SOURCE: "Extracts from the History of Joseph Smith, the Prophet," in The Pearl of Great Price, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, 1958, pp. 46-58.

In the following excerpt, written in 1838, Smith recounts the circumstances surrounding the transcription and publication of the Book of Mormon.

1. Owing to the many reports which have been put in circulation by evil-disposed and designing persons, in relation to the rise and progress of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, all of which have been designed by the authors thereof to militate against its character as a Church and its progress in the world—I have been induced to write this history, to disabuse the public mind, and put all inquirers after truth in possession of the facts, as they have transpired, in relation both to myself and the Church, so far as I have such facts in my possession...