He glanced once more at the assembly, then began to read. “ ‘Hearken, O ye elders of my church, and give ear to my word, and learn of me what I will concerning you, and also concerning this land unto which I have sent you: for verily I say unto you, blessed is he that keepeth my commandments, whether in life or in death....’”
Joseph’s voice trailed off for a moment. Suddenly it was as if all sound had stopped. Every eye was locked on his face. He seemed to sense it and, if it was possible, continued with even greater gravity than before.
“ ‘Ye can not behold with your natural eyes, for the present time, the design of your God concerning those things which shall come hereafter, and the glory which shall follow, after much tribulation.’ “
Tribulation?
Nathan was startled by that. These were not words he had expected to hear. The jubilation that had gripped the group just moments before was suddenly gone. He felt a little shiver crawl up his spine as the import of Joseph’s words struck him.
“ ‘For after much tribulation cometh the blessings,’ “ Joseph went on. “ ‘Wherefore, the day cometh that ye shall be crowned with much glory, the hour is not yet but is nigh at hand. Remember this which I tell you before, that you may lay it to heart, and receive that which shall follow.’ “
For several moments Joseph stood motionless, his eyes seeing nothing. Then he shook his head slowly, as if finding it hard to say what came next. “My brothers and sisters, I know not what the Lord has in store for us, but I for one have determined to serve him no matter what may come. I am grateful to be here this day, standing on the very soil that God has designated as the land of Zion. I am grateful that you are here with me to share in this sacred moment.”
This time it was not one chorus. It came as a soft murmur here, a determined affirmation there. But however it was said, one by one, the group that stood half surrounding their young prophet nodded and spoke the one word that said what was in their hearts. “Amen,” they said. “Amen!”
The home of Joshua Lewis was one of the few standing structures in Kaw Township. It was a simple log cabin with sod roof. Inside there was only one large room, partitioned off by blankets hung from ropes strung between hooks in the wall. The floor was hard-packed dirt, and the furniture was simple and handmade. The Lewis family had been one of the first to accept the message of the Restoration when the missionaries from New York and Ohio arrived in western Missouri. They had also been the ones to whom Oliver Cowdery had taken Jessica that morning after she had fled from Joshua’s rage. They had taken her in without question, and she had been there ever since.
Jessica was helping to get the children settled in bed when a knock sounded at the door. Sister Lewis looked up in surprise as her husband went to answer it. He opened it and stepped back. To Jessica’s surprise, Joseph entered, followed by Martin Harris, Oliver Cowdery, and Nathan Steed.
As they exchanged greetings, Jessica hung back. In a moment Joseph turned and walked over to where she stood. He reached out and took one of her hands, and without preamble began. “Sister Steed, I have somewhat to say to you.”
“Yes?” He was peering deeply into her eyes, and she was more than a little disconcerted.
“As part of the law of the Lord, given in Kirtland earlier this year, the Lord instructed the Church about the healing of the sick.”
“But—,” she started.
Joseph held up his hand quickly, cutting off her protest. “The Lord said that the elders, two or more, shall be called and shall lay their hands upon them who need help, praying over them in his name. And he promised that if the person has faith, and is not appointed unto death, he or she shall be healed.”
“Yes, I know,” she said softly. “Nathan has taught me about that.”
Joseph nodded. “Do you have the faith to be healed?”
She looked away quickly, her eye catching Nathan’s gaze. He smiled encouragingly, his eyes filled with kindness. “I...I don’t know,” she finally stammered.
“Would you like a blessing at the hands of the priesthood?” Nathan asked.
“For the baby you mean?”
“For you
and
the baby,” Oliver said.
“Do it, Jessica,” Sister Lewis said from across the room. “I’ve seen it work. It’s a wondrous thing.”
Jessie stood there for several seconds, her eyes darting from one face to another. All of them were filled with love. For her. For the life that was in her. But could this help? It was too wonderful a possibility to even let herself dare hope.
Joseph squeezed her hand. “Look at me, Jessica Steed.”
He was a full head taller than she was, and she had to tip her head back to meet his gaze.
