Deseret News | Joseph Smith's sword is on display

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Joseph Smith's sword is on display

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Anonymous | 4:46 p.m. Oct. 2, 2009

Jesus Christ is the one true Prophet and King. All other worship goes against His Word.

re. anonymous 4:46 | 5:45 p.m. Oct. 2, 2009

It's a sword. You must have posted on the wrong blog.

THEeyepatch | 11:46 p.m. Oct. 2, 2009

"Holding the sword, I felt a spirit like I've never felt before – almost like holding hands with the prophet himself," he said. No, I think he got it right.

Comments continue below

Wow | 4:49 a.m. Oct. 3, 2009

That is phenominal. Imagine where that sword has been and what it's seen. i can't wait to see it, especially it would be cool to also hold it and feel it's spirit.

So what? | 5:53 a.m. Oct. 3, 2009

Yes I'm a believer...but come on folks, it's a sword! Methinks anyone putting too much emphasis on this relic needs to go do some compassionate service to get their life back into balance.

eph | 7:13 a.m. Oct. 3, 2009

Ephesians 2: 19-20 Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints, and the house of God; And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;

eph | 7:14 a.m. Oct. 3, 2009

Ephesians 4: 11-12 And he gave some, apostles, and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:
prophets.

Eph | 7:15 a.m. Oct. 3, 2009

Amos 3:7 Surely the Lord God will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets.

Headline says it's on display | 7:33 a.m. Oct. 3, 2009

So where is it on display exactly?

Matt Towns | 8:16 a.m. Oct. 3, 2009

Did the children of Israel worship Moses? No. Did they feel the Spirit of God when he spoke? Yes.

Matt Towns | 8:20 a.m. Oct. 3, 2009

The honest in heart feel that same Spirit today when they come in contact with authorized servants of the Lord.

re. eyepatch | 8:40 a.m. Oct. 3, 2009

Got what right? He allegedly said he felt the spirit while he was holding this sword. You may feel this is a little weird (I don't), but he certainly wasn't saying, "Worship me! Worship me!" Joseph worshipped Jesus as the Savior and encouraged his followers to do the same until his last breath. Read his history in it's entirety and not just the little anti-Mormon sound-bites. (Also ask: Did Joseph have to be perfect to be a prophet? (answer: no -- see Bible for documentation).

Cosmo | 9:01 a.m. Oct. 3, 2009

A fine story, thank you!

Willard | 9:21 a.m. Oct. 3, 2009

The belongings of Joseph Smith should be granted to the Church as property of all the faithfull, not as relics and souvenirs for private ownership. It has been a selfish act on the part of a few to deny the church and all its members that which rightfully belongs to them. Many members of the church have come and gone without ever having the opportunity to see or know what is a treasure to all.

Emma's | 10:48 a.m. Oct. 3, 2009

It seems to me that Noble should have given it back to Emma, where it rightfully belonged. She obviously treasured the sword.

EastCoaster | 11:09 a.m. Oct. 3, 2009

Um..it's a sword. There should NOT be any feeling while holding it. It is a material relic, much like all of the the other relics in religions across the world. If they can't worship and get religious "feelings" about theirs, Joseph Smith's belongings should not either. It is however, a good bit of history and it is nice to see it being shared.

Colorado | 12:15 p.m. Oct. 3, 2009

Where can I get a replica? Any chance they will cast a bunch of them and sell them? Any one with any information would help because I would love to have and display a replica of that sword. The Church of Jesus Christ of LDS is deeply imbedded in the history of this nation.

JAYEG | 12:22 p.m. Oct. 3, 2009

I would agree that all of Joseph's personal effects should have gone to his wife, and his heir. Especially one that had brought comfort to Emma during her husband's absences.

I also wonder why this relic has been kept cloistered for so long.

Why is it suddenly 'time to put it on public display'?

Steve | 12:22 p.m. Oct. 3, 2009

How can we admire a sword that was crafted to hurt or kill people. It's like saying, "I held my shotgun and felt the Spirit of the Lord like I've never felt it before." How totally ironic. Let's try and be people of peace and love and let the killings and violence be left to the world. So many Latter-Day-Saints were in support of our invasion of Iraq. Have we lost our bearings. We really do need to learn to turn the other cheek, and more than once.

JAYEG | 12:24 p.m. Oct. 3, 2009

Re: EastCoaster

There are those who possess varying levels of psychic sensitivity who can and do pick up on emanations when handling inanimate objects.

JB | 1:52 p.m. Oct. 3, 2009

I guess Joseph had as much right to give this sword to whom he chose like we can gift our belongings to others. This happened before his death so Emma had no claim to the sword.

