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History, 1838–1856, volume D-1 [1 August 1842–1 July 1843]

August 1842 Page 1362 1 August 1842 • Monday Page 1362 3 August 1842 • Wednesday Page 1362 4 August 1842 • Thursday Page 1362 5 August 1842 • Friday Page 1362 6 August 1842 • Saturday Page 1362 7 August 1842 • Sunday Page 1363 8 August 1842 • Monday Page 1363 9 August 1842 • Tuesday Page 1364 10 August 1842 • Wednesday Page 1364 11 August 1842 • Thursday Page 1364 12 August 1842 • Friday Page 1365 13 August 1842 • Saturday Page 1365 14 August 1842 • Sunday Page 1366 15 August 1842 • Monday Page 1368 16 August 1842 • Tuesday Page 1369 17 August 1842 • Wednesday Page 1376 19 August 1842 • Friday Page 1378 20 August 1842 • Saturday Page 1379 21 August 1842 • Sunday Page 1380 22 August 1842 • Tuesday Page 1381 24 August 1842 • Wednesday Page 1384 26 August 1842 • Friday Page 1385 27 August 1842 • Saturday Page 1385 Addenda • 27 August 1842 Page 3 [addenda] 28 August 1842 • Sunday Page 1387 29 August 1842 • Monday Page 1387 30 August 1842 • Tuesday Page 1389 31 August 1842 • Wednesday Page 1389 Addenda • 31 August 1842 Page 2 [addenda] 1 September 1842 • Thursday Page 1389 2 September 1842 • Friday Page 1391 3 September 1842 • Saturday Page 1391 Addenda • 3 September 1842 Page 1 [addenda] 4 September 1842 • Sunday Page 1391 5 September 1842 • Monday Page 1391 6 September 1842 • Tuesday Page 1392 7 September 1842 • Wednesday Page 1396 8 September 1842 • Thursday Page 1398 9 September 1842 • Friday Page 1401 Addenda • 9 September 1842 Page 1 [addenda] 10 September 1842 • Saturday Page 1401 11 September 1842 • Sunday Page 1401 12 September 1842 • Monday Page 1401 13 September 1842 • Tuesday Page 1402 14 September 1842 • Wednesday Page 1402 15 September 1842 • Thursday Page 1403 16 September 1842 • Friday Page 1403 17 September 1842 • Saturday Page 1403 18 September 1842 • Sunday Page 1403 19–20 September 1842 • Monday–Tuesday Page 1403 21 September 1842 • Wednesday Page 1403 22 September 1842 • Thursday Page 1403 23 September 1842 • Friday Page 1403 24 September 1842 • Saturday Page 1403 25 September 1842 • Sunday Page 1404 26 September 1842 • Monday Page 1404 27 September 1842 • Tuesday Page 1404 28 September 1842 • Wednesday Page 1404 Note • 28 September 1842 Page 1433 29 September 1842 • Thursday Page 1404 30 September 1842 • Friday Page 1404 1 October 1842 • Saturday Page 1404 2 October 1842 • Sunday Page 1404 3 October 1842 • Monday Page 1405 4 October 1842 • Tuesday Page 1405 5 October 1842 • Wednesday Page 1405 6 October 1842 • Thursday Page 1405 7 October 1842 • Friday Page 1405 10 October 1842 • Monday Page 1405 11 October 1842 • Tuesday Page 1405 13 October 1842 • Thursday Page 1406 15 October 1842 • Saturday Page 1406 16 October 1842 • Sunday Page 1406 20 October 1842 • Thursday Page 1408 21 October 1842 • Friday Page 1413 23 October 1842 • Sunday Page 1413 24 October 1842 • Monday Page 1413 25 October 1842 • Tuesday Page 1413 28 October 1842 • Friday Page 1413 29 October 1842 • Saturday Page 1413 30 October 1842 • Sunday Page 1414 31 October 1842 • Monday Page 1414 1 November 1842 • Tuesday Page 1414 2 November 1842 • Wednesday Page 1414 3 November 1842 • Thursday Page 1414 4 November 1842 • Friday Page 1414 5 November 1842 • Saturday Page 1414 6 November 1842 • Sunday Page 1415 7 November 1842 • Monday Page 1415 8 November 1842 • Tuesday Page 1415 9 November 1842 • Wednesday Page 1415 10–12 November 1842 • Thursday Page 1415 13 November 1842 • Sunday Page 1415 14 November 1842 • Monday Page 1415 15 November 1842 • Tuesday Page 1421 16 November 1842 • Wednesday Page 1421 17 November 1842 • Thursday Page 1421 21 November 1842 • Monday Page 1421 22 November 1842 • Tuesday Page 1421 23 November 1842 • Wednesday Page 1421 24 November 1842 • Thursday Page 1421 26 November 1842 • Saturday Page 1421 27 November 1842 • Sunday Page 1422 28 November 1842 • Monday Page 1422 29 November 1842 • Tuesday Page 1423 30 November 1842 • Wednesday Page 1423 1 December 1842 • Thursday Page 1423 2 December 1842 • Friday Page 1424 3 December 1842 • Saturday Page 1424 4 December 1842 • Sunday Page 1424 5 December 1842 • Monday Page 1424 6 December 1842 • Tuesday Page 1424 7 December 1842 • Wednesday Page 1424 8 December 1842 • Thursday Page 1424 9 December 1842 • Friday Page 1424 10 December 1842 • Saturday Page 1427 13 December 1842 • Tuesday Page 1427 14 December 1842 • Wednesday Page 1427 15 December 1842 • Thursday Page 1427 17 December 1842 • Saturday Page 1428 20 December 1842 • Tuesday Page 1428 21 December 1842 • Wednesday Page 1429 22 December 1842 • Thursday Page 1429 23 December 1842 • Friday Page 1429 24 December 1842 • Saturday Page 1429 25 December 1842 • Sunday Page 1430 26 December 1842 • Monday Page 1430 27 December 1842 • Tuesday Page 1430 28 December 1842 • Wednesday Page 1430 29 December 1842 • Thursday Page 1430 30 December 1842 • Friday Page 1431 31 December 1842 • Saturday Page 1431 1 January 1843 • Sunday Page 1433 2 January 1843 • Monday Page 1433 3 January 1843 • Tuesday Page 1435 4 January 1843 • Wednesday Page 1435 5 January 1843 • Thursday Page 1437 6 January 1843 • Friday Page 1444 7 January 1843 • Saturday Page 1452 8 January 1843 • Sunday Page 1452 9 January 1843 • Monday Page 1452 10 January 1843 • Tuesday Page 1453 11 January 1843 • Wednesday Page 1453 12 January 1843 • Thursday Page 1454 13 January 1843 • Friday Page 1454 14 January 1843 • Saturday Page 1454 15 January 1843 • Sunday Page 1454 16 January 1843 • Monday Page 1454 17 January 1843 • Tuesday Page 