So Joseph and Oliver on the 15th day of May, 1829, went into the woods to
ask the Lord about it. Their prayer was answered by an angel who told them
that his name was John, called John the Baptist, who had baptized Jesus in
the river Jordan. He said he had come to restore a portion of the holy
Priesthood, even that part which would give them power to baptize for the
remission of sins, but not to lay on hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost.
He promised them that if they were faithful this other power would be
given them later.

The angel then laid his hands on their heads and ordained them to the
Aaronic Priesthood. He told Joseph to baptize Oliver, after which Oliver
was to baptize Joseph. Then Joseph was to ordain Oliver and Oliver to do
the same to Joseph. All this they gladly did, and immediately they were
filled with great joy.

Thus was the power to baptize for the remission of sins again given to the
earth. Think what a great event it was! None in all the world had this
power, save two unknown young men in the woods of Pennsylvania. Great
things often have small beginnings. Now there are thousands who have this
blessed power, and no doubt the elder that baptized each of you can trace
his ordination which gave him the authority to do so back to Joseph or
Oliver and from them to John the baptist.

Sometime in June, 1829, the promise which John made to the young men was
fulfilled. The ancient apostles Peter, James, and John, who held the keys
of this higher power came to Joseph and Oliver and ordained them to the
Melchizedek Priesthood. This gave them the power to lay on hands for the
gift of the Holy Ghost, and also to go forth and administer in the
ordinances of the gospel.