In May of 1829, the prophet Joseph Smith and his scribe,
Oliver Cowdery, were anxiously engaged in the work of
translating the Book of Mormon, another testament of
Jesus Christ. As they translated and learned about
the necessity of baptism by immersion for the remission of
sins, Joseph and Oliver went into the woods, here along the
banks of the Susquehanna River, to pray and to inquire
of the Lord concerning this sacred ordinance.
In answer to their petition, John the Baptist, now a
resurrected being, was sent to restore the Aaronic or
Preparatory Priesthood to the Earth.
The heavenly messenger explained that he was acting
under the direction of Peter, James, and John, the ancient
apostles who held the keys of the higher priesthood.
John the Baptist placed his hands upon the heads of Joseph
and Oliver and conferred upon them the sacred priesthood
authority necessary to act in the name of Jesus Christ.
Having received the authority, Joseph and Oliver were
directed to be baptized, and they obeyed.
The coming of John the Baptist was a first step in the
process of restoring the priesthood to the Earth.
A short time later, Peter, James, and John were set by
the Savior to Joseph and Oliver and conferred upon them
the Melchizedek Priesthood, the greater authority through
which all spiritual blessings are administered, and ordained
them apostles.
In time, other heavenly messengers bestowed upon
Joseph additional priesthood keys.
Once again, the pattern of servants and leaders being
called by Jesus Christ and ordained by the laying on of
hands by those who are in authority had been established
on the Earth.
By virtue of the holy priesthood, ordinances are
performed and blessings are bestowed in the name of Jesus
Christ and with His authorization for the
salvation of men and women.
Through the priesthood, that which is bound on Earth is
bound in heaven, and that which is loosed on Earth is
loosed in heaven.
In the ordinances of the Savior's gospel and the
authority of His priesthood, the power of godliness is made
manifest to us all.
The principles and events I have described are true.
I declare my apostolic witness that God lives and that Jesus
is the Christ, our living Redeemer and Savior.
Priesthood authority, keys, and saving ordinances are
again found on the Earth that enable you and me to receive
the joyous blessing of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
The heavens are not closed.
God speaks to us individually and to the world through the
authorized leaders of his Latter-day
kingdom upon the Earth.
Of these things I testify in the sacred name of Jesus
Christ. Amen.