Martin Harris created a nice life for himself by the 1827, throughout this time Martin had developed himself spiritually as well. He claimed to believe in the original doctrine and gospel taught in the Bible by Jesus Christ, and he believed that none of the churches were currently offering that gospel.
During this same time, Martin knew the Smith family and continually learned more about the gold plates and soon joined Joseph in his efforts of organizing the church.
He offered much help towards publishing the Book of Mormon. He financially helped by paying $3000 towards the first publication of the Book of Mormon by mortgaging some of his farm. He also served as scribe for a time. Although he supported the publication of the book, his wife particularly was vocal about her distrust of the prophets and the actual plates existing. Martin asked Joseph if he could bring the first 116 pages of the translation of the Book of Mormon home to show his wife as proof that what they were doing was real of of God. Joseph asked God on behalf of Martin three times, and eventually God allowed them to do as they wished in showing the manuscript to his wife, but God also gave them the strict counsel that they must be protected and only shown to his wife and anyone else that God specifically allowed.
Sadly, Martin returned having lost the manuscript, and those words were never re-translated because other people had already corrupted the manuscript and were ready to oppose anything that the prophet produced.
Overall, Martin was able to give great support to the prophet and the church. Just as each of us have weakness and even sins that we commit, we must repent and become better.
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