Deseret evening news. [volume] (Great Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1867-1920, 1897-12-08
OBITUARY.
JOSEPH MeMuRRIN.

JOSEPH McMU kitiN.
Clifton. Idaho. Nov. "a, 1871 de-
sire space in the columns OF the
News" for n few lines in reference y
u brave and noble soifit that ttttntlg
depar.cd this life, rIIhiy, l"s"tl Me
Murrln, of salt l.r,c city. He vas
staunch sud 'nithful loiter-dry
Saint, than whom no truer nor more
self-sacrifcing member could be count
cd in all our ranks. He was born IN
Glasgow, Scotland, seventy-six years
ago, and when the light of truth first
penetrated his native land, after the
restoration of the Gospel through
Joseph Smith, II found welcome
Judgment in his heart. He Joined the
Church in 1854, and from that time on
through the years that nave inter
vened he never faltcred. 1t may be
said of him that he was instant in
season and out of season" In declaring
the glad tidings that had brought SO
much Joy to his heart. At the time
the Gospel found him he was engaged
in business in his native city Fortune
smiled upon him and he was PROSPER
ing exceedingly. When the Elders
taught the principle of gathering, II
gave him no little concern. He had re-
ceived a testimony, however, that II
was the work of the Lord, so he de-
termlned to approach Him in humble
prayer and ascertain the will of the
Lord concerning himself. According
w. he earnestly sought the Author and
Finisher of the faith which he had es-
poused, and prayed to be directed
Alright in relation TO the matter OF
gathering, and his simple yet undoubt-
ing faith prevailed. He received re-
markable answer to his sincere re-
quest. After retiring for the night
voice said to him, Come out of her,
oh my people, that We partake not OF
her sins, and receive not of her
. L.. ..fs 1Ntxr aal
to heaven and God hath remembered
her iniquties. Rev. 18th chapter, 4th
and 9TH verses
.Did you hear that, Maggie" he
said to his wife. Yes" was her reply.
I'm rise" said he. and see If that
ficiently familiar with the Scriptures
at that time to know whether or not 1t
was, but he arose and found, as any
one may. who will take the trouble to
refer to the above chapter the very
words that were quoted by the voice
that spoke to him.
Soon after this occurrence, In the
year 1856, he emigrated to Utah, bring
ing with him, besides his wife and
children, his mother. mothcr-in-law
and his sister Isabella, these being
the only ones of his relatives who were
members of the Church. He doubtless
thought when he sailed away from his
native land that he had looked for the
last time upon those of his relatives
who remained; but he paved the way
for host to follow, and many of them
are to be found In the wales of Utah
today He experienced all the hard
ships connected with those Journeys
across the Plains In carly days, and
upon one occasion he hooped all the
wheels of the handcnrts of the com
pany with which he Travelled.
For about twenty years he was
counselor In the Bshopric of the
Eighth ward, and all who knew him
IN that capacity viii bear me out In
saying that he never swerved to the
right or to the left OF that which he
regarded MS his duty in that position.
At the time when so many of the
Elders were inCarcerated in the
penitentiary, he suffered with the rest.
or rather rejoiced, for those. who We're
with him well know that he slept and
ate well and was always cheerful In
his confinement, even rejoicing through
II all, fully realizing that he was inno-
cent of wrong doing. He made no
display In his life being quiet, un-
assuming man, but many heart he
has comforted and many hungry
soul has he fed; and those who were
most familiar with him viii ever revere
his memory for his splendid courage at
oil times. his simplicity of character
and his honest defence of the cause OF
truth. In all these respects he has
left name and record that should
prove a tower of. strength to his family
who remain. In all the trials and temp
tations with which their pathway may
be strewn through life. Quietly he
has lived in this land for forty-one
years; quietly he has been laid in the
silent grave. But when the roll OF
honor shall be called and the dead IN
Christ shall rise. there standing II
the forefront of that glorious company
clad in he habIliments of the Holy
Priesthood, shall appear in all the vigol
and bloom of resurrected life. brave
devoted, generous hearted, Joseph Nc
Murrin.
Yours in the cause of truth,
1 L NnAIIfE PIN