The first patriarchal blessings of this dispensation

Joseph Smith Sr.

Many members understand that December 18, 1833 is a significant date in the history of the Church. It was on this day that Joseph Smith Jr. set his father apart as the first patriarch in this dispensation. It was also on this day that a number of patriarchal blessings were bestowed. Of the individuals listed, which one did not receive a blessing on this day?

a.      Lucy Mack Smith

b.      Oliver Cowdery

c.       Joseph Smith Jr.

d.      William Smith

Yesterday’s answer:

1.      A   Lost or destroyed records made it difficult for members to point to their membership

Another reason that caused these brethren [President Brigham Young and other leading brethren] to take such a step and make the renewal of the covenant general, applying to all who came into the valley, was the fact that during their driving, mobbings, persecutions, and final exodus, many branch and ward records had been lost. When the people entered the Salt Lake Valley and sought a standing in the communities of the saints, many of them were without certificates of baptism and were unable to point to the records from whence they came to show their proper claim to full fellowship among the saints. As it is essential that a record of the members be kept, it was thought well to have all such do their first works over again, that the record might be made, and thus no question could be raised in later years regarding their standing in the Church. To make the matter fair and avoid feelings that otherwise might have arisen, the requirement was made of all.

Doctrines of Salvation, Bruce R. McConkie, ed. (Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1955), 334.

2.      B   The Savior when he visited the Nephites

When Christ appeared to the Nephites on this continent, he commanded them to be baptized, although they had been baptized previously for the remission of their sins. We read how Nephi beheld angels who came and ministered to him daily; how he baptized all who came to be baptized for the remission of sins; how he organized the Church; and how he even raised his brother from the dead, since he held the priesthood. Then we read that the Savior commanded Nephi and the people to be baptized again because he had organized anew the Church under the gospel. Before that it had been organized under the law.

Doctrines of Salvation, Bruce R. McConkie, ed. (Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1955), 336.