The Man Wrought Upon by the Spirit of God

Daniel H. Ludlow

This prophecy apparently refers to the coming of Christopher Columbus to the continent that was later called the American continent. Abundant evidences exist that indicate Columbus was "wrought upon" by the Spirit of God as was shown unto Nephi. In his book Columbus, Don Quixote of the Seas, Jacob Wasserman quotes directly from the writings of Columbus as follows:

From my first youth onward, I was a seaman, and have so continued until this day. . . . The Lord was well disposed to my desire, and he bestowed upon me courage and understanding. . . . Our Lord with provident hand unlocked my mind, sent me upon seas, and gave me fire for the deed. Those who heard of my emprise called it foolish, mocked me, and laughed. But who can doubt but that the Holy Ghost inspired me? (Boston: Little, Brown, and Co., 1930, p. 18.)

Later in his book, Wasserman quotes from a letter written to King Ferdinand by Columbus wherein he said, "I came to your majesty as the emissary of the Holy Ghost." (Page 46.)

A Companion To Your Study of The Book of Mormon

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