CHAPTER XXXIII.
The grand importance and success of the mission of the pioneers to the Rocky Mountains was the beginning of a new era in Mormonism.
Up to this time Israel had been "in bondage among the Gentiles." The laws that govern the citizens of the United States had restrained the Saints from living up to the higher laws of "the kingdom." But from this time they were to have a national existence, and in nearly every public document and in every sermon in the Tabernacle they were henceforth to be spoken of as "this people."
From the death of Joseph and the dis-fellowshipping of Rigdon, the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles had had the honour of leading the Saints, and Brigham was its senior member and President. In his opinion, however, the time had now arrived for a change.
At Winter Quarters there was a log-cabin, about fifty feet long, situated near the centre of the settlement. The roof and slanting sides and ends of the structure were covered with turf about two feet thick. It had several small windows in the roof and a door near one end. Into it none could look ; from it nothing could be heard. This was "the Council House." It was here that "the Lord" spoke unto his servants.
It is a general idea with the unsophisticated that when "the Lord" reveals his will concerning the Church, the people listen, comprehend, and obey. It had been understood in
