We recently had a visit with a member of the Community of Christ Church and we shared a little of this experience with him. Lots of testimonies of people who witnessed this event. I believe we have an ancestor Wiley Payne Allred who was in that audience and witnessed it.
On August 8, 1844, six weeks after the Prophet Joseph Smith's
martyrdom, a meeting of the Saints was held in Nauvoo, Illinois, to resolve the
issue of Church leadership. At the meeting, Sidney Rigdon, former first
counselor to Joseph Smith, claimed to be the new guardian of the Church.
Brigham Young, President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, arose and stated
that, as a body, the Quorum of the Twelve possessed the necessary priesthood
keys and authority to lead the Church. Many Saints in the audience said that as
Brigham Young spoke, he took on the voice or appearance of Joseph Smith, a
witness that Young was to be the next leader. The Saints understood this to be
the passing of the mantle from the Prophet Joseph Smith to Brigham Young, in
reference to the mantle of Elijah passing to Elisha (2 Kings 2:9–15). Brigham
Young's transformation was not recorded on August 8, 1844, in any extant
journals. However, contemporaneous accounts, testimonies by children, and later
published accounts testify of the divine occurrence. This article includes
fifty-seven firsthand accounts and forty-four secondhand accounts from over
eighty people who witnessed the event.
Written By:
BYU Studies Staff -
Lynne W. Jorgensen -
Lynne Watkins Jorgensen has been a licensed genealogist and family
history researcher at the Family History Department of The Church of Jesus
Christ of Latter-day Saints.
References
·
Selected Testimonies about
The Transfiguration of Brigham Young
·
·
On 8 August 1844 Brigham Young addressed the
Saints on the topic of who should succeed Joseph Smith. While he spoke he was
transfigured in the eyes of many and took on the voice, the gestures, and, to
some, the features of Joseph Smith. The following are first-hand accounts from
those who were witnesses to this event. They are listed in alphabetical order
with the age of the individual in August 1844.
·
·
Source: "Appendix I: Firsthand Testimonies," BYU
Studies, vol. 36 (1996-97), Number 4--1996-97
·
·
Adams, William (age 22)
·
There was a great multitude attending the meeting, more than one
half the crowd could not find seats, and stood on their feet. Never were so
many at one meeting that I ever saw. I was sitting down and could not see the
speakers on the stand. I was listening very attentively, so that I could hear
every word.
·
I heard a voice speaking, I was surprised, and jumping to my feet,
expecting Joseph the Prophet was speaking, having heard him often in public and
private, so that I was quite acquainted with his voice. This was a strong
testimony that the Twelve Apostles were the rightful leaders of the church and
that the mouth of Joseph had fallen on Brigham Young.
·
Allred, William Moore (age
24)
·
Sidney Rigdon, one of Joseph's counselors had moved to Pittsburg,
and when he heard of Joseph's death he came to Nauvoo claiming his right to lead
the Church. At least he said the Church was 14 years old and had the right to
choose a guardian, but Brigham Young, the President of the Twelve Apostles and
others of the twelve (that had been on a mission) just got home as the meeting
was called for Rigdon to preach. And after he got through Brigham got up and
spoke with such power that it convinced nearly all that were present that the
Mantle of Joseph had fallen on him. I was perfectly satisfied.
·
Ashby, Benjamin (age
15)
·
Soon the twelve began to return, also Sidney Rigdon who endeavored
to have himself elected as guardain of the Church and I was present when he
made his silly and boastful speech about leading the Church back to Pittsburg
and Twerling the nose of Queen Victoria &c. &c. Too foolish to be worth
remembering I did not know Rigdon when he was in the Spirit of his Calling and
cannot say what manner of Man he was. but when I knew him he had lost the favor
of God and he was as dry as sticks in his preaching
·
I was in the congregation when the Question of the succesion to
the leadership of the Church was before the people and I solemly assert and
testify that the last time I saw the Features. the Gestures and heard the sound
of the voice of Joseph Smith: was when the form, voice, and countanance of
Brigham Young was transfigured before the congregation so that he appeared like
Joseph Smith in every particular. Thus the Lord showed the people that the
Mantle of Joseph had been bestowed upon Brigham.
·
Barney, Lewis (age 35)
·
The next day President Brigham Young arived in Nauvoo with some of
the other apostles from a Mission to the Eastern States And Called a meeting
and invited Sidney Rigdon to the Stand and in the presence of the assembled
thousands of the Saints said to Sidney, "Now if you have any thing to say you
have the opportunity and you can take the stand[.] But Sidney declined and kept
his seat. President Young then arose and took the stand, his face and countenance having the appearance of Joseph his voice and words were the
familiar voice and Words of our martyred prophet so much so the whole
Congregation was fully satisfied that the mantle of the Prophet Joseph had
fallen on him and some of the saints really believed it was in reality the
Prophet himself. Well do I remember the feelings that possesed my breast at
that time I knew it was Brigham Young and being familiar with the countenance, voice, and the manner of the speech of the Prophet Joseph Smith, I also knew the
mantle of the prophet had fallen on Brigham and it was marvelous and a miracle
wrought by the Power of God in the Sight and hearing of the Whole multitude
that they might never doubt that Brigham was the Chosen leader of the
Church.
·
Bowen, Cynthia Harrington Durphy/Durfey (age
32)
·
While at the prayer meeting that was called after hearing Sydney
Rigdon speak, an event that gave me great strength took place. Brigham Young
stood before us & as I listened to him, his countenance changed & I saw
the prophet Joseph Smith & heard his voice speaking as well & I knew
who was to be the next prophet of the Lord & who was to lead the
Saints.
·
Brooke, Henry (age not available)
·
On 15 November 1844, Henry and Catharine Brooke wrote from Nauvoo
that Brigham Young "favours Br Joseph, both in person, & manner of
speaking more than any person ever you saw, looks like another."
·
Buckwalter, Henry Schuler (age
13)
·
Was at the meeting when Sidney Rigdon tried to lay claim to the
presidency of the Church And President Brigham Young told him different and his
voice and looks was precisely like that of the Prophet Joseph.
·
Bullock, Thomas (age
27)
·
They [Joseph and Hyrum] were two good men when living, and they
died good men; they died martyrs for the truth, and they sealed their testimony
with their blood; and their testimony is true....
·
The mantle of Joseph fell on Brigham Young, the blood of the
martyrs became as seed on the earth.
·
Burton, Robert Taylor (age
22)
·
This morning, at the Presiding Bishop's Office, after reading what
purported to be an appeal to the Latter-day Saints by Frederick J. Smith in
regard to the successor of the Prophet Joseph Smith Jr., I had occasion, in
conversation with Bishop O. P. Miller, to refer to my experience in Nauvoo, Illinois
some time after the martyrdom of Joseph and Hyrum Smith, and upon his request,
I made the following statement:
·
This to my mind was one of the most critical periods in the
history of the Church. A number of persons claimed the legal succession, and to
have this authority, among them Sidney Rigdon, James J. Strang, Aaron and Moses
Smith and others. The occasion that I now refer to was a general meeting of the
Latter-day Saints, soon after the return to Nauvoo of President Brigham Young
and other members of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles, from their missions. The
meeting had been called to order, and after the usual opening exercises
President Brigham Young arose to address the assembly.
