RELIGIO-SUNDAY SCHOOL NORMAL LESSONS #WWVMW*W*WW COURSE TWO \ >^^1 r^: Uniwrsity of California • Berkeley >^^^^. s^ RELIGIO-SUNDAY SCHOOL NORMAL LESSONS COURSE TWO BOOK OF MORMON AND ZION'S RELIGIO-LITERARY SOCIETY BY J. A. GUNSOLLEY, Zion's Religio- Literary Society WALTER W.^MITH. Book of Mormon Published by the Religio-Sunday School Normal Department Second Edition; Revised Herald Publishing House, Lamoni, Iowa Ensign Publishing House, Independence, Missouri 1911 Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2007 with funding from IVIicrosoft Corporation http://www.archive.org/details/bookofmormonzionOOsmitrich 5b- / 111 PREFACE TO FIRST EDITION. No book can be said to be perfect, much less can the first edition. We expect that errors will be found in this. It is hoped the friends will kindly point out the errors, and exer- cise patience with the authors and publishers until the errors may be corrected. The Religio Normal Lessons, Course Two, is a parallel course to Course One, introduced last year. The lessons are in a sense an experiment, being the first of their kind written upon the subjects treated. But it is firmly believed that the lessons on the Book of Mormon have much merit, and the fact of their having been carefully ex- amined and revised by such capable men as Frederick M. Smith, of the First Presidency of the church; F. M. Sheehy, of the Quorum of Apostles; and Samuel A. Burgess, a thorough scholar and critic, should inspire confidence in their value. The lessons on the Religio were written by the president of the general society, a fact that should give prestige to them. We submit the course to the officers, teachers, and students of the Religio and Sunday school, and to the church and the world, and with a prayer that its mission may be fraught with much good to humanity, bid it godspeed. June, 1908. The Publishers. V)W\);}: i ! \ ^>tMU)l1/U^ :9)iT OUTLINES OF NORMAL LESSONS. BOOK OF MORMON. PART I. Six Lessons on the Book and Its Books. Lesson 1. The Book of Mormon, name, manner of writing, authors and authenticity. Lesson 2. The divisions or groups of books and numbers in groups. Lesson 3. The sets of plates. Lesson 4. The Urim and Thummim, and sacred things. Lesson 5. The translation of the Book. Lesson 6. Review of Part I. , • I PART II. Six Lessons on Book of Mormon History. Lesson 7. The five periods, the first period — the Jaredite period. Lesson 8. The second period, the period of migration. Lesson 9. The third period, the period of Nephite unity. Lesson 10. The fourth period, the period of the reign of the judges. Lesson 11. The fifth period, the period of Nephite Chris- tianity. Lesson 12. Review of Part II. PART III. Five Lessons in Book of Mormon Geography. Lesson 13. The lands of the Book of Mormon. Lesson 14. The Land Northward. Lesson 15. The Land of Nephi. Lesson 16. The Land of Zarahemla. Lesson 17. Review of Part III. 8 RELIGIO-SUNDAY SCHOOL 46-49). The language in which the record was made, was in all probability a dialect of Hebrew, as the people were of Israelitish origin (authorized edition, 1 Nephi 1: 1, 2; 1 Nephi 6:1-3; Omni 1:25-35; Alma 8:1, 2; Helaman 2:125-136; small edition, 1 Nephi 1 : 1, 2 ; 6 : 1 ; Omni 1:6-8; Alma 8:1; Helaman 2 : 27. The characters used in the writing were re- formed Egyptian characters, having the Egyptian as a basis, with modified Hebrew, and original additions and changes .(a. e., 1 Nephi 1: 1, 2; Mormon 4: 98, 99; Mosiah 1:6; s. e., 1 Nephi 1:1, 2; Mormon 4:8; Mosiah 1: 1.) 4. The Book of Mormon, like the Bible, is a Book of Books, being made up of several smaller books. It contains fifteen separate books, and we can trace in it the writings of twenty- four authors, including the Record of Zeniff, the supposed brother of Amaleki, son of Abinadom. It was ten centuries in writing, from the time Ether made his record of the Jaredite Nation, about 600 B. C,, to the time Moroni sealed up the records, 421 A. D. The above may be illustrated as follows: Write the title, The Book of Mormon. Ask, How many letters in this title? Answer, THE (3) BOOK (4) OF (2) MORMON (6). The Book of Mormon 3 plus 4 plus 2 plus 6 equals 15, the number of books in the Book. Ask, How many letters in the name Book Mormon? Answer, BOOK (4) MORMON (6). Book Mormpn. 4 times 6 equals 24, the number of authors. Again : Book Mormjon. 4 plus 6 equals 10, the number of centuries. 5. That the Book of Mormon is what it claims for itself, i. e., a record of the ancient inhabitants of America, is proven: First, by the internal evidences of the Book. Second, by the prophecies of the Jewish Scriptures. ' Third, by archae- ology. Fourth, by the testimony of those engaged in bringing NORMAL LESSONS 9 it forth into the English language. Fifth, by the Witness of the Spirit. BLACKBOARD OUTLINE. 1st B. of M. Rec. G. Dea. Anc. Amer. 26 Cen. 2d B. of M Pro. Mormon Dir. of Ld. Rec. Tes. Wd. 3d B. of M On Plates Lg. Heb. Ch. Ref. E. 4th B. of M. 15 Bks. 24.Auth. 10 Cen. 5th B. of M. Int. Ev. Pro. Bib. Arch. Tes. Wit. Sp. QUESTIONS. What is the Book of Mormon? In what way are the matters in the Book treated? How many centuries does this history cover? From what source does the Book derive its name? How came there to be such a book? By what names is the Book spoken of in itself? Upon what material was the record written? In what language was it written? What characters were used to engrave the record? How many books in the Book of Mormon? How many authors wrote the Book? How many centuries were employed in its writing? In what way is the Book authenticated? Lesson 2. the divisions or groups of books and number in each GROUP. 1. The books of the Book of Mormon are divided into five divisions or groups ; but as all the books are historical in their nature, the division or classification is made according to the period to which the history narrated in them belongs. The five periods are: The Jaredite period, the period of mi- gration, the period of Nep^ite unity, the period of the reign of the judges, and the period of Nephite Christianity. 10 RELIGIO-SUNDAY SCHOOL 2. The Jaredite period begins with the dispersion, about B. C. 2200, and closes with the Battle of Ramah, about B. C. 600. The Book belonging to this period is the book of Ether, an abridgment made by Moroni, about A. D. 400, from the record of the Jaredites, written by the Prophet Ether about B. C. 600. 3. The period of migration begins with the warning of Lehi, B. C. 600, and closes with the union of the Nephites vnth the people of Zarahemla, about B. C. 200. The books belonging to this period are six, viz, First and Second Nephi, Jacob, Enos, Jarom and Omni. Each book bears the name of its author, except Omni, which was written by Omni, Amaron, Abinadom and Amaleki. 4. The period of Nephite unity begins with the union of the Nephites and people of Zarahemla, about B. C. 200, aiid closes with the seating of Alma, the first chief judge, B. C. 91. The book belonging to this period is Mosiah written by King Mosiah, son of King Benjamin. (Chapters 6 to 10 of this book are the record of Zeniff, the supposed brother of Amaleki, son of Abinadom.) 