Liberty Jail

We went to Liberty Jail today. It brought back many memories of 42 years ago. I am reminded of how some chains can set-you free. Like wise the  confinement of liberty Jail seem to have sped up  the Prophet Joseph's understanding about suffering the spirit and revelation. Elder Neal A. Maxwell said it well : " It wasn't until the prophet was physically confined that his mind was fully liberated... The double walls, four feet thick, kept Joseph and his companions in, but they  could not keep the spirit and  revelation out."

Along with Joseph there was; Sidney Rigdon, Hyrum Smith, Alexander McRae, Lyman Wight, and Caleb Baldwin confined in the Jail. They stayed from Dec. 1 1838 to April 6, 1839. Sidney was released early in Feb. The other 5 stayed until the end.

One thing I was pondering after visiting the jail, was how interesting it is that through some of the most significance experiences, people like the Whitmer's, Oliver Cowdery  and Martin Harris lost their way. But the 5 that endured Liberty Jail never wavered. The exception was Sydney who was released early. Reminds me of the Martin- Wiley handcart company, who found their identity in their suffering as well as finding their unfailing testimonies of the gospel.  A real ponder point. It seems that living things even humans are straighten through struggles.

Facts: Jail built 1830--1833

Extermination order  Oct. 27th, 1838

December 1, 1838, six enter the Jail

March 20-25 1839, Revelation D&C 121,2,3

April 6, 1839, Men leave the Jail

April 22, 1839 men back with families in Illinois

Joseph on the constitution; "Hence we say, that the Constitution of the United states is a glorious standard; it is founded in the wisdom of God. It is a heavenly banner; it is to all those who are privileged with the sweets of its liberty, like the cooling shades and refreshing waters of a great rock in a thirsty and weary land. It is like a great tree under whose branches men from every clime can be shielded from the burning rays of the sun."