--- title: Times and Seasons description: Issues of 1839 to 1840. authors: - Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints editors: - Ebenezer Robinson - Don Carlos Smith - Smith, Joseph, Jr. - Taylor, John collections: - periodicals tags: - newspaper - times-and-seasons - nauvoo - nineteenth-century periodical: Times and Seasons volume: 1 number: 12 published: 1840-10 publisher: E. Robinson and D. C. Smith; later John Taylor publisher_place: Commerce and Nauvoo, Illinois language: en type: article reference: "β€œTo the Saints Scattered Abroad,” *Times and Seasons* 1, no. 12 (October 1840): 177–187." printed_title: TO THE SAINTS SCATTERED ABROAD. source: url: https://archive.org/details/per_utah-and-the-mormons_times-and-seasons_1840-10_1_12 transcription: Text from the Centerplace.org transcription (https://www.centerplace.org/history/ts/v1n12.htm), with its page breaks; this Internet Archive scan is the reference copy (its OCR was used only as a witness for OCR repair) identifier: per_utah-and-the-mormons_times-and-seasons_1840-10_1_12 start_page: 177 end_page: 187 curator_note: A Mormon newspaper published by the church in Nauvoo; included for historical study. Inclusion does not imply endorsement. rights: status: public-domain basis: US publication 1840 (Nauvoo, Illinois); published before 1931, so public domain in the United States source: https://archive.org/details/per_utah-and-the-mormons_times-and-seasons_1840-10_1_12 publication_year: 1840 --- # To the Saints Scattered Abroad BELOVED BRETHREN: We address a few lines to the church of Jesus Christ, who have obeyed from the heart, that form of doctrine which has been delivered to them by the servants of the Lord, and who are desirous to go forward in the ways of truth and righteousness, and by obedience to the heavenly command, escape the things which are coming on the earth and secure to themselves an inheritance among the sanctified in the world to come. Having been placed in a very responsible situation in the church, we at all times feel interested in the welfare of the Saints and make mention of them continually in our prayers to our heavenly Father, that they may be kept from the evils which are in the world and ever be found walking in the path of truth. The work of the Lord in these last days, is one of vast magnitude and almost beyond the comprehension of mortals: its glories are past description and its grandour [grandeur] insurpassable [unsurpassable]. It has been the theme which has animated the bosom of prophets and righteous men from the creation of this world down through every succeeding generation to the present time; and it is truly the dispensation of the fulness [fullness] of times, when all things which are in Christ Jesus, whether in heaven or on the earth, shall be gathered together in him, and when all things shall be restored, as spoken of by all the holy prophets since the world began: for in it will take place the glorious fulfillment of the promises made to the fathers, while the displays of the power of the Most High will be great, glorious, and sublime. The purposes of our God are great, his love unfathomable, his wisdom infinite, and his power unlimited; therefore, the Saints have cause to rejoice and be glad, knowing that "this God is our God forever and ever and he will be our guide unto death." Having confidence in the power, wisdom and love of God, the Saints have been enabled to go forward through the most adverse circumstances, and frequently when to all human appearances nothing but death presented itself, and destruction, inevitable, has the power of God been manifest, his glory revealed, and deliverance effected; and the Saints, like the children of Israel who came out of the land of Egypt, and through the Red Sea, have sung an anthem of praise to his holy name: this has not only been the case in former ages, but in our own days, and within a few months, have we seen this fully verified. Having, through the kindness of our God, been delivered from destruction, and secured a location upon which we have again commenced opperations [operations] for the good of his people, we feel disposed to go forward and unite our energies for the up building of the kingdom, and establishing the Priesthood in their fullness and glory. The work which has to be accomplished in the last days is one of vast importance, and will call into action the energy, skill, talent, and ability of the Saints, so that it may roll forth with that glory and majesty described by the prophets: and will consequently require the concentration of the Saints, to accomplish works of such magnitude and grandeur. The work of the gathering spoken of in the scriptures, will be necessary to bring about the glories of the last dispensation: It is probably unnecessary to press this subject on the Saints, as we believe the spirit of it is manifest, and its necessity obvious to every considerate mind; and every one zealous for the promotion of truth and righteousness, is