Ordination and Blessing of Oliver Cowdery, 5 December 1834
Source Note
JS, Ordination and Blessing of , , Geauga Co., OH, 5 Dec. 1834. Featured version inscribed, [5 Dec. 1834], in JS, History, [Dec. 1834–May 1836], p. 19; handwriting of ; verso of JS History, 1838–1856, vol. A-1, CHL. Includes redactions. For more complete source information, see the source note for JS, History, [Dec. 1834–May 1836].
Brother, In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, who was crucified for the sins of the world, that we through the virtue of his blood might come to the Father, I lay my hands upon thy head, and ordain thee a President of the high and holy priesthood, to assist in presiding over the Chu[r]ch, and bearing the of this kingdom—which priesthood is after the order of Melchizedek—which is after the order of the Son of God— And now, O Father, wilt thou bless this thy servant with wisdom, knowledge, and understanding— give him, by the Holy Spirit, a correct understanding of thy doctrine, laws, and will— commune with him from on high— let him hear thy voice, and recieve the ministries ministring of the holy angels— deliver him from temptation, and the power of darkness— deliver him from evil, and from those who may seek his destruction,— be his shield, his buckler, and his great reward— endow him with power from on high, that he may write, preach, and proclaim the gospel to his fellowmen in demonstration of the Spirit and of power— may his feet never slide— may his heart never feint— may his faith never fail. Bestow upon him the blessings of his fathers Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and of Joseph— Prolong his life to a good old age, and bring him in peace to his end, and to rejoice with thy saints, even the sanctified, in the celestial kingdom; for thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory, forever. Amen. [p. 19]
See Matthew 6:13. JS’s journal for 5 December 1834 states, “Oliver Cowdery was ordained an assistant President of the High and Holy Priesthood under the hands of brother Joseph Smith jr. Saying, ‘My brother, in the name of Jesus Christ who was crucified for the sins of the world, I lay my hands upon thee, and ordain thee an assistant President of the high and holy p[r]iesthood in the church of the Latter Day Saints.[’]” (JS, Journal, 5 Dec. 1834.)