Elegy [Eulogy]

On the death of the dearly beloved, and much lamented father in Israel, Joseph Smith Sen. a Patriarch in the church of Latter Day Saints; who died at Nauvoo, Sept. 14th, 1840.

Zions noblest sons are weeping; Zion's children lov'd him dearly;

See her daughter, bathed in tears, Zion was his daily care:

Where the Patriarch is sleeping. That his loss is felt sincerely,

Nature's sleep-the sleep of years. Thousand weeping saints declare;

Hush'd is every note of gladness- Thousands, who shar'd his blessing

Ev'ry minstrels bow's full low- Thousands, whom his service bless'd,

Ev'ry heart, is tun'd to sadness- By his faith and pray'rs suppressing

Ev'ry bosom feels the blow. Evils, which their lives opprest [oppressed].

Faith and works, most sweetly blessed, Faith's sweet voice of consolation,

Prov'd his steadfast heart sincere; Soothes our grief: His spirit's flown

And the power of God, attended Upward, to a holier station,

His official labors, here, Nearer the celestial throne;

Long, he stem'd the powers of darkness, There to plead the cause of Zion,

Like an anchor in the flood: In the council of the JUST-

Like an oak amid the tempest, In the court, the saints rely on,

Bold, and fearlessly he stood. Pending causes to ADJUST.

Years have witnessed his devotions, Though his earthly part is sleeping

By the love of God inspired: Lowly, 'neath the prairie sod;

When his spirit's pure emotions, Soon the grave will yield its keeping-

Ware [where] with holy ardour [ardor] fir'd. Yield to life, the man of God.

Oft, he wept for suff'ring Zion- When the heav'ns and earth are shaken-

All her sorrows were his own: When all things shall be restored-

When she pass'd thro' grievous trials, When the trump of God shall waken

Her oppressions weigh'd down. Those that sleep in Christ the Lord.

Now he's gone; We'd not recall him

From a paradise of bliss,

Where no evil can befall him;

To a changing world like this.

His lov'd name, will never perish,

Nor his mem'ry crown the dust;

For the saints of God will cherish

The remembrance of the JUST. ELIZA K. SNOW