equally so for the gathering of the Saints. Dear brethren feeling desirous to carry out the purposes of God, to which we have been called; and to be co-workers with him in this last dispensation: we feel the necessity of having the hearty co-operation of the Saints throughout this land, and it will be necessary for them to hearken to council, and turn their attention to the church, the establishment of the kingdom, and lay aside every selfish principle, every thing low, and groveling; and stand forward in the cause of truth, and assist to the utmost of their power, those to whom has been given the pattern and design; and like those who held up the hands of Moses, hold up the hands of those who are appointed to direct the affairs of the kingdom, so that they may be strengthened, and be enabled to prosecute their great designs and be instrumental in effecting the great work of the last days. Believing the time has now come when it is necessary to erect a house of prayer, a house of order, a house for the worship of our God; where the ordinances can be attended to agreably [agreeably] to his divine will, in this region of country; to accomplish which, considerable exertion must be made, means will be required; and as the work must be hastened in righteousness, it behooves the Saints, to weigh the importance of these things, in their minds, in all their bearings, and then take such steps as are necessary to carry them into operation; and arm themselves with courage, resolve to do all they can, and feel themselves as much interested, as though the whole labor depended on themselves alone; by so doing they will emulate the glorious deeds of the Fathers, and secure the blessing of heaven upon themselves and their posteriy [posterity] to the latest generation. To those who feel thus interested, and can assist in this great work, we say let them come to this place, by so doing they will not only assist in the rolling of the kingdom, but be in a situation where they can have the advantages of instruction from the presidency and other authorities of the church, and rise higher and higher in the scale of intelgence [intelligence], until they "can comprehend with all Saints the length and breadth and debth [depth], and height, and know the love of God which passeth knowledge." Connected with the building up of the kingdom, is the printing and circulation of the Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants, Hymn book and the new translation of Scriptures, It is unnecessary to say any thing respecting these works; those who have read them, and who have drank of the stream of knowledge, which they convey, know how to appreciate them, and although fools may have them in derision, yet they are calculated to make men wise unto salvation, and sweep away the cobwebs of superstition of ages, throw a light on the proceedings of Jehovah which have already been accomplished and mark out the future in all its dreadful and glorious realities; those who have tasted the benefit derived from a study of those works, will undoubtedly vie with each other in their zeal for sending them abroad throughout the world, that every son of Adam may enjoy the same privileges and rejoice in the same truths. Here then, beloved brethren is a work to engage in worthy of arch-angels; a work which will cast into the shade the things which have heretofore been accomplished; a work which kings and prophets and righteous men, in former ages have sought, expected, and earnestly desired to see, but died withoat [without] the sight: and well, will it be for those who shall aid in carrying into effect the mighty operations of Jehovah. By order of the first Presidency, R. B. THOMPSON, Scribe. Nauvoo, Sept, 1840. Waterville, N. Y. July 29th, 1840. DEAR BRETHREN, E. ROBINSON & D. C. SMITH: Having a few leisure moments to spend in writing, I sit down at this time to address a few lines to you, to inform you where I am at present, and what I am doing; through the goodness of our kind heavenly Father, I am yet alive and have the privilege of informing you that the work of the Lord in this part of his vineyard, is still progressing, though opposed by the wicked of all classes, (in this region,) from the bloated faced drunkard of the Bar Room, even to the long faced priests of different sects, whose crafts are in dangered [endangered] by the principles of the Renewed Covenant, as taught by the Elders of the church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints: and notwithstanding all the opposition, the kingdom of God in its native purity is rolling forth in mighty power; in this north country, and gathering in its progress, the honest in heart from all classes and sects of religious institutions, as well as scores from among the non professing portion of community. since I last wrote to you, July last 1839. I addressed a letter to the presidents of the seventies dated Feb 22d 1840, in which I gave a history of the work of the Lord in this region, and