Our question may rather be, has he had during the earth's journey, his
full measure of reward? Have we done our full duty? For the cause of
the Church he was bereft of father and mother. In the service of the
Church he has been unable to use his splendid talents for the gathering
of wealth--in our day he might justly be called a poor man. The ease of
life has been denied him, for almost daily he has been "under orders."
Above all, as a leader in Israel, the calumny and hatred of the Church
have been heaped upon him. Only a few years ago, when past his prime,
the most heartless persecution to which any member of the Church has
been submitted was his. For several years an influential newspaper,
standing at that time for the persecution of the Church, by means fair
or foul, printed daily vile cartoons of President Smith and equally
vile editorials about him and his work. Every indignity conceivable to
the human mind was offered him because he was the embodiment of the
Church.
Should the question be put to him, he would answer that he has had a
rich reward. Perhaps he feels, let it be hoped he does, the outpouring
of loving thoughts from the people whenever his name is mentioned. He
has been blessed to serve. That is also a great reward for effort. His
life has been crowned with the assurance, from all, that his work has
been well done. That is the most satisfying reward.
May his health be preserved and his life be lengthened out. There is
much work yet to be done, and men do not frequently rise to the fulness
of his measure! At the beginning of his eighty-first year, the people
give loving greetings and good wishes and heartfelt gratitude to
Joseph F. Smith, President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day
Saints.--_Dr. John A. Widtsoe,_ 1918; also in _Improvement Era,_ Vol.
18, November, 1914, pp. 38-45.
{655}
REMINISCENCES
The _Era_ has asked me to write a few remembrances of incidents
connected with my personal association with the late President Joseph
F. Smith, while they are yet fresh in memory, and it is a pleasure to
comply.
The first time I ever remember seeing Joseph F. Smith was in the then
little village of Wellsville, in the year 1867. He was twenty-eight
years of age, and had recently been chosen one of the twelve apostles.
President Brigham Young and company were making a tour of the northern
settlements, and the new apostle, Joseph F. Smith, was among the
number. I heard him preach in the old meetinghouse at Wellsville,
and I remarked at the time what a fine specimen of young manhood he
was--strong, powerful, with a beautiful voice, so full of sympathy and
affection, so appealing in its tone, that he impressed me, although I
was a youth of but eighteen. He was a handsome man.
At that time I was clerking in a little store owned by Father Ira Ames,
one of the old Kirtland veterans of the Church. Apostle George A. Smith
was one of that company and he was entertained at Brother Ames' home,
where I also lived. I recall that at the dinner table, Father Ames
asked George A. who of the Smiths this young man Joseph F. was.
George A. replied that he was Hyrum's son; his mother, Mary Fielding
Smith.
Brother Ames remarked that he looked like a likely young fellow, and
George A. replied in about these words:
"Yes, I think he will be all right. His father and mother left him when
he was a child, and we have been looking after him to try and help
him along. We first sent him to school, but it was not long before he
licked the {656} schoolmaster, and could not go to school. Then we sent
him on a mission, and he did pretty well at that. I think he will make
good as an apostle."
Some years ago I related this incident to President Smith, and he told
me that the reason he had trouble with the schoolmaster was that the
schoolmaster had a leather strap with which he used to chastise the
children. He was a rather hard-hearted schoolmaster, one of the olden
type that believed in inflicting bodily punishment.
President Smith said: "My little sister was called up (Aunt Martha, now
living in Provo) to be punished. I saw the schoolmaster bring out the
leather strap, and he told the child to hold out her hand. I could not
stand for that. I just spoke up loudly and said, 'Don't whip her with
that,' and at that he came at me and was going to whip me, and instead
of him whipping me, I licked him good and plenty."
At the time of this incident, Joseph F. (for, by that name he was
affectionately called) was about fifteen years of age. But he was a
strong, powerful youth, and his big heart could not tolerate such
punishment, especially if it bordered on the cruel, to be inflicted
upon a little child.
Another incident which I have heard him relate which shows his courage
and integrity, occurred when he was returning from his mission to the
Sandwich Islands, in the fall of 1857. He came home by way of Los
Angeles, by what was called the Southern Route. In that year Johnston's
Army was on the move for Utah, and naturally enough there was much
excitement and bitterness of feeling concerning the "Mormons." In
southern California, just after the little train of wagons had traveled
only a short distance and made their camp, several anti-"Mormon" toughs
rode into the camp on horseback, cursing and swearing and threatening
what they would do to the "Mormons." Joseph F. was a little distance
from the camp gathering wood for the fire, but he saw that the few
members of his own party had {657} cautiously gone into the brush down
the creek, out of sight. When he saw that, he told me, the thought
came into his mind, "Shall I run from these fellows? Why should I
fear them?" With that he marched up with his arm full of wood to the
campfire where one of the ruffians, still with his pistol in his band,
shouting and cursing about the "Mormons," in a loud voice said to
Joseph F.:
"Are you a 'Mormon'?"
And the answer came straight, "Yes, siree; dyed in the wool; true blue,
through and through."
At that the ruffian grasped him by the hand and said:
"Well, you are the ---- ---- pleasantest man I ever met! Shake, young
fellow, I am glad to see a man that stands up for his convictions."
These incidents show the inherent bravery, courage, integrity of the
man, and also tenderness and pity for the little helpless sister. These
are the qualities upon which great men are builded.
In the spring of 1877, I was called to accompany President Smith on
a mission to Europe. I was called by him to labor in the business
affairs of the Liverpool office, and from that time until the day of
his death, I think I have enjoyed his personal confidence more than any
man living. When I look back on it all now, I can see what a treasure,
a blessing, a favor from the Almighty it has been to me.
During the last eleven years, especially, I have traveled with him
almost constantly whenever he has gone from home. I have been with him
on three different trips to Europe, including the first missionary trip
above mentioned, and on four trips to the Sandwich Islands. Everywhere,
on all occasions, I have found him the same great, brave, true-hearted,
noble and magnificent leader, so simple and unaffected, so entirely
democratic and unassuming.
He was always careful with his expenditures, too. He abhorred debt, and
no man have I ever known who was {658} so prompt to pay an obligation
to the last penny. He could not rest until the Church was out of debt,
and though hundreds of schemes, and many of them extra good schemes,
too, were presented to him, which no doubt would have meant an increase
of wealth for the Church, yet he resolutely set his face against debt;
and would not, under any conditions or circumstances, involve the
Church in that way. Neither would he himself become involved in debt in
his own individual affairs, but he stuck persistently to the old motto,
"Pay as you go."
Many of the older people now alive can recall that forty years ago, or
even less, he was considered a radical, and many a one of that time
shook his head and said, "What will become of things if that fiery
radical ever becomes president of the Church?" But from the time he was
made president of the Church, and even before that time, he became one
of the most tolerant of men, tolerant of others' opinions; and while he
would denounce sin with such righteous wrath as you would seldom see in
any man, yet for the poor sinner he had compassion and pity, and even
forgiveness, if sincere repentance were shown. None more ready than he
to forgive and forget.
One touching little incident I recall which occurred on our first trip
to the Sandwich Islands. As we landed at the wharf in Honolulu, the
native Saints were out in great numbers with their wreaths of leis,
beautiful flowers of every variety and hue. We were loaded with them,
he, of course, more than anyone else. The noted Hawaiian band was there
playing welcome, as it often does to incoming steamship companies.
But on this occasion the band had been instructed by the Mayor to go
up to the "Mormon" meetinghouse and there play selections during the
festivities which the natives had arranged for. It was a beautiful
sight to see the deep-seated love, the even tearful affection, that
these people had for him. In the midst of it all I noticed a {659} poor
old blind woman, tottering under the weight of about ninety years,
being led in. She had a few choice bananas in her hand. It was her
all--her offering. She was calling, "Iosepa, Iosepa." Instantly, when
he saw her, he ran to her and clasped her in his arms, hugged her, and
kissed her over and over again, patting her on the head saying, "Mama,
Mama, my dear old Mama."
And with tears streaming down his cheeks he turned to me and said,
"Charlie, she nursed me when I was a boy, sick and without anyone to
care for me. She took me in and was a mother to me."
Oh, it was touching--it was pathetic. It was beautiful to see the
great, noble soul in loving, tender remembrance of kindness extended
to him, more than fifty years before; and the poor old soul who had
brought her love offering--a few bananas--it was all she had--to put
into the hand of her loved Iosepa!
On these ocean trips there was much spare time, and we often whiled
away an hour or two playing checkers. He could play a good game of
checkers, much better than I. In fact, he could beat me four times out
of five, but once in a while, when I played more cautiously, and no
doubt when he was more careless, I could beat him. If he was beating
me right along and I made an awkward move, and could see instantly
that I had moved the wrong checker, he would allow me to draw it back
if I noticed it immediately; but on the other band, if I had beaten
him for a game or two and should put my finger on a checker to draw it
back, even though it were on the instant, he would call out with force
enough, and that positive way of his, "No you don't, you leave it right
there." It is in these little incidents that we show the human side of
our natures.
