Meaning Of "At The Mouth Of Two Witnesses"

[inquiringmind]

I've come across a teaching that says it takes two witnesses to establish a doctrine.

Those who teach this mean that it takes two passages of scripture, or two promptings of some kind, to establish something as true.

So far as I know, this is not a Mormon teaching, but I was wondering if Joseph Smith or his successors ever said anything (one way or another) about this interpretation of passages like 2 Cor. 13:1?

Is this what it means?

(And was D&C 132 the only canonized scripture that ever endorsed polygamy?)

Edited November 28, 2012 by inquiringmind

[Lightbearer]

Yes this is a Mormon teaching, in fact that is one of the reasons for the coming forth of the Book of Mormon:

'Thou fool, that shall say: A Bible, we have got a Bible, and we need no more Bible. Have ye obtained a Bible save it were by the Jews? Know ye not that there are more nations than one? Know ye not that I, the Lord your God, have created all men, and that I remember those who are upon the isles of the sea; and that I rule in the heavens above and in the earth beneath; and I bring forth my word unto the children of men, yea, even upon all the nations of the earth? Wherefore murmur ye, because that ye shall receive more of my word? Know ye not that the testimony of two nations is a witness unto you that I am God, that I remember one nation like unto another? Wherefore, I speak the same words unto one nation like unto another. And when the two nations shall run together the testimony of the two nations shall run together also. And I do this that I may prove unto many that I am the same yesterday, today, and forever; and that I speak forth my words according to mine own pleasure. And because that I have spoken one word ye need not suppose that I cannot speak another; for my work is not yet finished; neither shall it be until the end of man, neither from that time henceforth and forever." (Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 29:6-9)

Also the following:

"And now, behold, I give unto you, and also unto my servant Joseph, the keys of this gift, which shall bring to light this ministry; and in the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established." (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 6:28)

Also the three witnesses of the Book of Mormon and the Missionaries going out two by two... I think it is a well established doctrine of the Church, the divine law of witnesses. As for D&C 132, it was not necessary for two independent revelations to "prove" this a true doctrine. Two Prophets testifying of it's truth is enough. As for the beginnings of the restoration, Joseph and Oliver were both present at the restoration of priesthood keys as all other revelations have had additional witnesses. The D&C received the witness of the first presidency and the twelve. We believe in modern revelation, we do not require "proof texts" to "prove" our doctrine true. In fact ever addition to scripture has been voted on by the voice of the entire Church. Each member has the right and the responsibility to receive the witness of the Holy Ghost of it's truthfulness. Hope this helps.