Patriarchal Blessing of Jesse Hitchcock given by Joseph Smith, Sr. ... nothing shall be to hard for thee: the rivers shall obey thy voice, and the wicked shall tremble at the power and greatness of thy deeds if thou continuest to magnify thyself before the Lord in righteousness. I seal upon thee this blessing in the name of Jesus. Amen. Wm. W. Phelps, Clerk.
Given in Kirtland, Dec. 16, 1835, and recorded in this book the 22nd of the same month. O. Cowdery, R[ecorder] [Patriarchal Blessing Book 1:26]
[Source: Early Patriarchal Blessings of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Joseph Smith Sr. (Author), H. Michael Marquardt (Editor), http://amzn.to/rCBHVe]
180 years ago today - Dec 16, 1835 (Wednesday)
[Joseph Smith] Elder McLellen Elder B. Young and Elder J. Carter called and paid me a visit, with which I was much gratified. I exibited and explaind the Egyptian Records to them, and explained many things to them concerning the dealings of God with the ancients and the formation of the planetary System, they seemed much pleased with the interview.
[Source: The Woodland Institute, http://www.woodlandinstitute.com]
[Source: The Woodland Institute, http://www.woodlandinstitute.com]
180 years ago today - (Wed) Dec 16, 1835
William Smith resumed his semi-public debate with Joseph Smith, Jr. at their parents' home in Kirtland. Following its conclusion, William wished to carry on the controversy It seems that Joseph did not wish to continue the debate and was seriously beaten by William Smith -- so much so that he was "unwell" the next day.
[Source: Broadhurst, Dale R., Mormon Chronology, http://olivercowdery.com/history/morchrn2.htm]
[Source: Broadhurst, Dale R., Mormon Chronology, http://olivercowdery.com/history/morchrn2.htm]
55 years ago today - 55 years ago - Dec 15, 1960
At a temple meeting of the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve, first counselor Henry D. Moyle reports on the "baseball baptism program," which began targeting pre-adolescent and adolescent boys during the summer of 1959. Moyle reports that this is occurring "not only in England but all over the Continent." Missions choose their preferred recreational approach for teenage converts. For example, it is basketball in the Northwestern States Mission and beach parties in the Gulf States Mission.
[Source: The Mormon Hierarchy - Extensions of Power by D. Michael Quinn, [New Mormon History database (http://bit.ly/NMHdatabase)]]
[Source: The Mormon Hierarchy - Extensions of Power by D. Michael Quinn, [New Mormon History database (http://bit.ly/NMHdatabase)]]
60 years ago today - 60 years ago - Dec 15, 1955
[First Presidency to Stake Presidents] It has been called to our attention that there has accumulated in the various temples of the Church a large number of male names for which endowment work has not been done. Ordinances have been performed for the corresponding female names in the families thus represented, but as you realize, families cannot be sealed until all members are endowed. To equalize the situation and make it possible to complete this work we desire to call upon worthy holders of the Melchizedek Priesthood to assist. With this in mind, we propose [various steps to increase male temple work]...
[Source: David O. McKay, Stephen L. Richards, and J. Reuben Clark Jr. to stake presidents, Dec. 15, 1955, in Anderson, Devery; The Development of LDS Temple Worship, 1846-2000: A Documentary History, http://amzn.to/TempleWorship]
[Source: David O. McKay, Stephen L. Richards, and J. Reuben Clark Jr. to stake presidents, Dec. 15, 1955, in Anderson, Devery; The Development of LDS Temple Worship, 1846-2000: A Documentary History, http://amzn.to/TempleWorship]
85 years ago today - 85 years ago - Dec 15, 1930
[B. H. Roberts] I am writing you to ask if the article published in the Utah Genealogical and Historical Magazine of October, 1930, under the title 'Faith Leads to a Fulness of Truth and Righteousness', dealing mainly with the antiquity of the life and death upon the earth and treated as a discourse by Elder Joseph Fielding Smith on the 5th of April, 1930, is a treatise on that subject that was submitted to and approved by the Council of the First Presidency and perhaps the Quorum of the Twelve? And is it put forth as the official declaration of the Church on the subject treated? Or is it the unofficial and personal declaration of the opinion only of Elder Smith? In the latter event then I feel that that fact should have been expressed in the discourse; or if it is an official pronouncement of the Church then that fact should have been avowed; for the strictly dogmatical and the pronounced finality of the discourse demand the suggested explanation in either case.
