7/6/17. The Road to Carthage. Today s Take-aways. #29 A Poor, Wayfaring Man of Grief. #29 A Poor, Wayfaring Man of Grief

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1 #29 A Poor, Wayfaring Man of Grief The Road to Carthage Scott Woodward Rel. 225 Summer A poor, wayfaring Man of grief Hath often crossed me on my way, Who sued so humbly for relief That I could never answer nay. I had not pow'r to ask his name, Whereto he went, or whence he came; Yet there was something in his eye That won my love; I knew not why. #29 A Poor, Wayfaring Man of Grief 2. Once, when my scanty meal was spread, He entered; not a word he spake, Just perishing for want of bread. I gave him all; he blessed it, brake, And ate, but gave me part again. Mine was an angel's portion then, For while I fed with eager haste, The crust was manna to my taste. #29 A Poor, Wayfaring Man of Grief 6. In pris'n I saw him next, condemned To meet a traitor's doom at morn. The tide of lying tongues I stemmed, And honored him 'mid shame and scorn. My friendship's utmost zeal to try, He asked if I for him would die. The flesh was weak; my blood ran chill, But my free spirit cried, "I will!" #29 A Poor, Wayfaring Man of Grief 7. Then in a moment to my view The stranger started from disguise. The tokens in his hands I knew; The Savior stood before mine eyes. He spake, and my poor name he named, "Of me thou hast not been ashamed. These deeds shall thy memorial be; Fear not, thou didst them unto me." Today s Take-aways How early did Joseph have an idea that he would be martyred? What were the four major factors which led to the martyrdom? What are the historical particulars surrounding Joseph going to Carthage and the subsequent aftermath once in the jail? 1

2 D&C 6:29-30 (April 1829) Verily, verily, I say unto you, if they reject my words, and this part of my gospel and ministry, blessed are ye, for they can do no more unto you than unto me. And even if they do unto you even as they have done unto me, blessed are ye, for you shall dwell with me in glory. The Five Year Prophecy Lyman Wight said that while they were in Liberty Jail in 1839 Joseph told him that he (Joseph) would not live to see forty years, but that he was not to speak of it until Joseph was dead. (Excerpt from Wilford Woodruff's journal in HC 7:212) Mother Smith remembered also that in Missouri she received a promise that in five years Joseph should have power over all his enemies. She did not anticipate his premature death. But when it occurred she wrote: The time had elapsed and the promise was fulfilled. (History of, p. 325) Lucy Walker quoted him, I have the promise of life for five years, if I listen to the voice of the Spirit. 4 Factors Leading to the Martyrdom 1. The Introduction of Plural Marriage 2. The Apostasy of Key Individuals 3. Joseph s Candidacy for the U.S. Presidency 4. The Destruction of the Nauvoo Expositor 1. Introduction of Plural Marriage Of plural marriage Joseph said: I shall die for it. (Recollection of Brigham Young, unpublished discourse of October 8, 1866) (see reference) They accuse me of polygamy, and of being a false prophet. But I am no false prophet; I am no imposter. I have had no dark revelations, I have had no revelations from the devil. I have made [up] no revelations. The same God that has thus far dictated and directed me, and inspired me and strengthened me in this work, gave me this revelation and commandment on celestial and plural marriage, and the same God commanded me to obey it. (see reference) He said to me that unless I accept it and introduce it and practice it, I together with my people should be damned and cut off from this time henceforth. And they [Joseph s enemies] say if I do they will kill me. What shall I do! What shall I do! If I do not practice it I shall be damned with all my people. If I do teach it and practice it and urge it, they say they will kill me, and I know they will. But we have got to observe it, it [is] an eternal principle, and it was given to [me] by way of commandment and not by way of instruction. 2

