--- title: Times and Seasons description: Issues of 1845 to 1846. 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: 6 number: 3 published: 1845-02-15 publisher: E. Robinson and D. C. Smith; later John Taylor publisher_place: Commerce and Nauvoo, Illinois language: en type: article reference: "“History of Joseph Smith,” *Times and Seasons* 6, no. 3 (February 15, 1845): 800–803." printed_title: HISTORY OF JOSEPH SMITH. source: url: https://archive.org/details/per_utah-and-the-mormons_times-and-seasons_1845-02-15_6_3 transcription: Text from the Centerplace.org transcription (https://www.centerplace.org/history/ts/v6n03.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_1845-02-15_6_3 start_page: 800 end_page: 803 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 1845 (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_1845-02-15_6_3 publication_year: 1845 --- # History of Joseph Smith (Continued.) The same day we wrote to Brother W. W. Phelps, and others in Zion, from Kirtland as follows: Brethren, We have received your last, containing a number of questions which you desire us to answer; this we do the more readily, as we desire with all our hearts, the prosperity of Zion, and the peace of her inhabitants, for we have as great an interest in the welfare of Zion, as you can have: First, as respects getting the Book of Commandments bound, we think that it is not necessary. They will be sold well without binding, and there is no book binder to be had as we know of, nor are there materials to be had for binding, without keeping the book too long from circulation. With regard to the Books of Mormon, which are in the hands of Brother Burket, we say to you get them from Brother Burket, give him a receipt for them in the name of the literary firm. Let Brother Gilbert pay Brother Chapin his money. We have not found the Book of Jasher, nor any of the other lost books mentioned in the Bible as yet; nor will we obtain them at present. Respecting the Apocrypha, the Lord said to us, that there are many things in it which were true, and there were many things in it that were are not true, and to those who desire it, it should be given by the spirit to know the true from the false. We have received some revelations, within a short time back, which you will obtain in due time; as soon as we can get time, we will review the manuscripts of the Book of Mormon, after which they will be forwarded to you. We commend the plan highly, of your choosing a teacher to instruct the high priests, that they may be able to silence gainsayers. Concerning bishops, we recommend the following: let Brother Isaac Morley be ordained second bishop in Zion, and let Brother John Corrill be ordained third. Let Brother Edward Partridge choose as counsellors [counselors] in their place, Brother Parley P. Pratt, and Brother Titus Billings, ordaining Brother Billings to the high priesthood. Let Brother Morley choose for his counsellors [counselors], Brother Christian Whitmer, whom ordain to the high priesthood, and Bro. Newel Knights. Let Brother Corrill choose Brother Daniel Stanton, and Brother Hezekiah Peck for his counsellors [counselors]: let Brother Hezekiah, also, be ordained to the high priesthood. Zombre has been received as a member of the firm by commandment, and has just come to Kirtland to live; as soon as we get a power of attorney signed agreeably to law, for Alam, we will forward it to him, and will immediately expect one from that part of the firm to Ahashdah, signed in the same manner. We would again say to Alam, be sure to get a form according to law, for securing a gift. We have found by examining the law, that a gift cannot be retained without this. The truth triumphs gloriously in the east, multitudes are embracing it. I Sidney, who writes this letter, in behalf of the presidency, had the privilege of seeing my aged mother baptised [baptized] into the faith of the gospel, a few weeks since, at the advance age of seventy five. She now resides with me. We send by this mail, a draft of the city of Zion, with explanations, and a draft of the house to be built immediately, in Zion, for the presidency, as well as all purposes of religion and instruction. Kirtland, the stake of Zion is strengthening continually. When the enemies look at her, they wag their heads and march along. We anticipate the day when the enemies will have fled away and be far from us. You will remember that the power of agency must be signed by the wives as well as the husbands, and the wives must be examined separate and apart from the husbands, the same as signing a deed, and a specification to that effect inserted at the bottom, by the justice before whom such acknowledgment is made, otherwise the power will be of none effect. Clarissa Batchelor, of Boston, wants her paper discontinued, because she has gone from the place, and she has turned from the faith.