The Advent Herald, and Signs of the Times Reporter [Himes], vol. 8
September 4, 1844
Vol. VIII. No. 5. Boston, Whole No. 175
Joshua V. Himes
THE ADVENT HERALD,
AND SIGNS OF THE TIMES REPORTER.
BEHOLD! THE BRIDEGROOM COMETH!! GO YE OUT TO MEET HIM!!!
VOL. VIII. NO. 5. Boston, Wednesday, September 4, 1844. WHOLE NO. 175. HST September 4, 1844, page 33.1
THE ADVENT HERALD
IS PUBLISHED EVERY WEDNESDAY BY J. V. HIMES, AT NO. 14 DEVONSHIRE STREET, BOSTON. J. V. Himes, S. Bliss, & A. Hale, Editors.
Terms.—One Dollar per Volume, of 26 Numbers. Five Dollars for 6 Copies, Ten Dollars for 13 Copies. HST September 4, 1844, page 33.2
All communications for the Advent Herald, or orders for Books or remittances, should be directed to “J. V. Himes, Boston, Mass,” post paid. HST September 4, 1844, page 33.3
Post Masters are authorized by the Post Office Department to forward free of expense orders for, or to discontinue publications, and also money to pay for the same. HST September 4, 1844, page 33.4
Subscribers’ names with the State and Post Office should be distinctly given when money is forwarded. Where the Post Office is not given, we are liable to misdirect the paper, or credit to the wrong person, as there are often several of the same name, or several Post Offices in the same own. HST September 4, 1844, page 33.5
Dow & Jackson, Printers. HST September 4, 1844, page 33.6
When shall the Voice of Singing
“When shall the voice of singing
Flow joyfully along,
When hill and valley ringing
With one triumphant song—
Proclaim the contest ended,
And Him who once was slain,
Again to earth descended,
In righteousness to reign?”
HST September 4, 1844, page 33.7
When shall the new creation
Burst on our raptur’d sight,
And th’ holy prophet’s vision,
At day-star’s rising bright?
Oh, when shall we see Jesus,
And like him all be made?
He cometh quickly! Praises
To his precious name be paid!
HST September 4, 1844, page 33.8
There will be no more crying,
Nor sorrow in that day;
And pain, and woe, and dying
Will all have passed away;
For in “the restitution,“
All will be joyful then—
The blessed Jesus dwelling
With th’ sainted sons of men.
HST September 4, 1844, page 33.9
The fir and box together,
Will mingle beauty there!
And all the trees of Eden,
With fruits be blooming fair.
And in God’s holy nation,
They shall no more destroy;
But peace and full salvation,
Possess without alloy.
HST September 4, 1844, page 33.10
“Then from the lofty mountains
The sacred shout shall fly,
And shady vales and fountains
Shall echo the reply.
High tower and lowly dwelling,
Shall send the chorus round,
All hallelujahs swelling,
In one eternal sound!” C.
From the Midnight Cry.
HST September 4, 1844, page 33.11
To Charles P. M’Ilvaine
Bishop of the Church of Christ
Dear Brother:—I had the pleasure of receiving a letter from you last Spring, in which you informed me that you sympathized with me in my feelings upon the immediate advent of our Blessed Lord: that it is a doctrine very precious to you and your family; that you teach it nigh, even at the doors; and that (without committing yourself positively as to the year of the advent,) you see no reason why the Lord may not appear in a few months. Now my dear brother, having arrived at this tremendous crisis of this world’s history, you will allow that it becomes us to inquire, most diligently of God,—“What wilt thou have me to do?”—and this, without the least consultation of “flesh and blood.” HST September 4, 1844, page 33.12
My position is responsible enough—but permit me, with all due deference, to inquire—What is the responsibility of those whom God has placed officially at the head of his church?—whom he has appointed as watchmen upon the towers of Zion? Surely it is their duty not only to give warning of the time of night, but to see, too, that all those to whom they are officially related—over whom they have an ecclesiastical superintendency—are likewise awake—up, and doing. For my own part, I confess that I have continual sorrow, and heaviness of heart, over a church which appears, for the most part, to have fallen asleep in the arms of the world, while the Judge standeth before the door—and will surely, in a few days, rise and shut it forever! I appeal to your superior wisdom—What can be done? Cannot we do something to awaken the sleeping virgins, and induce them to rise and trim their lamps? We can—we can do great things; we can do all that God requires us to do—and this is enough. Let us be able to say with the apostle—“I have fought the good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness which the Lord, the righteous Judge, shall give me at that day, and not to me only, but unto all them that love his appearing.” Now, my dear sir, it is a well-known fact, that the immense majority of our branch of the professed church of Christ do not love his appearing; nay, more—they dislike the subject of his appearing, and denounce as fanatical and hateful, all who, loving this appearing, show by their conduct that they believe as we do—that now it may come any day. This is also the condition of the great majority of professors of all other denominations. What then would be their fate, were Christ immediately to appear? As certainly as there is a God in heaven who judgeth righteously and will not lie, I believe they would go down to hell! How fearful will be the doom of the unfaithful shepherd, who by direct opposition, by negligence, or fear of man—leading to silence—shall say, “My Lord delayeth his coming,” and refuse to give meet in due season! The destiny of such is often described in the Bible in fearful colors. “The Lord of that servant shall come in a day that he looketh not for him, and in an hour that he is not aware of, and shall cut him asunder, and appoint him his portion with the hypocrites; and there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” In reference also to his weeping, let them read the last verses of the 25th chapter of Jeremiah. In that chapter the Lord gives a brief outline of the judgments that shall be poured out upon the world, from the time of Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, down to the great battle of God Almighty, when the nations of this world shall be dashed in pieces, and the slain of the Lord cover the earth from one end of it to the other: then follows the weeping—the howling of the unfaithful servants—shepherds of the flock. HST September 4, 1844, page 33.13
That great day, you and I know, is just upon us; and what, I ask, are the great body of the watchmen doing? Ask them even of the time of the night, and they will laugh you to scorn. Attempt, farther, to awake them up, and the dear people who are looking to them for the bread of life, and they will turn and smite their fellow servants! O my God! to what times we have come! Were Christ upon the earth, I doubt not he would say unto them as he did to the Pharisees of old,—“Woe unto you, for ye shut up the kingdom of heaven against men: for ye neither go in yourselves, neither suffer ye them that are entering, to go in!” HST September 4, 1844, page 33.14
It is, I assure you, my dear sir, a cross for me thus boldly to speak my faith in the word of God, and of the awful state of things to which we have arrived. But, so it is. Christ foretold that when he should come again, he would find little faith on the earth—that iniquity would abound; in short, it would be as it was in the days of Noah and Lot. Were the great governing powers of the present dispensation, including the world and the great majority of the professed church who are seeking the honors of this world—were these progressing in holiness—just so long in the mind of God there would be no need of an immediate judgment. But, as they are—iniquity abounding to an awful extent, and the light of faith so low—that now is midnight—now, too, is the time for the cry,—“Lo, the Bridegroom cometh!” We are, then, my dear brother, according to our unwavering belief, immediately upon the breaking forth of the eternal judgment; the great body of the professing church unprepared for—hating the event; and, in the mean time, horrible to relate! the great body of watchmen refusing to give the warning—yea, beating those of their fellow-servants who dare to do this bidding of God! These are facts, which cannot, with truth, be denied What, then, shall we do? HST September 4, 1844, page 33.15
There are, doubtless, several reasons for this sad state of things on the part of the watchmen. 1st.—There is to be little faith on the earth when the Son of Man cometh. This want of faith, we know, dreadfully pervades the great body of the ministry. They believe some truths. But the great truth of this generation—Christ at the door—they believe as little, about as they know about it. True, it is all written so plain in the Scriptures, that they are without excuse; much more so than the ancient church was, in reference to the first advent; still, we know that they shut their eyes, lest they should see—close their ears, lest they should hear—be converted, and God should save them. The devil has blinded their eyes in this particular, and leads them captive at his will. He is determined that they shall not sound the cry; and I fear. he will secure a great victory in this one matter, unless more of God’s people who have the light, come out boldly to the help of the Lord against the mighty. It is not enough that we hold these views in private, and teach them softly, so that they will be heard but a little distance from us. Not so the devil.—He is a roaring lion, going to and fro through the earth, seeking whom he may devour. Let us then cry aloud, and spare not. Let us come out of our dignified retreats, from being clothed in fine linen, and faring sumptuously every day. Let us come down into the arena of common life—go forth amidst the common people—acquit ourselves like men—do the work of evangelists—bearing the heat and burthen of the day. It is, of course, a want of a living faith on the part of the ministry in reference to the immediate advent, which permits them to be silent. It cannot be that they know it in their hearts, as we do, and yet are able to smother that truth—the smothering of which they know will class them with the unfaithful servant, and soon assign them a place amidst weeping and gnashing of teeth. No—this cannot be. The time of little faith we know has arrived; darkness covers the earth, and gross darkness the minds of the people; it is midnight. HST September 4, 1844, page 33.16
A second reason may be found in the fact, that they do not, as a body, love his appearing; they are not sufficiently, effectually crucified to this world. They love the world; hence the love of the Father is not in them, as it should be. Enquire of them, and they will acknowledge that it is so. I do not mean that they will acknowledge publicly that it is so: they are too proud and too cunning so to do. Ask them if they love, with all their soul, the last words of their dear Lord,—“Surely I come quickly.” Ask them if they can respond to the sweet promise, and say,—“Even so—come, Lord Jesus, come quickly.” No. How cold and how cruel they are about the return of that dear one, who loved them even unto death, and who is now interceding night and day that they may love him as they ought. To such, the subject of the advent is disagreeable. They turn from it, and sleep on; so deceitful and desperately wicked is the human heart—who can know it? HST September 4, 1844, page 34.1
Another, and a binding reason will be found in the fear of man—in the consultation of flesh and blood, instead of the living God alone. “How can ye believe, that receive honor one of another?” said Jesus. They know that a faithful prosecution of this awful, yet glorious truth, will expose them to the loss of reputation, to the scoffs and persecutions of an ungodly church and an ungodly world. Then, too, a loss of worldly support will ensue, and they will be obliged to cast themselves upon the arm of the Lord, instead of resting longer upon the arm of flesh. But this they have not faith to do—believing that it they seek first the kingdom of God and its righteousness, all things will be added unto them. O that they might listen to the words of their Master—“If ye are ashamed of me and my words in this wicked and adulterous generation, I will be ashamed of you when I come in the glory of my Father with his holy angels.” “If ye deny me, I will deny you.” HST September 4, 1844, page 34.2
