Ethan Smith's 1823 book

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Ethan Smith (1762-1849) A View of the Hebrews... (1st ed., Poultney, NY, 1823) Title Page Introduction Contents An original copy of the 1823 edition of this rare book has recently been procured. Transcription will follow shortly. Ethan Smith's Biography Ethan Smith's Genealogy Book Reviews, etc. Bibliography, Articles, etc.
Dissertation on the Prophecies(1811) \| Key to Figurative Language(1814) This web-document is still under construction Editorial Notes: (forthcoming)



VIEW

OF  THE

H E B R E W S;


EXHIBITING 


THE  DESTRUCTION  OF  JERUSALEM;

THE  CERTAIN  RESTORATION  OF  JUDAH  AND
ISRAEL;

THE PRESENT FATE OF JUDAH  AND ISRAEL;

AND

AN ADDRESS OF THE PROPHET ISAIAH RE-
LATIVE TO THEIR RESTORATION.



BY ETHAN SMITH, 
PASTOR OF A CHURCH IN POULTNEY, (VT.) 



"These be the days of vengeance" -- CHRIST.
"Yet a remnant shall return" -- ISAIAH.



POULTNEY, (Vt.)
PRINTED AND PUBLISHED BY SMITH & SHUTE,
1823.

[iii]

INTRODUCTION.

Few historical events have been of such interest to the world, as the destruction of Jerusalem by the Romans, about forty years after the ascension of our blessed Lord. This remark is true, if the event be contemplated simply as a piece of history. But when it is admitted that the event was a striking fulfillment of denunciations of wrath uttered by Christ on his persecutors and by ancient prophets on the same people, also that it furnished a most brilliant type of the final destruction of Antichrist in the last days; it becomes far more interesting. This interest must be felt at this period, when the great events of the last days connected with the restoration of the Hebrews, are in a train of incipient fulfilment. The signs of the times are important on this generation. For upwards of thirty years they have been assuming an aspect, with which the Christian world ought to feel deeply impressed; and which will issue in the battle of the great day of God Almighty, and in the millennial kingdom of Christ.

The restoration of God's ancient people is to be as "life from the dead" to the Gentile world. Some have queried whether they are literally to be restored to Palestine. It hence becomes important to examine the prophetic scriptures upon this subject. This the writer has attempted to do; and will exhibit the result of his enquiries, in the following pages.

To ascertain the present state of the Hebrews, must be a matter of interest; and especially the state of the ten tribes of Israel. This, in the following work is attempted. Also an explanation is given of an address from the prophet Isaiah to some Christian people, relative to the restoration of the ancient people of God; and probably this people in America. If it is ascertained that the ten tribes are to be restored with the Jews, in the last days; they must be now in existence, and they must come to the knowledge of the Christian world about this time: for the time of their restoration must be near. And it is believed they are coming to light with ample evidence. This must deeply interest the Christian part of the world.

It would be strange if so great a section of Christendom as our United States, could claim no appropriate address in the prophetic writings. And it is priate address in the prophetic writings. And it is thought to be capable of being shown, with a satisfactory degree of evidence, that such an address is indeed found; and one of great interest at this day. The writer acknowledges himself to be affected with this part of the subject; and he would rejoice to be the humble instrument of exciting a corresponding feeling in the minds of his christian brethren.
Poultney, July, 1823. THE AUTHOR.

[ iv ]

CONTENTS.

CHAPTER I.
05 Destruction of Jerusalem
07 Description of Jerusalem
09 Description of the Temple
10 Christ foretells their destruction
12 Various signs of the event
17 Seven miraculous portents of it
21 Causes of the war
23 Factions of the Jew
24 The Roman army under Titus approaching
42 A primary fulfillment of prophecies

CHAPTER II.
47 The certain restoration of Judah and Israel
47 The expulsion of the ten tribes
49 Arguments in favour of a restoration
49 1. The distinct existence of the Jews
50 2. Their past partial and short possession of Canaan
53 3. Express predictions of the event
66 4. A mystical import given to these, inadmissible
68 5. Their expulsion was literal, and their restoration must be thus

CHAPTER III.
69 The present state of Judah and Israel
69 State of the Jews
72 State of the ten tribes
72 Jews dispersed, Israel outcast
72 Israel as such, is to be restored
75 Hence they must now have somewhere adistinct existence; and God must have provided some place for them for 2500 years
75 An account in Esdras of their going to such a place
76 Some suppositions in relation to them
80 These suppositions are true
85 Arguments to show that the American natives are the tribes of Israel
85 1. They all appear to have had one origin
88 2. Their language appears a corruption of Hebrew
93 3. They have their holy ark
94 4. They have practised circumcision
95 5. They have one, and only one, God
104 6. Their variety of traditions evince they are the descendants of Israel
107 7. A prediction relative to their famine of the world
119 8. Testimony of William Penn
120 9. The tribe of Levi
121 10. Several appropriate traits of character
123 11. Their being in tribes, with heads of tribes
123 12. Their places answering to the cities of refuge
125 13. Other evidences and considerations
128 A hint to objectors

CHAPTER IV.
131 An address of the prophet Isaiah
131 Preparatory consideration
133 The 18th Chapter of Isaiah considered
146 An Address to America

CONCLUSION
153 1. The excommunication of the Hebrews deeply affecting
154 2. The Entail of the Covenant rich
156 3. What is first to be done for the Hebrews
157 4. A new view given of some prophetic passages
161 5. New evidence furnished of the Divinity of the Bible

169 APPENDIX

The remainder of thsi book has not yet been transcribed.

BIOGRAPHICAL MATERIALS

SKETCHES

OF THE

A L U M N I

OF

DARTMOUTH COLLEGE,

FROM THE

FIRST GRADUATION IN 1771 TO THE PRESENT TIME WITH A BRIEF
HISTORY OF THE INSTITUTION.

BY THE

REV. GEORGE T. CHAPMAN, D. D.
OF THE CLASS OF 1804.

C A M B R I D G E:
Printed at the Fireside Press.
1867.

