The Advent Herald, and Signs of the Times Reporter [Himes], vol. 8
January 22, 1845
Vol. VIII. No. 24. Boston, Whole No. 194
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. 24. Boston, Wednesday, January 22, 1845. WHOLE NO. 194. HST January 22, 1845, page 185.1
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. HST January 22, 1845, page 185.2
DOW & JACKSON, PRINTERS. HST January 22, 1845, page 185.3
Terms.—One Dollar per Volume, of 26 Numbers. Five Dollars for 6 Copies, Ten Dollars for 13 Copies.
All communications for the Advent Herald, or orders for Books or remittances, should be directed to “J. V. Himes, Boston, Mass,” post paid. HST January 22, 1845, page 185.4
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 January 22, 1845, page 185.5
Lectures at Norwich, Ct
Bro. Bliss.—At the suggestion of Bro. Himes as he passed through Worcester last week, I came to this city on Tuesday for the purpose of aiding him in his efforts to arouse this community to the subject of the advent. During this series of meetings, which will conclude with this evening, we have occupied the spacious Court-house. As this was otherwise engaged both A. M. and P. M. of Lord’s day, bro. Himes tells me that he went to Greenville, about a mile and a half from here, and lectured in Union Hall, to a full and very atttentive audience. In the evening he commenced lecturing here to a congregation of 500—the house being full to overflowing. From what I can hear from without, I judge he was listened to with great candor and pleasure, and that the citizens of Norwich who heard him are happily disappointed as to what is styled Millerism. One old father in the ministry of the Methodist Church, said to our bro. “You are right with the exception of the chronology—prove the 6000 years are full, and I shall be bound to believe Christ is just at the door.” Another, not a professor of religion, but a candid and reflecting man said,—“You are more sinned against than sinning.” Even the editors of the public prints here say, “The reasoning is very ingenious from false premises.” But they would probably urge this objection to the doctrine of Christianity itself. These directors of public sentiment will exert their influence even over the minds of professed Christians; their judgment of a religious opinion is law with many, whether their heads or hearts be right, as to the very alphabet of religion! But little has been done here in times past towards giving the people the light on the blessed hope; of course the number of believers is small: but the noble and dignified attention which has now been given to the subject, and the disposition which is shown to read on it, is really a source of encouragement. As usual, bro. Himes gave away several dollars worth of publications, and received thirty-six cents. This is his notorious mode of speculation! The weather has been quite unfavorable for our meetings. The interest has not been so general as could have been wished, still perhaps it is an good as could be expected after all that has been said by the enemies of the doctrine to render it and its advocates odious. Multitudes will hear despite of “the passing of the time,” and the hue and cry of “heresy,” “divisions,” etc., etc. God be praised, He himself will go before his people and servants! HST January 22, 1845, page 185.6
I was pleased to see with what case and earnestness bro. Himes communicated himself before a promiscuous audience: it seemed like rolling back the wheels of time a year or two to old Chardon, St. Chapel. He goes from here to New London on the morrow, and I return to Worcester this P. M., where we are having sweet, peaceful times. The brethren and sisters there are growing in grace: really this is the preparing and emphatically the praying time. HST January 22, 1845, page 185.7
Will Bro. D. M. James give me his P. O. address at Worcester. Yours in the faith, F. G. Brown. Norwich, Ct. Jan. 17th 1845. HST January 22, 1845, page 185.8
Question Answered.—A Bro. writes requesting our views of baptism and the Lord’s supper, and whether these ordinances are observed in Boston. We answer they are here observed. Our custom is to have each one examine the word of God for himself, and then be baptized as he is satisfied the ordinance is there taught. Respecting the Lord supper, we have every one examine himself, and so eat, remembering that if he partakes unworthily he eats and drinks damnation unto himself. HST January 22, 1845, page 185.9
Preparation for the Crisis
It is assumed, in what we have to say, that a great, if not the great and last conflict with Papal Antichrist, is at hand, and we have not the election in the case, whether to go into it or to avoid it. Causes beyond our control, are urging it forward. A crisis is forming in the moral elements, from which a tempest must break forth; and it is our duty to see that it do not overtake us unprepared. The preparation to quit ourselves manfully in such a crisis, involves more important particulars than can be noticed in this brief article. HST January 22, 1845, page 185.10
The most important, however, may be embraced in this one—an elevated tone, of piety and spirituality. If it shall please God to throw us upon the theatre of a fierce conflict with the Man of Sin, we know not what temptations and trials we shall be called to encounter. We know not the mode of warfare that will be pursued, nor whether we shall be called to “resist unto blood, striving against sin.” We know not what new devices the cunning of the great enemy may frame, to seduce or vanquish the people, of God. Nor can we be well armed for what is coming, in the present languid state of piety. If that conflict should come on, and find the churches as destitue of the influences of the Holy Spirit as they now are the enemy might easily carry all before him. There is not heart, and vigour, and strength enough in the churches, to enable them to stand the first shock of battle. HST January 22, 1845, page 185.11
First of all, then, we need a broad and intense outpouring of the Spirit of God. When the enemy comes in like a flood, it is the Spirit of God who alone is able to lift up a standard. And every individual christian should ask himself, whether, with his present state of mind and heart, he could expect to acquit himself worthy in such scenes of trial; whether he is prepared to adhere to Christ and his truth, in any extremity of trial; and whether his armour is in a state for use in such a conflict. And among the world of motives, which urge us to acquire more intense spirituality, the exigencies of the coming occasion should not be forgotten HST January 22, 1845, page 185.12
There is another thing, more especially concerning the ministry; and that is, the question, whether we have the intellectual furniture for such a conflict with that Mystery of Iniquity. We presume, if inquiry be made, it will be found that there is scarcely any subject, coming within the range of theological studies, on which our ministry in general are as deficient, as this. Circumstances have induced this state of things. Heretofore we have had little to do, in any practical sense, with Popery. For two hundred years, the churches in this country have had rest from that conflict, which has wrought such tragedies in other countries and other times; and our ministry, as it should be, has been mainly devoted to other intrests. But now, that the rapidly shifting scenes in the moral world are throwing us suddenly into a conflict with an enemy, of whose tactics we have so little real experience, we are specially called upon to give attention to this subject. HST January 22, 1845, page 185.13
It is not enough for us to have a general and true conviction of the abominations of Popery; not to have our minds stored with a few facts, going to sustain that conviction. Our mere hereditary hatred of Popery, our memories dwelling upon the pages of a martyrology conned in childhood, and our imagination occasionally visiting the scenes of the Inquisition, are no prepartion to meet and vanquish an army of Jesuits. We have need to make ourselves masters of the whole field of the controversy. We have need well to know the lurking-places of the enemy, and all his sinuosities evasions, and double dealings. And we need to be able to quote chapter and verse, for all that we affirm. HST January 22, 1845, page 185.14
