1
During this time, Oliver Cowdery attempted to translate the plates, but he struggled and could not.
2
To determine the cause, the following revelation was received.
3 [9:1a1/9:1a]
¶ Behold, I say unto you, my son, that, because ye did not translate according to that which ye desired of me, and did commence again to write for my servant Joseph;
4 [9:1a2/9:1b]
Even so I would that ye should continue until you have finished this record, which I have entrusted unto you.
5 [9:1b/9:2]
And then behold, other records have I, that I will give unto you power that ye may assist to translate.
6 [9:2a/9:3]
¶ Be patient my son, for it is wisdom in me, and it is not expedient that ye should translate at this time.
7 [9:2b/9:4]
Behold this is the work which ye are called to do; to write for my servant Joseph;
8 [9:2c/9:5]
And behold it is because ye did not continue as ye commenced, when ye commenced to translate, that I have taken away this privilege from you.
9 [9:2d/9:6]
Do not murmur my son, for it is wisdom in me that I have dealt with you in this manner.
10 [9:3a/9:7]
¶ Behold ye have not understood, ye have supposed that I would give it unto you, when ye took no thought, save it was to ask me.
11 [9:3b/9:8a]
But behold I say unto you, that ye must study it out in your mind;
12 [9:3c/9:8b]
Then ye must ask me if it be right, and if it is right, I will cause that your bosom shall burn within you: therefore, ye shall feel that it is right;
13 [9:3d/9:9a]
But if it be not right, ye shall have no such feelings, but ye shall have a stupor of thought, that shall cause you to forget the thing which is wrong.
14 [9:3e/9:9b]
Therefore, you cannot write that which is sacred, save it be given you from me.
15 [9:4a1/9:10]
¶ Now if you had known this, you could have translated: nevertheless, it is not expedient that you should translate now.
16 [9:4a2/9:11]
Behold it was expedient when you commenced; but you feared, and the time is past; it is not expedient now.
17 [9:4b/9:12]
For do you not behold that I have given unto my servant Joseph sufficient strength, whereby it is made up? And neither of you have I condemned.
18 [9:5a1/9:13a]
¶ Do this thing which I have commanded you, and you shall prosper.
19 [9:5a2/9:13b]
Be faithful, and yield to no temptation.
20 [9:5b/9:14]
Stand fast in the work wherewith I have called you, and a hair of your head shall not be lost, and you shall be lifted up at the last day; Amen.