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Vol. III. No. 8.] CITY OF NAUVOO, ILL. FEB. 15, 1842 [Whole No. 44
From the Gospel Reflector.
The Millennium.
Concluded.
The next portion of the sacred volume that we call the attention of the reader to, reads as follows: "But in the last days it shall come to pass, that the mountain of the House of the Lord shall be established in the top of the mountains, and it shall be exalted above the hills; and people shall flow unto it. And many nations shall come, and say, come, and let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, and to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths; for the law shall go forth of Zion, and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem. And he shall judge among many people, and rebuke strong nations afar off; and they shall beat their swords into plow-shares, and their spears into pruning-hooks: nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more. But they shall sit every man under his vine, and under his fig-tree; and none shall make them afraid: for the mouth of the Lord of hosts hath spoken it. For all people will walk in the name of the Lord our God for ever and ever. In that day, saith the Lord, will I assemble her that halteth, and I will gather her that is driven out, and her that I have afflicted and I will make her that halted a remnant, and her that was cast far off a strong nation; and the Lord shall reign over them in Mount Zion from henceforth, even for ever."-Micah, iv, 1-7. It is evident from the above that the righteous will be assembled upon the Lord's holy mountain, and that all nations shall lay down their weapons of war: and it is equally evident that the Lord will reign in Mount Zion.
Jeremiah speaking of the gathering of Israel, and the Millennium says: "Behold the days come, saith the Lord, that I will make a new covenant with the House of Israel, and with the House of Judah; not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers, in the day that I took them by the hand, to bring them out of the land of Egypt; which my covenant they brake although I was an husband unto them, saith the Lord; but this shall be the covenant that I will make with the House of Israel; after those days, saith the Lord, I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be my people. And they shall teach no more every man his neighbor, and every man his brother, saying, know the Lord: for they shall all know me, from the least of them unto the greatest of them, saith the Lord: for I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sins no more."-Jer. xxxi, 31-34. This covenant has not yet taken effect: for when it does, all shall know the Lord from the least unto the greatest. When the Lord brought the House of Israel out of Egypt, he covenanted with them that they, and their posterity should possess the land of Canaan throughout all their generations, on condition of faithfulness to all his statutes; but they broke this covenant; consequently they were driven from their land; but when the Lord brings them back again, he will make a new covenant with them, that they shall no more be driven out, and he will also imprint his law on their hearts, and all shall know him from the least to the greatest. The following is a beautiful description of the establishment of peace, and this great rest for the saints: "Awake, awake; put on thy strength, O Zion; put on thy beautiful garments, O Jerusalem, the holy city: for henceforth there shall no more come unto thee the uncircumcised and the unclean. Shake thyself from the dust; arise, and sit down, O Jerusalem: loose thyself from the bands of thy neck, O captive daughter of Zion. For thus saith the Lord, ye have sold yourselves for naught; and ye shall be redeemed without money." "Therefore, my people shall know my name: therefore, they shall know in that day that I am he that doth speak; behold it is I. How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace; that bringeth good tidings of good, that publisheth salvation;
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that saith unto Zion thy God reigneth! Thy watchman shall lift up the voice; with the voice together shall they sing: for they shall see eye to eye, when the Lord shall bring again Zion. Break forth into joy, sing together, ye waste places of Jerusalem: for the Lord hath made bare his holy arm in the eyes of all nations; and all the ends of the earth shall see the salvation of our God."-Isa. lii, 1-10. Isaiah in another place speaking of this work says: "O thou afflicted, tossed with tempest, and not comforted, behold, I will lay thy stones with fair colors, and lay thy foundations with sapphires. And I will make thy windows of agates, and thy gates of carbuncles, and all thy borders of pleasent [pleasant] stones. And all thy children shall be taught of the Lord; and great shall be the peace of thy children. In righteousness shalt thou be established: thou shalt be far from oppression; for thou shalt not fear: and from terror; for it shall for it shall not come near thee."-Isa. 1iv, 11-14. We learn from the foregoing quotations that the watchman of Zion, shall see eye to eye; or in other words, be of one mind with regard to the things of God; and also that all their children shall be taught of the Lord. Isaiah says in another chapter: "Violence shall no more be heard in thy land, wasting nor destruction within thy borders: but thou shalt call thy walls salvation and thy gates praise. The sun shall be no more thy light by day; neither for brightness shall the moon give light unto thee: but the Lord shall be unto thee an everlasting light, and thy sun shall no more go down; neither shall thy moon withdraw itself; for the Lord shall be thine everlasting light, and the days of thy mourning shall be ended. Thy people also shall be all righteous; they shall inherit the land for ever, the branch of my planting, the work of my hands, that I may be glorified. A little one shall become a thousand, and a small one a strong nation: I the Lord will hasten it in his time."-Isa. lx, 18-22. The above is not only a description of the majesty of the Lord when he will reign over his people in Mount Zion; but of the purity of the saints: for says the prophet, "Thy people also shall be all righteous: they shall inherit the land for ever." The reader will also remember, that the prophet is here speaking of those that shall dwell in Zion.
Isaiah in another place says: "For behold, I create new heavens, and a new earth: and the former shall not be remembered, nor come into mind. But be ye glad and rejoice for ever in that which I create: for behold, I create Jerusalem a rejoicing and her people a joy. And I will rejoice in Jerusalem, and joy in my people; and the voice of weeping shall be no more heard in her, nor the voice of crying. There shall be no more thence an infant of days, nor an old man that hath not filled his days, for the child shall die an hundred years old: but the sinner, being an hundred years old shall be accursed. And they shall build houses, and inhabit them; and thy shall plant vineyards, and eat the fruit of them. They shall not build, and another inhabit; they shall not plant, and another eat: for as the days of a tree are the days of my people, and mine elect shall long enjoy the work of their hands. They shall not labour [labor] in vain, nor bring forth for trouble: for they are the seed of the blest of the Lord, and their offspring with them. And it shall come to pass, that before they call, I will answer: and while they are yet speaking, I will hear. The wolf and the lamb shall feed together, and the lion shall eat straw like the bullock: and dust shall be the serpent's meat. They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain, saith the Lord." Isa. lxv. 17-25. We learn, first, from the above that the earth will be restored; second, that there shall be no wasting nor destruction, nor sorrow or mourning; but that the people of God shall dwell in peace and quietude, and long enjoy the work of their hands; third, that the lord will give them an abundance of revelations; for says Isaiah, "before they call, I will answer: and while they are yet speaking I will hear" fourth, the wild beasts will become peaceable and harmless and eat vegetable food. The prophet says in another place; that the Lord will cause peace to flow like a river to his people.
