The Prophet Joseph Healing the Sick

380 IMPROVEMENT ERA. humbly to the words of the president of the company which holds his future in its hands." It is not an uncommon thing to see men of the very best qualifi- cations driven to utter ruin by some evil habit, or a combination oj such habits. Without good habits no young man has the least right to expect to succeed in any business he may undertake. THE PROPHET JOSEPH HEALING THE SICK. BY C. L. WALKER, OF ST. GEORGE, UTAH. [When the Saints first settled in Nauvoo, much sickness prevailed, owing to the unhealthful conditions of the place, but many of the people were, in the summer of 1839, miraculously healed by the power of God. The Prophet Joseph Smith, with leading elders, went from house to house administering to the sick who were raised from their afflictions to health and strength. The writer has taken his inspiration from these historical facts.—Editors.] He, a man of noble mien, whose stately step, Majestic, scarce seem'd to touch the earth. Sped on as with winged feet of Mercury, Whose flights erratic o'er Olympian heights, . Scan'd Jove in council with the Deities— His stature, towering full six feet or more, 'Pear'd like a model fit for sculptor's tool; His poise of frame, as on he sped, looking Not back at weak ones far behind, who note His regal stride, and musingly wonder At his endurance, more than human; Buoyed up as by some power invisible. He halted at the hovel door, which swung With creak incessant to the river-wind; And viewed the plague-struck inmates lying there, With eyes compassionate—then, stretching forth His hand to the form emaciate, said: "Arise! and be thou whole: in Jesus' name"— 'Twas done—and by the power of God, he Touch'd them all, and all arose forthwith— And wond'ring gazed on mortal man With power divine invested.