes it use it. "Jehoah," a form not essentially dif- Dr. Mercer remarks that the proph- ferent from that of the Prophet. (Comet'stransliteration the of Hebrew pare "Jeh-o-ah," and "Jah-ch-eh.") word for "expanse" "far from cor- is Modern scholarship generally, as Dr. rect," but as he neglects to give us Mercer, of course, knows, does not, the transliteration which he- considers however, write the word Jehovah," ' correct, we cannot judge >f the excel- but "Yahweh," and, in view of all lency of his spelling'. We note, how- the facts, it seems to us that ever, that the art of writing Hebrew the criticism of the learned doctor is, words in English has not yet received both small-souled and careless. fixed rules. It is like phonetic spelling. Each writer has his own con- THE EXPLANATIONS GIVEN BY ception of it. A common translitera- THE PROPHET. tion of the word referred to is "raw- When scholars tell us that the illuskee'ah," but whether that is so much trations under consideration are scenes better than "raukeeang" we leave to from the Book of the Dead, representany Hebrew scholar to say. ing a judgment scene before the throne In this connection it may bt of inter- of Osiris, or that they contain instrucest to Dr. Mercer to have his attention tions to the dead relative to another called to the fact that most of the life, they believe that they have comnames we have from the Hebrew are pletely proved that the Prophet's exvery imperfect representations of the planations are false. But that does Hebrew letters. In the Hebrew there not follow. are no such names as "Moses," "Eve," There is practical unanimity that the "Solomon," "Samson," Jephthah," third represents a judg- illustration 'Saul," etc. The corresponding He- ment scene before Osiris, although brew names are, "Mosheh," "Chavah," the testimony, as we have seen, differs "Shelomeh," "Shimeshon," "Iepath- in some details. But this does not ach," and "Shaaul," as near as we contradict the explanation offered by can write these names in English. the Prophet Joseph. The Egyptians There are innumerable illustrations of had many festivals and their religion this discrepancy between the Hebrew was rich in mythology. It was cusand the accepted names. We have tomary to give dramatic representathem from the Greek, mostly, and they tions of their legends, in which the have suffered in the double translit- priests played the part of the gods. eration. With this fact in mind we can easily Dr. Mercer also suggests that "Jah- understand that a judgment scene may oh-eh" is a faulty transliteration of here be represented with Abraham, the Hebrew "Jehovah." Here again Pharaoh, and the prince as the main we must confess disappointment at the actors, and two servants taking inneglect of the learned doctor to tell ferior parts. In such a representathe world how that Hebrew word ought tion Abraham would naturally take to be transliterated in oraer to give occasion to tell the audience something the correct pronunciation. If he knows, about the structure of the universe. he knows more than a.ny other living The Prophet, in fact, intimates that scholar, Jew or Gentile, "Mormon" or this is a judgment scene, for he says non-"Mormon," and he should not keep that figure 1 is Abraham sitting upon the secret to himself. Anr] since he Pharaoh's throne, with a crown upon questions the statement that the word his head, representing the Priesthood is Egyptian, he should enlighten the as emblematical of the presidency in world on the origin and meaning of it. heaven; with the sceptre of justice and But some scholars are of the opinion judgment in his hand. He could state that the word is akin to the Egyptian no more clearly that the illustration "A-Au," which they translate, "me- is a judgment scene before the divine am." Willis Brewer, in "Egypt and Is- throne. That Pharaoh stands behind — "JOSEPH SMITH, JR., AS A TRANSLATOR" 331 the throne may be explained on the very figures themselves. The figure on the ground the Prophet gives — "courtesy" altar cannot represent a corpse, for his for Pharaoh, being himself a priest as attitude is that of a living being. He well as king, in this way may have cannot represent the God Osiris, for recognized the higher priesthood held there are none of the usual marks by by Abraham. His part in the tableau which this- divinity is recognized in was that of an attendant en the di- the Egyptian pictures. The picture can vine throne. The entire cast, as ex- represent an attempt to sacrifice Abraplained by the Prophet, it, natural. ham in the land of Ur, and the appear- There is the prince representing the ance of the angel of the Lord, in anexalted personage who leadr the man swer to prayer, to prevent the inhuman to the throne; a servant represent- rite.The scholars have failed to offer ing the man to be judged, and a black any better explanation. slave representing the dark god