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Vol. III. No. 7.] CITY OF NAUVOO, ILL. FEB. 1, 1842. [Whole No. 43
From the Gospel Reflector.
THE MILLENNIUM.
"There remaineth therefore a REST to the people of God." Heb. iv, 9.
"Blessed are the meek for they shall inherit the earth."-Matt. v, 6.
There is no subject that abounds in the bible equal to that of the Millennium or the thousand years of rest for the people of God, and there is nothing better to arouse the mind to a lively sense of future blessings, than the promise of this rest, that God hath made to all the faithful and obedient.
This rest or sabbath of creation will be, in our opinion, the seventh thousand years of the world; of which the Jewish sabbaths were a type. It is said that in six days the Lord made the earth, and on the seventh day he finished his work, and blessed and hallowed it, and called it holy. In the ten commandments, which were written upon the tables of stone by the finger of God, there is a strict injunction upon the people of God, to cease from their temporal labors and keep the seventh day or sabbath holy. This constituted an item in the code of the ceremonial law, which was rigidly enforced upon on the Israelites prior to the appearance of Christ. They keep the sabbath of days, and one of years. Every seventh year they let their servants, and their beasts of burden rest, and every fiftieth year, they had a jubilee, when their servants were set free. Paul speaking of these says: "Let no man therefore judge you in meat or in drink, or in respect of an holy day or of the new moons, or of the sabbath days, which are a shadow of things to come." Col. ii. 16, 17. Thus the sabbaths of both days and years were a type of shadow of something to come. And now we ask, what could they be a type of but the great rest for the saints? The sabbath of days was a day of rest, the sabbath of years was a year of rest; and surely what can be more reasonable than that these sabbaths were a type of the great sabbath of creation. Peter speaking of the Lord's mode of computing time says: but beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day."-2 Pet. iii, 8. According to the above the seventh thousand years will be the seventh day with the Lord; hence, the regular day to be hallowed and kept holy. The foregoing are in short some of our reasons for concluding that the seventh thousand years will be the Millennium. But the chronology of time is so imperfectly kept that it is impossible for us to tell beforehand the exact time that the seventh thousand years will commence; but when the great rest commences we shall certainly know it.
We do not believe as some do, that this rest will be ushered in by the conversion of the whole world; but as we remarked while speaking of the second coming of Christ, the wicked will be destroyed, and the earth undergo a purification by fire; and then the Lord will come with all his saints and angels, and establish the kingdom of heaven on earth. The reign of Christ, and the redeemed saints will then commence on earth.-However, we do not wish to be understood that Christ during the Millennium will be perpetually confined to this earth; but the idea is, he will subject the earth to himself, that it shall be wholly nnder [under] his control of jurisdiction, and he will go and come as will be necessary; and the patriarchs, prophets, and immortal saints, shall reign as kings and priests under him. The prophets looked forth, and with joy hailed this day of rest from far, as the reward for their service in the cause of God, and considered no hardship sufficient to counterbalance the glory and blessings to be enjoyed during it. Satan at this time will be bound, so that he cannot have any power over the saints to tempt them.
In order for the earth to be made fit for the abode of the saints, it is necessary for it to be restored to its primitive or primeval purity, that is, as it was in the morning of creation. The prophets have said that this restoration should take place, and that even the beasts of the forest should become perfectly peaceable and harmless, as they were when Adam dwelt in the garden of Eden.
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When we speak of the restoration of the earth, or in a word the great restitution of all things spoken by the mouth of all the holy prophets since the world began, we mean to be understood that wherein the earth has been changed in the least from its primeval state, it will be restored, and the curse taken away; and in a word any derangement, or degenerated condition of the works of God, which will add to his glory and to the happiness of the saints by being restored, will be. In order to come at the object that we have in view, which is to show the precise manner that the Millennium will be brought in, and the saints made to enjoy that which is promised, it is necessary to take a retrospective view of the earth, and all things upon it in the morning of creation, and the various changes that it together with man and beast have since undergone.
At the time this earth rolled from the hand of its Maker, there was no curse to inflict the tedious manuel [manual] labor, no thorns to infest the ground, no sweat of the brow was required, no pain nor death was there, no ravenous beast that sought for prey; but all was peace and quietude. Our first parents were placed in the metropolis of this lower creation, and power was given them to have dominion over the beasts of the field, and the fowls of the air; they also could converse with God face to face as we converse with our friends; no intervening veil of unbelief was there. While in this state of innocency, Adam gave names to all the beasts of the forest, fowls of the air, and creeping things upon the earth. There was no devouring of a prey; consequently the lion ate vegetable food like the ox, and nothing did hurt nor destroy in all the Lord's holy mountain. The earth yielded fruit in abundance in its time thereof. Man was the noblest work of all the creation; therefore, God created him in his own image, and likeness, and endowed him with superior intellectual powers to any of the animal creation; and while in the garden the seraphs of heaven were his companions.
Thus the whole creation as it rolled from the hand of God was pure. But Oh, how changed the scene satan interposed! spoke through the serpent and disturbed the quiet; and justice demanded that the penalty of the law should be inflicted: hence, the inmates of the garden were forced out, and the seeds of death planted within the human system. The monster sin then commenced his dominion, and awful have been the consequences. The earth no longer retained its standing in the presence of Jehovah; but was hurled into the immensity of space; and there to remain till it has filled up the time of its bondage to sin and satan. It was immediately cursed, and Adam, and Eve were obliged to procure their food and raiment by the sweat of the brow. The beasts became ferocious, and went prowling about the wilderness seeking the inferior animals for a prey.
But says one, wherein did the sin of man affect the whole creation? We answer; that Adam was placed in the garden or capitol of the whole earth, and power was given unto him to sway his sceptre [scepter] over all things upon earth; therefore, when he fell from the presence of the Lord, the whole of his dominions fell also. It is said, that when the Lord made the earth, he pronounced it good, or saw that it was good; but since, it has been cursed, and in many places made barren. It is also said that at the time of the creation, the waters were gathered together into one place; consequently, the land was also in one place; but now it is divided into continents, and islands. How much the flood served to change the face of nature, we are not able to say; but it must have done considerable towards it. We are told, Gen. x. 25, that in the days of Peleg the earth was divided. It is probable that in his day some mighty convulsion of nature took place, which rent the earth asunder, and divided it in into continents. Other changes have been produced by various causes: for instance, the plains of Sodom and Gomorrah that were once so beautiful, and teemed with the voice of merriment; but now stagnant water, and a barren desert only marks the place; also, the land of Palestine that once flowed with milk and honey, and yielded sufficient for the sustenance of several million inhabitants; but now is under a particular curse, and is scarcely capable to sustain a few thousand. If any should ask why all this change? the only cause we could give, is the wickedness of the human family.
Indeed, ever since the fall of man the earth has been undergoing changes.-
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But says one, has it been changed for the worse? We answer in the affirmative.