1455 18 January 1843 • Wednesday Page 1455 19 January 1843 • Thursday Page 1456 20 January 1843 • Friday Page 1456 21 January 1843 • Saturday Page 1457 22 January 1843 • Sunday Page 1457 Addenda • 22 January 1843 Page 4 [addenda] 23 January 1843 • Monday Page 1457 24 January 1843 • Tuesday Page 1458 25 January 1843 • Wednesday Page 1458 26 January 1843 • Thursday Page 1458 27 January 1843 • Friday Page 1458 28 January 1843 • Saturday Page 1458 29 January 1843 • Sunday Page 1458 30 January 1843 • Monday Page 1460 31 January 1843 • Tuesday Page 1463 2 February 1843 • Thursday Page 1463 3 February 1843 • Friday Page 1464 4 February 1843 • Saturday Page 1464 5 February 1843 • Sunday Page 1464 6 February 1843 • Monday Page 1464 7 February 1843 • Tuesday Page 1464 8 February 1843 • Wednesday Page 1464 9 February 1843 • Thursday Page 1464 10 February 1843 • Friday Page 1466 11 February 1843 • Saturday Page 1467 12 February 1843 • Sunday Page 1467 13 February 1843 • Monday Page 1468 14 February 1843 • Tuesday Page 1468 15 February 1843 • Wednesday Page 1468 16–17 February 1843 • Thursday–Friday Page 1471 18 February 1843 • Saturday Page 1471 19 February 1843 • Sunday Page 1472 20 February 1843 • Monday Page 1473 21 February 1843 • Tuesday Page 1473 22 February 1843 • Wednesday Page 1476 23 February 1843 • Thursday Page 1476 24 February 1843 • Friday Page 1476 25 February 1843 • Saturday Page 1483 26 February 1843 • Sunday Page 1484 27 February 1843 • Monday Page 1484 28 February 1843 • Tuesday Page 1484 1 March 1843 • Wednesday Page 1486 2 March 1843 • Thursday Page 1487 3 March 1843 • Friday Page 1487 4 March 1843 • Saturday Page 1488 5 March 1843 • Sunday Page 1490 6 March 1843 • Monday Page 1490 7 March 1843 • Monday Page 1490 8 March 1843 • Tuesday Page 1490 9 March 1843 • Wednesday Page 1490 10 March 1843 • Friday Page 1491 11 March 1843 • Saturday Page 1496 12 March 1843 • Sunday Page 1497 13 March 1843 • Monday Page 1497 14 March 1843 • Tuesday Page 1497 15 March 1843 • Wednesday Page 1498 16 March 1843 • Thursday Page 1500 17 March 1843 • Friday Page 1500 18 March 1843 • Saturday Page 1500 19 March 1843 • Sunday Page 1500 20 March 1843 • Monday Page 1501 21 March 1843 • Tuesday Page 1501 22 March 1843 • Wednesday Page 1501 23 March 1843 • Thursday Page 1501 24 March 1843 • Friday Page 1501 25 March 1843 • Saturday Page 1502 26 March 1843 • Sunday Page 1503 27 March 1843 • Monday Page 1503 28 March 1843 • Tuesday Page 1505 29 March 1843 • Wednesday Page 1505 30 March 1843 • Thursday Page 1505 31 March 1843 • Friday Page 1506 1 April 1843 • Saturday Page 1506 2 April 1843 • Sunday Page 1509 3 April 1843 • Monday Page 1512 4 April 1843 • Tuesday Page 1512 5 April 1843 • Wednesday Page 1512 6 April 1843 • Thursday Page 1512 7 April 1843 • Friday Page 1520 8 April 1843 • Saturday Page 1522 9 April 1843 • Sunday Page 1523 10 April 1843 • Monday Page 1524 11 April 1843 • Tuesday Page 1528 12 April 1843 • Wednesday Page 1528 13 April 1843 • Thursday Page 1529 14 April 1843 • Friday Page 1532 15 April 1843 • Saturday Page 1533 16 April 1843 • Sunday Page 1533 17 April 1843 • Monday Page 1536 18 April 1843 • Tuesday Page 1536 19 April 1843 • Wednesday Page 1536 20 April 1843 • Thursday Page 1540 21 April 1843 • Friday Page 1540 22 April 1843 • Saturday Page 1540 23 April 1843 • Sunday Page 1540 24 April 1843 • Monday Page 1540 25 April 1843 • Tuesday Page 1541 26 April 1843 • Wednesday Page 1541 27 April 1843 • Thursday Page 1541 28 April 1843 • Friday Page 1541 29 April 1843 • Saturday Page 1541 30 April 1843 • Sunday Page 1541 1 May 1843 • Monday Page 1542 2 May 1843 • Tuesday Page 1544 3 May 1843 • Wednesday Page 1544 4 May 1843 • Thursday Page 1546 5 May 1843 • Friday Page 1546 6 May 1843 • Saturday Page 1547 7 May 1843 • Sunday Page 1547 8 May 1843 • Monday Page 1547 9 May 1843 • Tuesday Page 1547 10 May 1843 • Wednesday Page 1548 11 May 1843 • Thursday Page 1548 12 May 1843 • Friday Page 1548 13 May 1843 • Saturday Page 1548 14 May 1843 • Sunday Page 1548 15 May 1843 • Monday Page 1551 16 May 1843 • Tuesday Page 1551 17 May 1843 • Wednesday Page 1551 18 May 1843 • Thursday Page 1552 19 May 1843 • Friday Page 1553 20 May 1843 • Saturday Page 1554 21 May 1843 • Sunday Page 1555 22 May 1843 • Monday Page 1557 23 May 1843 • Tuesday Page 1558 24 May 1843 • Wednesday Page 1559 25 May 1843 • Thursday Page 1561 26 May 1843 • Friday Page 1561 27 May 1843 • Saturday Page 1561 28 May 1843 • Sunday Page 1563 29 May 1843 • Monday Page 1564 30 May 1843 • Tuesday Page 1565 31 May 1843 • Wednesday Page 1565 1 June 1843 • Thursday Page 1566 2 June 1843 • Friday Page 1568 3 June 1843 • Saturday Page 1568 4 June 1843 • Sunday Page 1569 5 June 1843 • Monday Page 1569 6 June 1843 • Tuesday Page 1570 7 June 1843 • Wednesday Page 1570 8 June 1843 • Thursday Page 1570 9 June 1843 • Friday Page 1571 10 June 1843 • Saturday Page 1571 11 June 1843 • Sunday Page 1571 12 June 1843 • Monday Page 1576 13 June 1843 • Tuesday Page 1577 14 June 1843 • Wednesday Page 1577 15 June 1843 • Thursday Page 1577 16 June 1843 • Friday Page 1579 17 June 1843 • Saturday Page 1579 18 June 1843 • Sunday Page 1579 19 June 1843 • Monday Page 1579 20 June 1843 • Tuesday Page 1579 21 June 1843 • Wednesday Page 1581 22 June 1843 • Thursday Page 1581 23 June 1843 • Friday Page 1581 24 June 1843 • Saturday Page 1584 25 June 1843 • Sunday Page 1585 26 June 1843 • Monday Page 1586 27 June 1843 • Tuesday Page 1587 28 June 1843 • Wednesday Page 1588 29 June 1843 • Thursday Page 1590 30 June 1843 • Friday Page 1592 1 July 1843 • Saturday Page 1602

