Brother David Dredge Thomas: Me, the servant of the Lord, lay my hands upon you as one of the Patriarchs of the Malad Stake of Zion to give you a Patriarchal Blessing. I will say to you, dear Brother, that the Lord is pleased with you in your integrity in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and I say unto you, dear Brother, be faithful in the Lord. He gave his angels charge of you, and inasmuch as you have received the Priesthood of God, He expects you to labor diligently in the Church. And inasmuch, Brother, that you are faithful, the Lord will bless you with wisdom and understanding as he sees you need time after time.

You are, Brother, of the Tribe of Benjamin and the lineage of Jacob. The blood of Israel flows freely in your veins, for the promises that were given to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob will follow you to the end of your days, inasmuch as you are faithful. The fullness of the earth belongs to the Lord and all those blessings and comforts of life in the children of Israel, you will have your share. We have got to make preparation for the blessings and comforts of life, and so Brother, you see we have no need to be idle. We have got to work, as the Savior said, for when the night cometh we stumble in the dark because there is no light in us, therefore, it becometh us to be diligent day by day. Therefore, I would say unto you accept of every position that you are called to in the Church, for by persevering diligently you will lay up wisdom and you will get understanding.

We find in the history in our Bible, Solomon in his day cautioned his congregation to get, whatever they did get, to get understanding. You will have sure foundation if you take this maxim. And when, Brother, you begin to seek a partner in life, do not think that you can do it all yourself and leave the Lord out, and then the Lord will assist you with that which you need and He will bless you day by day, as days and months and years roll around upon the earth, and your table will be spread with the bounties of life because the Lord will provide the things you need and you will have praise and honor from your own posterity, and you will rejoice in the midst of your own.

You will take pleasure in doing your duty and encouraging the young and rising generation and you will be a blessed man, and your heart will swell with joy and gratitude toward your Heavenly Father. Don't be too closed in putting your hand in your pocket for the benefit of the poor, and also for the different things that you will be called upon in the Church for improvements. Pay also your tithing honest to the Lord, then you will lay up treasures in Heaven where moth nor rust will corrupt, for the Lord will make it up double fold and you will never miss that which you give in this way.

I encourage you to faithfully and diligently seek after wisdom. Throw your arm of kindness around those you are associated with time after time when you see them step into forbidden paths. The spirit of charity covers a multitude of sins and causes your friend to love you in years to come, for your love and kindness you have shown toward him.

May God add His blessing with you, Brother, and through the power and virtue of the Priesthood conferred upon me, I seal these blessings upon you through the power of the Priesthood in me, one of the Patriarchs of the Church.