Yesterday (June 27th) was the 165th anniversary of the martyrdom of the Prophet Joseph Smith. (For more historical background see HERE and HERE.) Last night for family scripture study we decided to watch a short video clip and read Doctrine and Covenants Section 135 together. We both felt a great sense of gratitude for the life and mission of Joseph Smith as we read those great words written by John Taylor. Here a few snippets...
When Joseph went to Carthage to deliver himself up to the pretended requirements of the law, two or three days previous to his assassination, he said: “I am going like a lamb to the slaughter; but I am calm as a summer’s morning; I have a conscience void of offense towards God, and towards all men. I SHALL DIE INNOCENT, AND IT SHALL YET BE SAID OF ME—HE WAS MURDERED IN COLD BLOOD.”
In the short space of twenty years, he [Joseph] has brought forth the Book of Mormon, which he translated by the gift and power of God, and has been the means of publishing it on two continents; has sent the fulness of the everlasting gospel, which it contained, to the four quarters of the earth; has brought forth the revelations and commandments which compose this book of Doctrine and Covenants, and many other wise documents and instructions for the benefit of the children of men; gathered many thousands of the Latter-day Saints, founded a great city, and left a fame and name that cannot be slain. He lived great, and he died great in the eyes of God and his people; and like most of the Lord’s anointed in ancient times, has sealed his mission and his works with his own blood; and so has his brother Hyrum. In life they were not divided, and in death they were not separated!
Hyrum Smith was forty-four years old in February, 1844, and Joseph Smith was thirty-eight in December, 1843; and henceforward their names will be classed among the martyrs of religion; and the reader in every nation will be reminded that the Book of Mormon, and this book of Doctrine and Covenants of the church,
cost the best blood of the nineteenth century to bring them forth for the salvation of a ruined world;
Greatest of all, was Joseph's powerful witness of the savior. His testimony is like that of the prophets of old:
And now, after the many
testimonies which have been given of him, this is the testimony, last of
all, which we give of him: That he lives!
For we saw him, even on the right
hand of God; and we heard the voice bearing record that he is the Only Begotten of the Father—
We are grateful for this good man, servant of the Lord, and powerful witness for Christ.
