His long residence in the city had
rendered his name familiar to the populace, and a vast number held him in
respect bordering on veneration. His mild and friendly deportment
whenever brought into the society of the common people, had won their
affection. The poor and the needy had ever found relief at his door. The
little children even claimed the aged prophet as their friend. He found
it not beneath the dignity of his station to speak to them in the street,
put his hand on their heads, and say, "May Jehovah bless my little
children!"
In the vicinity of the first president's mansion were seen numerous
groups of persons engaged in low conversation, while deep sorrow was
visible on every countenance. These gatherings gradually swelled to one
solid mass of human beings. The doors of the president's house were
closed, and thick curtains' were drawn across the lattices, and no one as
yet appeared to enter those portals. Presently the throng was in
commotion, several chariots halted before the door, and a number of
government officials alighted, and, with slow steps, and solemn
countenances, they ascended the steps, entered, and closed the door.
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