of the underworld, Anubis. It is THE BOOK OF THE DEAD. strange that the scholars who exam- But can Abraham have had anything ined this illustration did not discover to do with Egyptian documents found how closely they follow, in their inter- in a tomb? The scholars tell us that pretation, the explanation offered by the illustrations are part of the Book the Prophet Joseph. of the Dead, and that, they seem to On the second illustration there is think, excludes Abraham from further also practical unanimity regard to in consideration. its character. It is explained to be a What is then the Book of the Dead? magical disc, a kind of talisman, de- It is a collection of manusscripts signed to protect the dead on the other found with mumies. Some of side. But the doctors do not give any them are very ancient. They are interpretation cf it. The Prophet ex- thought to contain writings of plains a small part of it, as represent- a magical character, though hymns ing the structure of the universe, anl are also found in the text. A containing certain "key-words" of the collection of 165 sections, or chapters, holy Priesthood. The rest he leaves were made at one time. All the manuunexplained. Is it wholly improbable scripts discovered are said to be very that writings intended for the instruc- corrupt, and most of them can only be tion of those who have passed ov r translated by tracing them further to the other side should contain repre- back. In this respect the manuscripts sentations of the universe over whicb that fell into the hands of the Prophet He reigns before whom they were to are not different from others. Accordappear, or that it should have on it ing to this Book the dead are taken symbolic representations of principles before the judgment seat of Osiris and pertaining to the holy Priebthood? On 42 judges. Their hearts are weighed by the contrary, that is just what we Anubis and Thout, and according to would expect such a document to con- this test their fate is decided. tain. Here again scholarship has, Very little is known about this Book though blindfolded and fumbling, add- of the Dead, and nothing whatever or ed confirmation to the work of the its origin. It was the literary growth Prophet Joseph. of centuries, like our Bible, and un- On the first illustration the schol- doubtedly many authors contributed to ars, as we have seen, disagree. Some it. It may have begun in oral tradiconsider it an embalming scene. Others tion. Choice sentences were at first tell us that it is a resurrection scene. written down on temple walls, and We need not waste time over the dif- other suitable places. Later they were ferent explanations, but leave the argu- copied on papyrus and other material. ment to the scholars themselves. But There is, therefore, nothing unreasonthis isa fact, that of the explanations able in the supposition that Abraham given, that of the Prophet Joseph is may have contributed to it, and that uie one which best agrees, with the some part of his literary composition 3?> IMPROVEMENT ERA should finally find its way to this coun- myth and the Egyptian doctrine try, and to Nauvoo. This, we say, is of immortality would be established. On not unreasonable, and it cannot be suc- this point we quote from "Egypt and cessfully denied. Israel," by Mr. Willis Brewer: OSIRIS LEGEND. "But view might suggest that this I-Sera-El was Asare-El or 'Osiris' The Osiris legend may be briefly told himself; and the statement that the bones of Joseph were brought out of here. According to the Egyptians, Osiris Egypt by Bene Ishera-El [the sons of was the son of the Earth and the Sky, Israel]and buried at Shechem tends to and married to his sister Isis. He support the Osiris opinion, for Joseph came to Egypt, where he found an un- ismade son of I-Sera-El. Besides,. . . Sar means 'prince' both in Egyptian civilized people whom he raised from and Hebrew, and Osiris had the name barbarism to a state of civilization, by Sar, while the God Raa declares himteaching them to till the ground and to self Sar-son-of-a-Sar. And the tablets worship God. He traveled far and found lately at Tel Amarneh, between Memphis and Thebes, prove that the wide. Finally he was slain by treach- Egyptians were in possession of Palesery. His body was thrown into the tine at the time, or shortly after, the river Nile and carried out to sea. Isis, Bene I-Sera-El are supposed to have gone there from Mi-Zera-im (Egypt), after a long search found it and would find of course diffused both their have it interred. But while she was language and religion." visiting her son Horus, the wicked Set, The author quoted has some rather who had caused the murder, tore it to fantastic notions and theories, but on pieces and scattered it all over the Earth. Isis now went in search of the etaymoligy he seems to be perfectly sound, and the opinion he advances on scattered pieces and wherever