3 2. Apostasy of Key Individuals (History of the Church, 6:152) All the enemies upon the face of the earth may roar and exert all their power to bring about my death, but they can accomplish nothing, unless some who are among us join with our enemies, turn our virtues into faults, and, by falsehood and deceit, stir up their wrath and indignation against us, and bring their united vengeance upon our heads. Brigham Young (Journal of Discourses, 9:294) Joseph said to me in Kirtland, Brother Brigham, if I was to reveal to this people what the Lord has revealed to me, there is not a man or a woman would stay with me. George Q. Cannon Quorum of the Twelve (Journal of Discourses, 10:343) I recollect hearing [Joseph] make a remark from the stand which made a deep impression upon my mind at the time. He said that if he were to reveal unto the people the principles and the doctrines which God had revealed unto him, there were men upon the stand that would go around the streets of the city seeking to shed his blood. [N]ot many months elapsed before I comprehended his words; for, soon afterwards one of the men who sat on the stand and heard that declaration, and whose name he mentioned, went about the city plotting to shed his blood. George Q. Cannon Quorum of the Twelve (Journal of Discourses, 10:343) 1 st Counselor 2 nd Counselor 3

4 1 st Counselor 2 nd Counselor Assistant William Law William s son Richard was present at this time, about He related the incident to Joseph W. McMurrin who summarized it as follows: William Law, with his arms around the neck of the Prophet, was pleading with him to withdraw the doctrine of plural marriage, which he had at that time commenced to teach to some of the brethren, Mr. Law predicting that if Joseph would abandon the doctrine, Mormonism would, in fifty or one hundred years, dominate the Christian world. Mr. Law pleaded for this with tears streaming from his eyes. The Prophet was also in tears, but he informed the gentleman that he could not withdraw the doctrine, for God had commanded him to teach it, and condemnation would come upon him if he was not obedient to the commandment. (Essentials in CH, p.361.) We have a Judas in our midst. My life is more in danger from some little dough-head of a fool in this city than from all my murderous enemies abroad. I am exposed to far greater danger from traitors among ourselves than from enemies without. George A. Smith Quorum of the Twelve (Journal of Discourses, 2: (March 18, 1855) Joseph said, I might live, as Caesar might have lived, were it not for a right hand Brutus; and the illustration of that saying is most clearly shown by William Law s operations in bringing about the murder of the Prophet. The men who were in his bosom, shared his confidence, and professed to be his warmest and best friends, were the men to treacherously shed his blood. William Law Offered Joseph H. Jackson $500 to kill Joseph (HC, 6:435) 18 April I put pistols in my pockets one night & went to s house, determined to blow his infernal brains out, but I could not get the opportunity to shoot him but I am determined I will shoot him the first opportunity, & you will see blood & thunder & devastation in this place (HC, 7:227). April Drunk. Tries to shoot Joseph, but his gun misfires. Spring Holds secret meetings with over 200 people who sign a secret oath to not eat or sleep until is dead. 4

5 William Law John C. Bennett John C. Bennett John C. Bennett Soon after arriving alone in Nauvoo in 1840, Bennett had begun courting a young woman. About this time, a letter from Springfield cautioned Nauvoo leaders that Bennett had abandoned a wife and children in Ohio. When confronted, he dropped his new fiancée but took a new approach. "He went to some of the females in the city, who knew nothing of him but as an honorable man, and began to teach them that promiscuous intercourse between the sexes, was a doctrine believed in by the Latter-Day Saints, and that there was no harm in it." Bennett persuaded the women that the Prophet and others sanctioned and practiced his doctrine of "spiritual wifery." John C. Bennett Bennett had filled major roles of public trust in Nauvoo. Within a few weeks, he lost all of them. He resigned as mayor and was released as assistant president to the First Presidency, discharged in disgrace by the Nauvoo Legion, expelled from the Masonic Lodge, and dropped as chancellor of the city university. After his excommunication Bennett published letters and began a fourteenstop speaking tour. Name Position William Law 1 st Presidency (since 1841) John C. Bennett Assistant to 1 st Presidency; Nauvoo Mayor Wilson Law Brigadier General in Nauvoo Legion Austin Cowles Member of Nauvoo High Council James Blakeslee Member of the Seventy Robert Foster Businessman Chauncey Higbee Businessman Charles Ivins Businessman 5

