At the end of the year as we were finishing out study of the Book of Mormon, I was thinking about the situation of Moroni, left alone to fend for himself and try to stay away from the Lamanites who would have killed him if he did not deny Christ. We don’t know if he was eventually caught by the Lamanites or translated or died alone in the wilderness. I thought that his situation was in some respects like that of the Willie and Martin handcart companies. They were pushed to the extreme as well. I wondered how I would respond in such a situation. Would I be strong enough to stay faithful? We all can say and hope that we would remain faithful and endure well, but until we are put in that situation how do we know? Our real natures would be revealed only when we are pushed to our limits. I think that all of us will at some point be tried in that way in the pre-earth life, in this life or in the next - not for the Lord’s sake, I think he already knows how we will react – but for our sake, so we will know. Think of the power and confidence that knowledge that we are faithful even when pushed to our limits could give us.
President Hinckley told a story about the Martin Hand cart company ………“Years later, a group in Cedar City were talking about her and others who were in those ill-fated companies. Members of the group spoke critically of the Church and its leaders because the company of converts had been permitted to start so late in the season. I now quote from a manuscript which I have:
“One old man in the corner sat silent and listened as long as he could stand it. Then he arose and said things that no person who heard will ever forget. His face was white with emotion, yet he spoke calmly, deliberately, but with great earnestness and sincerity.
“He said in substance, ‘I ask you to stop this criticism. You are discussing a matter you know nothing about. Cold historic facts mean nothing here for they give no proper interpretation of the questions involved. A mistake to send the handcart company out so late in the season? Yes. But I was in that company and my wife was in it and Sister Nellie Unthank whom you have cited was there too. We suffered beyond anything you can imagine and many died of exposure and starvation, but did you ever hear a survivor of that company utter a word of criticism? Not one of that company ever apostatized or left the Church because every one of us came through with the absolute knowledge that God lives for we became acquainted with him in our extremities.” (Our Mission of Saving, Ensign, November 1991)
Verily I say unto you, all among them who know their hearts are honest, and are broken, and their spirits contrite, and are willing to observe their covenants by sacrifice—yea, every sacrifice which I, the Lord, shall command—they are accepted of me.
9 For I, the Lord, will cause them to bring forth as a very fruitful tree which is planted in a goodly land, by a pure stream, that yieldeth much precious fruit.
(Doctrine and Covenants | Section 97:8 - 9)
4 comments:
I have heard that story many times, and it always makes an impression on me and reminds me of what is really important. Thanks for posting it.
Richard, I love your "things I hope you'll teach my grandchildren" posts. You have such great insights. I hope your children are appreciating your wisdom and will actually passing that wisdom on to their children. I, too, have heard that story many times and I think the message is profound. It is not pleasant to think of having to endure things that push to our limits, but I agree, it is part of the process.
I'm awfully behind on the blogs so probably no one will read this. But I do enjoy your "Things I would have you teach my grandchildren" posts. I hope I can pass on these things to Austin.
What a nice post, Uncle Richard.
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