| 686 he read the same Elder Marks did, and added, "even to the church" which Elder Marks omitted to read. He also referred to the other quotations by Elder Marks, plainly showing that they were not to the point. He read from new edition, page 414. He said Brother Marks apologized for Elder Rigdon, inasmuch as he did not know where to present his revelation, but Elder Marks knew and he could have told Elder Rigdon; it looks a little like "nimble practice." As to the instructions pertaining to the first presidency, they will be explained hereafter.
Elder Marks arose to reply to the charge of his having given out the appointment to choose a guardian at Elder Rigdon's request. He said he did not understand the object of the meeting when he gave out the appointment.
Elder Hyde stated that a short time before the difficulties, President Joseph Smith in one of their councils, told the Twelve that he had given them all the keys and ordinances which had been committed to him.
At this stage of the business their was a call for the question, from many parts of the congregation, whereupon, President Young without further ceremony submitted the case to Bishop Whitney and the High Council.
The Bishop gave a privilege to the High Council to offer any remarks they thought proper; but, no one attempting to speak, he said he might give a relation of Elder Rigdon's history for near twenty years past, but I deem it unnecessary. I have had some conversation with Elder Rigdon since he returned from Pittsburgh. I have also been present when others conversed with him; but, I am to decide on the testimony as it has been presented. I was well acquainted with Elder Rigdon a number of years before he came into this church. I never had any confidence in Brother Sidney as a revelator, and why? because I have so repeatedly heard Brother Joseph rebuke him for speaking in the name of the Lord, what was not so. He was always either in the bottom of the cellar or up in the garret window. At the time his license was taken in Kirtland he was more sanguine than he is now. The people were excited very much at that time, Brother Joseph was away, and when he returned and learned what Sidney had been doing, he took him into council, told him to give up his license to the bishop, and divest himself of all the authority he could, for, said he, the less authority you have the better it will be for you. It has been repeatedly the case when he has been speaking to the church that Joseph has rebuked him for it. The bishop then briefly referred to Elder Mark's objection to our fetching testimony beyond the conference, &c., and then continued: I feel that Brother Rigdon came here with a bad spirit, and has delivered a revelation. If such things as are contained in his revalation [revelation], have been revealed to him, it is from a source with which we want nothing to do. When he first came here I thought he was deceived, but since last Tuesday evening, I have been convinced that he is dishonest. He made many evasive replies to the interrogatories of the Twelve, and I think his calculation is to scatter this people, because his theory comes in opposition to President Joseph Smith's revelations. It has been proved that he prophesied that we should not build this Temple, I believe he is an evil designing man. He is dishonest, and he has lied to carry out his theory. He preached one thing one day and the contrary another. He did not reconcile his preaching to me. I asked him to reconcile it, but he did not do it. I feel to sustain the Twelve in withdrawing their fellowship, and I think the High Council and the church ought to sustain the decision of the Twelve. He concluded by calling upon the High Council to manifest if they were satisfied with his decision, and the vote was unanimous in the affirmative.
Elder Hyde arose and said he was not satisfied with the motion; it is not explicit enough.
Elder W. W. Phelps arose and offered a motion, that Elder Sidney Rigdon be cut off from the church, and delivered over to the buffetings of satan until he repents.
Bishop Whitney then presented the motion to the High Council, and the vote was unanimous in the affirmative.
Elder W. W. Phelps then offered the same motion to the church, upon which President Young arose and requested the congregation to place themselves so that they could see all who voted. We want to know who goes for Sidney and who are for the Twelve. He then called upon the church to signify whether they was in favor of the motion. The vote was unanimous, excepting a few of Elder Rigdon's party, numbering about ten.
He then requested those who were for Sidney Rigdon to manifest it, and as before stated there was about ten.
Elder Phelps then motioned, that all who have voted to follow Elder Rigdon should be suspended until they can have a trial before the High Council.
An amendment was offered, as follows: "or shall hereafter be found advocating his principles."
(page 686) |
