Defending the Faith: John Whitmer's testimony endures

Why does this matter? John Whitmer's testimony doesn't, by itself, prove the Book of Mormon true. But it is an important indicator pointing in that direction. It greatly strengthens the probability that Joseph Smith actually possessed the plates he claimed to possess and that his claims rest on more than simply personal, subjective hallucination. They involve other people. But there's no evidence for a conspiracy, and, anyway, the bigger a conspiracy is, the more difficult it is to keep it secret and together. Moreover, where did Joseph Smith and his supposed co-conspirators get all that gold?

John Whitmer's testimony contributes to a strong cumulative case for the truthfulness of the Restoration and for God's tangible involvement in it.