Man on Probation.--There is still another purpose in man's mortal existence, and it is referred to in the Book of Abraham, where the Creator, after announcing to "those who were with him" the proposed making of an earth "whereon these may dwell," says: "And we will prove them herewith, to see if they will do all things whatsoever the Lord their God shall command." Thus we are shown that man while here is on probation, that he may demonstrate his worthiness to inherit the great things held in reserve for the righteous. CHAPTER VI. Elect of Elohim. In solemn council sat the Gods; From Kolob's height supreme, Celestial light blazed forth afar O'er countless kokaubeam; And faintest tinge, the fiery fringe Of that resplendent day, 'Lumined the dark abysmal realm Where earth in chaos lay. Silence. That awful hour was one When thought doth most avail; Of worlds unborn the destiny Hung trembling in the scale. Silence self-spelled, and there arose, Those kings and priests among, A power sublime, than whom appeared None nobler 'mid the throng. A stature mingling strength with grace, Of meek though God-like mien; The glory of whose countenance Outshone the noonday sheen. Whiter his hair than ocean spray, Or frost of Alpine hill. He spake;--attention grew more grave, The stillness e'en more still. "Father!"--the voice like music fell, Clear as the murmuring flow Of mountain streamlet trickling down From heights of virgin snow. "Father," it said, "since one must die, Thy children to redeem, From spheres all formless now and void, Where pulsing life shall teem: "And mighty Michael foremost fall, That mortal man may be; And chosen Savior yet must send, Lo, here am I--send me! I ask, I seek no recompense, Save that which then were mine; Mine be the willing sacrifice, The endless glory Thine! "Give me to lead to this lorn world, When wandered from the fold, Twelve legions of the noble ones That now thy face behold; Tried souls, 'mid untried spirits found, That captained these may be, And crowned the dispensations all With powers of Deity. "Who blameless bide the spirit state Shall clothe in mortal clay, The stepping-stone to glories all, If man will God obey, Believing where he cannot see, Till he again shall know, And answer give, reward receive, For all deeds done below. "The love that hath redeemed all worlds All worlds must still redeem; But mercy cannot justice rob-- Or where were Elohim? Freedom--man's faith, man's work, God's grace-- Must span the great gulf o'er; Life, death, the guerdon or the doom, Rejoice we or deplore." Still rang that voice, when sudden rose Aloft a towering form, Proudly erect as lowering peak 'Lumed by the gathering storm; A presence bright and beautiful, With eye of flashing fire, A lip whose haughty curl bespoke A sense of inward ire: