ZERA PULSIPHER'S SERMON
by Wilford Woodruff

The first sermon that I ever heard in this Church was in 1833, by old father Zera Pulsipher, who died in the south, after having lived to be considerably over eighty years old.  That sermon was what I had prayed for from my childhood.  When I heard it I had a testimony for myself that it was true.  I received it with every sentiment of my heart.  He preached in a schoolhouse upon a farm that we owned in Oswego County, New York.  He opened the door for any remarks to be made.  The house was crowded.  The first thing I knew I stood on top of a bench before the people, not knowing what I got up for.  But I said to my neighbors and friends, "I want you to be careful what you say as touching these men (there were two of them) and their testimony, for they are servants of God, and they have testified unto us the truth-- principles that I have been looking for from my childhood.

I went forth and was baptized.  I was ordained a teacher.  I was always sorry that I was not a deacon first, for I had a desire to bear the priesthood in its various degrees, as far as I was worthy.  I had a desire for years, not only to hear the gospel, but to have the privilege and power of preaching it to my fellow men.  I was a miller by trade, and I spent many a midnight hour in the mill calling upon the Lord for light and truth, and praying that I might hear the gospel of Christ, and be able to teach it to my fellow men.  I rejoiced in it when I did receive it.
MS 53:627 (1891).