Times and Seasons: Volume 2, Number 11

Summary:Source document in Mormon Publications: 19th and 20th Centuries online archive: Times and Seasons Vol. 2

Times and Seasons: Volume 2, Number 11

Jump to details:

• THEOLOGICAL.
• RISE OF THE CHURCH.
• LETTER VI.
• COMMUNICATIONS.
• RUFUS BEACH. ON ANSWERS TO PRAYER.
• JEWISH APOSTACY.
• MISCELLANEOUS.
• BURGLARY!!
• SUMMARY.
• CHARTER FOR THE NAUVOO HOUSE.
• CONFERENCE MINUTES
• OBITUARY.
• A POEM ON THE SUFFERING OF THE SAINTS IN MISSOURI,
• HYMENIAL.
• NOTICE!!
• LIST OF AGENTS FOR THE TIMES & SEASONS.

THEOLOGICAL.

[ORIGINAL.]

The Prophet.-"For Moses truly said unto the fathers, a prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren, like unto me; him shall ye hear in all things whatsoever he shall say unto you. And it shall come to pass, that every soul which will not hear that prophet, shall be destroyed from among the people." Acts 3. 22, 23. Every one of experience knows, that an old garment fits much easier than a new one; so any one traditionated in a system, knows that it is extremely difficult to rid himself of his preconceptions, and that, in embraceing [embracing] a new system of things, he is in danger of distorting or even rending that, which after mature deliberation and experience he finds to be true, easy, and delightful. It should not, therefore, be deemed a matter of great wonder, if, among the multitudes that have, in these last days, come out of spiritual confusion, and embraced the true light of life, some should be found who occasionally make a wrong application of passages of holy writ. These remarks are deemed timely and important, in consequence of the use that has been made of the above passage, together with its context, by some who have lately embraced the faith of the "saints:" and who fancy that it applies to the prophet whom God hath raised up in these last days. Let such turn to the passage and read it in connection, and they will undoubtedly perceive such an application to be erroneous. That the words apply to Jesus Christ and to him only, the following arguments may be given.

1st. The Jewish doctors were expecting such a prophet, and at that time.

2nd. He was to be a Jew;-"of your brethren:"

3rd He was to be like Moses;-a lawgiver, a judge, a deliverer.

4th. The testimony of the Father, "this is my beloved son, Hear ye him."

Sister Owen, in her communication [see No. 6.] asks: "now have we ever had any such prophet; that people have all been destroyed that did not believe in him?"-We answer, yes, we have had such a prophet, "and it shall come to pass, that whosoever will not hear that prophet shall be destroyed from among the people." And the time of their destruction draweth nigh. The dark cloud is gathering. The roaring of the whirlwind of his fury is heard already, in the rumors of wars, and the convulsions of nature. Let the saints be ready and waiting for the grand events which are about to burst upon this generation. For "the time of redemption shall come from the presence of the Lord; and he will send Jesus Christ, who before was preached unto you;" whom the heavens will soon restore to his persecuted, scattered and afflicted church; and he shall gather out of his kingdom all that do wickedly, and recompense to them indignation and wrath, tribulation and anguish. But to those who by patient continuence [continuance] in well doing, seek for glory, and honor, and immortality, eternal life.

In confirmation of the truth of the application above given, sister Owen, and all others who have doubted, will please read the record of Nephi [I. Nephi, VII. ch.] where the matter is fully set at rest by positive declaration.-"And the Lord will surely prepare a way for his people, unto the fulfilling of the words of Moses, which he spake saying; a prophet shall the Lord your God raise up.-And now I, Nephi, declare unto you, that this prophet of whom Moses spake, was the Holy One of Israel; wherefore, he shall execute judgment in righteousness; and the righteous need not fear, for they are those who shall not be confounded.-And the time cometh speedily, that the righteous must be led up as calves of the stall, and the Holy One of Israel must reign in dominion, and might, and power, and great glory."

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If any are fearful lest we, by our interpretation, wrest a gem from the crown of our beloved prophet, let them remember that we place it in the royal diadem of him who is more excellent than Joseph; and where even Joseph will be pleased to have it remain and shine. That God hath exalted him to a station of great dignity and responsibility, we do not doubt; but the truth of it rests on other testimony than the above. [see Book of Nephi latter part of IX ch.] "Behold my servant shall deal prudently, he shall be exalted and extolled, and be very high.-But behold, the life of my servant shall be in my hand; therefore they shall not hurt him, although he shall be marred because of them. Yet I will heal him, for I will show unto them that my wisdom is greater than the cunning of the devil. Therefore it shall come to pass, that whosoever will not believe in my words, who am Jesus Christ, whom the Father shall cause him to bring forth unto the Gentiles, (it shall be done even as Moses said,) they should be cut off from among my people who are of the covenant.-And then shall they say, how beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings unto them, that pulisheth [publisheth] peace; that bringeth good tidings unto them of good, that publisheth salvation; that saith unto Zion, thy God reigneth!"

RISE OF THE CHURCH.

[Continued from page 243.]

LETTER VI.

Dear Brother,

When reviewing my letter No. 3, I am lead to conclude, that some expressions contained in it are calculated to call up past scenes, and perhaps, paint them to the mind, in a manner differently than otherwise were it not that you can speak from experience of their correctness.

I have not space you know, to go into every particular item noticed in yours, as that would call my attention too far, or too much, from the great object lying before me,-the history of this church;-but one expression, or quotation contained in your last strikes the mind, (and I may add-the heart,) with so much force, that I cannot pass without noticing it. It is a line or two from that little book contained in the Old Testament, called "Ruth." It says: "Entreat me not to leave thee, or to return from following after thee: for whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge, thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God."

There is something breathed in this, not known to the world. The great, as many are called, may profess friendship, and covenant to share in each other's toils, for the honors and riches of this life, but it is not like the sacrifice offered by Ruth. She forsook her friends, she left her nation, she longed not for the altars of her former gods, and why? because Israel's God was God indeed? and by joining herself to HIM a reward was offered, and an inheritance promised with him when the earth was sanctified, and peoples, nations and tongues serve him acceptably? And the same covenant of Ruth's whispers the same promises, and the same knowledge of the same God.

I gave in my last, a few words, on the subject of a few items, as spoken by the angel at the time the knowledge of the record of the Nephites was communicated to our brother, and in consequence of the subject of the gospel and that of the gathering of Israel's being so connected, I found it difficult to speak of the one without mentioning the other; and this may not be improper, as it is evident, that the Lord had decreed to bring forth the fulness [fullness] of the gospel in the last days, previous to gathering Jacob, but a preparatory work, and the other is to follow in quick succession.

This being of so much importance, and of so deep interest to the saints, I have thought best to give a farther [further] detail of the heavenly message, and if I do not give it in the precise words, shall strictly confine myself to the facts in substance.

David said, (Ps. C.) make a joyful noise nnto [unto] the Lord, all ye lands, that is, all the earth. Serve the Lord with gladness: Come before his presence with singing. This he said in view of the glorious period for which he often prayed, and was anxious to behold, which he knew could not take place until the knowledge of the glory of God covered all lands, or all the earth. Again he says, [Ps. 107] O give thanks unto the Lord, for he is good: For his mercy endureth forever, he has redeemed from the hand of the enemy; and gathered out of the lands from the east, and from the west; from the north and from the south. They wandered in the wilderness in a solitary way; they found no city to dwell in. Hangry [Hungry] and thirsty, their souls fainted in them. Then they cried unto the Lord in their trouble, and he delivered them in the right way that they might go to the city of habitation.