And in order to this, we have need to make ourselves familiar with the writings of those masters of the Protestant cause, who stood foremost in the conflict in the 16th and 17th century. In these, we have ample magazines for our furniture. We have the battle really fought under our eyes, and all the enemy’s tactics discovered to us, with all his stranger and weaker points. With our minds well stored from these writings, we may come into the field with the advantage of all the experience of a Luther, a Calvin, a Zwingle, a Beza, a Turretin, and a host of like men; and we may do battle, standing upon their shoulders. But most of these works are in Latin, without translation; and, for obvious reasons, must and should remain without truncations. For no minister can expect to be a whole man in this work, without such a facility of rending Latin, that the Latin dress of these immortal works shall be no hindrance to his free use of them—such a facility, that he can with ease carry on investigations, which require his consulting an endless variety of authors in that language. Yea, no minister can be a match for wily Jesuits, unless be has at his tongue’s end, that tongue of which the Jesuits make so much. HST January 22, 1845, page 185.15
So far, then, as the shaping of our studies is concerned, it is of the first importance that they be turned into this direction. Every minister and theological student, who expects to bear responsibilities in action on the public mind, touching this question, should (if he have not done it already,) scour up his Latin, and give, for a time, a considerable portion of his reading to works in Latin, and especially to the class of works which we have named. There are now obstacles in the way, from a want of copies of the books of those Reformers, in sufficient numbers. But a demand for such books, would soon create a supply. Let those who feel the want of them, look them up, and import them if need be; and soon as it is found that they are generally wanted, they will be on hand by re-prints, if by no other means. HST January 22, 1845, page 185.16
This ought to be realized and felt—that on the ministry of the present and coming generations, is to be laid the responsibility of meeting, perhaps for the last conflict, an army of Jesuits, trained and drilled, and aided by the experience of a three hundred year’s war. So it will be a war of veterans with new recruits, and we have need well to improve the time in drilling and equipment.—N. E. Puritan. HST January 22, 1845, page 186.1
A Waking up
It is plain to see that the writer of the above article is breaking loose from the teachings of Professors Stuart, Chase and others; and is somewhat alarmed at the ominious signs in the moral heavens of the present period. I think he shows himself to be, in some good degree, worthy of a watchman’s place upon the walls of the good old antiquated castle of the Puritan’s faith of the 16th and 17th centuries. And I am much pleased to see him engaged in cleansing out the cobwebs and dust from the same, which have been collecting for so long a time upon the walls and furniture of the good old citadal, which once stood the battle firmly, when Kings and Queens, the Pope and his army of Jesuits, and indeed we may say all, or nearly all of the civil and ecclesiastical powers of Europe, were doing battle against them. They fought and conquered. But through the indolence or negligence and inattention of the garrison for more than a century past, the walls of the same have been crumbling and going to decay, their armor has become unfashionable and out of use, the sword has rusted in the scabbard, and the sentinels and out posts have been engaged in their petty quarrels with the members of the same Protestant family; and have consequently neglected the discovery of the vast and powerful preparations which have been making for more than a quarter of a century. These are now so immense, we fear that the Puritans would be no more than a drop of a bucket to the mighty flood of waters on which the anti-christian woman is seated. But we love to see sentinels do their duty, valiently challenge the approaching foe, and alarm the sleeping citadel. This shows courage and fidelity; and I hope this will not be his last warning; for he will find the present occupants are too sound asleep to wake up by one feeble cry, although it may be ever so shrill. HST January 22, 1845, page 186.2
“The great and last conflict with Papal Antichrist is at hand.” This looks honest. I must admire an honest watchman; and what gives me great joy, is, he is of the valient tribe, the “Puritans.” There is some hope yet, that all the tribes will be represented at this last great conflict. But how will this conflict end? is an important question. God has told us. Daniel 7:11, 21, 22, 26. “I beheld then because of the voice of the great words which the horn spake: I beheld even till the beast was slain, and his body destroyed, and given to the burning flame. I beheld, and the same horn made war with the saints, and prevailed against, them, until the Ancient of days came, and judgment was given to the saints of the Most High; and the time came that the saints possessed the kingdom. But the judgment shall sit, and they shall take away his dominion to consume and to destroy it unto the end.” Also 2 Thessalonians 2:8. “And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming.” Revelation 19:19-21. “And I saw the beast, and the kings of the earth, and their armies, gathered together to make war against him that sat on the horse, and against his army. And the beast was taken, and with him the false prophet that wrought miracles before him, with which he deceived them that had received the mark of the beast, and them that worshipped his image. These both were cast alive into a lake of fire burning with brimstone. And the remnant was slain with the sword of him that sat upon the horse, which sword proceeded out of his mouth: and all the fowls were filled with their flesh.” Then, if it is the last conflict, we are sure of victory. Who, then, of the tribes of Israel, will not come forth and join, in doing battle with this noble-minded Puritan? Let us all gird on our armor, and be ready to join our glorious captain, when the last trump shall sound to the conflict, and with this bold Puritan be found in rank and file with the armies in heaven, following our glorious Leader upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean, to victory and glory. Revelation 19:14. HST January 22, 1845, page 186.3
In his second and third paragraphs he is very clear and graphic in his description of the nominal churches at this present period. If I had written this sentence, it would have been, ere this, said I had scandalized the churches. But I bless God he has raised up and prompted this bold Puritan to tell the church the truth. That “if the conflict should find the churches as destitute of the influence of the Holy Spirit as they are now, the enemy might easily carry all before him. There is not heart, and vigor, and strength enough in the churches, to enable them to stand the first shock of the battle.” See Revelation 6:17. “For the great day of his wrath is come; and who shall be able to stand?” HST January 22, 1845, page 186.4
His advice in his 3rd paragraph is what we need, and it ought to be engraven upon our hearts as with a point of a diamond. “Every individual christian should ask himself, whether he is prepared to adhere to Christ and his truth, in any extremity of trial; and whether his armor is in a state for use in such a conflict,” as will be the last battle with Art-christ or the Man of sin. If this is not giving the alarm to wake up, equal to the must zealous or fanatical Millerite, then I am no judge of the Millerite doctrine. Yes, I can say amen to the writer’s sentiments thus far, with a hearty good will, and also, God speed you, my brother. HST January 22, 1845, page 186.5
