We have seen the pattern in our own lives, and yet, when we read about it in the scriptures, we are prone to say, that would not happen if I were in their place. What I am referring to is the loss of testimony based on a miracle or several. When I was a 12-year old Deacon, we had to get up early to go to Priesthood Meeting. I was always sleepy and hard to rouse. My brothers would chide me because I was not living up to my duty. They both said that when they got the priesthood they would not sleep in. In fact, when they were ordained, they did the same. I hope it was not because of a bad example; I rather think that it is human nature to take what we have been blessed with for granted.
In D & C Section 6, Oliver Cowdery had just begun to act a scribe for the translation of the Book of Mormon. He had received a witness of the mission of the Prophet and of the Book of Mormon, but wanted more. I speculate that he was desirous of obtaining the same spiritual gifts that were obvious in Joseph Smith. In reading about the life of Joseph Smith, it is obvious to me that he considered himself a mere mortal, at least in the beginning, and assumed that if he could receive such manifestations, anyone else could, as well. We also see that he assumed that when others witnessed those miracles, they would remain as pure and as dedicated as he had.
In the biography written by his mother, she records that after the Three Witnesses had received their vision of the plates, Joseph returned home and exclaimed that he no longer had to bear the burden of testimony alone. Similar expressions came with Oliver's and Sidney Rigdon's great spiritual experiences. The fact is, however, despite their amazing experiences, the world was able to pull them away and every one of them forsook their commitment to and testimony of the restored gospel, though none denied his testimony of the Book of Mormon. While it is true that some returned, none were restored to their former spiritual status of seeing heavenly messengers and being involved with mighty miracles. Those who remained faithful, such as Heber C. Kimball and Wilford Woodruff, did not experience the same level of manifestations that were necessary during the process of the restoration, but their priesthood power and spirituality remained with them for the remainder of their lives.
In this section, Oliver was promised that he would be given significant spiritual gifts. He then was told that he had already been given answers to his prayers. When he prayed about the truthfulness of the work of Joseph Smith, peace was spoken to his mind and he was led to the prophet's door. Other evidence came in the form of enlightenment to his mind. Yet, these things were so common to him that he had discounted their importance. Over the years that followed, he was witness and participant to many amazing experiences wherein he saw heavenly beings and had hands laid on his head to receive ordinations and ordinances. (See the footnote to J.S. History 1:71 where he declares, "These were days never to be forgotten - to sit under the sound of a voice dictated by the inspiration of heaven..." He recounts being visited by an angel of God and the voice of Jesus and goes on to say, " Uncertainty had fled, doubt had sunk no more to rise,...fiction and deception had fled forever.") When, however, the trial of his faith came in the form of loss of money, it was more than he could endure, all the experiences he had received were a distant memory and he left the fellowship of the Church and the prophet.
There will be trials of our faith; there certainly have been severe trials of mine. What can we do to be sure we will survive those trials and not only remain faithful, but come out better than we started? The answer is in this section. First, remember that we have already received sacred experiences, some of which we cannot share; "Trifle not with sacred things." (V. 12, 14-16, 22-24) Second, magnify our gifts to bless others and we will receive the greatest gift: "there is no greater gift than the gift of salvation." (V. 13) Third, never let fear of any kind destroy your faith whether it is the fear of loss of society, fear of commitment, fear of loss of employment, fear of giving offense, fear of______ (fill in the blank - several more times). (V. 33, 34, 36) Finally, doubt not, but be faithful to the end. (V. 36-37) The promise is that we will inherit the kingdom of heaven.
Sometimes, holding out faithful is a matter of minutes, days or months, but sometimes it is a matter of years. It does not matter. We faithfully continue to read sacred writings with an eye to how to improve our service. We continue to meditate on sacred things. We continue to magnify our callings, not just fill a space in them. We continue to pray morning and evening and more when prompted. We continue to act on the promptings of the Spirit. We continue in all matters as commanded and counseled and one day we find that our spirit is renewed and we are right with God. When that time comes, we realize that we are in a place that is superior to where we were before that trial. "Therefore, fear not, little flock...doubt not, fear not." (V. 34, 36)
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