The Wasp (9 July 1842)[1]

Joseph Smith delivered one of his interesting and sublime discourses. The congregation, which listened with almost breathless attention, was very large, numbering probably 8 or 10,000. The subject matter was drawn from the prophecies of Daniel which foretold that the God of heaven would set up a kingdom in the last days, &c. [2] It was so satisfactorily done, that it was a pity that the world of great men, sectarians and all, could not have been present, to take a few lessons of common sense from Jo's mouth, (as Bennett [3] of the [New York] Herald would say) that they might come to understanding and save themselves, as well as talk about saving the heathen.

Wilford Woodruff Diary

Sunday was an interesting day about six thousand persons assembled at the place of meeting in Nauvoo & was addressed by Joseph the Seer much to our edifycation. He read the 7th ch of Daniel & explained about the Kingdom of God set up in the last days & said many things which were truly edifying.

—3 July 1842

Notes

[1] See History of the Church, 5:56. Not in Teachings. The History of the Church entry is based on The Wasp (9 July 1842) and probably on an entry from the "Book of the Law of the Lord." The Wilford Woodruff account is here published for the first time.

[2] Daniel 2:44; 7:9-14, 22-27.

[3] James Gordon Bennett (1795-1872) was editor of the New York Herald and a well-known public figure.