| 288 this testimony of Orson Hyde to the bottom. I had labored in that office in 1856-57 under Orson Pratt, so he was originally the one selected from whom to obtain the initial evidence; but my subsequent labors on church history had improved the design in making Wilford Woodruff and his journals the sure basis of testimony.
"Orson Pratt was at the bar. He knew not, however, it meant as much. I was boarding with him in Williamsburg, at the house of old Sister Lloyd. He had just returned from a mission to Europe; I had been two years in New York, writing for the Galaxy and other magazines, on Mormonism and numerous historical subjects. This was in 1868.
"One evening in conversation I cautiously approached this testimony of Orson Hyde. Brother Pratt, though a very exact apostle in God's affairs, is Jesuitically suspicious and jealous of his order; so I approached him with method. I first mentioned to him a rumor out west, that President Young had ordained his three eldest sons, designing Brigham, Jun., to succeed him at his death.
"'I guess,' replied Orson, with exceeding quietude, 'the Twelve will choose their own president at the death of President Young.'
"I perceived that already had the Twelve resolved to overthrow Brigham's dynasty; but that was not my business of the moment; yet, of course, thus prepared, the subject led easily to Winter Quarters and the reorganization of the First Presidency. At last came my direct questions:-
"'Brother Pratt, did the voice of God come from heaven and speak to your council, as testified by Orson Hyde? Was the Lord himself present? Did the voice of the Almighty declare to your brethren in council, "Let my servant, Brigham, step forth and take the Presidency of the Church!" or in language to that effect? You were present, Orson, in all those councils: Did the Lord himself speak to you?'
"'If he did, I did not hear him!'
These are Orson Pratt's exact words. It was a bare reply. I appreciated the delicacy of the case between us.
(page 288) |
