[Brigham Young Sermon] I never saw so many elders gathered together in such trying circumstances, I am satisfied with you all, and I am satisfied the Lord is leading this camp. I am filled with thankfulness all the time. I had thoughts of the Jews coming into companies to cook, and it will be easier for all. Have persons appointed for the purpose. We do not anticipate any attack by the Indians to kill any of the men, but to steal horses. The purpose of the guard is to look after horses, and to give alarm if they are near. In regard to cooking, leave it to you, whether there be two appointed for that purpose. Also suggest that the captains call the roll every morning and report to the majors and they to the colonel. Let no man now from this time out go with their guns from the camp any more to hunt but persons will be appointed to hunt the buffalo and bring them into camp, but if the brethren will keep to shooting we shall not see a single buffalo. We are emigrating for our own benefit and it is folly to have watch words. I would not give one rye straw for a guard who will not go from one end of the camp to the other, if a horse was dying, a wagon tipping over or burning. We must do the thing that is necessary. What are we organized into a military body for? To form ourselves into such a body that we would defend ourselves against a thousand Indians and whip them too. I want to make men understand what is wrong and what is right. If you see an Indian creeping up, give it too him, but if he walks upright you can see him. There is not a man here but knows a man walking upright. An Indian creeps on his belly always. We do not wish to be governed by the nasty, stinking rules of the gentiles. It is the business of the guard to keep watch of the cattle, and give an alarm if the Indians are coming. Indians know enough to carry white flag, and come in peace. If any man makes a disturbance in the morning, the guards have the privilege of pulling them back into their wagons, or putting them under guard. You acknowledge the Twelve to be the leaders of this people. Do you see any oppression in them? No. Men have to improve on small principles, every man that God ever did call on will call to lead the people, will break off every yoke of oppression instead of putting one on. The elders of Israel ought to do the work. Every principle that comes out, learn it. Give men who have authority into this church. They will put on the gentle yoke of oppression. Have the Twelve ever wanted you to make covenants with the uplifted hand? When you see men so full of [-] to make covenants, you may mark it that they are preparing for the burning. The season of our oppression is not knowing enough and now learn, brethren, the principles of righteousness, and act up to it, we want men of sense. -- Fullerton, Nebraska [General Church Minutes. Selected Collections from the Archives of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints DVD 1 (2002)]
[source: The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009)]
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