Silent LessonCome in. Get your Journal. Have a

seat. Please do not speak.

No words will be spoken in class today. Please prepare your hearts and minds for today’s tribute the great prophet Joseph Smith

O How Lovely Was the MorningOPENING HYMN: Please turn to hymn #26 and silently read the words.

OPENING PRAYER: After you are done reading, please have a personal prayer to begin today’s study

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bsL2rOEp7VM

The Nauvoo Expositor

The Nauvoo Expositor was a local newspaper that published an article about the Prophet Joseph Smith; its wording led to the formation of a mob who sought the life of Joseph Smith.

Here are some excerpts from what was published just a few weeks before the martyrdom….

“In addition to opposing slavery, Joseph Smith is one of the blackest scoundrels in human existence . . . spreading death, devastation and ruin like a tornado.

“He is a liar.…Our blood boils while we refer to him and his blood-thirsty and murdering ways. He is a demon in human shape, practicing dupes upon a superstitious people. He seeks to wreak vengeance upon any who come in contact with him…

The Night Before the Martrydom:

The song “A Poor Wayfaring Man of Grief” was sung twice by Willard Richards (he weighed 300 lbs but surprisingly is not related to Brother Richards).

A Poor Wayfaring Man of Grief

·What do you think the Prophet was feeling at this moment?·What did Joseph’s friends feel?·What do you think Joseph Smith's family might have been thinking during this time?

Use this audio: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MFv9vxik0r8

Please read (and mark phrases in)

Doctrine & Covenants 135:1-2

June 27th

Carthage Jail

June 27th

Carthage Jail

Carthage Jail

Bullet hole from the shot that killed Hyrum

This is where Hyrum Smith lay after the bullet penetrating the door hit him in the face.

Carthage Jail

Willard Richards stood behind the door and tried to ward off the attackers with a cane.

John Taylor crawled under the bed after being wounded.

The Prophet fell from the second story window and landed by the well—having been

shot 4 times.

The Prophet’s body laid lifeless at this well before the mob was chased off by the Saints.

Please read (and mark phrases in)

Doctrine & Covenants 135:4(read the first 2 sentences – until ‘yes, for so it was’)

Please read (and mark phrases in)

Doctrine & Covenants 135:3

Reaction of Others Not ThereLouisa Barnes Pratt said that at the time of the martyrdom, dogs barked, cows bellowed, and a depressed gloomy spirit set around. Women began to cry all at once. It wasn’t until hours later that they heard the Prophet had been killed.

Reaction of Others Not ThereWilford Woodruff and Brigham Young were at the railroad station at the time of the assassination. Brigham all at once became very sorrowful and depressed, not knowing the cause. Brigham said to Wilford, ‘This time, Satan has struck the heaviest blow since the Son of God was crucified.’

VIDEOJoseph Smith: Prophet of the Restoration

(13mins)

https://www.lds.org/media-library/video/2010-07-117-joseph-smith-prophet-of-the-restoration?category=doctrine-and-covenants/section-120-church-history&lang=eng

Joseph Smith: Prophet of the Restoration

https://www.lds.org/media-library/video/2010-07-117-joseph-smith-prophet-of-the-restoration?category=doctrine-and-covenants/section-120-church-history&lang=eng

Please read (and mark phrases in)

Doctrine & Covenants 135:6

Write in your Journal….(you’ll have about 5-8mins)

What feelings did you have today about the Prophet Joseph?

How is your life different because of the Prophet Joseph Smith?

Which of the Prophet's characteristics do you most admire?

What has helped you feel or know that Joseph Smith is a prophet of God?

Play this audio: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K2xeNI89ECg

Testimonies

We’ve enjoyed 45mins without words, but wewill now open our mouths. The next several minutes will be used to share testimony of the Prophet Joseph Smith.

We would like several people to share a brief testimony of the Prophet Joseph; consider sharing something you just wrote from your journal.

Joseph Smith: The Prophet of the Restoration (Church History DVD, Disc 2 #5)

Closing Prayer

Please have a personal closing prayer ….

Tomorrow: Joseph Smith: The Prophet of the Restoration (D&C Church History DVD, Disc 3) 62mins

Doctrine & Covenants 135: The Martyrdom