(Originally published on 21 July 2013.)
This is Scripture Roundtable 36 from The Interpreter Foundation, in which we discuss Doctrine & Covenants Gospel Doctrine Lesson #32, “To Seal the Testimony,” focusing on D&C 135, bringing in various insights to help us better understand the scriptures. These roundtables will generally follow the 2013 Gospel Doctrine schedule of scriptures, a few weeks ahead of time.
Here are some links to resources mentioned in the roundtable discussion:
- “‘Will the Murderers Be Hung?’ Albert Brown’s 1844 Letter and the Martyrdom of Joseph Smith,” by Timothy Merrill, BYU Studies, 45:2
- “The Martyrdom of Joseph Smith and His Brother Hyrum by Dan Jones,” by Ronald Dennis, BYU Studies 24:1
- “John Taylor’s June 27, 1854, Account of the Martyrdom,” edited by Mark Lyman Staker, compiled by LeJean Curruth, BYU Studies 50:3
- “Physical Evidence at Carthage Jail and What It Reveals about the Assassination of Joseph and Hyrum Smith,” Joseph Lyon and David Lyon, BYU Studies, 47:4
- “‘It Seems That All Nature Mourns’: Sally Randall’s Response to the Murder of Joseph and Hyrum Smith”, Jordan Watkins and Steven Harper, BYU Studies 46:1
- “A Poor Wayfaring Man of Grief” article and music
Some interesting highlights from this roundtable discussion include:
- Historical overview of the time and events leading up to and what occurred on 27 June 1844 with the Martyrdom of Joseph Smith
- Thoughts on why martyrdom was necessary for Joseph and Hyrum and why their blood needed to be spilled, why they were the testators.
- “A Poor Wayfaring Man of Grief” – John Taylor sung with a different tune than we now use.
Panelists for this roundtable include Andrew Smith, Cassandra Hedelius, Craig Foster, and Lincoln Hale.
![YouTube player](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/aDP2fj4q8x8/maxresdefault.jpg)
This roundtable is also available as an audio podcast, and will be included in the podcast feed. You can listen by pressing the play button or download the podcast below:
Podcast: Download ()
There have been reports that the mob wanted to completely destroy the body of Joseph and the reports say there was a ring or cone of fire surrounding the body. Is there any validity to the reports.