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"He Was of the Great Ones of the Earth"

HEBER J. GRANT'S career was fast moving and colorful. The intermountain commonwealth was in its infancy when he was born. Through most of the eighty-eight years that made up his life's span, he was identified with its growth and active in its development. The years from 1856 to 1945 were eventful years in this Church-years of poverty and persecution, followed by years of prosperity and plenty. From his boyhood his interests were identified with its interests; its well-being was his constant concern. He developed early in life and did a man's work while yet a boy, but his greatest work was done after he was sixty years of age. It was a long preparation, but subsequent events and achievements justified it. During the more than twenty-six years that he was President, he gave the Church a great administration, and the responsibility of that high office developed the greatness and splendor of his character. President Grant was no ordinary man. He belonged in the category of the great. I have spoken of his friendship, his human kindness, his understanding heart, his transparent frankness, his rugged honesty, his faith, his power to persist, his brilliant achievements, the application of his religion to daily life, his integrity, his love of music, of nature, and of all things of beauty. These virtues were finely integrated in his character. If one were called upon to select the characteristics that were dominant in his life, the list would include his loyalty, his magnanimity, his continuity of purpose. Loyalty, that fundamental and shining virtue in all worth-while lives, permeated all that he said and did. It manifested itself in a steadfast, thorough-going devotion to any cause he espoused, to any friend or institution with which he was associated. His magnanimity was magnificent, he seemed to be devoid of self-seeking. His entire life was adorned with deeds of generosity. No one matched him in this respect. His joy in giving knew no bounds. He shared the good things and the joy of life with others.

It was heartwarming to know him. Forty years ago I received a letter written in his free and graceful handwriting, enclosing a copy of the following poem:

TO MY SON

Do you know that your soul is of my soul such a part,

That you seem to be fiber and core of my heart?

None other can pain me as you, dear, can do;

None other can please me or praise me as you.

Remember the world will be quick with its blame,

If shadow or stain ever darken your name.

"Like mother, like son," is a saying so true,

The World will judge largely of mother by you.

Be yours, then the task, if task it should be,

To force the proud world to do homage to me.

Be sure it will say when its verdict you've won,

She reaped as she sowed, Lo! This is her son.

-Margaret Johnstone Graflin

In this letter he said:

"I was not very well-acquainted with your mother but knew and loved your father. I looked upon him as one of the loyal and true men of this dispensation. Permit me to assure you that you have, in my judgment, been one of the splendid sons of the Church, who have 'forced the proud world to pay homage to your mother.' * * *