=26.= The earnest student of the Book of Mormon will be most concerned
in his consideration of the reliability of the great record; and this
subject may be conveniently considered under two headings: 1st, the
genuineness and integrity of the Book of Mormon, i. e., the evidence
that the book is what it professes to be,--an actual translation of
ancient records; 2nd, the authenticity of the original writings, as
shown by internal and external evidence.
=27. The Genuineness of the Book= will appear to anyone who undertakes
an impartial investigation into the circumstances attending its coming
forth. The many so-called theories of its origin, advanced by
prejudiced opponents to the work of God, are in general too
inconsistent, and in most instances too thoroughly puerile, to merit
serious consideration. Such fancies as are set forth in
representations of the Book of Mormon as the production of a single
author or of men working in collusion, as a work of fiction, or in any
manner as a modern composition, are their own refutation.[784] The
sacred character of the plates forbade their display as a means of
gratifying personal curiosity; nevertheless a number of reputable
witnesses examined them, and these men have given to the world their
solemn testimony of the fact. In June, 1829, the prophecies respecting
the witnesses by whose testimony the word of God as set forth in the
Book of Mormon was to be established,[785] saw its fulfillment in a
manifestation of Divine power, demonstrating the genuineness of the
record to three men, whose affirmations accompany all editions of the
book.
[784] See Note 2.
[785] II Nephi xi, 3; xxvii, 12-13; Ether v, 3-4; see also Doc.
and Cov. v, 11-15; xvii, 1-9.
=28. The Testimony of Three Witnesses.=--Be it known unto all nations,
kindreds, tongues, and people unto whom this work shall come, that we,
through the grace of God the Father, and our Lord Jesus Christ, have
seen the plates which contain this record, which is a record of the
people of Nephi, and also of the Lamanites, their brethren, and also
of the people of Jared, who came from the tower of which hath been
spoken; and we also know that they have been translated by the gift
and power of God, for his voice hath declared it unto us,[786]
wherefore we know of a surety that the work is true. And we also
testify that we have seen the engravings[787] which are upon the
plates; and they have been shown unto us by the power of God, and not
of man. And we declare with words of soberness, that an angel of God
came down from heaven[788] and he brought and laid before our eyes,
that we beheld and saw the plates, and the engravings thereon; and we
know that it is by the grace of God the Father, and our Lord Jesus
Christ, that we beheld and bear record that these things are true; and
it is marvelous in our eyes, nevertheless the voice of the Lord
commanded us that we should bear record of it; wherefore, to be
obedient unto the commandments of God, we bear testimony of these
things. And we know that if we are faithful in Christ, we shall rid
our garments of the blood of all men, and be found spotless before the
judgment-seat of Christ, and shall dwell with him eternally in the
heavens. And the honor be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the
Holy Ghost, which is one God. Amen.
OLIVER COWDERY,
DAVID WHITMER,
MARTIN HARRIS.
[786] Doc. and Cov. xvii, 6; xx, 8.
[787] II Nephi v, 32; Alma lxiii, 12; Mormon i, 3.
[788] See History of Joseph Smith, June, 1829.
=29.= The testimony so declared was never revoked, nor even modified
by any one of the witnesses whose names are subscribed to the
foregoing,[789] though all of them withdrew from the Church, and
developed feelings amounting almost to hatred toward Joseph Smith. To
the last of their lives, they maintained the same solemn declaration
of the angelic visit, and of the testimony that had been implanted in
their hearts. Shortly after the witnessing of the plates by the three,
other eight persons were permitted to see and handle the ancient
records; and in this also was prophecy fulfilled, in that it was of
old declared, that beside the three, "God sendeth more witnesses,"[790]
whose testimony would be added to that of the three. It was presumably
in July, 1829, that Joseph Smith showed the plates to the eight whose
names are attached to the following certificate.
=30. The Testimony of Eight Witnesses.=--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.
CHRISTIAN WHITMER,
JACOB WHITMER,
PETER WHITMER, JUN.,
JOHN WHITMER,
HIRAM PAGE,
JOSEPH SMITH, SEN.,
HYRUM SMITH,
SAMUEL H. SMITH.
[789] See Note 3.
[790] II Nephi xi, 3.
=31.= Three of the eight witnesses died out of the Church, yet not one
of the whole number ever was known to deny his testimony concerning
the Book of Mormon.[791] Here, then, are proofs of varied kinds
regarding the reliability of this volume. Learned linguists pronounce
the characters genuine; eleven men of honest report make solemn oath
of the appearance of the plates; and the nature of the book itself
sustains the claim that it is nothing more nor less than a translation
of ancient records.
[791] See Note 4.