Brigham Young's Sermon on the United States Being Enemies - 6/6/1858
I wish to say a few words before the close of the meeting. You have
heard me say, a great many times, and it is the experience of all men
who understand wisdom, that the greatest difficulty we have to meet is
what may be termed ignorance, or want of understanding in the people.
If people would readily understand and practise what they are taught,
they would do very well without so much teaching as now seems to be
necessary; but when they have not that intelligence which leads and
guides to victory in the acts of life, they should be taught to know
how to overcome every difficulty and enemy they have to meet. (1)
And if people could understand things as they are, there never would be
any apostacy - none would fall through lack of faith and good works. (2)
In regard to this people's sustaining the First Presidency, they
believe that they do; but still there is something beyond which many do
not as yet understand: there are instances in which they do not fully
sustain the Presidency. It may be asked, "Have not this people voted to
sustain the Presidency?" Yes; but do they sustain them in every
particular? The great majority sustain them, as far as they understand.
The main difficulty is that many do not know how the Presidency should
be sustained, through lack of intelligence to rightly discern and
classify their acts and reflections. They will sustain, with their
prayers, every department of the Priesthood as being teachers of the
plan of salvation, but do not understand that there is not an act in
the lives of intelligences but what has a tendency to either sustain or
oppose - a tendency either for good or evil. (3)
The Government of the United States is Republican in form, and should
be in its administration, and requires a man for President who is
capable of communicating to the understanding of the people, according
to their capacity, information upon all points pertaining to the just
administration of the Government. He should understand what
administrative policy would be most beneficial to the nation. (4)
He should also have the knowledge and disposition to wisely exercise
the appointing power, so far as it is constitutionally within his
control, and select only good and capable men for office. He should not
only carry out the legal and just wishes of his constituents, but
should be able to enlighten their understanding and correct their
judgment. And all good officers in a truly Republican administration
will constantly labour for the security of the rights of all,
irrespective of sect or party. (5)
This people would do many things that would tend to death, if they did
not listen to correct instructions; for, as yet, they have not wisdom
enough to guide them under all circumstances. And although you think
that you sustain your Presidency yet many conduct themselves in some
things precisely as do the people in the world. They take a course to
destroy themselves politically and religiously, and they will destroy
themselves; and so would many of you, if you were destitute of
counsellors dictated by the Spirit of the Lord to direct in all things,
whether relating to religious or political government. We stand upon
this platform; still we are in a measure yet like the world. There are
some contentions and discords, and some are taking a course which will
bring evil upon us. Do they know it? No, they do not: but their
ignorance will not prevent the effects. They do not know the
consequences of unwise acts; but they will produce evil, whether they
understand them or not. (6)
There are those who, it would seem, can never come to understanding:
they are apparently stereotyped, never to improve any more, while
others have their minds open and constantly learning and increasing in
wisdom and understanding. When the people learn to partake of the
Spirit which governs this kingdom, and become fully imbued with that
Spirit, they will understand the objects, examples, and designs of
those who are placed to counsel and direct them. Do you understand
that, brethren and sisters? You must enjoy that Spirit, or you cannot
walk in the same path with those who are appointed to be your
counsellors and teachers. But if you possess that Spirit, instead of
taking various by-paths, you will be able to walk in the path that
leadeth to life. Who are your leaders? The First Presidency. Who was
the master-spirit? Joseph. Who were his leaders? Those who immediately
presided over him. If we will live upon the principles which our
Government professes to be built upon, we shall follow him, and not
make devious paths. (7)
All the acts we perform should be governed by the guidance of the
Priesthood. Were that done, you would see blessings result from all the
acts of a nation, just as we wish to see in our Republic, and as we
would see, if the people of our nation would learn and practise the
principles of the Priesthood. The Priesthood does not wait for
ignorance: it instructs those who have not wisdom, and are desirous of
learning correct principles. But our Government is controlled by
ignorance; and thousands who are ignorant of the true principles of
correct government are placed in important positions, and every
department is more or less governed by ignorance, folly, and weakness.