In conclusion, will you not permit me to ask you, if, after more mature deliberation, you will not deem it your duty and privilege to come out more fully in this matter, to the rescue of an “unbelieving and fearful” ministry, especially of that confiding people who are looking up to them? The ministry is not without its fears. They are looking to one another for countenance and comfort in the sleep of death, whilst the midnight cry is sounding its terrors in their ears: especially are they looking to those who, they believe; are set over them in the Lord. Nothing, my dear sir, but a most solemn sense of duty, and sympathy for the perishing world, induce me thus boldly to address one whom I so much love and respect, and at whose feet in days that are past. I have delighted to sit and hear of the love of Jesus. If I may speak the confidence of my soul, I would say—I know that you are ready to be “offered up,” and that you are only waiting the word of wisdom. Has not the time come? Has not God opened the way? Geo. A. Sterling. HST September 4, 1844, page 34.3
Elder of the Church of Christ of the Episcopal branch. HST September 4, 1844, page 34.4
Canaan, Ct., Aug. 1844. HST September 4, 1844, page 34.5
Prophetic Symbols
Extracts from Daubuz’s Symbolical Dictionary
H
HAIL. A storm of hail signifies the incursion and assault of an enemy: and especially if they come from the north; the congealedness of this meteor bearing upon it the character of that quarter. Examples of this prophetic symbol we have in Isaiah 28:2: “Behold, the Lord hath a mighty and strong one, which, as a tempest of hail, and a destroying storm, as a flood of mighty waters overflowing, shall cast down to the earth with the hand.” Ch 30:30, “And the Lord shall cause his glorious voice to be heard, and shall shew the lighting down of his arm with the indignation of his anger, and with the flame of a devouring fire, with scattering, and tempest, and hail-stones.” HST September 4, 1844, page 34.6
HAIR, according to the design of God, was given for honor to man. HST September 4, 1844, page 34.7
White hair, or hoary head is the symbol of the respect and honor due to the person that hath it. Leviticus 19:22, “Thou shalt rise up before the hoary head, and honor the face of the old man.” And the wise man, Proverbs 16:31, saith, “The hoary head is a crown of glory” HST September 4, 1844, page 34.8
Hence we find in Daniel 7:9, God takes upon him the title of Ancient of Days. HST September 4, 1844, page 34.9
Both the Persian and Egyptian, ch. 31, say, the shaving of the head denotes great affliction, poverty, and disgrace. Thus in Isaiah 7:20, “the shaving the head, the hair of the feet and the beard, with a razor hired”—the king of Assyria—signifies the troubles, slaughter, and destruction, which was to be brought upon the Jews by the Assyrian king and his armies. Hence also in Jeremiah 47:5, baldness is destruction. HST September 4, 1844, page 34.10
HAND is the instrument of action, and according to the various uses it is employed about, is its signification to be determined. HST September 4, 1844, page 34.11
To hold up by the right hand is the symbol of great protection and favor. Psalm 18:35. HST September 4, 1844, page 34.12
The expression in Mark 16:19, “He sat at the right hand of God,” is equivalent to the expression in Mark 14:63, “He sat at the right hand of power;” and signifies, that the Divine power and authority is communicated to Christ. So the right hand of fellowship, Galatians 2:9, signifies a communication of the same power and authority. HST September 4, 1844, page 34.13
To give the hands or hand, as to a master, is the token of submission and future obedience. Thus in 2 Chronicles 30:8, the words in the original: “give the hand unto the Lord,” signify, yield yourselves unto the Lord. The like phrase is used in Psalm 68:31; Lamentations 5:6. HST September 4, 1844, page 34.14
Marks also in the hands or wrists, were the tokens of servitude; the heathens being wont to imprint marks upon the hands of servants, and on such as devoted themselves to some false deity. Thus in Zechariah 13:6, the prophet ridicules, by an irony, those who, having by a mark in their hands dedicated themselves to some false god, shall at the time then mentioned be ashamed to own it, and pretend that it was done, not in honor of a false god, but by a master who so marked his servants. HST September 4, 1844, page 34.15
The right hand stretched out is the symbol of an immediate exertion or assistance of power, Exodus 15:12. HST September 4, 1844, page 34.16
The right hand, or the hands laid on a person, the symbol of a conveyance of blessings, (Genesis 48:14-20,) strength, (Daniel 10:10,) and power or authority. (Numbers 27:18.) So HST September 4, 1844, page 34.17
The hand of God upon a prophet signifies the immediate operation of God or his holy Spirit upon the soul and body of the prophet; as in 1 Kings 18:46; 2 Kings 3:15; Ezekiel 1:3; 3:22; 8:1. HST September 4, 1844, page 34.18
As the hand, so also does the finger of God denote his power or spirit. Thus when our Savior says of himself, that he cast out devils with the finger of God, (Luke 11:20,) this is said by another evangelist to be done by the Spirit of God. (Matthew 12:28.) Whereby is denoted that our Savior had the very power and Spirit of God whereby at his bare command the devils left the possessed: whereas the sons of the Jews could not cast out devils at their bare command, but by invocation of the name of God. HST September 4, 1844, page 34.19
Thus in Exodus 8:19, the finger of God is a work which none but God could perform. And thus the expression, in Exodus 31:18; of the two tables being written with the finger of God, seems to denote that letters were then first given—that the giving of them was a work of God’s design and contrivance, so proper to him as not to be done by any other. HST September 4, 1844, page 34.20
The shaking of God’s hand, denotes the manifestation of his power in the execution of his judgments, as in Isaiah 11:15, “With his mighty wind shall he shake his hand over the river,” etc., chaps. 13:2; 19:16; Zechariah 2:9. HST September 4, 1844, page 34.21
The hand lifted up above enemies signifies their being brought into a prostrate condition. Micah 5:9. HST September 4, 1844, page 34.22
God’s great power is represented by his finger, his greater by his hand, his greatest by his arm. The production of lice was by the finger of God, Exodus 8:19; his other miracles in Egypt were wrought by his hand, chap. 3:20; the destruction of Pharaoh and his host in the Red Sea, by his arm, chap. 15:6. HST September 4, 1844, page 34.23
God declares that he wrote the Commandments that Moses might teach them. (Exodus 24:12.) But what need was there for God to write them himself, if the invention of letters for the sound of words had been before known, especially after the breach of the first tables, made of a very precious substance, when Moses might as well have written the decalogue himself, as have furnished the second stones? HST September 4, 1844, page 34.24
The invention of expressing sounds articulate by characters, seems to exceed the reach of human wit; and it has been observed and proved by many learned men, that the characters or letters of all nations, which represent only sounds or words, are derived from the Mosaical; and Eupolemus, an ancient Jewish historian, cited by Clemens Alexandrinus, and Eusebius, says, “That Moses was the first wise man who taught first the art of grammar or writing to the Jews; that the Phonicians received it from them, and the Greeks from the Phonicians.” HST September 4, 1844, page 34.25
But however, though the finger of God, in this place of Exodus, should not relate to the giving of letters not before known, yet it proves that the law was given by God, and that the writing of it was his peculiar work done by no other than God, or at least at his command. HST September 4, 1844, page 34.26
HARPS, or guitars, (Genesis 31:37,) are constantly in the Holy Scriptures instruments of joy. HST September 4, 1844, page 34.27
Harps of God are either an Hebraism, to show their excellency, as the addition of God often signifies the most excellent things in their kind, being in the Scriptures said to be of God, as a prince of God, (Genesis 23:6,) the mountains of God, (Psalm 36:6,) the cedars of God, (Psalm 80:11,) and the like. Or else harps given as from God; or harps of God may be harps used in the service of God, in opposition to harps common and profane; as the instruments of music, in the service of the temple, were called the musical instruments of God, (1 Chronicles 16:42,) and instruments of music of the Lord. (2 Chronicles 7:6.) HST September 4, 1844, page 34.28
HARVEST, in several places of Scripture, denotes some destroying judgment, by which people fall as corn by the scythe. It is thus used in Isaiah 17:5; Jeremiah 51:33; Joel 3:13. HST September 4, 1844, page 34.29
Harvest, upon the account of the corn gathered and laid up, is sometimes used in a good sense. Thus in Matthew 9:37, Luke 10:2, the raising of the Christian Church is by our Savior compared to a harvest. And the laborers or reapers are the preachers of the Word, and their scythe the preaching of it. See also John 4:35. And so in Jeremiah 8:20, “The harvest is past, the summer is ended, and we are not saved,” i. e. the time in which we expected to be saved is past. HST September 4, 1844, page 34.30
Lastly, harvest, upon the account of the separation of the corn from the earth or stubble, is used in Matthew 13:30, as the symbol of the end of the world: when the good are to be separated from the bad, in order for the one to be preserved as corn, and the other to be destroyed at chaff. HST September 4, 1844, page 34.31
According to Bishop Horsley, in Scripture the harvest is always the in-gathering of the objects of God’s final mercy, Revelation 14:15, 16; Matthew 13:30; Mark 4:29; Hosea 6:11. “The vintage,” he observes, “is always an image of the season of judgment; but the harvest of the in-gathering of the objects of God’s final mercy. I am not aware that a single unexceptionable instance is to be found in which the harvest is a type of judgment. In Revelation 14:15, 16, ‘The sickle is thrust into the ripe harvest, and the earth is reaped;’ i. e. the elect are gathered from the four winds of heaven. The wheat of God is gathered into his barn, Matthew 13:20. After this reaping of the earth, the sickle is applied to the clusters of the vine, and they are cast into the great wine-press of the wrath of God, Revelation 14:18-20. This is judgment. In Joel 3:13, the ripe harvest is the harvest of the vine; i. e. the grapes fit for gathering, as appears from the context. In Jeremiah 51:33, the act of thrashing the corn upon the floor, not the harvest, is the image of judgment. It is true, the burning of the tares in our Savior’s parable, Matthew 13, is a work of judgment, and of the time of harvest, previous to the binding of the sheaves. But it is an accidental adjunct of the business, not the harvest itself. I believe the harvest is never primarily, and in itself, an image of vengeance.” HST September 4, 1844, page 34.32
HEAD, in general, as being the governing part of man, always implies rule: and therefore the symbols about the head must shew the qualities and extent of the power to rule. Accordingly, diadems, are constantly the symbols of an imperial or auto-cratorical power, extending itself upon all sorts of power, civil and ecclesiastical; as in Revelation 13:1, “Upon the horns ten diadems;” and chap. 19:12: “On his head many diadems.” HST September 4, 1844, page 35.1
The head of a people signifies their king or chief governor; the heads of a people their princes or magistrates. HST September 4, 1844, page 35.2
When a body politic comes under the symbol of an animal, and is so considered as one body, the head thereof, by the rule of analogy, is its capital city. Thus in Isaiah 7:8, 9, a capital city is a head, and taken for all the territories belonging to it. And the Roman authors affected to call Rome the head of the world. By the same rule, cities, inferior to the general head, are themselves capital cities, and therefore heads to their respective provinces. HST September 4, 1844, page 35.3