·
At that time I was not acquainted with President Young, but his voice,
manner, expression, and in fact, his personal appearance was so strikingly that
of the martyred Prophet, that I rose from my seat, as did hundreds of others,
to look at the Prophet Joseph Smith Jr. The likeness was so marked that I could
hardly make myself believe that the Prophet had not himself returned; not that
there was a resemblance between the two men. I am not going to say why this was
other than I received it, as an evidence to the people that God had chose
Brigham Young as successor to the Prophet Joseph Smith Jr. There were dozens,
even hundreds of others, who were impressed just the same as I was at that
time, and I have heard many, many who are now gone make similar statements or
expressions to that I am here making.
(signed) R. T. Burton
·
Burton, William (age
34)
·
We arrived in Nauvoo in May... there was one change more that had
taken place during the time that I was out on my mission; -that grevious and
hard to be borne. This was the Martyrdom of the Prophet and Seer, and
Patriarch, whose voices I could not hear, declaring the truths of Heaven. But
their [Joseph's and Hyrum's] places were filled by others much better than I once
was supposed they could have been. The spirit of Joseph appeared to rest upon
Brigham.... Great and mysterious are the ways of God!
·
Call, Anson (age 34)
·
That week, Brigham Young and others of the 12 came to the city. On
the Sunday following, Brigham and a portion of the Twelve presented themselves
in our congregation. He said he had not come to electioneer, nor set up any
particular claim, but to do his duty, and it was for the people to judge
between truth and error. Before he [Brigham] had spoken many sentences, I
discovered that it was the voice of Joseph, and had I have been where my eyes
could not have beheld him, I should have believed that Joseph had been
speaking. It was Joseph's voice and Joseph's gestures through the entire
discourse, I became perfectly satisfied that it was the voice for me to follow
in connection with the majority of the brethren.
·
Cannon, George Q. (age
17)
·
It was the first sound of his voice [Brigham's] which the people
hadn't heard since he had gone east on his mission, and the effect upon them was
most wonderful. Who that was present on that occasion can ever forget the
impression it made upon them! If Joseph had risen from the dead and again
spoken in their hearing, the effect could not have been more startling than it
was to many present at that meeting. It was the voice of Joseph himself; and
not only was it the voice of Joseph which was heard; but it seemed in the eyes
of the people as though it was the very person of Joseph which stood before
them. A more wonderful and miraculous event than was wrought that day in the
presence of that congregation we never heard of. The Lord gave His people a
testimony that left no room for doubt as to who was the man He had chosen to
lead them. They both saw and heard with their natural eyes and ears, and then
the words which were uttered came, accompanied by the convincing power of God,
to their hearts, and they were filled with the Spirit and with great joy. There
had been gloom, and, in some hearts probably, doubt and uncertainty; but now it
was plain to all that here was the man upon whom the Lord had bestowed the
necessary authority to act in their midst in Josephs stead.
·
Cox, Elias (age 9)
·
I heard Brother Brigham speak and that is the first time that I
ever saw two men look and sound so much alike in all my life. And after he had
sat down, I wondered where Joseph had gone.
·
Crosby, Caroline Barnes (age
37)
·
Sidney Rigdon came to the stand and tried to show to the people
that he was the rightful successor of Joseph. And his arguments were so
powerful that many were almost pursuaded to believe him such. But as soon as
the twelve apostles with bro Brigham Young at their head took the stand it was
shown conclusively where the power rested. It was the first time that I ever
thought he [Brigham] resembled bro Joseph. But almost every one exclaimed that
the mantle of Joseph had fallen on Brigham. For one I never had any doubts
afterwards. We all soon became comforted concerning our leaders, but
persecution continued all around us. The brethren were obliged to be on guard all
the time.
·
Duncan, Homer (age 29)
·
I must make mention on one [more] manifestation of the Lords
goodness to me. At the special meeting held at Nauvoo after the Prophet Joseph
Smiths death at the time that the mantle of the Prophet of the Lord fell upon
Brigham Young. I sat listening to someone speaking with my head down, my face
in the palms of my hands and my elbows on my knees. While in this position,
Brigham Young came to the stand and commenced to speak with the voice of Joseph
the Prophet. Being so well acquainted with the Prophets voice, I nearly sprang
from my seat through astonishment, but I sat and heard the Prophets [Josephs]
voice as long as Brigham Young was speaking. Not only did the voice of Brigham
[sound] like that of Joseph, but the very gestures of his right hand when he
was saying anything very positive reminded me of Joseph. My decision was then
made as to who should lead the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints for
surely the mantle of Joseph has fallen upon Brigham.
·
Ellsworth, Edmund (age
25)
·
The Prophet concluded to run for the President of the United
States. I was called to the State of New York on an electioneering mission to
which place I immediately started where I labored untill the death of the
Prophet when I received a letter from President Young calling the Elders home.
I was present at the meeting which tried President Sydney Rigdon, where I
plainly saw the Mantle of the Priesthood fall upon President Young with its
power and spirit. The testimony of this was given to most of the
congregation.
·
Field, Mary (age 8)
·
After Joseph Smiths death there was some confusion as to who
should be our leader. Sidney Rigdon claimed to have had a vision that he should
be our head, but I, with my mother, was present at the meeting in the bowery
when the mantle of Joseph fell upon Brigham Young while he was talking with the
people. Mother had the baby on her knee, who was playing with a tin cup. He
dropped it, attracting our attention to the floor. Mother stooped over to pick
it up, when we startled by hearing the voice of Joseph. Looking up quickly we
saw the form of the Prophet Joseph standing before us. Brother Brigham looked
and talked so much like Joseph that for a minute we thought it was Joseph.
There was no doubt in the hearts of the Saints from that moment on who was to
be their inspired leader.
·
After Brigham Young was sustained as our prophet and leader, the
Church was again restored to order under his guiding hand. The Saints were
anxious to complete the Nauvoo Temple, as they had been commanded by the
Prophet Joseph before his death. By hard work and determination the Saints
completed the temple and large numbers received their endowments there.
·
Fisher, James Madison (age
11)
·
The twelve apostles were all away from home, before they got back
Sydney Rigdon wanted to call a meeting and have the people choose him for their
leader the people said no wait untill the twelve comes home. Brigham Young was
the first to arive after they all come home there was a meeting caled to choose
a leader it was held in a grove where they held meetings in the summer time. I
was there, Rigdon spoke first it did not have the wright ring to it when he sat
down brother Brigham got up, the mantle of Joseph fell upon him, he was the
picture of the Prophet [Joseph] and he had the Prophets voice it was a great
surprise for the people, the saints was shown who was to be their leader,
Rigdon left the Church went to Penn. and started a Church of his own wich soon
flatened out.
·
Gates, Jacob (age 33)
·
After the Death of Joseph and Hyrum the Excitement Seemed [?] to
die away. Meantime Sidney Rigdon who was a Counsiller to Joseph arived and
attempted to userpe arthority over the Church as the Succeser of Joseph but the
Church was saved by the timely arival of the Twelve and the Spirit of God which
always teaches right and the result was that Rigdon was cut of from the Church
for his miss conduct and went up to Pittsburg followed by a few who were men as
himself whose mouth was ful of cursing and biterness. The Power of the
Preasthood rested down upon the Twelve backed up by the Spirit of God which
enabled them to give that instruction which [seemed] to unite the harts of the
Saints together as the heart of one Man. They moved forward to build the
Temple.
