Discourse, 8 April 1840, as Reported by Times and Seasons
Source Note
JS, Discourse, [], Hancock Co., IL, 8 Apr. 1840. Featured version published in “Conference Minutes,” Times and Seasons, Apr. 1840, 94. For more complete source information, see the source note for Letter to Isaac Galland, 22 Mar. 1839.
met pursuant to adjournment, after singing the President arose and read the 3d chap. of John’s Gospel after which prayer was offered by elder .
The President commenced making observations on the different subjects embraced in the chapter particularly on the 3d, 4th, 5th verses illustrating it with a very beautiful and striking figure, and throwing a flood of light on the subjects which were brought up to review.
He then spoke to the elders respecting their mission, and advised those who went into the world, to preach the gospel, to leave their families provided for, with the necessaries of life; and to teach the as set forth in the Holy scriptures.
That it had been wisdom to, for the greater body of the church to keep on this side of the , in order that a foundation might be established in this place, but that now, it was the priviledge of the saints to occupy the lands in the , or wherever the spirit might lead them.
That he did not wish to have any political influence, but wished the saints to use their political franchise to the best of their knowledge.
He then stated that since had been appointed to visit the Jewish people, he had felt an impression that it would be well for Elder to accompany him on his mission. [p. 94]
Accusations of voting as a bloc followed the Saints after their exodus from Missouri. (See, for example, “The Mormons,” Iowa News [Dubuque, Iowa Territory], 1 June 1839, [2]; “The Mormons for Harrison,” Peoria [IL] Register and North-Western Gazetteer, 17 Apr. 1840, [2]; Letter from Elias Higbee, 22 Feb. 1840; and “The Mormons,” North American and Daily Advertiser [Philadelphia], 30 May 1840, [2].)
Iowa News. Dubuque, Iowa Territory. 1837–1841.
Peoria Register and North-Western Gazetteer. Peoria, IL. 1837–1843.
North American and Daily Advertiser. Philadelphia. 1839–1845.