Times and Seasons (, Hancock Co., IL), 15 Mar. 1842, vol. 3, no. 10, pp. 719–734; edited by JS. For more complete source information, see the source note for Letter to Isaac Galland, 22 Mar. 1839.
Historical Introduction
The 15 March 1842 issue of the ’s , Illinois, newspaper, Times and Seasons, was the third issue that identified JS as editor. This issue contained four editorial passages, each of which is featured here with accompanying introductions. Several other JS texts printed in this issue, including an excerpt from the Book of Abraham and several pieces of correspondence, are featured as stand-alone documents elsewhere in this volume.
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.
While JS likely authored many of the paper’s editorial passages, John Taylor reportedly assisted him in writing content. No matter who wrote individual editorial pieces, JS assumed editorial responsibility for all installments naming him as editor except the 15 February issue. (Woodruff, Journal, 19 Feb. 1842; Historical Introduction to Times and Seasons, 1 Mar. 1842.)
Woodruff, Wilford. Journals, 1833–1898. Wilford Woodruff, Journals and Papers, 1828–1898. CHL. MS 1352.
contribute annually for its support. In short what is required to constitute good membership?
If you will please answer those questions comprehensively you will confer a favor on one who with pleasure subscribes himself your friend, and humble servant:
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P. S. Since the above was written has informed me that he must return to you. I am sorry it is so; but I do entreat you to send him back if possible. He is beloved by all good men who have listened to his eloquence, which consists in the pure doctrine which he preaches. I believe that should he return hundreds would be added to his fold, that would not be by any other man you could send, however eloquent he may be. The reason is we are familiar with him, and his candor is unquestioned, he gives no offence but alone appeals to the understandings of men, may he soon return is the prayer of your unworthy servant
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Editorial Note
The final editorial passage was a reply to a 2 February 1842 letter, printed in the same issue, in which resident requested information about the requirements of membership.
In answer to the above I would remark, that it is required of all men, to have faith in the Lord Jesus Christ; to repent of all their sins and to be (by one in authority) in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and to have hands laid on them for the , to constitute them a member in the .
I would respectfully refer you sir, to our book of Doctrines and Covenants for information concerning the “laws and regulations” of our church as being given by the revelations of God for our guide and instruction.
Respecting how much a man of property shall give annually we have no special instructions to give; he is to feed the hungry, to clothe the naked, to provide for the widow, to dry up the tear of the orphan, to comfort the afflicted, whether in this church, or in any other, or in no church at all, wherever he finds them, to believe and obey all that God has revealed, does reveal, or will reveal, to do good unto all men, to be a member in good standing in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Ed.
Sec. 1. Be it ordained by the City Council of the City of , That there shall be appointed biennially, on the fourth Monday of June, and whenever a vacancy shall occur, a suitable person to be sealer of weights and measures, who shall, before he enters on the duties of his office, enter into bond, with security to the satisfaction of the Mayor, in the sum of one hundred dollars, for the faithful discharge of his duty, and take and subscribe the following oath or affirmation before the Mayor or other justice of the peace: “I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will diligently, faithfully, and impartially execute the duties of my office, without favor or affection.”
Sec. 2. That the sealer of weights and measures shall keep an office near the centre of the , and shall have the keeping of such standard weights and measures as now are, or hereafter shall be provided by the Corporation; which shall be used only as the standards for weights and measures.
Sec. 3. That the sealer of weights and measures shall rectify, and brand or seal with the letter W all scale-beams, weights, and measures, that may be brought to his office for that purpose, as near the upper edge or ends thereof as possible; for each of which he shall receive, from the respective owners thereof, twenty cents, and double that sum if rectified, branded or sealed, at any other place. And if he shall neglect to rectify, brand, or seal any scale-beams, weights or measures, within three days after the same shall have been brought to his office, he shall incur a penalty of five dollars for every such neglect.
Sec. 4. That the sealer of weights and measures shall, under a penalty of twenty dollars for each neglect, at least once in every six months, between the rising and setting of the sun, enter every store, shop, market, or other place where goods are sold within this , and examine the scales, weights, and measures, if any therein; and if any scale-beams, weights, or measures, should be found without the official stamp, brand, or seal, of the sealer of weights and measures, or deficient, or exceeding in weight or measure, the same shall be forfeited to the Corporation, and seized by the sealer of weights and measures; and the person in whose possession such scale-beam, weight, or measure shall be found, shall pay a fine of one dollar for each and every such scale-beam, weight or measure: Provided, That nothing herein contained shall be construed to prevent any manufacturer, or other person, from keeping scale-beams, [p. 732]
This may be a reference to the revelations contained in the 1835 edition of the Doctrine and Covenants generally or may refer more specifically to two prominent revelatory texts often referred to, respectively, as the “Articles and Covenants of the Church of Christ” and the “Laws of the Church of Christ.” (Doctrine and Covenants 2 and 13, 1835 ed. [D&C 20 and 42].)
In the previous issue of the Times and Seasons, JS stated: “We believe all that God has revealed, all that he does now reveal, and we believe that he will yet reveal many great and important things pertaining to the kingdom of God.” (“Church History,” 1 Mar. 1842 [Articles of Faith 1:9].)
In the previous issue of the Times and Seasons, JS stated that the Latter-day Saints believed in “doing good to all men.” (“Church History,” 1 Mar. 1842 [Articles of Faith 1:13], italics in original.)