·
Glines, James Harvey (age
22)
·
I arrived in time to hear Sidney Rigdons last lectures before the
Church. President Brigham Young and others of the twelve apostles now arrived
and appointed a meeting in the grove at the stand east of the temple block....
·
Sidney Rigdon stopped speaking. President Brigham Young stood up
and commenced speaking, and all eyes were turned upon him for he seemed to have
the voice of the prophet Joseph, as many testified at the time, for he spoke
with great power and authority to the convincing of the Saints that the mantle
had fallen from Joseph to Brigham.
·
Greenhalgh, William (age
33)
·
In a few days Sidney Rigdon came up to Nauvoo to see if the people
would accept him as a guardian to act for Joseph. He told the people if they
did not accept him, God would reject them as a people with their dead. He was
to return to Pittsburg and God would raise up a people at Pittsburg for him.
With uplifted hands he called on God and angels to bear him witness. He spoke
next day to them and (to) see if the people would accept him.
·
Just at this time came home Brigham Young and Heber C. Kimball.
The morning following Brigham Young ordered the people to bring a wagon to the
south side of the congregation that the people could all hear what he had to
say. Brigham rose and said, "I would to God, there was not such a hurried
spirit here." He spoke with such power and the voice of Joseph sounded
through him so plain that the people who could not see him, knew that it was
the voice of Joseph speaking through Brigham Young. My wife Mary sitting close
by me not able to turn her head asked me if that was Joseph. I told her no, but
it was the voice of Joseph speaking through Brigham Young. This was a living
testimony that the mantle had fallen from Joseph on to Brigham-and from this
time many wanted to well off and part from the Saints-But Brigham forbid them
and told them that the flock must not be scattered.
·
Hamblin, Jacob (age 25)
·
Come the 24th when I arived at Nauvoo I saw thare was a gertherin
of the Saints at the Stand as I drew nere I saw Mr. Sidney Rigdon [a]ddressing
the Congregation I listened a few minits and Said in my hart it was not the
vois of the trew Sepherd.
·
At Nauvoo I found Sidney Rigdon busy among the Saints, trying to
establish his claim to the presidency of the Church. He was first Counselor to
the Prophet Joseph at the time of the latters death. The Church was fourteen
years old, and he claimed that it was its privilege and duty to appoint a
guardian; and he wished the people to sanction his guardianship.
·
I was much dissatisfied with the course he was taking, and, as I
could not sustain him, I felt to leave Nauvoo for a season. I went into the
country, where I had left my wife and two children with my sister Melissa....
·
On the 8th of August, 1844, I attended a general meeting of the
Saints. Elder Rigdon was there, urging his claims to the presidency of the
Church. His voice did not sound like the voice of the true shepherd. When he
was about to call a vote of the congregation to sustain him as President of the
Church, Elders Brigham Young, Parley P. Pratt and Heber C. Kimball stepped into
the stand.
·
Brigham Young remarked to the congregation: "I will manage
this voting for Elder Rigdon. He does not preside here. This child"
(meaning himself) "will manage this flock for a season." The voice
and the gestures of the man were those of the Prophet Joseph.
·
The people, with few exceptions, visibly saw that the mantle of
the prophet Joseph had fallen upon Brigham Young. To some it seemed as though
Joseph again stood before them.
·
I arose to my feet and said to a man sitting by me, "That is
the voice of the true shepherd-the chief of the Apostles."
·
Hancock, Mosiah Lyman (age
10)
·
Altho only a boy, I saw the mantle of the Prophet Joseph rest on
Brigham Young; and he arose lion-like to the occasion, and lead the people
forth....
·
I remember Sidney Rigdon in his great desire to become Guardian of
the Church. But I had seen the Prophet [Joseph] proclaim these words before the
people, "I have carried Sidney Rigdon long enough-I now throw him from my
shoulders. If my brother Hyrum wishes to pick him up and carry him, he may-I
carry him no longer."
·
I saw Brother Brigham Young, of the Quorum of the Twelve, arise
before the people-and I saw in him the look of Joseph, and the voice of Joseph;
and it seemed to me that he was as tall as Joseph too. I knew that the mantle
of Joseph had fallen on Brigham. I had heard the Prophet say from the frame that
he threw the furtherence of this Church and Kingdom upon the shoulders of the
Twelve; that they should bear and send this Gospel to every nation under
heaven.
·
Harper, John Nelson (age
31)
·
When the Twelve returned home the Saints was troubled to know who
should lead the Church; Sidney Rigdon was there from Pittsburg and wanted to
choose a guardian for the Church, but when Bro Brigham arose on the stand I
received a testimony for myself, he appeared to me as if it was Bro Joseph and
it was Josephs voice and there the mantle of Joseph fell on Brigham. He
[Brigham] said it was no enviable place to stand at the head of the people for
at them the arrows of the enemy would be directed. But he was willing to stand
where God placed him.
·
Haven, Eliza Ann (age
15)
·
The question was a general one: "What shall we do without our
Prophet?" I was then 15 years of age and we all felt so sad. I was at the
meeting when Sidney Rigdon arose and declared himself our true Prophet and
leader. Very few responded to his declaration. I am happy to say that not one
of my fathers family felt he was the right one. Soon after Pres. Brigham Young
came home from the East, where he had been on a mission. I was at the meeting
when the mantle of Bro. Josephs encircled him.... When he spoke, it was in Bro.
Josephs voice. I arose to my feet and said to my mother: "Our prophet has
come to life, mother we have Bro. Joseph back", for there he stood as
plain as I ever saw him in life; and his voice and features were truly those of
our beloved Prophet. Shortly a mist seemed to pass from Bro. Brighams face and
there stood brother Young talking in his natural voice, but we knew he was to
be our leader. Hundreds witnessed the same thing, but not all that were there
had that privilege.
·
Hendricks, Drusilla Dorris (age
34)
·
It was not long before Sidney Rigdon called a meeting in order to
present his claims to the presidency of the Church. Some of the Twelve had
returned from their missions and the day the meeting was held and while it was
in session, Brigham Young (President of the quorum of the Twelve Apostles) and
others slipped up to the stand and said nothing until Sidney Rigdon was
through, he was standing near the center of the audience in a wagon. As the
meeting was in the Boury [Bowery]. Then Pres. Brigham Young began to speak. I
jumped up to look and see if it was not Brother Joseph for surely it was his
voice and gestures. Every Latter Day Saint could easily see upon whom the
priesthood descended for Brigham Young held the keys. Sidney Rigdon led off a
few, but where are they now. They have dwindled away in unbelief and have come
to naught.
·
Hinckley, Arza Erastus (age
16)
·
The entry after 20 November 1844 in the diary of Arza Hinckley at
Brigham Young University states: "...and Brigham Young on hom the mantle
of the prophet Joseph has falen is a men of god and he ceeps all things in good
order."
