Kimball & Ashton-1 Ne. 2:16

Speaking of Nephi, Elder Spencer W. Kimball stated: This young historian was large in stature, large in understanding, large in desire, and mighty in power and righteousness. His great desire was to know the will of God, the purpose of life, and to persuade men to come to Christ. He declared: ". . . I did believe all the words which had been spoken by my father" (1 Ne. 2:16). (Conference Report, April 1965, 61) Elder Marvin J. Ashton said: The Book of Mormon is a study of interesting contrasts between those who hardened their hearts and those whose hearts were softened by the Spirit of the Lord. How does one have his or her heart softened under the influence of the Holy Ghost? Nephi’s testimony provides an answer: “Having great desires to know of the mysteries of God, wherefore, I did cry unto the Lord; and behold he did … soften my heart that I did believe all the words which had been spoken by my father.” (1 Ne. 2:16; italics added.) After obtaining a testimony of the gospel and the Lord’s church, we should then strive to become pure in heart. (Ensign, October 1988, 16)