[ p. 57 ]

ETHAN SMITH, the son of Deacon Elijah and Sybil (Worthington) Smith, was born at Belchertown, Ms., Dec. 19, 1762, and died at Boylston, Ms., Aug. 29, 1849, at age 86. He studied divinity with the Rev. Dr. Eden Burroughs

[ p. 58 ]

of Hanover and the Rev. Dr. Asa Burton, D. C. 1777, of Thetford, Vt.; was ordained pastor of the Congregational Church at Haverhill, Jan. 25, 1792; dismissed June 23, 1799; installed pastor at Hopkinton, Mar. 12, 1800; dismissed Dec. 16, 1817; had pastoral charge of the Presbyterian Church at Hebron, N. Y. in 1818; installed pastor at Poultney, Vt., Nov 21, 1821; dismissed in Dec. 1826; installed pastor at Hanover, Ms., May 16, 1827; dismissed Jan. 12, 1832; was then City Missionary at Boston, Ms., till old age suspended his labours. He published, "A view of the Hebrews;" "A key to the Revelation;" Prophetick Catechism;" "A view of the Trinity;" "A key to the figurative language of the Prophecies;" "Memoirs of Mrs. Abigail Bailey;" "Four lectures on the Subjects and Modes of Baptism," and 10 occasional discourses. He married Bathsheba, dau. of the Rev. David Sanford of Medway, Ms., Feb. 4, 1793. Lyndon Arnold Smith, D. C. was his son.

The rest of this book has not been transcribed.

[expansion of the information provided above]

from:
Sprague, William B.
Annals of the American Pulpit v. II
(NYC: Robert Carter & Bros., 1866)

[ p. 296 ]

ETHAN SMITH.*
1790-1849.
*MS. from his son, Dr. L. A. Smith.

ETHAN SMITH was the son of Deacon Elijah Smith and Sybil (Worthington) Smith, and was born at Belchertown, Mass., on the 19th of December, 1762. His parents were both entirely pious persons; and his mother particularly spared no pains to give the minds of her children a right direction. His father was much engaged in public life, and served his country in the French war, as Captain under Sir William Johnson, in the regiment of Colonel Ephraim Williams. He died when this son was in his eighth year; shortly after which, the son was sent from home to live with some of his relatives. In consequence of being thus withdrawn from the good influence of his mother, and finding nothing in his new situation that could be a substitute for it, he gradually lost, in a measure, the serious impressions of his earlier years, and, until he had reached his eighteenth

[ p. 297 ]

year, was absorbed in the vanities and gaieties of life. He had, during this period, learned the trade of a boot, shoe, and leather manufacturer.

In the year 1780, he joined the American army, and was at West Point, at the time of the detection of Arnold's Treason. On leaving the army, he returned to South Hadley, where he had before resided. The state of religion there at that time was deplorably low, and almost every species of wickedness seemed to be in the ascendant. The impressions which parental faithfulness had early made upon him, now revived, and he was shocked at the part which he found himself acting, in connection with his wicked companions. He suddenly withdrew from their society, and gave much of his time to serious meditation and prayer. It was not, however, until after a protracted course of inward conflict, that he was brought, as he believed, to response in the gracious economy of the Gospel. He united with the church in South Hadley in the autumn of 1781.

Shortly after this, he went to a town about twenty miles distant, with a view to set up a business to which he had served an apprenticeship; and there he was met with a cordial welcome by a number of pious people, who very readily co-operated with him in establishing prayer meetings on week-day evenings. A clergyman whom he met about this time, and whom he had heard preach, suggested to him the idea of commencing a course of study with reference to the ministry; and when he urged his poverty as an objection, the clergyman kindly offered to assist him, and expressed his confident conviction that he would succeed. He consulted some of his friends, especially his mother and his pastor, and they both looked upon the project with warm approbation. He then went to his father's minister, the Rev. Justus Forward of Belchertown, who had baptized him in infancy, and he not only cordially consurred with his other friends in their approbation of the measure, but actually offered to superintend his preparation for College, without any compensation. He thankfully availed himself of the generous offer; and while he was presenting his studies, was a main instrument of bringing about an extensive revival of religion in Mr. Forward's parish.

Having gone through his preparatory course, he entered Dartmouth College in 1786. He found but little of the spirit of religion there; but there were still a few, who sere alive to Christian obligation, with whom he was accostumed to take sweet counsel. He passed reputably through College, -- occasionally teaching a school for a few months, and graduated honourably in 1790.

Though much of his reading, for the ten preceeding years, had been upon theological subjects, it was his intention to devote one entire year, after his graduation, to the study of Theology, under some competent teacher; but on referring the case to the Association of ministers in the neighborhood of Hanover, they advised that he should enter at once the duties of the ministry, and actually gave him license to preach within about a month after

[ p. 298 ]

he was graduated. He commenced preaching at Haverhill, N. H., on the 1st of October, being then in his twenty-eighth year. After preaching there seven or eight months, he was ordained as the pastor of that church.

On the 4th of February, 1793, he was married to Bathsheba, daughter of the Rev. David Sanford of Medway, Mass. Another daughter of Mr. Sandford was married, at the same time, to another clergyman; the ceremony being performed in the meeting-house, and a sermon preached on the occasion by the Rev. Dr. Emmons, from the text -- "I will walk within my house with a perfect heart."

Mr. Smith remained at Haverhill, and in great harmony with his people, nine years; when he was immediately called to three different places, but he chose Hopkinton, N. H. , where he was settled in the winter of 1790, and had a ministry of eighteen years. Here again, his salary ultimately proved insufficient for the support of his family, and in the winter of 1818, he took the pastoral charge of the Presbyterian church in Hebron, N. Y. His expectations here not being realized, -- after remaining two or three years, he accepted a call from the Congregational church in Poultney, Vt., where he continued a little less than five years, and was honourably dismissed at his own request. After this, he became the pastor of the Congregational church in Hanover, Mass.; but he found many of the people there holding doctrines so different from his own, that he could have but little satisfaction in his ministry, and after a brief sojourn among them, he resigned his charge, and accepted an appointment as City Missionary in Boston. After this, he was never settled, but laboured incessantly in vacant congregations and in important agencies.