·
Hoyt, Emily Smith (age
37)
·
[After the martyrdom] we [Emily and Samuel] were summoned over the
river again and went to hear what was wanted. Brigham Young then President of
the twelve had returned home. The people were convened in the Old Bowry where
Joseph had last spoken to the people. Sydney Rigdon made a speech and claimed
to have authority to lead the Church others had similar claims. None appeared
reasonable to me. The last one arose. It was the then, President of the twelve
Brigham Young. He spoke to the people altogether in a different style from any
of those, who had preceeded him. A crowd of witnessses arose after B. Y. had
sat down and testified to the truth of what he had said. President B. Y. arose
from his seat the second time and addressed the audience. I had been well
acquainted with Joseph the latter part of his life. We had been at his home
many times and Joseph, Hiram and families felt at home with us. [Emily writes
of events leading to martyrdom of Joseph and Hyrum.] ... But the God of Heaven
who had said it was his business to provide for his saints, sent President B.
Young home just in time, and clothed him not with "the mantle of Elijah,"
but the spirit and power which had rested on Joseph. I was an eye, and ear,
witness. The manner of reasoning, the expression of the countenance, the sound
of the voice thrilled my whole soul. My own eyes had beheld Josephs murdered
body. My own hands, had felt deaths icy coldness on his once noble forehead. I
knew that Joseph was dead. And yet I often startled and involuntarily looked at
the stand to see if it was not Joseph. It was not, it was Brigham Young and if
any one doubts the right of Brigham to manage affairs for the Saints, all I
have to say to them is this. Get the spirit of God and know for yourselves. The
Lord will provide for his own. Has the word of the Lord ever failed. Br Young
will not live forever clothed with mortality. But He who rules in heaven and on
earth will control all things by the counsel of his own will. Saints will
live.
·
Huntington, Zina Diantha (age
23)
·
I went to meeting in the afternoon, Thanks be to Him who reigns on
high, the majority of the Twelve are[her[e]. Brigham Youngs spoke and the
Church voted that the 12 should act in the office of there calling next to
Joseph or the three first presidents.
·
Never can it be told in words what the saints suffered in those
days of trial; but the sweet spirit-the comforter-did not forsake them; and
when the twelve returned, the mantle of Joseph fell upon Brigham.
·
When I approached the stand (on the occasion when Sidney Rigdon
was striving for the guardianship of the Church), President Young was speaking.
It was the voice of Joseph Smith-not that of Brigham Young. His very person was
changed. The mantle was truly given to another. There was no doubting this in
the minds of that vast assembly. All witnessed the transfiguration, and even
to-day thousands bear testimony thereof. I closed my eyes. I could have
exclaimed, I know that is Joseph Smiths voice! Yet I knew he had gone. But the
same spirit was with the people; the comforter remained.
·
Hyde, Orson (age 39)
·
I will tell you that as long as God has a Church on the earth, He
will govern it. Now I will tell you a little of my feelings in relation to it.
I know that when President Young returned with the Twelve to Nauvoo, he
gathered them around him, and said he: "I want you to disperse among the
congregation and feel the pulse of the people while I go upon the stand and
speak."
·
We went among the congregation and President Young went on the
stand. Well, he spoke; and his words went through me like electricity. "Am
I mistaken?" said I, "or is it really the voice of Joseph
Smith?" This is my testimony, it was not only the voice of Joseph, but
there were the features, the gestures and even the stature of Joseph there
before us in the person of Brigham. And though it may be said that President
Young is a complete mimic, and can mimic anybody, I would like to see the man
who can mimic another in stature who was about four or five inches higher than
himself.-every one who was inspired by the spirit of the Lord, felt it. They
knew it. They realized it.
·
I sat myself down in the midst of the congregation, with my two
wives, whom Joseph had given and sealed to me. When President Young began to
speak, one of them said: "It is the voice of Joseph! It is Joseph
Smith!" The exclamation of the other was,-"Ido not see him, where
is[he?["] Well the thought occurred to my mind respecting the Scripture
which President Young has just quoted:-"My sheep know my voice and follow
me." Where is the one that recognized the voice of Joseph in President
Young? Where is she? She is in the line of her duty. But where is the other?
Gone where I wish she were not. The sheep of the good shepherd will follow the
voice they know; but they will not follow the voice of a stranger.
·
Now, this was a manifestation of the power of the Almighty-it was
the power of God resting on an individual in the eyes of all the people; not
only in feature and voice, but actually in stature. This is my testimony....
Did it require proof that Joseph was there in the person of Brigham, speaking
with an angels voice? It required no argument; with those who feared God and
loved truth, it required none.
·
At the time our Prophet and Patriarch were killed, or at least
soon afterwards, when the Twelve returned to Nauvoo, their immediate
circumstances were not altogether agreeable and pleasant or profitable. But
suffice it to say we had a meeting, a Conference, at which President Young was
the centre of attraction. On his rising to speak, and as soon as he opened his
mouth, I heard the voice of Joseph through him, and it was as familiar to me as
the voice of my wife, the voice of my child, or the voice of my father. And not
only the voice of Joseph did I distinctly and unmistakably hear, but I saw the
very gestures of his person, the very features of his countenance, and if I
mistake not, the very size of his person appeared on the stand. And it went
through me with the thrill of conviction that Brigham was the man to lead this
people. And from that day to the present there had not been a query or a doubt
upon my mind with regard to the divinity of his appointment; I know that he was
the man selected of God to fill the position he now holds.
·
Hyde, William (age 25)
·
On Thursday, August the 8th, I attended a special conference in
Nauvoo. Elder Rigdon addressed the assembly in the forenoon. Elder Rigdon
sought, as he expressed it, the guardianship of the Church, but it was plainly
manifest that the Spirit of the Lord had withdrawn from him, and that he sought
that which did not belong to him. From the time the saints were driven from
Missouri he had evidently been on the background, and had not walked up to his
station, and on one occasion I heard Joseph Smith say that he had carried Elder
Rigdon on his back long enough, and then turning to the Twelve said that if
they did not help him at that time in shaking him off, the time would come when
they would have to do, and that without his, Josephs assistance. And on
Thursday, the 8th of August, was this saying of the Prophet brought home with
weight to my mind.
·
In the afternoon President Brigham Young came upon the stand and
addressed the vast multitude of anxious listeners as follows: "For the
first time the Twelve walk up to the stand in their place, we have walked by
sight and not by faith. The Church had had the privilege of coming to Joseph
and of receiving, but now he has stepped to the other side of the veil. He
loved the Church even unto death, and laid down his life for it."
President Young then asked the following questions: "Do you want to choose
a person to lead you into the Kingdom, if so manifest it." All were
silent. "If there is any person present that wishes to draw away party
after them let them rise." But no one rose. "I have wanted,"
said President Young, "to fast thirty days, and clothe my house in
mourning, but it seems that the saints are determined to drive business. They
are not willing to wait and let everything come in its place, but business must
be driven, and as it falls to my lot to speak, I shall speak in plainess. Do
you want President Rigdon to take Josephs place, if so take him. Here are the
Twelve. Have my knees ever faltered, have these hands ever slackened?"
"No." and "No." said voices from all
directions.["[T]he Twelve hold the keys and are in authority equal with
the First President when the first is absent. Do you want to choose a trustee
in trust to take Josephs place, if so the Twelve must ordain him, for the power
rests in them, and in them alone, the Church cannot do it...."
