Minutes of February 21, 1835

Mormon History 1830-1844

Minutes of February 21, 1835

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 delivers the charge to the Twelve §.

Date	February 21, 1835	Kirtland council
Location	Kirtland, Ohio.
Description	Pursuant to adjournment a meeting of the Church of the Latter Day Saints …
Presiding	Not named.
Clerk	Not named.
Present	Not listed, but participants include David Whitmer, Oliver Cowdery, Parley P. Pratt (h), Joseph Smith, Orson Pratt, and Thomas B. Marsh (h).
Open	Prayer by President David Whitmer.
Oliver	Oliver addresses the congregation briefly.
Parley is ordained	Parley P. Pratt is called to the stand and is ordained one of the Twelve by Joseph, David, and Oliver.
Parley P. Pratt	Oliver blesses Parley:
	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.
Oliver's charge to Parley	Oliver gives Parley a charge:
Same trials as ancient apostles Count the cost	… 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 …
Work of years Lord will buoy you up	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.
Oliver has had visions of Parley being hauled into court Dungeons and prisons	… 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. …
Beware of evil Many afflictions Nation born in a day Mission across ocean	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.…
Avoid strife If not, will be replaced	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.
Parley accepts charge	Parley shakes Oliver's hand and says he has received the ordination and will fulfill the ministry "according to the grace given him."
Oliver responds	"Go forth and Angels shall bear thee up" Oliver replies, "and thou shalt come forth at the last day bringing many with thee." <
Thomas B. Marsh	Oliver blesses Thomas B. Marsh that he will be
	… 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.
David seals the blessing	David Whitmer seals the blessing.
Orson Pratt	[N.B. there is no mention of who gives the following blessing to Orson Pratt.]
	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.
David seals the blessing	David Whitmer seals the blessing.
Introduction to the charge	Prefatory to delivering the charge to the Twelve, Oliver observes that
People need to see or hear to believe	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.
Revelation that Twelve would be called	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.	"… 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 …	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.
Revelations reeived Twelve will need wisdom	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.
Reads revelation Desires to preach	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.
Reads revelation	He read again from the Revelation, what the Lord said to the 12.
Ordained to Holy Priesthood Authority from an angel	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.
Cultivate humility Ministry first	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.
Must see the face of God	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.
Ordination incomplete until God certifies	Your ordination is not full and complete till God has laid his hand upon you.
Same as in ancient days	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.
Seek not superiority	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.
Jacob wrestled angel	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.
Be one	You are as one, you are equal in bearing the keys of the kingdom to all nations.
Called to preach Worth of a soul	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.
Persecution Don't complain	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.
Oliver's feelings Only day like this	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.
Don't lose crowns Courage Opposition	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.
Gospel will fill earth	This gospel must roll and will roll till it fills the whole Earth.
Nations will oppose Enemy will rage God is with you	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.
Lives in danger, as usual	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.
Opinions vary	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.
Nations will receive you, be careful of pride	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.
You are young, will be spared Twelve are equal Ties stronger than death	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.
Bear each other in mind God will deliver you	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.
Kirtland endowment Need wisdom, knowledge, intelligence	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.
World cannot receive things of God Endow without pomp or parade Gives wisdom	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.
Commission: hold keys of ministry, go to nations	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.
Israel will gather, feast	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.
Gospel must be preached	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.
After gathering, destructions You must warn the nations	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.
Bid farewell until the great day	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.
Cheerfully receive what comes You will stand, others fall	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.
Nations and ordinations	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.
God point you out to us, you are his stewards	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.
Proclaim gospel simply Commend you to God See his face	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.
Call on him until you prevail Be faithful Bound together for life, like Three Witnesses	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.
	Oliver then takes each by the hand and says,
Accept charge	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
	Each answers affirmatively.
	Minutes of February 28, 1835: See First Quorum of Seventy February 14, 1835 Ohio Minutes