1830
Fenn, Lucius. “Letter to Birdseye Bronson.” Seneca Co., New York: n.p., 1830.Tells of the mysterious stories concerning three men who had reported that an angel had appeared telling of a “gold log” in the area that had been hidden for fourteen hundred years in a stone chest.
Dogberry, Obediah (pen name of Cole, Abner). “From the Book of Mormon.” The Reflector New Series 2, 3, Extra (2 January, 13 January, 22 January 1830): 9, 17, 27.A series: extracts from the pages of the Book of Mormon prior to publication of the book.
Unattributed. “Gold Bible.” The Reflector New Series 2 (2 January 1830): 13.States that it is too early to discuss the merits or demerits of the Book of Mormon, but finds nothing treasonable that would have a tendency to subvert liberties. The religious nature cannot be determined—it must stand or fall on its own merits.
Unattributed. “Gold Bible.” The Reflector New Series 3 (11 January 1830): 20.Calls the Book of Mormon a “wonderful work” In an effort to correct misunderstanding of the book, this article clarifies that it is unbelievers who call the Book of Mormon the “Gold Bible” States that the book as well as the “sacred volume” (the Bible) has its revilers. Says that the Book of Mormon is comprised of a number of books by different authors. It is a compilation by Mormon in “ancient Hieroglyphics” upon plates of gold.
Unattributed. “Diabolical.” The Reflector New Series 8 (27 February 1830): 66.Declares that Joseph Smith himself was the scribe of the Book of Mormon, and that he was unlearned in letters, spelling, and punctuation. Believes that the book was inspired by the devil.
Unattributed. “Blasphemy.” Cincinnati Advertiser and Ohio Phoenix 8 (2 June 1830): 1.Early, hysterical announcement of the publication of the Book of Mormon.
Unattributed. “The Book of Pukei.” The Reflector 1 (12 June, 7 July 1830): 36-37, 60-61.A series of articles, printed in scripture-style verse—a spin-off of the Book of Mormon for the purpose of derision.
1831
Benton, A.W. “Mormonites.” Evangelical Magazine And Gospel Advocate. 1831:120.A letter dated March 1831 from S. Bainbridge to the Magazine and Advocate in an effort to stop the progress of the Mormon religion, provides a history of Joseph Smith declaring that he is a deceitful impostor of no good character. His great deception lies in his claim to have received new revelation in the Book of Mormon.
Marks, David. The Life of David Marks, to the 26th Year of His Age. Limerick, ME: Office of the Morning Star, 1831.The autobiography of a young preacher’s experiences in New England during the early 19th Century. Pages 340-42 discuss his brief encounter with Mormons and the Book of Mormon and his dismissal of the book as a fraud.
Dogberry, Obediah (pen name of Cole, Abner). “Gold Bible, No. 1.” The Reflector 2 (January 6, 1831): 76.
Unattributed. “Letter to the Editor.” The Reflector 2 (6 January 1831): 77.Writes that Joseph Smith’s Book of Mormon, the “most clumsy of all impositions” has excited curiosity.
Dogberry, Obediah (pen name of Cole, Abner). “Gold Bible, No. 2.” The Reflector 2 (January 18, 1831): 84.
Campbell, Alexander. “Delusions.” Millennial Harbinger, 1 February 1831.
Dogberry, Obediah (pen name of Cole, Abner). “Gold Bible, No. 3.” The Reflector 2 (February 1, 1831): 92-93.
Campbell, Alexander. “Delusions: An Analysis of the Book of Mormon.” Millennial Harbinger 2 (7 February 1831): 85-96.An early attempt to identify speciic problems with the Book of Mormon. Various anachronisms, absurdities and contradictions with the Bible are identiied. The Book of Mormon shows evidence of being a mere product of its environment.
Dogberry, Obediah (pen name of Cole, Abner). “Gold Bible, No. 4.” The Reflector 2 (February 14, 1831): 100-101.
Unattributed. “The Book of Mormon.” The Reflector 2 (14 February 1831): 102.Tells about Oliver Cowdery’s mission to Painesville and his meeting with the “notorious Sidney Rigdon” Rigdon took the Book of Mormon under advisement and shortly declared it of “heavenly origin” Rigdon then testified that the world would come to an end in two or three years.
Dogberry, Obediah (pen name of Cole, Abner). “Gold Bible, No. 5.” The Reflector 2 (February 28, 1831): 109.
C., M. J. “Mormonism.” Plainsville Telegraph (March 3, 1831): 4.Tells of the conversion of Sidney Rigdon who read the Book of Mormon and “partly condemned it” but after two days accepted it as truthful. He asked for a sign though he knew it was wrong and saw the devil appearing as an angel of light. The author of this article warns against the Book of Mormon and against the deception of the Mormons.