-Send a paper to Joshua Bailey, of Andover, Vt. Should you not understand the explanations sent with the drafts, you will inform us, so as you may have a proper understanding, for it is meet that all things should be done according to the pattern. The following errors we have found in the commandments, as printed: fortieth chapter, tenth verse, third line, instead of coruptable [corruptible], put corrupted. Fourteenth verse of the same chapter, fifth line, instead of respector to persons, put respector of persons. Twenty first verse, second line of the same chapter, instead of respector to, put respector of. Forty-fourth chapter, twelfth verse, last line, instead of hands, put heads. Brother Edward Partridge, sir, I proceed to answer your questions, concerning the consecration of property: First, it is not right to condescend to very great particulars in taking inventories. The fact is this, a man is bound by the law of the church, to consecrate to the bishop, before he can be considered a legal heir to the kingdom of Zion; and this, too, without constraint; and unless he does this, he cannot be acknowledged before the Lord, on the church book: therefore, to condescend to particulars, I will tell you that every man must be his own judge, how much he should receive, and how much he should suffer to remain in the hands of the bishop. I speak of those who consecrate more than they need for the support of themselves and their families. The matter of consecration must be done by the mutual consent of both parties; for, to give the bishop power to say how much every man shall have, and he be obliged to comply with the bishop's judgment, is giving to the bishop more power than a king has; and, upon the other hand, to let every man say how much he needs, and the bishop be obliged to comply with his judgment, is to throw Zion into confusion, and make a slave of the bishops. The fact is, there must be a balance or equilibrium of power, between the bishop and the people; and thus harmony and good will, be preserved among you. Therefore, those persons consecrating property to the bishop in Zion, and then receiving an inheritance back, must shew [show] reasonlly [reasonably] to the bishop that he wants as much as he claims. But in case the two parties cannot come to a mutual agreement, the bishop is to have nothing to do about receiving their consecrations; and the case must be laid before a council of twelve high priests; the bishop not being one of the council, but he is to lay the case before them. Say to Brother Gilbert, that we have no means in our power, to assist him in a pecuniary point, as we know not the hour when we shall be sued for debts, which we have contracted ourselves in New York. Say to him that he must exert himself to the utmost to obtain means himself, to replenish his store, for it must be replenished, and it is his duty to attend to it. We are not a little surprised to hear that some of our letters of a public nature, which we sent for the good of Zion, have been kept back from the bishop. This is conduct which we highly disapprobate. Answers to queries in Brother Phelps' letter of June 4th: First, in relation to the poor.-When the bishops are appointed according to our recommendation, it will devolve upon them to see to the poor, according to the laws of the church. In regard to the printing of the New Translation; it cannot be done until we can attend to it ourselves, and this we will do as soon as the Lord permits. As to Shederlaomach, all members of the united firm, are considered one. The order of the literary firm is a matter of stewardship, which is of the greatest importance; and the mercantile establishment God commanded to be devoted to the support thereof, and God will bring every transgression into judgment. Say to the brothers, Hulets, and to all others that the Lord never authorised [authorized] them, to say, that the devil, nor his angels, nor the sons of perdition should ever be restored, for their state of destiny was not revealed to man, is not revealed, nor ever shall be revealed, save to those who are made partakers thereof: consequently those who teach this doctrine have not received it of the spirit of the Lord. Truly Brother Oliver declared it to be the doctrine of devils. We, therefore, command that this doctrine be taught no more in Zion. We sanction the decision of the bishop and his council, in relation to this doctrine's being a bar of communion. The number of disciples in Kirtland is about one hundred and fifty. We have commenced building the house of the Lord, in this place, and it goes on rapidly. Good news from the east and south, of the success of the laborers is often saluting our ears. A general time of health among us; families all well; and day and night we pray for the salvation of Zion. We deliver Brother Ziba Peterson, over the buffetings of Satan, in the name