| Joseph Smith, David Whitmer, and Oliver Cowdery
give Parley P. Pratt his ordination blessing, Oliver as spokesman §.
Oliver gives Parley a charge §. Thomas B.
Marsh §
and Orson Pratt § receive ordination blessings.
David seals the blessings of Thomas and Orson (the omission of sealing
Parley's blessing is probably a scribal error). Oliver gives the charge
to the Twelve
§. |
| Date |
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February 21, 1835 |
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Kirtland council |
| Location |
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Kirtland, Ohio. |
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| Description |
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Pursuant to adjournment a meeting of the Church of the Latter
Day Saints … |
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| Presiding |
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Not named. |
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| Clerk |
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Not named. |
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| Present |
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Not listed, but participants include David
Whitmer, Oliver Cowdery, Parley
P. Pratt (h), Joseph Smith, Orson
Pratt, and Thomas B. Marsh (h). |
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| Open |
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Prayer by President David Whitmer. |
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| Oliver |
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Oliver addresses the congregation
briefly. |
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| Parley
is ordained |
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Parley P. Pratt is called to
the stand and is ordained one of the Twelve by Joseph, David, and Oliver. |
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| Parley
P. Pratt |
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Oliver blesses Parley: |
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O Lord smile from Heaven upon this
thy servant, forgive his sins, sanctify his heart … Increase his love
for thee and for thy cause, increase his intelligence, communicate to him
all that wisdom, that prudence, and that understanding which he needs …
to magnify the Apostleship … May a double portion of that spirit which
was communicated to the Diciples of of our Lord & Saviour … rest
down upon him … that nothing shall prevail against him. That he may
be delivered from prisons from the power of his enemies, and from the adversary
of all righteousness … mount up on wings as an Eagle, to run and not
be weary, to walk and not faint … great wisdom & intelligence …
sickness and death have no power over him … be equal with his brethren
in bringing many sons and daughters to glory, and many nations to a knowledge
of the truth … be permitted to … receive instruction from on high.
No arm that is formed and lifted against thee shall prosper, no power shall
prevail for thou shalt have power with God and shall proclaim his gospel.
Thou wilt be afflicted, but … be delivered and conquer all thy foes.
Thine office shall never be taken from thee. … Angels shall carry thee
from place to place. Thy sins are forgiven, and thy name written in the
lambs book of life. Even so Amen. |
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| Oliver's
charge to Parley |
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Oliver gives Parley a
charge: |
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Same
trials as ancient apostles
Count the cost
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… You will have the same difficulties
to encounter in fulfilling this ministry, that the ancient Apostles had.
You have enlisted in a cause that requires your whole attention, you ought
therefore to count the cost, and become a polished shaft … |
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Work
of years
Lord will buoy you up |
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Your labor must be incessant and
your toil great. You must go forth and labor till the great work is done.
