And again I have proof to show that Bishops have taken thousands of pounds of wheat in tithing which they have never reported to the general tithing-office,--proof that they stole the wheat to let their friends speculate upon." Under this very pointed denunciation many of the flock complained bitterly.

But Brigham only increased the flow of his wrath upon them.
"You need," said he, "to have it rain pitchforks, tines downward, from this pulpit, Sunday after Sunday." Still there were rebellious Saints to object, and, as Brigham drew the lines of his wrath tighter, these became more prominent in the community.

When they voiced their discontent, they angered the priesthood.

But when they indicated their purpose to leave the valley, as many soon did, they gave alarm.

An exodus must be prevented at any cost, and so the priesthood let it be known that migrations from the valley would be considered as nothing less than apostasy.