If the discourse of Elder Smith is merely his personal opinion, while not questioning his right to such opinions, and also the right to express them, when so avowed as his personal opinions, yet I object to the dogmatism and finality spirit of the pronouncement and the apparent official announcement of them, as if speaking with final authority.
If Elder Smith is merely putting forth his own opinions I call in question his competency to utter such dogmatism either as a scholar or as an Apostle. I am sure he is not competent to speak in such manner from general learning or special research work on the subject; nor as an Apostle, as in that case he would be in conflict with the plain implication at least of the scriptures, both ancient and modern, and with the teaching of a more experienced and learned and earlier Apostle than himself, and a contemporary of the Prophet Joseph Smith ' whose public discourse on the subject appears in the Journal of Discourses and was publicly endorsed by President Brigham Young, all which would have more weight in setting forth doctrine tan this last dictum of Elder Smith.
My question is important as effecting, finally the faith and status of a very large portion of the priesthood and educated membership of the Church. I am sure and I trust this matter will receive early consideration.
[Source: B. H. Roberts, Letter to the First Presidency, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1910-1951, Privately Published, Salt Lake City, Utah 2010]
If the discourse of Elder Smith is merely his personal opinion, while not questioning his right to such opinions, and also the right to express them, when so avowed as his personal opinions, yet I object to the dogmatism and finality spirit of the pronouncement and the apparent official announcement of them, as if speaking with final authority.
If Elder Smith is merely putting forth his own opinions I call in question his competency to utter such dogmatism either as a scholar or as an Apostle. I am sure he is not competent to speak in such manner from general learning or special research work on the subject; nor as an Apostle, as in that case he would be in conflict with the plain implication at least of the scriptures, both ancient and modern, and with the teaching of a more experienced and learned and earlier Apostle than himself, and a contemporary of the Prophet Joseph Smith ' whose public discourse on the subject appears in the Journal of Discourses and was publicly endorsed by President Brigham Young, all which would have more weight in setting forth doctrine tan this last dictum of Elder Smith.
My question is important as effecting, finally the faith and status of a very large portion of the priesthood and educated membership of the Church. I am sure and I trust this matter will receive early consideration.
[Source: B. H. Roberts, Letter to the First Presidency, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1910-1951, Privately Published, Salt Lake City, Utah 2010]
105 years ago today - 105 years ago - Dec 15, 1910; Thursday
Brother Penrose reported Bear Lake [Idaho/Utah] Stake Conference. ... Held meeting with the Bishops of Garden City, Laketown and a representative from Round Valley on the contemplated move of joining them to Woodruff [Wyoming/Utah] Stake, and learned that a majority of the people opposed the change for the reason that they would be separated from the new stake by a high mountain, very difficult to travel in the winter. The change therefore was not made. ...
Consideration was given to a special communion service for sacramental meetings, which had been procured by the Bishop of the 18th Ward, and known as the individual service, distinct from the service of other meeting houses, in this, that it consisted of about three dozen exceedingly small glasses set on the silver castor. It seems that the Parents' Class of the Ward had discussed the way in which our sacrament was being administered, and in order to avoid so many people drinking from the same cups, this individual service was suggested, and was submitted by the Eighteenth Ward Bishopric for permission to use it at the 18th Ward meeting house, if deemed advisable.
The sense of the Council was, on motion of Pres[iden]t. John Henry Smith, that the Eighteenth Ward Bishopric be at liberty to test the use of the service. It was thought however that they might deem it advisable to use larger glasses. ...
