*Who could have supposed that my God.. would have been so merciful as to have snatched me out from my awful, sinful polluted state? ..Why did he not consign me to an awful destruction? Why did he not let the sword of his justice fall upon me, and doom me to Eternal despair? Oh, my soul as it were, fleeth at the thought.. Behold, he did not exercise his justice upon me, but in his great mercy has brought me over that everlasting gulf of death and misery, even to the salvation of my soul..
Yea, he that repenteth and exerciseth faith, and bringeth forth good works, and prayeth continually without ceasing- unto such it is given to know the MYSTERIES of GOD! yea, unto such it shall be given to reveal things which never have been revealed; yea, and it shall be given unto such to bring many souls unto repentance, even as it has been given to me..
I came into the California Santa Rosa Mission, not with the intent to destroy my brethren, but with the intent that perhaps I could be the means of saving some soul.. And when my heart was depressed, and when I've been about to turn back, behold the Lord God has comforted me, saying: Go amongst thy brethren.. bear with patience thine afflictions, and I will give unto you success...
They were encircled about with everlasting darkness and destruction; but behold, he has brought them into his everlasting light! Yea, into everlasting salvation; and they are encircled about with the matchless bounty of his love; yea, and I have been an instrument in his hands of doing this great and marvelous work! Behold, I cannot say the smallest part which I feel!
And behold, I say unto you, have I ever seen so great love in all the land?! Behold, I say unto you, nay! Now have I not great reason to rejoice? Yea, and my joy is carried away, even unto the boasting of my God, for he has all power, all wisdom, and all understanding; he comprehendeth all things, and he is a merciful Being, even unto salvation, to those who will repent and believe on his name. Now if this is boasting - even so will I boast! For this is MY LIFE, and my LIGHT, and my JOY, and my salvation, and my redemption from everlasting wo...This is my joy, and my great thanksgiving; and I will give thanks unto my God forever..
..And they shall be gathered into the garners, the temple, that they are not wasted.. Behold, they are in the hands of the Lord of the harvest, and they are his; and he will raise them up at the last day*
-Alma 26, more or less : )
