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Minutes, 7 April 1843, as Reported by William Clayton

Source Note

Special conference of the church, Minutes, [
Nauvoo

Principal gathering place for Saints following expulsion from Missouri. Beginning in 1839, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints purchased lands in earlier settlement of Commerce and planned settlement of Commerce City, as well as surrounding areas....

More Info
, Hancock Co., IL, 7 Apr. 1843]; handwriting of
William Clayton

17 July 1814–4 Dec. 1879. Bookkeeper, clerk. Born at Charnock Moss, Penwortham, Lancashire, England. Son of Thomas Clayton and Ann Critchley. Married Ruth Moon, 9 Oct. 1836, at Penwortham. Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints by Heber...

View Full Bio
; three pages; Historian’s Office, General Church Minutes, CHL. Includes redactions.
Bifolium measuring 12¼ × 8¾ inches (31 × 22 cm), with thirty-six horizontal gray lines. The document was folded for filing. At an unknown time, an unidentified scribe made numerical calculations on the verso of the second leaf.
A title, “Pratts Sermon”, was inscribed on the document by
Willard Richards

24 June 1804–11 Mar. 1854. Teacher, lecturer, doctor, clerk, printer, editor, postmaster. Born at Hopkinton, Middlesex Co., Massachusetts. Son of Joseph Richards and Rhoda Howe. Moved to Richmond, Berkshire Co., Massachusetts, 1813; to Chatham, Columbia Co...

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, who served as JS’s scribe from December 1841 until JS’s death in June 1844 and served as church historian from December 1842 until his own death in March 1854.
1

JS, Journal, 13 Dec. 1841 and 21 Dec. 1842; Orson Spencer, “Death of Our Beloved Brother Willard Richards,” Deseret News (Salt Lake City), 16 Mar. 1854, [2].


Comprehensive Works Cited

Deseret News. Salt Lake City. 1850–.

In the mid-twentieth century, the document was included in a miscellaneous minutes collection that was a vestige of the genre-based filing method used by the Church Historian’s Office (now CHL) in the first half of the twentieth century. This document genre collection contained many documents that subsequently formed the basis for the General Church Minutes collection that was cataloged in 1994.
2

See the full bibliographic entry for Historian’s Office, General Church Minutes, 1839–1877, in the CHL catalog.


Richards’s title and the document’s inclusion in the General Church Minutes collection indicate continuous institutional custody.

Footnotes

  1. [1]

    JS, Journal, 13 Dec. 1841 and 21 Dec. 1842; Orson Spencer, “Death of Our Beloved Brother Willard Richards,” Deseret News (Salt Lake City), 16 Mar. 1854, [2].

    Deseret News. Salt Lake City. 1850–.

  2. [2]

    See the full bibliographic entry for Historian’s Office, General Church Minutes, 1839–1877, in the CHL catalog.

Historical Introduction

During the 7 April 1843 afternoon meeting of the
church

The Book of Mormon related that when Christ set up his church in the Americas, “they which were baptized in the name of Jesus, were called the church of Christ.” The first name used to denote the church JS organized on 6 April 1830 was “the Church of Christ...

View Glossary
’s special
conference

A meeting where ecclesiastical officers and other church members could conduct church business. The “Articles and Covenants” of the church directed the elders to hold conferences to perform “Church business.” The first of these conferences was held on 9 June...

View Glossary
, held from 6 to 9 April 1843 in
Nauvoo

Principal gathering place for Saints following expulsion from Missouri. Beginning in 1839, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints purchased lands in earlier settlement of Commerce and planned settlement of Commerce City, as well as surrounding areas....

More Info
, Illinois,
apostle

Members of a governing body in the church, with special administrative and proselytizing responsibilities. A June 1829 revelation commanded Oliver Cowdery and David Whitmer to call twelve disciples, similar to the twelve apostles in the New Testament and ...