Source Note

JS, History, 1838–1856, vol. D-1, created 4 July 1845–4 Feb. 1846 and 1 July 1854–2 May 1855; handwriting of
Thomas Bullock

23 Dec. 1816–10 Feb. 1885. Farmer, excise officer, secretary, clerk. Born in Leek, Staffordshire, England. Son of Thomas Bullock and Mary Hall. Married Henrietta Rushton, 25 June 1838. Moved to Ardee, Co. Louth, Ireland, Nov. 1839; to Isle of Anglesey, Aug...

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, Robert L. Campbell, and
Leo Hawkins

19 July 1834–28 May 1859. Clerk, reporter. Born in London. Son of Samuel Harris Hawkins and Charlotte Savage. Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints by John Banks, 23 Oct. 1848. Immigrated to U.S. with his family; arrived in New Orleans...

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; 275 pages, plus 6 pages of addenda; CHL. This is the fourth volume of a six-volume manuscript history of the church. This fourth volume covers the period from 1 Aug. 1842 to 1 July 1843; the remaining five volumes, labeled A-1, B-1, C-1, E-1 and F-1, continue through 8 Aug. 1844.

Historical Introduction

History, 1838–1856, volume D-1, constitutes the fourth of six volumes documenting the life of Joseph Smith and the early years of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The series is also known as the Manuscript History of the Church and was originally published serially from 1842 to 1846 and 1851 to 1858 as the “History of Joseph Smith” in the Times and Seasons and Deseret News. This volume contains JS’s history from 1 August 1842 to 1 July 1843, and it was compiled after JS’s death.
The material recorded in volume D-1 was initially compiled under the direction of church historian
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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, with the assistance of
Thomas Bullock

23 Dec. 1816–10 Feb. 1885. Farmer, excise officer, secretary, clerk. Born in Leek, Staffordshire, England. Son of Thomas Bullock and Mary Hall. Married Henrietta Rushton, 25 June 1838. Moved to Ardee, Co. Louth, Ireland, Nov. 1839; to Isle of Anglesey, Aug...

