"The Messenger and Advocate is the basic source for the study of Mormonism's Ohio period. The tone of the magazine reflects the theological ferment that characterized the Kirtland era. Its pages include doctrinal essays, official statements of the Church leaders, announcements and minutes of conferences, news of the progress of the Church in Kirtland and elsewhere, responses to anti-Mormon attacks, and letters from the outlying branches" (from BYU Digital Collections)