Most clearly was it shown to the prophet, that the righteous should be gathered from all the earth: He knew that the children of Israel were led from Egypt, by the right hand of the Lord, and permitted to possess the land of Canaan, though they were rebellious in the desert, but he farther [further] knew, that they were not gathered from the east, the west, the north and the south, at that time; for it was clearly manifested that the Lord himself would prepare a habitation, even as he said, when he would lead them to a city of refuge. In that, David saw a promise for the righteous, [see 144 Ps] when they should be delivered from those who oppressed them, and from the hand of strange children, or

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the enemies of the Lord; that their sons should be like plants grown up in their youth, and their daughters like corner-stones, polished after the similtude [similitude] of a beautiful palace. It is then that the sons and daughters shall prophesy, old men dream dreams, and young men see visions. At that time the garners of the righteous will be full, affording all manner of store. It was while contemplating this time, and viewing this happy state of the righteous, that he further says: The Lord shall reign forever, even thy God, O Zion, unto all generations-Praise ye the Lord!

Isaiah who was on the earth at the time the ten tribes of Israel were led away captive from the land of Canaan, was shown, not only their calamity and affliction, but the time when they were to be delivered. After reproving them for their corruption and blindness, he prophesies of their dispersion. He says; Your country is desolate, your cities are burnt with fire. Your land, strangers devour it in your presence, and it is thus made desolate, being overthrown by strangers. He further says, while speaking of the iniquity of that people. Thy princes are rebellious, and companions of thieves: every one loves gifts, and follows afted [after] rewards: They judge not the fatherless, neither does the cause of the widow come unto them. Therefore, says the Lord of hosts, the mighty One of Israel, Ah, I will ease me of my adversaries, and avenge me of my enemies. But after the calamity has befallen Israel, and the Lord has poured upon them his afflicting judgements [judgments], as he said by the mouth of Moses-I will heap mischiefs upon them. They shall be afflicted with hunger, and devoured with burning heat, and with bitter destruction: I will also send the teeth of beasts upon them, with the poison of the earth-he will also fulfill this further prediction uttered by the mouth of Isaiah. I will turn my hand upon thee, and purely purge away thy dross, and take away all thy tin: and I will restore thy judges as at the first, and thy counselors as at the beginning: afterward you shall be called, the city af [of] righteousness, the faithful city. Tken [Then] will be fulfilled, also, the saying of David: And he led them forth by the right way, that they might go to a city of habitatiou [habitation].

Isaiah continues his prophecy concerning Israel, and tells them what would be done for them in the last days; for thus it is written: The word that Isaiah the son of Amos saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem. And it shall come to pass in the last days, that the mountain of the Lords house shall be established in the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills;-and all untions [nations] shall flow unto it. And many people shall go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways and we will walk in his paths; for out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the Lord from Jer salem [Jerusalem]. And he shall judge among the nations, and shall rebuke many people: and they shall beat their swords into plough [plow] shares, and their spears into pruning hooks: nations shall not lift up the sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more. And the Lord will creare [create] upon every dwelling place of his people in Zion, and upon their assemblies, a cloud and smoke by day, and the shining of a flaming fire by night; for upon all the glory shall be a covering and a defence [defense]. And there seall [shall] be a tabernacle for a shadow in the day-time from the heat, and for a place of refuge, and for a covert from storm and from rain, And his people shall dwell safely, they shall possess the land forever, even the land which was promised to their fathers for an everlasting inheritance: for behold, says the Lord by the mouth of the prophet: The day will come that I will sow the house of Israel with the seed of man, and with the seed of beast, And it shall come to pass, that like as I have watched over them, to pluck up, and to break down, and to destroy and to afflict; so will I watch over them, to build and to plant, says the Lord.

For this happy situation and blessed state of Israel, did the prophets look, and obtained a promise, that, though the house of Israel and Judah, should violate the covenant, the Lord, in the last days would make with them a new one: not according to the one which he made with their fathers in the day that he took them by the hand to lead them out of the land of Egypt; which, said the Lord, my covenant they broke, although I was a husband and a father unto them, but this shall be the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel: After those days, says the Lord, I will put my law in their inward parts, and I will be their God and they shall be my people.

For thus says the Lord, I will bring again the captivity of Jacob's tents, and have mercy on his dwelling places; and the city shall be builded upon her own heap, and the palace shall remain after the manner thereof. And out of them shall proceed thanksgiving, and the voice of them that make merry;-and I will multiply them and they shall not be few; I will also glorify them and they shall not be small. their children also shall be as aforetime, and their congregation shall be established before me, and I will punish all that oppress them, Their Nobles shall be of themselves, and their governor shall proceed from the midst of them.

At the same time, says the Lord, will I be the God of all the families of Israel, and they shall be my people; I will bring them from the north country, and gather them from the coasts of the earth; I will say to the north, give up and to the south, keep not back;-bring my sons from far, and my daughters from the ends of the earth. And in those days, and at that time, says the Lord, though Israel and Judah have been driven and scattered, they shall come together, they shall even come weeping; for with suplications [supplications] will I lead them: they shall go and seek the Lord their God. They shall ask the way to Zion, with their faces thitherward, and say Come, and let us join ourselves to the Lord in a perpetual covenant that shall not be forgotton [forgotten]; aud [and] watchmen upon Mount Ephraim shall say Arise, and let us go up to Zion, unto the holy Mount of the Lord our God; for he will teach us of his ways, and instruct us to walk in his paths. That the way for this to be fully

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accomplished, may be prepared, the Lord will utterly destroy the tongue of the Egyptian sea, and with his mighty wind shake his hand over the river and smite it in its seven streams, and make men go over dry-shod. And there shall be a high way for the remnant of his people, which shall be left from Assyria; like as it was to Israel when they came up out of the land of Egypt.

And thus shall Israel come: not a dark corner of the earth shall remain unexplored, nor an island of the seas be left without being visited; for as the Lord has removed them into all corners of the earth, he will cause his mercy to be as abundantly manifested in their gathering as his wrath in their dispersion, until they are gathered according to the covenant. He will, as he said by the prophet, send for many fishers and they shall fish them, and after send for many hunters, who shall hunt them: not as their enemies have to afflict, but with glad tidings of great joy, with a message of peace, and a call for their return.

And it will come to pass that though the house of Israel has forsaken the Lord, and bowed down and worship other gods, which were no gods, and been cast out before the face of the world, they will know the voice of the Shepperd [shepherd] when he calls upon them this time; for soon his people will be willing to hearken to his counsel; and even now are they already beginning to be stired [stirred] up in their hearts to search for these things, and are daily reading the ancient prophets, and are marking the times, and seasons of their fulfilment [fulfillment]. Thus God is preparing the way for their return.

But it is necessary that you should understand, that what is to be fulfilled in the last days, is not only for the benefit of Israel, but the Gentiles, if they will repent and embrace the gospel, for they are to be remembered also in the same covenant, and are to be fellow heirs with the seed of Abraham, inasmuch as they are so by faith-for God is no respecter of persons. This was shown to Moses, when he wrote-Rejoice, O ye nations, with his people!

