View source for John Whitmer (1876): "I have never heard that any one of the three or eight witnesses ever denied the testimony that they have borne to the Book as published in the first edition of the Book of Mormon"

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==John Whitmer (1876): "I have never heard that any one of the three or eight witnesses ever denied the testimony that they have borne to the Book as published in the first edition of the Book of Mormon"==
In 1876, John Whitmer, one of the Eight Witnesses, wrote a lengthy letter to Mark Forscutt, which included the following:
<blockquote>
Oliver Cowdery lived in Richmond, Mo., some 40 miles from here, at the time of his death. I went to see him and was with him for some days previous to his demise. I have never heard him deny the truth of his testimony of the Book of Mormon under any circumstances whatever. . . . Neither do I believe that he would have denied, at the peril of his life; so firm was he that he could not be made to deny what he has affirmed to be a divine revelation from God. . . .

I have never heard that any one of the three or eight witnesses ever denied the testimony that they have borne to the Book as published in the first edition of the Book of Mormon. There are only two of the witnesses to that book now living, to wit., David Whitmer, one of the three, and John Wh[itmer], one of the eight. Our names have gone forth to all nations, tongues and people as a divine revelation from God. And it will bring to pass the designs of God according to the declaration therein contained.<ref>{{Book:Parry Peterson Welch:Echoes and Evidences of the Book of Mormon|pages=[https://publications.mi.byu.edu/fullscreen/?pub=1082&index=3 Chapter 2], {{sofr}}|author=Daniel C. Peterson|article=Not Joseph's, and Not Modern}}</ref>
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==John Whitmer's character==

<blockquote>
"Mr. [John] Whitmer is considered a truthful, honest and law abiding citizen by this community, and consequently, his appointment [to preach] drew out a large audience. Mr. Whitmer stated that he had often handled the identical ''golden plates'' which Mr. Smith received from the angel...."<ref>"I.C. Funn," [John Whitmer Testimony], ''Kingston'' (MO) ''Sentinel'', ca. January 1878, reprinted in ''Saints' Herald'' 25 (15 February 1878): 57; cited in {{EMD|vol=5|pages=245}}</ref>
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{{Endnotes sources}}
[[Category:Letter to a CES Director]]
[[Category:The Changing World of Mormonism]]

[[es:Fuente:Echoes:Ch2:11:John Whitmer 1876:Nunca he oído hablar de que cualquiera de los tres u ocho testigos nunca negó el testimonio]]
[[pt:Fonte:Echoes:Ch2:11:John Whitmer 1876:Eu nunca ouvi falar de que qualquer um dos três ou oito testemunhas jamais negou o testemunho]]