5. The period of the reign of the judges begins with the seating of Alma, first chief judge, B. C. 91, and closes with the birth of Jesus the Christ. The books belonging to this period are two — Alm.a and Helaman, the first written by Alma the younger and his sons Helaman and Shiblon, the second written by Helamxmi the younger and his son Nephi. 6. The period of Nephite Christianity begins with the birth of Jesus the Christ and closes with the hiding of the records by Moroni, A. D. 421. The books belonging to this period are five: Nephi, Nephi the son. Mormon, Words of Mormon, and Moroni. They were written as follows: Nephi by Nephi the grandson of Helaman the younger; Nephi the son, by Nephi the son of Nephi, the disciple of Christ, his son Amos and grandsons, Amos and Amarom; Mormon by Mormon, son of Mormon, as also the Words of Mormon; and Moroni, by Moroni, the son of Mormon. Moroni also wrote a portion of the Book of Mormon. NORMAL LESSONS BLACKBOARD OUTLINE. 11 177 QUESTIONS. How many divisions or groups of- books in the Book of Mormon? What is the method of classification? Name the periods of history by which the books are grouped. How many books in the first period? Name them. Name the books in the second period. How many authors? Who wrote the book recording the history of the third period? What other record does it contain? Name the books of the fourth period. Who are the authors? What books belong to the fifth period? Who wrote them? Lesson 3. the sets of plates. The records of the ancient inhabitants of this continent were largely engraven on metallic plates. Of these", six sets come prominently before us, viz, the brass plates, the larger 12 RELIGIO-SUNDAY SCHOOL plates of Nephi, the smaller plates of Nephi, the record of Zeniff, the twenty-four gold plates, and the plates of Mor- mon's abridgment. There were many other records and books written principally by the Nephites, but we notice at length only these six principal sets of plates. (A. e., Helaman 2: 12- 14; s. e., Helaman 2: 4.) 1. The brass plates were, at the time of Lehi's departure from Jerusalem, in the possession of Laban. They were ob- tained by the direction of the Lord and brought with them to America. After the division of the colony they were re- tained by the Nephites, and handed down from generation to generation with the sacred records, until Mormon deposited them, with other sacred records and things in the Hill Cu- morah, just prior to the Battle of Cumorah, A. D. 384. This record contained the five books of Moses, the recprd of the Jews from the beginning down to the reign of Zede- kiah, B. C. 600. They also contained the prophecies of Jo- seph while in Egypt, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Zenock and Zenos. They contained the genealogy of the family of Lehi, of which Laban was a relative. (A. e., 1 Nephi 1:60-63; 118-126, 159, 164-166; 3:156-164; 6:1-8; 2 Nephi 3:1-6; 2 Nephi 4:14; Omni 1; Mosiah 1:1-18; 12:12-23; Alma 17:32; Nephi 1:2; Mormon 3:8; s. e., 1 Nephi 1:20, 35, 36, 46, 47; 3:39; 6:1, 2; 2 Nephi 3:1; 4:2; Omni 1; Mosiah 1:1-3; 12: 3-13; Alma 17: 5; Nephi 1: 1; Mormon 3: 2.) 2. The larger plates of Nephi were made by Nephi shortly after they left Jerusalem, and were handed down from one ruler or Nephi to another, down to the days of Mosiah II, who delivered them* to Alma, and from him they were handed down the prophetic line, and were finally deposited in the Hill Cumorah about A. D. 384. They contained the civil history of the nation, from the time they left Jerusalem until the Battle of Cumorah. Upon them Nephi inscribed the history kept at first by his father Lehi. After the smaller plates were full, about B. C. 160, in addition to the civil history, the ecclesiastical history of the nation was also kept on these plates. It was from these plates that Mormon made his abridged history. (A. e., 1 NORMAL LESSONS 13 Nephi 1:17; 2:1, 93-98; 5:218-222; 2 Nephi 3:27; 4:45, 50 ; Jacob 1:3; 2 : 68 ; Jarom 1:31; Omni 1:16;. Words of Mormon 1: 4-15; Mosiah 1: 23; 13j 1, 2; Alma 17: 31; Nephi the Son 1: 22; Mormon 1: 5, 44, 45; 3: 8; s. e., 1 Nephi 1: 7; 2: 1, 27, 28; 5: 46; 2 Nephi 3: 5; 4: 5, 6; Jacob 1: 1; 2: 11; Jarom 1:6; Omni 1:5; Words of Mormon 1:4; Mosiah 1:3; 13 : 1 ; Alma 17:5; Nephi the Son 1 : 6 ; Mormon 1 : 1, 5 ; 3 : 2.) 3. The smaller plates of Nephi were made at the command of God by "Nephi, thirty years after they left Jerusalem, and were handed down from one generation to another through the line of prophets, being last in the hands of Amaleki, who filled them and delivered them into the possession of King Benjamin, about B. C. 160. They were preserved among the sacred records of the people; and became a part of the record deposited by Moroni in New York ; and were translated in the Book of Mormon, They contained the sacred history of the nation from the time they left Jerusalem until the days of King Benjamin. (A. e., 1 Nephi 1: 17; 2:1, 93-98; 3:1; 5: 218-223; 2 Nephi 3:27; 4:45, 50; 13:1; Jacob 1:3; 2:68; 5:45, 46; Jarom 1: 1, 2, 30, 31; Omni 1: 43, 53; Words of Mormon 1: 4-15; s. e., 1 Nephi 1: 7; 2: 1, 27, 28; 3: 1; 5: 46, 47; 2 Nephi 3: 5; 4: 5, 6; 13:1; Jacob 1:1; 2:11; 5:9; Jarom 1:1, 6; Omni 1; Words of Mormon 1: 2-4.) 4. The record of Zeniff was written on plates, but as to who made them we are not informed. The record was begun by Zeniff, the supposed brother of Amaleki, son of Abinadom, but by whom it was afterwards kept we are not told. The plates were in the possession of King Limhi, who, about B. C. 121, deposited them with the sacred record in the possession of Mosiah II. The record contains the history of a part of the Nephites, who, in the days of Mosiah 7, left the land of Zarahemla to reinhabit the land of Nephi. It records the reign of Zeniff, his son Noah, and his son Limhi, the prophecy of Abinadi, the conversion of the first Alma, the establishment of the church, and the deliverance of the people from the bondage of the Lamanites. (A. e., Omni 1: 48-51; Mosiah 5: 1-12, 57; 6:1; 14 RELIGIO-SUNDAY SCHOOL 7: 1; 10: 17; s. e., Omni 1: 14, 15; Mosiah 5: 1, 2, 9; 6: 1; 7: 1; 10: 3.) 5. The twenty-four gold plates of Ether were made by the Prophet Ether, a descendant of Jared, who led the first colony to America. Ether made the record about the time of the battle of Ramah, which was fought about B. C. 600, and deposited it in the place where it was discovered by the search- ing party of King Limhi, B. C. 121 in the land Desolation. They were deposited with the sacred records in the possession of Mosiah II, and preserved with them. After the death of Mormon, A. D. 384, Moroni made a short history of the peo- ple of Jared from them, and inscribed it upon the abridged plates, as the Book of Ether. They contained the history of the Jaredite nation, from the time they left the tower, at the confusion of language, about 2200 B. C, until the battle of Ramah, about 600 B. C; also a history of the human family from the creation down to the time of the building of the tower. (A. e., Omni 1: 35; Mosiah 5: 64; 9: 166-169; 10: 17; 12: 16-22; 17: 52; Helaman 2: 150; Ether 1:2, 82; 2:1; 6:14, 15, 108; s. e., Omni 1:9, 10; Mosiah 5:9; 9:26; 10:3; 12:3, 4; Alma 17:9; Helaman 2: 30; Ether 1: 1, 9; 2: 1; 6: 2, 9.) The plates of Mormon's abridgment were made at the com- mand of God, by Mormon, about A. D. 384. They were made of gold and upon them Mormon inscribed the abridged history of the Nephite nation, taking the record from