Deseret evening news. [volume] (Great Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1867-1920, 1908-06-01
BRIGHAM YOUNG.


Young. the great leader of men who
has been called the Moses of this dis
pensation, and to whose all-compass-
fng genius, under the guidance of
Providence, the State of Utah owes its
existence. 1t is well that the day
should be remembered. The work
and sacrifices of the Pioneers should
never be suffered to sink into oblivion.
Brigham Young was great man,
and his greatness was never more
conspicuous than when he was con-
fronted by adversaries He never
scared to moro sublime heights than
when the storms of adversely ragged.
At such times his master mind assert
cd itself. He was specially endowed
for the mission he was called to per-
form Through his answering faith,
his loyalty. and wisdom he became
truly savior upon Mount Zion.
Throughout the long career of Brig
ham Young. his faith, fidelity, and
wisdom were often tested and proved.
During the dark hours of the Church
in 1886. when the spirit of apostasy
was manifested even among the
Twelve. he stood by the Prophet and
sustained him with all his might, and,
without doubt. the valiant stand he
took overcame the spirit of apostasy.
at rose up" says President Young,
land told them In plain and forcible
manner that Joseph was prophet.
and L knew it; and that they might
rail and Islander him as much as theS
pleased. they could not destroy the
appointment of the Prophet of God;
they could only destroy their own au-
thority, cut the thread which bound
them to the Prophet and to God, and
sink themselves to hell" That was a
time when earth and hades were
Ieagued together against the Prophet
and the Church, and many knees
faltered. Not 80 Brigham Young.
There came still darker hour, If
possible, when the Prophet and Patri-
arch had been slain by assassins, and
the Saints We're driven from their
homes in Nauvoo. They we'll knew
that the mob thirsted for their exter-
animation. and they FASTENED to leave
the borders OF civilization and to wend
their way toward the valleys of the
mountains, where they hoped to be
able to worship God unmoiesteu.
Never had the faith, the genius, the
determination of the leaders OF the
Saints shone forth in greater spiendor
Ancient Israel, in captivity, laid aside
their harps, as their eyes filled with
tears when they remembered Zion, but
this Latter-day Israel took up tho
fearful Journey toward the West,
praising the Lord in song and dance
And yet they knew not what the end
OF that hegira would be: but they We're
inspired with confidence, by the faith
of their leaders. The character of
Brigham Young Is portrayed in that
historic journey. His paternal care
was extended to each family In the
camps of Israel, as far as possible.
Even the animals were the objects of
his solicitude, and many time his
eye would detect that n horse had a
too tight collar, and he would see to It
that it was relieved. The journey pro-
ceeded with music and song. II was an
exodus. But 1t was also "a jubilee. The
Saints rejoiced at the prospect of leav-
ing the mobs behind and obtaining their
full rights under the American flag.
Tho career OF Brigham Young Is
continuous chain OF manifestations of
the great qualities that sustained him
during the trials OF apostasy and the
exodus. Consider the firm, and yet
loyal. stand he took during the stormy
period IN the history of Utah when
the Territory was threatened with war,
owing TO the false representations by
INSCRIPTIONS anti-"Mormons" There
can be little doubt that the plans laid
by him and the earnest words he adj
dressed to tho Peace commissioners,
decided the controversy at that time.
President Young thanked them for the
proffered pardon" but stated that he
was conscious oe no olfense Ho stated
that the Saints were loyal, and had
ever been law ablding, lie reminded
the Commissioners that the Govern
ment had permitted mobs to plumber
and burn the houses of the Saints, ana
TO drive them from one place 10 am
other. without ever sending any troops
for their protection He protested
against sending any armed mobs into
the midst Of the Territory, and boldly
told them that the Saints would de-
fend themselves as best they could, II
they were molosted. He told the Com
missioners that the Saints would leave
their homes lay their cities In ashes
and reduce the valley 10 a desert,
rather than once more relinqulshing
their houses ana gardens and fields TO
mob III you want war" he said,
you can nave A.. but II you wish
peace, peace 1t IS; we shah be glad OF
it,"
This was not the language OF de-
iance; II was no idle boast. II was the
expression of faith in God and the In
vincible strength OF innocence Ana
tho outcome justified the address, The
Commissioners recommended peace,
Brigham Young, Ike an true Latter
day Saints, was loyal 10 his country,
lie remained true In circumstances In
which his traducers Of today with
their small souls would have become
rebels and traitors. Not an act OF
disloyalty has ever been found or re-
corded against him. During the excit-