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. After Richards’s death in 1854,
George A. Smith

26 June 1817–1 Sept. 1875. Born at Potsdam, St. Lawrence Co., New York. Son of John Smith and Clarissa Lyman. Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints by Joseph H. Wakefield, 10 Sept. 1832, at Potsdam. Moved to Kirtland, Geauga Co., Ohio,...

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continued work on the volume as the new church historian with Bullock’s continued help. The process adopted by Richards and Bullock involved Richards creating a set of rough draft notes and Bullock transcribing the notes into the volume along with the text of designated documents (such as letters and meeting minutes). George A. Smith followed a similar pattern, though he dictated the draft notes to Bullock and other scribes.
According to the Church Historian’s Office journal,
Bullock

23 Dec. 1816–10 Feb. 1885. Farmer, excise officer, secretary, clerk. Born in Leek, Staffordshire, England. Son of Thomas Bullock and Mary Hall. Married Henrietta Rushton, 25 June 1838. Moved to Ardee, Co. Louth, Ireland, Nov. 1839; to Isle of Anglesey, Aug...

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finished the third volume of the series, volume C-1, on Thursday, 3 July 1845, 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 began work on the fourth volume, D-1, the next day, beginning on page 1362 with the entry for 1 August 1842.
1

Historian’s Office, Journal, 3 and 4 July 1845.


(The pages in volumes A-1–E-1 were numbered consecutively.) Bullock continued work on the record, drawing upon
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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’s draft notes, until 3 February 1846—the day before D-1 and the other volumes were packed up in preparation for the Latter-day Saints’ exodus from Nauvoo. At that point he had reached page 1485 with the entry for 28 February 1843. Subsequently, apparently after the collection had arrived in Utah, Bullock added a brief comment beneath that entry: “end of W. Richard’s compiling[.] the books packed Feby. 4— 1846 in Nauvoo[.] Miles Romney— present. The records carried by T Bullock from Winter Quarters to G S L [Great Salt Lake] City in 1848.”
A notation at the top of page 1486 reports that “the books were unpacked in G. S. L. City 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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and
Thomas Bullock

23 Dec. 1816–10 Feb. 1885. Farmer, excise officer, secretary, clerk. Born in Leek, Staffordshire, England. Son of Thomas Bullock and Mary Hall. Married Henrietta Rushton, 25 June 1838. Moved to Ardee, Co. Louth, Ireland, Nov. 1839; to Isle of Anglesey, Aug...

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. June 7. 1853. J[onathan] Grimshaw & Miles Romney present.” Vertically, in the margin, is a poignant epitaph: “Decr. 1 1853 Dr. Willard Richards wrote one line of History—being sick at the time—and was never able to do any more.” With Richards’s death on 11 March 1854, JS’s cousin
George A. Smith

26 June 1817–1 Sept. 1875. Born at Potsdam, St. Lawrence Co., New York. Son of John Smith and Clarissa Lyman. Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints by Joseph H. Wakefield, 10 Sept. 1832, at Potsdam. Moved to Kirtland, Geauga Co., Ohio,...

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was called to the office of church historian. The notation on the top of page 1486 acknowledges this change in officers, noting, “commencement of George A. Smith’s compiling as Historian. April 13. 1854[.] [C]ommenced copying July 1. 1854.” From mid-April to the end of June 1854, George A. Smith, in collaboration with Thomas Bullock, worked on the draft notes for the history before a new scribe,
Leo Hawkins

19 July 1834–28 May 1859. Clerk, reporter. Born in London. Son of Samuel Harris Hawkins and Charlotte Savage. Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints by John Banks, 23 Oct. 1848. Immigrated to U.S. with his family; arrived in New Orleans...

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, resumed writing in D-1 on 1 July 1854, beginning with the entry for 1 March 1843.
2

Historian’s Office, Journal, 1 July 1854.


Hawkins

19 July 1834–28 May 1859. Clerk, reporter. Born in London. Son of Samuel Harris Hawkins and Charlotte Savage. Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints by John Banks, 23 Oct. 1848. Immigrated to U.S. with his family; arrived in New Orleans...

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continued transcribing intermittently into the late fall of 1854, when he was assigned other duties in the Historian’s Office. He had reached page 1546 with the entry for 5 May 1843. Work resumed in February 1855 in the hand of Robert L. Campbell, recently returned from a mission. He concluded volume D-1 on the morning of 2 May 1855 and began writing in E-1 that afternoon.
3

Historian’s Office, Journal, 2 May 1855.


The 274 pages of volume D-1 contain a record of much that is significant in the life of JS and the development of the church he founded. Among these events are
• JS’s 6 August 1842 prophecy that the Saints would become a mighty people in the midst of the Rocky Mountains.
•JS’s 8 August 1842 arrest on a warrant for being “an accessory before the fact” to an attack on former
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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governor
Lilburn W. Boggs

14 Dec. 1796–14 Mar. 1860. Bookkeeper, bank cashier, merchant, Indian agent and trader, lawyer, doctor, postmaster, politician. Born at Lexington, Fayette Co., Kentucky. Son of John M. Boggs and Martha Oliver. Served in War of 1812. Moved to St. Louis, ca...

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.
•
Emma Smith

10 July 1804–30 Apr. 1879. Scribe, editor, boardinghouse operator, clothier. Born at Willingborough Township (later in Harmony), Susquehanna Co., Pennsylvania. Daughter of Isaac Hale and Elizabeth Lewis. Member of Methodist church at Harmony (later in Oakland...

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’s 17 August 1842 letter to
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...

