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 behold and bear record
that these things are true; and it is marvellous in our eyes,
nevertheless, the voice of the Lord commanded us that we should bear
record of it; wherefore, to be obedient to 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 honour be to the
Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost, which is one God. Amen.
OLIVER COWDERY,
DAVID WHITMER,
MARTIN HARRIS.