QUOTE: “In June, 1838, at Far West, Mo., a secret organization was formed, Doctor Avard being put in as the leader of the band; a certain oath was to be administered to all the brethren to bind them to support the heads of the church in everything they should teach. All who refused to take this oath were considered dissenters from the church, and certain things were to be done concerning these dissenters, by Dr. Avard’s secret band. I make no farther statements now; but suffice it to say that my persecutions, for trying to show them their errors, became of such a nature that I had to leave the Latter Day Saints; and, as I rode on horseback out of Far West, in June, 1838, the voice of God from heaven spake to me as I have stated above.” -David Whitmer, An Address to All Believers in Christ, 1887, pp. 27-28. [source]
COMMENTARY: Did God speak to David Whitmer? Can we trust what David Whitmer tells us about messages he received from God? If so, then we have to believe that God told David to leave the Mormon church. If not, then how can we trust what David said about the gold plates. But what do I know? I’m just another apostate.
