The Latter-Day Prophet: History of Joseph Smith Written for Young PeopleCannon, George Q. (George Quayle)
History
The Latter-Day Prophet: History of Joseph Smith Written for Young People
Cannon, George Q. (George Quayle)
Smith, Joseph, Jr., 1805-1844 -- Juvenile literature
It was a humble beginning for the Church of Jesus Christ, as was His
beginning humble when He came upon the earth. At that time mighty
mansions and gorgeous palaces stood as the dwelling places of royalty,
but the Great King was born where cattle and beasts of burden were
housed. Now splendid churches and magnificent cathedrals stood as
places of worship, but Christ's Church was organized and the mighty
work of salvation begun in a house of logs in an obscure village and by
country men of little worldly learning.
But the Spirit of God and the holy Priesthood were there. Jesus had
revealed the manner of organization and the day, and had commanded that
it be called after Him since it was His Church. The six men had been
forgiven of sin through baptism. Under these circumstances the rudeness
of the surroundings was of little account.
The meeting opened by prayer. Joseph and Oliver were first accepted
as spiritual teachers, and then Joseph laid his hands on Oliver's
head and ordained him an Elder in the Church of Jesus Christ of
Latter-day Saints. Oliver ordained Joseph to the same office, and they
administered the sacrament. They now possessed the authority to confer
the Holy Ghost, and they did so by laying their hands upon the heads of
their companions, and at the same time they confirmed them members of
the Church.
As on the day of Pentecost when the Holy Ghost, coming down from Heaven
like cloven tongues of fire, gave to the Apostles new understanding,
so now the minds of those who received it were filled with light. Some
prophesied, and all rejoiced and praised God with thankful hearts. To
Joseph was given a revelation calling him to the leadership and Oliver
to the place of second Elder and preacher in the Church and commanding
the members to give Joseph their obedience. The Spirit also directed
Joseph and Oliver to call out and ordain some of the members to
different offices in the Priesthood.
A number of persons besides the six members were present at the meeting
on the sixth of April and they soon asked that they might be baptized
and received into the Church. Joseph's father and mother and Martin
Harris were among these. On the following Sunday, April 11th, Oliver
Cowdery preached the first sermon of this dispensation of the Gospel.
The meeting was again at Peter Whitmer's house and many were present.
Six more desired baptism, and Oliver performed the ordinance in Seneca
Lake. A week later he baptized seven others in the same place.
Soon after the Church was organized the Prophet set out to visit the
family of Joseph Knight, at Colesville, Broome county. You remember
that Mr. Knight had helped Joseph, and the work, a year before by
bringing provisions to Harmony. In gratitude Joseph now carried to
him what is better than food in the greatest hunger--the Gospel. He
was very kindly received and had the privilege of holding a number
of meetings. Many honest souls became interested and sought for
testimonies.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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