[Source: First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve minutes]
Consideration was given to a special communion service for sacramental meetings, which had been procured by the Bishop of the 18th Ward, and known as the individual service, distinct from the service of other meeting houses, in this, that it consisted of about three dozen exceedingly small glasses set on the silver castor. It seems that the Parents' Class of the Ward had discussed the way in which our sacrament was being administered, and in order to avoid so many people drinking from the same cups, this individual service was suggested, and was submitted by the Eighteenth Ward Bishopric for permission to use it at the 18th Ward meeting house, if deemed advisable.
The sense of the Council was, on motion of Pres[iden]t. John Henry Smith, that the Eighteenth Ward Bishopric be at liberty to test the use of the service. It was thought however that they might deem it advisable to use larger glasses. ...
[Source: First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve minutes]
115 years ago today - 115 years ago - Saturday, Dec 15, 1900
[Apostle Rudger Clawson] I was engaged most of the day in entering up the cash payments on the bills payable liability of the church for Sept., Oct., and Nov. 1900. During the three months named the church indebtedness has been reduced, in round numbers, $148,000 and now stands as follows:
Bonded indebtedness
$1,000,000
Note indebtedness
551,000
Total indebtedness
$1,551,000
In the evening Lydia and myself went to the theatre.
[Source: Stan Larson (editor), A Ministry of Meetings: The Apostolic diaries of Rudger Clawson, Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, Salt Lake City, 1993, http://bit.ly/rudgerclawson]
Bonded indebtedness
$1,000,000
Note indebtedness
551,000
Total indebtedness
$1,551,000
In the evening Lydia and myself went to the theatre.
[Source: Stan Larson (editor), A Ministry of Meetings: The Apostolic diaries of Rudger Clawson, Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, Salt Lake City, 1993, http://bit.ly/rudgerclawson]
170 years ago today - 170 years ago - Dec 15, 1845. Monday.
[William Clayton] At 5 minutes to 9 o clock A.M. commenced washing and anointing . . .
At a quarter to 10 o clock the president called the brethren together who had Volunteered to assist in administering the ordinances this day and made the following appointments...
At a quarter to 11 o clock the bell was rung and commenced receiving those washed and anointed this morning through the lower and middle departments, the following persons officiating, viz. In the upper department John Taylor as Number 1 Amasa Lyman as number 2 Erastus Snow as number 3. In the middle department. Orson Hyde as number 1 Franklin D. Richards as number 2 Lucius N. Scovil as Number 3 W. W. Phelps as number 4 And George A. Smith as prompter . . .
About half after 8 o clock the president made a selection of men to assist in the ordinances tomorrow and also a list of brethren to be here on Wednesday to receive their endowment.
At 20 minutes to 10 President B. Young, H. C. Kimball, Orson Pratt, John Taylor, Amasa Lyman, George Miller, George A. Smith, John D. Lee and Franklin D. Richards retired to President Young's room being clothed and having offered up the signs of the Holy Priesthood offered up prayers President Young being mouth. At 5 minutes after 10 o clock they dismissed part retiring to their homes and ...
As on the days previous the most perfect harmony and good feeling prevailed. President Young superintended and directed all the movements of the day also selected those who should come on Wednesday assisted by Elder Kimball ...
[Source: George D. Smith, An Intimate Chronicle; The Journals of William Clayton, Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, Salt Lake City, 1995, http://bit.ly/WilliamClayton]
At a quarter to 10 o clock the president called the brethren together who had Volunteered to assist in administering the ordinances this day and made the following appointments...
At a quarter to 11 o clock the bell was rung and commenced receiving those washed and anointed this morning through the lower and middle departments, the following persons officiating, viz. In the upper department John Taylor as Number 1 Amasa Lyman as number 2 Erastus Snow as number 3. In the middle department. Orson Hyde as number 1 Franklin D. Richards as number 2 Lucius N. Scovil as Number 3 W. W. Phelps as number 4 And George A. Smith as prompter . . .
