Year:1829
Scriptures:
2
Nephi 27:12
12
Wherefore, at that day when the book shall be delivered unto the man
of whom I have
spoken, the book shall be hid from the eyes of the world, that the
eyes of none shall
behold it save it be that three witnesses shall behold it, by the
power of God, besides
him to whom the book shall be delivered; and they shall testify to
the truth of the
book and the things therein.
“The
translation of the Book of Mormon was completed in June 1829.
Intimate friends of the Prophet had been given to understand that
three witnesses, according to the record itself, would get the
privilege to see the original plates, and to testify to their
actual existence, as revealed ‘by the grace of God’; also to the
accuracy of the translation. Naturally, Martin Harris, Oliver Cowdery
and David Whitmer, who, at various times, had befriended the Prophet,
when he needed friends, were anxious to be selected for that mission.
They all made it a subject of prayer, and the answer came on June 29,
1829, in a revelation recorded in the Doctrine and Covenants, Section
17. A short time previously, it had been intimated to David Whitmer,
in a revelation, that he might be called upon to be a witness to the
world. (D&C
14:8)
“A
few days after the revelation, Section 17, had been received, the
Prophet Joseph, Oliver Cowdery, David Whitmer and Martin Harris went
to a secluded place in the woods, where they engaged in prayer. To
begin with they felt no response. Martin Harris, listening to the
voice of his own conscience, withdrew from his brethren, greatly
distressed. The three renewed their petitions. Almost immediately, a
brilliant light shone above them, and a heavenly messenger descended
and stood before them. He had the Book of Mormon plates in his hands
and turned leaf after leaf. To David Whitmer he said, ‘David,
blessed is the Lord, and he that keeps his commandments.’ Then a
voice coming from the light above them said: ‘These plates have
been revealed by the power of God, and they have been translated by
the power of God. The translation of them which you have seen is
correct, and I command you to bear record of what you now see and
hear.’
“Shortly
afterwards, Martin Harris, who had been joined by the Prophet, had a
similar manifestation, whereupon he arose and cried out in joy, ‘'Tis
enough! Tis enough! Mine eyes have beheld! Mine eyes have beheld!’
“ (George
Reynolds and Janne M. Sjodahl, Commentary
on the Book of Mormon, edited
and arranged by Philip C. Reynolds, 7 vols. [Salt Lake City: Deseret
Book Co., 1955-1961]
6: 110)
The
Testimony of Three Witnesses
BE
IT KNOWN unto all nations, kindreds, tongues, and people, unto whom
this work shall come: That we, through the grace of God the Father,
and our Lord Jesus Christ, have seen the plates which contain this
record, which is a record of the people of Nephi, and also of the
Lamanites, their brethren, and also of the people of Jared, who came
from the tower of which hath been spoken. And we also know that they
have been translated by the gift and power of God, for his voice hath
declared it unto us; wherefore we know of a surety that the work is
true. And we also testify that we have seen the engravings which are
upon the plates; and they have been shown unto us by the power of
God, and not of man. And we declare with words of soberness, that an
angel of God came down from heaven, and he brought and laid before
our eyes, that we beheld and saw the plates, and the engravings
thereon; and we know that it is by the grace of God the Father, and
our Lord Jesus Christ, that we beheld and bear record that these
things are true. And it is marvelous in our eyes. Nevertheless, the
voice of the Lord commanded
us that we should bear record of it; wherefore, to be obedient unto
the commandments of God, we bear testimony of these things. And we
know that if we are faithful in Christ, we shall rid our garments of
the blood of all men, and be found spotless before the judgment-seat
of Christ, and shall dwell with him eternally in the heavens. And the
honor be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost, which
is one God. Amen.
OLIVER
COWDERY
DAVID
WHITMER
MARTIN
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