By Robert K. McIntosh
A paper prepared in partial fulfillment of the requirements for Religion 543.
Instructor - Russell Rich
Summer 1971
Introduction
Every spirit assigned to this earth lived previously with Our Father in Heaven. The time shared together in this pre-earth condition cannot be measured by human understanding, for the Lord has said it was eternal.(1) Man, having progressed in the spirit, arrived at a point where another course of training was necessary. This schooling would send man out of the presence of the Father and the Son and place him in a position to learn for himself the good from the evil. This plan was revealed to Abraham when the Lord said:
We will go down, for there is space there, and we will take of these materials and we will make an earth whereon these may dwell; And we will prove them herewith, to see if they will do all things whatsoever the Lord their God shall command them.(2)
This proving was to refine man and qualify him to return to the Father.(3) Therefore, from Adam down to the present day the Lord has provided "tests" for his children. It can be shown through history that the key test that man has been given is obedience to the Lord and loyalty to his mouthpiece or prophet. Throughout every dispensation, those who passed this test were added upon and blessed, while those who failed lost the blessings of the Lord.
The purpose of this research paper is to examine the tests of obedience to the Lord and his servants that have been given since man was placed on the earth. It is the compiler's feeling that the highest test man can pass is that of obedience to the living oracles.
Tests of Obedience to the Lord
Adam's Test
The first test of obedience to the Lord is the experience of Adam. He was commanded by the Lord to offer sacrifices. When an angel of the Lord appeared and asked why he was doing this, Adam answered:
I know not save the Lord commanded me. Adam passed the test and was obedient to the command of the Lord. The scripture then records the blessing that came to Adam, "And in that day the Holy Ghost fell upon Adam."(4)
Abraham's Test
The great patriarch Abraham received a test that required the sacrifice of his only son by his wife Sarah. As Abraham lifted the knife, an angel called unto him out of heaven and told him why this thing was required of him. The angel speaking for the Lord said, "For now I know that thou fearest God, seeing thou hast not withheld thy son, thine only son from me." Abraham's obedience to the Lord having been tested, the angel told him of the blessing that the Lord had for him:
For because thou hast done this thing and hast not withheld thy son, thine only son: That in blessing I will bless thee, and in multiplying I will multiply thy seed as the stars of the heaven... And in they seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed; because thou hast obeyed my voice.(5)
The Son of God was Tested
Even Jesus Christ learned obedience to his father.(6) His supreme test was in the Garden of Gethsemane when kneeling he prayed, "Father all things are possible unto thee; take away this cup from me; nevertheless not what I will, but what thou wilt."(7) Christ's obedience to his father was perfect, and he received a glory at the right side of him.
Obedience to the Lord Equated with Obedience to His Servants
Obedience to the Lord has been equated in the scriptures with obedience to his prophets. Through his appointed servants the Lord teaches his laws and administers his ordinances all intended to perfect the saints. On the very day the church was organized he said:
Wherefore, meaning the church, thou shalt give heed unto all his words and commandments which he shall give unto you as he receiveth them, walking in all holiness before me; For his word ye shall receive as if from mine own mouth, in all patience and faith. For by doing these things the gates of hell shall not prevail against you; yea the Lord God will disperse the powers of darkness from before you, and cause the heavens to shake for your good and his name's glory.(8)
About one year later the Lord expressed the same things in these words:
What I the Lord have spoken, I have spoken, and I excuse not myself: whether by mine own voice or by the voice of my servants, it is the same.(9)
Harold B. Lee expressed in conference that the Lord has given tests all down through time with regards to this principle of loyalty to God's servants.(10) It can be shown from these examples that those who followed the Lord's anointed prospered, while those who didn't failed.(11)
Old Testament Tests
Naaman's Test
The story of Elisha and Naaman is a classic example. Naaman came to the prophet Elisha seeking a cure for his leprosy. Upon his arrival at the door of Elisha's house, he was met by a servant who told him to wash in the Jordan seven times. After a discussion of why he should do this, Naaman followed Elisha's counsel. His faith had been tested and he received the blessing of a healed body."(12)
Joshua Tests Children of Israel
“... He could divide the waters. Is Joshua really a prophet like unto Moses? Can he divide the water?” Then came the test, Joshua told them to enter the water unto the brink and then to stand still. Would they have the faith to follow him? They did as he directed and the river was opened and they crossed over on dry ground.(13)
Modern Saints are Tested
The Test of Zion's Camp
Some of the greatest tests of loyalty by God's servants have been given in this dispensation by the Prophet Joseph Smith. He often placed his brethren in situations that would try their loyalty to the utmost.
A prime example of this is Zion's Camp. It was a structured experience to test the loyalty of the brethren in the church. From those who passed the test came the General Authorities of the church." Two examples will illustrate these tests.
