"Our own prospects for
eternal advancement are closely influenced by learning to
put in the center of our motives a very personal testimony
of the Savior Jesus Christ and His restored gospel. The
Prophet Joseph Smith declared, 'The fundamental principles
of our religion are the testimony of the Apostles and
Prophets, concerning Jesus Christ, that He died, was buried,
and rose again the third day, and ascended into heaven; and
all other things which pertain to our religion are only
appendages to it' (
Teachings of the Prophet Joseph
Smith, sel. Joseph Fielding Smith [1976], 121).
"How did the young
Prophet Joseph Smith arrive at his strong testimony? How did
he manage this great transition from a farm boy to a prophet
of the Lord, to a civic leader, to a man of God? . . .
"During his transition
time, the Prophet Joseph Smith worked hard; he did not idle
away his time and did not bury his talents because of the
fear of man. He had pure, noble motives. He had faith,
prayed and studied, repented, showed good works, was
obedient, and relied on the Holy Ghost. He was therefore
taught from on high."
