| 285 Mr. Young had also mentioned this movement while on his way back to Winter Quarters from Salt Lake Valley, as he indicates in sermon preached in Salt Lake, October 7, 1860:-
"Bro. Hyde, in his remarks, spoke about the voice of God at a certain time. I could tell many incidents relating to that circumstance, which he did not take time to relate.
"We were in his house, which was some ten or twelve feet square. The houses in the neighborhood shook, or, if they did not, the people thought they did, for they ran together and inquired whether there had been an earthquake. We told them that the voice of God had reached the earth-that they need not be afraid; it was the power of God. This and other events have transpired to satisfy the people-you, and all who belong to the church and kingdom of God upon the earth.
"When I met Sidney Rigdon, east of the temple in Nauvoo, I knew then what I now know concerning the organization of the church, though I had told no man of it. I revealed it to no living being, until the pioneers to this valley were returning to Winter Quarters. Brother Wilford Woodruff was the first man I ever spoke to about it. Said he, 'It is right; I believe it, and think a great deal of it, for it is from the Lord; the church must be organized.' It then went to others, and from them to others; but it was no news to me, for I understood it then as I understand it now."- Journal of Discourses, vol. 8, pp. 197, 198.
The evidence further shows that as early as December 5, 1847, the Twelve had taken steps to have Mr. Young "step forward." So if such manifestation was received in February, 1848, it was not the cause that prompted the elevation of Elder Young.
In this connection we cite the statements of Mr. Edward W. Tullidge:-
"Here the author, for the first time, must come personally into his history as a witness to testify in this grave affair; for the testament thus made by Apostle Orson Hyde is too solemn a matter to be passed over with indifference as to whether it was true or false. Nineteen years have come
(page 285) |