The remainder of his advice I am not yet prepared to adopt. I mean his advice to the minstry. His first question to them is, “whether they have the intellectual furniture for such a conflict with that Mystery of Iniquity.” “Intellectual furniture!” what weapon from our magazine may this be? God has furnished everything for his soldiers, that is necessary, that they may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto every good work; and Paul tells Timothy that is the Scriptures. I have read the scriptures, and I find no armor there described by this name, “intellectual furniture.” I wonder, too, if God knew this important weapon, why he told us of every other part of our armor, and left out this all important instrument? Will the good brother tell us where it is cast; or if it is, not cast, where is it made? Or if it is not cast nor made, where does it grow? Your readers are anxious to have this weapon of defence. Or is it a weapon of offence? Shall we have to enter the magazine of our enemies to obtain it? and is it a weapon which our enemies use with effect? “Intellectual furniture!” What is it? Can it be the sword and spear of Goliah, with, which he defied the armies of Israel? or is it the armor of Saul, the helmet of brass, or the coat of mail? Methinks that before the little striplings of the puritans could get inured in their armor, the Pope of Rome would have us all slaves at his feet. HST January 22, 1845, page 186.6
But, our brother of the Puritan has told us where this new armor is, and in what magazine it way be found. Hear him. “And in order to this, we have need to make ourselves familiar with the writings of those masters of the Protestant cause, who stood foremost in the conflict in the 16th and 17th centuries. In these, we have ample magazines for our furniture.” We are now told where the magazine is, in which we shall find it; but what is this furniture? Let the Puritan tell us. “With our minds well stored from these writings, we may come into the field with the advantage of all the experience of a Luther, a Calvin, a Zwingle, a Beza, a Turretin, and a host of like men: and we may do battle, standing upon their shoulders.” This is too pernicious. It is too cowardly to “do battle on another man’s shoulders;” But upon whose shoulders did these men do battle, and, as our writer implies, obtained the victory? O they obtained it by the spirit and word of God. Then I ask why may not we do battle in the same way, and by the same weapons? Because those weapons are all out of fashion at the present day, and the people will not now endure Bible doctrine. They must have “intellectual furniture.” For it is a well known fact, our enemies will not fight with those old fashioned antequated weapons, and we must meet them in their own armor, and on their own ground. Then, I pray you, brother Puritan, have a care how you go to war with this enemy, with all his sinuosities, evasions and double dealings. It is enchanted ground. Better, like Professor Stuart, agree with thine adversary whilst thou art in the way with him, than rush into a war with an “army of Jesuits,” an hundred times your number, either one of whom has ten times the “intellectual furniture,” and can, and do consult ten times as many of the “endless variety of authors” in the Latin language as you do, if “no minister can be a match for wily Jesuits, unless he has at his tongue’s end that tongue of which the Jesuits make so much.” The Puritans had better either neglect the advice of this teacher in their ranks, or go over with Professor S., to German neology, or master Pusey, as he the Professor may dictate Or they must take up the old fashioned Bible, and make that the study for the ministry, and go out to battle, aided by the Spirit of God, with this weapon, like the sling and stone of the son of Jesse,—a stumbling block to the Jews, and foolishness to the Greeks. 1 Corinthians 1:24-28. “But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God. Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men. For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble are called. But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; And base things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are.” Instead of following the advice and commands of God, we are seeking after the wisdom of men, and the “intellectual furniture,” of the world. No wonder then that the churches are “in the present languid state of piety,” and are “destitute of the influence of the Holy Spirit;” for they have forsaken the fountain of living waters, and have been hewing out to themselves broken cisterns which can hold no water. And the Protestant churches are putting as much dependence on human wisdom, as the Papal church does upon the infallibility of their head and unity of the church. The very reasons why the reformers succeeded so well, was because they fought their opponents with a weapon, the use of which was unknown to the Papists then, as it will be to the Puritans if they take up only with the advice of this writer, and spend their whole life time in “scouring up their Latin and give for a time a considerable portion of his reading to works in Latin, and especially to the class of works which we have named”—the “endless variety of authors in that language.” Then, before they can do us poor English readers or hearers any good, they must teach us Latin, or translate these “endless authors” into our mother tongue. But he has denied us even this last pittance of mercy; for he says, most of these works are in Latin without translation, and for obvious reasons, must and should remain without translations.” What “obvious reasons” does he mean? I can see none, except the one which the “man of sin” has already given, that the Bible should not be translated into the vulgar tongues, and sermonizing should only be in the Latin language. This is the obvious reason; but what is the object? The same again as the Catholic Jesuits would give, if they would be honest, that they might not only “do battle on other men’s shoulders, “but obtain themselves all the glory from the ignorant multitude, and ride “rough shod” over the heads of the commen people. Why the clergy of the Puritans are to have on a different armor from the laity, if this is not the obvious reason, can any one conjecture what it is? I perceive, then, instead of doing battle for the truth, it is only a war of Jesuit against Jesuit, and in the end it would be to the common people only a change of masters, a putting off one yoke of bondage which our fathers could not bare, to the putting on another yoke which has already galled the necks of their children. If this is “the great and last conflict with Papal Anti-christ,” I would forewarn the world how they joined battle with either of these belligerants. But there is no danger, and “Papal Anti-christ “will have no fears; for before these “new recruits” will have time to put on their novel armor of “intellectual furniture,” the old veterans will have time to conquer the world; and we are sure of “fifty years” peace, if there is no army equipped but these Puritans, whose armor needs such scouring, and whose ranks needs so much “drilling,” after they have had an “experience of a three hundred years’ war.” But let me say to Papal Anti-christ, you need not stop to laugh at this sudden blustering of our hero in buckram. There is an army made ready, whose Captain is the “King of kings,” and one who was never conquered. His armor is furnished for the battle. His war horse is biting the bit. His trumpet has sounded the alarm; and quickly you will hear the last trump for the onset. You will then see his army following him on their white horses, whose numbers are the elect of God, which no man can number; whose language is not only “Latin,” but is from every kindred, tongue, people and nation under the whole heaven. Their armor is like their invincible Captain, truth and righteousness. Their clothing is immortal, and their victory is over death. Before this conquerer, Anti-christ will fall, and the man of sin will be consumed. But let me show the Puritan writer that his war with the mystery of iniquity will be a failure, until the last crisis, which will be when the Ancient of days shall come. Daniel 7:21, 22. “I beheld, and the same horn made war with the saints, and prevailed against them; Until the Ancient of days came, and judgment was given to the saints of the Most High; and the time came that the saints possessed the kingdom.” Better have an armor which will stand the test in the great and last crisis; for he perceives the tokens of wrath, and has a faint view of the signs of the times. Then I would advise by all means that the Puritan ministry give heed to the sure word of prophecy; for that only can be a lamp to our feet, and a light for the future. HST January 22, 1845, page 186.7