More imbecility has been manifested in the management of public
affairs, of late, than ought to be manifested by any government. (8)
Let those called Latter-day Saints so learn wisdom as to carry out the
true principles of government, that they may be able to wisely govern
and control all things. Do any suppose that we shall ever war against
the principles or form of our National Government? We shall not; for we
love and cherish them and always have and ever expect to, because they
are good and just. It is published from east to west, and from north to
south, that the "Mormons" are opposed to the Government of the United
States. That is not true, and never was. But many of the officers and
people of the United States are too much opposed to their own
institutions, and are taking a course to destroy the best form of
government instituted by man. They lay the axe at the root of the tree,
and it will fall and be as though it had not been. They do not
understand the principles which will build them up. Each one strikes
out and follows his own way. Do the members thereof know how to sustain
their own party? No: they sap the foundation of their own party. (9)
Such is measurably the case with a portion of this people. They wish to
be saved - they desire to gain celestial glory; but their own acts sap
the foundation of all their desires. This people desire to do right,
and the reason why all of them do not is because all do not strive to
know how. True principles will abide, while all false principles will
fall with those who choose and cleave to them. (10)
The government of this Church is based upon true principles, and the
reason people fall out by the way is because of their ignorance -
because they do not thoroughly canvass their acts, and wisely ponder
the probable results. (11)
Brother Wells has been speaking about many of the brethren's being
careless about going north to look after their property. I have
reflected upon that, and I conclude that the brethren feel to say, "We
have left our property, because the Lord in his wisdom is leading us in
a way that requires us to leave our buildings and other improvements;
we have cheerfully left them in the line of duty, and we do not
particularly desire to go back and guard them. They have passed from
our affections, and shall we turn round and cling to them? We do not
feel to care how soon the Lord sees fit, in his wisdom, to require us
to lay them utterly waste." That feeling proves to me that the
affections of this people are not placed upon earthly things; still
there is a lack of understanding with some in regard to using them
aright. If we have made the sacrifice complete in our feelings, we have
been driven far enough; and I can tell the world that all earth and
hell will never gain power to drive us out of these mountains, unless
it is the will of the Lord, though we may be required to move from
place to place. We have to learn that all the elements are eternal,
though their varied earthly forms are organized to be dissolved. We
must not place our affections upon these things until they are
organized for eternity. If we will take that course, we shall be laying
up treasures in heaven. Earthly things will be decomposed, and their
reorganization will be by the power of the resurrection: then we shall
begin to understand the proper use of element. (12)
I hear some say, "Why should we wish to go to Box Elder to guard our
property there?" The Lord gave us the ability to obtain what we have;
and if our affections are so chastened that we can measurably realize
that he gave us the power to accumulate our possessions - that he
organized the elements and gave us bodies and life upon the earth -
that all blessings are the gift of the Lord, then we have profited by
the experience now offered; and now it is our duty to preserve that
which the Lord has blessed us with, so far as circumstances will
permit, and patiently await the development of future events and
requirements. (13)
Some do not understand duties which do not coincide with their natural
feelings and affections. Do you comprehend that statement? I have tried
to tell you; but I am sometimes at a loss to convey a correct
understanding with words. I should have the language of angels to
enable me to exactly convey my ideas, and that would require an
audience who understand that language. There are duties which are above
affection. Our enemies have driven this people from their homes until
their affections are no longer placed upon the things of this world,
which is more than all other communities can say in truth. No other
people can truthfully say that they can handle the things of this world
without having their affections placed upon them, even though many of
them will endure more or less affliction for their religion. Some will
throw themselves under the massive wheels of the car of Juggernaut, and
be crushed to pieces, and others will endure all that is possible for
their religion, no matter whether it is true or false. There is not so
much difficulty in leading persons to death for the religion we
profess, as there is in inducing them to live to its pure principles.
