The Prophetic Faith of Our Fathers, vol. 4

II. Editor of “Palladium” Yields Post for Faith

But that was not all. The story of the Christian Herald is not only matched but surpassed by that of the Christian Palladium, edited by JOSEPH MARSH” ¹⁰ at Union Mills, New York. Himes, Fleming, Henry Grew, and Henry Dana Ward are found among its contributors, stressing the second advent and the signs of the last times. ¹¹ Miller himself contributes an article on the prophetic numbers, and the Millerite Signs of the Times is warmly praised. There is much discussion on premillennialism, and Fleming effectively reviews Simon Clough on postmillennialism. In July and August, Clough attacks Miller’s position on the 2300 years, makes them simply days, and connected with Antiochus Epiphanes. Then Deacon Grew reviews David Campbell. PFF4 702.2

The Palladium soon became a forum for spirited discussion, sometimes bristling with pointed answers to sharp exceptions taken to giving publicity to Miller’s positions. Litch’s book, Prophetic Expositions, is extensively noted. Fleming reports on the mammoth Newark Millerite camp meeting. Then Marsh comes out with a strong editorial on “The World’s End in 1843.” ¹² Litch, the Methodist, writes on the recovery of the Jews, and Fleming on the beauty of prophecy, with Miller contributing again on Matthew 24. Marsh takes a strong editorial stand for Miller’s positions, while Badger attacks them, and is in turn answered by Marsh. Meanwhile Southard answers Hatfield on Antiochus Epiphanes. PFF4 703.1

There is increasingly heavy discussion of the advent. Cole writes in favor of “1843,” and others against it. The tension can be actually felt, and the pages are electric. Sometimes the thunders roll and the lightnings flash. Editor Marsh’s stand creates a veritable furor. Fleming cites Ph. Homan of Britain, and his four arguments and evidences in favor of the climactic years 1843-184-I. ¹³ Peavey reviews Hervey and defends the Millerite exposition. The editor openly lists his own appointments to speak on the second advent. The darkening of the sun and moon in 1780, and the falling of the stars in 1833 are expressly expounded as signs, according to Matthew 24. ¹⁴ PFF4 703.2

” Inevitable charges of misusing the Palladium for propagating Millerism are leveled at Marsh. But he pleads “not guilty,” and devotes much space in subsequent editorials to answering these criticisms.” ¹⁵ There is a citation from Litch’s Philadelphia Alarm, quoting Edward King on the 1260 years as from 538 to 1798, and another from the Second Advent Witness, of New York City, edited by Henry Jones, on the cleansing of the sanctuary. Then the question of Marsh’s continuance as editor of the Palladium comes squarely to the forefront, and Marsh says editorially: PFF4 704.1

“If it [the Christian Palladium] continues an unfettered Herald of Truth we shall retain our standing as one of its editors! but if otherwise, our resignation may be expected.” ¹⁶ Marsh proceeds to give undeviating editorial endorsement to the Midnight Cry, of New York City, and the Last Warning, arid also to notice Glad Tidings of the Kingdom at Hand, edited by L. D. Fleming at Rochester, New York. Marsh again declares his confidence in the year “1843,” answers objections, examines Alexander Campbell’s positions, and expounds Daniel 2 and 7 along standard historical lines. The October 18, 1843, issue is the last number for which he is responsible as editor. On November 1 his name is removed from the editorial card. The pages record the resignation of: Marsh as tendered and accepted. Having been relieved of his position, Marsh now joins wholeheartedly with the Millerite forces, which are growing rapidly both in number and caliber of recruits. PFF4 704.2

Thus the growing pains of the new movement are felt, and the heartthrob of the human-interest personal side again comes out into the open through the columns of this paper. It bares the struggle and the crisis hour in the lives of thousands of earnest men, many of whom had been prominent in their own religious and social circles, but who made the break. The tempo of the Advent Movement is stepped up sharply. PFF4 704.3