The cumulative weight of all mortal sins--past, present, and future--pressed upon that perfect, sinless, and sensitive Soul! All our infirmities and sicknesses were somehow, too, a part of the awful arithmetic of the Atonement. (See Alma 7:11-12; Isa. 53:3-5; Matt. 8:17.) The anguished Jesus not only pled with the Father that the hour and cup might pass from Him, but with this relevant citation. 'And he said, Abba, Father, all things are possible unto thee; take away this cup from me.' (Mark 14:35-36.)

Let us have integrity and not write checks with our tongues which our conduct cannot cash.

The harrowing of the soul can be like the harrowing of the soil; to increase the yield, things are turned upside down.

Defectors often cause more difficulty than disinterested disbelievers.

It's service, not status, that counts.

Real hope is much more than wishful musing. It stiffens, not slackens, the spiritual spine.

True discipleship is for volunteers only. Only volunteers will trust the Guide sufficiently to follow Him in the dangerous ascent which only He can lead.