He loved sport--manly sport. He was a natural athlete; and in his youth
at foot-racing, jumping, wrestling, which were among the primitive
sports of primitive days, he {660} was a match for anyone. In later
years I had induced him to take up with the ancient and royal Scottish
game of golf. He got so that he could play a very good game, excellent
indeed for a man of his years. But on one occasion, down at Santa
Monica, when we were playing, we were up within about one hundred feet
of the flag at the hole we were making for. A light stroke should have
driven the ball nearer the flag, but the inclination to look up as one
tries to hit the ball got the best of him, and the consequence was he
topped the ball and it rolled only a couple of feet or so. He bent over
for the next stroke, and the one thing which all golfers most fear,
and the hardest to overcome, is that habit of looking up or taking the
eye off the ball just as you go to strike. This he did, the second
time, when he topped it again and it moved but a few feet further. The
third time he went up to it and hit it a whack that sent it rolling one
hundred feet beyond the flag. His son, Wesley, who was playing with us,
called out, "Why, papa, what did you do that for? You knew it would
roll away down there in the ditch!" The President straightened up and
said, with a smile, "Well, I was mad at it!" I have laughed hundreds of
times at that, "I was mad at it."
Of course, we agreed well together, otherwise we would not have been
companionable during all these years. But sometimes I could not fully
agree with him on some matters that we discussed. I recall one night
we were on shipboard returning from Europe, in 1906. It was a bright,
moonlight night, and we stood there leaning over the railing enjoying
the smooth sea and balmy summer night air. The Smoot investigation,
which had just occurred a little while before and which had stirred
up so much controversy throughout the land, was fresh in our minds,
and we were talking of it. I took the position that it would be unwise
for Reed Smoot to be re-elected to the United States Senate. I was
conscientious in my objection, and I had marshaled {661} all the facts,
arguments, and logic that I could; and I was well informed, I thought,
on the subject, and had presented them to him in as clear and yet in
as adroit a manner as I possibly could. It would take too much space
here to go over the arguments, but it seemed to me that I had the best
of it. I could see he began to listen with some little impatience, and
yet he let me have my say, but he answered in tones and in a way that
I shall never forget. Bringing his fist down with some force on the
railing between us, he said, in the most forceful and positive manner:
"If ever the Spirit of the Lord has manifested to me anything clear and
plain and positive, it is this, that Reed Smoot should remain in the
United States Senate. He can do more good there than he can anywhere
else."
Of course, I did not contend further with him, but accepted from that
hour his view of the case and made it mine, too. Twelve years have
passed since that time, and looking back on it now, I cannot help but
think how marvelously and splendidly the inspiration of the Almighty
has been vindicated, while my arguments, facts and logic have all
fallen to the ground.
During the last six or eight years, hundreds of prominent people,
Democrats as well as Republicans, passing through Salt Lake City,
even Secretary McAdoo, himself, among them, have stated to President
Smith that Utah had a great big man in the United States Senate in the
person of Senator Reed Smoot. President Smith's judgment, or rather his
inspiration in this matter, has been vindicated to the last degree.
As a preacher of righteousness, who could compare with him? He was the
greatest that I ever heard--strong, powerful, clear, appealing. It was
marvelous how the words of living light and fire flowed from him. He
was a born preacher, and yet he did not set himself up to be such. He
never thought highly of his own good qualities. Rather, he {662} was
simple, plain and unaffected to the last degree; and yet, there was
dignity with it all which enabled anyone and everyone to say: "He is a
man among men!" I ask, as preacher, leader, teacher, husband, father,
citizen and man, who among our mighty ones can be likened unto him?
He loved a good story and a good joke. There was a good laugh in him
always. He had no patience with vile stories, but there was a fine
vein of humor in him, and could relate incidents of his early life and
entertain the crowd about him as few men ever could.
He was the most methodical in all his work of any person I ever knew.
Every letter that he received had to be indorsed by him with the date
and any other information, and all carefully filed away. He could not
stand for disorder. Everything in connection with his work was orderly.
He could pack his suitcase or a trunk and line out and smooth every
piece of clothing in it so it would bold more and be better packed than
if anybody else had done it. His clothes, too, were always clean. Most
men as they grow old are likely to have their clothes more or less
spotted through dropping food on their clothing. But not so with him.
To his last day his clothes were as clean and as well taken care of as
if he had been a young man of thirty.
He was a most strenuous worker and never considered saving himself
at all. You could go up to his little office in the Beehive most any
night when he was well, and find him writing letters or attending to
some other work. Perhaps some dear old soul had written him a personal
letter, and he would work into the night answering it with his own
hand. Indeed, he over-worked himself and no doubt injured his strong
constitution.
He was careless about eating--careless as to what he ate and when he
ate. His living was exceedingly simple and plain. He rarely got to bed
before midnight, and the consequence was he did not get sufficient
sleep and rest.
{663} He was very fond of music and loved to sing the songs of Zion.
His love for little children was unbounded. During the trip we took
last year down through the southern settlements to St. George and
return, when the troops of little children were paraded before him, it
was beautiful to see how he adored these little ones. It was my duty to
try and get the company started, to make time to the next settlement
where the crowds would be waiting for us, but it was a difficult task
to pull him away from the little children. He wanted to shake hands
with and talk to every one of them.
Once in a while someone would come up to him and say, "President Smith,
I believe I am a kinsman of yours."
I knew then that we were good for another ten minutes' delay, for that
great heart of his, that went out to every kinsman as well as to the
little children, could not be torn away quickly from anyone claiming
kinship with him.
I have visited at his home when one of his children was down sick. I
have seen him come home from his work at night tired, as he naturally
would be, and yet he would walk the floor for hours with that little
one in his arms, petting it and loving it, encouraging it in every way
with such tenderness and such a soul of pity and love as not one mother
in a thousand would show.
While he was a hard-headed, successful business man, yet very few in
this dispensation have been more gifted with spiritual insight than
he. As we were returning from an eastern trip, some years ago, on the
train just east of Green River, I saw him go out to the end of the car
on the platform, and immediately return and hesitate a moment, and then
sit down in the seat just ahead of me. He had just taken his seat when
something went wrong with the train. A broken rail had been the means
of ditching the engine and had thrown most of the cars off the track.
In the sleeper we were shaken up pretty badly, but our car remained on
the track.
{664} The President immediately said to me that he had gone on the
platform when he heard a voice saying, "Go in and sit down."
He came in, and I noticed him stand a moment and he seemed to hesitate,
but he sat down.
He said further that as he came in and stood in the aisle he thought,
"Oh, pshaw, perhaps it is only my imagination;" when he heard the voice
again, "Sit down," and he immediately took his seat, and the result was
as I have stated.
He, no doubt, would have been very seriously injured had he remained
on the platform of that car, as the cars were all jammed up together
pretty badly. He said, "I have heard that voice a good many times in my
life, and I have always profited by obeying it."
On another occasion, at a function which was held in the palatial
home of Mr. and Mrs. A. W. McCune, he made an extended talk to the
gathering. He then said that when a certain brother who had been called
to a responsible position in the Church was chosen for that position,
he himself had never heard this spiritual voice more plainly and more
clearly telling him what to do, than in this naming of the individual
who was to be called for that certain office.
He lived in close communion with the Spirit of the Lord, and his life
was so exemplary and chaste that the Lord could easily manifest himself
to his servant. Truly he could say, "Speak, Lord, for thy servant
heareth." Not every servant can hear when He speaks. But the heart of
President Smith was attuned to the Celestial melodies--he could hear,
and did hear.
What shall I say of the grand and glorious work that he has done in
rearing the large and splendid family that he leaves behind? What a
noble work for any man! Indeed no man without great nobility of soul
could have accomplished it. Is not this bringing up a good family, and
a large {665} family of good citizens, good men and women, good for the
Church, for the State, and for the Nation? Is not this, I say, about
the most God-like piece of work that a man can do in this world? The
thinking mind, who goes into this question deep enough, will see that
here is the work, not only of a man, of a great man, but of a God in
embryo. The whole Church can take pride in the vindication of this
great principle which he had so successfully wrought out. No ordinary
man could accomplish that. Happy the wife who can call him husband.
Happy and blessed indeed the children who call him father. Never was
man more moral and chaste and virtuous to the last fiber of his being
than he. Against all forms or thoughts of licentiousness, he was set,
and as immovable as a mountain. "Blessed are the pure in heart," and as
he was the very purest--he shall see God.
It is written that a truly great man is known by the number of beings
he loves and blesses, and by the number of beings who love and bless
him. Judged by that standard alone, where is his equal to be found in
all this world!
I can say of Joseph F. Smith as Carlyle said of Luther, that he was
truly a great man, "great in intellect, in courage, in affection,
and in integrity. Great, not as a hewn obelisk, but as an Alpine
mountain." No heart ever beat truer to every principle of manhood and
righteousness and justice and mercy than his; that great heart, encased
in his magnificent frame, made him the biggest, the bravest, the
tenderest, the purest and best of all men who walked the earth in his
time!