Zepheniah writes thus: "Therefore, wait ye upon me, saith the Lord, until the day that I rise up to the prey; for my determination is to gather the nations, that I may assemble the kingdoms, to pour upon them mine indignation, even all my fierce anger: for all the earth shall be devoured with the fire of my
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jealousy. For I will turn to the people a pure language, that they may all call upon the name of the Lord, to serve him with one consent. From beyond the rivers of Ethiopia my suppliants, even the daughter of my dispersed [the American Indians,] shall bring mine offering. In that day shalt thou not be ashamed for all thy doings, wherein thou hast transgressed against me: for then I will take away out of the midst of thee them that rejoice in thy pride; and thou shalt no more be haughty because of mine holy mountain. I will also leave in the midst of thee an afflicted and poor people, and they shall trust in the name of the Lord. The remnant of Israel shall not do iniquity, nor speak lies; neither shall a deceitful tongue be found in their mouth: for they shall feed and lie down, and none shall make them afraid. Sing, O daughter of Zion; shout O Israel; be glad and rejoice with all the heart, O daughter of Jerusalem. The Lord hath taken away thy judgments, he hath cast out thine enemy: the King of Israel, even the Lord, is in the midst of thee; thou shalt not see evil any more. In that day it shall be said to Jerusalem, fear thou not; and to Zion, let not thine hands be slack. The Lord thy God in the midst of thee is mighty; he will save, he will rejoice over thee with joy; he will rest in his love; he will joy over thee with singing.-Zeph. iii. 8-17. It is evident from the above;-first, that when the nations are assembled the Lord will destroy them with the fire of his jealousy; second, that he will restore to his people a pure language that they may become of one heart and of one mind; third, that so glorious will be the work that the Lord's dispersed people upon this continent shall bring him an offering; fourth, that the House of Israel will not do iniquity any more; fifth, that their enemies shall be cast out, and their judgments taken away, that they should not be afflicted any more; sixth, that the Lord, the King of Israel, shall be in the midst of them, and that he will rest in the arms of his love, and joy over them with singing. Surely, this will be a rest for the people of God in earnest, and this will be the time that the House of Israel will enjoy that rest, so often spoken of in the bible, that the Lord has in store for them. But says one, if this rest is for Israel, how can the Gentiles be made partakers in these blessings? We answer, the Gentiles will be identified with them: for Abraham is heir of the promises, and the Gentiles through adoption can become heirs with him of the same blessings; and as the apostle says: "Blessed with faithful Abraham." Paul says: "As many as were baptized into Christ put on Christ, and become the seed of Abraham, and heirs according to the promise." It is the faithful that will be blessed with faithful Abraham, whether Jews or Gentiles: for says Paul: "They are not all Israel that are of Israel" or literal descendants.
Joel after speaking of the restoration of the house of Israel and the manner that they shall be blessed with temporal blessings, says: "And ye shall eat in plenty, and be satisfied, and praise the name of the Lord your God, that hath dealt wonderously [wondrously] with you: and my people shall never be ashamed. And ye shall know that I am in the midst of Israel, and that I am the Lord your God, and none else: and my people shall never be ashamed. And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my Spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy; your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions. And also upon the servants and upon the handmaids in those days will I pour out my Spirit."-Joel, ii. 26-29. From this we learn that the Spirit of God will be poured out upon all flesh, and that it will cause the people of God to prophesy. And it is evident that by this, the words of Isaiah, and Jeremiah will be fulfilled: "The knowledge of God shall cover the earth, as the waters cover the sea." "All shall know the Lord from the least to the greatest." The Spirit of God is the Spirit of knowledge and revelation, and when so generally diffused among the saints, it will enable them to know God alike. Jeremiah says in another place, that the Lord will cause the captivity of Israel to return, and he will build them as at first, and then he will reveal unto them the abundance of peace and truth. When this Spirit is poured out upon all flesh, and then he will reveal unto them the abundance of peace and truth. When this Spirit is poured out upon all flesh, it will of course effect the beasts of the forest, and thus bring to pass the singular change of their disposition:-"The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid; and the calf, and the young lion, and the fatling together; and a little child shall lead them. And the cow and the bear shall
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feed; their young ones shall lie down together: and the lion 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." Thus the beasts will cease to be ferocious, that the child can perform its wanderings among them unmolested. The prophet says, that all this shall be done in the Lord's holy mountain.
Ezekiel after giving a description of the resurrection of the House of Israel, and the coming forth of the stick of Joseph (Book of Mormon) and its being united with the stick of Judah (the bible;) and also the restoration of the House of Israel, that are in a state of mortality, back upon their own lands, says: "Neither shall they defile themselves any more with their detestable things, nor with any of their transgressions; but I will save them out of all their dwelling places wherein they have sinned, and will cleanse them: so shall they be my people, and I will be their God. And David my servant shall be king over them: and they all shall have one shepherd: they shall also walk in my judgments, and observe my statutes, and do them. And they shall dwell in the land that I have given unto Jacob my servant, wherein our fathers have dwelt; and they shall dwell therein, even they and their children, and their children's children, forever; and my servant David shall be their prince for ever. Moreover, I will make a covenant of peace with them; it shall be an everlasting covenant with them: and I will place them, and multiply them, and will set my sanctuary in the midst of them for evermore. My tabernacle also shall be with them; yea, I will be their God, and they shall be my people, and the heathen shall know that I the Lord do sanctify Israel, when my sanctuary shall be in the midst of them for evermore." Ezek. xxxvii. 23-28. The above quotation has a particular allusion to that portion of the righteous that will remain in the flesh and dwell on the earth, and eat the fruit of it. But the difference that will be satan will be cast out of the earth, and he will have no power to tempt or deceive them: they will all be righteous, and not defile themselves any more. The Lord will set his sanctuary in the midst of them, and they shall multiply and be increased in number,-which they will continue to do, during the Millennium. The fact that they will multiply and increase, shows that they will be in a state of mortality.
The immortal saints will be made kings and priests, and they shall reign WITH Christ; but is not said that the mortal ones shall be made kings and priests, to hold authority with Christ like the immortal ones, while in a state of mortality; only they shall have a king, priests, and all other necessary officers, to administer all ordinances, and perform all necessary ceremonies. We mean a king that shall be chosen or proceed out of their midst. Isaiah speaking of this day says, the Lord will restore their judges as at first, and their counsellors [counselors] as at the beginning. This will be the time that God will restore their kingdom unto them which the apostles alluded to when they inquired of Jesus, if he would then restore the kingdom to Israel. (See Acts, i. 6.)
According to the prophets the name of this king shall be David; not the patriarch David who was the son of Jesse; but a literal descendant of his. Some suppose that the Psalmist David will be raised from his tomb, and again reign over Israel; but we consider this one of the most unreasonable ideas that could be advanced. He no doubt will be in the Lord's own due time raised from the dead, but not to act the part of a prince in the midst of Israel who remain in the flesh. Neither will any of the patriarchs act the part of an earthly king; although they will reign with Christ. Indeed, we have no reason to believe that Christ himself will act the part of an earthly king, or priest, to any great extent. It is inconsistent for us to suppose that the immortal saints, who are glorified, will be perpetually confined in the midst of the mortal ones. Because it is said, they shall reign on the earth, is no reason why we should say they shall be constantly among the mortal saints. The idea is that the earth will be under the control of Christ and the glorified saints, and Christ will virtually reign over the whole earth, and this David will be subject to him. The redeemed saints will reign on earth, and perhaps have in many respects, authority over the mortal ones. We do not wish to be understood, that there will be a total or entire separation between
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the mortal, and immortal; but the object of the foregoing remarks is to show the distinction of privilege. The prophet says, that the Lord shall reign in Mount Zion, and in Jerusalem, and before his ancients gloriously; hence, when the redeemed saints dwell on earth, they will dwell in Mount Zion, and in Jerusalem, which places the Lord will fully prepare for them. We might dilate upon this part of the subject, that is the reign, and dominion of the redeemed saints, till we fill a volume; but brevity admonishes us to hasten. Those who are anxious to learn more concerning this reign of the saints, can search the scriptures for themselves.