HEAT (scorching) in Isaiah 49:10, and so in Revelation 7:16, is a burning wind frequent in the deserts of Arabia. It comes with such hot, fiery, poisonous puffs, as that it strikes men dead very suddenly. HST September 4, 1844, page 35.4
It is highly probable that this was the instrument wherewith God sometimes plagued the Israelites, and killed them so suddenly. HST September 4, 1844, page 35.5
The ninety-first Psalm, which begins with mentioning God’s protection, describes the plague as arrows: as indeed in those winds there are observed flashes of fire. And therefore, in Numbers 13:3, the place in which the plague was received, is for that reason called Taberah, i. e. a burning. HST September 4, 1844, page 35.6
And thus Psalm 121:6, “the sun shall not smite thee by day, nor the moon by night,” is in the next verse explained thus: “The Lord shall preserve thee from all evil; he shall preserve thy soul.” HST September 4, 1844, page 35.7
HEAVEN. According to the ancients, agreeably, to whose ideas of things the symbolic language and character were fashioned, there is a threefold world, and therefore a threefold heaven: the invisible, the visible, and the political; which last may be either civil or ecclesiastical. HST September 4, 1844, page 35.8
In Matthew 24:30, Heaven is synonomous to powers and glory; and in the words of our Savior just going before, “the powers of the heavens shall be shaken,” it is easy to conceive that he meant the kingdoms of the world should be overthrown to submit to his kingdom. HST September 4, 1844, page 35.9
To fall from heaven, signifies to lose power and authority, to be deprived of the power to govern; to revolt or apostatize. HST September 4, 1844, page 35.10
Host of heaven (Genesis 2:1.), signifies the sun, moon, and stars, under the symbol of an army; in which the sun is considered as the king, the moon as his vicegerent or prime minister in dignity, the stars and planets as their attendants; and the constellations, as the battalions and squadrons of the army drawn up in order, that they may concur with their leaders to execute the designs and commands of the sovereign. And thus, according to this notion, it is said, in the song of Deborah, “The stars in their courses fought against Sisera.” Judges 5:20. HST September 4, 1844, page 35.11
Midst of heaven may be the air, or the region between heaven and earth. HST September 4, 1844, page 35.12
In 1 Chronicles 21:16, it is said that David saw the angel of the Lord stand between the earth and the heaven, as he was just going to destroy Jerusalem with the pestilence, which vision was exhibited to David, that he might have time and occasion to put up prayers for the city which was going to be destroyed by that plague: so that the hovering of the angel was to shew that there was room to pray for mercy, just as God was going to inflict the punishment. It was not fallen as yet upon the earth; it had not as yet done any execution. HST September 4, 1844, page 35.13
HORNS, the symbols of power, exerted by strength of arms; because such beasts as have horns make use of them as their arms. HST September 4, 1844, page 35.14
They are used to denote the regal power; and when they are distinguished by number, they signify so many monarchies. Thus horn signifies a monarchy, in Jeremiah 48:25; and in Zechariah 1:18, etc. the four horns are the four great monarchies which had each of them subdued the Jews. See also Daniel 8:20-22. HST September 4, 1844, page 35.15
The horn of David, in Psalm 132:18, is explained by the Targum of a glorious king to arise out of the house of David. HST September 4, 1844, page 35.16
Horns upon a wild beast are not only expressive of powers, but also of such powers as are tyrannical, ravenous, and at enmity with God and his saints, as in Daniel, chap. 8. HST September 4, 1844, page 35.17
The size of a horn denotes its intrinsical, physical power, Daniel 8:5; the smallness of the anomalous horn of the fourth beast, Daniel 7:8, indicates that its physical power is small, compared with that of the other horns; its “eyes like a man,” are expressive of its policy and cunning; and its “mouth speaking great things,” denotes its pretensions. HST September 4, 1844, page 35.18
Horns of an altar. An altar, both among the Jews, and the heathen, was an asylum or sanctuary for such persons as fled to it for refuge. HST September 4, 1844, page 35.19
By Exodus 21:14, it appears that the altar of Holocausts was, to the Jews, an asylum of crimes undesignedly committed. HST September 4, 1844, page 35.20
Thus Adonijah fearing Solomon, 1 Kings 1:50, arose and went and caught hold on the horns of the altar. So likewise Joab fled unto the tabernacle of the Lord, and caught hold on the horns of the altar, 1 Kings 2:28; but because he was guilty of wilful murder, he was slain according to the law, Exodus 21:14. HST September 4, 1844, page 35.21
HORSE. The horse was of old used only for warlike expeditions, and not barely to ride, draw, and drudge, as it is now practised with us. Hence in that noble description of the horse, in the book of Job, (Job 39:18-25,) there is no notice taken of any quality of his but what relates to war So that the horse is the symbol of war and conquest. And therefore, when the prophet Zechariah, 10:3, saith, “that God hath made Judah as his goodly horse in the battle,” the meaning is, that he will make them conquerors over his enemies, glorious and successful. HST September 4, 1844, page 35.22
HOUSE. To build an house is, in the Hebrew style, to settle a family: to make one prosper. So in Exodus 1:21, “he built them houses,” signifies that they flourished and prospered. The same phrase occurs in 1 Samuel 2:35; 2 Samuel 7:27; 1 Kings 11:38. And so in Euripides, “Wisdom is immoveable, and keeps together a house,”—an expression found in Solomon, Proverbs 9:1, to the very same purpose. And therefore, in the symbolical language, houses, palaces, and sons mutually explain each other. HST September 4, 1844, page 35.23
HUNGER and THIRST, the symbols of affliction. Thus in Deuteronomy 8:3, it is said, “he humbled thee, and suffered thee to hunger,” where the latter is the instrument of the former. So Deuteronomy 32:24, “they shall be burnt with hunger;” i. e. shall be tormented or afflicted. So to fast is often called to afflict one’s soul; as in Leviticus 16:29, 31; Isaiah 58:5. HST September 4, 1844, page 35.24
By several expressions of our Savior, “to hunger and thirst,” signify to be in want of hearing God’s Word; that is, to be hindered by persecution from worshipping God in peace. See Psalm 23.; Ecclesiasticus 24:19; John 4:13, 14; 6:35. HST September 4, 1844, page 35.25
The Saints’ Home
“And I saw n new heaven and a new earth; for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea.” “Behold the tabernacle of God is with men, he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God. And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away. He that over-cometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son.” Revelation 21:1, 3, 4, 7. HST September 4, 1844, page 35.26
The Scriptures lead me to contemplate a world of perfect happiness. There is a glory in creation, and a glory in the kingdom of grace; but there is a kingdom beyond the limits of this world which is emphatically—the kingdom of glory; in which there is light without darkness, life without death, joy without sorrow, and holiness without stain. HST September 4, 1844, page 35.27
How sublime is that declaration of St. John! “Beloved, now are we the sons of God; and it doth not yet appear what we shall be; but we know that when he shall appear, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is.” How delightful and consolatory is the thought! Man was placed in the earthly paradise in the image and likeness of God; and all the redeemed and sanctified shall shine forever in the recovered image and likeness of God in the heavenly paradise. Here I see the work of divine grace. HST September 4, 1844, page 35.28
“Now are we the sons of God.” Redeemed by the blood of Christ, and renewed by the Holy Spirit, the soul stands in an exalted and endearing relation to the eternal Father. “The Spirit itself beareth witness with our Spirit that we are the children of God.” HST September 4, 1844, page 35.29
Here I see the nature of Heaven. “We shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.” The soul, defiled and deformed by sin, is by divine mercy and grace pardoned and renewed, and is thus made like God in the purity of his nature; and thus it is made meet for the inheritance of the saints in light. But further, when this brief, shadowy imperfect life is over, it shall enter into the world of light, into the immediate presence of God, and have that exalted and intimate vision of Him, of which, in the present state, it cannot possibly have any conception. HST September 4, 1844, page 35.30
Yes: from the clouds of time I look to the effulgence of the world of glory; from the storms and sorrows of time I look to the serenity and the joys of heaven; from the imperfection of this transient and mutable state I look to the perfection of that state which is eternal and immutable. I see the gracious purpose of God; the design, object, and issue of redemption. Thou, O glorious and blessed Redeemer! “shalt see of the travail of thy soul, and be satisfied.” By the knowledge of Thee shall many be justified. They who know Thee now by faith, shall finally know Thee by immediate vision. They who follow Thee in the Kingdom of grace, shall walk with Thee in the kingdom of glory. They who in this world “sow in tears,” shall in another world “reap in joy;” and they shall join the celestial host in their triumphant song—“Blessing, and honor, and glory, and power, be unto Him that sitteh uppon the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever.” HST September 4, 1844, page 35.31
O my soul! bear with patience the ills of time. Trial, change, pain, and sorrow, are the lot of man; but do thou acknowledge in all things, the will, the wisdom, and the goodness of our Heavenly Father. Let it be thy study, thy unceasing prayer, that thou mayest be in Christ, and Christ in thee; that thou mayest live by the faith of the Son of God; and that, while thou gloriest in Him as thy Prophet and thy Priest, thou mayest obey Him as thy Lord and King, and follow Him as thy example. Do not merely think about the future glory; do not merely talk about it; but diligently, faithfully, and unremittingly prepare for the enjoyment of it. Some amuse themselves with fine dreams and fancies; some speak with fluency on future scenes; but time, if it be properly regarded, is the season for duty. Walk thou, therefore, in the path of righteousness; and look forward with humble, animated hope, to the inheritance of the blessed in the world of perfection and felicity. HST September 4, 1844, page 35.32
In the regions of light, in the everlasting Jerusalem, the “city which hath foundatiouns, whose builder and maker is God.” I see all that is sublime, delightful, and satisfactory. If I look to this world, to its wealth and pleasures, its fame and honors, they are lighter than vanity; but when I look to the future world, to the celestial Canaan, I behold what is substantial and eternal; what fills my soul with a deep, calm, and pure joy. HST September 4, 1844, page 35.33
O, my soul! rejoice in the gospel of Christ; rejoice in Christ himself. It is He who has opened the gate of heaven to all believers, and unfolded to them the boundless prospect of glory and blessedness. Look upward to that better world, and onward to unending ages, am magnify the love and mercy and grace of the Lord Jesus, who has obtained such an inheritance for his people; and order thy conversation as one of his faithful followers. HST September 4, 1844, page 36.1
O Glorious Jehovah, Father, Son, and Spirit, have mercy on me, a miserable sinner; prepare me for heaven, for eternity, for Thyself. Enable me so to believe and act during this short and uncertain life, that my everlasting portion may be with the righteous, through the merits and mediation of Jesus Christ our Lord Amen. HST September 4, 1844, page 36.2
Advent Herald & Reporter
“The Lord is at Hand.”
