History of Utah, 1540-1886 - Brigham Young University

680
CHURCH AND STATE.
and finally the entire congregation. During the proceedings
there was no haste. Ample time was allowed
for objection to be made to any of* the names proposed
or to any of the propositions offered; but throughout
this vast gathering there was not a dissenting vote.
As the quorums rose to their feet, and with uplifted
hand vowed to sustain those whom their leaders had
chosen, the choice was in every instance confirmed by
assembled Israel. It was evident that, as yet, the
church was in no danger of dissolution. 7
Addressing the congregation, President Taylor remarked
that the apostles were thankful for the confidence
and faith that had been manifested. For several
reasons he had said little since the death of the
president, who for thirty-three years had stood prom-
inently before the church. In common with the rest
of the community, he felt sad at heart. Moreover, a
multiplicity of cares now devolved upon the twelve,
and, so far as his position was concerned, he did not
wish to say anything that might influence their
choice, but desired to leave the minds of all perfectly
unbiased. "If," he said, "we could carry out in our
lives what we have made manifest this day by our
votes, the kingdom of God would roll forth, and the
favor and blessing of God would rest upon us." "No
man need think this work would stop. It would go
on and increase until the purposes of Jehovah were
accomplished, and no power on earth or in hell could
stay its progress." Three years afterward 8 John Taylor
was elected president of the Church of Jesus Christ
of Latter-day Saints, with George Q. Cannon and
Joseph F. Smith as councillors. The vacancies which
thus occurred in the quorum of the twelve were partially
filled by the election of Francis M. Lyman 9 and
7 For account of this conference, see Deseret News, Oct. 10, 17, 1877.
8 At the general conference, commencing on the 6th of October, 18S0.
9 Francis Marion, the eldest son of Amasa Lyman, a pioneer, who was
excommunicated in 1S70, was but seven years of age at the date of the exodus
from Nauvoo. As an instance of the experience of Mormon evangelists, it
may be mentioned that when ordered on mission to England in 1S50, he was
compelled to leave his newly married wife almost destitute, building for her