At least Sarah Fowler was a real person who lived in the neighborhood of the Smiths
and whose contact with the family appears likely (no matter her other allegations).
At least Sarah Fowler was a real person who lived in the neighborhood of the Smiths and whose contact with the family appears likely (no matter her other allegations).
I'm in transit -- no time to discuss this stuff -- more on the 1887 account when I get back to my normal schedule.
UD
I have long suspected that Hendrix was none other than Arthur Deming. I have been unable to document Hendrix in civil records. His movements seem to match those of Deming's. I also was unable to find a photo of Deming, but he is described as a little old man with a white beard, which is how Hendrix is depicted in drawing that accompany some articles. But I have not been able to make a firm conclusion about this connection. Now, when you get some time, tell me about your suspicions.
I do not want you to think that I am very righteous, for I am not. Joseph Smith (History of the Church 5:401)
One of the most intriguing speculative write-ups I've seen on Book of Mormon origins was based on the premise of Spalding authorship. It posited several stages of composition and redaction, including Spalding creating a "patriarchal story" and later, I believe, a "lost tribes story." I thought the piece was by Uncle Dale, though it may have been by Ted Chandler. In either case, I can no longer locate it, either by browsing their respective websites or by any Google search I can think of. If this piece was by you, Uncle Dale, is it still online? And if it's not by you, do you (or any of you other discussants!) know where I can find it?
(This is my 3rd attempt at getting an answer to this question.)
Dan, did Oliver Cowdery ever describe the translation process as being the same as D. Whitmer, that is with Smith using one seer stone while he looked into a hat and the correct english translation would appear on the stone from which Smith would read and dictate. and only when the words disappeared would Smith continue?
marg wrote:(This is my 3rd attempt at getting an answer to this question.)
Dan, did Oliver Cowdery ever describe the translation process as being the same as D. Whitmer, that is with Smith using one seer stone while he looked into a hat and the correct english translation would appear on the stone from which Smith would read and dictate. and only when the words disappeared would Smith continue?
Sorry, Marg, I lost track of that question. I haven't got back to answering one of your last posts. But, no, OC never described the head in the hat. His statements about such things were few and non-specific.
I do not want you to think that I am very righteous, for I am not. Joseph Smith (History of the Church 5:401)
One of the most intriguing speculative write-ups I've seen on Book of Mormon origins was based on the premise of Spalding authorship. It posited several stages of composition and redaction, including Spalding creating a "patriarchal story" and later, I believe, a "lost tribes story."
Another interesting aspect of textual analysis and Book of Mormon authorship is narrowing down the periscopes. For example, the differing religious content (such as the various views of the Godhead) in the possible Spalding/Rigdon text verses the Cowdery/Smith content.
One of the most intriguing speculative write-ups I've seen on Book of Mormon origins was based on the premise of Spalding authorship. It posited several stages of composition and redaction, including Spalding creating a "patriarchal story" and later, I believe, a "lost tribes story." I thought the piece was by Uncle Dale, though it may have been by Ted Chandler. In either case, I can no longer locate it, either by browsing their respective websites or by any Google search I can think of. If this piece was by you, Uncle Dale, is it still online? And if it's not by you, do you (or any of you other discussants!) know where I can find it?
marg wrote:Before we go further what do you think of the reliabilty of the witnesses who Dan gives much respect to for the "Head in the Hat" trick. What do you think of the reliabillity of the statements of Cowdery, D. Whitmer, J. Whitmer, Emma, M. Morse, I. Hale, M. Harris and anyone else who was a witness?
I'm not in the position to present lengthy testimony and analysis from witnesses such as that Dan Vogal has given, but I would certainly give the most weight (of your choices given) to Isaac Hale and Martin Harris. The Whitmer's would come in second.
One thing to keep in mind, however, is there is almost always a selective presentation of evidence. It is the reason there is disclosure in trial cases.
If Dan Vogel would discuss either Emma Smith's or Oliver Cowdery's testimonies in detail (pick either one), I would be interested.