The Salt Lake herald. [volume] (Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1870-1909, 1881-10-04
ORsoE PRATT.

There is mourning again to day
from one end OF Utah to the other.
and in fact wherever there are Nor
mons who have heard of the death OF
OrsOn Pratt. His brave heart has
ceased to beat, his noble brain is no
longer active, his voice is hushed, and
his pure soul has gone to that God
who gave it to earth tor time. With
Che closing OF bis eyes 10 death there
goes forth a vail of sorrow for one
whose life has been great because it
vas pure and full OF good works;
whose thoughts were holy and whose
deeds we're those of the just; who
knew nothing but uprightness and
fRithfnlness and sincerity in this
world. and who was bravo enough 10
be upright. faithful and sincere. The
mourning for this mighty dead il of
that character which commands
respect. rather than attracts attention.
It is the mourning of the heart, the
deep sorrow ofthe soul that feels 9
loss that cannot be satisfied. Those
who were st the Tabernacle q few
Sundays ago, though net OF the Nor
mon faith. we're able to experience
Eometh ng OF the love felt for Orson
Pratt. TIE cid man to:tered to the
pulpit in which he had not
stood for year. His seventy year
OF study, OF toll, of privation and OF
sickness had told upon a physical
constitution that ordinarily would
hsve been vigorous at his time of life.
Ills sunken eyes retained their fire,
and hisvoice that had been music in the
ears of thousands during the fifty
years of his ministry. held much OF
its power, while his words were as
6cEceful as ever, and bis brain as
active; yet he stood there physical
wreck, his long, white beard and hair
appearing like halo about face
upon which was the pallor of death.
It was q picture that caused one TO
think of the ancient apostles, and
recall the Bible stories Of his
youth. When Elder Pratt stood
there to bear for the last time in
that place his testimony to the truth
OF the religious work in which
he had been engaged from his boy
hood, sensation went through the
immense audience that cannot be
described. It was s selioitous hush,
q breathing anxiety, q whispered
hope that the old man would be able
to finish the brief task that be had
set himself, in once more speaking to
the people upon these things he loved
80 well to talk about. Che Conld
almost feel that there we're a thou
sand prayers ascending to heaven in
behalf of the tottering giant. When
his strength could no longer sustain
him on his feet, and hie few SEN
fences were closed the subdued man
ifeststions of Joy and respect and
reverence were seen in every counte.
nance and felt in every breast rather
than heard. Had the occasion and
place been appropriate. there would
have burst forth shout of Joy to make
the heavens echo. For such a fare
we'll Of the people as that was, what
would not any man give? Few
men could have such an hour.
The love the Mormon people bore for
Orson Pratt was something wonder
fol to contemplate. They regarded
him IS their Paul, their theologian,
their expounder of doctrine. their in
terpreter of faith, their defender
aeainstthe arguments and assaults of |
the world, and above al as their |
brother whose interest in them and |
heir welfare was greater than in