The following is an excerpt from The White Pilgrim: The Life, Travels, and Gospel Labors of Elder Joseph Thomas. It contains a poem written by Elder J. Ellis, composed while standing at the grave of Elder Joseph Thomas, the White Pilgrim.
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I came to the spot where the White Pilgrim lay,
And pensively stood by his tomb,
When in a low whisper I heard something say,
How sweetly I sleep here alone.
The tempest may howl, and the loud thunders roll,
And gathering storms may arise,
Yet calm are my feelings, at rest is my soul,
The tears are all wiped from my eyes.
The cause of my Saviour compelled me to roam,
I bade my companion farewell,
I left my sweet children, who for me now mourn,
In far distant regions to dwell.
I wandered an exile and stranger below,
To publish salvation abroad,
The trump of the Gospel endeavored to blow,
Inviting poor sinners to God.
But when among strangers, and far from my home,
No kindred or relative nigh,
I met the contagion, and sank in the tomb,
My spirits ascended on high.
Go! tell my companion and children most dear,
To weep not for Joseph, tho’ gone;
The same hand that led me thro’ scenes dark and drear,
Has kindly conducted me home.