Elder Dallin H. Oaks
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Both witnesses and witnessing are vital in God's plan of salvation. There are witnesses to The Book of Mormon itself.
"Having a special interest in Martin Harris, I have been saddened at how he is remembered by most church members. He deserves better than to be remembered solely as the man who unrighteously obtained and then lost the initial manuscript pages of The Book of Mormon."
Joseph Smith is obviously honored for his magnificent ministry, but Harris' subsequent faithfulness continues under a shadow from which such an important man should be rescued.
"One of Martin Harris' greatest contributions to the church, for which he should be honored for all time, was his financing the publication of The Book of Mormon."
From the example of his life, members learn that the testimony of the three witnesses is impressive and reliable; that happiness and spiritual progress lie in following the leaders of the church; and that "there is hope for each of us, even if we have sinned and strayed from a favored position."