But notwithstanding the fall of man, and the curse placed upon the human family, the plan of redemption was devised, and preached to Adam and Eve, which no doubt gladened [gladdened] their hearts. God promised that in his own due time he would send his Son who should be offered as a sacrifice for sin, and should not only redeem them from the fall; but should redeem the earth, or in other words restore it to its original state and standing, The patriarchs having this redemption in view moved forward in obedience to the commands of God; but it seems that as time progressed, wickedness increased. In those early ages, the holy men of God, could by faith rend the vail [veil] and beheld God, and converse with him face to face as a man converses with his friend. The heavenly messengers often ministered unto them. Surely, the prophets and apostles had no idea of a true religion without the administration of angels, and the gifts of the Spirit; but now things have assumed a different form, and appearance; men now profess to enjoy a religion without these gifts, and blessings. Oh, how degenerated! how wretched mankind have made themselves by their wickedness! Once they were the favorites of heaven! but now, they are bound up in priestcraft and superstition. Mankind have been degenerated ever since the creation. Christ represented the world as becoming more and more wicked until the great harvest of the earth. The apostle says, that evil men shall wax worse and worse. Having thus pointed out some of the changes that man, beast, and even the earth itself, have undergone, we will now take a prophetic view of their restoration.
The restoration of the earth is a thing that the prophets have mentioned with much firmness: for indeed, they well knew the advantage of such a work. Isaiah speaking of this work says: "The wilderness and solitary place shall be glad for them; and the desert shall rejoice and blossom as a rose!" "Then shall the lame man leap as an hart, and the tongue of the dumb sing: for in the wilderness shall waters break out, and streams in the desert. And the parched ground shall become a pool, and the thirsty land springs of water: in the habitation of dragons where each lay shall be grass, with reeds and rushes."-Isa. xxx. 1-7. Thus the barren deserts are to become fruitful, and springs of water, sprung up in the thirsty land. David speaking of the return of Israel, and the Millennium says: "The Lord shall give that which is good: and our land shall yield her increase." Joel says: "At this time their floors shall overflow with wheat, and the fats with wine and oil." "And ye shall reap and eat in plenty and be satisfied." It is evident from the foregoing that the curse will be taken off of the earth, that it may yield its fruit in abundance. And from the following we are led to believe, not only that the curse will be taken off, but that the continents, and islands, will be brought together, or restored to their original place; as they were when they were all in one place. It is said, that when the Lord appears the mountains will flow down at his presence, and the valeys [valleys] be exalted, crooked things be made straight, rough places a plain, and that the earth shall tremble exceedingly. John speaking of this work says: "And there were voices, and thunders, and lightnings; and there was a great earthquake such as was not since men were upon the earth, so mighty an earthquake, and so great." "And every island fled away, and the mountains were not found."-Rev. xvi. 18-20.-See also Rev. vi. 14. Thus the islands are to be moved out of their places; and as it is the time of restoration, they will in all probability return and join themselves to the main continent from whence they came. Isaiah speaking of the lands of Zion, and Jerusalem, that is, the Eastern, and Western continent, says: "Thou shalt no more be termed Forsaken: neither shall thy land any more be termed Desolate; but thou shalt be called Hephzibah, and thy land Beulah: for the Lord delighteth in thee, and thy land shall be married."-Isa. Ixii, 4. Now according to the above, the islands and continents will be brought together, the mountains thrown down, and the great waters rolled back to the place where they were at the beginning; and in a word, the earth will be restored to its primeval state, be purified by fire, the curse taken off, and it made fit for the abode of saints.
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The brute beasts will then become perfectly peaceable, and harmless, or the enmity be taken away. To prove this we insert the following: "And righteousness shall be the girdle of his loins, and faithfulness the girdle of his reins. The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid; and the calf, and the young loin, and the fatling together; and a little child shall lead them. And the cow and the bear shall feed; their young ones shall lie down together: and the loin shall eat straw like the ox. And the sucking child shall play on the hole of the asp, and the weaned child shall put his hand on the cockatrice's den. They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain: for the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea." Isa. xi 5-9. The enmity between beast and beast shall be taken away, and they will eat vegetable food, and no more devour the inferior beast to satisfy their appetite. This surely will be a glorious work, which can be brought about in no other way, but by the power of God. Having shown the restoration of the earth, &c. we will now show the precise restoration or resurrection of the saints.
Paul while reasoning upon this subject says: "For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now: and not only they, but ourselves also, which have the first fruits of the Spirit; even we ourselves, groan within ourselves waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of the body."-Ro. viii, 22, 23. It is evident from the above, that the saints were waiting or looking forth for the resurrection of the body. We have before stated our views with regard to the literality [literally] of the resurrection; therefore, we shall not particularize upon the subject; but only to show some of the ideas of the prophets with regard to the manner that they shall be brought to enjoy the great rest, which they have the promise of enjoying. The reader will remember that the Lord promised Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, that they should have the land of Canaan for themselves, and their posterity for an everlasting possession; yet Stephen said, that Abraham never possessed so much of that land, as to set his foot upon. The apostle Paul says: "Abraham sojourned in a land of promise as in a strange country, dwelling in tabernacles with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise." We are informed in the scriptures that the Lord is not slack concerning his promises therefore, we must look for this promise concerning them to be fulfilled, and they made to enjoy their inheritance in the land of Canaan. Ezekiel is very precise in telling how they shall be made to possess their inheritance. "The hand of the Lord was upon me, and carried me out in the Spirit of the Lord, and set me down in the midst of the valley which was full of bones, and caused me to pass by them round about: and, behold, there were not very many in the open valley; and, lo, they were dry. And he said unto me, son of man can these bones live? And I answered, O Lord God, thou knowest."