BOSTON, SEPTEMBER 4, 1844.
Awake ye, Awake!
In this tarrying time, when so many are prone to close their eyes in slumber, and are in such danger of sinking into carnal security, how important it is that the servants of God should see to it, that they do all they can to awake the slothful virgins to a rightful sense of their true condition. HST September 4, 1844, page 36.3
And, reader, do you realize your true position? Do you at all times feel that the judgment is just before you; and that you are now on the last crumbling verge of probation, when the last dropping sands of old time’s hour-glass are fast passing away? If so, you can not sleep on; you will arouse yourself; and look about you, and see where you are, what you are doing, and whither you are hastening,—borne, as you are, on time’s swiftest pinions. Remember that now we are settling for ever the question on which hangs our eternal all. Any moment may have sealed our doom: for when the Judge shall come, our case will have been decided forever. Before the separation can be made,—the wheat from among the tares,—we must have made our election, and resigned ourselves submissively at the Savior’s feet; or have been found wanting. HST September 4, 1844, page 36.4
Therefore, reader, pause; consider well the path you tread, and listen not to the tempter’s artful wiles, lest in an unguarded moment your feet shall slide. Snares and pit-falls beset our every way; and as we hasten to the close of earth’s eventful story, the dangers will increase. Proud Lucifer, and all his hosts, since they were hurled from heaven, ne’er looked upon our fallen race with half the mingled hate and cunning malice, they breathe forth now. When all his poisoned shafts will soon be spent and in his prison chained, he feels impelled to come down with great wrath because his time is short. Therefore, our danger calls for constant vigilance. HST September 4, 1844, page 36.5
Then sleep not on your posts, nor close your eyes. The drowsiness you feel, is but the arch-deceiver’s last resort to gain your soul; and will you sink into his arms, without a dying struggle to reach the shore? O then arouse; gird on your armor; and as you cast your wistful eyes to Canaan’s happy land, behold the breakers all around, on which your bark may dash at any moment. Will you sleep on, when sleep is sure destruction? Will you fold your arms in lazy lock, and dream of heaven, when it is only gained by watchful vigilance? Lull not your soul with the delusive plea that you have goods for many years; or that as this day is, will be to-morrow. Set not your hearts on that where rests the curse; and seek not treasures here: for earth is doomed. Its sentence hangs suspended by a thread; an inch of time is all we have, a speck and that fast wasting. Soon we shall cease to tread this sin-cursed earth. These fields and hills, and mountain tops, and vales, the mighty forests, and the broad blue ocean, and all we love to gaze upon, will soon have passed away; too soon for those who dream of pleasures here, but not too soon for those who watch and wait, and pray for that long wished for morning. For when the last loud trump. shall rend the vaulted skies, and raise the righteous from their dusty beds, all earthly joys will fade; and those whose treasure is in heaven, will then receive their crowns and tune their harps anew; while those who have their treasures here, will part with all their tinseled toys forever. And who shall say that trump may not at any moment sound? There is, then, now, no time to sleep, no time to close the eyes and fold the hands to slumber here; but it is time, high time, to be awake, and up, and doing. The Bridegroom cometh! will ye not go out to meet him? The great High Priest is leaving his mediatorial office! will you not plead the merits of the sacrifice he has given? Our Advocate will cease his intercessions! will you not trust your cause to him while he is pleading for you at his Father’s court? The King, who is to sit on David’s royal throne forever, cometh to reign! will you not be the willing subject of the Prince of peace? The New Jerusalem, “the city of God,” of which glorious things are spoken, is to come down! will you not walk its golden streets? Zion, whose gates the Lord loveth, is to be set up! when the Lord writeth up his people, will you not be there? Eden is to bloom and blossom! will you not walk its green pastures, and lie down beside its still waters? If you will ascend into the Hill of the Lord and stand in his Holy Place, you must be of clean hands and of a pure heart; then goodness and mercy will follow you, and you will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. But if you sleep on, saying in your heart, my Lord delayeth his coming, his kingdom will come and you will have no portion there. O, then arouse, awake, put on your beautiful garments, prepare for the Lord’s coming, that it may be well with you in the day of his appearing. HST September 4, 1844, page 36.6
Editorial Correspondence
Cleaveland and Akron, Ohio.—We had rather rough and tardy passage from Buffalo to Cleaveland, but arrived in season to attend our appointments. This place and the vicinity has been occupied by Bro. Fitch. He has labored indefatigably, and has been much blessed. He has had to contend against the influence of Oberlin, which in this vicinity has been very strong. The Advent doctrine has gained credence with the people who have had a fair chance to hear it; and many who once looked for the world’s conversion, are now “looking for the blessed hope of Christ’s appearing.” HST September 4, 1844, page 36.7
In Cleaveland they have a convenient place of worship, and a good company, who look for a better country. They received us with open arms. A large number of brethren, also from the country, attended the meeting, and greeted us with a warm friendship and fellowship. The meeting continued two days. During the time, seven discourses were given. The place was filled on the first day, but on the second it was thronged within and without. A large number of seats were prepared with an awning, in the rear of the house, for the accomodation of the multitude; the speaker standing in the door, so that most could see, and all could hear. The brethren expressed a conviction, that the meeting would result in much good. The faith of the saints was strengthened, and some who had not been decided, came out on the side of truth. Some twelve or fifteen happy souls were immersed in the Lake, by Bro. Cook. HST September 4, 1844, page 36.8
We had the pleasure here to meet with Bro. J. B. Cook, who has labored extensively in the West. He is still strong in the faith and diligent in the work. Several lecturers were present, among whom were Bro. Needham of Ohio, and Bro. Boggs of Pennsylvania. Brethren were present from Michigan, and Wisconsin, and many other parts of the West, desiring help. Faithful men, “apt to teach,” are called for, in all parts of this Western field. It would give us great pleasure if we could visit these places with Bro. Miller, where we have been invited; but it is not possible. If anything can be done for our brethren, they shall have help. HST September 4, 1844, page 36.9
Cleaveland Depot.—Arrangements have been made to establish a depot in this place, to supply this portion of the West with publications. All our works will be kept there. The Advent Shield, Message, and any new works that may be published, with the Millennial Harp, may be obtained. Friends will address their orders to T. C. Severance, until further notice. HST September 4, 1844, page 36.10
Akron.—We were accompanied to this place from Cleaveland up the Canal, by about one hundred brethren and sisters, who had chartered a boat to attend the Conference at Cleaveland. We had a very pleasant passage, and as the time was spent in singing, prayer, and a lecture by Bro. Miller, we trust it was also a profitable time. HST September 4, 1844, page 36.11
The Conference commenced in the Tabernacle, Aug 13th, and continued two days. Six lectures were given, to full and attentive audiences. We formed a very pleasant acquaintance with Br. Pickards and the flock of his care, and trust that our labors with them will not be in vain. Bro. P. and his people have come out from the Congregational Church, and meeting house,—left all, and put up a tabernacle which accomodates a large audience. They now stand free, and though they have had their trials in common with others, yet they stand fast in the faith, looking for the blessed hope. HST September 4, 1844, page 36.12
We feel grateful to our friends in Cleaveland and Akron, for their kindness and attention to us, while among them. May we all soon meet with the “twelve tribes scattered abroad,” in the kingdom of God. J. V. Himes. HST September 4, 1844, page 36.13
Cincinnati, Aug. 19, 1844. HST September 4, 1844, page 36.14
P. S. We arrived safe in this city on the evening of the 18th, too late for meeting, having been detained by an accident on the river. We commenced our lectures on the 19th. Bro. Miller lectured last evening to about 4,000 people, who listened to him with almost breathless attention. We continue here through the week, of which I shall give some account in my next. J. V. H. HST September 4, 1844, page 36.15
Cincinnati, Aug. 20, 1844. HST September 4, 1844, page 36.16
The good old Way
Thus saith the Lord, “Stand ye in the ways and see and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls.” HST September 4, 1844, page 36.17
Many object to looking and watching for the return of the Nobleman, because it is, according to their view, something new,—a faith unknown until of late. HST September 4, 1844, page 36.18
The primitive church, according to the fathers, watched for the Savior and believed he would reign on the earth. Among those that testified to a Millennium after the personal coming of Christ, were Papias, Justin Martyr, Irenaeus, Turtullian, and Lactantius. The received opinion of the church in or near the days of the apostles, should have weight with us while inquiring for “the old paths as they listened to the instructions of those to whom the faith was delivered. HST September 4, 1844, page 36.19
Justin Martyr who suffered martyrdom A D. 163, says I and all Christians who are exactly and in all things, orthodox, know that there will be a resurrection of the flesh, and a millennium in Jerusalem built, adorned and enlarged. HST September 4, 1844, page 37.1
Irenaeus who was martyred A. D. 202, said that “some” at that time “endeavored to turn these things into metaphors,”—still most were sound in the faith. About the middle of the third century Origen arose and with him. “commenced a new era in prophetic interpretation, which greatly affected the voice of the church.” HST September 4, 1844, page 37.2
Taking a leap of centuries, we come to the testimony of Martin Luther; respecting the system of spiritualizing scripture practised by Origen and his followers, he says, “The allegorical sense is commonly uncertain, and by no means safe to build our faith upon; for it usually depends on human opinion and conjecture only, on which, if a man lean, he will find it no better than the Egyptian reed. Therefore, Origen, Jerome, and similar of the fathers, are to be avoided, with the whole of that Alexandrian school, which according to Eusebius and Jerome, formerly abounded in this species of interpretation. For later writers unhappily following their too much praised and prevailing example, it has come to pass, that men make just what they please of the Scriptures, until some accomodate the word of God to the most extravagant absurdities. HST September 4, 1844, page 37.3
