And of course Mr. Smith accepted it.
The speech made by Mr. Smith at the above mentioned conference is remarkable only for its tameness; but I quote a few sentences that may be of special interest; first as showing that he claimed to be called to his position by a power not his own:—
I came not here of myself, but by the influence of the spirit. For some time past I have received manifestations pointing to the position I am about to assume. I wish to say that I have come here not to be dictated by any men or set of men. I have come in obedience to a power not my own, and shall be dictated by the power which sent me.
. . . Some, who ought to know the proprieties of the church, have told me that no certain form was necessary in order for me to assume the leadership, that the position came by right of lineage, yet I know that if I attempted to lead as a prophet by these considerations, and not by a call from heaven, men would not be lead to believe who do not believe now. And so I have come not of my own dictation to this sacred office.
As to revelations he said:
I have my peculiar notions in regard to revelations, but am happy to say that they accord with those I am to associate with, at least with those of them with whom I have conversed. I am not very conversant with those books (pointing to a volume before him), not so conversant as I should be and will be.
That his "notions in regard to revelations" were indeed "peculiar," one only has to read the following to be convinced:
I pledge myself to promulgate no doctrine that shall not be approved by you, or the code of good morals.
How different this from the reply of one of the ancient prophets, when some sought to have him give out no prophecy or revelation but what should be approved by them:
And Micaiah said, as the Lord liveth what the Lord saith unto me, that will I speak![A]