It will require a series of years … your Heavenly Father requires it,
the fact is this, the work is his, and he will not only cheer you, animate
you & buoy you up in your pilgrimage, in your arduous toils, but when
your work is done and your labor over, he will take you to himself. |
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Oliver
has had visions of Parley being hauled into court
Dungeons and prisons |
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… You will be dragged before
the authorities, for the religion you profess, and it were better not to
set out than to start, look back, or shrink when dangers threaten upon you,
or appalling death stares you in the face. I have spoken these things, Dear
Brother, because I have seen them in visions. There are strong dungeons
and gloomy prisons for you. … |
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Beware
of evil
Many afflictions
Nation born in a day
Mission across ocean |
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Beware of Pride, beware of evil;
shun the very appearance of it … you will have many blessings, also,
but you must pass through many afflictions … you shall see a nation
born in a day. A great work lies before you & the time is near, when
you must bid farewell to your native land, cross the mighty deep and sound
the tocsin of alarm to other nations, kindreds, tongues and people. …
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Avoid
strife
If not, will be replaced |
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Avoid strife and vain glory, think
not yourself better than your brethren, but pray for them, as well as for
yourself, and if you are faithful, great will be your blessing, but if you
are not your stewardship will be taken from you, and another appointed in
you stead. |
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| Parley
accepts charge |
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Parley shakes Oliver's hand and says
he has received the ordination and will fulfill the ministry "according
to the grace given him." |
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| Oliver
responds |
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"Go forth and Angels shall bear thee up"
Oliver replies, "and thou shalt come forth at the last day bringing
many with thee." < |
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| Thomas
B. Marsh |
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Oliver blesses Thomas B. Marsh
that he will be |
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… a minister of righteousness
and to this ministry and Apostleship you are now to be ordained, and May
all temporal and Spiritual blessings attend you. Your sins are forgiven
you and you are to go forth and preach the everlasting Gospel. You shall
travel from Kingdom to Kingdom and from nation to nation. Angels shall bear
the[e] up, and thou shalt be instrumental in bringing thousands of the redeemed
of the Lord to Zion. |
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| David
seals the blessing |
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David Whitmer seals the blessing. |
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| Orson
Pratt |
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[N.B. there is no mention of who gives the
following blessing to Orson Pratt.] |
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Dear Brother, you are chosen, and set apart to be ordained
to this Apostleship and the ministry you shall go forth and preach the gospel
and do a mighty work. You shall be sustained. The Holy Spirit shall enlighten
thy mind. Thou shalt travel from nation to nation. The Lord God shall preserve
thee and return thee safe with songs of everlasting joy upon thy head. |
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| David
seals the blessing |
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David Whitmer seals the blessing. |
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| Introduction
to the charge |
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Prefatory to delivering the charge to
the Twelve, Oliver observes that |
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| People
need to see or hear to believe |
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the people of this Church were weak in faith compared
with the ancients. [They wanted to know] how the work was to be conducted.
They read many things in the Book of Mormon concerning their duty …
but the minds of men were so constructed, that they will not believe without
a testimony of seeing or hearing. |
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| Revelation
that Twelve would be called |
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The Lord gave us a revelation, that in process of time there
should be Twelve chosen to preach his gospel to Jew & Gentile. Our minds
have been on a constant stretch to find who these Twelve were. |
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"…
I give unto you, Oliver Cowdery, and also unto David Whitmer, that you
shall search out the Twelve … and by their desires and their
works you shall know them." ¶ D&C 18:37–38. |
Duty
to deliver charge
But first … |
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When the time should come we could
not tell, but … having seen the day, it becomes my duty to deliver
to you a charge. And first, a few remarks respecting your ministry. |
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Revelations
reeived
Twelve will need wisdom |
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You have many Revelations put into your hands. Revelations
to make you acquainted with the nature of your Mission. You will have difficulties
by reason of your visiting all the nations of the world. You will need wisdom
in a tenfold proportion to what you have ever had. You will have to combat
all the prejudices of all nations. |
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Reads
revelation
Desires to preach |
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He then read Revelation, and proceeded to say,
Have you desired this ministry with all your hearts, if you have desired
it, you are called of God not of man, to go into all the world. |
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| Reads
revelation |
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He read again from the Revelation, what the Lord
said to the 12. |
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Ordained
to Holy Priesthood
Authority from an angel |
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Brethren you have your duty presented in this revelation.
You have been ordained to the Holy Priesthood. You have received it from
those who had their power and authority from an angel. You are to preach
the gospel to every nation. should you in the least degree come short of
your duty, great will be your condemnation, for the greater the calling,
the greater the transgression. |
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Cultivate
humility
Ministry first |
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I, therefore, warn you to cultivate great humility, for I
know the pride of the human heart. Beware, lest the flatterers of the world
lift you up. Beware lest your afflictions are captivated by worldly objects.
