Praise to the Main

William W. Phelps, close associate of the Prophet Joseph, gave a stirring funeral sermon for the martyred Church leaders. "They can rest from their labors, and their works shall follow them," he declared. "Mourn not; these sons of God are safe; dry up your tears; confess the hand of the Lord in all things, and comfort each other with the sweet hope that their lives were precious in the sight of all heaven."

Phelps paid final tribute to the prophet of the Restoration, writing the hymn "Praise to the Man": "Hail to the Prophet, ascended to heaven! Traitors and tyrants now fight him in vain. Mingling with Gods, he can plan for his brethren; Death cannot conquer the hero again."