“Do you believe in the Lord Jesus Christ?”
This time there was no hesitation. “Yes. Yes, I do.”
“Do you believe he has the power to heal your body so that it can bear children?”
“Yes.” It came out more firmly now. She was shocked to realize that she really did believe it.
“Would you like a blessing so that you can carry this child to full term?”
It burst out of her like a sob. “Oh, yes.”
“Then, sit yourself down and it shall be done.”
Joseph turned. Sister Lewis quickly pushed one of the chairs into the middle of the room. Joseph gently pulled Jessica toward it. When she sat down he gestured to the others. “Brother Lewis, as yet, holds only the priesthood of Aaron. This ordinance requires the higher priesthood, but Nathan and Oliver and I are all elders. Do you have a preference as to who you would like to act as voice?”
Jessie looked quickly from one to the other. Her eyes stopped on Nathan. He was so unlike Joshua, so different in temperament, and yet she could see Joshua in his face, especially when he smiled. She turned back to the Prophet. “Would it be all right if Nathan did?”
“Of course, if Nathan agrees.”
“I would be honored,” Nathan said.
Joseph nodded at Nathan to proceed. The four men gathered around Jessica, Nathan standing directly behind her. Nathan cleared his throat and laid his hands on her head. The others followed suit. Jessica felt a great sense of solemnity come over her as the weight of their hands pressed down upon her. As she closed her eyes she saw the Lewises bow their heads as well.
“Sister Jessica Roundy Steed,” Nathan began, speaking slowly and reverently, “as elders who hold the holy priesthood we lay our hands upon your head in keeping with the instructions of the Lord. In the name of Jesus, I...” He hesitated, then corrected himself. “We give you a blessing.”
Again there was a pause. Jessie had no idea what to expect and didn’t know if this was usual or not. She felt a quick rush of concern. Maybe the Lord didn’t have a blessing for her. Maybe he was displeased with her for her part in the card game in her father’s home.
But Nathan went on, his voice suddenly husky with emotion. “Jessica, the Lord is aware of the sorrow that has been yours. He is aware of the struggles that you have faced with your husband and in your marriage.”
At the mention of Joshua, Jessie felt her lower lip start to tremble and her eyes start to burn behind the closed lids. She pressed her lips tightly together, forcing herself to concentrate on what Nathan was saying.
“Do not despair. The Lord is mindful of you and of Joshua, and though he is not pleased with what your husband has done, the Lord still loves him and cares for him. Do not lose faith. Trust in the Lord, and even these things which have brought you misery shall eventually work to your joy.
“Now, my dear sister, the Lord would have you know that the feelings you have experienced in the past days have been from him. You were led to this home by the guidance of the Holy Spirit, and since that day, you have been prompted again and again by his influence. Do not resist these promptings. Follow them. Listen to your heart, for this is how the Spirit speaks to us, through the feelings of the heart.
“You have been given the Book of Mormon, and you have come to know that it is true. Tomorrow you shall be baptized for the remission of your sins and then shall be worthy to receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. This is pleasing to the Lord, Sister Jessica. He wants you in his kingdom.”
Again the room fell silent for a moment, then Nathan continued. “Now, dear Jessica, there is one more blessing the Lord has in store for you. You are desirous of being a mother in Zion. You have longed with all the power of a righteous woman for the privilege of bearing children. As with Hannah of old, the Lord has heard your cries, and now grants you your petition.”
Jessica stirred beneath the weight of their hands, feeling as though her whole body were suddenly on fire. Nathan seemed to sense it, for suddenly his voice became strong and clear.
“The life that is within you now shall be protected. You shall feel it swell and grow. Be at peace during the remaining time that you carry it, for the Lord’s promises are sure. And when the time comes, you shall be delivered of a strong, healthy child. It shall be your privilege to live a long life and see this child grow to adulthood. Train her well, for she is one of God’s chosen, and he has a mission for her in this life.”
Jessica was barely aware that a tear had splashed onto her hands, which were folded in her lap. The joy was like a massive force pushing from within, expanding her to the point where she was sure she was going to burst.