Mr. Smith had a robust constitution and vigorous health, as is sufficiently indicated by the fact that he never lost a Sabbath from bodily indisposition, till he had been preaching nearly thirty years; and only two or three during his whole ministry. He continued to preach until within two weeks of his death. Soon after he reached the age of eighty, his sight, from being overtasked, became very dim, and he was no longer able to read, though he never became totally blind. So familiar was he with the Bible and Watts, that it was his uniform custom to open the book in the pulpit, and give out the chapter and hymn, and seem to read them; and he very rarely made a mistake, to awaken a suspicion that he was repeating from memory. He died after an illness of a few days, at the residence of his son-in-law, the Rev. William H. Sanford of Boylston, Mass., on the 29th of August, 1849, in the eighty-seventh year of his age. His last days and hours were full of peace and joy, and he passed away from all earthly scenes in a manner well becoming "an old disciple." His funeral sermon was preached by the Rev. Dr. Nelson of Leicester.

Mrs. Smith died suddenly at Pompey, New York, on the 5th of April, 1835, at the age of sixty-four. They had ten children, -- four sons and six daughters. Three of the sons received a collegiate education -- two entered the ministry, and one the medical profession.

The following is a list of Mr. Smith's publications: -- A Farewell Sermon at Haverhill, N. H., 1799. A Sermon preached at Hopkinton, N. H., the Sabbath succeeding his installation, 1800. Two Sermons on Jeremiah VII, 8, preached on an exchange in Washington, N. H., 1805. A Thanksgiving

[ p. 299 ]

Sermon at Newburyport, 1809. A Sermon preached to a Ladies' Cent. Institution, Hopkinton, 1814. A Sermon preached at Dunbarton, at the funeral of the wife of the Rev. Dr. Harris, 1815. Two Sermons preached at Hopkinton on Matt. XXVIII, 18-20, 1816. A Sermon at the ordination of the Rev. Stephen Martindale at Tinmouth, Vermont, 1819. A Lecture on Infant Baptism, 1824. A Sermon at the ordination of the Rev. Harvey Smith, at Weybridge, Vermont, 1825.

Besides these single sermons, Mr. Smith published the following larger works: -- A Dissertation on the Prophecies, 1809. A Key to the Figurative language of the Prophecies, 1814. A View of the Trinity, designed as an answer to Noah Webster's Bible News, 1821. A View of the Hebrews, designed to prove among other things that the Aborigines of America are descended from the ten tribes of Israel, 1825. Memoirs of Mrs. Abigail Bailey. Four Lectures on the subjects and mode of Baptism. A Key to the Revelation, 1833. Prophetic Catechism to lead to the study of the prophetic Scriptures, 1839.

FROM THE REV. ABRAHAM BURNHAM, D. D.

Pembroke, N. H., December 18, 1849.

Rev. and dear Sir: Had I forseen, forty years ago, that the Rev. Ethan Smith would die before me, and that I should be requested to furnish my recollections of him in aid of a sketch of his character, I might have been able, even at this late period, to contribute something that would be of use to you. But when you remember how evanescent our impressions generally are, where there is nothing special to give them permanence; and when I tell you that I never had but nine years' ministerial intercourse with Mr. Smith, and that that brief period terminated more than thirty years ago, you will not expect from me much that can avail to your purpose. I will, however, cheerfully do what I can in compliance with your wishes.

When Mr. Smith was installed at Hopkinton, in the early part of the year 1800, I was a spectator of the solemnity. From that time I occasionally saw him, and heard him preach at Dunbarton, my native place, a town adjoining Hopkinton; though not very frequently, as I was absent from home, either a student at College, or engaged in teaching. But from the time of my own ordination in this place, (March, 1808,) I had the privilege of uninterrupted fraternal intercourse with him, until he resigned his charge, and left the State about the close of the year 1817. I can truly say that my recollections of him are exceedingly pleasant; and I have no doubt that all the ministers in this region with whom he was associated, would unite with me in the opinion that his name is very worthy of being enrolled with the great and good who have gone before us.

The personal appearance of Mr. Smith was decidedly prepossessing. He was of full middling stature, thick set, and erect in posture, quick in all his motions, and yet graceful in all, of a light, fair complexion, bright, sparkling eyes, and a pleasant countenance that always told of good feelings, peace, and hope within.

In his dispositions he was humane, benevolent, affectionate, -- a true friend of his race. He possessed natural and acquired abilities, which, under the control of a santified heart, qualified him for extensive usefulness. With warm and generous sympathies, with highly cultivated social feelings and much improved

[ p. 300 ]

conversational powers, he was a very agreeable companion, and always contributed to the happiness of every circle into which he happened to be thrown

As a minister of the Gospel, he certainly occupied an elevated position among his brethren. Like Timothy, he had known the Scriptures from his childhood. Few, if any, ministers of his time, had a more familiar acquaintance than he, especially with the common version of the Bible. He was a Bible man, and a Bible preacher. He was well read in Theology and Ecclesiastical History. He delighted much in what he regarded the peculiar doctrines of the Gospel, and was at once apt in illustrating them, and able in defending them. He was a ready extemporaneous speaker, and often uttered himself the most felicitously without much premeditation; but his composition was perhaps a little verbose, and his utterance rather unduly rapid. He was a warm friend of what he accounted pure revivals of religion; though he was careful to distinguish the precious from the vile, in thw whole matter of religious experience. The office work of the Holy Spirit formed a frequent and important topic of his public discourses, and he discussed it skilfully, experimentally, solemnly. As a pastor, he was ever watchful, sympathetic, affectionate, and withal successful. As a writer, he was judicious and useful, rather than polished and ornate. His printed words indicate extensive reading, laborious research, and patient reflection.

Mr. Smith was a warm friend to the various benevolent objects of the day, and a liberal patron also, so far as his limited means would admit. He had a leading part among a few clergymen in establishing the New Hampshire Missionary Society, in 1801, and served as its Secretary for sixteen successive years, -- that is, till he left the State, in 1817.

In fine, Mr. Smith sustained all his relations with dignity and usefulness. Endowed with a vigorous constitution, possessing a sound mind in a healthful body, affable and courteous in his demeanour, and steadily devoted to the best interests of his fellow men, his good influence was extensively felt while he was living, and now that he is dead, I cannot doubt that it survives and operates through innumerable channels.

Your brother in the Gospel of Jesus Christ,
ABRAHAM BURNHAM.

[[editor's note: Daphne Bartholomew, in a letter of Aug. 20, 1982, says that, according to a History of Poultney, published in 1875, Ethan Smith was dismissed from his Poultney ministry because of a misunderstanding with one of the deacons of the church.]]