THE JEWS.
The reputed wealth of the Jews has subjected them to persecution and torture in many countries, and in different ages: and it is humiliating to reflect that our own history furnishes many illustrations of the damning fact. During the reign of Henry, III, these proscribed people were subjected to pillage, persecution, and to torture, to gratify the avarice of an extravagant prince, and the hatred of his bigoted and ignorant subjects. An immoderate zeal for the external rights of Christianity was a distinguishing characteristic of the age, and persecution, or extermination of those who differed from them in religious creed, was deemed virtuous and patriotic amongst our remote ancestors. Treating of the persecutions of the Jews in this reign, one of our popular historians says,
"The Jews, who had been for some time increasing in the kingdom, were the first who fell a sacrifice to the enthusiastic zeal of the people, and numbers of them were slaughtered by the citizens of London, upon the very day of the King's coronation. Five hundred of that infatuated people had retired into York Castle, for safety, but finding themselves unable to defend the place, they resolved to perish by killing one another, rather than meet the fury of their persecutors. Having taken this gloomy resolution, they first murdered their wives and children, next threw the dead bodies over the wall against their enemies, who attempted to scale it, and then setting fire to their houses, perished in the flames."
Henry, after extorting vast sums of money from the Jews, under various pretexts, at last carried his tyranny to such a length, that the whole body of the Jewish people solicited the permission to leave the kingdom. Henry, however, found oppression too profitable to allow them to elude it: according to Hume, "he delivered over the Jews to the Earl of Cornwall, that those whom the one brother had flayed, the other might embowel, to make use of the words of the historian, Matthew Prior." This Monarch was a worthy scion of his sire John, who, once having demanded 10,000 marks from a Jew in Bristol, on a refusal, ordered one of his teeth to be drawn each day until he should consent; nor was it until seven teeth had been thus extracted that the wretched man complied with the extortion. Such was the estimation in which the children of Israel were held at that time in England that by the laws of the land if a Christian man married a Jewess, or a Christian woman married a Jew, it was felony, and the penalty was burning alive.
Subsequently, in the reign of Edward I, many arbitrary laws and taxes were levied upon the Jews, two hundred and eighty of whom were hanged upon a charge of having adulterated the coin of the realm. The property of the remainder was confiscated, and the whole of them banished from the kingdom.
In conclusion we may observe, that in addition to the persecutions which the presumed wealth of the Jews entailed upon them, the most absurd and unfounded calumnies have been heaped upon them, of which we shall adduce one instance. The Abbe Guenne, author of Letters on the fertility of Palestine, addressed to Voltaire, states a circumstance which will stagger the faith of any modern converter of Jews. The tale is of one of the Kings of Persia, who, "allured by the fame that had spread abroad of the fertility and opulence of Palestine, marches to Jerusalem, besieged that city, and carried off from thence an immense number of Christian captives" and now comes the best part of the story, which is, that the Jews actually purchased ninety thousand of these Christian slaves, for the sole purpose of having the pleasure of cutting their throats. The author does not add whether the Jews afterwards eat these Christian captives; but whilst his "hand was in" he might as well have "gone the whole hog."
The London Jewish Intelligencer says
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that "England had attained the praise of being the first of the Gentile nations that has ceased to tread down Jerusalem."-This is indeed, no more than justice, since she was the first to set the evil, and cruel example, of banishing the whole people in a body, from her inhospitable bosom.-France next, and then Spain aped their unchristian and wicked precedent. Spain, may, if possible, have exceeded them in barbarity, but they invented the oppression and preceded her in the infliction of it. God "afflicted them a little and they helped forward the affliction."
They may think that the doom of God will be averted, but it will not be so. The Lord said that he would punish Babylon formerly, and the decree of Cyrus to rebuild Jerusalem, did not alter the decree of God to that devoted city; neither will the moves of the present nations alter the testimony of the prophets, or change the decree of Jehovah. "Wo to thee that spoilest, and thou wast not spoiled; and wo to thee that dealest treacherously, and they dealt not treacherously with thee; when thou shalt cease to spoil, thou shalt also be spoiled; and when thou shalt cease to deal treacherously, they shall also deal treacherously with thee." And that they have been spoiled is evident. Herschell's sketch, Pg. 7. says, "Look to their present state of suffering in Poland, & Russia, where they are driven from place to place, and not permitted to live in the same street where the so-called christians reside! It not unfrequently [infrequently] happens that when one or more wealthy Jews have built commodious houses in any part of the town not prohibited before, this affords a reason for proscribing them; it is immediately enacted that no Jew must live in that part of the city; and they are forthwith driven from their houses without any compensation for their loss being given them. . .. . They are oppressed on every side yet dare not complain; robbed and defrauded, yet obtain no redress; in the walk of social life insult and contempt meet them at every turning."
No sooner did England give shelter to the Jews under Cromwell, and Charles, than she started forward in a commercial career of unrivalled [unrivaled], and uninterrupted prosperity. Holland, embracing the principles of the reformation, threw off the yoke of Philip, opened her cities to the Hebrew peeple [people], and obtained an importance far beyond her natural advantages; while Spain, in her bloody, and furious expulsion of the race, sealed her own condemnation.
The following are the feelings of one of the seed of Abraham, upon this subject: and is entitled, "A word in season from an Israelite, to his brethren."
The existence of our nation as a distinct people, after having been for so many ages expelled our own country, and dispersed over the face of the whole earth, is so unparalleled by any instance in the history of other nations as to be considered a miracle equal to any recorded in the sacred writings, and well may it be so considered. The Babylonian, Grecian, and Roman Empires, which, in turn overcame our nation, dragged our people into captivity, and by the most dreadful cruelties did all they could to exterminate us, and eventually dispersed us over the then known world. What has become of those mighty empires; of those proud conquerors? What of their laws, their worship, their institutions? Gone! passed away and dissolved, "as the baseless fabric of a vision," leaving not a vestige of their existence behind them except what may be found in the pages of history, and in some few mouldering ruins of their cities-whilst we the prescribed, and persecuted by them, and by every succeeding nation, still exist, and have in our keeping those imperishable truths through which alone is to be learned the real situation of the causes of the rise and fall of those empires; and before which the wisdom of their wise men has become folly. . . . . We are as completely a nation as when first established as such, for we acknowledge ourselves now, as then, as being under the immediate government of the sovereign of the aniverse [universe], with the same law for our obedience as was then vouchsafed to our ancient fathers. He says, "We are expressly told in the sacred volume that we are a "chosen people" a peculiar people to our God.-That we should be to him a "kingdom of Priests"-a holy people-a separate people, from all the nations of the earth. . . . . That in accordance with the above gracious announcement of the Deity, the great object of our selection was to constitute us the instrument to work out the redemption of mankind, from the darkness, and unhappiness of a false worship. Does every knee now bend to the one, and only true God? Do
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those of high stature bow down to him? Is his name yet one over all the earth?-Until these questions can be answered in the affirmative, as they surely will in due time, the purpose of our selection will not be fulfilled; and the keeping of us as a separate people will still be the will of him, who has appointed our lot among the families of the earth. . . . . Shall we cast aside our real law at the bidding of the "London Society?" and the written law at the command of Deists, and self-styled philosophers? Ought we merely to accommodate our religious observance merely to suit our conveniences, and thus subject ourselves to be swayed by every wind that blows? What, if we were so lost to a sense of our own dignity, would become of the trust reposed in us by the Supreme Being? what of our religion?-of ourselves as a people, and of our offspring? Answer ye fathers of families: and above all, remember the day of retribution, when we shall each be required to render an account of the manner in which we have executed our holy office, and the trust committed to us?"
