Manifestation of Joseph Smith’s Voice and Mien in Brigham Young

Following the martyrdom of Joseph and Hyrum Smith, a leadership crisis gripped the Church in Nauvoo. Sidney Rigdon arrived in early August 1844, attempting to assert his claim as 'Guardian' by arguing the Church needed a leader until Joseph’s sons reached maturity. On August 8, 1844, a pivotal general meeting was held in a grove in Nauvoo to address the succession. While Rigdon spoke during the morning session, his efforts were perceived by many as feeble. In the afternoon, Brigham Young and other members of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles addressed the thousands gathered. As Brigham Young rose to speak, a miraculous transformation occurred: to the eyes and ears of the assembled Saints, his appearance, gestures, and voice became indistinguishable from the martyred Prophet. Eyewitnesses, including George Q. Cannon, Anson Call, Lewis Barney, Jacob Hamblin, Mosiah Hancock, and R.T. Burton, testified that they were startled to hear the familiar voice and see the familiar mannerisms of Joseph Smith. Many observers were so profoundly struck that they believed, for a moment, that the Prophet himself had returned to lead them. This manifestation served as a divine, settling testimony to the congregation, confirming that the authority of the Prophet had indeed fallen upon Brigham Young, thereby resolving the uncertainty regarding the Church's leadership.