.

The Testimony of Eight Witnesses

© By Intellectual Reserve, Inc 

 

"Be it known unto all nations, kindreds, tongues, and people, unto whom this work shall come:
That Joseph Smith, Jun., the translator of this work, has shown unto us the plates of which hath been spoken, which have the appearance of gold; and as many of the leaves as the said Smith has translated we did handle with our hands; and we also saw the engravings thereon, all of which has the appearance of ancient work, and of curious workmanship. And this we bear record with words of soberness, that the said Smith has shown unto us, for we have seen and hefted, and know of a surety that the said Smith has got the plates of which we have spoken. And we give our names unto the world, to witness unto the world that which we have seen.
And we lie not, God bearing witness of it."  July 1829

  Signed by                       Age when shown the plates             Occupation

Christian Whitmer    1798-1835      31 years old                    Shoemaker
Jacob Whitmer          1800-1856       29 years old                   Shoemaker
Peter Whitmer, Jun.     1809-1836       19 years old                    Tailor & Farmer 
John Whitmer           1802-1878      26 years old                    Farmer
Hiram Page              1800-1852      29 years old                    Physician & Farmer 
Joseph Smith, Sen.     1771-1840      57 years old                    Farmer 
Hyrum Smith           1800-1844      29 years old                     Farmer 
Samuel H. Smith      1808-1844       21 years old                     Farmer 

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"One of the greatest evidences is the testimony of the three witnesses to whom the Angel Moroni showed the plates and bore witness that they were translated by the gift and power of God. This testimony we have already quoted in its entirety; it appears in the front of each copy of the Book of Mormon, together with the testimony of the eight witnesses, to whom Joseph Smith was permitted to show the plates. Not one of these witnesses ever denied his testimony, even though each was subjected to much persecution and ridicule."    (LeGrand Richards, A Marvelous Work and a Wonder, Ch.8, Pg.70)
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  Did the Book of Mormon Witnesses Really See What they Claimed?  (Book of Mormon Central) (2:47 min.)

Additional Information:
Biographies of the eight Witnesses to the Book of Mormon.
Life, Character and Testimonies of The Eight Witnesses to the Book of Mormon 
And Other Statements and Testimonies Relating To the Book of Mormon
Biographies in Preston Nibley Witnesses of the Book of Mormon Deseret Book Co., 1958