·
And then he said that if Elder Rigdon wanted to be a spokesman for
Joseph, let him go to the other side of the veil. "Who," said he,
"ever heard of such a thing as a person on one side of the veil acting as
a spokesman for a person on the other side." The President further stated
that no person could stand between Joseph and the Twelve. And then turning to
the people, said it was their place to rise up and help roll on the Kingdom.
"But let us not undertake anything new, let us follow the law and not
undertake to divide the Priesthood one hair."
·
Elders P. P. Pratt and Amasa Lyman made some very appropriate
remarks, confirming what President Young had said. . . .
·
President Young again arose and spoke concerning the endowments of
the Elders. Said that if they did not get them in the Temple, they should have
them if they had to receive them in the wilderness, for the Devil could not
cheat them out of them. He then called upon the saints to know if they would
receive the Twelve and let them stand in their place as the First Presidency of
the Church in the absense of Joseph. The vote was unanimous in the affirmative.
On this day it was plainly manifest that the mantle of Joseph had rested upon
President Young. The voice of the same spirit by which he, Joseph, spake was
this day sounded in our ears, so much so that I once, unthoughtedly, raised my
head to see if it was not actually Joseph addressing the assembly. The assembly
was dismissed by President Young after being blessed in the name of the
Lord.
·
Ivins, Rachel Ridgeway (age
23)
·
After the Prophets death when Sidney Rigdon came to Nauvoo and
spoke, he thought that it was his right and privilege to be President of the
Church. President Young jumped right up on the seat and spoke. If you had had
your eyes shut, you would have thought it was the Prophet [Joseph]. In fact he
looked like him, his very countenance seemed to change, and he spoke like
him.
·
Johnson, Benjamin Franklin (age
26)
·
Of Brigham Young as President of the Church, I will again bear
this as a faithful testimony that I do know and bear record that upon the head
of Brigham Young as chief, with the Apostleship in full, was by the voice of
the Prophet Joseph, in my hearing, laid the full responsibility of bearing of
the Kingdom of God to all the world. And I do further bear this as a testimony,
faithful and true, to the Church and to all the world that at a conference of
the whole Church, at Nauvoo, subsequent to the Prophets death and before the
return of the absent Apostles, that I sat in the assembly near President
Rigdon, closely attentive to his appeal to the conference to recognize and
sustain his claim as "Guardian for the Church." And was, perhaps, to
a degree, forgetful of what I knew to be the rights and duties of the
apostleship, and as he closed his address and sat down, my back was partly
turned to the seats occupied by Apostle Brigham Young and other Apostles, when
suddenly, and as from Heaven, I heard the voice of the Prophet Joseph, that
thrilled my whole being, and quickly turning around I saw in the
transfiguration of Brigham Young, the tall, straight and portly form of the
Prophet Joseph Smith, clothed in a sheen of light, covering him to his feet;
and I heard the real and perfect voice of the Prophet, even to the whistle, as
in years past caused by the loss of a tooth said to have been broken out by a
mob at Hyrum. This vision, or view, although but for seconds, was to me a vivid
and real as the glare of lightening or the voice of thunder from the heavens,
and so deeply was I impressed with what I saw and heard in the transfiguration,
that for years I dared not tell what was given me of the Lord to see. But when
in later years I did publicly bear this testimony, I found that others had
testified to having seen and heard the same. But to what proportion of the
congregation that were present, I could never know. But I do know this, my
testimony is true.
·
The Prophets lost tooth, to which I allude, was, as generally
understood, broken out by the mob at Hyrum while trying to pry open his mouth
to strangle him with acid, from which time, until the tooth was replaced by a
dentist neighbor, a year or two previous to his death, there had been a
whistle-like sound accompanying all his public speaking which I again plainly
heard at the time of which I write.
·
And while I do know that Brigham Young, as President of the
Church, was the right man in the right place, and a great leader for Israel, I
still know that he never claimed to be perfect in all his ways, but that, like
his brethren, he at times was liable to mistakes.
·
At the time of the martyrdom all the Quorum of the Twelve were
absent except John Taylor and Dr. Richards, both of whom were with the Prophet
in the Carthage jail, and Sidney Rigdon having retained a partial fellowship as
one of Josephs counselors, came forward claiming the right of Guardian of the
Church. James J. Strang also claimed through a spurious revelation purporting
to be through the Prophet that he should lead the Church. And so matters stood
until the return of the Twelve, when a conference was assembled, and President
Rigdon was called upon to put forth his claim before the people, which he did,
and after closing his remarks, which were void of all power or influence,
President Brigham Young arose and spoke. I saw him arise, but as soon as he
spoke I jumped upon my feet, for in every possible degree it was Josephs voice,
and his person, in look, attitude, dress and appearance was Joseph himself,
personified; and I knew in a moment the spirit and mantle of Joseph was upon
him. Then I remembered his saying to the Council of which Sidney Rigdon was
never a member, and I knew for myself who was now the leader of Israel.
·
Judd, Zadoc Knapp (age
16)
·
Right here I might relate another circumstance that to me was a
sufficient testimony of the truth of the Gospel. I had for years been more or
less acquainted with the Prophet Joseph Smith. I had many many times heard him
preach; had heard him talk with others in common conversation. I had known his
voice as well as I do that of my most intimate friend.... [T]his circumstance I
am going to relate happened late in the fall or early winter. The people had usually
convened for meeting [in] a little grove near the temple. A bowery had been
built, and seats arranged to accommodate all.... In the meantime the building
of the temple had progressed; the roof was on, the windows were in, the floor
was laid, but no seats arranged. It was very cold, wet Sunday and a drizzling
rain. The meeting had been adjourned from the grove to the temple for there
people could get shelter. While waiting for the people to gather and also for
the hour of meeting, Brigham Young, Heber C. Kimball and some others of the
quorum of the twelve had come to an upper room or kind of gallery and seemed to
be passing and repassing an open door and window and from the position I had
chosen, which was next to the wall and near the stand, I could see them very
plainly, and although I knew Joseph was dead, I could scarcely make myself
believe he was not there. His [Brighams] look, his motion, his walk, were
precisely like that of Joseph and yet it was Brigham Young, and when he came
and commenced to speak to the people his voice was like that of Josephs.
·
In the meantime people had gathered in and standing, huddled close
together, made such an immense weight on the floor that the propping under the
center gave way and let the floor settle a few inches, which caused a panic
among the people and some tried to rush for the door, but the loud voice of the
prophet Joseph soon restored quiet and only a few were hurt by being pushed
down and stepped on. No damage was done, only a few broken windows.
·
The change of voice and appearance I could not account for only
that the mantle of Joseph had fallen on Brigham Young.
·
Laub, George (age 29)
·
Now after the death of Br. Joseph & Hyrum, Sidney Rigdon
having A mision appointed him by Joseph to Pittsburg before his death. Now
after his death Sidney came in all the[hast[e] in him to Nauvoo from Pittsburg
to claime the presidency of the church, him not knowing that Joseph Sent him
out of the way to get[r[i]d of him. Now when he returned to Nauvoo he called
all the people to gether to choos them a guardian, as he Expressed himself.
