marg wrote:So Rockheaded, is the use of the U & T. only mentioned by J.S. & Cowdery? Did they mention this as the process was going on or was this mentioned after the Book of Mormon was published?How does the U.& T compare to one or 2 seer stones in physical description?
William Smith said this of the U&T and breastplate that Joseph recieved with the plates:
"At one end was attached a rod which was connected with the outer edge of the right shoulder of the breasplate... a pocke was prepared in teh brestplate on the left side, immediately over the heart. When not in use the Urim and Thummim was placed in the pocket, the rod being of just the right length to allow it to be so deposited. This instrument could, however, be detached from the brestplate, and... Joseph often wore it detached when away from home... {In Behalf of Joseph Byrna S Zer pg 79}
I believe that Joseph Smith's mother wrote about it, but I do not have that book so I can't be sure without looking it up.
On different occasions David Whitmer stated that Joseph Smith used the U&T to translate the Book of Mormon, but he also stated on different occasions that he used a seer stone.
We know that Joseph recieved the U&T to finish translation because in the D&C we find this:
"[Sec 3:1a] Now, behold, I say unto you, that because you delivered up those writings which you had power given unto you to translate, by the means of the Urim and Thummim, into the hands of a wicked man, you have lost them;
[Sec 3:1b] and you also lost your gift at the same time, and your mind became darkened;
[Sec 3:1c] nevertheless, it is now restored unto you again, therefore see that you are faithful and continue on unto the finishing of the remainder of the work of translation as you have begun."
They were taken away because he let Martin Harris take the 116 pages, now they are given back to finish translation.