Authorization for George J. Adams, 1 June 1843

Be it known that , the bearer of these presents, has been designated by the Holy Spirit, appointed and set apart by the voice of the First Presidency of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, in , to accompany Elder , who has just returned from , on a mission to Saint Petersburgh, in Russia; to be one of the messengers to introduce the fulness of the glorious gospel of the Son of God, to the people of that vast empire.

, after several years of successful labors in the Eastern States, and also in , has now returned to this place and rendered an account of his ministry and course of life, and is found worthy of the confidence of the saints and of being associated with in the performance of this highly important mission to a foreign land. He is therefore authorized and required to raise all the funds he possibly can to defray the expenses of said mission, by donations from the saints and from all other persons who may be friendly disposed towards a good cause. Let not the people suffer the petitions of this man to reach their ears in vain, but let them remember that all they have belongeth to the Lord, and that it is the Lord’s good pleasure to add to the stewardship of such as freely and liberally open their hearts, and their purses, at the call of his servants, to send forth the word of life to the nations of the earth. Will you suffer these men to go forth among strangers empty? Shall they blow the trumpet all the day long, encounter the obstacles and persecutions at home, the tribulations and hardships of foreign countries, with none to administer the oil of gladness, or aid with the unrighteous mammon?

In conclusion, I would say, if you regard the word of the Lord, through your friend and Brother, Joseph Smith, withhold not your substance from Brothers and , but as you bestow upon them, so some hand shall bestow upon you.

I remain, as ever, your brother and servant, in the kingdom of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ: Amen.

Presiding Elder, of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, &c. [p. 218]