November 20 – Was Joseph Smith a True Martyr? Hebrews 11:36-38 “And others had trial of cruel mockings and scourgings, yea, moreover of bonds and imprisonment: They were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain with the sword: they wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins; being destitute, afflicted, tormented; (Of whom the world was not worthy:) they wandered in deserts, and in mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth.”
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The above scriptures are a classic example of what it means to be a martyr. It means that you don’t fight back; you don’t have the mentality of “kill or be killed”. You die willingly for the sake of the gospel. Notice how Joseph, and Hyrum Smith died, and see if they qualify.
I’ve had people in the LDS Church tell me that Joseph died for the Mormon people, and my question is always the same. What did Joseph’s death personally do for you?
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“I shall never forget the deep feeling of sympathy and regard manifested in the countenance of Brother Joseph as he drew nigh to Hyrum, and, leaning over him, exclaimed, ‘Oh! my poor, dear brother Hyrum!’ He, however, instantly arose, and with a firm, quick step, and a determined expression of countenance, approached the door, and pulling the six-shooter left by Brother Wheelock from his pocket, opened the door slightly, and snapped the pistol six successive times; only three of the barrels, however, were discharged. I afterwards understood that two or three were wounded by these discharges, two of whom, I am informed, died.” Joseph Smith, History of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints 7:102 – 103. The 3rd President of the Church, John Taylor made the above statements.
[…] Was Joseph Smith a True Martyr? […]
Yeah, what a hero. I have read that for many years during the ‘sacred’ temple ceremony, witnesses took an oath to avenge Joe’s death. I’m not sure Jesus ever preached such a message to those who beheaded his beloved cousin, John. Instead, after hearing of John’s death, Jesus withdrew to a solitary place. If only Mormons could see who the Savior really is. Joseph would be revealed as a detestable fraud.
Real martyrs don’t shoot their persecutors as did Joe.