"His life was gentle, and the elements
So mix'd in him, that Nature might stand up
And say to all the world, 'This was a Man!'"
--_Charles W. Nibley,_ Presiding Bishop of the Church, _Improvement
Era,_ Vol. 22, January, 1919, pp. 191-198.
{666}
A BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH
It was John Locke, the great characteristic English philosopher, who,
at the age of thirty, wrote:
"I no sooner perceived myself in the world, but I found myself in a
storm which has lasted hitherto."
To Joseph F. Smith, who is among the greatest and most unique and
notable individualities of that peculiar people, the Latter-day Saints,
this sentence of Locke's is especially applicable. Only, his was
enveloped in storm before he could perceive. He is the son of Hyrum
Smith, the second patriarch of the Church, and brother of the Prophet
Joseph. His mother was Mary Fielding, of English origin, a woman
of bright and strong mind and of excellent business administrative
qualities.
It was during the Missouri troubles. Governor Boggs had issued his
order to exterminate the "Mormons." On the first day of November, 1838,
through the heartless treachery of Colonel Hinkle, Joseph and Hyrum
and several other leaders of the people were betrayed into the hands
of an armed mob under General Clark. They were to be taken prisoners,
and confined in jail, and perhaps shot. On the following day, these
betrayed leaders were given a few moments to bid farewell to their
families. Under a strong guard of militia mobocrats, Hyrum was marched
to his home in Far West, and, at the point of the bayonet, with oaths
and curses, was ordered to take his last farewell of his wife; for his
"doom was sealed" and he was told that he would never see her again.
Imagine such a shock to his companion! It would have overpowered and
come near ending the life of an ordinary person. But with the natural
strength of her mind, coupled with the sustaining care of God, she was
upheld in this fiery trial with its added miseries {667} to follow. It
was on the 13th day of the same month of November, 1838, in the midst
of plunderings, and scenes of severest hardships and persecution, that
she gave birth to her first-born, who was named Joseph Fielding Smith.
In the cold of the following January, leaving four little ones, under
the care of her sister, Mercy R.--children of her husband by a former
wife, then dead--she journeyed in a wagon with her infant to Liberty
Jail in Clay county, where the husband and father was confined, without
trial or conviction, his sole offense being that he was a "Mormon." She
was permitted to visit him in jail, but was later compelled to continue
her flight from Missouri with her children, to seek shelter in Illinois.
Such were the stormy environments of birth, and such was the first
pilgrimage of the infant Joseph who has since compassed the earth and
the islands of the sea, promulgating and defending the principles for
which his father endured imprisonment and later martyrdom, and for
which his mother suffered untold persecution and distress.
Joseph's early years were spent amidst the agitations which culminated
in the martyrdom of his uncle and his father on the memorable 27th
day of June, 1844. After the abandonment of the city by the Twelve,
and when the majority of the Saints had been driven from Nauvoo, in
September, 1846, his mother fled from the city and camped on the
west side of the Mississippi River, among the trees on its banks,
without wagon or tent, during the bombardment of the city by the mob.
Having later succeeded in making exchanges of property in Illinois
for teams and an outfit, she set out for Winter Quarters, on the
Missouri River. Joseph, a lad of only about eight years, drove a yoke
of oxen and a wagon most of the distance through the state of Iowa to
Winter Quarters, and his other occupation, after leaving Nauvoo, was
principally that of herd boy.
On these western plains he drank in the freedom of {668} the spirit of
the West, and developed that physical strength which, notwithstanding
his later sedentary occupation, is still observable in his robust,
erect and muscular form.
He is a lover of strength and a believer in work. "Labor is the key
to the true happiness of the physical and spiritual being. If a man
possesses millions, his children should still be taught how to labor
with their hands; boys and girls should receive a home training which
will fit them to cope with the practical, daily affairs of family life,
even where the conditions are such that they may not have to do this
work themselves; they will then know how to guide and direct others,"
said he, in a recent conversation with the writer.
The great and overpowering desire of all the Saints was to obtain means
to gather to the Valley. For this purpose various kinds of labor were
sought in Iowa and neighboring states, from farming to school teaching.
In the fall of 1847, he drove a team for his mother to St. Joseph for
the purpose of securing provisions to make the coveted journey to the
Salt Lake Valley, in the spring following. The trip was successfully
made.
It was in the fall of that year, while tending his mother's cattle near
Winter Quarters, that he experienced one of the most exciting incidents
of his life. The cattle were their only hope of means for immigration
to the Valley. This fact was deeply impressed upon the boy, so that he
came to view them as a precious heritage, as well as a priceless charge
given to him as a herd boy. He understood the responsibility; and that
is much, for neither Joseph, the boy, nor Joseph, the man, was ever
known to shirk a duty or prove recreant to a responsibility.
One morning, in company with Alden and Thomas Burdick, he set out upon
the usual duties of the day. The cattle were feeding in the valley
some distance from the settlement, which valley was reached in two
ways, one {669} over a "bench" or plateau, the other through a ravine
or small canyon. The boys each had a horse. Joseph's was a bay mare,
swifter than the others. Alden suggested that Thomas and Joseph go
the short route to the left, over the "bench," and he would go up the
canyon to the right, so that they would meet in the valley from the two
directions. The suggestion was gladly adopted, and the two set out with
youthful frolic, and soon arrived at the upper end of the valley, where
the cattle could be seen feeding by a stream which divided it in the
center and wound down the canyon from the direction of the settlement.
Having the day before them, they amused themselves with "running" their
horses, and, later, in "jumping" them over a little gully in the upper
part of the valley. As they were engaged in this amusement, suddenly a
band of twenty or thirty Indians came into view around a point in the
lower end of the valley, some distance below the cattle. Thomas first
saw them, and frantically yelled, "Indians," at the same time turning
his horse for the "bench" to ride for home. Joseph started to follow,
but the thought came to his mind, "My cattle, I must save my cattle!"
From that moment, only this thought filled his mind; everything else
was blank and dark. He headed his horse for the Indians, to get around
the herd before the reds should reach it. One Indian, naked like the
others, having only a cloth around the loins, passed him, flying to
catch Thomas. Joseph reached the head of the herd, and succeeded in
turning the cattle up the ravine just as the Indians approached. His
efforts, coupled with the rush and yells of the Indians, stampeded the
herd, followed by Joseph, who by keeping his horse on the "dead" run,
succeeded for some time in keeping between the herd and the Indians.
Here was a picture! the boy, the cattle, the Indians, headed on the
run for the settlement! Finally the reds cut him away from the herd,
whereupon he turned, going down stream a distance, then circling around
{670} the ravine to the right, to reach the cattle from the other side.
He had not gone far in that direction when other Indians were seen.
They started for him, overtaking him as he emerged from the valley. He
still spurred his horse, going at full speed, and while thus riding,
two of the naked reds closed up beside him in the wild race, and took
him, while the horses were going at full speed, one by the left arm
and the other by the right leg, and lifted him from the saddle, for a
moment holding him in the air, then suddenly dropping him to the ground.
Undoubtedly he would have been scalped but for the timely appearance of
a company of men going to the hay fields, on the opposite side of the
ravine, which scared the thieving Indians away, they having obtained
both the boys' horses for their pains. In the meantime Thomas had given
the alarm. Two relief companies were formed in the settlement, one a
posse of horsemen under Hosea Stout, who went up the canyon and found
the cattle with Alden Burdick (the pursuing Indians having abandoned
the chase from fright), while the other took the "bench" route, and
discovered Joseph, who with them spent the day in a fruitless search
for the Indians and the cattle supposed to have been stolen. "I
remember, on my way home," says Joseph, "how I sat down and wept for my
cattle, and how the thought of meeting mother, who could not now go to
the Valley, wrung my soul with anguish." But happily, his bravery and
fidelity to trust, which are indissolubly interwoven with his character
as a man, had saved the herd.
Leaving Winter Quarters in the spring of 1848, they reached the Salt
Lake Valley on September 23, Joseph driving two yoke of oxen with a
heavily loaded wagon the whole distance. He performed all the duties of
a day watchman, herdsman and teamster, with other requirements imposed
upon the men. Arriving in Salt Lake City, he again had charge of the
herds, interchanging with such labors as {671} plowing, canyon work,
harvesting and fencing. During this whole time he never lost an animal
entrusted to his care, this notwithstanding the numerous large wolves
abounding in the country.
His education was obtained from his mother who early taught him, in the
tent, in the camp, on the prairie, to read from the Bible. He has had
no other, save that sterner education gathered from the practical pages
of life. But his opportunities in later years have not gone unused, and
there are few college-bred men who delight more in books than Joseph.
He is, too, a fair judge of the manner and matter of books. His leisure
for reading is limited, owing to his constant employment in the affairs
of the Church; but he loves to read books of history, philosophy,
science; and has specially delighted in such authors as Seiss and
Samuel Smiles, who may be said to be his favorites. He is fond of
music, of which, though not a judge, he is a great lover, especially
enjoying the music of the human voice.
