Sunday, July 5, 1835 – "… with W. W. Phelps and Oliver
Cowdery as scribes, I commenced the translation of some
of the characters or hieroglyphics, and much to our joy found
that one of the scrolls contained the writings of Abraham,
another the writings of Joseph of Egypt – more full account of
which will appear in its place, as I proceed to examine or
unfold them. Truly we can say, the Lord is beginning to reveal
the abundance of peace and truth." (History of the Church,
2:236)
Late July, 1835 – "The remainder of this month, I was
continually engaged in translating an alphabet of the
Book of Abraham, and arranging a grammar of the Egyptian
language as practiced by the ancients." (History of the Church,
2:238)
October 1, 1835 – "This afternoon I labored on the
Egyptian alphabet, in company with Brothers Oliver Cowdery
and W. W. Phelps, and during the research, the principles of
astronomy as understood by Father Abraham and the ancients
unfolded to our understanding, the particulars of which will
appear hereafter." (History of the Church, 2:286).
Saturday, October 3, 1835 – "In the afternoon I waited on
most of the Twelve [apostles], at my house, and exhibited to
them the ancient records, and gave explanations. This day passed
off with the blessing of the Lord." (History of the Church,
2:87)
Wednesday, October 7, 1835 – "This afternoon I re-commenced
translating from the ancient records." (History of
the Church, 2:289)
Saturday, October 24, 1835 – "Mr. Goodrich and his lady
called to see the ancient records. They also called at Dr.
Frederick G. Williams to see the mummies." (An American
Prophet's Record, p.40)
Thursday, October 29, 1835 –"Brother Warren Parrish
commenced writing for me, at fifteen dollars per month. I paid
him sixteen dollars in advance out of the committee’s store."
(History of the Church, 2:293).
Saturday, November 14, 1835 – "Thus came the word of the
Lord unto me saying: ‘Verily thus saith the Lord unto my servant
Joseph concerning my servant Warren Parrish …. Behold it shall
come to pass in his day that he shall see great things show
forth themselves unto my people. He shall see much of my ancient
records and shall know of hidden things and shall be endowed
with a knowledge of hidden languages. And if he desires
and shall seek it at my hand, he shall be privileged with
writing much of my word as a scribe unto me for the benefit of
my people.’" (An
American Prophet’s Record, p.58).
Thursday, November 19, 1835: "Went in company with Doc[tor
Frederick] Williams and my scribe [Warren Parrish?] to see how
the workmen prospered in finishing the House [Kirtland Temple].
The masons on the inside had commenced put[t]ing on the
finishing coat of plastureing [sic] …. I returned home and spent
the day in translating the Egyptian records. This has
been a pleasant day." (An American Prophet’s Record,
p.66)
Friday, November 20, 1835: "In morning at home. The weather
is warm but rainy. We [Joseph and Warren Parrish] spent the day
in translating and made rapid progress."
Monday, November 23, 1835 – "Several brethren called to
converse with me and see the [Egyptian] records …. I spent the
day in conversing and in studying the Hebrew language." (An
American Prophet’s Record, 67)
Tuesday, November 24, 1835 – "At home. Spent the forenoon
instructing those that called to inquire concerning the things
of God in the last days. In the afternoon we translated some of
the Egyptian records." (History of the Church, 2:320)."
Wednesday, November 25, 1835 – "Spent the day translating."
(History of the Church, 2:320)
Thursday, November 26, 1835 – "At home. We spent the day in
transcribing Egyptian characters from the papyrus.
I am severely afflicted with a cold." (An American
Prophet’s Record, 68; cf. History of the Church, 2:320-21)
Saturday, November 28, 1835 – "I am considerably recovered
from my cold. I think I shall be able in a few days to
translate again with the blessing of God."
Monday, November 30, 1835 – "This afternoon Henry Capron
called to see me. He is an old acquaintance of mine from
Manchester, New York. I showed him the Egyptian records." (An
American Prophet’s Record, p. 69)
Wednesday, December 2, 1835 – "A fine morning. I made
preparation to ride to Painesville with my wife and family, also
my Scribe [Warren Parrish?]. We had our sleigh and horses
prepared and set out. When we were passing through Mentor Street
we overtook a team with two men on the sleigh. I politely asked
them to let me pass. They granted my request and as we passed
them they bawled out, ‘Do you get any revelation lately,’ with
an addition of blackguard that I did not understand." (An
American Prophet’s Record, p. 69)
Saturday, December 12, 1835 – "At home. Spent the forenoon
in reading. At about 12 o’clock a number of young persons called
to see the Egyptian records. I requested my Scribe [Warren
Parrish] to exhibit them. He did so. One of the young ladies who
had been examining them was asked if they had the appearance of
Antiquity. She observed with an air of contempt that they did
not. On hearing this I was surprised at the ignorance she
displayed and I observed to her that she was an anomaly in
creation for all the wise and learned that had ever examined
them without hesitation pronounced them ancient. I further
remarked that it was downright wickedness, ignorance, bigotry,
and superstition that caused her to make the remark and that I
would put it on record. I have done so because it is a fair
sample of the prevailing spirit of the times showing that the
victims of priestcraft and superstition would not believe though
one should rise from the dead." (An American Prophet’s Record,
p. 75)
Monday, December 14, 1835 – "This morning a number of
brethren from New York called to visit me and see the Egyptian
records." (An American Prophet’s Record, 77)
Tuesday, December 15, 1835 – "Spent the day at home and as
usual was blessed with much company, some of which called to see
the records."
Wednesday, December 23, 1835 – "In the forenoon at home
studying the Greek language. Also waited upon the brethren who
came in and exhibiting to them the papyrus." (An American
Prophet’s Record, p. 91)
Thursday, December 31, 1835 – "In the after noon I attended
at the Chapel [Kirtland Temple] to give directions concerning
the upper rooms and more especially the west room which I intend
occupying for a translating room which will be prepared this
week." (An American Prophet’s Record, p. 94)
Tuesday, January 12, 1836 – "This after noon a young man
called to see the Egyptian manuscripts and I exhibited them to
him. He expressed great satisfaction and appeared very anxious
to obtain a knowledge of the translation."
Thursday morning, February 11, 1836 – "Spent the afternoon
in reading and exhibiting the Egyptian records to those who
called to see me. Heaven’s blessings have attended me."
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