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Show 53 their speeches and private comments, that many of them were then of the opinion that the time was at hand. After all, considering the prophesies of the rise of the kingdom of God and the destruction decreed upon the United States, what event, but a clash between the Mormons and the Federal troops, could better serve the long awaited fulfillment of these predictions. It is little wonder that Apostle Charles C. Rich joyfully exclaimed from the Bowery on October 7: "I have been looking for the time of deliverance, but I did not expect it so soon. But I know it cannot come too soon to meet with a hearty welcome."1^ And Orson Hyde, another Apostle, had similar feeling while speaking in August. After making strong allusions to the overthrow of the nation and the redemption of Zion, he met the question: Now, when will the Lord's time come to vex the nations, &c? It is not for me to say; yet it would be a time very opportune, when the nation shall begin to dictate to an organized State or Territory in matters of their own internal policy and municipal regulations.... Well, be it so. It is all right, and will hasten the downfall of the i Q mighty image of Nebuchadnezzar;..• The assertions of Apostle Wilford Woodruff were, perhaps, the most positive and unmistakable of the entire millennial rhetoric of the early Utah War period. The Saints who packed the Tabernacle on December 6 were not disappointed with the message they received that day. "The prophecies relating to our time are rolling upon us," declared Woodruff. But the day has now come when he has begun to prepare the way that he may come and take possession of the earth himself, and reign King of nations, as he does now King of Saints. The day of the Devil's power to prevail against the kingdom of God has passed away.... The nation does not know what it is doing nor comprehend the fearful results of the |