David had now arrived at the state of advancement, noticeable alike in the life of the Saviour, and in the closing years of the Prophet Joseph, where one sees, in the light of eternal truth, the utter shallowness and worthlessness of worldly pride and pretense, and, cognizant of the fact that no amount of tolerance will cure the evil, is moved to awaken humility with a sharp rebuke.
That evening, President Woodruff relates, he and David went to a stream of clear water below the house, and washed their hands and feet as the Lord directs, and bore testimony against those wicked men.
VI.
David's personal appearance—Healing of Abraham O. Smoot—Margaret Tittle healed—Prophecy at Paris, Tennessee—Journey to Far West—Visits Kirtland during the great apostasy—Chosen to Presidency in Missouri—Revelation—Expresses a wish to die as a martyr.
Probably the description of David's personal appearance with which the most of those who knew him in life agree, is that given by President Abraham O. Smoot, who says he was about six feet one inch in height, stoutly built, though not fleshy, and of a dark complexion, with piercing black eyes. As to disposition, President Smoot describes him as jovial, qualifying his expression, however, with the closing remark:
"His jokes, though, were pretty solid."
At one time while traveling with David, Abraham O. Smoot, then little more than a boy, became so sick he could sit on his horse no longer. Stopping at the house of an atheist, Brother Smoot was put to bed, and David assisted their hostess to prepare the sick man some warm drinks.
His companion receiving no relief, David obtained permission to "attend prayers," and kneeling down by the bedside he laid his hands upon the sick man's head and asked the Lord to heal him.
"Every bit of pain left me," said Brother Smoot, in relating the incident, "in the twinkling of an eye."
It was just following this remark that President Smoot said: