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In each dispensation, following the prophet has been dicult for the Lord’s

people. Despite the conditions and situations unique to each dispensation, the

reasons they have diculty following the prophets are universal. The scriptures

mention that the people harden their hearts, hearen to the devil, fell to contention

due to false doctrine, followed their hearts ! despite their being unsteady and false,

and due to their riches and success became prideful.In this modern age, it is manifest in many di"erent ways. Individuals are more

resistant than ever to criticism, especially when dealing with morals and

consequence. In order to gain power, prestige, and in#uence, many individuals are

advocates of pleasurable activities and conduct, gaining large followings of people.

Due to this new moral shift, many try to abolish negative consequence and $ustify

any activity, stating that freedom to do something is the indicator of correctness.

%any say &if it’s not illegal, it’s not wrong.'

 This attitude is against the gospel and the will of (od. )s the moral standard

of the world further deviates from the gospel standard, the gospel becomes less

enticing without spiritual longing. This maes all the doctrine that the prophets mayproclaim seem unenticing as well, despite the natural positive consequences and

results which would follow. This is evidenced in remars by *lder +eal ). %awell

made in -/0. 1e stated2

&3mae no mistae about it, brothers and sisters4 in the months and years

ahead, events will require of each member that he or she decide whether or

not he or she will follow the 5irst 6residency. %embers will 7nd it more dicult

to halt longer between two opinions 8see - 9ings -02:-;.

6resident %arion (.

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seems probable, that others will step forward, having been rallied to

righteousness by what we do. Fe will now the $oy, on occasion, of having

awaened a slumbering ma$ority of the decent people of all races and creeds!

a ma$ority which was, till then, unconscious of itself.

 @esus said that when the 7g trees put forth their leaves &summer is nigh'

8%atthew :>2?:;. Thus warned that summer is upon us, let us not thencomplain of the heat.

 These observations have come to pass in many ways, and in much greater depth

than many in that era assumed. The gospel never was supposed to loo appealing

to those who desired the world, but the rewards received for spiritual devotion was

always accompanied with the promise of happiness. Gntil the world pursues

happiness instead of pleasure, the gospel will never appeal to the unrighteous.

Gnfortunately, this applies wholly to the words of the prophets as well.

http://scriptures.lds.org/en/matt/24/32#32http://scriptures.lds.org/en/matt/24/32#32