The Case of the Squirrel
During an encampment, while pitching tents, three prairie rattlesnakes were found. Some of the brethren were about to kill them when the prophet stopped them asking, "How will the serpent ever lose his venom, while the servants of God possess the same disposition and continue to make war upon it?" He then indicated to them that men must lose their vicious dispositions and cease to destroy the animal race. After this rebuke, the brethren took the serpents carefully on sticks and carried them across the creek. The prophet then counseled them "not to kill a serpent, bird or an animal of any kind during our journey unless it became necessary in order to preserve ourselves from hunger." In the prophet's own words the test of loyalty is explained:
I had frequently spoken on this subject, when on a certain occasion I came up to the brethren who were watching a squirrel on a tree, and to prove them and to know if they would heed my counsel, I took one of their guns, shot the squirrel and passed on, leaving the squirrel on the ground. Brother Orson Hyde, who was just [behind,] picked up the squirrel and said, "We will cook this, that nothing may be lost." I perceived that the brethren understood what I did it for, and in their practice gave more heed to my precept then to my example, which is right.(16)
Sylvester Smith Fails Test
One of the brethren in Zion's Camp who failed to pass the test was Sylvester Smith. On numerous occasions his loyalty to the prophet was tried. One such incident is described by Heber C. Kimball:
When we had all got over [the Mississippi], we camped about one mile back from the little town of Louisiana, in a beautiful oak grove, which is immediately on the band of the river. At this place there were some feelings of hostility manifested again by Sylvester Smith, in consequence of a dog growling at him while he was marching a company up to the camp, he being the last that came over the river. The next morning Brother Joseph told the camp that he would descend to the spirit that was manifested by some of the brethren to let them see the folly of their wickedness. He rose up and commenced speaking by saying, "If any man insults me or abuse me, I will stand in my own defense at the expense of my life; and if a dog growls at me, I will let him know that I am his master." At this moment Sylvester Smith, who had just returned from where he had turned out his horses to feed, came up and hearing Brother Joseph make those remarks said, "If that dog bites me, I'll kill him." Brother Joseph turned to Sylvester and said, "If you kill that dog I'll whip you," and then went on to show the brethren how wicked and unchristianlike such conduct appeared before the eyes of truth and justice."(17)
After this incident, and test of loyalty, Sylvester Smith continued to resist the spirit until he nearly severed himself from the church.
Brigham Young's Test
Brigham Young received many opportunities to prove his loyalty to God's mouthpiece. One such experience he relates as follows:
On a certain occasion (during the Kirtland apostasy) several of the Twelve, the witnesses of The Book of Mormon, and others of the authorities of the Church, held a council in the upper room of the Temple. The question before them was to ascertain how the Prophet Joseph could be deposed, and David Whitmer appointed President of the Church. Father John Smith, Brother Heber C. Kimball, and others were present who were opposed to such measures. I rose up, and in a plain and forcible manner told them that Joseph was a Prophet, and I knew it, and that they might rail and slander him as much as they pleased, they could destroy their own authority, cut the thread that bound them to the Prophet of God, and sink themselves to hell.(18)
Brigham Young's loyalty to The Prophet was one of the key factors in his becoming president of the church.
The Test of Edwin Rushton
A new convert to the church, Edwin Rushton, received an interesting test. His daughter records the story of his arrival at Nauvoo and the test he received:
Father was naturally very anxious to find the members of his family already established there, and hurried towards the town in search of them. He had gone only a short distance when he met a man riding a beautiful black horse. The man accosted him saying, "Hey, Bub, is that a company of Mormons just landed?" In much surprise Father answered, "Yes, sir," "Are you a Mormon?" the stranger continued. "Yes, sir,” Father again answered. "What do you know about old Joe Smith?" the mounted stranger asked. "I know that Joseph Smith is a Prophet of God," said Father. "I suppose you are looking for an old man with a long, gray beard. What would you think if I told you I was Joseph Smith?" the man continued. "If you," said Father, "are Joseph Smith, I know you are a Prophet of God." In a gentle voice the man explained, "I am Joseph Smith. I came to meet those people, dressed as I am in rough clothes and speaking in this manner, to see if their faith is strong enough to stand the things they must meet. If not, they should turn back right now."(19)
The Test at Carthage Jail
John Taylor and Willard Richards had their loyalty tested to the point of giving their lives. The place was Carthage Jail. Joseph turned to Elder Richards and asked, "If we go into the cell will you go with us?" Elder Richards said to Joseph, "Brother Joseph, you did not ask me to cross the river with you (referring to the time when they crossed the Mississippi, in route to the Rocky Mountains) - you did not ask me to come to Carthage - you did not ask me to come to jail with you - and do you think I would forsake you now? But I will tell you what I will do, if you are condemned to be hung for treason, I will be hung in your stead, and you shall go free." Elder John Taylor was of a different frame of mind. He said, "Brother Joseph, if you will permit it, and say the word, I will have you out of this prison in five hours, if the jail has to come down to do it."(20)
Heber C. Kimball's Supreme Test
