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Mantle: Windy Day in August, at Nauvoo

Robert G. Mouritsen, Westheather Deveopment Company, 2004, 6x9" hardbound, 166 pages. ISBN: 0974838500

When the Mantle of the Prophet Joseph Smith Fell upon Brigham Young and He Was Sustained as Leader of the Church According to the Doctrine of Apostolic Succession

In that uncertain period of July and early August 1844, before the Twelve could assemble in Nauvoo and be sustained with Brigham Young at their head, the Saints were, Wilford Woodruff observed, "as sheep without a shepherd." Mary Ann Sterns Winters, a girl of only eleven that summer, recalled, "oh, the horror and gloom and heartaches and trials of those days."

Sunday, August 8, 2004 marked 160 years since the momentous day when the mantle of the Prophet Joseph fell upon Brigham Young, and the posturing of Sidney Rigdon and other pretenders was silenced. Witness of divine things varies from person to person. Some present said they saw Joseph's gestures and manner, others heard his voice-and many said they saw Joseph standing before them. Wilford Woodruff, who was there, said "no one who could have convinced me that it was not Joseph."

Mantle is based on records of Brigham Young and Wilford Woodruff who later became Presidents of the Church, Willard Richards who was an Apostle and had been with the Prophet and Hyrum in Carthage Jail, Thomas Bullock, George Laub, William Clayton and others who were scribes to the Prophet, and numerous diarists-humble Saints who were present and witnessed the event, and then wrote about it in diaries, letters or personal histories.

In this miraculous event is a foundation testimony of the Restoration. Of what value are keys if they were lost in the hail of assassins bullets at Carthage? Could they be lost? Were they lost? Nothing that we do in the Church has any eternal significance if the keys were lost. But then we have this testimony, of hundreds, that assurance from a heavenly source was poured out upon an assembly of the Saints sufficient in number that their collective testimony cannot be ignored, conferring a divine witness that ranks with other foundation testimonies of the Restoration, that the keys were not lost, that the authority and powers held by Joseph Smith could be passed to others, and were passed to others, and continue today.

Mantle is not fiction and includes testimony of dozens who were eyewitness to this event so sacred to Latter-day Saints.

Review Excerpt:

"When the mantle of authority passes from one prophet to another "some will know immediately, by the revelations of the Holy Ghost, [who] is to lead. But will you know?", asks the author. This is a remarkable book that tells the story of one aspect of the restoration when the keys of authority passed from Joseph Smith to Brigham Young. It is not another work of Mormon fiction but, of truth as to how the Lord made his will known. The captivating narrative of the events surrounding the passing of the mantle and the humble testimonies of some who witnessed it are recounted here. This is a must read." -- Mike Murphy, 2004.

Robert Mouritsen completed an MA in Church history and doctrine and additional post graduate studies at BYU. He served for seven years on the CES college writing staff assisting with preparation of institute manuals, taught at the institute at Long Beach State, a Doctrines of Salvation course at locations in northern Utah and southern California, and is a volunteer instructor at the institute at Weber State.

He is the author of Office of Associate President (1972), "Ye Are the Temple of God," (arguments against body piercing, tattoos, and other abuse, 1997), and numerous research papers, addresses and essays circulated privately.

In private business since 1979, he has, with others, formed and operated firms in aerospace and medical machined parts, software, construction management and mining services; and has served as a business advisor, and as a director or corporate officer, to companies in a wide array of industries.

He served in the Southern Far East Mission, with the Melchizedek Priesthood Curriculum Task Committee--including service as chairman, which prepared the Personal Study Guide, and among other callings, as President of the Kaysville Utah Crestwood Stake.

He and his wife GeNee have seven children (one who suffers from severe developmental delay to whom he devotes much of his time) and six grandchildren.

Title: Mantle: Windy Day in August, at Nauvoo

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