(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.

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:

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