EXTRACT,
From Elder John Taylor's Journal, Liverpool, May 5, 1839, being a dialogue between Elder Taylor, and the Rev. John James, a celebrated "Church of England" Minister, in Liverpool, England.
"I was baptizing on the North Shore, when a Church of England minister, by the name of James, entered into conversation with some of the brethren while I was baptizing; after I got through I went to the company, when he addressed me rather uncourteously, saying:
Mr. James.-This is Mr. Taylor, I suppose?
Mr. Taylor.-Yes sir, I answered.
J. I am told that you can answer me any question, and give a reason of the hope that is within you.
T. If sir, it is asked in meekness and humility.
J. Oh, that is the condition, is it sir?
T. I suppose, sir, that it will remain discretionary with me.
J. What need have we of any further revelation?
T. Because we have transgressed the laws, changed the ordinances, corrupted the gospel, and lost the priesthood.
J. Did not our Savior say that the gates of hell should not prevail against his church.
T. If, sir, it was built upon the rock spoken of.
J. Christ is that rock; and he said he would build his church upon that, and the gates of hell should not prevail against it.
T. It will be necessary, sir, to examine the context: our Savior asks, "whom say men that I the son of man am?" The disciples answer, some say Moses, some Elias, and some that John the Baptist is risen from the dead. But whom say ye that I am? was asked by the Savior.-Peter answered, "thou art Christ, the son of the living God." How did you know it Peter? Flesh and blood hath not revealed this unto thee, but my father who is in heaven. It is evident that Peter had demonstrative evidence, from the revelations of God, that Jesus was the Messiah; and our Savior says, "Thou art Peter; and on this rock will I build my church, and the gates, &c." Now, although Christ might be said to be the chief corner stone, the rock, they, they,(the people) did not know him: some thought that he was one person, and some another; none, however, had positive evidence but Peter, and he obtained his knowledge through revelation, and if they could not know him they did not build upon him; they could not be his church; and that promise could not apply to them; and wherever, and whenever the church is built upon that rock, and have the revelation of heaven for their guide, as Peter had, the gates of hell cannot prevail against it. But Paul, in writing to the Romans, says, "The Jews were broken off because of unbelief; and thou standest by faith, be not highminded but fear; for if God spared not the natural branches, take heed lest he also spare not thee." He moreover tells them that if they do not continue in faith, they shall be cut off. Why were the Jews cut off? Because they killed the prophets, and stoned those that were sent unto them. And what did the Gentiles do with their prophets and apostles? They killed them, as the Jews did, and according to Paul's testimony must be cut off. Besides, Daniel speaks of a certain power that was to "make war with the Saints, and prevail against them, until the ancient of days come."
J. That shews [shows] that there must be saints!
T. Daniel further says that he should "think to change times, and seasons, and they should be given into his hand," &c.
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and if that power, being hostile to God, prevails against them, and they are given into his hand, what becomes of the church?
J. I will prove sir, that there has been a priesthood of apostolic succession, and a pure church, from the Savior's day until the present.
T. If you will, sir, and that church has pure, scriptural ordinances, I will give up my preaching, depart from this church, and join myself to that standard.
J. I refer you, sir, to Mosheim's and Milner's Church history, who shew [show] that thing clearly.
T. I must have demononstration [demonstration], sir, show me the church.
J. We ought to have confidence in the testimony of good, accredited historians.
T. But you say, sir, that it not only did exist, but does exist, consequently it is not only a matter of history, but a matter that can be now demonstrated, if such a church is now in being.
J. The Church of England, ordains as you do.
T. But they sprinkle infants, sir, and that is unscriptural.
J. Peter says, "The promise is unto you, and to your children."
T. But it does not say to your infants; a man may have a child thirty years old and he is as much his child as though he were an infant; and you cannot point me out one single instance in scripture of an infant's being baptized.
J. Do not misunderstand me, sir, I do not find fault with your baptism.
T. But I should with yours, sir, if you were pointing out a true church, which you said that you could prove, had been in existence, and still existed.
J. We do it, either by dipping, pouring, or sprinkling.
T. This is singular indeed, sir, you believe that a man, is sent of God, to teach, and does not know which ordinance to administer in; but must leave it to those that he is teaching to decide upon the matter: Peter did not do so.
J. The Baptists baptize by immersion.
T. But do they lay on hands, for the gift of the Holy Ghost!
J. I do not know.
T. They baptize, and you lay on hands: they have got one limb of the body and you another but none of you have the whole body.
J. I can, (beginning at our Savior,) trace an unbroken chain of apostolic succession until the present.
T. I suppose, sir, through the medium of the Roman Catholic Church.
J. Yes, sir.
T. You say that the Church of Rome is fallen; that she is the mother of harlots: if so, sir, how can she impart authority.
J. Just the same as she can the scriptures.
T. "Can an impure fountain, send forth pure streams? Our Savior said not.
J. Oh, it makes no difference.
T. Then, sir, if she had power to "bind on earth, and to bind in heaven," she also professed the power, (according to the scriptures) to "loose on earth, and to loose in heaven," and you know, that she cut off, and excommunicated, the Church of England, and all Protestant Reformers, and that would place you, sir, according to your creed, in a curious situation.
J. Do you believe in your heart, sir, that she had power to confer this? *
T. If she had not there is no priesthood; and if she had she took it away from you, sir, and from all Protestants; consequently you have no priesthood or authority in either case: You say that she is apostate, the mother of harlots; and she says that you are heretics; so I leave the matter between you, and both of your testimonies shall decide the case.
J. I can trace regular succession of authority, independent of the Church of Rome, in two different ways; one through the Waldenses, and Albigenses, and the other through the Welsh church.
T. As it regards the first of those, sir, I want to know where it is?
J. There may be some of them in the valleys of Piedmont; and if, at the time of the reformation, some of them went from this country to America, they might be there.
T. And if, and if, and may be is no demonstration, sir, there may not be any in the valleys of Piedmont, and if at the time of the reformation some having authority went to America there would be no priesthood there, and consequently no priesthood in existence that you can prove. And as it regards the other churches you know sir that the whole of the Church of England was under the dominion of the Pope in Henry the eighth's time, and all submitted to his authority.
(page 694)
J. There was always a few that protested against it.
T. The Church of England is not that few; nor the Church of Scotland; nor are the Methodists, Presbyterians, or Baptists; nor any body that you can point me out in England; and all the Episcopal form of Church Government in the United States, came either directly from the Church of Rome, through the Church of England or indirectly from the Church of England, through the Methodists, and is consequently all a figment.
