(George Albert Smith) Smith was a long-time supporter of visual-handicap societies, serving as president of the Society for the Aid of the Sightless for sixteen years. As a teenager his own sight was permanently impaired while working in the desert glare near Green River, Utah, with a railroad surveying crew.
His own words best sum up his philosophy of benevolent Christianity: "I plead with you, my brothers and sisters, let us be generous with one another. Let us be as patient with one another as we would like others to be with us. Let us see the virtues, not find fault and criticize. If we will do that, we will radiate sunshine, and those who know us best will love us." (1)
-- 1933
[Apostle George Albert Smith Journal] entries are short and make frequent references to his ill health but after the first months of 1933, the entries become longer and are less concerned with is health (2)
-- Jan 2, 1933
[Apostle George Albert Smith Journal] - with wife's (?) illness, "My nerves are nearly gone but am holding on the best I know how (2)
-- Jan 3, 1933
[Apostle George Albert Smith Journal] <empty entry> (2)
-- Jan 6, 1933
[Apostle George Albert Smith Journal] "I was appointed to Alpine Stake Conference but my nerves are trembling so I have been excused." (2)
-- 8 Jan 1933
[Apostle George Albert Smith Journal] <empty entry> (2)
-- 9 Jan 1933
[Apostle George Albert Smith Journal] <empty entry> (2)
-- 10 Jan 1933
[Apostle George Albert Smith Journal] "My nerves are trembly." (2)
-- 16 Jan 1933
[Apostle George Albert Smith Journal] <empty entry> (2)
-- 20 Jan 1933
[Apostle George Albert Smith Journal] <empty entry> (2)
Footnotes:
1 - Van Wagoner, Richard and Walker, Steven C., A Book of Mormons, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies
2 - Journals of George Albert Smith
LDS History Chronology: George Albert Smith
Mormon History Timeline: The life of George Albert Smith
http://lds-church-history.blogspot.com/
