Essentials in Church History. Joseph Fielding Smith

Church of Christ. The Holy Ghost was poured out upon us to a very marked degree, some prophesied, whilst we all praised the Lord, and rejoiced exceedingly.”

      All six of these young men—Hyrum Smith, the oldest, was but 31 years of age—had been baptized previously to the organization. They were all again baptized on that memorable day, April 6, 1830.

A Record to be Kept

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      While they were still in session in this meeting of organization a revelation (Doc. and Cov. Sec. 21) was given to the Church in which they were instructed to keep a record. In this record, Joseph Smith was to be called “a seer, a translator, a prophet, an apostle of Jesus Christ, and elder of the Church through the will of God the Father, and the grace of your Lord Jesus Christ.” The Church was also commanded to give heed unto all his words and commandments, “as he receiveth them, as if from mine own mouth, in all patience and faith,” said the Lord. By doing this “the gates of hell” should not prevail against them, for the Lord would dispel the powers of darkness. The Prophet would no longer have to mourn for Zion, for he should have inspiration to move the cause of Zion in mighty power, for the days of her rejoicing were at hand. Oliver Cowdery was appointed “the first preacher of the Church, unto the Church, and before the world, yea, before the Gentiles and … to the Jews also.”

Destiny of the Church

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      In the manner here described, there came into the world a power, destined to grow and expand until it shall fill the earth, for it is the “kingdom which shall never be destroyed … and it shall stand forever.” At the time of the organization, however, its influence and power appeared to be insignificant; yet it caused, even then, consternation and fear in the hearts of the wicked, and strenuous efforts were launched to bring it to destruction.

Others Called to the Ministry

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      Before the meeting closed Joseph and Oliver called out others and ordained them to different offices in the Priesthood, as the Spirit manifested unto them, presumably to the offices in the Aaronic Priesthood. The Spirit of the Lord was poured out upon them in abundance, and after a happy time spent in testimony and witnessing to each other the blessings of the Lord, they dismissed the meeting, feeling that they were now individually members of the Church of Jesus Christ, and acknowledged as such of God. There were others present besides the six who formed the organization of the Church. Six persons were required by law to properly form a society or organization of the kind. Others who were present also received of the Spirit of the Lord in the meeting and being convinced of the truth came forward and desired to be united with the Church. Shortly afterwards they were also baptized. Among these were the Prophet’s parents, Joseph Smith, Sen., and Lucy Mack Smith; also Martin Harris and Orrin Porter Rockwell.

Baptism a New and Everlasting Covenant

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      As stated, all six of the original members of the Church were again baptized on the day of the organization. This action was due, in part at least, to the fact that baptism is the doorway into the Church as well as for the remission of sins. There had been a few others baptized before the sixth of April (see Ch. 9). Some of those previously baptized raised the question as to why they should again be baptized. In consequence of their desire to unite with the Church without re-baptism, the Prophet inquired of the Lord in relation to the matter and received the following revelation:

      “Behold, I say unto you, that all old covenants have I caused to be done away in this thing, and this is a new and an everlasting covenant, even that which was from the beginning.

      Wherefore, although a man should be baptized an hundred times, it availeth him nothing, for you cannot enter in at the strait gate by the law of Moses, neither by your dead works;

      For it is because of your dead works, that I have caused this last covenant and this Church to be built up unto me, even as in days of old.

      Wherefore, enter ye in at the gate, as I have commanded, and seek not to counsel your God. Amen” (Doc. and Cov. sec. 22).

      Chapter 13

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      Beginning of the Public Ministry of the Church

      1830

The First Public Discourse

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      On Sunday, April 11, 1830, the work of proselyting was publicly launched. The first discourse was preached by Oliver Cowdery. The meeting was held by appointment at the home of “Father” Peter Whitmer, where the meeting of organization had been held the Tuesday preceding. A goodly number of members and investigators were present. The impression made on the minds of those assembled was favorable, and the same day Hiram Page, Katherine Page, Christian Whitmer, Anne Whitmer, Jacob Whitmer and Elizabeth Whitmer, were baptized. One week later (April 18) Peter Whitmer, Sen., Mary Whitmer, William Jolly, Elizabeth Jolly, Vincent Jolly, Richard B. Preston and Elizabeth Ann Whitmer, were added to the Church.

The Ministry of Joseph Smith in Colesville

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      Later in the month of April Joseph Smith paid a visit to the Knight family in Colesville, Broome County, N. Y. He had been on very friendly terms with Joseph Knight, Sen., and had been materially assisted by that gentleman from time to time, while translating the plates. Mr. Knight and his family were Universalists, with broad, liberal views. They were willing to reason in a friendly spirit with Joseph Smith on the scriptures. Several public meetings were held in Colesville which were attended by many friends and strangers. Newel Knight, son of Joseph Knight, Sen., was a regular attendant at these meetings, and seemed to be deeply impressed. He and the Prophet held many conversations on scriptural subjects and the plan of salvation, in which a favorable impression was made on the mind of Newel. He promised to assist Joseph in one of these meetings by offering vocal prayer, but when the time came his courage failed him. Later he expressed a desire to go out in the woods by himself and there, where he could be alone, offer vocal prayer, a thing to which he evidently was not accustomed. The following morning, in fulfilment of his promise, he retired into the woods alone, with a troubled conscience because of his failure to keep his promise on the previous occasion. Kneeling in a secluded spot he attempted to offer vocal prayer, but his lips were sealed. He could not pray. He began to feel uneasy and became troubled in both mind and body. When he arrived home his wife was greatly alarmed at his strange appearance. He requested her to send for Joseph, which was done. When he came he found Newel suffering very much; his visage was distorted, and his limbs were twisted out of shape in a frightful manner. Presently he was caught up from the floor and tossed about the room. The strange scene and excitement brought many of the neighbors to the house, who witnessed his peculiar malady.

The First Miracle

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      After