The Probability of the Second Coming of Christ About A.D. 1843

PREFACE

The writer would here acknowledge himself indebted to Mr. William Miller’s valuable Lectures, for the leading ideas of the following pages. Although the views of Mr. M. may not be correct on every point, yet, so far as his calculation of time is concerned, the writer can but consider his plan irrefutable. The above-named lectures are worthy the attentive perusal of all lovers of the sacred Scriptures. The writings of Bishop Newton, and of Faber on the Prophecies, have furnished some most valuable information. Also, Smiths Key to Revelations has been read with deep interest, and has afforded many new ideas of the meaning of that deeply interesting book. The historical authorities who have been principally consulted, are Rollin’s Ancient History, Gibbon’s Decline and Fall, Sabine’s Ecclesiastical History, Mosheim’s Ecclesiastical History, and Milner’s do., Life of Napoleon, by an American Citizen, Mignet’s French Revolution, Hawkins’ Ottoman Empire, etc. Several valuable Commentaries have also been consulted on the subjects here discussed. In the interpretation of figurative language, the most approved authors have been consulted, and generally followed. But in some instances the writer has found reasons for dissenting from the views of all authors with whom he has met. PSC 3.1

The motive which has called forth this work may be asked. The reply is, the principal reason of its publication is, the scarceness of Mr. Miller’s book, together with the importance of the subject. This work, however, is not designed to supercede any existing work on the Prophecies. The writer flatter himself, that he has presented some new views on the subject, and arranged and illustrated former views and facts, so as to render them more clear and striking; however, on that point a candid public must judge. PSC 4.1

All pretensions to a spirit of prophecy, or to infallibility in the interpretation of prophecy, are utterly disclaimed. It has often been asked,-If the event does not come out as you believe, what will you then think? will it not destroy your confidence in the Bible? To this it is replied, Not at all; the writer has, in the course of his research on this subject, seen so much which has been literally fulfilled as predicted, that although all he has written on this subject should prove to have been founded in ignorance, he cannot doubt but the prophecies have a meaning, and that they were written by the unerring Spirit of the Holy One, and will, in due time, be fulfilled. But, at the same time, he must be permitted to express his firm conviction, that these calculations are founded in truth, and will stand the ordeal they must very soon pass-the unerring test of time. In conclusion, a candid examination of the subject is requested of the reader, before judgment is rendered; he is then at perfect liberty to receive or reject, as the strength of the evidence will dictate. For the purity of his motive in presenting to the public the following, the writer must appeal to that day, of which he writes. He believes that those, even, who do not accord with the peculiar views herein maintained, will find themselves amply compensated, for their pains, in giving the book an attentive perusal. PSC 5.1

To God, and the word of his grace, the author would now commend himself, his work, and all who may read; praying that the spirit of wisdom and of a sound mind may be granted us, to lead us into all truth. The exhortation of the king of Judah (2 Chronicles 20:20) may perhaps be appropriate on this occasion. “Hear me, O Judah, and ye inhabitants of Jerusalem; believe the Lord your God, so shall ye be established believe his prophets, so shall ye prosper.” PSC 6.1

J. L.
May 30, 1838.