In 1852 his mother died, leaving him an orphan at the age of fourteen.
When fifteen years of age, he, with other young men, was called on his
first mission to the Sandwich Islands. The incidents of the journey to
the coast by horses, his work in the mountains at a shingle mill for
means to proceed, and the embarkment and journey on the _Vaquero_ for
the islands, are sufficient for a long chapter in themselves; while
his labors in the Maui conference, under President F. A. Hammond, his
efforts to learn the language in the district of Kula, his attack of
sickness, the most severe of his life, caused by the Panama fever, and
his other labors and varied, trying experiences while there, would fill
a volume. He says, "Of the many gifts of the Spirit which were manifest
through my administration, next to my acquirements of the language, the
most prominent was perhaps the gift of healing, and by the power of God
the casting out of evil spirits, which frequently occurred."
{672} One incident shows how the Lord is with his servants: Joseph was
studying the language, being alone with a native family in Wailuku.
One night, while he sat by a dismal light poring over his books in
one corner of the room where dwelt a native and his wife, the woman
was suddenly possessed; she arose and looking toward Joseph made the
most fearful noises and gestures, accompanied by terrible physical
contortions. Her husband came on his bended knees and crouched beside
him, frightened to trembling. The fear that our young missionary felt
under those circumstances was something indescribable, but presently
it all left him, and he stood up facing the maniac woman, exclaiming:
"In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, I rebuke you." Like a flash, the
woman fell to the floor like one dead. The husband went to ascertain if
she were alive, and pronounced her dead. Then he returned, and set up a
perfect howl, which Joseph likewise rebuked. What should Joseph do? His
first impression was to get away from the horrid surrounding, but upon
reflection he decided that such action would not be wise. His feelings
were indescribable, but having rebuked the evil, it was subdued, peace
was restored, and he proceeded again with his studies. These are the
class of experiences that bring a lone missionary, young as he was,
close to the Lord.
After his release, and while returning from the mission in Hawaii, this
incident occurred: At Honolulu he went on board the barque _Yankee,_ on
October 6, 1857, and with a company of elders landed in San Francisco,
about the end of the month. With Edward Partridge, he went down the
coast to Santa Cruz County, Cal., and from thence with a company of
Saints, under Captain Charles W. Wandell, southward to the Mojave
river, where he and others left the company and made a visit to San
Bernardino on their way to the Salt Lake Valley. It must be said that
the feeling against the "Mormons," first, on account of the exaggerated
{673} reports of the Mountain Meadows massacre, and secondly, because
of the coming of Johnston's army to Utah, was exceedingly bitter on
the coast. As an illustration: While they were in Los Angeles, a man,
William Wall by name, came near being hung because he had confessed
he was a "Mormon." A mob of men had passed sentence on him, and had
prepared every detail to hang him. It was only through the wise counsel
of a man among them, whose better judgment prevailed, that he was not
hung. This man pointed out to the mob that here was a man who had not
been near Utah when the massacre took place, a man who had no sympathy
with it, who could in no way be counted as a criminal. Why should he
suffer? And so Wall was finally discharged and given time to get out
of the country. It was under such conditions, and such prevailing
sentiment, that President Smith, then a lad of nineteen, found himself
on his journey home, and on his trip to San Bernardino.
With another man, and a mail carrier, he took passage in a mail
wagon. They traveled all night, and at daylight stopped near a ranch
for breakfast. The passenger and the mail carrier began to prepare
breakfast, while Joseph went a short distance from camp to look after
the horses. Just while the carrier was frying eggs, a wagon load of
drunken men from Monte came in view, on their road to San Bernardino to
kill the "Mormons," as they boasted.
The oaths and foul language which they uttered, between their shooting,
and the swinging of their pistols, were almost indescribable and
unendurable. Only the West in its palmiest frontier days could produce
anything like its equal. They were all cursing the "Mormons," and
uttering boasts of what they would do when they met them. They got out
at the ranch, and one of them, tumbling around, caught sight of the
mail wagon, and made his way towards it. The passenger and the mail
carrier, fearing for their safety, had retired behind the chaparral,
leaving all the {674} baggage and supplies, including the frying eggs,
exposed and unprotected.
Just as the drunken man approached, President Smith came in view on his
way to the camp, too late to hide, for he had been seen. The ruffian
was swinging his weapon, and uttering the most blood-curdling oaths
and threats ever heard against the "Mormons." "I dared not run," says
President Smith, "though I trembled for fear which I dared not show.
I therefore walked right up to the camp fire and arrived there just a
minute or two before the drunken desperado, who came directly toward
me, and, swinging his revolver in my face, with an oath cried out: 'Are
you a ---- ---- ---- "Mormon?"'"
President Smith looked him straight in the eyes, and answered with
emphasis: "Yes, sir'ee; dyed in the wool; true blue, through and
through."
The desperado's arms both dropped by his sides, as if paralyzed,
his pistol in one hand, and he said in a subdued and maudlin voice,
offering his hand: "Well, you are the ---- ---- pleasantest man I
ever met! Shake. I am glad to see a fellow stand for his convictions."
Then he turned and made his way to the ranch house. Later in the day,
on seeing President Smith, he only pulled his slouch hat over his eyes,
and said not a word.
In 1858, Joseph F. Smith joined the militia which intercepted
Johnston's army, serving until the close of hostilities, under Colonel
Thomas Callister. He was later chaplain of Colonel Heber C. Kimball's
regiment, with the rank of captain. He took part in many Indian
expeditions, and was in every sense a minute man in the Utah militia.
In the spring of 1860, though only about 22 years of age, he was sent
on a mission to Great Britain. As he had no money, he and his cousin
Samuel H. B. Smith, each drove a four-mule team over the plains to
Winter Quarters to pay their way. It happened that the owners of these
teams were {675} rank apostates, so that when the young men arrived at
their destination, it was very well known that they were Latter-day
Saints. They were moneyless, and decided finally to go to Des Moines
where they tried without success to get something to do. They hunted
for work in the harvest fields, but found no one who wished to employ
them. The feeling was still bitter against the "Mormons" in this
region, for it was only about fourteen years since the remnant of the
Saints had been driven from Nauvoo. One day they met a man who asked
them who they were, and where they were going, and having been told
that they were going to England on a mission, the man stated that he
had a sister in England whom he wished to emigrate, and asked that
they take the money with them for her emigration. He stated that they
might use it as they saw fit; provided on arrival they would let his
sister have the money to pay her passage to America. They agreed to
this, and immediately went on their way to Burlington where they took
a steamer for Nauvoo; but when they got on board they learned that the
steamer would not land at that place, as they had been told; and they
also heard the most bitter imprecations against the Latter-day Saints,
uttered in the most profane and indecent language.
Landing at Montrose, where the boat took on freight, the feeling was
still more bitter. The Saints were cursed, and boasts were made of what
evil would befall any "Mormon" who would dare to make his appearance.
Getting on board the skiff next morning, which was to carry them over
to Nauvoo, the young men found that the spirit of the mob was just as
bitter as ever, but it was not known here that they were "Mormons."
Several men asked them who they were, and their replies were evasive.
Finally, a Catholic priest came to them and asked where they were from.
"Oh! from the West," was the reply.
"How far West?"
{676} "From the Rocky Mountains."
But the priest finally pinned them down by asking, "Are you 'Mormon'
elders from Utah?"
President Smith says that under those circumstances, for a moment,
never had temptation to deny the truth come to him with stronger force,
but it was only for a moment. He answered, "Yes, sir, we are 'Mormon'
missionaries on our way to England."
The reply seemed to satisfy the priest; and, contrary to expectations,
it did not in the least increase the imprecations of the passengers.
When they landed at Nauvoo, they went directly to the Mansion House,
and, strange to say, the Catholic priest also stayed there. If they had
not truthfully answered the queries on the boat, he would have found
them out here, to their shame.
"I had never felt happier," says President Smith, "than when I saw
the minister there, and knew that we had told him the truth about our
mission."
On this mission he served nearly three years, returning in the summer
of 1863; it was during these years that the intimacy between President
George Q. Cannon, who presided over the mission, and Joseph F. Smith
began; friendship and love for each other were engendered, which have
since grown stronger through the intimate careers of two beautiful
lives. On his return, President Young proposed at a priesthood meeting
that Joseph and his cousin, Samuel, each be given a present of $1,000
to begin life with. President Smith realized in the neighborhood of $75
in provisions and merchandise, but mostly a legacy of much annoyance
from certain people who entertained the current thought that he had
thus obtained a small fortune. With the exception of the cost of his
passage and stage fare home, which was sent him by his aunt, Mercy R.
Thompson, amounting to about $100, he paid his own expenses throughout,
as he had done on previous missions.
{677} President Smith has been too busy with his work to make money,
and his temporal affairs are a strong testimony to his exclusive
devotion to the public good.