Now, Said he, the Church is 14 years old and it was the duty of the church to
choose a guardien & preached there for Two days on that subject of
guardinism & the Lords way was not as mans ways, But as the heavens are
hier than the earth So are the Lords ways above mans ways, etc. Just about the
time that the Vote was to be taken for him to be president & guardien, But
as the Lord would have the Twelve to come home & I felt to praise God to
See Bro Brigham Young walk upon the stand then.[Thes[e] positive Revelations of
Rigdons ware only guess So, & he thinks So & hoap so, while the lord
had told him how to proseed before according to his one [own] mouth & after
wards ony Suposed them so.
·
Now when President Young arose to address the congregation his
Voice was the Voice of Bro. Joseph and his face appeared as Josephs face, &
Should I not have seen his face but herd his Voice I Should have declared that
it was Joseph.
·
Mace, Wandle (age 35)
·
Upon arriving in Nauvoo he-Sidney-immediately appointed a meeting
for the people to choose a Guardian for the church. Fortunately the Twelve with
the President Brigham Young, arrived in time to attend this meeting.-Sidneys
intentions was to hold this meeting before the Twelve arrived.-
·
The meeting was held according to appointment, Sidney Rigdon
addressing us, giving his views upon our situation and called upon the people
to choose a Guardian or trustee for the church, but there seemed to be no
spirit of the Gospel in his remarks, and it was evident to all that he was not
dictated by the Holy Ghost.
·
A Meeting was appointed or rather continued as a Special
Conference and in the afternoon and President Brigham Young addressed the
people. At this meeting the soieit [spirit] was truly manifest inasmuch it
seemed that Joseph himself was addressing us, the voice, the countenance was
Joseph. The mantle of Joseph had indeed fallen upon Brigham Young. There was no
dubiaty now, if there had been any before, who held the power. All could see
and bore testimony that the spirit had manifested to them that Brigham Young
was the right man, and he was in the right place. Said Joseph with his hands
upon the head of Brigham Young, in the house of John P. Green at quincy,
"While you live no other man can occupy this place."
·
...President Brigham Young gave his views of the present situation
of the church, now our Prophet and patriarch is taken from our midst. He
said,
·
"...While the Prophet lived, we walked by sight he is taken
from us, and we must now walk by faith." After he had explained matters so
satisfactory that every Saint present could see that as aforetime the-mantle of
Elijah fell upon Elisha-so also fell the mantle or the spirit and power which
Joseph held in his life time had fallen upon Brigham Young as President of the
Twelve, which was the hightest Quorum, and holding the highest-or first
Presidency-of the Church of God upon the earth.
·
Merrill, Phileman Christopher (age
24)
·
Sad was the day that the Saints met by a call of the Apostles in a
Grove, east of our beloved Temple which was unfinished, to listen to what might
be said. For where was the good Shepherd? We were left alone as we thought,
with none to lead us. It was a gloomy time. Sidney Rigdon talked to us and said
we were of age, choose our guardian and he offered himself as that one to lead
the Church but it did not satisfy the people. But when President Brigham Young
arose and said to the people, "Stand still and see the Salvation of the
Lord," the Spirit of God rested upon me, and I received a testimony at
that time that upon Brigham Young rested the Authority of the Holy
Priesthood.
·
Morris, George (age 27)
·
Sidney Rigdon set up his Clame as Guardain of the Church-Saying
that it was not of Age to do Buisness for itself being Only about 14 years of
Age-and as he was the next in athoraty to Joseph -it was his Duty to act as
Guardain for it untill it was Old enough to do Business for itself-on the 5th
of Augast 1844 a special meeting was apointed for the Church to come together
to here what he had to say upon the subject-he ocupied the time in the
forenoon.-in the afternoon Presedent Young arose to reply to what he had
said-and when he arose to speak I was sitting right Before Him holding down my
Head-reflecting about what Rigdon had said-when I was startled by Earing
Josephs Voice-he had a way of Clearing his Throat before he began to speak-by a
peculier Effort of His own-like Ah-hem-I raised my Head sudinly-and the first
thing I saw was Joseph-as plain as I ever saw Him in my life-and the first
words he uttered whare, Right here-is the Athoraty to Lead This Church-and at
the same time srikeing his hand upon his Bosam and, after uttering another
sentance or two-it was Brigham Young-That was Testemony anough to Convince me
where the Proper athoraty rested.
·
Pace, William Bryam (age
12)
·
Sidney Rigdon spent, what seemed to me several hours, harrangueing
the people on the importance of making him their Leader, after which, Brigham
Young arose and said only a word, when it was observed by the whole
congregation that the mantle of "Joseph" was upon him, in word,
gesture and general appearance.
·
The people arose en-masse to their feet astonished, as it appeared
that Joseph had returned and was speaking to the people.
·
I was small and got upon a bench that I might more fully witness
the "Phenonomia."
·
There was no longer any question as to who was the Leader.
·
Patten, George (age 15)
·
I was acquainted with the Prophet Joseph Smith, and saw him in
death, and one of the strongest testimonies I ever had of the truth of this
Latter-day work was when President Young got up before the people and the
spirit of the Prophet [Joseph] rested upon him, and his countenance resembled
the Prophet, and his voice sounded like the Prophets, so the Lord showed the
people who and where the leader was for there were several clamoring as to
their right to lead the church. "The mantle which our prophet wore was
sought for by a half a score." But God knew the very man so therefore it
fell upon Brigham Young, and with few exceptions, the people went to their
homes rejoicing and contented.
·
Porter, Nathan Tanner (age
24)
·
It was now a matter of question with Some as to who Should lead
the Church, which caused mutch comment in private circles, and many conjectures
to arrise in the minds of the People, as to who was the Legitemate Successor in
the Presidency of the Church. As Sidney Rigdon had preseeded the Twelve in his
return from the East & claimed that it was his right, in deavering to get
the People together for the purpose of rattifying his claims by their voice.
But the Twelve having returned before this was accomplished Brigham Young Being
the President of the Quorum appointed a special Conference of the whole Church,
at which it was vissably made manifest to the most if not all present That he
was chosen of God to stand in Josephs Stead in moving on the cause of[Zion[.]
For as he arose & began to speak to the People he was transfigured into
Josephs likeness in looks appearance & the sound of his voice so that a low
whisper ran through the vast Assembly-thats Joseph-thats Joseph while the eyes
of the multitude became fastened upon him with wonder & astonishment. this
prodused a firm conviction in the minds of the People beyond all doubt that he
was the Man and thus he was incorporated by a unaminous voice of all present
with Heber C Kimble & Willard Richards as his[Councilloors[.] I being in
attendence was also an eye witness to this marvelous manifestation.
·
Pulsipher, John (age
17)
·
I have been with the Prophet Joseph and heard his instruction
weekly and sometimes daily. The last time I heard him speak in public he spoke
to the Legion. After telling over what he had passed thru and what he had
suffered from men because he preached the Gospel of Jesus Christ, He says: from my boyhood up to the present
time I have been hunted like a roe upon the mountains. I have never been
allowed to live like other men. I have been driven, chased, stoned, whipped,
robbed, mobbed, imprisoned, persecuted, accused falsely of everything bad. I
have suffered till the Lord knows I have suffered enough.
