Letter to Saints in Kirtland, 19 October 1840

these things to God and to futurity. and feel disposed to forget this coldness on the part of the Saints in Kirtland

Located ten miles south of Lake Erie. Settled by 1811. Organized by 1818. Population in 1830 about 55 Latter-day Saints and 1,000 others; in 1838 about 2,000 Saints and 1,200 others; in 1839 about 100 Saints and 1,500 others. Mormon missionaries visited township...

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, and to look to the future with more pleasure than where while we contemplate the past; and shall by the assistance of our Heavenly Father, take such steps as we think best calculated to promote the interest of the saints and for the promotion of truth & righteousness, and the building up of the kingdom in these last days.

The situation of Kirtland

Located ten miles south of Lake Erie. Settled by 1811. Organized by 1818. Population in 1830 about 55 Latter-day Saints and 1,000 others; in 1838 about 2,000 Saints and 1,200 others; in 1839 about 100 Saints and 1,500 others. Mormon missionaries visited township...

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was brought before the general 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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holden at this place on the 3d. instant, when it was resolved that Elder

An administrative and ecclesiastical office not associated with age. The Book of Mormon explained that elders ordained priests and teachers and administered “the flesh and blood of Christ unto the church.” The articles and covenants of the church directed...

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Almon Babbitt

9 Oct. 1812–Sept. 1856. Postmaster, editor, attorney. Born at Cheshire, Berkshire Co., Massachusetts. Son of Ira Babbitt and Nancy Crosier. Baptized into LDS church, ca. 1830. Located in Amherst, Lorain Co., Ohio, July 1831. Served mission to New York, fall...

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should be appointed to preside

Organized body of leaders over priesthood quorums and various groups of Latter-day Saints. A November 1831 revelation underscored the importance of a president over the high priesthood and the church as a whole. By 1832, JS and two counselors constituted ...

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over the Stake

The ecclesiastical organization of church members in a particular locale. Stakes were typically large local organizations of church members; stake leaders could include a presidency, a high council, and a bishopric. Some revelations referred to stakes “to...

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of Kirtland

Located ten miles south of Lake Erie. Settled by 1811. Organized by 1818. Population in 1830 about 55 Latter-day Saints and 1,000 others; in 1838 about 2,000 Saints and 1,200 others; in 1839 about 100 Saints and 1,500 others. Mormon missionaries visited township...

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and that he be privileged to choose his own counselors; We therefore hope that the Saints will hold up the hands of our beloved brother, and unite with him in endeavoring to promote the interest of the kingdom.

It has been deemed prudent to advise the Eastern brethren who desire to locate in Kirtland

Located ten miles south of Lake Erie. Settled by 1811. Organized by 1818. Population in 1830 about 55 Latter-day Saints and 1,000 others; in 1838 about 2,000 Saints and 1,200 others; in 1839 about 100 Saints and 1,500 others. Mormon missionaries visited township...

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, to do so, consequently you may expect an increase of mem bers in your stake, who probably will be but young in the faith and who will require kind treatment. We therefore hope the brethren will feel interested in the welfare of the saints, and will use all their endeavors to promote the welfare of the breth ren who may think proper to take up their residence in that place.

If you will put away from your midst all evil speaking, backbiting, & ungerous thoughts and feelings; humble yourselves and cultivate every principle of virtue & Love then will the blessings of Jehovah rest upon you and you will yet see good and glorious days, peace will be within your gates, and prosperity in your borders which may our heavenly Father grant in the name of Jesus Christ is the prayer of your. in the bonds of the Covenant

Generally referred to the “fullness 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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.

Joseph SmithJr.

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; to Tunbridge, before May 1803; to Royalton, Windsor Co., Vermont, 1804; to Sharon, Windsor Co., by...

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Letter to Saints in Kirtland, 19 October 1840

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