In consequence of the transgression of the Jews at the coming of the Lord, the Gentiles were called into the kingdom, and for this obedience, are to be favored with the gospel in its fulness [fullness] first, in the last days; for it is written: the first shall be last, and the last first. Therefore, when the fulness [fullness] of the gospel, as was preached by the righteous upon this land, shall come forth, it shall be declared to the Gentiles first, and whoso will repent shall be delivered, for they shall understand the plan of salvation and restoration for Israel, as the Lord manifested to the ancients. They shall be baptized with water and with the spirit-they shall lift up their hearts with joy and gladness, for the time of their redemption shall also roll on, and for their obedience to the faith they shall see the house of Jacob come with great glory, even with songs of everlasting joy, and with him partake of salvation.

Therefore, as the time draws near when the sun is to be darkened, the moon turn to blood, and the stars fall from heaven, the Lord will bring to the knowledge of his people his commandments and statutes, that they may be prepared to stand when the earth shall reel to and fro as a drunken man, and the destroying angel goes forth to waste the inhabitants of the earth, before the coming of the Son of Man the second time, that whoso is not prepared cannot abide; but be gathered with his people and caught up to meet the Lord in the cloud, and so shall they inherit eternal life.

I have now given you a rehearsal of what was communicated to our brother, when he was directed to go and obtain the record of the Nephites. I may have missed in arrangement in some instances, but the principle is preserved, and you will be able to bring forward abundance of corroborating scripture upon the subject of the gospel and of the gathering. You are aware of the fact, that to give a minute rehearsal of a lengthy interview with a heavenly messenger, is very difficult, unless one is assisted immediately with the gift of inspiration. There is another item I wish to notice on the subject of visions. The Spirit you know, searches all things, even the deep things of God. When God manifests to his servants those things that are to come, or those which have been, he does it by unfolding them by the power of that Spirit which comprehends all things, always; and so much may be shown and made perfectly plain to the understanding in a short time, that to the world, who are occupied all their life to learn a little, look at the relation of it, and are disposed to call it false. You will understand then, by this, that while those glorious things were being rehearsed, the vision was also opened, so that our brother was permitted to see and understand much more full and perfect than I am able to communicate in writing. I know much may be conveyed to the understanding in writing, and many marvellous [marvelous] truths set forth with the pen, but after all it is but a shadow, compared to an open vision of seeing, hearing and realizing eternal things. And if the fact was known, it would be found, that of all the heavenly communications to the ancients, we have no more in comparison than the alphabet to a quarto vocabulary. It is said, and I believe the account, that the Lord showed the brother of Jared [Moriancumer] all things which were to transpire from that day to the end of the earth, as well as those which had taken place. I believe that Moses was permitted to see the same, as the Lord caused them to pass in vision before his as he stood upon the mount; I believe that the Lord Jesus told many things to his apostles which are not things unto them; I believe that Nephi, the son of Lehi, whom the Lord brought out of Jerusalem, saw the same; I believe that the twelve upon this continent, whom the Lord chose to preach his gospel, when he came down to manifest to this branch of the house of Israel, that he had other sheep who would hear his voice, were also permitted to behold

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the same mighty things transpire in vision before their eyes: and I believe that the angel Moroni, whose words I have been rehearsing, who communicated the knowledge of the record of the Nephites, in this age, saw also, before he hid up the same unto the Lord, great and marvellous [marvelous], which were to transpire when the same should come forth; and I also believe, that God will give line upon line, precept upon precept, to his saints, until all these things will be unfolded to them, and they finally sanctified and brought into the Celestial glory, where tears will be wiped from all faces, and sighing and sorrowing flee away!

• * * You have, no doubt, as well as myself, frequently heard those who do not pretend to an "experimental" belief in the Lord Jesus, say, with those who do, that, (to use a familiar phrase,) "any tune can be played upon the bible:" What is here meant to be conveyed, I suppose, is that proof can be adduced from that volume, to support as many different systems as men please to choose: one saying this is the way, and the other, this is the way, while the third says, that it is all false, and that he can "play this tune upon it." If this is so, alas for our condition: admit this to be the case, and either wicked and designing men have taken from it those plain and easy items, or it never came from the deity, if that Being is perfect an consistent in his ways. But although I am ready to admit that men, in previous generations, have, with polluted hands and corrupt hearts, taken from the sacred oracles many precious items which were plain of comprehension, for the main purpose of building themselves up in the trifling things of this world, yet, when it is carefully examined, a straight forward consistency will be found, sufficient to check the vicious heart of man and teach him to revere a word so precious, handed down to us from our fathers, teaching us that by faith we can approach the same benevolent Being, and receive for ourselvess [ourselves] a sure word of prophecy, which will serve as a light in a dark place to lead to those things within the vail [veil], where peace, righteousness and harmony, in one uninterrupted round, feast the inhabitants of those blissful regions in endless day.

Scarce can the reflecting mind be brought to contemplate these scenes, without asking, for whom are they held in reserve, and by whom are they to be enjoyed? Have we an interest there? Do our fathers, who have waded through affliction and adversity, who have been cast out from the society of this world, whose tears have, times without number, watered their furrowed face, while mourning over the corruption of their fellow-men, an inheritance in those mansions?-If so, can they without us be made perfect? Will their joy be full till we rest with them? And is theer [there] efficacy and virtue sufficient, in the blood of him who groaned upon Cavalry's summit to expiate our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness? I trust, that as individuals acquainted with the gospel, through repentance, baptism and keeping the commandments of that same Lord, we shall eventually, be brought to partake in the fulness [fullness] of that which we now only anticipate-the full enjoyment of the presence of our Lord. Happy indeed, will be that hour to all the saints, and above all to be desired, (for it never ends,) when men will again mingle praise with those who do always behold the face of our Father who is in heaven.

You will remember that in my last I brought my subject down to the evening, or night of the 21st of September, 1823, and gave an ontline [outline] of the conversation of the angel upon the importhat [important] fact of the blessings, promises and covenants to Israel, and the great manifestations of favor to the world, in the ushering in of the fulness [fullness] of the gospel, to prepare the way for the second advent of the Messiah, when he comes in the glory of the Father with the holy angels.

A remarkable fact is to be noticed with regard to this vision. In ancient time the Lord warned some of his servants in dreams: for instance, Joseph, the husband of Mary, was warned in a dream to take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt: also, the WISE men were warned of the Lord in a dream not to return to Herod; and when "out of Egypt the Son was called," the angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph again: also he was warned in a dream to turn aside into the parts of Galilee. Such were the manifestations to Joseph, the favored descendant of the father of the faithful in dreams, and in them the Lord fulfilled

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his purposes: But the one of of which I have been speaking is what would have been called an open vision. And though it was in the night, yet it was not a dream. There is no room for conjecture in this matter, and to talk of deception would be to sport with the common sense of every man who knows when he is awake, when he sees and when he does not see.

He could not have been deceived in the fact that a being of some kind appeared to him; and that it was an heavenly one, the fulfilment [fulfillment] of his words so minutely, up to this time, in addition to the truth and word of salvation which has been developed to this generation, in the book of Mormon, ought to be conclusive evidence to the mind of every man who is privileged to hear of the same. He was awake, and in solemn prayer, as you will bear in mind, when the angel made his appearance; from that glory which surrounded him the room was lit up to a perfect brilliancy, so that darkness wholly disappeared: he heard his words with his ears, aud [and] received a joy and happiness indescribable by hearing that his own sins were forgiven, and his former transgressions to be remembered against him no more, if he then continued to walk before the Lord according to his holy commandments. He also saw him depart, the light and glory withdraw, leaving a calmness and peace of soul past the language of man to paint-Was he deceived.

