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Source: Church History Vol. 3 Chapter 14 Page: 287 (~1862)

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287 "So sudden was the outburst that it was followed with speechless wonderment from historian Woodruff, rather than quick reproof. In an instant he comprehended the whole case. There, resting on my knees, with my hand in wrath smiting its pages, was the witness that could not lie-Wilford Woodruff's history. I continued to pour out indignant speech:-

"'Here, in your journals, sir, is the detailed record of those times. This is the very council of the Twelve in which President Young and his counselors were elected by your quorum. Orson Hyde bore false witness in the name of the Lord. The voice of God was not heard in any of these councils, saying, 'Let my servant Brigham step forth and receive the full power of the presiding priesthood of my church and kingdom." Men, women, and children, did not come running to the house where you were holding council, saying their houses shook and the ground trembled. Neither did you apostles tell the people not to be alarmed; "the Lord was only whispering to us a little, and that probably he was not far off." There is nothing of all this in Wilford Woodruff's journals, not a word, not a trace anywhere, for I have carefully examined. You know, Wilford, it is impossible that this should have occurred in your presence and not to be found in your journals. It is a solemn falsehood in the name of the Lord. There is the proof, Wilford-your journal!'

"'Edward,' he answered, with a deep blush on his honest face, 'It was not true!

"These were his first words. He had not blushed for himself; no need that Wilford Woodruff do this: his shame was for others, and doubtless from a realizing sense that his quorum had to bear the lie of their president in silence.

"In my secret thoughts at that Moment I exclaimed, 'Thank God! Wilford has borne the test. He has redeemed his apostolic honor. And now for Orson Pratt. I think Orson will be also true. We shall see.'

"It was in the Liverpool office, in 1860-61, while preparing these Tabernacle Sermons for the Journal of Discourses, and reading their proofs, that I had determined to sound

(page 287)

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