There were evenings those many years ago, at about sunset, when I would walk in with the cows. There is much that is good in this land, and much to love. Nevertheless, on this occasion of so many pleasant memories another impression assailed my thoughts. The Lord gave us a choice world and expects righteousness and obedience to his commandments in return. But when I review the performance of this people in comparison with what is expected, I am appalled and frightened.
Iniquity seems to abound.
The Destroyer seems to be taking full advantage of the time remaining to him in this, the great day of his power. Evil seems about to engulf us like a great wave, and we feel that truly we are living in conditions similar to those in the days of Noah before the Flood. I have traveled much in various assignments over the years, and when I pass through the lovely countryside or fly over the vast and beautiful expanses of our globe, I compare these beauties with many of the dark and miserable practices of men, and I have the feeling that the good earth can hardly bear our presence upon it. That such a cry should be necessary among a people so blessed is amazing to me. And that such things should be found even among the Saints to some degree is scarcely believable, for these are a people who are in pssession of many gifts of the Spirit, who have knowledge that puts the eterninties into perspective, who have been shown the way to eternal life.