Testimony of Martin Harris

TESTIMONY OF MARTIN HARRIS.

The following letters of Martin Harris, written in his old age, after his arrival in Utah, we clip from an eastern exchange, believing that they will be read with interest, especially by our “Mormon subscribers:—

Smithfield, Utah, Nov 23, 1870.

Mr. Emerson, Sir: I received your favor. In reply I will say concerning the plates, I do say that the angel did show to me the plates containing the Book of Mormon. Further, the translation that I carried to Prof. Anthon was copied from these same plates; also, that the Professor did testify to it being a correct translation. I do firmly believe and do know that Joseph smith was a prophet of God; for without I know he could not had that gift; neither could he have translated the same I can give if you require it, one hundred witnesses to the proof of the Book of Mormon. I defy any man to show me any passage of scripture that I am not posted on or familiar with I will answer any question you feel like asking to the best of my knowledge, if you can rely on my testimony of the same. In conclusion I can say that I arrived in Utah safe, in good health and spirits, considering the long journey. I am quite well at present, and have been, generally speaking, since I arrived.

With many respects I remain your humble friend,

Martin Harris.

Smithfield, Cache County U.T., January, 1871.

To H. Emerson,—Dear Sir:—Your second letter dated December, 1870, came duly to hand. I am truly glad to see a spirit of inquiry manifested therein. I reply by a borrowed hand, as my sight has failed me too much to write myself. Your questions: Question 1, “Did you go to England to lecture against “Mormonism?”

Answer. I answer emphatically, No, I did not;—No man ever heard me in any way deny the truth of the book of Mormon, the administration of the angel that showed me the plates; nor the organization of the church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, under the administration of Joseph Smith, Jun, the prophet whom the Lord raised up for that purpose, in these latter days that he may show forth his power and glory The Lord has shown me these things by his spirit—by the administration of holy angels—and confirmed the same with signs following, step by step, as the work has progressed, for the space of fifty-three years.

The Lord showed me there was so true Church upon the face of the earth, none built upon the foundation, designated by the Savior, “The rock of revelation,” as declared to Peter. See Matt xvi, 16, 17, 18 verses. He also showed me that an angel should come and restore the Holy Priesthood again to the earth, and commission his servants again with the Holy Gospel to preach to them that dwell on the earth: see Rev. xiv, 6, 7 verses. He further showed me that the time was nigh when he would “set his hand again the second time to restore the kingdom of Israel, “when he would gather the outcasts of Israel and the dispersed of Judah from the four corners of the earth,” “when he would bring the record of Joseph which was in the hand of Ephraim, and join with the record of Judah, when the two records should become one in the hand of the Lord to accomplish his great work of the last days.” See Ez. 36th and 37th chap.; also Isaiah 29th chap.; also from the 58th chap, to the end of the book; also Psalms 50.

Question 2. What became of the plates from which the Book of Mormon was translated?

Answer. They were returned to the angel, Moroni, from whom they were received, to be brought forth again in the due time of the Lord; for they contain many things pertaining to the gathering of Israel, which gathering will take place in this generation, and shall be testified of among all nations, according to the old Prophets; as the Lord will set his ensign to the people, and gather the outcasts of Israel:— See Isaiah, 11th chap.

Now, dear sir, examine these Scriptures carefully; and should there still be any ambiguity relative to this great work of the last days, write again and we will endeavor to enlighten you on any point relative to this doctrine.

I am very respectfully,

Martin Harris, Sen.

—Ogden Junction.