View Glossary
Orson Pratt

19 Sept. 1811–3 Oct. 1881. Farmer, writer, teacher, merchant, surveyor, editor, publisher. Born at Hartford, Washington Co., New York. Son of Jared Pratt and Charity Dickinson. Moved to New Lebanon, Columbia Co., New York, 1814; to Canaan, Columbia Co., fall...

View Full Bio
gave a discourse on the Millennium and the concept of resurrection, which prompted a response and correction from JS later in the meeting. The congregation filled the temporary floor on the main level of the
temple

Located in portion of Nauvoo known as the bluff. JS revelation dated Jan. 1841 commanded Saints to build temple and hotel (Nauvoo House). Cornerstone laid, 6 Apr. 1841. Saints volunteered labor, money, and other resources for temple construction. Construction...

More Info
, with some listeners standing on the unfinished temple walls.
1

JS, Journal, 6–7 Apr. 1843.


After the meeting opened at 2:30 p.m. with a hymn followed by a prayer offered by
Brigham Young

1 June 1801–29 Aug. 1877. Carpenter, painter, glazier, colonizer. Born at Whitingham, Windham Co., Vermont. Son of John Young and Abigail (Nabby) Howe. Brought up in Methodist household; later joined Methodist church. Moved to Sherburne, Chenango Co., New...

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, Pratt discussed the millennial beliefs of Baptist preacher
William Miller

15 Feb. 1782–20 Dec. 1849. Farmer, author, military officer, preacher. Born in Pittsfield, Berkshire Co., Massachusetts. Son of William Miller and Paulina Phelps. Moved to Hampton, Washington Co., New York, 1786. Married Lucy Phelps Smith, 29 June 1803. Moved...

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and his followers, arguing that contemporary revelation through a prophet was necessary to comprehend biblical prophecies. The apostle then sought to reconcile scientific ideas about matter perpetually reconstituting itself with religious beliefs about the literal resurrection of the body by suggesting that a core part of the body remained constant throughout life, death, and resurrection. Pratt left open the possibility that some material components of one body might be reconstituted within another body, although he invited JS to correct him if necessary. Apostle
William Smith

13 Mar. 1811–13 Nov. 1893. Farmer, newspaper editor. Born at Royalton, Windsor Co., Vermont. Son of Joseph Smith Sr. and Lucy Mack. Moved to Lebanon, Grafton Co., New Hampshire, 1811; to Norwich, Windsor Co., 1813; and to Palmyra, Ontario Co., New York, 1816...

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followed Pratt at 3:25 p.m. and discussed ways that Latter-day Saint beliefs differed from those of other religious groups.
2

JS, Journal, 7 Apr. 1843.


At 4:45 p.m., JS briefly took the stand to offer a correction to
Pratt

19 Sept. 1811–3 Oct. 1881. Farmer, writer, teacher, merchant, surveyor, editor, publisher. Born at Hartford, Washington Co., New York. Son of Jared Pratt and Charity Dickinson. Moved to New Lebanon, Columbia Co., New York, 1814; to Canaan, Columbia Co., fall...

View Full Bio
’s discourse. While praising the topic as “a glorious subject” and indicating that “the principle of Mr Pratt was correct,” JS nevertheless stated that he “care[d] not what the theories of man are.” He explained that “their is no fundamental principle belonging to a human System” that would ever become part of another human body, whether “in this world. or the world to come.” Additionally, JS insisted that “we have the testimony that God will raise us up & he has power to do it.” After JS concluded his comments, the choir sang a hymn, and apostle
John Taylor

1 Nov. 1808–25 July 1887. Preacher, editor, publisher, politician. Born at Milnthorpe, Westmoreland, England. Son of James Taylor and Agnes Taylor, members of Church of England. Around age sixteen, joined Methodist church and was local preacher. Migrated ...

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closed the meeting with a prayer.
3

JS, Journal, 7 Apr. 1843.


Conference clerk
William Clayton

17 July 1814–4 Dec. 1879. Bookkeeper, clerk. Born at Charnock Moss, Penwortham, Lancashire, England. Son of Thomas Clayton and Ann Critchley. Married Ruth Moon, 9 Oct. 1836, at Penwortham. Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints by Heber...

