Carthage, Illinois

In Primary a couple of weeks ago, we had the kids act out the story of King Noah's court and the testimony of Abinadi.  Jackson Jacobs played the part of Abinadi and was enjoying his role of testifying of truth especially when he told the wicked priests to not touch him because they would be hurt by the power of God.  He said that he had a message for them and God would not allow him to be harmed until he was done.  (what little boy doesn't like the idea that he was filled with power like that.)  Well, then King Noah (Jared Unck) again commanded the wicked priests to take Abinadi and burn him.  One of the "wicked priests" said no way, I will get hurt.  Abinadi quickly agreed but then I as the story teller said that this time the wicked priests did take him and he was burned to death.  Abinadi (Jackson) looked up and me and said, "Why, Teacher, would God let him be burned?"."Because, " I replied, "sometimes people must give up their lives to testify of what they know is true."  I don't know that those six year olds understood what I meant, but I thought about them as we walked around the jail at Carthage.  Here is another place where two men were allowed to be killed by wicked people to cement their testimonies with their blood.  It was a quiet and solemn visit to this spot.

June 27, 1844

Joseph and Hyrum

The jail view from the visitor's center

This building had been continuously in use since it was built.  It remain a jail for many years after the death of Joseph and Hyrum and then became a private residence.  Most of the items inside were from that period although a few I think were actually from the house.

 The window from which the dying Joseph fell----

The original mob entered the building and went up the stairs to the upper room where Joseph and Hyrum and two others were at.  The senior missionary said that when the Church brought the building, they found this panel with a bullet hole in the basement and restored it to the door which had been repaired.  It is assumed to be the hole from one of the bullets shot into the room.

Like other solemn places in the world where bad things have happened, it is a holy spot.  Where innocent blood is spilled the ground, the place holds that memory always.  I feel it at battlefields and war grounds, and I am sure it is felt worldwide in such places.  These places remind us of the wickedness of men but also the hope of eternity and justice and mercy which will be exacted.