Hyrum Smith, brother of the Prophet Joseph, provided great examples of faithfulness, said Elder M. Russell Ballard of the Quorum of the Twelve in the Saturday morning session.

"As a descendant of Hyrum Smith I feel a solemn obligation to ensure that the Church never forgets the significant ministry of this great leader," Elder Ballard declared.He then reviewed Hyrum's devotion to his younger brother and to the gospel despite trials.

"Through it all, Hyrum stood firm," Elder Ballard said.

"Indeed, Joseph Smith himself once suggested that his followers would do well to pattern their lives after Hyrum's," Elder Ballard added, providing some examples.

As the first example, he told of Hyrum's eagerness to spread the gospel which led to the revelation in Doctrine and Covenants Section 11: " `Seek not to declare my word but first seek to obtain my word. . . . Study my word which has gone forth . . . and also study my word which is now translating.' "

"Hyrum's life is a witness to his obedience to this instruction," Elder Ballard said, adding, "Just think of the spiritual strength we could gain in our lives and how much more effective we would be as teachers, missionaries, and friends, if we studied the scriptures regularly."

The second example Elder Ballard referred to was Hyrum's faith. "Faithful Hyrum had a believing heart; he did not have to see everything Joseph saw." Continuing, Elder Ballard said, "We do not need more members who question every detail; we need members who have felt with their hearts, who live close to the Spirit and who follow its promptings joyfully."

The third example cited by Elder Ballard was Hyrum's service to others: "Hyrum was the first to extend a hand of friendship to a visitor, the first to attempt to moderate a dispute, the first to forgive an enemy."

He then asked: "Do similar needs exist in the Church and in our families today? . . . Hyrum's example of selfless service could be a powerful influence in the world today if enough of us chose to follow it."

The final example Elder Ballard gave was of Hyrum's patience in adversity and affliction, learned primarily in Liberty Jail. Under those trying circumstances, his concern was for his companions and his family. Elder Ballard said Hyrum wrote to his wife: " `When I think of your trouble my heart is weighed down with sorrow. . . . But what can I do? . . . Thy will be done O Lord.' "

Elder Ballard noted that as he has traveled throughout the Church he has seen members who are facing adversity and affliction.

"Many circumstances can only be addressed with time, tears, prayer, and faith," he pointed out. "For us, like Hyrum, peace may only come when we can bring ourselves to say, `But what can I do? . . . Thy will be done, O Lord.' "