Dogberry, Obediah (pen name of Cole, Abner). “Mormonism.” The Reflector 2 (March 9, 1831): 116-17.
Unattributed. “Mormonism.” The Reflector 2 (9 March 1831): 116-17.A correspondent relates that Joseph Smith entered Waterloo with his wife decked in a profusion of gold jewelry. They were selling stocks in the “Gold Bible”
Dogberry, Obediah (pen name of Cole, Abner). “Gold Bible, No. 6.” The Reflector 2 (March 19, 1831): 126-29.
1832
Campbell, Alexander. Delusions: An Analysis of the Book of Mormon. Pamphlet. Boston: Green, 1832.An early attempt to identify speciic problems with the Book of Mormon. Various anachronisms, absurdities and contradictions with the Bible are identiied. The Book of Mormon shows evidence of being a mere product of its environment.
Towle, Nancy. Vicissitudes Illustrated in the Experience of Nancy Towle in Europe and America. Charleston: For the authoress by James L. Burges, 1832.The personal account of a woman preacher’s experiences while preaching in America. Pages 137-46 discuss her encounter with the Book of Mormon and the Mormons in Kirtland. Appalled by the pretensions of such a book, she dismisses it as a deceitful fraud.
Unattributed. “The Mormonites.” The Churchman 1 (4 February 1832):181-82.Finds that Joseph Smith, Martin Harris, and Sidney Rigdon are religious fanatics claiming to possess a Golden Bible, but in reality only possessing a wild imagination and a desire to become rich. These reprobates hold meetings to disseminate their plot—the Book of Mormon.
Evening and Morning Star. “The Book of Mormon.” Evening and Morning Star Vol. 1, no. 1: June 1832.Links to available media:
Phelps, William W., ed. Evening and Morning Star Vol. 1, no. 1: June 1832, pp. 1-8. Independence, Mo.: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1832.Links to available media:
Phelps, William W., ed. Evening and Morning Star Vol. 1, no. 2: July 1832, pp. 9-16. Independence, Mo.: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1832.Links to available media:
Evening and Morning Star. “The Book of Ether.” Evening and Morning Star Vol. 1, no. 3: August 1832.Links to available media:
Phelps, William W., ed. Evening and Morning Star Vol. 1, no. 3: August 1832, pp. 17-24. Independence, Mo.: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1832.Links to available media:
Evening and Morning Star. “The Book of Jacob.” Evening and Morning Star Vol. 1, no. 4: September 1832.Links to available media:
Phelps, William W., ed. Evening and Morning Star Vol. 1, no. 4: September 1832, pp. 25-32. Independence, Mo.: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1832.Links to available media:
Evening and Morning Star. “The Book of Moroni.” Evening and Morning Star Vol. 1, no. 5: October 1832.Links to available media:
Evening and Morning Star. “The Ten Tribes.” Evening and Morning Star Vol. 1, no. 5: October 1832.Links to available media:
Phelps, William W., ed. Evening and Morning Star Vol. 1, no. 5: October 1832, pp. 33-40. Independence, Mo.: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1832.Links to available media:
Evening and Morning Star. “The Tribe of Joseph.” Evening and Morning Star Vol. 1, no. 6: November 1832.Links to available media:
Evening and Morning Star. “The Book of Job.” Evening and Morning Star Vol. 1, no. 6: November 1832.Links to available media:
Phelps, William W., ed. Evening and Morning Star Vol. 1, no. 6: November 1832, pp. 41-48. Independence, Mo.: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1832.Links to available media:
Phelps, William W., ed. Evening and Morning Star Vol. 1, no. 7: December 1832, pp. 49-56. Independence, Mo.: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1832.Links to available media:
1833
Evening and Morning Star. “The Book of Mormon.” Evening and Morning Star Vol. 1, no. 8: January 1833.Links to available media:
Evening and Morning Star. “The Book of Esther.” Evening and Morning Star Vol. 1, no. 8: January 1833.Links to available media:
Evening and Morning Star. “The Testimony of Three Witnesses.” Evening and Morning Star Vol. 1, no. 8: January 1833.Links to available media:
Evening and Morning Star. “And Also the Testimony of Eight Witnesses.” Evening and Morning Star Vol. 1, no. 8: January 1833.Links to available media:
Evening and Morning Star. “Some of Mormon’s Teaching.” Evening and Morning Star Vol. 1, no. 8: January 1833.Links to available media:
Phelps, William W., ed. Evening and Morning Star Vol. 1, no. 8: January 1833, pp. 57-64. Independence, Mo.: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1833.Links to available media:
Priest, Josiah. American Antiquities. Albany, NY: Hoffman and White, 1833.
