Seer, The.
1853--1854 Monthly
Washington, DC.
Editor: Orson Pratt.
Succeeds: The Prophetic Almanac (1845)
1/1, January 1853-2/6, June 1854.
16 pp., $1.00 a year, "inevitably in advance."

Orson Pratt was an early Mormon prophet and an original member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of the Church of Latter Day Saints. He was also a mathematician and Professor of Mathematics in the University of the City of Nauvoo. Pratt had quarreled with Joseph Smith in the early 1840s over the latter's views on plural marriage and specifically over his belief that Joseph Smith had propositioned his wife in his absence in Britain, which led to his excommunication. He was later reinstated after Smith's death and became a leading supporter of Brigham Young. He was the brother of the better known Parley P. Pratt. A short biography of Orson Pratt appeared in Improvement Era, vol. 15, n. 3, January 1912. This journal was "devoted to the teachings of the Latter Day Saints, especially those concerning "Celestial Marriage." "The pages of the Seer will be mostly occupied with original matter, elucidating the doctrines of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, as revealed in both ancient and modern Revelations. The Prophecies, relating to the grand and remarkable events of the last days, will be carefully examined and unfolded. The doctrine of Celestial Marriage, or Marriage for all eternity, as believed and pratised by the Saints in Utah Territory, will be clearly explained. The views of the Saints in regard to the ancient Patriarchal Order of Matrimony, or Plurality of Wives, as developed in a, Revelation, given through Joseph, the Seer, will be fully published. The Celestial origin and pre-existence of the spirits of men--their first estate or probation in a previous world--the great benefits, derived by descending from Heaven, and entering fleshly tabernacles, and keeping the laws of their second estate, and their final redemption and exaltation, as Gods, in their future state--are subjects which will, more or less, occupy the pages of the Seer." The journal's stated purpose was to enlighten and convince the dignitaries of the government gathered in Washington, D.C., of the beauties of the new religion. The last number of the journal announced its suspension "in this country and that "the remaining six Numbers will be published in England." Thereafter The Seer Official Organ of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints was published in Liverpool, England, marked 1853-1854 and ending with vol. 2, no. 8, but there is no indication whether this includes the final six issues or a reprint of this journal. BL.

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