After completing the biography of "The Real Thomas Jefferson" with Andy Allison, W. Cleon Skousen gives a beautiful recap of the book and the life of this remarkable Founder. He portrays not only the life and legacy of Thomas Jefferson, but also the spirit of Thomas Jefferson, truly one of America's foremost founding fathers.

Jefferson's unyielding commitment to personal integrity, principles of liberty and self-determination launched his influential role in drafting the Declaration of Independence, principles of self-governance, and ultimately President of the United States.

Unknown to many casual history students, Jefferson had many trials, both personal and professional, including the deep sorrow from personal losses and the vengeful, scandalous accusations during his presidency.

Dr. Skousen provides insight into Jefferson's influence on American law and governance, his presidency, and his lasting impact on the nation's path towards freedom and democracy. A reflection on his visionary reforms in Virginia and his post-presidency years offers a comprehensive portrayal of his enduring contributions.

Section 6 - Historical Background: In the winter of 1828-1829, Joseph Smith faced deep anxiety as he struggled to translate the golden plates without a scribe. With Martin Harris back in Palmyra and his wife Emma busy with household chores, Joseph awaited divine intervention. The Lord answered his prayers with the arrival of Oliver Cowdery, a young schoolteacher boarding in the Smith's home in Palmyra. After his own personal confirmation of the Lord's work, Oliver joined Joseph in Harmony Pennsylvania and began to assist as scribe. Oliver asked Joseph for a personal revelation from the Lord and received it as recorded in Section 6.

Recap: Oliver receives counsel from the Lord to be diligent, to ask God for his needs and to seek wisdom, not riches. Oliver has a gift as a communicator, like Aaron’s gift, and is to preach repentance. The Lord reminds Oliver of his personal conversion experience, which no one else knew up to this time, and to always look unto Christ.

Section 7 - Historical Background: As Joseph was translating 1 Nephi 14, he came to a vision of the latter days by Nephi but was commanded not to record it all because the Lord will command the Apostle John to record the remainder of this vision. Joseph and Oliver discussed John and his whereabouts, disagreeing on whether John tarried in the flesh or had died. Joseph petitioned the Lord on the matter and received section 7.

• Recap: The Lord reveals the conversation He will have in mortality with Apostles Peter and John, granting unto them their desires. Peter will desire to come speedily to Christ, whereas John will desire to tarry in the flesh until Christ’s second coming.

Section 8 – Historical Background: As Joseph’s physical and emotional fatigue from translation became apparent, Oliver asked if he could help by doing some of the translation. After inquiring of the Lord, the answer came in section 8.

• Recap: God explains how prayers are answered. Oliver has the gift of revelation along with the gift of Aaron (communicator). God will grant other gifts of the Spirit if asked for in faith, for without faith nothing can be done.

Section 9 – Historical Background: As Oliver attempts to translate, he finds that he cannot and becomes frustrated. The Lord provides comforting admonishment in section 9.

• Recap: Oliver is counselled to continue as a scribe for Joseph rather than attempt to translate for now; to be patient and not murmur, but be expedient in the work of translation. There are other records Oliver will be asked to translate [but due to the Church coming under condemnation -see section 84:54-58- this opportunity to translate never emerged].

Historical Background:

After the translation of 116 foolscap pages of the Gold Plates (known as the Book of Lehi), Martin Harris pleads with Joseph to allow him to take the manuscript to Palmyra to convince his family of the genuineness of this divine project. After tireless pleadings from Martin and through Joseph, the Lord finally consents, but Harris was reckless with the document and it was lost. Immediately, in July, 1828, Moroni appears and reprimands Joseph and takes the Urim and Thummim and the Gold Plates, not to be returned until Joseph is filled with repentance. In September, 1828, Moroni returns the Urim and Thummim and the Gold Plates to a very humble Joseph, who resumes the translation.

Recap:

Joseph is reprimanded for fearing man more than God, and is counselled that the works of God cannot be frustrated by men.

Joseph’s father receives a blessing through revelation outlining the marvelous work about to come forth and the need for the faithful to commit to serving the Lord.

Guilt-ridden Martin Harris also asks for a blessing through revelation, hoping he can be one of the three witnesses to the Gold Plates. He is granted his desire, predicated upon his sincere repentance.