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Times and Seasons, 15 September 1842

Source Note

Times and Seasons (
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....

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, Hancock Co., IL), 15 Sept. 1842, vol. 3, no. 22, pp. 911–926; edited by JS. For more complete source information, see the source note for Letter to Isaac Galland, 22 Mar. 1839.

Historical Introduction

JS served as editor for the 15 September 1842 issue, the twenty-second issue in the third volume, of the Times and Seasons, a
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...

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newspaper published 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....

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, Illinois. He was assisted in his editorial responsibilities by
Wilford Woodruff

1 Mar. 1807–2 Sept. 1898. Farmer, miller. Born at Farmington, Hartford Co., Connecticut. Son of Aphek Woodruff and Beulah Thompson. Moved to Richland, Oswego Co., New York, 1832. Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints by Zera Pulsipher,...

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and
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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. Together, these three men produced the semimonthly newspaper, including composing its editorial material. While the extent to which JS was involved in the creation and publication of this issue is unclear, as the newspaper’s editor he was responsible for its content.
1

See Historical Introduction to Times and Seasons, 1 Sept. 1842.


The 15 September 1842 issue contained both non-editorial and editorial material. Non-editorial content in the issue included an installment of the “History of Joseph Smith,” a description of Mount Sinai from an English clergyman, an extract of a letter from
Parley P. Pratt

12 Apr. 1807–13 May 1857. Farmer, editor, publisher, teacher, school administrator, legislator, explorer, author. Born at Burlington, Otsego Co., New York. Son of Jared Pratt and Charity Dickinson. Traveled west with brother William to acquire land, 1823....

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on the desire of many converts in
England

Island nation consisting of southern portion of Great Britain and surrounding smaller islands. Bounded on north by Scotland and on west by Wales. Became province of Roman Empire, first century. Ruled by Romans, through 447. Ruled by Picts, Scots, and Saxons...

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to immigrate to
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....

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, and a letter from the
First Presidency

The highest presiding body of the church. An 11 November 1831 revelation stated that the president of the high priesthood was to preside over the church. JS was ordained as president of the high priesthood on 25 January 1832. In March 1832, JS appointed two...

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“to all the Saints in Nauvoo.”
2

This First Presidency letter is featured as a separate document in this volume. (Letter to “All the Saints in Nauvoo,” 1 Sept. 1842 [D&C 127].)


In addition, the issue contained a notice that a concordance of scripture and writings about the church’s ecclesiastical history published by
Benjamin Winchester

6 Aug. 1817–25 Jan. 1901. Farmer, author, merchant, brick maker. Born near Elk Creek, Erie Co., Pennsylvania. Son of Stephen Winchester and Mary Case. Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, early 1833, in Elk Creek. Moved to Kirtland, ...

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in
Philadelphia

Port city founded as Quaker settlement by William Penn, 1681. Site of signing of Declaration of Independence and drafting of U.S. Constitution. Nation’s capital city, 1790–1800. Population in 1830 about 170,000; in 1840 about 260,000; and in 1850 about 410...

More Info
was available; a reprinting of a letter from church member William Rowley reporting on his missionary efforts in
Liverpool

Seaport, city, county borough, and market-town in northwestern England. Experienced exponential growth during nineteenth century. Population in 1830 about 120,000. Population in 1841 about 290,000. First Latter-day Saint missionaries to England arrived in...

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, England; a reprinting of an article in the Antigua Herald on an earthquake on the Caribbean island of Antigua; a brief letter to the editor from
apostles

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 ...

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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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and
Heber C. Kimball

14 June 1801–22 June 1868. Blacksmith, potter. Born at Sheldon, Franklin Co., Vermont. Son of Solomon Farnham Kimball and Anna Spaulding. Married Vilate Murray, 22 Nov. 1822, at Mendon, Monroe Co., New York. Member of Baptist church at Mendon, 1831. Baptized...

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;
3

This letter is featured as a separate document in this volume. (Letter from Brigham Young and Heber C. Kimball, 12 Sept. 1842.)


and a notice that copies of hymnbooks and of the Book of Mormon were available for purchase.
4

“History of Joseph Smith,” “Ascent of Mount Sinai,” “Extract of a Letter,” “Tidings,” “Winchester’s Concordance,” “Letter from William Rowley,” “Earthquake at Antigua,” and “Books of Mormon, &c.,” Times and Seasons, 15 Sept. 1842, 3:915–920, 923–926.