"Again he said unto me prophesy upon these bones, and say unto them, O ye dry bones, hear the word of the Lord. Thus saith the Lord God unto these bones, behold I will cause breath to enter into you and you shall live: and I will lay sinews upon you, and will bring up flesh upon you, and cover you with skin, and put breath in you, and ye shall live; and ye shall know that I am the Lord. So I prophesied as I was commanded: and as I prophesied there was a noise, and, behold a shaking, and the bones came together, bone to his bone. And when I beheld, lo, the sinews and flesh came up upon them, and the skin covered them above; but there was no breath in them. Then said he unto me, prophesy unto the wind, and say to the wind, thus saith the Lord God, come from the four winds O breath, and breathe upon these slain that they may live. So I prophesied, as he commanded me, and the breath came into them, and they lived, and stood upon their feet, an exceeding great army."-Ezek. xxxvii.1-10. The above is a full and precise description of the resurrection of the body. But we have often heard it applied to a revival in religion, and also to the conversion of the heathen; but if we take the Lord's interpretation in preference to that of the learned divines of the present age, we are bound to believe that it is a minute description of the resurrection. The following is the Lord's interpretation: "Then he said unto me, son of man, these bones are the
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whole House of Israel: behold they say, our bones are dried, and our hope is lost; we are cut off for our parts. Therefore prophesy, and say unto them, thus saith the Lord God, behold, O my people, I will open your graves, and cause you to come up out of your graves, and bring you unto the land of Israel. And ye shall know that I am the Lord, when I have opened your graves, and bring you unto the land of Israel. And ye shall know that I am the Lord, when I have opened your graves, O my people, and brought you up out of your graves, and shall put my Spirit in you, and ye shall live; and I shall place you in your own land: then shall ye know that I the Lord have spoken it, and performed it saith the Lord."-Ezek. xxxvii, 11-14. Thus the Lord will raise the children of Israel out of their graves, and not as some have supposed, or as the poet says, escort them beyond the bounds of time and space; but put his Spirit in them, and bring them into the land of Israel. This at once explains the promises made to Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and the prophets, that they should inherit the land of Canaan. Surely, the Lord will fulfil [fulfill] his promises unto them, and make them possess their land in peace. Isaiah in view of the resurrection says: "Thy dead men shall live, together with my dead body shall they arise; awake and sing, ye that dwell in the dust: for thy dew is as the dew of herbs, and the earth shall cast out the dead. Come, my people, enter thou into thy chambers, and shut thy doors about thee: hide thyself also as it were for a little moment, until the indignation be overpast. For behold, the Lord cometh out of his place to punish the inhabitants of the earth for their iniquity: the earth shall disclose her blood, and shall no more cover her slain."-Isa. xxvi, 19-21. Job, after his property was confiscated his family destroyed, and he left to languish in consequence of affliction; and as he lamented his loss, answered those who mocked him, and was groaning under his affliction, he breaks out with the following: "Oh that my words were now written! Oh that they were printed in a book! that they were graven with an iron pen and laid in the rock forever! For I know that my Redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter-day upon the earth: and though, after my skin, worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God; whom I shall see for myself, and mine eyes shall behold, and not another; though my reins be consumed within me."-Job, xix, 23-27. Thus Job looked down through the ages of unborn time, and saw the day when Christ shall stand on the earth, and thus he also anticipated a glorious resurrection. He did not say that he was going to some unknown region; but that his Redeemer is to stand on the earth; and he is to see him with his eyes, and in his flesh for himself, and not for another.-Surely, the idea of the redemption of the body, consoled Job in the time of his affliction and grief.
The apostle says, that when Christ appears he will change our vile bodies, and they shall be fashioned like his most glorious body. Indeed, when he appears the immortal saints will be glorified; and then will be fulfilled the promise that is so often repeated in the scriptures: "They shall reign with him." John while wrapped in a vision, and was caught up to the third heaven, and heard the heavenly hosts sing a new song, says: "And they sung a new song, saying, thou are worthy to take the book and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred and tongue, and people, and nation; and hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth."-Rev. v, 9-10. Thus the heavenly hosts sung anthems of praise to God for the promised redemption, and because he had made them kings and priests, and promised that they should reign on earth, this song was sung in heaven with much joy; but it is seldom that such a thing is even taught in the various churches on earth, to say nothing about singing it. Indeed, all the prophets, and saints of ancient times, rejoiced at the idea of the redemption of their bodies; and notwithstanding, they knew their bodies would be consigned to the tomb, and their spirits flit away to the paradise of God, and there remain for a season; yet they knew that in the latter-days the Lord would come, and that their bodies should be be called forth from the tombs, and become immortal; and they made to reign on earth.
John in the xx chapter of his Book of Revelation gives an outline of the Millennium from the beginning to the end: "And I saw an angel come down from heaven, having the key of the bottomless
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(or the lowest) pit and a great chain in his hand. And he laid hold on the dragon, that old serpent, which is the devil, and satan, and bound him a thousand years, and cast him into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal that he should deceive the nations no more, till the thousand years should be fulfilled: and after that he must be loosed a little season. And I saw thrones, and they that sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshiped [worshipped] the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands: and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years. But the rest of the dead lived not until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection. Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power; but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years." We learn from the above, first, that satan will be bound that he cannot deceive the nations for a thousand years; second, that judgment shall be given to the saints, or as Daniel words it: "Judgment shall be given to the saints, of the Most High" Third, that the saints who died in the faith, and have not worshiped [worshipped] the beast nor his image, will be raised from the dead; fourth, they will be made kings and priests unto God, and shall reign with him a thousand years; fifth, the rest of the dead, that is, those that through disobedience have rendered themselves unworthy of a part in the first resurrection, will not live again until the expiration of the thousand years. To be deprived of a part in the first resurrection, and also of this rest for the people of God, is surely a severe punishment to the wicked. This explains what Paul says, which we have before mentioned; "But every man in his own order, Christ the first-fruits; afterward they that are Christ's at his coming." While the bodies of the wicked remain in their tombs, the saints will be shining forth in the kingdom of God.
It is evident that the saints will receive a glory as the reward for their faithfulness in the cause of God, which is past description. Indeed, then will be fulfilled the saying of Christ, in the explanation of his parable of the talents: "Well done thou good and faithful servant, thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of the Lord."-Matt. xxv, 21. Also the following: "And I appoint unto you a kingdom, as my father hath appointed unto me; that ye may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom."-Luke, xxii, 29-30. From the above it is evident that the saints will not only be made kings and priests, but that they will have authority, and dominion. It would be folly to talk about reigning, without both authority, and dominion. But says one, what will they rule over? This is not for us to say, but for God to appoint. Christ has already answered this question: "I will make thee ruler over ten cities." They are to reign as kings under Christ, and be appointed by him. Whether each will have a separate and distinct appointment, or all form a grand quorum and reign collectively, is not for us to say; but it sufficeth to say that they will reign on earth. The following shows what will be the exalted station of the saints when redeemed: "For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God: for ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: and if children, then heirs: heirs of God, and joint heirs with Christ: if so be we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together. For I reckon, that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory of which shall be revealed in us."-I Cor. viii, 14-18.-Christ while praying to the Father for his disciples said: "Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word; that they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me. And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one: I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them as
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thou hast loved me. Father, I will that they also whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am: that they may behold my glory, which thou hast given me for thou lovedst me before the foundation of the world."-John, xvii, 20-24. It is evident from the foregoing that the saints will not only be made kings and priests to God; but they will share in the glory with Christ, and this is what we said at the beginning. They shall reign with Christ-and their song ended thus: "We shall reign on the earth." We do not suppose they will be perpetually confined to the earth; but the whole kingdom under the jurisdiction of Christ and the saints, and they shall posses the kingdom; or in other words it shall be under their control, whether they will be at all times present or not. Having in a brief manner shown that the earth is to be restored to its primeval beauty, and also the way that the saints shall be made to enjoy their promised inheritance on earth, we will now take a general view of the blessings and prosperity of those that will be in a state of mortality in the Millennium.
We have before proved that the House of Israel will be gathered back upon their own lands, and that Jerusalem will be rebuilt, and eventually become a holy city; also that the Lord will cause the city of Zion to be built, and prepared for his reception; and then he will appear in his glory and kingdom, and do away the flagitious works of the adversary, and establish on peace earth; therefore, we shall comment but little upon passages of scripture that refer to the gathering of Israel, and the building of these cities.
[Concluded on first page of next No.]
TITHINGS AND CONSECRATIONS
FOR THE TEMPLE OF THE LORD.