·
After the death of Joseph, Sidney Rigdon came and sought to place
himself at the head of the church. By his flattery he deceived many. Just
before he called a vote of the public congregation, Brigham Young the president
of the Twelve, arrived from his mission. This was a joyful meeting. The faithful
knew not that Joseph had ordained Brother Brigham and the Twelve to lead the
church but they knew that the Twele were the next quorum in authority. They
that served the Lord faithful were not deceived. I went to [the] meeting where
the church met in the grove east of the Temple where President Brigham Young
arose and spoke and behold he spoke with the voice of Joseph. The very moment I
heard him speak (august 8th) I thought of Joseph and from that time on his
voice sounded like Josephs and from that time the church generally were
satisfied that the mantle of Joseph was on Brigham. Notwithstanding all this,
Sidney Rigdon, James J. Strang, Lyman Wight, James Emmet and others led away
many people from the church.
·
Pulsipher, Zerah (age
55)
·
At this time the mob expected we should rise and give them battle;
we thought best not to do it. We just kept still and continued our work on the
Temple, finished it and got our[End[owments]. But at that time most of the 12
were absent on missions. Sidney Rigdon, who aspired for the Presidency came and
called the church together and presented his claim for the Presidency. But the
12 soon came home and appeared on the stand at the day appointed for choosing.
Sidney made his plea. Brigham Young began to speak and at that time I sat with
my back towards the stand as did many others. And when Brigham spoke he spoke
with the voice of Joseph and we turned around to see Brigham speaking in
Josephs voice and behold Josephs mantle had fallen on him. The people
understood it in the same way. Brigham stood at the head of the Twelve
therefore the church turned to him.
·
Richards, Jane Snyder (age
21)
·
Upon the return of the Apostles and Elders a meeting was called
and by a unanimous vote Brigham Young was chosen President as he stood on the
stand he said he felt as though he would rather sit in sack cloth and ashes for
a month than appear before the people. But then loneliness seemed to require
somebody to step forward and he felt constrained to do so. And we knew he was
[to be president] because he had the voice and manner of Joseph at the time as
hundreds can testify.
·
After his [Josephs] tragic death I attended the meeting at which
President Brigham Young addressed the Saints, and saw his face illuminated and
appear as the face of Joseph while the voice of Joseph seemed to address the
people through the mouth of Brigham. I can never forget the divine thrill that
passed through the audience on that occasion and the impression that the
appearance and voice of Joseph produced upon his hearers.
·
Romney, George (age 12)
·
Well, the time came when the Twelve returned to Nauvoo. They
called a meeting in the Bowery, and Sidney Rigdon with all the eloquence
possible for a man to have, spoke for one hour and a half, but when he sat
down, Brigham Young got up, and I testify to you in all fervor, before God,
that the mantle of Joseph Smith fell upon Brigham Young. It was Josephs voice;
absolutely Josephs voice and manner, as Brigham Young addressed the people and
told them who should be their leader. Now this is no fiction; this is true as I
stand here after so many years, passing from the year 1844 up to the present
time.
·
They were children as it were; and when the man of God, as the
people knew him, was taken away they did not know what would become of them.
That was the condition we were in-sorrow and anguish for the loss of that man.
I said the people were all children. But they knew the shepherds voice. Sidney
Rigdon and the others said, "I am the man, I am the man" but it did
not take. The sheep knew better. And when the Twelve returned from the east, I
shall never forget in this world or in the world to come the scene as Brigham
Young arose after Sidney Rigdon had used up an hour and a half delivering an
eloquent discourse. When Brigham got up the mantle of Joseph Smith fell upon
him. It was Josephs voice; it was Josephs appearance, and I testify to you, if
I never again do so on this earth, in the presence of God and angels, that this
is verily the truth. This is true-that the mantle of Joseph did fall upon
Brigham Young and the people knew it.
·
Smith, Job Taylor (age
15)
·
Sometime during this week in August Sidney Rigdon returned and
called the people together to listen to his oratory and special claims. I heard
all his discourses and they were lengthy and to the point that the father of
the church was dead and needed a guardian and that he was the man to fill that
position.
·
But on the 8th of August the apostles appeared on the stand,
having very recently returned from the east. And to me it was a sensation.
President Brigham Young arose to sepak and every eye was turned towards him,
and as he spoke I fancied it was the prophets voice speaking through him, I
scarcely remember much that he said in the way of reasoning, but the ring of
his voice will never cease from my memory as he uttered aloud the words,
"If you wish to know who is the president of the church of Jesus Christ of
Latter-Day Saints it is I." Historians have given his remarks in full, but
I merely write from memory. I also remember his coupling with the motion to
sustain the twelve apostles as the presiding authority of the church, the
further carrying out of the measures of the prophet in finishing the building
of the temple and giving the people their endowments. The votes for these
measures were given heartily, for the sheep know the shepherds voice, and a
stranger, or one weakened in time of trouble they would not follow.
·
Smoot, Abraham Owen (age
29)
·
I was present at the meeting held in Nauvoo on the occasion when
President Young assumed leadership of the Church, and can testify with hundreds
of others that he spoke by the power of God on that occasion and that he had
the very voice and appearance of Joseph Smith.
·
Smoot, Margaret Thompson McMeans Adkinson (age
35)
·
I was present upon the occasion when the Twelve Apostles with Pres
Brigham Young at their head, took the presidency of the church by the unanimous
vote of all Israel there assembled and personally witnessed the supernatural
power shown through Brigham Young. And was firmly convinced that he was the
legitimate successor to the Martered Prophet. And was as ready and willing from
that moment to obey his council, and receive his Revelations, as I was those of
Joseph Smith.
·
Staines, William C. (age
26)
·
After this [a speech from Sidney Rigdon lasting three hours]
President Young stated he had listened to all that had been said by the
speaker....But as the subject had been broached and the people would be anxious
to know something about those who would lead, he said in a loud voice: "I
will tell you who your leaders or guardians will be-The Twelve! I at their
head!" This was with a voice like the voice of the Prophet Joseph. I
thought it was his, and so did the thousands who heard it.
·
Stearns, Mary Ann (age
11)
·
I was at the great meeting when the mantle of Brother Joseph
rested upon Brigham Young until his whole being seemed changed and his voice
was like that of the Prophet. The people around me, rising to their feet to get
a better chance to hear and see, I and my little companion of the day, Julia
Felshaw, being small of stature, stood upon the benches that we, too might
behold the wonderful transformation, and I know that from that time on the
power of that change remained with Brother Brigham Young as long as he lived on
earth. The faithful and honest hearted were quick to discern the right and took
up the armor of the Gospel anew, rallied round the faithful Brigham whose
rightful leadership had been plainly shown to them.
·
Thomas, Catherine (age
10)
·
The Saints were soon called to the Temple and the great question
as to who should be their Leader was settled. Then Brigham Young was chosen to
fill the vancancy of our beloved Prophet. I saw Brother Young rise to take his
place as President of our Church and testify that he appeared to me and others
to be Joseph the Prophet himself in person and voice, and I exclaimed "Oh,
the Prophet Joseph is Resurrected." My sister Rachel said "No, that
is Brother Brigham Young."
·
Tracy, Nancy Naomi Alexander (age
30)
·
We bore faithful testimony to our relatives and in the spring, bid
our friends [in the East] farewell to return again to our home in Nauvoo. We
landed at the City of the Saints about the middle of April, on Sunday morning.