6 Why? On November 29, 1839 Joseph met with and sought help from Martin Van Buren to receive redress for their unlawful losses in Missouri. He showed some sympathy. Joseph and Elias Higbee stayed two months in the East, trying to gain support from senators and representatives who might be willing to help the Saints. In February 1840 they again met with Van Buren. The president treated them rudely and declared: Gentlemen, your cause is just, but I can do nothing for you. If I take up for you I shall lose the vote of Missouri. Why? 1844 was an election year. On November 4, 1843, wrote letters to the ial candidates John C. Calhoun, Lewis Cass, Richard M. Johnson, Henry Clay, and Martin Van Buren. Each letter described the persecutions the Mormons had suffered at the hands of the state of Missouri and then asked the pointed question, What will be your rule of action relative to us as a people? Only Calhoun, Cass, and Clay responded to Joseph Smith s letters, and they expressed little sympathy for the cause of the Saints. January 29, 1844, with the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles and others. It was unanimously decided that would run for president of the United States on an independent platform. Joseph s political platform: Give the US full power to send an army to suppress mobs [without requiring] the governor of a state to make the demand. Eliminating slavery by purchasing all slaves from their masters with the sale of public lands and by reducing the salary of members of congress. Reduce congressional pay from $8 to $2 per day. Joseph favored extensive prison reform, forming a national bank, and annexing Oregon and Texas. He favored extending the United States from the east to the west sea, but only if Native Americans gave their consent. ial Candidates for Martin Van Buren 2. Henry Clay 3. John C. Calhoun 4. Lewis Cass 5. Richard Johnson James K. Polk (he eventually wins) (H of C, 6: ) Persecution has rolled upon our heads from time to time, from portions of the United States, like peals of thunder, because of our religion; and no portion of the Government as yet has stepped forward for our relief. And in view of these things, I feel it to be my right and privilege to obtain what influence and power I can, lawfully, in the United States, for the protection of injured innocence; 6

7 (H of C, 6: ) and if I lose my life in a good cause I am willing to be sacrificed on the altar of virtue, righteousness and truth, in maintaining the laws and Constitution of the United States, if need be, for the general good of mankind. Dr. Wall Southwick reported that he attended a meeting in Carthage with delegates from every state in the Union except three, including Governor Thomas Ford of Illinois, wherein they considered the best way to stop 's career, as his views on government were widely circulated and took like wildfire. They said if he did not get into the ial chair this election, he would be sure to the next time; and if Illinois and Missouri would join together and kill him, they would not be brought to justice for it (History of the Church, 6: ). Brigham Young Every state of this nation was involved in the killing of. D&C 136:34, 36 [T]he nation that has driven you out... killed the prophets, and they have shed innocent blood, which crieth from the ground against them. 4. Destruction of the Nauvoo Expositor Governor Thomas Ford 7

8 4. Destruction of the Nauvoo Expositor Published its first and only copy on June 7, The publishers include: William Law, Wilson Law, Charles Ivins, Francis Higbee, Chauncy Hibee, Robert D. Foster and Charles A. Foster 4. Destruction of the Nauvoo Expositor The Nauvoo Expositor s 3-Fold Attack 1. Fallen Prophet Attack. They said the Church was true once but since introducing such doctrines such as plurality of wives, plurality of Gods, and sealings into eternal life, Joseph has become a fallen Prophet. 2. Political Attack. They said that had combined church and State and abused the right of the Habeas Corpus, and overstepped his bounds with his views on his powers and his candidacy for the Presidency. 3. Womanizer Attack. They said Joseph had taught secretly and denied openly the doctrine of plural marriage, by which young foreign girls were brought thousands of miles to America and then told to submit their own will to God s for the gratification of the prophet and his followers. 4. Destruction of the Nauvoo Expositor We are earnestly seeking to explode the vicious principles of and those who practice the same abominations and whoredoms. Joseph Smith is one of the blackest and basest scoundrels that has appeared upon the stage of human existence since the days of Nero and Caligula, and his followers are heaven-daring, hell-deserving, Godforsaken villains. 4. Destruction of the Nauvoo Expositor On June 10, 1844, the Nauvoo City Council decides to have the Expositor destroyed as a public nuisance. This was within the parameters of the powers granted by the Nauvoo Charter (which the apostates hated). 4. Destruction of the Nauvoo Expositor Timeline June 12. Thomas Sharp explodes! 4. Destruction of the Nauvoo Expositor Thomas Sharp Editor of the Warsaw Signal (Anti-Mormon Newspaper) (Church History and the Fulness of Times, p. 265) War and extermination is inevitable! Citizens ARISE, ONE and ALL!!! Can you stand by, and suffer such INFERNAL DEVILS! To ROB men of their property and RIGHTS, without avenging them. We have not time for comment, every man will make his own. LET IT BE MADE WITH POWDER AND BALL!!!! 8

