The Nestorians, or, The lost tribes : containing evidence of their identity, an account of their manners, customs, and ceremonies, together with sketches of travels in ancient Assyria, Armenia, Media, and Mesopotamia, illustration of Scripture prophecy an

The book contains evidence of the identity of the Nestorians, an account of their manners, customes and ceremonies, together with sketches of travel in ancient Assyria, Armenia, Media, and Mesopotamia, illustration of Scripture prophecy, and appendices. Asahel Grant's The Nestorians or the Lost Tribes (1841) PREFACE CONTENTS PART I I. Nestoriau Mission—Importance of a Physician—Embarkation— Smyrna— Constantinople—Black Sea—Trebizonde—Tabreez— Ooroomiah—Character of the Nestorians—Notice of the Mission — Description of the Country — Independent Nestorians — Koords II. Practicability of visiting the Mountain Nestorians—Journey to Constantinople— Storm in the Mountains—Journey to Mesopotamia, Diarbekir, and Mardin—Providential Escape III. Departure from Mardin—Plain of Mesopotamia—Mdsul—Ruins of Nineveh—Yezidees, or Worshippers of the Devil IV. Battle-ground of Alexander—Akra and its Scenery—Reception by a Koordish Chief—Journey to Amadieh V. Arrival at Duree—Intercourse with the Nestorian Bishop—View from the Mountains—Arrival among the Independent Tribes— Remarkable Incident—Kind Reception VI. Nestorians—Churches—Worship—Sabbath — A Tale—Preservation of the Scriptures—Strife with the Koords—Pastoral Life— Resources—Character—Females VII. Mountain Bridges—Defiles—Medical Practice—Roads—Arrival at the Patriarch's—Kind Reception—Character of the Patriarch— Social Intercourse—Ruined Castle—Female Fidelity—Church Government—Patriarch's Family VIII. Departure from the Patriarch's—Journey through the Mountains— Visit to a Koordish Chief—Scenes in the Castle—Arrival at Ooroomiah— Patriarch's Letter—Return to the Mountains— Visit to Julamerk IX. Hospitality of the People—Return by way of Van—Night in the Valley—Visit to Koordish Villages — Pastoral Life — Death of Shultz—Van—Interview with the Hakary Chief—Change of his Relations—Incident among the Koords PART II X. The Revolt of the Ten Tribes—Their Idolatry—Captivity—Are lost sight of in History—Not yet found—Their separate Existence highly probable—Difficulties of the Subject—Its interesting Nature, and great Importance XI. Tradition of the Nestorian Christians that they are Descendants of Israel—That they came from Palestine—Supported by the Testimony of Jews and Mohammedans XII. The Places to which the Ten Tribes were deported: Assyria, Halah, Habor, Gozan, Hara, Media—Now occupied by the Nestorian Christians—But few Nominal Jews in these Places XIII. The Ten Tribes have not been removed from Assyria—Historical Proof—Various Circumstantial Evidence—Inference from the Prophetical Writings XIV. Their Language—The same as that spoken by the Jews in their Region—Evidence derived from it that they came from Palestine or Syria—That they are Descendants of Israel, and not of Judah XV. Names applied to the Nestorian Christians—Proof derived of their Hebrew Origin—Beni Israel—Nazareans— Syrians—Chaldeans —Nestorians not appropriate—Why used XVI. Observance of the Mosaic Ritual—Sacrifices—Vows—First-Fruits and Tithes—Keeping the Sabbath—Regard for the Sanctuary— Forbidden Food—Ceremonial Impurities—Separation of Women XVII. Physiognomy—Names—Tribes—Government—Avenger of Blood —Cities of Refuge—Sentiments regarding the Jews—Various Proofs that they are a distinct People or an unmixed Race XVIII. Social and Domestic Customs—Forms of Salutation—Hospitality —Regard for the Poor—Entertainments—Dress—Ornaments— Espousals—Marriage—Children—Their Occupations—The same as those of the Ancient Israelites XIX. The Conversion of the Ten Tribes to Christianity XX. Scriptural Proof of their Conversion—Speech of Paul—Epistle of James XXI. Prophecies relating to the Conversion of the Ten Tribes, and their future Prospects PART III THE SEALED REMNANT OF ISRAEL THE TWO WITNESSES THE PROPHESYING OP THE WITNESSES THE CHURCH IN THE WILDERNESS THE KINGS OP THE EAST APPENDIX A. THE YEZIDEES B. HISTORY OF THE NESTORIAN MISSIONS C. JEWS OF MEDIA AND ASSYRIA

Grant gives an account of his interactions with the "Nestorians", arguing that they "are indeed the representatives and lineal descendants of the Ten Tribes." His vivid descriptions of their lives and traditions are a valuable resource on the "Nestorian" Christians in the early 1800s.