the larger plates of Nephi. The plates were about seven by eight inches in size, and a little thinner than common tin. The whole volume was about six inches in thickness, and was held together like a book, by three rings running through the edge of the plates. Mormon inscribed the record upon them in the characters called reformed Egyptian. The characters were very small and skillfully executed upon both sides of the plates. About the time of the battle of Cumorah, Mormon delivered the plates into the hands of Moroni his son, who finished the record and buried it in a hill, called by us Cu- morah, in western New York State, A. D. 421. NORMAL LESSONS 15 The abridged record contained the history abridged from the larger plates of Nephi, from the time of the departure from Jerusalem until the battle of Cumorah. It also con- tained a duplicate history from the time of the departure till the days of King Benjamin, about B. C. 160, in the smaller plates of Nephi which Mormon inserted at the place where he recorded the reign of King Benjamin. This he did with- out abridging. After the death of Mormon, Moroni records a few things touching the downfall of the Nephite nation, then makes upon the plates an abridged history of the Jaredite nation, and wrote a few of the teachings of Christ and some of his father's (Mormon's) writings. He then inscribed upon the plates, in the remaining space, the mysteries shown to the brother of Jared in the mount. Where he obtained access to these we are not informed. These last he sealed, not to be opened until such time as God should give direction. (A. e., 1 Nephi 1: 17, 293-299; 5: 218-226; 2 Nephi 3: 27; Words of Mormon 1: 4-15; Ether 1: 1, 82-100; 2:1; 5: 25, 26; Helaman 1:51, 52; Nephi 2:92-96, 100-102; 12:1-6; Mormon 1:1-6, 45; 3: 8; 4: 1, 5; Moroni 1: 1; 2: 1; 7: 1; 8: 1; 10: 1; s. e., 1 Nephi 1: 7; 2: 27; 5: 46; 2 Nephi 3: 5; Words of Mormon 1: 1; Helaman 1: 10; Nephi 2: 11; 12: 1; Mormon 1: 1, 5; 3: 2; 4: 1; Moroni 1: 1; 2: 1; 7: 1; 8: 1; 10: 1; Ether 1: 1, 9-11 ; 2:1; 5:2. Doctrine and Covenants 3 : 8-10 ; Church History, volume 1, chapters 2 to 6; Letters of Oliver Cowdery ; Visions of Joseph the Seer.) BLACKBOARD OUTLINE. 1st B. PI. Lab. 5 B. M. Proph. I. J. Z. Z. Gene. Lab. 2d L. PI. N. Nep. Civ. Hist. Nep. 600 B. C— 421 A. D. 3d S. PI. N. Nep. Sacr. Hist. Nep. 600 B. C— 161 B. C. 4th R. Zen. Hist. Col. Ret. to L. Nep. 5th 24 G. PI. Eth. Hist. Jaredites— 2200 B. C— 600 B. C. 6th PI. M. Abr Mor. Abr. Hist. Nep. Lam. 600 B. C— 421 A. D. 16 RELIGIO-SUNDAY SCHOOL QUESTIONS. Upon what were the records of the ancient Americans written? How many sets of plates are mentioned? Who kept the brass plates? What was written on the brass plates? What became of them? When were the larger plates of Nephi made? Why called "plates of Nephi"? What his- tory was recorded upon them? Who kept them? What great purpose did they serve? Why did Nephi make the smaller plates of Nephi? What was recorded upon them? Who was the last writer? When were they filled? Who was Zeniff? What record bears his name? Who brought the record to Mosiah? Who wrote the twenty-four gold plates? When were they written and discovered? What record was en- graved upon them? Who made the plates upon which the abridged history was written? Who wrote the abridgments? From what record was the abridgment made? What was the size of the plates? Of what material were they made? What characters were used in the writing? To whom did Mormon deliver these plates? What did he write upon them? Where and when did he hide them up? Lesson 4. the urim and thummim and sacred things. There were in the possession of the prophets and kings of the Nephite nation, certain sacred things which were pre- served and handed down from generation to generation, with the sacred records. Among them we notice the Urim and Thummim, the Sword of Laban, the ball or directors, and a BREASTPLATE. 1. The Urim and Thummim were called "interpreters," by the Nephites. It is said that the words, in the Hebrew, mean "light and perfection." They are believed by some to have been in the possession of Abraham about B. C. 1921. They became a part of the sacred vestments of the high priest in NORMAL LESSONS 17 the time of Moses, about B. C. 1491. They were used in obtaining revelation from God, and those who had and used them were called seers. The Prophet Samuel was a seer, and had the Urim and Thummim. From him King Saul sought light, about B. C. 1056. Iddo was a seer and kept the genealo- gies about B. C. 971. Amos the prophet was mentioned as a seer as late as B. C. 787. This is the last mention of seers among the Israelites, after the captivity the lineage of cer- tain claimants to the priest's office could not be determined, because no one among them had the Urim and Thummim. (Exodus 28:30; Leviticus 8:8; Numbers 27:21; 1 Samuel 9: 18, 19; 28: 6; 2 Chronicles 12: 15; Ezra 2: 63; Nehemiah 7: 65; Amos 7: 12. A. e., Mosiah 5: 72-81; s. e., Mosiah 5: 19.) a. Whether there were two sets or not we can not say. The one of which we are studying, in connection with the Book of Mormon, was given to the Brother of Jared in the "mount," on the Eastern Hemisphere, about B. C. 2200, for the purpose of translating languages and revealing to the children of men the secrets of the Lord. No further mention is made of them till B. C. 124, when King Mosiah had them. We are not told where he obtained them, but he used them to translate an unknown language and gave them to Alma the younger. From Alma they were handed down from generation to gene- ration, with the sacred records and things, and were de- posited with the abridged record and a breastplate, by Moroni A. D. 421, in the stone box, in the manner in which they were discovered by Joseph Smit^, jr., A. D. 1827. (Doctrine and Covenants 15: 1.) b. They consisted of two transparent stones, set in the rims of a silver bow, somewhat like spectacles. The manner of their use by the seers was on this wise: Prayer was offered unto God for light upon a matter, and the seer looked in the stone, and before him appeared the answer. Languages were translated by looking into the stone, and in connection with the inscription would appear, before the seer, the matter, in the language which he understood. (A. e., Mosiah 5: ^4-81; 12,: 18-21; 13: 1, 2; Alma 17: 55, 56; Mormon 4: 100; Ether 1:87-89, 93, 99; s. e., Mosiah 5:9-11; 12:3; 13:1; Alma 18 RELIGIO-SUNDAY SCHOOL 17: 9; Mormon 4: 8; Ether 1: 10, 11. Doctrine and Covenants 3: 1; 15: 1; Church History, volume 1, chapters 2 to 6; Oliver Cowdery's Letters; and Lucy Smith's History.) 2. The Sword of Laban was a very precious implement of war. The blade was of steel, the hilt of gold, both skillfully made. The sword was taken from Laban while he lay in a drunken stupor at his own door in Jerusalem, by Nephi, who, by constraint, slew its owner, and obtained the plates of brass. It was carried by Nephi to America, and was used by him as a pattern for other swords to defend the Nephites from the Lamanites. It evidently descended through the line of Nephis or kings, as King Benjamin had it and used it in de- fense, in his time, and gave it to his son, Mosiah, B. C. 124. It was preserved thereafter with the sacred things, and deposited with them by Mormon, and was shown to Joseph Smith and the three witnesses by the angel of the Lord. (A. e., 1 Nephi 1:108-110, 120-124; 2 Nephi 4:19; Jacob 1:9; Words of Mormon 1: 20; Mosiah 1: 24; s. e., 1 Nephi 1: 32-36; 2 Ne- phi 4:3; Jacob 1:2; Words of Mormon 1:5; Mosiah 1:3; Doctrine and Covenants 15: 1; Whitmer Interviews.) 