“But a seer will I raise up out of the fruit of thy loins; and unto him will I give power to bring forth my word unto the seed of thy loins." — 2 Nephi 3:111
Throughout his life, Joseph Smith Jr. experienced many remarkable events. At the age of 14, Joseph saw Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ while praying in the Sacred Grove.2 Later, Angel Moroni appeared to him and told him of an ancient record buried in a hill near Joseph's home—a record that contained a testament of Jesus Christ in the ancient Americas.3 After retrieving the plates, Joseph began acting in his role as a seer, interpreting and translating ancient texts by the gift and power of God.4
When translating, Joseph would place either the Urim and Thummim or the seer stone in a hat, press the hat to his face, and read the translation out loud. He was 23 years old when he finished translating the Book of Mormon.5 Emma Smith was present when Joseph retrieved the golden plates, and she played an instrumental part in the translation of the Book of Mormon. She served as Joseph's first scribe, working diligently.6
