History of Utah, 1540-1886 - Brigham Young University

670
THE LAST DAYS OF BRIGHAM YOUNG.
on the features of him who had been to them for so
many years as their God on earth, their faithful guide
and counsellor. Throughout the territory flags were
hung at half-mast, and civic and religious societies
united in rendering tribute to one who had gained
the respect and almost outlived the hatred of the civ-
ilized world. It was indeed a day of mourning in
Israel, of grievous and heart-felt mourning, for to all
his followers he had been a friend and benefactor, so
far as they would accept his aid and receive his teachings.
From Europe, also, and from various portions
of the United States, came messages of condolence,
and in every quarter of the globe the death of Brigham
Young excited more remark than would that of
a great monarch.
Throughout the entire day clouds lowered in heavy
masses over the city of the saints, and from them fell
light but frequent showers, as if in sympathy with
the multitudes that thronged the tabernacle; but on
the morning of the 2d the sun rose over a clear, unruffled
sky, ushering in one of the calmest and brightest
sabbaths that had ever been seen in Zion. Long
before the hour appointed for the services, more than
thirty thousand persons were gathered in or around
the tabernacle, the aisles, the doorways, and every
inch of space being occupied. The building was
tastefully decorated. From the immense arch which
spans the interior depended strands and garlands of
flowers grouped in rich profusion, in their midst being
a massive floral centre-piece. Under the entire gallery
wreaths were festooned between the pillars with
baskets pendent, the front of the platform, the stands,
and the organ being draped in black. The coffin,
constructed according to the late president's orders, 39
39 Nearly four years before his death, Brigham gave instructions as to his
funeral, and at the same time a number of elders gave orders as to their own
interment. 'I, Brigham Young, wish my funeral services to be conducted
after the following manner: When I breathe my last I wish my friends to put
my body in as clean and wholesome state as can conveniently be done, and
preserve the same for one, two, three, or four days, or as long as my body
can be preserved in a good condition. I want my coffin made of plump 1£-