I told the brethren that the Book of Mormon was the most correct

In the sacred traditions of mankind, there has always been a search—a quest for truth, wisdom, and a path that leads to the divine. From the ancient scrolls of the Sumerians to the sacred texts of the Hindus, each generation has sought the key to understanding the mysteries of existence and the will of the divine. In the 19th century, Joseph Smith Jr., the founder of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, claimed to have found such a key in the Book of Mormon. In his words, “I told the brethren that the Book of Mormon was the most correct of any book on earth, and the keystone of our religion, and a man would get nearer to God by abiding by its precepts, than by any other book.” These words carry with them not only a declaration of faith but a profound insight into the power of scripture and the role of sacred texts in guiding human beings closer to the divine.

The assertion that the Book of Mormon is the "most correct of any book on earth" speaks to a deep conviction that this text, revealed in the early 19th century, contains truths that transcend ordinary understanding. Smith’s claim suggests that within the pages of this book lies a divine guide, one that has the potential to bring individuals closer to God in a way no other book can. In this, Smith mirrors the ancient prophets who, throughout history, have declared their teachings to be the highest path to divine truth. Just as Moses brought the Ten Commandments from the mountain, and Buddha shared the Dhamma as the way to enlightenment, Smith held the Book of Mormon as a guidebook to the highest truths, one that could lead its readers toward a closer relationship with the divine.

Consider the example of Moses, who, in his journey to lead the Israelites, claimed the Torah as the foundational law for the people, a book that would guide them through every aspect of life and lead them to the divine. The Torah, with its commandments and teachings, was seen as a living document, carrying divine authority, and offering a path to closeness with God. Similarly, Joseph Smith viewed the Book of Mormon not simply as a historical account or a cultural artifact, but as a living, divine text that provided the precepts for a life that would lead individuals closer to God. His declaration reflects the same reverence for scripture as the ancient prophets, suggesting that the Book of Mormon was not just a book of stories, but the very keystone of faith, holding the entire structure of belief together.

The keystone is a term of great significance in the ancient world. It refers to the central, crucial stone in an arch, the one that holds all the others in place, without which the arch would collapse. By referring to the Book of Mormon as the keystone of his religion, Smith was emphasizing its central importance. Without it, the teachings of the faith would lack cohesion, and without its precepts, followers would be unable to find the path to spiritual salvation. This idea is not foreign to the ancient traditions, where certain sacred texts were considered foundational in the same way. The Bible for Christians, the Quran for Muslims, and the Vedas for Hindus—each of these texts has been seen as the keystone of their respective faiths, central to guiding the followers toward divine wisdom.

Yet, beyond the symbolism of the keystone, Smith’s statement calls attention to the practice of abiding by the precepts of the Book of Mormon—living according to its teachings, and thus drawing closer to God. This idea is not unlike the teachings of ancient sages, who emphasized the importance of following the divine commandments as the path to righteousness. Confucius, for example, taught that the key to a virtuous life lay in following the right principles and rituals that led to a harmonious society. Similarly, Smith emphasized that it is not enough merely to read the Book of Mormon; one must live by its teachings, make them a part of the daily life, and in doing so, draw nearer to the divine.

The lesson that Smith offers is one of profound devotion and action. The Book of Mormon, in his view, is not a passive text, but a living guide that calls for engagement. Just as the ancient Egyptians believed that the soul's journey required adherence to the divine ma'at—the balance of truth, justice, and order—so too does the Book of Mormon call its followers to live according to its precepts. To be truly closer to God, one must not only study the text but live it—abide by its principles of charity, faith, repentance, and holiness. In this sense, the book becomes not only a guide to belief but a call to action, encouraging followers to embody the divine teachings in every aspect of life.

In our own lives, the lesson we can take from Joseph Smith’s words is one of commitment and engagement. Whether or not we share the same faith as Smith, the principle remains true: the key to living a life of meaning and purpose is to follow the wisdom that speaks to us, whether it be from scripture, philosophy, or personal experience. We must not only read or hear these teachings, but live them, making them the central force in our lives, shaping our actions and thoughts. Just as a keystone holds an arch together, so too can the teachings we hold dear provide the strength and guidance we need to live a life that is both fulfilling and aligned with the divine principles we value.

Thus, as we look to the texts and teachings that guide us, let us not simply admire them from afar, but take them into our hearts and lives, living by their precepts and drawing nearer to the divine, as Joseph Smith suggested, with each day. In doing so, we can build a life that is rooted in spiritual purpose, and find the meaning and peace that come from aligning our actions with the truths we hold most dear.