Latin, untranslated, would be of no moral use to ninety nine hundreds of the Puritan hearers, or readers; and all their endless study for a preparation to fight Jesuits, is but a religious Don Quixotism in earnest. You would only be laughed at by the wily Jesuit; for while you were nibbling cautiously at this Latin bate, they would by plain English flattery and common sense reasoning, carry off nine tenths of the prey. HST January 22, 1845, page 187.1
Nothing but the word of God gave the victory to the reformers in the 16th and 17th centuries. And I think, to depend on anything else, discovers either a lack of piety, or a weakness in this age, when almost every nation can read the Bible in their own language. It is the common people that must be enlightened. We can do nothing with the Jesuits. And indeed I can see no use for our ministers to leave the study of the scriptures in the mother tongue, to spend fifty years in scouring up or learning a dead language, which but few except the Jesuits understand even among the catholics themselves. And to read, and not translate, for “obvious reasons” which the Puritan writer dares not give, an “endless variety of authors,” looks to me like throwing away the sword, and fighting with the scabbard only. And if the last crisis is at the door, as every intelligent thinking man does, and will admit, it seems to me to be the height of absurdity, to delay preparation so long: for if our Savior does not come, as the Adventists expect and believe, and decide the case in his own power, it is easy to see that within ten years the Catholics will have the rule and power of the whole earth. HST January 22, 1845, page 187.2
Our only salvation is in God; then let every one of us apply himself to his Bible for gliht, to God for help, and see that he has truth for his armor and defence, be firm and unyielding, and faithful, and the God of peace will bruise satan under your feet shortly. W. M. HST January 22, 1845, page 187.3
Bishop Onderdonk has been found guilty of several charges preferred against him, and the official sentence pronounced upon him, of which the following is the conclusion:— HST January 22, 1845, page 187.4
“It is hereby ordered and declared that the sentence of this court upon the suspendent, is, suspension from the office of a bishop in the church of God, and from all the functions of the sacred ministry; and this court do hereby solemnly pronounce and declare that the Right Reverend Benjamin Tredwell Onderdonk is suspended from all exercise of his episcopal and ministerial functions; and do order that the notice of this sentence required by said canon, be communicated by the presiding bishop, under his hand and seal, to the ecclesiastical authority of every diocese of this church. HST January 22, 1845, page 187.5
Seal. Given under my hand and seal this third day of January, A. D. 1845. HST January 22, 1845, page 187.6
PHIL’R CHASE, HST January 22, 1845, page 187.7
Sen. bishop and president of the court.” HST January 22, 1845, page 187.8
The above is the second case of the suspension of bishops in the episcopal church that has occurred within one year. It shows a sad condition of the religious interests in that church, when it is necessary for two of its highest functionaries to be deposed from its ministrations within so short a time. That church however should be commended for its promptness in deposing them. HST January 22, 1845, page 187.9
West Prospect, Me.—Brother S. Treat writes: “There are a few here who are earnestly contending for the faith once delivered to the saints. Ever since last Spring, we have, by the grace of God, been enabled to sustain a weekly prayer meeting, and have enjoyed God’s special presence and blessing, in almost all of our meetings since. We are holding on by faith, notwithstanding the seventh month has passed by, the time when we expected the Son of Man would be revealed from heaven. We were disappointed, but not injured, for we believe the word of God, and that the vision will soon speak and not lie, we believe that we are now in Paul’s little while, when he that shall come, will come, and will not tarry. HST January 22, 1845, page 187.10
Samuel Treat. HST January 22, 1845, page 187.11
Brother J. Mudget writes:—Dear Bro. Himes: “In behalf of the Second Advent brethren in Meredith, N. H. I would say that, notwithstanding the false reports, they are strong in the Lord, and stand fast in the faith, that they shall soon see their blessed Lord and Savior. I meet with them every Sabbath, though I am three miles from them. And the Lord meets with us and blesses our souls. We are resolved to hold on by faith till the Lord comes. Yours in the blessed hope of seeing the Savior. John Mudget. HST January 22, 1845, page 187.12
Meredith Village, Jan. 6th, 1845. HST January 22, 1845, page 187.13
Westboro, MS.—Brother Britton writes: “The little band in this place are patiently waiting the “redemption of the purchased possession.” The Lord is with us and that to bless. We have our stated meetings on the Sabbath, also on Tuesday and Thursday evenings. The trials that we have past through, has been for our spiritual good. The result of the last cry has been to separate the chaff from the wheat. Israel has been sifted, but not a corn of wheat has fallen through. “They are not all Israel which are of Israel.” I hope the line of distinction will be fully drawn, and that God will purify unto himself a peculiar people zealous of good works.” HST January 22, 1845, page 187.14
I think in what we have passed through, we shall be able to learn lessons of wisdom for the future; and wherein we may have erred in judgment, I trust it may serve to humble us, and make us more watchful, more prayerful, that when our Savior shall come, He may find us with our lamps burning, and we all prepared to sit down to the Marriage Supper of the Lamb. May the Lord preserve us unto his heavenly kingdom. HST January 22, 1845, page 187.15
J. Wilson Britton. HST January 22, 1845, page 187.16
Bro. A. Galick writes from Waterloo, L. C. Dec. 13th, 1844—Dear brother Himes: “Your paper is still the welcome messenger to the dear saints in this place; for when we realize your firm and undeviating course, we are inspired with new confidence in your honesty and integrity in sustaining and defending the Advent cause in which you have so long and so faithfully labored. The brethren and sisters in this place are still strong in faith, and watching for the return of the Nobleman. HST January 22, 1845, page 187.17
Biblical Pronouns.—Luther pronounced pronouns to be the sweetest and most consolatory expressions to be found in the word of God. What, in fact, more tenderly elevating than where the prophet Isaiah heralds peace and refreshing to the people of Israel? “Comfort ye, comfort ye my people, saith your God.” No longer the “Lord God, the Lord strong and mighty,” but “your God,” and “my people.” And how marked the difference between saying, “The Lord is a shepherd,” and “The Lord is my shepherd;” between the heathen, who acknowledges God as the Father of all things, and the ransomed of his well-beloved, who behold in the Lord “our Father which is in heaven;” between “the Lord will hear me when I call upon him,” and “Lo I am with you always even unto the end of the world!” HST January 22, 1845, page 187.18
Advent Herald & Reporter
“The Lord is at Hand.”
