Sunday, September 22, 2013

Mormon Historical Movie: The Three WItnesses

This movie appears to not have been produced by the Church, but is part of a Church History Series produced by the Church, so is obviously endorsed by the Church.  The screenplay is written by Carol Lynn Pearson.  This movie starts in 1881 in Richmond, Missouri.  David Whitmer, the last surviving of the three witnesses to the Book of Mormon is confronted by his postman for refuting his testimony of the Book of Mormon.  David Whitmer gathers affidavit signatures of 22 men in the community, with which he publishes in the paper an article verifying himself as a witness to the gold plates, and that an angel showed him the plates.  He also recounts the histories of the other two witnesses.  All left the church for a season, but never denies their testimonies.  Oliver Cowdery and Martin Harris rejoined the church.  All maintained themselves as witnesses to their dying breaths.
This is their testimony as published in the Book of Mormon.
Be it known unto all nations, kindreds, tongues, and people, unto whom this work shall come: That we, through the grace of God the Father, and our Lord Jesus Christ, have seen the plates which contain this record, which is a record of the people of Nephi, and also of the Lamanites, their brethren, and also of the people of Jared, who came from the tower of which hath been spoken. And we also know that they have been translated by the gift and power of God, for his voice hath declared it unto us; wherefore we know of a surety that the work is true. And we also testify that we have seen the engravings which are upon the plates; and they have been shown unto us by the power of God, and not of man. And we declare with words of soberness, that an angel of God came down from heaven, and he brought and laid before our eyes, that we beheld and saw the plates, and the engravings thereon; and we know that it is by the grace of God the Father, and our Lord Jesus Christ, that we beheld and bear record that these things are true. And it is marvelous in our eyes. Nevertheless, the voice of the Lord commanded us that we should bear record of it; wherefore, to be obedient unto the commandments of God, we bear testimony of these things. And we know that if we are faithful in Christ, we shall rid our garments of the blood of all men, and be found spotless before the judgment-seat of Christ, and shall dwell with him eternally in the heavens. And the honor be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost, which is one God. Amen.
 
Oliver Cowdery
David Whitmer
Martin Harris
Alexander Doniphan, a lawyer and affidavit signer, declared this case for the truth of the Book of Mormon was very sound. 

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