'Essential lessons'
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On the day of his birth on Dec. 23, 1805, as they looked down on the tiny baby, the proud parents of the Joseph Smith "could not have known what a profound impact he would have upon the world," declared President Thomas S. Monson in his Sunday morning conference address.
"A choice spirit had come to dwell in its earthly tabernacle; he has affected our lives and has taught us — through his own example — essential lessons. Today I should like to share a few of those lessons with you."
President Monson, first counselor in the First Presidency, used pivotal events from the life of the Prophet to teach these "essential lessons."
He related the account of when Joseph Smith, at age 6 or 7, was stricken with typhus fever, along with his brothers and sisters. Afterward, he was left with a painful sore on his leg that worsened until doctors threatened to amputate it. However, there was a new procedure that might save the leg. When doctors wanted to tie the boy to the bed to prevent him from thrashing about, Joseph said, "You don't need to tie me."
The doctors suggested he take some brandy or wine so that the pain might not be so severe. " 'No,' Joseph replied. 'If my father will sit on the bed and hold me in his arms, I will do whatever is necessary,' " President Monson related. "Joseph Smith Sr. held in his arms his young child, and the doctors removed the diseased piece of bone. Although young Joseph was lame for some time afterward, he was healed. At such a young age, and countless other times throughout his life, Joseph Smith taught us courage — by example."
Later, after the family moved to Manchester, N.Y., there was a great religious revival, causing 14-year-old Joseph to wonder which church to join. One day he read in the Epistle of James, first chapter and fifth verse: "If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him."
President Monson related: "Joseph reported that he knew he must either put the Lord to the test and ask Him or perhaps choose to remain in darkness forever. Early one morning he stepped into a grove, now called 'Sacred,' and knelt and prayed, having faith that God would give him the enlightenment which he so earnestly sought. Two Personages appeared to Joseph — the Father and the Son — and he was told, in answer to his question, that he was to join none of the churches, for none of them was true.
"The Prophet Joseph Smith taught us the principles of faith — by example. His simple prayer of faith on that spring morning in 1830 brought about this marvelous work which continues today throughout the world."
Later, the Prophet Joseph told of his vision to a preacher, with whom he was acquainted, and was treated with contempt. But Joseph Smith did not waver. "Despite the physical and mental punishment at the hands of his opponents, which the Prophet Joseph Smith endured throughout the remainder of his life, he did not falter," President Monson said. "He taught honesty — by example.
"After that great first vision concluded, the Prophet Joseph received no additional communication for three years. However, he did not wonder, he did not question, he did not doubt the Lord. He waited patiently. He taught us the heavenly virtue of patience — by example."
After visits from the Angel Moroni and after acquiring the golden plates, the Prophet commenced the difficult work of translation. "One can imagine the dedication, the devotion and the labor required to translate in less than 90 days this record of over 500 pages covering a period of more than 2,000 years. I love the words Oliver Cowdery used to describe the time he spent assisting Joseph with the translation of the Book of Mormon: 'These were days never to be forgotten — to sit under the sound of a voice dictated by the inspiration of heaven, awakened the utmost gratitude of this bosom!'
"The Prophet Joseph Smith taught us diligence — by his example," President Monson declared.
As the Prophet Joseph sent forth missionaries, he, too, served a mission in Upper New York and in Canada with Sidney Rigdon. "He not only inspired others to volunteer for missions, but he also taught the importance of missionary work —by example."
Then, on June 27, 1844, Joseph was in Carthage Jail with his brother, Hyrum, John Taylor and Willard Richards, when an angry mob stormed the jail, running up the stairway and firing through the door of the room the brethren occupied. "Hyrum was killed and John Taylor was wounded," President Monson said. "Joseph Smith's last great act here on the earth was one of selflessness.
"He crossed the room, most likely 'thinking that it would save the lives of his brethren in the room if he could get out, . . . and sprang to the window, as two balls pierced him from the door and one entered his right breast from without.' He gave his life; Willard Richards and John Taylor were spared.
" 'Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.' The Prophet Joseph Smith taught us love — by example."
Although tragic, the martyrdom of Joseph Smith was not the last chapter in the account, President Monson explained. "His powerful testimony of truth, the teachings he translated, and the declaration of the Savior's message go on today in the hearts of over 12 million members throughout the world who proclaim him a prophet of God."
President Monson then related the experience of two missionaries who served under him when he presided over the Canadian Mission many years ago. In Ontario on a cold, snowy afternoon, the two elders knocked on the door of Mr. Elmer Pollard, who invited the almost frozen young men to come in. After the elders presented their message, they asked if he could join them in prayer. He said yes, but with the provision he offer it.
In his prayer, he asked Heavenly Father to bless "these two unfortunate, misguided missionaries."
Then he mockingly said, "You can't tell me you really believe that Joseph Smith was a prophet of God, anyway!" and slammed the door as the missionaries left.
Upon the insistence of the junior companion, the missionaries returned to his home, where the junior companion bore his testimony: "I know Joseph Smith was a prophet of God."
President Monson said he heard this same Elmer Pollard later in a testimony meeting say he could not sleep that night; he called the missionaries back, and he and his family received the discussions and were baptized.
In conclusion, President Monson, in speaking of "our beloved Joseph," testified: "I add my own testimony that I know he was God's prophet, chosen to restore the gospel of Jesus Christ in these latter days. I pray that as we celebrate the 200th anniversary of his birth, we may learn from his life. May we incorporate into our own lives the divine principles which he so beautifully taught — by example — that we, ourselves, might live more completely the gospel of Jesus Christ."
