Ordination Blessings

Kirtland February 14 1835

This day a meeting was called of those who journeyed to  Zion for the <purpose of laying> the foundation of its redemption last season with  as many more of the Brethren & Sisters as felt disposed to  attend. President Joseph Smith Junr presided over the meet ing. After the Congregation assembled. he arose and re quested the attention and read the 15th chapter of John  and said, let us endeavor to solemnize our minds that  we may receive a blessing by calling on the Lord & said let us pray,

After an appropriate and affecting prayer was made  the Brethern who went to Zion, were requested to take  their seats together in one part of the house by them selves. President Smith arose and stated the reason  why this meeting was called. It was this. God had comma nded it and it was made known to him by vision and  by the Holy Spirit. he then gave a relation of some of  the circumstances attending us while journeying to  Zion, our trials, sufferings &c. &c. He said God had not  designed all this for nothing, but he had it in remem brance yet, and those who went to Zion, with a deter mination to lay down their lives, if necessary, it was  the Will of God, that they should be ordained to the  ministry and go forth to prune the vineyard  for the last time, or the coming of the Lord, which  was nigh, even fifty six years, should wind up  the scene. He said many things, such as the weak  things, even the smallest and weakest among us shall  be powerful and mighty and great things, should  be accomplished by you, even from this hour.  He said, you shall begin to feel the whisperings  of the Spirit of God, and the works of God, shall begin  to break forth from this time. you shall be en dowed with power from on high. [p. 147]