View Full Bio
captured uneven minutes for the meeting, focusing primarily on
Pratt

19 Sept. 1811–3 Oct. 1881. Farmer, writer, teacher, merchant, surveyor, editor, publisher. Born at Hartford, Washington Co., New York. Son of Jared Pratt and Charity Dickinson. Moved to New Lebanon, Columbia Co., New York, 1814; to Canaan, Columbia Co., fall...

View Full Bio
’s discourse and JS’s response. Clayton mentioned
William Smith

13 Mar. 1811–13 Nov. 1893. Farmer, newspaper editor. Born at Royalton, Windsor Co., Vermont. Son of Joseph Smith Sr. and Lucy Mack. Moved to Lebanon, Grafton Co., New Hampshire, 1811; to Norwich, Windsor Co., 1813; and to Palmyra, Ontario Co., New York, 1816...

View Full Bio
’s sermon only briefly and omitted significant contextual information such as when the meeting opened and closed and the names of those offering prayers. He also neglected to identify JS as the speaker responding to
Orson Pratt

19 Sept. 1811–3 Oct. 1881. Farmer, writer, teacher, merchant, surveyor, editor, publisher. Born at Hartford, Washington Co., New York. Son of Jared Pratt and Charity Dickinson. Moved to New Lebanon, Columbia Co., New York, 1814; to Canaan, Columbia Co., fall...

View Full Bio
.
4

Clayton, Journal, 6 Apr. 1843; see also Historical Introduction to Minutes and Discourses, 6–7 Apr. 1843.


Comprehensive Works Cited

Clayton, William. Journals, 1842–1845. CHL.

Part of Pratt’s discourse that treated the identity of the “Ancient of days” mentioned in the biblical book of Daniel was subsequently published in expanded form in the Times and Seasons.
5

“The Ancient of Days,” Times and Seasons, 15 May 1843, 4:204; see also Daniel 7:9, 13–14.


Comprehensive Works Cited

Times and Seasons. Commerce/Nauvoo, IL. Nov. 1839–Feb. 1846.

Footnotes

  1. [1]

    JS, Journal, 6–7 Apr. 1843.

  2. [2]

    JS, Journal, 7 Apr. 1843.

  3. [3]

    JS, Journal, 7 Apr. 1843.

  4. [4]

    Clayton, Journal, 6 Apr. 1843; see also Historical Introduction to Minutes and Discourses, 6–7 Apr. 1843.

    Clayton, William. Journals, 1842–1845. CHL.

  5. [5]

    “The Ancient of Days,” Times and Seasons, 15 May 1843, 4:204; see also Daniel 7:9, 13–14.

    Times and Seasons. Commerce/Nauvoo, IL. Nov. 1839–Feb. 1846.

Asterisk (*) denotes a "featured" version, which includes an introduction and annotation. *Minutes, 7 April 1843, as Reported by William Clayton Minutes, 7 April 1843, as Reported by Willard Richards Journal, December 1842–June 1844; Book 2, 10 March 1843–14 July 1843 History Draft [1 March–31 December 1843] History, 1838–1856, volume D-1 [1 August 1842–1 July 1843] “History of Joseph Smith”

Page [2]

will increase a great mountain & fill the [[world]].
9

TEXT: Expanded from the Taylor shorthand symbol for world.


when many hear the Sec. they might be lead away in Error— I like all the truth— sure foundation when error is mingled with truth we are in doubt— need revelation. This do not contend for Rev. every man that takes it into his head that the Lord is nigh goes with an[o]ther. tells the people he is coming dont tell what to do— would not thank them except he tell me how to escape. like reason— & as do
L.D. S

The Book of Mormon related that when Christ set up his church in the Americas, “they which were baptized in the name of Jesus, were called the church of Christ.” The first name used to denote the church JS organized on 6 April 1830 was “the Church of Christ...

View Glossary
— most intelligent, reasonable— on all [[world]].
10

TEXT: Expanded from the Taylor shorthand symbol for world.