Hear now the sainted Baxter, “The coming of Christ is frequently mentioned in the Prophets as the great support of his people’s spirits till then. And whenever the apostles would quicken to duty, or encourage to patient waiting, they usually did it by mentioning Christ s coming.” Why then do we not use more of this cordial consideration whenever we want support and comfort? Oh, how should it then be the character of a Christian “to wait for the Son of God from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, even Jesus who delivered us from the wrath to come.”—1 Thessalonians 1:10. And with all faithful diligence to prepare to meet our Lord with joy. And seeing his coming is of purpose, to be glorified in his saints, and admired in all them that believe, what thought should gladden our hearts more than the thought of that day? HST September 4, 1844, page 37.4
A little while indeed we have not seen him, but yet a little while and we shall see him, for he hath said, I will not leave you comfortless, but will come unto you. We were comfortless should he not come. And while we daily gaze, and look up to heaven after him, let us remember what the angels said, “This same Jesus which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner, as ye have seen him go into heaven.” Let every Christian that heareth and readeth, say, Come, and our Lord himself saith, “Surely I come quickly, Amen. Even so, Come Lord Jesus.” E. C. C. HST September 4, 1844, page 37.5
“Because they have no changes, they fear not God.”—David
Now “the wicked man is in great power, and spreadeth himself like a green bay tree, and he dreams that thus he shall continue to flourish,”—Having “heaped up treasures for the last days,” he says to his soul, “Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years: take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry.” But God says unto him, “Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee.” HST September 4, 1844, page 37.6
It is written at the time of the end, “Then they that feared the Lord spake often one to another and the Lord hearkened, and heard it: and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the Lord, and that thought upon his name.” Malachi 3:16. They exhorted one another “daily,” so much the more as they saw “the day approaching.” We read of the same time, “the wicked shall do wickedly, and none of the wicked shall understand,—they think there will be no changes, therefore they fear not God.” While the searching cry is sounded, “Keep ye judgment, and do justice: for my salvation is near to come, and my righteousness to be revealed.” Isaiah 56:1, or “Fear God and give glory to him, for the hour of his judgment is come,” they respond “Where is the promise of his coming? for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation.” “Willingly ignorant” they rock themselves to sleep in the cradle of carnal security, “foolishly take root,” and dwell on the earth. HST September 4, 1844, page 37.7
Others spoilt through “philosophy” and “vain deceit,” think there will be no changes: and they count that the Lord is slack concerning his promise that “The day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.” 2 Peter 3:10. In their worshipping of Mammon they cry “O earth remain forever!” and reject the word of the Lord “Yet once more and I shake not the earth only, but also heaven.” They put far away the evil day, when the Lord maketh the earth empty, and maketh it waste, and turneth it upside down. They set at nought the solemn declaration, “I will punish the world for their evil, and the wicked for their iniquity, and I will cause the arrogancy of the proud to cease, and will lay low the haughtiness of the terrible.” They believe not that the day of the Lord is at hand: it shall come as a destruction from the Almighty. Therefore shall all hands be faint, and every man’s heart shall melt. HST September 4, 1844, page 37.8
Away then with the soothing thought that tomorrow shall be as this day and much more abundant. Perish the thought that the dwellers on the earth shall not be disturbed, (Psalm 37:10.) “for the earth shall reel to and fro like a drunkard, and shall be removed like a cottage.” Isaiah 24:20. The great day of the Lord is near: it is near, and hasteth greatly, and to those who through unbelief of these things fear not God, to those it will come as a thief in the night, and they shall not escape. E. C. C. HST September 4, 1844, page 37.9
Letter from Fredericton, New Brunswick
Dear Brother Himes:—No language in use this side of the restitution, and purification of this sinful world on fire, can express my views and feelings in this interesting day. And I cheerfully acknowledge myself indebted to the Lord for all I enjoy in this dark region. I have concluded that the light that shines through my inmost soul, is a ray of that light that shined in the Hebrews’ dwellings, when they were surrounded with darkness that might be felt, and it is evident to me that we are on the eve of deliverance from the Tyrant, that Pharoah was but a faint type of. HST September 4, 1844, page 37.10
The world at large appears to be filled with ominous signs in every aspect, and every true believer that does not learn from the more sure word of prophecy their obvious meaning, must be blinded by the god of this world, with pride, prejudice, and unbelief. I see no way of avoiding this melancholly conclusion. HST September 4, 1844, page 37.11
The conduct of many professedly pious, in this day, has prompted me to believe that they have been deceiving themselves, as well as us, as they cannot justify such conduct upon sacred and scriptural principles many in order to shield themselves from the charge, are driven to their last resort, and cover themselves under the perverted vines of those called “learned Professors in Theology,” who are not unlike those of old, who taught for doctrines the commandments of men. Such, was it in their power, would neither enter the kingdom themselves, or suffer others to enter therein. But thank God, they have all but gone their length. Their fiery bolts are nearly expended, and it is pleasing to learn, that in every instance, they have fallen pointless at the feet of the Adventists. This blessed fact ought surely to encourage every lover of truth, and unite them more firmly in the bonds of everlasting love. The shout of victory will soon, very soon be heard throughout the Camp of the Lord’s host. When the sleeping saints will rise, and their enemies sink with Babylon to rise no more. While we remain in the flesh, we can but pity, and pray for them, but there we shall have no oil for them. Their lamps of profession will go out, and will not afford them one ray of light the pit of woe. HST September 4, 1844, page 37.12
Having lost my hearing some years since, and not able to hear a lecture from any of the Lord’s servants on the second advent, which, above all other subjects, is the most interesting, yet the Lord who has given me a teachable disposition to know the truth, has taken me into his own hands. And while I acknowledge myself a convert of the dear Redeemer under the enlightening influence of the Holy Spirit. I most cheerfully admit that I am a debtor to those, under God, who have been giving their views of prophecy. I mean brother Miller, Litch, and others. HST September 4, 1844, page 37.13
The subject, as a whole, drawn from the Bible alone, has been to me like life from the dead; and though I have long been a professor, and I trust a possessor of the truth as it is in Jesus, yet I freely confess that my mind was never so raised in high and holy meditation, as it has been since I embraced the doctrine of the speedy return of our Lord from heaven. Formerly, my joys, though pure, springing from the same fountain, were transient, and subject to interruptions from the various objects of sense, with which we are daily surrounded, but now, having got the world, and all that earth calls good or great, under my feet; they are not only more refined and pure, but, I may say, I trust without boasting, much more abiding and strengthening. I often tell my Christian friends who stand aloof, that they are as unconscious of the joy and peace this heavenly truth imparts, as the unbeliever is of the joy of a young convert. HST September 4, 1844, page 37.14
I learn by the “Midnight Cry,” that the Adventists are charged with making divisions in the churches. This is easily accounted for, and ever will be the natural result, when the whole council of God is faithfully declared. And was there not a visible, and marked difference in their daily walk and conversation, as the latter ought to be in heaven, from whence we look for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, from those with whom they formerly associated with, even as Christians, I should be led to entertain some doubts as to the sincerity of that person’s profession. HST September 4, 1844, page 37.15
In the present backsliding state of the churches, it is impossible that it can be otherwise; you might as well say that there ought to exist such an accommodating disposition in this day, as to effect a communion, or at least a friendly understanding between light and darkness. And as the spiritual as well as the natural man requires food, we ought to avail ourselves of that that is the most nourishing. This I know must draw many from their respective churches, to hear the glad tidings that are now proclaimed, that their redemption draweth nigh. If time should continue, even for a decade of years, our love of the Bible will find it necessary to gird on the whole armor of God, that we may be able to stand in the evil day. The dear Adventists must expect to be tried, purified, and made white; never was there a time when they required the wisdom of the serpent, compared with the innocency of the dove, more than now. The grand enemy will prompt them with a zeal not according to knowledge, or lead them to believe that the time is prolonged. Let no one be found giving railing for railing, but contrarywise blessing, that they may have no evil thing to say of us. Let us be watchful every hour, and pray, but never faint. Though the heavenly vision, according to our limited conception, may seem apparently to tarry, it is enjoined upon us all, even in that case, to wait with this cheering promise, that they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength, being assured that they will soon mount as on eagles wings, to the middle air, and remain ever with the Lord. Although I have never had the pleasure of a personal acquaintance with any of my dear brothers and sisters in the Advent cause, (except two or three) yet, when I learn through your own welcome paper, (for it brings good news from a far country, and is like cold water to a thirsty soul) what the Lord’s servants are doing, and suffering to advance the very best of causes. I feel to sympathize with them, and can assure all such, that they hold a prominent place in my feeble prayers, every day, nay every hour, for it is my sole theme in the house of my pilgrimage. I think and speak of nothing, else, indeed, my little soul is so filled, that there is no room for any other subject, and if they at any time attempt to intrude, I can say to them, go thy way, while I worship as near to the holy mount of my God, as the strength of my faith will lead me; and I find, as faith increases, it becomes more like a real and heavenly substance. HST September 4, 1844, page 37.16
I find that the shafts of the wicked one are aimed at you, as one that the Lord has called to stand in the front of the battle; but fear them not, my dear brother, remember David’s God is yours. Goliah must fall in the Lord’s own good time, before the face of truth, and you, like David, will soon be proclaimed King in the sight of your enemies; you will then wear a crown thickly studded, and with you, every advent believer will be distinguished from others who are saved from the ruins, so as by fire, and though we will all shine, yet we shall differ then, as stars here differ in their lustre, so that they that be wise shall shine as the firmament, and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars forever and ever. I can, with a full soul, wish you all God speed, and subscribe myself, though unworthy, your ever loving, and anxiously waiting brother. HST September 4, 1844, page 38.1
W. Wilmot.
July 22, 1844.