Nobel Descendent | 2:56 p.m. Oct. 3, 2009

This sword was a gift given to Joseph Bates Nobel as Joseph went to Carthage. It belongs to him and his descendents, of course. This sword had been on display at the LDS History Museum for years.

Fate | 3:09 p.m. Oct. 3, 2009

The article says: Joseph Smith once addressed the legion and unsheathed his sword . . . .

"Put your sword back in its place," Jesus said to him, "for all who draw the sword will die by the sword."
Matthew 26:52

Cats | 3:12 p.m. Oct. 3, 2009

Dear "Steve"...That was a REALLY WEIRD blog.

Joseph had the right to give his sword to ANYONE he chose. It is not automatically the property of Emmma or the Church.

Joseph also gave a sword to James Allred, my ancestor. It is at the Nauvoo Temple. It was given to the Church by the Allred Family. I saw it when I was in the Nauvoo Temple. That was a really special experience.

@ Steve | 3:52 p.m. Oct. 3, 2009

Steve- You have been brainwashed by the anti-gun crowd. Weapons can be used for evil by evil people or they can be used for good to defend good people.

You are free to be a defenseless victim if that is what you choose. But, do not deny others the right to protect themselves, their loved ones, their faith and their country.

Porter Rockwell | 4:05 p.m. Oct. 3, 2009

Re: Steve 12:22pm

1. The Armies of Heleman
2. Captain Moroni
3. Our Founding Fathers
Sometimes our Faith, family, and country need to be defended even with our own lives.

Doug G | 6:41 p.m. Oct. 3, 2009

The most amazing stuff makes it into this paper around mormon conference time. There's the usual, of course. The unimpeachable words of a bunch of old guys that look like undertakers and then...a sword. Something from Joeseps yard sale which has 'spirit'. I guess if it floats your boat...

Anonymous | 6:43 p.m. Oct. 3, 2009

Give it a break mormons. Common on know, I can only see some of you worshipping the sword as you do this man himself. The is not much Christ and his teaching for a church that you claim to be his.

Anonymous | 6:52 p.m. Oct. 3, 2009

Why in the world would Ole' Joe need a sword? Hmmm, I guess that would be the same reason Jesus did?

Spooky! | 7:12 p.m. Oct. 3, 2009

This is perfect timing. Think about it. How many trick or treaters will use a similar sword as part of their Halloween costumes?

This certainly beats that "octo-mom" costume I saw last year.

Anonymous | 8:23 p.m. Oct. 3, 2009

This is where he got the idea that the lamenites had swords!

Anonymous | 10:20 p.m. Oct. 3, 2009

A four foot sword? How tall was Joseph?

Aaa | 10:58 p.m. Oct. 3, 2009

To the person who stated that the sword gave Joseph the idea about laminites?the. Book of mormon was translated in 1829! The sword was given to him many years later!typical anti mormon foolery! Get your facts clear, if you people don't like mormons you should move were there are none! Let's not forget that we came here to get away from small minded people like you in the first place! If you don't like the pope don't live in rome :)t

Disco | 11:41 a.m. Oct. 4, 2009

Praise to man who communed with Jehova! How thankful I am for Brother Joseph who taught the world about God and what He is like. Anyone who brings people to the Christ needs to be praised. The sword only helps us appreciate and remember the impact Joseph had on the world.

Anonymous | 12:36 p.m. Oct. 4, 2009

Praise be unto Joseph for he holds the true spoken word of god

Anonymous | 6:48 a.m. Oct. 5, 2009

About Joseph and his brother Hyrum Smith, John Taylor once said: "In life they were united and in death they weren't separated."

emsk | 7:21 a.m. Oct. 5, 2009

Joseph Smith was 6 foot 2 inches tall. Hope that answers your question, Anonymous.

AfricanSaint | 8:37 a.m. Oct. 5, 2009

Yes, it is a sword, One the majority of Latter-day Saints across the world will most likely never get to see. But our faith is grounded in Jesus The Christ. We revere Joseph the same way we revere Moses, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Isaiah and all the other Prophets - Servants of the Most High God. I love ALL History and the LDS history is remarkable at times and unique. We are not relic worshipers like some other religions waving pieces of the "actual" cross or kissing doors touched by the Apostles. In quiet reverence we attend to our oblations and sacraments and worship God to th best of our abilities. If any of you come to Africa you might even come to understand why men of God might need to carry swords from time to time - Did not even Peter carry a sword to defend the Master? God will not suffer fools -He has commanded at times that his followers wipe out entire nations for His own purposes - don't believe me - its all well documented in The Holy Bible - No not the New Testament - Read the Older parts. Cherish Christ not Gold & Steel.

