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.

Cites as evidence of the Book of Mormon a story by Montessini who visited America in the fifteenth century and discovered some Indians who “pronounced the words of Deuteronomy: Schemah Israel Adonai Elohenu Adoni Ehad (Hear O Israel, the Lord our God is one Lord)” Furthermore, he cites “Basnage’s Histoire des Jeufs written in 1694,” where Basnage writes that “Tis sufficiently certain that a vessel driven thither [Americas] by a tempest landed some Jews”

Argues that archaeological evidences that predate Columbus indicate that two distinct races once inhabited the Americas. This and other indings corroborate the truthfulness of the Book of Mormon.

A defense of the Book of Mormon against the criticism of Dr. Duncan in the Islington Gazette of August 18th. Dr. Duncan, evidently a literary critic, concluded that the Book of Mormon was either a clumsy or barefaced forgery or a pious fraud. The author writes that the Book of Mormon makes clear many doctrines that are dificult to understand in the Bible. Also, the history and gospel taught by the Bible and the Book of Mormon are similar because both were inspired of God. [B. D.]

Author believes that it is as foolish to try to disprove the Book of Mormon as it is the Bible, for both works are built upon revelation. There are, however, many who refuse to accept the teachings of both scriptures.

Lehi, in his inal farewell to his family, stated that he “must soon lay down in the cold and silent grave, from whence no traveler can return” (2 Nephi 1:14). Inasmuch as similar words appear in the writings of William Shakespeare, Church critics believe that Joseph Smith borrowed the Book of Mormon statement from Shakespeare. However, in the ruins of Mexico similar words have been found to have been used in an ancient funeral speech.

A report of the author’s explorations in Salt River Valley, Arizona, wherein he hypothesizes that the inhabitants of Salt River Valley came from Hagoth’s voyages to the north country (Alma 63). The peoples had buildings and temples made of cement and probably used metal.

While archaeologists search for the secrets to the origin of the early inhabitants of America, members of the Church believe the keys to understanding such things are contained in the Book of Mormon.

Defends criticisms that the Book of Mormon contains bad grammar by stating that any errors of the book are the errors of man. Mentions the errors of the Bible.

A brief summary of David Whitmer’s life and testimony of the Book of Mormon.

This reprint from the Deseret News tells of an archaeologist, Dr. Augustus le Plongeon, who deciphered several inscriptions found in Central America. He found that the hieratic (sacred) alphabet of the Mayas was almost identical to that of the Egyptians, as well as similar grammar and characters with identical meanings. Two cities in the peninsula of Yucatan were “visited by learned men from all parts of the world” Creation stories were found recorded that resemble Old World legends. Dr. Plongeon directly links Egyptian identity with the Mayan people.

Cites archaeological evidence that iron was used by ancient American inhabitants, supporting the claim made by the Book of Mormon concerning steel and iron. [A. C.]

Quotes William Niven’s description of ancient ruins at Yerba Buena in the state of Guerrero, Mexico. Niven theorizes that the city was destroyed by being suddenly submerged in water and later coming up again. Parry quotes 3 Nephi 8:5-17 that describes the violent destruction in the Nephite and Lamanite land. The Book of Mormon is supported by Niven’s theory.

One purpose of the Book of Mormon is to bear testimony of the truthfulness of the Bible. The corroborating witness of the Book of Mormon should encourage Christians to approach the Bible as a sacred text rather than human work.

Parry argues that Joseph Smith’s description of the Urim and Thummim coincide with the Bible’s description. Since this and other statements of Joseph Smith coincide with the Bible, Joseph Smith was divinely inspired.

Argues that the Samoans originate from American shores, namely from Hagoth (Alma 63:5-8).

Five-part series sets forth external evidences of the Book of Mormon, including the archaeological findings that “point to successive periods of occupation” in ancient America, evidence of Hebrew origin/descent for the American Indians, and the idea that there was an advanced civilization in ancient America. Also discusses metal plates and provides geological proof of the great destruction recorded in 3 Nephi 8.

Series of five articles with evidence of the authenticity of the Book of Mormon—there were two races of ancient Americans, the Jaredites in North America and the Nephites in South America (Omni 1:23 and Alma 22:30-34); American Indians are of Hebrew origin; there is evidence of ancient metal engraving on tablets in book form; the Peruvians believe they originated from a people led by four brothers; there is evidence of advanced civilizations, ancient coins, and ancient implements on the American continent; there is evidence of great destruction at the crucifixion of Christ and that the Messiah was known to ancient Americans.

Grant testifies at the Salt Lake Stake Conference, March 13, 1898, that one can know gospel truths and later apostatize through disobedience. Grant reads Oliver Cowdery’s testimony of the Book of Mormon and quotes him as saying that the reason he left the Church was because he had sinned and he hoped to rejoin the Latter-day Saints.

A rebuttal to Dr. Shelton, who had given several anti-Mormon lectures in one of the principal cities in England. Sheldon pointed out blemishes in the Book of Mormon and misquoted it. He ridiculed the book’s ship building, grammatical construction, reference to a compass, similarity to the Bible, foreknowledge of God, and the ministry of Christ before his birth.

A reprint of an article from the Deseret News that gives the substance of a lecture by George Reynolds. Evidences that prove the ancient inhabitants of this continent were Nephites: Hebrew inscriptions on stone, metal and parchment and a story that a “francisco” discovered a secret “Nephite hiding place,” the whereabouts of which he could not reveal under a oath of secrecy.