also wished them to write to me, but as I have received no answer from the aboved [above] named letter, I have no, evidence to believe they ever received it, and shall give a general history in this; since last July, the 22nd; I have added to the different branches of the church in this region, about fifty members, and the young Elders about as many more, by baptism, I have attended two conferences of late, the minutes of which will soon be forwarded to you. The saints in this region are strong in the faith, and are making the necessary preparations to remove west; some are going west this season, others are doing all in their power to be ready to go next. We should be glad to have one of the agents who has authority to exchange lands (as they are passing,) call on the different branches of the church in this region; for instance, the Hamilton church, the Boonville church in Oneida co. N. Y. the Williamstown and Amboy churches in Oswego co. N. Y. The saints here are very anxious to remove west and settle with their brethren. I saw Elder Bates a few days since, he had just returned from Canada, and said many of the saints in that place were removing west, and that many had been added to the church in that region the present aeason [season]. We have many and very pressing calls for preaching in almost every direction, and for many miles distant which we cannot fill; and on learning from the 8th number of your interesting paper, which came to hand a few days since, of the spread of the gospel in the old world; and the call for twenty of the seventies to go to that country, to assist in the great work of God, truly it made our hearts rejoice, while we can pray the Lord of the harvest, to send forth more laborers into his vineyard, that the wheat may be secured in the garners, to possess eternal life; and I now say to my brethren, the seventies who have not as yet gone forth into the harvest field to labor, (if any such there are;) my dear brethren, arise and gird on your armour [armor], and walk forth into the field, and clear your skirts of the blood of souls, by testifiing [testifying] unto this generation of those things which God has communicated unto his servants; for the salvation of this generation. Since writing the above I have visited the church at Amboy and Williamstown, attended a special conference, in that place, at which, a new branch of the church was organized, in the town of Albion, Oswego co. at a place called Pineville, the Elders are requested to call on them as they are passing. A company of saints consisting of about 35 souls in all, with six two horse waggons [wagons] and one two horse carriage, with Elder Truman Gillett jr. to lead them, set out for Nauvoo, while I was at Amboy; and a company of saints from Boonville are about starting for the same place, led by elder Hiram Hoyt. Truly my heart rejoices to see the work of the gathering roll on. J. BLAKESLEY. Amboy, Oswego co. N. Y. July 8, 1840 MESSRS. ROBINSON AND SMITH. Dear Brethren, It is with feelings of pleasure that I avail myself of a few leisure moments to drop a few lines to you, to let you as well as all the friends of truth, know of the advancement of the cause of our Redeemer in this part of the vineyard of the Lord. I have been laboring since about the first April in the counties of Jefferson, Oswego, Onondaga and some in Oneida, N. Y. And truly the cause of God is rolling forward with a mighty impetus, propelled by the hand of Israels God.-Truth is advancing; error and false doctrine is receeding [receding], priest craft is falling; priests of Baal are howling, saints are rejoicing, (and the word of God grows and multiplies,) yes notwithstanding all the lies, slanders and scurrillous [scurrilous] reports out in circulation by hirling [hireling] priests and their supporters, whose craft are in danger by the forth coming of the truth; the cause and kingdom of God is rolling forward as steady as the bright luminary of day; and will continue to roll until the honest in heart are gathered out of Babylon, until the wheat is gathered from among the tares, untill [until] wickedness is swept from the earth; the earth cleansed from its pollution, Christ makes his his appearance in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory to reign on the earth a thousand years with his saints while satan is bound. There are two or three hundred saints or more, in the above mentioned counties who have come in through the instrumentality of different Elders. I have baptized since the first of April or a short time previous some sixteen or eighteen, and some are to go forward next Sabbath; and multitudes believing, who I think will obey soon, I never saw such calls for preaching.