GENEALOGICAL MATERIALS

Family of the Rev. Ethan Smith


Father: SMITH, Elijah (Deacon) (AFN: FM7N-VP) 

Mother: WORTHINGTON, Sibbil (Sibyl) (AFN: FM7P-J4) 


SMITH, Ethan (Rev.) (AFN: PRKJ-TK)
born: Dec 19, 1762, Belcherton or Hadley, Hampshire, MA 
married: Feb 4, 1793, Haverhill, Grafton, NH
              SANFORD, Bathsheba (AFN: PRKJ-VQ) 
              born: 14 Feb 1770
              died: 5 Apr 1835
graduation: 1790, Dartmouth College
died: Aug 29, 1849, Boylston, Worcester, MA


children:

  01. SMITH, Myron
  born: Jan 10, 1794, Haverhill, Grafton, NH
  died: Apr 26, 1818, Hebron, Washington, NY


  02. SMITH, Lyndon Arnold
  born: Nov 11, 1795, Haverhill, Grafton, NH
  graduation: 1817, Dartmouth College
  married: Nov 20, 1823 
                GRIFFIN, Frances L.
  died: Dec 15, 1865 , , NJ


  03. SMITH, Stephen Sanford
  born: Apr 14, 1797, Haverhill, Grafton, NH
  married: Jun 22, 1823 
                BISHOP, Lucretia
  died: Oct 28, 1871 [1873?], Worcester, Worcester, MA


  04. SMITH, Laura
  born: Jun 14, 1799, Haverhill, Grafton, NH   
  died: Oct 5, 1800, Hopkinton, Merrimack, NH


  05. SMITH, Carlos Smith
  born: Jul 17, 1801, Hopkinton, Merrimack, NH
  married: Feb. 20, 1827
                SAXTON, Susan
  graduation: c. 1834 (Divinity School)
  died: Apr 24, 1877, Akron, Summit, OH

  children:

    SMITH, Ethan Sanford
    born: Sep 10, 1839, Painesville, Lake, OH
    married: c. 1860, , OH?
                  ADAMS, Eva
    died: after 1888, , OH?


  06. SMITH, Grace Fletcher 
  born: May 23, 1803, Hopkinton, Merrimack, NH
  died: Jun 18, 1840, Haverhill, Grafton, NH   


  07. SMITH, Sarah Towne
  born: Aug 5, 1807, Hopkinton, Merrimack, NH
  died: Nov 22, 1879, NYC, New York, NY


  08. SMITH, Harriet
  born: Sep 12, 1807, Hopkinton, Merrimack, NH
  died: May 7, 1899, Worcester, Worcester, MA


  09. SMITH, Margaret Baker
  born: Sep 12, 1807, Hopkinton, Merrimack, NH
  died: May 7, 1899, Worcester, Worcester, MA


  10. SMITH, Ellen Chase
  born: Dec 3, 1812, Hopkinton, Merrimack, NH
  died: Jun 23, 1846, Syracuse, Onondaga, NY

BOOK REVIEWS, Etc.

CHRISTIAN REPOSITORY

Vol. 4. Utica, New York May 1825.

[p. 143]

R E V I E W.
View of the Hebrews; by Ethan Smith, Pastor of a church in Poultney, Vermont.
Poultney: Smith & Shute. 12 mo. pp, 183.

Every thing relating to the Hebrews demands the attention of the Christian world. The signs of the times, as well as the predictions of the prophets, seem to indicate their speedy restoration. Those branches which have so long been broken off for their unbelief, are about to be grafted into their own olive tree again. The Jews, in all their dispersions, have been preserved a distinct people, that some great and important purpose might be answered by them in the providence of God in these latter days. And what that purpose is, the apostle hints, in the 11th chapter to the Romans. "Now if the fall of them be the riches of the world, and the diminishing of them the riches of the Gentiles, how much more their fulbess? For if the casting away of them be the reconciling of the world, what shall the receiving of them be, but life from the dead?" The Jewish nation were long the only visible people of God. They were as a people cut off from being such, that the door of hope might be opened to the Gentiles. And their recovery is to be the grand means of introducing the latter day glory of the church. It has been a question on which the opinions of christians have been somewhat divided, whether they are to be converted, and united with the churches of believing Gentiles, in the places where they reside, or whether they are to return in a body to the land of their fathers. But it would seem, that a careful comparison of the language in which their dispersion was predicted, must remove every doubt. Events are, indeed, the best interpreters of prophecy. But when it is seen, by the events which have already transpired respecting that nation, how literally the prophecies relative to their past history have been fulfilled, no doubt can remain, that the prophecies which relate to their restoration, not only indicate their conversion to God, but their literal return to the land of their fathers, and their actual possession of it, according to the grant made to Abraham, to the end of the world.

The work before us is divided into four chapters. The first contains a brief account of the destruction of Jerusalen by the Romans, compared with the predictions of that event by our Lord in the 24th chapter of Matthew and the corresponding chapters in the other gospels. This the writer considers not only as deeply interesting on its own account, but far more so when viewed as a type of a final destruction of Antichrist in the last

[ p. 144 ]

days, We believe it is not uncommon in the scriptures for the same prophecy to have respect to two events, one as the type, and the other as the anti-type. And this accounts for their being some things said, in such cases, which are more strictly applicable to the one, and some to the other. As instances of this, may be mentioned the prophecy in the Psalms of the peaceful reign of Solomon, having an ultimate reference to the reign of the Messiah, the description of the character and conduct of Antiochus by the prophet Daniel, having an ultimate reference to the Antichrist of the last days, and the prophecy of the destruction of the city and tyemple found in the 24th chapter of Matthew, having an ultimate reference to the destruction of the enemies of the church immediately before the Millennium. The declaration, that all these things should come to pass during that generation, has been thought to limit the whole to the former event. But there are several things said, which seem scarcely applicable, in their strict sense, to any thing which then took place. See verses 3, 14, 27-31. And the caution, in the 42nd verse and onward, seems to imply that all these things have an ultimate reference to some future time not so particularly marked. All these things were to be fulfilled, in the type, during that generation; but their ultimate and final accomplishment, in the antitype, would be at a future period, and at a time as unexpected as the coming of the flood in the days of Noah. But, on this subject let us hear Mr. Smith: --