He had only been at home a short time, when, in the early spring of
1864, he was called to accompany Ezra T. Benson and Lorenzo Snow on
a second mission to the Sandwich Islands to regulate the affairs of
that mission, which had been greatly disarranged by the well-known,
shrewd and covetous actions of Walter M. Gibson. In this mission he
acted as principal interpreter for the apostles. After Gibson was
excommunicated from the Church, Joseph was left in charge of the
mission, with W. W. Cluff and Alma L. Smith as his fellow-laborers. It
was many months after Gibson had been cut off before his people left
his jurisdiction and returned to the standard of the Church. Among the
works accomplished by Joseph and his associates on this mission was the
selection of the Laie plantation as a gathering place for the Saints,
which was afterwards on their recommendation, purchased by a committee
sent for that purpose by President Young, and which has proven a
valuable possession for the mission, and for the Church in a general
way. Joseph and his aids returned in the winter of 1864-1865.
It was while on this mission that the drowning incident occurred,
mentioned in Whitney's sketch of President Lorenzo Snow. President
Smith's part in the affair has never been fully told. The ship upon
which they arrived lay anchored in the channel in which the sea was
nearly always rough. A breakwater had been built, under shelter of
which the natives skilfully steered their boats ashore. There was much
danger, however, in approaching it. When it was proposed that the
party should land in the ship's unwieldy freight-boat, President Smith
strongly opposed the proposition, telling the brethren that at the
breakwater there was great danger of capsizing, the boat being a clumsy
old tub, {678} unfit for such a load. He refused to go ashore, and
tried to prevail upon the others to abandon the attempt until a better
boat could be obtained. He offered to go ashore alone, and to return
with a safer boat to land the party. So persistent, however, were some
of the brethren, that he was chided for his waywardness, and one of the
apostles even told him: "Young man, you would better obey counsel." But
he reiterated his impression of danger, refusing positively to land in
that boat, and again offering to go alone for a better boat. But the
brethren persisted, whereupon he asked that they leave their satchels
with their clothes and valuables on the anchored ship with him, and
that he be permitted to stay. This they reluctantly consented to do,
and set out for land.
Joseph stood upon the ship and saw them depart, filled with the
greatest apprehension for their safety. When the party reached the
breakwater, he saw one of the great waves suddenly overturn the boat,
dropping the company into twenty or thirty feet of water. A boat came
out from shore, manned with natives, who set to work to gather them up,
and obtained all but President Snow, when the boat which picked them
up started for land. It was then that Elder W. W. Cluff demanded that
they return for Brother Snow, who would otherwise have been abandoned
and left for drowned. He was found and dragged into the boat for dead,
his life being thus saved by Brother Cluff. All this time, Joseph stood
in the greatest agony as a witness, helpless, on the deck of the ship.
His first information of his companions' fate came from some passing
natives who replied to his inquiry that one of the men (Brother Snow)
was dead. But through the blessings of God and self-effort it was,
fortunately, not quite so serious, his life having been restored.
Joseph had saved himself and the satchels, and he has always considered
that while the brethren fatefully said of the incident: "It was to
be," that a prevention in this case {679} would have been much better
than a cure. The incident illustrates two predominating traits in his
character: When he is convinced of the truth, he is not afraid to
express himself in its favor to any man on earth. When he does express
himself, it is often with such earnestness and vigor that there is
danger of his giving offense.
On his return home, he labored in the Church historian's office for a
number of years; also as clerk in the endowment house, succeeding Elder
John V. Long in that capacity; being in charge, after the death of
President Young, until it was closed. He had been ordained an apostle
under the hands of President Young, on July 1, 1866, and on the 8th of
October, 1867, he was appointed to fill a vacancy in the quorum of the
Twelve Apostles. In the year following, he was sent with Elder Wilford
Woodruff of the Council of the Twelve and Elder A. O. Smoot to Utah
county. Here he served one term in the Provo city council.
On February 28, 1874, he went on his second mission to England, where
he presided over the European mission, returning in 1875, after the
death of President George A. Smith. On his return he was appointed to
preside over the Davis stake, until the spring of 1877, when he left
on his third British mission, having first witnessed the dedication of
the first temple in the Rocky Mountains, at St. George, April, 1877. He
arrived in Liverpool, May 27, and was joined a short time afterwards
by Elder Orson Pratt, who had been sent to publish new editions of the
Book of Mormon and the Doctrine and Covenants. When news arrived of
the death of President Young, they were released, and returned home,
arriving in Salt Lake City, September 27.
In August of the following year, he was sent with Elder Orson Pratt on
a short eastern mission, visiting noted places in the history of the
Church in Missouri, Ohio, New York and Illinois. It was on this trip
that they had their {680} famous interview with David Whitmer. When the
First Presidency was organized, in October, 1880, he was chosen second
counselor to President John Taylor, who died July 25, 1887. He was
chosen to the same position in the Presidency under President Woodruff;
and holds it at present under President Snow.
It would require too much space to name his various civil positions
held in Salt Lake City, and in the legislature of the territory, where
he served the people long and faithfully. All my readers are familiar
with the work of his recent years; it is like an open book to the whole
people.
So he has been constantly in the service of the public, and by his
straightforward course has won the love, confidence and esteem
of the whole community. He is a friend of the people, is easily
approached, a wise counselor, a man of broad views, and contrary to
first impressions, is a man whose sympathies are easily aroused. He
is a reflex of the best character of the "Mormon" people--inured to
hardships, patient in trial, God-fearing, self-sacrificing, full
of love for the human race, powerful in moral, mental and physical
strength.
President Joseph F. Smith has an imposing physical appearance. Now
completing his 62nd year, he is tall, erect, well-knit and symmetrical
in build. He has a prominent nose and features. When speaking, he
throws his full, clear, brown eyes wide open on the listener who may
readily perceive from their penetrating glimpse the wonderful mental
power of the tall forehead above. His large head is crowned with an
abundant growth of hair, in his early years dark, but now, like his
full beard, tinged with a liberal sprinkling of gray. In conversation,
one is forcibly impressed with the sudden changes in appearance of his
countenance, under the different influences of his mind; now intensely
present, with an enthusiastic and childlike interest in immediate
subjects and surroundings; now absent, the {681} nobility of his
features, set in that earnest, almost stern, majesty of expression so
characteristic of his portraits--so indicative of the severity of the
conditions and environments of his early life.
As a public speaker, his leading trait is an intense earnestness. He
impresses the hearer with his message more from the sincerity and
simplicity of its delivery, and the honest earnestness of his manner,
than from any learned exhibition of oratory or studied display of
logic. He touches the hearts of the people with the simple eloquence
of one who is himself convinced of the truth presented. He is a pillar
of strength in the Church, thoroughly imbued with the truths of the
gospel, and the divine origin of God's great latter-day work. His whole
life and testimony are an inspiration to the young.
I said to him: "You knew Joseph, the prophet; you are old in the work
of the Church; what is your testimony to the youth of Zion concerning
these things?" And he replied slowly and deliberately:
"I was acquainted with the Prophet Joseph in my youth. I was familiar
in his home, with his boys and with his family. I have sat on his knee,
I have heard him preach, distinctly remembering being present in the
council with my father and the Prophet Joseph Smith and others. From my
childhood to youth I believed him to be a Prophet of God. From my youth
until the present I have not believed that he was a Prophet, for I
have known that he was. In other words, my knowledge has superceded my
belief. I remember seeing him dressed in military uniform at the bead
of the Nauvoo Legion. I saw him when he crossed the river, returning,
from his intended western trip into the Rocky Mountains, to go to his
martyrdom, and I saw his lifeless body together with that of my father
after they were murdered in Carthage jail; and still have the most
palpable remembrance of the gloom and sorrow of those dreadful days.
{682} I believe in the divine mission of the prophets of the nineteenth
century with all my heart, and in the authenticity of the Book of
Mormon and the inspiration of the book of Doctrine and Covenants, and
hope to be faithful to God and man and not false to myself, to the end
of my days."--_Edward H. Anderson,_ in _Lives of Our Leaders,_ and
_Juvenile Instructor,_ 1901.
{683}
LAST OF THE OLD SCHOOL OF VETERAN LEADERS.
Surrounded by members of his family, President Joseph F. Smith
peacefully closed his active life upon earth, on Tuesday morning, at
4:50 o'clock, November 19, 1918, at his home, the Beehive House, Salt
lake City, Utah. His noble work on earth is ended. He served the people
of the Church in almost every useful private and public capacity all
his life. He mounted, round by round, on the ladder of experience, as
herd boy, pioneer, teacher, missionary, legislator, counselor; and for
the past seventeen wonderful years was leader and mouthpiece of the
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
President Smith's administration began October 17, 1901, when he was
chosen by the Twelve and set apart as President of the Church of Jesus
Christ of Latter-day Saints, the choice being ratified by a special
conference and solemn assembly of the priesthood, on Sunday, November
10, 1901. Hence, for a few days more than seventeen years, he stood at
the head of God's "marvelous work and a wonder," upon the earth. His
leadership was characterized by a steady growth of the people in both
spiritual and temporal affairs. Much of their progress was stimulated
by his forethought and consideration, by his inspiration from the Lord
freely granted to the people, and by his ability to gather men about
him who willingly co-operated with him for the advancement and progress
of the Church, the state and the community. In both religion and
business, he was conservative, staunch, firm, and yet progressive--a
leader beloved and respected by all. Every Church worker among his
nearest associates, as well as in the stakes of Zion, and in the {684}
far flung missions of the world, fairly loved and admired him, and so
did the members of the Church.
