Doctrine and Covenants
Section 15
June, 1829-Fayette, New York. Revelation to Oliver Cowdery, David Whitmer, and Martin Harris through the Urim and Thummim in response to their desire to be the three special witnesses who should see the plates from which the Book of Mormon was translated. After this revelation, they went into the woods to pray. There they were shown the plates by the angel Moroni, along with other important items. These three men maintained their testimony to the end of their lives that "the plates . . . have been translated by the gift and power of God, for his voice hath declared it unto us."
Three witnesses are to obtain a view of the plates by faith-They are to be faithful in testimony
D&C 15:1a Behold, I say unto you that you must rely upon my word,
D&C 15:1b 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;
D&C 15:1c 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.
D&C 15:2a And after that you have obtained faith and have seen them with your eyes, you shall testify of them by the power of God;
D&C 15:2b 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.
D&C 15:2c 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;
D&C 15:2d 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.
D&C 15:3a Wherefore, you have received the same power, and the same faith, and the same gift like unto him;
D&C 15:3b 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.
D&C 15:3c 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.