=3. The Nephite and the Jewish Scriptures= are found to agree in all
matters of tradition, history, doctrine, and prophecy upon which both
the separate records treat. These two volumes of scripture were
prepared on opposite hemispheres, under conditions and circumstances
widely diverse; yet between them there exists a surprising harmony,
confirmatory of Divine inspiration in both. The Book of Mormon
contains a number of quotations from the ancient Jewish scriptures, a
copy of which, as far as they had been compiled at the time of Lehi's
exodus from Jerusalem, was brought to the western continent, as part
of the record engraved on the plates of Laban. In the case of such
passages, there is no essential difference between Bible and Book of
Mormon versions, except in instances of probable error in
translation,--usually apparent through inconsistency or lack of
clearness in the Bible reading. There are, however, numerous minor
variations in corresponding parts of the two volumes; and between
such, examination usually demonstrates the superior perspicuity of the
Nephite scripture.
=4.= In a careful comparison of the prophecies of the Bible with
corresponding predictions contained in the Book of Mormon, e. g. those
relating to the birth, earthly ministry, sacrificial death, and second
coming of Christ Jesus; with others referring to the scattering and
subsequent gathering of Israel; and with such as relate to the
establishment of Zion and the re-building of Jerusalem in the last
days, each of the records will be seen to be corroborative of the
other. True, there are many predictions in one which are not found in
the other; but in no instance has a contradiction or an inconsistency
between the two been pointed out. Between the doctrinal parts of the
two volumes of scripture the same perfect harmony is found to prevail.
=5.= Of the agreement of the Book of Mormon with the Bible and with
other standards of comparison, Apostle Orson Pratt has forcefully and
truthfully written:--"If the miracles of the Book of Mormon be
compared with the miracles of the Bible, there cannot be found in the
former anything that would be more difficult to believe, than what we
find in the latter. If we compare the historical, prophetical, and
doctrinal parts of the Book of Mormon with the great truths of science
and nature, we find no contradictions, no absurdities, nothing
unreasonable. The most perfect harmony, therefore, exists between the
great truths revealed in the Book of Mormon, and all other known
truths, whether religious, historical, or scientific."[792]
[792] _Divine Authenticity of the Book of Mormon_, Orson Pratt's
Works, p. 236 (1891, Utah ed.)