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Times and Seasons, 15 April 1842

Source Note

Times and Seasons (
Nauvoo

Principal gathering place for Saints following expulsion from Missouri. Beginning in 1839, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints purchased lands in earlier settlement of Commerce and planned settlement of Commerce City, as well as surrounding areas....

More Info
, Hancock Co., IL), 15 Apr. 1842, vol. 3, no. 12, pp. 751–766; edited by JS. For more complete source information, see the source note for Letter to Isaac Galland, 22 Mar. 1839.

Historical Introduction

The 15 April 1842 issue of the
church

The Book of Mormon related that when Christ set up his church in the Americas, “they which were baptized in the name of Jesus, were called the church of Christ.” The first name used to denote the church JS organized on 6 April 1830 was “the Church of Christ...

View Glossary
’s
Nauvoo

Principal gathering place for Saints following expulsion from Missouri. Beginning in 1839, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints purchased lands in earlier settlement of Commerce and planned settlement of Commerce City, as well as surrounding areas....

More Info
, Illinois, newspaper, Times and Seasons, was the fifth issue to identify JS as editor.
1

While JS likely authored many of the paper’s editorial passages, John Taylor reportedly assisted him in writing content. No matter who wrote individual editorial pieces, JS assumed editorial responsibility for all installments naming him as editor except the 15 February issue. (Woodruff, Journal, 19 Feb. 1842; Times and Seasons, 1 Mar. 1842.)


Comprehensive Works Cited

Woodruff, Wilford. Journals, 1833–1898. Wilford Woodruff, Journals and Papers, 1828–1898. CHL. MS 1352.

The issue contained three editorial passages, each of which is featured below with an accompanying introduction. Two other JS texts printed in this issue—a discourse and minutes of the April 1842 special
conference

A meeting where ecclesiastical officers and other church members could conduct church business. The “Articles and Covenants” of the church directed the elders to hold conferences to perform “Church business.” The first of these conferences was held on 9 June...

View Glossary
in Nauvoo—are featured as stand-alone documents elsewhere in this volume.
2

See Discourse, 20 Mar. 1842; and Minutes and Discourses, 6–8 Apr. 1842.


Note that only the editorial content created specifically for this issue of the Times and Seasons is annotated here. Articles reprinted from other papers, letters, conference minutes, and notices, are reproduced here but not annotated. Items that are stand-alone JS documents are annotated elsewhere; links are provided to these stand-alone documents.
3

See “Editorial Method”.


Footnotes

  1. [1]

    While JS likely authored many of the paper’s editorial passages, John Taylor reportedly assisted him in writing content. No matter who wrote individual editorial pieces, JS assumed editorial responsibility for all installments naming him as editor except the 15 February issue. (Woodruff, Journal, 19 Feb. 1842; Times and Seasons, 1 Mar. 1842.)

    Woodruff, Wilford. Journals, 1833–1898. Wilford Woodruff, Journals and Papers, 1828–1898. CHL. MS 1352.

  2. [2]

    See Discourse, 20 Mar. 1842; and Minutes and Discourses, 6–8 Apr. 1842.

  3. [3]

    See “Editorial Method”.

Asterisk (*) denotes a "featured" version, which includes an introduction and annotation. *Times and Seasons, 15 April 1842 *Times and Seasons, 15 April 1842
*Times and Seasons, 15 April 1842
*Minutes and Discourses, 6–8 April 1842 *Discourse, 7 April 1842–A *Discourse, 7 April 1842–C *Discourse, 7 April 1842–B *Discourse, 20 March 1842, as Reported by Wilford Woodruff

Page 759

Gen. Joseph Smith, the
President

The highest presiding body of the church. An 11 November 1831 revelation stated that the president of the high priesthood was to preside over the church. JS was ordained as president of the high priesthood on 25 January 1832. In March 1832, JS appointed two...

View Glossary
and founder of the sect called “the
Latter Day Saints of the Churuh of Jesus Christ

The Book of Mormon related that when Christ set up his church in the Americas, “they which were baptized in the name of Jesus, were called the church of Christ.” The first name used to denote the church JS organized on 6 April 1830 was “the Church of Christ...

View Glossary
” was born in
Sharon

Township charter granted, 17 Aug. 1761. Area settled, by 1765. Township organized, 1768. Included village of Sharon. Population of township in 1800 about 1,200; in 1810 about 1,400; and in 1830 about 1,500. Joseph Smith Sr. rented sixty-eight-acre farm from...

More Info
, Windsor co. Vt. in 1805, 23d of December. Old Windsor county is now boasting of as many distinguished men in different spheres as any in the Union. This poor farmer’s son has built up a denomination of nearly 100,000 people
7

Although contemporaneous sources do not allow for precise calculations of international church membership during this time, this number is an exaggeration.


in Europe, Asia, Africa, and nearly all the islands of the great oceans. Besides, Gen. Smith did not invent his creed himself; but an angel of the Lord delivered it to him on Mount Moriah, N. Y. on the 22nd September, 1827.
The above is from the able pen of that fearless champion of the rights of man, Col.
John Wentworth

5 Mar. 1815–16 Oct. 1888. Teacher, newspaper editor and owner, lawyer, politician, historian. Born in Sandwich, Strafford Co., New Hampshire. Son of Paul Wentworth and Lydia Cogswell. Graduated from Dartmouth College in Hanover, Grafton Co., New Hampshire...