Without doubt the greatest example of a test of loyalty is that associated with Heber C. Kimball. The Prophet Joseph structured a test designed as never before to try the faith and loyalty of Brother Kimball. Joseph announced to Heber that it was a requirement for him to give to him, Joseph, in marriage, bis beloved wife Vilate. "For three days, Heber fasted, prayed, and wept. Then, with a broken and bleeding heart, but with soul self-mastered for the sacrifice, he led his darling wife to the prophet's house and presented her to Joseph. It was enough - the heaven accepted the sacrifice." So Orson F. Whitney in his book on the life of Brother Kimball expressed the test. He continues and describes the blessing received for obedience:
Joseph wept at the proof of devotion, and embracing Heber, told him that was all the Lord required. He had proved him, as a child of Abraham, that he would do the works of Abraham, holding back nothing, but laying all upon the altar for God's glory. The prophet joined the hands of the heroic and devoted pair, and then and there, by virtue of the sealing power and authority of the Holy Priesthood, Heber and Vilate Kimball were made husband and wife for all eternity.(22)
The Saints are Tested with Each New Presidency
These tests provided by the Prophet Joseph Smith refined and purified the saints. Succeeding prophets have also provided tests for the saints, to try their loyalty and devotion. When Brigham Young said, "This is the right place," many of the saints wanted to move on. They doubted his word that this was the place that the Lord wanted them. Many wanted to go to the richer more fertile area of California. Then Sam Brannan questioned Brigham Young and went against his counsel. President Joseph F. Smith, referring to this, said:
Well, ordinarily, our judgement and our faith would have been tried, in the decision of the President, if we had not had implicit confidence in him. If we had not known that he was the mouthpiece of God, that he was the real legitimate successor of the Prophet Joseph Smith in the presidency of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, we could have doubted his wisdom, and we could have faltered in our faith in his promise and word.(23)
Those who were loyal to the prophet stayed, while those who doubted went to other areas.
In the presidency of Wilford Woodruff, The Manifesto became a real test for the saints. President Lorenzo Snow's promise associated with the principle of tithing proved the loyalty of the members of the church. And so with each new era of church leadership the saints are proven and tested to refine and purify them.
What About Now - Our Day?
We are Being Tested
Heber C. Kimball seemed to envision our day when he said:
We think we are secure here in the chambers of the everlasting hills, where we can close those few doors of the canyons against mobs and persecution, the wicked and vile, who have always beset us with violence and robbery, but I want to say to you, my brethren, the time is coming when we will be mixed up in these now peaceful valleys to the extent that it will be difficult to tell the face of a Saint from the face of an enemy to the people of God. Then, brethren, look out for the great sieve, for there will be a great sifting time, and many will fall; for I say unto you there is a test, a test, a test coming, and who will be able to stand? … If you have not got the testimony, live right and call upon the Lord and cease not till you obtain it. If you do not you will not stand. Remember these sayings, for many of you will live to see them fulfilled. The time will come when no man nor woman will be able to endure on borrowed light. Each will have to be guided by the light within himself. If you do not have it, how can you stand?(24)
All are Tested
President Harold B. Lee has indicated on at least two occasions that those who are called to lead the church have been tested as to their loyalty. To the Utah State Institute of Religion he said:
It was the day when I was ordained to by present calling, where my wife and I were invited to the home of one of the brethren o[n] a social evening with others of the First Presidency and the Council of the Twelve, that again I had an experience that brought that same truth back to me. As part of the evening's entertainment, if that it could be called, each member of the Presidency and the Twelve were asked to recite their experience in being called into the Council of the Twelve or the Presidency. I was amazed as I sat listening to the brethren, beginning with the Presidency and so on through the Twelve, that each was telling my story. They were telling the experience that I at that moment was going through, or had gone through. Then again I realized that all must be tested and tried and that there is a certain refinement that is necessary before one qualifies to the highest station to which the Lord would have him called.(25)
In the April Conference of 1950 President Lee said:
I have been in a position since I came into the Council of the Twelve to observe some things among my brethren, and I want to say to you: Every man my junior in the Council of the Twelve, I have seen submitted as though by Providence, to these same tests of loyalty, and I wondered sometimes whether they were going to pass the tests. The reason they are here today is because they did, and our Father has honored them. I have that same witness about at least two members of the assistants to the Twelve, Brother Marion G. Romney and Brother Alma Sonne, for I saw it, and I know the nature of the test, and I know how they proved themselves to be the sterling men they are. And so God has honored them, and it is my conviction that every man who will be called to a high place in this church will have to pass these tests not devised by human hands, by which our Father numbers them as a united group of leaders willing to follow the prophets of the living God and be loyal and true witnesses and exemplars of the truths they teach.(26)
Those who have been called to positions of leadership in the church have been tested and we as members of the church are being tested as to our loyalty to them as the Lord's servants.
