“I Know That I Shall Be Lifted Up at the Last Day”
Mormon records that he has from his earliest years observed a “continual scene of wickedness and abominations” among his brethren, the Nephites. We are left to feel for Mormon and the difficulty of his life and ministry, as he so often was a lone voice of reason and righteousness. We can only read between the lines and wonder how he could remain faithful and righteous under such adverse conditions, and how he could maintain a personal hope when he was so often filled with sorrow and discouragement at the sins of his society. Implicit in this statement is the special spiritual blessing Mormon had received, which was an anchor to his soul amidst the turmoil and troubles of his life. It seems clear that he had obtained the “more sure word of prophecy” (see D&C 13:15)—the sure knowledge that he was sealed up to eternal life. This is linked with his having received the Second Comforter, the presence of the Savior (see D&C 88:3-4, 67-68; Mormon 1:15). The Prophet Joseph Smith often urged the Saints “to go on and continue to call upon God until you make your calling and election sure for yourselves by obtaining this more sure word of prophecy, and wait patiently for the promise until you obtain it” (Teachings, p. 299). One receives these blessings only after, as Joseph taught, “the Lord has thoroughly proved him, and finds that the man is determined to serve Him at all hazards” (Teachings, p. 150). The realization that these blessings were his most assuredly kept Mormon from becoming overcome with sorrow or debilitated with discouragement and also provided the spiritual strength he most needed to continue to succor and serve an unresponsive, unappreciative, hardened, and iniquitous people. (The Book of Mormon provides accounts of other recipients of these great blessings and spiritual assurances. See Enos 1:27; Mosiah 26:20; 3 Nephi 28:3.)
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