Testimony of Martin Harris

It was in Clarkston, Utah, July 1875. Early in the morning a thought came to my mind, that I would go and see how Brother Harris was. It was only three blocks from my home. I had heard he was not feeling well and people came from other towns during the day to see Brother Harris, and hear his testimony on the Book of Mormon But when I arrived, their were already two men present. Brother Harris lay on his bed leaning on his elbow. I said, How are you Brother Harris? He answered slowly, "Pretty well."

We came to hear your testimony on the Book of Mormon, He said in a loud voice, as he sat up straight in bed, "I wish I could <speak> loud enough that the whole world could hear my testimony. Brother stand over so I can see you." And then he stretched out his hand and said, Brother, I believe their is an angel hear to hear what I shall tell you, and you shall never forget what I say.

The Prophet and Oliver Cowdery, David Whitmer and myself went into a little grove to pray to obtain a promise that we should behold it with our natural eyes. That we could testify of it to the world We prayed two or three times, and at length an angel stood before Oliver and David, and showed them the plates, But, Behold I had gone off by myself to pray and in my desperation I asked the Prophet to kneel down with me, and pray for me, that I may see the plates. And we did so and immediately the angel stood before me and said "Look" and when I glanced at him I fell, but I stood on my feet and saw the angel turn the golden leaves over, and I said, "It is enough, my Lord and my God! Then I heard the voice of God say the book is true and translated correctly. He then turned himself as though he had no more to say; and we made ready to go. But he spoke again and said, "I will tell you a wonderful thing that happened after Joseph had found the plates. Three of us took some tools to go to the hill and <hunt> for some more boxes, or gold or something, and indeed we found a stone box. We got quite excited about it and dug quite carefully around it, and we were ready to take it up, but behold by some unseen power, it slipped back into the hill. We stood there and looked at it, and one of us took a crowbar and tried to drive it through the lid to hold it, but it glanced and only broke one corner off of the box. Some time that box will be found, and you will see the corner broken off, and then you will know I have told the truth. Again Brother as sure as you are standing hear and see me just that sure did I see the angel with the golden plates, in his hand; and he showed them to me I have promised that I will bear witness of this truth both here and hereafter." His lips trembled and tears came to my eyes. I should have liked to ask another question, but I failed to do so. But I refreshed myself and shook hands and thanked him and left.

When I think of the day when I stood before Martin Harris and saw him stretch forth his hand and raise his voice to bear his wonderful testimony the feeling thrilled my whole being, I can never forget nor can I express the joy that filled my soul. This is a true statement.

Signed Ole A. Jensen.

The two other brethren are John Godfrey and James Keep.