Next we went on to the Whitmer Farm in Fayette. Persecution was intensifying in Harmony and so the Whitmers invited Joseph and Emma to stay at their farm home as long as was needed to finish the translation of the Book of Mormon. David Whitmer had to finish his plowing and preparing the soil before he could go to Harmony to pick up Joseph. At the end of one day, he found that he had accomplished in one day what normally would have taken two days to do. The next day, David went to plaster the fields (they did this to reduce the acidity of the soil) but he found that it was already done. His sister told him that her children saw three strangers the day before spreading the plaster with remarkable skill. David then hurried off to get Joseph.
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 Harris
The Banks of the Susquehanna River where Joseph and Oliver Cowdery received
the Aaronic and Melchizedek Priesthood from John the Baptist and Peter, James and John by the
laying on of hands.
No comments:
Post a Comment