“These blessings are based on your faithfulness,” Nathan went on. “But if you are faithful, they are sure, for this blessing is not of men, but of God. And we give it to you in the name of our beloved Savior and Redeemer, amen.”
The hands lifted from her head. She sat there for a moment, dazed, overcome by the feelings that were exploding within her. Then she slowly stood. She saw Sister Lewis, who now had tears streaming down her face. She was trying to smile at her through them. Jessica slowly turned. Nathan’s eyes were moist. With a sob she threw herself into his arms. “Thank you,” she whispered. “Oh, thank you, Nathan.”
He pushed her away so that he could look into her face. He smiled tenderly. “Don’t thank me, Jessica. It wasn’t
my
blessing.”
Chapter Eighteen
February 3, 1832 Lexington, Ktky.
My dearest Lydia,
It having been now four months since my departure and more than a month since my last letter, I shall endeavor to catch you up on my activities since I last wrote. I am happy to report that my plan is to stay here in Lexington for the remaining two months of my labors, at which time I shall return to Kirtland. This means that for the first time since my departure, you can post a letter to me. Send it care of the Gould Mercantile Store and General Post Office. It would be ever so joyful to receive news from you. My heart longs to see you again, and I never close my eyes in sleep without you and young Joshua being the last ones in my thoughts. It has been a most difficult sacrifice to leave you and little Joshua. Nothing but a firm conviction that I am in the Lord’s service would take me from your side.
Since leaving Kirtland October last, Elder Miller and I have traveled some six hundred miles without purse or scrip, most of that being on foot. We have preached 48 sermons, held 36 meetings, baptized 53 souls, and organized 3 branches of the Church. We have gathered little children and blessed them in the name of Christ. I have laid hands upon the sick and seen them recover. I have felt the power of the Holy Spirit more times than I can recount.
I have recently recovered from ten days of illness. In mid-January a raging blizzard left six inches of snow on the ground and caught us between towns. We were forced to wade through the snow for nearly twelve miles before we found a place that would take us in for the night. Shortly thereafter I was struck with a deep cough and high fever and was left so weak that I could not rise from my bed. To my good fortune, the family that housed us was kind enough to let us stay, and fed and sheltered us. In the last week the weather has improved somewhat, and though I am still very weak, I am now preaching and teaching again as before.
Lexington seems a welcome relief after traveling through the thinly settled areas of northern Kentucky. The people there were mostly very ignorant, but kind and hospitable. Some families dress entirely in animal skins without any other clothing. Houses are generally without glass windows, and the doors are left open summer and winter for light. Pigs, chickens, and cows often move in and out of the living quarters without restriction and make staying overnight an odorous and most unpleasant experience, especially since my normal bed is the floor and my cover a single blanket.
We are staying now with a family whom we baptized last week. They are most kind, and I have laundered my clothes for the first time in over a month. Also thanks to their kindness, I am finally eating well again, and I am sure this will help my health to continue to improve. For a time before Christmas, Elder Miller and I lived on nothing more than a few potatoes and salt for almost a fortnight.
Though we have had much success, often the people show little interest in religion and the gospel message. Occasionally we find them openly hostile. A week ago last Tuesday, we stopped in a small community alongside the Ohio River. The town seemed filled with a spirit of lying and prejudice, and they would not hear the word of God. Elder Miller and I appointed a meeting in the open air, since no church or public hall or home was opened to us. Some came to hear, others to mock, and yet others to disturb. One man brought a mob of some fifty others, with drums, cornet, and other musical instruments. As I was trying to preach, they formed a line of battle around us and sought to drown out my words with the sounds of their drums and music. I had to break off my preaching several times, but did not give up. When they saw that we would not be put off by their attempts to disrupt our preaching, with one accord they rushed at us and began to pelt us with rotten eggs. In a moment we were both covered—forehead, bosom, and most of the rest of our bodies. As we departed and walked slowly away, drenched in the foul smell of their eggs, they followed behind, insulting and mocking us all the way out of town. We spent near half a day at a small stream trying to remove the results of this Christian benevolence.