of the Lord that he may learn not to transgress the commandments of God. We conclude our letter by the usual salutation, in token of the new and everlasting covenant. We hasten to close because the mail is just going. JOSEPH SMITH jr. SIDNEY RIGDON, F. G. WILLIAMS. P. S. We feel gratified with the way which Brother William W. Phelps is conducting the Star at present, we hope he will render it more and more interesting. In relation to the size of the bishorpick [bishopric]: when Zion is once properly regulated there will be a bishop to each square of the size of the one we send you with this; but at present it must be done according to wisdom. It is needful, brethren, that you should be all of one heart and of one mind, in doing the will of the Lord. There should exist the greatest freedom and familiarity among the rulers in Zion. We were exceeding sorry to hear the complaint that was made in Brother Edward's letter, that the letters attending the olive leaf had been kept from him, as it is meet that he should know all things in relation to Zion, as the Lord has appointed him to be a judge in Zion. We hope, dear brethren, that the like circumstance will not take place again. When we direct letters to Zion, to any of the high priests, which pertains to the regulation thereof, we always design that they should be laid before the bishop, so as to enable him to perform his duty.-We say so much hoping it will be received in kindness; and our brethren will be careful of each others feelings, and walk in love, honoring one another more than themselves, as is required of the Lord. Yours as ever. Kirtland, July 2nd, 1833. Brother John Smith: We have just received your letter, of the 8th of June, which seems to have been written in a spirit of justification on your part. You will recollect that previous to your leaving this place, you were tried before the bishop's court, which found you guilty of misdemeanor, and decided that you should no longer retain your authority in the church; all of which, we, as presidents of the high priesthood, sanction. You name something in your letter that took place at Brother Olney's, in Shalersville, on the 27th and 28th of August, which we perfectly recollect, and had you made such a confession as you was required to, at Chippeway, all things would have worked together for your good, and as I told you; but you did not manifest that degree of humility to the brethren, that was required, but remained obstinate; for that reason God withdrew his spirit from you, and left you in darkness. In your letter you say many hard things against the brethren, especially, Father Smith, Brother Reynolds Cahoon, and Bishop Whitney, &c., all of which we highly disapprove. It seems, also, that your son Eden, is confederate with you, and needs to be reproved, together with yourself, in all humility before the Lord, or you must expect to be dealt with according to the laws of the church. We say you are no more than a private member in the church. JOSEPH SMITH jr. F. G. WILLIAMS, Presidents. Kirtland, July 2nd, 1833. To the Brethren in Zion: We received your letter of June 7th; one from Brothers William and Oliver; one from Brother David Whitmer, and one from Brother S. Gilbert, for which we are thankful to our Heavenly Father to hear of your welfare, as well as the prosperity of Zion. Having received your letters in the mail of today, we hasten to answer to go with to-morrow's mail. We are exceedingly fatigued owing to a great press of business. We this day finished the translating of the scriptures, for which we returned gratitude to our Heavenly Father, and sat immediately down to answer your letters. We rejoiced greatly to hear of the safe arrival of Sister Vienna and Brother William, and thank our Heavenly Father that their lives have been spared them till their arrival. The health of the brethren and sisters in Kirtland is good at present, no case of sickness known to us. Brother Kinsbury's wife is declining fast, and cannot continue much longer, but will soon be in the paradise of God. We are engaged in writing a letter to Eugene, respecting the two Smiths, as we have received two from them; one from John Smith, the other from the elder of the church. As to the gift of tongues, all we can say is, that in this place, we have received it as the ancients did, we wish you, however, to be careful, lest in this you be deceived. Guard against evils which may arise from any accounts given of women, or otherwise; be careful in all things lest any root of bitterness spring up among you and thereby many be defiled. Satan will no doubt trouble you about the gift of tongues, unless you are careful; you cannot watch him too close, nor pray too much; may the Lord give you wisdom in all things. In a letter mailed last week, you will doubtless, before you receive this, have obtained information about the New