In 2003, Jeffs claimed to have received revelation from God about a monument erected in Colorado City, commemorating the 1953 raid on Short Creek, in which dozens of polygamists were jailed. A secretly recorded audiotape of the sermon was obtained by the Deseret Morning News.

"Verily I say unto you my servant Warren," Jeffs claims God said to him. "My people have sinned a very grievous sin before me, in that they have raised up monuments to man and have not glorified me."

Jeffs ordered his people to repent for "their idolatry" and had the monument destroyed.

He also cancelled Sunday meetings until further notice. In a priesthood sermon earlier that day, Jeffs told FLDS men to choose sides.

"There is only one side and that is the Lord's side," Jeffs said. The Deseret Morning News obtained an audiotape of the sermon, which was secretly recorded by an FLDS member.

Months later, dozens of men were kicked out of the church. Their wives and children were given to other men.

Jeffs appeared to know that a conflict was coming. In a secretly recorded priesthood sermon obtained by the Deseret Morning News, he proclaimed that only the Lord could protect them from the trials ahead.

"In the last moments ... the final preparation," Jeffs said. "The storm clouds are gathering against us."

---

E-mail: bwinslow@desnews.com