DIRECT EXTERNAL EVIDENCES—THE TESTIMONY OF THE THREE WITNESSES—SUBSEQUENT LIFE AND TESTIMONIES. Continued.  
DAVID WHITMER.
 
David Whitmer continued to repeat his testimony to the truth of the Book of Mormon up to and including the very day of his death. Living for many years at Richmond, Missouri—from 1838 to 1888, half a century—he was frequently visited by all sorts of people, and in the latter years of his life by newspaper representatives especially, who came to inquire concerning the testimony he had given to the world to the truth of the Book of Mormon. For all these parties he had but one answer: "My testimony written in the Book of Mormon is true." It was sometimes elaborated by the addition of a description of the circumstances under which the great revelation was given, but there was never any deviation from the main facts published in his testimony which accompanies the Book of Mormon. He was not always fairly treated by those whose questions he answered; his statements were sometimes misrepresented, much to his annoyance; and having been taught the necessity for it by sad experience, in the later years of his life, he always took the precaution to have one or more of his personal friends present at interviews he granted to strangers.
 
Referring to these acts of misrepresentation concerning his testimony, in his pamphlet, "Address to all Believers in Christ", he makes the following refutation of the charges of denial:
 
It is recorded in the American Cyclopaedia and the Encyclopaedia Britannica, that I, David Whitmer, have denied my testimony as one of the Three Witnesses to the divinity of the Book of Mormon; and that the other two Witnesses, Oliver Cowdery and Martin Harris, denied their testimony to that book. I will say once more to all mankind, that I have never at any time denied that testimony or any part thereof. I also testify to the world, that neither Oliver Cowdery nor Martin Harris ever at any time denied their testimony. They both died reaffirming the truth of the divine authenticity of the Book of Mormon. I was present at the death bed of Oliver Cowdery, and his last words were, "Brother David, be true to your testimony to the Book of Mormon." He died here in Richmond, Missouri, on March 3, 1850. Many witnesses yet live in Richmond, who will testify to the truth of these facts, as well as to the good character of Oliver Cowdery. The very powers of darkness have combined against the Book of Mormon, to prove that it is not the word of God, and this should go to prove to men of spiritual understanding, that the Book is true. To show the reader what I have had to contend with, I give you below a copy of a leaflet which I had printed and distributed in March, 1881:
 
A PROCLAMATION
 
Unto all nations, kindred, tongues, and people, unto whom these presents shall come:
 
It having been represented by one John Murphy, of Polo, Caldwell county, Missouri, that I, in a conversation with him last Summer, denied my testimony as one of the Three Witnesses to the Book of Mormon.
 
To the end, therefore, that he may understand me now, if he did not then; and that the world may know the truth, I wish now, standing as it were, in the very sunset of life, and in the fear of God, once for all to make this public statement:
 
That I never have at any time denied that testimony or any part thereof which has so long since been published with that book, as one of the Three Witnesses. Those who know me best well know that I have always adhered to that testimony. And that no man may be misled or doubt my present views in regard to the same, I do again affirm the truth of all my statements, as then made and published.
 
"He that hath an ear to hear, let him hear;" it was no delusion. What is written is written, and he that readeth let him understand. * * * I do not indorse any of the teachings of the so-called "Mormons," or Latter-day Saints, which are in conflict with the gospel of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, as taught in the Bible and Book of Mormon; for the same gospel is plainly taught in both these books as I understand the word of God.
 
And if any man doubt, should he not carefully and honestly read and understand the same, before presuming to sit in judgment and condemn the light, which shineth in darkness, and showeth the way of eternal life as pointed out by the unerring hand of God?
 
In the Spirit of Christ who hath said: "Follow thou me, for I am the life, the light and the way," I submit this statement to the world. God in whom I trust, being my judge as to the sincerity of my motives and the faith and hope that is in me of eternal life.
 
My sincere desire is that the world may be benefited by this plain and simple statement of the truth.
 
And all the honor be to the Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost, which is one God. Amen.
 
(Signed) DAVID WHITMER.
 
Richmond, Missouri, March 19, 1881.
 
We the undersigned citizens of Richmond, Ray county, Missouri, where David Whitmer has resided since the year A. D. 1838, certify that we have been long and intimately acquainted with him and know him to be a man of the highest integrity, and of undoubted truth and veracity.
 
Given at Richmond, Missouri, this March 19, A. D. 1881:
 
Gen. Alexander W. Doniphan.
 
Hon. George W. Dunn, Judge of the Fifth Judicial Circuit.
 
Thomas D. Woodson, President of Ray Co. Savings Bank.
 
J. T. Child, editor of "Conservator".
 
H. C. Garner, Cashier of Ray Co. Savings Bank.
 
W. A. Holman, County Treasurer.
 
J. S. Hughes, Banker, Richmond.
 
James Hughes, Banker, Richmond.
 
D. P. Whitmer, Attorney-at-Law.
 
Hon. Jas. W. Black, Attorney-at-Law.
 
L. C. Cantwell, Postmaster, Richmond.
 
George I. Wasson, Mayor.
 
Jas. A. Davis, County Collector.
 
C. J. Hughes, Probate Judge and Presiding Justice of Ray County Court.
 
Geo. W. Trigg, County Clerk.
 
W. W. Mosby, M. D.
 
Thos. McGinnis, ex-Sheriff Ray County.
 
J. P. Quesenberry, Merchant.
 
W. R. Holman, Furniture Merchant.
 
Lewis Slaughter, Recorder of Deeds.
 
Geo. W. Buchanan, M. D.
 
A. K. Reyburn.
 
At the same time the "Richmond Conservator" of March 24, 1881, said, editorially:
 
AN EXPLANATION
 
Elsewhere we publish a letter from David Whitmer, an old and well known citizen of Ray, [county] as well as an indorsement of his standing as a man, signed by a number of the leading citizens of this community, in reply to some unwarranted aspersions made upon him. There is no doubt that Mr. Whitmer, who was one of the Three Witnesses of the authenticity of the gold plates, from w............