# Valedictory (closing his second editorship of the Messenger and Advocate) -- Oliver Cowdery
# Date: February 1837, Monroe, Michigan (pub. Messenger and Advocate 3:11, pp. 547-548, August 1837)
# Source: http://www.centerplace.org/history/ma/v3n11.htm | Provenance: Signed 'OLIVER COWDERY.', dateline Monroe, Michigan, Feb. 1837. High confidence.

In the 8th number, Vol. first of the Messenger and Advocate, I addressed its readers, as I then supposed, for the last time as its Editor. From considerations of duty, on the departure of brother Whitmer to the west, I again assumed the conduct of its columns, during which interval pecuniary circumstances have compelled me almost wholly from home, and when there, a feeble state of health prevented that strict attention, after fulfilling paramount duties, necessary to render such a periodical interesting, instructing and useful. How far under those circumstances, my labors have been approved by my heavenly Master, remains to be revealed when all things are openly proclaimed: and to what extent I have answered the expectations of my friends, I do not stop here to ask, as I presume they are quite willing to exchange my labors for the labors of another, and in that change expect a more faithful servant, without venturing any hazzard.

But, lest these remarks should create an unreasonable expectation, and an unwarranted call for labor on the part of my brother who succeeds me. I will here add, that were he tnumerous readers of the Messenger aware, while perusing its columns, how many, very many constitutions are impaired, ruined,-worn out, by writing matter for others to read, they would be ready to excuse, when a number appeared not quite as full of editorial matter as

their fancies could wish. It may be thought a small task to fill a small monthly sheet; to such I only recommend that they engage in it for one year. And besides, a man is responsible to God for all he writes. If his communications are not according to the truths of heaven, men may follow incorrect principles, and digress, step after step from the straight path, till arguments, persuasions and facts, are as unheeded as the idle vision, when darkness and death rivet their destructive chains to be beaten off no more.

When this last reflection rises in the mind, the heart almost sinks within this bosom, lest in consequence of some darkness over the intellect, or some deep anxiety and concern, occasioned by inevitable and irresistable pecuniary embarrassment, I may have dropped an item, or left unintelligible some important fact, which has occasioned an incorrect understanding on matters of eternal life. Those who are yet here, if such should be the case, relative to the principles which I have promulgated, may retrace and correct, but what adds keenly to the reflection is the fact, that many have gone no more to return till the purposes of God are accomplished in the restoration of all things. Those are beyond my admonition, and a few more seasons round, at most, will release me from this burthensome tenament and I be permitted to fly away to receive my own reward.

Those whose feelings I may have unjustly injured if any, I now ask their forgiveness and hope, through the mediation of the Son of God to find also, in his blood, a propitiation for all my sins, that I may retire with a conscious heart that He who died for me is yet my friend and advocate, and that through all my future life I may live to his glory, walk in his paths, adorn his doctrine, and meet him in peace.

I have not time, neither is it necessary to go into detail on the subject of the gospel or prophets: these have been leading topics during the entire course of both Star and Messenger, and will of necessity continue so to be while unrighteousness has dominion on the earth. It is only requisite for me to add that the doctrines which I commenced to preach some seven years since are as firmly believed by me as ever; nd though persecutions have attended, and the rage and malice of men been heaped upon me, I feel equally as firm in the great and glorious cause as when first I received my mission from the holy messenger. And such has been the opposition generally manifest against the progress and influence of this gospel, that it amounts to a miracle that any should distrust its divine authenticity, with these facts daily presented before them.

One sentence more, my friends, and I have done-I need not prolong the time. Range through all the revelations of God, search them from beginning to end, and if you do not find that the Lord would do marvelous things in the last days-reveal his glorious arm, set up his kingdom, scatter light, send forth intelligence and gather Israel, the literal descendants of Jacob from the four winds, endow and prepare hasty messengers and talk with his people face to face, I say adieu to that record, it is worse than a fable, it has not the intelligence of a common news-paper! Alas! how disappointed will be the man who turns from these in unbelief. The day is near when all will be verified-the day is near when all eyes will see and every heart be penetrated, and the day is near when you and I shall meet in the presence of God.

Farewell.

OLIVER COWDERY.

Monroe, Michigan, Feb. 1837.
