I thought through this life my time would be my own.

The step I now am takings for eternity alone.

No need to be the wiser, through time I shall be free, and as the past hath been, the future still

will be. To my guileless heart, all free from worldly care, and full of blissful hopes and youthful visions rare,

the world seemed bright, the threatening clouds were kept, from sight and all looked fair,

but pitying angels wept. They saw my youthful friends grow shy and cold, and poisonous darts from slanderous sacrifice. Thou didst not weigh

the cost, nor know the bitter price. Thy happy dreams, all o'er, thou'st doomed alas to be,

barred out from social scenes by this thy destiny. And o'er thy saddened memories of sweet departed joys, thy sickened heart

will brood and imagine future woes. And like a fettered bird with wild and longing heart,

thou'lt daily pine for freedom and murmur at thy lot. But couldst thou see the future and view

that glorious crown, awaiting you in heaven,

you would not weep nor mourn. Pure and exalted was thy father's aim, he saw a glory in obeying

this high celestial law. For two thousands who have died without the light, I will bring eternal joy

and make thy crown

more bright.

I'd been taught to revere the prophet of God and receive every word as the word of the Lord.

But had this not come through my dear father's mouth, I should ne'er have received it as God's

sacred truth.

Helen Marr Kimball.

I am Ryan McKnight.

I'm Kara Santa Maria.

I am Christopher Smith.

...