What sort of a man would literally offer up his life for a people, loving them with all his heart—even in the face of their hardness and wickedness? This is a man from the mold of the Savior Himself, who willingly offered up His life for all mankind, despite their defiance against His gospel of mercy. Three times during His visit to the New World, the resurrected Lord poured out His heart with the expression: “how oft would I have gathered you as a hen gathereth her chickens, and ye would not” (see 3 Nephi 10:4–6). The people assembled around the temple in Bountiful to learn from their Lord listened and believed. A period of unprecedented peace and harmony ensued. But now, generations later, the descendents of these same people flounder in godless pursuits, having forgotten their heritage through wanton wickedness. And Mormon’s actions on their behalf, though sincere and loving, cannot be sustained by the power of faith, because the people “would not.” The prophet Mormon soon gives an unforgettable statement concerning the divine antidote to the recalcitrance and rebellion of his people: “O then despise not, and wonder not, but hearken unto the words of the Lord, and ask the Father in the name of Jesus for what things soever ye shall stand in need. Doubt not, but be believing, and begin as in times of old, and come unto the Lord with all your heart, and work out your own salvation with fear and trembling before him” (Mormon 9:27).