Continuing the excerpts from my files and notes:
“Having been a boarder in General Smith’s family for more than nine months,” wrote John M. Bernhisel, a physician who later served as Utah’s delegate to the United States Congress,
with abundant opportunities to contemplate his character and observe his conduct, I have concluded to give you a few of my “impressions” of him. General Joseph Smith is naturally a man of strong mental powers, and is possessed of much energy and decision of character, great penetration and a profound knowledge of human nature. He is a man of calm judgment, enlarged views, and is eminently distinguished by his love of justice. He is kind and obliging, generous and benevolent, sociable and cheerful, and is possessed of a mind of a contemplative and reflective character. He is honest, frank, fearless and independent, and as free from dissension as any now to be found.
But it is in the gentle charities of domestic life, as the tender and affectionate husband and parent, the warm and sympathizing friend, that the prominent traits of his character are revealed, and his heart is felt to be keenly alive to the kindest and softest emotions of which human nature is susceptible.
He is a true lover of his country and a bright and shining example of integrity and moral excellence in all the relations of life. As a religious teacher as well as a man, he is greatly beloved by this people.[1]
[1] $Andrus and Andrus, They Knew the Prophet, 199.*
***
Three temple-related items:
“How far apart are these Mormon temples?”
“There’s No Temple In The World Quite Like This One In Maryland”
“Public Tours Commence for Cedar City Utah Temple”
“Open House Begins for Meridian Idaho Temple”
This last pair of links includes video and still photographs of two temples that will soon be dedicated.
***
Two items from the front lines of the defense of religious liberty:
“‘We got your back, Jack,’ conservative black clergy tell baker who refused gay couple”
“In My Hometown, the Larsens Are Known for Loving People”
***
And, finally, here’s a curious little factoid that some might find of interest:
“The Mormon Whose Life Inspired One of the Most Iconic Romance Movies of All Time”
Posted from Richmond, Virginia
Ad-Free & Subscriber Log-In