I had a good oportunity— 13 years— I know they are true, reasonable, reason— that God should speak, instruct, lead, differnc unreasonable, would as soon worship a stump or horse as a God who did not give Rev. According to Dan. that a personage (ancient &c. I saw &c— like the S[on] of M[an], came to the Ancient of days— many have erred in supposn the A of days was God— not scan[ne]d. the language— 2 personages— 1st. A— thrones are cast down &c. 2 The Son of man comes.
11

See Daniel 7:9, 13–14.


if they are the same I cannot understand— who is the A of days— cant tell without Rev— one of the most A[ncient] men that ever lived— Adam—
12

In 1835, JS published a revelation that identified the biblical figure Adam as the Ancient of Days in the book of Daniel. (Revelation, ca. Aug. 1835 [D&C 27:11].)


should not have known without Rev. Adam to have something to do— all the prophets will have something to do in this work. it required more faith then they had so wicked— died in faith without enjoying that period. They were not able to accomplish— prayers were heard, when Adam looked down he saw the glorious period— he prayed for that time— so Enoch Noah & others all saw it would come,
13

JS’s 1830 revision of the Bible included an account of a vision in which the prophet Enoch saw the gathering of Israel in the latter days and the building of the New Jerusalem. The account included a prophecy that Enoch’s city, which had been taken to heaven due to the righteousness of the inhabitants, would return to earth in the latter days and be united with the New Jerusalem. (Old Testament Revision 1, p. 19 [Moses 7:62]; see also Old Testament Revision 1, p. 24 [Joseph Smith Translation, Genesis 9:21–22]; and Letter to the Church, 7 Sept. 1842 [D&C 128:21].)


when the day should usher in all had their work assigned them— have a part— to roll— Adam is to come & organized a great council &c. to prepare them for more. would not be able to abide the day— were it not that A is sent forth— a council set things in order Jesus comes to the A of days— then he is delivered as Daniel says, not like sec. religion there is a vast difference—
14

In May 1838, JS identified a hill in northwestern Missouri as the spot where “Adam shall come to visit his people, or the Ancient of days shall sit as spoken of by Daniel the Prophet.” The hill and its surrounding Latter-day Saint community were called Adam-ondi-Ahman. During summer 1839, JS taught that at Adam-ondi-Ahman, Adam would preside at a final “grand Council,” where biblical prophets and others who held keys, or priesthood authority, “must Stand before him.” Adam would then deliver up “his stewardship to Christ” and give Christ “glory & dominion,” although Adam would retain “his standing as head of the human family.” (JS, Journal, 18 May–1 June 1838; Discourse, between ca. 26 June and ca. 4 Aug. 1839–A.)


we believe in miracles Angels administer— he[a]vens open— prepare his people they do not— difference. Rev. alone might be the whole dif.— blind guides
15

See Matthew 23:16, 24.


they dont know what is going to take place— because the[y] have no Rev. they wander in dark— one says repent and to [[world]]s..
16

TEXT: Expanded from the Taylor shorthand symbol for world.


vast difference. 10000 of them honest would like to do right— they are in darkness. have no co[u]rse— that which looks most right they take— L. D. S could not scan the errors without Rev— cant be done never was never will be God in h[eaven] that revealeth secrets— he reveals according to his own pleasure through
priesthood

Power or authority of God. The priesthood was conferred through the laying on of hands upon adult male members of the church in good standing; no specialized training was required. Priesthood officers held responsibility for administering the sacrament of...

View Glossary
, Another subject. Resurrection— our idea yesterday which all might not understand—
17

Orson Pratt spoke briefly on the resurrection on 6 April 1843. (See Minutes and Discourses, 6–7 Apr. 1843.)


prophet can correct— ie Res— of the body— denied by many wise ones— impossible— contraly [contrary] to the laws of nature
18

Early modern philosophers rejected the belief that human bodies would literally be resurrected, pointing to the idea that matter constantly reconstitutes itself in nature, passing between plants, animals, and humans. Taking this argument to logical extremes, Robert Boyle and others proposed that elements from multiple human bodies would be combined at the time of resurrection, rendering it impossible to determine to whom the composite parts had originally belonged. John Locke proposed that it was consciousness and memory retained by the soul, rather than the physical human body, that would enjoy continuity during life and afterlife. (See Forstrom, John Locke and Personal Identity, 101–115; and Brown, In Heaven as It Is on Earth, 57–58.)