3. The Ball or Directors, called liahona or compass, was a round ball of curious workmanship, made of brass, with two spindles or pointers, which worked according to the faith of the operator, directing the travel, in the most direct path. Revelations were received through it, also, appearing in the form of writing upon the ball, from time to time. It was given to Lehi in the wilderness, along the Red Sea, in Arabia, while on the journey toward the promised land. It was car- ried with them in all their migrations, and was deposited with the sacred things, and viewed by Joseph Smith and the three witnesses, in the same way as the Sword of Laban. (A. e., 1 Nephi 5: 10-12, 20, 31-36; 190, 209; 2 Nephi 4: 17; Mosiah 1: 24; Alma 17: 71-78; s. e., 1 Nephi 5:4, 7, 11-13, 38, 42; 2 Nephi 4:2; Mosiah 1:3; Alma 17:12, 13; Doctrine and Covenants 15: 1; Whitmer Interviews.) 4. The Breastplate. With the plates and the Urim and Thummim, Joseph Smith found a breastplate. It is described NORMAL LESSONS 19 as being large enough to cover the vital parts of a man of extra large size, having four straps of the same material, by which it was fastened to the wearer; two to fasten over the shoulder, and two about the hips. The whole breastplate was shaped so as to conveniently fit the wearer. Where this was obtained, we are not told. We are told, however, that when the forty-three men of Limhi found the twenty-four gold plates, they also found breastplates of brass and copper, which they brought with them to King Mosiah, B. C. 121. It might be one of these, or it might be another. (A. e., Mosiah 5: 65; s. e., Mosiah 5:9; Church History, volume 1, chapters 2 to 6; Lucy Smith's History. BLACKBOARD OUTLINE. 1st U . T "Int." Seer. Rev. Sec. Trans. Lang. 2d S. L. St. Blade, G. hilt, sk. ma. Sac. Th. 3d B. D. "Liahona" Dir. Trav. Rev. 4th B T. with U. T . Sac. things. QUESTIONS. What sacred things were kept by the prophets and kings of the Nephites? What was the Urim and Thummim called? Give the history of the Urim and Thummim? What is said of there being two sets? Describe them. How were they used? What is a prophet called who has the Urim and Thummim? Where did Joseph Smith get them? What kind of sword was the sword of Laban? Where did Nephi get it? To what use was it put? What became of it? What was the ball or directors called by the Nephites? Who gave them to Lehi? What purpose did they serve in their travel? How did they work? What other purpose did they serve than as a compass? What became of them? What did Joseph Smith f nd in the stone box, besides the plates and Urim and Thum- mim? Describe the breastplate? What is known of its his- tory? 20 RELIGIO-SUNDAY SCHOOL Lesson 5. the translation of the book. 1. A Word Concerning Joseph Smith, Jr., the translator of the Book of Mormon, He was horn December 23, 1805, at Sharon, Windsor County, Vermont, the scion of an old New England family of Puritan stock. His education was limited, but he early displayed strong religious feeling. He was much exercised over his spiritual condition in the spring of 1820, and was, in answer to his earnest supplications, visited by. a heavenly messenger, which determined his future reli- gious experience. He ' subsequently translated the Book of Mormon, established the Church of Jesus Christ, gathered many thousands of Saints together, and died a martyr to the cause he established, being assassinated at Carthage, Illinois, June 27, 18U. 2. On the night of September 21, 1823, Joseph Smith was visited by the Angel Moroni, who informed him of the where- abouts of the metallic plates, upon which was engraven the sacred history of the Jaredite, Nephite, and Lamanite nations. These, he was informed, weie buried in a prominent hill, near Manchester, New York, where they had been deposited in A. D. 421. He repaired to the hill the following day, and obtained a view of the plates, the breastplate, and the Urim and Thummim. They, however, were not delivered into his possession until September 22, 1827. 3. As soon as Mr. Smith obtained the plates, evilly design- ing men set up such a persecution that he was compelled to remove, during the month of December, to Harmony, Susque- hanna County, Pennsylvania. Shortly afterwards he tran- scribed some of the characters from the plates, and in the month of February, 1828, sent them by the hand of Martin Harris, to Prof. Charles Anthon and Doctor Mitchill, of New York City. Professor Anthon declared the characters genuine, but said he could "not translate a sealed book.*' 4. Early in April, Martin Harris returned to Harmony, Pennsylvania, the home of Mr. Smith, and began to write for him, as the latter translated from the plates, the history writ- NORMAL LESSONS 21 ten in the language of the Nephites, Mr. Harris writing as the seer dictated; the translation, we are told, being made by the aid of the U rim and Thummim. 5. Mr. Harris continued to write until early in June, when he had written one hundred and sixteen pages of foolscap, about as much matter as is contained in the First Book of Nephi, and ten chapters of the Second Book of Nephi. Hav- ing come to the close of the first abridgment, from the larger plates of Nephi (to the reign of King Benjamin), they left off translating for a season, and after much importuning, Mr. Harris was permitted to carry the manuscript home with him to Manchester, New York. It was lost, and he was not able to recover it. 6. The plates and Urim and Thummim were taken from Mr. Smith by the angel, returned to him in the month of July, again taken, but returned probably on September 22, 1828. Very little was done toward the translating of the record for a time, as the translator had little time to devote to it, and his wife, being the only person he had to write for him, had little time to write. 7. Early in April, 1829, Mr. Oliver Cowdery, who had pre- viously heard of the work, came to Harmony and offered his services as scribe, and began immediately to write, and con- tinued with but little interruption until the work was done. The translating was done at the home of Mr. Smith, at Har- mony, Pennsylvania, until early in the month of June, when they removed to the home of Peter Whitmer, sr., at Fayette, New York, where the work was finished, the latter part of June or early in July, 1829. 8. When the work of translating was about finished, the plates and sacred things were shown to Oliver Cowdery, David Whitmer, and Martin Harris, by the angel, and the voice of God bore record to them of the truthfulness of the work, and commanded them to bear testimony of the divinity of it. Shortly afterwards the plates were shown to eight others, who also bore testimony to the divinity of the work. (See the testimony of the three and of the eight witnesses, ap- ^2 RELIGIO-SUNDAY SCHOOL pended to the Book of Mormon.) When the work of trans- lation was finished, the plates and the Urim and Thum7nim were again delivered into the hands of the angel Moroni, who had delivered them .to Joseph Smith at the first. 