-East, West, North and South, the Macedonian cry: surely if ever it could be realized that the harvest is great, and the laborers few, it is at the present time: if some of the Elders could come into this region they could find plenty of ground to work upon; while writing this I received a visit from Elder Blakesley, and he states that the work of the Lord is rolling forth in the region where he is laboring; in Oneida and Madison counties. He has baptized in a short time some 20 or 30 and a number more expect to come forward soon. Thus the little stone is rolling forth and smites the image on the its feet which will soon become like the chaff of summer threshing floor, and the stone become a great mountain and fill the whole earth. Yours &c. TRUMAN GILLETT, Jr . We have several other communications laying before us, from the elders of Israel, which we should feel glad in publishing entire, but owing to the press of matter, we shall have to content ourselves with giving but short extracts. Elder Rufus Beach writes from Livonia, Wayne Co. Mich. under date of Sept. 3, 1840. "The cause of truth is slowly, but steadily progressing in this section of country, prejudice is giving way to the force of truth, and some are obeying the gospel: last Sabbath two were baptised [baptized] by elder A. Blanchard, one of which has been a professor for many years. A wide field for the spread of the gospel is opened in this country, but the laborers are few, but three only preaches the gospel of the kingdom in all this section of the country. One year ago last spring the Lord opened the eyes of my understanding to know he had commenced pruning his vineyard for the last time, and I do know he has called laborers by revelation into the work, and I know the work will be propelled forward by the power of God, until the kingdoms of this world, shall become the kingdoms of our God and his Christ. Yours, &c. RUFUS BEACH. Elder Daniel Tyler, from Scott co. Ill., says, that he has lately baptized six, and has had a debate with a Cambellite [Campbellite] preacher, which has had the effect of breaking down much predjudice [prejudice] and that many are believing the precious truths of the kingdom. Elder A. O. Smoot writes from Whitleysville Jackson Co Tenn. You will believe me, when I say is is with no ordinary feeling of gratitude to the great Shepherd of Israel, that I now assume my seat, and employ my pen to let you know sometthing [something] of my labors in this part of our divine masters vineyard. I am happy to say, that the cause of truth is progressing here, while error, bigotry, priestcraft and superstition, is falling before its mighty influence; and many made to rejoice that the light of heaven has once more shone upon the sons of Adam. In company with Elder Pitkins, and priest Webster, I arrived here the 12th of June, and commenced laboring in this, and the adjoining counties, Smith and Overton. I found almost every species of religion prevailing here, (that of Jesus Christ excepted) which was as strange as it was to the Jews in the apostolical dispensation. The greater part of my labors in this country, has been confined to some small branches of the church in this and Overton co's. raised up by elder J. Moses and others. These chuches [churches] I proposed visiting when I left home by request of brother Moses, in order to organize, and set them in order: as they were left in an unorganized state: This I have been able to do in part, by the assistance of elder Pitkins. When we arrived here the saints in this country numbered 51 members; and since we arrived we have baptized 14 more, making in all 65. There are some 4 or 5 more who are candidates for the waters of baptism, which will be attended to when convenient.-Thus, the kingdom of our God rolls forth with mighty power. I am, as ever, yours, &c. A. O SMOOT. Elder Elisha H. Groves writes as follows: I left home May 12th, in company with brother Isaac Cleveland, traveled to Commerce, from thence to Savena by water, landed the 21st, preached the same evening; from thence to Napoleon, held several meetings: we also preached several times in Elisabethtown, and in a place called the Townson settlement, on the head of Rush creek; from here we traveled to Big Grove, where we unexpectedly met with brother Ezra Strong; himself and family have been much afflicted; from thence we traveled to Wames Grove, held several meetings, from thence into the settlements of the Pecatolika river. June 20th, brother Cleveland left me for the east: I traveled up and down this river preaching whenever I could get an opportunity. I have baptized 12 and organized a church of 20 members: br. Strong is appointed to preside over them. In all the above places there are believers, and great calls for preaching, also on Rock river, but the situation of my family will not permit me to stay.-This branch of the church is 40 miles east of Galena in Stephenson co. Ill.