Comprehensive Works Cited

Forstrom, K. Joanna S. John Locke and Personal Identity: Immortality and Bodily Resurrection in 17th-Century Philosophy. New York: Continuum Books, 2010.

Brown, Samuel M. In Heaven as It Is on Earth: Joseph Smith and the Early Mormon Conquest of Death. New York: Oxford University Press, 2012.

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Related Case Documents
Editorial Title
Minutes, 7 April 1843, as Reported by William Clayton
ID #
10829
Total Pages
4
Print Volume Location
JSP, D12:174–180
Handwriting on This Page
  • William Clayton

Footnotes

  1. [9]

    TEXT: Expanded from the Taylor shorthand symbol for world.

  2. [10]

    TEXT: Expanded from the Taylor shorthand symbol for world.

  3. [11]

    See Daniel 7:9, 13–14.

  4. [12]

    In 1835, JS published a revelation that identified the biblical figure Adam as the Ancient of Days in the book of Daniel. (Revelation, ca. Aug. 1835 [D&C 27:11].)

  5. [13]

    JS’s 1830 revision of the Bible included an account of a vision in which the prophet Enoch saw the gathering of Israel in the latter days and the building of the New Jerusalem. The account included a prophecy that Enoch’s city, which had been taken to heaven due to the righteousness of the inhabitants, would return to earth in the latter days and be united with the New Jerusalem. (Old Testament Revision 1, p. 19 [Moses 7:62]; see also Old Testament Revision 1, p. 24 [Joseph Smith Translation, Genesis 9:21–22]; and Letter to the Church, 7 Sept. 1842 [D&C 128:21].)

  6. [14]

    In May 1838, JS identified a hill in northwestern Missouri as the spot where “Adam shall come to visit his people, or the Ancient of days shall sit as spoken of by Daniel the Prophet.” The hill and its surrounding Latter-day Saint community were called Adam-ondi-Ahman. During summer 1839, JS taught that at Adam-ondi-Ahman, Adam would preside at a final “grand Council,” where biblical prophets and others who held keys, or priesthood authority, “must Stand before him.” Adam would then deliver up “his stewardship to Christ” and give Christ “glory & dominion,” although Adam would retain “his standing as head of the human family.” (JS, Journal, 18 May–1 June 1838; Discourse, between ca. 26 June and ca. 4 Aug. 1839–A.)

  7. [15]

    See Matthew 23:16, 24.

  8. [16]

    TEXT: Expanded from the Taylor shorthand symbol for world.

  9. [17]

    Orson Pratt spoke briefly on the resurrection on 6 April 1843. (See Minutes and Discourses, 6–7 Apr. 1843.)

  10. [18]

    Early modern philosophers rejected the belief that human bodies would literally be resurrected, pointing to the idea that matter constantly reconstitutes itself in nature, passing between plants, animals, and humans. Taking this argument to logical extremes, Robert Boyle and others proposed that elements from multiple human bodies would be combined at the time of resurrection, rendering it impossible to determine to whom the composite parts had originally belonged. John Locke proposed that it was consciousness and memory retained by the soul, rather than the physical human body, that would enjoy continuity during life and afterlife. (See Forstrom, John Locke and Personal Identity, 101–115; and Brown, In Heaven as It Is on Earth, 57–58.)

    Forstrom, K. Joanna S. John Locke and Personal Identity: Immortality and Bodily Resurrection in 17th-Century Philosophy. New York: Continuum Books, 2010.

    Brown, Samuel M. In Heaven as It Is on Earth: Joseph Smith and the Early Mormon Conquest of Death. New York: Oxford University Press, 2012.

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