---
title: Times and Seasons
description: Issues of 1840 to 1841.
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: 2
number: 6
published: 1841-01-15
publisher: E. Robinson and D. C. Smith; later John Taylor
publisher_place: Commerce and Nauvoo, Illinois
language: en
type: article
reference: "“A Proclamation, to the Saints Scattered Abroad,” *Times and Seasons* 2, no. 6 (January 15, 1841): 273–278."
printed_title: A PROCLAMATION, TO THE SAINTS SCATTERED ABROAD;
source:
  url: https://archive.org/details/per_utah-and-the-mormons_times-and-seasons_1841-01-15_2_6
  transcription: Text from the Centerplace.org transcription (https://www.centerplace.org/history/ts/v2n06.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_1841-01-15_2_6
start_page: 273
end_page: 278
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 1841 (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_1841-01-15_2_6
  publication_year: 1841
---

# A Proclamation, to the Saints Scattered Abroad

<!-- page:273 -->

GREETING:

Beloved Brethren: -The relationship which we sustain to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, renders it necessary that we should make known from time to time, the circumstances, situation, and prospects of the church, and give such instructions as may be necessary for the well being of the Saints, and for the promotion of those objects, calculated to further their present and everlasting happiness.

We have to congratulate the Saints on the progress of the great work of the "last days;" for not only has it spread through the length and breadth of this vast continent; but on the continent of Europe, and on the Islands of the sea, it is spreading in a manner entirely unprecedented in the annals of time.

This appears the more pleasing when we consider, that but a short time has elapsed, since we were unmercifully driven from the State of Missouri, after suffering cruelties and persecutions in their various, and horrid forms.-Then our overthrow, to many, seemed inevitable, while the enemies of truth triumphed over us, and by their cruel reproaches endeavored to aggravate our sufferings. But "the Lord of Hosts was with us, the God of Jacob was our refuge!" and we were delivered from the hands of bloody and deceitful men; and in the State of Illinois we found an asylum, and were kindly welcomed by persons worthy the characters of FREEMEN. It would be impossible to enumerate all those who in our time of deep distress, nobly came forward to our relief, and like the good Samaritan poured oil into our wounds, and contributed liberally to our necessities, as the citizens of Quincy en masse and the people of Illinois, generally, seemed to emulate each other in this labor of love. We would, however, make honorable mention of Governor Carlin, Judge Young, General Leech, Judge Ralston, Rev. Mr. Young, Col. Henry, N. Bushnell, John Wood, I. N. Morris, S. M. Bartlett, Samuel Holmes, and J. T. Holmes, Esquires, who will long be remembered by a grateful community for their philanthropy to a suffering people, and whose kindness on that occasion is indelibly engraven [engraved] on the tablet of our hearts, in golden letters of love.

We would, likewise, make mention of the Legislature of this State, who, without respect of parties, without reluctance, freely, openly, boldly, and nobly , have come forth to our assistance, owned us as citizens and friends, and took us by the hand, and extended to us all the blessings of civil, political, and religious liberty, by granting us, under date of Dec. 16, 1840, one of the most liberal charters, with the most plenary powers, ever conferred by a legislative assembly on free citizens, for the "City of Nauvoo," the "Nauvoo Legion," and the "University of the City of Nauvoo." The first of these charters, (that for the "City of Nauvoo,") secures to us in all time to come, irrevocably, all those great blessings of civil liberty, which of right appertain to all the free citizens of a great civilized republic-'tis all we ever claimed. What a contrast does the proceedings of the legislature of this State present, when compared with those of Missouri, whose bigotry, jealousy, and superstition, prevailed to such an extent, as to deny us our liberty and our sacred rights-Illinois has set a glorious example, to the whole United States and to the world at large, and has nobly carried out the principles of her constitution, and the constitution of these United States, and while she requires of us implicit obedience to the laws, (which we hope ever to see observed) she affords us the protection of law-the security of life, liberty, and the peaceable pursuit of happiness.