J. And you belong to a church only ten years old, ten years old, ten years old.
T. These, sir, are my reasons for believing my former statements-That we had transgressed the laws, changed the ordinances, corrupted the Gospel, and lost the Priesthood, and your potent arguments have not convinced me to the contrary, especially your last ten years old one.
* Why he should ask this question I do not know; except he did not believe himself, what he said, he could prove, as the statement was of his own propounding.
TIMES AND SEASONS.
CITY OF NAUVOO,
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 1842.
VALEDICTORY.
As is customary upon like occasions, it now becomes my duty to say a few words to the friends and patrons of the Times and Seasons, by way of a farewell address.
When I look back and survey the scenery through which this church has passed, for the short space of three years, it is impossible to find words to express my feelings-to recollect that three years this present month, many thousands of the members of this church were compelled to leave their peaceful and happy firesides, to sacrifice all the enjoyments of a sweet and pleasant home, which they had purchased with their own money, and made comfortable by the labor of their own hands; to flee for their lives, and seek protection in a strange land, among strangers,-all to satisfy the avarice and hellish desire of an infatuated mob, and to obey the order of a second Nero, who then acted as Governor of a, said to be, free and sovereign State-all conspire to fill the mind with solemnity, and sad recollections of by-gone days.
It is not, however, my intention at present, to dwell at length upon these things, more than to draw the contrast between those days and the present.
In the summer of 1839, having a few months previous emerged from the confines of a Missouri prison, where I had been thrust, together with about sixty of my brethren, solely because we would not renounce the religion of heaven, Br. D. C. Smith, and myself purchased the remains of a printing establishment, had by the church in Missouri, which had been saved from the reins by being buried in the earth, and after having carefully extracted the polluted soil of Missouri from the press and type; which, by the by, like ourselves, were none the better for having passed through the scrutinizing ordeal of an ungodly mob, we issued a prospectus for publishing this paper, under circumstances the most adverse possible. The only place we could obtain wherein to put our press, was an under ground room to an old ware house, without any floor, and almost destitute of light; here we succeeded in issuing a few copies of the paper, when disease, which we had contracted while laboring in a damp room, brought us upon our sick beds, and we were compelled to suspend business for several months; however, in the month of November we were permitted, through the blessings of a kind Providence, again to issue the paper, which has been published until the present time without interruption; notwithstanding two good and mighty men have fallen while acting as its editors.
The Times and Seasons is now placed on a permanent basis, with a liberal patronage, and its circulation daily increasing. The building in which it is published was erected expressly for a printing establishment; with spacious rooms, where each branch can be carried on in its own department, without interfering with the other. The church, also, is in a flourishing and prosperous condition more so than at any previous period since its rise; naught but joy and gladness seems to pervade the bosoms of the saints, and peace and happiness attend all their footsteps.
Under these circumstances I now take leave of the editorial department of the Times and Seasons, having disposed of my entire interest in the printing establishment, book-bindery, and stereotype foundery [foundry], and they are transferred into other hands. The Editorial chair will be filled by our esteemed brother, President Joseph Smith, assisted by Elder John Taylor, of the Quorum of the Twelve, under whose able and talented guidance, this will become the most interesting and useful religious journal of the day.
With these considerations, I feel confident that
(page 695)
the agents and friends of the Times and Seasons will exert themselves to support the press; knowing that while it is under the supervision of him whom God has chosen to lead his people in the last days, all things will go right.
With these brief remarks, and a bosom filled with kind and grateful feelings towards all my friends, I will say to the patrons of the Times, FAREWELL.
E. ROBINSON.
Nauvoo, Feb. 15, 1842.
TO SUBSCRIBERS.
It will be noticed in the above communication of our much respected friend, E. Robinson, Esq. that the paper is no longer printed, and published by that gentleman; but that it has fallen to our lot to issue this valuable and interesting periodical, and to take the Editorial chair.
We esteem our predecessor for the honorable course that he has taken in the defence [defense] of righteousness, and in the support of truth. He has done honor to the cause he espoused; he has stood firm in the day of adversity; and when foes frowned, and persecution raged, in the midst of pecuniary embarassments [embarrassments], (growing our to our persecutions in Missouri,) he hss [has] boldly, nobly, stood in the cause of freedom, of liberty, and of God; he has gone forward with a steady course; he has stemmed every torrent, braved every danger, and borne [born] down all opposition: and amidst accumulated difficulties, truth has triumphed, error and misrepresentation has been frowned down; and bigotry, superstition, and ignorance have hid their hoary heads in shame.
The "Times and Seasons" is now read with interest in almost every city throughout the length, and breadth of this vast republic, -it has crossed the great Atlantic; and through it multitudes of the inhabitants of England are made acquainted with what is transpiring in the far famed "West."
We siucerely [sincerely] give Mr. Robinson this meed of praise and as he is now retiring from the field, crown him with those laurels which under God he has fairly, and honorably won.
As it regards ourselves we have very little to say, but shall leave it for the future to unfold; and for a discerning public to judge. The important events that are daily transpiring around us; the rapid advance of truth; the many communications that we are receiving, daily, from elders abroad; both in this country, in England, from the continent of Europe, and other parts of the world; the convulsed state of the nations; the epistles and teachings of the Twelve; and the revelations which we are receiving from the most High, will no doubt furnish us with material to make this paper interesting to all who read it, and whilst we solicit the patronage, and support of our friends, we pray that the God of Israel may inspire our hearts with understanding and direct our pen in truth. Ed.
COMMUNICATIONS
LETTER FROM J. BLAKESLEE
For the Times and Seasons.
Utica, N. Y. Jan. 10th 1842.
Dear Br. Robinson:-Feeling very anxious to hear of the welfare of Zion in this place, and also of the prosperity of her noble sons, who have been especially commissioned in these last days, to proclaim her law, the everlasting gospel, to every nation under heaven. And as we have no other means of hearing from Zion, and her stakes, at present, save through the medium of your semi-monthly paper, the "Times and Seasons" and as we have received none of them, since the 2d no. of the 3d vol., I sit down at this time to communicate with you through the medium of the mail.
Br. John H. Blanchard of Delta, Oneida co. N. Y., has never received any of his papers as yet, and those directed to this city have stopped likewise; and also Mr. Atwell's of Schuyler has stopped. We should be very glad indeed to have the papers continued if consistent.
