Parley P. Pratt’s divine inspiration concerning leadership of the Church

“As I was making my way on foot over the prairies of Illinois towards Nauvoo, I was sad, sick at heart, and bowed down in sorrow in consequence of the great calamity which had befallen the Saints in the death of their leaders, and I was pondering in my mind upon whom now devolved the responsibility of presiding over the Church. While in this state of mind, I was given the following by inspiration: 'Lift up your head and rejoice, for behold! It is well with my servants Joseph and Hyrum. My servant Joseph still holds the keys of my kingdom in this dispensation, and he shall stand in due time on the earth, in the flesh, and fulfil that to which he is appointed. Go and say unto my people in Nauvoo that they shall continue to pursue their daily duties and take care of themselves, and make no movement in Church government to reorganize or alter anything until the return of the remainder of the quorum of the Twelve; but exhort them that they continue to build up the House of the Lord, which I have commanded them to build in Nauvoo.' In order that I might not be mistaken in that inspiration, I asked that a repetition of it might be given me, and my prayer was answered. I arrived in Nauvoo, and found Elders Richards and Taylor acting in accordance with this inspiration.”

— Parley P. Pratt, Autobiography of Parley P. Pratt