The name of our city (Nauvoo,) is of Hebrew origin, and signifies a beautiful

<!-- page:274 -->

situation, or place, carrying with it, also, the idea of rest; and is truly descriptive of this most delightful situation. It is situated on the eastern bank of the Mississippi river, at the head of the Des Moines Rapids, in Hancock County; bounded on the east by an extensive prairie of surpassing beauty, and on the north, west, and south, by the Mississippi. This place has been objected to by some, on account of the sickness which has prevailed in the summer months, but it is the opinion of Doctor Bennett, a physician of great experience and medical knowledge, that Hancock Co., and all the eastern and southern portions of the City of Nauvoo, are as healthy as any other portions of the western country, (or the world, to acclimated citizens,) whilst the northwestern portion of the city has experienced much affliction from ague and fever, which, however, he thinks can be easily remedied by draining the sloughs on the adjacent islands in the Mississippi.

The population of our city is increasing with unparralled [unparalleled], numbering more than three thousand inhabitants. Every facility is afforded in the city and adjacent country, in Hancock County, for the successful prosecution of the mechanical arts, and the pleasing pursuits of agriculture. The waters of the Mississippi can be successfully used for manufactoring [manufacturing] purposes, to an almost unlimited extent.

Having been instrumental in the hands of our heavenly Father in laying a foundation for the gathering of Zion, we would say, let all those who appreciate the blessings of the gospel, and realize the importance of obeying the commandments of heaven who have been blessed of heaven with the possession of this world's goods, first prepare for the general gathering-let them dispose of their effects as fast as circumstances will possibly admit, without making to great sacrifices, and remove to our city and county-establish and build up manufactories in the city, purchase and cultivate farms in the country-this will secure our permanent inheritance, and prepare the way for the gathering of the poor. This is agreeable to the order of heaven, and the only principal on which the gathering can be effected -let the rich, then, and all who can assist in establishing this place, make every preparation to come on without delay, and strengthen our hands, and assist in promoting the happiness of the Saints. This cannot be too forcibly impressed on the minds of all, and the elders are hereby instructed to proclaim this word in all places where the Saints reside, in their public administrations, for this is according to the instructions we have received from the Lord.

The Temple of the Lord is in progress of erection here, where the Saints will come to worship the God of their fathers, according to the order of his house, and the powers of the holy priesthood, and will be so constructed as to enable all the functions of the priesthood to be duly exercised, and where instructions from the Most High will be received, and from this place go forth to distant lands.

Let us then concentrate all our powers, under the provisions of our magna charta granted by the Illinois Legislature, at the "City of Nauvoo," and surrounding country, and strive to emulate the actions of the ancient covenant fathers, and patriarchs, in those things, which are of such vast importance to this and every succeeding generation.

The "Nauvoo Legion," embraces all our military power, and will enable us to perform our military duty by ourselves, and thus afford us the power, and privilege, of avoiding one of the most fruitful sources of strife, oppression, and collision with the world. It will enable us to show our attachment to the state and nation as a people whenever the public service requires our aid-thus proving ourselves obedient to the paramount laws of the land, and ready at all times to sustain and execute them.

The "University of the City of Nauvoo," will enable us to teach our children wisdom-to instruct them in all knowledge, and learning, in the Arts, Sciences and Learned Professions. We hope to make this institution one of the great lights of the world, and by and through it, to diffuse that kind of knowledge which will be of practical utility, and for the public good, and also for private and individual happiness. The Regents of the University will take the general supervision of all matters

<!-- page:275 -->

appertaining to education from common schools up to the highest branches of a most liberal collegiate course. They will establish a regular system of education, and hand over the pupil from teacher to professor, until the regular gradation [graduation ?] is consummated, and the education finished. This corporation contains all the powers and prerogatives of any other college or university in this state. The charters for the University and Legion are addenda to the city charter, making the whole perfect and complete.

