Another matter in relation to the origin of the Book of Mormon needs further explanation. In 1823, seven years before the Book of Mormon came forth, an unhallowed book was published, named "View of the Hebrews," or "The Tribes of Israel in America," by a man named Ethan Smith. A second edition appeared in 1825. And that Joseph Smith was certainly acquainted with Ethan's writings, is conclusively proven by his statement in the Mormon publication, Times and Seasons, of June 15, July 15, and August 15, of 1842. While Joseph Smith was editor of that paper he published extracts from Ethan Smith, and others, urging the people to read them, because they appeared to "corroborate," the Book of Mormon story. Because Ethan's book appeared seven years before the Book of Mormon, it would be more correct to say that the Book of Mormon corroborated Ethan's work.

In the very front of the "View of the Hebrews," are comments and recommendations by various book reviewers of that day. One follows:

"The subject is large enough to engage a more extended discussion; but perhaps Mr. Smith (Ethan) has said all that need be said at present (1825). Undoubtedly further inquiries will be made and more satisfactory results obtained ere long." View of the Hebrews, p. 1, from the Boston Recorder.

That was exactly what the author of the Book of Mormon intended to do—and did do. There is an outline in the "View of the Hebrews," that foretold the Book of Mormon, what its subject and contents would be. And the Book of Mormon very closely held to that outline and covered the same subjects outlined in the "View of the Hebrews."

There are over fifty parallels in the View of the Hebrews," that are also found in the Book of Mormon. If it were not for the fact that the unhallowed book appeared seven years before the "divine," Book of Mormon, they would not be worth mentioning. However, under the circumstances these parallels are very significant. May we review some of them with you?

[List of 50 parallels between View of the Hebrews and the Book of Mormon]

. . .

It is evident that years before Joseph Smith and his Book of Mormon, Ethan Smith, of himself and single handed, did as good, or nearly as well in relating the past history, and the anticipated future of the American Indians, as he believed it to be, as did Joseph Smith who claimed the assistance of God, angels, scribes, gold plates, Urim and Tummim and a seer stone, and also had the benefit and guidance of Ethan's publications on the subject to help and direct him.

Is there a Mormon now living who can contend that this account of how the record was to come forth, written by an ordinary person before the Book of Mormon, did come forth, is merely coincidental? Surely the publication of Ethan's book years prior to the Book of Mormon with all those pertinent parallels was tragic for the Mormons' story and claims. If I were a Mormon I would have to have something more substantial, material and reasonable like the gold plates to handle, examine and see for myself, before I could believe their story.