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Source: Church History Vol. 3 Chapter 12 Page: 249 (~1860)

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249 associate with, at least those of them with whom I have conversed. I am not very conversant with those books, [pointing to a volume before him,] not so conversant as I should be and will be. The time has been when the thought that I should assume the leadership of this people was so repulsive to me, that it seemed as if the thing could never be possible.

"The change in my feelings came slowly, and I did not suffer myself to be influenced by extraneous circumstances, and have never read the numerous works sent me which had a bearing on this subject, for fear they might entice me into wrongdoing. It is my determination to do right and let Heaven take care of the result. Thus I come to you free from any taint of sectarianism, taints from thoughts of the varied minds I have come in contact with; and thus hope to be able to build up my own reputation as a man.

"It has been said that a Mormon elder, though but a stripling, possessed a power unequalled [unequaled] by almost any other preacher. This arises from a depth of feeling, and the earnestness with which they believe the doctrines they teach; and it is this feeling that I do not wish to trifle with.

"I know that Brigham Young is considered a man of talent, by some a bold and fortunate man, and by others an unscrupulous and bad man, accordingly as circumstances differ.

"Should you take me as a leader, I propose that all should be dealt by in mercy, open as to Gentile or Jew; but I ask not to be received except as by the ordinances of the church.

"Some, who had ought to know the proprieties of the church, have told me that no certain form was necessary in order for me to assume the leadership-that the position came by right of lineage; yet I know that if I attempted to lead as a prophet by these considerations, and not by a call from Heaven, men would not be led to believe who do not believe now. And so I have come not of my own dictation to this sacred office.

"I believe that we owe duties to our country and to society, and are amenable to the laws of the land, and have

(page 249)

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