| In the first isue of the Messenger and Advocate (October 1834),
editor W. W. Phelps announces a plan to publish "a
full history" of the church in installments, emphasizing that "our
brother J. SMITH jr. has offered to assist us." |
| In all, seven installments—letters
from Oliver Cowdery and a brief statement from Joseph—are published. |
| Oliver's first letter describes his
meeting Joseph in April 1829, serving as scribe, and the angelic bestowal
of priesthood. |
| The second installment includes
Joseph's brief acknowledgement of youthful "follies," and Oliver's
account of Joseph's early experiences: an 1820 revival, confusion over
which church to join. |
| Letters two, five, and six are Cowdery discourses
on the apostasy and the need for a restoration. |
| Letter seven recounts the appearances
of an angel in 1823, the necessity of proper motivation on Joseph's part,
his desire for monetary gain, the hill Cumorah and its significance. |
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| Letter
1 |
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Oliver meets Joseph in April 1829 and begins writing as Book
of Mormon scribe. They wonder about authority to baptize and receive "a
vision of the Almighty" that includes the voice of the Lord and the
appearance of an angel who confers the priesthood so that Levites may again
offer offerings. |
|
MA
1, no. 1 (Oct. 1834): 13–16. |
| Letter 2 |
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Apostasy following the death of the ancient apostles
and the universal tendency to reject contemporary teachers of truth because
of their imperfections (real or perceived), and their unwillingness to
repent. |
|
MA 1, no. 2 (Nov. 1834): 27–32. |
| Joseph's insert |
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Joseph writes a separate letter, providing his date and place
of birth, and acknowledging his "vices and follies" as a young
man—but they were nothing out of the ordinary. |
|
MA 1, no. 3 (Dec. 1834): 41. |
| Letter 3 |
|
Joseph's 15th year: Rev. Lane and sectarian strife. Joseph's
mother, one sister, and two brothers join the Presbyterians. Joseph uncertain
which church to join. |
|
MA 1, no. 3 (Dec. 1834): 41–43. |
| Letter 4 |
|
Correction—Joseph was in his 17th year (1823) when the
angel visits and tells Joseph that his sins are forgiven and that the Lord
intends to use him to accomplish his marvelous work. He explains the sacred
history of the American Indians is buried in a nearby hill, which Joseph
sees in vision. But Joseph's motives must be pure. |
|
MA 1, no. 5 (Feb. 1835): 77–80. |
| Letter 5 |
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Scriptural argument for restoration and gathering. |
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MA 1, no. 5 (Feb. 1835): 77–80. |
| Letter 6 |
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Gospel and gathering, fulfillment
of Old Testament prophecies. |
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MA 1, no. 7 (Apr. 1835): 108–112. |
| Letter 7 |
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Proof texts. Anciently the Lord used dreams to communicate,
but Joseph had a vision (certain). Lord clearly told Joseph he must have
no other motive than to serve the glory of God, but his family being poor,
he began to think of how publication of the record could deliver him and
his family from want. |
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MA 1, no. 10 (July 1835): 155–159. |
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Ohio
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