111 Days to the Cove

Week #13

June 27, 1844
“A mob marching from nearby Warsaw to Carthage on 27 June 1844 sang: “Where now is the Prophet Joseph? Where now is the Prophet Joseph? Safe in Carthage jail!” From the east bedroom in the second story of the jail, Joseph, Hyrum, and two members of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, John Taylor and Willard Richards, watched the mob arrive. Around 5 o’clock in the afternoon, Elder Richards saw a hundred or more men running around the corner of the jail. Elder Taylor described them as “an armed mob - painted black”. They easily overpowered the jailer, rushed up the stairs, and began shooting into the room. Despite their initial attempts to protect themselves, those in the bedroom were no match for the mob.
Hyrum was the first to fall. Bending over the body of his lifeless brother, Joseph cried out, “Oh dear, brother Hyrum!” As the Prophet moved toward the window, two bullets hit him from the doorway and two struck him from outside. As he fell from the window to the ground below, he exclaimed, “O Lord my God!” (Encyclopedia of Latter-day Saint History, Garr, Cannon, Cowan)

Read D&C 135 and write your feelings about the Prophet Joseph Smith

Imagine what it must have been like to live in Nauvoo and hear about the events of Carthage jail. What would have been your reaction? Think of the Prophets that have led the Church in your lifetime. What characteristics do you admire about them? How can you be an example to others as the Prophets have been to you?

Find a quiet secluded place and pray out loud to your Heavenly Father. Ask Him to help you always to be true to the Gospel of Jesus Christ, that same Gospel that our dear Prophet Joseph Smith and his brother Hyrum and many others have given their lives for.