Letter from Brother McLoud
Dear Brother Himes:—Since the published time has run out, the language of both professor and non-professor in this city has been, “Where is the promise of his coming.” But my own mind has settled down upon the doctrine with a steadfastness which I did not experience before, and the establishment of God’s everlasting kingdom, and the inheritance of the saints, is that which is dear to my soul. If I abandon this doctrine, I abandon my hope as a Christian. It is that which sustains me, and by which I am saved. But alas, how is God dishonored by a worldly church. Where is that holy living, and godly conversation, which ought to characterize the followers of Jesus? God knows, but little of it is exhibited in St. John, and to insist on God’s word as the only criterion of faith and practice, is to make yourself shunned, as though you had some evil disease. The Judgment alone will reveal all the iniquity of the professed church and the world. Yours in haste, waiting for the Kingdom. HST September 4, 1844, page 38.2
St. Johus, N. S. Aug. 17, ‘44. E. McLoud. HST September 4, 1844, page 38.3
Letter from Brother. J. C. Welcome
Dear Brother Himes,—Although a stranger to you in the flesh, I feel not so in spirit. And while I love the great doctrines of the gospel of Christ, which show conclusively that the blessed Savior will soon make his second appearing, I felt it a duty to say, through the Herald, that my heart is made to rejoice in the blessed news, that comes to us through the Advent papers, that there are those who are not wearied in looking for the return of their Lord, who are scattered over all the enlightened world. There are a few in this place, and in the adjoining towns—who do not hesitate to declare that they are looking for the Savior, in the clouds of heaven. And we believe they are also striving to cleanse themselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, and to perfect holiness in the fear of God. Although they are persecuted and hated, as deluded and self righteous, yet they grow stronger in the faith, and increase in numbers, and as the word of the Lord teaches us that we shall have fiery trials, be hated and persecuted of all men and be scoffed at, and rebuked by the great one’s of the earth; therefore we have put on the shield of faith which, by the mercy of God, he has furnished us; and have taken the sword of the Spirit, which is a mighty weapon; thus we have not only been enabled to withstand the contest of the devil, but have been enabled to make inroads upon his ranks. This little band of diciples are not branded millerites, (as many others) but come-outers, yet they stand in church relation, but it is hoped they have not its spirit, nor follow its practice. We are striving to come out from all that is sin, to break every bond of unbelief, to stand free from the church, and not be swallowed up in her spirit of worldly mindedness, her aspiration for the honor and applause of the world, and her love of gain. We are also striving to arouse the church from her lethargic state, and cause her to feel the force of Gods threatenings and judgments, upon those that have departed from him, and the great importance of having oil in our lamps (a saving faith in the merit of Christ) of having on the wedding garment, of being like unto men that are watching for the return of their Lord. But O how have they exhibited their aversion to the Lord’s return; their infidelity, which before was no less prevalent, was not made manifest. But God is yet at work, though his servant are few. The most that are called servants, are become overseer’s, and masters, and cannot give the servants meat in due season; but those that are servants, those that will live Godly—whom the father chastens and dealeth with as sons, they shall obtain the promise made to our father Abraham. Glory to God; light, is still increasing, and we have the victory through Christ our righteousness; we will endeavor to let the work go on, and submit ourselves to him and his cause.—We have no one to lecture to us now. I suppose we could not have a place for one in any public house of worship, they have been closed against advent lecturers in this town for some time. But if we could have one able man to labor with us on the Kenebec, much good might be done in the name of the Lord, many would receive the word with joy—and drink of the water of life freely, who are now being swept down the current, into the gulf of dispair. O that the people would see the dreadful state of the nominal church—the delusive position which the professed watchmen occupy, and fly to God, consecrating their being to him, and believe his word, honoring his name, and glorifying him by their lives of faith and living in a state of preparation and watchfulness for the great God our Savior, who will come to be glorified in his saints. Yours in the blessed hope of the true Israel. HST September 4, 1844, page 38.4
J. C. Welcome.
Hallowell, Me, Aug, 13th, 1844.
The Conversion of the World
The following from the foreign correspondent of the N. E. Puritan, shows little prospect of an approaching millennium. HST September 4, 1844, page 38.5
The obstacles to successful Missionary effort in Syria and Palestine, are numerous and formidable. These obstacles differ, in some respects, in different portions of the country. They are probably less in Syria, proper, (especially in Beyroot and Mt. Lebanon) than in Palestine. But in all portions of the country they are exceedingly formidable. It is difficult to get a conception of them, simply by reading or hearing about them. As already intimated, the people are sunk exceedingly low, socially, intellectually, and morally. The few schools which they have are of the poorest kind, furnishing but a very imperfect education, and that to but a very small part of the community. The degradation of the people how ever is not the only, nor the chief obstacle to Missionary effort. Their language, (the Arabic) is one of great difficulty. Few are more difficult. Long years of patient study and practice are required in its acquisition. Some of the eldest Missionaries of the American Board at Beyroot, still regard themselves as students of this language. Besides, the people are very deceptive. Lying is common among them. But few can be depended upon as persons of unwavering truth. They will lie to gain favors. Not unfrequently, they will talk very religiously, and pretend to be friendly, while in fact, all this is done to deceive and to secure some selfish end. The greatest of all obstacles, however, except the obstinate, deep-rooted depravity of the heart, is the ecclesiastical influence which the people of these countries feel. They believe that their temporal and eternal happiness is in a great measure in the hands of the Bishop and Priest. They have, it is true, but little love and perhaps often little respect for these ecclesiastics, still they fear them; they are afraid to fall under their curse. They suppose that these ecclesiastics are vested with uncommon powers, and can make them happy or miserable as they please. Hence the fear of the people, hence their unwillingness or reluctance to listen to teachers, whom their spiritual rulers do not approve. If they leave their own teachers and go to hear Missionaries, they are in danger of falling under the displeasure of the former, whose favor they regard almost as life, and their frown, death. It in not simply, however, in this respect that they feel and fear ecclesiastical influence. They may perhaps venture to go now and then to hear a Christian Missionary, but when they think of attending regularly on a Missionary’s instruction, of absenting themselves from the religious body to which they have belonged, or of professing themselves believers in a new faith, then comes up before their minds all the terrors of excommunication. They know that if they are cut off from the religious body to which they belong, then the members of that religious body are to have no friendly intercourse with them, they are not to trade with them, they are not to buy any thing of them nor sell any thing to them, they are not to visit them in sickness, aid them in distress, nor bury them when dead. All this, in a country where most belong to the sect which it is proposed to leave, all this to one whe knows comparatively nothing of the Gospel, all this in a community where the means of support seem to depend on the will of those it is proposed to leave all this, I say, must operate as a powerful obstacle to missionary success, and tend to keep the people wedded to the corrupt religious bodies to which they have ever belonged. HST September 4, 1844, page 38.6
Infidelity and Hypocrisy
“Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?” HST September 4, 1844, page 38.7
Believers in the advent near are often accused of a want of charity, because they charge upon those who differ from them upon this subject, the sin of infidelity. In the sense in which it is charged upon us, we plead guilty; but not according to the Bible meaning of the word, which is “love.” Cruden says, “it is a principle of prevailing love to God, and good will to man, which effectually inclines one endowed with it, to glorify God, and to do good to others.” HST September 4, 1844, page 38.8
It is this love, and this alone, which will prompt an individual to speak fearlessly against the sins of the present time; and advocate the doctrine of Jesus’s speedy coming again to earth. HST September 4, 1844, page 38.9
It is laying the axe at the root of every species of iniquity, without respect to persons, which brings down, upon those who thus act, the scorn and contumely of a wicked world, and corrupt church. HST September 4, 1844, page 38.10
The broad road to death is thronged with pious infidels and hypocrites, who are ridiculing and scoffing at the most glorious and precious truths of the Bible. HST September 4, 1844, page 38.11
Peace, peace, when “sudden destruction” is coming upon the world, ripe for ruin, is sung by those who are the professed watchmen upon the walls of Zion. Such watchmen are taking the lead of the multitude, who are crowding the gate to hell. When the servants of Jehovah, by his authority, are sounding the note of alarm, “that the end of all things is at hand,” and the sinner stops a moment in his head-long speed to ruin; those who profess to believe the word of God, wide unfurl the banners of satan, upon which are enscribed by the hand of its bearer, the soul-damning doctrine of the “Jews return,” ‘world’s conversion, and a thousand years before Christ can come.’ “The end not yet.” “No mater about the time, if we are only ready.” ‘Get ready for death.’ ‘Millerism,’ “fanaticism,” ‘delusion!’ and with such like effusions from the bottomless pit, have they quieted their fears, and lulled them to-sleep, while upon the verge of eternity, and within a step of the judgment bar of God. HST September 4, 1844, page 39.1
‘By their fruits ye shall know them,’ said the blessed Savior. Look at their fruits, and judge ye—“Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?” HST September 4, 1844, page 39.2
What has been the result in the sects, who have arrayed themselves in opposition to this doctrine? There can be but one answer. Spiritual darkness and death. Why have the revivals ceased, which have swept the length and breadth of our land? Where are the thousands of young converts, that but a short time since sung of salvation in strains of joy? Why is it that the sinner’s heart has become insensible to the most touching and powerful appeals?—Let those answer the question who have made God’s word of none effect—and have succeeded in bringing the hope of the true Israel into disgrace, and “putting far away the evil day.” Oh, how many more even now would be lifting their voices with hearts of gratitude to God, that they ever heard the sound of the near approach of the Son of man, and be looking forward with joyful anticipations to the time when the heavens shall reveal the Savior with his holy angels, but for the infidel teachings of those who, in the garb of religion, are helping them down to hell. HST September 4, 1844, page 39.3