I have been preaching in this city, and region round about ever since the forepart of August last, with some success. I have baptized 26, in this city, and region, and have organized a branch of the church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in this place of 38 members, in good fellowship, and strong in the faith of the New Covenant, we have had no particular excitement in this city as yet, my congregation has not been large as a general thing but very attentive indeed; and considering the pride, and popularity of this city, and the numerous sects of Christians, &c., I have no cause of complaint, for many are enquiring [inquiring] in this city, and region, and I think I can say with a good degree of propriety that Mormonism (so called) is gaining friends daily; not only in the city, but in the region round about. Since I commenced preaching in this city, I have spent much time in other places, I have visited the Little Falls twice, a place 22 miles distant, by request of the people of that place, and preached several times, the people heard with attention,
(page 696)
and solicited more preaching. I also visited Salsbury, a place about 7 miles from the Little Falls, and preached twice, the people wished me to visit them again if possible. I have also visited, and preached twice, the people wished me to visit them again if possible. I have also visited, and preached in the towns of Litchfield, Kirkland, Madison, New Hartford, and many others. The calls for preaching in every direction, are so numerous and pressing, that I am not able to fill the tenth part of them, but I have some help at present. Elders John Mackley and -- Potter are laboring in Salsbury, and region about; and Elder C. Marsh, from Cayuga co. N. Y., is with me in this region, and the young priests of the Utica branch of the church, are some of them beginning to magnify their calling, a young man, (the only son of a lady in this city, who with her whole household, consisting of seven members of the family have embraced the New and Everlasting Covenant,) and the young man has been ordained a priest, and is preaching more or less every week, in my absence, besides teaching a high school in this city; he is a grest [great] help to me (or in other words) to the cause in this place I assure you. We have taken the City Hall, in this place, for one year where we shall continue to meet for public worship, and also at 7 o'clock in the evening of every Thursday, we have a council meeting once a week, generally, and a prayer meeting once a week also.
The saints here are in perfect unity, and are enjoying the gifts of the spirit of the Lord, such as, the gift of tongues, and the interpretation, and visions and also, the gift of faith, to be healed, and the gift of healing, and also the gift of fervent charity, one for another; in short dear brother, we have a little heaven already begun in this city, and my soul feels to magnify the Lord while I write, and no tongue can describe the feelings of my heart; yea the gratitude of my heart to my Heavenly Father, for his blessings upon my labors.
There are many in this city now on the eve of obedience. The church where my family resides, (near the village of Rome,) is also in good fellowship and standing, and there has been one baptized in that branch of late, and more are believing.
The church at Hamilton Madison co. are in a good situation also, and the branch at Edmiston Otsego co. are in a good situation likewise, and the Boonville branch Oneida co. have had a number added to it of late and they are in a prosperous condition. There are several other branches which I have not heard from of late, but as far as I am acquainted with the situation of the churches, and of the work of the Lord in this region of country, the prospects are flattering. We wish the saints in that place, and in all other places, all the good things that the nature of their situations demand, and of our well beloved brother, Joseph Smith, we wish concerning him and will pray, that he may be preserved a prophet and seer, and revelator, unto the church of God for many years to come. We know him to be a true prophet of the most High, and as such he has the fellowship of this church of Latter-Day Saints at Utica. We desire an interest in the prayers of the saints in that place. Yours in the bonds and unity of the New Covenant.
JAMES BLAKESLEE.
CONFERENCE MINUTES.
The Gennessee Conference met at the court house in the village of Batavia, in the county of Gennessee, agreeable to previous appointment, on Saturday the 25th day of December, A. D. 1841. at 10 o'clock, A. M., and proceeded to business. Elder Charles Thompson was chosen president and John L. Bartholf clerk in said conference.
Voted, that brother Coltrin, brother Moses Martin, and Ralph L. Young, take a seat with us in conference.
Voted, that a committee be appointed to examine candidates for ordination.
Elder Moses Martin, elder McWithee, and elder Hiram Thompson, were appointed that committee.
Voted, that a committee for the trial of appeals be appointed. Elder Moses Martin, Elder Joel McWithee, and elder Hiram Thompson, R. D. Sprague, P. H. Winegar, Ralph L. Young, Josiah Tyler, elders, were appointed that committee.
Conference opened by prayer, by elder Moses Martin.
The branch in Batavia, Alexander, Elbee, and Bethany, were represented by John L. Bartholf, numbering 3 elders, 2 priests, 2 teachers, and 1 deacon, in all 41 members, in good standing.
The branch in Bennington was represented
(page 697)
by elder Joel McWithee, numbering 3 elders, 1 deacon, and 22 members, generally in good standing.
The Attica branch was represented by Alvirus Webster, numbering 1 priest, 1 teacher, and 15 members, generally in good standing.
The Alabama branch was represented by P. H. Winegar, numbering 1 elder, 1 teacher, and 11 members, in good standing.
The branch at Akron was represented by L. Harrington, numbering 2 elders, 1 priest, 2 teachers, 1 deacon, and 36 members. (17 members removed to the west since last conference.)
The Castile branch was represented by R. D. Sprague, numbering 2 elders, and 13 members,-3 added since last conference.
The Bath branch was represented by elder Young, numbering 1 teacher, and 11 members.
The Sparta branch was represented by Ralph L. Young, numbering 2 elders, 1 priest, 1 deacon, and 17 members.
The Portage branch was represented by elder Young, numbering 1 deacon, and 8 members.
The Loon Lake branch was represented by R. L. Young, numbering 1 elder, and 6 members.
Tower of Yates, numbers 4 members.
Scattering members 9 members.
Whole number in conference represented, 232.
Voted, that we take into consideration the subject of assisting elder C. Thompson to defray the expenses of publishing his books in proof of the Book of Mormon.
Voted, that a committee be appointed on the above subject to report to-morrow morning at 9 o'clock.
John L. Bartholf, Tho's. Moore, elder Joel McWithee, elder Young, and Alvirus Webster, were appointed that committee.
Conference adjourned until this evening at 6 o'clock to meet in the court-house.
Conference met at 6 o'clock agreeable to adjournment opened meeting by singing and prayer by elder Charles Thompson.
Sermon preached by elder Young on the faith once delivered to the saints.
Elder Charles Thompson president, addressed the conference on the duties of the several officers in the several branches.
Conference adjourned to meet at the court-house to-morrow morning at 9 o'clock A.M.
Conference met at 9 o'clock, opened by singing and prayer.
Heard the report of the committee on the subject of assisting elder Thompson to defray the expense of publishing his book on the evidences of the Book of Mormon. Postponed that subject for public preaching.
Sermon preached by elder Martin on the subject of the gospel.
Adjourned for 1 hour, met accordingly, proceeded to business relating to the assistance of elder Thompson in publishing the book.
Voted, that a committee of 10 be appointed to assist in selling and giving circulation to the book.
Joel McWithee, P. H. Winegar John Sharo, Benjamin Waldron, John L. Bartholf, Hiram Thompson, Daniel Rnssel [Russel], Thomas Moore, Joseph Shadbolt, and S. W. Disbrow, were appointed that committee.
Voted, that elder Stratten be disfellowshiped until he make satisfaction, and that he be cited to appear for trial at the next conference in Castile.
Voted, that the presiding elders of each branch present a list of all the members in each branch, and their standing in the same, at the next conference.
Voted, that this conference adjourn to meet at Castile Centre [Center],Wyoming county, on the first Saturday and Sabbath in June next A. D. 1842.
CHARLES THOMPSON, Pres't.
John L. Bartholf, Clerk.
Batavia, Dec. 26, 1841.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, in the county of Waldo, met according to appointment, in a quarterly conference in hope; on the 25th day of Dec. 1841, at 10 o'clock A.M.