Translation. Consign the box of the Books of Commandments, to N. K. Whitney & Co., Kirtland, Geauga County, Ohio; care of Kelly & Walworth, Cleveland, Cuyahoga County, Ohio. I Sidney write this in great haste, in answer to yours to Brother Joseph, as I am going off immediately, in company with Brother Frederick, to proclaim the gospel, we think of starting to-morrow. Having finished the translation of the bible, a few hours since, and needing some recreation, we know of no way we can spend our time more to divine acceptance, than endeavoring to build up his Zion, in these last days, as we are not willing to idle any time away, which can be spent to useful purposes. Doors are open continually for proclaiming; the spirit of bitterness among the people is fast subsiding, and a spirit of enquiry [inquiry] is taking its place. I proclaimed last Sunday at Chardon, our county seat; I had the courthouse; there was a general turn out, good attention, and a pressing invitation for more meetings, which will be granted if the Lord will, when we return from this tour. Brother Joseph is going to take a tour with Brother George James, of Brownhelm, as soon as Brother George comes to this place. We hope, our brethren, that the greatest freedom and frankness will exist between you and the bishop, not with-holding from each other, any information from us, but communicate with the greatest freedom, lest you should produce evils of a serious character, and the Lord becomes offended, for know assuredly, if we, by our wickedness, bring evil on our own heads, the Lord will let us bear it till we get weary and hate iniquity. Brother Frederick wants you to say to Brother Burk, that the man from whom he expected to get the mill stones, has run off, so he will not be able to get them; but Brother Burk can get them at St. Louis, of the same man's make. We conclude by giving our heartiest approbation to every measure, calculated for the spread of the truth, in these last days; and our strongest desires, and sincerest prayers for the prosperity of Zion. Say to all the brethren and sisters in Zion, that they have our hearts, our best wishes, and the strongest desires of our spirits, for their welfare, temporal, spiritual, and eternal. And we salute you in the name of the Lord Jesus: Amen. SIDNEY RIGDON, JOSEPH SMITH jr., F. G. WILLIAMS. Kirtland, July 2nd, 1833. To the Church at Eugene: Dear Brethren; It is truly painful to be under the necessity of writing on a subject which engages our attention at this time, viz: the case of John Smith, and Eden Smith his son. We have just received a letter from you concerning their standing in the church. We do not hold them in fellowship. We would inform you that John Smith has been dealt with, and his authority taken from him; and you are required not to receive his teachings, but to treat him as a transgressor, until he repents and humbles himself before the Lord, to the entire satisfaction of the church, and also, you have authority to call a conference, and sit in judgment on Eden's case, and deal with him as the law directs. We feel to rebuke the elders of that branch of the church of Christ, for not magnifying their office, and letting the transgressor go unpunished. We, therefore, enjoin upon you, to be watchful on your part, and search out iniquity, and put it down wherever it may be found. You will see by this, brethren, that you have authority to sit in council on the Smiths; and, if found guilty, to deal with them accordingly. We have this day directed a letter to John Smith, thereby making known to him our disapprobation of the course he has pursued.-We commend you to God and his grace, ever praying he will keep and preserve you blameless till he comes. JOSEPH SMITH jr., SIDNEY RIGDON, F. G. WILLIAMS. Postscript by Bishop Whitney, same date: Dear Brethren; Yours of the 3rd of June, came safe to hand the last mail, and John Smith's, which was directed to Brother Joseph. Now, my brethren, on this sheet you have Brother Joseph's sanction to my proceedings, and the letter I last wrote you, and you will govern yourselves accordingly, for you have full power and authority to call the two Brother Smith's to an account for their conduct; and, unless they repent and make satisfaction, not only to your branch of the church, but also to this branch, they must be cut off from the body; for, under existing circumstances, we have no fellowship with them. Brother John Smith's authority, as an officer in the church, was taken from him before he left, and he ought to have given up his license; but he went away without doing so, and it seems he has made use of it to impose upon you; as to the two sisters, you spoke of in your last; if there is no testimony on either side, all you can do is to forbid them to partake of the sacrament unworthily; and pray much, and God will bring all things to light. N. K. WHITNEY, Bishop.