Healing at Montrose and Commerce

“Monday, July 22nd. It was a very hot day. The Prophet Joseph Smith visited the sick, and in the morning went out and commenced to administer to the sick in his own house and door-yard, and he commanded them in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ to arise and be made whole; and the sick were healed upon every side of him. Many lay sick along the bank of the river; Joseph walked along up to the lower stone house, occupied by Sidney Rigdon, and he healed all the sick that lay in his path. Among the number was Henry G. Sherwood, a man who is almost a skeleton with sickness, and he was healed, and followed him up to the upper stone house. They were waiting for the ferry boat. Joseph called upon Elder Brigham Young and several others of the Quorum of the Twelve, who were present, to accompany him across the river to visit the sick in Montrose, many of whom were lying at the point of death. We crossed the river, and the first house we visited was that occupied by Elder Brigham Young, the president of the quorum of the twelve, who lay sick. Joseph healed him, then he arose and accompanied the Prophet on his visit to others who were in the same condition. They visited Elder W. Woodruff, also Elders Orson Pratt and John Taylor, all of whom were living in Montrose. They also accompanied him. He visited a man by the name of Elijah Fordham, who was supposed to be dying. When the Prophet entered the room, he looked upon Brother Fordham, took him by the hand, and said, 'Brother Fordham, I command you in the name of Jesus Christ to arise from this bed and be made whole.' His voice was like the voice of God. It was not the voice of man. It seemed as though the house shook to its very foundations. Brother Fordham arose from his bed and was immediately made whole. His feet were bound in bandages. He kicked them off, put on his clothes, and followed the Prophet into the street. They visited many others, and in every instance where the Prophet laid his hands upon the sick, they were healed. When, by the power of God granted unto him, Joseph had healed all the sick, he recrossed the river and returned to his home.”

— Wilford Woodruff, journal, July 22, 1839