Administering To The Sick And Casting Out Devils

Of Dr. Willard Richards, was written, “He was an Apostle, holding the holy priesthood, with power to administer in all the ordinances of the same, and he was not only willing but anxious to help forward all who desired to become acquainted with the principles he so well understood.  He realized that the gift of healing was a power, especially when combined with works adapted to the circumstances of the case, and he felt that it was quite necessary that those who officiated among the sick, especially midwives ought to have all the blessings that could be conferred upon them by those holding the keys of the priesthood of God upon the earth. 

Accordingly he laid his hands upon the heads of a number of the sisters who had prepared themselves to act as midwives and also administering to the sick and afflicted and set them apart for this very office and calling, and blest them with power to officiate in that capacity as handmaids of the Lord.  Among the number set apart at that time Sister Presendia was one who received the blessing, and from that day to this she has realized the power and influence it conferred in her daily administerings, not only when she has been called upon to act as a midwife, but when washing and anointing and blessing the sisters. 

There were other sisters set apart and blest at the same time, among whom were Sisters Elizabeth Ann Whitney, Laura Pitkin Kimball, who were set apart to administer to the sick.  They appreciated this blessing for they had implicit faith in the power of the priesthood. …”  
(Woman’s Exponent, Volume 12, p. 75) 


“Not many days after the circumstance just mentioned a meeting was held at the house of Christine and Frances Swan Kimball where the evil power was again apparent; so strong was the influence that the spirits were seen and heard, and they tried to destroy those in the room by choking them.  Sister Laura Kimball and I laid our hands upon five of those so affected, and rebuked the destroyer in the name of Jesus.  This is one of the instances wherein the words of the Prophet were fulfilled, when he said at the time of the organization of the Relief Society of Nauvoo, ‘That the Sisters should have power to cast out devils, rebuke the powers of darkness and do many wonderful things.’  The Sisters felt themselves much humbled in spirit…” 
(Woman’s Exponent, Volume 12, p. 11) 

Voices Of Women, Rhea Kunz, pg. 113 & 114   

This post is part of a series of posts on Women in the Priesthood. 

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