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Times and Seasons, 2 May 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), 2 May 1842, vol. 3, no. 13, pp. 767–782; edited by JS. For more complete source information, see the source note for Letter to Isaac Galland, 22 Mar. 1839.

Historical Introduction

The 2 May 1842 issue 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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periodical 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, was the thirteenth number in its third volume.JS purchased the
printing office

Located at four different sites from 1839–1846: cellar of warehouse on bank of Mississippi River, June–Aug. 1839; frame building on northeast corner of Water and Bain streets, Nov. 1839–Nov. 1841; newly built printing establishment on northwest corner of ...

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and the newspaper from
Ebenezer Robinson

25 May 1816–11 Mar. 1891. Printer, editor, publisher. Born at Floyd (near Rome), Oneida Co., New York. Son of Nathan Robinson and Mary Brown. Moved to Utica, Oneida Co., ca. 1831, and learned printing trade at Utica Observer. Moved to Ravenna, Portage Co....

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in February 1842 and was identified as its editor from 15 February to 15 October 1842.
1

See Agreement with Ebenezer Robinson, 4 Feb. 1842.


Although JS was named as the editor in the 15 February issue, he did not consider himself the editor of the newspaper until the 1 March 1842 issue.
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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,
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 others helped JS produce the Times and Seasons from March through October 1842, but JS was directly responsible for the content of the newspaper.
2

See “To Subscribers,” Times and Seasons, 1 Mar. 1842, 3:710.


The fifth issue that JS oversaw as editor was dated 2 May 1842 and contained a letter to the Saints from the
Quorum of the Twelve 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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, urging them to fund the construction of 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...

More Info
; letters from missionaries and church members in the eastern
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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and Europe;
3

Several of these letters were written to JS and, because of their earlier creation dates, are featured in a previous volume of The Joseph Smith Papers. (See Letter from Eli Maginn, 22 Mar. 1842; and Letter from William Appleby, ca. Mar. 1842.)


an extract of the “History of Joseph Smith,” which was printed serially in the newspaper; and reprinted articles from several other newspapers, including the church newspaper 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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, the Latter-day Saints’ Millennial Star.
4

The Millennial Star was a monthly church newspaper edited by Parley P. Pratt and first published in Manchester, England, in May 1840. (“Prospectus,” Millennial Star, May 1840, 1:1–2.)


Comprehensive Works Cited

Latter-day Saints’ Millennial Star. Manchester, England, 1840–1842; Liverpool, 1842–1932; London, 1932–1970.

In addition to this material, the issue also contained editorial content, meaning content created by JS as the editor or his editorial staff for the paper. This content in the 2 May issue included commentaries on articles about mummies, an editorial on the Nauvoo temple, news from proselytizing
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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, commentary on an article about Judaism, and notices concerning temple donations and a position with the printing office staff. Selected editorial content from the 2 May issue is featured here, with individual introductions for each passage.
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 Agreement with Ebenezer Robinson, 4 Feb. 1842.

  2. [2]

    See “To Subscribers,” Times and Seasons, 1 Mar. 1842, 3:710.

  3. [3]

    Several of these letters were written to JS and, because of their earlier creation dates, are featured in a previous volume of The Joseph Smith Papers. (See Letter from Eli Maginn, 22 Mar. 1842; and Letter from William Appleby, ca. Mar. 1842.)

  4. [4]

    The Millennial Star was a monthly church newspaper edited by Parley P. Pratt and first published in Manchester, England, in May 1840. (“Prospectus,” Millennial Star, May 1840, 1:1–2.)

    Latter-day Saints’ Millennial Star. Manchester, England, 1840–1842; Liverpool, 1842–1932; London, 1932–1970.

  5. [5]

    See “Editorial Method”.

Asterisk (*) denotes a "featured" version, which includes an introduction and annotation. *Times and Seasons , 2 May 1842 *Times and Seasons, 2 May 1842 *Times and Seasons, 2 May 1842 *Times and Seasons, 2 May 1842 *Times and Seasons, 2 May 1842 *Letter from Eli Maginn, 22 March 1842
Times and Seasons, 2 May 1842
History, 1838–1856, volume C-1 [2 November 1838–31 July 1842] “History of Joseph Smith” Notice, circa 2 May 1842 Times and Seasons, 2 May 1842 *Letter from William Appleby, circa March 1842 Times and Seasons, 2 May 1842

Page 778

and people from all harm, and danger; and speed on his triumphant and glorious gospel. The ship of eternal truth is plowing with dignity and majesty through the yielding waves of sophism, infidelity and delusion; the waves of persecuton are rolling high and dash vehemently against its triumphant bows, but they cannot impede its progress: base fabrications, slander, scorn, obloquy, vituperation, scurrillity, and in fact all manner of the most glaring and unblushing falsehoods are heralded forth by priests and people; and reiterated and reechoed in every breeze, from one end of God’s footstool, (if it were possible) to the other; but what does all their evanid declamating amount to? the answer is definite and positive, NOTHING.—It goes ahead with a steady pace, every day gives it a new impetus, and every moment accelerates its speed, and why? the God of heaven is at the helm, and he will steer the ship and the kingdoms of this world will become the kin[g]doms of our Lord and his Christ; yes, the mighty kingdoms of China, Austria, Russia, Prussia,
France

Nation in western Europe. Paris chosen as capital, 508 AD. Political and economic crises led to revolution against monarchy, 1789. Napoleon Bonaparte crowned emperor in Paris, 1804. In 1815, Bonaparte abdicated after being defeated by British; monarchy restored...

