Descendants of Israel Barlow are fond of recounting the quality of service rendered by this great pioneer in the early days of the Church, particularly the day he delivered a message on behalf of the Prophet Joseph Smith.

The date is not known, but sometime shortly before his martyrdom, Joseph requested Israel deliver a message to a certain man who lived a considerable distance away in a neighborhood of enemies of the Church. The Prophet directed Israel to deliver the message, then accept the hospitality which would be extended to him.

"But," said Joseph, "let them put your horse up for you and eat supper with them, but when it becomes sundown, saddle your horse and leave. They will be insistent and try to persuade you to remain overnight.

"But if you value your life, do not stay, but leave, and listen to the direction of the Spirit."

Israel left the morning he was instructed. He found the man hospitable, just as Joseph indicated. At sundown, the man was persistent to have Israel stay, but recalling the Prophet's admonition, he mounted his horse and set for home as instructed.

He "rode along the country road until it became dark," reads the Israel Barlow biography. "Just before he came to the river bridge, a voice said to [him], 'Ride faster.' He sped up his horse and the voice repeated again and with more emphasis, 'Ride faster.'

"Again he increased the speed of the animal when the voice said to him, 'Ride for your life.' He then sped for all the animal's strength. As the horse's feet clattered across the bridge he could hear the mob, which had gathered in the brush to intercept him, cursing at the top of their voices. He had crossed the bridge but a short distance when the voice said to him 'Turn to the right.' He turned his horse off the road into the brush toward the river. There he stood in silence as the mob who had mounted their horses, came racing over the bridge at break-neck speed, and down the road they went, supposedly after him.

"After they had gone by, he wound his way from the river's edge to the bed of the stream and on through the willows. In the darkness he made his way along the river in the opposite direction from which the mob had expected him to go. Finally, when he thought it was safe, several miles away, he emerged from the river and made his way over the country back into Nauvoo, just as the day was breaking.

"There he saw the Prophet Joseph walking up and down the street in front of his home. As [Israel] approached and alighted from his horse, he began to tell the Prophet of his experience. The Prophet stopped him and told him he need not tell him, for he already knew. The Prophet told him that he had been up all night waiting for his return, and stated, 'I saw it all; you have no need to tell me.'

"Thereupon, the Prophet laid his hand upon [Israel's] shoulder and gave him a blessing and said: 'Thee and thine shall never want.' " (The Israel Barlow Story and Mormon Mores, 1968, p. 194-195 published by Ora H. Barlow, Israel Barlow Family Association).

Hidden among the many lessons that might be drawn from such a dramatic experience is the careful, subtle heed given the Prophet's counsel. Israel didn't forget the instructions. He was alert and aware. He must have listened carefully, then reviewed the instructions periodically so he would perform his assignment accurately.

With a little imagination, we can see ourselves in a similar position. We recently received great counsel from the leaders of the Church in general conference. We now have the option of giving strict heed to their instruction, as Israel did, or we can resume life as usual, giving little more than a passing nod to their feel-good words of life.

President Thomas S. Monson provided an example of giving such heed when he delighted students at BYU during a Sept. 15 devotional with enlightening anecdotes and meaningful counsel of those who preceded him.

President Monson told how he recently sat in the room in the Salt Lake Temple where the First Presidency meets with the Quorum of the Twelve each week and pondered the memory of the portraits of past Church presidents that hang on the wall.

"I thought, 'We have had great presidents of this Church. Each one has guided us; his writings have stimulated us; his messages have inspired us to show us the way, we have those whom the Lord has provided," he said.

Beyond the memories, President Monson demonstrated how closely he had been watching his leaders, how their words and actions meant so much to him that he treasured their instruction and incorporated their traits into his character. Considering how quickly he recalls these memories demonstrates how closely he has aligned the thoughts and intents of his heart with others who have excelled in their service.

"Let us follow Him," President Monson said, speaking of the Savior as he concluded his devotional address. "He has sent presidents of the Church whom we can have as a guide and whom we can follow."