The issue’s editorial content, featured here with introductions to each passage of text for which JS was ultimately responsible, included commentary on the Book of Mormon in light of recent archaeological discoveries, reflections on the risks of philosophizing about religious matters, a condemnation of the way government officials condoned the expulsion of church members from
Missouri

Area acquired by U.S. in Louisiana Purchase, 1803, and established as territory, 1812. Missouri Compromise, 1820, admitted Missouri as slave state, 1821. Population in 1830 about 140,000; in 1836 about 240,000; and in 1840 about 380,000. Latter-day Saint ...

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in 1838, and a report of a recent discourse delivered by
Sidney Rigdon

19 Feb. 1793–14 July 1876. Tanner, farmer, minister. Born at St. Clair, Allegheny Co., Pennsylvania. Son of William Rigdon and Nancy Gallaher. Joined United Baptists, ca. 1818. Preached at Warren, Trumbull Co., Ohio, and vicinity, 1819–1821. Married Phebe...

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to church members 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....

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. The issue also included editorials encouraging church members living outside the city to send donations to facilitate the construction of the Nauvoo temple, urging traveling elders to arrange for the free delivery of the Times and Seasons and the Wasp through the postal service, and insisting that JS was consistent in condemning vice and promoting virtue.
Note that only the editorial content created specifically for this issue of the Times and Seasons is annotated here. Articles reprinted from other papers, letters, conference minutes, and notices, are reproduced here but not annotated. Items that are stand-alone JS documents are annotated elsewhere; links are provided to these stand-alone documents.
5

See “Editorial Method”.


Footnotes

  1. [1]

    See Historical Introduction to Times and Seasons, 1 Sept. 1842.

  2. [2]

    This First Presidency letter is featured as a separate document in this volume. (Letter to “All the Saints in Nauvoo,” 1 Sept. 1842 [D&C 127].)

  3. [3]

    This letter is featured as a separate document in this volume. (Letter from Brigham Young and Heber C. Kimball, 12 Sept. 1842.)

  4. [4]

    “History of Joseph Smith,” “Ascent of Mount Sinai,” “Extract of a Letter,” “Tidings,” “Winchester’s Concordance,” “Letter from William Rowley,” “Earthquake at Antigua,” and “Books of Mormon, &c.,” Times and Seasons, 15 Sept. 1842, 3:915–920, 923–926.

  5. [5]

    See “Editorial Method”.

Asterisk (*) denotes a "featured" version, which includes an introduction and annotation. *Times and Seasons, 15 September 1842 *Times and Seasons, 15 September 1842 *Times and Seasons, 15 September 1842 *Times and Seasons, 15 September 1842 *Times and Seasons, 15 September 1842 *Times and Seasons, 15 September 1842
*Times and Seasons, 15 September 1842
*Times and Seasons, 15 September 1842 *Letter from Brigham Young and Heber C. Kimball, 12 September 1842 Times and Seasons, 15 September 1842 History, 1838–1856, volume D-1 [1 August 1842–1 July 1843] “History of Joseph Smith” *Letter to “All the Saints in Nauvoo,” 1 September 1842 [D&C 127] Journal, December 1841–December 1842 Times and Seasons, 15 September 1842 Doctrine and Covenants, 1844 History, 1838–1856, volume D-1 [1 August 1842–1 July 1843] “History of Joseph Smith”

Page 924

type, and, if we should judge, from a hasty perusal, will be a useful prompter to the travelling elders. Its small form renders it convenient. The present agents are—
Wm. Small

Mar. 1815–25 Jan. 1887. Shoemaker. Born in Lebanon Co., Pennsylvania. Moved to Philadelphia, by 1839. Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1839. Ordained a priest, 23 Dec. 1839, in Philadelphia. Ordained an elder, 18 Oct. 1840, in Philadelphia...

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,
Pittsburgh

Also spelled Pittsbourg, Pittsbourgh, and Pittsburg. Major industrial port city in southwestern Pennsylvania. Near location where Monongahela and Allegheny rivers converge to form Ohio River. French established Fort Du Quesne, 1754. British captured fort,...

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, Pa.
L[ucian] R. Foster

12 Nov. 1806–19 Mar. 1876. Photographer, accountant, bookkeeper, clerk. Born in New Marlboro, Berkshire Co., Massachusetts. Son of Nathaniel Foster and Polly. Married first Harriet Eliza Burr. Married second Mary Ann Graham. Baptized into Church of Jesus ...