It is said we rank all with infidels who do not believe as we do on this subject. As we before said, an infidel is one who denies the authenticity of the holy scriptures. He makes no pretensions to a belief in them, but avows openly his rejection of the sacred word. HST September 4, 1844, page 39.4
But there are those who profess to believe that every word is from God; that “not a jot or tittle will fail,” and then treat with neglect and indifference some parts of the Bible, and teach that some parts of it are of little or no importance. It is not us that accuse such of infidelity, but the word itself sweeps them beyond, the infidel rank, into infidelity and hypocrisy. They “sit in the seats of the scorner,” and the “scorner’s seat stands next to hell’s gate.” HST September 4, 1844, page 39.5
It is safe to stand firmly on the blessed Bible, and there is no safety elsewhere. By it we shall be judged. We must, therefore, be willing to obey God in all his requirements—believe all he has said—yield wholly to the teachings of his Holy Spirit, and as little children sit at Jesus’ feet, receive with delight all his instructions, and love his appearing with all the heart, or we never shall enter the pearly gates of the Holy City,” and have right to the tree of life.—Hope of Israel. HST September 4, 1844, page 39.6
“He that asketh receiveth.”—How precious to the child-like spirit is this gracious promise. It is not he that asketh shall receive, but he that, in the act of faith, truly asketh, receiveth. Let us believe the love of God, and yield our hearts to his mercy. Let us worship him in spirit and truth, and seek to know the fulness of his grace. This love is a fountain of eternal life and glory,—how then can we turn away in unbelief to the broken cisterns of creature good, and seek in vain to quench the spirit’s restless thirst. Let us cease from self and creature thrust, and sink into the encircling arms of an almighty love, and prove the blessedness of resting in God. Oh for the living faith and simple confidence that realizes eternal life, and the coming glory, that holds communion with the true and the changeless, and rejoices in a full salvation. The time of our warfare is nearly accomplished, let us then leave the things that are behind, and press forward, although now the veil is but partially withdrawn, and we see the radiance of hasting realities only in the shade of the distance, let our faith increase, that with the voice of a continual desire, we may ever be ready to testify that “he that asketh receiveth.”—Midnight Cry HST September 4, 1844, page 39.7
Without Christ, without God.—We stop not on this side Christ Jesus; we dare not say that any man is saved without Christ; we dare say that none can be saved, that hath received that light, and hath not believed in him. We curry you not beyond Christ neither, not beyond that face of his, in which he is manifested, the Scriptures. Till you come to Christ you are without God, as the apostle says to the Ephesians: and when you go beyond Christ, to traditions of men, you are without God too. There is a left-handed atheism, in the mere natural man, that will not know Christ; and there is a right handed atheism, in the stubborn papist, which is not content with Christ. They preach Christ Jesus and themselves, and make themselves lords over you in Jesus’ place, and further than ever he went. We preach not ourselves, but him, and ourselves your servants for his sake; and this is our service, to tell you the whole compass, the beginning, the way, and the end of all, that all is done in, by, and for Christ Jesus, that from thence flow, and thither lead, and there determine all, to bring you, from the memory of your creation, by the sense of your vocation, to the assurance of your glorification, by the manifestation of God in Christ, and Christ in the scriptures. For God, who commanded light out of darkness, hath shined, etc.—Dr. Donne. HST September 4, 1844, page 39.8
“What is Real Faith?”—The late king of Sweden was under great impressions of spiritual religion, for some time before his death. A peasant being once on a particular occasion admitted to his presence, the King knowing him to be a man of singular piety, asked him, “What he took to be the true nature of faith?” The peasant entered deeply into the subject, and much to the king’s comfort and satisfaction. The king, at last, laying on his death bed, had a return of his doubts and fears as to the safety of his soul; and still the same question was perpetually in his mouth, to those about him, “What is real faith?” His attendants advised him to send far the Archbishop of Upsal: who, coming to the King’s bedside, began in a learned, logical manner, to enter into the scholastic definition of faith. The prelate’s disquisition lasted an hour. When he had done, the King said with much energy, all this is ingenious, but not comfortable; it is not what I want, Nothing, after all, but the farmer’s faith will do for me.”—Toplady. HST September 4, 1844, page 39.9
Successors of the Apostles.—At a recent meeting in Ireland, the following authentic statement was made by the Chairman. He begged to be permitted to read the following document, which had reference to the amount of property left by the bishops of the Protestant Church:— HST September 4, 1844, page 39.10
| Fowler, Archbishop of Dublin | L150,000 |
| Beresford, Archbishop of Tuam | 250,000 |
| Agar, Archbishop of Cashel | 400,000 |
| Stopford, Bishop of Cork | 25,000 |
| Percy, Bishop of Dromore | 40,000 |
| Cleaver, Bishop of Ferns | 50,000 |
| Bernard, Bishop of Limerick | 60,000 |
| Porter, Bishop of Clogher | 250,000 |
| Hawkins, Bishop of Raphoe | 25,000 |
| Knox, Bishop of Killaloe | 100,000 |
| Stuart, Archbishop of Armagh | 300,000 |
| Total | L1,875,000 |
And these men call themselves the successors of the twelve poor fishermen of Galilee!—London patriot. HST September 4, 1844, page 39.11
More Folly.—A Millerite Camp Meeting is announced to be held at Morrisvile, near Trenton, commencing Wednesday, Aug 14. This being half way between New York and Philadelphia, it is expected there will be a gathering from both cities.—[Bay State Democrat. HST September 4, 1844, page 39.12
The holding of a Millerite Camp Meeting is called “folly”; and so, in fact, we think it is. But it is hard to perceive why it is any more foolish in the Milleites than it is in the Methodists, who are notorious for Camp meetings; but the Democrat does not call such an act on their part “folly.” Popularity is as great an elevator of some sects, as its opposite is a depresser of others. Investigator. HST September 4, 1844, page 39.13
Rest for the Saints
There is a rest for weary saints,
A home prepared in glory;
Though now they have their sad complaints,
They soon shall reign in glory
Chorus—O glory! O glory!
There’s room for us in Paradise,
A homo for us in glory.
HST September 4, 1844, page 39.14
When Jesus left his church below,
Borne on a cloud of glory,
His angels then declared, that so
He would return in glory.
O glory, etc.
HST September 4, 1844, page 39.15
Then he ascended up on high,
To claim the purchased glory;
And there will sit in majesty,
Till he returns in glory,
O glory, etc.
HST September 4, 1844, page 39.16
There he, as our High Priest, appears,
Our Advocate in glory;
By him our griefs the Father hears,
While toiling on to glory,
O glory, etc.
HST September 4, 1844, page 39.17
The signs he told us should precede
The Second Advent glory,
Have been fulfilled, as all concede,
And soon he’ll come in glory.
O glory, etc.
HST September 4, 1844, page 39.18
The faithful watchmen now proclaim
The promise of this glory:
The evil servants, to their shame,
Can see no signs of glory.
O glory, etc
HST September 4, 1844, page 39.19
As he ascended we shall rise,
When he returns in glory,
And greet him with immortal eyes,
And always see his glory.
O glory, etc.
HST September 4, 1844, page 39.20
And when this earth shall be renewed
In its primeval glory.
All who have here his path pursued,
Shall share with him its glory.
O glory, etc.
HST September 4, 1844, page 39.21
Letter from brother J. B. Cook
Dear Brother Himes:—You see by my date that we are again with our family friends. We have had a tour of several thousand miles, and having been graciously guarded by our coming Lord, we feel like raising our “Ebenzer,” and saying, “hitherto the Lord hath helped us.” HST September 4, 1844, page 39.22
I need a few days to recruit, but they will be very few, as I have a call day after to-morrow to attend a yearly meeting of the disciples, about 9 miles distant. After that, there are sevearal directions in which I should like to go, to preach and baptize believers. One call is from Detroit, where there is a goodly band who regularly meet to study the scriptures and pray. Let me request all who are interested in my feeble efforts and the coming of Jesus, to pray at least once for the blessing of God on them. HST September 4, 1844, page 39.23
My convictions have been for some time past that the prophetic year must end in the autumn. This was the original method of computing time. 3 Jesus was “cut off” in the spring, according to prophecy “in the midst of the week.” This would make the year begin and end in autumn. The types carry our minds to the autumn. HST September 4, 1844, page 40.1
Well, but did not the times of prophecy end last antumn? No. Why? 1st, because nothing then occurred to mark that period as “the end.” 2nd, every one who can add 4 and 7, and ascertain that it takes all of both numbers to make 11, can see that it takes all of 457 B. C. and 1843 since to make 2300. We know that according to our chronology 1843 of Jewish time did not end till the spring of 1844, Roman time; consequently it could not have ended last autumn, but must end (if the year began, in the autumn) this coming autumn. HST September 4, 1844, page 40.2
It seems to me plain as day, that if brother Litch is right as to their termination, the prophecy has failed. No one can say that the “sanctuary” is cleansed, or “the end” come, the righteous are still looking and “groaning” for “redemption;” and the scoffing is still, where is the promise of his coming, for “all things continue as they were.” I do greatly marvel at brother Litch’s conclusion on this point. “Let God be true,” etc, it would be something worse than spiritualizing in me should I “add” on a year and a half to God’s time, rather than confess my mistake. This is said in all friendship, for truth demands it. It seems to me a vital point. I dare “add” on an age, as soon as a year. God will at the time appointed bring “the end.” Thus he will stop the mouths of “scoffers” and by that one argument convince the world. Amen! HST September 4, 1844, page 40.3
If however there is a still further variation in our chronology from the truth, then brother H—may be right. At present I do hot believe he is—hope he is not, for I do desire to see our Jesus crowned Lord of all—the stream of death by which 50,000 are borne on to destruction daily, dried up, and the just all justified and gathered into a renovated world, in the presence of their Judge, and sing forever, HST September 4, 1844, page 40.4
O glorious hour! O blessed abode!
We shall be near and like our God. Amen!