she the identity of the names Israel and found a fragment she buried it, and the Osiris deserves attention. spot became sacred ground. Osiris lived in the world beyond, and became the WHENCE THIS KNOWLEDGE?. ruler of the dead. The Osiris legend The Book of Abraham must not be became the basis of the Egyptian doc- judged, however, from the illustratrine of immortality. tions under consideration alone, but Le Plongeon sees in this myth an from its marvelous contents. Dr. John Egyptian version of the Bible story of A. Widtsoe, in his excellent little book, the murder of Abel by his brother Cain. "Joseph Smith as Scientist," points If there is any truth in this conject- cut that the Prophet clearly underure, it would not be a far-fetched con- stood that the stars form groups, or clusion that the Egyptians, probably clusters, which revolve round some had heard the story from Abraham one point or powerful star, and that himself. in this he anticipated the scientific But we would not be surprised to world many years. He found this learn some day, on indisputable sci- great truth in the Book of Abraham. entific evidence, that the historical Can a book which reveals such a truth basis of the legend is the narrow es- in advance of science be a fraud? cape of Abraham from the idolatrous Another point. In the Book of Ur, and his appearance in priests in Abraham the relations between Chal- Egypt as a standard bearer of civil- dea and Egypt are so intimate that izationand religion. Abraham, like Dr. John Peters says the interpreta- came from a far-off land, be- Osiris, tion of the plates "displays an amusyond the point where the Earth and ing ignorance. Chaldeans and Egyp- Sky meet, and he, too, was married tians are hopelessly mixed together, to his sister (half sister). If it should be although as dissimilar and remote in to Jacob and to one branch of language, religion and locality as are the decendants of Abraham, s iden- i today the American and Chinese." tical with "Osiris," the close con- Before the discovery of the Tel elnection of Abraham with the Osiris Amarna tablets this remark might — "JOSEPH SMITH, JR., AS A TRANSLATOR" 333 have been excusable, but now it is as- Babylonia and Egypt, but it is historitounding. At Tel-el-Amarna a num- cal. ber of letters were found, many of The fact is that even scientists did them dating back 1300 years before hardly realize ihe close relations beour era. And this correspondence tween the great empires of the ancient was carried not in the Egyptian on, world, until these old documents were hieroglyphics, but in the Babylonian recovered. But the Book of Abraham cuneiform letters. It would be inter- indicates these relations. But that is, esting to have the learned doctor's we are told, "amusing." The Tel elopinion as to whether the Chinese had Amarna letters are still more "amuslearned American, or the American ing," but we cannot reject them on Chinese. that account. At all events, some of these letters Bishop Spalding's effort is not new passed between the courts of Egypt to Latter-day Saints who have foland Babylonia. They show that the lowed the history of the Church. His Egyptian king, Aken-Aten, had mar- argument is one that has been heard ried a sister of the Babylonian king, before, without disturbing in the least and that his mother and grandmother the faith that rests on solid foundawere of the Babylonian royal house. tions. It has been fa.'rly and squarely They also show that a daughter of the met in the past, and will be answered Egyptian king had been sent to Baby- again, whenever occasion requires, lonia to become the wife of the king with increasing clearness as the rethere. They show that the Egyptian searches continue to reveal further king asked for a daughter of the data. Babylonian monarch, for wife, in ad- The Latter-day Saints court inquiry, dition to the sister, and that his Baby- such as this. They want to know the lonian majesty diplomatically refused truth, and only the truth. There is no on the ground that he did not know important issue they are not glad to how his sister liked Egypt, or what face, whether presented by friend or treatment she had received, where- foe. Their religion has stood every test upon the Egyptian king asked him to to which it has been submitted, and it send a trusted representative to in- will remain unshaken for ever, because vestigate and report. All this looks it is founded upon the Rock, and i*s like a "hopeless mixture" between origin is the Source of all Truth. The Spalding Argument 15Y DR. FREDERICK J. PACK, DESERET PROFESSOR OF GEOLOGY, UNIVERSITY OF UTAH [This article appeared in the Dcseret News, Dec. 21, 1912, and is reproduced in the Era by permission of the author. The Editors.] An article bearing the title "Joseph what of a surprise to the "Mormon" Smith, Jr., as a Translator," written by people. The Latter-day Saints are