Moroni 1:1 Textual Variants

Here the 1830 typesetter removed the so-called split infinitive by placing the not in front of “to have written”. It is unlikely that this change was an instance of conscious editing since all other examples of split infinitives have been retained throughout the history of the text:

• Alma 37:34
  • teach them to never be weary of good works
• Alma 56:18
• they were compelled by the orders of Ammoron to not come against the city of Judea
• Helaman 6:29
• yea it is that same being who put it into the heart of Gaddianton to still carry on the work of darkness and of secret murder

Note that Alma 56:18 has a not splitting an infinitive and it has never been emended. The original split infinitive will be restored here in Moroni 1:1.

The idea that split infinitives are somehow wrong in English is a complete artificiality. For evidence of this, see the discussion under that subject in Merriam-Webster’s Dictionary of English Usage.