dared to suggest was as impious as lie who in the ancient Israelitish story stretched forth his hand to steady the tottering ark, and deserved the same punishment—the judgment of Heaven.
It is asserted that when Joseph first saw Brigham Young he prophesied that "the time would come when Brother Brigham should preside over the Church."[1] With such a prediction ringing in his ears, it is not difficult to trace Brigham's influence with Joseph, from the beginning of their acquaintance, and to see therein laid the foundation of that unchallenged authority which now characterizes his reign in Utah. Nearly all the leading men during the first years of Mormon history fell out with Joseph over his personal rule; but Brigham was among the very few who clung to him. He never—or, at the farthest, but once only—challenged Joseph's right to do as he pleased, and he permits none to dispute his own.
But the Saints grew weary, and it was necessary to direct their attention away from home. So "the Lord" revealed to Joseph that "in order to save His Church" a foreign mission must be improvised, and Great Britain was selected as the new field of labour. Republicanism was at war with theocracy, and it became necessary to seek an element that had been cradled with kings.
The Apostles Heber C. Kimball and Orson Hyde were accordingly chosen to introduce the Gospel to Europe. On the 12th of June, 1837, they left Kirtland, and thus began the first foreign mission. These apostles were accompanied by other elders, and in a few months were successful in converting great numbers in England, and in doing so saved the Church in America.
During the summer, Joseph, accompanied by Sidney Rigdon and Thomas B. Marsh, the President of the Twelve Apostles, made a tour through Canada, preaching and visiting the Saints, while Brigham Young remained at home. But troubles began to loom up again in Missouri, and apostacy was coming to a crisis in Ohio.
On the return of Joseph from Canada, a special conference
- ↑ Some old Mormons relate that they heard Joseph also say some time before his death: "If Brigham Young ever becomes President of the Church, he will lead it to hell." Not a few believe the latter prediction to be as correct as the former.