From this time, the Recorder's office will be opened on Saturday of each week for the reception of the Tithings and consecrations of the brethren, and closed on every other day in the week. This regulation is necessary, to give the Trustee and Recorder time to arrange the Book of Mormon, New Translation of the Bible, Hymn Book, and Doctrine and Covenants for the press; all of which the brethren are anxious to see, in their most perfect form; consequently, they will be particular to bring their offering on the day specified until further notice, but not relax their exertions to carry on the work.
The Elders will please give the above notice in all public meetings, until the plan is understood. W. RICHARDS, Recorder,
Nauvoo, Jan. 12, 1842. for the Temple.
CONFERENCE MINUTES.
Conference met pursuant to adjournment, at the centre [center] of Grafton, Lorain co O. and proceeded to business, by appointing Elder John Hughes president, and W. N. Hakes clerk. Conference was opened by the president reading the twelfth chapter, 2d Book of Nephi, and after addressing the throne of grace, proceeded to give instructions to both official and private members.
The different branches were then represented. The branch at Grafton was represented by Brother Wetherbee, containing 32 members, 1 high priest, 3 elders, 1 priest, 2 teachers, and 1 Deacon.
The branches at Brooklyn and Parma were represented by brother Bennett, containing ,19 members, 1 ;priest, and 1 Deacon.
The branch at Homer was represented by brother Gaylord, containing 7 members, 1 priest, and 1 teacher.
The members of the branch at this place are, at present, living in love and union with each other, and are strong in the faith of the new and everlasting covenant. The spirit of gathering prevailes [prevails] generally, and when God opens the way you may confidently expect to see us come up to Zion. One member joined this branch by recommendation from brother Gaylord. Conference adjourned until evening.
Conference met pursuant to adjournment. Brother Gaylord delivered a lecture from 2d Timothy, iii: 16: by which the saints were much edified. Conference then adjourned until eleven o'clock, Sabbath morning.
Conference again met pursuant to adjournment, and opened by elder John Hughes. After addressing the throne of grace, he lectured from Luke. xxi: 27-28, from which he spoke at some length, and with much earnestness, by the spirit of God, on the beauty of the fulness [fullness] of the gospel, much to the edifying of the saints, and to the satisfaction of the congregation generally: and we have reason to hope
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some good was done in the name of Jesus. Adjourned until evening.
Conference then met pursuant to adjournment: prayer by brother Wetherbee. The congregation was addressed by brother Gaylord, followed by brother's Hughes, Wetherbee, and Hakes.
JOHN HUGHES, President.
W. N. Hakes, Clerk.
Grafton Center, Dec. 21, 1841.
TIMES AND SEASONS.
CITY OF NAUVOO,
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 1842.
HORTICULTURE
An early attention to the planting and cultivation of fruit and shade trees, and of ornamental shrubery [shrubbery], cannot be too strongly urged upon our citizens. The natural qualities of the location, together with the wisdom displayed in the construction of the city plot, have laid the foundation for a scene of beauty, which, with the same care, taste and industry manifested in other cities, will stand unrivaled in any part of the world. Nauvoo in a few years may be made almost a paradise. Let each citizen fill his spare ground with fruit tress, shrubery[shrubbery], vines &c. tastefully arranged and properly cultivated, and in a short time we may each sit under our own vine and fig tree, and enjoy richly the fruits of our own industry. Let the division fences be lined with peach and mulbery [mulberry] trees, the garden walks bordered with current rasbery[raspberry], and goosebery [gooseberry] bushes, and the houses surrounded with roses and prairie flowers, and their porches crowned with the grape vine, and we shall soon have formed some idea how Eden looked; and how industry, accompanied with the blessing of God, will bring back to men the beauty and the riches which characterized his first abode. Fellow citizens, the season to attend to these things will soon open upon you; let the young especially then engage in the pleasing occupation of beautifying the place of Jehovah's dwelling, While on this subject we beg leave to call the attention of our citizens to the advertisement of Mr. Sayers in this number. He is a gentleman who has been extensively engaged in the business of Horticulture, both in the eastern and the western country, and our citizens would do well to avail themselves of his instructions and aid in the cultivation of nurseries, the planning of Gardens, &c.
We owe, perhaps, an apology to our subscribers abroad, for the large amount of matter of a local nature served up in the present number. Under existing circumstances, such a consequence is sometimes unavoidable. Had we the advantages of a weekly journal in which to insert advertisements, &c. this evil would not be so severely felt; as it is, however, a larger amount of valuable and important information is thrown upon the public, than is done by any other periodical within our knowledge. A publication of the acts and doing of our city council, their orders of the military authorities, and the deliberations of the University Regency, is of incalculable importance to the inhabitants of the city and its vicinity. This will, perhaps, be a sufficient excuse to our patrons abroad, for the appearance of this number.
NOTICE TO AGENTS.
Our Agents abroad are desired, in making remittances, to obtain certificates of deposite [deposit] on the eastern banks, or eastern bank bill, and forward them to us, instead of exchanging and forwarding bills or checks on western banks. Please to send those whose currency is undoubted, New York or New England funds are prefered [preferred]. This would be more to our interest, and be attended with less trouble both to our agents and ourselves. It is desirable also that our agents would communicate with each other, join their moneys together, and make each remittance as large as possible.
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COMMUNICATIONS
The following was written or intended as a private letter to Elder Truman Gillett, a resident of this city, but for the richness of its contents it was thought advisable (as also by request, of the friends of truth) to give it a place in the Times and Seasons: we publish it verbatim.
Richland, Oswego co. N. Y. Jan. 11, 1841.
