William Hyde Receives a Patriarchal Blessing Promising Power Over the Elements and Protection from Enemies

On October 16, 1852, before departing on a mission to Australia, William Hyde received a blessing under the hands of Jedediah M. Grant, Wilford Woodruff, and Joseph Young. Hyde recorded the full text of this blessing verbatim in his *Private Journal*. The promises contained within it were extraordinary in scope and specificity:

"Thou shalt have power over them wherever your lot may be cast, you shall prevail over the power of Satan, and the enemies who may seek your destruction, they will be bound... The elements shall have no power over you, but shall stand rebuked at your command and in your presence... Go forth with your brethren like a mighty herald of salvation proclaiming the Gospel with power... The Spirit shall manifest all things to you your heart desires, for it is present everywhere and it will report faithfully all things you desire to know... You shall have power over the works of darkness, over wild beasts and serpents."

The blessing also specifically recalled Hyde's faithful service in the Mormon Battalion and promised that 'the blessings of God shall be with you in this, as his power was made manifest in that campaign.'

Hyde preserved this blessing in full detail in his journal — an extraordinary act that preserved both the prophetic promises made to him and the names of the three general authorities who gave them. He subsequently completed his mission to Australia and returned safely, which he and those who knew him regarded as a fulfillment of these patriarchal promises.