About half after 8 o clock the president made a selection of men to assist in the ordinances tomorrow and also a list of brethren to be here on Wednesday to receive their endowment.
At 20 minutes to 10 President B. Young, H. C. Kimball, Orson Pratt, John Taylor, Amasa Lyman, George Miller, George A. Smith, John D. Lee and Franklin D. Richards retired to President Young's room being clothed and having offered up the signs of the Holy Priesthood offered up prayers President Young being mouth. At 5 minutes after 10 o clock they dismissed part retiring to their homes and ...
As on the days previous the most perfect harmony and good feeling prevailed. President Young superintended and directed all the movements of the day also selected those who should come on Wednesday assisted by Elder Kimball ...
[Source: George D. Smith, An Intimate Chronicle; The Journals of William Clayton, Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, Salt Lake City, 1995, http://bit.ly/WilliamClayton]
175 years ago today - Dec 15, 1840
Joseph announces Hyrum as the patriarch of the Church in a letter to the Quorum of the Twelve and elders in England.
[Source: Jeffrey S. O'Driscoll, Hyrum Smith: A Life of Integrity, A Brief Chronology of the Life of Hyrum Smith: 1800-1844]
[Source: Jeffrey S. O'Driscoll, Hyrum Smith: A Life of Integrity, A Brief Chronology of the Life of Hyrum Smith: 1800-1844]
180 years ago today - Dec 15, 1835
Orson Hyde visits Joseph to hand him a letter explaining certain grievances. He feels the temple committee store (the committee that was in charge of building the temple also ran a store in Kirtland) has been more lenient with credit toward William Smith than toward Hyde. He thought that the Twelve were to be equal in all things, either richness or poverty. Joseph is very upset about Hyde's complaint.
[Source: Conkling, Christopher J., Joseph Smith Chronology]
[Source: Conkling, Christopher J., Joseph Smith Chronology]
185 years ago today - Mid-Dec. 1830
In response to a visit from Sidney Rigdon and Edward Partridge (see Dec. 10, below), the Lord reveals to Joseph D&C 35 and 36. To encourage the small flock of 70 members in Colesville and surrounding areas, the Lord reveals to Joseph some of the lost books of the Bible. Joseph records the Prophecy of Enoch (what is now Moses 7:1-69). Joseph also receives D&C 37. ___
[Source: Conkling, Christopher J., Joseph Smith Chronology]
[Source: Conkling, Christopher J., Joseph Smith Chronology]
70 years ago today - 70 years ago - Dec 14, 1945
The church expresses opposition to Universal Compulsory Military Training
[Source: 1945-December 14-Improvement Era 49:76-77, February, 1946, in Clark, James R., Messages of the First Presidency (6 volumes)]
[Source: 1945-December 14-Improvement Era 49:76-77, February, 1946, in Clark, James R., Messages of the First Presidency (6 volumes)]
130 years ago today - 130 years ago - Dec 14, 1885 (Monday)
The Supreme Court of the United States affirmed the judgment of the Supreme Court of Utah, against Pres. Angus M. Cannon. He had been imprisoned some two months longer than his sentence called for, awaiting the court decision from Washington, D.C., in his appeal case, was released from the Utah Penitentiary.
[Source: Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
[Source: Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
140 years ago today - Dec 14, 1875
Patriarchal Blessing of Samuel RosKelley by Lorenzo Hill Hatch ... thou shalt stand and officiate as a savious [savior] upon Mount Zion for thy Fathers and Mothers until the Priesthood shall be connected back until the time when it was upon the Earth and there shall be a perfect chain in thy linage. As a King and a Prince thou shalt have dominion as a Priest also for it has been by the faith of thy Fathers and agreeable to the desires of thy heart that thou hast received these glad tidings. Thou hast received and obeyed the C[e]lestial Law and thy wives shall be exhalted [exalted] with thee agreeable to their rights for thou are of the house of Joseph through the loins of Ephraim and thy ministry shall be in helping to build Cities and Temples in Zion...
