Nineteen (1824)role of a school administrator, ensured that he was learning everything he needed to
prepare him for his role as a true messenger.
This education was the “instruction and intelligence”^3 made mention of by Joseph
that he received from Moroni. He was never allowed to mention the existence of the
Brothers, not even to his own family members or his closest friends. If word had gotten out
that these semi-mortal men existed and were helping Joseph, their identities and lives
would have been in constant danger of discovery by his enemies.
Joseph wrote,
the most strenuous exertions were used to get [the plates] from me. Every stratagem
that could be invented was resorted to for that purpose, [wherein] the persecution
became more bitter and severe than before, and multitudes were on the alert
continually to get them from me if possible.^4One can imagine how difficult it would have been for the Brothers to continually
support and mentor Joseph as mortals, if they had been exposed. For this very reason,
Joseph seldom mentioned how involved the Brothers were in the fulfillment of his role. He
kept their presence and identities secret to protect them and secure his ability to meet with
them from time-to-time and receive their ongoing “instruction and intelligence.”
Joseph Jr. earned a four-year degree that certified he had received “the greater portion
of the word, until it [was] given unto him to know the mysteries of God until he [knew] them in
full.”^5 By the end of the four years that transpired from September 22, 1823 to September 22,
1827, Joseph had learned all that he needed to know to begin his role as the only true
messenger upon the earth at that time, with the mandate not to disclose his true identity
in that role.^6 Surrounding him at his private “graduation” ceremony were not only his four
mentors and Moroni (for the last time), but also Mahonri (otherwise known as the brother of
Jared) and even Christ himself.
So what was Joseph’s diploma and graduation gift to be at this unique graduation
ceremony? He received the gold plates, which he had earned—not only because he was
personally responsible for their existence, but because he finally understood exactly why
they existed and the part they would play in fulfilling his calling. (A more detailed account
of this glorious event will be given in chapter 22 [1827].)
During the next four years (Sept 1823–Sept 1827), Joseph would develop his own
unique, though elementary, prosaic writing style. He was to become proficient enough in the
English language to achieve what his “degree” required. These years were the most important
part of Joseph’s life. It is imperative for the reader to understand what Joseph learned during
this time so that one can fully comprehend what he did in his role as the modern-day “Moses”
and, more particularly, why he did it without disclosing his true identity.
Curriculum: Reading, Writing, and Real Truth
Joseph’s four-year curriculum included studies in the following: the real history of
the human race upon this earth in this solar system; the development of human culture and
tradition, which included all religious thought; and most importantly, how the world’s
societies and economies came to be, which, of course, are the cause of all human suffering
and misery. Joseph received much more than a PhD in history, anthropology, and
economics. Along with these human studies, he was given the help necessary to profoundly