Latter Day Saints' Messenger and Advocate/Volume 3/Number 1/Prospectus
PROSPECTUS
For the third volume of the
Latter Day Saints'
Messenger and Advocate.
At the frequent solicitation of Elders, who obtain the principal part of the subscribers for this paper, we have thought proper to strike off a short prospectus on a separate sheet, for their special convenience. It frequently happens that when brethren are abroad proclaiming the gospel, they have neither a prospectus nor a specimen sheet, to exhibit before the public, and being strangers their agency is doubted.
The present (Sept.) No. closes this volume; and considering the weight of influence and determined opposition, against which it has been compelled to contend, its circulation has become extensive towns, counties and states, have, through the medium of this little sheet, learned our views and principles on the subject of the gospel of the Son of God; and we humbly trust, many have found it a welcome visitant in the hour of despondency and doubt, while surrounded by contending religionists who serve to divide the world into parties, and set the hand of man against his fellow. And whenever it has found a reader, to such, a recapitulation of the doctrines it has carried to a perishing world, would be superfluous, as on almost every page may be found some point leading to the great and essential plan of salvation.
As those principles are found written over the face of scripture, to give, even a synopsis, in a short prospectus, could not be expected: It cannot be doubted, however, by a discerning mind, that the end draws near, and that the time is not far distant when a breaking up of corrupt systems will commence, and discordant factions, at present so mysteriously interwoven, will be severed, preparatory to the universal deluge of misery which must envelop the wicked.
We do not say how long before the completion of the purposes of God in the salvation of Israel, nor the overthrow of false religions; but this we say, that the words of the prophets must be fulfilled; the arm of the Lord will be made bare; the afflicted of Jacob find their Ancient Rock true to his promises—and the earth will rest.
It said we differ from the prevailing sects in matters of religion—we do not deny it; but that difference is an honest one. From a careful reading of the word of God, and a candid research into those things which concern the world in the last days,—gazing upon the foundation, scrutanizing [scrutinizing] the order, contrasting the example of the apostles with those sects, as an honest man, we are bound, by every feeling of our hearts, to dissent from those systems, which, although they have continued to grasp the earth, deny the gift of inspiration, set at nought the gospel of Jesus Christ, and spread darkness and corruption over the face of the world.
As it is frequently reported that we disbelieve the bible and contend against its precepts, it may be well to correct that report in this short article, as it may, by chance, fall into the hands of some who might otherwise go undeceived:— it is false, unequivocally false! We believe that sacred record from the evidence we have of its divine authenticity, and because we believe it a consistent book, when taken in its true meaning—which is at it reads, our chara[c]ter is vilified, and we compelled to bear the scandal of "false teacher and impostor," from thousands who know nothing of our character, either moral or religious. And we are bold to say, that we can draw proof and arguments to justify our belief in the system we profess, from this holy word, and from its hallowed pages can we read a direct declaration from the mouth of its Author, against the crafts and plans of men.
The Messenger will contain such notices of the spread of the gospel, and the preaching of the elders, as will be interesting, from time to time, besides such articles upon the subject of religion, as may be furnished by them; by means of which we hope to justify a liberal support. It will be as formerly, once a month on a Super Royal sheet, duodecimo, once a month, at one dollar per annum, payable always in advance. We had designed publishing it semi monthly, but owing to the fact that a great portion of our former subscriptions are unpaid, and some owe for the Star, published four years since, we cannot carry our wishes into effect.
We wish our correspondents, one and all, to remember, that all communications addressed to us, to ensure attention, must come free of postage. Any person forwarding us ten dollars shall be entitled to eleven copies for one year.
O. COWDERY
Kirtland Geauga Co. Ohio, Sept. 1836
P. S. Persons forwarding us subscribers' names will be particular to give the name of the post office, county, and State, where papers are to be addressed, in a plain and intelligible manner.