When the Story Begins

When I first took up my pen to write, I did not understand that I would make a little book in this form. I had begun another work, and when that was nearly finished, this one began before I fully noticed what was happening.

As I was writing about the way and race of the saints in this gospel day, I suddenly found myself in an allegory about their journey and the road to glory. I set down more than twenty things, and then twenty more came into my mind. They began multiplying like sparks flying from burning coals. So I thought, "If these ideas keep growing so quickly, I will set them apart by themselves, or they may overtake the book I first intended to write."

So I did. At first, I did not plan to show this writing to the world. I only meant to make something for my own use and refreshment. I did not set out to please others, but to occupy my own mind and turn it away from worse thoughts that might lead me into sin.

I wrote with delight, and soon my thoughts stood before me in ink. Once the path of the writing was clear, one thought drew out another, and so I kept writing until the work grew into the size you now see.

When I had brought the parts together, I showed them to others to see whether they would approve or condemn them. Some said, "Let it live." Others said, "Let it die." Some said, "Print it." Others said, "Do not." Some said, "It may do good." Others said, "No."

Then I was uncertain and did not know what was best. At last I thought, "Since you are divided, I will print it and let the matter be tested." I reasoned that if I refused those who wanted it, I might keep from them something that could bring them real delight and benefit.