There is but little trouble in inducing people to sacrifice and suffer
for their religion: but who lives for it? If this people do not, no
people upon this earth do. And I am happy in being able to say that
they have proved that they place less value upon their farms, houses,
and other comforts of life than they do upon their religion, and that
so many of them try to live their religion day by day. (14)
If you have superior wisdom in your midst for your guidance, why do you
not learn that fact, and permit yourselves to be guided by that wisdom
in your business transactions as well as in doctrine? - for there is no
dividing between matters spiritual and temporal. There is no act of a
Latter-day Saint - no duty required – no time given, exclusive and
independent of the Priesthood. Everything is subject to it, whether
preaching, business, or any other act pertaining to the proper conduct
of this life. It takes the whole man to make a Saint: there are no
exceptions in "Mormonism." Learn so to think and direct your acts in
every transaction of life, that we may overcome the evil that is sown
within us. Overcome the inward enemy; then we can overcome the Devil's
kingdom. And while others choose evil principles and build upon a
foundation which leads to destruction, let us build upon the principles
of eternal salvation, as we have striven to do all the day long. (15)
We are a mystery and a stumbling-block to this generation. One man will
say, "What a numbhead that Brigham Young is!" and another that "this
people are dupes and fanatics;" and yet no man can controvert, with
sound argument, the principles we advance. No society, political or
religious, can cope with us in correct principles. In the opinion of
some we are the most foolish people in the world, and in that of others
we are the wisest. If this people live to the principles they have
embraced, they will be capable of counselling the nations; for we build
upon a just foundation, and our principles are truth, righteousness,
and holiness. Let us stand by those principles until they crush out
folly from these valleys, and we become teachers of wisdom to the
nations. It would not require a great stretch of mind to teach them
now, did duty require it. A man who has wisdom to control one wife and
five children can control ten wives and one hundred children; then he
can control a town, a city, a state, a nation, a kingdom, or the whole
world. (16)
Understand and practise those holy and just principles that reach to
the comprehending of all wisdom, until the nations of the earth look to
Zion for wise counsel. Whether it be in these mountains or elsewhere,
and whether it be within ten years, or fifty years, or in one day, I
will do all I can to prepare for the glory of Zion. I would build a
good house here, had the opportunity, though I knew I should not enjoy
it five minutes. We intend to build a Temple in these mountains, and
not act upon the principle of some who have been here ten years without
a comfortable dwelling. I want the Elders of Israel to know how to lay
the foundation of Zion. (17)
I will now say a few words on business affairs. A road up Provo kanyon
is much needed, and we want ten or twenty companies of labourers to go
to work upon it forthwith, in order to finish it in about fifteen days,
so that you can go into the valleys of the Weber, where there is plenty
of timber. I understand that a company has been chartered by the
Legislative Assembly to make that road; and if those men will come
forward, we will take the responsibility of making it. We shall need
about five hundred labourers. I also want a mill-race dug some
three-quarters-of-a-mile in length, and an excavation made for the
foundation of a grist-mill. When that is done, we will plan something
else; for we want every one to have the privilege of being actively
engaged in some useful occupation. We want men to labour in every
mechanical pursuit that they can; for I believe that the time will come
when we shall have to depend upon our own resources; and I pray the
Lord to so hedge up the way and shut down the gate, that we may be
compelled to depend upon our own manufacturing for the comforts of
life. (18)
Last spring I wanted to detect some spirits that I could not make
manifest to the people, only in the course I then took. There are those
who, when they know that they have liberty to act in a certain manner,
do not care about moving in that direction; but if you say that they
cannot or shall not, they are then very anxious to do so. That class
reminds me of the Frenchman who loaned his money, and upon learning
that the borrower was likely to fail, asked him when he could pay him.
The answer was, "To-day, if you wish it." "Why, have you got it?"
"Yes." "Oh, if you have got it, I do not want it; but if you have not
got it, I want it very bad." With the exception of a short time during
the late difficulties, all persons have always had the privilege of
going away from here when they pleased, and have been repeatedly
invited to do so, if they wished to; and a certain class did not avail
themselves of the privilege: but when I said that they should not go
until I gave them permission, we learned those spirits, and they have
gone. (19)
I want the clay well ground and well worked over. I want the pure in
heart to receive their blessings, and to be free from the oppressions
of the wicked. (20)
God bless you, brethren and sisters! Amen. (21)
1) Godly wisdom does not come from practice but from Jesus Christ.
