and Abraham, and Michael, and my father and mother, my brother Alvin,"[1] etc., etc.
This was a very great time, but it was only the forerunner of the Pentecost that was in store for them at the forthcoming dedication of the Temple. On the 27th March, 1836, a thousand Saints had assembled, and in that number were all the apostles, seventies, and elders who could possibly get there. They had come to receive great blessings, and were mentally in excellent condition for anything that the heavens might send them. A dedicatory prayer was offered by the Prophet, and the Saints were asked if they accepted the prayer dedicating the House of the Lord. They shouted affirmatively, partook of the Sacrament together, and then began to relate their experience and to testify. Brigham led off with "speaking in tongues," and the services of the day closed with more shouting of "Hosannas" and "Amens." They were worked up to a high pitch of excitement.
In the evening Joseph met the Quorum of elders, and what then transpired and subsequently during the days of dedication is thus related by the Mormon historian:
"He gave the elders instructions respecting the Spirit of Prophecy, and called upon them to speak and not to fear, and the Spirit of Prophecy should rest down upon them. Brother George A. Smith arose and began to prophesy when a noise was heard like a rushing, mighty wind, which filled the Temple, and all the congregation simultaneously arose, being moved by an invisible power. Many began to speak in tongues and prophesy; others saw glorious visions, and Joseph beheld that the Temple was filled with angels, and told the congregation so. The people of the neighbourhood, hearing an unusual sound within the Temple, and seeing a bright light like a pillar of fire resting upon it, came running together and were astonished at what was transpiring. . . .
"Next Sunday (April 3rd) two of the twelve apostles preached in the forenoon, and in the afternoon the Sacrament was administered; after which Joseph retired to the pulpit, and the veils being dropped he bowed- ↑ Joseph, in his Autobiography, expressed great surprise at beholding his brother Alvin, as Alvin when he died knew nothing of the Mormon faith, and consequently could have no title to such a lofty position in the heavens; but the Prophet seems not to have anticipated the natural astonishment which the reader must feel that he could see his mother in Paradise, as she was not only then in the flesh, but lived long enough to write an affectionate biography of him himself after his own death.