Evening and Morning Star. “Discovery of Ancient Ruins in Central America.” Evening and Morning Star Vol. 1, no. 9: February 1833.Links to available media:
Phelps, William W., ed. Evening and Morning Star Vol. 1, no. 9: February 1833, pp. 65-72. Independence, Mo.: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1833.Links to available media:
Phelps, William W., ed. Evening and Morning Star Vol. 1, no. 10: March 1833, pp. 73-80. Independence, Mo.: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1833.Links to available media:
Evening and Morning Star. “From the Book of Ether.” Evening and Morning Star Vol. 1, no. 11: April 1833.Links to available media:
Phelps, William W., ed. Evening and Morning Star Vol. 1, no. 11: April 1833, pp. 81-88. Independence, Mo.: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1833.Links to available media:
Phelps, William W., ed. Evening and Morning Star Vol. 1, no. 12: May 1833, pp. 89-96. Independence, Mo.: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1833.Links to available media:
Evening and Morning Star. “The Book of Mormon.” Evening and Morning Star Vol. 2, no. 13: June 1833.Links to available media:
Phelps, William W., ed. Evening and Morning Star Vol. 2, no. 13: June 1833, pp. 97-104. Independence, Mo.: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1833.Links to available media:
Evening and Morning Star. “The Book of Mormon.” Evening and Morning Star Vol. 2, no. 14: July 1833.Links to available media:
Evening and Morning Star. “Errors of the Bible.” Evening and Morning Star Vol. 2, no. 14: July 1833.Links to available media:
Evening and Morning Star. “Common Version.” Evening and Morning Star Vol. 2, no. 14: July 1833.Links to available media:
Evening and Morning Star. “New Version.” Evening and Morning Star Vol. 2, no. 14: July 1833.Links to available media:
Phelps, William W., ed. Evening and Morning Star Vol. 2, no. 14: July 1833, pp. 105-112. Independence, Mo.: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1833.Links to available media:
Reynolds, George. “History of the Book of Mormon.” Contributor 5 (October-December 1833, January- September 1884): 1-5, 41-47, 81-85, 121-25, 161-68, 201-6, 241-46, 281-86, 321-27, 361-67, 401-8, 441-47.Twelve-part series. Discussions include: the discovery, translation, and contents of the gold plates; Oliver Cowdery’s description of Hill Cumorah; the Three Witnesses; loss of the 116 pages of the Book of Mormon and the substitution of the small plates of Nephi; the 1830 edition; the history of the Book of Mormon, including the abridgment work of Mormon; a synopsis of Nephite history, which is divided into 3 epochs; the history of the Jaredites.
Cowdery, Oliver, ed. Evening and Morning Star Vol. 2, no. 15: December 1833, pp. 113-120. Kirtland, Ohio: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1833.Links to available media:
1834
Cowdery, Oliver. “‘Dear Brother,’ [Letter I].” The Latter Day Saints’ Messenger and Advocate 1 (1834): 13-16.Introductory remarks; Oliver’s first meeting with Joseph Smith; translating the Book of Mormon; visitation of John the Baptist
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Keywords: Cowdery, Oliver, Early Church History, John the Baptist, Smith, Joseph, Jr., Translation
Cowdery, Oliver. “‘Dear Brother,’ [Letter I].” The Latter Day Saints’ Messenger and Advocate 1 (1834): 13-16.Introductory remarks; Oliver’s first meeting with Joseph Smith; translating the Book of Mormon; visitation of John the Baptist
Links to available media:
Keywords: Cowdery, Oliver, Early Church History, John the Baptist, Smith, Joseph, Jr., Translation
Cowdery, Oliver, ed. Evening and Morning Star Vol. 2, no. 16: January 1834, pp. 121-128. Kirtland, Ohio: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1834.Links to available media:
Howe, Eber D. Mormonism Unvailed. Painesville, Ohio: Howe, 1834.The theory that Joseph Smith copied the Book of Mormon from someone else’s writings was first introduced in 1834 in Eber D. Howe’s book, Mormonism Unvailed. It published materials gathered by Philastus Hurlbut which were intended to prove that the Book of Mormon came from a manuscript written by Solomon Spaulding (sometimes also spelled Spalding) in 1812. The claim that Joseph Smith used Spaulding’s writings as the source for the Book of Mormon has come to be known as the “Spaulding theory.”
Keywords: Spaulding theory
Howe, Eber D. Mormonism Unvailed. Painesville, Ohio: Howe, 1834.