View Full Bio
, Editor of the
Chicago

Settled by Jean Baptiste Point du Sable, 1779. U.S. Fort Dearborn established, 1804. Town organized, 10 Aug. 1832. Incorporated as city, May 1837. Population in 1837 about 4,200; in 1840 about 4,500; and in 1844 about 11,000. Twenty-six members of Church ...

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Democrat. The west can boast of no more able editor, nor can any of her growing cities produce a better conducted paper. As to
Col. Wentworth

5 Mar. 1815–16 Oct. 1888. Teacher, newspaper editor and owner, lawyer, politician, historian. Born in Sandwich, Strafford Co., New Hampshire. Son of Paul Wentworth and Lydia Cogswell. Graduated from Dartmouth College in Hanover, Grafton Co., New Hampshire...

View Full Bio
’s religious views we know nothing—we presume he has no particular predilections for us; but that he entertains the same noble and generous feelings towards all professing christains, and all good men. He certainly is one of the most brilliant stars in the constellation of
Illinois

Became part of Northwest Territory of U.S., 1787. Admitted as state, 1818. Population in 1840 about 480,000. Population in 1845 about 660,000. Plentiful, inexpensive land attracted settlers from northern and southern states. Following expulsion from Missouri...

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—and as political leader he has no superior.
 
——————————
TIMES AND SEASONS.
CITY OF
NAUVOO

Principal gathering place for Saints following expulsion from Missouri. Beginning in 1839, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints purchased lands in earlier settlement of Commerce and planned settlement of Commerce City, as well as surrounding areas....

More Info
,
FRIDAY, APRIL 15, 1842.
——————————
 

Editorial Note
The third editorial passage was a theological treatise explaining the practice of
baptism

An ordinance in which an individual is immersed in water for the remission of sins. The Book of Mormon explained that those with necessary authority were to baptize individuals who had repented of their sins. Baptized individuals also received the gift of...

View Glossary
for the dead through an appeal to scripture. JS first introduced the subject on 15 August 1840 during a funeral sermon for
church

The Book of Mormon related that when Christ set up his church in the Americas, “they which were baptized in the name of Jesus, were called the church of Christ.” The first name used to denote the church JS organized on 6 April 1830 was “the Church of Christ...

View Glossary
member
Seymour Brunson

1 Dec. 1798–10 Aug. 1840. Farmer. Born at Plattsburg, Clinton Co., New York. Son of Reuben Brunson and Sally Clark. Served in War of 1812. Married Harriet Gould of Hector, Tompkins Co., New York, ca. 1823. Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day...

View Full Bio
, and the earliest vicarious baptisms took place in the
Mississippi River

Principal U.S. river running southward from Itasca Lake, Minnesota, to Gulf of Mexico. Covered 3,160-mile course, 1839 (now about 2,350 miles). Drains about 1,100,000 square miles. Steamboat travel on Mississippi very important in 1830s and 1840s for shipping...

More Info
by 13 September 1840.
8

Simon Baker, “15 Aug. 1840 Minutes of Recollection of Joseph Smith’s Sermon,” JS Collection, CHL; see also Jane Harper Neyman and Vienna Jaques, Statement, 29 Nov. 1854, Historian’s Office, JS History Documents, ca. 1839–1860, CHL.


Comprehensive Works Cited

Smith, Joseph. Collection, 1827–1846. CHL. MS 155.

Historian’s Office. Joseph Smith History Documents, 1839–1860. CHL. CR 100 396.

JS had preached extensively on baptism for the dead since, but this editorial was the first time he provided a full explanation and defense in print.
9

See Minutes and Discourse, 3–5 Oct. 1840; Discourse, 3 Oct. 1841; Discourse, 27 Mar. 1842; and Minutes and Discourses, 6–8 Apr. 1842.



BAPTISM

An ordinance in which an individual is immersed in water for the remission of sins. The Book of Mormon explained that those with necessary authority were to baptize individuals who had repented of their sins. Baptized individuals also received the gift of...

View Glossary
FOR THE DEAD.
The great designs of God in relation to the salvation of the human family are very little understood by the professedly wise, and intelligent generation in whieh we live; various and conflicting are the opinions of men concerning the plan of salvation; the requisitions of the Almighty; the necessary preparations for heaven; the state and condition of departed spirits; and the happiness, or misery that is consequent upon the practice of righteousness and iniquity according to their several notions of virtue, and vice. The Mussulman
10

An archaic term for a Muslim. (See “Mussulman,” in American Dictionary [1845], 548.)