Not only has the Lord given us favor in the eyes of the community, who are happy to see us in the enjoyment of all the rights and privileges of free men, but we are happy to state that several of the principal men of Illinois who have listened to the doctrines we promulge (promulgate), have become obedient to the faith and are rejoicing in the same; among whom is John C. Bennett, M. D., Quarter Master General of Illinois. We mention this gentleman first, because, that during our persecutions in Missouri, he became acquainted with the violence we were suffering, while in that State, on account of our religion-his sympathies for us were aroused, and his indignation kindled against our persecutors for the cruelties practised [practiced] upon us, and their flagrant violation of both the law and the constitution. Amidst their heated zeal to put down the truth, he addressed us a letter, tendering to us his assistance in delivering us out of the hands of our enemies, and restoring us again to our privileges, and only required at our hands to point out the way, and he would be forthcoming, with all the forces he could raise for that purpose-He has been one of the principal instruments, in effecting our safety and deliverance from the unjust persecutions and demands of the authorities of Missouri, and also in procuring the city charter-He is a man of enterprize [enterprise], extensive acquirements, and of independant [independent] mind, and is calculated to be a great blessing to our community.

Dr. Isaac Galland, also, who is one of our benefactors, having under his control, a large quantity of land in the immediate vicinity of our city, and a considerable portion of the city plot opened both his heart and his hands and "when we were strangers-took us in," and bade us welcome to share with him in his abundance; leaving his dwelling house, the most splendid edifice in the vicinity, for our accommodation, and betook himself to a small, uncomfortable dwelling-He sold us his large estates, on very reasonable terms, and on long credit, so that we might have an opportunity of paying for them, without being distressed, and has since taken our lands in Missouri in payment for the whole amount, and has given us a clear and indisputable title for the same. And in addition to the first purchase, we have exchanged lands with him in Missouri to the amonnt [amount] of eighty thousand dollars. He is the honored instrument the Lord used, to prepare a home for us, when we were driven from our inheritances, having given him control of vast bodies of land, and prepared his heart to make the use of it the Lord intended he should. Being a man of extensive information, great talents, and high literary fame, he devoted all his powers and influence to give us a character.

After having thus exerted himself for our salvation and comfort, and formed an intimate acquaintance with many of our people, his mind became wrought up to the greatest feelings, being convinced that our persecutions, were like those of the ancient Saints, and after investigating the doctrines we proclaimed, he became convinced of the truth and of the necessity of obedience thereto, and to the great joy and satisfaction of the church he yielded himself to the waters of baptism, and became a partaker with us in our sufferings, "choosing rather to suffer afflictions with the people of God than enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season." In connexion [connection] with those, we would mention the names of Gen. James Adams, Judge of Probate, of Sangamon County, Dr. Green of Shelby County, R. D. Foster, M. D., a gentleman of great energy of character, late of Adams Co., Sidney Knowlton, of Hancock Co., Dr. Knight, of Putnam County, Indiana, with many others of respectability and high standing in society, with nearly all the old settlers in our immediate neighborhood. We make mention of this, that the Saints may be encouraged,

<!-- page:276 -->

and also that they may see that the persecutions we suffered in Missouri, were but the prelude to a far more glorious display of the power of truth, and of the religion we have espoused.

From the kind, uniform, and consistent course pursued by the citizens of Illinois, and the great success which has attended us while here, the natural advantages of this place of every purpose we require, and the necessity of the gathering of the Saints of the Most High, we would say, let the brethren who love the prosperity of Zion, who are anxious that her stakes should be strengthened, and her cords lengthened, and who prefer her prosperity to their chief joy, come, and cast in their lots with us, and cheerfully engage in a work so glorious and sublime, and say with Nehemiah, "we his servants will arise and build."

It probably would hardly be necessary to enforce this important subject on the attention of the Saints, as its necessity is obvious, and is a subject of paramount importance; but as watchmen to the house of Israel, as Shepherds over the flock which is now scattered over a vast extent of country, and the anxiety we feel for their prosperity and everlasting welfare, and for the carrying out the great and glorious purposes of our God, to which we have been called, we feel to urge its necessity, and say, let the Saints come here -THIS IS THE WORD OF THE LORD, and in accordance with the great work of the last days.