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and England and
America

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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not excepted, with all the sectarian denominations of the present day will be utterly overthrown;—and Christ will come with all his Saints, and establish his kingdom upon their ruins.
But I said I was going to inform you what the Lord of glory was doing here, this I will endeavor to do. There is a
branch

An ecclesiastical organization of church members in a particular locale. A branch was generally smaller than a stake or a conference. Branches were also referred to as churches, as in “the Church of Shalersville.” In general, a branch was led by a presiding...

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here containing 22 members, including 1
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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, and 1
priest

An ecclesiastical and priesthood office. In the Book of Mormon, priests were described as those who baptized, administered “the flesh and blood of Christ unto the church,” and taught “the things pertaining to the kingdom of God.” A June 1829 revelation directed...

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, and more believing. It is but a few weeks ago since I
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...

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a gentleman and his lady here at 9 o’clock at night, and broke the ice to do it, but they never minded ice nor weather when truth was to be obtained; the gentleman was of the persuasion of Friends, the lady was formerly a member of the Church of England, from
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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, they both are now rejoicing in the truth, and thankful that they have eradicated the mark of the Beast.
I have been home but a few days from a tour of nearly two weeks along the sea shore (i.e.) Toms River and Forked River &c. There were six baptized at Toms River while I was there and more believing; there are something near two hundred members here and in Cream Ridge, and Toms River exclusive of those who have gone west. I was informed by Br. Winner that Elder Divine baptized 18 in one day a few weeks ago at Long Branch, and that there had been 60 baptized there within a short time. There are calls here for preaching on the right and left, we would like to see
Br. [John E.] Page

25 Feb. 1799–14 Oct. 1867. Born at Trenton, Oneida Co., New York. Son of Ebenezer Page and Rachel Hill. Married first Betsey Thompson, 1831, in Huron Co., Ohio. Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints by Emer Harris, 18 Aug. 1833, at Brownhelm...

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or some other efficient elder, here as soon as you have an opportunity of sending one, I have understood you purposed coming east in the spring if you are I wish you to inform me as soon as you receive this and at what time you expect to be in
Jersey

Located in northeast region of U.S. First European settlements made by Dutch, Swedes, and English, early 1600s. Admitted to U.S. as state, Dec. 1787. Population in 1830 about 321,000. Population in 1840 about 373,000. First Latter-day Saint missionaries preached...

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, as Br. Isaac R. Robbins is coming 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
this spring, and wishes to see you, but if you are coming here perhaps he may wait until you arrive. Brs. John R. Robbins, and Lafetras, with their families expect to leave here for
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
sometime in April; but I must bring my letter to a close as the bright luminary of day has long since sunk behind the western hills, and another day has rolled into (to us) the ocean of eternity, to help fill up the vacuum of years yet wanting to commence the sabbath of rest;—the sable shades of night are hovering over the earth, her dark mantle is spread upon the hills and vallies; while bright Phæbus the queen of night is riding in glorious majesty, with all her attendant train of satellites, twinkling in ether blue, and all nature is nearly hushed in slumbering silence, and enjoying that heavenly repose which the great Author ordained for the creatures of his care; therefore with the sublimest emotions of praise and gratitude to my God do I close by saying may God bless you and yours,
Br. 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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, and all the Saints throughout the world: and may
Zion

A specific location in Missouri; also a literal or figurative gathering of believers in Jesus Christ, characterized by adherence to ideals of harmony, equality, and purity. In JS’s earliest revelations “the cause of Zion” was used to broadly describe the ...

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prosper and become the joy of the whole earth.
With sentiments of profound respect do I subscribe myself your well wisher and brother in the Lord,
W. J. APPLEBY

13 Aug. 1811–20 May 1870. Carpenter, millwright, schoolteacher, justice of the peace, judge, town clerk. Born near New Egypt, Monmouth Co., New Jersey. Son of Jacob Appleby and Mary Lukers. Married Sarah B. Price, 23 Oct. 1830, in Monmouth Co. Appointed justice...

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.
 
————
We have received a communication from
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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Eli Maginn

ca. 1820–27 Apr. 1844. Born in York (later Toronto), York Township, York Co., Upper Canada. Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, in Toronto, by Dec. 1837. Ordained a priest, Dec. 1837, in Scarborough Township, York Co. Moved to Missouri...

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, and from
E[rastus] 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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,
Mass.

One of original thirteen colonies that formed U.S. Capital city, Boston. Colonized by English religious dissenters, 1620s. Population in 1830 about 610,000. Population in 1840 about 738,000. Joseph Smith Sr. born in Massachusetts. Samuel Smith and Orson Hyde...

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Elder Maginn

ca. 1820–27 Apr. 1844. Born in York (later Toronto), York Township, York Co., Upper Canada. Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, in Toronto, by Dec. 1837. Ordained a priest, Dec. 1837, in Scarborough Township, York Co. Moved to Missouri...

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has forwarded twenty four dollars subscription money, and twenty dollars for the
temple

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

More Info
, he writes as follows.—
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. March 22nd, 1842.
Pres’t Smith Sir.
I avail myself of this opportunity of transmitting the following subscribers for your valuable paper. * *
I shall endeavor to forward from 100 to 200 dollars by fall, for the
House of

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

More Info
[p. 778]
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Page 778

Document Information

Related Case Documents
Editorial Title
Times and Seasons, 2 May 1842
ID #
8147
Total Pages
16
Print Volume Location
JSP, D10:15–27
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