RSS
Home
Joseph Smith's legacy lives on 165 years after his martyrdom
Print
Email
RSS
Subscribe
June 27, 2009 – 165 years ago today, Joseph Smith and his brother Hyrum were martyred in Carthage, IL. Just a few weeks earlier, Josiah Quincy, who went on to be mayor of Boston, visited Joseph in Nauvoo, IL. Several years later, Quincy wrote a book titled "Figures of the Past." In that book he wrote the following concerning Joseph:
"It is by no means improbable that some future textbook, for the use of generations yet unborn, will contain a question something like this: What historical American of the nineteenth century has exerted the most powerful influence upon the destinies of his countrymen? And it is by no means impossible that the answer to that interrogatory may be thus written: Joseph Smith, the Mormon Prophet. And the reply, absurd as it doubtless seems to most men now living, may be an obvious commonplace to their descendants."
With the benefit of hindsight it is easy to tell that Joseph’s influence, whatever you may think of it, was undeniably strong. A religious movement started by a young farm boy from upstate New York 179 years ago now spans the globe, with more than 13 million members spread throughout nearly every country in the world. This fact stands in fulfillment of Joseph’s prophetic statement in a letter written to John Wentworth, editor and proprietor of the Chicago Democrat.
“The Standard of Truth has been erected; no unhallowed hand can stop the work from progressing; persecutions may rage, mobs may combine, armies may assemble, calumny may defame, but the truth of God will go forth boldly, nobly, and independent, till it has penetrated every continent, visited every clime, swept every country, and sounded in every ear; till the purposes of God shall be accomplished, and the Great Jehovah shall say the work is done.”
As part of LDS Sunday worship services, a volunteer teacher leads a discussion based on the teachings of one of presidents of the church. For 2008 and 2009, those lessons have come from the teachings of Joseph Smith.
Ryan Adams, a resident of Castle Rock and member of the Founders Ward, said he has benefited from studying Joseph’s example and teachings, especially his teachings about humility.
“Joseph Smith was a very humble man,” Adams said. “When asked what a person should do when criticized by another, he said one should consider what is being said, and try to determine if there is any truth in the criticism. Most people, when criticized, become defensive, but Joseph had a greater understanding. He continually strove to be the best person he could be. His example of how to be humble has helped me as I strive to improve myself. I am grateful for Joseph Smith and his example of humility.”
John Taylor, a friend of Joseph and witness to his martyrdom, said that with the exception of Jesus Christ, Joseph had done more for the salvation of the human race than any other man. Some of the basic teachings Joseph Smith gave to the world are contained in a few short statements known collectively as the Articles of Faith. The 13 Articles of Faith talk about the nature of God, mankind’s relationship with God, how we should treat others, and the destiny of the human race.
Tomorrow thousands of LDS church members across the Denver Metro Area will undoubtedly show their faith and gratitude by singing the William W. Phelps refrain, “Hail to the Prophet, ascended to heaven; traitors and tyrants now fight him in vain. Mingling with Gods he can plan for his brethren, death cannot conquer the hero again.”
For more information about Joseph Smith or the teachings of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, please visit www.lds.org or www.mormon.org.
Related Articles:
Comments
I have received many comments in response to my article, “Mormon Questions: Volume 2.” I would like to lump those comments into two main …
There is a lot of art in today’s world that has only one purpose: entertainment. Every once in a while, however, something comes through the …
