History, 1838–1856, volume C-1 Addenda

  • Source Note
  • Historical Introduction
Page 43
image
this opportunity.
The Spirit of the Lord was poured out in a very powerful manner, never to be forgotten by those present on this interesting occasion.”
Addenda • 9 April 1842
<​1842 April 9th.​> The following brief Extract is from ’s Journal
<​page 1316​> April 9th. 1842. The Saints in assembled at the house of at an early hour in the morning to pay their last respect to the body of Ephraim Marks, son of President who died on the evening of the 7th.. A large procession formed and walked to the where a numerous congregation had assembled. President Joseph Smith spoke upon the occasion with much feeling and interest. Among his remarks he said: “It is a very solemn and awful time.— I never felt more solemn: it calls to mind the death of my oldest brother who died in , and my youngest brother who died in . It has been hard for me to live on earth, and see these young men upon whom we have leaned for support and comfort taken from us in the midst of their youth. Yes! it has been hard to be reconciled to these things. I have sometimes thought that I should have felt more reconciled to have been called away myself if it had been the will of God; yet I know we ought to be still and know it is of God, and be reconciled to his will, all is right It will be but a short time before we shall all in like manner be called; it may be the case with me as well as you. Some have supposed that Brother Joseph could not die; but this is a mistake it is true there have been times when I have had the promise of my life to accomplish such and such things; but having now accomplished those things, I have not at present any lease of my life; I am as liable to die as other men.
I can say in my heart that I have not done any thing against Ephraim Marks that I am sorry for, and I would ask any of his companions if they have done any thing against him that they are sorry for, or that they would not like to meet and answer for at the bar of God; if so, let it prove as a warning to all to deal justly before God and with all mankind; then we shall be clear in the day of Judgement.
When we lose a near and dear friend upon whom we [p. 43]
this opportunity.
The Spirit of the Lord was poured out in a very powerful manner, never to be forgotten by those present on this interesting occasion.”
Addenda • 9 April 1842
1842 April 9th.
page 1316 The Saints in assembled at the house of at an early hour in the morning to pay their last respect to the body of Ephraim Marks, son of President who died on the evening of the 7th.. A large procession formed and walked to the where a numerous congregation had assembled. President Joseph Smith spoke upon the occasion with much feeling and interest. Among his remarks he said: “It is a very solemn and awful time.— I never felt more solemn: it calls to mind the death of my oldest brother who died in , and my youngest brother who died in . It has been hard for me to live on earth, and see these young men upon whom we have leaned for support and comfort taken from us in the midst of their youth. Yes! it has been hard to be reconciled to these things. I have sometimes thought that I should have felt more reconciled to have been called away myself if it had been the will of God; yet I know we ought to be still and know it is of God, and be reconciled to his will, all is right It will be but a short time before we shall all in like manner be called; it may be the case with me as well as you. Some have supposed that Brother Joseph could not die; but this is a mistake it is true there have been times when I have had the promise of my life to accomplish such and such things; but having now accomplished those things, I have not at present any lease of my life; I am as liable to die as other men.
I can say in my heart that I have not done any thing against Ephraim Marks that I am sorry for, and I would ask any of his companions if they have done any thing against him that they are sorry for, or that they would not like to meet and answer for at the bar of God; if so, let it prove as a warning to all to deal justly before God and with all mankind; then we shall be clear in the day of Judgement.
When we lose a near and dear friend upon whom we [p. 43]
Page 43