Let your ministry be first. Remember the souls of men are committed to your
charge, and if you mind your calling you shall always prosper. |
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| Must
see the face of God |
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You have been indebted to other men in the first instance
for evidence on that you have acted. But it is necessary that you receive
a testimony from Heaven for yourselves, so that you can bear testimony to
the truth of the Book of Mormon. And that you have seen the face of God;
that is more than the testimony of an Angel. When the proper time arrives
you shall be able to bear this testimony to the world. When you bear testimony
that you have seen God. This testimony God will never suffer to fall, but
will bear you out. Although many will not give heed, yet others will. You
will, therefore see the necessity of getting this testimony from heaven.
Never cease striving until you have seen God, face to face. Strengthen your
faith, cast off your doubts, your sins and all your unbelief and nothing
can prevent you from coming to God. |
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| Ordination
incomplete until God certifies |
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Your ordination is not full and complete till God has laid
his hand upon you. |
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| Same
as in ancient days |
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We require as much to qualify us as did those who have gone
before us. God is the same. If the Saviour in former days laid his hands
upon on his deciples. Why not in the latter Days. |
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| Seek
not superiority |
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With regard to superiority I must make a few remarks. The
ancient Apostles sought to be great, but, brethren lest the seeds of discord
be sown in this matter, understand particularly the voice of the Spirit
on this occasion. God does not love you better or more than others. You
are to contend for the faith once delivered to the Saints. |
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Jacob
wrestled angel
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Jacob, you know wrestled till he obtained. It was by fervent
prayer and diligent search that you have obtained the testimony you are
now able to bear. |
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| Be
one |
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You are as one, you are equal in bearing the keys of the
kingdom to all nations. |
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Called
to preach
Worth of a soul |
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You are called to preach the gospel of the son of God to the
nations of the earth. It is the will of your Heavenly Father that you proclaim
his gospel to the ends of the earth, and the Islands of the Sea. Be zealous
to save souls. The soul of one man is as precious as the soul of another.
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Persecution
Don't complain |
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You are to bear this message to those who consider themselves
wise and such may persecute you. They may seek your life. The adversary
has always sought the life of the servants of God. You are, therefore, to
be prepared at all times to make a sacrifice of your lives, should God require
them in the advancement and building up of his cause. Murmur not at God.
Be always prayerful, be always watchful. |
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Oliver's
feelings
Only day like this |
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You will bear with me while I relieve the feelings of my heart.
We shall not see another day like this. The time has fully come. The voice
of the spirit has come to set these men apart. You will see the time when
you will desire to see such a day as this, and you will not see it. Every
heart wishes you peace & prosperity but the scene, with you, will inevitably
change. |
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Don't
lose crowns
Courage
Opposition |
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Let no man take your bishopric,
and beware that you lose not your crowns. It will require your whole souls.
It will require courage like Enochs. The time is near when you will be in
the midst of congregations, who will gnash their teeth upon you. |
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| Gospel
will fill earth |
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This gospel must roll and will roll till it fills the whole
Earth. |
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Nations
will oppose
Enemy will rage
God is with you |
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Did I say congregations would gnash upon you, yea I say nations
will will gnash upon you. You will be considered the worst of Men. Be not
discouraged at this. When God pours out his Spirit the enemy will rage,
but, God remember is on your right hand and on your left. A man though he
may be considered the worst, has joy who is consious that he pleases God.
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| Lives
in danger, as usual |
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The lives of those who proclaim the true gospel will be in
danger, this has been the case ever since the days of righteous Abel. The
same opposition has been manifest whenever men came forward to publish the
gospel. |
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Opinions
vary
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The time is coming when you will be considered the worst
by many & by some the best of men. The time is coming, when you will
be perfectly familiar with the things of God. This testimony will make those
who do not believe your testimony, seek your lives. |
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| Nations
will receive you, be careful of pride |
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But there are whole nations, who will receive your testimony.
They will call you good men. Be not lifted up when you are called good men.
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You
are young, will be spared
Twelve are equal
Ties stronger than death |
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Remember you are young men, and you shall be spared. I include
the other three. Bear them in mind in your prayers carry their cases to
a throne of grace. Although they are not present, yet you and they are equal.
