2 Nephi 3:25--The Words of Thy Dying Father

And now, blessed art thou, Joseph. Behold, thou art little; wherefore hearken unto the words of thy brother, Nephi, and it shall be done unto thee even according to the words which I have spoken. Remember the words of thy dying father. Amen.

This is the same chapter as yesterday's post, just a few verses further along. Lehi is finishing up his instructions to his son Joseph. Lehi is soon to die. His last recorded words to Joseph are to remember the words of his dying father. This could just be a generic statement to remember everything Lehi has ever taught Joseph, but I think there's more to it.

First I would ask what’s different about the words of a dying person as opposed to the words of a healthy person with long life ahead of him? The answer can be found in a principle from the law of evidence. In general, statements made by someone outside the courtroom and not under oath cannot be admitted as evidence in a trial because they are what's called hearsay. However, there are exceptions to the hearsay rule, and one of those exceptions has to do with the words of a dying person. The law recognizes that a person about to die will likely have no ulterior motive and will most likely tell the truth. Therefore, a person's last words, or dying declaration, is typically admitted into evidence in a trial and assumed to be true.

So, we remember the words of the dying because they are likely the truth. Lehi could have just said "remember the words of thy father," but he purposefully included the word "dying." For me it adds an element of truth and urgency to the request.

My Grandma Cook is getting old and has been sick for a while. Not long ago she left her testimony written. I should remember those words. When I get close to death, I should bear my testimony to my children and grandchildren, and hopefully my words will be powerful.