Lydia remained here until the Summer of '34, and then, on seeing a
chance to return within about eighty miles of her home in western New
York, she did so. At a town called St. Catherine she remained some two
months, and then went by stage to her father's house.
So beautiful was this gospel in the eyes of the ardent girl, that she
felt that all that was needful for her parents to share in her joy, was
simply to tell them the story. But as is often the case, the father and
mother, although so good and kind, could not comprehend the truth.
"Lydia," said the mother, "you don't mean to tell me you have united
yourself with those disgraceful Mormons. To think that my daughter
should dishonor herself by being cheated and deluded by those
imposters!"
"Oh, mother," the tearful Lydia replied, "don't call those great and
good men imposters, whom I have had the honor to see and know. Indeed
they are true gentlemen and earnest Christians. If you would only let
me tell you of these great truths that have been revealed from heaven."
But arguments and tears were of no avail. Nothing could induce the
indignant mother who was a strict Presbyterian, or the quiet father,
who, although professing no religion, was conscientious and moral, to
accept her views for one moment. On the other hand, the principles
Lydia had embraced were too precious to be given up for father or
mother, tenderly loved as they were.
"It's no use," at last said the mother, "you know Lydia never would
leave the sheep-skin till the last lock was pulled."
The girl grew restless and unhappy under the constant railery and
derision showered upon the despised religion by her parents, while, at
the same time they gave much pity and sympathy to their poor deluded
daughter.
At last she decided upon going out to Kirtland which was then the
gathering place of the Saints. Seeing her so determined Mr. and Mrs.
Goldthwait gave Lydia ample means to go to her destination, and be
comfortable and respectable. In the Spring of '35, once more this lone
woman started out on a journey.
On reaching Kirtland, the family with whom Lydia had traveled, set at
once to make arrangements to settle down. Leaving his wife and Lydia
at the hotel, Mr. Knight, for that was the gentleman's name, went
out, soon returning with his brother Vincent, who was a resident of
Kirtland. On being introduced to Lydia, Vincent Knight said: "Sister,
the Prophet is in bondage and has been brought into distress by the
persecutions of the wicked, and if you have any means to give, it will
be a benefit to him." "Oh yes, sir," she replied, "here is all I have.
I only wish it was more," emptying her purse, containing, perhaps fifty
dollars, in his hand as she spoke.
He looked at it and counted it and fervently exclaimed: "Thank God,
this will release and set the Prophet free!"
The young girl was without means now, even to procure a meal or a
night's lodging. Still the sweet spirit that rested upon her whispered
"all will be well."
As evening drew on, Vincent Knight returned and brought the welcome
news that Joseph was at liberty, and Lydia's joy to think that she had
been the humble means of helping the Prophet was unbounded.
After talking some time Vincent remarked to her: "Now sister, if you
think you can be comfortable and happy with my family, you are welcome
to a home there. You shall be as a sister to my wife and myself."
Was not here the promise of the spirit beautifully verified?
For six or eight months Lydia lived a pleasant life beneath this good
man's roof.
In the Fall of '35, the Prophet's brother Hyrum requested Lydia to come
to his home and assist his wife. He promised her she should receive
all the care and thought that could be given to her if she really were
at home. She complied with the request, and while living there became
acquainted with one of the brethren who boarded at the place while
working on the Kirtland Temple. His name was Newel Knight, although not
related in any way with the Knight family spoken of in the beginning
of this chapter. The young man was tall, had light brown, hair, a keen
blue eye and a very energetic and determined manner.
"Brother Knight is a widower," remarked Sister Smith one day when she
and Lydia were busily at work.
"Oh indeed," laconically replied the girl.
"Yes, poor fellow. He lost his wife last Fall. She was a delicate
woman, and the many trials and persecutions she suffered were too much
for her frail body, and she died when her baby was but two days old.
The little one lived but a few hours. Poor Brother Knight! His heart
was almost broken. He has a little boy three years old living with his
aunt, Newel's sister. Poor fellow, he is very lonely."
Lydia went on with her work making no reply, although her heart ached
with sympathy for the desolate young man; for was _she_ not well
acquainted with sorrow? did not she know the anguish of being alone?
But well she knew that friendly interest was all she could give to this
noble man who had so plainly shown his interest in her.
One day as they sat alone together in the family room. Newel said to
her kindly, very gently:
"My child, you seem very lonely as well as myself. Why can we not
comfort each other?"
"Sir," she replied indignantly, "I know my condition is lonely and not
a desirable one, but I do not wish you to insult me. I have not the
slightest knowledge where my husband is, or whether he is alive or
dead. But I do not wish to take any step to make my condition worse or
bring shame upon my family and deprive me of the salvation I am seeking
to obtain."
With these words she immediately left the room giving him no
opportunity to make a reply.
Several days passed without giving Newel the chance he wished for to
apologize and explain to the offended girl.
Meeting her at last he told her he was sorry to have incurred her
displeasure, and endeavored to show her that according to the law she
was a free woman, having been deserted for three years with nothing
provided for her support. But all that he said had no influence on
Lydia who replied calmly that she was of the same mind she had been a
week previous. But love is not killed so easily. Newel continued to
make every endeavor to persuade Lydia to relinquish her own feelings,
and accept the freedom that the law offered; but Lydia remained firm.
The young man was finally so convinced that she could not be persuaded,
and so full was he of the desire to have the woman he felt God had
designed to be his wife, that he fasted and prayed three days and
nights, and then sought the Prophet and presented the case to him, that
he might get the word of the Lord. Accordingly, Joseph presented his
petition to the Lord, and the reply came that Lydia was free from that
man. God did not wish any good woman to live a life of loneliness, and
she was free to marry. Also that the union of Newel and Lydia would be
pleasing in His sight.
Full of joy Newel sought Lydia and communicated the word he had
received. No longer need the lovely girl fight this love that had grown
up in both hearts. Throwing herself on her knees she poured out her
soul in thanksgiving to God for His precious blessings. How unworthy
she felt! What a thrill of joy went through her when she was told God
had spoken to His servant Joseph concerning her, His humble handmaiden.
Thereafter she gave her consent to marry Newel, and in a few days the
news came to her of her husband's death. Was not this a convincing
testimony of the truth of Joseph's word?