From the Life of the Prophet Joseph Smith

Hard at Work, Hard at Play

Adapted from Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Joseph Smith (Melchizedek Priesthood and Relief Society course of study, 2007), 429, 431–32.

Hard at Work, Hard at Play, left page

Illustrations by Sal Velluto and Eugenio Mattozzi

Joseph often played ball and other games with the young men in town.

Give the ball a good toss.

On one occasion, they played for a long time until they all began to get tired. When Joseph noticed, he called the boys together.

Let us build a log cabin. There is a widow who is in need of one.

I sure am tired. I don’t know how Joseph does it.

He’s always like this—serving whenever he can.

Hard at Work, Hard at Play, right page

Another time, Joseph was again playing ball with some men and young men from town. When the game was finished, Joseph called the men together.

Brethren, hitch up your teams.

The men did just as Joseph asked and drove into the forest to gather wood.

This is the 39th and last wagon.

We did good work today, brother. Would anyone like to pull sticks?

Joseph was strong and good at a game called pulling sticks. He pulled up each opponent, one after another.

When they finished pulling sticks, Joseph called the men and young men around again.

Take these wagons out, and cut the wood for anyone who needs it.

The Saints loved to do what the Prophet asked, even if they were weary from a long day of hard work and play.

Haul ’em out, boys! Let’s do what the Prophet asks.