In June 1829 the translation of the Book of Mormon neared
completion. Joseph gathered one morning with his family and friends for singing
and prayer. Martin Harris was there, having come from Palmyra to see how the
translation progressed. While Joseph Smith was translating the Book of Mormon,
he learned that three witnesses would be permitted to see the plates (see 2
Nephi 27:12-14 Ether 5:2-4 D&C 5:11-15, 18). David Witmer, Oliver Cowdery,
and Martin Harris volunteered, hoping they could be chosen. “They tease me so
much”, Joseph said, “almost without intermission for some time”, that he
finally asked the Lord for approval and received the exciting answer recorded
in D&C 17. Joseph rose from his knees and said to Martin, “…you got to
humble yourself before God this day and obtain, if possible, a forgiveness of
your sins. If you would do this, it is God’s will that you and Oliver Cowdery
and David Witmer should look upon the plates.”