Dearly Beloved Brother:
It is with heart felt satisfaction that we improve a few leisure moments, to answer your letter received on the 18th Dec. with thankfulness and joy, it seemed like the return
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of a long absent friend; it gave us no small degree of consolation we assure you to hear of your safe arrival at Nauvoo and the good health enjoyed by you and family; it filled our hearts with gratitude love and thanksgiving, to the Author of all good, for the preservation of your lives, and the continuation of the blessings of heaven unto you; it inspired us with new zeal in the way of peace and righteousness, we were cheered with the gladsome intelligence of the prosperity and increase of the kingdom of God in that part of the moral vineyard, may it continue its mighty revolutions until the knowledge of God covers the earth as the waters do the mighty deep, and peace love and union reign universal-how grateful ought we to be to our heavenly father in that we are permitted to live in a day and age of the world in the which the fulness [fullness] of the everlasting gospel is ushered into the world, amid the glad acclamations of the hosts of heaven in all its beauty excellency and glory; dispelling the mental clouds of darkness, the sable covering and veil, that has long enshrouded the nations; severing the iron chains of religious superstition, bigotry, tradition and tyranny; to the astonishment, confusion, consternation, chagrin and utter dismay, of hireling priests the votaries of absurdity and error; while old Babylon is falling to rise no more forever; and her merchants stand aghast crying alas alas to see their crafts driven to the four winds of heaven by the light of truth divine, while their broken systems are blown to the skies, they howl with rage for many will buy their merchandise no more forever. Alas for old mystery Babylon the mother of harlots, the abomination of the whole earth-peace be to her shades we wish her a long and lasting repose-arise dear brother let your light shine, sound the gospel trump both long and loud, let its deep melodious tones roll through the vallies [valleys] and o'er the mountains until every ear is saluted with its sonorious [sonorous] harmonious and joyous sound-gird on your armor, stand firm to your post, spare not, wield the sword of the spirit in mighty power let the blows fall thick and fast around you-fear not, and you shall gain the victory, you have our ardent prayers for your success in the ministry of reconciliation, long may you prove invulnerable to the shafts of disease and death, and may you receive many souls as seals of your ministry, as crowns of rejoicing in that day when the Lord makes up his jewels-go on dear brother in the cause of God, and may the consolations of hope dwell richly in your bosom,-thrust in the sickle with your might and you shall return with your sheaves rejoicing, for the harvest is great and the laborers are few, may the spirit of the Lord attend you and crown your labors with success. With joy we remember the time when the light of the fulness [fullness] of the gospel shone into our understandings filling our hearts with joy and gladness. We feel thankful that we were ever permitted to enjoy your society, your company we should be happy to enjoy, the saints and friends would all be glad to see you again and hear you proclaim the fulness [fullness] of the gospel of life and salvation in this place. Many has been the time since your departure that we have desired to see and converse with you; we often reflect upon the happy seasons enjoyed in your company and their memory is delightsome, and sometimes we indulge the fond hope that we shall before long see you again, but how soon time alone will determine. We feel determined to confide and centre [center] our hopes in infinite goodness, and lean upon his omnipotent arm, and by his assisting grace to be faithful until the end of our lives. We can now feel sensible of the value of existence, having the gladsome assurance, of a glorious immortality, beyond the confines of the tomb, Oh blessed hope, the prelibation of endless joy and delight, although called to pass through tribulation deep, we will fear no evil, but count all things as loss and dross for the excellency of the knowledge of Jesus Christ whom we receive as our righteousness, sanctification, and redemption, how replete with consolation is the glorious gospel revealed through the medium of the son of God! while we contemplate the purposes of redeeming grace and love our bosoms swell with transport as also while we view with admiration and wonder the excellency of the character of our heavenly benefactor, he who for the joy that was set before him, endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God the author and finisher of our faith, how perfect the system of salvation devised by him who holds the destiny of all intelligences in his omnipotent hand. He who formed the grand system of the universe-who
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spake and worlds sprang into being, and rolled forth in beauty and splendor performing their various revolutions in perfect order and harmony through the fields of unlimited space at his command-what a heavenly boon of consolation is the glorious hope of immortality the anchor of the soul while buoying o'er life's tempestuous sea. The light of the everlasting gospel is again spreading its benign rays of the pathway of the just-which shall grow brighter and brighter until the perfect day, O the depth of the riches wisdom and knowledge of God-how unsearchable are his riches and his ways past finding out, may we be rooted and grounded in love that we may be able to comprehend with all saints, what is the breadth, depth, length, and height, and to know the love of God which passeth knowledge-that we may ultimately be filled with all the communicable fullness of God in his celestial kingdom-which to obtain, may we live by every word that proceedeth from the mouth of God, observe all his testimonies and keep his commandments that we may ever have his spirit to be with us.
In dwelling on the glorious theme the heart grows warm in gratitude and love, and the kindling glow of the comforter the spirit of truth is felt in the soul. Truly the believer can rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory, how sublimely pure must a system be, which produces such a glorious result, and a religion that enforces upon mankind this truth, that in order to worship Deity, they must become assimilated into his character. Glory to God in the highest, on earth peace and good will to man, is the glad tidings, the embassy of love, truth and righteousness, sound it aloud dear brother to the world, with my full soul I thank our merciful Creator for the unspeakable inestimable gift of eternal life, in Jesus Christ, demonstrated to the world by his life and resurrection from the dead we rejoice in that we are permitted to live in a day and age of the world in the which the Lord has set his hand again the second time to reconvert the remnant of his people, which shall be left from Assyria, and from Egypt, and from Cathros, and from Cush, and from Elam, and from Shinar, and from Hamath, and from the islands of the sea, and has reared an ensign for the nations, and will assemble the outcasts of Israel, and gather together the dispersed of Judah from the four corners of the earth, yea and will establish them in the land that was given to their fathers for an inheritance, restoring their judges as at the first, and their counsellors [counselors] as at the beginning, reorganizing the kingdom that it may be restored unto Israel.
Go on dear brother in the way of truth and righteousness, we bid you God speed, and may the God of heaven protect you and pour his spirit and blessings upon you, and strew his mercies in your path abundantly, may a multiplicity of blessings rest upon you and may the love of God be the monitor of your bosom, to guide you in the path of the just, declare nought [naught] but the pure gospel of Jesus Christ as revealed in these last days, the free and impartial grace of God-point out the glorious benefits resulting from the belief of the divine report and the reception of the truth, which maketh free, sound the glad tidings freely and faithfully, and great shall be your reward, and eternal shall be your glory in the mansions of eternal rest and love,-bright robes of infinite perfection, palms of endless victory, songs of ceaseless rejoicing, and a crown of immortal glory, awaits you if faithful until the end, which may God grant through Jesus Christ.
We most cordially thank you for the friendly letter received from you, it inspired us with new zeal in the cause of God, we hope that we may ever conduct ourselves so as to be worthy of your friendship; permit me dear brother to tender unto you the love of the saints in this and the Greenville branch: your letter has been read and read over and over again with much interest: in presenting unto you the compliments of your friends in this section I cannot be particular for it would be a lengthy business, I must write a little concerning the spread of truth in this region since your departure. Even like bread cast upon the waters-the saints generally remain firm in the faith of the gospel, of the son of God in this region and I have had the pleasure of baptizing or introducing some into the church or kingdom of heaven, viz: Mrs. McNett, Mrs. Manwarren, Mrs. Bates, Br. Cranson's two oldest daughters, Mrs. Wiggins, Mr. Abel Marble, Mr. Benj. Cross and his wife Roxy, Matilda Cross and her sister Athlenda Stevens, and ordained Br. Benj. Cross to the ministry. He is a faithful and worthy brother I assure
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you. I expect to baptize some more the first time that I visit Greenvill [Greenville]; the cause of God has and will continue to roll forward, and prosper, with a mighty impetus, propelled by the hand of the Lord God of Elijah, until the knowledge of God shall cover the earth as the waters do the great deep.
I would inform you that the sects in the village of Pulaskie [Pulaski] and elsewhere in this region, are holiday meetings of inquiry as they call them. A great meeting has been held in Casnovia by the Unionists, some were for having an organized body while others were for no organization, thus fulfilling the scripture that they should council together and it should come to nought [naught], the sectarians are somewhat troubled and confounded, for turn which way they will the truth stares them in the face, for they see in spite of all their lyings and deceivings the prophecies are fulfilling, truth spreads and reflects light, and knowledge takes the place of gsueso [guesses] and think so, and their crafts are endangered thereby. They are sensible that something must be done and that quickly, for their crafts are in danger of falling, and their abominations and prisestcrafts [priestcrafts] exposed when held up before the mirror of truth. For surely as Isaiah said their bed is shorter than that a man can stretch himself on it, and their covering narrower than that he can wrap himself in it, for the Lord shall rise up as in mount Perazim, he shall be wroth as in the valley of Gibeon, that he may do his work, his strange work, and bring to pass his act, his strange act. They are endeavoring to make a ladder long enough to reach into the kingdom if possible and save themselves the trouble or humiliation of coming in at the door, they are like a vessel afloat upon the ocean without sail cable or anchor-sprang a leak-pump my boys or you sink-what is the use of pumping all our days, that old leaky vessel, go down she will, sink she must, there is no remedy, they must leave her and come aboard of the ship where Christ is commander, she is like an old target bored through and through, the cannon of truth, has perforated their rotten systems of error.
