Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith

Section Five (1842-1843) | A Catacomb of Mummies found in Kentucky

1Had Mr. Ash in his researches consulted the Book of Mormon his problem would have been solved, and he would have found no difficulty in accounting for the mummies being found in the above mentioned case.

2The Book of Mormon gives an account of a number of the descendants of Israel coming to this continent; and it is well known that the art of embalming was known among the Hebrews, as well as among the Egyptians, although, perhaps, not so generally among the former, as among the latter people; and their method of embalming also might be different from that of the Egyptians.

3Jacob and Joseph were no doubt embalmed in the manner of the Egyptians, as they died in that country. (Gen. 50:2, 3, 26.) When our Savior was crucified his hasty burial obliged them only to wrap his body in linen with a hundred pounds of myrrh, aloes, and similar spices, (part of the ingredients of embalming) given by Nicodemus for that purpose; but Mary and other holy women had prepared ointment and spices for embalming it. (Matt. 27:59; Luke 23:56; John 19:39, 40.) This art was no doubt transmitted from Jerusalem to this continent, by the before mentioned emigrants, which accounts for this finding of the mummies, and at the same time is another strong evidence of the authenticity of the Book of Mormon. (May 2, 1842.) T&S 3:781-782.

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