The Prophetic Faith of Our Fathers, vol. 4

I. “Christian” Journals Become Proponents of Millerism

The Christian Herald and Journal, leading Eastern organ of the Christian Connection, was published in Exeter, New Hampshire, with PHILEMON R. RUSSELL as one of the editors. The Christian Palladium, a similar journal issued at Union Mills, New York, was edited by the vigorous Joseph Marsh. These two editors became deeply interested in premillennialism about the same time, and in its forceful advocacy by Miller and his early ministerial associates. And both papers became vital factors in bringing it favorably before large sections of the Christian Connection membership. PFF4 699.4

First, let us trace the Christian Herald. Beginning with the April 4. 1839, issue, there is increasing emphasis upon prophecy and the “last times.” The names of Timothy Cole, Lorenzo D. Fleming, David Millard, and Henry Plummer appear frequently in its columns. Harriet Livermore is one of its contributors, and there is occasional allusion to Joseph Wolff. Joshua V. Hiines writes for it periodically. There are discussions on the millennium and on immersion. And Wesley’s dramatic announcement on the day of judgment is reproduced—a rather startling piece of publicity for the time, almost sensational or theatrical in tone. PFF4 700.1

Then Miller’s lectures in Exeter, New Hampshire, in November, when he first met Himes, are noted, along with Timothy Cole’s commendation of Miller’s presentations.” ³ An entire issue—December 5, 1839—is given over to the “signs of the times,” touching on the drying up of the Turk under the sixth plague, and related matters. Next, beginning with the December 12 number, Associate Editor Russell begins a series of fifteen consecutive editorials on the second advent, based largely on Miller’s Lectures-expounding Daniel 2; then 7, with the Little Horn as the Papacy; next, the 1260 years from 538 to 1798; and then the 391 years of the Turkish woe trumpet, ending in 1840. (In the February 6, 1840, issue a new edition of Miller’s Lectures is advertised.) PFF4 700.2

Russell next sets forth the 2300 years as extending from 457 B.C. to A.D. 1843, or possibly 1847 ⁴ David Millard, editor in chief, also praises a series of Miller’s meetings in progress in his own Portsmouth church. And L. D. Fleming reports that the Portland revival in his Casco Street Christian Church, conducted by Miller some time before, is still bearing fruit. Daniel P. Pike writes on the end of the world, and Russell continues with his series, now on Daniel 11 and 12-dealing with the 1290 years as extending from 508 to 1798, with the 1335 years from 508 to 1843, repeating that the 1260 years reach from 538 to 1798, and the first resurrection is literal. Then by March 5 Russell presents the jubilee of jubilees, or the 2450 years, as from 607 B.C to A.D. 1843, and cites Miller’s calculation of the seven times, or 2520 years, from 677 B.C. to A.D. 1843. Coming to the signs of the times, he touches on the increase of knowledge, riches, peace and safety, scoffers, disasters, and the papal resurgence. And there are the prophecies of the first advent, with the 70 weeks given as 457 B.C. to A.D. 33. ⁵ PFF4 700.3

Russell next discusses the woe trumpets—the 150 years as from 1299 to 1449, and the 391 years from 1448 to 1839 (Miller’s earlier dates), or 1449 to 1840 (Litch’s later calculation). The last of the seven vials are poured out on the papal “beast,” with the sixth vial on the Euphratean Turk. The April 16, 1840, issue brings the Russell series of editorials on the advent to a close. With some reservations on details, he clearly sustains the fundamental positions of Miller. The effect of all this discussion was, of course, profound on the thinking of the ministry of the Christian Connection, and on the laymen of that church. PFF4 701.1

Different men now begin to send in their views to the Christian Herald concerning the advent and the prophecies. A series on the second advent appears from Congregationalist Henry Jones. ⁶ There is wholehearted announcement of the first Millerite General Conference in Boston, to be held in October (1840), listing the subjects and noting that George Storrs has withdrawn from the Methodist ministry. Then comes the remarkable Rockingham Christian Conference, at Newton, New Hampshire, with its resolutions on the second advent at hand, endorsing the principle of investigation, recommending the Millerite Signs of the Times, and supporting the recent Christian Herald emphasis on the second advent. In October the Maine Eastern Conference, at Newport, questions the doctrine of the return of the Jews, and a three-column report is given on the Boston First General Conference of the Millerites. ⁷ PFF4 701.2

On December 3, Russell’s editorial is on the manner of Christ’s coming—personally, bodily, visibly, in the clouds, with His angels, at the last trump. There is an extended and commendatory announcement of the published Report of this First General Conference of the Millerites, at Boston. But while chief editor Mi Hard praises the conference Report, he criticizes Litch’s position on the Trinity—for the Christians were anti-Trinitarians. ⁸ Miller’s life and views are again publicized favorably, with many lesser items of a similar nature. We are thus brought up to June, 1840. Small wonder, then, that there was a strong influx of Christian preachers and laymen into the ranks of adherents of the premillennial principles and positions of the Millerites. Such an unprecedented supporting attitude gave real impetus to this emerging movement. And, very naturally, Russell himself soon joined the Millerite movement.’ ⁹ PFF4 702.1