D&C 135

For the past two years, I have blogged on my studies of the Book of Mormon and Doctrine and Covenants. I note first that John Taylor wrote -

"TO seal the testimony of this book and the Book of Mormon, we announce the martyrdom of Joseph Smith the Prophet, and Hyrum Smith the Patriarch..."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 135:1)

John Taylor continued -

"Joseph Smith, the Prophet and Seer of the Lord, has done more, save 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 fulness 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..."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 135:3)

The list provided above by John Taylor is far from conclusive.  There is much, much more.  But what touched me this morning was as of the 27th of June, 1844, the date of the martyrdom -

"...Joseph Smith was thirty-eight in December, 1843..."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 135:6)

In my mind, it is mind boggling what the Prophet Joseph Smith accompished in such a short time in the restoration of the gospel.  I know that Joseph Smith is a prophet and a prophet of the restoration.  I know this from the witness of the Holy Ghost.  But even if one would to fully study the life of the Prophet and all his accomplishments, teachings, and revelations, by logic alone, would be sufficient testimony to this great man.

Praise to the man who communed with Jehovah
Jesus anointed that Prophet and Seer.
Blessed to open the last dispensation,
Kings shall extol him, and nations revere.

(Chorus)
Hail to the Prophet, ascended to heaven!
Traitors and tyrants now fight him in vain.
Mingling with Gods, he can plan for his brethren,
Death cannot conquer the hero again.

Praise to his mem'ry, he died as a martyr;
Honored and blest be his ever great name!
Long shall his blood, which was shed by assassins,
Plead unto heav'n while the earth lauds his fame.

Great is his glory and endless his priesthood.
Ever and ever the keys he will hold.
Faithful and true, he will enter his kingdom,
Crowned in the midst of the prophets of old.

Sacrifice brings forth the blessings of heaven;
Earth must atone for the blood of that man.
Wake up the world for the conflict of justice.
Millions shall know "Brother Joseph" again.

Text: William W. Phelps, 1792-1872
Music: Scottish folk song