Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith

Section Six (1843-1844) | Giving Blessings a Tax on Strength

1Elder Jedediah M. Grant enquired of me the cause of my turning pale and losing strength last night while blessing children.

2I told him that I saw that Lucifer would exert his influ- ence to destroy the children that I was blessing, and I strove with all the faith and spirit that I had to seal upon them a blessing that would secure their lives upon the earth; and so much virtue went out of me into the children, that I became weak, from which I have not yet recovered; and I referred to the case of the woman touching the hem of the garment of Jesus. (Luke, 8th chapter.) The virtue here referred to is the spirit of life; and a man who exercises great faith in administering to the sick, blessing little children, or confirming, is liable to become weakened. (March 14, 1843.) DHC 5:303.

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