Come down here if possible; there is great need of good faithful and competent laborers in the vineyard in this section of country, but the work is advancing in spite of all the combined powers of darkness error and preistcraft [priestcraft]; but I must draw my communication to a close, give my love to all the saints and acquaintances. I remain yours as ever in the bonds of love and Christian fellowship, farewell peace be with you and yours Amen
LUMAN HEATH.
For the Times and Seasons.
To the Hosts of Israel:
"Hear; for I will speak of excellent things; and the opening of my lips shall be right things. For my mouth shall speak truth; and wickedness is an abomination to my lips. All the words of my mouth are in righteousness; there is nothing froward [forward] or perverse in them. They are all plain to him that understandeth, and right to them that find knowledge.-Receive my instruction, and not silver; and knowledge rather than choice gold. For wisdom is better than rubies; and all the things that may be desired are not to be compared to it." I stood on Mount Zion, by the Temple of the Great King, and looked down through the vista of time, and saw people like great water, for they were many-gathered from all nations under the whole heavens: and I saw mighty chieftains upon noble steeds, and armies of chariots and horsemen, and strong cohorts of footmen, great and terrible, with spears and banners, and the implements of war, forming to the sound of the clarion. And a great shout was heard in the camp of the saints, and a voice, like the sound of a mighty trumpet, saying-Go and possess your inheritances, and avenge the wrongs of your progenitors-and the battle was set in array, and the armies of the saints moved forward, attended by thunder and hail, and fire and storm, conquering and to conquer. And the armies of the aliens trembled at the voice, like Belshazzar at the handwriting on the wall-and the hearts of their great warriors, and valiant men, fainted within them, and they fled like grasshoppers, and were consumed like stubble before the devouring flame. The plains were bleached with the bones of the slain, and the rivers flowed with blood. The fierce anger of the Lord returned not until he had done, nor until he had performed the intents of his heart. All were conquered, and the land possessed. Time passed on, and I saw "their swords beat into plow-shares, and their spears into pruning-hooks," and the goodly land yielding
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a rich increase,-and the luxuries of the earth, and the choice fruits of the field, were in great profusion, scattered upon the plains of Eden. And I saw flocks and herds, large and numerous, feeding upon the luxuriant, waving fields-and the saints praising God in his sanctuary, and in the firmament of his power, for his mighty acts, and his excellent greatness, with the sound of the trumpet, psaltery and harp, with the timbrel and dance, with stringed instruments and organs, and upon the loud and high sounding cymbals, making melody in their hearts, and singing loud hosannas to God, and to the Lamb. And I heard a great shout in the camp of Israel, ringing through their mighty hosts-"Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come;" and the saints of light were clad in rich attire, decked with jewels and costly pearls, diamonds and the gold of Ophir. Universal peace, plenteous munificence, and unalloyed happiness, prevailed with every soul of man-all were habited in rich white robes, and glittering crowns, and gave to God the glory. And a loud voice proclaimed-This is the reward of those who have kept the faith, and endured sound doctrine, and the teachings of my prophets, contrary to the traditions of men. It is now as true as it was in the days of the priest of Midian that-"God hath spoken good concerning Israel," for the time to favor Zion, "yea, the set time, is come," when God will sway a righteous sceptre [scepter] over the nations of the earth. "How amiable are thy tabernacles, O Lord of hosts! My soul longeth, yea; even fainteth, for the courts of the Lord; my heart and my flesh crieth out for the living God." "Give unto the Lord, O ye mighty, give unto the Lord glory and strength. Give unto the Lord the glory due unto his name; worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness. The voice of the Lord is upon the water: the God of glory thundereth; the Lord is upon many waters. The voice of the Lord is powerful; the voice of the lord is full of majesty. The voice of the Lord breaketh the cedars; yea, the Lord breaketh the cedars of Lebanon.-He maketh them also to skip like a calf; Lebanon and Sirion like a young Unicorn. The voice of the Lord divideth the flames of fire. The voice of the Lord shaketh the wilderness; the Lord shaketh the wilderness of Kadesh." Look, then, at the holy land, and the glories to be revealed, and take courage. Cast off your superstitions, receive with eagerness the teachings of the prophets, and fear no danger; and the Lord of glory will be your rear-ward, purify your hearts, and preserve your souls unto everlasting life; for "Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered. Blessed is the man unto whom the Lord imputeth not iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no guile." JOAB,
General in Israel.
Manchester, Oct., 24th, 1841.
Prest. J. Smith,
Dear Br,--I have just received several letters from Nauvoo, together with the Times and Seasons up to Sept. 15th, being one month and nine days on the passage. The information from that quarter cheers our hearts in regard to the peace and prosperity of Zion. We had previously heard of the death of Gen. D. C. Smith and Colonel R. B. Thompson; which filled our minds with sorrow, not for them, but for those who still live to feel their loss. Br. Carlos, I had known for eleven years, and I never knew him to turn to the right or left from the path of Jesus, or the duties of his holy profession. Br. Thompson was baptized by me in Toronto five years ago; and a more humble, constant, and charitable friend of Zion, I never knew, or one who grew faster in knowledge and usefulness. But they are gone--and it must be for some wise purpose--and the Lord's will be done!
On the 28th of Sept. the ship "Tyran" sailed from Liverpool for New Orleans, under a charter of the Latter Day Saints; she had upwards of two hundred on board, with Elder Joseph Fielding at their head.
By chartering, we saved the company at least 500 or 600 dollars.
The splendid new ship Chaos, 1200 tons burthen [burden], will sail on the 5th November, under our charter. She will have from one to two hundred Saints on board, with Patriarch Peter Melling at their head.
The saints in this country are generally rejoicing, and filled with the testimony of Jesus. Great zeal is manifested by the officers in general, of which there is probably more than one thousand. We are increasing in numbers and in gifts and blessings. New branches of the church are rising in many places, and great additions made to the old ones. Manchester
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and vicinity has poured north a stream of emigration for the last 18 months, and still we numbered at our Conference, two weeks ago, near sixteen hundred members, and between one and two hundred officers; all these within one hour journey of Manchester. There has been a general time of pruning, we have cut off upwards of 100 members from this Conference in a few months; this causes the young and tender branches to grow with double vigor.
I now come to the principal subject for which I write this letter, viz: the Temple of the Lord!
The Lord enabled us to send about sixty dollars, in gold, by Elder Fielding; this was mostly subscribed by two or three individuals. We shall probably send as much more by the ship Chaos, in care of Peter Welling.
