-- Mar 30, 1836
[Joseph Smith Diary] 30th Wednesday morning, 8 o'clock, March 30th 1836 According to appointment the Presidency, the 12 [Apostles], the Seventies, the High Councils, the Bishops and their entire quorums, the Elders, and all the official members in this Stake of Zion amounting to about 300 met in the Temple of the Lord to attend to the ordinance of washing feet.
I ascended the pulpit and remarked to the congregation that we had passed through many trials and afflictions since the organization of this Church and that this is a year of jubilee to us and a time of rejoicing, and that it was expedient for us to prepare bread and wine sufficient to make our hearts glad, as we should not probably leave this house until morning. To this end we should call on the brethren to make a contribution; the stewards passed round and took up a liberal contribution and messengers were dispatched for bread and wine.
Tubs, water, and towels were prepared and I called the House to order and the Presidency preceeded to wash the feet of the 12 [Apostles], pronouncing many prophecys and blessings upon them in the name of the Lord Jesus. The brethren began to prophesy upon each others' heads and cursings upon the enimies of Christ who inhabit Jackson County, Missouri. Continued prophesying, blessing, and sealing them with Hosanna and Amen until nearly 7 o'clock P.M.
The bread /and wine/ was then brought in and I observed that we had fasted all the day, and lest we faint as the Saviour did so shall we do on this occasion. We shall bless the bread and give it to the 12 [Apostles] and they to the multitude, after which we shall bless the wine and do likewise.
While waiting for the wine I made the following remarks: that the time that we were required to tarry in Kirtland to be endued [endowed] would be fulfilled in a few days, and then the Elders would go forth and each must stand for himself, that it was not necessary for them to be sent out two by two as in former times; but to go in all meekness, in sobriety and preach Jesus Christ and him crucified, not to contend with others on the account of their faith or systems of religion but persue a steady course.
This I delivered by way of commandment, and all that observe them not will pull down persecution upon your /their/ heads, while those who do shall always be filled with the Holy Ghost. This I pronounced as a prophesy sealed with a Hosanna and Amen.
Also that the Seventies are not called to serve tables or preside over Churches to settle difficulties, but to preach the gospel and build them up, and set others who do not belong to these quorums to preside over them who are High Priests. The Twelve [Apostles] also are not to serve tables, but to bear the keys of the kingdom to all nations and unlock them and call upon the Seventies to follow after them and assist them. The 12 [Apostles] are at liberty to go wheresoever they will and if one shall say, I wish to go to such a place let all the rest say Amen.
The Seventies are at liberty to go to Zion if they please or go wheresoever they will and preach the gospel and let the redem[p]tion of Zion be our object, and strive to affect it by sending up all the strength of the Lord's House wherever we find them. I want to enter into the following covenant, that if any more of our brethren are slain or driven from their lands in Missouri by the mob that we will give ourselves no rest until we are avenged of our enimies to the uttermost. This covenant was sealed unaminously [unanimously] by a hosanna and Amen.
I then observed to the quorums that I had now completed the organization of the Church and we had passed through all the necessary ceremonies. That I had given them all the instruction they needed and that they now were at liberty after obtaining their lisences to go forth and build up the kingdom of God. That it was expedient for me and the Presidency to retire, having spent the night previous in waiting upon the Lord in his Temple, and having to attend another dedication on the morrow, or conclude the one commenced on the last Sabbath for the benefit of those of my brethren and sisters who could not get into the House on the former occasion, but that it was expedient for the brethren to tarry all night and worship before the Lord in his house. I left the meeting in charge of the 12 [Apostles] and retired at about 9 o'clock in the evening.
The brethren continued exhorting, prophesying, and speaking in tongues until 5 o'clock in the morning. The Saviour made his appearance to some, while angels minestered unto others, and it was a penticost and enduement [endowment] indeed, long to be remembered. For the sound shall go forth from this place into all the world and the occurrences of this day shall be handeld] down upon the pages of sacred history to all generations as the day of Pentecost. So shall this day be numbered and celebrated as a year of Jubilee and time of rejoicing to the Saints of the Most High God. (1)
-- During 1836: March
[Patriarchal Blessings] Elijah Abel. (Given by Joseph Smith, Sen.)
"Brother Abel, in the name of Jesus, I lay my hands upon they [sic] head to bless thee, and thou shalt be blessed even forever. .... Thou shalt travel in the East, and visit foreign countries, speak in all the various tongues, and thou shalt be able to teach different languages. Thou shall see visions of this world and other worlds, and comprehend the laws of all kingdoms, and confound the wisdom of this generation. Thy life shall be preserved to a good old age. Thou must seek first the kingdom of heaven, and all blessings shall be added thereto. Thou shalt be made equal to thy brethren, and thy soul be white in eternity and thy robes glittering: thou shalt receive these blessings because of the covenants of thy fathers. Thou shalt save thy thousands, so much good, and receive all the power that thou needest to accomplish thy mission. These and all the blessings which thou canst desire in righteousness, I seal upon thee, in the name of Jesus. Amen." (From typescript; Dialogue 8(1):11-68, 1973.) [Age, 27; Scribe: Warren Cowdery.] (2)
Endnotes:
1 - Faulring, Scott (ed.), An American Prophet's Record: The Diaries and Journals of Joseph Smith: Joseph Smith Diary, 1835-36, http://amzn.to/jsdiaries
2 - Selected LDS Patriarchal Blessings, New Mormon Studies CD ROM, Signature Book, 2009, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies
LDS History Chronology: Speaking in Tongues
Mormon History Timeline: the gift of Tongues
http://lds-church-history.blogspot.com/