As editor of the _Improvement Era_ and the _Juvenile Instructor,_ and
general superintendent of the Sunday Schools and Young Men's Mutual
Improvement Associations, he was a stimulating power, a fountain of
wisdom to his associates. Had he devoted himself to literary work,
his success in that line would have been quite as marked as in public
discourse and leadership.
He showed great tenderness and love for his large and honorable family.
In his last address to his children, November 10, 1918, his heart's
dearest sentiments were expressed to them in these words: "When I
look around me, and see my boys and my girls whom the Lord has given
to me,--and I have succeeded, with His help, to make them tolerably
comfortable, and at least respectable in the world--I have reached the
treasure of my life, the whole substance that makes life worth living."
He was ever anxious for the welfare of the young people, as well as the
old, and every good effort for their advancement was sanctioned and
supported by him. Even in the midst of the cares, burdens and anxieties
of his active life weighing heavily upon him, he was never known to
be too busy to give counsel, experience, testimony, helpful ideas,
sympathetic consideration to workers or members of the Church who
called upon him. His courtesy to all was proverbial.
The passing of President Joseph F. Smith marks an epoch in the history
of the Church. He was the last of the old school of veteran leaders
who pioneered and founded our commonwealth. The patience with which he
bore the arduous labors of his life, fully, bravely, and cheerfully,
will be a lasting inspiration to all who knew him. The story of his
achievements for the Church, in spiritual and temporal {685} affairs,
during his long administration, would make a volume of thrilling
interest. His mortal lips are sealed in death, but his spirit lives
forever. Beloved by all, the noble workman has gone to his rest, having
done his full duty for the advancement of the "marvelous work and a
wonder," established of the Lord, which must ever continue upon its
triumphant march.--_Edward H. Anderson,_ May, 1919.
INDEX.
Abraham, 39.
Adam, 39.
Administration, to sick, 256,
Advancement, personal, helps Church, 131.
Agriculture, 434.
Almighty, see _God_.
Amusements, 400, 401.
Angel, 548.
Anger, 268.
Animal, 333.
Apostle, 221, 222.
labors in spirit world, 581.
Apostleship, proselyting office, 217.
Appetite, 300.
Army, conduct of boys in, 531.
message to boys in, 535.
Atonement, 120.
Authority, 125, 170.
all should exercise, 208.
gives power, 186.
how administered, 186.
know duties of, 187.
man's relation to, 56.
Authorities, pray for, 279.
Auxiliary organizations, 179.
place in Church, 479.
relation to ward, 480.
Backbiting, 330.
Baptism, see _Ordinances_.
Baptism, 111, 117, 118, 121.
when to b. children, 120.
Bible, 57.
Birth control, see _Children_.
Birth control, 349, 362.
Bishop, 225, 230, 233, 234.
Blessing, how obtained, 60, 84, 296.
for truth, 12.
personal, 181, 635, 641.
Books, 295, 405.
Book of Mormon, witnesses to, 590.
Boys, how achieve greatness, 419.
lesson for, 418.
taught industry, 432.
Calamity, Lesson in, 67.
Calvin, 39, 500.
Card playing, 410, 411, 412, 413, 415, 416.
Chance, 408.
Charity, see _Poor_, see also _Tithing_.
Charity, 294.
Child, see Birth control.
Children, be true to, 353, 398.
condition of in heaven, 569.
consult parents, 201.
do not pledge, 373.
duties to teach, 365.
filial affection, 393.
how to give to, 371.
in the resurrection, 574.
relation to parents, 342.
responsible for, 359.
teach gospel, 369.
teach Jesus' death, 370.
training at home, 367.
treatment of family members, 355.
watch your, 365.
what to teach, 365.
when to baptize, 120.
Church, see _Officers_.
Church, see _Priesthood_, also _Kingdom of God_.
Church ample for all organizations, 442.
contempt is heritage, 425.
democratic institution, 84.
desires to be known, 139.
destiny of, 91.
devil against it, 464.
duties paramount, 323.
government, 178.
house in order, 477.
how officers chosen, 188.
how vote in, 196.
identity unchanged, 140.
in advance of members, 131.
is kingdom of God, 87.
loyal, 518.
man and, 131.
message of, 89.
mission to save, 88.
no nationalities in, 141, 511.
no neutrals in, 142.
no classes in, 141.
not in politics, 519.
not man-made, 171.
not partisan, 170, 517.
offers peace, 89.
personal advancement helps, 131.
political parties and, 519.
privilege to be associated with, 133.
purpose and duty of, 87, 191.
what it stands for, 192.
worth of standing in, 133.
Church Leaders, see _Church Officers_.
Church Leaders, help them, 223.
be courageous, 193.
goodness of, 210.
not self called, 209.
purpose of visits, 250.
what advocate, 114.
Church Records, names to be in, 134.
Church Schools, agriculture in, 435.
object of, 441, 485.
value of, 441.
Christ, see also _Jesus_.
Christ the great example, 22.
his rest, 155.
taught gospel to Adam, 39.
Citizen, Saint good, 518.
Classes, no classes in Church, 141.
Clubs, no exclusive in Church, 418.
College, see _School_, see _University_.
Columbus, 39.
Comforter, see _Holy Ghost_ and _Holy Spirit_.
Comforter, Holy Ghost, Holy Spirit, 73.
Commandments, two great, 339.
Commencement address, 334.
Consecration, 299.
Constitution, loyalty to, 512.
Contention, 465.
Cooperation, 443.
Counsel, 200.
Courage, leaders must have, 193.
be not discouraged, 147.
Courts, avoid, 322.
Covenants, of Latter-day Saints 132.
Criminals, 469.
Daughter, education of, 429.
Dead, vision of redemption of, 596.
work for, 593.
Death and eternal progress, 371.
nature of, 553.
spiritual, 544.
Debt, 325.
Devil, arrayed against truth, 464.
his knowledge, 464.
Difficulty, settlement of, 53.
Discouragement, 147, 421.
Disobedience, treatment of, 139.
Disturbance, Gospel causes, 146.
Doctrine and Covenants, 56.
Doctrine, where to expect false, 466.
Duty, first to household, 386.
Earth, typical of heaven, 26.
Edison, 39.
Education, see _School_.
Education, danger of false, 392.
defined, 337.
for eternity, 338.
for women, 439.
industrial pursuits, 427.
practical, 430.
value of practical, 428.
Elders, 230.
to proclaim gospel, 230.
Elohim, 85.
Enemy, in God's hands, 422, 423.
love your, 421.
our debt to, 423.
prayer for, 424.
those to fear, 426.
Estates of, exaltation, 85.
Eternal, life, 538.
nature of salvation, 13.
progress and death, 371.
relations of family, 342.
Eternity, educate for, 338.
we live for, 348.
Evidence, revelation and legal, 49.
Evil, not caused by God, 69.
fashions, 416.
retreat from, 468.
unchastity dominant, 386.
Exaltation, estates of, 85.
Excess, see _Temperance_, _Moderation_.
Experiments, to be avoided, 337.
Faith, see _Testimony_.
Faith, 122.
be true to, 322.
reality of, 6.
False teachings, 464.
Family, 341.
basis of government, 203.
eternity of, 348.
father presiding authority, 359.
governed by love, 393.
importance of filial affection, 393.
large f. desirable, 352.
mutual treatment, 355.
should be example to, 357.
Fashions, 349, 400, 416, 417.
Fast day, 298, 306.
Fasting, 299, 305.
Father, duties of, 361.
Father presiding authority of family, 359.
Female, and male in heaven, 346.
Final Judgment, and resurrection, 566.
Find, search and, 151.
First Presidency, not always apostles, 216.
relation of members, 219.
when to organize, 214.
First Principles, 116, 121.
Flattery, danger of, 392.
Food, spirit needs, 262.
Forestry, 437.
Forgiveness, 421.
Franklin, 39.
Free agency, 58.
Freedom, use of, 59.
Saints to exercise, 59.
Freeze, Mary A., funeral services of, 577.
Future life, see _Life Hereafter_.
Future life, condition in, 543.
Gambling, 407, 408.
General authorities, see Church Leaders.
General authorities, questions to, 223.
temporal support of, 224.
Gift of Holy Ghost, 124.
Gift of tongues, 251.
Gifts of Spirit, 471.
Giving, to children, 371.
God, directs work, 64.
an eternal being, 78.
attain blessings of, 60.
at the helm, 168.
do not limit, 69.
extent of power, 69.
fatherhood of, 37.
fatherly love, 498.
Father and Son distinct, 83.
his rest, 71.
his warfare, 71.
how to secure blessings of, 84.
inspires man, 75.
man, and, 64.
man in image of, 71.
need of trust in, 79.
not author of evil, 69.
nothing temporal with, 85.
purposes unchangeable, 41.
personal knowledge of, 64.
right to rule, 66.