ac- Dr. P. S. Spalding, bishop in Utah of customed to criticism of a malicious the Episcopal church, has recently re- and rancorous sort. Fairness and ceived a limited circulation among the breadth have rarely characterized the Latter-day Saints. The manifest fair- investigations of the past. And conseness of the inquiry and the apparently quently the apparent fairness shown by well founded conclusions came as some- Dr. Spalding made far into the ranks 334 IMPROVEMENT ERA of theLatter-day Saints a well pre- lation, than the Bible. In this, he parer! path along which the conclusions says, they are not illogical. He has atof his article might readily follow. And, tempted to make it "clear to the reader so, for a moment, blinded as we were that the correctness of the translation by the nature of his argument, some of the Book of Mormon is a most immay have thought, that the claims of portant question." He then affirms the Latter-day Saints, had been seri- that "If the Book of Mormon was not ously shocked. A little distance, how- a correct translation, and yet Joseph ever, lends perspective to the whole Smith thought that it came to him by matter. But before an examination inspiration and revelation from God, all thoughtful men cannot be a.sked to of the value of the article is made we shall endeavor to give a synopsis of his accept other revelations which Joseph argument. Smith, Jr., asserted were also given to In the opening paragrapn of the arti- him by Deity." (The logic of this concle the writer states that "If the Book clusion will receive attention later.) of Mormon is true, it is, next to the He again asks this question, "Is the Bible, the most important book in the translation of the Book of Mormon corworld." He then goes on to state that rect?" He makes the statement that the world's knowledge would be greatly "Joseph Smith's competency as a enriched if the claims of the Book translator of ancient languages can be ascertained in but one way. The origof Mormon can be proved. (The present inal texts, together with their interwriter, however, does not share the pretations, must be submitted to comopinion of Dr. Spalding that scientific petent scholars." (There is room for theories would need serious readjust- He gives difference of opinion here. Let our ment because of it.) friend tell us whether he considers credit for fairness on the part of the that even the most intelligent human Latter-day Saints and mentions the names of a few individuals whom he beings are always competent to sit in judgment upon God's work. There are regards as especially frank and intelli- em- individuals who feel that the analysis gent. He deprecates the methods of Deity's plans cannot always be made ployed by the anti-"Mormon" investiga- from "Mor- by the use of acid, fire and the microtor. He quotes extensively scope. My friend Spalding, your logic mon" publications, evidently for the may lead you into difficulties.) purpose of instructing his readers in the nature of certain church records He speaks of the unavailability of the and the esteem in which they are held originalBook of Mormon records, and concludes by stating, "Our purpose will by the Later-day Saints. He then turns to what appears to be served equally well if the other the objective point of his argument, translations of the Prophet referred to be "Was the translation of the Book of can be examined, and fortunately one Mormon correct?" He presents the of these translations, together with the testimony of Professor Anthon of New original manuscript, is available." He York as received from Martin Harris presents evidence relating to the nature Great and origin of the Book of Abraham, and published in the Pearl of Price. He gives the testimony of the and for this purpose quotes extensively Three Witnesses and also of the Eight from the Church records. He then con- He gives Joseph Smith cludes by stating, "It is now clear that Witnesses. presenting in the translation of the, Egyptian credit for being logical in in- hieroglyphics, known as the Book of the testimony of these witnesses stead of carrying the original records Abraham, we have just the test we to learned men because of their inabil- need of Joseph Smith's accuracy as a ity at that time to decipher the Egyp- translator. The original text and the tian hieroglyphics. He quotes from Prophet's translation are available for of Faith in which it is im- our investigation." the Articles Saints place Dr. Spalding here very astutely explied that the Latter-day pands his argument to include the the Book of Mormon upon a high- plane, from the standpoint of trans- whole Book of Abraham. His st-iteer "JOSEPH SMITH, JR., AS A TRANSLATOR" 335 merit that "The original text with the lief" must be repudiated. To Dr. Prophet's translation are now available Spalding the testimony of the scienfor our investigation," is a very mis- tists is complete, and