120 years ago today - Sep 24, 1891

[Apostle Brigham Young Jr. Diary] I can see the necessity of the Presidency and Twelve coming to the front to assure the nation we mean what we say. Pres[iden]t Woodruff said before I left, "we must do something to save our Temples." Some one may ask Can't God save them? I answer yes, & you might even now be redeemed had the people obeyed the counsel our leaders were inspired to give them in the past. I will do whatever my leaders counsel, but, the base thought of taking clemency from U.S.A. that has destroyed the prophets and has thrust us out to perish, pains me more than I can tell. Don't think it hurts me more than it does Joseph F. to surrender [he has just received word of Joseph F. Smith s pardon by President Harrison] and I thank God he is free to go before the people. The First Presidency should be there before all men, and the Twelve follow. Spare me Father; but thy will be done not mine.

[Source: Diary of Apostle Brigham Young Jr., http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]