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governor
Thomas Carlin

18 July 1789–14 Feb. 1852. Ferry owner, farmer, sheriff, politician. Born in Fayette Co., Kentucky. Son of Thomas Carlin and Elizabeth Evans. Baptist. Moved to what became Missouri, by 1803. Moved to Illinois Territory, by 1812. Served in War of 1812. Married...

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, pleading for the humane treatment of her husband and family.
•JS’s 1 and 6 September 1842 instructions regarding the proper procedures for performing baptisms for the dead.
• JS’s 15 November 1842 “Valedictory” as he stepped down as editor of the Times and Seasons.
• The 26 December 1842 arrest of JS on a “proclamation” by former
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...

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governor
Thomas Carlin

18 July 1789–14 Feb. 1852. Ferry owner, farmer, sheriff, politician. Born in Fayette Co., Kentucky. Son of Thomas Carlin and Elizabeth Evans. Baptist. Moved to what became Missouri, by 1803. Moved to Illinois Territory, by 1812. Served in War of 1812. Married...

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, and subsequent hearing in
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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, Illinois.
• The 7 February 1843 recovery of a volume of patriarchal blessings given by
Joseph Smith Sr.

12 July 1771–14 Sept. 1840. Cooper, farmer, teacher, merchant. Born at Topsfield, Essex Co., Massachusetts. Son of Asael Smith and Mary Duty. Nominal member of Congregationalist church at Topsfield. Married to Lucy Mack by Seth Austin, 24 Jan. 1796, at Tunbridge...

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, which had been stolen in
Far West

Originally called Shoal Creek. Located fifty-five miles northeast of Independence. Surveyed 1823; first settled by whites, 1831. Site purchased, 8 Aug. 1836, before Caldwell Co. was organized for Latter-day Saints in Missouri. William W. Phelps and John Whitmer...

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, Missouri.
• JS’s 21 February 1843 remarks regarding 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
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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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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.
• JS’s 2 April 1843 instruction at
Ramus

Area settled, 1826. Founded by Latter-day Saints, 1839–1840, following exodus from Missouri. Town platted, Aug. 1840. Post office established, Sept. 1840. Incorporated as Macedonia, Mar. 1843. Renamed Webster, 23 July 1847. Population in 1845 about 380. Crooked...

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, Illinois, on the nature of God and other subjects.
• JS’s 16 May 1843 remarks at
Ramus

Area settled, 1826. Founded by Latter-day Saints, 1839–1840, following exodus from Missouri. Town platted, Aug. 1840. Post office established, Sept. 1840. Incorporated as Macedonia, Mar. 1843. Renamed Webster, 23 July 1847. Population in 1845 about 380. Crooked...

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, Illinois, on the everlasting covenant and eternal marriage.
• The account of JS’s 23 June 1843 arrest and his
habeas corpus

“Have the body”; a written order from a court of competent jurisdiction commanding anyone having a person in custody to produce such person at a certain time and place and to state the reasons why he or she is being held in custody. The court will determine...

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hearing the following week at
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
.

Footnotes

  1. [1]

    Historian’s Office, Journal, 3 and 4 July 1845.

  2. [2]

    Historian’s Office, Journal, 1 July 1854.

  3. [3]

    Historian’s Office, Journal, 2 May 1855.