9 4. Destruction of the Nauvoo Expositor Plural Marriage US Presidency Apostates within Destroying the Nauvoo Expositor Timeline June 12. Thomas Sharp explodes! June There is an outcry that Joseph and Hyrum must be brought to justice, and must be tried in a court in Carthage. Thomas Ford obliges the public. Sat. June 22. After a tearful farewell to their families Porter Rockwell rows JS/HS/WR across Mississippi to stay briefly at home of a friend. They intend to head toward the west. But then the letter comes If we go back we are dead men, or I am not a prophet of God. If Hyrum and I are ever taken by our enemies we will be massacred or I am not a prophet of God! (Life of Joseph F. Smith, p.82-83) The Road to Carthage Timeline Sun. June 23. Posse arrives in Nauvoo to arrest JS/HS. They threatened destruction of saints/city. Saints call for JS to return. His reply: If my life is of no value to my friends, it is of no value to me. (CHFT, p.276; HC, 6:549) Hyrum attends wedding of his daughter, Lovina to Lorin Walker Joseph tells Hyrum to go to Cincinnati. Joseph, I can t leave you! (HC, 6: 520) The Road to Carthage Timeline Mon. June 24. 6:30 a.m. JS/HS/JT/WR + 15 of City Council + other friends leave for Carthage voluntarily to meet in court on charges related to the destruction of the Nauvoo Expositor. Joseph gives some of his last statements in Nauvoo. Joseph s Last Statements in Nauvoo 9

10 Dan Jones Witness ("The Martyrdom of Joseph and Hyrum Smith," LDS Church Archives, 20 January 1855) [H]undreds gathered before the Mansion House early in the morning; in their midst with head erect towering above the rest the Prophet stood gazing alternately on the devoted City and its much loved citizens; in suspense he listened to the entreaties of the throng, not to give himself up or he would be murdered; a few bravo hearted men proposed to escort him where he would find the Protection denied him by the "Christians" among the red "pagans" of the West: others, up north would have him go, while [another] proffered him a safe passage on a Steam Boat, then ready by, to whither he would; Dan Jones Witness ("The Martyrdom of Joseph and Hyrum Smith," LDS Church Archives, 20 January 1855) [A] smile of approbation lit up the Seers's countenance, his lovely boys hanging on to his skirts cryed Father, O Father don t go to Carthage. They will kill you. a volley of arguments more powerfull yet from the streaming eyes of her he loved best, and whose embrace was hard to sever. He stood erect like a beacon among roaring breakers, his gigantic mind grasping still higher; the fire flashed in his eye, with hand uplifted on high he spoke: Joseph s Last Statements My friends, nay dearer still my brethren, I love you, I love the City of Nauvoo too well to save my life at your expense, If I go not to them they will come and act out the horrid Missouri scenes in Nauvoo; I may prevent it, I fear not death, my work is well nigh done, keep the faith and I will die for Nauvoo. Dan Jones Witness ("The Martyrdom of Joseph and Hyrum Smith," LDS Church Archives, 20 January 1855) So said, the Prophet as he mounted his steed, and together with his brother Hyrum and some 30 or 40 more who chose to follow, they ascended the hill; when near the sacred spot the Temple, he paused, he looked with admiration first on that, then on the City ere it receded from view in the flats below, and remarked: Joseph s Last Statements Joseph s Last Statements This is the loveliest place & the best people under the heavens; little do they know the trials that await them. (HC, 6:554; CHFT, p.277) To a group of assembled saints at the temple: If I do not go the result will be the destruction of this city and its inhabitants; I cannot think of my dear brothers & sisters and their children suffering the scenes of Missouri again in Nauvoo; it s better for your brother Joseph to die for his brothers and sisters, for I am willing to die for them. My work is finished. (CHFT, p.277) 10