In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of
sins, according to the riches of His grace which He made to abound
toward us in all wisdom and prudence, having made known to us the
mystery of His will, according to His good pleasure which He purposed
in Himself, that in the dispensation of the fullness of the times He
might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in
heaven and which are on earth—in Him. Ephesians 1:7-10.
2) Godly wisdom leads people out of a false religion and into relationship.
Therefore, if you died with Christ from the basic principles of
the world, why, as though living in the world, do you subject
yourselves to regulations—“Do not touch, do not taste, do not handle,”
which all concern things which perish with the using—according to the
commandments and doctrines of men? These things indeed have an
appearance of wisdom in self-imposed religion, false humility, and
neglect of the body, but are of no value against the indulgence of the
flesh. Colossians 2:20-23.
3) Brigham Young wanted to be supreme and have the people support him.
I wrote to the church, but Diotrephes, who loves to have the
preeminence among them, does not receive us. Therefore, if I come, I
will call to mind his deeds which he does, prating against us with
malicious words. And not content with that, he himself does not receive
the brethren, and forbids those who wish to, putting them out of the
church. 3 John 1:9-10.
4) President Buchanan sent the U.S. Army to stop a Mormon rebellion.
Therefore, I, Brigham Young, Governor and Superintendent of
Indian Affairs for the Territory of Utah, in the name of the people or
the United States in the Territory of Utah, First - Forbid all armed
forces of every description from coming into this Territory, under any
pretense whatever. Second - That all the forces in said Territory hold
themselves in readi–ness to march at a moment's notice, to repel any
and all such invasion. Third - Martial law is hereby declared to exist
in this Territory, from and after the publication of this Proclamation;
and no person shall be allowed to pass or repass, into or through, or
from this Territory without a permit from the proper officer. Given
under my hand and seal at Great Salt Lake City, Territory of Utah, this
fifteenth day of September, A.D. eighteen hundred and fifty seven, and
of the Independence of the United States of America, the eighty
-second. Brigham Young’s declaration of war delivered on 9/15/1857.
5) Brigham Young murdered or discredited people who were not compliant.
Indian agent Garland Hurt had been a constant irritant to LDS
authorities, and by late September 1857 the brave doctor knew too much
about events at Mountain Meadows. As Lee spoke to the congregation in
Provo, members of the Nauvoo Legion moved to capture Hurt. His
even-handed policy toward the Utes had won him the respect of the
tribe’s leaders. While meeting with chiefs from Uinta Valley on Sunday,
September 27, 1857, to discuss establishing a new Indian farm, six Utes
suddenly rushed into Hurt’s office. “Friend! Friend!” they called,
pointing out the window. “The Mormons will kill you!” Hurt saw some one
hundred mounted troops on the road a mile from his office. As he
collected his papers, the Utes reported that the militia had blocked
Spanish Fork Canyon and were marching to the Indian farm from
Springville. Blood of the Prophets, page 179.
6) This is another of Brigham Young’s numerous veiled death threats.
“And if I should be filled with the power and spirit of the
mission that is upon me, I shall not spare the wicked; I shall be like
a flaming sword against them, and so will all those that live their
religion; it is not to be suffered any longer.” 9/21/1856 BY sermon.
7) The Kingdom of God concerns Jesus Christ not Joseph Smith.
So when they had appointed him a day, many came to him at his
lodging, to whom he explained and solemnly testified of the kingdom of
God, persuading them concerning Jesus from both the Law of Moses and
the Prophets, from morning till evening. And some were persuaded by the
things which were spoken, and some disbelieved. So when they did not
agree among themselves, they departed after Paul had said one word:
“The Holy Spirit spoke rightly through Isaiah the prophet to our
fathers, saying, ‘Go to this people and say: “Hearing you will hear,
and shall not understand; And seeing you will see, and not perceive.”
Acts 28:23-26
8) Overweight Brigham Young who hated the cross was not a Christian.