in consequence leading one. In the first place, we do "Mormonism" must fall. not have the original text, at most Now, I am quite sure that Dr. Spaldonly three small fragments of it, ing will concede to the Latter-day in fact only the fac-similes of these Saints a time for inquiry equal to that fragments. In the second place these consumed by his investigation. Fairfragments cannot be considered as ness would demand this. He has forming part of the text of the Book evidently written for opinions to a of Abraham. large number of scholar?, and as a He finally concludes that "If, in the result has published eight statements, judgment of competent scholars, this some of which disagree with respect translation is correct, then the proba- to details. Without intentionally bilities are all in favor of the Book of questioning the gentleman's integrity, Mormon. If, however, the trans- it might be asked as to whether any lation of the Book of Abrahom disharmonious statements may have isincorrect, then no thoughtful man been received and not published. The can be asked to accept the Book of Latter-day Saints have been forced to Mormon, but, on the other hand, hon- be skeptical because of the unfair esty will require him, with whatever methods employed in most of the sopersonal regret, to repudiate it called investigations of the. past. But and the whole body of belief, which at any rate the Latter-day Saints has been built upon it and upon the themselves would like the privilege of reputation its publication gave to its obtaining the opinions of eminent author." scholars. But before conceding that He next present? from the Book cf the characters are not coirectly trans- .Abraham the fac-similes and their- lated they should like to see the Egyptranslation. Appended Ic the article tologists much more united than they are the statements of eight eminent are at present. Egyptologists. These authorities are They insist that it be constantly almost a unit in declaring that the kept in mind that the conditions athieroglyphics reproduced in the Book tending the translation of the Book of Abraham were not correctly trans- rf Abraham were far different from lated by Joseph Smith, and that the those attending the translation of the fac-similes themselves are very poor Book of Mormon. Joseph Smith had copies of the original records. They these Egyptian records in his possesdisagree somewhat in their descrip- s"nn for many years, and throughout tions of details, but in the main their t^at period he undoubtedly spent much testimonies at first appear to present time in STUDYING them. Following a rather formidable argument. work out an Egyptian alpha- efforts to The. reverend gentleman's argument, het, he announced to his associates in a word, is this: "Was the transla- that he had been able to decipher tion of the Book of Mormon correct? prrne of the characters. It is evident This can be answered only by submit- that the translation came to him very ting the original records to scientific largely as the result of persistent men. Ir this case the records are study, conditions far different from not available. Joseph Smith claimed those attending the translation of the to have translated the Book of Abra- Book of Mormon. It is very imporham. Three fac-similes of this record tant that we ascertain the extent are available. If scientists declare to which Joseph Smith himself claimthat Joseph Smith incorrectly trans- ed divine inspiration in the translation lated these characters, no; only the of the Book of Abraham. Book of Abraham, but also the Book In a word, the Latter-day Saints of Mormon and the "whole body of be- insist that a thorough and compre- — 336 IMPROVEMENT ERA hensive investigation of the claims of of the various students is based. The "Mormonism" be conducted, in which results are interesting. Three out of a every possible obstacle will be re- class of twenty-four have failed, and moved. It is not the purpose of this of the remainder four are graded "a", paper, however, to undertake this in- ten are graded "b," four are graded quiry or to analyze the testimonies "c," and three are graded "d," Not — of the eminent scholars that would a single student, in the judgment of require much time and study. The the examiner, gave complete answers article will be examined from quite to all of the questions. Even those another point of view. who were positive in the belief that In order to clear the field of any pos- they had met all of the requirements sible objections, thereader is asked to were found to have failed, in some imagine that a most comprehensive things. Some students were deficient and exhaustive inpuiry has already been in one thing and some in another completed. Suppose that not only no two were alike. Some did well in eight but that scores of scholars the early part of the test and weakenwere united a word in discredit- to ed