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Meridian
through the Eye of the Beholder: Readers’ Views and Reviews
Edited and compiled by
Kathy Green
Remembering the Martyrdom: Eyewitness of the fateful day in June, 1844, a photo-essay by Scot Facer Proctor
Thank you for the beautiful and deeply touching article about the last moments of the Prophet Joseph's life. I sat here crying as though I had been there. I felt the deep sadness for the loss of such a noble soul, for all who knew him, loved him and mourned for him. I am so grateful for my testimony of the gospel and of our great prophet leader, Joseph Smith, he who was willing to die for the Restoration of the true gospel of Jesus Christ.
I honor him and thank you for sharing your love of him with us.
Marian Vance
Las Vegas, Nevada
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Thank you, Scot, for this amazingly inspired article on the martyrdom of Joseph and Hyrum Smith. I, by the way, am a direct descendant of Hyrum Smith and his first wife Jerusha. Sadly, not much is written about her (Jerusha) except for some typed information I received at our Porter Reunion (who are descendants of Hyrum and Jerusha Smith) the end of May, 2006. Have you found or have you read any historical accounts of her by chance? I would love to learn more about this amazing woman.
Thanks again for this article with photos. Yes, it did bring up huge emotion within me as I read through this.
Helen P. Howell
Federal Way, Washington
[Editor’s note: Readers, if you have information about Jerusha Smith, please respond.]
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Having returned to California after serving for 23 months in Nauvoo, your pictorial of the martyrdom of Joseph and Hyrum brought a flood of dear and precious memories of being in Nauvoo and Carthage. Serving with my eternal companion in that sacred place has given me a testimony that is unshakeable and steadfast. There is no doubt that Joseph Smith saw God the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ, that he translated the Book of Mormon, restored Temple ordinances and is truly the Prophet of the Restoration.
Thank you for sharing these lovely pictures and words.
Donna Hughes
Butte Valley, California
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One aspect of the Book of Mormon that is nearly always left out of the equation when analyzing its translation is that Joseph Smith did not in reality “translate” the book as we commonly understand the term, but was a conduit, if you will, for Divinity. Hence, we have a perfect book of scripture via the Book of Mormon as the Lord wanted it and not subject to wiles and caprices, and inevitable fallibility of man.
In other words, we have scripture as the Lord wanted it translated and therefore the words understood as He, not man, intended them to be read and comprehended.
Again... the perfect book!
Charles H. Marvil
Sharpsburg, Maryland
[Editor’s note: Brother Marvil lives in a historic home (circa 1825) that was part of the great battle fought in Sharpsburg in 1862, used as a field hospital and Confederate sniper roost and a Federal convalescent facility after the fight.]
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Readers Respond with Open Hearts, by Catherine K. Arveseth
I just read this article, and even though I haven’t read the book by Sister Pearce, I had tears come to my eyes from the people who wrote of their experiences of changing their hearts. I have felt a small, tight heart for many years and just reading of their different experiences, I want to try to open my heart to others also.
Thank you for the article
Eileen Caldwell
Riverton, Utah
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Pleasant Surprise
Decision Days Ahead? by John P. Pratt
Good article, remarkable information saved to the last with no hint of what was coming from the beginning, which seemed to point in a different direction, also quite worthwhile.
Jim Pratt
Park City, Utah
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Just a note to tell you how much I enjoy Brother John Pratt's columns. He is brilliant, and presents such interesting and relevant material in an understandable way. Thank you for giving him a forum to put forth his thoughts and research!
Kirsten Oschwald
Albuquerque, New Mexico
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Excellent article by Richard Eyre. Thanks for providing such wonderful articles
Melanie Ferguson,
Baytown, Texas
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Lesson 27
The Influence of Wicked and Righteous Leaders. 1 Kings 12-14; 2 Chronicles 17; 2 Chronicles 20 by Scot Facer Proctor
I love reading Meridian Magazine. It keeps me uplifted.
If only our nation could use this example. What a great story for everyone. It makes you want to call upon the Lord all the time; and isn't that what we are suppose to do? Thanks for this lesson.
Lillian Campbell
Roy, Utah