It's July 1830. Smith hasn't learned to be a bit more sophisticated in covering his tracks. And he admits -- in what you & your fellow Mormons say is canonized "scripture"--as to who "brought forth" the Book of Mormon:
"Behold, thou wast called and chosen to WRITE THE BOOK OF MORMON... (D&C 24:1)
So, what, Resty? You just ignore the "prophet's" words when they aren't convenient for you to embrace? Even here, Smith admits he "wrote" -- vs. "translated" -- the Book of Mormon.
Now did Smith have the wherewithal to both plagiarize parts of the BoM from the Bible -- as well as concoct his series of tall tales? Ya betcha he did! His own mom has testified in a book edited by a Nibley -- one of the most well-known names in Mormondom [Preston Nibley, not Hugh].
Joseph's mom, Lucy Mack Smith, said that when Joseph was about the age of 17, he was quite "fluent" in telling such tall tales...I have this book, and the context of where she includes it is before Smith, Jr. had ever supposedly "translated" any gold plates of ancient history.
I call to the stand for her testimony, Lucy Mack Smith:
"During our evening conversations, Joseph would occasionally give us some of the most amusing recitals that could be imagined. He would describe the ancient inhabitants of the continent, their dress, mode of traveling, and the animals upon which they rode; their cities, their buildings, with every particular; their mode of warfare; and also their religious worship. This he would do with as much ease, seemingly, as if he had spent his whole life among them. On the twenty-second of September, 1824, Joseph again visited the place where he found the plates the year previous; and supporting at this time that the only thing required, in order to possess them until the time for their translation, was to be able to keep the commandments of God...he fully expected to carry them home with him. (Lucy Mack Smith, edited by Preston Nibley, History of Joseph Smith, p. 83, Bookcraft, Salt Lake City, 1958)
So the context seems to describe Joseph Smith telling tall Summer tales at the age of about 17 1/2.
It is sad but soon you all of you anti LDS will be on the outside looking in....
but you anti’s made your choice to kick the Lord’s True Church
For those of you who are friends of the Mormons we invite you to listen to uplifting words and a refuge in the coming storm ahead.
http://lds.org/general-conference/sessions/2011/10?lang=eng