The Second Advent Manual

PREFACE

It is not the design of this manual to enter into the details of the Second Avent doctrine, as held by Mr. Miller: these may be found in many of our publications, from the pen of Mr. Miller himself, and others. Nor is it intended to be, in any sense, a critical work. The writer makes no pretensions to the qualifications which are indispensable to prepare one’s self for exact, learned, biblical criticism; nor has he time. Those who may desire, and have leisure, to make the prophecies the subject of such attention, must necessarily explore a wider field than would be consistent only to give the outlines of it in a work of this kind. TSAM iii.1

Its design is to present the events of history on which the calculations of the time are based, with the texts and some of the arguments which justify the application of the prophecies to these events, and to meet the most important objections which are brought against this application of the prophecies and the calculations of which it is the basis. TSAM iii.2

Other periods and calculations form an interesting portion of Mr. Miller’s views, such as the Jubilees, the Typical Sabbath, etc.; but these are regarded rather as incidental and collateral, and would not of themselves be supposed to furnish conclusive evidence in support of any theory. The facts and arguments in support of those prophetic periods only which are deemed vital to the system, are contained in this work. TSAM iii.3

The materials for this purpose are here presented as the writer has been in the practice of using them, when exhibiting the doctrine as a lecturer; others can use them as their taste or judgment may suggest. TSAM iv.1

The difficulty of access, with many readers, to the original sources of the information contained in this little volume; the oft-repeated wish for such a compilation; the desire that as many as possible may become established in what the writer considers the particular truth of our time; and that all who will regard its calls, and yield to its claims, may be prepared for the scene which is to decide the destiny of men, and which is rapidly hastening upon the world,—are the motives for thus occupying the time which he is not permitted, on account of ill health, to occupy at present in lecturing. TSAM iv.2

Boston, May 1, 1843.