Thirty-Two (1837)of its many contradictions and imperfections. The early Church intellectuals looked “way
beyond the mark.” Joseph counseled them to leave the book alone, explaining (the best he
could without disclosing his true identity) that it was meant to be a stumbling block to the
people if they couldn’t humble themselves and grasp the significance of its principle intent.
Choosing Pride and Worldly Wisdom Over Humility
On one occasion, Frederick G. Williams scolded Joseph and told him “the Book of
Mormon was not meant for fools,” to which Joseph responded, “Brother Williams, then you
have not had the book opened unto you. You are puffed up with learning and pretended
wisdom and the Lord despises you for these things.” In this case, Joseph was rephrasing 2
Nephi 9:42:
And whoso knocketh, to him will he open; and the wise, and the learned, and
they that are rich, who are puffed up because of their learning, and their
wisdom, and their riches—yea, they are they whom he despiseth; and save
they shall cast these things away, and consider themselves fools before God,
and come down in the depths of humility, he will not open unto them.Frederick Williams stormed out of the room and later that year became one of
Joseph’s most ardent critics.
The Book of Mormon was republished to include many changes that had nothing to do
with the “fullness of the everlasting Gospel delivered by the Savior.” The advanced monitors
responsible for the Book of Mormon knew which humanity types “God despiseth” and unto
which “he [would] open.”^72 The 1830 edition of the Book of Mormon was perfect. It was never
intended to be accepted by those who were puffed up because of their learning and their
wisdom. Its primary intent was meant for the same type of people who Christ described
before he delivered his gospel, as recorded in Matthew, chapter 5 and correctly translated in
bold italic:
3 Blessed are the poor in spirit who come unto me and learn that which the
Father hath given me for them; for their spirits shall be filled and they shall
enter into the kingdom of heaven.
4 And again, blessed are they that mourn because they seek for more
righteousness, but cannot find it in the doctrines and precepts of men which
they have been given; for they shall be comforted by the words which I give
unto them this day.
5 Blessed are the meek who seek to do the will of the Father in all things; for
they shall inherit the earth that hath been prepared for them.
6 And blessed are they who do hunger and thirst after righteousness in
meekness and lowliness of heart; for they shall be filled with the Holy Ghost
who shall teach them all things.
7 And blessed are the merciful who love others and extend to them no
judgment for what they do, which is evil; for they shall obtain mercy for that
which they do, which is evil.