| 403 the interest of the paper by extending its circulation as much as possible. While the world is flooded with literary and religious trash of every description, it becomes the saints to counteract as far as possible its baneful influence; and this may in a great measure be effected by the extensive circulation of a periodical, devoted to the cause of Truth. Plain, simple, unadulterated, and unvarnished TRUTH, shall be, as heretofore, unchangeably inscribed upon our banner.
D. C. Smith.
To The Patrons of the Times and Seasons.
Having made arrangements to assist Bro. D. C. Smith in conducting the Times and Seasons, I would observe that great responsibilities are envolved [involved] and it is important that no other desire but to communicate truth and correct principles should pervade the minds of those who have the management of the same. Thousands are looking to it as a source of correct information respecting the doctrines and ordinances of our holy religion, both in this and other nations, and it has been a means in the economy of God of removing much prejudice, and throwing a flood of light into places where the elders of Israel have not visited, and has also been a source of comfort and happiness to many of the Saints who reside at remote distances from this place.
To maintain its character, and to make it interesting to the saints and to the lovers of truth, shall be my constant study, and I shall, conjointly with Brother Smith, avail myself of every opportunity of giving the earliest information of all important matters respecting doctrine, revelation, and the general affairs of the church.
If, in this undertaking, I shall advance the cause of TRUTH, or be the means of administering comfort to the meek and persecuted saint of God, I shall feel myself abundantly rewarded.
R. B. Thompson.
Nauvoo, May 1st, 1841.
Murder and Incendiarism!
The citizens of St. Louis, have lately been thrown into consternation, by a gang of ruffians, who entered into the Store occupied by Messrs. Collier & Pettus, and murdered two clerks, and then not being able to effect their main purpose & get possession of the funds which were in the establishment, maliciously set fire to the building which consumed a large quantity of goods values at $30,000, and the building valued at $10,000.
Nor is this all; one of the engineers of the Union Fire Company, was crushed to death by the falling of the walls. From the last accounts, no trace of the perpetrators of this foul deed had been obtained.
"See the numbers, how they swell!
How they gather like a cloud!"
Since our last, Elder Hiram Clark, with about two hundred persons from Old England, have arrived in this city. They had a very favorable voyage indeed, and but very little sickness.
Numbers more are on the way, and are expected there in a few days, among whom is Bro. Charles Ivins and a company from New Jersey. Great curiosity is excited, by persons into various ports, where our bretheren [brethren] have to wait, and great wonder and surprise is manifest. And well may the people be surprised, for the Lord has set his hand to "gather his sons from afar, & his daughters from the ends of the earth." This is but the commencement of the work of the last days, which must roll forth with a power and glory which will not only astonish individuals and communities, but the whole world.
We are happy to state that Pres. H. Smith, who left this city with Dr. Galland to transact business for the church in the east, returned a few days ago, in good health, and gives a favorable account of the progress of the work of the Lord, where he has travelled [traveled] , and that the saints in the east were making every preparation to come to this place as soon as possible. During their journey, they were treated with the greatest respect. The bretheren [brethren] hailed them with delight, and were greatly edified by their labors.
Dr. Galland will continue in the east some time longer, to attend to some business transactions.
Elder Samuel Bent, has likewise returned from a mission to the east, and gives a very pleasing and satisfactory
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