Far from this; for the vision was renewed twice before morning, unfolding farther [further] and still farther [further] the mysteries of godliness and those things to come. In the morning he went to his labor as usual, but soon the vision of the heavenly messenger was renewed, instructing him to go immediately and view those things of which he had been informed, with a promise that he should obtain them if he followed the directions and went with an eye single to the glory of God.

Accordingly he repaired to the place which had thus been described. But it is necessary to give you more fully the express instructions of the angel, with regard to the object of this work in which our brother had now engaged-He was to remember that it was the work of the Lord, to fulfill certain promises previously made to a branch of the house of Israel, of the tribe of Joseph, and when it should be brought forth must be done expressly with an eye, as I said before, single to the glory of God, and the welfare and restoration of the house of Israel.

You will understand, then, that no motive of a pecuniary, or earthly nature, was suffered to take the lead of the heart of the man thus favored. The allurements of vice, the cotaminating [contaminating] influence of wealth, without the direct guidance of the Holy spirit, must have no place in the heart nor be suffered to take from it that warm desire for the glory and kingdom of the Lord, or, instead of obtaining, disappointment and reproof would most assurdly [assuredly] follow. Such was the instruction and this the caution.

[To be continued.]

COMMUNICATIONS.

The following is an extract of a letter from Elder P. P. Pratt, to Prest. S. Rigdon.

Manchester, Jan. 8th, 1841.

Pres't. S. Rigdon:

Dear Brother,

I take this opportunity to address you, hoping these lines will find you alive, and recovered from that lingering sickness which has so long prayed upon your system. We are well; that is, myself, wife, and children, and the brethren generally, with whom you are acquainted. We have just received a few numbers of the Times and Seasons, [Sept. and Oct. Nos.,] from which we learn that Gadiantan [Lilburn] has sent a demand for some of us to come back to Mo. in order to have a trial. Say to him and his band, that I for one, will be there quite as soon as he will wish to see me, and that when I come it will be to have a trial, and a just one too! therefore in his patience let him possess his soul; in the mean time I will be gathering up witnesses, for I only left the dungeon to be gathering up witnesses whom he had dispersed, and thus prepare for trial. Tell Missouri to fear not, for we will never forsake her. * * *

I must now give you a little news from this part of the vineyard. In the

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first place, we have had one snow this winter of some 3 inches deep. The weather is now so cold that it is in danger of freezing potatoes in the chamber; it is the coldest we have had.

It is somewhat sickly with scarlet and other fevers. One family of Saints burried [buried] 3 children at a time.

Peace is declared between the allied powers and Egypt. Palestine is in the hands of Turkey. The Jews have as much liberty there as the United States Government guarantees to its citizens.

As to the progress of the work of God in this country it is increasing at every step. It is now prospering in Ireland, and in Wales, as well as in Scotland and England. It is spreading into various new places in England. We have several hundred faithful preachers; and the spirit of enquiry [inquiry] to be more generally awakened. The Clergy of the church of England, the Methodist priests, and the Baptist ministers, and Unitarians, etc. are all in arms, as it were, against the Saints.

The country is flooded with pamphlets, tracts, papers &c. published against us. Some of them have bear & wolf stories in them, some of them, have snake stories, and others gander stories. I must say that "Jonathan" is far behind "John Bull" in ingenuity in regard to inventing lies; all the foolishness ever published in the United States against the truth, would be considered sober earnest, compared to the follies which are being made manifest here, but I will forbear with a promise to send you a few specimens when our next emigrants sail for your place.

I must inform you of the fact, that we have rept [reaped] the first fruits of Campbellism in England. A few societies have been formed in England upon that principle for some years, but have made but little progress. One sosciety [society] of one hundred members exists about seventy miles from Manchester, at a place called Nothingham. They discovered about 2 years ago that they had been baptized for the remission, of sins without authority, and that they had not obtained remission, nor the gifts of the Spirit. From that time till now, many of them have been seeking and praying for the Lord to send officers and raise up his own church.-At length, some of our writings fell into some of their hands, which soon brought two of their number to Manchester to enquire [inquire]. They attended our meeting in the hall of Manchester, were well pleased, and called at our office next morning: after spending the day in enquiring [inquiring], etc. one of them purchased 3 Voices of Warning and returned home; the other, (an inteligent [intelligent] gentleman,) staid [stayed] two or three days, enquired [inquired] diligently, and at length was baptized and confirmed, and went home to tell the glad tidings; this was a week or two ago. We expect to hear from them soon, and go out and baptize and organize the church there. Tell friend Campbell to go ahead and prepare the way, the Saints will follow him up and gather the fruits. The work of the Lord in this country rolled on unnoticed for some years except by the few.-It was almost exclusively confined to the poor, and what they would call the lower classes; the editors, priests, and public in general hardly knew of its existence: but at length they began to "smell the rat," and since that time it has blazed forth like a flame which had been smothered. Many of its opposers who were very violent against it have become preachers of it; and at this time a general spirit of enquiry [inquiry] is beginning to be awakened among all classes.

I often feel as though I should like to be in the midst of our old friends in the west, but when it will be my lot I know not, I am resigned to the kind of life, I am now living; I can truly say that I was never more contented, or more happy than of late. It does us much good to hear from Nauvoo, and I hope the presidency, and others will favor us with frequent communications.-Say to President Smith that I want to see his essay on the priesthood very much. Br. Rigdon, be sure to write to me when you receive this. Our latest news from Nauvoo is Nov. 12, or when the two Englishmen left there,-they have just arrived safe with letters. &c. this is January 13th. * *

Yours &c.

P. P. PRATT.

The wise will improve their time while the sluggard sleeps.

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Livonia Wayne co. Mich. March 2nd, 1841.

Br. Smith,

I take a few moments opportunity to inform you and the friends of Zion that the cause of truth is onward in this section of country. I have just returned home from a Conference which commenced on the 26 of Feb. last at Brownstown, and we had a harmonious time indeed, a time of much interest and enjoyment among the saints, and we hope a lasting benefit to many who are now believing the gospel, but have not as yet obeyed it; there were five baptized during said meeting under the hand of E. M. Serrine who was chosen to preside over said Conference, there were represented at said Conference by different elders something rising of one hundred and forty members, there has been considerable increase since the Conference in December last, but the enemies of Christ and his cause in different sections of this country, are not only manifesting their folly, but are making rapid progress towards the vortex of ruin and destrnction [destruction], to which the wicked are soon to be consigned: it is truly the case that Daniel saw the situation the children of men would be in, (at the time the God of heaven would sit [set] up a kingdom that should never be destroyed neither given to another people) when he said the wicked should do wickedly and none of the wicked should understand, but the wise should understand.

The saints in this section of country are making the necessary arrangements to move up to the west the coming summer if possible, but the times are hard, and those that sell their effects will have to do it at a considerable sacrifice, but the most of them I think, see the necessity of doing so, when they see the cup of the iniquity of the wicked filling up and see manifest the abominable corruption of human beings when God withdraws his spirit from them, it is then easy to discover what an awful spectable [spectacle] of demons, in human shape, presented themselves, with their weapons of death against the saints in the Missouri mobs. I must here say, that before I joined the church of Latter Day Saints, or knew that God had as yet set his hand to bring in the dispensation of the fulness [fullness] of times, I saw myself among such beings, sealing up the law, and binding up the testimony, while the judgements [judgments] Almighty God were closely following up so that I had to flee from place to place, as Lot fled from Sodom. I pray God the Eternal Father in the name of Jesus Christ to give unto his saints grace for their day and trial Amen.