Whitman, Jason. “Notices of Books: The Book of Mormon.” The Unitarian 1 (January 1834): 40-50.A polemical article attempting to discredit the Book of Mormon. The writer notes similarities between Book of Mormon and New Testament language and doctrines. Various anachronisms are mentioned such as the usage of the phrase “it came to pass,” poor grammar, modern ideas, a Christian Church before Christ, Gadianton robbers are viewed as nineteenth-century Masons, and lack of Israelite festivals and geographical evidences.
Cowdery, Oliver. “The Prophecy of Zephaniah.” The Evening and the Morning Star, February 1834, 132–33.The first LDS biblical commentary
Cowdery, Oliver, ed. Evening and Morning Star Vol. 2, no. 17: February 1834, pp. 129-136. Kirtland, Ohio: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1834.Links to available media:
Cowdery, Oliver, ed. Evening and Morning Star Extra: February 1834. Kirtland, Ohio: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1834.Links to available media:
Evening and Morning Star. “The Prophecy of Zephaniah.” Evening and Morning Star Vol. 2, no. 17: February 1834.Links to available media:
Cowdery, Oliver. “The Prophecy of Zephaniah, Part 2.” The Evening and the Morning Star, March 1834, 140–42.The first LDS biblical commentary
Cowdery, Oliver, ed. Evening and Morning Star Vol. 2, no. 18: March 1834, pp. 137-144. Kirtland, Ohio: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1834.Links to available media:
Evening and Morning Star. “The Prophecy of Zephaniah.” Evening and Morning Star Vol. 2, no. 18: March 1834.Links to available media:
Cowdery, Oliver. “The Prophecy of Zephaniah, Part 3.” The Evening and the Morning Star, April 1834, 148–49.The first LDS biblical commentary
Cowdery, Oliver, ed. Evening and Morning Star Vol. 2, no. 19: April 1834, pp. 145-152. Kirtland, Ohio: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1834.Links to available media:
Evening and Morning Star. “The Prophecy of Zephaniah.” Evening and Morning Star Vol. 2, no. 19: April 1834.Links to available media:
Cowdery, Oliver, ed. Evening and Morning Star Vol. 2, no. 20: May 1834, pp. 153-160. Kirtland, Ohio: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1834.Links to available media:
Cowdery, Oliver, ed. Evening and Morning Star Vol. 2, no. 21: June 1834, pp. 161-168. Kirtland, Ohio: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1834.Links to available media:
Hale, Isaac. “Statements of Mr. Hale.” New York Baptist Register XI (June 13, 1834): 68.Mr. Hale handled the box that contained the gold plates but was not allowed to look. Tells how Martin Harris came to assist in the translation, how the 116 pages were lost, and concerning Oliver Cowdery as scribe. Finds that the whole affair was a “silly fabrication of falsehood and wickedness”
Cowdery, Oliver, ed. Evening and Morning Star Vol. 2, no. 22: July 1834, pp. 169-176. Kirtland, Ohio: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1834.Links to available media:
Cowdery, Oliver, ed. Evening and Morning Star Vol. 2, no. 23: August 1834, pp. 177-184. Kirtland, Ohio: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1834.Links to available media:
Cowdery, Oliver, ed. Evening and Morning Star Vol. 2, no. 24: September 1834, pp. 185-192. Kirtland, Ohio: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1834.Links to available media:
Cowdery, Oliver, ed. Messenger and Advocate Vol. 1, no. 1: October 1834, pp. 1-16. Kirtland, Ohio: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1834.Links to available media:
Cowdery, Oliver, ed. Messenger and Advocate Vol. 1, no. 2: November 1834, pp. 17-32. Kirtland, Ohio: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1834.Links to available media:
Cowdery, Oliver, ed. Messenger and Advocate Vol. 1, no. 3: December 1834, pp. 33-48. Kirtland, Ohio: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1834.Links to available media:
1835
Cowdery, Oliver. “Letter VI.” The Latter Day Saints’ Messenger and Advocate 1 (1835): 108-112.Further discussion on the gathering of Israel; biblical prophecies on the restoration of Israel; “rehearsal of what was communicated” to Joseph Smith by Moroni; summary of Book of Mormon teachings concerning the redemption of Israel in the latter days.
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Keywords: Angel Moroni, Gathering of Israel, Prophecy, Redemption of Israel, Smith, Joseph, Jr.
Cowdery, Oliver. “Letter VII.” The Latter Day Saints’ Messenger and Advocate 1 (1835): 155-159.Description of Joseph Smith’s discovery of the golden plates; description of the hill in Palmyra, N.Y. “in which these records were deposited”; location identified as the “hill Cumorah”; identified as the same location where the Nephites and Jaredites were exterminated
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Keywords: Angel Moroni, Gold Plates, Hill Cumorah, Smith, Joseph, Jr.
