History of Utah, 1540-1886 - Brigham Young University

200 BRIGHAM YOUNG SUCCEEDS JOSEPH.
brethren for nearly two hours. Yet he seemed to
make no impression. "The Lord has not chosen
him," said one to another. The assembly then adjourned
to two o'clock, when the saints in and about
Nauvoo gathered in great numbers. After singing
and prayer, through the vast assemblage was heard a
voice, strikingly clear, distinct, and penetrating. 15
It
was the voice of Brigham, who said: "Attention, all!
For the first time in my life I am called to act as chief
of the twelve; for the first time in your lives you are
called to walk by faith, your prophet being no longer
present in the flesh. I desire that every one present
shall exercise the fullest liberty. I now ask you, and
each ofyou, if you want to choose a guardian, a prophet,
evangelist, or something else as your head to lead you.
All who wish to draw away from the church, let them
do it, but they will not prosper. If any want Sidney
Rigdon to lead them, let them have him; but I say unto
you that the keys of the kingdom are with the twelve." 16
It was then put to vote, Brigham meanwhile saying,
"All those who are for Joseph and Hyrum, the
book of Mormon, book of Doctrine and Covenants, the
temple, and Joseph's measures, they being one party,
will be called upon to manifest their principles boldly,
the opposite party to enjoy the same liberty." 17 The
result was ten votes for Sidney, the quorum with
Brigham at their head getting all the rest. Elder
Philips then motioned that all "who have voted for
Sidney Rigdon be suspended until they can have a
trial before the high council." 18
The truth is, Sidney was no match for Brigham.
It was a battle of the lion and the lamb ; only Brig-
15 'He [Brigham] said, as he stood on the stand, he would rather sit in sackcloth
and ashes for a month than appear before the people, but he pitied their
loneliness, and was constrained to step forward, and we knew he was, because
he had the voice and manner of Joseph, as hundreds can testify. ' Reminiscences
of Mrs F. D. Richards, MS., p. 14.
16 Woodruffs Journal, MS., Aug. 8, 1844.
17 Hist. Brigham Young, 1844, MS., 25.
18 Wilford Woodruff states that Bigdon did not receive a single vote.
Reminiscences, MS., 2.