RLDS Chapter Context

Intro: SECTION 15 In June, 1829, Martin Harris visited Fayette, New York, to inquire concerning the progress being made in the translation of the Book of Mormon. During this visit he joined Oliver Cowdery and David Whitmer in asking that they might be chosen as the three special witnesses to the divinity of the Book of Mormon, mentioned in the prophecies of Nephi and Moroni (II Nephi 11:133; Ether 2:2-3). The following revelation was received in answer to Joseph's prayer on behalf of his three associates. A few days later the promise it contained was fulfilled, and Oliver Cowdery, David Whitmer, and Martin Harris became the three special witnesses to the fact that Joseph truly had the Book of Mormon plates and that these plates had been translated "by the gift and power of God." Their testimony was maintained to the end of their lives and has been included in every edition of the Book of Mormon.

1a Behold, I say unto you, that you must rely upon my word,

1b which if you do, with full purpose of heart, you shall have a view of the plates, and also the breastplate, the sword of Laban, the Urim and Thummim, which were given to the Brother of Jared upon the mount, when he talked with the Lord face to face, and the miraculous directors which were given to Lehi while in the wilderness, on the borders of the Red Sea;

1c and it is by your faith that you shall obtain a view of them, even by that faith which was had by the prophets of old.

2a And after that you have obtained faith, and have seen them with your eyes, you shall testify of them, by the power of God;

2b and this you shall do that my servant Joseph Smith, Jr., may not be destroyed, that I may bring about my righteous purposes unto the children of men, in this work.

2c And ye shall testify that ye have seen them, even as my servant Joseph Smith, Jr., has seen them, for it is by my power that he has seen them, and it is because he had faith;

2d and he has translated the book, even that part which I have commanded him, and as your Lord and your God liveth, it is true.

3a Wherefore you have received the same power, and the same faith, and the same gift like unto him;

3b and if you do these last commandments of mine, which I have given you, the gates of hell shall not prevail against you; for my grace is sufficient for you; and you shall be lifted up at the last day.

3c And I, Jesus Christ, your Lord and your God, have spoken it unto you, that I might bring about my righteous purposes unto the children of men. Amen.