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

“August 28, 1852. A special conference composed of the Authorities of the Church was held in Great Salt Lake City, at which time I was called to go on a mission to Australia. On the 16th of October, 1852, that portion of the Elders whose mission required them to travel westward met in council and received our blessings, and entered into arrangements for starting. The following blessing I received under the hands of Jedediah M. Grant, Wilford Woodruff and Joseph Young: "Brother William Hyde, we lay our hands upon thy head in the name of Jesus Christ, and seal upon thee a blessing. Thou art called to go forth to the nations of the earth, and we set thee apart for this mission. 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. His Spirit shall guide your feet, and altho enemies shall try to destroy you, you shall triumph over them and be successful on your mission. 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 blessings of God shall be with you in this, as his power was made manifest in that campaign [the Mormon Battalion]. We seal these blessings upon you, and pray that you may return in peace to your family and friends, which we do in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen."”

— William Hyde, Private Journal