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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....

More Info
, 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....

More Info
, 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....

More Info
, 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....

More Info
. 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 926

wise Disposer of events could have rendered supportable. Thus has it come to our turn, like the Jamaicians, to humble ourselves before Almighty God, and in the most devout and solemn manner to return thanks for his great mercy vouchsafed us in preserving us from the ruin and devastation with which it has been His divine will recently to visit the Haytiens. It is with a deep sense of gratitude to the giver of all good gifts, that we say we are happy to report that no life has been lost on this most alarming occasion. The prinicipal injury that has been occasioned by this terrific occurrence is to be seen at the Jail and House of correction, the walls of which have been severely rent. To this may be added the fall of a pair of stairs, and the partial overthrow of the ruins of the calamitous fire of April, last year. How grateful ought we to be for that portion of Divine mercy by which our lives have been spared!
 
————

Editorial Note
The final editorial selection in the issue was a brief note responding to an account of a clergyman who visited JS 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
. This account was printed in the
Lowell

City located on banks of Merrimack River, about twenty-five miles northwest of Boston. Incorporated as town, 1826. Incorporated as city, 1836. Population in 1840 about 20,000. Population in 1853 about 37,000. One of the most important manufacturing cities...

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, Massachusetts, Courier and reprinted in this issue of the Times and Seasons.
70

“A Visit to Joe Smith,” Times and Seasons, 15 Sept. 1842, 3:926; “A Visit to Jo Smith,” Lowell (MA) Courier, 2 Aug. 1842, [2].


Comprehensive Works Cited

Lowell Courier. Lowell, MA. 1841–1845.

Although neither the Lowell Courier account nor the response in the Times and Seasons identified the clergyman, Unitarian minister George Moore recorded the encounter in his journal.
71

Cannon, “Reverend George Moore,” 5–16.


Comprehensive Works Cited

Cannon, Donald Q. “Reverend George Moore Comments on Nauvoo, the Mormons, and Joseph Smith.” Western Illinois Regional Studies 5, no. 1 (Spring 1982): 5–16.

According to Moore, who was living in
Quincy

Located on high limestone bluffs east of Mississippi River, about forty-five miles south of Nauvoo. Settled 1821. Adams Co. seat, 1825. Incorporated as town, 1834. Received city charter, 1840. Population in 1835 about 800; in 1840 about 2,300; and in 1845...

More Info
, Illinois, he visited with JS for about ten minutes on 3 June 1842. Their conversation apparently revolved around the origins of the Book of Mormon and the nature of the Godhead.
72

Among extant documents, JS’s clearest instruction on the nature of the Godhead was taught several months after the publication of this issue of the Times and Seasons. (JS, Journal, 2 Apr. 1843.)


In his account, Moore claimed that JS “always makes it a point not to agree with any one in regard to his religious opinions, and adapts himself to the person with whom he happens to be talking, for the time being.”
73

“A Visit to Jo Smith,” Lowell (MA) Courier, 2 Aug. 1842, [2]; see also Cannon, “Reverend George Moore,” 11.


Comprehensive Works Cited

Lowell Courier. Lowell, MA. 1841–1845.

Cannon, Donald Q. “Reverend George Moore Comments on Nauvoo, the Mormons, and Joseph Smith.” Western Illinois Regional Studies 5, no. 1 (Spring 1982): 5–16.


A Visit To Joe Smith.—We present the following extract from a letter received some days ago, from a clergyman now in
Illinois

Became part of Northwest Territory of U.S., 1787. Admitted as state, 1818. Population in 1840 about 480,000. Population in 1845 about 660,000. Plentiful, inexpensive land attracted settlers from northern and southern states. Following expulsion from Missouri...

More Info
:—Exchange Paper.
“I spent the night in the
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....

More Info
of the ‘Latter-Day Saints.’ In the morning I visited the lions of the place.
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
contains a population variously estimated at from five to ten thousand. Probably there are six or seven thousand people there. It is a beautiful location. The
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....

More Info
is laid out in acre lots, each lot having a house, generally of one story; it extends from 3 to 4 miles along the river, and runs back about the same distance, and this space is all built on. I called to see the prophet, and had a short but pleasant interview with him. I asked him about the
gold plates

A record engraved on gold plates, which JS translated and published as the Book of Mormon. The text explained that the plates were an abridgment of other ancient records and were written by an American prophet named Mormon and his son Moroni. The plates were...

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which he professes to have dug up and translated into the Book of Mormon. He said: ‘Those plates are not now in this country; they were exhibited to a few at first, for the sake of obtaining their testimony—no others have ever seen them, and they will never be exhibited again.’ He next asked me—
‘What is the fundamental doctrine of your faith?’ ‘The unity of God—one God in one person.’ ‘We don’t agree with you. We believe in three Gods. There are three personages in Heaven—all equal in power and glory, but they are not one God.’ I suppose, from what I heard, that Smith makes it a point not to agree with any one in regard to his religious opinions, and adapts himself to the person with whom he happens to be talking for the time being.”
☞Tolerable fair:—Though the idea that Joseph Smith adapts his conversation to the company, is an error. Joseph Smith opposes vice and error, and supports his positions from revelation:
74

To back his positions, JS occasionally drew upon his own revelations and the Book of Mormon, but much more often, he drew upon the Bible. (See, for example, “To the Saints Abroad,” Times and Seasons, 15 Sept. 1842, 3:923.)


no odds whether there be two, three, or “Gods many.”
75

See 1 Corinthians 8:5.


