[Footnote A: Doc. and Cov. 5:11-15.] [Footnote B: II Nephi 11; Ether 5:4.] [Footnote C: II Nephi 27:12-13.] [Footnote D: Doc. and Cov. 17.] The three witnesses called by revelation to testify to the divine authenticity of the Book of Mormon were Oliver Cowdery, David Whitmer, and Martin Harris. All three men became associated with the Prophet soon after he began the translation of the Nephite record. Martin Harris and Oliver Cowdery had acted as scribes for the Prophet; and David Whitmer had rendered much material assistance and encouragement. It was many days after the receiving of the revelation that named the three witnesses that they agreed, with the Prophet, to retire to the wood, "and try to obtain, by fervent and humble prayer, the fulfillment of the promises given in the * * * revelation--that they should have a view of the plates."[E] Accordingly they retired to a grove near David Whitmer's house and began their supplications to the Lord to fulfill the promise made to them. [Footnote E: "History of the Church," Vol. I, p. 54.] It seemed at first, however, that their prayers were ineffectual. The heavens were as brass above their heads. No manifestation of divine favor appeared to encourage them. Each one of the four prayed earnestly and fervently, as his turn came, but without avail. A second time they prayed in rotation, but still without result. What could be the matter that their prayers were not answered? Some time before this, Martin Harris had prevailed upon the Prophet to allow him to take a number of pages of the manuscript translation of the Nephite record to show them to certain members of his own family. Harris had bound himself by sacred covenant not to exceed the privilege specified, and to return the manuscript uninjured. Unfortunately, however, Martin Harris had lost the manuscript entrusted to him. The loss had caused great embarrassment to the Prophet, and had brought upon Harris for a time the disfavor of the Lord.[F] When now the fervent prayers of the Prophet and the special witnesses remained unanswered, Martin Harris suggested that he would perhaps better withdraw, since undoubtedly it was because of his presence that their efforts were fruitless. [Footnote F: "History of the Church," Vol. I, p. 21.]