Thursday, November 26, 2020

John Pulsipher's Recollection of the Transfiguration of Brigham Young

While reading his diaries, I came across the following from John Pulsipher attesting to the transfiguration of Brigham Young:

 

After the death of the Prophet Joseph Sidney Rigdon came and sought to place himself at the head of the Church. By his platteries deceived many. Just before he called a vote of the public congregation. Brigham Young the President of the twelve arrived from his mission -- this was a joyful meeting. The church knew not that Joseph had ordained Bro. Brigham and the 12 to lead the church -- but they knew that the twelve was the next quorum in authority. They that served the Lord faithful were not deceived. I went to meeting where the church met in the grove East of the Temple where President Young arose and spoke -- and behold he spoke with the Voice of Joseph -- The very moment I heard him speak I thot of Joseph and from that time on his voice sounded like Joseph’s and from that time the church generally were satisfied that the mantle of Joseph was on Brigham. (Diary of John Pulsipher, Volume 1, p. 12 as found in A Mormon Diary as told by John Pulsipher (1827-1891), emphasis in bold added)

 

Further Reading

 

Lynne Watkins Jorgensen, The Mantle of the Prophet Joseph Passes to Brother Brigham: A Collective Spiritual Witness