Cowdery, Oliver. “Letter IV.” The Latter Day Saints’ Messenger and Advocate 1 (1835): 77-80.Visitation of Moroni to Joseph Smith in 1823; description of Moroni’s physical appearance and instructions to Joseph Smith
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Keywords: Angel Moroni, Early Church History, Gold Plates, Smith, Joseph, Jr.
Cowdery, Oliver. “Letter VIII.” The Latter Day Saints’ Messenger and Advocate 2 (1835): 195-201.Description of the topography of the hill Cumorah; description of the “cement” box in which the plates were deposited; description of Joseph Smith’s first attempt to retrieve the plates; extensive quotations of Moroni’s teachings and instructions to Joseph Smith; history of Joseph Smith from 1823–1827; concluding remarks
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Keywords: Angel Moroni, Cement Box, Gold Plates, Hill Cumorah, Prophecy, Smith, Joseph, Jr.
Cowdery, Oliver, ed. Messenger and Advocate Vol. 1, no. 4: January 1835, pp. 49-64. Kirtland, Ohio: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1835.Links to available media:
Unattributed. References to the Book of Mormon. Kirtland: Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1835.The earliest known reference guide to the Book of Mormon. Items listed are in order of pagination. The references refer to the chapters of the Book of Mormon and describe the contents of the chapter.
Cowdery, Oliver, ed. Messenger and Advocate Vol. 1, no. 5: February 1835, pp. 65-80. Kirtland, Ohio: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1835.Links to available media:
Cowdery, Oliver, ed. Messenger and Advocate Vol. 1, no. 6: March 1835, pp. 81-96. Kirtland, Ohio: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1835.Links to available media:
Cowdery, Oliver, ed. Messenger and Advocate Vol. 1, no. 7: April 1835, pp. 97-112. Kirtland, Ohio: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1835.Links to available media:
Cowdery, Oliver, ed. Messenger and Advocate Vol. 1, no. 8: May 1835, pp. 113-128. Kirtland, Ohio: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1835.Links to available media:
Unattributed. “Mormonism.” Christian Journal 1 (28 May 1835): 1.Blustery article on the Book of Mormon and its production by “Joe Smith,” Martin Harris, and Oliver Cowdery. Accepts the Spaulding story.
Whitmer, John, ed. Messenger and Advocate Vol. 1, no. 9: June 1835, pp. 129-144. Kirtland, Ohio: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1835.Links to available media:
Whitmer, John, ed. Messenger and Advocate Vol. 1, no. 10: July 1835, pp. 145-160. Kirtland, Ohio: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1835.Links to available media:
Whitmer, John, ed. Messenger and Advocate Vol. 1, no. 11: August 1835, pp. 161-176. Kirtland, Ohio: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1835.Links to available media:
Whitmer, John, ed. Messenger and Advocate Vol. 1, no. 12: September 1835, pp. 177-192. Kirtland, Ohio: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1835.Links to available media:
Whitmer, John, ed. Messenger and Advocate Vol. 2, no. 1: October 1835, pp. 193-208. Kirtland, Ohio: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1835.Links to available media:
Messenger and Advocate. “Order of the New Testament Church, No. I.” Messenger and Advocate Vol. 2, no. 2: November 1835.Links to available media:
Messenger and Advocate. “Persecution.” Messenger and Advocate Vol. 2, no. 2: November 1835.Links to available media:
Whitmer, John, ed. Messenger and Advocate Vol. 2, no. 2: November 1835, pp. 209-224. Kirtland, Ohio: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1835.Links to available media:
Messenger and Advocate. “Comment on Matthew 18: 7.” Messenger and Advocate Vol. 2, no. 3: December 1835.Links to available media:
Messenger and Advocate. “Egyptian Mummies.” Messenger and Advocate Vol. 2, no. 3: December 1835.Links to available media:
Messenger and Advocate. “Comment on Proverbs 13: 15.” Messenger and Advocate Vol. 2, no. 3: December 1835.Links to available media:
Whitmer, John, ed. Messenger and Advocate Vol. 2, no. 3: December 1835, pp. 225-240. Kirtland, Ohio: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1835.Links to available media:
1836
Whitmer, John, ed. Messenger and Advocate Vol. 2, no. 4: January 1836, pp. 241-256. Kirtland, Ohio: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1836.Links to available media:
Whitmer, John, ed. Messenger and Advocate Vol. 2, no. 5: February 1836, pp. 257-272. Kirtland, Ohio: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1836.Links to available media:
