1
In the course of the work of translation, we ascertained that three special witnesses were to be provided by the Lord, to whom he would grant that they should see the plates from which this work (the Book of Mormon) should be translated;
2
And that these witnesses should bear record of the same.
3
Almost immediately after we had made this discovery, it occurred to Oliver Cowdery, David Whitmer, and the aforementioned Martin Harris, 4 (Who had come to inquire after our progress in the work)
5
That they would have me inquire of the Lord to know if they might not obtain of Him the privilege to be these three special witnesses;
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And finally they became so very solicitous and urged me so much to inquire that at length I complied.
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And through the seer tone, I obtained of the Lord for them the following:
8 [15:1a/17:1a]
¶ Behold, I say unto you that you must rely upon my Word,
9 [15:1b1/17:1b]
Which if you do, with full purpose of heart, you shall have a view of the plates, the breastplate, and the sword of Laban;
10 [15:1b2/17:1c]
And also the Urim and Thummim, which was given to the brother of Jared upon the mount, when he talked with the Lord face to face;
11 [15:1b3/17:1d]
And the marvelous directors which was given to Lehi while in the wilderness on the borders of the red sea.
12 [15:1c/17:2]
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.
13 [15:2a/17:3]
¶ And after that you have obtained faith, and have seen them with your eyes, you shall testify of them by the power of God;
14 [15:2b1/17:4a]
And this you shall do that my servant Joseph Smith Jr. may not be destroyed,
15 [15:2b2/17:4b]
That I may bring about my righteous purposes unto the children of men, in this work.
16 [15:2c1/17:5a]
And ye shall testify that ye have seen them, even as my servant Joseph Smith Jr. has seen them;
17 [15:2c2-d1/17:5b-6a]
For it is by my power that he has seen them, and it is because he had faith and he has translated them—even that part which I have commanded him;
18 [15:2d2/17:6b]
And as your Lord and your God liveth, it is true.
19 [15:3a/17:7]
¶ Wherefore, you have received the same power, and the same faith, and the same gift like unto him.
20 [15:3b1/17:8a]
And, if ye do these last commandments of mine which I have given you, the gates of hell shall not prevail against you;
21 [15:3b2/17:8b]
For my grace is sufficient for you, and ye shall be lifted up at the Last Day.
22 [15:3c/17:9]
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.