James L. McMurrin

Prophecy of James L. McMurrin:

I was profoundly impressed, however, when President James L. McMurrin, president of the European Mission, arose and confirmed that statement by pointing to one brother sitting just in front of me and saying, "Yes, brethren, there are angels in this room, and one of them is the guardian angel of that young man sitting there," and he designated one who afterward became a patriarch in the Woodruff Stake of the Church, John Young.Pointing to another elder, he said, "And one is the guardian angel of that young man there," and he singled out one whom I had known from childhood, David Eccles. Tears were rolling down the cheeks of both of these missionaries -- not in sorrow or grief, but as an expression of the overflowing Spirit. Indeed, we were all weeping.
Such was the setting in which James L. McMurrin gave what has since proved to be a prophecy.  I had learned by intimate association with him that James McMurrin was pure gold.  His faith in the gospel was implicit.  No truer man, no man more loyal to what he thought was right ever lived.  So when he turned to me and gave what I thought then was more of a caution than a promise, his words made an indelible impression upon me. Paraphrasing the words of the Savior to Peter, Brother McMurrin said: "Let me say to you, Brother David, Satan hath desired you that he may sift you as wheat, but God is mindful of you." Then he added, "If you will keep the faith, you will yet sit in the leading councils of the Church."
At that moment there flashed in my mind temptations that had beset my path, and I realized even better than President McMurrin, or any other man, how truly he had spoken when he said, "Satan hath desired thee." With the resolve then and there to keep the faith, there was born a desire to be of service to my fellowmen; and with it came a realization, a glimpse at least, of what I owed to the elder who first carried the message of the restored gospel to my grandfather and grandmother, who had accepted the message years before in the north of Scotland and in South Wales.
I ask God to continue to bless you that you will keep true to the priesthood that you hold, for it comes directly from John the Baptist, who received it from his Lord and Savior.  In your youth, do not let temptation lead you astray.  Be true to the ideals of your parents.