1828–1829

The Lord Sends Oliver Cowdery

Learning how God speaks to us

Joseph and Emma kept translating the Book of Mormon. The work was hard, and they also had to work on their farm. Joseph prayed that Heavenly Father would send someone to help him translate the Book of Mormon.

Saints, 1:56, 58

Far away in New York, Oliver Cowdery, a young schoolteacher, was living with Joseph Smith’s parents. Oliver taught Joseph’s younger brothers and sisters.

Saints, 1:58–59

Oliver heard about Joseph and the gold plates. He was curious. He talked to Joseph’s parents. They told Oliver that Joseph was doing God’s work.

Saints, 1:59

Now Oliver was even more curious. Joseph’s parents told Oliver that he should pray and find out for himself if it was God’s work. So one night, Oliver prayed with all his heart. God gave him peace in his mind. Oliver knew that Joseph Smith was God’s servant. He felt that he should help Joseph.

Saints, 1:60

When the school year ended, Oliver went to meet Joseph and Emma. Joseph and Oliver stayed up late talking about the gold plates and God’s work.

Saints, 1:60

Oliver said he would write while Joseph translated. He loved what he was learning about Jesus. He also had questions and wanted stronger faith.

Saints, 1:61

Through the Prophet Joseph, the Lord gave Oliver a message. He told Oliver to remember the night when he had prayed. God had given him peace. Only God knew about this prayer. Oliver’s faith became stronger. He kept helping Joseph, and the Lord taught him many things about how God speaks to us.

Doctrine and Covenants 6:14–24; 8:1–3; 9:7–9; Saints, 1:62–64