The Father, and the Son are persons of Tabernacle; and the Holy Ghost a spirit, besides the sons of God: for the scriptures say: “Ye are Gods.”
76

See Psalm 82:6.


 
————
To the Editor of the Times and Seasons.
Dear Brother:—Having commenced our mission to the east, yesterday we held our first
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...

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at Br.
I[saac] Morley

11 Mar. 1786–24 June 1865. Farmer, cooper, merchant, postmaster. Born at Montague, Hampshire Co., Massachusetts. Son of Thomas Morley and Editha (Edith) Marsh. Family affiliated with Presbyterian church. Moved to Kirtland, Geauga Co., Ohio, before 1812. Married...

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’s; we had a good time—the brethren here are in good spirits. We ordained 19
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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and
baptized

An ordinance in which an individual is immersed in water for the remission of sins. The Book of Mormon explained that those with necessary authority were to baptize individuals who had repented of their sins. Baptized individuals also received the gift of...

View Glossary
12. We expect next Saturday and Sunday to hold a two days meeting in
Quincy

Located on high limestone bluffs east of Mississippi River, about forty-five miles south of Nauvoo. Settled 1821. Adams Co. seat, 1825. Incorporated as town, 1834. Received city charter, 1840. Population in 1835 about 800; in 1840 about 2,300; and in 1845...

More Info
, being the 17, 18th inst., on the 24, 25th at Payson, the 1, 2d of Oct. at
Pleasant Vale

Settled by 1823. Post office established, 26 Apr. 1827. Population of area later bolstered by Latter-day Saint immigration. Stake of Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints organized in area, by Mar. 1841. Stake discontinued by letter from JS, 24 May ...

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. the 8, 9th of Oct. at Pittsfield, the 15, 16th Oct. at Apple Creek in Green co. From thence we shall proceed to
Jacksonville

Town located in west-central Illinois. Founded 1825. Established as county seat, 1825. Population in 1850 about 2,800. Camp of Israel expedition camped near town, 31 May–1 June 1834. Kirtland Camp passed through town en route to Missouri, 17 Sept. 1838.

More Info
, and
Springfield

Settled by 1819. Incorporated as town, 1832. Became capital of Illinois, 1837. Incorporated as city, 1840. Sangamon Co. seat. Population in 1840 about 2,600. Stake of Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints organized in Springfield, Nov. 1840; discontinued...

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.
If you please notice the above in your paper for the benefit of those friends scattered abroad.
Yours in the
everlasting covenent

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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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...

View Full Bio
,
H[eber] 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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.
Morley Settlement

Also called Yelrome and Morley Town. Area in southwest corner of county, on the Hancock-Adams county line. Settled by refugee Saints from Missouri, spring 1839. Formally laid out by county surveyor on forty-nine acres, 26–28 Mar. 1844. At least seventy Latter...

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, Sept. 12, 1842.
 
————
To those who covenant to keep the commandments of the Lord, we recommend a perusal of the 35th chapter of Jeremiah.
 
————
BOOKS OF MORMON. &C.
JUST published and for sale, Books of Mormon, and Hymn Books, together with some other publications in defence of the faith of the saints.
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
. Aug. 20, 1842
 
——————————
The Times and Seasons,
Is edited, printed and published about the first and fifteenth of every month, on the corner of Water and Bain Streets,
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 County, Illinois, by
JOSEPH SMITH.
TERMS.—Two Dollars per annum, payable in all cases in advance. Any person procuring five new subscribers, and forwarding us Ten Dollars current money, shall receive one volume gratis. All letters must be addressed to Joseph Smith, publisher, post paid, or they will not receive attention. [p. 926]
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Page 926

Document Information

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. [70]

    “A Visit to Joe Smith,” Times and Seasons, 15 Sept. 1842, 3:926; “A Visit to Jo Smith,” Lowell (MA) Courier, 2 Aug. 1842, [2].

    Lowell Courier. Lowell, MA. 1841–1845.

  2. [71]

    Cannon, “Reverend George Moore,” 5–16.

    Cannon, Donald Q. “Reverend George Moore Comments on Nauvoo, the Mormons, and Joseph Smith.” Western Illinois Regional Studies 5, no. 1 (Spring 1982): 5–16.

  3. [72]

    Among extant documents, JS’s clearest instruction on the nature of the Godhead was taught several months after the publication of this issue of the Times and Seasons. (JS, Journal, 2 Apr. 1843.)

  4. [73]

    “A Visit to Jo Smith,” Lowell (MA) Courier, 2 Aug. 1842, [2]; see also Cannon, “Reverend George Moore,” 11.

    Lowell Courier. Lowell, MA. 1841–1845.

    Cannon, Donald Q. “Reverend George Moore Comments on Nauvoo, the Mormons, and Joseph Smith.” Western Illinois Regional Studies 5, no. 1 (Spring 1982): 5–16.

  5. [74]

    To back his positions, JS occasionally drew upon his own revelations and the Book of Mormon, but much more often, he drew upon the Bible. (See, for example, “To the Saints Abroad,” Times and Seasons, 15 Sept. 1842, 3:923.)

  6. [75]

    See 1 Corinthians 8:5.

  7. [76]

    See Psalm 82:6.

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