BOSTON, JANUARY 22, 1845.
Extremes—Truth lies between—Opposite texts of Scripture not contradictory
“A wise man’s heart discerneth both time and judgment.”—Ecclesiastes 8:5 HST January 22, 1845, page 188.1
“Ye know not when the time is.”—Mark 13:33. HST January 22, 1845, page 188.2
As a general rule, the true interpretation of scripture lies between opposite and contradictory views respecting it. Men are ever prone to leave the only safe and conservatory ground and to run into extremes; and when one extreme of error is combatted, they are liable to find the other extreme. This should always be avoided. Also when we wish to arrive at the true understanding of any passage, we should always compare it with any which may seem to conflict with it; and never build a theory on those texts alone which more directly sustain it, independent of conflicting ones. HST January 22, 1845, page 188.3
Many of those churches which have walled themselves about with creeds, usually support the different tenets of their belief, by those texts which, standing isolated and alone, may seem to sustain them; while at the same time other churches of opposite creeds, are sustaining theirs by opposite texts equally direct and positive in their support. Thus we have Armenians, Antinomians, Universalists, and Trancendentalists, etc., each contending for their own favorite views. But if they would take into consideration all opposite texts, and let each modify the other, so that all would harmonize, the sectarian walls and party names that divide the church might be demolished. HST January 22, 1845, page 188.4
It is thus that our opponents attempt to disprove the reign of Christ in the regenerated earth. They select a few texts like these—“My kingdom is not of this world”—“the kingdom of God is within you”—“flesh and blood cannot inherit it” etc. etc.; and those who are ignorant that there are any other texts in the scriptures touching the question, really suppose that the personal reign of Christ is disproved. But if they just permit those texts to stand by the side of the great mass of testimony which positively establishes its certainty; they would see that a doubtful interpretation of a few such texts cannot disprove the mass of evidence on the other side; and that interpreted in the light of such evidence, even these, add their weight to the true understanding of the question. HST January 22, 1845, page 188.5
It is this principle of interpretation that we wish to bring to bear upon the question of the time of the Advent. One will quote the text—“A wise man heart discerneth both time and judgment,”—and argue from it that we may know the very hour and moment of its occurrence, if we are of the wise. Another will quote the text—“Ye know not when the time is,”—and claim that he has proved that no man can ever know anything of its approach, the age of the world, or the period in its history that we live. Now two such opposite views cannot both be true; nor can any view be true which is in opposition to the true meaning of a single text of scripture: for God cannot contradict himself. The truth will therefore be found in an intermediate ground which will harmonize both classes of texts. HST January 22, 1845, page 188.6
A striking case of this kind is found in Proverbs 26:4, 5. There we read, “Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest thou also be like him.” And again, “Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own conceit.” Now here are two texts that would strike some as being entirely opposite and contradictory. And some might argue from the one that we must never answer a fool according to his folly; while others might argue that we must always thus answer him. But taking both into consideration, the truth is between the two; and according to the circumstances of the case, we are to answer the fool. That is, if answering him according to his folly would make us like unto him, we are to refrain from such an answer: but if, unless he is thus answered, he will be wise in his own conceit, we are to answer him with that end in view. And so with various other passages of scripture which are quoted by the opposers of revealed truth as contradictions; they only modify each other, and are to be explained in connection with each other. HST January 22, 1845, page 188.7
Now we read in Daniel, that “the wise shall understand.” Then the question is, what shall they understand? Some seem to suppose, that unless they have an almost infinite understanding of every thing referring to the present, past, or future, that they are not of those that “understand.” But this promise of understanding cannot have respect to the secret things which belong unto God alone; it can only respect those which are revealed. And in the case under consideration, it can only have respect to the revelation which was then given,—to that which was closed up and sealed. It was not to be understood until the time of the end, and then the wise shall understand it. Now because some minute particular in connection with its fulfillment may remain obscure, it does not therefore follow that that prophecy is not understood. The diligent students of the Scriptures understand many things respecting that prophecy which the wicked do not. They see the fulfillment of the various events there recorded, down to the end of time, and therefore “understand” that the end is the next event, and that we must be in its immediate neighborhood. They also “understand” about the time when the prophetic periods therein recorded must have commenced, and that accordingly they must terminate at about this time. And yet they may not be able to know the precise point of time at which they terminate. Such understand: some understand more and others less; while the wicked, who see therein no indications of the termination of that prophecy, “do not understand.” HST January 22, 1845, page 188.8
So of the text, “of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels which are in heaven, neither the Son, but the Father;” some argue that we can never know anything respecting it. But it cannot denote that; for then it would contradict the context which commands us to know when it is nigh even at the doors. It therefore can only mean that we do not know the day and hour, while we may know it is near. And so with various other texts; some are referred to to prove that we are to know the very day of the Advent, while others are supposed to prove that we can know nothing respecting it. Both interpretations are however wrong; for in either case some passages are contradicted. Consequently the truth must be in the medium between the two interpretations which harmonizes both, and is contradicted by neither class of texts. We must therefore learn that truth lies between extremes; and in the case of the Advent, that we may know it is at the door, and can not be long delayed, and may come at any moment, and yet we do not know the day or hour; that we may understand all that is essential to warn us when the end is just upon us, while the more particular minutia of the vision may not be made clear to us. HST January 22, 1845, page 188.9
Before we dismiss this question, we will say word farther respecting the text in Mark 13:32 where it is said the “Son” does not know. This allusion to the Son, is not in Matthew or Luke, and Ambrose says it was wanting in some Greek copies of Mark, in his time. It is therefore supposed by many to have been interpolated during the Arian controversy. Others attempt to get around the difficulty by supposing the verb knoweth should be rendered “maketh known.” Dr. Mackinght and others suppose it may thus be rendered; but as Dr. Clark says, “this only cuts the knot, but does not untie it.” Some, however, have argued, that as it may read “maketh known” that it is a proof that man will know the day and hour. But it should be remembered that a secondary use of words is never to take precedence of their primary sense; so that an argument founded on a translation which a text may possibly bear, is of little strength compared with one based on the literal and obvious translation. HST January 22, 1845, page 188.10
