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.

Christian Whitmer        Jacob Whitmer

Peter Whitmer Jun ,       John Whitmer

Hiram Page                Joseph Smith, Sen

Hyrum Smith               Samuel H. Smith

 This would have been an wonderful experience  I would have loved to hold something that was carried by prophets and touched by those who lived so long  ago.  I know that this was a tremendous blessing to Joseph smith and that it must have been nice not to feel so alone.  But I don't need to see the golden plates to know that the exist... or that the Book of Mormon is true. I know  that the Book of Mormon is true and that it testifies of Christ and that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the only true and right  church on the earth.