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 ad- journed 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.^^ 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 of you, 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."^'
It was then put to vote, Brigham meanwhile say- ing, "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."" 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 the} can have a trial before the high council. "^^
The truth is, Sidney was no match for Brigham. It was a battle of the lion and the lamb; only Brig-
'^ ' He [Brigham] said, as he stood on the stand, he would rather sit in sack- cloth 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.
i« Woodruffs Journal, MS., Aug. 8, 1844.
^^ Hist. Brigham Young, 1844, MS., 25.
'^Wilford Woodruff states that Rigdon did not receive a single vote. Reminiscences, MS., 2.
