Transcript

I wish to begin this evening by reading a dream which President Joseph F Smith had as a young man. At the age of 15, he was called on a mission to Hawaii. I give you this as background for the dream which he had when he was serving there as a very young man. I quote his words. "I was very much oppressed once. When I was on a mission, I was almost naked and entirely friendless, except the friendship of a poor, benighted people. I felt as if I was debased in my condition of poverty, lack of intelligence and knowledge, just a boy, that I hardly dare look a man in the face. While in that condition, I dreamed one night that I was on a journey. And I was impressed that I ought to hurry, hurry with all my might for fear I might be too late. I rushed on my way as fast as I possibly could. And I was only conscious of having just a little bundle, a handkerchief with a small bundle wrapped in it. I did not realize what it was when I was hurrying as fast as I could. But finally, I came to a wonderful mansion. I thought I knew that was my destination. As I passed towards it as fast as I could, I saw a notice. Bath. B-A-T-H. I turned aside quickly and went into the bath and washed myself clean. I opened up this little bundle that I had, and there was a pair of white clean garments, a thing I had not seen for a long time, because the people I was with did not think very much of making things exceedingly white. But my garments were clean, and I put them on. Then I rushed to what appeared to be a great opening or door. I knocked, and the door opened. And the man who stood there was the Prophet Joseph Smith. He looked at me a little reprovingly. And the first words he said, 'Joseph, you are late.' 'Yes,' I took confidence and replied, 'yes, but I am clean. I am clean.' He clasped my hand and drew me in, then closed the great door. I felt his hand just as tangible as I ever felt the hand of a man. When I had this dream, I was alone on a mat way up in the mountains of Hawaii. No one was with me. But in this vision, I pressed my hand up against the Prophet, and I saw a smile cross his countenance. When I awoke that morning, I was a man, although only a boy. There was not anything in the world that I feared after that. I could meet any man, or woman, or child and look them in the face, feeling in my soul that I was a man ever equipped. That vision, that manifestation and witness that I enjoyed at that time has made me what I am. If I am anything that is good or clean or upright before the Lord, if there is anything good in me, that has helped me out in every trial and through every difficulty." The core of that meaningful dream is found in the reproof given by Joseph Smith to young Joseph F. Said the Prophet, "Joseph, you are late." Replied Joseph F., "Yes, but I am clean. I am clean." The result of that dream was that a boy was changed into a man. His declaration, "I am clean," gave him self-assurance and courage in facing anyone or any situation. He received the strength that comes from a clear conscience, fortified by the approbation of the Prophet Joseph.

I Am Clean

Description
(Psalms 24:3-4) President Hinckley relates a dream that was had by President Joseph F. Smith.
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