Asterisk (*) denotes a "featured" version, which includes an introduction and annotation. *Discourse, 22 January 1843, as Reported by Wilford Woodruff *Discourse, 22 January 1843, as Reported by William Clayton *Discourse, 22 January 1843, as Reported by Franklin D. Richards *Letter from Horace Hotchkiss, 7 April 1843 *Instruction, 16 May 1843 *Discourse, 17 May 1843–B *Discourse, 13 April 1843, as Reported by Willard Richards *Discourse, 21 February 1843, as Reported by Willard Richards *Minutes, 19 April 1843 *Minutes, 10 February 1843 *Discourse, 25 February 1843 *Discourse, 27 May 1843, as Reported by Wilford Woodruff *Discourse, 17 May 1843–A *Discourse, 11 February 1843 *Minutes, 20 January 1843 *Minutes, 30 April 1843 *Letter from Thomas Ford, 17 December 1842 *Letter to Wilson Law, 16 August 1842 *Letter from Emma Smith, 16 August 1842 *Discourse, 29 October 1842 *Letter from Brigham Young and Heber C. Kimball, 12 September 1842 *Discourse, 29 August 1842 *Notice, 11 October 1842 *Letter from Justin Butterfield, 17 December 1842 *Letter from James Arlington Bennet, 1 September 1842 *Letter from Wilson Law, 16 August 1842 *Minutes, 7 April 1843, as Reported by William Clayton *Discourse, 14 May 1843 *Discourse, between circa 1 and circa 15 March 1843 *Letter from James Arlington Bennet, 16 August 1842 *Letter to “Hands in the Stone Shop,” 21 December 1842 *Letter to Editor, circa February 1843 *Letter from James Adams, 17 December 1842 *Reflections and Blessings, 16 and 23 August 1842 *Journal, December 1841–December 1842 *Letter from Sidney Rigdon, 27 March 1843 *Letter from Sidney Rigdon, circa 13 February 1843 *Discourse, 6 May 1843, as Reported by Willard Richards *Discourse, 6 May 1843, as Reported by Levi Richards *Letter from Hugh Legaré, 31 March 1843 [Forgery] *Letter to Editor, 28 February 1843 *Letter from Sybella McMinn Armstrong and Orrin Porter Rockwell, 1 December 1842 *Letter to Editor, circa 20 May 1843 *Trial Report, 4–22 March 1843 [ Dana v. Brink ] *Notice, 15 November 1842 *Letter to Editor, 23 January 1843 *Letter to Sidney Rigdon, 27 March 1843 *Discourse, 8 April 1843, as Reported by William Clayton *Discourse, 8 April 1843, as Reported by Willard Richards *Discourse, 8 April 1843, as Reported by Franklin D. Richards *Letter to the Church, 7 September 1842 [D&C 128] *Discourse, 6 April 1843–B, as Reported by William Clayton *Discourse, 6 April 1843–B, as Reported by Willard Richards *Discourse, 6 April 1843–B, as Reported by James Burgess *Discourse, 6 April 1843–B, as Published in Times and Seasons *Letter to “All the Saints in Nauvoo,” 1 September 1842 [D&C 127] *Discourse, 30 June 1843, as Reported by Willard Richards *Discourse, 30 June 1843, as Reported by Wilford Woodruff *Minutes, 27 May 1843 *Discourse, 21 May 1843, as Reported by Willard Richards *Discourse, 21 May 1843, as Reported by Franklin D. Richards *Discourse, 21 May 1843, as Reported by James Burgess *Discourse, 21 May 1843, as Reported by Howard Coray *Instruction, 9 February 1843 [D&C 129], as Reported by Willard Richards *Instruction, 9 February 1843 [D&C 129], as Reported by William Clayton *Discourse, 29 January 1843, as Reported by Willard Richards–A *Discourse, 29 January 1843, as Reported by Franklin D. Richards *Discourse, 29 January 1843, as Reported by William Clayton *Instruction, 2 April 1843, as Reported by Willard Richards [D&C 130] *Instruction, 2 April 1843, as Reported by William Clayton [D&C 130] *Discourse, 16 April 1843, as Reported by Willard Richards *Ordinance, 14 November 1842 *Letter to James Arlington Bennet, 8 September 1842 *Discourse, 6 April 1843–A, as Reported by William Clayton *Discourse, 6 April 1843–A, as Reported by Willard Richards *Discourse, 6 April 1843–A, as Published in Times and Seasons *Ordinances, 30 January 1843 *Ordinance, 1 June 1843–A, as Recorded in Nauvoo City Council Minute Book *Letter to Horace Hotchkiss, 26 November 1842 *Poem from William W. Phelps, between 1 and 20 January 1843 *Discourse, 11 June 1843–A, as Reported by Willard Richards *Discourse, 11 June 1843–A, as Reported by Wilford Woodruff *Discourse, 11 June 1843–A, as Reported by Franklin D. Richards *Discourse, 11 June 1843–A, as Reported by James Burgess *Affidavit, 2 January 1843, William Clayton Copy [ Extradition of JS for Accessory to Assault ] *Petition to Nauvoo Municipal Court, 30 June 1843 [ Extradition of JS for Treason ] *Poem to William W. Phelps, between circa 1 and circa 15 February 1843 *Petition to the United States Circuit Court for the District of Illinois, 31 December 1842, William Clayton Copy [ Extradition of JS for Accessory to Assault ] *Letter to Richard M. Young, 9 February 1843 *Authorization for Brigham Young, 1 June 1843 *Minutes and Discourses, 6–7 April 1843, as Reported by William Clayton *Revised Minutes and Discourses, 23 April–circa 8 May 1843

Page 1523

<​April 8​> <​The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to show unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass; and he sent and signified it <​by his angel​>
552

TEXT: “by his angel” written into next page.


unto his servant <​John​> who bare record of the word of God, and of the testimony of Jesus Christ, and of all things that he saw. Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand. Also Revelations ch 4 v 1: ‘After this I looked and behold, a door was opened in heaven: and the first voice which I heard, was as it were of a trumpet talking with me; which said, Come up hither, and I will show thee things which must be hereafter.’ The four beasts and twenty-four elders were out of every nation; for “they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation.” (see Rev. ch. 5. v. 9.) It would be great stuffing to create all nations into four beasts and twenty-four elders. ¶ Now I make this declaration, that those things which John saw in heaven, had no allusion to anything that had been on the earth previous to that time; because they were the representation of ‘things which must shortly come to pass,’ and not of what had already transpired. John saw beasts that had to do with things on the earth, but not in past ages: the beasts which John saw had to devour the inhabitants of the earth in days to come. ‘And I saw when the Lamb opened one of the seals, and I heard, as it were the noise of thunder, one of the four beasts, saying, Come and see. And I saw and behold a white horse: and he that sat on him had a bow; and a crown was given unto him: and he went forth conquering and to conquer. And when he had opened the second seal, I heard the second beast say, Come and see. And there went out another horse that was red: and power was given to him that sat thereon to take peace from the earth, and that they should kill one another: and there was given unto him, a great sword’ Rev. ch 6. v 1-4. The book of Revelations is one of the plainest books God ever caused to be written. ¶ The revelations do not give us to understand anything of the past in relation to the kingdom of God. What John saw and speaks of were things which he saw in heaven, those which Daniel saw were on, and pertaining to the earth. ¶ I am now going to take exceptions to the present translation of the bible in relation to these matters; our latitude and longitude can be [HC 5:342] determined in the original Hebrew with far greater accuracy than in the English version. There is a grand distinction between the actual meaning of the Prophets and the present translation: the prophets do not declare that they saw a beast or beasts, but that they saw the image or figure of a beast. Daniel did not see an actual bear or a lion, but the images or figures of those beasts. The translation should have been rendered ‘image’ instead of ‘beast’ in every instance where beasts are mentioned by the prophets. But John saw the actual beast in heaven, showing to John that beasts did actually exist there and not to represent figures of things on the earth. When the prophets speak of seeing beasts in their visions, they mean that they saw the images; they being types to represent certain things. At the same time, they received the interpretation as to what those images or types were designed to represent. I make this broad declaration that whenever God gives a vision of an image, or beast, or figure of any kind, he always holds himself responsible to give a revelation or interpretation of the meaning thereof, otherwise we are not responsible or accountable for our belief in it. Don’t be afraid of being damned for not knowing the meaning of a vision or figure if God has not given a revelation or interpretation on the subject. John saw curious looking beasts in heaven— he saw every creature that was in heaven,— all the beasts, fowls, and fish in heaven,— actually there giving glory to God. How do you prove it? See Rev. ch 5. v 13. ‘And every creature which is in heaven, and on earth, and under the earth, and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, heard I saying, Blessing, and honor, and glory, and power be unto him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb, for ever and ever? I suppose John saw beings there of a thousand forms that had been saved from ten thousand times ten thousand earths like this;— strange beasts of which we have no conception— all might be seen in heaven. The grand secret was to show John what there was in heaven: John learned that God glorified himself by saving all that his hands had made, whether beasts, fowl, fishes, or men, and he will gratify himself with them. Says one, ‘I cannot believe in the salvation of beasts.’ Any man who would tell you that this could not be, would tell you that the revelations are not true. John heard the words of the beasts giving glory to God, and understood them. God who made the beasts could understand every language spoken by them. The four beasts were four of the most noble animals that had filled the measure of their creation, and had been saved from other worlds, because they were perfect; they were like angels in their sphere; we are not told where they came [HC 5:343] from, and I do not know; but they were seen and heard by John, praising and glorifying God. ¶ The popular religionists of the day tell us forsooth, that the beasts spoken of in the revelations represent kingdoms. Very well; on the same principle can we
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TEXT: Transposition sign indicates text should be changed to “we can.”