later, while others began poorly ing the claims of Joseph Smith as a and braced later, and still others were translator of these Egyptian charac- more or less flighty and erratic ters. Suppose that the scholars had throughout. become fully acquainted with the An examiner, in order to be just, Egyptian language and could read the must read each question and give due hieroglyphics with ease. Suppose that credit for every detail. His opinion as they had even found the identical to the student's grade must not be manuscript employed by Joseph Smith. formed until the ten answers have Suppose that it had been established been examined and the summaries to the entire satisfaction of all parties made. If the first answer be found concerned that the characters were perfect the examiner is not by this incorrectly translated. What then? justified in so marking the remaining The analysis of Dr. Spalding's arti- nine, and if the first answer be found cle was at this point interrupted by wrong the examiner proves himself other demands upon the present unworthy of his position, if, at this writer's time. Criticism of a large stage, he pronounces the verdict of packet of examination papers has just failure. been completed. In order that no in- And so if our examiner be fair and justice be done, each answer has been unbiased he will read carefully every carefully read and re-read, and as a paragraph, every sentence and every result, in the judgment of the examin- line, and his conclusion will be based er, proper credit has been allowed. The upon the evidence submitted. This test, of which these papers are the custom follows the individual from the result, consisted of ten questions, each school room into the field of life. He more or less independent, but all per- is rated by those who know him taining to the same general subject. according to what.he is and the .things At the close of the test period the he can do. In order to be adjudged students left the room affirming that great his successes must overshadow the questions were proper ones, and his failures. But sorry would be his that the information for which they condition in life if a single failure on called had been fully considered in his part would cause the repudiation class discussions. Several of the stu- of every one of his successes. dents were emphatic in the statement And yet. under what is termed the of their beliefs that in every detail spirit of fairness, this is what Dr. they had correctly answered the ques- Spaulding asks of the Latter-day tions. Saints with respect to Joseph Smith. And now the papers have been "cor- It will be remembered that, for sake rected,"and record has been made of of argument, we have conceded to Dr. the evidence upon which the standing Spalding that his inquiry has con- — "JOSEPH SMITH, JR., AS A TRANSLATOR" 337 clusively shown that the fac-similies out an exception, as a failure, and reproduced in the Pearl of Great Price not worthy of the least consideration were grossly misunderstood and mis- because once wrong always wrong. translated by Joseph Smith. In fact we Nay, it would require him to repudiate have imagined that the inquiry was so the work of his own hands and to cast perfect that no question could be all into outer darkness. The reader will raised concerning the conclusion that undoubtedly turn with considerable re- Joseph Smith had incorrectly trans- lief from the consideration of a X'olicy lated the Egyptian characters. With so completely lacking in the first elthis condition very far from being es- ements of justice. tablished Dr. Spalding states that "no It would be interesting to apply Dr. thoughtful man can be asked to accept Spalding's method of reasoning to the Book of Mormon, but on the othe* the results of an inquiry in hand, honesty will require him, with which ithad been shown that Joseph whatever personal regret, to repudiate Smith was right. Let us suppose it and the whole body of belief, which the case of a prophecy. The prehas been built upon it and upon the diction with all of its essential details reputation its publication gave to its had been made many years before the author." occurrence of any of the events in- The reasoning employed bv Dr. Snald- volved. The prophecy had been placed ing would require every Christian de- on record and the attention of the nomination to repudiate the translators world called to it. It was of such a of the Bible, and consequents the Bi- nature that an individual possessing ble itself. It seems now to be pretty even the keenest foresight could not well agreed that errors, at tim°s mire have made it, unless he was inspired. or less grave, were occasionally made Its fulfilment of lack of fulfilment during the work' of translation. The would constitute a test of the prophet's translators were scholars and probably claims. relied largely upon their ling- Let it further be supposed that