Life of David W. Patten, the First Apostolic Martyr — John Shaqi
Life of David W. Patten, the First Apostolic MartyrWilson, Lycurgus A. (Lycurgus Arnold)
History
Life of David W. Patten, the First Apostolic Martyr
Wilson, Lycurgus A. (Lycurgus Arnold)
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints -- Apostles -- Biography; Patten, David W., 1799-1838
"The next fall after the Church was set up, three missionaries came
west with the intention of introducing the work among the Indians, who
are descended from an ancient people of whom the Book of Mormon gives
the history; and on their way came among an earnest body of worshippers
at Kirtland, Ohio. These read the book, believed the testimony, and
received baptism to the number of several hundred souls.
"Receiving a visit from a number of these converts, the Prophet himself
has removed with his family to Kirtland, where he now lives with a
number of his followers.
"It has, moreover, been revealed to the Prophet that the ancient site
of the Garden of Eden is on this continent, and that the building of
the New Jerusalem is to commence at that sacred spot. Accordingly,
the converts to the new faith are gathering from all directions into
Independence, Missouri, where about four hundred of them are now
settled."
Interesting as this narrative is to us, though we have heard it for the
hundredth time, how much more interesting must it have been to David W.
Patten, for it was all new to him. Drinking it in with his whole soul,
he received the truth with joy, and was led into the waters of baptism
on the 15th day of June, 1832.
With the most of men there is lingering in the very heart of their
faith a grain of doubt. Even the missionary, no doubt, feels easier
in placing himself in the hands of the Lord, when he knows that if no
place is furnished him to sleep, he can with the dollar in his pocket
provide for himself. And so it is with each of us at times. It seems as
though we cannot free ourselves from the millstone of doubt, and take
the Lord at His word when He says He will provide for those who trust
Him. This was not the case, however, with David W. Patten. He stood six
feet and one inch in height, and weighed over two hundred pounds; but
there seems to have been no room in his whole generous composition for
a particle of doubt. He took the Lord at His word and devoted his whole
life to His service; and whether face to face with Cain, or baring his
breast to an infuriated mob, a doubt that the Lord was with him seems
thenceforth never to have entered his mind.
Two days after his baptism David was ordained an Elder under the hands
of Elisha H. Groves, and with Joseph Wood, another recent convert, as a
companion, was given a mission to the Territory of Michigan.
II.
His procedure in administering to the sick--Testimony as to his
success--Visits the Prophet--Missionary labors--Casts out a "devil"--His
family baptized--Mrs. Strong healed--Called to Jackson County.
Those who have had a like experience, will know with what joy the new
convert returned to his friends in the wilderness. All business was
laid aside. With his companion, David traveled through all the country
round about preaching the Gospel and healing the sick.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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