| 456 different editions of the Book of Mormon with the manuscript in the hands of David Whitmer, met at the house of Mr. Whitmer in Richmond, Missouri, on July 8, and commenced the examination. Elder Whitmer had insisted that President Joseph Smith should be present, and hence he took part in the examination. This work had been under contemplation for ten years, and the favorable opportunity presenting itself, it was improved. This work of the committee received editorial notice in the Saints' Herald for August 23, 1884, which we insert for the sake of the valuable historical incidents related:
It is often said that history repeats itself. In secular affairs this has occurred many times. And now and then there has been an instance of similar import in church affairs. Away back in the early days of the church, in the "upper chamber of Father Whitmer's house," a certain work connected with the work of the last days and the Book of Mormon, was being done by Joseph Smith, Oliver Cowdery and others; which work was of a preparatory nature, the results of which should be felt while the church continued to exist. What that work was history has recorded, and the Saints received it. From a solemn conclave held in that "upper room," there went forth an edict which was to affect the church wonderfully. They were commanded to go to the Ohio, and there a law should be given them that was to be applicable to them in their then "condition and in the New Jerusalem." That law is the revelation of 1831 specifically establishing the one wife rule in the church. Subsequent to the giving of that law the statement was made that the church was under condemnation, and would remain so until the people remembered the Book of Mormon and the former commandments which had been given the church, to do according to that "which was written." Into what a state of forgetfulness concerning the Book of Mormon and the former commandments, especially the one of 1831, the church had fallen and would fall, the history of the apostasy under Brigham Young fully shows.
On the 8th of July, 1884, a group of men were assembled by appointment and agreement, in an upper room of Father Whitmer's, 1 house, in Richmond, Missouri, within the borders of the land of Zion, the persons of which group and the object for which they had met made it remarkable, and almost a repetition in history. The central figure in this group was David Whitmer, now the only surviving witness of the three, who were made special witnesses to the visit of the angel with the plates to show them to those chosen for that purpose. Almost fourscore years old, hair white as wool, eyes bright and faculties still good,
1 Son of Father Whitmer referred to above.
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