"A line of prophecies is found in the sacred oracles, which relate to a signal temporal destruction of the most notorious enemies of the kingdom of Jesus Christ. Those were to have a twofold accomplishment; first upon the Jews; and secondly upon the great Antichrist of the last days, typified by the infidel Jews. Accordingly those prophecies in the Old Testament are ever found in close connexion with the Millennium. The predictions of our Savior, in Matt. 24. Mark 13, and Luke 21, are but a new edition of these sacred prophecies. This has been noted as "the destruction of the city and temple foretold." It is so indeed, and more. It is also a denunciation of the destruction of the great Antichrist of the last days. The certainty of this will appear in the following things, New Testament writers decide it. The Thessalonians, having heard what our Lord denounced, that all those things he had predicted should take place on that generation, were trembling with the apprehension, that the coming of Christ predicted would then very soon burst upon the world. Paul writes to them, 2 Thes. 2, and beseeches them by this coming of Christ, not to be shaken in mind, or troubled with such an apprehension; or that day, (that predicted coming of Christ, as it related to others beside the Jews,) was not to take place on that generation. It was not to come till the Antichristian apostacy come first; that man of sin was first to be revealed. This long apostacy was to be accomplished, before the noted coming of Christ in its more important sense be fulfilled. After the Roman government, which hindered the rise of the man of sin, should be taken out of the way, Paul says, "Then shall that wicked one be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and destroy with the brightness of his coming." Here then is the predicted coming of Christ, in its more interesting sense, in the battle of that great day, which introduces the Millennium. Here is a full decision that these noted denunciations of Christ alluded more especially (though not primarily) to a coming which is still future

"The same is decided by Christ himself, in Rev. 16. After the sixth vial, in the drying up of the Turkish Euphrates, three unclean spirits of devils, like frogs, go forth to the kings of the earth, and of all the world, to gather them to the great battle. The awful account is interrupted by this

[ p. 145 ]

notice from the mouth of Christ; verse 15, "Behold, I come as a thief. Blessed is he that watcheth and keepeth his garments; lest he walk naked, and they see his shame." This is as though our Lord should say; now the time is at hand, to which my predictions of coming as a thief, principally alluded. Now is the time when my people on earth shall need to watch, as I directed, when predicting my coming to destroy first the type of Antichrist, and secondly the antitype.

"The predictions in the prophets, which received an incipient fulfillment in the destruction of Jerusalem, were to receive a more interesting fulfillment in Christ's coming to destroy his antichristian foes. Hence it is, that the seventh vial is called (Rev. 16. 14,) "the battle of that great day of God Almighty;" clearly alluding to that great day noted through the prophets. And of the same event it is said, (Rev. 10. 7,) "the mystery of God shall be finished, as he hath declared to his servants, the prophets." Here again the allusion clearly is to the many predictions in the prophets of the destruction of the enemies of Christ's kingdom, which were to receive an incipient fulfillment in the destruction of Jerusalem, and a far more interesting one, in the sweeping from the earth the last antichristian powers, to introduce the millennial kingdom of Christ. We accordingly find those predictions through the prophets clearly alluding to the last days, and the introduction of the Millennium.

"Viewing the destruction of Jerusalem, then, as but a type of an event now pending upon antichristian nations, we peruse it with new interest; and it must be viewed in the light of a most impressive warning to this age of the world. The factions, madness, and self ruin of the former, give but a lively practice comment upon the various predictions of the latter. Three great and noted factions introduced the destruction of Jerusalem. And of the destruction of Antichrist, we read, (perhaps alluding to that very circumstance) Rev. 16. 19, "And the great city was divided into three parts." Then it follows, "and the cities of the nations fell; and great Babylon came in remembrance before God, to give unto her the cup of the wine of the fierceness of his wrath." In the desolation of Gog and his bands, faction draws the sword of extermination. "I will call for a sword against him throughout all my mountains, saith the Lord God; every man's sword shall be against his brother." Ezek. 38. 21.

"The great coalition against the Jews, in the time of Jehoshaphat, was destroyed by the sword of mutiny and faction. 2 Chron. 20. And in allusion to this very battle which God fought for his church, the vast coalition of Antichrist, in the last days, when the Jews are restored, is said to be gathered "to the valley of Jehoshaphat:" See Joel 3. The various circumstances of the destruction of Jerusalem afforded a lively comment on the many denunciations of the battle of that great day of God Almighty, which awaits the antichristian world; while it is fully evident, that they more especially allude to the tremendous scenes of judgement, which shall introduce the Millennium." pp. 42-45.

The second chapter is entitled. "The certain restoration of Judah and Israel." The object of the writer, in this chapter, is to show, that both the Jews and the Ten Tribes will be restored to the promised land. In proof of this, he mentions, 1. The preservation of the Jews, as a distinct people, which shows that God has great things in store for them as Jews. 2. That this people have never yet possessed all the land promised to them, nor any parts of it so long as promised. See Gen. 15. 18. and 17. 8, Ex. 23. 31, Deut. 11. 24. He refers, 3. to the predictions concerning the restoration of both Judah and Israel, in several of the prophets, particularly the following passages: Ezek. chapters 36, 37, 38, and 39; Isa. ch. 11, 16.12, 60, and 66; Amos, ch. 9; Jer. ch 23, and 30; Joel, ch 3; Zeph. ch. 9; Hos.

[ p. 146 ]

ch. 1, 2, and 3; and Deut. ch. 30. He then observes, 4. That, "to give a mystical import to all these prophecies, and say they will be fulfilled only in the conversion of the ancient people of God to Christianity, is to take a most unwarrantable liberty with the word of God;" and especially, as their conversion and return are spoken of, in some of them, as distinct things, both of which are promised. And he argues, 5. That, as the threatenings towards them, of being cast off and dispersed, have a literal fulfilment, it would appear that the promises of their return are to have a literal fulfilment also.