say, that the twenty-four elders spoken of represent beasts; for they are all spoken of at the same time, and represented as all uniting in the same acts of praise and devotion. This learned interpretation is all as flat as a pancake! ‘What do you use such vulgar expressions for, being a prophet? Because the old women understand it— they make pancakes. Deacon Homespun said the earth was flat as a pancake, and ridiculed science which proved to the contrary. The whole argument is flat, and I don’t know of anything better to represent it. The world is full of technicalities and misrepresentation, which I calculate to overthrow, and speak of things as they actually are.*​>
554

TEXT: Address on Revelations continued at bottom of p. 1523 and carries over to the bottom of p. 1524.


<​*Again there is no revelation to prove that things do not exist<​ in heaven​> as I have set forth, nor yet to show that the beasts meant anything but beasts, and we never can comprehend the things of God and of heaven but by revelation. We may spiritualize and express opinions to all eternity; but that is no authority. ¶ O! ye elders of Israel, hearken to my voice; and when you are sent into the world to preach, tell those things you are sent to tell: preach and cry aloud, ‘repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand— repent and believe the gospel.’ Declare the first principles, and let mysteries alone, lest you be overthrown. Never meddle with the visions of beasts, and subjects you do not understand.
Elder [Peletiah] Brown

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when you go to
Palmyra

Known as Swift’s Landing and Tolland before being renamed Palmyra, 1796. Incorporated, Mar. 1827, two years after completion of adjacent Erie Canal. Population in 1820 about 3,700. Joseph Sr. and Lucy Mack Smith family lived in village briefly, beginning ...

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, say nothing about the four beasts, but preach those things the Lord has told you to preach about— repentance and baptism for the remission of sins. ¶ He then read Rev. ch 13. v. 1-8. In v. 3. John says: ‘And I saw one of his heads as it were wounded to death; and his deadly wound was healed; and all the world wondered after the beast.’ Some spiritualizers say the beast that received the wound was Nebuchadnezzar some Constantine, some Mohammed, and other the Roman <​Catholic​> Church; but we will look at what John saw in relation to this beast. Now for the wasp’s nest. The translators have used the term
555

TEXT: Text continues on bottom of p. 1524.


‘dragon’ for ‘devil’, Now it was a beast that John saw in heaven, and he was then speaking of ‘things which must shortly come to pass’ and consequently the beast that John saw could not be Nebuchadnezzar. The beast John saw was an actual beast and an actual intelligent being gives him his power and his seat and great authority,’ It was not to represent a beast in heaven it was an angel in heaven who has power in the last days to do a work. [HC 5:344] ‘All the world wondered after the beast.’ Nebuchadnezzar and Constantine the Great not excepted: and if the beast was all the world, how could the world wonder after the beast? It must have been a wonderful Beast to cause all human Beings to wonder after it; and I will venture to say that when God allows the old Devil to give power to the beast to destroy the inhabitants of the earth, all will wonder. V. 4 reads, ‘And they worshipped the Dragon which gave power unto the beast; and they worshipped the beast saying, Who is like unto the beast? Who is able to make war with him? Some say it means the kingdoms of the world: one thing is sure, it does not mean the kingdom of the Saints. Suppose we admit that it means the kingdoms of the world, what propriety would there be in saying, who is able to make war with my great big self? If these spiritualized interpretations are true, the book contradicts itself in almost every verse; but they are not true. There is a mistranslation of the word dragon in the second verse— the original Hebrew word signifies the Devil, and not Dragon as translated. In ch. 12. v. 9. it reads “that old serpent called the devil,’ and it ought to be translated devil in this case, and not dragon. It is sometimes translated Appollyon. Everything that we have not a keyword to, we will take it as it leads. The beasts which John saw and speaks of as being in heaven were actually living in heaven, and were actually to have power given to them over the inhabitants of the earth, precisely according to the plain reading of the revelations. I give this as a key to the elders of Israel. ¶ The Independent Beast is a beast that dwells in heaven abstract from the human family; the beast that rose up out of the sea should be translated the image of a beast, as I have referred to in Daniel’s vision. ¶ I have said more than I ever did before except once at
Ramus

