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History of Utah, 1540-1886 - Brigham Young University

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200 BRIGHAM YOUNG SUCCEEDS JOSEPH.<br />

brethren for nearly two hours. Yet he seemed to<br />

make no impression. "The Lord has not chosen<br />

him," said one to another. The assembly then adjourned<br />

to two o'clock, when the saints in and about<br />

Nauvoo gathered in great numbers. After singing<br />

and prayer, through the vast assemblage was heard a<br />

voice, strikingly clear, distinct, and penetrating. 15<br />

It<br />

was the voice <strong>of</strong> <strong>Brigham</strong>, who said: "Attention, all!<br />

For the first time in my life I am called to act as chief<br />

<strong>of</strong> the twelve; for the first time in your lives you are<br />

called to walk by faith, your prophet being no longer<br />

present in the flesh. I desire that every one present<br />

shall exercise the fullest liberty. I now ask you, and<br />

each <strong>of</strong>you, if you want to choose a guardian, a prophet,<br />

evangelist, or something else as your head to lead you.<br />

All who wish to draw away from the church, let them<br />

do it, but they will not prosper. If any want Sidney<br />

Rigdon to lead them, let them have him; but I say unto<br />

you that the keys <strong>of</strong> the kingdom are with the twelve." 16<br />

It was then put to vote, <strong>Brigham</strong> meanwhile saying,<br />

"All those who are for Joseph and Hyrum, the<br />

book <strong>of</strong> Mormon, book <strong>of</strong> Doctrine and Covenants, the<br />

temple, and Joseph's measures, they being one party,<br />

will be called upon to manifest their principles boldly,<br />

the opposite party to enjoy the same liberty." 17 The<br />

result was ten votes for Sidney, the quorum with<br />

<strong>Brigham</strong> at their head getting all the rest. Elder<br />

Philips then motioned that all "who have voted for<br />

Sidney Rigdon be suspended until they can have a<br />

trial before the high council." 18<br />

The truth is, Sidney was no match for <strong>Brigham</strong>.<br />

It was a battle <strong>of</strong> the lion and the lamb ; only Brig-<br />

15 'He [<strong>Brigham</strong>] said, as he stood on the stand, he would rather sit in sackcloth<br />

and ashes for a month than appear before the people, but he pitied their<br />

loneliness, and was constrained to step forward, and we knew he was, because<br />

he had the voice and manner <strong>of</strong> Joseph, as hundreds can testify. ' Reminiscences<br />

<strong>of</strong> Mrs F. D. Richards, MS., p. 14.<br />

16 Woodruffs Journal, MS., Aug. 8, 1844.<br />

17 Hist. <strong>Brigham</strong> <strong>Young</strong>, 1844, MS., 25.<br />

18 Wilford Woodruff states that Bigdon did not receive a single vote.<br />

Reminiscences, MS., 2.

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