Joseph Bartholomew, Sr. Patriarchal Blessing

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Born in Owen County, State of Indiana, U. S. A., on the 14th day of January, 1820, and blessed under the hands of Patriarch John Smith at Macedonia, Hancock County, Illinois, March 11th, 1844.

I lay my hands upon thy head, Brother Joseph, to confer a Father's Blessing upon thee, because thou art an orphan, yet because of thy faith in the gospel thou art entitled to all the blessings and glories of the New and Everlasting Covenant. Thou art of the blood of Joseph and a lawful heir to the Priesthood through the promise made to Ephraim by his father Jacob. Thy calling is to preach the Gospel and help to gather in the remnant of Jacob from the Four quarters of the Earth and from the islands of the Sea. Thou shall be endowed with power to go forth to that part of the Earth which seemeth thee good and no power shall stay thy hand for thou shalt accomplish a great work and no enemy shall prevail against thee. Thou shalt be enabled to confound the learned of this earth and their wisdom shall be turned to folly before thee, and thou shalt work mighty miracles which shall cause thy enemies to fear, and inasmuch as they seek to destroy thee, they shall have no power over thee for the Lord hath given His angels charge concerning thee to keep thee from all harm. Therefore, fear not, for in whatever circumstances thou art placed in thou shalt fear no hurt. Thou shalt have power to rebuke the waves of the sea and command the winds and storms to cease and they shall obey thy voice. Thou shalt have an inheritance among thy brethren in Zion. Thou shalt finish thy mission and return with thy thousands and meet with thy companions on the land of their inheritance with thy children. And thou shalt have exceeding great joy. Thy offspring shall be very numerous and thy name shall be handed down to posterity as one of the most might men in Israel. Thy name is written in the Lamb's Book of Life never to be blotted out. Thou shalt be a counselor in Zion and have a knowledge of the Priesthood in its fullness thou shalt redeem thy dead friends and many of thy living ones and bring them up in the First Resurrection. If thou wilt be obedient to the commandments of the Lord, thou shalt redeem thy friends and ancestors for even from the days of Abel there shall not a link be broken, nor one fail of receiving the blessings of Eternal Life. Thou shalt live until thou art satisfied with life, even to see the winding up scenes of this generation. Thou shalt see the Temple built in Zion, which the Lord said should be built in Zion before this generation shall pass away and receive an Endowment the rein with thy companion. If thy faith fail not thou shalt inherit all these blessings, and all the desires of thy heart shall be satisfied. By authority of the Holy Priesthood I seal this upon thy head. Amen!