It is true the idea of a general gathering has heretofore been associated with most cruel and oppressing scenes, owing to our unrelenting persecutions at the hands of wicked and unjust men; but we hope that those days of darkness and gloom have gone by, and from the liberal policy of our State government, we may expect a scene of peace and prosperity, we have never before witnessed since the rise of our church, and the happiness and prosperity which now await us, is, in all human probability, incalculably great. By a concentration of action, and a unity of effort, we can only accomplish the great work of the last days, which we could not do in our remote and scattered condition while our interests both spiritual and temporal will be greatly enhanced, and the blessings of heaven must flow unto us in an uninterrupted stream; of this, we think there can be no question. The great profusion of temporal and spiritual blessings, which always flow from faithfulness and concerted effort, never attend individual exertion or enterprize [enterprise]. The history of all past ages abundantly attests this fact.

In addition to all temporal blessings, there is no other way for the Saints to be saved in these last days, as the concurrent testimony of all the holy prophets clearly proves, for it is written-"They shall come from the east and be gathered from the west; the north shall give up, and the south shall keep not back"-"the sons of God shall be gathered from far, and his daughters from the ends of the earth:" it is also the concurrent testimony of all the prophets, that this gathering together of all the Saints, must take place before the Lord comes to "take vengeance upon the ungodly," and "to be glorified and admired by all those who obey his gospel." The 50 Psalm from the first to the fifth verses, inclusive, describes the glory and majesty of that event. "The mighty God even the Lord hath spoken and called the earth from the rising of the sun unto the going down thereof.-Out of Zion, the perfection of beauty, God hath shined.

Our God shall come, and shall not keep silence: a fire shall devour before him and it shall be very tempestous [tempestuous] round about him.

He shall call to the heavens from above, and to the earth, (that he may judge his people.)

Gather my Saints together unto me; those that have made a covenant with me by sacrifice."

We might offer many other quotations from the scriptures, but believing them to be familiar to the Saints we forbear.

We would wish the Saints to understand that, when they come here they must not expect to find perfection, or that all will be harmony, peace and love; if they indulge these ideas, they will undoubtedly be deceived, for here there are persons, not only from different States, but from different nations who, although they feel a great attachment

<!-- page:277 -->

to the cause of truth, have their predjudices [prejudices] of education, and consequently it requires some time before these things can be overcome: again, there are many that creep in unawares, and endeavor to sow discord, strife and animosity, in our midst, and by so doing bring evil upon the Saints; these things we have to bear with, and these things will prevail either to a greater or lesser extent until "the floor be thoroughly purged" and "the chaff be burnt up." Therefore let those who come up to this place, be determined to keep the commandments of God, and not be discouraged by those things we have enumerated, and then they will be prospered, the intelligence of heaven will be communicated to them, and they will eventually see eye to eye, and rejoice in the full fruition of that glory, which is reserved for the righteous.

In order to erect the Temple of the Lord, great exertions will be required on the part of the Saints, so that they may build a house which shall be accepted of by the Almighty, and in which his power and glory shall be manifested. Therefore let those who can, freely make a sacrifice of their time, their talents, and their property, for the prosperity of the kingdom, and for the love they have to the cause of truth, bid adieu to their homes and pleasant places of abode, and unite with us in the great work of the last days, and share in the tribulation, that they may ultimately share in the glory and triumph.

We wish it, likewise, to be distinctly uderstood [understood] that we claim no privilege but what we feel cheerfully disposed to share with our fellow citizens of every denomination, and every sentiment of religion; and therefore say, that so far from being restricted to our own faith, let all those who desire to locate themselves in this place, or the vicinity, come, and we will hail them as citizens and friends, and shall feel it not only a duty, but a privilege, to reciprocate the kindness we have received from the benevolent and kind hearted citizens of the State of Illinois, JOSEPH SMITH, SIDNEY RIGDON, HYRUM SMITH, Presidents of the Church.

Nauvoo, January 15, 1841.

City of Nauvoo, Jan. 9,1841.

Mr. D. C. Smith: Dear Sir, The following letter, received from a gentleman of high standing and respectability in the East, is at your disposal, if you think it worthy a place in your columns.-It shows the manner in which the Church is looked upon by those who are free from sectarian bigotry and superstition, and who are willing to award to faithfulness and virtue their due, and can witness the great, extensive, and increasing influence of the Church without. R. B. THOMPSON.

