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toward trials was perhaps best expressed in an excerpt of a letter he wrote to his family while he was in hiding: Some people suppose that persecutions and trials are afflictions; but sometimes, and generally, if we are doing the will of the Lord and keeping His commandments, they may be truly said to be blessings in disguise. 6 In spite of a life marked with trials, John Taylor remained a valiant servant of the Lord and leader among the Saints, always an example of faith and endurance amid affliction.
partakers of Christs sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy. [1 Peter 4:1213.] He might just as well have told them that it would be so, so long as there was a God in heaven, and a devil in hell; and it is absolutely necessary that it should be so. Concerning these matters I do not have any trouble. What if we have to suffer affliction! We came here for that purpose; we came in order that we might be purified; and this is intended to give us a knowledge of God, of our weakness and strength; of our corruptions, to give us a knowledge of eternal life, that we may be enabled to overcome all evil and be exalted to thrones of power and glory. 11
If all who call themselves Latter-day Saints were true and faithful to their God, to His holy covenants and laws, and were living as Saints should, persecution would roll off from us without disturbing us in the least. But it is painful to know that this is not their condition. He has also said that if His people will obey His laws and keep His commandments, to do them, not in name only, but in reality, He will be their shield and protector and strong tower, and no man will be able to hurt them, for He will be their defense. These trials of our faith and constancy which we are now passing through will be overruled for our good and future prosperity. In days to come we shall be able to look back and perceive with clearness how visibly Gods providence is in all that we now witness. Let us do all in our power to so live before the Lord that if we are persecuted, it shall not be for wrong-doing, but for righteousness. 14 Do you not see the necessity of these trials and afflictions and scenes we have to pass through? It is the Lord who puts us in positions that are the most calculated to promote the best interest of his people. My opinion is that, far from these things that now surround us being an injury to us and the kingdom of God, they will give it one of the greatest hoists [or lifts] that it has ever had yet, and all is right and all will be right if we keep the commandments of God. What is the position, then, that we ought to occupyevery man, woman and child? Do our duty before God, honor him, and all is right. And concerning events yet to transpire, we must trust them in the hands of God and feel that whatever is, is right, and that God will control all things for our best good and the interest of his church and kingdom on the earth. If we have to pass through affliction, all right. By and bye, when we come to gaze on the fitness of things that are now obscure to us, we shall find that God, although he has moved in a mysterious way to accomplish his purposes on the earth and his purposes relative to us as individuals and as families, all things are governed by that wisdom which flows from God and all things are right and calculated to promote every persons eternal welfare before God. 15 We say to all the Latter-day Saints, these trials through which we are now passing will have the effect to prove the Saints and those who are only Saints in name. Those who have been careful to keep oil in their lamps, now have the needed light to guide them; and those who have been living in borrowed light, or in that furnished by others, may find themselves in perplexity and uncertain as to the path to pursue. For all these circumstances the Saints should be prepared. They have been faithfully taught and warned to not depend upon man or upon his strength to enable them to stand the trying day. They have been told, Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. [1 John 2:15.] They have been told that no man can serve two masters; that we cannot serve God and mammon [see Luke 16:13]. Those who have observed these teachings, and have diligently kept the other commandments of the Lord, will find themselves in the possession of the needed strength and faith to enable them to bear every trial. 16 I rejoice in afflictions, for they are necessary to humble and prove us, that we may comprehend ourselves, become acquainted with our weakness and infirmities; and I rejoice when I triumph over them, because God answers my prayers; therefore I feel to rejoice all the day long. 17
What are some of the purposes of trials? Why is adversity not withheld from the righteous? How would your life be different if you had no trials or hardships? What have you learned about yourself and about God from the things that you have suffered? Reflect on your current trials. How can your attitude about your trials change the way you endure or overcome them? How might you improve the way you face your trials? Why does the Savior fully understand our suffering? (See also Alma 7:1112; D&C 19:1619; 122:8.) How can a knowledge of the Saviors suffering help us be faithful in our trials? What can we do to more fully partake of the comfort and strength that Jesus offers? (See also Hebrews 4:16; 1 Peter 5:611.) How have you been strengthened by the Saviors comfort during times of trial? Why is it sometimes difficult to remain patient and obedient when we experience adversity? How can we come to see adversity from the Lords eternal perspective? What have others done to help you through your trials? How can you help others during their trials? What have you learned from President Taylors teachings that you could share with someone who is experiencing trials?
Related Scriptures: Psalm 34:19; 2 Corinthians 4:818; 1 Peter 4:1213; Alma 36:3; Ether 12:6; D&C 121:78
Notes
1. Deseret News: Semi-Weekly, 9 Aug. 1857, 1. 2. See B. H. Roberts, The Life of John Taylor (1963), 146. 3. See The Life of John Taylor, 14849. 4. The Life of John Taylor, 169. 5. See The Life of John Taylor, 38991, 400. 6. The Life of John Taylor, 39192. 7. Deseret News: Semi-Weekly, 14 Oct. 1879, 1. 8. Deseret News: Semi-Weekly, 28 Oct. 1884, 1. 9. Deseret News: Semi-Weekly, 28 Oct. 1884, 1. 10. Deseret News (Weekly), 26 Jan. 1854, 1. 11. Deseret News (Weekly), 11 Apr. 1860, 41. 12. Deseret News (Weekly), 11 Apr. 1860, 4142.
13. Deseret News (Weekly), 26 Jan. 1854, 12. 14. In James R. Clark, comp., Messages of the First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 6 vols. [196575], 3:3637; paragraphing altered. 15. Deseret News (Weekly), 16 Dec. 1857, 324; paragraphing altered. 16. In Messages of the First Presidency, 3:17. 17. The Gospel Kingdom, sel. G. Homer Durham (1943), 234. ^ Back to top