The Golden Plates

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The Golden Plates are the name of the record that Joseph Smith was given by an angel and translated into the Book of Mormon. The First Vision that Joseph Smith experienced was in 1820 where he saw God the Father and Jesus Christ. A few years later he received a vision of an angel that told him of the ancient record. Joseph was shown the location of the golden plates in this vision. After four annual visits from the Angel Moroni, Joseph Smith was entrusted with the plates and the Urim and Thummim for the purpose of translation.

The golden plates were described by Joseph Smith as sheets of metal six inches wide and eight inches tall, bound by three rings making a book six inches thick. Joseph did not show the golden plates to anyone until the translation was completed, although many people, including friends and family, handled the plates through the cloth in which he kept them concealed. Soon after he got the plates, rumors of their existence spread throughout the area. Attempts were made to steal the golden plates but Joseph kept them well hidden.

The Golden Plates were taken from Joseph Smith for a time when Martin Harris, who was working as scribe, lost the first 116 pages of the translation while keeping them at his home to show his wife. The angel took the plates and the Urim and Thummim until Joseph repented for his carelessness. When Joseph got them back Martin Harris was no longer allowed to serve as scribe. The translation was completed with Oliver Cowdery as scribe, at which time the golden plates were delivered back to the angel. Since that time many people have spoke concerning the location of the golden plates. The explanation most accepted is that they are in the possession of God.

After the translation was completed, there were several witnesses appointed to testify of the truthfulness of the Book of Mormon. Three witnesses were shown the plates by the angel. Eight more witnesses were shown the plates by Joseph Smith, and allowed to touch and examine them. Each of the witnesses swore to the authenticity of the Book of Mormon and never recanted their testimony as long as they lived. Their testimony is printed in every copy of the Book of Mormon.

The plates from which Joseph translated the Book of Mormon are called the gold plates and the golden plates interchangeably because it is unknown exactly what they were composed of. (The term 'Golden Bible' is also used with a negative connotation.) Criticism is aimed at Joseph Smith's claims because of what appear to be historical contradictions if the plates were indeed made out of pure gold. Joseph Smith's written account mentions "gold plates," but others only said they "had the appearance of gold." Either way, the golden plates remain a curiosity of the Mormon religion and a symbol of the miraculous workings of the Lord.

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