Editorial Correspondence
Dear Bro. Bliss.—My late tour through a part of N. H., in company with Bro. Jones, for the purpose of visiting our Advent brethren, has been of a most profitable and interesting character, and I trust attended with good results. Although we found the Adventists laboring under many trials, still there were but few who had given up the glorious expectation of soon meeting the Savior. HST January 22, 1845, page 188.11
Their trials were chiefly from the apparent failure of our calculation of the prophetic times, and from the difficulty of determining our relation to the world since we passed the boundary to which our calculation of the time extended. But as soon as the circumstances of the case were pointed out from the word of God, their doubts and fears and perplexities, gave place to confidence and hope and rejoicing. HST January 22, 1845, page 188.12
A new chronological argument from the word and works of God, i. e. from the connection of the facts of the gospel history with astronomical facts—eclipses—showed them that the foundation of our chronological position is of the strongest possible character; and the only explanation of historical prophecies which we could adopt with safety, or indeed, with any satisfactory evidence of its truth, showed that we were now between the sounding of the “cry,” and the actual coming of the Lord, to save his people. These points settled, it is not difficult to ascertain the duties of our present position; and it is clear also that the trial through which we have been of late, and are now passing, is just such as we have reason, from every portion of the word of God which has a bearing on the question, to expect. This trial was to arise from the contempt and indifference of the great mass of the world, with the strong influence which would press upon ourselves to sink us into the same state,—so much so, indeed, that the last great trial of the people of God, should be almost equal to that experienced by them in the early history of the gospel, when the Savior himself saw that it was more than human nature could endure, and stand erect,—“the spirit was willing, but the flesh was weak.” They even “slept for sorrow.” So, many have been “in heaviness through manifold temptations,” during “the fiery trial” by which they have been tried, as “partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, they may be glad also with exceeding joy.” We have evidently come to the last form of trial which is to he alloted to the people of God. HST January 22, 1845, page 188.13
Our Conference at Barnstead was as well attended as could have been expected. On the Sabbath we had a good congregation; and those who were present expressed themselves to be very much benefited by the meeting. Many of them came from quite a distance. HST January 22, 1845, page 188.14
Having parted from Bro. Jones on Monday, as he returned to Boston, I visited the brethren at Dover and Portsmouth, and found them endeavoring to stand fast, in the midst of all their trials and discouragements. I held meetings with the brethren in each of these places, and found them to be refreshing seasons. The expectation and prayer of all who hold on to the truth is, that the Lord will come speedily and bring them into their long sought rest. So let it be. HST January 22, 1845, page 188.15
This is the first lecturing tour I have attempted for a great while; but my health has been much better than I could have expected. O, that we may have grace to endure the little while that now separates us from immortality and eternal life. A. Hale. HST January 22, 1845, page 189.1
Charlestown, Mass. Jan. 16, 1845. HST January 22, 1845, page 189.2
Brn. Stuart and Wilder.—We have received a communication from Frankfort, Me., with fourteen signatures certifying that these brethren have been arrested on false and malicious charges, for the purpose of destroying their influences; and that on these charges they were sentenced to ten days imprisonment in the county jail, but appealed to the next court. We should publish the communication entire, were it not for some statements respecting the prosecutor, and the justice, which, they might call upon us to substantiate, and might subject us to trouble. While the names of the signers are all in one hand writing, and are all strangers to us—not being among our subscribers at Frankfort; and the towns are not given where they do reside. The signers express the fullest confidence in these brethren, and pronounce the suit as the result of mere malice, assuring us that every charge was proved false. HST January 22, 1845, page 189.3
N. Scituate, R. I. Bro. P. Aldrich writes:—“The brethren here were never stronger in the faith once delivered to the saints, than at the present time. We were disappointed in not seeing the Lord on the tenth; but we feel the time has come when the just shall live by faith. We have a convenient place where we hold our public meetings; and have preaching on the Sabbath most of the time by Bro. Bellows; and are occasionally visited by brethren from other plaees. The weekly reception of your paper is like pure water to a thirsty soul. And while we read over the different letters of our brethren, and see their trials, and the opposition they receive from the church and world, we ask ourself to which class the Lord will say, well done good and faithful servant. HST January 22, 1845, page 189.4
Bro. Himes,—Bro. I. H. Shipman sends a unanimous call from the brethren in N. Springfield, Vt., for you to hold a Conference with them from some Friday to continue over the Sabbath. Please inform him through the paper. He promises a good gathering of the faithful. Bro. Shipman writes:—“The cause never had a more firm support in this place than now.” HST January 22, 1845, page 189.5
Music.—We would be obliged to friends who may have appropriate pieces of music, if they will forward them to us. And such as we may find suitable for the purpose we may publish. HST January 22, 1845, page 189.6
Mendicants.—We have continued complaints from various sources, that numbers of persons under the garb of superior sanctity are around among the advent congregations, appealing to their sympathies, and sponging their living out of those whom they can prevail upon to harbor them. Now this is all wrong; and none should be thus sustained, unless they are known, or can show testimonials that they have the confidence of brethren in the places where they belong, and from whence they come. We are pained to be obliged to mention the names of any of this class, but one case is so flagrant, that of a Mr. Gardner, who goes from this city, and who may be recognized by his wearing a shade over a part of his face under his eyes—that we cannot but allude to it. We have heard of him at New York, Hartford, and other places, where he has been an expense to the brethren. There are others whose names might be given, whose avowed purpose is to live upon the brethren. All such should be reminded of the apostle’s admonition, that “if any would not work, neither should he eat. For we hear that there are some which walk smong you disorderly, working not at all, but are busy bodies.” HST January 22, 1845, page 189.7
Gratuitous Papers. We gave a notice some weeks since of discontinuing those which we sent to persons who take no interest in their perusal. But we find it difficult to make such a distinction. Now as we do not wish to stop the papers of any, to whom they are sent gratuitously, who are interested in the perusal of them; and as we do not wish to tax any with postage who are not interested in their perusal; we will thank any such, who are not interested in receiving them, to return a paper marked to that effect. While those who would still like to receive them, if they will signify it by their Post Master, we will continue to send them. HST January 22, 1845, page 189.8
