Humility is a pre-requisite to the acceptance and practice of those principles upon which salvation depends, and humility is the very opposite of arrogance. Treasures in heaven are apt to look most attractive to the person whose view thereof is not obstructed by treasures upon earth; for "where the treasure is, there will the heart be also." A poor person, seeking salvation, is not so apt to have his attention distracted therefrom, as is one who is full of care concerning his earthly possessions.
Inasmuch as the work done in the Temple is clearly in the nature of seeking treasures in heaven, it is really refreshing to find a wealthy person, and especially one who has been reared in affluence, manifesting much devotion in that line.
One of the most striking examples of this kind noticeable in the Salt Lake Temple in recent years is that of Brother P . . .
His parents were descended from aristocratic families of Old Virginia. His father was the owner of two large mercantile establishments and other valuable property in his native town before the war, but the war broke him up, and left him comparatively poor. However, he was of that class who cannot be kept down. He was ambitious and enterprising, and soon began to accumulate. Coming to Utah in the year 1864, he engaged in school teaching, farming, ran a threshing machine, clerked in, managed and then owned a store, engaged in banking, etc., wringing success out of everything he turned his hand to. By the time the subject if this sketch (who was born in Utah,) was old enough to receive impressions, his was regarded as among the most wealthy, influential and aggressive families in the state.
None of the sons (of whom there were several in the family) ever served as a missionary, until recently, when one of the younger sons filled a creditable mission to Germany. This fact is mentioned because the calling of one son from a household to fill a mission frequently arouses more or less zeal in the whole family.
Nor were they conspicuous workers in the quorum and auxiliary organizations in the church. This fact is mentioned for the same reason. When young people take an active part in these organizations they frequently develop into enthusiastic church members, and occasionally arouse an interest in spiritual matters throughout the whole family.
The eldest son was a successful mining broker, and prominent in political and business affairs, and the second, (the subject of this sketch) studied law, with the intention of becoming a practicing attorney. These facts are mentioned also for the reason that they are generally understood to tend from rather than towards religious devotion.
Another circumstance that would rather indicate backsliding than a growing zeal, was his disregard for the scriptural injunction: "Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers." He married a girl who was not a member of the Church.
In extenuation, it may be said that he indulged in the hope of converting her; in fact, during the days of their courtship they read and discussed "Mormon" literature together, and she manifested an interest therein; but she hadn't faith enough to join the Church before her marriage; nor, indeed, for four years afterwards, the fact of her parents and most of her relatives being non-"Mormons" possibly accounting for her hesitancy.
With this introduction the story may now be given as told by Brother P..., of how he became interested in Temple work: