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THE "INSPIRED TRANSLATION."

 IMPROVEMENT ERA 1900

Transcribed by Kerry A. Shirts

  In a recent number of the ERA, Elder F. W. Crockett discussed "The Mission and Necessity of the Holy Ghost," and to substantiate a portion of his argument, with the correctness of which there is no controversy, he uses Paul's words, (Hebrews 6:1.) "Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection," etc.

  Charles L. Walker, writing from St. George, remarks that this passage, as here quoted, is rather a stumbling block than a faith-promoter to some young men. "It is argued," says he, "and rightly too: 'How can we leave the principles of Christ and yet obtain salvation, seeing that it takes all the principles of Christ to insure salvation and exaltation in the kingdom of God?' For the benefit of some of the young men, I wish to refer to a matter that will throw a gleam of light on the passage referred to, and render it more congenial to the minds of Latter-day Saints who strongly believe in revelation and inspiration, as these proceed from God's servants in authority. I heard the blessed Patriarch Hyrum Smith make the following statement, in Nauvoo, at a meeting. He said, referring to said scripture passage: 'It is a wrong translation, and should read: Having the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on to perfection, etc.' It will thus be seen that this inspired rendering of the verse by our lamented patriarch sheds a beautiful light on this passage heretofore shrouded in mystery and doubt."

  We give Elder Walker's testimony as above, because it is corroborative of the sentiment of the Prophet Joseph as expressed in what is known as the "inspired translation" of the Bible, in which the verse referred to reads as follows:

  Therefore, not leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on to perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God.

  While on this point, a word may be profitably said on the method of "translation" adopted by the Prophet Joseph. It should be remembered that rather than a translation it was a revision; but it can scarcely be called a revision either, and ought rather to be named a partial topical explanation of the scriptures. The method adopted was this: The Prophet had a large German Bible upon the margins of which he made the corrections as he was inspired while studying certain topics of the scriptures. One subject at a time was taken, and every reference to that subject was looked over, and where needed, corrected. But only a very small number of all the subjects were ever thus considered. Some most excellent corrections were made, but perhaps there were a dozen or more subjects or principles in certain chapters where one only was corrected. Hence it is that while one topic, as in the chapter referred to in Hebrews, has been explained, and much light thrown upon it, it does not follow and is not true that the Prophet either "revised" or "translated" the whole chapter or considered every subject therein. And this may be said of nearly all the chapters in the scriptures. But he finished whatever subject he took up; and this interpretation must be placed upon the expression, "finished the translation of the scriptures," found in the history of Joseph Smith.