Manuscripts

The Book of Mormon and modern science

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Description: Term paper for an anthropology class at the University of California, Berkeley. In it, Stewart compares references to the material culture of early inhabitants of North America in the Book of Mormon and several scientific publications, focusing on what he deems to be anachronistic references to agriculture, cattle and horses, and the wheel in the Book of Mormon. Stewart concludes that the Book of Mormon is "a story book...[and] not true as a history."
Type: Manuscripts(Opens in new tab)
Production date: 1932, May 31.
Call number: mssHM 72844
Creator: Stewart, Omer Call (1908-1991)(Opens in new tab)
Provenance: Purchased from Zion Bookstore, May 3, 1965.
Associated people: Eiegler, Wesley,; Petersen, LaMar,

The Book of Mormon and plural marriage :

Manuscripts

A facsimile of Tanner's paper asserting that the Book of Mormon has always condemned plural marriage and that Mormon leaders in various periods believed that if Joseph Smith's revelation concerning polygamy were false, the entire Mormon religion would be false. The manuscript is a compliation of annonated citations from numerous religious publications (including the Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants, History of the Church, and the Bible) and from the writings, speeches, and testimony of several important figures in the history of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and the Senate hearings on the election of Reed Smoote, a Mormon apostle, to Congress (1904-1907).

mssHM 69947

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Martin Harris : One of the three witnesses of the Book of Mormon

Manuscripts

Typescript of a brief biographical account of Martin Harris and his involvement with the translation of the Book of Mormon and organization of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Describes the arrival of a teenaged Joseph Smith in Palmyra, New York, in 1816, and his finding of the tablets later used to write the Book of Mormon; Harris' taking of a transcript of the tablets to Columbia University; his assistance to Smith in translating the tablets; and his inclusion as one of three witnesses (along with Oliver Cowdery and David Whitmer) who were permitted to view the tablets. Also briefly recounts Harris' involvement with selecting the Twelve Apostles of the Mormon Church and helping Joseph Smith find holy ground in Missouri, as well as Harris' disillusionment with the Mormon Church following Smith's death. Includes a transcript of a portion of Martin Harris' sworn testimony taken at the time of his death in 1845, in which he describes witnessing the angel Moroni and hearing the voice of God.

mssHM 72353

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Mormon Battalion diary of Henry Standage

Manuscripts

Typescript of Henry Standage's diary, kept while he was serving in the Mormon Battalion from 1846-1847. The diary opens with his departure from Council Bluffs, Iowa, with the Mormon Battalion in July 1846. It traces their travels across the plains, including stopping at Fort Leavenworth, arriving in Santa Fe (where he recalls General Kearney's bloodless encounter with Mexican troops, and concludes "the Lord is...opening the way before us"), trading with Alpacha Indians, the taking of "Spanish prisoners," and the difficulties of marching and moving supplies. Once the Battalion had arrived in California, Standage records stopping in San Diego only to be ordered to march to San Luis Rey ("It does seem as though we should never have rest in the service of the United States," Standage complained), drilling in San Luis Rey before preparing to march to Los Angeles, derogatory remarks about the "Spaniards" in Los Angeles, a description of the city, and his interest in Roman Catholic ceremonies. The diary ends on July 19, 1847, while Standage was still in Los Angeles.

mssHM 16998

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Stamp office letter book

Manuscripts

This letter book records correspondence sent out in 1827 and 1828 by the chairman of the Board of Stamps, Lt. Col. Hon. James Henry Keith Stewart. Stewart appears to have been a competent chairman and the numerous letters here, with useful index of recipients, contain much detail relating to such matters as the organization of stamp duties in Scotland and Ireland, forward estimations of annual stamp revenue, licensing arrangements for sellers of different products subject to stamp duty, the distribution offices for stamps and appointment of officials.

mssHM 80799

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Mormon theory of church and state : a dissertation

Manuscripts

Typewritten dissertation for Jensen's Ph.D. degree in philosophy from the University of Chicago. The dissertation describes the separation of church and state in Mormon theology and philosophy, with an emphasis on the theological underpinnings of Mormon political practices. Includes a descriptions of Mormon links to Islamic practices (including a comparison of Mohammed and Joseph Smith and the Mormon "jihad"); the "theocratic era" in Illinois from 1839 to 1840 and the 1846-1849 theocracy in Iowa and Utah; the creation of government for the State of Deseret and Nauvoo, Illinois; the western expansion of the Mormon church; the establishment of Mormon ecclesiastical courts; conflicts between Mormon and non-Mormon factions; and speculations on the future of the Mormon church. Also covers church and political history centered around Joseph Smith and Brigham Young. Includes a table of contents and bibliography.

mssHM 72273

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"Thus Saith the Lord" : Mormonism in the light of history and logic

Manuscripts

Typewritten manuscript examining "how the basic claim of Mormonism evolved and how it can be tested." The essay opens with a general introduction to logical thinking, and then applies these theories to religion. It continues with an examination of the Book of Mormon, a brief overview of the Doctrine and Covenants, and a historical look at the Mormon exodus to Ohio and subsequent move to and flight from Missouri, followed by the settlement of Nauvoo and move to Utah. It also briefly covers the Pearl of Great Price, the Book of Moses, and the Book of Abraham. Includes original photographs.

mssHM 52313

The Book of Mormon and modern science

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The Book of Mormon and plural marriage :

Martin Harris : One of the three witnesses of the Book of Mormon

Mormon Battalion diary of Henry Standage

Stamp office letter book

Mormon theory of church and state : a dissertation

"Thus Saith the Lord" : Mormonism in the light of history and logic