The Rocky Mountain Saints/Chapter 11
- FIRST GREAT APOSTACY.
- Joseph predicts that Brigham will be President of the Church
- British Missions projected as a Strategic Measure
- One of Joseph's own Counsellors rebels against him
- He is proclaimed "a Fallen Prophet"
- Troubles again threaten in Missouri.
A critical period in the existence of the Church was now reached. The endowments had been given and the Temple had been dedicated, yet there was dissatisfaction among the disciples. Their anticipations had not been realized. The spirit of apostacy was abroad. But it was not the faith that so much tried the people as it was Joseph's life. Everyone had his own ideas of what a prophet should be. He was now greatly changed. The humble plough-boy had merged in the Prophet-ruler. The men who had devoted to him their best abilities in the beginning, and had contributed to shape the crude elements of his supernatural creations into form, thought that they had a right to some part in "the kingdom." Joseph saw in them only instruments subordinate to his own success—he was to be the head and front of everything. It was difficult for free-born Americans cradled in democracy to comprehend at once Joseph's theocracy. It takes time for men to strangle their truest instincts. Joseph had none of that experience himself, and he could not appreciate the cost of it in others. All the manliness of his ambitious nature found ample scope in working out what he believed to be his divine mission, and in announcements of faith. Nominally, he accorded the same privileges to his brethren, but practically, it was the very opposite. It was for him to speak; it was for them to obey. He was "the Lord's servant," and they had no right to criticise him. If he erred, "the Lord" could correct him. The man who dared to suggest was as impious as lie who in the ancient Israelitish story stretched forth his hand to steady the tottering ark, and deserved the same punishment—the judgment of Heaven.
It is asserted that when Joseph first saw Brigham Young he prophesied that "the time would come when Brother Brigham should preside over the Church."[1] With such a prediction ringing in his ears, it is not difficult to trace Brigham's influence with Joseph, from the beginning of their acquaintance, and to see therein laid the foundation of that unchallenged authority which now characterizes his reign in Utah. Nearly all the leading men during the first years of Mormon history fell out with Joseph over his personal rule; but Brigham was among the very few who clung to him. He never—or, at the farthest, but once only—challenged Joseph's right to do as he pleased, and he permits none to dispute his own.
But the Saints grew weary, and it was necessary to direct their attention away from home. So "the Lord" revealed to Joseph that "in order to save His Church" a foreign mission must be improvised, and Great Britain was selected as the new field of labour. Republicanism was at war with theocracy, and it became necessary to seek an element that had been cradled with kings.
The Apostles Heber C. Kimball and Orson Hyde were accordingly chosen to introduce the Gospel to Europe. On the 12th of June, 1837, they left Kirtland, and thus began the first foreign mission. These apostles were accompanied by other elders, and in a few months were successful in converting great numbers in England, and in doing so saved the Church in America.
During the summer, Joseph, accompanied by Sidney Rigdon and Thomas B. Marsh, the President of the Twelve Apostles, made a tour through Canada, preaching and visiting the Saints, while Brigham Young remained at home. But troubles began to loom up again in Missouri, and apostacy was coming to a crisis in Ohio.
On the return of Joseph from Canada, a special conference 
The Apostle Heber C. Kimball.
was assembled at Kirtland, on the 3rd of September. Everything was in confusion; the devil was ravaging the flock. Frederick G. Williams, one of Joseph's counsellors, and the third man in the kingdom, was in rebellion; Luke Johnson, Lyman E. Johnson, and John F. Boynton, three of the Apostles, "fell away." At the same time, Brigham Young was exceedingly energetic, and attempted to neutralize the influence of the apostates. The Missourians in Clay county had also become dissatisfied with the Mormons, and asked them to leave the county. They were obliged to move, and scattered into Carroll, Davies, and Caldwell counties, founding in the latter the City of Far West.
Joseph and Sidney visited Missouri in October, and remained there some weeks, counselling and encouraging the brethren and sisters in building up Zion. At the same time it was thought best to proceed no further with the great Temple in Jackson county.
During Joseph's absence in the West, the leading "apostates" in Ohio proclaimed him "a fallen prophet" and his followers heretics, and a warm time appeared to await him wherever he went.
- ↑ Some old Mormons relate that they heard Joseph also say some time before his death: "If Brigham Young ever becomes President of the Church, he will lead it to hell." Not a few believe the latter prediction to be as correct as the former.