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,
New York City

Dutch founded New Netherland colony, 1625. Incorporated under British control and renamed New York, 1664. Harbor contributed to economic and population growth of city; became largest city in American colonies. British troops defeated Continental Army under...

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.
Erastus Snow

9 Nov. 1818–27 May 1888. Farmer, teacher, merchant, publisher, manufacturer. Born at St. Johnsbury, Caledonia Co., Vermont. Son of Levi Snow and Lucina Streeter. Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints by William Snow, 3 Feb. 1833, at Charleston...

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,
Salem

Port city located northeast of Boston. Population in 1830 about 14,000. Population in 1840 about 15,000. JS visited city as a young boy while recovering from leg surgery to remove diseased bone. JS, Hyrum Smith, Oliver Cowdery, and Sidney Rigdon visited city...

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, Mass.
Price, (portable form) 75 cents.
" Morocco bound, 62 1-2 cents.
The usual deduction to wholesale purchasers. Orders received at the corner of Sixth and Buttonwood Streets,
Philadelphia

Port city founded as Quaker settlement by William Penn, 1681. Site of signing of Declaration of Independence and drafting of U.S. Constitution. Nation’s capital city, 1790–1800. Population in 1830 about 170,000; in 1840 about 260,000; and in 1850 about 410...

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—post paid.
 
————

Editorial Note
The seventh editorial selection in this issue was a brief note explaining that the newspaper would not publish the minutes of a 29 August 1842 meeting held in a
grove

Before partial completion of Nauvoo temple, all large meetings were held outdoors in groves located near east and west sides of temple site. Had portable stands for speakers. JS referred to area as “temple stand” due to its location on brow of hill.

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of trees near the
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
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...

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construction site. At the meeting,
Hyrum Smith

9 Feb. 1800–27 June 1844. Farmer, cooper. Born at Tunbridge, Orange Co., Vermont. Son of Joseph Smith Sr. and Lucy Mack. Moved to Randolph, Orange Co., 1802; back to Tunbridge, before May 1803; to Royalton, Windsor Co., Vermont, 1804; to Sharon, Windsor Co...

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spoke on the need for
elders

A male leader in the church generally; an ecclesiastical and priesthood office or one holding that office; a proselytizing missionary. The Book of Mormon explained that elders ordained priests and teachers and administered “the flesh and blood of Christ unto...

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serving missions throughout the
United States

North American constitutional republic. Constitution ratified, 17 Sept. 1787. Population in 1805 about 6,000,000; in 1830 about 13,000,000; and in 1844 about 20,000,000. Louisiana Purchase, 1803, doubled size of U.S. Consisted of seventeen states at time ...

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to preach in such a way that countered
John C. Bennett

3 Aug. 1804–5 Aug. 1867. Physician, minister, poultry breeder. Born at Fairhaven, Bristol Co., Massachusetts. Son of John Bennett and Abigail Cook. Moved to Marietta, Washington Co., Ohio, 1808; to Massachusetts, 1812; and back to Marietta, 1822. Married ...

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’s criticism of JS and 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
. The elders also needed to raise money for the construction of the
Nauvoo House

Located in lower portion of Nauvoo (the flats) along bank of Mississippi River. JS revelation, dated 19 Jan. 1841, instructed Saints to build boardinghouse for travelers and immigrants. Construction of planned three-story building to be funded by fifty-dollar...

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and the temple.
64

JS, Journal, 29 Aug. 1842.


JS then spoke on a variety of topics, including the recent dissension of several church members and the ongoing efforts of
Missouri

Area acquired by U.S. in Louisiana Purchase, 1803, and established as territory, 1812. Missouri Compromise, 1820, admitted Missouri as slave state, 1821. Population in 1830 about 140,000; in 1836 about 240,000; and in 1840 about 380,000. Latter-day Saint ...

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officials to extradite him.
65

Discourse, 29 Aug. 1842.



We promised the minutes of a Special
Conferonce

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...

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, which was held in this
city

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....

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, in August last.
66

In its 1 September 1842 issue, the Times and Seasons notified readers that the meeting had occurred, promising to give an account of it in the next issue. (Notice, Times and Seasons, 1 Sept. 1842, 3:896.)


As little business, more than to send forth laborers in the vineyard, was done, it has not been considered of sufficient importance to occupy a space in this number.
 
