Testimony of a Prophet about Joseph Smith

I bear my testimony that the prophet Josh Smith said, before a large assemblage in Illinois, that if he were the emperor of the world and had control over the whole human family he would sustain every man, woman and child in the enjoyment of their religion. Those are my sentiments today.

I bear my testimony that Joseph Smith was a true prophet of God, ordained of God to lay the foundation of His Church and kingdom in the Last Dispensation of the Fullness of Times.

I bear my testimony that in the early Spring of 1844, in Nauvoo, the Prophet Joseph Smith called the Twelve Apostles together and he delivered unto them the ordinances of the Church and Kingdom of God and all the keys and powers that God had bestowed upon him, he sealed upon our heads, and he told us that we must round up our shoulders to bear off this Kingdom, or we should be damned. I am the only man now living in the flesh who heard that testimony from his mouth, and I know that it was true by the power of God manifest to him. At that meeting he stood on his feet for about three hours and taught us of the things of the kingdom. His face was as clear as amber, and he was covered with a power that I have never seen in any man in the flesh before.

I bear my testimony that Joseph Smith was the author of the Endowments as received by the Latter-day Saints. I received my own Endowments under his hands and direction, and I know that they are true principles. I not only received my own Endowments under his hands, but I bear testimony that Brigham Young, Heber C. Kimball, Willard Richards, George A. Smith, John Taylor and other brethren received their Endowments under the hands and direction of the Prophet Joseph and also my wife Phoebe, Bathsheba Smith, Leonore Taylor, Mary Smith and others whose names I cannot recall now.

The Prophet Joseph laid down his life for the word of God and testimony of Jesus Christ, and he will be crowned as a martyr in the presence of God and the Lamb.

In all his testimonies to us the power of God was visibly manifest with the Prophet Joseph.

This is my testimony, spoken by myself into a talking machine on this the 19^th of March 1897, in my 91^st year of my age. 

Wilford Woodruff

God's Relationship with Us

"God has known you individually, brethren [and sisters], for a long, long time (see D&C 93:23). He has loved you for a long, long time. He not only knows the names of all the stars (see Psalm 147:4; Isaiah 40:26); He knows your names and all your heartaches and your joys! By the way, you have never seen an immortal star; they finally expire. But seated by you tonight are immortal individuals--imperfect but who are, nevertheless, 'trying to be like Jesus'!"

—Elder Neal A. Maxwell, "Remember How Merciful the Lord Hath Been," Ensign, May 2004, 46.

Just as bad weather can bring snow and discomfort, so can an unkind remark settle into a person’s mind and bring the coldness of a hurt. As some face adverse circumstances it is better then to show more kindness and understanding than to be critical and unfeeling when life seems to be unchallenged.

Instead of criticism and doubt, one can express words of encouragement that will lift someone wanting to give up. A sincere smile instead of a frown may lift someone just when needed. A cheerful look rather than resentment will not only make the receiver feel better, but will help the giver feel better. An apology for an impetuous word not meant to hurt may lighten the heavy load of someone on the edge.

Through the hard times of suffering, misunderstanding and grief there is one act, one expression, one thought that will lift and encourage the most Kindness.

"Please don't nag yourself with thoughts of failure. Do not set goals far beyond your capacity to achieve. Simply do what you can do, in the best way you know, and the Lord will accept your effort."

—Gordon B. Hinckley (Ensign, November 1989, p. 96.)

No two snowflakes are exactly the same. No two sets of fingerprints are exactly the same as well. So are we as individuals. We are as unique as snowflakes and this is part of heavenly father's plan for us. Someone will do or say the same thing as another in the same situation, but for an entirely different reason. Why? We are unique and have our divine agency.

 
All things are possible to him who believes in Jesus Christ.

Child-like Faith

"I invite you to become as a little child and feel again 'the great and wonderful love made manifest by the Father and the Son in the coming of the Redeemer into the world' (D&C 138:3). Childlike faith in the perfect love of Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ will 'divide asunder' (Helaman 3:29) Satan's snares of inadequacy, imperfection, and guilt."

—Anthony D. Perkins, "The Great and Wonderful Love," Ensign, Nov. 2006, 77)

Love Changes Everything

Christlike love helps us overcome our natural fear of others. We may fear difference; we may worry about being hurt or slighted. But Christlike love is a love beyond fear. It reaches across the divide of difference. It is in our nature to serve our own interests or the interests of those closest to us. But charity [Christlike Love] takes us beyond our comfort zone. Suddenly, we are less worried about whether others will approve of us. Our concern flows toward them regardless of their feelings for us.

Through the power of Christ's atonement we can come to recognize the powerful spiritual kinship we share with all the people of the earth. As we grow in this understanding, we can't help but be filled with a sincere love and concern for those we are asked to serve. But, we need Christ to help us realize this love and perspective. We can't achieve it on our own.

If we continue earnestly with faith and hope in Christ to seek the gift of charity, it will be granted to us. We will be filled with a love of God and of all people. Paul promised that as we attain this gift, so would we receive of a fullness of God's love:

That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love,

May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height;

And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fullness of God. [Ephesians 3:17–19]

Part of talk given by Marilyn S. Bateman, wife of BYU president Merrill J. Bateman,
BYU Devotional Address, January 11, 2000.

As I read and pondered verses six through 10 of 3 Nephi 17 I thought how wonderful it would be for all to have any affliction healed. I marveled at the love [compassion] of God for the Nephite people. Through their faith and his great power to heal, he cured the lame and those with great afflictions.

3 Nephi 17:6-10