But oh, how lonely it seemed, our Prophet and Patriarch was not among the
Saints in person, but that day his spirit rested upon Brigham Young, and as the
mantle of Elijah fell upon Elisha, so the mantle of Joseph fell upon Brigham.
It seemed that the voice and every gesture was like Joseph, and he was
sustained as the prophet, seer and revelator by the voice of the people.
·
As soon as we arrived, we went right home and prepared to go to
meeting for that day was appointed for us to choose a first presidency to lead
the Church. The saints convened in a grove. Sidney Rigdon and his followers
were on hand to contest their right to be the leaders of the Saints. At one
time he was one of Brother Josephs councilors, but he was not righteous, and
Joseph shook him off saying that the had carried him long enough and he would
carry him no longer. Therefore, it was out of the question to have such a man
lead the people.
·
Brigham Young was the man chosen and sustained by unanimous vote
to be the mouthpiece of God to the Saints. I can testify that the mantle of
Joseph fell upon Brigham that day as that of Elijah did fall upon Elisha, for
it seemed that his voice, his gestures, and all were Joseph. It seemed that we
had him again with us. He was sustained by the voice of the people to be the
prophet, seer, and revelator.
·
Watkins, William Lampard (age
17)
·
A meeting was appointed for August 8th [1844] by which time
Brigham Young and most of the other apostles had returned home. It was at this
meeting Sidney Rigdon made a lengthy and tedious speech presenting his claims,
telling the people what wonderful things he had planned for them.
·
It was a solemn time for he was a man who on account of his
experience and talents had been sustained as Josephs counselor by the people,
although contrary to the Prophets wish for some time past, but the darkness was
soon dispelled, for Brigham Young explained before the people on that day, the
order of the Priesthood. He was filled with the power of the Holy Ghost. He
stood before the people as the Prophet Joseph Smith often had done and we heard
the voice of the true shepherd, for he spoke with the voice of Joseph. His
manner and appearance were like unto Josephs and it was manifested to all those
present upon whom the responsibility rested to carry on the work of God and
lead the Saints.
·
I sat in that assembly and did not realize for a time but that I
was still listening to the Prophet Joseph, so great and marvelous was the
manner in which the manifestation before the entire congregation was made, that
when the proposition was placed before the people to decide whom they would
sustain as the leader of the church, the twelve apostles with Brigham Young as
their President were almost unanamously sustained. This circumstance, although
the Saints were in deep trouble and filled with sorrow for the condition in
which they were placed brought a great relief and gave joy to the Saints for
they realized that God was still mindful of them.
·
Welch, John (age 21)
·
I, John Welch, being of mature years desire to leave to my friends
and descendants the following statement:
·
. . . I was babtized into the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day
Saints in the year 1841; emigrated to Nauvoo, Ill., in 1843 and to Salt Lake
City in the year 1852. I was well acquainted with the Prophet Joseph Smith and
heard him speak both in public and private many times. I was present at the
meeting in the grove at Nauvoo August 8th, 1844, when Sidney Rigdon made the
claim.... I saw Brigham Young, then President of the Twelve Apostles, stand up
to speak to the people and he spoke with the voice of Joseph Smith; and I
further declare and testify that he, Brigham Young, had the appearance of the
Prophet Joseph Smith while he, Young, was talking; that I was convinced then,
and have never doubted in all the intervening years from that time up to the
present, that Brigham Young was the right man and the man chosen of God to lead
the Church.
·
Signed, John Welch
·
Sworn before A. L. Farrell, County Clerke, Cache Co, Utah
·
Whitney, Helen Mar Kimball (age
15)
·
I can bear witness, with hundreds of others who stood that day
under the sound of Brighams voice, of the wonderful and startling effect that
it had upon us. If Joseph had risen from the dead and stood before them, it
could hardly have made a deeper or more lasting impression. It was the very
voice of Joseph himself. This was repeatedly spoken of by the Latter-day
Saints. And surely it was a most powerful and convincing testimony to them that
he was the man, instead of Sidney Rigdon, that was destined to become the
"great leader," and upon whose shoulders the mantle of Joseph had
fallen.
·
Wilcox, Maria Wealthy (age
17)
·
I well remember the Sunday morning when the sorrowing saints were
gathered together, in the little grove where they were accustomed to meet.
Sidney Rigdon presented his claim as successor to the Prophet Joseph, making
quite an impression upon the people; but Brigham Young, President of the
Apostles, had just returned to Nauvoo, from his mission, in time to attend the
afternoon meeting, and in a voice not unlike the Prophets, he told the people
that although the Prophet Joseph was dead, Joseph had left behind the Keys of
the Kingdom, and had conferred the same power, and authority that he himself
possessed upon the Twelve Apostles, and that the Church would not be left
without a leader and a guide. Truly the mantle of Joseph had fallen upon
Brigham, and he spoke with power, even to the convincing of the saints,
assuring them that they had nothing to fear, as all would yet be well, if they
would harken to the Word of God, and to the counsel of his servants, and keep
his commandments.
·
Woodruff, Wilford (age
37)
·
In an address published in February 1845, Wilford Woodruff shared
the mantle news with["[Church] officers and members" in England by
assuring them that On the second day after our arrival August 8th, 1844, we met
in a special conference, all the quorums, authorities, and members of the
Church that could assemble in Nauvoo. They were addressed by elder Brigham
Young, the president of the quorum of the twelve. It was evident to the Saints
that the mantle of Joseph had fallen upon him, the road that he pointed out
could be seen so plainly, that none need err therein; the spirit of wisdom and
counsel attended all his teachings, he struck upon a chord, with which all
hearts beat in unison.
·
I know this work is of God. I know Joseph Smith was a prophet of
God. I have heard two or three of the brethren testify about Brother Young in
Nauvoo. Every man and every woman in that assembly, which perhaps might number
thousands, could bear the same testimony. I was there, the Twelve were there,
and a good many others, and all can bear the same testimony. The question might
be asked why was the appearance of Joseph Smith given to Brigham Young? Because
here was Sidney Rigdon and other men rising up and claiming to be the leaders
of the Church; and men stood, as it were, on a pivot, not knowing which way to
turn. But just as quick as Brigham Young rose in that assembly, his face was
that of Joseph Smith-the mantle of Joseph had fallen upon him, the power of God
that was upon Joseph Smith was upon him; he had the voice of Joseph, and it was
the voice of the shepherd. There was not a person in that assembly, Rigdon,
himself, not excepted, but was satisfied in his own mind that Brigham was the
proper leader of the people, for he [Rigdon] would not have his name presented,
by his own consent, after that sermon was delivered. There was a reason for
this in the mind of God: it convinced the people. They saw and heard for
themselves, and it was by the power of God.
·
I do not know if there is any one present here tonight but myself
who was there at that conference. There are but few living who were present on
that occasion... and when Brigham arose and commenced speaking, as has been
said, if my eyes had not been so I could see, if I had not seen him with my own
eyes, there is no one that could have convinced me that it was not
Joseph Smith.
·
Sidney Rigdon, James J. Strang, Lyman Wight, James Emmet and
others led away many people from the church.
