Joseph Smith Gives Young Mary Lightner a Patriarchal Blessing

When Joseph Smith arrived in Kirtland and came to visit Mary Lightner's house (which he had learned was where the Book of Mormon was being kept), he saw the book on the shelf and asked how it came to be there. Upon learning that it was his niece who had obtained it and read it so eagerly, he asked where she was. Mary was sent for, and when Joseph saw her, 'he looked at me so earnestly, I felt almost afraid.' After a moment, he came and put his hands on her head and gave her 'a great blessing, the first I ever received,' and made her a present of the Book of Mormon, saying he would give Brother Morley another. This interaction with the Prophet Joseph Smith had a profound impact on young Mary, and his bestowal of this blessing marked a significant spiritual milestone in her life. The Prophet recognized and affirmed her earnest desire to understand God's word.