Area settled, 1826. Founded by Latter-day Saints, 1839–1840, following exodus from Missouri. Town platted, Aug. 1840. Post office established, Sept. 1840. Incorporated as Macedonia, Mar. 1843. Renamed Webster, 23 July 1847. Population in 1845 about 380. Crooked...

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; and then up starts the little fellow (Charles Thompson) and stuffed me like a Cock Turkey with the prophecies of Daniel, and crammed it down my throat with his finger.[”]​>
At half past 11 o’clock President Smiths lungs failed him, the wind blowing briskly at the time Choir sung a hymn.
Elder

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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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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rose and made a few remarks; among which were the following, “I have never said much about the Beasts, &c, in my preaching, when I have done it, it has been to attract attention and keep the people from running after a greater fool than myself
Singing and prayer Adjourned ‘till 2. P.M.
A strong west wind, ice floating down the
Mississippi

Principal U.S. river running southward from Itasca Lake, Minnesota, to Gulf of Mexico. Covered 3,160-mile course, 1839 (now about 2,350 miles). Drains about 1,100,000 square miles. Steamboat travel on Mississippi very important in 1830s and 1840s for shipping...

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, seen from the
stand

Term usually refers to speaker’s stand located in one of three groves where JS and others often spoke. JS also preached at temple stand, temporary structure built at various times on east, west, and south walls of unfinished Nauvoo temple. See also “Grove...

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. [HC 5:345]
2. P.M.
Conference again opened, but the wind being too strong, the congregation made a temporary stand at the east end of the Temple walls; when
Elder 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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resumed his remarks on the kingdom of God being set up in the last days, <​which​> will be like the little stone cut out of the mountain.
Elder
O[rson] Hyde

8 Jan. 1805–28 Nov. 1878. Laborer, clerk, storekeeper, teacher, editor, businessman, lawyer, judge. Born at Oxford, New Haven Co., Connecticut. Son of Nathan Hyde and Sally Thorpe. Moved to Derby, New Haven Co., 1812. Moved to Kirtland, Geauga Co., Ohio, ...

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said it was three years since he met with the saints, and was set apart for his mission to
Jerusalem

Capital city of ancient Judea. Holy city of Christians, Jews, and Muslims. Population in 1835 about 11,000; in 1840 about 13,000; and in 1850 about 15,000. Described in 1836 as “greatly reduced from its ancient size and importance.” Control of city changed...

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; he had travelled in the four quarters of the globe, and been among 14 or 15 different languages and people, and they all agree that some great event is close at hand.
Singing and prayer.
9 April 1843 • Sunday
556

See 9 Apr. 1843 entry in History Draft.


557

JS, Journal, 9 Apr. 1843.


<​9​>
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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opened by singing “The spirit of God like a fire is burning”
Prayer and singing.
558

“A Discourse,” Times and Seasons, 15 June 1843, 4:236–238; and 1 June 1843, 4:218–220.


Comprehensive Works Cited

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

In consequence of President Joseph Smith being afflicted in his lungs and breast, he was not able to preach and called on
Elder

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...

View Glossary
Joshua Grant to speak; who stated that he had just returned from a mission of three years, he had travelled through several States, and had in company with his brother
Jedediah M. Grant

21 Feb. 1816–1 Dec. 1856. Farmer. Born in Union, Broome Co., New York. Son of Joshua Grant and Athalia Howard. Lived in Springwater, Ontario Co., New York, 1820. Lived in Naples, Ontario Co., 1830. Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints...

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raised up a church of 200 members for synopsis of discourse, see Times and Seasons page 236, 237.
Elder
Amasa Lyman

30 Mar. 1813–4 Feb. 1877. Boatman, gunsmith, farmer. Born at Lyman, Grafton Co., New Hampshire. Son of Roswell Lyman and Martha Mason. Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints by Lyman E. Johnson, 27 Apr. 1832. Moved to Hiram, Portage Co....

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also preached an eloquent discourse on the Book of Mormon, Resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment. See Times and Seasons 218-19-20 [HC 5:346] [p. 1523]
View entire transcript

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Page 1523

Document Information

Related Case Documents
Editorial Title
History, 1838–1856, volume D-1 [1 August 1842–1 July 1843]
ID #
7624
Total Pages
298
Print Volume Location
Handwriting on This Page
  • Thomas Bullock

Footnotes

  1. [552]

    TEXT: “by his angel” written into next page.

  2. [553]

    TEXT: Transposition sign indicates text should be changed to “we can.”

  3. [554]

    TEXT: Address on Revelations continued at bottom of p. 1523 and carries over to the bottom of p. 1524.

  4. [555]

    TEXT: Text continues on bottom of p. 1524.

  5. [556]

    See 9 Apr. 1843 entry in History Draft.

  6. [557]

    JS, Journal, 9 Apr. 1843.

  7. [558]

    “A Discourse,” Times and Seasons, 15 June 1843, 4:236–238; and 1 June 1843, 4:218–220.

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

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