The prophet Joseph was
moved upon by divine inspiration in the establishment of
this Church. And before his death he called the Twelve
Apostles together, whom he had called to the ministry by
revelation, intimating that he was going to leave them, that
he would shortly be called home to rest. And he talked with
them and instructed them for weeks and months in the
ordinances and laws of the gospel; and he sealed upon their
heads all the priesthood, keys and powers that had been
conferred upon him by the angels of God. And then, in
addressing them he said, "Brethren, no matter what becomes
of me, or what my fate may be, you have got to round up your
shoulders and bear off this kingdom; the God of heaven
requires it at your hands. I have desired," said he, "to see
the Temple completed, but I shall not be spared to see it,
but you will."
Deseret News, Mar. 27, 1878, 114.
John Taylor, 3rd President of the Church, 1880–1887; Willard Richards, Apostle, 1840–54
"The blood of the
martyrs is the seed of the church." They died for the
word of God and the testimony of Jesus Christ.God has not
left his church without witnesses; as in former days,
so shall it be in the latter days, when one falls
another will arise to occupy a similar station. Our
heavenly Father always has had a leader to his people,
always will have, and the gates of hell can never prevail
against the chosen of heaven. The murder of Joseph
will not stop the work; it will not stop the Temple;
it will not stop the gathering; it will not stop the
honest-in-heart from believing the truth and obeying it; but
it is a proof of the revelations we have received from
heaven through him.
History of the Church, 7:174.