9. The Book of Mormon was published early in 1830, by E. B. Grandin, of Palmyra, New York. It has since run through several editions in English, both in America and Eng- land, and has been published in many other languages. The original manuscript in the handwriting of Oliver Cowdery, Emma Smith, Christian Whitmer, Martin Harris, and proba- bly Alva Hale, was delivered by Joseph Smith to Oliver Cow- dery, who, at his death, in 1850, gave it to David Whitmer, from whose heirs it passed into the possession of Joseph Smith, of Independence, Missouri, in whose possession . it now is. BLACKBOARD OUTLINE. 1st J. S. b. Dec. 23, 1805. Tran. B. M. Es. Ch. d. June 27, 1844. 2d An. Mor. Vis. Sept. 21, 1823, Del. PI. Sept. 22, 1827, Per. Rem. 3d M. H. Char. Prof. A. Dr. M. 116 pp. 1, tak. ret. 4th O. C. Wr. Apr. Ju. 1829. PI. U. T. Ret. 5th 0. C, D. W., M. H. sh. pl. 8 wit. 1829. 6th B. M. pr. E. B. G. 1830, Orig. Mss. J. S. Ind. Mo. QUESTIONS. Who translated the Book of Mormon into the English lan- guage? Give a brief sketch of his life? When did he receive the second visitation? Who informed him of the metallic plates? Where were the plates hidden? When did he see the plates? When did he obtain them? What immediately followed the obtaining of the plates? To what place did he remove? What did he send to Professor Anthon? How did he send it? What did Professor Anthon say of the charac- NORMAL LESSONS 23 ters? Who first wrote for the translator? How much did he write? What became of this portion of the record? What happened as a result of it. Who became the principal writer in 1829? Where was the translating done? When was the translation finished? How long were they in translating the book? What was shown to the witnesses? Who commanded the three to bear record of the work? When did the witnesses see the plates? Name the witnesses? What disposition was made of the plates? When and by whom was the Book of Mormon first published? Give a history of the original manu- script. Lesson 6. review of part i. — the book and its books. 1. What the Book of Mormon is; origin of its name, manner of writing, and how composed. 2. The number of books; number of authors, and the cen- turies of composition. 3. The number of divisions of the books and the manner of classifying. 4. Number and name of books in each division, and the author of each. 5. The sets of plates had among the Nephites. 6. What each set of plates contained. 7. The history of the Urim and Thummim. 8. Description of the other sacred things. 9. The translator of the Book of Mormon and his scribes. 10. History of the translation; manner of translating; time used; and the disposition of the plates and manuscript. 24 RELIGIO-SUNDAY SCHOOL BLACKBOARD OUTLINE. 1. Rec. G. D. Mor. Ev. Int. Bib. Arch. Test. Wit. 2. Books— 15 Auth. 24 5 Grou. Ja. 1, Mig. 6 Un. 1 Jud. 2 N. Ch. 5. 3. Writ. PI. PI. of Br. L. PI. Ne. S. PI. Ne. Rec. Z. 24 G. PI. Mor. Ab. 4. U. T. Swo. Lab. Ba. or D. Liahona. Br. PI. 5. J. S. Jr. An. and M. M. H., 0. C, D. W. 3 Wit. 8 Wit. Book Pub. PART 2. six lessons on book of mormon history. Lesson 7. the five periods. The Jaredite Period. 1. The theme of Book of Mormon history, like that of the Bible, is the redemption of mankind through Jesus Christ. The matter is dealt with historically, being a narration of God's dealings with his people upon the American Continent. 2. Book of Mormon history includes the time from the dispersion from Babel to the overthrow of the Nephite nation; covering about twenty-six centuries. This is divided into five periods : 1. The Jaredite Period. 2. The Period of the Migra- tion. 3. The Period of Nephite Unity. 4. The Period of the Reign of the Judges. 5. Period of Nephite Chris- tianity. 3. The history of the first period relates to God's dealings with Jared, ^is brother, and twenty-two of their friends, who settled in Central America, and with their descendants; hence it is called the Jaredite period. It begins with the dispersion, about 2200 B. C, when they left the land of Shinar, and closes with the battle of Ramah, about B. C. 600, when the whole nation was destroyed. 4. We subdivide this period into six epochs: a. The separation, from the departure from Babel to the death of Jared and his brother. The brother of Jared suppli- cated the Lord that their language, and the language of their friends be not confounded, but that they be directed where to dwell. The Lord heard their petition, and led them out of the land, by way of the north. After traveling through a quarter not inhabited, they came to the sea, where, at the direction of the Lord they made boats and crosed the sea, probably the 26 RELIGMO-SUNDAY SCHOOL Atlantic Ocean, and landed in Central America. They began to till the land, and soon grew strong, being a righteous people. b. The kingdom established, from the coronation of Orihah, to the rebellion of Jared. Prior to the death of Jared and his brother, the people, who by that time had become quite numerous, demanded a king to rule over them. They were advised against having kings, but persisted in their demands, and Orihah, son of Jared, was anointed king. He ruled right- eously and the people prospered but, after him, rebellion showed the wisdom of the advice against kings. c. Secret combinations introduced, from the Rebellion of Jared to the death of Riplakish. During the reign of Omer, in the fifth generation, his son Jared rebelled against hijn, but was subdued; however, by the assistance of his daughter and Akish, a secret combination, bound together by an oath to do what they were asked, was organized, after the order of Cain, which restored Jared to power, and anointed him king, Akish slew him and reigned in his stead; civil war broke out, and the nation was very nearly destroyed. The secret order was revived again later, and provided the overthrow of the reigning house, and the death of Riplakish. d. The golden age of the nation, from the accession of Morianton to the dethronement of Hearthom. After several years of confusion, Morianton, a descendant of Riplakish, gained the kingdom, and the people began to prosper, right- eous men reigned and the nation grew. But the great era of prosperity was realized in the reign of Lib. During, his good reign the people developed the country's resources, cul- tivated the land, manufactured articles of commerce, etc., and mined the ores. Peace and plenty were enjoyed. e. The age of usurpation and rebellion, from the dethrone- ment of Hearthom until the captivity of Moron. For five generations following the dethronement of Hearthom, the royal house served in bondage, while usurping kings reigned. In the days of Shiblon great wickedness prevailed, the old secret combinations were again employed, terrible destruction resulted, and for three generations troublous times prevailed. NORMAL LESSONS 27 In the days of Moron the secret combination was established, a great rebellion arose, and Moron was dethroned and shut up in prison, about 675 B. C. The royal house did not gain the throne any more. /. The end of the nation, from the captivity of Moron to the battle of Ramah. Coriantor, the son of Moron, dwelt in captivity all his life, and his son, Ether, was born in captivity. The reigning king an usurper, was Coriantumr, who fought the increasing power of the secret combination, which was sapping the life of the nation. The nation was pretty well divided for and against Coriantumr. The struggle was con- tinued for some years, ahd resulted in the total overthrow of the nation at the battle of Ramah, about B. C. 600, Corian- tumr being the sole survivor of the conflict. 