Bro. Himes writes from Norwich, Jan. 13th.—“I have good audiences and am encouraged in my meetings here. The court-house was filled on Sunday night; and the best order and solemnity prevailed We had a snow storm this evening, but a good and attentive audience. I continue till Friday.” HST January 22, 1845, page 189.9
If we recollect aright these are the first Advent ectures ever given in that town. HST January 22, 1845, page 189.10
Errata.—In a few quires of the last Herald, in the article entitled, “In the field again,” “Visits to other places,” was made by the printer to read, “Visits to the Shakers.” It was however corrected in all but a small part of the edition. HST January 22, 1845, page 189.11
“Seventy pages on the Second Advent,” exclaims the Investigator in reference to our “Shield” which contains 144 pages! If our neighbor’s logic is no better than his arithmetic, we fear for his conclusions. We were in hopes he would have the candor to give it a reading, but it seems he was satisfied with “looking over its pages.” HST January 22, 1845, page 189.12
“The Shield.” In a few numbers of the last Shield we find an omission of twelve pages, from the 156th to the 169th. As some which are thus defective may have been sent from this office, we would like to rectify this mistake by replacing any defective numbers, with those which are perfect. HST January 22, 1845, page 189.13
The New Year.—The events of another year have become history, and the earth has still a place among the orbs which float. It was foretold by a class of prophets who, we hope, will live and flourish in a good old age, that before the close of the late year, “the solemn temples, the gorgeous palaces, yea, the great globe itself, and all which it inherit should dissolve.” But the sands of 1844 have run out, the earth is still on its orbit, and the firmament as bright and glorious as when the prophetic vision was first seen. For this let us rejoice and be glad. And while thus rejoicing that the veil of darkness and oblivion has not fallen impenetrably upon the whole earth, let us strive that what remains to us of life shall be dedicated to better observances of duty, and higher aspirations after excellence in every human attainment. The world is not yet burned, but still gives a foothold and a theatre for higher plans and efforts than men have yet made. Let us see to it that in the generation in which we stand, no great interest of humanity shall retrograde,—that the sun of American prosperity shall not go back, as on the dial of Ahaz, nor stand still as on Gideon—Conn. Courant. HST January 22, 1845, page 189.14
We are continually more and more satisfied that our views and feelings are not understood by the great body of those who are not rejoicing in the Advent hope. Now because the events for which we look were not fulfilled last year, the editor of the Courant says, “let us rejoice and be glad.” But what are we called to rejoice over? Why it is over the fact that the Lord has not yet come, that the graves still hold the bodies of departed saints, that their inheritance is still withheld from them, that the saints do not yet possess the kingdom under the whole heaven, that it is not yet given to the Son of Man, and that this world is still a scene of crime and wretchedness and wrong,—of sin in every varied form. And is this a cause of rejoicing? HST January 22, 1845, page 189.15
Those who thus speak do not seem to realize that we are looking for the most glorious of all events. If they could realize this, they would not speak of “rejoicing that the veil of darkness and oblivion has not fallen impenetrably upon the whole earth.” We are looking for the falling of no such “veil;” but rather for the removing of the “covering cast over all people, and the veil spread over all nations,” when death will be swallowed up in victory. We are not looking for darknesss; but for the rising of the Sun of righteousness, when this world will become again what God made it in its Eden state. We are looking, not for an event the children of God should fear; but for one that should be the joy of the whole earth. We are not looking for days of mourning; but for the days wherein our mourning will be ended. It therefore sounds very curious to our ears, to hear rejoicing that the earth is still under the curse; when we should rather rejoice that its redemption therefrom draweth nigh, which was once the hope of the entire church. HST January 22, 1845, page 189.16
Letter from Bro. J. P. Weethee,
President of Beverly College, Ohio
Dear Bro. Himes.—It affords me pleasure to have the privilege of declaring my decided partialities for the cause of the Second Advent. Duty requires me to make it the nucleus of my prayers and discourses. And why should not every lover of the Savior be interested in the doctrine of the Advent near? It was the delight of the apostles: the hope of the first Christian converts! and ought it to be the less dear in our day? Should it be despised by the down trodden people of God of the nineteenth century? I am persuaded otherwise. This weather-beaten doctrine of eighteen centuries, ought to be, yea, will be loved by devoted Christians. And, to such, shortness of time but adds wings to their joyful anticipations. It is true that we have been disappointed in the exact period; yet have we not gained confidence in the general principles? Ridicule and calumny are harmless against them. Let the enemy rekindle the fires of Smithfield. They would only be a refiner to “Purify the sons of Levi, and to purge them as gold and silver, that they may offer unto the Lord an offering in righteousness.” Malachi 3:3. I am well pleased with the position you now occupy. May we have grace given us abundantly to stand firm in this sure word of prophecy. Your trials are severe, but they will add to your crown of rejoicing. Your papers afford us much instruction; and I feel confident that the Advent brethren will not suffer them to die. I have just returned from a lecturing tour through parts of Morgan and Washington counties, Ohio: visiting the brethren. I find the interest on the increase. I know of no one who has gone back. Our meetings were generally large, and very attentive. In October, at the Round Cotton, I baptized five, among whom were brother and sister Marsh, of McConnelsville. On the last Sabbath in December I held another communion season at the Round Cotton, when between fifty and sixty persons partook, the most of whom are looking for the Savior. Yours in the blessed hope, I. P. Weethee. HST January 22, 1845, page 189.17
Chauncy, Ohio, Jan. 10th, 1845. HST January 22, 1845, page 189.18
A Beautiful Sentiment.—“Prayer is the peace of our spirit, the stillness of our thoughts, the evenness of the recollection, the seat of meditation, the rest of our care, and the calm of our tempest.” HST January 22, 1845, page 189.19
38 The Glad Tidings. MILLENNIAL HARP. 39
arranged by n. billings.
1. Hark! hark! hear the blest tidings;
Soon, soon, Jesus will come,
Rob’d, rob’d in honor and glory,
To gather his ransom’d ones home;
HST January 22, 1845, page 190.1
chorus.
Yes, yes, oh yes,
To gather his ransomed ones home.
HST January 22, 1845, page 190.2
2 Joy, joy, sound it more loudly,
Sing, sing glory to God;
Soon, soon Jesus is coming,
Publish the tidings abroad.
HST January 22, 1845, page 190.3
3 Bight, bright, seraphs attending,
Shouts, shouts, filling the air;
Down, down, swiftly from heaven,
Jesus our Lord will appear.
HST January 22, 1845, page 190.4
4 Now, now, through a glass darkly,
Shine, shine visions to come;
Soon, soon, we shall behold them,
Cloudless and bright in our home.
HST January 22, 1845, page 190.5
5 Long, long, we have been waiting,
Who, who, love his blest name;
Now, now, we are delighting,
Jesus is near to proclaim.
HST January 22, 1845, page 190.6
6 Still, still, rest on the promise,
Cling, cling, fast to his word;
Wait, wait, if he should tarry,
We’ll patiently wait for the Lord.
cho. Yes, yes, oh yes,
We’ll patiently wait for the Lord.
HST January 22, 1845, page 190.7
“Second Advent Library.”
