Norman -
There are many statements given by the witnesses that indicate they only saw the angel and the plates in a visionary experience, not with their physical eyes. The plates were “seen” in two groups of four not all eight together as popularized in church paintings. Many of the witnesses ended up leaving the church and following other leaders and religions such as James Strang, the Shakers, Methodists, etc. By 1847 not a single one of the surviving eleven witnesses was part of the LDS Church. Most were excommunicated as well. In fact, most followed Strang as prophet.
To me that is not a lasting “witness” I would place my eternal future on.
Hi Godzilla,
Martin Harris and Oliver Cowdery after leaving the LDS Church were rebaptized later in life. Significantly, no witness, even after leaving the Church, recanted the testimonies they had given.
These witnesses are a proof system that God has provided to the world for the truthfulness of the Book of Mormon.
Best to you,
Normandy