————
LETTER FROM WILLIAM ROWLEY.
20, Upper Pittt Street,
Liverpool

Seaport, city, county borough, and market-town in northwestern England. Experienced exponential growth during nineteenth century. Population in 1830 about 120,000. Population in 1841 about 290,000. First Latter-day Saint missionaries to England arrived in...

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,)
June, 1842.)
My Dear
Father, Brother, and Friend

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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,—It is with no small degree of pleasure that I take up my pen to scribble a few lines in reply to your very kind, affectionate, welcome and intelligent letter; and I feel truly, that I am writing as unto a father, because through your instrumentality I was begotten again to a lively hope through the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ—and I ever wish to cherish a grateful remembrance of this, in thus being rescued from the vain traditions of men, in which I had been so long entrameled and bound up. I can, I think, enter in som degree into those high and holy emotions which have pervaded in your bosom, in the contemplation and retrospection of the time when you were thus diffusing the light and truth of heaven, which had been for so long a period lost in the midst of an overwise and priest ridden people; and I know and am certain that had you not been sent of God—cal[l]ed of him, as was Aaron, to that Apostolic office, you would not, you could not have endured what you and your dear brethren did for the truth’s sake. But thus sent—thus qualified—thus sustained—you endured all things as good soldiers; and I do pray that our Heavenly Father will still bless you—yea, doubly bless you, so that when he may again send you forth you may sow and reap an over abundant harvest, in bringing many souls into the
new and everlasting covenant

Generally referred to the “fulness of the gospel”—the sum total of the church’s message, geared toward establishing God’s covenant people on the earth; also used to describe individual elements of the gospel, including marriage. According to JS, the everlasting...

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.
As you will have by the same conveyance, a letter from brother Harrison containing, I suppose, more information relative to the progress and welfare 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
than I can give, since you left, I shall not go into particulars, but just state that the cause of truth has progressed wonderfully, notwithstanding this sect is every where spoken against; but how true is that remark of yours: “the gospel must be received in its native simplicity—its humble, unassuming garb—we must be little children—divest ourselves of preconceived opinions, and enter in by the gate.” Yes, dear
sir

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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, here is the grand turning point. Every day convinces me more and more, it is these himiliating principles that causes the heart of man to rebel and reject them, nowithstanding they were so clearly set down and practically illustrated by the Saviour himself. You say “it would do your heart good to be in our midst 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
.” The daily contemplation and idea of one day being in your midst, always does my heart good. I seem to take fresh courage and look up and onward to that time when I shall indeed be with you, surrounded by the brethren—by those, and by him, that were thus the gifted men sent to gather us out of mystery and tradition, even Babylon. I do thank you for thus giving me that personal assurance of the prosperity of the cause—as I relied fully upon your testimony when here, so can I now place the same implicit confidence in what you have now stated; and from that I do wish myself “in your midst.” In reply to your kind enquiries after the health of myself, my dear children, mother and sister. I am thankful to say that hitherto the God of heaven hath been very gracious unto us in giving us health, with every other needful blessing. It would have given me great pleasure had I had to have communicated that any of my friends were any nearer in embracing the everlasting gospel—but there seems to be a more determined resistence of the truth—closing their eyes and ears by prejudice from every argument that can be brought and refusing to listen to those principles which when received in simplicity and sincerity bring life, joy and peace to the soul. How long they will thus shut their eyes I know not, but I fear until it is too late—or until they are awakened from their priest ridden sleep by those judgments that shall come upon all those that reject this gospel. You may now have heard before this, from our brother Edwin Mitchell, and his partner, that just as they were leaving I was on the point of taking to myself another helpmate in a neighbor of theirs, in whom I found those excellencies and characteristics for making a good and affectionate wife, together with a heart already prepared, in some degree, through your instrumentality, for an obedience to the gospel. That has been consnmmated, and though at present she seems terrified at the [p. 924]
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Page 924

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Related Case Documents
Editorial Title
Times and Seasons, 15 September 1842
ID #
8156
Total Pages
16
Print Volume Location
JSP, D11:86–102
Handwriting on This Page
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Footnotes

  1. [64]

    JS, Journal, 29 Aug. 1842.

  2. [65]

    Discourse, 29 Aug. 1842.

  3. [66]

    In its 1 September 1842 issue, the Times and Seasons notified readers that the meeting had occurred, promising to give an account of it in the next issue. (Notice, Times and Seasons, 1 Sept. 1842, 3:896.)

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