“Mormonism.” Communication from Joseph Smith, Jr. American R

“Mormonism.” Communication from Joseph Smith, Jr. American Revivalist and Rochester Observer (Rochester, New York) 7, no. 5 (2 February 1833).
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 net 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 leaving 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 Angel, translated 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 in Egypt, and that the land of America is a promised land unto them, and unto it, all the tribes of Israel will come, with as many of the gentiles as shall comply with the requisitions of the new covenant. But the tribe of Juda will return to old Jerusalem. The city of Zion, spoken of by David in the 102 psalm, will be built upon the land of America, and the ransomed of the Lord shall return and come to it, with songs of 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 Jerusalem, see Joel 2 32, Isaiah 26: 20, 21, Jer. 31: 11, Psalms, 50, 5, Ezekiel 34: 11, 12, 13. Those are the testimonies, that the Good Shephard 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 Jerusalem; 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 United States shall present such a scene of blood-shed, as has not a parallel 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 the 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 Missourie. Therefore, I declare unto you the warning which the Lord has commanded 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, that their eternal salvation. Therefore, fear, God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment 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 shall 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.