19 And thus we see that, when these Lamanites were brought to believe and to know the truth, they were firm, and would suffer even unto death rather than commit sin; and thus we see that they buried their weapons of peace, or they buried the weapons of war, for peace. And thus we have an illustration of commitment. Commitment to God. Commitment to truth. And thus we see the power of righteous leadership. This is why what brother Joseph and Hyrum did, in returning to their own deaths, has enamored us to them. They were ready to head west. The Lord has told them that they were go west and to leave the United States and they were in the very act of leaving, for they had to leave to preserve their lives and also to lead the way west. Their lives were endangered. But, they heard about the reports from their Latter-day Saint “friends”, who were accusing them of being traitors and cowards for leaving. Joseph turned to Hyrum and asked, as the older brother, what they should do. Hyrum, innocent, kind, pure hearted, guileless Hyrum, suggested they go back and see things out. Joseph told him they would surely be dead men. Hyrum still wanted to go back. Than Joseph said that if his life’s doesn’t mean anything to his friends, it didn’t mean anything. Joseph and Hyrum went back to their deaths. Commitment is such an admirable trait! These Lamanites were committed.
Comments