Page:History of Utah.djvu/257

 righam.

for example, Mormonism would have split into half a dozen petty factions, the strongest of which would hardly be worthy of notice.

Discussing the great Mormon leaders, Hyde, who though an apostate was one of the most impartial of writers, says: ''Brigham Young is far superior to Smith in everything that constitutes a great leader. Smith was not a man of genius; his forte was tact. He only embraced opportunities that presented them- selves. He used circumstances, but did not create them. The compiling genius of Mormonism was Sidney Kigdon. Smith had boisterous impetuosity, but no foresight. Polygamy was not the result of his policy, but of his passions. Sidney gave point, direc- tion, and apparent consistency to the Mormon system of theology. He invented its forms and many of its arguments. He and Parley Pratt were its leading orators and polemics. Had it not been for the acces- sion of these two men. Smith would have been lost, and his schemes frustrated and abandoned. That Brighara was superior not only to Smith but also to Bigdon is evident."

Burton says: "His manner is at once affable and impressive, simple and courteous, . . . shows no sign of dogmatism, ... impresses a stranger with a certain sense of power; his followers are, of course, wholly fascinated by his superior strength of brain." Temper even and placid, manner cold, but he is neither morose nor methodistic. Often reproves in violent language ; powers of observation acute; has an excellent mem- ory, and is a keen judge of character. "If he dis- likes a stranger at the first interview, he never sees him again. Of his temperance and sobriety there is but one opinion. His life is ascetic; his favorite food is baked potatoes with a little buttermilk, and his drink water." ^^

" City of the Saints, 292-3; Mormonism, 170. Hyde is by no means one of Brigham's flatterers, but appears to speak from conviction. On the same page he remarks: ' Brigham maybe a great man, greatly deceived, but he