-This is an excellent country the soil is equal to that of Missouri, the land is not yet in market. There is plenty of heavy timber on the Pecatolika river, and good mill privileges; there is a saw and flouring mill within 5 miles of this branch. Yours &c. E. H. GROVES. Elders James Carrole and Alva L. Tippets writes as follows: Oct. 8th, 1840. Dear Brothers, ROBINSON & SMITH. With pleasure we write to you, concerning our labors in the vineyard, brother Carrole and Southworth, with four other elders went into the Iowa Territory, about 50 miles from Nauvoo, into Henry county, near Jefferson, on the 13th of June last; and we entered upon our ministerial labors and labored about three weeks, and baptized ten; during that time we came home on the fourth of July, and after staying at home until the 27th of July, brother Tippets and myself left home and visited the same place, and during the time we stayed, which was till the first of October, we traveled about two hundred and fifty miles, baptized four, held one debate with a Campbellite preacher, and held twenty eight meetings, we felt that the Lord was with us and we prospered insomuch [inasmuch] that there were many that came out to hear us, and the signs truly did fellow [follow ?] them that believe, and it appeared that desolating sickness followed them that railed out against us; but still there are yet many honest hearted people, and we expect to visit that place again shortly and we ask the prayers of the church that our labors may be blest and many more be brought into the kingdom through our instrumentality: and we shall ascribe the praise to God alone. We remain your servants in the gospel, JAMES CARROLE. ALVA L. TIPPETS Philadelphia Pa. July 8th 1840. MESSRS. ROBINSON, & SMITH: I am happy to state to you once more, that the work of the Lord is still prospering in these eastern lands.-Many of the honest in heart are coming to a knowledge of the truth, and are flocking into the kingdom of God. The branch of the church in Chester co. where I have been laboring considerably, now numbers upwards of 100 members. The branch of the church in Lancaster co. where elder's Davis and Dean have been laboring, numbers upwards of 50; and the branch of the in this city, numbers upwards of 200 members; elder B. Winchester is about to leave this place for England. elder Erastus Snow is here, and will probably remain in this section of country some length of time and proclaim the gospel. There are many calls for preaching and a wide field for labor throughout this whole region of country, and many are believing who have not as yet been baptized, but whom I trust will, ere long obey the everlasting gospel. Pray for us dear brethren that we may ever be found faithful. Yours &c. LORENZO BARNES. The following is a report of a Committee appointed to examine the country in the South west corner of Iowa Territory.-ED. Nauvoo, Illinois, July, 28th, 1840. We a committee appointed to examine and report a place in Iowa Territory, (if any could be found) suitable for establishing and building up a stake or branch of the church, of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Submit the following report. We left the head of the Rapids on the west bank of the Mississippi river opposite Nauvoo, on the 22nd day of this Inst. we explored the county North of the Desmoine [Des Moines] river, in Lee county and part of Van Buren county. The surface is neither hilly nor level, but may be termed undulating, having near equal portions of timber and prairie: the timber prevailing on the Desmoine [Des Moines] and its tributaries, and on the sources of the Skunk river, and on the minor tributaries of the Mississippi river.-The soil is generally very fertile, especially on the Desmoine [Des Moines] river. The bottom land or valley of this river average about one mile in width, soil dry and exuberently [exuberantly] fertile, with abundant good springs on the river margins, but elsewhere springs scarcely ever occur, though abundant stock water is found on all the small streams, and excellent well water may be obtained in any place by digging from 12 to 30 feet, stone abounds on all (or near all) the streams suitable for building and other purposes. We examined the Desmoine [Des Moines] river from near its junction with the Mississippi river, up to the Sauk village, a distance of near 90 miles, it averaging 600 feet wide, gliding over a smooth lime stone bed, or bottom for the greater portion of the distance, only a few instances of a thin coating or stratta [strata] of gravel. The depth of this river is uniform, and at the stage of water we made the examination about 18 inches deep, finding no place but you might drive a loaded waggon [wagon], or ride on horse back along the channel. Steam boats ply a portion of every Spring and Fall to the Sauk village, and could run much higher was there business, say to the Raccoon forks; a distance of 200 miles. Small keel boats can ply any time unless obstructed by ice. The prevailing timber, Oak, shell bark Hickory, Walnut, Sugar Maple, Hackberry, Buckeye, Mulberry, Elm,. and some other varieties; under growth Paupau, Hazle, &c. We have seen the principal rivers of the States, and say without hesitancy, that the river now under consideration is the most pleasant and beautiful known to us. There