iam, through the loins of
Joseph, that was sold into Egypt. And inasmuch as thou hast
obeyed the requirements of the gospel of salvation, thy sins are
forgiven thee. Thy name is written in the Lamb's Book of Life,
never more to be blotted out. Thou art lawful heir to all the
blessings of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the new and everlasting
covenant. Thou shalt travel until thou art satisfied with seeing.
Thousands shall hear the everlasting gospel proclaimed from thy
lips. Kings and princes shall acknowledge thee to be their father
in the new and everlasting covenant. Thou shalt have a numerous
posterity, who shall rise up and bless thee. Thou shalt have
houses and habitations, flocks, fields, and herds. Thy table
shall be strewed with the rich luxuries of the earth, to feed thy
numerous family and friends who shall come unto thee. Thou shalt
be a counselor in Israel, and many shall come unto thee for
instruction. Thou shalt have power over thine enemies. They that
oppose thee shall yet come bending unto thee. Thou shalt sit
under thine own vine and fig tree, where none shall molest or
make thee afraid. Thou shalt be a blessing to thy family and to
the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Thou shalt
understand the hidden things of the Kingdom of Heaven. The spirit
of inspiration shall be a light in thy path and a guide to thy
mind. Thou shalt come forth in the morning of the first
resurrection, and no power shall hinder, except the shedding of
innocent blood, or consenting thereto. I seal thee up to eternal
life. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy
Ghost, Amen, and Amen."

To a true believer in the faith of the Latter-day Saints a
blessing of this kind, from under the hand of a Patriarch, was
then, and is now, next to a boon of eternal life. A Patriarch is
a man highly favored of God, possesses the gift of discerning
spirits, and can read the present and future destiny of men.
Patriarchal blessings strengthen, stimulate and encourage true
Saints to press on to perfection while passing through this world
of sorrows, cares and disappointments.

Having been ordained and blessed, my next step was to arm myself
with the Armor of Righteousness, and in my weakness pray for
strength to face a frowning world. I had put my hands to the plow
and I was determined that, with God's help, I would never turn
back to the sinful elements of the world, the flesh, and the
devil.

CHAPTER VII - THE