With the assistance of Oliver Cowdery as scribe, the translation went on without interruption and the character of "the kingdom" was gradually developed. They came to a portion of the narrative that informed them that baptism by immersion for the remission of sins had been taught and commanded to the ancient inhabitants of America, and the translator, ever eager to know his "privileges," proposed, on the 15th of May, that they should retire to the woods, and "inquire of the Lord."
"While we were thus employed, praying and calling upon the Lord, a messenger from heaven descended in a cloud of light, and having laid his hands upon us he ordained us, saying unto us: 'Upon you, my fellowservants, in the name of the Messiah, I confer the Priesthood of Aaron, which holds the keys of the ministering of angels and of the Gospel of repentance and of baptism by immersion for the remission of sins; and this shall never again be taken from the earth until the sons of Levi do offer again an offering unto the Lord in righteousness.' He said this Aaronic Priesthood had not the power of laying on of hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost, but that this should be conferred on us hereafter, and he commanded us to go and be baptized, and gave us directions that I should baptize Oliver Cowdery, and, afterwards, that he should baptize me."[1]
This "messenger" asserted that he was John the Baptist, and that he acted under the direction of Peter, James, and John, who held the priesthood of Melchisedec, which in due time was to be conferred upon them when they would take rank—Joseph as the first elder and Oliver the second. As instructed, they went into the water together, and Joseph baptized Oliver by immersion, and he in turn immersed Joseph. The latter laid his hands upon Oliver's head and ordained him to the Aaronic priesthood, and Oliver afterwards laid his hands upon Joseph's head and ordained him to the same priesthood—"for so we were commanded."
As they came out of the water they "experienced great and glorious, blessings." "The Holy Ghost fell upon Oliver and he prophesied," and then Joseph "stood up and prophesied." They had a happy time together, but, owing to the persecuting disposition of the unbelievers, they kept their baptism and ordination and rejoicings a secret for a time.