was offered unto us a mill seat with chartered privileges, (on the Desmoine [Des Moines] river,) together with a donation of about $700 if we could go on to improve the same: this offer will be taken in a few days by one of our brethren. We now proceed to take into consideration the country south of the Desmoine [Des Moines], to the Mississippi boundary line, (on the north,) and east of the Indian boundary line. Its form is that of a right angle triangle, having the Desmoine [Des Moines] river for the hypotenuse, covering a surface of about 356 square miles, equal to 217840 acres-near half of this is not surveyed and subject to settlement and pre-emption, being that portion from the Desmoine [Des Moines] river along the Indian boundary line South, to the North boundary line of Missouri, averaging 9 miles wide and 22 miles long, from north to south: about 90,000 acres of this tract is not settled or claimed: we therefore, deem this the best location that can be made in Iowa Territory to build up a Stake. This district is watered by the Desmoine [Des Moines] river, and a creek called Chequest, [signifying in the Indian tongue, thunder and ligtning [lightening],] there is however, small tributaries to both the above streams, watering the surface now under consideration. It may be described as a timbered county consisting of timber, brush, openings, and a small portion of prairie, surface rather broken, though nearly all susceptible of cultivation; and mostly in the highest degree fertile, and may be more densly [densely] populated than any other portion we have examined. Stone, and other crude building materials abound, with a sufficiency of water power on the Desmoine [Des Moines] river and Chequest creek, that can be easily improve. This region has many other advantages and resources [resources] not adverted to in this description.-Submitted, July, 29th, 1840. GEORGE MILLER. JOHN A. MIKESELL. TIMES AND SEASONS. NAUVOO ILL. OCT., 1840 In this number we lay before our readers the minutes of the conference held at this place on the 3rd inst. which will be perused with interest, by the saints throughout the length and breadth of the land. The proceedings were highly satisfactory and pleasing; the most perfect harmony prevailed during the whole proceedings which lasted three days. Notwithstanding there was some mistake respecting the day of commencement which with the unfavorable state of the weather for some time previous was the cause of many not being present, yet there was a very large and respectable congregation amounting we suppose to no less than five thousand persons, some of our friends estimated them at more. A number of strangers from a distance were present, who, were not connected with the church, who generally, were highly gratified with the proceedings. The report from the different branches of the church both on this continent and on the islands of the sea, were of a nature calculated to awaken feelings of joy in the hearts of all those who love the prosperity of the kingdom, and more particularly those, who have had to bear the heat and the burthen [burden] of the day. The subject of building a house, for the worship of Almighty God, was brought up, when it was decided that immediate preparations should be made to carry into effect, an object so dear to the saints. A committee was appointed to erect the same, who are men of tried integrity, and who will do their duty, and it only remains for the brethren to hold up, and strengthen their hands, and a building to the honor of our God, will be erected, where the saints can offer up their orisons to the God of their salvation, and where the order of the kingdom will be manifested. We this month conclude the history of the persecution of the church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints in Missouri, by inserting in our columns the memorable speech of Maj. Gen. Clark to our brethren at Far West-and sure never a more, unconstitutional and bloody address, blackened the pages of history. The sentiments contained in it are such as make every lover of freedom, every patriotic American citizen, as well as all civilized men throughout the world, capable of appreciating the blessings of freedom, to look upon its author with contempt. Not only does he charge them with crimes, of which they were never guilty but says that if they did not leave the state they "need not expect mercy, but extermination." This was the language of a man high in authority in that state, and for the noble feats he then performed, has since sought the suffrages of the Missourians to be elevated to the gubernatorial chair of that state. Sure such a governor would shed a darker polish on the blackened aspect of that disgraced state. For whenever he had a desire to persecute any one or bring them to condign punishment, guilty or not guilty "whatever your innocence is, it is nothing to me" your "fate is fixed, your die is cast. your doom is sealed." This would be carrying out the