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Heber C. Kimball Missionary CertificateRecommendation for Heber C. Kimball to serve as missionary in England, signed by Joseph Smith, Sidney Rigdon, and Hyrum Smith
At a Conference
of the Elders and heads of the Church of "Latter Day
Saints" held in Kirtland, Geauga, Ohio, on the Second day of
June in the year of Our Lord, One Thousand Eight
Hundred and Thirty Seven, Elder Heber C. Kimball, The
Bearer of this, was unanimously appointed, set apart
and ordained to go on a mission to England to proclaim the
Gospel of Jesus Christ to the people of that Nation as
it is believed and practiced by us.
From the long
acquaintance which we have had with, this, our worthy
Brother, his integrity and zeal in the cause of truth, we do
most cheerfully and confidently recommend him to all
candid and upright people as a Servant of God and a
faithful Minister of Jesus Christ.
We do furthermore
beserch [beseech] all people who have an opportunity of
hearing this, our brother declare the doctrine believed by
us, to listen with the attention to the words of his
mouth.
J. Smith, Jr.
Sidney Rigdon
Hyrum Smith
(Presiding Elders
of the Church of Latter Day Saints)
Heber C. KimballUnknown, unknown
Heber C. Kimball
was called to England as a missionary with the
injunction to "proclaim my Gospel, and open the door of
salvation to that nation" (History of the
Church, 2:490).
Joseph Smith Letter to the Twelve, December 15, 1840Joseph Smith's scribe wrote in both directions in order to maximize space. In this letter to the Twelve in England, Joseph Smith encourages unity and growth in this new field of missionary work.
The spread of truth
throughout England is certainly pleasing; the contemplation
of which, cannot but afford feelings of no ordinary kind in
the bosoms of those who have ahd to bear the heat and
burthen of the day, and who were its firm supporters, and
strenuous advocates in infancy, while surrounded with
circumstances the most unpropitious, and its destruction
threatened on all hands. But like the gallant Bark, that has
braved the storm unhurt, spreaders her canvass to the
breese, and nobly cuts her way through the yielding wave,
more conscious than ever of the strength of her timbers and
the experience of her Captain, Pilate and crew.
It is likewise very
satisfactory to my mind, that there has been such a good
understanding existing among you, and that the saints have
so cheerfully, hearkened to council and vied with each other
in their labors of love; and in the promotion of truth and
righteousness; this is as it should be in the Church of
Jesus Christ. Unity is strength; "How pleasant
Joseph Smith Letter to the Twelve, December 15, 1840Joseph Smith's scribe wrote in both directions in order to maximize space. In this letter to the Twelve in England, Joseph Smith encourages unity and growth in this new field of missionary work.
it is for brethren to
dwell together in Unity &c." Let the saints of the most
high ever cultivate this principle, and the most glorious
blessings must result, not only to them individually but to
the whole church The order of the kingdom will be maintained
Its officers respected, and its requirements readily and
cheerfully obeyed. Love is one of the leading
characteristics of Deity and ou[gh]t to be manifested by
those who aspire to be the sons of God. A man filled with
the love of God, is not content with blessing his family
alone but ranges through the world, anxious to bless the
whole of the human family. This has been your feelings and
caused you to forego the pleasures of home, that you might
be a blessing to others, who are candidates for immortality
but who were strangers to the principals of truth and for so
doing I pray that Heavens' choicest blessings may rest upon you.
Hurrah, Hurrah, Hurrah for IsraelRobert Barrett, 1997"Go ye into all the world, and preach my gospel unto every creature who has not received it" (D&C 112:28).Joseph Smith in Nauvoo, 1840Theodore Gorka, 1980
"Teach the children of
men the things which I have put into your hands by the power
of my Spirit" (D&C 43:15).
Heber C. Kimball and Joseph Fielding in Chatburn, England 1838Paul Mann, 1987"If ye have desires to serve God ye are called to the work" (D&C 4:3).Joseph Smith Preaching to the IndiansC.C.A. Christensen, 1865
"Preach the everlasting
gospel among the nations" (D&C 36:5).
Heber C. Kimball Begins the Work at Preston, EnglandRichard A. Murray, unknown"For behold the field is white already to harvest" (D&C 4:4).Joseph Smith PreachingSam Lawlor, 2001
"Purify your hearts
before me; and then go ye into all the world, and preach my
gospel" (D&C 112:28).