Yours in the bonds of a peaceful gospel,

RUFUS BEACH. ON ANSWERS TO PRAYER.

When we offer up our petitions to our Heavenly Father, we may expect to be heard if we ask in faith. As the Lord says, Mark 11:24, "what things soever ye desire when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them." This plain declaration of our Lord, may be received as sufficient testimony to establish this fact, that God will hear and answer prayer. But not forgeting [forgetting] that we are to offer up our prayers in faith as he says, "believe that ye receive them and ye shall have them." And as he also says, Matthew 21:32, "and all things whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing ye shall receive." Observe, he says. "whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer believing." And so the promise is not without believing. And the apostle James says of him who wavers when asking; "Let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord." If he that doubts or wavers is not to receive, surely he that disbelieves, and denies, may not expect to receive. And so it is, when men disbelieve and deny the possibility of receiving favors from heaven, they do not ask for them in faith nothing wavering. But they reject them; and use their influence to hinder others from receiving them.

If we inquire what favors they are, that we may receive by asking for them in faith nothing wavering; the Lord says in the first verse already quoted. "What things soever ye desire when ye pray." And in the other. "All things whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer believeing [believing]." And we have no right to limit the Lord in his plan of dealing favors to men. Neither

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have we any right to deny facts, or make assertions calculated if possible to cause others to waver from an unshaken faith, and thereby hinder their blessings. Whatsoever a man may find to be his privilege with his God, we have no right to dishearten him, or to hinder his faith through our unbelief.

"Why could we not cast him out," said the diciples [disciples] to the Lord, on a certain occasion; and he answered them, "because of your unbelief." See Mathew [Matthew] 17, 19, 20. Now they were not so established in their own opinion, as to deny the faith he taught, and he went on to teach them saying: "For verily I say unto you, if ye have faith as a grain of mustardseed [mustard seed], ye shall say unto this mountain, remove to yonder place, and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you." Observe he says, "and nothing shall be impossible unto you." Here, again he makes the promise unlimited, as also in the two other cases. In the first he says, "What things soever ye desire when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them." And in the other, "And all things whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing ye shall receive." And in this "and nothing shall be impossible unto you." This is the Lord's teaching, and if we reject his teaching, it is to receive the unbelieving notions of men who do away the teachings and promises of the Lord, through their unbelief. But after all that men can say, it is the Lord's promise, and as to the faith, it was the Lord that taught it and if we reject it we reject his teachings. Now let the Lord be true, and let his teachings be for our belief and then we cannot deny the faith because the Lord taught it; and we cannot disbelieve the promise because it is the Lord's own words, for we cannot reject the Lord's teaching or disbelieve his words. And if we cannot deny the faith or disbelieve the promise, we must confess that it is nothing but unbelief that hinders men from enjoying the same priveleges [privileges] now, that the ancient saints enjoyed. For we find that those privileges have not been sought in faith nothing wavering, but rather have been disbelieved, and denied. The promise is too plain to be misunderstood, and if we put it to the test, we shall find that it is of the Lord. If we prove the promise and find that it is of the Lord; for if it is of the Lord it is truth. "And all things whatsoever ye ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive. For this is the promise, and if we prove it and find that we do receive all things whatsoever we ask in prayer, believing, then we find that we have the same privileges, that the ancient saints enjoyed; that we have the glorious privilege, of receiving communications from heaven; and knowing the truth of our holy religion; of knowing God and things of eternity. This doctrine so confidentially received by the ancient saints, and upon which rests all the certainty of the truth of our holy religion is a glorious truth.

C. BIDDLECOME.

JEWISH APOSTACY.

When the Jewish church were in a state of apostacy [apostasy], and were about to be broken off because of their unbelief; (as is the condition of the Gentiles;) they supposed themselves to be a wise people, to have great understanding in spiritual things: and therefore, they could not receive the light that come [came] immediately from heaven, because they were to much blinded by their own superstition and bigotry, having all confidence in the imagined light and wisdom of their age and nation. But instead of so great light and wisdom as they imagined, how dark and benighed [benighted] was their minds while they received not a ray of light from heaven to interrupt their darkness! They were called blind Pharisees, and their leaders "blind leaders of the blind." Indeed, nothing was now wanting to render impossible their escape from this dilemma, but an established opinion that there could be no revelations from heaven in their days. They erred from the truth because they were not dictated by the spirit of truth, but formed opinions of their own according to the depravity of the human heart; and disagreeing in their opinions, they split into sects and parties: but still supposed themselves to be an enlightened people, that they had a perfect knowledge of their scriptures, and that their scriptures were sufficient for their instructions.-Yet they did not understand their scriptures, because they had not the teachings

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of the holy Spirit. Their scriptures had taught them "that Christ cometh of the seed of David, and out of the town of Bethlehem where David was," John's gospel 7:24, therefore they rejected him that came out of Galilee.-For they stumbled at the stumbling stone because there was no light in themselves, for where there is no light from heaven, the darkness is total.-And although the Lord sent them apostles, evangelists, prophets, and teachers, men inspired of God, yet this people knowing that they received no revelations from heaven, immediately to themselves, and disbelieving others who did, might have concluded like the present day gentiles, that there was no revelations from heaven in their days. B.

TIMES AND SEASONS.

CITY OF NAUVOO,

THURSDAY, APRIL 1, 1841.

MISCELLANEOUS.

Vernal Equinox.-Stern winter has left us, though reluctantly and with a parting frown, and pleasing Spring is again upon us. Business begins to assume a cheering aspect in our city.-As in the day-break of a May morning, light and melody suddenly dissolve the mantle of night, and scare away the gloom of silence; so no sooner is the icy fetters of winter broken, and the landscape fanned by the vernal zephyr, than our eyes are cheered with a scene truly enchanting. Every where we see men of industry, with countenances beaming with cheerful content, hurrying to their several occupations and scenes of labor. the sound of the ax, the hammer, and the saw, greet your ear in every direction. Notwithstanding the discouraging circumstances under which the saints were thrown, shipwrecked as it were, upon this shore, they have indeed wrought wonders. Habitations are reared for miles in every direction, and others are springing up, and ere we are aware of their existence, are filled with happy occupants. It would do the heart of the truly patriotic and philanthropic good, to witness the industry and enterprise which are already manifest in our beautiful city. Though immigrants are flocking in in multitudes, and have their homes and their wants to be supplied, yet all things move on in their accustomed order and with accelerating force. Hundreds of houses, shops, mills &c. are expected to go up in the course of the summer, when our city will present a scene of industry, beauty, and comfort, hardly equaled in any place in our country. The saints have a great and arduous work before them; but persevering industry and diligence, stimulated by a zeal for God and his cause, will surely accomplish it, and they will reap the full reward of their toil.

BURGLARY!!

We learn by advertisement that the store of Mr. Cyrus Peck of Montrose I. T. was robbed, on the night of the 20th, Inst. of shelf goods, &c. of a large amount. Among the goods stolen, Mr. Peck specifies 75 yds Fancy colored Silk.-30 yds black Levatine Silk.-125 yds Mosquito Lace.-remnants Calico, &c.

$150 is offered for the apprehension of the thieves, and the recovery of the goods, or $75 for either of them.