Saints to serve, 515.
speaks to honest, 65.
Spirit of, 73.
strives with warring nations, 530.
this God's work, 636.
will to exalt men, 66.
warfare, 71.
work cannot be stopped, 94.
Golden Rule, 424.
Good, foundation in home, 380.
Good Will, Church stands for, 192.
Government, family at basis of, 203.
Gospel, see _Gospel principles_.
Principles of Gospel, 36.
Gospel, all comprehensive, 104
be as broad as, 150.
causes disturbance, 146.
designed for temporal, 261.
divinity of, 95.
first principles of, 116, 121.
greatest thing, 392.
is simple, 11.
men not ready for, 450.
message, 89.
message of love, 114.
most important, 131.
principles eternal, 14.
preached in spirit world, 595.
shield from terror, 109.
should study, 323.
taught to Adam, 39.
teach to children, 369.
trumpet, 110.
where leads, 90.
Gossip, 136.
Grant, Heber J., 36.
Grant, Rachel, 29.
Gratitude, 328.
Grave, redemption beyond, 550.
Greatness, truest, 358.
Harmony, 159.
Hate, of truth, 464.
why Church is hated, 425.
Heaven, condition of children in, 569.
male and female in, 346.
no marriage in, 350.
typical of earth, 26.
Heal, wounds, 331.
High Council, duty of, 226.
High priests, duties of, 225, 227.
duties of quorums, 227.
History, 295.
Hobbies, 143.
Holy Ghost, blasphemy against, 18.
Holy Spirit, Comforter, 73.
personage of spirit, 74.
religion fruit of, 112.
Spirit of Lord, 82.
Holy Spirit, see _Comforter_, _Holy Ghost_.
nature of influence, 72.
Holy, venerate h. things, 355.
Home, see _Household_.
Home, 341.
basis of, 378.
child, and, 398.
first duty to, 386.
foundation of good in, 380.
ideal, 378.
motherhood, foundation of, 361.
no substitute for, 375.
not mortgage, 374, 382.
secure, 380.
training of children, 367.
worship in, 377.
Honest, God speaks to, 65.
Honor, Church stands for, 192.
reward of all, 10.
Hopelessness, 146.
Household, see _Home_.
House of the Lord, see _Temple_.
House of the Lord, children have rights in, 374.
Husband, depends on wife, 363.
duty to wife, 392.
treatment of family, 355.
wife in eternity, 392.
Identity, immortal, 28.
Idler, 295.
no place, 296.
Ignorance, address on, 427.
Image, man in God's, 71.
Industry, 282.
learn arts of, 432.
Ingratitude, sin of, 339.
Immortality, see Eternal.
Immortality, indestructible identity, 28.
Immortality of man, 16, 27.
Injustice, how avoid, 268.
Inspires, God i. man, 75.
Inspiration, spirit of, 42.
Intelligence, eternal, 32.
Israel, to flourish, 91.
Jehovah, see _Jesus_.
Jesus, see also Christ.
Jesus, eternal, 39.
first born, 85.
is the Son, 85.
teachers must believe in, 502.
teach story of to children, 370.
Judgment, use of judgment, 59.
Keys of Priesthood, distinction
between and priesthood, 168.
Kill, only for need, 334.
Kimball, Heber C, 212.
tribute to, 246.
Kindliness, 332.
Kingdom of God, see _Church_.
Kingdom of God, is Church, 87.
to continue, 92.
Knowledge, is limited, 11.
of devil, 464.
of sin unnecessary, 467.
Labor, blessings obtained by, 296.
morals and, 430.
unions, 521, 522.
Language, use good, 333.
Latter-day Saints, see _Saints_.
Latter-day Saints, character of, 163.
are as leaven, 90.
Church in advance of, 131.
conduct of boys in army, 531.
covenants of, 132.
free people, 58.
good citizens, 518.
law-abiding, 114.
loyal to U. S., 512.
must be workers and thinkers, 140.
may know truth, 8.
message to boys in army, 535.
no cause for worry, 107.
possess spirit of salvation, 91.
requirements of, 326.
to serve God, 515. .
Latter-day work, God directs, 64.
Leaders, see _Officers_, _Church_.
Learning, ever learning, 427.
Lesser Priesthood, see Priesthood.
Lesser Priesthood, 234.
be active, 233.
Life, 333.
Life hereafter, see _Future Life_.
Life hereafter, 540, 542.
our relation to, 540.
Life, main purpose of, 338.
not destroy wantonly, 333.
the test of, 86.
Light, let shine, 106.
Lincoln, 39.
Love, gospel message of, 114.
your enemies, 421.
govern family by, 393.
one another, 425.
Loyalty of Church, 518.
United States proud of, 512.
Luther, 39, 500.
Man, broad as Gospel, 150.
cause versus, 90.
destiny of, 77.
dual being, 337.
eternal spirit, 40.
eternally responsible, 27.
experiences like God's, 78.
God and, 64.
God inspires, 75.
God's will to exalt, 66.
greatest achievement, 4.
his three conditions, 20.
honor himself, 321.
an immortal being, 86.
love one another, 425.
master of appetite, 300.
to be master, 311.
origin and destiny, 114.
personal advancement helps Church, 131.
possibilities, 83.
respect rights, 354.
settlement of difficulties, 53.
Male, and female in heaven, 346.
Manual training, 434.
Marriage, 129, 341.
eternal, 347.
God-ordained, 341.
none in heaven, 350.
necessity of, 341.
plural forbidden, 351.
purpose of, 347.
righteousness and, 343.
Marriage, within Church, 350.
Master, man to be, 311.
Mechanic arts, 435.
Melanchthon, 39, 500.
Melchizedek Priesthood, restoration of, 236.
Members, checks upon, 205.
Messiah craze, 473.
Ministering angels, 548.
Misfortune not caused by God, 69.
Missionaries, advice to, 454.
all men not ready for gospel, 450.
care of returned, 462.
caution to, 460.
duty when called, 463.
elders as, 230.
guard health, 461.
how called, 444.
kind wanted, 445.
people generous to, 453.
qualifications of, 445, 446.
requirements of, 444.
to teach, 447.
what to teach, 447.
Word of Wisdom, 457.
work for returned, 463.
Mob, danger of, 521.
shun Spirit of, 520.
Morals, and labor, 430.
"Mormonism," defined, 87.
Mortality, how rise above weakness of, 264.
Moderation, 300, 305.
Mortgage, do not mortgage home, 374, 382.
evils of, 384.
Mother, her love, 395.
Motherhood, foundation of nation, 361.
Mutual Improvement Associations, see _Young Men's
Mutual Improvement Associations, see Young Ladies'
Mutual Improvement Associations_.
Mutual Improvement Associations, importance of, 487.
purpose of, 491.
Nationality, none in Church, 141, 511.
Nation, foundation of, 361.
God strives with warring, 530.
Neglects, correct our, 281.
Neighbor, honor your, 321.
how to love, 339.
Nephite apostles, 475.
Neutrals, none in Church, 142.
Obedience, 129, 263.
blessings from, 272.
to ordinances indispensable, 265.
value of, 267.
Occupation, how to prepare for, 336.
most desirable, 429.
Officers, Church see _Leaders_.
Officers, all necessary, 204.
dependent on people, 197.
duties of, 190, 193.
how chosen, 188.
order of vote for, 197.
consult parents about children, 201.
qualities of, 191.
to set example, 195.
One Mighty and Strong, 477.
Ordinance, see _Baptism_, etc.
Ordinance, obedience to indispensable, 265.
sanctity of, 177.
Organization, necessity of, 185.
Parents, in eternity, 79.
consult, 201.
duties of, 364.
relation to children, 342.
responsible for children, 359.
of spirits, 85.
Partisan, Church not, 517.
Patent Medicines, 302.
Patriarch, duties of, 225.
Patriotism, importance of, 517.
true, 516.
Peace, key to, 529.
when to come, 525.
People determine officers, 197.
Perfection, 163.
Persecution, follows revelation, 57.
Persistence, 165.
Personal blessings, 635.
Personal testimonies, 635.
Philosophers, inspired by God, 39.
Philosophy, 48, 295.
Plan of Life, 88.
Plan of Salvation, eternal nature of, 13.
Pleasure hunting, 404.
Pledge, do not p. children, 373.
of my life, 639.
Plural marriage forbidden, 351.
wives of Joseph Smith, 619.
Political Government, 503.
Politics, and the Church, 519.
Church not in, 519.
Poor, see _Charity and Tithing_.
Poor, 282.
place in Church, 296.
should be tithe-payers, 289.
Prayer, 269, 273, 274.
blessings follow, 281.
for authorities, 279.
how to pray, 275.
practical, 276.
Preexistence, 14, 114.
Preside, who fit to, 206.
President of Church, authority of, 219.
all under his direction, 217,
divine missions of, 211.
inspired, 213.