The third chapter is entitled, "The present state of Judah and Israel." The author makes a few observations on the present state of the Jews, and the efforts now making to christianize them, and then says, "My present object is rather to attend to the present state of the Ten Tribes of Isarel. This branch of the Hebrew family have long been "outcasts," out of sight; or unknown as Hebrews. The questions arise, are they in existence, as a distinct people? If so, Who, or where are they? These are queries of great moment, at this period, when the time of their restoration is drawing near." He then remarks, 1. That it has been already ascertained that the Ten Tribes are to be recovered and restored with the Jews. 2. From this it follows, that the Ten Tribes must now have, somewhere on earth, a distinct existence, in an outcasr state. 3. A passage is cited from the writer of the Apochyphal book of Esdras, which says of the Ten Tribes, that after they were carried away by Shalmanezer to Media, "They took this counsel among themselves, that they would leave the multitude of the heathen, and go forth into further country, where never man dwelt, that they might there keep their statutes which they never kept (that is, uniformly as they ought,) in their own land. There was a great way to go, namely of a year and a half;" and further describes them as journeying to the northeast. The author then proceeds as follows:

"4. Let several suppositions now be made. Suppose an extensive continent had lately been discovered, away north-east from Media, and at the distance of "a year and a half's journey;" a place probably destitute of inhabitants, since the flood, till the time of the "casting out" of Israel. Suppose a people to have been lately discovered in that sequestered region, appearing as we should rationally expect the nation of Israel to appear at this period, that the account given by the writer in Esdras been a fact. Suppose them to be found in tribes, with heads of tribes; but destitute of letters, and in a savage state. Suppose among different tribes, the following traditionary fragments are, by credible witnesses, picked up; some particulars among one region of them, and some among another; while all appear evidently to be of the same family. Suppose them to have escaped the polytheism of the pagan world: and to acknowledge one, and only one God, the Great Spirit, who created all things seen and unseen. Suppose the name retained by many of them for this Great Spirit, to be Ale, the old Hebrew name of God; and Yohewah, whereas the Hebrew name for Lord was Jehovah; also they call the Great First Cause, Yah, the Hebrew name being Jah. Suppose you find most of them professing great reverence for this great Yohewah; calling him "the great beneficent supreme holy Spirit," and the only object of worship. Suppose the most intelligent of them to be elated with the idea that this God has ever been the head of their community; that their fathers were once in covenant with him; and the rest of the world were "the accursed people," as out of covenant with God. Suppose you find them, on certain occasions, singing in religious dance, "Hallelujah," or praise to Jah; also singing Yohewah,

[ p. 147 ]

Shilu Yohewah,* and making use of many names and phrases evidently Hebrew. You find them counting their time as did ancient Israel, and in a manner different from all other nations, They keep a variety of religious feasts, which much resemble those kept in ancient Israel. You find an evening feast among them, in which a bone of the animal must not be broken; if the provision be more than one family can eat, a neighbour must be called in to help eat it, and if any of it be still left, it must be burned before the next rising sun. You find them eating bitter vegetables, to cleanse themselves from sin. You find they never eat the hollow of the thigh of any animal. They inform that their fathers practiced circumcision. Some of them have been in the habit of keeping a Jubilee. They have their places answering to the cities of refuge, in ancient Israel. In these no blood is ever shed by any avenger. You find them with their temples. (such as they be,) their holy of holies in their temple, into which it is death for a common person to enter. They have their high priests, who officiate in their temples, and make their yearly atonement there, in a singular pontifical dress, which they fancy to be in the likeness of one worn by their predecessors in ancient times, with their breast-plate, and various holy ornaments. The high priest, when addressing to his people what they call "the old divine speech," calls them "the beloved and holy people," and urges them to imitate their virtuous ancestors; and tells them of their "beloved land flowing with milk and honey." They tell you that Yohewah once chose their nation from all the rest of mankind, to be his peculiar. That a book which God gave, was once theirs; and then things went well with them. But other people got it from them, and then they fell under the displeasure of the Great Spirit; but that they shall at some time regain it. They inform you, some of their fathers once had a spirit to foretel future events, and to work miracles. Suppose they have their imitation of the ark of the covenant, where were deposited their most sacred things; into which it is the greatest crime for any common people to look. All their males must appear at the temple at three noted feasts in a year. They inform you of the ancient flood; of the preservation of one family in a vessel; of this man in the ark sending out first a great bird, and then a little one, to see if the waters were gone; that the great one returned no more; but the little one returned with a branch. They tell you of the confusion of languages once when people were building a great high place; and of the longevity of the ancients; that they "lived till their feet were worn out with walking, and their throats with eating."

"You find them with their traditional history that their ancient fathers once lived where people were dreadfully wicked, and that nine-tenths of their fathers took counsel and left that wicked place, being led by the Great Spirit into this country; that they came through a region where it was always winter, snow and frozen. That they came to a great water, and their way hither was thus obstructed, till God dried up that water; (probably it froze between the islands in Behring's Straits;) you find them keeping an annual feast, at the time their ears of corn become fit for use; and none of their corn is eaten, till a part of it is brought to this feast, and certain religious ceremonies performed. You find them keeping an annual feast, in which twelve men must cut twelve saplin poles, to make a booth. Here (on an altar made of twelve stones, on which no tool may pass) they must sacrifice. You find them with the custom of washing and anointing their dead. And when in deep affliction, laying their hand on their mouth, and their mouth in the dust.

[ p. 148 ]

"Suppose you should find things like these among such a people, without books or letters, but wholly in a savage state, in a region of the world lately discovered, away in the direction stated by the aforenoted writer in the Apocrypha; and having been ever secluded from the knowledge of the civilized world; would you hesitate to say you had found the Ten Tribes of Israel? and that God sent them to that sequestered region of the earth to keep them there a distinct people, during an "outcast" state of at least 2500 years? Would you not say, we have just such kind of evidence, as must at last bring that people to light among the nations? And would you not say, here is much more evidence of this kind, of their being the people of Israel, than could rationally have been expected, after the lapse of 2500 years in a savage state? Methinks I hear every person whisper his full assent, that upon the suppositions made, we have found the most essential pile of the prophet Ezekiel's valley of dry bones!

"5. These things are more than mere supposition. It is believed they are capable of being ascertained as facts, with substantial evidence. Good authorities from men, who have been eye and ear witnesses, assure us that these things are facts. But you inquire, where or who are the people thus described? They are the Aborigines of our own continent! Their place, their language, their traditions, amount to all that has been hinted. These evidences are not all found among any one tribe of Indians. Nor may all the Indians in any tribe, where various of these evidences are found, be able to exhibit them. It is enough, if what they call their beloved aged men, in one tribe, have clearly exhibited some of them; and others exhibited others of them; and if among their various tribes, the whole have been, by various of their beloved or wise men, exhibited. This, it is stated, has been the fact. Men have been gradually perceiving this evidence for more than half a century; and a new light has been, from time to time, shed on the subject, as will appear." pp. 76-81.