This appointment is calculated to create an affection in you, for each other,
stronger than death. |
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Bear
each other in mind
God will deliver you |
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You will travel to other Nations, Bear each other in mind.
If one or more is cast into prisons, let the others pray for him and deliver
him by their prayers. Your lives shall be in great jeopardy, but the promise
of God, is that you shall be delivered. |
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Kirtland
endowment
Need wisdom, knowledge, intelligence |
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Remember you are not to go to other
nations, till you receive your endowment. Tarry at Kirtland until you are
endowed with power from on high. You need a fountain of wisdom, knowledge,
and intelligence such as you never had. |
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World
cannot receive things of God
Endow without pomp or parade
Gives wisdom |
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Relative to the endowment, I make a remark or two, that there
be no mistake. The world cannot receive the things of God. He can endow
you without worldly pomp or great parade. He can give you that wisdom, that
intelligence in that power which characterized the ancient Saints and now
characterizes the inhabitants of the upper world. |
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| Commission:
hold keys of ministry, go to nations |
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The greatness of your commission consists in
this; you are to hold the keys of this ministry. You are to go to the nations
afar off; nations that sit in darkness. |
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| Israel
will gather, feast |
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The [time] is coming when the work of God must be done. Israel
shall be gathered. The seed of Jacob shall be gathered from their long dispersion.
There will be a feast to Israel, the elect of God. |
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| Gospel
must be preached |
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It is a sorrowful tale but the gospel must be preached and
his[,] Gods[,] ministers be rejected, but where can Israel be found and
receive your testimony, and not rejoice? No where. |
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After
gathering, destructions
You must warn the nations |
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The Prophecies are full of great things that are to take place
in the last days. After the Elect is gathered out, destruction shall come
on the inhabitants of the Earth. All nations shall feel the wrath of God,
after they have been warned by the saints of the Most High. If you will
not warn them others will and you will lose your crowns. |
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| Bid
farewell until the great day |
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You must prepare your minds to bid a long farewell to Kirtland,
even till the great day come. You will see what you never expected to see.
You will need the mind of Enoch or Elijah & the faith of the brother
of Jared. You must be prepared to walk by faith, however, appalling the
prospect to human view. |
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Cheerfully
receive what comes
You will stand, others fall |
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You and each of you should feel
the force of the imperious mandate, Son go labor in my vineyard, and cheerfully
receive what comes but in the end you will stand while others will fall.
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| Nations
and ordinations |
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You have read in the Revelation concerning ordination. Beware
how you ordain, for all nations are not like this nation. They will willingly
receive the ordinances at your hand to put you out of the way. There will
be times when nothing but the angels of God can deliver you out of their
hand. |
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| God
point you out to us, you are his stewards |
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We appeal to your intelligence, we appeal to your understanding,
that we have so far discharged our duty to you. We consider it one of the
greatest condescentions of our Heavenly Father in pointing you out to us.
You will be stewards over this ministry. |
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Proclaim
gospel simply
Commend you to God
See his face |
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We have work to do that no other man can do.
You must proclaim the Gospel in its simplicity and purity, and we commend
you to God and the word of his grace. You have our best wishes, you have
our most fervent prayers that you may be able to bear this testimony, that
you have seen the face of God. |
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Call
on him until you prevail
Be faithful
Bound together for life, like Three Witnesses |
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Therefore, call upon him in faith and mighty prayer, till
you prevail, for it is your duty and your privelege to bear such testimony
for yourselves. We now exhort you to be faithful to fulfill your calling,
there must be no lack here. You must fulfil in all things, and permit us
to repeat, all nations have a claim on you. You are bound together as the
three witnesses were. You, Notwithstanding can part & meet & meet
and part again till your heads are silvered oer with age. |
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Oliver then takes each by the hand and says, |
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| Accept
charge |
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Do you with full purpose of heart take part in
this ministry to proclaim the gospel with all diligence with these your
brethren, according to the tenor and intent of the charge you have received |
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Each answers affirmatively. |
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February 28, 1835
February 14, 1835
Ohio
Minutes
|