When Joseph Smith was translating the Book of Mormon, with Oliver
Cowdery as scribe, the following words of Moroni directed to the
translator, occurred in the translation:
"Behold ye may be privileged that ye may show the plates unto
those who shall assist to bring forth this work (meaning the Book
of Mormon). And unto three shall they be shown by the power of
God; wherefore they shall know of a surety that these things are
true. And in the mouth of three witnesses shall these things be
established, and the testimony of three and this work * * * shall
stand as a testimony against the world at the last day."--Ether v:
2-4.
Here is a positive promise that the plates of the Book of Mormon should
be shown to three "by the power of God." I will now read the testimony
of three men who, as soon as this promise was made known, desired of
the Lord to be chosen as these three special witnesses, and who, when
their desire was granted, prepared and signed the following:
"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 the record of the people of Nephi,
and also of the Lamanites, their brethren, and also of the people
of Jared, who come 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
{111} 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.