Cowdery, Oliver, ed. Messenger and Advocate Vol. 2, no. 6: March 1836, pp. 273-288. Kirtland, Ohio: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1836.Links to available media:
Cowdery, Oliver, ed. Messenger and Advocate Vol. 2, no. 7: April 1836, pp. 289-304. Kirtland, Ohio: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1836.Links to available media:
Cowdery, Oliver, ed. Messenger and Advocate Vol. 2, no. 8: May 1836, pp. 305-320. Kirtland, Ohio: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1836.Links to available media:
Messenger and Advocate. “Comment on 1st Peter 4: 7.” Messenger and Advocate Vol. 2, no. 8: May 1836.Links to available media:
Cowdery, Oliver, ed. Messenger and Advocate Vol. 2, no. 9: June 1836, pp. 321-336. Kirtland, Ohio: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1836.Links to available media:
Cowdery, Oliver, ed. Messenger and Advocate Vol. 2, no. 10: July 1836, pp. 337-352. Kirtland, Ohio: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1836.Links to available media:
Messenger and Advocate. “Comment on 1st Tim. 2: 1, 2.” Messenger and Advocate Vol. 2, no. 10: July 1836.Links to available media:
Cowdery, Oliver, ed. Messenger and Advocate Vol. 2, no. 11: August 1836, pp. 353-368. Kirtland, Ohio: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1836.Links to available media:
Messenger and Advocate. “Moroni’s Lamentation.” Messenger and Advocate Vol. 2, no. 11: August 1836.Links to available media:
Cowdery, Oliver, ed. Messenger and Advocate Vol. 2, no. 12: September 1836, pp. 369-384. Kirtland, Ohio: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1836.Links to available media:
Cowdery, Oliver, ed. Messenger and Advocate Vol. 3, no. 1: October 1836, pp. 385-400. Kirtland, Ohio: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1836.Links to available media:
Cowdery, Oliver, ed. Messenger and Advocate Vol. 3, no. 2: November 1836, pp. 401-416. Kirtland, Ohio: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1836.Links to available media:
Messenger and Advocate. “Comments on Romans 15.” Messenger and Advocate Vol. 3, no. 2: November 1836.Links to available media:
Cowdery, Oliver, ed. Messenger and Advocate Vol. 3, no. 3: December 1836, pp. 417-432. Kirtland, Ohio: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1836.Links to available media:
1837
Cowdery, Oliver, ed. Messenger and Advocate Vol. 3, no. 4: January 1837, pp. 433-448. Kirtland, Ohio: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1836.Links to available media:
Pratt, Parley P. “The Book of Mormon - Origin of the American Indians, &c.” In A Voice of Warning and Instruction to All People, Containing a Declaration of the Faith and Doctrine of the Church of the Latter Day Saints, Commonly Called Mormons, 121-139. New York: W. Sandford, 29 Ann-St, 1837.Links to available media:
Keywords: Ancient America, Native Americans, Old Testament, Prophecy, Prophet
Pratt, Parley P. “The Book of Mormon - Origin of the American Indians, &c.” In A Voice of Warning and Instruction to All People, Containing a Declaration of the Faith and Doctrine of the Church of the Latter Day Saints, Commonly Called Mormons, 121-139. New York: W. Sandford, 29 Ann-St, 1837.Links to available media:
Keywords: Ancient America, Native Americans, Old Testament, Prophecy, Prophet
Priest, Josiah. American Antiquities and Discoveries in the West. Albany, NY: Hoffman and White, 1837.Contains information about “traces of an Egyptian custom in Kentucky,” “traits of the Mosaic history found” among the Indians of Mexico, and the “great stone calendar of the Mexicans”
Cowdery, Oliver, ed. Messenger and Advocate Vol. 3, no. 5: February 1837, pp. 449-464. Kirtland, Ohio: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1837.Links to available media:
Messenger and Advocate. “Commentary on 2nd Corinthians 5: 7.” Messenger and Advocate Vol. 3, no. 5: February 1837.Links to available media:
Messenger and Advocate. “Commentary on Ephesians 4: 5.” Messenger and Advocate Vol. 3, no. 5: February 1837.Links to available media:
Messenger and Advocate. “Commentary on Amos 3: 7.” Messenger and Advocate Vol. 3, no. 5: February 1837.Links to available media:
Cowdery, Oliver, and Warren A. Jennings, eds. Messenger and Advocate Vol. 3, no. 6: March 1837, pp. 465-480. Kirtland, Ohio: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1837.Links to available media:
Cowdery, Oliver, and Warren A. Jennings, eds. Messenger and Advocate Vol. 3, no. 7: April 1837, pp. 481-496. Kirtland, Ohio: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1837.Links to available media:
