Blessing to William Smith, 15 February 1835

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Blessing to William Smith, 15 February 1835
Source Note

JS and others, Blessing, to
William Smith
13 Mar. 1811–13 Nov. 1893. Farmer, newspaper editor. Born at Royalton, Windsor Co., Vermont. Son of Joseph Smith Sr. and Lucy Mack. Moved to Lebanon, Grafton Co., New Hampshire, 1811; to Norwich, Windsor Co., 1813; and to Palmyra, Ontario Co., New York, 1816...
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,
Kirtland Township
Located ten miles south of Lake Erie. Settled by 1811. Organized by 1818. Latter-day Saint missionaries visited township, early Nov. 1830; many residents joined Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Population in 1830 about 55 Latter-day Saints and...
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, Geauga Co., OH, 15 Feb. 1835. Featured version copied [not before 25 Feb. 1836] in Minute Book 1, p. 154; handwriting of
Warren Cowdery
17 Oct. 1788–23 Feb. 1851. Physician, druggist, farmer, editor. Born at Wells, Rutland Co., Vermont. Son of William Cowdery and Rebecca Fuller. Married Patience Simonds, 22 Sept. 1814, in Pawlet, Rutland Co. Moved to Freedom, Cattaraugus Co., New York, 1816...
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; CHL. For more complete source information, see the source note for Minute Book 1.

Historical Introduction
See Historical Introduction to Minutes, Discourse, and Blessings, 14–15 February 1835.
Page 154
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Williams Smith
13 Mar. 1811–13 Nov. 1893. Farmer, newspaper editor. Born at Royalton, Windsor Co., Vermont. Son of Joseph Smith Sr. and Lucy Mack. Moved to Lebanon, Grafton Co., New Hampshire, 1811; to Norwich, Windsor Co., 1813; and to Palmyra, Ontario Co., New York, 1816...
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’s blessing
1
Smith copied his blessing into a reminiscence, stating that it came from “the record book of the proceedings of the Church in those days.” Other than the minor differences noted herein and some punctuation changes, Smith’s copy follows the blessing as recorded here. (Smith, William Smith on Mormonism, 26–27.)
Comprehensive Works Cited
Smith, William. William Smith on Mormonism. This Book Contains a True Account of the Origin of the Book of Mormon. A Sketch of the History, Experience, and Ministry of Elder William Smith. . . . Lamoni, IA: Herald Steam Book and Job Office, 1883.

That he may be purified in heart, that he may have communion with God. That he may be equal with his brethren in holding the
keys
Authority or knowledge of God given to humankind. In the earliest records, the term keys primarily referred to JS’s authority to unlock the “mysteries of the kingdom.” Early revelations declared that both JS and Oliver Cowdery held the keys to bring forth...
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of this ministry That he may be kept and be instrumental in leading Israel forth, that he may be delivered from the hands of those who seek to destroy him:
2
William Smith’s later copy eliminates “him.” (Smith, William Smith on Mormonism, 27.)
that he may be enabled to bear testimony to the nations, that Jesus lives. That he may stand in the midst of pestilence and destruction, he shall be mighty in the hands of God, in bringing about the restoration of Israel.
3
See Book of Mormon, 1830 ed., 37, 68, 512 [1 Nephi 15:20; 2 Nephi 3:24; 3 Nephi 29:1].
The nations
4
William Smith’s later copy replaces “the nations” with “many.” (Smith, William Smith on Mormonism, 27.)
shall rejoice at the greatness of the gifts
5
William Smith’s later copy uses the singular “gift” here. (Smith, William Smith on Mormonism, 27.)
which God has bestowed upon him, That his tongue shall be loosed, he shall have power to do great things in the name of Jesus. He shall be preserved and remain on the earth, until Christ shall come to take vengeance on the wicked.
6
See Revelation, Sept. 1830–A [D&C 29:17]. William Smith’s later copy does not reproduce this last sentence. (Smith, William Smith on Mormonism, 27.)

Confirmed
After baptism, new converts were confirmed members of the church “by the laying on of the hands, & the giving of the Holy Ghost.” According to JS’s history, the first confirmations were administered at the organization of the church on 6 April 1830. By March...
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7
The version of these minutes in a later JS history has “Adjourned” following the word “Confirmed.” (JS History, vol. B-1, 568.)
JS History / Smith, Joseph, et al. History, 1838–1856. Vols. A-1–F-1 (original), A-2–E-2 (fair copy). Historian’s Office, History of the Church, 1839–ca. 1882. CHL. CR 100 102, boxes 1–7. The history for the period after 5 Aug. 1838 was composed after the death of Joseph Smith.
[p. 154]
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Document Information
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Editorial Title
Blessing to William Smith, 15 February 1835
ID #
12691
Total Pages
1
Print Volume Location
Handwriting on This Page
Warren A. Cowdery
Footnotes
[1]
Smith copied his blessing into a reminiscence, stating that it came from “the record book of the proceedings of the Church in those days.” Other than the minor differences noted herein and some punctuation changes, Smith’s copy follows the blessing as recorded here. (Smith, William Smith on Mormonism, 26–27.)
[2]
William Smith’s later copy eliminates “him.” (Smith, William Smith on Mormonism, 27.)
[3]
See Book of Mormon, 1830 ed., 37, 68, 512 [1 Nephi 15:20; 2 Nephi 3:24; 3 Nephi 29:1].
[4]
William Smith’s later copy replaces “the nations” with “many.” (Smith, William Smith on Mormonism, 27.)
[5]
William Smith’s later copy uses the singular “gift” here. (Smith, William Smith on Mormonism, 27.)
[6]
See Revelation, Sept. 1830–A [D&C 29:17]. William Smith’s later copy does not reproduce this last sentence. (Smith, William Smith on Mormonism, 27.)
[7]
The version of these minutes in a later JS history has “Adjourned” following the word “Confirmed.” (JS History, vol. B-1, 568.)
JS History / Smith, Joseph, et al. History, 1838–1856. Vols. A-1–F-1 (original), A-2–E-2 (fair copy). Historian’s Office, History of the Church, 1839–ca. 1882. CHL. CR 100 102, boxes 1–7. The history for the period after 5 Aug. 1838 was composed after the death of Joseph Smith.