Noah and his family were the only loyal and obedient subjects to the legal power: they alone were saved.

In this quote, Orson Pratt, a prominent early leader in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church), draws a parallel between the biblical story of Noah and the concept of obedience to legal power. Pratt emphasizes that Noah and his family were the only ones who remained loyal and obedient to the instructions given by God. In the biblical narrative, Noah is commanded by God to build an ark to save his family from the impending flood, and their salvation is portrayed as a result of their faithful adherence to God's will and laws.

Pratt's statement suggests that obedience to divine commandments, as represented by the authority of the legal power in the story, is crucial for survival and salvation. In the context of his own beliefs, Pratt is likely drawing a connection to the importance of obedience to God and the laws set forth by religious authorities. This quote serves as an illustration of how loyalty to divine commandments—whether through religious laws or societal regulations—is essential for spiritual well-being and protection.

The origin of this quote is tied to Pratt’s theological perspective on obedience and salvation within the LDS faith. As a theologian and one of the earliest members of the LDS Church, Pratt emphasized the importance of faithful obedience to the principles of the Church, often making connections between scripture and the contemporary religious teachings of the time. This quote reflects Pratt's belief in the principle that obedience to God and the guidance of religious authorities leads to salvation.

Ultimately, Pratt’s quote highlights the central theme of obedience in religious teachings, particularly within the context of Latter-day Saint doctrine. It underscores the idea that loyalty to higher powers, whether they be religious or legal, plays a key role in spiritual salvation. The story of Noah, with its focus on obedience and divine favor, is used as a model for understanding the relationship between humans and higher powers in the pursuit of salvation.