We are highly pleased with the active measures taken by our citizens, and we hope the city and other authorities will continue to be vigilant and active in ferreting out the perpetrators of

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the above mischief, and bringing them to deserved punishment; and we have confidence that the saints will be found clear in this matter. If however, any of our citizens have so far forgotten their duty to God and their fellow men, as to have participated in this evil, we sincerely hope they will be detected; and we will not be backward to expose them to the contempt they deserve.-We wish to see the rights of all men respected, and justice and judgment fall where it ought, upon the heads of the guilty.

The Temple.-The magnificent House now being erected to the Lord of Hosts in our city, is in a rapid state of advancement, and will be ready to have its corner stone laid with due solemnity, at our approaching conference.

The Nauvoo House Association, whose charter we publish in our present number, are zealously engaged in erecting a house for the accommodation of strangers, visiters [visitors], and the public, which for magnitude and splendor of workmanship, will stand unrivaled in the western country, and will be a lasting monument of the taste and enterprise of our citizens and friends. It is to be in L form, presenting a front on two streets of 120 feet each, 40 feet deep, and three stories high, exclusive of the basement story. It will be constructed principally of brick, and the estimated expense is $100,000.

SUMMARY.

We have received President Harrison's Inaugural address. It is judged to be one of the best that has ever issued from the presidential chair.

Since the 15th March 1840, upwards of 56,000 foreign passengers arrived at New York.

Intelligence has been received from the West Indies, that the British Government has given orders that 25,000 negroes should be disciplined as soldiers, in addition to the ordinary colored militia.

It is said an iron ore has been discovered in the State of N. Y. having the extraordinary property of yielding by the simple process of smelting, a substance convertibal [convertible] at once into tools and cutlery instruments of the best quality, in other words native steel.

War Movements in Maine.-We learn from the Portland Argus of the 15th ult. that resolutions on the subject of repelling British aggressions, were taken up in the Senate on the 13th and after being amended by inserting $1,000,000, instead of $400,000, for the defence [defense] of the State, were refered [referred] to the committee-Mr. Davies then offered the following resolution:

Be it resolved, that the President of the United States be requested and urged to cause the immediate removal of the foreign armed force by which our State is invaded, stationed upon the upper valley of the St. John's, and that the Government of the United States be earnestly invoked to relieve this State from the present heavy needless burden of its own defence [defense].

Dr. Franklin said "when I see a house well furnished with books and newspapers, there I see intelligent and well informed children; but if there are no books or papers, the children are ignorant, if not profligate." The Dr. was no doubt right in his observation; for, as the adage is, "if parents will not find employment for their children, the devil will."

The Editor of the New York Herald, who is at present in Washington, writes as follows:

"A Queen's messenger arrived recently from Upper Canada, with important despatches [dispatches] from Governor Arthur to Mr. Fox. On the despatches [dispatches] Mr. Fox re-opened the correspondence, and has made new and menacing demands upon our Governmeut [Government] to interfere and protect McLeod from the legal authorities of Lockport, New York. He has gone over the recent riotous events, and indulged in a strain of acrimony and harshness, which has re-kindled a

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fresh flame in the breast of our Secretary. There is every reason to believe that the organization of a war army of 40,000 men, British Government for the delivery of McLeod, nor is there the slightest hopes to think that the disputed territory in Maine will ever be given up by England."

The Editor of the "Cross & Journal" Columbus, O. March 5th, has picked up another piece of slander on "Mormonism." The piece is selected from the N. Y. Baptist Register, and only deserves a passing notice. The author one Norman Bentley, professes to have had an acquaintance with Joseph Smith, and makes various ridiculous and contradictory statements which he says Smith made. We pronounce the whole a tissue of lies. We doubt whether the author ever saw Brother Joseph Smith: if he has ever conversed with him, he has knowingly and wilfully [willfully] vilified his character.-The article is too low and vulgar to deserve notice.

CHARTER FOR THE NAUVOO HOUSE.

An act to incorporate the Nauvoo House Association.

Sec. 1. Be it enacted by the people of the State of Illinois represented in the General Assembly, That George Miller, Lyman Wight, John Snider, and Peter Haws and their associates are hereby declared a body corporate, under the name and style of the "Nauvoo House Association," and they are hereby authorized to erect and furnish a public house of entertainment to be called the "Nauvoo House."

Sec. 2. The above named George Miller, Lyman Wight, John Snider, and Peter Haws, are hereby declared to be the Trustees of said association, with full power and authority to hold in joint tenancy by themselves and their successors in office, a certain lot in the city of Nauvoo, in the county of Hancock and state of Illinois, known and designated on the plot of said city, as the south half of lot numbered fifty six, for the purpose of erecting thereon the house contemplated in the first section of this act.

Sec. 3. The said Trustees are further authorized and empowered to obtain by stock subscription, by themselves or their duly authorized agents, the sum of one hundred and fifty thousand dollars, which shall be divided into shares of fifty dollars each.

Sec. 4. No individual shall be permitted to hold more than three hundred nor less than one shares of stock, and certificates of stock shall be delivered to subscribers, so soon as their subscriptions are paid in, and not before.

Sec. 5. As soon as the above contemplated house shall have been completed and furnished, the stockholders shall appoint such agents, as the Trustees may deem necessary in the management of the affairs of said association.

Sec. 6. The Trustees shall have power to sue and be sued, plead and be impleaded in any court of this State, in the name and style of the "Trustees of the Nauvoo House Association."

Sec. 7. They shall also take the general care and supervision in procuring materials for said house and constructing and erecting the same, and further to superintend its general management and to do and perform all matters and things which may be necessary to be done in order to secure the interests and promote the objects of this association.

Sec. 8. This association shall continue twenty years from the passage of this act, and the house herein provided for, shall be kept for the accommodation of strangers, travellers [travelers], and all other persons who may resort thereto, for rest and refreshment.

Sec. 9. It is moreover established as a perpetual rule of said house to be observed by all persons who may keep or occupy the same, that spirituous liquors of every discription [description], are prohibited, and that such liquors shall never be vended as a beverage or introduced into common use in said house.

Sec. 10. And whereas Joseph Smith has furnished the said association with the ground whereon to erect said house, it is further declared, that the said Smith, and his heirs shall hold by perpetual succession a suit [suite] of rooms in the said house, to be set apart and conveyed in due form of law to him and his

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heirs by said Trustees as soon as the same are completed.

Sec. 11. The Board of Trustees shall appoint one of their number as president thereof.

WM. L. D. EWING, Speaker of the House of Rep's.

S. H. ANDERSON, Speaker of the Senate.

Approved, Feb'y 23rd, 1841.

THO. CARLIN.

State of Illinois,

Office of Secretary of State.

I, Lyman Trumbull Secretary of State do hereby certify the foregoing to be a true and perfect copy of the enrolled law on file in my office.

Given under my hand, and [L. S.] Seal of State, Springfield, March 10th, 1841.

LYMAN TRUMBULL, Secretary of State.

CONFERENCE MINUTES

At a conference of the church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints held in Batavia, Gen, co. N. Y. Jan. 1841.

