Question
Gramps,
Brigham Young said that Joseph and Oliver returned the plates to Moroni at the hill Cumorah, and the hill opened up for them, and they saw many, many other plates in that hill. Do we know when this happened? Was it May 2, 1838, or a different date?
Brian
Answer
Brian,
In the annals of Latter-day Saint history, few events are as profound as the return of the golden plates to Moroni at the Hill Cumorah, as recounted by Brigham Young. This moment, shrouded in spiritual significance, not only marked a pivotal point in the Restoration of the gospel but also opened the door to further revelations.
On a fateful day in the early history of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery returned the golden plates to Moroni, the angelic messenger who had delivered them to Smith four years earlier. Brigham Young later recounted that upon their return, the Hill Cumorah opened, revealing many other sacred records. This event encapsulates the ongoing narrative of divine guidance and restoration central to the Church’s beliefs. But when exactly did this event happen? The date of May 2, 1838, is often speculated, yet historical documentation offers no definitive confirmation.
To understand the significance of this event, we must first delve into the early days of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. In 1827, Joseph Smith received the golden plates from Moroni, which contained the record of ancient American prophets. After translating these plates into what is now known as the Book of Mormon, Smith was faced with the challenge of returning them. The return to Moroni was not simply a matter of returning the physical plates; it was a profound act of obedience and fulfillment of divine instruction.
Brigham Young, a key leader in the Church and a close associate of Joseph Smith, emphasized the importance of this event in his teachings. He recounted, “They returned the plates to the angel, and the hill opened up and they saw many other plates. This account not only highlights the miraculous nature of the event but also suggests a deeper narrative of preservation and revelation within the Hill Cumorah.
The date of May 2, 1838, is often associated with this event. However, historical records do not provide conclusive evidence to support this specific date. Instead, it is frequently referenced in discussions surrounding the early Church’s history, particularly in relation to the ongoing revelations received by Joseph Smith during this period. The broader context of the early Church indicates that significant events were unfolding in 1838, including the establishment of the Church in Far West, Missouri, and the challenges faced by its members.
While Brigham Young’s accounts emphasize the spiritual significance of the event, the specific timeline remains a matter of speculation. It is essential to recognize that, while the tradition of May 2, 1838, exists, it lacks corroborative historical evidence, leading many to regard it as a speculative date rather than a confirmed historical fact.
The return of the plates and the subsequent opening of the Hill Cumorah signify more than a mere historical event; they symbolize the ongoing restoration of divine truths and records. The idea that the hill contained many other plates suggests a rich history of prophetic records preserved for future generations. This aligns with the teachings of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, which emphasizes the continuous nature of revelation and the importance of sacred texts.
Moreover, the event underscores the belief in the divine orchestration of history. Joseph Smith’s experience with Moroni and the golden plates serves as a testimony to Latter-day Saints of God’s active involvement in the affairs of humanity. The opening of the hill and the many records it revealed reflect the idea that God has prepared a wealth of knowledge for His children, waiting to be unveiled at the appropriate time.
The event where Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery returned the plates to Moroni at the Hill Cumorah holds a central place in Latter-day Saint history. While May 2, 1838, is often cited as the date of this significant event, it is crucial to approach this date with an understanding of the lack of definitive evidence. This moment not only represents a pivotal point in the Restoration but also serves as a reminder of the rich spiritual heritage found within the teachings of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. As members continue to study and reflect on these events, they are encouraged to seek personal revelation and understanding of their faith.
Gramps
