I did not devise the great scheme
of the Lord's opening the way to send this people to these mountains. Joseph
contemplated the move for years before it took place, but he could not get
here, for there was a watch placed upon him continually to see that he had no
communication with the Indians. This was in consequence of that which is
written in the Book of Mormon; one of the first evils alleged against him was
that he was going to connive with the Indians; but did he ever do anything of
the kind? No, he always strove to promote the best interest of all, both red
and white. Was it by any act of ours that this people were driven into their
midst? We are now their neighbors, we are on their land, for it belongs to them
as much as any soil ever belonged to any man on earth; we are drinking their
water, using their fuel and timber, and raising our food from their ground. (Brigham
Young, “Testimony to the Divinity of Joseph Smith's Mission— Elders Should Go
to Their Missions Without Purse or Scrip —The Lord Deals With the Saints—Jesus
Their President —Satan Angry” August 31, 1856 [JOD 4:41])
Remarks have been made as to our
staying here. I will tell you how long we shall stay here. If we live our
religion, we shall stay here in these mountains forever and forever, worlds
without end, and a portion of the Priesthood will go and redeem and build up
the centre Stake of Zion. if we leave here, where shall we go to? Has any one
discovered where we can again pitch our tents, when we leave this country? In
the days of Joseph we have sat many hours at a time conversing about this very
country. Joseph has often said, "If I were only in the Rocky Mountains
with a hundred faithful men, I would then be happy, and ask no odds of
mobocrats." And neither do I. Who are going to pull up stakes and leave
here? If we forsake our God and our religion, then woe to us; for then we shall
be all apostates together, and under such circumstances we have no promise of
God for our protection; but, if we live in the faith of the Son of God, we have
the heavens, the power of God and of angels on our side. I can tell you, as truly
as Elisha said to his servant, "fear not; for they that be with us are
more than they that be with them," (our enemies.) For, "the mountain
was full of horses and chariots of fire around about Elisha." (Brigham
Young, “Knowledge in this Life Limited—the Lord Will Waste Away the
Wicked—People Do not Live to Obtain What They Most Desire—Joseph Desired to Go
to the Rocky Mountains—More for Us Than Against Us—Will Go to Jackson County
From the West— Exhortations to Merchants, Speculators, &c.,” December 11,
1864 [JOD 11:16])
Further Reading:
Resources on Joseph Smith’s Prophecies (e.g., Brigham Young and Joseph Smith's Prophecy of the Saints Moving to the Rocky Mountains)