R. B. Thompson, Esq. Dear Sir,-It was my intention to have addressed you before this, but a multiplicity of engagements have hither prevented, and I am only enabled now to spare a few moments for that purpose.

You are of course aware that an attempt to promulgate new doctrinal tenets in religion, is an enterprise of momentous magnitude, and it is an undertaking, which in order to succeed, will require great reflection, a perfect kuowledge [knowledge] of human character, and determined perseverance-Tact, energy, and talents, are indispensable, and will accomplish much; yet they alone cannot prevail, without encouraging virtue, and discountenancing vice;-general industry and moral conduct must exist in every community, or, that community will totter and be dispersed. A systematic arrangement is also necessary in forming a plan for a new colony-Taste in laying out the streets and squares, and skill in the architecture of the buildings are important.

Now, as regards your tenets, so far as I have had an oportunity [opportunity] of examining them, there appears nothing objectionable, but much to approve; at any rate, some explanations made by you when I had the pleasure of seeing you, aroused my faculties to an extent not often experienced by me, and I am constrained to say, that your views appeared novel, very curious, and extremely plausible-I am not able to discover, why they are not based upon a foundation

<!-- page:278 -->

of truth-And if it be truth itself, what a tremendouous [tremendous] moral power can be exerted by the denomination of Latter Day Saints, particularly, if a large number possessing fine talents of good cultivation, co-operate with each other, all acting in unison, applying and concentrating, religion, intellect, and science, to the attainment of one grand object-should this take place, as I think it assuredly will, how noble will be the results-what an increase of numbers-what an accession of political influence-what accumulations of wealth, and above all, what a broad and glorious foundation will be laid for building and triumphant Church of the Latter Day Saints-There is no estimating the deep, spreading, immense power, of such an engine as religion-It goes on rising, enlarging, and subduing-conquering and to conquer-Ambition itself can hardly grasp in imagination the almost omnipotent [omnipotent] of such an agent as religion-The project of establishing a new religion, or rather extraordinary religious doctrines, being magnificent in its character, will of course require means adapted to the end, and preparations commensurate with the splendor of the plan-In the first place you want a suitable rallying ground;-perhaps Nauvoo is as good as any,-it being a capital Steam Boat landing, it is in that respect preferable to any that I know. You then want a temple that for size, proportions, and style, shall attract, surprise, and dazzle all beholders-it should be entirely unique, externally, and in the interior: peculiar, imposing, and grand-Then you want clergymen of the highest mental superiority-men of education-men of profound research, suttle [subtle], ready logical reasoners, with easy manners, and powerful voices-then you should have such a choir of singers, as was never before organized. Thus arranged, you would see immediately, nearly every person, within a circle of fifty miles, attending your church, and doubtless many of them become converts. School houses should be built directly, and school the children young, for "as the twig is bent the tree's inclined." Other sects are acquiring great strength by acting upon the young, through the medium of Sunday schools, and other juvenile institutions. Your missionary arrangements are good, and should be pushed vigorously. Let those of intelligence [intelligence], prudence, and pure piety, be employed in this service. If funds for a college could be collected, nothing could be more valuable to you, as through it you would soon have, and send forth to the world, clergymen skilled in science, and calculated to strike conviction into the high and wealthy classes of society.

You will say that I have been sketching schemes for mere world advantage, without contemplating the much more sublime spectacle, of a multitude of redeemed souls, prepared through your doctrinos [doctrines], for an entrance into paradise. I have already said, that as yet no sufficient time has presented itself, fer [for] me to analyze very fully your tenets, but this I can say in great sincerity, that should these doctrines promote the happiness of mankind here, and secure their salvation hereafter; no person could feel the enjoyment more intensely-And I probably feel some degree of pride and vanity, as I shall claim to have selected the spot where a concentration of moral power will exist, which shall revolutionize [revolutionize] the dogmas of very powerful religious denominations [denominations], and teach them to know, that many discoveries are yet to be made in theological [theological] science.

Your ob't. s'vt, * * * * * * * *