Thoughts on Editing The Book of Mormon

Our son, Jared, sent these words to me this morning. His timing couldn't be better. My scriptures have felt like shifting sand these last couple months.  Jesus has guided our family to go back to the facsimiles of the 1840 Book of Mormon. The pictures aren't going to change with the click of a button. As family and friends, we have been working on preparing an accurate digital version of what is found in the 1840 edition of the Book of Mormon. These simple words of a teenage boy, living miles away in Texas, are healing words for his mother's soul.  

As I was in the process of making a digitized replica of the facsimiles of the book of Mormon, I read the scriptures below, along with the rest of the book. It got me thinking. I do not believe we should change any of the punctuation or formatting in the Book of Mormon. We should leave it just the way Joseph left it. As I was reading, the way things were phrased and organized gave the scriptures a whole new meaning! At times there would be a huge run on sentence but it helped me see the idea as whole. It felt more like someone was explaining it to me than a text book. Joseph didn't have perfect grammar, punctuation, or sentence structure, but he could do what the Lord wanted done, and the Lord stands behind the work that he did. If there are mistakes the Lord is responsible. I am extremely hesitant to change anything the Lord has already backed up. I feel that as soon as we start to change what has already been approved we become responsible for all that happens because of our error. If we decided to change a comma and someone was lead astray because of that, I feel that would be on our head. We all have so many different opinions on how thing should be organized I don't ever think we would come to a mutual agreement. If you feel that there is a something that HAS to be fixed, realize the responsibility you are taking on. I believe you would then be responsible for that scripture and what happens because of it. Are you sure you want that? I understand that Denver has suggested some changes. That is between him and the Lord. I believe he will be accountable. If we are smart enough to think we can edit the book than I'm sure that we will be able to read it just fine and fix minor errors in our head. It just goes on more to prove that Joseph was just a boy who didn't have an extensive education, but the Lord was able to deliver a message to us that we can understand.

-Jared Willis

I am the same who hideth up this record unto the Lord; the plates thereof are of no worth, because of the commandment of the Lord. For he truly saith, that no one shall have them to get gain; but the record thereof is of great worth; and whoso shall bring it to light, him will the Lord bless. For none can have power to bring it to light, save it be given him of God; for God will that it shall be done with an eye single to his glory, or the welfare of the ancient and long dispersed covenant people of the Lord. And blessed be him that shall bring this thing to light; for it shall be brought out of darkness unto light, according to the word of God; yea, it shall be brought out of the earth, and it shall shine forth out of darkness, and come unto the knowledge of the people: and it shall be done by the power of God; and if there be faults, they be the faults of a man. But behold, we know no fault; nevertheless, God knoweth all things; therefore he that condemneth, let him be aware lest he shall be in danger of hell fire. And he that sayeth, shew unto me, or ye shall be smitten, let him beware lest he commandeth that which is forbidden of the Lord. For behold, the same that judgeth rashly, shall be judged rashly again; for according to his works shall his wages be; therefore, he that smiteth, shall be smitten again of the Lord. Behold what the scripture says man shall not smite, neither shall he judge; for judgment is mine, saith the Lord; and vengeance is mine also, and I will repay. And he that shall breathe out wrath and strifes against the work of the Lord, and against the covenant people of the Lord, who are the house of Israel, and shall say, we will destroy the work of the Lord, and the Lord will not remember his covenant which he hath made unto the house of Israel, the same is in danger to be hewn down and cast into the fire; for the eternal purposes of the Lord shall roll on, until all his promises shall be fulfilled. -somewhere in Mormon 4

And now behold, who can stand against the works of the Lord? Who can deny his sayings? Who will rise up against the almighty power of the Lord? Who will despise the works of the Lord? Who will despise the children of Christ? Behold, all ye who are despisers of the works of the Lord, for ye shall wonder and perish. O then despise not, and wonder not, but hearken unto the words of the Lord, and ask the Father in the name of Jesus for what things soever ye shall stand in need. -somewhere in Mormon 4

Condemn me not because of mine imperfection; neither my father, because of his imperfection; neither them who have written before him, but rather give thanks unto God that he hath made manifest unto you our imperfections, that ye may learn to be more wise than we have been....And these things are written, that we may rid our garments of the blood of our brethren who have dwindled in unbelief. And behold, these things which we have desired concerning our brethren, yea, even their restoration to the knowledge of Christ, is according to the prayers of all the saints who have dwelt in the land. And may the Lord Jesus Christ grant that their prayers may be answered according to their faith; and may God the Father remember the covenant which he hath made with the house of Israel; and may he bless them forever, through faith on the name of Jesus Christ. -somewhere in Mormon 4