4. That the Prophet Joseph understood the defects in the character of Oliver Cowdery is evident from some remarks he records in his journal concerning him, under date of December 18, 1833. They are as follows: "Blessed of the Lord is brother Oliver, nevertheless there are two evils in him that he must needs forsake or he cannot altogether escape the buffetings of the adversary. If he forsake these evils he shall be forgiven, and shall be made like unto the bow which the Lord hath set in the heavens; he shall be a sign and an ensign unto the nations. Behold he is blessed of the Lord for his constancy and steadfastness in the work of the Lord; wherefore, he shall be blessed in his generation, and they shall never be cut off, and he shall be helped out of many troubles; and if he keep the commandments, and hearken unto the counsel of the Lord, his rest shall be glorious." (History of the Church, vol. I, p. 465). It will be observed that the promises herein made to Oliver Cowdery are based upon the conditions specified in the above passage. That the conditions were not at least altogether complied with is well known, and is further witnessed by the fact that Oliver did not escape the buffetings to which the Prophet alludes. Still from out of this mist of human frailty, stands clear and strong the virtue which constituted him so dauntless a witness for the truth of God. "Behold he is blessed of the Lord for his constancy and steadfastness in the work of the Lord." Still he lost his station in the Church, and that which had been conferred upon him was finally given to Hyrum Smith, brother of the Prophet. See Doc. and Cov. 124:95. 5. _Millennial Star_, vol. 16, p. 133. 6. _Millennial Star_, vol. 11, p. 14. 7. Namely, 13th of April, 1859. See _Deseret News_ of that date. 8. _Millennial Star_, vol. 11, p. 43. 9. _Millennial Star_, vol. 11, p. 14.