5. The great men of this period were Jared the leader, Jared's brother the prophet, Akish the wicked king and intro- ducer of secret combinations, Lib the good king. Ether the prophet and historian, and Coriantumr the last king and sole survivor of the nation. BLACKBOARD OUTLINE. Jaredite Separation. Jared. Period. Dispersion. Kingdom Established. Jared's Brother. B. C. 2200. Secret Combinations. Akish. Battle of Golden Age. Lib. Ramah. Usurpation and Rebellion. Ether. B. C. 600. End of the Nation. Coriantumr. QUESTIONS. What is the theme of the Book of Mormon history? How is it treated? ^Jnto how many periods is it divided? Of whom does the first period treat? What events begin and close the Jaredite period? Give the probable dates. Into how many epochs is this period divided? What transpired in the first epoch? What did the people demand,, when they had grown numerous? What advice was given by the brother 28 RELIGIO-SUNDAY SCHOOL of Jared? What did subsequent events prove relative to this advice? What evil order was introduced in the third epoch? Who were instrumental in introducing this order? What was the result of it? Why was the fourth epoch known as the golden age? During whose reign was the greatest pros- perity enjoyed? What age followed this age of prosperity? What evil prevailed during this epoch? Who reigned during this epoch? Who was the last of the royal house to rule the nation? What is the last epoch called? Who is mentioned as the reigning king? Who was the last member of the royal family? What service did he do his nation? Where and when was the decisive battle fought? Name six great men of this period and tell for what they were noted. * i Lesson 8. the period of migration. The second period of Book of Mormon history includes the time from the warning of Lehi, B. C, 600, to the union of the Nephites with the people of Zarahemla, about B. C. 200. During this time two colonies of Israelites, one led by Lehi, the other led by Mulek, son of Zedekiah, left Jerusalem and emigrated to America, most likely by way of the Pacific Ocean. The former landed southward and the latter north- ward, from the "narrow neck of land" — ^the Isthmus of Panama. These colonies, by a series of emigrations, were united in one nation, already mentioned, about B. C. 200. The principal events of this period cluster around four great migrations, hence the period is called the period of migration. 1. The emigration of Lehi. Lehi, a righteous man, of the tribe of Manasseh, being warned of God, 0;f the impending destruction of Jerusalem, left that city, B. C. 600, taking his family and others. They were led by the hand of God, in many ways, to the promised land, the land of Joseph. They occupied something more than eight years in the journey and voyage. They landed in South America, probably in Chili, NORMAL LESSONS 29 where they found a fruitful land, rich in minerals and soil, and occupied by many useful beasts. Here they resided for a time, a prosperous colony. 2. The emigration of Nephi. Nephi, a younger, but more righteous son of Lehi, was chosen to preside over the colony after the death of Lehi; whereupon the older members of the colony rebelled, and Nephi was warned of God to separate from the colony, with all who would go with him, and serve God. Under Nephi, they journeyed — probably northward — for a considerable distance, and occupied the land and called it after Nephi. This migration occurred about B. C. 565. Here in the new home the colony built a temple, after the •pattern of the one at Jerusalem, and the worship of God was perpetuated. The colony dwelt here for many years, and grew rich in agriculture, mining, and the arts. 3. The emigration of Mulek. Mulek, the only surviving son of Zedekiah, king of Judah, with others, was driven out of Jerusalem at the time that Zedekiah was carried captive into Babylon, B. C. 589, 588. They were led by the hand of the Lord, and brought to America, landing in that part of the country now called Central America. From there they proba- bly moved gradually into the northern part of South America, occupying what is now the United States of Colombia, and by them called Zarahemla. They grew to be a large nation, but dwindled into unbelief in the God of their fathers. They were ruled over by one Zarahemla, a descendant of Mulek, at the time of the union with the Nephites. 4. The emigration of Mosiah. Mosiah, king of the Nephites, living in the land of Nephi, was warned by the Lord; and by preaching and prophesying led the godly element of the Ne- phite nation northward from the land of Nephi, about B. C. 200. Here they discovered the people of Zarahemla, mentioned before. The language of the people of Zarahemla had become so corrupted in the time which had elapsed since their emigra- tion from Jerusalem, that they could not converse with the Nephites; but they were taught by Mosiah, the language of the Nephites, and gave a traditional history of their nation, down to Zarahemla. The two peoples were united under the 30 RELIGIO-SUNDAY SCHOOL name of Nephites, with Mosiah as their king. They were soon converted to the religion of their forefathers, and be- came a prosperous people. The principal men of this period were: Lehi, the patriarch and prophet. Laman, the rebellious son of Lehi. Nephi, the leader and historian of the nation. Mulek, the leader of the second colony. Mosiah, the leader and king of the united people. The following dates should be remembered: B. C. 600, Lehi left Jerusalem. B. C. 589, 588, the departure of the colony under Mulek. About B. C. 565, the first division of the Nephites and La^ manites. About B. C. 200, the union of the Nephites with the people of Zarahemla. BLACKBOARD OUTLINE. Period Warn. Lehi. Emigration of Lehi. Lehi. of B. C. 600. Emigration of Nephi. Nephi. Migration. Un. Nep. Zar. Emigration of Mulek. Mulek. B. C. 200. Emigration of Mosiah Mosiah L QUESTIONS. What is the name, of the second period? What are the open- ing and closing events? How much time does the period cover? How many colonies of Israelites emigrated to America? What are the epochs of this period? Why it is called the period of migration? Of what tribe was Lehi? How were they induced to leave Jerusalem? ' About how long did it take them to make the journey? What was the cause of the second emigration? By whom was it led? Who participated in this emigration? What did they build in the land of Nephi? Who was the leader of the second colony? What event led to their emigration? Where did this people dwell? Who was Mosiah? Who participated in the emigration led by him? NORMAL LESSONS 31 Whom did they find in Zarahemla? What was done as a result of this emigration? Name the principal men of this period? What are the principal dates of this period? Lesson 9. the period of nephite unity. This period begins with union of the Nephites and the peo- ple of Zarahemla, about B. C. 200, and closes with the death of Mosiah II, the last Nephite king, B. C. 91. It covers three generations, the last of which witnessed the union of all the godly people in one nation; hence it is called the period of Nephite unity. The period is divided into three epochs as follows: 1. The first generation, comprised the days of Mosiah I, who was chosen the ruler of the Nephite-Zarahemlan con- federacy. Shortly after the occupancy of the land of Zara- hemla by the Nephites, some of the people became anxious to reoccupy the land of Nephi. A colony under the leadership of Zeniff (the supposed brother of Amaleki, son of Abinadom,) returned to the land of Nephi and occupied the city of Lehi- Nephi, by permission of the king of the Lamanites. 