Comprehensive Works Cited

An American Dictionary of the English Language; Exhibiting the Origin, Orthography, Pronunciation, and Definitions of Words. Edited by Noah Webster. New York: Harper and Brothers, 1845.

condemns the Heathen, the Jew, and the Christian, and the whole world of mankind that reject his Koran as infidels, and consigns the whole of them to perdition. The Jew believes that the whole world that reject his faith, and are not circumcised, are gentile dogs, and will be damned. The Heathen are equally as tenacious about their principles, and the Christian consigns all to perdition who cannot bow to his creed and submit to his ipse dixit.
11

Latin for “he said it himself,” meaning an unproven statement.


But while one portion of the human race are judging and condemning the other without mercy, the great parent of the universe looks upon the whole of the human family with a fatherly care, and paternal regard; he views them as his offspring; and without any of those contracted feelings that influence the children of men, causes “his sun to rise on the evil and the good; and sends his rain on the just and unjust.”
12

See Matthew 5:45.


He holds the reins of judgment in his hands; he is a wise lawgiver, and will judge all men, -[not according to the narrow contracted notions of men, but]- “according to the deeds done in the body whether they be good or evil;”
13

See 2 Corinthians 5:10.


or whether these deeds were done in
England

Island nation consisting of southern portion of Great Britain and surrounding smaller islands. Bounded on north by Scotland and on west by Wales. Became province of Roman Empire, first century. Ruled by Romans, through 447. Ruled by Picts, Scots, and Saxons...

More Info
,
America

North American constitutional republic. Constitution ratified, 17 Sept. 1787. Population in 1805 about 6,000,000; in 1830 about 13,000,000; and in 1844 about 20,000,000. Louisiana Purchase, 1803, doubled size of U.S. Consisted of seventeen states at time ...

More Info
, Spain, Turkey India: he will judge them “not according to what they have not, but according to what they have;”
14

See 2 Corinthians 8:12.


those who have lived without law, will be judged without law, and those who have a law, will be judged by that law; we need not doubt the wisdom and intelligence of the great Jehovah, he will award judgment or mercy to all nations according to their several deserts, their means of obtaining intelligence, the laws by which they are governed; the facilities afforded them of obtaining correct information; and his inscrutable designs in relation to the human family: and when the designs of God shall be made manifest, and the curtain of futurity be withdrawn, we shall all of us eventually have to confess, that the Judge of all the earth has done right.
The situation of the Christian nations after death is a subject that has called forth all the wisdom, and talent of the philosopher, and the divine; and it is an opinion which is generally received, that the destiny of man is irretrievably fixed at his death; and that he is made either eternally happy, or eternally miserable’ that if a man dies without a knowledge of God, he must be eternally damned; without any mitigation of his punishment, alleviation of his pain or the most latent hope of a deliverance while endless ages shall roll along. However orthodox this principle may be, we shall find that it is at variance with the testimony of holy writ; for our Saviour says that all manner of sin, and blasphemy shall be forgiven men wherewith they shall blaspheme; but the blasphemy against the Holy Ghost shall not be forgiven, neither in this world, nor in the world to come;
15

See Matthew 12:31–32.


evidently showing that there are sins which may be forgiven in the world to come; although the sin of blasphemy cannot be forgiven.
Peter also in speaking concerning our Saviour says, that “he went and preached unto [p. 759]
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Page 759

Document Information

Related Case Documents
Editorial Title
Times and Seasons, 15 April 1842
ID #
8146
Total Pages
16
Print Volume Location
JSP, D9:372–380
Handwriting on This Page
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Footnotes

  1. [7]

    Although contemporaneous sources do not allow for precise calculations of international church membership during this time, this number is an exaggeration.

  2. [8]

    Simon Baker, “15 Aug. 1840 Minutes of Recollection of Joseph Smith’s Sermon,” JS Collection, CHL; see also Jane Harper Neyman and Vienna Jaques, Statement, 29 Nov. 1854, Historian’s Office, JS History Documents, ca. 1839–1860, CHL.

    Smith, Joseph. Collection, 1827–1846. CHL. MS 155.

    Historian’s Office. Joseph Smith History Documents, 1839–1860. CHL. CR 100 396.

  3. [9]

    See Minutes and Discourse, 3–5 Oct. 1840; Discourse, 3 Oct. 1841; Discourse, 27 Mar. 1842; and Minutes and Discourses, 6–8 Apr. 1842.

  4. [10]

    An archaic term for a Muslim. (See “Mussulman,” in American Dictionary [1845], 548.)

    An American Dictionary of the English Language; Exhibiting the Origin, Orthography, Pronunciation, and Definitions of Words. Edited by Noah Webster. New York: Harper and Brothers, 1845.

  5. [11]

    Latin for “he said it himself,” meaning an unproven statement.

  6. [12]

    See Matthew 5:45.

  7. [13]

    See 2 Corinthians 5:10.

  8. [14]

    See 2 Corinthians 8:12.

  9. [15]

    See Matthew 12:31–32.

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