Letter to Noah C. Saxton, 4 January 1833, as Published in American Revivalist, and Rochester Observer
Source Note
JS, Letter, , Geauga Co., OH, to , , Monroe Co., NY, 4 Jan. 1833. Version published in “Mormonism,” American Revivalist, and Rochester Observer, 2 Feb. 1833, [2]. Transcription from a photocopy image obtained from BYU. Extract.
Mormonism.—We have received a communication on this subject, from Mr. J. Smith Jr., who we suppose, is a principal leader of the sect that embrace Mormonism. It is written throughout with much good feeling and urbanity.
With our own views of truth, we do not feel that it would be consistent with our duty, or for the benefit of our readers to enter into a discussion on this subject, nor have we room for the whole letter. Still we think our readers may be gratified in learning something of the author’s views, and therefore present them with the following extract, not holding ourselves responsible for its sentiments.
The Book of Mormon, is a record of the forefathers of our western tribes of Indians; having been found through the ministration of an holy , into our own language by the gift and power of God, after having been hid up in the earth for the last fourteen hundred years, containing the word of God which was delivered unto them. By it, we learn, that our western tribes of Indians, are descendants from that Joseph that was sold into Egypt, and that the land of is a promised land unto them, and unto it, all the tribes of Israel will come, with as many of the as shall comply with the requsitions of the . But the tribe of Juda will return to old . The city of , spoken of by David in the 102 psalm, will be built upon the land of , and the ransomed of the Lord shall return and come to it, with songs and everlasting joy upon their heads, and there they will be delivered from the overflowing scourge, that shall pass through the land. But Juda shall obtain deliverance at , see Joel 2[:]32, Isaiah 26:20, 21, Jer. 31:11, Psalms, 50, 5, Ezekial 34:11, 12, 13. Those are the testimonies, that the Good Shepherd will put forth his own sheep and lead them out from all nations where they have been scattered in a cloudy and dark day, to Zion and to ; besides many more testimonies which might be brought. And now I am prepared to say by the authority of Jesus Christ, that not many years shall pass away, before the shall present such a scene of blood-shed, as has not a parrallel in the history of our nation. Pestilence, hail, famine, and earthquake, will sweep the wicked of this generation from off the face of this Land, to open and prepare the way for return of the lost tribes of Israel from the north country. The people of the land, those who have complied with the requisition of the new covenant, have already commenced gathering together to Zion which is in the state of . Therefore, I declare unto you the warning which the Lord has me to declare to this generation, remembering that the eyes of my Maker are upon me, and that, to him, I am accountable for every word I say, wishing nothing worse to my fellow men, than their eternal salvation. Therefore, fear, God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgement is come. Repent ye, Repent ye, and embrace the everlasting covenant, and flee to Zion, before the overflowing scourge overtake you. For there are those now living upon the earth, whose eyes shall not be clossed in death, until they see all these things which I have spoken, fulfilled. Remember these things, call upon the Lord while he is near, and seek him while he may be found, is the exhortation of your unworthy Servant, JOSEPH SMITH Jr. [p. [2]]