A Life of Kindness

Adapted from Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Joseph Smith (Melchizedek Priesthood and Relief Society course of study, 2007), 519.

Illustrations by Sal Velluto and Eugenio Mattozzi

One day, just after it had rained in beautiful Nauvoo, Margarette McIntire and her older brother Wallace were walking to school.

Hurry up, Wallace, or we’ll be late.

I’m coming.

My boots are stuck, Margarette!

Mine are too. There’s too much mud.

The children found they couldn’t get out, so they started to cry, thinking they would have to stay there.

What’s this?

Brother Joseph!

We’re stuck.

Joseph pulled the two children out of the mud.

He cleaned the mud off their boots.

You look very pretty today, Margarette. Don’t worry about the mud—it will come off.

He dried their tears.

Cheer up, young man. You’re a very good older brother. Keep taking good care of your sister.

Margarette later recalled the experience: “Was it any wonder that I loved that great, good, and noble man of God?”

Off to school, now.

Thank you, Brother Joseph.

Good-bye!