Bibliography
After the destruction of the printing press in Independence, Missouri, a council met and unanimously decided to establish a new publishing office in Kirtland. The meeting was held on September 11, 1833, and consisted of F.G. Williams, Sidney Rigdon, Newel K. Whitney, Joseph Smith Jr., and Oliver Cowdery. The press would continue printing the Evening and Morning Star and also a new publication called “Latter-Day Saints Messenger and Advocate.” This would be conducted under the firm of F.G. Williams and Co., with Oliver Cowdery as chief editor (Times and Seasons 6:850).
The first issue of the Messenger and Advocate appeared October, 1834, after completion of the second volume of Evening and Morning Star in September. In mid-May of 1835, W.W. Phelps and John Whitmer arrived at Kirtland from Missouri, and John Whitmer was appointed to take the place of Oliver Cowdery as editor.
The paper changed hands again from John Whitmer to Oliver Cowdery with the March issue of 1836. After the firm of F.G. Williams & Co. was dissolved in June of the same year, Oliver Cowdery continued as sole proprietor, editor, and publisher until February, 1837. In February, the entire printing establishment was “transferred to Joseph Smith, Jr., and Sidney Rigdon; and Warren A. Cowdery acted as their agent in the printing office and book bindery, and Editor of the Messenger and Advocate.”
See the icons used for the links to the available media types for an article
Search the Messenger and Advocate Bibliography
Advanced Search of the Messenger and Advocate Bibliography
This form allows you to perform an advanced search. You only need to fill in one field below. This can be any field. If you select "not" as your match criteria, you must select at least one other field.
Messenger and Advocate Volume 1
October 1834 — September 1835
A letter written to W. W. Phelps from Norton, Medina County, Ohio, Sabbath evening, September 7, 1834. Cowdery writes of his irst meeting with the prophet and his immediate work began as scribe for Joseph Smith for the translation of the Book of Mormon. Then he writes of the manifestation of the angel to give the Aaronic Priesthood.
Bears testimony that the Book of Mormon proclaims the same gospel the apostles taught.
Praises Orson Pratt’s skills in explaining and defending the Book of Mormon.
Title is taken from a pamphlet written by Alexander Campbell. Challenges Campbell’s arguments and discusses the Aaronic versus the Nephite priesthood, the offering of sacriice, a land of promise outside of Canaan, and the central role of the temple in Jerusalem.
Responds to attacks against the Book of Mormon dealing with the Spaulding Manuscript, the birth of Jesus at Jerusalem, the ascription of Mary as the “mother of God,” and the appearance of Jesus to the Lehites.
An appreciation and defense of the Book of Mormon by an early Church member who sees the Book of Mormon as “the foundation, or starting point of the Church of Christ”
Messenger and Advocate Volume 2
October 1835 — September 1836
An account of the coming forth of the Book of Mormon and the receiving of the gold plates by Joseph Smith.
Exults over the spiritual promises for the American Indians and contrasts their glorious destiny with the downfall of the Nephites at the time of Mormon. Refers to Zenos’s allegory of the olive tree in Jacob 5.
Book of Mormon Scriptures > Enos
Speaks of the Hill Cumorah, “which must become as famous among the latter- day saints, as Sinai was among the former day saints” Refers to criticisms of the Book of Mormon.
Relates the Book of Mormon to American Indians and the gathering of Israel.
Reiterates his testimony as one of the Eight Witnesses of the Book of Mormon. Testimony is borne with conviction.
Messenger and Advocate Volume 3
October 1836 — September 1837
Answers objections to the Book of Mormon concerning writing styles, quotations from the Bible contained in the Book of Mormon, non-Egyptian words such as “Jesus” and “Christ,” Ezra’s overlooking of Lehi’s writings, and Jesus not acknowledging the fulfillment of Lehi’s prophecies in his own life.
Defends the Book of Mormon, drawing on proof texts found in Genesis 48-49, Psalm 85:11, and Ezekiel 37. Links truth and law with the descendants of Joseph, as found in the Book of Mormon.