There being present 11 elders, 4 priests, 2 teachers, 1 deacon, and about 50 members. Charles Thompson was unanimously chosen president, and L. E. Harington clerk. Elder Thompson gave an account of his travels and labors since last conference, the prospects were good. Elder LeBaron gave an account of his labors, the prospects were very encouraging. Elder E. W. Russel gave an account of some enquiries [inquiries] relating to where the people desired preaching, which appeared to be in every direction. Elder N. K. Knight gave an account of several places where the people desired preaching. Elder John Gleason gave an account (having lately visited Canada,) of the desire for preaching there, which was very extensive. Elder Thompson represented the branch of the church at Batavia-consisting of 26 members including 1 elder and 2 priests all in good standing except one. Elder Daniel Russel represented the branch at Akron, Erie co. consisting of 47 member, including 3 elders 2 priests 2 teachers, and 1 deacon, all in good standing.-Elder Calkins represented the members in Alabama, not organized into a branch, 11 in number including 2 elders 1 priest and 1 teacher all in good standing but one. Elder Gleason represented the branch in Sparta, consisting of 40 members all in good standing.-Elder McWithey represented the members in his vicinity (Benington) 14 in number, including 1 elder, not organized. It was motioned seconded and carried, that a branch be organized in Benington, also in Alabama. Motioned, seconded and carried, that Elder Calkins and Wineger should visit Brother Wheeler who has signified his wish to leave the church, motioned, seconded and carried, that Elder LeBaron visit Elder Stratton living in LeRoy and inquire into his standing. Motioned, seconded and carried, that licenses [certificates] be granted to Elders Calkins and Wineger, and also Teacher Whitney. The president then called upon all those whose circumstances would permit to spend all, or part of their time in preaching, to arise, whereupon ten arose, elders and priests. L. E. Harrington was then appointed to keep a list of the names of the whole church within the bounds of this conference, which is denominated the Genesee conference, voted that Elder Thompson read a book (in manuscript.) on the proof of the Book of Mormon written by himself. Adjourned until evening, met according to adjournment, and Elder Thompson proceeded and read about one half of his book, (there being near two hundred pages of it,) when it was motioned, seconded and carried unanimious [unanimous] that the book be published as soon as possible, Adjourned until 10 o'clock A. M.

Met according to adjournment at the court house in the vilage [village] of Batavia, a large concourse of people being assembled, Elder C. Thompson delivered a discourse, on the institution, design, powers, and authority of the gospel priesthood; when after one half hours intermission, Elder Tyson delivered a discourse on the first principles of the gospel, and was followed by L. E. Harington on the same subject. Adjourned until evening-met accordingly, and had a real penticost [Pentecost]. The gift of tongues, interpretation of tougues [tongues], the gift of prophecying [prophesying] the gift of healing, &c. was made manifest. This conference then adjourned to

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meet at Akron, Erie co. N. Y. on the last Saturday and Sabath [Sabbath] in April next.

C. THOMPSON Prest. L. E. Harington Clerk.

Minutes of a Conference held in Freedom, Adams ccounty [county], Ill. Feb. 20th, 1840.

Conference met pursuant to appointment, prayer by President Miller. H. W. Miller was called to the chair, and James Brown was chosen clerk.

The conference took into consideration the propriety of doing something for the widows and orphans at Nauvoo, provided they are willing to come to this place. Whereupon it was resolved, that we build three houses, this Spring, on three lots set apart for that purpose, and as soon as they are finished invite three widows to occupy them, and we pledge ourselves to provide for them the common necessaries of life.

The question was taken, shall we on the knowledge of any of our brethren having the intention of leaving the bounds of this stake in debt, with the design of defrauding their creditors, make the same known to their creditors; decided in the affirmitive [affirmative].

Question was taken, will we fellowship a brother that puts his property out of his hands with the intention of defrauding his creditors; decided in the negative.

Question was taken will we fellowship a brother that takes into his possession the property of another brother, to assist him in defrauding his creditors; decided in the negative.

Resolved, That this Conference proceed to ordain Elders, Priests, Teachers, and Deacons, whereupon the following brethren were recommended and ordained Elders Harace B. Owens, David Grant, John L. Hunsaker, and Alworthy F. Leach.

Priests-Jesse Spurgen, Abraham Hunsaker, John Harvey, William Barton, Thomas Seater, Israel Alphin, William Potter.

Teachers-James Rollins, Francis Lee; and George Carson, Andrew Cunningham were Deacons.

Inquiry was made by the Conference how many Elders were willing to go from this Stake into the vineyard to preach the gospel, and eight volunteered. The church list was then read and there were 225 belonging to this Stake.

Resolved, that the Conference adjourn till tomorrow at 10 o'clock, A. M.

Conference met pursuant to adjournment. Meeting opened by prayer, after which there was an able address delivered by prest. Miller on the sub [subject] of the resurrection, to a large respectable audience. Conference adjourned for 30 minutes.

Met pursuant to adjournment-several short addresses were delivered by different brethren, after which the sacrament was administered.

Resolved, that the minutes of this Conference be published in the Times and Seasons.

Resolved that this Conference adjourn to meet the first Sunday of June next, at 10 o'clock, A. M.

H. W. MILLER, Prest.

Jammes [James] Brown Clerk.

-> Dreadful Steamboat Disaster.

From the N. O. Crescent City of the 24th, we cut the following:-

The General Gaines brings the melancholy intelligence of the loss of the steamer Creole, with about one thousand bales of cotton, and it is apprehended the destruction of twenty human beings.

When the Gen. Gaines came up with the Creole on Monday morning, at half past five o'clock, six miles below Red River Cut Off, the latter was on fire, and the utmost consternation prevailed. She had twice reached the shore on the Louisiana side, at which time numbers of the passengers leaped ashore, but it was impossible to round her to, and she each time drifted off before many of those on board could save themselves. The number of passengers on board was 65, nine of whom are known to have perished, and it is supposed that 14 or 15 more have shared the same fate.

The early hour at which this accident occured [occurred], and the rapid progress of the flames, prevented the saving of baggages [baggage] or property of any description; and many of the passengers were scarce allowed to secure even clothing enough to serve the purposes of comfort.

The heaviest consignment of cotton

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on board was one of 688 bales to J. B. Plauche & Co. There were also $5000 in specie belonging to the Exchange Bank of this city.

The following is a list of those known to have perished:

Calgohan, of Natchitoches.

A child of Mr. Cuny of Alexandria.

A child of Mr. Normand, of Cane River.

A man name unknown.

Two negro men and two children.

A fire man.

Mr. Calhoon, President of the Natchez Bank, and a step-daughter of Mr. Bynum, of North Carolina, are reported among the missing.

OBITUARY.

For the Times & Seasons.

THE FAITH OF THE SAINTS.-

By D. Roberts.

Far from the birth-place of the Lord, Prophets foretold the eventful dawn Glory to God! Messiah's reign

The Saviour [Savior] of man kind: Of a Messiah's reign- Has just begun to dawn;

In western wilds the saints accord And when the appointed time had come, Soon will Appolyon sleep in chains,

And songs of Zion join: Angels from heaven came; And hell receive her doom.

To sing the praises of our God, Proclaimed to man, God's chosen one, Ye earth be glad! ye saints rejoice!

To thee, the Great I AM, The mysteries of the theme- Hosanna! on our tongues

And chant the theme on western plains dawn, That's long been sung, by angel tongues, Shall swell the theme of Zions plains,

Of Moses and the Lamb. Of Moses and the Lamb. Of Moses and the Lamb.

