“Contents,” Ensign, Mar. 1998, 1
Ensign
March 1998
Volume 28 Number 3
On the cover: Photography by David Gaunt; photograph electronically composed. Annapolis Royal Branch (Nova Scotia) members Daphne and Gordon Colwell; community scene in background.
Inside front cover: Elect Lady, © 1996 by Liz Matthews Lemon, oil on canvas, 20″ x 24″. An elect lady, Emma Smith, the Prophet’s wife, was challenged with hardships few people are called to endure. In tribute to this remarkable woman, Lucy Mack Smith, the Prophet’s mother, said: “I have never seen a woman in my life, who would endure every species of fatigue and hardship, from month to month, and from year to year, with that unflinching courage, zeal, and patience, which she has ever done; for I know that which she has had to endure—she has been tossed upon the ocean of uncertainty—she has breasted the storms of persecution, and buffeted the rage of men and devils, which would have borne down almost any other woman” (History of Joseph Smith, by His Mother, ed. Preston Nibley [1958], 190–91).
Inside back cover: Rebekah at the Well, by Michael J. Deas, oil on gesso panel, 20″ x 15″, 1997. Courtesy of Museum of Church History and Art. Seeing a thirsty stranger at the well, Rebekah “hasted, and let down her pitcher upon her hand, and gave him drink” (Gen. 24:18). The man was seeking a wife for Isaac, the son of his master, Abraham. He had previously asked for the Lord’s guidance: “I shall say, Let down thy pitcher, I pray thee, that I may drink; and she shall say, Drink, and I will give thy camels drink also: let the same be she that thou hast appointed for thy servant Isaac” (Gen. 24:14). Because of Isaac and Rebekah, the Lord’s covenant with Abraham that he would have numerous descendants though Isaac was preserved.