[Source: Patriarchal Blessings]
[Source: Patriarchal Blessings]
140 years ago today - Dec 14, 1875
Patriarchal Blessing of Rebecca RosKelley by Lorenzo Hill Hatch ... If thou desirest it thou shall be caught up in the clouds of heaven and be changed in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, and thou shall minister until this great redemption shall be finished [a]nd the hosts of the wicked consumed, and have an inheritance upon Mount Zion with the sa[n]ctified and reign as a Queen with thy husband for ever and ever. Amen.
[Source: Patriarchal Blessings]
[Source: Patriarchal Blessings]
140 years ago today - Dec 14, 1875
[Patriarchal Blessing of Rebecca RosKelley by Lorenzo H. Hatch ... thy posterity shall be mighty in the Holy Priesthood, mighty in war, ... thou shalt live as long as thou desirest...
[Source: Patriarchal Blessings]
[Source: Patriarchal Blessings]
140 years ago today - Dec 14, 1875
Patriarchal Blessing of Hiram Abiff Watson by Lorenzo Hill Hatch ... I seal thee up unto Eternal Life to reign as a King, and have Joy and rejoicing with thy wives and posterity and thy departed dead. I seal these blessings upon thee and say that thou shalt live until Israel is redeemed and clime, and visit judgement upon those that have shed the Blood of the Prophets, and have an inheritance upon Mount Zion in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
[Source: Patriarchal Blessings]
[Source: Patriarchal Blessings]
170 years ago today - Dec 14, 1845
[Brigham Young] ... He then observed that he should henceforth have all the cloth, which was intended for robes, garments and aprons, brought and either cut or made in this Temple under the superintendence of those who know how to do it right. There are now scarcely two aprons alike nor two garments cut or marked right, and it is necessary to observe perfect order in this thing and it never can be done unless we take this course.
A conversation then ensued on the distinction of office or power, between a president of Seventies, and a member of the High Council or a High Priest. It arose in consequence of some of the High Council having been washed and anointed by some of the Presidents of Seventies & inasmuch as there had been some considerable difference in the views of the brethren in regard to the difference of authority between the High Council and Seventies Presidents. Young concluded it would be wisdom to have the subject understood at this early stage of business so as to prevent any feelings or disputes arising on the subject hereafter.
He stated that the Seventies are ordained Apostles, and when they go forth into the ministry, they are sent with power to build up the kingdom in all the world, and consequently they have power to ordain High Priests, and also to ordain and organize a High Council.
Some of the High Priests have been ready to quarrel on the subject, supposing they had power and authority above the seventies, and some in their zeal for power, have abused and trampled on the feelings of some of the seventies.
There is too much covetousness in the church and too much disposition among the brethren to seek after power and has been from the beginning, but this feeling is diminishing and the brethren begin to know better. In consequence of such feelings Joseph left the people in the dark on many subjects of importance and they still remain in the dark. We have got to rid such principles from our hearts.
He then referred to the manner in which the cornerstones of this temple were laid as published in the Times and Seasons, and then stated that the perfect order would have been for the Presidency of the Stake to lay the first, or southeast corner. The High Council the 2nd, or South West corner. The Bishops, the north west corner and the Priests the North East Corner, but added the High Priests laid the South West, corner, but they had no right to do it.
He then introduced the subject of the brethren making objections to any person being permitted to receive their ordinances and added that when objections were made he should feel bound to determine whether the person making the objections was a responsible person, if he was not he should do as he pleased about listening to the objection, but if he was a responsible person he should then listen to the objections.
To make a man a responsible man he must have the power and ability not only to save himself but to save others, but there are those who are not capable of saving themselves and will have to be saved if they are saved at all by those who are capable of doing it--an objection from such would have no weight on his mind.