as uistic attainments. But because years pass the events enumerated they here and there made mis- in the prediction actually occur and takes shall we deny that they pos- in the manner detailed in the prophecy. sessed any knowledge of ancient The events do not appear in a speclanguages? Let the reader say as to tacular fashion, but rather as the rewhether, because of this imperfection, sult of the operation and development we shall be justified in casting out the of things temporal. The events are Bible and the "whole body of belief well known and of sufficient imporwhich has been built upon it." And tance to be recorded in important shall we brand all those who will not places in history. Then let it be suprepudiate it as ignorant and dishon- posed that the followers of the prophet est? call the attention of the world to the The jury in the box, following the prediction and its fulfilment. In a method advanced by Dr. Spalding, word, suppose that they supply ample would convict one accused of murder proof for every claim made. if it could be shown that he had been And now our question, "What shall guilty of theft— because once guilty al- be the duty of the world with respect ways guilty. The method would call to this matter?" The reasoning adoptupon the friends of the accused to be- repudiate ed by Dr. Spalding would demand that lieve in his guilt and to "no thoughtful person can be asked to whatever good he had done. Those who would not join in this denunciation deny any prophecy made by this Inwould be classed among the ignorant dividual, but, on the otner hand, honand dishonest. esty will require him, with whatever This method would require the Great personal regret, to accept his prophe- Judge whom we all expect some day to cies and the whole body of belief which meet, to brand every human being with- has been built upon them and upon 338 IMPROVEMENT ERA the reputation their publication gave to most as a unit decide that hereafter their author."* It may be & alcohol must not be used in the treatquestion in the minds of some whether ment of disease, except occasion- Dr. Spaldin^- would be willing to per- ally for external use. Suppose that mit his rule to operate both ways. Per- criminoligists recognize it as one of the chief causes of crime. Suppose that haps some day he will inform us. Tt might be interesting to make fur- leaders in commercial activity avoid the employment of habitual users. ther suppositions with respect to this Suppose that life insurance companies man Joseph Smith. Let us suppose report an increased death rate of 2 5 that as far back as 1833 he claimed 1o per cent among non-abstiners. have received through revelation what is termed a Word of Wisdom. Sup- Suppose further that a few years pose that this Word of Wisdom coun- after the publication of The Word of selled against the use of alcoholic Wisdom scientists contemporaneously liquors, tobacco and hot drinks (inter- discover a poisonous alkaloid prespreted to mean caffein-bearing bever- ent in these so-called hot drinks. Sup • ages), and against the use of meat, pose that it becomes known that an other than in "sparing" quantities, and astringent substance is also present. that only in times of cold or excessive Suppose that scientists declare that hunger. Suppose that this Word of these hot drinks give rise to numerous Wisdom gave promise to all who com- ailments including constipation and plied with its teachings, and the other kidney trouble. Suppose that the commandments, the blessings of chief chemist in the employ of the United States, in an article written for stronger minds and healthier bodies, all of which would be accompanied by a a trade journal, state that if these beverages are not used in greater marked reduction in the death rate. moderation the time will soon come Suppose that this Word of Wisdom was given to the Church and published long when the people of the nation will rise before any serious scientific work had up and legislate against them. been done along the lines suggested. And again let it be supposed that the niootine present in tobacco is And further suppose that now for 80 recognized as a deadly poison and years the members of the Church have powerful depressant. Suppose that the fairly well complied with its teachings. use of tobacco is recognized by sci- And then again let it be supposed entists as responsible for the presence that now some years after the of a multitude of physiological disappearance of the Word of Wis- orders. Suppose that coaches abdom, temperance organizations begin to increase throughout the solutely prohibit its use among their purpose athletes. Suppose that its use by stuland having for bev- dents is invarialy associated with low abstinence from .alcoholic Suppose that civic organ- scholarship. Suppose that among erages. athletes of the most perfect type izations and betterment leagues seri- Suppose