Martin Harris wanted evidence from Joseph Smith about the gold plates. It was fair for him to ask considering how much he was willing to give in support of the work but we learn some things about faith through this answer.
7 Behold, if they will not believe my words, they would not believe you, my servant Joseph, if it were possible that you should show them all these things which I have committed unto you. …
Doctrine & Covenants 5:7,9
9 Behold, verily I say unto you, I have reserved those things which I have entrusted unto you, my servant Joseph, for a wise purpose in me, and it shall be made known unto future generations;
Martin wanted to see the plates physically but the Lord needs people who will exercise faith in His words without waiting for further proof because people who will reject His words when they are given can just as well reject any other evidence. The word of the Lord to Martin at this time is “trust My words, and at some point My wisdom in taking this action will become evident.”
11 And in addition to your testimony, the testimony of three of my servants, whom I shall call and ordain, unto whom I will show these things, and they shall go forth with my words that are given through you.
Doctrine & Covenants 5:11-15,17
12 Yea, they shall know of a surety that these things are true, for from heaven will I declare it unto them.
13 I will give them power that they may behold and view these things as they are;
14 And to none else will I grant this power, to receive this same testimony among this generation, …
15 And the testimony of three witnesses will I send forth of my word. …
17 And you must wait yet a little while, for ye are not yet ordained
Besides instructing Martin to trust His words and warning lack of faith in words translates easily into rejecting even greater evidence the Lord reveals a piece of His plan which holds open the possibility of an evidence even greater than what Martin had requested.
Martin’s request: “Joseph, please show me the plates so I can say that I know for myself that you have them.”
The Lord’s answer: “Martin, if you won’t believe my words you could reject anything Joseph were to show you. Also, Joseph promised not to show the plates to anyone without permission and in time, the wisdom of guarding the plates as I do will become evident. On the other hand, it is my intention in time to select three people who will be shown the plates by the power of God and declare unto them from heaven that these things are true and ordain them to stand next to Joseph in bearing witness to the world of this truth.” Implicit in this information is the suggestion that Martin may, if he is faithful with what he had been given, qualify himself to be selected as one of these specially ordained witnesses.
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