2. a. The second generation comprised the days of King Ben- jamin, who ruled over the Nephites after his father, Mosiah I. Some contention between the Nephites and Lamanites is recorded. The last of the prophetic line, Amaleki, dying with- out issue, the sacred records and things were conferred upon King Benjamin. b. Zeniff having passed away, his son Noah reigned as king in the city of Lehi-Nephi. Being a wicked man he de- based the nation, he and his friends going into polygamy, and much evil ensued. Abinadi, a prophet, came prophesying of the destruction of the people. He was put to death. Alma, one of Noah's priests, was converted, and, having received authority from God. organized the church, in the Land of 32 RELIGIO-SUNDAY SCHOOL Mormon; but, being pursued, they fled out of the land into the wilderness. 3. The third generation, a. Mosiah II succeeded his father, Benjamin, as king of the Nephites. He was a righteous man and ruled with equity all his days, and the people prospered. His sons refused to succeed him, but went upon a mission to reclaim the Lamanites from the error of their wickedness. Mosiah, prior to his death, proclaimed a liberal law of the land, and Alma II, son of the founder of the church, was chosen chief judge of the republic. Alma I and Mosiah II died B. C. 91. 6. Limhi, son of King Noah, was chosen to succeed his fa/ther, who had been put to death by his people. The men he sent to locate Zarahemla, returned with the twenty-four gold plates of Ether. Limhi was oppressed by the Lamanites so greatly that he and his people fled out of the land of Nephi, and joined the Nephite nation under King Mosiah II, B. C. 121. c. Alma I, the founder of the church, after fleeing into the wilderness, was subjugated by the Lamanites, for a time, but by the direction of the Lord they came into the land of Zara- hemla, and were united with the Nephites B. C. 121. Alma was permitted by Mosiah to establish the church in Zarahemla, and was made high priest of the church, by the Lord. Prior to his death, he consecrated his son Alma, high priest, and Mosiah conferred upon him the sacred records and things. Thus were all the people who remembered God united. All became one nation, and for thirty years the kingdom of the Nephites was ruled in unity by Mosiah II. Then the monarchy was exchanged for a republic. The principal occurrences which materially affected the future of the Nephites, were: The return of the colony under Zeniff to Nephi; the transfer of the sacred records to the family of Benjamin; the establishment of the church by Alma in the Land of Mormon; the discovery of the twenty-four gold plates of Ether by the me7i of Limhi; the refusal of the sons of Mosiah II to be king; and the union of all the godly people in Zarahemla. NORMAL LESSONS 33 The great men of this period were: Benjamin, Alma I, and Mosiah II. BLACKBOARD OUTLINE. Period. Union Nep. Zar. B. C. 200. 2d Generation Benjamin. Nephite Death Mosiah B. C. 91. 1st Generation Alma I. Unity. Bd Generation Mosiah II. QUESTIONS. What is the third period of Book of Mormon history called? With what event does it begin and end? How long did it last? Why is it called the period of unity? How many epochs are there in this period? Who was the first king of the new con- federacy? What desire was manifest among some of the peo- ple, shortly after the union? Who led the colony? Where did they locate? Who succeeded King Mosiah? What sacred trust was reposed in him? Who succeeded Zeniff in Lehi-Nephi? Who prophesied in his reign? What great thing occurred in this generation? Where was the church organized? How could Alma organize the church? Who succeeded Benjamin in the land of Zarahemla? What unusual thing occurred in regard to his sons? Who reigned after the death of Noah? What oc- curred to the colony? Where did they remove to? What became of the church organized in Mormon? What did Mosiah do in regard to the church? Who was consecrated to succeed Alma, the founder? What great change was made in the government of the Nephite nation? Mention some great events of this period. 34 RELIGIO-SUNDAY SCHOOL Lesson 10. the period of the reign of the judges. 1. This period extends from the seatirig of Alma II, the first chief judge, B. C. 91, to the birth of Christ. During this time the Nephites had a republican form of government, the executive being called chief judge, hence, the period is called the period of the reign of the judges. 2. This period is divided into six epochs as follows : a. The reign of Alma II, the high priest, v^rho was chosen according to the laws of Mosiah, to govern the nation. Under his righteous rule the nation grew, and the people prospered, for a time. The good reign was marred by the wickedness of Nehor, the rebellion of Amlici, and war with the Lamanites. The increase of pride in the church caused Alma to resign the judgment seat, B. C. 83, to devote his entire time to the ministry. b. The reign of the house of Nephihah. From this family were chosen four judges who ruled the people from B. C. 83 to 50. The church grew, and for a time peace and plenty were enjoyed by the Nephites. Some desired to return tor a monarchial form of government, and rebellion marred the peace in the land. A large emigration to the north country occurred. A secret combination like that of old, was estab- lished, bringing strife and murder. c. The reign of the house of Helaman II, grandson of Alma II. In the midst of the strife and confusion, the people chose Helaman II, the high priest, to judge the nation. He and his son, Nephi I, judged them twenty years. Order was restored, righteousness increased, and the people prospered. Then division arose, and the Lamanites overran the land, driving the Nephites to the land northward. Nephi I resigned B. C. 30, to care for the church. d. The reign of the house of Cezoram. He and his son ruled the people for four years. An era of great prosperity prevailed. The Nephites were restored to their land, and the NORMAL LESSONS 35 Nephites and Lamanites were at peace. The Gadianton robbers again appeared among the people and both judges were slain by them. e. The reign of Seezoram. The Gadianton robbers be- came so strong that they placed one of their own number upon the judgment seat, who reigned two years. Terrible strife followed. He was assassinated by his brother. A season of civil war ensued, succeeded by three years of famine. Later, Samuel, the Lamanite prophet appeared, and warned the people. /. The reign of the house of Lachoneus. He was chosen to judge the nation some time subsequent to the confusion of the latter reign, but the time of his choosing is not known. (There may have been another judge not named, between these judges.) This family furnished two judges, one of whom reigned after the birth of Christ. The nation was much disturbed during this reign. Lachoneus I was judge when the promised sign of the birth of Christ was given, two whole days of light, without a night and the appearance of a new star. Lachoneus II was the last judge. (The Ne- phites divided into separate tribes thirty years after the birth of Christ.) 