Messenger and Advocate. “Commentary on Job 19: 25, 26, 27.” Messenger and Advocate Vol. 3, no. 7: April 1837.Links to available media:
Messenger and Advocate. “Commentary on Amos 3: 7.” Messenger and Advocate Vol. 3, no. 7: April 1837.Links to available media:
Cowdery, Oliver, and Warren A. Jennings, eds. Messenger and Advocate Vol. 3, no. 8: May 1837, pp. 497-512. Kirtland, Ohio: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1837.Links to available media:
Messenger and Advocate. “The Gospel - Commentary on Galations 1: 6-9.” Messenger and Advocate Vol. 3, no. 8: May 1837.Links to available media:
Messenger and Advocate. “Commentary on Amos 3: 7.” Messenger and Advocate Vol. 3, no. 8: May 1837.Links to available media:
Cowdery, Oliver, and Warren A. Jennings, eds. Messenger and Advocate Vol. 3, no. 9: June 1837, pp. 513-528. Kirtland, Ohio: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1837.Links to available media:
Cowdery, Oliver, and Warren A. Jennings, eds. Messenger and Advocate Vol. 3, no. 10: July 1837, pp. 529-544. Kirtland, Ohio: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1837.Links to available media:
Messenger and Advocate. “Commentary on Romans 11: 22, 23.” Messenger and Advocate Vol. 3, no. 10: July 1837.Links to available media:
Cowdery, Oliver, and Warren A. Jennings, eds. Messenger and Advocate Vol. 3, no. 11: August 1837, pp. 545-560. Kirtland, Ohio: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1837.Links to available media:
Messenger and Advocate. “Commentary on Hebrews 12: 5.” Messenger and Advocate Vol. 3, no. 11: August 1837.Links to available media:
Messenger and Advocate. “Commentary on Deuteronomy 8: 2, 3.” Messenger and Advocate Vol. 3, no. 11: August 1837.Links to available media:
Cowdery, Oliver, and Warren A. Jennings, eds. Messenger and Advocate Vol. 3, no. 12: September 1837, pp. 561-576. Kirtland, Ohio: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1837.Links to available media:
Smith, Joseph, Jr. Elders’ Journal of the Church of Latter Day Saints, Vol. 1, No. 1. Kirtland, Ohio: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, October, 1837, pp. 1-16.Links to available media:
Smith, Joseph, Jr. Elders’ Journal of the Church of Latter Day Saints, Vol. 1, No. 2. Kirtland, Ohio: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, November, 1837, pp. 17-32.In November 1837, the second issue of the church’s new periodical, Elders’ Journal of the Church of Latter Day Saints, was published in Kirtland, Ohio. The paper was first published in October 1837 as an instrument for the elders of the church to “communicate to others, all things pertaining to their mission, and calling as servants of the living God, and messengers of righteousness to the nations among whom they are sent.” As editor of the Elders’ Journal, JS was ultimately responsible for its content, including editorial selections in the November issue that introduced conference minutes, prefaced a letter from Orson Hyde in England, articulated an editorial philosophy, and implored subscribers to remit payment for their subscriptions. Though JS authored an account of his trip to Missouri and an attending list of questions, the extent of his involvement in writing the other editorial pieces is unclear.2 Given that he did not return to Kirtland from Far West, Missouri, until 10 December 1837, the November issue was likely not published until after that date.
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1838
Bacheler, Origen. Mormonism Exposed Internally and Externally. New York: 162 Nassau Street, 1838.One of the first major exposes of the Book of Mormon. The author considers the book “trash,” “vulgar,” and utterly devoid of merit. He provides a plethora of examples of what he considers bad English, modern phraseology and language, anachronistic statements, contradictions with the Bible, and absurdities. Provides a fairly good summary of common objections to the Book of Mormon.
Sunderland, LaRoy. Mormonism Exposed And Refuted. New York: Piercy and Reed Printers, 1838.A careful reading of the Book of Mormon exposes its “meanness” of diction, error in language, contradictions, and gross blasphemies. Any intelligent thinking person could not be deceived by such hypocrisy. The Book of Mormon is directly opposed to the Bible. The Book of Mormon is a book of plagiarism, filled with fraud. Favors the Spaulding theory.
Unattributed. “Mormonism Exposed and Refuted.” Universalist Union (5 May 1838): 205.Denounces Mormonism and the Book of Mormon that breathes “a spirit of cruelty” that is common in every man-devised religion. Through its doctrine of endless misery Mormonism consigns to hell those who do not believe in it.