In these last days a voice is heard, Then let Isaiah's hallowed fire, Then let our persecuting foes,

As speaking from the ground; Our faithless bosoms burn: This precious faith revile:

Proclaiming to the world in deed, A prophets born in seer's attire Securely still, will we repose

That free salvation's found- Endowed with Gifts divine. In our redeemer's smiles,

As first proclaimed by Israel's King, A book is found, the learned are dumb, Till all the ransomed happy throng,

And prophets, who are joined The urim still is sealed; To praise the Great I AM

In holy anthems, round the throne The seal is broke, the thummim spoke, Shall join their voices in the song

Of Moses and the Lamb. What beauties are revealed! Of Moses and the Lamb.

A POEM ON THE SUFFERING OF THE SAINTS IN MISSOURI,

By Joel H. Johnson

Why do the Heathen rage, and the people imagine a vain thing, the rulers take counsel together, against the Lord, and against his anointed. He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh; the Lord shall have them in derision. And break them with a rod of iron; and dash them in peices [pieces] like a potters vessel.-David.

No wonder why old David cried. Yes destitute of food and clothes,

"Why do the Heathen rage!" 'Mong strangers seek employ;

When we look round on every side While earthly fiends and hellish foes,

And see them all engage: Still seek them to destroy.

To persecute the saints of God, While some have bled upon their lands,

And take them for a prey; Their testament to seal-

Bind them in chains and shed their blood That they believed in God's commands,

And drive them far away. And what he does reveal.

Their lands and houses left behind, And were resolved t' obey the same,

Thus from their homes are cast; Though hell against them raise;

While Matrons, maids, and infants find And so have died for Jesus, name,

No shelter from the blast. Like saints in ancient days,

No orphans cry, nor widows tear How long O Lord shall men prevail,

Can pity now receive; To kill and drive thy saints?

In weather cold and winter drear, Let not, O God, thy promise fail,

Their firesides have to leave. But hear thou their complaints!

And let thy judgments be made known

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Until oppression cease, And now we do thy promise claim

And wickedness shall all be gone, And will not give the rest;

The earth be filled with peace. Until thou dos't fulfill the same,

And make thy people bles't.

For thou hast promised in thy word

That when the wicked rage,

And press upon them like a flood,

Thou woulds't for them engage.

HYMENIAL.

MARRIED-at Siloam, Iowa, on Sunday March 7th, by Elder George W. Gee, Mr. Seth W. Church to Miss Polly Haskins.

In this city, March 7th by Elder John C. Bennett, Mr. Henry B. Jacobs to Miss Zina D. Huntington.

In this city February 21st by Elder Charles C. Rich, Mr. Benjamin R. Bently to Miss Rhoda Ann Thompson.

NOTICE!!

Notice is hereby given to all the debtors of John P. Greene, of Nauvoo, that all the notes and book accounts of the said J. P. Greene have been assigned to the firm of Ruggles and Chase, of St. Louis, and are put into the hands of the subscriber for collection. Let all who know themselves indebted to said Greene, either by note or book account; come forward and settle the same without delay, as indulgence is out of the question. Save cost! Save cost!!

SIDNEY RIGDON, Attorney for Ruggles & Chase. Nauvoo, March 30th, 1841.

LIST OF AGENTS FOR THE TIMES & SEASONS.

ILLINOIS. City of Springfield, I. H. Bishop.

City of Quincy, S. B. Stoddard.

Victoria, Knox co. John Gaylord.

Mt. Pulaski, Logan co. Jabez Capps.

Pleasant Vale, Pike co. Wm. Draper, jr. A POEM ON THE SUFFERING OF THE SAINTS IN MISSOURI,

By Joel H. Johnson

Why do the Heathen rage, and the people imagine a vain thing, the rulers take counsel together, against the Lord, and against his anointed. He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh; the Lord shall have them in derision. And break them with a rod of iron; and dash them in peices [pieces] like a potters vessel.-David.

No wonder why old David cried, No orphans cry, nor widows tear And were resolved t' obey the same,

"Why do the Heathen rage!" Can pity now receive; Though hell against them raise;

When we look around on every side In weather cold and winter drear, And so have died for Jesus, name,

And see them all engage: Their firesides have to leave. Like saints in ancient days,

To persecute the saints of God, Yes destitute of food and clothes, How long O Lord shall men prevail,

And take them for a prey; 'Mong strangers seek employ; To kill and drive thy saints?

Bind them in chains and shed their blood While earthly fiends and hellish foes, Let not, O God, thy promise fail,

And drive them far away. Still seek them to destroy. But hear thou their complaints!

Their lands and houses left behind, While some have bled upon their lands,

Thus from their homes are cast; Their testament to seal-

Pittsfield, Pike co. Harlow Redfield.

Pittsfield, Pike co. Daniel B. Bush, P. M.

PENNSYLVANIA. City of Philadelphia, Joseph H. Newton

City of Philadelphia, Erastus Snow,

Centerville, Crawford co. Stephen Post.

NEW YORK City of New York George J. Adams.

City of New York, L. R. Foster

City of Albany Albert Brown.

West Leyden, Lewis co. J. L. Robinson.

MASSACHUSETTS. Georgetown, Essex Co. Nathaniel Holmes.

NEW HAMPSHIRE. Gilsum, Chilon Mack, P. M.

Lisbon, Grafton co. Zadock Parker.

TENNESSEE Pekin, Jackson co. T. K. Witcher

Whitleyville, Jackson co. T. K. Witcher.

KENTUCKY. Centre Point, Monroe co. Wm. Dixon.

OHIO. Kirtland, Lake co. Almon Babbitt.

Dayton, W. W. Phelps.

West Milton, Dr. Harvey Tate.

Andover, Ashtabula co. James M. Adams.

Livonia, Wayne co. Rufus Beach

INDIANA. Pleasant Garden, Dr. Knight.

LOUISANA (LOUISIANA). City of New Orleans, E. G. Terrill.

ENGLAND. City of Manchester, P. P. Pratt.

City of Preston, J. P. Fielding

City of London H. C. Kimball

City of London W. Woodruff

City of London G. A. Smith

ISLE OF MAN. Douglass, John Taylor.

SCOTLAND. City of Edinburgh, Orson Pratt.

TRAVELING AGENTS. John E. Page. Orson Hyde.

Daniel Tyler, Wm. O. Clark,

Z. Coultrin. John Cairn,

Lorenzo Barnes, Joseph Ball,

Benj. Winchester. Samuel Parker.

Daniel Shearer, Robert P. Crawford,

Henry Lumereaux, James Standing,

J. M. Grant L. M. Davis

Joshua Grant, F. G. Bishop,

G. H. Brandon, John Riggs,

Lorenzo Snow, James Blakeslee,

Norman Shearer, B. F. Boydston,

A. B. Tomlinson, Elisha H. Groves,

Charles Thompson, Benj. Johnson,

A. L. Lumeraux, Samuel Bennett,

Wm. Smith Hyrum Smith

Julian Moses Z. H. Gurley,

Samuel Bent, G. W. Harris,

Amasa Lyman, David Evens

Daniel S. Thomas, Jesse Turpin.

The Times and Seasons,

Is printed and published about the first and fifteenth of every month on the corner of Water and Bain Streets, Nauvoo, Hancock county, Illinois, by D. C. Smith, EDITOR AND PROPRIETOR.

TERMS.-TWO DOLLARS per annum, payable in all cases in advance. Any person procuring five new subscribers, and forwarding us 10 dollars current money, shall receive one volume gratis. Letters on business must be addressed to the Editor and POST PAID.

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