Lehi reminds his son of the great truth that trials and afflictions are necessary in the preparation for the reception of special blessings. That is a difficult lesson to learn. Especially in days of pleasure hunting, who wants to hear that afflictions are necessary for purification and glorification; that, to the followers of the Captain of our salvation, the road to victory goes over Calvary? Who can truthfully say, with the poet:
"We take with solemn thankfulness
Our burden up, nor ask it less,
And count it joy that even we
May suffer, serve, or wait for thee,
Whose will be done?"
—John G. Whittier.