In lieu of an abstract, here is a brief excerpt of the content:

631 appendix 1 Testimonies of Joseph Smith and Other Witnesses The testimonies of the three and eight witnesses, describing experiences they had in late June 1829,were included at the end of the original edition of the Book of Mormon and in every official edition thereafter.1 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; wherefore we know of a surety that the work is true. And we also testify that we have seen the engravings 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,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. 1 For more information regarding the circumstances surrounding these testimonies,see Joseph Smith Jr., History of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 6 vols., ed. B. H. Roberts (Salt Lake City: Deseret News, 1902–12), 1:52–59; and Lucy Mack Smith, Biographical Sketches of Joseph Smith the Prophet, and His Progenitors for Many Generations (Liverpool, England: S. W. Richards, 1853), chap. 30 (later reprinted as History of Joseph Smith by His Mother). 632 appendix 1 Oliver Cowdery2 David Whitmer3 Martin Harris4 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. 2 Although Oliver Cowdery was the scribe for most of the original manuscript of the Book of Mormon, he said very little about the translation process other than the following: “These were days never to be forgotten—to sit under the sound of a voice dictated by the inspiration of heaven , awakened the utmost gratitude of this bosom! Day after day I continued, uninterrupted, to write from his [Joseph Smith’s] mouth, as he translated with the Urim and Thummim, or as the Nephites would have said, ‘Interpreters,’ the history, or record called ‘The Book of Mormon’” (Messenger and Advocate 1 [Oct. 1834]: 14). See also Dan Vogel, ed., Early Mormon Documents, 5 vols. (Salt Lake City: Signature Books, 1996–2003), 2:419. 3 David Whitmer spoke often of the translation of the Book of Mormon. He described the seer stone and remembered that “each time before resuming the work all present would kneel in prayer and invoke the Divine...

Share