Times and Seasons (, Hancock Co., IL), 15 July 1842, vol. 3, no. 18, pp. 847–862; edited by JS. For more complete source information, see the source note for Letter to Isaac Galland, 22 Mar. 1839.
Historical Introduction
The 15 July 1842 issue of the Times and Seasons was the tenth published under JS’s editorship. This issue featured correspondence from missionaries and various articles about the and the wider world. The contents covered a wide range of topics and included a letter from in Europe to his fellow members of the , an installment of the serialized “History of Joseph Smith,” an article about a destructive fire in , minutes from a held by missionaries in Utica, New York, and an article reprinted from the Boston Investigator reporting on a debate between Dr. George Montgomery West and in .
In addition to this, content created by the editorial staff for the issue included two articles, as well as a notice from the and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. The first editorial article advocated theocracy as the ideal form of government, while the second—written after a lengthy excerpt from Josiah Priest’s book American Antiquities—used excerpts from the Book of Mormon to expand on Priest’s argument about an ancient people who had lived on the American continent. Although these editorials were each signed “Ed.,” for “Editor,” JS does not appear to have authored them, and his involvement in writing them is unclear. As the acknowledged editor of the paper, however, he would have taken responsibility for the editorial statements and presumably approved the content; such content is therefore featured here.
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.
gether—and then called for a representation of the different branches.
The Utica , represented by J. M. Monroe, consists of 61 members; 1 elder, 5 , 2 , and 2 .
The Hamilton branch, represented by A. M. Wilse, consists of 40 members; 4 elders, and 1 teacher.
The Edmeston branch, represented by Elder , consists of 13 members; 1 priest, 1 teacher. Also Crown Point branch, represented by the same , consists of 11 members and 2 elders.
The branch, represented by Elder , consists of 18 members; 1 elder, 1 teacher. Also, the Windham branch, represented by the same , consists of six members.
The Boonville branch, represented by Elder Myron Higley, consisth of 27 members; 4 elders, 1 priest and one teacher.
Almost all of the above branches are but the remains of what they formerly were; very many having emigrated to the west. On motion, adjourned till 3 o’clock.
Met pursuant to adjournment. After singing, and prayer by the , Elders and [Charles] Thompson addressed the Conference, stating that the work of the Lord was rolling onward in their section of country with considerable rapidity; after which the Lee branch was represented by Elder J. R. Blanchard consisting, of 17 members; 1 elder, 1 priest and 1 teacher.
Much other business was done in the course of the day, and the Conference received many appropriate addresses from several Elders present.
On motion, it was Resolved, That Elder be recommended by this Conference to all those who desire to gather west this fall, as a fit person to be their leader, and that they meet at Batavia on the 15th of August next.
The Conference met at half past ten o’clock Sunday morning, pursuant to adjournment, and after prayer by Elder , the Congregation was addressed by Eld Charles Thompson from Isaiah 21:5. At 3 o’clock, P. M., after prayer by the , Elder Thompson concluded his subject. The sacrament was then administered to the saints, and some time spent very profitably in giving in their testimony, at the close of the meeting one gentleman offered himself for .
At 8 o’clock, P. M., after prayer by , the congregation was advised by Elder from Rev. 14:6. The Conference then adjourned till nine o’clock on Monday morning.
The Conference assembled at the appointed time and proceeded to finish their business.
Bros. James M. Monroe and William Wilson were recommended for ordination. Bro. Monroe was accordingly ordained to the Elders office, and the case of Bro. Wilson was adjourned until the next Conference.
It was Resolved, That Elders and be recommended by this conference as proper persons to receive donations for the building up of the of the Lord at
Voted, also, that some person from the Utica branch be appointed as a General Agent to receive all monies and goods from the surrounding branches for the building of the .— Bro U. J. Pierce was accordingly appointed.
The following resolutions were then unanimously passed:
Resolved, That we duly appreciate the labors of the Trustee in Trust, and also of the , his fellow-laborers and faithful assistants, in their untiring exertions to build the at ; thereby to secure unto the those blessings on which they are dependent for their salvation.
Resolved, That we will do all we can, consistent with our circumstances to assist them in finishing this work.
Voted, that Bro. J. M. Monroe take all consecrations for the , which may be made previous to his departure.
Voted, that all who can, begin now to make their consecrations which was accordingly done; and from the casting in of their mites $9.50 was raised; which together with their names will be sent to soon by Bro. Monroe.
The Conference was then adjourned until the last Saturday and Sunday in January, 1843.
During the Conference, the greatest peace and harmony prevailed, and the spirit manifested by all present was very gratifying. Every one seemed to have the spirit of Christ—and when the subject of the was brooked they all seemed to manifest a willingness to do all they could in assisting in this all-important work; but owing to their poverty they could not do a great deal at the present time.
,
President.
James M. Monroe, Clerk.
————
NOTICE.
A notice appeared in the paper some few weeks ago advertizing A. Lits to return to . The notice was inserted by some officious person without authority; we know of no person by that name, but suppose that Elder William A. Lits is the person intended; if so, he is in perfect good standing in the , and there are no charges preferred against him. [p. 861]