Times and Seasons (, Hancock Co., IL), 16 May 1842, vol. 3, no. 14, pp. 783–798; edited by JS. For more complete source information, see the source note for Letter to Isaac Galland, 22 Mar. 1839.
Historical Introduction
The 16 May 1842 issue of the Times and Seasons was the sixth issue of the newspaper JS edited. It featured a variety of items, including “A Fac-simile from the Book of Abraham. No. 3,” with an explanation of various figures depicted in the facsimile, a serial installment of the “History of Joseph Smith,” letters from British members, and reprinted articles from the Latter-day Saints’ Millennial Star and Dollar Weekly Bostonian. In addition, the 16 May 1842 issue included three editorial comments, written by JS or the staff of the newspaper, which are featured here. JS’s level of involvement is unclear—he may have directed their creation or reviewed the material once written—but as editor he assumed editorial responsibility for all of the content in the issues of the paper published during his time as editor.
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.
A letter to the editor from an individual identified only by the initials “I. T.” related and refuted discussions of the church in the Baptist periodical the Cross and Journal, published in Columbus, Ohio.
“To Subscribers,” Times and Seasons, 1 Mar. 1842, 3:710. JS was identified as editor of the newspaper from 15 February to 15 October 1842. Although JS was named as the editor of the 15 February issue, he began editing the newspaper with the 1 March issue.
Mrs. Cordon has sent a small token of her regard to , which she hopes will be accepted, and joins with me in sentiments of profound respect to you and your lady.
Wishing you all success I remain yours in the .
.
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From the Millennial Star.
THE GLASGOW CONFERENCE.
Glasgow, January 14, 1842.
Respected Brother,
I am happy in stating to you that the work of God is still progressing slowly in this region, although opposed on every hand by the busy emmissaries of Satan in the form of hireling priests and holy hypocrites, whose only aim seems to be to prevent the people from enquiring after the truth by spreading lies, misrepresentations, and slanderous reports of every description, thus fulfilling the words of the Saviour, “If they have persecuted me they will persecute you! and why this? because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you.” And the people generally are much more ready to believe a lie than the truth; so much so, that the promises of him whose word cannot fail are become as sounding brass and a tinkling cymbal, being altogether superceded by the vain and foolish traditions of men.
Notwithstanding all this, the Saints are rejoicing in the enjoyment of the gifts of God, and some few are still seeking the way to Zion. We held a conference in Glasgow on the 1st of January. The Saints were present to the number of between 200 and 300 from the different branches composing this conference. After opening the meeting by singing and prayer, Elder M’Auley delivered a suitable address, exhorting and encouraging the Saints to faithfulness, perseverance, and dilligence. He also spoke to them regarding the , now in progress; pointed to the exertions now making by the saints in , and earnestly impressed upon them the necessity of their mite also being cast into the treasury. He then proposed that all the branches of this conference should unite in sending an offering unto the Lord by the hand of their delegate to the general conference on the 6th of April. This was unanimously agreed to.
The president then called upon the officers to represent the various branches’ and the following is the sum total for the Glasgow conference, including office bearers, 512.
Several ordinations took place, and two new branches were organized.
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THE MORMONS IN AND VICINITY.
As every thing which relates to this unique sect is interesting at this time, we have concluded to give an account of their affairs in this and vicinity. This information we have derived from , the presiding elder in . Their meetings are held at No. 82 Commercial street, on Sunday, at the usual hours of public worship, and are free to all. This church was formed on Wednesday, the 9th of March last, with little more than thirty members, most of which were baptized by . The congregation has been large, and a great many have been obliged to turn away in consequence of the crowds which attend. In Chelsea, meetings are held occasionally, and one has been baptized. In and vicinity about seventy have been baptized. In Medfield, Medway, Cape Cod, and many other places, meetings are also held. says there never was such a call for preachers as at the present time. The minds of the people, he says, are ready to receive the truth, and the cry is for preachers. In twenty have been baptized in one day. There is a great stir evidently, and the is confident that the people will soon flock in crowds to the “standard of truth.” The church in , Gilson, and neighborhood, numbers in all upwards of one hundred. What will the end be?—Dollar Weekly Bostonian.
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From the Dollar Weekly Bostonian.
THE MORMONS—JOE SMITH, THE PROPHET.
Joe is decidedly the greatest original of the present day. He carries all before him when he undertakes an enterprise—knows no impediment—and never halts in his course till he has accomplished his object. His post, at the head of the Mormons, is a conspicuous one, and in a few years of such advancement as he has met with for the past year, will give him a numberless host of followers. We should not be surprised if Joe should bcome as [p. 796]