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The Testimony of Eight
The Testimony of Eight、by Scott Gordon (President of FAIR)
False historical claims continue to be put forward by critics of Mormonism. One
of those claims is that the eight witnesses, whose printed testimony is included
with every copy of the Book of Mormon, never really saw the gold plates, but
only saw them covered by a cloth. William Smith, Joseph Smith's brother, is
sometimes quoted as the evidence that supports this claim, as he states many
times that he only saw the covered plates. He also references some of the other
eight witnesses being with him.
There are two important facts left out of this claim. First, William Smith was
not one of the eight witnesses, so he truly didn't see the plates. We should not
confuse his experience with that of the eight witnesses. Secondly, some of the
eight witnesses did, at first, see the plates with William while the plates were
covered. But, later, after Joseph completed the translation, they actually saw
the uncovered plates and handled them, as their printed testimony clearly
states.
While William didn't see the uncovered plates, his comments are enlightening. He
said,
"When the plates were brought in they were wrapped up in a tow frock. My father
then put them into a pillow case. Father said, "What, Joseph, can we not see
them?" "No. I was disobedient the first time, but I intend to be faithful this
time. For I was forbidden to show them until they are translated, but you can
feel them." We handled them and could tell what they were. They were not quite
as large as this Bible. Could tell whether they were round or square. Could
raise the leaves this way (raising a few leaves of the Bible before him). One
could easily tell that they were not a stone, hewn out to deceive, or even a
block of wood. Being a mixture of gold and copper, they were much heavier than
stone, and very much heavier than wood.1
At another time William said, "I was permitted to lift them as they laid in a
pillowcase, but not to see them, as it was contrary to the commands he had
received. They weighed about 60 lbs. according to the best of my judgment."2 He
also stated, "I could tell they were plates of some kind and that they were
fastened together by rings running through the back."3
In contrast to William, the eight witnesses report handling the plates,
describing the color, weight, individual pages with engraved writings, and
careful craftsmanship.
In the front of every Book of Mormon is the testimony of the eight witnesses
which states:
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.4
Additionally, there are many other documents where the witnesses and their
relatives repeated this claim. An interview of John Whitmer by a Mr. P. Wilhelm
Poulson is recorded as follows:
I said: I am aware that your name is affixed to the testimony in the Book of
Mormon, that you saw the plates?
He-It is so, and that testimony is true.
I-Did you handle the plates with your hands?
He-I did so!
I-Then they were a material substance?
He-Yes, as material as anything can be.
I-They were heavy to lift?
He-Yes, and you know gold is a heavy metal, they were very heavy.
I-How big were the leaves?
He-So far as I recollect, 8 by 6 or 7 inches.
I-Were the leaves thick?
He-Yes, just so thick, that characters could be engraven on both sides.
I-How were the leaves joined together?
He-In three rings, each one in the shape of a D with the straight line towards
the centre.
I-Did you see them covered with a cloth?
He-No. He handed them uncovered into our hands, and we turned the leaves
sufficient to satisfy us.5
In late 1876 John Whitmer was answering Heman C. Smith, referring to the
published declaration in the front of the Book of Mormon, and concluding, "That
testimony was, is, and will be true, henceforth and forever."6 Later, John
Whitmer responded to an 1877 letter writing: "It is the same as it was from the
beginning, and it is true. . . . I have never denied my testimony as to the Book
of Mormon, under any circumstances whatever."7
The eight witnesses saw, felt and hefted the plates. The three witnesses saw the
plates, saw the angel, and heard the voice of God. Many other witnesses had real
experiences with the plates as well. No one has yet been able to refute this.
Those who wish to discredit the Book of Mormon must first overcome the testimony
of the many witnesses of the Gold plates.
Notes
1 William Smith, "Sermon in the Saints' Chapel," Deloit, Iowa, June 8, 1884,
Saints' Herald 31 (1884): 643-44.
2 P. Wilhelm Poulson to the editors of the Deseret News, 31 July 1878, Deseret
News, 6 August 1878.
3 Interview of William Smith with E. C. Briggs and J. W. Peterson, Zion's
Ensign, 13 January 1894, 6.
4 The Testimony of the Eight Witnesses, The Book of Mormon, 1981 (First
published 1830) http://scriptures.lds.org/en/bm/eghtwtns
5 Deseret News, 6 August 1878; also in Vogel, Early Mormon Documents, 5:247・9
Letter, Far West, Missouri, 11 December 1876.
6 Smith and Smith, History of the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter
Day Saints, 1:57n6; copied from the original that was in Heman Smith's
possession (now unlocated), with italics used for the whole sentence in the
first printing, as quoted by Richard Lloyd Anderson "Attempts to Redefine the
Experience of the Eight Witnesses" Journal of Book of Mormon Studies, Maxwell
Institute, Volume 14, Issue 1, pages 18-31, 2005
7 Letter to J. R. Lambert, 6 May 1877, copied from the original that was in
Joseph Lambert's possession, attested by Joseph R. Lambert in a letter to E. L.
Kelley, 29 January 1884, Community of Christ泡rchives reference no. P13, f311 as
quoted by Richard Lloyd Anderson "Attempts to Redefine the Experience of the
Eight Witnesses" Journal of Book of Mormon Studies, Maxwell Institute, Volume
14, Issue 1, pages 18-31, 2005