principle which he then avowed and in which he was supported by the citizens of that state. We are knowing to most of the circumstances, mentioned in the history of the persecutions, and that a correct account has been given, which, has been proven from time to time, these things have been placed before the legislature of Missouri, but they have refused to investigate them, they have been repeated in Congress, but no redress has been granted, they have been sounded in the ears of the president, but he could do nothing for us. What remains to be done, if the nation will not arouse itself in behalf of suffering humanity, and with a voice more terrible than thunder, speak out against a people, who have trod down the inherent rights and privileges of freemen and bring the authors of our suffering and woes, to that punishment which the well being of our country demands? Are the tears of widows, the sobs of orphans, the groans of the dying, and the blood of the innocent, to cry to this people in vain? Where ah! where, ye American citizen, are those high toned feelings of patriotism? where is the spirit of freedom which animated the bosom of your noble sires, who waded through scenes of carnage and of gore to purchase the glorious privileges which you enjoy, but of which we are denied, although our fathers fought side by side with yours and many of them fell in the glorious struggle for liberty? Is it extinct? does it not now warm the bosom of the scions of those noble men, who presented a spectacle in their days, to the world at large, an and example worthy of imitation to the latest generation? shall we appeal to you in vain? will you turn away from the scene, unmoved and unconcerned and suffer it to pass unnoticed; Remember, "He who allows oppression, Shares the crime.- We hope better things of our countryman and that they will by and by arise in their majesty, dry up the tears of the widow and fatherless, and restore our people to their rightful inheritances and to all the privileges of freemen. We sometime since received the minutes of a conference held in the town of Superior, Washtenaw county, Michigan, which commenced on the 19th of June, 1840, and continued two days, the proceedings were interesting, a number of branches were represented, and ten were baptized. In our last number, on the 175 page, in the Hymenial notice of Jesse P. Reed; it should have read, Neuman G. Blodget, and Mary Rush, instead of Neuman J. Blodget and Mary Burk. Minutes of the general conference of the church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, held in Nauvoo, Hancock county, Ill. Oct., 3rd 1840. The conference was opened by prayer by President W. Marks. Joseph Smith jr. was then unanimously called to the chair, and R. B. Thompson, chosen clerk. A letter from elders Bent and Harris and one from Elder John E. Page were then read by the Clerk, which gave very satisfactory accounts of their mission. On motion. Resolved, That a committee be appointed to ordain such as have recommends to this conference for ordination, and that elders Jonathan Hale, Elisha G, Groves, Charles C. Rich, John Murdock. Simeon Carter compose said committee, and report their proceedings before the conference closes. The president arose and stated that there had been several depredations committed on the citizens of Nauvoo, and thought it expedient that a committee be appointed, to search out the offenders, and bring them to justice. Whereupon it was resolved, that, Joseph Smith, Elias Higbee, William Marks, Vinson Knight, William Law, Charles C. Rich, Dimick Huntington, compose said committee. On motion. Resolved, that R. B. Thompson be appointed the general church clerk in the room of Geo W. Robinson, who intends to remove to Iowa. It having been requested by Elder Page that the conference would appoint an elder to take charge of the church which he and Elder Hyde had raised up in Cincinnatti [Cincinnati]. On motion. Resolved, that Elder Samuel Bennett, be appointed to preside over the church in Cincinnatti [Cincinnati]. The president then rose, and stated that it was necessary that something, should be done with regard to Kirtland, so that it might be built up; and gave it as his opinion, that the brethren from the east might gather there, and also, that it was necessary that some one should be appointed from this conference to preside over that stake. On motion. Resolved, that Elder Alman Babbit be appointed to preside over the church in Kirtland, and that he choose his own councellors [counselors]. Conference adjourned for one hour. One o'clock P. M. Conference met pursuant to adjournment. An opportunity was given to the brethren who had any remarke [remarks] to make on suitable locations for stakes. Elder H. Miller stated that it was the desire of a number of the brethren residing in Adams county to have a stake appointed at Mount Ephraim in that county, and stated the advantages of the place for agricultural purposes &c. On motion. Resolved, that a