How Can We Pass the Test?
One might naturally ask the question, "How can I remain loyal to the authorities of the church?" Fortunately, this question has been answered. Brother Marion G. Romney gives us a key:
It has been the rule of my life to find out if I could, by listening closely to what they (the leaders of the church) said and by asking the Lord to help me interpret it, what they had in mind for the Latter-day Saints to do and then do it. I am happy to say, not boastfully but gratefully, that I have never hesitated to follow the counsel of the Authorities of the Church even though it crossed my social, professional or political life.(27)
President Lee in 1962 said this:
In the political field where so much pressure is exerted on men to compromise ideals and principles for expediency, party workers early learned to admire Marion G. Romney's intense loyalty to his own conscience as well as to the advise of his Church leaders whose pronouncements on vital issues affecting the welfare of the nation he accepted as divinely inspired even though it frequently brought him into sharp conflict with leaders of his own political party. On one such occasion when Church leaders in a tersely worded editorial had denounced the trends of the political administration then in power, he confided in me something which it might be well if all loyal Church members in public life could emulate; "When I read that editorial," he told me, "I knew what I should do - but that wasn't enough. I knew that I must feel right about following the counsel of the Church leaders and know that they were right. That took a whole night on my knees to accomplish." I submit in that statement the difference between "intelligent" and "blind" obedience. Marion G. Romney while never disloyal to authority over him, could never be rightfully accused of being blindly obedient.(28)
With this background, one can understand the meaning and testimony behind a statement by Brother Romney given in 1945:
Those, and I testify to this out of my own experience, who will through mighty prayer and earnest study inform themselves as to what these living prophets say, and act upon it, will be visited by the spirit of the Lord and know by the spirit of revelation that they speak the mind and will of the Father.(29)
President Lee gives us an answer as to how to make the messages of the prophets meaningful when, in 1946, he said:
As the Latter-day Saints go home from this conference, it would be well if they consider seriously the importance of taking with them the report of this conference and let it be the guide to their walk and talk during the next six months. These are the important matters the Lord sees fit to reveal to this people in this day in the year.(30)
Conclusion
The course is therefore clearly marked for Latter-day saints. We have living prophets who speak the mind and the will of the Lord to us for our day. The question is will we have the courage to inform ourselves as to what they say and then follow it? Lessons from the past indicate that one of the greatest tests given to man in this earth probation is loyalty to his servants. If we pass this test we will be blessed and prospered.
President Harold B. Lee has said:
The only safety and security there is in this Church is in listening to the words that come from the prophets of the Lord, as if from the mouth of the Lord himself. And they have spoken; they have told us to prepare, and it is not for us to argue whether we should or whether we should not. We have the prophets today telling us what our responsibility is here and now… God help us not to turn deaf ears, but go out while the harvest is yet possible and build on a foundation such that when the rains descend, and the floods come, and the winds blow and beat on the house, our house will have stone walls.(31)
FOOTNOTES
- Doctrine and Covenants 93:29
- Pearl of Great Price, Abraham 3:24-25
- Elder Harold B. Lee, Talk at the Thirteenth Annual Joseph Smith Memorial Sermon, Logan L.D.S. Institute of Religion, December 4,1955
- Moses 5:6-8
- Genesis 22:1-18
- Hebrews 5:8
- Mark 14:36
- Doctrine and Covenants 21:4-6
- Ibid 1:38
- Conference Report, April 1950, p. 101.
- Ibid
- II Kings 5
- Joshua 3
- Oliver B. Huntington Journal, BYU Library, p. 238, Vol. II.
- Op. Cit., Conference Report, p. 101.
- Documentary History of the Church, Vol. II, p. 72-73.
- Ibid, Vol. II, p. 83.
- Millennial Star, Vol. 25, p. 427.
- Edwin Rushton Journal, BYU Library, p. 2.
- Comprehensive History of the Church, Vol. II. p. 283.
- Journal of Discourses, Vol. 3, p.p. 283-284.
- Life of Heber C. Kimball, p.p. 321-328.
- [not listed in original text]
- Op. Cit., pp. 446, 440-450.
- Harold B. Lee, Logan, L.D.S. Institute of Religion.
- Harold B. Lee, Conference Report, p. 101.
- Marion G. Romney, Conference Report, April 1941, p. 122.
- Harold B. Lee, Improvement Era, October 1962, p. 742
- Op. Cit., pp. 89-90.
- Harold B. Lee, Conference Report, April 1946, p. 68.
- Harold B. Lee, Taken from Priesthood Correlation in the Welfare Program, 1964.