| 665 to produce testimony in favor of the opposite side of the question.
President Wm. Marks arose and said he felt disposed to say a few words in defence [defense] of Elder Rigdon. There has been a strong team against him. They all seem to speak against him and there is nothing said in his favor. I feel to take up the opposite side of the question and say something in his defence [defense], for I have always been a friend to Elder Rigdon. It has always been the case before this High Council, that there are two sides to the question; there are some to speak in favor of the accused, but there only seems to be only one side to this subject. There has been many things said which I know nothing about. But it has always been the case before the High Council that some should speak in the defence [defense] of the accused, I feel to volunteer to speak in his behalf. It is no more than right that both sides should be represented. I dont [don't] wish to justify any man in an error, but there is a trial before this church and council. In regard to his character there has been many things said which appear to be objectionable, but I can do some of them away. I hear objections to his authority, and to his conduct for four or five years past. There were charges brought before the conference, last fall, and one or two days spent in hearing of them, and it seemed to me, that every exertion was made that could be made, to criminate him and cut him off. There was time given to bring all the charges that could be got at, but there was not a single particle of the charges sustained, if I recollect right, as to proving him guilty of committing any of the acts specified in the charges. Now I think if Brother Rigdon was restored at that time we ought not to go beyond the conference to fetch charges to-day; but here are charges fetched up for years back. It is known that he was restored to full faith and fellowship last fall. I have heard Brother Joseph say repeatedly since that time, that all things was right between them. Just before Elder Rigdon left here I heard Bro. Joseph say that all things were right between them. Sister Emma had a good many feelings against Elder Rigdon, but they are all done away. She has said within a few months, and in fact within one week, that she was on as good terms with Elder Rigdon as she had ever been since he was a member of the church.
As respects his not presenting his vision or revelation before the first quorum, I can say, that Elder Rigdon did not know that this order was introduced. Brother Joseph told us that he, for the future whenever there was a revelation to be presented to the church he should first present it to that quorum, and then if it passed the first quorum, it should be presented to the church. But Brother Rigdon did not know this, for he was only just brought into the quorum before he left to go to Pittsburg [Pittsburgh].
There have been many things said of his course since he came from Pittsburgh which I know nothing of, as to his wishing to lead this people, I dont [don't] know anything about it. And as to his revelations being from the devil, I am sure I dont [don't] know whether they are from God or the devil. The Twelve and the High Council both know that my mind differs from theirs respecting the organization. I had always been taught that the first presidency would remain and always be with the church. I had always understood that the church would be imperfect without the quorum of three to stand as a first presidency, and I cannot find any law to say that this quorum should ever be dropped. I laid my hands on Brother Sidney with Brother Joseph and he ordained him to be a "prophet and a seer and revelator," and to be equal with him in holding the keys and authority of this kingdom. I have known this for two years, and according to my understanding he has not lost it through transgression. I still feel that he is a member of the quorum of the first presidency, and I always expected that the quorum would be filled up the same as at the commencement. I always felt that there was a power and responsibility in that quorum which did not exist any where else. I will read an extract from the 84th section of the book of Doctrine and Covenants: "Verily I say unto you, the keys of this kingdom shall never be taken from you, while thou art in the world, neither in the world to come: nevertheless, through you shall the oracles be given to another." This is what I ever supposed would be the case that through him the oracles should be given to another who should be a prophet, and a seer and revelator, and through him to the church. I have always felt since last special conference that the order was not according to this pattern. Sidney Rigdon and Frederick G. Williams were appointed to stand equal with Joseph in this kingdom; and I always supposed that one would receive the oracles from Joseph and give them to the church. Now brethren, I have searched diligently to get the right of the matter, and I know I am honest and wish to know how it should be.
I will read another extract from the Doctrine and Covenants, which you will find on the ninety-sixth page. I never supposed that this quorum could be disorganized while there was one or two left. I have ever felt that Elder
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