Applying the scriptures: Time for each to learn lesson of Gethsemane
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"One of the great prophets of ancient times was Samuel the Lamanite," Elder Mark E. Petersen of the Quorum of the Twelve said during the October 1982 general conference. "I like the way he taught. He was plain and straightforward in his manner of speech. He did not mince words, nor did he leave the people wondering what he meant."
Referring to the prophecies of Samuel in Helaman, chapters 13-15, Elder Petersen continued: "As he spoke from the walls of Zarahemla, calling the Nephites to repentance, he told them bluntly that if they refused to live the gospel, condemnation would come upon them, and he made it clear that they would have no one to blame but themselves.
" 'Remember, remember,' he said, 'that whosoever perisheth, perisheth unto himself; and whosoever doeth iniquity, doeth it unto himself. (Helaman 14:30.)
"Then he said that, since we have free agency, we can choose the good or the evil, life or death; but he declared that in the end we shall most certainly receive exactly what we ourselves have chosen.
"Should we not determine how well we are really living the gospel? And should we not remind ourselves that now — in our mortal lives — is the time of our probation, and that now is the time of planting for what1ever kind of harvest we hope to receive?
"Isn't it time for each of us to learn the lesson of Gethsemane and say with Him: 'Not my will, but thine, be done'?" (Luke 22:42.)