Kay girl | 8:59 a.m. Oct. 5, 2009

Why do people in Utah bicker so much???....back and forth both ways.....

To us outside of Utah y'all seem quite defensive.

I'd say by watching your actions-whatever Church you do or do not believe in--that I will be able to tell who lives with truth in them.

By the way...I believe what the man was saying is that he felt a personal "spiritual" connection with Joseph by HOLDING his sword...somewhat like reading a letter written by your gg grandmother to her g grandson, so to speak. If you enjoy connecting with people in your past that is.

And about Emma...perhaps she and Joseph discussed giving away the sword before he died and she was okay with it.

So much is unknown...why are people always getting upset over things when they were not there and DO NOT know all of the facts.

The world would be such a nicer place if EVERYONE did not think they know EVERYTHING.

DBC | 9:41 a.m. Oct. 5, 2009

I agree. Why does everyone bicker so much? Nobody knows it all so all this debate about who should or shouldn't have the sword is null and void. Most of us have keepsakes from our heritage and we feel a connection ( a remembrance if you will ) of those who went before us and the sacrifices they made for us. It could be an old piece of furniture or a journal or a piece of jewelry. These artifacts are passed on from generation to generation. It helps turn the hearts of the children to their fathers. It's all well and good. Everyone should quit trying to look deeper than it really is.

Jerry Gunsalus | 10:03 a.m. Oct. 5, 2009

A sword is used by commanders to ID them as such. Does not mean that they were used as a weapons. Swords were also used to direct troops (visualy)in battle, again they were not used as a weapon.

rivka | 10:27 a.m. Oct. 5, 2009

If I am not mistaken, President Hinkley used Joseph's sword on the 150 anniversary celebration of the church in 1980. I was in attendance, at Pioneer Park in Salt Lake City, when the sword was used to cut the massive cake that was served to all in attendance. I caught a glimpse of it then, and yes I too, had shivers down my spine........a great memory!

cb | 10:31 a.m. Oct. 5, 2009

Thank you DBC and Kay girl! I know that Joseph Smith was a prophet of God and that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is Jesus' church. But I don't hate others or look down on them for having other beliefs because I know that they are also children of God and my brothers and sisters!

LDS Forever | 10:33 a.m. Oct. 5, 2009

I think this is an amazing piece of history. What an honor to be the custodian of Joseph's sword. I hadn't ever heard of it until this.

You anti-mormon people need to get a job, or find something worthwhile to complain about. Honestly, next you'll be accusing us of worshiping our sacrament trays. Rather then wasting your time complaining about an entity that actually helps people, try fighting to get our taxes lowered, or keep our constitutional rights, or something that will do some good.

Brothers and sisters... Keep the faith, stick to the brethren, and be good to eachother.

kelly | 10:36 a.m. Oct. 5, 2009

I wonder what they are going to display next!

Clara Petty Albrechtsen | 12:18 p.m. Oct. 5, 2009

This was very interesting. My greatgrandfather had a sword that belong to Joseph Smith and it was donated to the Church History. It belong to Edward Hammer Duzzett. I have gone into see it but so far haventbeen able to see it. Duzzett was in the Navoo Band with Joseph smith. The sword was a pearl handle one. So there is another one around. I too would like to hold it and feel the spirit that comes with it. My mother had it in her cedarchest but wouldnt let anyone see it.

Anon | 4:43 p.m. Oct. 5, 2009

That's because somebody would rip it off if she did. I had an autographed copy of "The Miracle of Forgiveness," and somebody ripped it off! I doubt they needed it more than I did.

Fran | 4:49 p.m. Oct. 5, 2009

Oh My Gosh!!! That is super cool!!

Geoff | 5:03 p.m. Oct. 5, 2009

Great story! I have seen the sword in the Nauvoo Temple. There are many things that are inspiring in the Nauvoo Temple. I learned something today. Thanks, I love the history...I would love to see the Legion Sword! Will it be displayed soon?

heartwings | 5:40 p.m. Oct. 5, 2009

I witnessed the unveiling and it was truly inspiring to think Joseph held the sword in his hand. I honor him, because he has taught me the true character and nature of our Heavenly Father and my savior, Jesus Christ.

Emma Smith gave the cane in the case to Joseph Bates Noble made from the first casket in which Joseph's body was placed. (He was later placed in another casket.) She had several canes made from the casket and gave them personally to the close friends of her and Joseph. She assuredly was grateful to those who were their true friends and offered support in her grief.

Thanks to Howard Carlos Smith and the Noble family for sharing this with us.

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