| 746 from them, and from all the so-called pretenders to the successorship or presidency of the church; among whom are the said James J. Strang, Brigham Young, William B. Smith, Colin Brewster, Alpheus Cutler, Lyman Wight, and others; and hold ourselves aloof from them, and do not wish to be held responsible for any of their evil teachings or practices." This document was signed by David Wildermuth and family, H. H. Deam, David Newkirk, R. W. Newkirk, and others; and published in the Mineral Point Tribune, and also in a paper in Galena. When Elder Gurley who was absent returned he asked: "What are you going to do next?" David Wildermuth replied, "I do not know. I believe the first principles of the gospel which you have taught, and which we have obeyed are true, but I positively will not accept of polygamy, and other doctrines that are taught and practiced by Strang and others."
This was the sentiment of all the signers of the protest and others associated with them. Elder Gurley after serious thought proposed, as related by Elder E. M. Wildermuth, as follows: "'Let us take the advice of the Apostle James, as is recorded in James 1: 5, If any lack wisdom, let him ask of God, etc.' So it was agreed that all the members of the branch should earnestly seek to the Lord for wisdom, and ask him who he recognized as the true successor or leader of his church. Accordingly in their family worship, in their secret prayers, and their social and prayer meetings, the saints earnestly and unitedly sought the Lord in this matter; not one of them, so far as I know, having any idea who that person was. The answer came through the gift of tongues, prophecy, and vision, repeatedly: 'In mine own due time, I, the Lord, will call young Joseph, the son of the martyred Prophet, to lead my people and church, for he is the rightful heir to the successorship. Therefore protest against and stand aloof from all pretenders to the successorship, for they are all impostors."
Bro. Edwin C. Wildermuth makes the following statement:-
"The gifts of the Spirit were not enjoyed till after the withdrawal from Strang; that is, in tongues and prophecy.
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