Meeting was called to order, when elder Otis Shaw was chosen to preside, and C. C. Pendleton was chosen clerk. After a few feeling remarks by the president of the conference, he then read Acts 2nd chapter from the 12th verse, to the end of the chapter. The president then lead in prayer, after which elder Willard Mullin
(page 698)
addressed the assembly upon the first principles of the gospel. Elder Zechariah Hardy then arose, and continued the subject; urging upon the congregation, the necessity of obeying the gospel while time and opportunity was granted: others also, followed, and bore testimony to the truth, and the work of the Last Days.
Conference then adjourned for one hour. At one o'clock P. M., conference met pursuant to adjournment and came to order, when the 21st chapter of St. Luke was read, and prayer offered by elder A. Dixon and after the singing of a hymn by the choir, conference was addressed by elder Dixon, from the 27th verse of the above named chapter. The discourse was interesting and instructive. Further remarks were made by elder O. Brown singing by the choir-after which prayer by the president.
Conference then adjourned till evening at early candle-lighting.
Evening conference met pursuant to adjournment, and was called to order by the president.
Meeting was opened with prayer by C. C. Pendleton. An hymn was then sung by the choir, after which the congregation was addressed upon the coming forth of the Book of Mormon, and the glorious designs of the Almighty in the same; by C. C. Pendleton,-was followed in his remarks by others,-singing by the choir, and concluding prayer by elder A. Dixon.
Conference then adjourned until tomorrow at 10 A.M.
Sunday 10 o'clock A. M., conference met pursuant to adjournment, was called to order, when the services of the day commenced by singing from the choir; and prayer by elder A. Dixon who afterwards proceeded, and addressed the conference, from Acts, iii: 19, 20, 21. The discourse was truly edifying. Additional remarks were made by others.
The branch of the church of Jesus Christ, on the Fox islands, was then represented by elder Otis Shaw, consisting of 109 members, including 5 elders, 1 priest, 2 teachers, and 1 deacon.
The branch of the church on the Main land, was then represented by elder Levi Gray, consisting of 79 members including 6 elders, 2 priests, and 3 teachers, with intelligence also, of the expulsion of two members since the September conference; viz: Totham S. Clark and David Robbins.
Conference then adjourned for one hour.
Afternoon, conference met pursuant to adjournment-meeting opened by singing as usual, and the reading of the latter part of the 8th chapter of Acts and prayer, by president Shaw; after which most of the elders present (the full number being nine) made some appropriate remarks, and bore testimony to the truth of the Latter-Day Work.
A vote of thanks was then rendered to the Universalist society for their kindness in granting the use of the house of worship in this place, and to the citizens generally; (more especially to the above mentioned society) for the kind and hospitable treatment received by us at their hands.
After singing, the Lord's supper was commemorated, and conference adjourned, to meet on the 6th day of April 1842 on the South Fox Island.
OTIS SHAW, President.
Calvin C. Pendleton, Clerk.
THE HIGH COUNCIL OF THE
CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST,
TO THE SAINTS OF
NAUVOO, GREETING:-
Dear Brethren,-As watchmen upon the walls of Zion, we feel it our duty to stir up your minds, by way of remembrance, of things which we conceive to be of the utmost importance to the saints. While we rejoice at the health and prosperity of the saints, and the good feeling which seems to prevail among us generally, and the willingness to aid in the building of the "House of the Lord," we are grieved at the conduct of some, who seem to have forgotten the purpose for which they have gathered. Instead of promoting union, appear to be engaged in sowing strifes and animosities among their brethren, spreading evil reports; brother going to law with brother, for trivial causes, which we consider a great evil, and altogether unjustifiable, except in extreme cases, and then not before the world.--We feel to advise taking the word of God for our guide, and exhort you not to forget you have come up as Saviors upon Mount Zion, consequently to seek each other's good,--to become one: inasmuch as the Lord has said, "except ye become one ye are none of mine." Let us always remember the admonitions of the Apostle:-"Dare any of you having a
(page 699)
matter, go to law before the unjust and not before the saints? Do ye not know the saints shall judge the world? And if the world shall be judged by you, are ye unworthy to judge the smallest matter?-Know ye not that we shall judge Angels? How much more things that pertain to this life? If, then, ye have judgment of things pertaining to this life, set them to judge who are least esteemed in the church. I speak to your shame. Is it so, that there is not a wise man among you? no, not one that shall be able to judge between his brethren. But brother goeth to law with brother, and that before the unbelievers. Now therefore there is utterly a fault among you, because ye go to law one with another. Why do ye not rather suffer yourselves to be defrauded? Nay, ye do wrong, and defraud, and that your brother. Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived; neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind. Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God. 1 Cor. 6: 1-11. Who, observing these things, would go to law, distressing his brother; thereby giving rise to hardness, evil speaking, strifes and animosities amongst those who have covenanted to keep the commandments of God-who have taken upon them the name of saints, and if saints are to judge angels, and also to judge the world-why then are they not competent to judge in temporal matters, especially in trivial cases, taking the law of the Lord for their guide, brotherly kindness, charity, &c. as well as the law of the land. Brethren, these are evils which ought not to exist among us. We hope the time will speedily arrive when these things will be done away, and every one stand in the office of his calling, as a faithful servant of God-building each other up-bearing each other's infirmities, and so fulfil [fulfill] the law of Christ.
SAM L. BENT.
LEWIS D. WILSON,
DAVID FULMER,
THOMAS GROVER,
NEWELL KNIGHT,
LEONARD SOBY,
JAMES ALLRED,
ELIAS HIGBEE,
GEORGE W. HARRIS,
AARON JOHNSON,
WM. HUNTINGTON, Sr.
DANIEL CARRIER.
WILLIAM MARKS, President.
AUSTIN COWLERS, }
CHARLES C. RICH, }Councellors [Counselors].
Attest-Hosea Stout, Clerk.
NOTICE TO THE ELDERS PREACHING ABROAD.
We have received a great number of Letters from the travelling [traveling] elders, which gives us great joy. We say, may the Lord bless you and your labors; and as it regards your coming to this place, if you will be humble, the Lord will guide you as you should go. We subscribe ourselves your brethren and fellow laborers in the Kingdom of Patience.
BRIGHAM YOUNG, President.
UNIVERSITY.
The Regents of the University of the City of Nauvoo are hereby notified that there will be a meeting of the board immediately after the evening session of the City Council, on the 2d Saturday of March proximo, at the office of Brev. Maj. Gen. Hyrum Smith. A general attendance is solicited.
JOHN C. BENNETT, Chancellor.
WILLIAM LAW, Registrar.
February 15th, A. D. 1842
NAUVOO LEGION.
Head Quarters, Nauvoo Legion, }
City of Nauvoo, Ill. Jan. 25th, 1841. }
GENERAL ORDERS.
All the public arms will be required to be in the best possible condition at the general inspection, and parade on the 7th of May, proximo, and no deficiency whatever will be countenanced, overlooked, or suffered to pass without fine, on the occasion---all persons, therefore, holding said arms will take notice, and govern themselves accordingly: and, in order that the general inspection may pass off in a truly military style, alike honorable to the legion, and creditable to the citizen-soldier, the brigadiers are required to attend the battalion parades within their respective commands, and inspect said arms in propria persona, prior to the general parade.