For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you
even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: whose
end is destruction, whose god is their belly, and whose glory is in
their shame—who set their mind on earthly things. For our citizenship
is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord
Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body that it may be
conformed to His glorious body, according to the working by which He is
able even to subdue all things to Himself. Philippians 3:18-21.
9) Brigham Young was ignorant about the separation of church and state.
The concept of separation of church and state refers to the
distance in the relationship between organized religion on the one hand
and the nation state on the other. The idea was the subject of much
discussion over 2000 years. The term "wall of separation" was first
used in an informal letter by President Thomas Jefferson in 1802 to a
committee of Baptists in Connecticut. Jefferson referred to the First
Amendment to the United States Constitution as creating a "wall of
separation" between church and state. The phrase was quoted by the
United States Supreme Court first in 1878, and then in a series of
cases starting in 1947. Wikipedia Encyclopedia.
10) Brigham Young was ignorant about Christian salvation.
For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of
yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should
boast. Ephesians 2:8-9.
11) Brigham Young was ignorant about the simple Christian message.
For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel, not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of no effect. For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. 1 Corinthians 1:17-18.
12) Brigham Young had to swallow his pride and return to Salt Lake City.
But Young grudgingly accepted the pardon, swallowed the president’s terms, and agreed t let the army enter the territory. The soldiers marched through the deserted Mormon capital on June 26, 1858, with the strictest order and discipline, after which the displaced population returned to their homes. Blood of the Prophets, page 206.
13) Brigham Young became fearful of United States law and order.
He retreated to seclusion in the Beehive House, bolting the doors and surrounding the walled mansion with guards. He held few public meetings and never left his compound without bodyguards. Blood of the Prophets, page 206.
14) The United States Army were not enemies but an agent sent by God.
Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God. Therefore whoever resists the authority resists the ordinance of God, and those who resist will bring judgment on themselves. For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to evil. Do you want to be unafraid of the authority? Do what is good, and you will have praise from the same. For he is God’s minister to you for good. But if you do evil, be afraid; for he does not bear the sword in vain; for he is God’s minister, an avenger to execute wrath on him who practices evil. Romans 13:1-4.
15) Brigham Young never sought for the wisdom that comes from God.
For Jews request a sign, and
Greeks seek after wisdom; but we preach Christ crucified, to the Jews a
stumbling block and to the Greeks foolishness, but to those who are called, both
Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. 1 Corinthians
1:22-24.
16) Religious fanatics such as Brigham Young rarely preach Jesus Christ.
And I, brethren, when I came to you, did not come with excellence of
speech or of wisdom declaring to you the testimony of God. For I
determined not to know anything among you except Jesus Christ and Him
crucified. I was with you in weakness, in fear, and in much trembling.
1 Corinthians 2:1-3.
17) Brigham Young had a mistaken notion of Zion being in Utah.
But you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the
heavenly Jerusalem, to an innumerable company of angels, to the general
assembly and church of the firstborn who are registered in heaven, to
God the Judge of all, to the spirits of just men made perfect, to Jesus
the Mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling that
speaks better things than that of Abel. Hebrews 12:22-24.
18) Faithless Brigham Young was focused on the things of this world.
If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above,
where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. Set your mind on
things above, not on things on the earth. Colossians 3:1-2.
19) Brigham Young was a ruthless dictator who ordered people murdered.
On the Saturday night following Kane’s arrival, “several persons
disguised as Indians entered the house of Henry Jones, and dragged him
out of bed with a whore and castrated him by a square & close
amputation. Blood of the Prophets, page 199.
20) Brigham Young wanted Mormons to thrive via murder and extortion.
Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of
all men. If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably
with all men. Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place
to wrath; for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says
the Lord. Therefore “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; If he is
thirsty, give him a drink; for in so doing you will heap coals of fire
on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
Romans 12:17-21.
21) God does not bless murderers and extortioners.
“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. Blessed are
the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are those who
hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled. Blessed
are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy. Blessed are the pure in
heart, for they shall see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they
shall be called sons of God. Blessed are those who are persecuted for
righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are
you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil
against you falsely for My sake.” Matthew 5:3-11