The writer states the following heads of argument:

"1. The American natives have one origin.

"2. Their language appears to have been Hebrew.

"3. They have their imitation of the ark of the covenant in ancient Israel.

"4. They have been in practice of circumcision.

"5. They have acknowledged one and only one God.

"6. Their variety of traditions, historical and religious, go to evince that they are the Ten Tribes of Israel.

"7. The celebrated William Penn gives account of the natives of Pennsylvania, which go to corroborate the same point.

"8. Their having a tribe answering in various respects, to the tribe of Levi, sheds farther light on this subject.

"9. Several prophetic traits of character given of the Hebrews, do accurately apply to the Aborigines of America.

"10. The Indians being in tribes, with their heads and names of tribes, affords further light upon this subject.

11. Their having an imitation of the ancient city of refuge, evinces the truth of our subject; and,

"12. Other Indian rites, and various other considerations, go to evince the fact that this people are the Ten Tribes of Israel." pp. 84, 85.

These heads of argument are illustrated and supported, by Mr. Smith. In a very interesting manner, by extracts from a variety of authors, travellers, traders, and others, some of whom had resided among the Indians for a long period, and become intimately acquainted with their customs and traditions. And he refers, for further particulars, to Mr. Boudinot's "Star in the West," in which he says it is ascertained that "Spaniards,

[ p. 149 ]

Portuguese, French, English, Jews, and Christians, men of learning, and the illiterate, and sea-faring men, all have united in the statement of facts, which go to indicate that these Indians are the descendants of Israel!" He then asks, with great force,

"What account can be given of all this, but that here are the very Ten Tribes? These tribes must be somewhere on earth. Where are they? How can they be known> Whence came our native Americans? What other acount can be given of their traditions, their language, Hebrew words and phrases, (the radical language of their tribes,) and the broken fragments of the ancient economy of Israel running through so many of them? It would be far wilder, and more difficu;t to account for these things on any other principle, than to say, we have evidence that is satisfactory, of having found, at last, the very valley of the dry bones of the house of Isawel. The facts stated of them, must, on every other principle, appear most unaccountable, not to say miraculous." pp. 127, 128.

The fourth chapter of this work is entitled, "An address of the prophet Isaiah, relative to the restoration of his people." It is a commentary on the 18th chapter of Isaiah, which the writer supposes is an address to the American nation, calling upon them, in a friendly manner, instead of denouncing a woe, as it is translated in the common bible, "Ho, land shadowed with wings," and exhorting them to go as swift messengers to assist with their ships in gathering the dispersed of Judah and the outcasts of Israel, and bringing them as a present to the Lord of hosts to Mount Zion; and connecting, as is usual in the prophets, the return of the Jews and the introduction of the Millennium. with the cutting down and treading under foot of the vine of the earth, and giving its branches for a prey to the fowls of the mountains and the beasts of the field.

On the whole, we think this little work well worthy the attention of the christian public, and we cardially recommend it to our readers. We do not profess to be entirely convinced that the American Aborigines are the Ten Tribes of Israel. We had regarded the idea as rather fanciful, and supposed that there were but few resemblances between them and the Hebrews, and that these were to be accounted for by their being rather of patriarchal than of Hebrew origin. But we have been surprised to find as many resemblances as this book exhibits, and feel utterly unable to account for them on any other supposition than that here are indeed the long lost Ten Tribes. We think, however, that it would be an improvement in a second edition, which we hope will be called for, if the evidence of that fact were summed up a little more distinctly, and if the Indian customs and traditions which are supposed to be of Hebrew origin were more distinctly compared with the similar customs and institutions of the Hebrews, and at the same time distinguished from those which were patriarchal. Such an improvement would be easy for Mr. Smith to make, and would exhibit the evidence in a clearer and more convincing light.

BIBLIOGRAPHY -- ARTICLES

Ethan Smith & View of the Hebrews

BIBLIOGRAPHY:

"REVIEW: View of the Hebrews"
Christian Repository Vol. 4 Utica, NY, May 1825.

(Palmyra NY Postmaster), "Letters Waiting...,"
Wayne Sentinel January 5, 1827

Zadock Thompson, "Poultney"
History of Vermont 1842, p. 143.

William Sprague, "Ethan Smith,"
Annals of the American Pulpit II 1857

George T. Chapman, "Ethan Smith,"
Sketches of the Alumni of Dartmouth 1867

Clark Braden, "Braden's Fifth Speech,"
Public Discuission... 1884, p. 52

Ethan S. Smith, "The Book of Mormon,"
Cleveland Plain Dealer April 24, 1887

James G. Wilson, ed., "Ethan Smith,"
Appleton's Cyclopedia of American Biography 1888

Joseph Sabin, "View of the Hebrews,"
Dictionary of Books Relating to America pp. 176-178

George Reynolds, "View of the Hebrews,"
Juvenile Instructor Oct. 1, 1902

I. Woodbridge Riley, "The Sources,"
The Founder of Mormonism 1903, pp. 107-138

Rudolph Etzenhouser, "A Star in the West,"
Saints' Herald August 19, 1903

Brigham H. Roberts, "Chapter XXXIV,"
YMMIA Manual 1904, p. 327.

Brigham H. Roberts,
New Witnesses for God III 1909

Clark Braden, "Plagiarism in Mormonism,"
Robert B. Neal's Sword of Laban Leaflet 5 c. 1909

Charles A. Shook, "Mormon Objections Answered,"
The True Origin of the Book of Mormon. 1914, p, 183

Brigham H. Roberts, "Book Mormon Difficulties,"
unpublished (during his lifetime) report c. Sept. 1921

Fawn M. Brodie, "Red Sons of Israel,"
No man Knows My History 1945, pp. 34-49

Hugh W. Nibley,
No Ma'am That's Not History 1946

Francis W. Kirkham, "New Approaches to B. of M. Study,"
A New Witness For Christ... II 1951 & 1959 pp. 391-420

Hugh W. Nibley, "New Approaches to B. of M. Study,"
Improvement Era March 1954

Mervin E. Hogan, "A Parallel,"
Rocky Mountain Mason No. 4 Jan. 1956, pp. 17-18

Marvin S. Hill, "Historigraphy of Mormonism,"
Church History, Dec. 1959

Ariel L. Crowley, "Analysis of... 'View of the Hebrews,'"
n. d.