its use is associated with loss in lung ously discussed the matter. capacity of practically 10 per cent. Supthat the problem becomes so vital states and pose that judges in juvenile courts that the various United States everywhere recognize it as the chief cities throughout the cause of juvenile delinquency. find itnecessary to enact more and laws pertaining to And finally let it be supposed that more stringent many years after the publication of the pale and use of these alcoholic the Word of Wisdom the science of liquors. Suppose that several of the enact absolutely prohibitory dietetics is recognized. Suppose that states interest centers around the food relaws. Suppose that medical men al- quirements of the body. Suppose that scientists discover that in the large in- (* Slightly paraphrased by the present writer.) testine proteids undergo pronounced "JOSEPH SMITH, JR., AS A TRANSLATOR" 339 purification. Suppose that it is rec- to be finally adjudged upon the outognized that autointoxication may re- come of only one point. It asks, it desult from intestinal putrifaction. mands, a complete investigation. Suppose that scientists insist that Anything short of this would result the proteids contained in meat givs unfairly. To illustrate. Suppose that rise to this autointoxication. Suppose the first inquiry result in proving that that it is quite generally agreed among Joseph Smith was, in that instance, scientists that the American people wrong. Or suppose that chance deare eating altogether too much meat. signed that in the first instance he was Suppose that it is shown that the in- found to be right. These facts prove gestion of large quantities of meat is two things only; in the first instance responsible for numerous ailments. he was wrong, and in the second in- Suppose that it is declared by author- stance he was right, nothing more. ities that meat is more obnoxious in They prove absolutely nothing with warm weather than in cold. Suppose respect to other of his operations. It that is shown in the experience of is true, however, that if he be found the United States army that the death wrong in instance after instance, inrate among soldiers is very greatly ferential evidence would lead one increased through eating much meat to believethat he was wrong in warm weather. Suppose that it is in the majority of cases. (This announced by the acknowledged great- rule will work both ways). But in order est bacteriologist in the world that to prove that he was entirely wrong purification in the intestines is large- and that the "whole body of belief" ly responsible for old age and that should be repudiated, every case must through the elimination of this in- be examined upon its own merits. testinal purification old age may very In the opinion of the writer, the Latmaterially be deferred. ter-day Saints should not, and for that In a word let it be assumed that matter do not, maintain that Joseph scientists have completely vindicated Smith was infallible. He was human the claims of the Word of Wisdom. and possessed human weaknesses and What then will be the duty of the human faults. Being such, he was unworld with respect to Joseph Smith? doubtedly here and there mistaken. His The method employed by Dr. Spald- followers claim, however, that his ing would require that mankind not weaknesses were few and his virtues only accept the Word of Wisdom but many. According to Christian belief, everything else which Joseph Smith the Son of God was the only perfect claimed to have received through rev- man to grace the earth by his presence. elation. And, furthermore, those who If then, because of his weaknesses, we did not join in this general acceptance dismiss Joseph Smith, the prophets of would, by him, be classed among the ancient times must likewise go. thoughtless and dishonest. Shall it be argmd that because a With this singular reasoning adopted man receives divine help at one time by our reverend friend the Latter-day that he is always inspired? or the Saints are forced to disagree. They converse, that because he may at one have nothing inground into their na- time have been led by Satanic intures more deeply than the statement fluences that he is always evil? If so, of the Apostle Paul, "Prove all things; the virtues of Christianity are at an hold fast that which is good," "Mor- end. Does it follow that because a monism" does rot feel that in justice man thinks that he is right at one time, it can ask the world to accept all of and so proclaims himself, but is later its claims because a single point has shown to be wrong, that he is invariateen demonstrated. Some individuals bly wrong? We do not judge temrequire more evidence than others. AH poral things In that manner. No Christhat "Mormonism" can ask is an un- tian ever lived who was guided in every biased investigation. It does not want act of his life by divine effulgence. And