(page 700)
Persons disregarding these general orders, whether officers or privates, will find themselves in the vocative.
The Invincibles, (Capt. Hunter's company of light-infantry,) will be detailed for fatigue duty, on escorts and special service; and will take post by assignment, and receive their orders direct from the Major-General, through his Herald and Armor Bearer.
His Excellency, the Governor of Illinois; the Circuit Judge of this judicial circuit, and the members of the Bar; the county officers of Hancock County; Col. Williams, and Col. Demming, with their respective field and staff officers,-of the Illinois Militia; and Gen. Swasey, and Col. Fuller, with their respective field and staff officers, and Capt. Davis', and Capt. Avery's companies of cavalry,-of the Iowa Militia; are respectfully invited to attend, and participate in the General Parade on the 7th of May.
JOSEPH SMITH,
Lieutenant General;
Per A. P, Rockwood,
Drill-Officer, & Brev. Maj. Gen.
JOHN C. BENNETT,
Major General;
Hugh McFall, Adjutant General.
An ordinance fixing the compensation of the City Council, and for other purposes.
Sec. 1. Be it ordained by the City Council of the city of Nauvoo, That from and after the passage of this ordinance, the City Council shall meet on the 2nd Saturday of every month at 10 o'clock A. M., and shall continue in session during the day, and evening, if the business of the city requires it-allowing one hour for dinner, and one for supper: and the said monthly meetings shall be called "The Regular Meetings of the City Council."
Sec. 2. Each member of the City Council and the Recorder, and the Marshall, shall be allowed two dollars per day for attendance, co-operation, and services, at said regular meetings: and each person aforesaid shall be fined in the sum of two dollars for neglecting to attend at any such regular meeting, without an excuse satisfactory to the City Council, and for each part of a day so attended, or neglected, a proportionate allowance, or fine, shall be granted, or assessed, as the case may be.
Sec. 3 It is hereby made the duty of the Recorder to keep a just and accurate record of the members present, including the Recorder and Marshal, at every such regular meeting, together with a full list of absentees, which list shall be returned to the Mayor for collection of fines quarterly.
Sec. 4. Special meetings of the City Council, called by order of the Mayor, by summons or otherwise, shall be governed by the aforesaid regulations.
Sec. 5. All ordinances, or parts of ordinances, contrary to the provisions of this ordinance, are hereby repealed. This to take effect, and be in force, from and after its passage.
Passed Jan. 22nd. A. D. 1842.
JOHN C. BENNETT, Mayor.
James Sloan, Recorder.
Married-In this city on the 6th inst. by the Rev. Erastus H. Derby, Mr. Gilbert H, Rolfe, to Miss Eliza Jane Bates, all of this city.
On receipt of the above notice, we were favored with a rich and delightful loaf of cake by no means below the medium size; which makes us anxious that all their acts through life may be justified; and when life wanes and they find a peaceful abode in the "narrow house," may the many outs and ins they have made, leave to the world an abundant posterity to celebrate their glorious example.
Married-In this city by Pres't. Hyrum Smith, Mr. J. W. Johnson to Miss Elizabeth Knight, all of this city.
The above notice was accompanied with the usual Printer's fee, (a nice piece of bridal cake,) for which we tender our sincere thanks, and our best wishes for the future prosperity of the happy pair. Ed.
Died in Schuyler co., on the 28th of December 1841 Elder Isaac W. Pierce in the 31st year of his age.
Br. Pierce was a native of the state of New York, born in the township of Oswegatchie, St. Lawrence co., Feb. 3d 1811. As soon as the sound of the everlasting gospel saluted his ears, he believed it and obeyed its divine mandates; and amidst all the afflictions that the church has had to pass, he has remained a firm, and unshaken believer; and died in a sure, and certain hope of a glorious resurrection.
(page 701)
LIST OF AGENTS FOR THE TIMES AND SEASONS.
Those persons whose names appear in the following list will please act as agents for the Times and Seasons.
ILLINOIS.
Judge Adams, City of Springfield.. MASSACHUSETTS.
John Gaylord. Victoria Knox co. Erastus Snow, City of Salem.
Harlow Redfield, Pittsfield Pike co. Freeman Nickerson City of Boston.
NEW YORK. CONNECTICUT
L. R. Foster, City of New York. Dwight Webster, Farmington Hartford co.
James Blakeslee. City of Utica. Horace R. Hotchkiss Fair Haven N Haven co
Charles Thompson. Batavia Gennessee co. NEW HAMPSHIRE
PENNSYLVANIA. Zadoc Parker, Lisbon Vilage [Village] Grafton co
Benj. Winchester, City of Philadelphia. E P Maginy Gilsum
Joseph H. Newton, do do TENNESSEE
Geo. W. Gee, City of Pittsburgh. Tardy R Witcher, PM Whitleyville Jackson co.
Wm. G. Starrett, Beardstown Lancaster co. OHIO
DELAWARE. W W Phelps Kirtland Lake co
Robert P. Crawford, Christiana. LOUISIANA
NORTH CAROLINA. E G Terrell City of New Orleans
Jedadiah Grant, Joshua M. Grant. MICHIGAN
SOUTH CAROLINA. Moses Johnson, PM Royal Oak Oakland co
L. M. Davis. Cross Keys, Union District. INDIANA
A. O., City of Charleston. J J Guirand, Mount Sterling Switzerland co
DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA.
Samuel James, City of Washington.
TRAVELING AGENTS
John E Page, Peter Hawes, Lyman Wight
Lorenzo Barnes, C Merkly, Amasa Lyman,
Z H Gurley Zebedee Coltrin, Jno Fulmer,
Julian Moses, J Savage, F D Richards.
Geo Miller, Daniel Shearer,
BOOKS AND STATIONARY.
Book of Mormon, Gospel Reflector. Kirkham's Grammar, English and German Grammar, &c. for sale at the Nauvoo Stationery,
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.
POETRY.
PARTING WORDS.
By James Montgomery.
"And he said let me go, for the day breaketh" Genesis xxii: 23.
Let me go, the day is breaking And 'tis hard 'tis hard to part;
Dear companions, let me go; While I sigh "Farewell" to you,
We have spent a night in waking Answer one and all, "Adieu."
In the wilderness below;
Upward now I bend my way, 'Twas darkness gathering round me,
Part we here at break of day. This withdraws me from your sight;
Walls of flesh no more can bind me
Let me go; I may not tarry, Bnt [But] translated into light.
Wrestling thus with doubts and fears, Like the lark on mountain wing,
Angels wait my soul to carry Though unseen, you hear me sing.
Where my risen Lord appears.
Friends and kindred, weep not so- Heaven's broad day hath o'er me broken,
If ye love me, let me go. Far beyond earth's span of sky;
Am I dead?-Nay by this token,
We have traveled long together, Know that I have ceased to die:
Hand in hand, and heart in heart, Would you solve the mystery,
Both through fair and stormy weather, Come up hither-come and see.
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.
THE TIMES AND SEASONS, is edited by JOSEPH SMITH. Printed and published about the first and fifteenth of every month, on the corner of Water and Bain Streets, Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, by JOSEPH SMITH.
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 Joseph Smith, publisher, POST PAID, or they will not receive attention.
(page 702)
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