You are hereby authorized to say to the Building Committee, that I subscribe five hundred dollars for the Temple, including what I have already sent, all to be paid in instalments [installments] between this and next fall; which they may safely depend on if the Lord prospers me. Br. Amos Fielding will go hand in hand with me; so that between us, we hope to send one thousand dollars in the course of the season, besides some little from the churches.
Say to the Building Committee, and to the Saints in general, for me; "Let not your hands be slack, nor your hearts feeble; but drive the Temple ahead in the name of the Lord God of Israel; for thus the spirit whispers in my heart; they shall nor lack, nor be left in embarrassment. I would suggest the idea of using lead for the roofs of the Temple and all other permanent buildings; I think it will be found more durable, more convenient, and cheaper than timber, and will perhaps save whole blocks from being consumed by fire.
Give my love to all enqiring [inquiring] friends, and pray for me, that I may have wisdom to go in and out among this people, who have become a great people. I long to see the time when I can stand once more among the Saints in the land of Zion. I hope to be there next summer or summer after.
Myself, wife, four children and the Americans in this country are generally well. My wife joins me in love to all the Saints in the land of Zion, or the land of Joseph, as it is called by thousands in this country. I remain yours in the bonds of
Everlasting Freedom,
PARLEY P. PRATT.
RULES OF ORDER OF THE CITY COUNCIL.
Extract from the minutes of the City Council.
"The Council then received the following communication from the Mayor, to wit:
Mayor's Office, City of Nauvoo.}
Illinois, Jan. 22d, A. D. 1842. }
Gentlemen of the City Council,
Aldermen, and Councillors [Councilors]:
I have carefully selected and prepared the following "Rules of order of the City Council of the City of Nauvoo," and present them for your adoption, to wit,--
RULES OF ORDER OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF
THE CITY OF NAUVOO.
Duties of the Mayor.
1st. The Mayor, or President pro tempore, shall take the chair and organize the council, within thirty minutes after the arrival of the hour to which it shall have been adjourned, and, while presiding, shall restrain all conversation irrelevant to the business then under consideration.
2nd. The Mayor having taken the chair, and a quorum (which shall consist of a majority of the entire council) being present, the council shall be opened by prayer, after which the journal of the preceding meeting shall be read by the Recorder, to the end that any mistake may be corrected that shall have been made in the entries; after which no alteration of the journal shall be permitted, without the unanimous consent of the members present.
3d. The Mayor shall decide all questions of order--subject, nevertheless, to an appeal to the council, by any member.
4th. When the question is taken on any subject under consideration, the Mayor shall call on the members in the affirmative to say, aye,--those in the negative to say, no--and he shall declare the result. When doubts arise on the decision, he may call on the members voting to rise, or take the yeas and nays--the yeas and nays, likewise, may be taken on the call of any four members.
5th. The Mayor shall have a right to vote on all occasions; and when his vote renders the division equal, the question shall be lost.
6th. The Mayor shall sign his name to all acts, addresses, and resolutions of the council.
Of the Vice -Mayor.
7th. The council shall elect a Vice Mayor,
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to serve as President pro tempore, who shall preside during the absence of the Mayor, and who shall be chosen by ballot--and a majority of the votes of the members present shall be necessary to a choice.
8th. If any meeting when a majority shall be assembled, neither the Mayor, nor the President pro tempore, shall be present, the council shall precede to the election of a President for that meeting.
Of the Recorder.
9th. The Rocorder [Recorder] shall keep a journal of the proceedings of the council, and shall enter therein whatever a majority of the members shall order; and, in all cases, the yeas and nays, or dissent of any member, when required to do so.
10th. The Recorder shall read whatever is laid before the council for the consideration of the members, and shall countersign every act, address, or resolution, passat [passed] by the council, noting the date of its passage.
11th. When the yeas and nays are called upon any question, the Recorder shall read over distinctly, first, the names of the members who voted in the affirmative; and next, the names of those who voted in the negative.
Of the Marshall.
12th. The Marshall shall serve as Door Keeper, and Sergeant-at-Arms, to the council.
Order of Business.
13th. After the reading of the journal of the preceding meeting, the Mayor shall call for petitions, and no petition shall be received thereafter, unless by unanimous consent.
14th. Petitions having been called for and disposed of, reports of Standing Committees shall next be received, then reports of Select Committees, and then any miscellaneous business shall be in order.
Decorum.
15th. The Mayor shall always be at liberty to deliver his sentiments in debate, on any question before the council; but when the Mayor speaks, it shall be from his chair.
16th. In cases of disorderly conduct in spectators, the Mayor may either order the persons out, committing the disorder; have the room cleared; or fine or commit the offenders to prison, for contempt.
Of Order and Debate.
17th. When any member is about to speak in debate, or offer any matter to the council, he shall rise from his seat, and address the Mayor as "Mr. President." and avoid personalities.
18th. When two members rise at the same time, the Mayor shall name the person to speak, but in all other cases, the member first rising shall speak first. No member shall speak more than three times to the same question without leave of the council, nor speak more than twice without leave, until every person, choosing to speak shall have spoken.
19th. Any member may call another to order, and when a member is so called to order, he shall immediately desist speaking, until the Mayor decide whether he is in order, or not; and every question of order shall be decided without debate; but any member may appeal from his decision, to the council; if the decision be in favor of the member called to order, he shall be at liberty to proceed; if otherwise, the council shall determine upon the propriety of his proceeding with his observations.
20th. When a question has been taken and carried in the affirmative, or negative, it shall be in order for any member of the majority to move for the re-consideration thereof; but no motion for the re-consideration of any vote shall be in order, after the paper upon which the same shall have been taken, shall have gone out of the possession of the council.
21st. No motion, or proposition, shall be received as an amendment which shall be a substitute for the proposition before the council; but nothing shall be considered a substitute which shall have relation to the subject matter under consideration.
22nd. When the yeas and nays are called, every member shall vote, unless specially excused; and in voting by yeas and nays, the Councillors [Councilors] shall be called first, the Aldermen next, and the Mayor last.
23rd. When a motion is made and seconded, it shall be reduced to writing, and shall be first read aloud before any order be taken thereon; but the question, "Will the council now consider it," shall not be put, unless called for by a member, or is deemed necessary by the Mayor: and on motions to amend, the question of consideration shall in no case be put.
24th. Any motion may be withdrawn or modified by the mover, at any time before a final decision or amendment.
25th. When a question is under debate,
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no motion shall be received but to adjourn, to lie on the table, for the previous question, to postpone indefinitely, to postpone to a day certain, to commit, or to amend; which several motions shall have precedence in the order they stand arranged. A motion to strike out the enacting words of a bill, shall have precedence of a motion to amend, and, if carried, shall be considered a rejection.-And a motion to refer to a Standing Committee, shall have precedence of one to refer to a Select Committee. A motion to adjourn shall always be in order; that, and a motion to lie on the table, shall be taken without debate.
26th. The previous question shall be in this form, "Shall the main question be now put?" It shall only be admitted when demanded by a majority of the members present; until it is decided, shall preclude all amendment and further debate of the main question, and upon said question there shall be no debate.