Ariel L. Crowley, "A Comparison with the Book of Mormon,"
About the Book of Mormon 1961

Wesley M. Jones, "Notes on 'View of the Hebrews,'"
A Critical Stidy of B. of M. Sources 1964, pp. 27-42

Paul R. Cheesman, "View of the Hebrews..."
unpublished paper 1963 excerpt

S. J. Palmer & W. L. Knecht, "View of the Hebrews"
Brigham Young University Studies No. 5? 1964, pp. 105-113

Robert N. Hullinger, "Lost Tribes of Israel & BoM,"
LQ (1970)

William Riley, "A Comparison... View of the Hebrews...,"
Master's thesis, Brigham Young University, May 1971.

Bruce D. Blumell, "I Have a Question,"
The Ensign September 1976, pp. 84-87

James D. Wardle, "Parallels Between 'View of the Hebrews...'"
unpublished report dated 1978

Truman G. Madsen, "B. H. Roberts and the B. of M."
Brigham Young University Studies No. 19 1979 pp. 427-45.

Robert N. Hullinger, "Lost: The Indians' Book of God"
Mormon Answer to Skepticism 1980 pp. 48-61

George D. Smith, Jr., "Book Of Mormon Difficulties"
Sunstone Review vol. 6 May 1981

B. H. Roberts, "A Book of Mormon Study" & "A Parallel,"
Studies of the Book of Mormon, 1985

David Persuitte,
Joseph Smith and Origins of V. of M. 1985, 2000

Dan Vogel,
Indian Origins and the B. of M.... 1986

Robert N. Hullinger,
Joseph Smith's Response to Skepticism 1992

Paul R. Cheesman,
"View of the Hebrews..."
unpublished paper, 1963
copy in: Dale Broadhurst Papers
University of Utah Marriott Library:
Accession 913: Bx 16

Excerpt: List of Parallels Found in Both
View of the Hebrews, and the Book of Mormon

001 Need for the Book of Mormon
002 The Geographical location
003 Author
004 Date
005 Subject matter
006 Destruction of Jerusalem
007 Ezekiel's two sticks of scripture
008 Restoration of Israel
009 The gathering
010 The stem from the root of Jesse
011 A second gathering
012 A miraculous highway to be made
013 Jewish nation to be restored
014 Till the fullness of the Gentiles Comes in
015 To be grafted in, in latter-days
016 And it came to pass
017 The grafted olive tree
018 The resurrection
019 God's ensign for assembling Israel
020 Vast expanse wilderness needed to hide lost tribes
021 Important land across waters
022 One faction went to land great distance across water
023 Belief in one Spirit God
024 Circumcision
025 Is Book of Mormon lost book Indians expected
026 Confounding languages at Babel
027 Great body of water obstructed migration
028 Emigration from Jerusalem around 600 BC
029 Vast population to cover continent; sea to sea
030 American tribes have a common origin
031 Indians' dark skin due to degeneracy
032 More than one people settled America
033 Devil is leader of evil forces
034 Indians believed they were God's chosen people
035 Repeatedly mention high priests
036 They carried with them something sacred
037 Belief in future existence, rewards and punishments
038 The wicked are to burn in hell
039 Belief in heaven and hell
040 God loved the poor better than the rich
041 Polygamy is discredited
042 Jesus Christ declared savior of world
043 Indians are descendants of Abraham
044 some Indians had other gods
045 Worship of the Creator
046 God blesses faithful and rewards them openly
047 Both had altars early
048 Various tribes associated with a variety of animals
049 Cities and places of refuge
050 The Indians account of how they got here
051 The deluge of Noah's time
052 The Twelve Tribes of Israel
053 Tragedy of Abel and Cain
054 Anointing of authorities
055 They built temples
056 The Urim and Thummim and breastplates
057 They measured time by the moon
058 The unknown god
059 Immunity to love of the world and riches
060 Restoration of Lamanites to civilized state
061 They had kings
062 philosophical Syllogisms
063 Two ways to travel
064 Evil, wickedness and war came from the devil
065 Black slavery questioned
066 The origin of man
067 Feasts of harvest and celebration
068 The early American inhabitants originated from one stock
069 Inspired Prophets
070 The beloved people
071 How the natives came here, and from whence
072 Great earthquakes in America
073 The immortal soul
074 The world to be burned with fire
075 God visited afflictions for evil deeds
076 Degeneracy, wickedness and idolatry due to disobedience
077 Faith and confidence in God makes superior warriors
078 Fasts observed
079 Book of Mormon answers Ethan's questions
080 Evidence of a prehistoric civilization
081 Two factions of Indians, good and bad
082 Hunters, beasts and game
083 Tremendous wars between the factions
084 One faction became extinct due to wars
085 Bad faction had some virtues
086 Fruits and benefits from a communal society
087 Manufactured articles
088 Migration from north to south
089 Many cities
090 Egyptian hieroglyphics
091 Gospel preached in America long ago
092 Walled towns
093 watch towers
094 forts
095 Arts and sciences
096 Significant high places
097 Pavements and cement
098 Vast pre-Columbian population
099 Visit by a Christ-like personage
100 Indians believed in revelation
101 Famines in the land
102 Disappearance of religious leaders
103 Teachings of ancient prophets for the Indians
104 Indians were white originally
105 Indians expected a restoration
106 Three-in-one-God
107 Indians came to America across the Pacific
108 Indian Hill vs Hill Cumorah
109 Seed of the blessed of the Lord
110 Quoted from Isaiah
111 The last days
112 Ultimate goal: Zion
113 Preach to the isles of the sea
114 Sending missionaries to Indians
115 American history foreshadowed
116 Isthmus of Panama and the narrow neck of land
117 Fullness of the Gentiles foretold
118 America the promised land
119 A remnant only of the lost tribes to return
120 Wilderness spiritually and literally dark
121 A vast amount of dry bones

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