Minutes, Discourse, and Blessings, [, Geauga Co., OH], 1 Mar. 1835. Featured version copied [not before 25 Feb. 1836] in Minute Book 1, pp. 172–186; handwriting of ; CHL. For more complete source information, see the source note for Minute Book 1.
Historical Introduction
On the morning of 1 March 1835, church members convened a meeting in , Ohio, apparently as a continuation of a meeting that had adjourned on 28 February. Several men appointed to the office of were given blessings in that 28 February meeting. The blessings continued in this 1 March 1835 meeting, and at least thirty-three individuals, including some not designated as seventies, were blessed. All those receiving ordinations and blessings in this meeting had participated in the expedition. According to later reminiscences, many of these blessings were performed by members of the church presidency, including JS, his , , and . The minutes indicate that several individuals who had recently been were also confirmed members of the church at the meeting, and the sacrament of the Lord’s Supper was administered. JS also gave instructions on the necessity of worthiness when partaking of the sacrament.
It is unclear who originally recorded the ordination blessings or the minutes of the meeting. later copied them into Minute Book 1.
For examples, see Hutchings, Journal, 15 Feb. 1835; Burgess, Autobiography, 4; and “Biographies of the Seventies of the Second Quorum,” 22.
Hutchings, Elias. Journal, Dec. 1834–Sept. 1836. CHL. MS 1445.
Burgess, Harrison. Autobiography, ca. 1883. Photocopy. CHL. MS 893. Also available as “Sketch of a Well-Spent Life,” in Labors in the Vineyard, Faith-Promoting Series 12 (Salt Lake City: Juvenile Instructor Office, 1884), 65–74.
“Biographies of the Seventies of the Second Quorum,” 1845–1855. In Seventies Quorum Records, 1844–1975. CHL. CR 499.
in faith, and that he have strength to withstand all the temptations of the Adversary. That <he> might have wisdom to proclaim the Gospel in different languages, It was prophised [prophesied] that he would need much power at times to be delivered from his enemies. That his heart must be stedfast or he would be overcome in executing his commission; But if faithful, should have power over all things that opposed his way, and return with the Lords’ servants and receive the approbation of his Heavenly Father and the plaudits, Well done good and faithful servant, enter into the joy of thy Lord, and on thy head we these blessings. Even so Amen.
,
Because thou hast offered thy life for the release of thy brethren, who were in affliction. it is the will of thy Heavenly Father that thou shouldst bear the testimony of salvation to many people who have not heard the sound thereof. Thou shalt be a son of consolation. If the Lord commands the[e] to go to the Islands of the seas, his hand will support thee: If he calls the[e] to ride upon ships to proclaim the gospel his power will sustain thee. If thou art faithful, the Lord will make thy mission prosperous. Thou wilt have persecution as well as thy other brethren. When Thou hast executed thy mission, if it please thy God, thou shalt return and enjoy the rest of the Saints, even a thousand years and also in eternity. Even so Amen [p. 173]
Salmon Warner (1798–1870) is listed in the 1830 census as living in Wadsworth, Ohio. He was baptized on 6 April 1833 and attended a conference in Norton, Ohio, in April 1834. (Backman, Profile, 74; 1830 U.S. Census, Wadsworth, Medina Co., OH, 184; Minutes and Discourse, 21 Apr. 1834.)
Backman, Milton V., Jr., comp. A Profile of Latter-day Saints of Kirtland, Ohio, and Members of Zion’s Camp, 1830–1839: Vital Statistics and Sources. 2nd ed. Provo, UT: Department of Church History and Doctrine and Religious Studies Center, Brigham Young University, 1983.
Census (U.S.) / U.S. Bureau of the Census. Population Schedules. Microfilm. FHL.