27th. Any member may call for the division of a question where the sense will admit of it, but a question to strike out and insert, shall be indivisible.
28th. When a question is carried in the affirmative by yeas and nays any member may enter on the journal, his reasons for dissenting.
29th. It shall not be in order to introduce a bill, unless by way of report from committee, or leave be previously asked and obtained.
30th. every bill or resolution requiring the signature of the Mayor and Recerder [Recorder], shall receive three several readings previous to its passage.
31st. The first reading of a bill shall be for information, and if opposition be made to it, the question shall be "Shall this bill be rejected?" If no opposition be made it shall go to the second reading without a question, when it shall be open for discussion and amendment, or such order as the council may think proper to take, except the question on the usage thereof, which can only be taken, on the day of the introduction of the bill, by the consent of two-thirds of the members present.
32nd. Before any bill or resolution requiring the signature of the Mayor and Recorder, shall be read a third time, the question shall be put, "Shall this bill be read a third time?" and if a majority of the members present shall not vote in the affirmative, the same shall be declared to be rejected.
33rd. On the third reading of a bill, the question shall be on its passage, but it may be committed at any time previous to its passage.
34th. When a blank is to be filled, and different sums or dates are proposed, the question shall be first taken on the highest sum or longest date, and thence downwards.
35th. The council, may at any time, suspend any of its rules by a majority of three-fourths of the members present.
36. After the arrival of the hour to which the council may stand adjourned, no member who may have appeared, shall absent himself without leave of those present, or of the council when formed.
Of Committees.
37th. All Standing and Select Committees shall be appointed by the Mayor, unless otherwise directed, and the first named member shall be the Chairman. The following Standing Committees shall be appointed, to wit:
A Committee of Ways and Means, to consist of one member from each ward, to whom shall be referred all subjects of taxation and revenue.
A Committee of Improvement, to consist of one member from each ward, to whom shall be referred all subjects relative to repairs and opening of roads and streets, and other subjects of a similar nature.
A Committee of Claims, to consist of three members, to whom shall be referred all matters of claims against the city, and applications for remission of penalties.
A Committee of Unfinished Business, to consist of two members, who shall examine the journal of the preceding council, and report such business as may have remained unfinished.
A committee of Elections, to consist of three members.
A committee of Police, to consist of one member from each ward, who are empowered to call upon any officer of the Corporation, for any information, report, paper or other matter relative to the police.
A Committee of Municipal Laws, to consist of five members, to whom shall be referred all bills for ordinances presented to the council.
A committee of Public Grounds, to consist of one member from each ward.
A committee of Public Works, to consists of three members.
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Of Amendment to Rules.
38th. All motions for amendment of the rules, shall be submitted one month previous to a final determination thereof, unless three-fourths of the members present shall assent that it shall be finally acted on the day on which it is submitted.
Of Balloting.
39th. In balloting for committees, a plurality of votes shall be sufficient to make a choice, but in other cases a majority of the whole number of votes shall be required to decide.
All of which is respectfully submitted.
JOHN C. BENNETT, Mayor.
The above communication was read by the Recorder to the City Council, on the 22nd Jan. 1842, and referred to a Select Committee, consisting of Joseph Smith, and Orson Pratt--the committee reported back the Communication and recommended its adoption, which was carried.
The council then proceeded to the election of Vice-Mayor, whereupon Gen. Joseph Smith was declared to be duly elected, and took the oath of office.
The Mayor then announced the following Standing Committees, to wit:
Committee of Ways and Means-Joseph Smith, Daniel H. Wells, Orson Spencer, and Hiram Kimball
Committee of Improvement-Samuel H. Smith, N. K. Whitney, Charles C. Rich, and William Marks.
Committee of Claims--William Law, Vinson Knight, and Hugh McFall.
Committee of Unfinished Business---Wilson Law, Lyman Wight.
Committee of Elections---John T. Barnett, John P. Green, and Gustavus Hills.
Committee of Police---Willard Richards, John Taylor, Heber C. Kimball, and George W. Harris.
Committee of Municipal Laws---Hyrum Smith, Brigham Young, Wilford Woodruff, Orson Pratt, and Joseph Smith.
Committee of Public Grounds---William Marks, Daniel H. Wells, Hyrum Smith, and Hiram Kimball.
Committee of Public Works---Joseph Smith, John T. Barnett, and William Law. JOHN C. BENNETT, Mayor.
James Sloan, Recorder.
January 22nd, A. D. 1842.
BOOKS AND STATIONERY.
Book of Mormon, Gospel Reflector, Kirkham's Grammar, English and German Grammar, &c. for sale at the Nauvoo Stationery,
GUIDE TO HEALTH.
"The Art of Healing had its origin in the woods and the forest is still the best medical school."'
Dr. W. Beach's celebrated medical remedies, for the treatment of all complaints, on Botanical principles, for sale low for cash, at C. W. Lyon's store. Also, Beach's Practice of Medicine, in 3 vols. 8vo. Price $20. C. W. LYON, Agent.
City of Nauvoo, Jan. 6, 1842. 6-5t#
S. EMMANS,
ATTORNEY AT LAW,
Office near the Temple. General Agency for buying and selling land; legal writings drawn, and all business of a legal nature promptly attended to.
Nauvoo, Jan 15, 1842. 6tf
ROBERT L. ROBERTSON,
COMMISSION AND FORWARDING MERCHANT,
Immediately opposite the steam boat landing,
Warsaw, Illinois.
References-Jacob Forsyth & Co. Pittsburgh; Trevor, Messeck & Co. Cincinnati; J. S. Chenowith & Co. Louisville; Jones & Slemons, New Orleans; Von Phul & McGill, and Woods, Christy & Co. St. Louis; William B. Tyson, Wheeling; Campbell & Truett, Galena.
January 15, 1842 6-12t
GARDENING, PRUNING, &c.
The subscriber having fixed his residence at Nauvoo, begs leave to inform the citizens and the surrounding neighbourhood [neighborhood], that he intends to devote his time to the various branches of Horticulture, viz: Pruning trees, laying out gardens, grafting, inoculating of trees, etc.
Those who are desirous to have their young orchards pruned (and there are many much in need within the bounds of the city) will be attended to on accomodating [accommodating] terms, by applying to the undersigned, when every information will be given. EDWARD SAYERS, Gardener.
Jan. 15, 1842. 6-3m.
WANTED,
By the subscriber, a first rate Book Binder; one who thoroughly understands his business, and of good moral character, will receive good wages, and constant employment, by applying soon, to E. ROBINSON.
Nauvoo, Jan. 1, 1842.
THE TIMES AND SEASONS, is edited by E. ROBINSON, & G. HILLS.
Printed and published about the first and fifteenth of every month, on the corner of Water and Bain Streets, Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, by E. ROBINSON.
TERMS. Two Dollars per annum, payable in all cases in advance. Any person procuring five new subscribers, and forwarding us Ten Dollars current money, shall receive one volume gratis. All letters must be addressed to E. Robinson, publisher, POST PAID, or they will not receive attention.
(page 686)
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