A Biography of Ezra Thompson Clark

Ezra Clark, page 006

6 EZRA THOMPSON CLARK tiful. The majestic curve of the river at this point is nearly two miles wide. Nauvoo soon became the largest and most attractive city in the State of Illinois, and contained some of the best institutions of that day. The city was laid out in streets of right angles. " There were white-washed log cab- ins, also frame, brick and stone houses, with grounds and gardens. Among the buildings of prominence were the Masonic Hall and the Hall of Seventies, in which was a librarv and a concert hall. The Nauvoo House was a hotel as well as the home of the Prophet. Glistening on the hill stood the temple in white limestone." Interesting experiences came to Ezra in the Saints' new home. Here he witnessed the cornerstone of the temple be- ing laid at a conference in 1841, when he was eighteen. The prophet had asked for contributions to forward the work; after the meeting Ezra stepped up to him and gave all that he had. Joseph looked at the money and then at the giver with this remark: "Young man, you will never lack for the necessities of life nor for money." The prosperity and growth of the Church were much greater than ever before. Many missionaries had been sent abroad and they established branches of small and large groups of Saints in most of the states of the Union and in Europe. Joseph Smith was a prophet to the people, presi- dent of the Church, commander-in-chief of the Nauvoo Legion, mayor of Nauvoo, and now in February 1844, declared himself a candidate for the presidency of the United States. His fame, wealth, and power were short- lived. He had reached the climax of his glory. Four months after he announced his candidacy for the office of president of the United States, his career in this life was ended. Ezra Clark and his wife, Mary, participated in all the joy