Brigham Young Defends the Prophet, Joseph Smith

In the fall of 1836, a spirit of opposition existed in Kirtland against the leaders of the Church - specifically against Joseph Smith. Brigham Young recorded that on one occasion, he met with several of the apostles, the witnesses to the Book of Mormon, and other leaders in the upper room of the Kirtland temple. The question was raised by someone as to how they could "depose" the Prophet and appoint David Whitmer as President of the Church.

Brigham reported that there was some opposition from Father John Smith and Heber C. Kimball, but then Brigham's turn came to speak:
"I rose up, and in a plain and forcible manner told them that Joseph was a Prophet, and I knew it, and that they might rail and slander him as much as they pleased, they could not destroy the appointment of the Prophet of God, they could only destroy their own authority, cut the thread that bound them to the Prophet and to God and sink themselves to hell. Many were highly enraged at my decided opposition to their measures, and Jacob Bump (an old pugilist [fighter or boxer]) was so exasperated that he could not be still. Some of the brethren near him put their hands on him, and requested him to be quiet; but he writhed and twisted his arms and body saying, 'How can I keep my hands off that man?' I told him if he thought it would give him any relief he might lay them on.

"This meeting was broken up without the apostates being able to unite on any decided measures of opposition. This was a crisis when earth and hell seemed leagued to overthrow the Prophet and Church of God. The knees of many of the strongest men in the Church faltered.

"During this siege of darkness I stood close by Joseph, and, with all the wisdom and power God bestowed upon me, put forth my utmost energies to sustain the servant of God and unite the quorums of the Church." (Watson, _Brigham Young History, 1801-44_, pp. 16-17)

Brigham soon found out that there was a plot to "waylay" Joseph as he was expected to return to Kirtland from a trip; the intent was to take the Prophet's life. Brigham immediately obtained a horse and buggy and rode out with William Smith to meet Joseph, helping to bring him safely home.


George A. Smith commented on this incident: "The voice seemingly of an individual, was absolutely necessary to say that Joseph had a single friend. You look at times of danger, moral and physical, and you will find that the spirit of determination and strong will in the breast of a single man may save a most terrible panic and disaster." (_JD_ 11:12)