Smith, Joseph, Jr. Elders’ Journal of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, Vol. 1, No. 3. Far West, Missouri: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, July, 1838, pp. 33-48.Links to available media:
Smith, Joseph, Jr. Elders’ Journal of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, Vol. 1, No. 4. Far West, Missouri: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, August, 1838, pp. 49-64.The Elders’ Journal, which published two issues in Kirtland, Ohio, in 1837 before the church’s printing office was destroyed, was reestablished in Far West, Missouri, in 1838, after JS and most other church leaders migrated from Kirtland to Far West. Thomas B. Marsh was the proprietor of the newspaper, and JS was the editor, though the amount and nature of JS’s involvement and editorial oversight is unclear.1 By May 1838, JS and Sidney Rigdon began working on material for the first Far West issue, dated July 1838.2 Ultimately, two issues were published in Missouri, dated July 1838 and August 1838. The July issue included letters to and from church elders serving proselytizing missions, as well as articles, minutes of meetings, and other items.3 The August issue contained similar material, including an editorial by JS and a letter that the First Presidency commissioned George W. Robinson to write to Latter-day Saints who had not yet gathered to Missouri. The August issue also included an obituary for Ethan Barrows Jr., who died in mid-August 1838,4 indicating that the issue was published sometime in the second half of the month or later.
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1839
Corrill, John. A Brief History of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, (Commonly called Mormons); Including an Account of Their Doctrine and Discipline; with the Reasons of the Author for Leaving the Church. St. Louis, MO: John Corrill, 1839.Corrill presents a short history of the Church, including his thorough investigation of the Book of Mormon, his ultimate acceptance of it, his conversion to the Church, and the reasons he left the Church.
Cowdery, Oliver. sic]. Defense in a Rehearsal of My Grounds for Separating Myself from the Latter-day Saints. Norton, Ohio: Pressley’s Job Ofice, 1839.A purported denial of Mormonism, allegedly made by Oliver Cowdery in 1839. Likely a spurious account that denies Mormonism, and questions the truth of the Book of Mormon and the translation process. See Anderson, Richard Lloyd. “Oliver Cowdery’s Testimony” Ensign 17 (April 1987): 23-25.
Davidson, Matilda Spaulding. Folly and Falsehood of the Book of Mormon. Hexham: E. Pruddah, 1839.The wife of Solomon Spaulding, Matilda Spaulding Davidson, provides reasons why Spaulding wrote Manuscript Found. She believes that the Book of Mormon is built on Manuscript Found and that Sidney Rigdon had access to the manuscript left by Spaulding at the printing office of Mr. Patterson sometime between the years 1812 and 1816.
Davidson, Matilda Spaulding. “The Mormon Bible.” Millennial Harbinger 3 (1839): 265-68.The wife of Solomon Spaulding, Matilda Spaulding Davidson, provides reasons why Spaulding wrote Manuscript Found. She believes that the Book of Mormon is built on Manuscript Found and that Sidney Rigdon had access to the manuscript left by Spaulding at the printing office of Mr. Patterson sometime between the years 1812 and 1816.
Davidson, Matilda Spaulding. “The Mormon Bible.” The Family Magazine 6 (1839): 429-30.The wife of Solomon Spaulding, Matilda Spaulding Davidson, provides reasons why Spaulding wrote Manuscript Found. She believes that the Book of Mormon is built on Manuscript Found and that Sidney Rigdon had access to the manuscript left by Spaulding at the printing office of Mr. Patterson sometime between the years 1812 and 1816.
Stevenson, H. Lecture on Mormonism. Newcastle: J. Blackwell and Company, 1839.A polemical tract based on a lecture given to a Methodist congregation in Alston in 1838. The Book of Mormon is “a foolish and wicked forgery” that has no historical basis whatsoever. It is a book full of anachronistic statements, absurdities, and contradictions with the Bible.
Campbell, Alexander. “The Mormon Bible.” Millennial Harbinger, June 1839.
Smith, Joseph, Jr. “The Priesthood—The Second Advent—The Gathering—Spiritual Ministrations and Manifestations.” In Journal of Discourses, Volume 6. 1859, 237–240.Synopsis of an Address by President Joseph Smith, Delivered in Commerce, Illinois, Tuesday, June 2, 1839. Reported By: Unknown.
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Robinson, Ebenezer, and Don Carlos Smith, eds. Times and Seasons Vol. 1, no. 1: November 1839, pp. 1-16. Nauvoo, Illinois: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1839.Links to available media:
Smith, Don Carlos, ed. Times and Seasons Vol. 1, no. 2: December 1839, pp. 17-32. Nauvoo, Illinois: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1839.Links to available media: