This is a statement that summarizes the thoughts of the Remnant movement after the possible covenant was announced:

"The principles by which I shall be governed shall be every word that proceeds from the mouth of God through His authorized minister." (A well-known luminary in the restoration movement)

I suppose this man would have joined the Danites, or applauded, or even given the Salt Sermon, both of which were highly likely to be approved by Joseph, and partaken in all the mistakes made by that man before his [Joseph's] mortal probation was over, placing the confidence of his salvation in another man, rather than God. This is akin to Brigham saying that he was not an apostle of Christ, but an apostle of Joseph.

Perhaps Jesus could have told this man that he could trust Joseph in everything and suspend his own judgment, but that would contradict the scripture: "Cursed is he that putteth his trust in man, or maketh flesh his arm, or shall hearken unto the precepts of men, save their precepts shall be given by the power of the Holy Ghost." (2 Nephi 28:31)