11 7/6/17 The Road to Carthage Text Timeline Mon. June 24. 6:30 AM. JS/HS/JT/WR + 15 of City Council + other friends leave for Carthage voluntarily to meet in court on charges related to N. Expositor. Joseph gives some of his last statements in Nauvoo. Mon. June :00 AM. When they got within about 4 miles of Carthage they saw a party of about 60 men off in the distance. Joseph s Last Statements When within 4 miles of Carthage we met a company of horsemen commanded by Captain Dunn; when they hove in sight Mr. Smith halted his steed in the midst of the road and said: Dan Jones Witness ("The Martyrdom of Joseph and Hyrum Smith," LDS Church Archives, 20 January 1855) Brethren you have come far enough; do not further expose your lives, stand aloof, let all their vengeance be wreaked upon my head, I am going like a lamb to the slaughter with a conscience void of offence. The Road to Carthage Joseph s Last Statements Timeline To men across the street from the Masonic Hall: Mon. June 24. 6:30 AM. JS/HS/JT/WR + 15 of City Council + other friends leave for Carthage voluntarily to meet in court on charges related to N. Expositor. Joseph gives some of his last statements in Nauvoo. Mon. June :00 AM. These 60+ men were Gov. Ford s soldiers. They had orders from Ford for him to return to Nauvoo & surrender all guns of the Nauvoo Legion. So he rides back and bids his family goodbye for the 2nd time. Boys, if I don t come back, take care of yourselves, I am going like a lamb to the slaughter. 11

12 Joseph s Last Statements While Passing his farm he hesitated and looked at it several times: If some of you had got such a farm and knew you would not see it any more, you would want to take a good look at it for the last time. The Road to Carthage Timeline Tues. June :00 AM. Arrived in Carthage at midnight. They are paraded before troops shouting vile/vulgar insults, death threats/ oaths. Tues. June 25. 4:00 PM. Preliminary hearing before Robert F. Smith (leader in an anti-mormon party). JS/HS falsely charged with riot, acquitted. BUT to retain them in Carthage, they were charged w/treason & illegally jailed. In Carthage Jail The first night (Tuesday 25 June) Dan Jones Witness ("The Martyrdom of Joseph and Hyrum Smith," LDS Church Archives, 20 January 1855) Amusing conversation on various interesting topics engaged in till late; after prayer, which made Carthage prison into the gate of heaven for awhile, we lay promiscuously on the floor, the last words spoken were by the Prophet, For the most intelligent dream to night brethren. 12

13 7/6/17 Wednesday, 26 June Dan Jones Witness ("The Martyrdom of Joseph and Hyrum Smith," LDS Church Archives, 20 January 1855) His last night Dan Jones Witness ("The Martyrdom of Joseph and Hyrum Smith," LDS Church Archives, 20 January 1855) A portion of us were alternately preaching to the guards, at which the Prophet, Patriarch and all took turns, and several [guards] were relieved before their time was out because they admitted they were proselyted to the belief of the innocency of the prisoners, which, rendered them incompetent of guarding! Frequently they admitted they had been imposed upon by the tales of the mob and more than once was it heard Let us go home boys for I will not fight against these men. Joseph bore a powerful testimony to the guards of the divine authenticity of the Book of Mormon the restoration of the Gospel, the administration of angels, and that the Kingdom of God was again upon the earth, for the sake of which he was at that time incarcerated in that prison, and not because he had violated any law of God or of man. Prophecy to Dan Jones 27 June

14 7/6/17 Cyrus H. Wheelock 14

15 7/6/17 [And on the day when the Prophet Joseph first introduced baptism for the dead, he took his brother down to the river. By that point Oliver Cowdery had defected. After Joseph baptized Hyrum we don't know for whom he said,] Today I weld the link of priesthood that was broken by Oliver Cowdery, for in life we shall be one and in death we shall not be separated [see D&C 124:94-96; 135:3]. (John Riggs, Autobiography, , LDS Church Archives, Salt Lake City, Utah) D&C 136:39 Many have marveled because of his death; but it was needful that he should seal his testimony with his blood, that he might be honored and the wicked might be condemned. 15

16 Praise the Man! How is your life different because of? What are some of the fruits of s efforts that you enjoy in your life today? Why do you believe that is a true prophet of God? End 16