History of Utah, 1540-1886 - Brigham Young University

PRINTING THE BOOK. 63
The translation of the book of Mormon being finished,
Smith and Cowdery go to Palmyra, secure the
copyright, and agree with Egbert B. Grandin to
print five thousand copies for three thousand dollars.
Meanwhile, a revelation comes to Martin Harris, at
Manchester, in March, commanding him to pay for
the printing of the book of Mormon, under penalty
of destruction of himself and property. 20 The title-
Davison, the widow of Spaulding, published by Storrs, but denied by Mrs
Davison. Rigdon's connection, or rather lack of connection with the manuscript
is next discussed. Then is answered an article in Scribner's Magazine
by Mrs Dickenson, grand niece of Mr Spaulding, and probably the most shallow
treatment of the subject yet presented on either side. Further discussions
on the book are followed by an analysis of the life of Joseph, and finally
internal evidences and prophecies are considered. 'It is evident,' Mr Reynolds
concludes, ' that if Mr Spaulding's story was what its friends claim,
then it never could have formed the ground-work of the book of Mormon;
for the whole historical narrative is different from beginning to end. And
further, the story that certain old inhabitants of New Salem, who, it is said,
recognized the book of Mormon, either never made such a statement, or they
iet their imagination run away with their memory into the endorsement of a
falsehood and an impossibility.'
20 Speaking of Martin Hams, E. D. Howe says: 'Before his acquaintance
with the Smith family he was considered an honest, industrious citizen by
his neighbors. His residence was in the town of Palmyra, where he had
accumulated a handsome property. He was naturally of a very visionary
turn of mind on the subject of religion, holding one sentiment but a short
time.' Mortgaged his farm for $3,000, and printed the Booh of Mormon, as
he said, to make money. The price first was $1.75, then $1.25, afterward
whatever they could get. 'Since that time the frequent demands on Martin's
purse have reduced it to a very low state. He seems to have been the
soul and body of the whole imposition, and now carries the most incontestable
proofs of a religious maniac . . . Martin is an exceedingly fast talker.
He frequently gathers a crowd around in bar-rooms and in the streets.
Here he appears to be in his element, answering and explaining all manner
of dark and abstruse theological questions. . .He is the source of much
trouble and perplexity to the honest portion of his brethren, and would undoubtedly
long since have been cast off by Smith were it not for his money, and
the fact that he is one of the main pillars of the Mormon fabric' Mormonism
Unveiled, 13-15. 'The wife of Martin Harris instituted a lawsuit against
him [Joseph Smith, Jr], and stated in her affidavit that she believed the chief
object he had in view was to defraud her husband of all his property. The
trial took place at New York, and the facts, as related even by the mother
of the prophet, are strongly condemnatory of his conduct. . .Harris denied
in solemn terms that Smith "had ever, in any manner, attempted to get possession
of his money, and ended by assuring the gentlemen of the court that,
if they did not believe in the existence of the plates, and continued to resist
the truth, it would one day be the means of damning their souls.' Taylder's
Mormons, xxxi.-ii. 'In the beginning of the printing the Mormons professed
to hold their manuscripts as sacred, and insisted upon maintaining constant
vigilance for their safety during the progress of the work, each morning
carrying to the printing-office the instalment required for the day, and
withdrawing the same at evening. No alteration from copy in any manner
was to be made. These things were "strictly commanded," as they said. Mr