Hear Him and Never Walk Alone

What if you could hear God’s voice in the pages of a book?

Last week was the 191st anniversary of the first printing of the Book of Mormon in which The Grandin Press published 5,000 copies. Today over 150 million copies of the book have been distributed. In 1830 the book was sold for $1.25 – $1.75 per copy. A few years ago, a first edition Book of Mormon sold at auction for $80,000.

When I read these stats, I remembered an experience in the Northeast. 

My husband and I took our twins on a trip a few weeks after graduation. We experienced natural beauty, US history and dinners featuring Atlantic fresh catch. 

We roamed Newport’s seaside estates, followed the yellow cobblestones of the Freedom Trail, cruised Boston Harbor in a 19’ sailboat, and walked several miles along the coastal cliffs of Maine. 

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But one of the most memorable days we spent at a quiet spot in the woods where we were nearly alone. 

My husband drives the rental car up a hill surrounded by the green of early summer and trees, lots of them. At the top of the hill, we pull into an empty parking lot near a stone building. Rain is coming down in sheets. We sit in the car debating our options when a man emerges from the building under a large black umbrella. 

My husband cracks the window. The man, who’s wearing a white shirt and has a friendly face, offers to walk us into the building. 

Once inside we see pictures and history of the Smith Family. The man with the umbrella is a senior missionary at the Joseph Smith birthplace. Luckily for us, he spent his life researching church history, specializing in the years of 1805 – 1844 (the lifespan of Joseph Smith). 

He begins a private tour (because we’re the only visitors) and captivates us with stories. When the rain lets up, he takes us in a golf cart along an original stone fence to places deeper into the trees. I look at our kids; they feel something.

After seeing ancient maple trees and another homestead, we walk back into the visitor’s center. Our guide shows us a first edition copy of the Book of Mormon which is kept under plexiglass and special light. He tells us of a place where we can get a closer look. 

The Rauner Special Collections Library at nearby Dartmouth is already closed. We all want to see it and decide to change our plans. We find a hotel nearby so we can go to the university first thing in the morning. 

After dinner, I read about the library, which is considered one of the most open special collections in the country. You’re allowed to touch its treasures: things like clay tablets from Babylonia, a hand-written letter from George Washington to Alexander Hamilton and a notebook kept by Robert Frost. Click here for a list of their top 10 pieces. 

The next morning, we walk into a window-lined room with study tables. We ask to see the Book of Mormon and a few other treasures. We find a table and wait. 

The librarian returns with a cart full of boxes and papers. She pulls out the book and places it on a stand. She gives a few instructions and walks away. I’m kind of breathless sitting in front of a book for which someone paid $80,000. 

I pick up the book, turn the pages, find a favorite verse. I watch my husband and kids handle the book. I take pictures. We each take it in and take our time, knowing we may never have this chance again. 

As someone who loves books and words, this story is a lovely memory for me. But it’s more important than that. The real significance is the words in the book, God’s word. 

I’ve read this book over and over since I was a child. One of my sons has read it every day since he was 10 years old. He says he’s drawn to the book because it puts him in a place to hear the voice of God.

Speak to me
Let my heart
Be awakened by the whispering of love

You’re with me
You’re for me
You have a plan for me
And I will never walk alone

Speak, Song by Bethany Music

A couple of years ago, I read the book and underlined every time God the Father and His Son are mentioned. I proved the words on the title page, over and over, The Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Christ. I saw His face on nearly every page.

I saw Mary, the mother of Jesus more clearly.

And behold, he shall be born of Mary, at Jerusalem which is the land of our forefathers, she being a virgin, a precious and chosen vessel, who shall be overshadowed and conceive by the power of the Holy Ghost, and bring forth a son, yea, even the Son of God.

Book of Mormon, Alma 7:10

Once in a moment of pain and despair, I turned to these words and they came to me in real time.

And I will also ease the burdens which are put upon your shoulders, that even you cannot feel them upon your backs, even while you are in bondage; and this will I do that ye may stand as witnesses for me hereafter, and that ye may know of a surety that I, the Lord God, do visit my people in their afflictions.

Book of Mormon, Mosiah 24:14

The words in the Book of Mormon comfort and change me, guide and give to me. The words put me in a place to hear the voice of God. A place where I never walk alone.