HST September 4, 1844, page 40.5
This subjects exerts a subduing power over my heart. Recently I was for a number of days filled to a conscious fullness. An overwhelming, solemn joy filled my soul, and I at last sunk down exhausted with the intensity of my happy emotions. O come, Lord Jesus! HST September 4, 1844, page 40.6
The religious press and the ministry do not understand our principles, or feelings, or prospects. No, not at all. This becomes oppressive to me at times. I find relief only in committing all to Him who does understand and know them altogether. Some things which I have said and written, have been taken up as I never intended, but we go as did the disciples, and “tell Jesus.” Others have engaged in promoting temperance, and other good things with approbation, but we cannot state the Christian’s calling, the Christian’s hope and the Savior’s name in scripture language, and mean anything by it without giving offence. Well, I would be separate from all who cannot bear the truth. Amen! HST September 4, 1844, page 40.7
The congregation at the Tabernacle in Cleveland, is, I think, rather larger than in the former place of worship, and the truth has taken a deep hold on many minds in all that region. Adieu. Yours in hope. J. B. Cook. HST September 4, 1844, page 40.8
Leteer from Brother J. Weston
Dear Brother Bliss:—I have just returned from a tour in the state of Maine, having visited several places and attended the Conference at Liberty. In many places I think the brethren are some behind what they are in this region, yet they seem to be waking up to new engagedness. The Conferance at Liberty was a glorious one. The Lord was with us by his spirit, and a deep solemnity pervaded the whole congregation. Saturday evening some 40 arose for prayers. Perhaps half of them were impenitent. On Sunday we went into the grove, as the meeting house would not convene the congregation. Brother Start baptized several on Sunday, and several more on Monday morning, who had been baptized before—the reason for the re-baptism, was, the brethren who first baptized, said they did not understand the value of the ordinance. I never felt a greater manifestation of the spirit at the water than there. HST September 4, 1844, page 40.9
I spent two Sundays at Portland, and found the brethren there mostly in a good state. HST September 4, 1844, page 40.10
They need help in Maine. Cannot some of the brethren here, visit and travel there while time continues? J. Weston. HST September 4, 1844, page 40.11
Conferences & Campmeetings
CHAMPLAIN, N. Y.—An Advent Campmeeting will be held, the Lord willing, in Champlain, Clinton, co. N Y. Sept. 10. HST September 4, 1844, page 40.12
DERRY, N. H.—There will be a campmeeting held in this town, should time continue, to commence on Sept. 9. HST September 4, 1844, page 40.13
ORINGTON, ME.—A campmeeting will be held in Orington, Me. two miles east of Millcreek, on Sept. 11. HST September 4, 1844, page 40.14
SUGAR HILL, N. H. A campmeeting will be held on Sugar Hill, N. H. on land of Joseph L. Taylor, situated about one and half miles west of the Iron Works in Franconia, commencing on Wednesday, the 11th of September, and to continue about one week, the Lord willing. Second Advent Lecturers, and brethren generally, are invited to attend. Brethren will please bring tents, where it is practicable. HST September 4, 1844, page 40.15
For committee, Artemas Wells. HST September 4, 1844, page 40.16
BRIMFIELD, MASS. If time continue, and the Lord will, there will be a conference in this place, to commence Thursday, Sept. 19th, and continue through the week, or longer if thought expedient. And we take this opportunity to invite the brethren in the neighboring towns to attend, that the Lord’s house may be filled. Is it not a time when God’s children should be up and doing with their might what their hands find to do? When was the time that those who have enlisted in the blessed cause of sounding the midnight cry, “Behold, the Bridegroom cometh,” should be more engaged? We are in the midst of a perishing, ungodly, gainsaying world, which is just about to receive its final sentence, and doomed to everlasting destruction. Shall we then, brethren, “be at ease in Zion?” Will the blood of souls be found in he skirts of our garments, when we stand before the great tribunal of Jehovah, with the assembled universe, if we do not continue to cry aloud and spare not? L. F. Griggs. HST September 4, 1844, page 40.17
LITCHFIELD, ME.—There will be an Advent Campmeeting, if the Lord will, at Litchfield, Me., on Friday, the 6th day of Sept. next, to continue about one week. It is situated one and a half miles from Richmond Corner, and six miles from Richmond Village. Those that come from the West by water can have their baggage transported from Richmond to the camp ground free of expense. We hope the Brethren that can will bring their tents with them, and for those who are not thus provided, there will be board on ground for $1 50c per week. Horses kept at bay for 17 cents per day, and at grass for 25 cents per week. HST September 4, 1844, page 40.18
A general invitation is given to all who love the appearing of our blessed Lord and Savior. We hope some of our Lecturers from Mass. and New Hampshire will be present. HST September 4, 1844, page 40.19
In behalf of the committe, D. W. PERRY. HST September 4, 1844, page 40.20
Aug. 24, 1844. HST September 4, 1844, page 40.21
FLETCHER, Vt.—There will be an Advent meeting (the Lord willing) in the town of Fletcher, Franklin Co. Vt. at the meeting house, on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday evenings, Sept. 11th, 12th, 13th, to commence at early candle light, and continue Saturday and Sunday all day; and longer if then thought, proper. HST September 4, 1844, page 40.22
As we expect a general attendance, I wish Brother Himes, Storrs, Litch, or some other able teacher to attend the meeting without fail. Brethren, call on me, as I live near the meeting house, and I will find you places of entertainment. Wm. Sweet. HST September 4, 1844, page 40.23
Aug. 19th, 1843. HST September 4, 1844, page 40.24
BROOKLYN, Ct.—The Camp meeting at Brooklyn, Ct. which was postponed from August 20th for want of lecturers, that obstacle being removed, is now arranged to be bolden, if time continue, on land of Mr. John Allen, two and a half miles west of Danielsonville Depot, on the Norwich and Worcester Rail Road, to commence on Monday, Sept. 30th, and continue as long as may be demed expedient. Brethren generally, and particularly lecturing brethren, not aleady enggaed, are invited to attend. Preparations will be made by Mr. Allen for board and horse keeping on reasonable terms. HST September 4, 1844, page 40.25
In behalf of the committee, Thomas Huntington. HST September 4, 1844, page 40.26
PORTSMOUTH, N. H—The Lord permitting, there will be a Conference of believers in the immediate personal Advent of Christ, to commence at the Tabernacle in Portsmouth, on Tuesday, Sept. 17th, at 2 o’clock, P. M., and continue through the week. The object of which will be the glory of God in a more thorough understanding of his word; and an entire personal conformity to his will in all things. That thus being sanctified through the truth, we may be prepared to stand in the presence of our coming King with exceeding joy. And we most earnestly invite all seekers after truth, who consistantly can, to come up to this solemn assembly. Brothers Snow, Couch and Cole are requested to be at the above Conference, if possible. Also, all lecturers in the vicinity. HST September 4, 1844, page 40.27
Com.—Richard Walker, John Downing, Geo. Peirce, A. M. Osgood. HST September 4, 1844, page 40.28
Portsmouth. N. H. Aug. 30th, 1844. HST September 4, 1844, page 40.29
THE ADVENT HERALD
BOSTON, SEPTEMBER 4, 1844.
The Advent Message
TO THE DAUGHTERS OF ZION
No. 2
This No. of the “Message” we expect will be out and ready for delivery in the course of the ensuing fortnight. Its columns will be enriched by articles from the pens of sisters C. S. Minor, Philadelphia; Pa.; E. C. Clemons, Rochester, N. Y.; S. H. Brown, Westboro’, Ms.; C. Stowe, Hillsboro, N. H.: and A. C. Judson, Cleaveland, O.; which we believe will fully sustain the character of the previous No. HST September 4, 1844, page 40.30
We shall take no subscriptions. Single copies, 10 cents. One dollar, sent by mail or otherwise, will secure 12 numbers. Companies can unite in this way, and receive by mail. Or they can be obtained at 14 Devonshire St. Boston; 9 Spruce St., N. Y.; or 41 Arcade, Philadelphia. As soon as they are ready for delivery notice will be given; and orders which may be previously received will then be supplied. HST September 4, 1844, page 40.31
OBITUARY
Died, at Needham, Mass. Aug. 29, Bro. CALVIN FRENCH, aged 42. He was in the early part of the Advent cause an efficient laborer, and an instrument of much good. For the last few months he has been in a decline, till Thursday last, when he died strong in the faith of soon seeing Jesus, and being clothed upon in the first resurrection. HST September 4, 1844, page 40.32
We were present at his funeral on Sunday. Bro. Peavey preached a discourse on the occasion to a full house, from Hebrews 10:37, “For yet a little while, and He that shall come will come, and will not tarry;” a text which was selected for the occasion by our brother while he was dying, as expressive of his faith. The services were at the Baptist Chapel, near where he resided. HST September 4, 1844, page 40.33
Letters received to Aug. 31, 1844
Sarah Piersons by pm $1 pd to 191 in v 8; Geo W Wilkins by pm $1 pd to 140 in v 6; G W Rose $1 pd to end v 8; Wm Dougherty $2 12c pd to 173 in vol 8; Adam Hawkes jr $1 pd to end v 8; Wm Bryant by pm $1 pd to 204 in v 9; J C Clark by pm $2 pd to end vol 7; Catharine Gale $1 pd to end v 8; J Lutchuson 50c pd to end of vol 8; S Mann $2 28c pd to end v 8; Miss P Blake by pm $1 pd to end v 8; Charles Whipple by pm $1 pd to end of v 8; Mrs P Stone by pm $1 pd to end v 8; K Wetherell by pm $1 pd to end v 8; D Hall by pm 50c pd to middle v 8; Mrs S L Cook by pm $3 pd to end v 7; Wm Carr by pm $2 pd to end v 7; A W Mattikin by pm $1 pd to middle v 6; M M Mumford 50c pd to middle v 8; Mrs James Eliot by pm $1 pd to 190 in v 8; Mrs J F Bergin by pm $1 pd to 190 in v 8; C Wines by pm $5 pd to end v 8—$4 70c due for Books etc.; S Mann by pm $2 pd to end v 8; CG Hays by pm 50c pd to middle v 8; S Gaylord by pm $1 pd to end v 8; P Groom by pm 50c pd to middle v 8; W Covey by pm $1 pd to end v 8; O Loomis by pm 1$ pd to end v 7; C A Treat by pm 1$ pd to middle v 8; omitted by mistake; D P Drown $1 pd to end v 8; N Piper $1 pd to end v 6; Job. Dearborn by pm $2 pd to end v 7; S Sargent $3 63c pd to 173 in v 8; E Walker by pm $2 pd to end v 8, for one copy, and $2 sent to N York for Midnight Cry; J C Small by pm $2 pd to end v 9; Dea Reed by pm $1 pd to 158 in v 7; Mrs M Atherton by pm $1 pd to end v 7: Polly Lee by pm $1 pd to 209 in v 9; Capt A Southworth by pm $1 pd to end v 8; G B Mayo by pm $3 pd to end v 6; E Spencer by pm $1 pd to end v 7; Wm Turner by pm $2 pd to end v 7; A Jones by pm $2 pd to end v 9; H Kelsey by pm $1 pd to end v 8; E Thompson by pm $1 pd to end v 8; O Shattuck by pm $1 pd to end v 8; Wm Watson by pm $1 pd to 164 in v 7; Nathaniel Child by pm $1 pd to end v 8; Chas Shute 50c pd to end v 8; E T Willson 50c pd to middle v 7; W H Crane $1 pd to 178 in v 8; H Goodale $1 pd to end v 8; J Haley jr. by pm $2 pd to end v 7; S L Sprague by pm $1 pd to end vol 8; J Huntley by pm $1 pd to 191 in v 8; J Jewell by pm $1 pd to end v 7; S Field by pm $2 pd to end v 7; Miss Figgleston by pm $1 pd to end v 8; C R Wood by pm $1 pd to end v 8; L Briggs by pm $1 pd to end v 8; J E Darling by pm $1 pd to end v 8. HST September 4, 1844, page 40.34
G R Holbrook; pm West Scituate R I; pm Whately Ms; pm Blackstone Ms; R Plumer; pm Dover N H; T Cole; J V Himes; N Caves; pm Albany N Y; C Beenns $20; pm North Springfield Vt; J Kenfest; C Stowe; L Heath; S Pratt; J B Cook; S P Glbert; D W Perry; G S Miles $3; pm Middletown N Y; pm Townsend Ms Mid Cry will be sent from N York; G S Macomber; pm Chardon O; C S Minor; E C Clemens; pm Bristol Ct; pm Deansville N Y; L Bronson $3; A C Judson; O B Fenner; G F Storrs; Wm S Thayer $1, Books sent; Mrs A C Judson; P M Shaw, due on J Shaw’s paper 80c; Jao Dresser. HST September 4, 1844, page 40.35