“The Golden Bible.”

              “The Golden Bible.” The Cleveland Herald (Ohio) (25 November 1830): 3.

“The Golden Bible.”—Yes, reader strange as it may appear, there is a new Bible just
published, entitled the “Book of Mormon,” and better known to some as the Golden Bible. We
have no doubt many will be shocked to learn there are those sacriligious enough to contend that a
new bible has been given to the children of men. But it is even so, for we have lately purchased
one for the gratification of our curiosity, which was rather excited on learning that its doctrines
were taught and believed in this and the adjoining counties.
We have not read it in course, but have perused it sufficiently to be convinced it is one of
the veriest impositions of the day. . . .
The Bible is composed of, first and second Book of Nephi; Book of Jacob; Book of
Joram; Book of Mormon; Book of Moriah; Book of Alma; Book of Helaman; Book of Nephi,
the son of Helaman; Book of Nephi, the son of Nephi; Book of Mormon; Book of Ether and
Book of Moroni.
The last book appears to have been added as a sort of appendix, and contains the form of
se vice, mode of eneciation, prayers, &c.
This bible is closed by two certificates commending the work: to the first is attached the
name of Oliver Cowdry and two other persons, and to the last are eight names, among which are
those of the father and two brothers of the reputed author.
On reading the name of Oliver Cowdry, in support of the divine authenticity of the work,
whatever faith we might have been inspired with on reading the certificate, was banished, for we
had known Cowdry some seven or eight years ago, when he was a dabbler in the art of Printing,
and principally occupied in writing and printing pamphlets, with which, as a pedestrian Pedlar he
visited the towns and villages of western New-York and Canada, and the only opinion we have
of the origin of this Golden Bible is, that Mr. Cowdry and Mr. Smith the reputed author, have
taken the old Bible to keep up a train of circumstances, and by altering names and language have
produced the string of Jargon called the “Book of Mormon,” with the intention of making mony
by the sale of their Books; and being aware that they would not sell unless an excitement and
curiosity could be raised in the public mind, have therefore sent out twelve Apostles to
promulgate its doctrines, several of whom are in this vicinity expounding its mysteries [sic] and
baptising converts to its principles, whose labors, we understand are principally blest among the
superstitious and ignorant or hypocritical, presenting a new proof that all fools are not dead, and
knavery in any garb may, yet find votaries.