"TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN.--This certifies that John Tanner has been received into this Church of the Latter-day Saints, organized on the sixth day of April, in the year of our Lord, one thousand eight hundred and thirty, and has been ordained an Elder, according to the rules and regulations of said Church, and is duly authorized to preach the gospel agreeably to the authority of that office. "From the satisfactory evidence which we have of his good moral character, and his zeal for the cause of righteousness, and diligent desire to persuade men to forsake evil and embrace truth, we confidently recommend him to all candid and upright people, as a worthy member of society. "We therefore, in the name, and by the authority of this Church, grant unto this our worthy brother in the Lord, this letter of commendation as a proof of our fellowship and esteem; praying for his success and prosperity in our Redeemer's cause. "Given by the direction of a conference of the Elders of said Church, assembled in Kirtland, Geauga county, Ohio, the third day of March, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty-six. "F. G. WILLIAMS, Clerk. "JOSEPH SMITH, JR., Chairman." CHAPTER II. RECEIVES BLESSINGS IN TEMPLE--ASSISTS WITH "KIRTLAND BANK"--STARTS FOR MISSOURI--HIS DAUGHTER DIES--IS ATTACKED BY MOB--NEARLY MURDERED--RETAINED AS A PRISONER--RELEASED--REMOVES TO IOWA--RECEIVES THE PROPHET'S BLESSING--GOES TO THE ROCKY MOUNTAINS--LOSES HIS PROPERTY BY FIRE--THRILLING INDIAN ADVENTURE--AT DEATH'S DOOR--REMARKABLE ESCAPE--HIS DEATH. When the temple was finished he participated in its dedication. He also took part in the "solemn assembly" and the glorious gifts and manifestations of that memorable occasion. He received his washings and anointings in that, the first temple of God built by His direction in this dispensation. With his characteristic energy, he put forth his best efforts to assist the prophet in sustaining the "Kirtland Bank," and for that object he purchased much of its paper; but there was a Judas under the counter, and the bank went down in spite of all their efforts. Those who had struggled hardest and invested most were the greatest losers, and Elder Tanner was one of the foremost, and was completely crippled financially. Just at that time an outside pressure in the form of religious persecution had become so unendurable that the Saints had to leave Kirtland and seek homes in the West; and Elder Tanner, with a journey of one thousand miles before him, found himself not only destitute of means but also in debt. Yet his courage and ability were equal to the emergency. Through the blessing of God he had acquired one large fortune and he _knew_ that God lived, and that he was His servant.