When a man objects to another receiving the ordinances he becomes responsible to answer to God for that man's salvation. And who knows but if he received the ordinances he would be saved, but if we refuse to give him the means he cannot be saved and we are responsible for it.
There is no law to prevent any man from obtaining all the blessings of the priesthood if he will walk according to the commandments, pay his tithes, and seek after salvation, but he may deprive himself of them.
[Source: Heber C. Kimball journal (kept by WIlliam Clayton), in Elden J. Watson, ed. Brigham Young Addresses, 1801-1877: A Chronological Compilation of Known Addresses of the Prophet Brigham Young, 6 vols. (Salt Lake City: Privately published, 1971)]
A conversation then ensued on the distinction of office or power, between a president of Seventies, and a member of the High Council or a High Priest. It arose in consequence of some of the High Council having been washed and anointed by some of the Presidents of Seventies & inasmuch as there had been some considerable difference in the views of the brethren in regard to the difference of authority between the High Council and Seventies Presidents. Young concluded it would be wisdom to have the subject understood at this early stage of business so as to prevent any feelings or disputes arising on the subject hereafter.
He stated that the Seventies are ordained Apostles, and when they go forth into the ministry, they are sent with power to build up the kingdom in all the world, and consequently they have power to ordain High Priests, and also to ordain and organize a High Council.
Some of the High Priests have been ready to quarrel on the subject, supposing they had power and authority above the seventies, and some in their zeal for power, have abused and trampled on the feelings of some of the seventies.
There is too much covetousness in the church and too much disposition among the brethren to seek after power and has been from the beginning, but this feeling is diminishing and the brethren begin to know better. In consequence of such feelings Joseph left the people in the dark on many subjects of importance and they still remain in the dark. We have got to rid such principles from our hearts.
He then referred to the manner in which the cornerstones of this temple were laid as published in the Times and Seasons, and then stated that the perfect order would have been for the Presidency of the Stake to lay the first, or southeast corner. The High Council the 2nd, or South West corner. The Bishops, the north west corner and the Priests the North East Corner, but added the High Priests laid the South West, corner, but they had no right to do it.
He then introduced the subject of the brethren making objections to any person being permitted to receive their ordinances and added that when objections were made he should feel bound to determine whether the person making the objections was a responsible person, if he was not he should do as he pleased about listening to the objection, but if he was a responsible person he should then listen to the objections.
To make a man a responsible man he must have the power and ability not only to save himself but to save others, but there are those who are not capable of saving themselves and will have to be saved if they are saved at all by those who are capable of doing it--an objection from such would have no weight on his mind.
When a man objects to another receiving the ordinances he becomes responsible to answer to God for that man's salvation. And who knows but if he received the ordinances he would be saved, but if we refuse to give him the means he cannot be saved and we are responsible for it.
There is no law to prevent any man from obtaining all the blessings of the priesthood if he will walk according to the commandments, pay his tithes, and seek after salvation, but he may deprive himself of them.
[Source: Heber C. Kimball journal (kept by WIlliam Clayton), in Elden J. Watson, ed. Brigham Young Addresses, 1801-1877: A Chronological Compilation of Known Addresses of the Prophet Brigham Young, 6 vols. (Salt Lake City: Privately published, 1971)]
180 years ago today - Dec 14, 1835
[Joseph Smith] To day Samuel Branum came to my house much afflicted with a swelling on his left arm which was occasioned by a bruise on his elbow. We had been called to pray for him and anoint him with oil, but his faith was not sufficient to effect a cure.
[Source: Faulring, Scott (ed.), An American Prophet's Record: The Diaries and Journals of Joseph Smith: Joseph Smith Diary, 1835-36, http://amzn.to/jsdiaries]
[Source: Faulring, Scott (ed.), An American Prophet's Record: The Diaries and Journals of Joseph Smith: Joseph Smith Diary, 1835-36, http://amzn.to/jsdiaries]
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