stake be appointed at Mount Ephraim in Adams county. There being several applications for the appointment of stakes, it was resolved that a committee be appointed to organize stakes between this place and Kirtland, and that Hyrum Smith, Lyman Wight and Alman Babbit compose said committee. The president then spoke of the necessity of building a ""House of the Lord" in this place. Whereupon it was resolved, that he saints build a house for the worship of God, and that Reynolds Cahoon, Elias Higbee, and Alpheus Cutler, be appointed a committee to build the same. On motion. Resolved, that a commencement be made ten days from this date, and that every tenth day be appropriated for the building of said house. President Hyrum Smith arose and stated that there were several individuals, who on moving to this place had not settled with their creditors and had no recommend from the branches of the church were [where] they had resided. On motion. Resolved that those persons moving to this place, who do not bring a recommend, be disfellowshiped. J. C. Bennett, M. D. then spoke at some length, on the oppression, to which the church had been subject, and remarked, that it was necessary for the brethren to stand by each other and resist every unlawful attempt at persecution. Elder Lyman Wight then addreseed [addressed] the meeting. Conference adjourned until to morrow morning. Sunday morning. Conference met pursuant to adjournment, and was opened by prayer by Elder Babbit. The clerk was then called upon to read the report of the presidency, in relation to the city plot, after which the president made some observations on the situation of the debts on the city plot and advised that a committee be appointed to raise funds to liquidate the same. On motion. Resolved, that William Marks and Hyrum Smith compose said committee. On motion. Resolved, that a committee be appointed to draught a bill for the incorporating of the town of Nauvoo, and other purposes. Resolved, that Joseph Smith Jr. Dr J. C. Bennett and R. B. Thompson, compose said committee. Resolved that Dr. J. C. Bennett, be appointed delegate to Springfield, to urge the passage of said bill through the legislature. President Hyrum Smith then rose and gave some general instructions to the church. Conference adjourned for one hour. One o'clock, P. M. Conference met pursuant to adjournment and was opened by prayer by Elder J. P. Green. President Joseph Smith jr. then arose and delivered a discourse on the subject of baptism for the dead, which was listened to with considerable interest, by the vast multitude assembled. Dr. Bennett, from the committee, to draught a charter for the city, and for other purposes, reported the outlines of the same. On motion. Resolved that the same be adopted. Dr. Bennett then, made some very appropriate remarks on the duty of the saints in regard to those, who had, under circumstances of affliction, held out the hand of friendship, and that it was their duty to uphold such men and give them their suffrages, and support. Elder E. Robinson then arose, and gave an account of the printing of another edition of the book of Mormon, and stated, that it was now nearly completed and that arrangements had been made for the printing of the hymn book book of doctrine and covenants, &c. Conference adjourned to Monday morning. Monday morning, Oct., 5th. Conference met pursuant to adjournment and was opened by prayer by Elder Lyman Wight. Elder R. B. Thompson after a few preliminary remarks, read an article on the priesthood, composed by president Joseph Smith jr, after which, Elder Babbitt delivered an excellent discourse on the same subject at some considerable length. Conference adjourned for one hour. During the intermission a large number were baptized. Two o'clock P. M. Conference met pursuant to adjournment. Elder Lyman Wight addressed the conference on the subject of baptism for the dead and other subjects of interest to the church. The president then made some observations, and pronounced his benediction on the assembly. Dr. J. C. Bennett said that many persons had been accused of crime, and been looked upon as guilty, when on investigation it has been ascertained that nothing could be aduced [adduced] against them,-Whereupon, On motion; it was resolved that no person be considered guilty of crime, unless proved so by the testimony of two or three witnesses. Dr. Bennett next brought before the conference the treatment the saints had experienced in Missouri, and wished to know, whether the conference woald [would] take any further steps in relation to obtaining redress. On motion. Resolved that Elias Higbee and R. B. Thompson be appointed a committee to obtain redress for the wrongs sustained in Missouri. The committee on ordinations reported that they had ordained thirty nine to the ministry. On motion. Resolved that this conference be dismissed, and that the next conference be held on the 6th day of April next. JOSEPH SMITH jr., Pres't. R. B. THOMPSON, Clerk,