Millennial Star
Bibliography

The Latter-day Saints’ Millennial Star was the official publication of the Church in the BRITISH ISLES from 1840 to 1970. Parley P. Pratt, an APOSTLE of the Church and the first editor of the periodical, outlined its purpose in its first issue, May, 1840, "The Millennial Star will stand aloof from the common political and commercial news of the day. Its columns will be devoted to the spread of the fulness of the gospel- the restoration of the ancient principles of Christianity-the gathering of Israel- the rolling forth of the kingdom of God among the nations- the signs of the times- ... in short, whatever is shown forth indicative of the coming of the ’Son of Man,’ and the ushering in of his universal reign on the earth." The presidents of the British Mission were always listed as the editors, among whom were five future PRESIDENTS OF THE CHURCH: Wilford WOODRUFF, Joseph F. SMITH, Heber J. GRANT, George Albert SMITH, and David O. MCKAY. The Millennial Star was officially retired in 1970, when it was subsumed into the Ensign, the English-language magazine for adults throughout the Church starting in 1971.

Two articles on archaeological discoveries from Athenaeum and the Manchester Guardian. Asks if it is any more astonishing that plates hidden by Moroni should be preserved than that relics in America and England should survive to be discovered centuries after they were used.

Response to an article in the Edinburgh Intelligencer (7 April 1841), which accused the Book of Mormon of being “a pretended revelation” Pratt calls the Book of Mormon “a marvelous work and a wonder” Defends against the accusation that the Book of Mormon is a forgery of Spaulding’s manuscript.

The Book of Mormon prophesies that the Lamanites will be no longer persecuted but nourished by the gentiles beginning in 1830 when the Book of Mormon was published. In fulfillment of that, the United States government has apportioned an area of gathering for all the Indians; the tribes were paid money and given provisions at the expense of the United States.

Fictitious dialogue about the beliefs of the LDS church. During the dialogue an Elder of the Church explains the contents of the Book of Mormon.

Replies to several objections to the Book of Mormon listed by a minister, including that God commanded Nephi to kill Laban, that 3,000 Lamanites were killed in a battle and only seventy Nephites, that in John 17:4 Jesus says he had finished all that he was sent to do but the Book of Mormon attributed to him further duties. Pratt chides the minister for rejecting the Bible while trying to discredit the Book of Mormon.

A book review of Stephen’s Incidents of Travel that includes comments concerning archaeology and the Book of Mormon.

Various verses from Isaiah 29 are applied to the Book of Mormon. Refers to the work as a “record of the house of Joseph”

A report of George J. Adams’s lectures on the Book of Mormon delivered in Boston, wherein Adams uses standard biblical proof texts in his defense of the Book of Mormon.

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.

A testimony that the Book of Mormon’s divine truth will one day overwhelm the learned of the world with the Lord’s power.

Missionary-oriented essay. Justifies the existence of extra-biblical scripture. Explains the roles of the descendants of Joseph in America, using Genesis 48. Shows similarities between Israelite and Indian sacrificial customs. Refers to the “sticks” of Ezekiel 37; also discusses the relevance of Isaiah 29 and Psalm 85. Bears testimony of the part the Book of Mormon plays in the Restoration.

Millennial Star editor quotes writings by Josiah Priest and others concerning mounds found in the U.S., and then quotes excerpts from the book of Alma dealing with Moroni and his fortifications.

A nine-stanza poem dedicated to the Book of Mormon. The ninth stanza summarizes the entire poem: “Now I behold thee, open to my gaze, The Stick of Ephraim sent in these last days, To warn the nations, gather Israel in, Bring Christ to earth, and make an end of sin”

Tells of ancient American Indian ruins that show remnants of several large cities. This, as well as other American antiquities, helps support the Book of Mormon. Joseph Smith did not get his idea “to write” the Book of Mormon from this evidence because it did not come out until after the Book of Mormon was published.

Discusses the Book of Mormon within the context of the establishment of the Latter-day kingdom of God, citing Isaiah 29 as a prooftext. Responds to perceived weaknesses in language by writing that “an uninspired man might as well attempt to originally compose the Old and New Testament” as the Book of Mormon.

Pratt states that the Book of Mormon was revealed through Joseph Smith, that it contains the everlasting gospel and the writings of the tribe of Joseph. Explains Ezekiel 37:18-21 and Isaiah 29. Book of Mormon explains that America is the land of promise of Joseph. Thousands and tens of thousands of witnesses have accepted the Book of Mormon and witness concerning its truthfulness.

Response to a polemical pamphlet against several aspects of Mormonism. Defends Joseph Smith’s use of the Urim and Thummim, discusses the meaning of “other sheep” and “fold,” and of the Book of Mormon as a covenant.