We as members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints honor Joseph Smith as a prophet of God. Today marks 167 years since he was martyred — killed by a mob in Carthage, Illinois. (Watch a motion picture about the life and mission of Joseph Smith.)
John Taylor, who was present the day Joseph Smith was killed, wrote this:
Joseph Smith, the aProphet and bSeer of the Lord, has done more, csave Jesus only, for the salvation of men in this world, than any other man that ever lived in it. In the short space of twenty years, he has brought forth the Book of Mormon, which he translated by the gift and power of God, and has been the means of publishing it on two continents; has sent the dfulness of the everlasting gospel, which it contained, to the four quarters of the earth; has brought forth the revelations and commandments which compose this book of Doctrine and Covenants, and many other wise documents and instructions for the benefit of the children of men; gathered many thousands of the Latter-day Saints, founded a great city, and left a fame and name that cannot be slain. He lived great, and he died great in the eyes of God and his people; and like most of the Lord’s anointed in ancient times, has sealed his mission and his works with his own eblood; and so has his brother Hyrum. In life they were not divided, and in death they were not fseparated!
Many members of the Church today are using social media to recognize what Joseph Smith did for the work of God. Here at Mormon Women, we’re sharing several videos, created by Seth Adam Smith, that celebrate Joseph Smith’s life and acknowledge his sacrifice for the work of God. He, like ancient prophets and apostles, was a special witness of the Savior, Jesus Christ.
The Prophet Joseph Smith said: “The fundamental principles of our religion are the testimony of the Apostles and Prophets, concerning Jesus Christ, that He died, was buried, and rose again the third day, and ascended into heaven; and all other things which pertain to our religion are only appendages to it” (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, sel. Joseph Fielding Smith [1976], 121).
The Testimony of Joseph Smith – Hear Joseph Smith’s story in his own words, as recorded in Joseph Smith’s History
Mormon Prophet Joseph Smith – Praise to the Man
“Praise to the Man” – The Mormon Prophet Joseph Smith:
More from Elder Holland on Joseph Smith and The Book of Mormon
Joseph Smith and The Book of Mormon (some say he wrote the book; we declare that he translated it by the gift and power of God)
Two videos that reflect an artist’s rendition of the day of the martyrdom of Joseph Smith and his brother, Hyrum Smith
Joseph and Hyrum Smith Facing Death at Carthage Jail
Joseph Smith Triumphed Over All His Foes
What a beautiful way to commemorate the martyrdom of the prophet, Joseph Smith.
tDMg