These labors, in connection with his private business, occupied his attention after his return from England until February, 1842, when he was chosen associate editor of the _Times and Seasons_, the Prophet Joseph being editor-in-chief. This appointment introduced him into a field of labor for which he was admirably adapted, and in which, during his lifetime--notwithstanding his labors in that sphere were frequently interrupted by the drivings of the Church and calls to other kinds of employments--he accomplished much good, and became well known as a powerful writer.
He occupied the position of associate editor on the _Times and Seasons_ for about a year, when the Prophet's increasing cares made it necessary for him to resign his place as editor-in-chief. Elder Taylor was appointed to take his place. He continued to edit and publish that periodical until the Church was driven out of Nauvoo in the spring of 1846.
In addition to his labors on the _Times and Seasons_, within a year he became the editor and proprietor of another paper, the _Nauvoo Neighbor_, a large imperial sheet issued weekly, and devoted "to the dissemination of useful knowledge of every description--the arts, science, religion, literature, agriculture, manufactures, trade, commerce and the general news of the day." In both these periodicals he ably defended the truth against all comers, and did much to stem the flood of falsehood that set in against the character of the Prophet Joseph.
The progress of Nauvoo was now by leaps and bounds, rapidly increasing in trade, commerce and population. The Prophet Joseph's career, too, was approaching its zenith. He was the most prominent man in the State of Illinois, and much courted because of his supposed political influence. Some of the most prominent men in the State sought his friendship, but it too frequently happened that it was for selfish purposes they courted him. No one was more sensitively aware of that fact than Elder Taylor. He knew them to be flatterers of the Prophet, that political thrift might follow fawning. They were heartless parasites, clinging to him in his hour of prosperity, but ready to fall away from and even betray him should the tide of his fortunes begin to ebb, or their interests require his immolation to satisfy the clamor of a prejudiced populace.