Presiding authority, father in family, 359.
Presiding Bishopric, 222.
Presiding officers, authority of, 230.
composition, 478.
Priesthood, 168.
all officers necessary, 204.
all should exercise authority, 208.
authority of, 218.
blessing upon, 224.
conferring of, 169.
definition and purpose of, 174.
distinction between keys and, 168.
duty of, 196.
explanation of, 181.
Priesthood, greater than its offices, 184.
held alone by Joseph, 55.
how authority administered, 186.
how honor, 207.
its offices, 216.
jurisdiction of quorums, 188.
keys held by Joseph alone, 55.
keys of, 176.
Lesser, 234.
Lesser, be active, 233.
many hold, 198.
membership rolls, 207.
mission of, 174.
must be called, to preside, 217.
nearly all hold, 197.
obligations of, 206.
order of, 215.
order of presidency, 179.
presiding authority, 178.
privileged to bless, 182.
responsibilities of quorums, 199.
serious acceptance of, 185.
sanctity of ordinances, 177.
study Section 107, 205.
truth will unite, 195.
use of titles, 203.
vote in, 196.
what it is, 199, 173.
Principles of the Gospel, not new, 36.
Profanity, 303.
Prohibtion, 302.
Prosperity, foundation of, 443.
Purity, see _Unchastity_.
Purity, 390.
Church stands for, 192.
Question, when to submit, 223.
Quorum, see _Priesthood_.
Quorum, responsibility of, 199.
Raffling, 407.
gambling, 410,
Reading, 295, 407.
Recompense, the law of, 468,
Redeemer, see _Jesus_.
Redeemer, I know he lives, 80, 84, 642.
Redemption, beyond grave, 550.
vision of dead, 596.
Relief Society, 179.
duties of, 482.
duty and purpose of, 484.
object of, 483.
purpose of, 482.
Religion, be true to, 322.
fruits of true, 90.
spirit of, 152.
Religion Classes, purpose and
duties of, 502.
Religious, not naturally, 148.
Repentance, 123.
change with, 117.
fallacy of death-bed, 116.
Responsibility, man's eternal, 27.
personal, 84.
Rest, for followers of Christ, 155.
God's, 71.
Resurrected beings parents, 85.
Resurrection, 29, 85, 547, 564, 577, 584.
condition of children, 569.
final judgment, 566.
status of children, 574.
Retreat from evil, 468.
Revelation, 128.
enjoyed by all, 43.
legal evidence and, 49.
modern necessary, 45.
new, 43.
persecution follows, 57.
proper channels for, 50.
theory and divine, 47.
value of, 42.
when expect new, 46.
Righteousness and marriage, 343.
will prevail, 5.
Rights, respect others', 354.
Reward, according to works, 155.
Rule, God's right to, 66.
Sabbath, see _Sunday_.
Sabbath, 300, 303.
don't rob, 310.
Sabbath, keep holy, 307.
meaning of, 304.
purpose of, 304.
what do on, 304.
Sacrament, 252.
Saints, see _Latter-day Saints_.
Salvation, see _Plan of salvation_.
Salvation, 538.
spirit of, 91.
spiritual and temporal, 260.
Saloon, 301.
Saturday's work, 303.
Save, mission of Church, 88.
School, address to graduates, 334.
need manual training, 432.
Science, 48.
defined, 6.
Search, 151.
Secret societies, 135.
Secret organizations, 134.
Seventy, duties of, 228, 229.
how to replenish quorums, 229.
Sick, order of administration to, 256.
Singing, 324.
Sin, degrees of sexual, 388.
how cleansed, 116.
knowledge of, unnecessary, 467.
pardonable, 545.
washed away by atonement, 120.
Smith, Hyrum, meaning of martyrdom, 620.
Smith, Joseph, 39, 604.
Joseph, the boy, 617.
Joseph, meaning of martyrdom, 620.
a resource, 619.
Joseph, name will not perish, 605.
Joseph, plural wives of, 619.
Joseph, prediction fulfilled, 614.
Joseph, reality of first vision of, 604.
Joseph will reveal himself, 52.
Joseph restorer, 619.
service of, 604.
testimony about, 210.
Smith, Joseph F., an appreciation, 644.
a biographical sketch, 666.
editorial on his death and life, 683.
reminiscences, 655.
Snow, Erastus, tribute to, 249.
Snow, Lorenzo, 212.
Social duties, 402.
Soul, test of greatness, 332.
Spirit, memories, 15.
needs food, 262.
preexistence of, 114.
Spirit of God vs. Holy Ghost, 82.
Spirit world, labors in, 581.
preaching in, 595.
Spiritual death, 20, 544.
Spiritual gifts, 251.
Spiritual and temporal, 260.
Staines, W. C., 29.
Stake, jurisdiction, 189.
Stake Presidents, Counsel to, 225.
duties of, 225.
Stake Sunday School Board, 487.
Stephenson, 39.
Strong drinks, 301.
Study the gospel, 323.
Success, defined, 152.
Sunday, see _Sabbath_.
Sunday, need of worship, 305.
Sunday School, how to teach, 368.
object of, 485.
principle of teaching, 485.
qualification of teachers, 485.
Stake Board, 487.
teacher essential, 485.
training of children, 367.
Superstitions, 470, 472.
Sympathize, with unfortunate, 294.
Tasks, respect daily, 358.
Taylor, John, 212.
Teach, what, 366.
Teacher, dignity of calling, 235.
beware of false, 466.
essential in Sunday School, 485.
Teacher, must believe in Christ, 502.
principle of Sunday School, 485.
qualification for Sunday
School, 485.
value of work, 236.
Temperance, 300, 301, 305.
Temple, care and need of, 594.
ordinances unchanged, 593.
Temporal death, 20.
Temporal, gospel designed for, 261.
and spiritual, 260.
nothing, with God, 85.
spiritual and, 260.
Terror, gospel shield from, 109.
Testimony, see _Faith_.
Testimony, 158, 636, 638, 641, 643.
how to acquire, 158.
personal, 635.
purpose of bearing, 258.
use of, 257.
Theory, 47.
Thinkers, Latter-day Saints must be, 140.
Time, cease to waste, 295.
Tithe-payers, books open to, 293.
a Church help, 289.
Tithing, 282.
commercialism and, 291.
how used and accounted for, 293.
law of revenue, 283.
test a, 283.
use of, 291.
why instituted, 282.
widow and, 286, 289.
Tobacco, 301.
True to family, 353.
Truth, 1.
blessings for, 12.
Church stands for, 192.
foundation of gospel, 1.
from God, 6.
gospel on foundation of, 112.
how foundation laid, 9.
how may know, 8.
man saved by, 2.
not superseded, 3.
the fountain of, 36, 497.
why hated, 464.
will prevail, 5.
will unite, 195.
Twelve apostles, labors in spirit world, 581.
Unchastity, see Purity.
Unchastity, danger of, 392.
degrees of, 388.
dominant evil, 386.
how avoid, 263.
Unfortunate, respect, 355.
should sympathize with, 294.
Unions, see _Labor unions_.
United States, loyalty to Constitution, 512.
loyalty of Saints, 512.
origin and destiny, 512.
Saints loyal to, 512.
Unpardonable Sin, 545.
Untruth, where to expect it, 466.
Utah, guided to, 515.
possibilities of, 630.
Venerate, 355.
Violence, shun spirit of, 520.
Virtue, Church stands for, 192.
Vision, redemption of dead, 596.
Vitality and patent medicines, 302.
Vote, how in Church, 196.
order of, 197.
Vulgarity, 303.
War, attitude towards, 524.
cause of, 523.
conduct of boys in, 531.
God strives with nations, 530.
message to boys in, 535.
Ward, relation to auxiliary organizations, 450.
jurisdiction, 189.
Warfare, God's, 71.
Washington, 39, 500.
Waste, 295.
Watts, 39.
Weakness, how rise above, 264.
Wealth, 144.
West, guided to, 515.
Wicked, keep from, 426.
Wife, and husband in eternity, 392.
be true to, 353.
determines husband, 363.
treatment of family members, 355.
Wisdom in everything, 305.
Witchcraft, 470, 472.
Woodruff, Wilford, 212.
Women, practical preparation of, 439.
Word of Wisdom, 305.
missionaries and, 457.
Work of Lord will grow, 92.
Workers, Latter-day Saints must be, 140.
World, not love Church, 425.
Worry, no cause for, 107.
Wounds, not inflict, 331.
Young, Brigham, 211.
testimony to, 628.
Young Ladies' Mutual Improvement Associations,
see _Mutual Improvement Associations_
see _Young Men's Mutual Improvement Associations.
Young Ladies' Mutual Improvement Association, 179.
order of presiding, 180.
Young Men's Mutual Improvement Associations,
see _Mutual Improvement Associations_
see _Young Ladies' Mutual Improvement Associations.
Young Men's Mutual Improvement Association, 179.
field of, 488.
order of presiding, 180.
Youth, address to, 334.
look forward, 400.
Zion, no place for idlers, 296.
to remain, 92.