| 57 leaving the editorial department. Therefore I desire to testify to all that will come to the knowledge of this address that I have most assuredly seen the plates from whence the Book of Mormon is translated, and that I have handled these plates, and know of a surety that Joseph Smith, Jr., has translated the Book of Mormon by the gift and power of God, and in this thing the wisdom of the wise most assuredly has perished: therefore, know ye, O ye inhabitants of the earth, wherever this address may come, that I have in this thing freed my garments of your blood, whether you believe or disbelieve the statements of your unworthy friend well-wisher."-Messenger and Advocate, vol. 2, pp. 286, 287.
To us he wrote in 1876, in harmony with the foregoing. 6
The testimonies, given at various times by the very men who report says denied their testimony, lead us to believe that said reports are not true, hence have no rightful place in history, especially so when we consider that no statement from them confirming the rumor has ever been authenticated.
"There is no doubt that Mr. Whitmer, who was one of the three witnesses of the authenticity of the gold plates, from which he asserts that Joseph Smith translated the Book of Mormon (a facsimile of the characters he now has in his possession with the original records), is firmly convinced of its divine origin, and while he makes no effort to obtrude his views or beliefs, he simply wants the world to know that so far as he is concerned there is no 'variableness or shadow of turning.' Having resided here for near a half of a century, it is with no little pride that he points to his past record with the consciousness that he has done nothing derogatory to his character as a citizen and a believer in the son of Mary, to warrant such an attack on him, come from what source it may, and now with the lilies of seventy-five winters crowning him like an aureole, and his pilgrimage on earth well-nigh ended, he reiterates his former statements, and will leave futurity to solve the problem that he was but a passing witness to its fulfillment. His attacks on the vileness that has sprung up with the Utah Church, must have a salutary effect upon those bigamists who have made adultery the corner-stone in the edifice of their belief."
6 FAR WEST, Caldwell Co., Mo., December 11, 1876.
H. C. Smith; Dear Sir:-Your letter came to hand-your request considered. First, as for giving all particulars that I know of the Book of Mormon, cannot be written on one sheet of paper; therefore permit me to be brief. From what you have written I conclude you have read the Book of Mormon, together with the testimonies that are thereto attached, in which testimonies you read my name subscribed as one of the eight witnesses to said book. That testimony was, and will be true, henceforth and forever.
Respectfully yours,
John Whitmer.
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