3. During this period, eleven judges ruled the land, {one after the birth of Christ, twelve in all.) Seven high priests presided over the church, three of whom sat in the judgment- seat. 4. Prominent among the great men of this age, were: Alma II, the first chief judge and great high priest. Ammon, son of Mosiah II, the great missionary. Moroni, the great chief captain of the Nephite armies. Helaman II, chief judge and high priest, the publisher of the records. Kishkumen, the founder of the Gadianton robbers. Samuel, the Lamanite prophet. 36 RELIGIO-SUNDAY SCHOOL BLACKBOARD OUTLINE. Period Seating Reign of Alma Alma II. of Alma Reign of House of Nephihah Ammon. Reign B. C. 91 Reign of House of Helaman Moroni. Birth of Reign of House of Cezoram Helaman. Judges Christ Reign of House of Seezoram Kishkumen. A. D. 1. Reign of House of Lachoneus Samuel. QUESTIONS. How much time is covered by the period of the reign of the judges? What form of government had the Nephites during this time? How many epochs are there in this period? Who was the first chief judge? How many judges were chosen from the family of Nephihah? What were the principal events of the epoch? What happened during the reign of the house of Helaman II? What house ruled next? Name the principal events of this epoch. To what order did Seezoram belong? What followed his reign? What is said of the time of the election of Lachoneus? How many judges came from this family? When did the last one rule? How many judges were there in all? How many high priests? Name the most prominent men of this age. Lesson 11. THE period of NEPHITE CHRISTIANITY. 1. The fifth period of Book of Mormon history begins with the birth of Christ, and ends with the hiding up of the recordi> by Moroni, A. D. U21. 2. In this period Jesus Christ visited the Nephites. He revealed to them the gospel, fulfilled the law of Moses, and established his church among them; hence, we call it the period of Nephite Christianity. 3. The period is divided into five epochs, as follows: NORMAL LESSONS 37 a. The last of the judges, from the birth of Christ to the assassination of Lachoneus IL The sign promised by the prophets announcing the birth of Christ, two days of light without any night, and a new star, appeared during the reign of Lachoneus I. The Gadianton robbers spread confusion, until their overthrow, A. D. 21, followed by peace and pros- perity. The secret order was again revived, and Lachoneus II, the last chief judge, was assassinated A. D. 30, and the people divided. b. The Nephites visited by Christ, from the division into tribes, A. D. 30, to the conversion of the whole nation A. D. 36. At the time of the crucifixion occurred the great storm. Jesus Christ appeared to the Nephites and ministered unto them. Preached the gospel, and chose twelve disciples (find the names of the twelve disciples, a. e., Nephi 9:4, s. e. Nephi 9:2), and established his church. The preaching was received everywhere, the whole nation converted to Christ, and the church was universal in the land, A. D. 36. c. The era of peace and righteousness, from the conversion of the nation, A. D. 36, to the separation of the people into Nephites and Lamanites, A. D. 231. Following the universal conversion, a reign of peace and unequaled prosperity and righteousness was enjoyed. All the people were one. This was the golden age of Book of Mormon history. About A. D. 201 there was a decline in righteousness, and division followed. The people were separated, their righteous assuming the name Nephites, and the wicked, Lamanites, A. D. 231. d. The division, from the assuming of the names Nephites and Lamanites, A. D. 231, to the breaking out of the war between Nephites and Lamanites, A. D. 321. The wickedness of the people increased. Many churches arose among those professing Christ, and idolatry was introduced. War broke out between the Nephites and Lamanites, A. D. 321. e. The end, from the breaking out of war, A. D. 321, to the hiding of the records by Moroni, A. D. 421. The nation was so steeped in iniquity, and the hatred of one people for the other so great, that the war was one of extermination. The 38 RELIGIO-SUNDAY SCHOOL Lord, having forsaken the wicked Nephites, the Lamanites, who outnumbered them, soon gained the mastery, the final battle was fought at Cumorah, A. D. 384. Mormon com- mitted to the earth all the records and sacred things, except the abridged history of the Nephites, which he gave to Moroni, his son; these Moroni finished and deposited in the earth in the manner found by Joseph Smith, in ou-r generation. 4. The following dates ^ should be remembered: The siffn of the Crucifixion, Uh day of First Month, A. D. Breaking out of last war, A. D. 321. Armistice before last battle, A. D. 380. Battle of Cumorah, A. D. 38 Jf. Records hid up by Moroni, A. D. ^21. 5. The following persons belonging to this age should be remembered : Lachoneus II, the last chief judge. Nephi, the disciple of Christ. Mormon, the compiler of the Nephite history. Moroni, the last historian, the one who hid up the records. BLACKBOARD OUTLINE. Period Birth of Christ Last of the judges. Lachoneus IL Nephite A. D. 1. Visit of Christ. Nephi. Christianity Hiding of Records Era of Peace Mormon. A. D. 421. The Division. Moroni. The end of nation. ' To harmonize these dates with the common New Testa- ment chronology, four years are deducted. NORMAL LESSONS 39 QUESTIONS. What is the fifth period of Book of Mormon history called? Why? Into how many epochs is this period divided? Name the epochs. What principal events transpired during the first epoch? Who was the last chief judge? What great event took place in the second epoch? How was the gospel re- ceived by the people on the American Continent? What was the result of this conversion? How long did the era of peace last? What names were assumed by the people after they divided? What was the result of this division? What can be said of the war that broke out A. D. 321? When was the last battle fought? Where? What was the result of this battle? What records did Mormon bury? What records did he give to Moroni? When and where did Moroni hide up the records? Give the principal dates of this period. Name the prominent men of this age. Lesson 12. review of part ii, book of mormon history. 1. What is the beginning and end of Book of Mormon his- tory, and what land was the field? 2. Tell what nationality the people were of, whose history is narrated. 3. Name the five periods of Book of Mormon history. 4. Tell from what events each period derives its name. 5. State the events and dates with which each period be- gins and ends. 6. Give the subdivisions of each period. 7. State the most important events and dates of Book of Mormon history. " 8. 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