The Power of Dying Testimony and the Book of Mormon
The final words of a dying person are so significant they are given special attention in our laws, as was explained to me by my son, David, an attorney. In fact, from the time of the Middle Ages, this special recognition is given because of strong feeling, “one who believes in God would not want to die with a lie on their lips.”
Because of this belief, dying words are admitted as “evidence” in court, even though ordinarily they would be considered hearsay. Since the person has died, they cannot take an oath to speak “the truth and nothing but the truth.” They cannot be cross examined. Nor can the penalty of perjury be used as threat to elicit truth. Nevertheless, statements made by a dying person are allowed because it is felt the “sense of impending death is presumed to remove all temptation to falsehood.”
Knowing this, it is remarkable that dying testimonies are very prevalent in the Book of Mormon --- both in its contents and also by those who later bore witness of its truthfulness.*
From the very beginning Lehi set the pattern of dying testimony by closing his life with many powerful words of warning, knowing his death drew near. His words carry great weight, particularly when he concludes, “I have spoken these…words unto you all, my sons, in the last days of my probation; … And I have none other object save it be the everlasting welfare of your souls. Amen.” (2 Nephi 2:30).
Lehi’s words weigh heavily because his impending death made them void of any pride or selfishness. Thus they carry great impact to ones soul.
Many Book of Mormon prophets followed Lehi’s pattern. In fact, book after book within the Book of Mormon end with the writer's dying testimony. This is part of what gives the Book of Mormon so much power.
Here are just a few.
Nephi closed his life saying, “…I… have written what I have written, and I esteem it as of great worth, and especially unto my people. For I pray continually for them by day, and mine eyes water my pillow by night…. “And now, my beloved brethren… and all ye ends of the earth, hearken unto these words and believe in Christ;…And if they are not the words of Christ, judge ye --- for Christ will show unto you, with power and great glory, that they are his words…; and you and I shall stand face to face before his bar; and ye shall know that I have been commanded of him to write these things…. “Farewell until that great day shall come…. Amen.” (2 Nephi 33:3, 10, 11, 13).
The stark reality of the judgment which Nephi sees is sobering. And when he weeps for our welfare because of that Eternal judgment, our souls are pierced.
Enos’ final testimony rings with resounding spiritual hope. “…I have declared [truth] all my days, and have rejoiced in it above that of the world. “And I soon go to the place of my rest, which is with my Redeemer; for I know that in him I shall rest. And I rejoice in the day when my mortal shall put on immortality, and shall stand before him; then shall I see his face with pleasure, and he will say unto me: Come unto me, ye blessed… Amen.” (Enos 1:26-7).
What joy is in those words!
Moroni buries the golden plates with his own lonely, future death in mind, and also promises hope. “Yea, come unto Christ, and be perfected in him, and deny yourselves of all ungodliness; … “And now I bid unto all, farewell. I soon go to rest in the paradise of God, until my spirit and body shall again reunite, and I am brought forth triumphant through the air, to meet you before the pleasing bar of the great Jehovah, the Eternal Judge of both quick and dead. Amen.” (Moroni 10: 32, 34).
As these and other prophets give their last, final testimonies, they do so because they clearly see the vital reality of death and judgment. That turns their minds and hearts to powerful focus on the weighty matters of eternity. They strongly warn that this reality lies just beyond the distractions of our lives, and someday we must face it too.
Perhaps because they knew the Book of Mormon is so full of these final testimonies, the three witnesses who actually heard God’s voice, saw Moroni and the golden plates, took special pains to leave their dying testimonies as part of their legacy to the world. They did so even though once estranged from the church.**
Oliver Cowdery was re-baptized. Later, he became seriously ill. But before dying, he deliberately spoke to his family and others close by. He urged their obedience to principles in the Book of Mormon, promising he would see them in Heaven. Then saying, “Lay me down and let me fall asleep” he soon passed calmly beyond the veil.
Martin Harris also took special pains to give a deathbed testimony. Just before his death, he said "…I did see the plates on which The Book of Mormon was written; I did see the angel; I did hear the voice of God; and I do know that Joseph Smith is a Prophet of God, holding the keys of the Holy Priesthood.”
David Whitmer went even further. Appearing in a local paper was this report. "On Sunday evening... Mr. Whitmer called his family and some friends to his bedside, and addressing himself to the attending physician, said: 'Dr. Buchanan, I want you to say whether or not I am in my right mind, before I give my dying testimony.' “The doctor answered 'Yes, you are in your right mind, for I have just had a conversation with you.'
“David Whitmer then addressed himself to all around his bedside in these words: ‘…I want to say to you all, the Bible and the Record of the Nephites (Book of Mormon) are true, so you can say you have heard me bear my testimony on my deathbed. All be faithful in Christ, and your reward will be according to your works....’"
Not only are dying testimonies especially prevalent and strong in the Book of Mormon itself, but the Lord inspired these three witnesses to reaffirm their testimonies of the books divine origin on their deathbeds.
There is yet another set of final testimonies regarding the Book of Mormon.
Hyrum Smith made his final preparations to go to Carthage with Joseph. He knew he faced certain death there. Just before departing, Hyrum read this verse written by Moroni, then left the book with the leaf turned down upon it. “…the Lord said unto me: if [the Gentiles] have not charity it mattereth not unto thee, thou hast been faithful; wherefore thy garments shall be made clean….And now I… bid farewell unto the Gentiles; yea, and also unto my brethren whom I love, until we shall meet before the judgment-seat of Christ, where all men shall know that my garments are not spotted with your blood” (D&C 135:5).
Thus Hyrum deliberately made Moroni’s final testimony his own final testimony.
All these prophets who spoke so boldly while facing death, knew they would soon face God. This sure knowledge did not cause any to hesitate or cower, but to exult in that reality, and thus to magnify the very testimonies which they bore.
All these final testimonies associated with the Book of Mormon have greatly strengthened and guided me. I hope to give my final testimony so my words will carry that great weight accorded to those who look into the approaching heavens and speak unquestioned truth.
*Note. I have several witnesses that I was aware of these significant final testimonies in the Book of Mormon and had even prepared this article on that topic, just before Elder Jeffrey R. Holland touched, in a different way, on the same subject at General Conference, October 2009. Those who would like to examine his statements, which had some similarities may do so on www.lds.org. Click on "Prepare a Talk", then on "General Conrerence: October 2009." Elder Holland's talk can be found on the Sunday afternoon session. ** David has even suggested, after considering these things, and I agree, that perhaps the very reason the three witnesses fell away to later come back was so that they could leave, in power, their final dying testimonies.