Dear Bro. Himes.—I believe you have never received my thanks for that generous present—a full set of the Second Advent Library. Be assured I prize it very highly; since I have disposed of my former Library, which of course I regarded as among my choicest earthly jewels. The “Second Advent Library” is a noble, a more priceless substitute. Often have I wished that I had been introduced to such a complete body of divinity years ago—so lucid, so harmonious, so minutely Scriptural: it would have saved me from a great many doubts, and a great deal of darkness, and more latterly, from many severe trials. I feel truly grateful to the authors of the Library,—they have been my spiritual teachers; they have assisted in guiding me to the most endurable and enviable kinds of knowledge. Truth or error, there are no doctrines more easily sustained from the Bible, than those advocated in those twelve neat, cheap books styled, The Second Advent Library. With but few exceptions, none of the writers have been “liberally educated;” and probably in the estimation of some who affect more learning, the “defective education” of the remainder ought to make the library a contraband article. But O shame, where is thy blush, when the professed servants of “the carpenter’s son,” the successors of the “ignorant and unlearned” fishermen—Peter and John,—can labor to weaken the value of the teachings of others by such sneers and insinuations! I used to be taught by men more learned still, that such attempts were the surest marks of a self-conceited mind, or a “defective education.” Such kind of arguments as have lately come under my notice against the Advent, are the old stereotyped objections which have been repeated and re-repeated against Christianity by Jews, infidels and sceptics. They are just the kind of arguments which have been urged over and over again against Evangelical religion, Revivals, the Reformation under Luther, and all manner of Reforms. Such philippics prove nothing! The Advent works are not of this character: they are not like the generality of the discourses of the present day, with a fragment of Scripture at their head, and no effort to show the connexion between the discourse and the selected text, and a still feebler effort to PROVE the doctrine of the discourse from the infallible Word. In these publications, there is, at least, an attempt put forth by the writers, to prove their opinions from the Scriptures of truth. They are not the assertions of great men, or they might not need a recommendation. But as the doctrines advanced in them are based solely on what Moses and the prophets did say, I wish that class of the disciples of Him who was “a teacher of such men as receive the truth with pleasure,” might be induced to obtain them. In common with the mass of Advent believers, I am not in the habit of studying Commentaries—the pure Word—is and has been our main text book, but the Library might render us some valuable aid, just now, in reviewing the grounds of our hope. I could wish that every Advent believer and lecturer could be furnished with a set of the Library. Yours still in the faith, HST January 22, 1845, page 190.8
F. G. Brown.
Worcester, Jan. 1845.
The price of the Library bound is only $5. HST January 22, 1845, page 190.9
The Spirit of God
We cannot possess too much of the Spirit of the Lord. Without it we cannot worship Him, nor do any thing that is pleasing in His sight. Let us then seek to be filled with the Spirit. The apostle says if we live in the Spirit to walk also in the Spirit; that is, let all our movements be in the Spirit, our speaking, praying, singing must be with the spirit and with the understanding, in order to be acceptable to God. God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into our hearts; and my soul is often thus refreshed. Though we may feel and enjoy ever so much of his Spirit; still we must be careful not to attach any new revelation to it. All the revelation God has designed for us was given to his Son, was sent and signified by his angel to his servant John, and given to the seven churches. In this revelation I have the fullest confidence, and in no other. On this I mean to stand until the Lord himself is revealed. This revelation is from the Father; and none can receive it but by the Spirit. The promise of the Savior is that the Spirit shall take of the things of the Father and shew them unto you. This indeed the Spirit has done, in which we do greatly rejoice, that are looking for the Lord. On this revelation of the Father, brethren, we have endeavored to stand, and the gates of hell thus far have not been able to prevail against us. The word of the Lord never looked so precious to me as now. HST January 22, 1845, page 190.10
My entire confidence is in it. Thoughts of those blessed words has been running through my mind this day, and filling my soul with heaven. Blessed are they which are called to the marriage supper of the Lamb. O glory to God for what I see just ahead. My soul is happy and calmly stayed on the Lord, while all arouud me seems like the raging sea. HST January 22, 1845, page 190.11
I had a severe trial at the passing by of the seventh month; but I concluded then to do as I have always endeavored to do in times of affliction, humble myself before the Lord. This course I find always to be safe. Since that time I have found myself in possession of that patience and resignation that I never felt before. The Lord I believe is fast preparing his people to meet him; and when he comes, they will hail him with a joyful and tranquil spirit, without distraction, or excitement. Yours in the blessed hope, John L. Paine. HST January 22, 1845, page 190.12
Peacham, Dec. 24th, 1844. HST January 22, 1845, page 190.13
Expository Preaching
Before I leave the department of preaching, allow me to refer your consideration to one particular kind of preaching, I mean the expository, which I am sorry to say is far too little practised in the English modern pulpit. To this your attention has been directed by your able and excellent theological tutor. I know it has been supposed, or at any rate said, that the people do not like exposition. I believe the contrary to be the fact, and that it is the ministers and not the people that are not fond of it. If it has been tried and produced dislike, it must be from one or other of these causes, either it has been conducted too much like the German Exegesis, in which there is so much minute and anxious verbal criticism as to be almost tedious even to a scholar; or else it has been carried on in such a loose and slovenly manner, as to disgust even a superficial hearer and thinker, and to produce the conviction, that it has been taken up from mere indolence; a bad exposition is usually the worst of all bad sermons. If it be well done, and this is not a difficulty beyond the reach of any one who will give himself the trouble to make the acquisition, the people are sure to like it. There are so many advantages connected with it, that is surprising to me it should not be adopted by all preachers. How much perplexity and waste of time does it save in the selection of texts and subjects; what an opportunity does it afford to introduce topics into the pulpit which we should neglect but for this method, topics which if they did not come in regular course, would be set down to personality on the part of the preacher. If the minister takes the view of the passage which his hearers have previously formed, they are pleased with him for thinking as they do; if he brings out a view which did not occur to them, they give him credit for a deeper insight into the meaning of a passage than they possessed. It leads to an extended acquaintance with the Bible, both on the part of ministers and people. HST January 22, 1845, page 190.14
So far as my own experience goes, having practised this method from the commencement of my ministry, I can bear emphatic testimony to its acceptableness, although I make no pretensions to be a skilful expositor. If you feel a difficulty at commencing what might be called a regular course of sermons, for which the eighth chapter of the Romans would furnish a fine field, or the eleventh chapter of Hebrews; or occasionally take a long parable, or a fact of the New Testament, and procure for yourself the fact, and produce in your people the taste, for this method of instruction. But besure and let it be done well, and rendered interesting, as it certainly may be with painstaking, and you will have no cause to complain of a want of relish for it. Some ministers give short current remarks on the chapters which they read in the course of the service, and preach a sermon afterwards. For my own part, I have a feeling which makes me wish that God’s own Word, unattended by any remark of my own, should be heard during a a part of the service allotted to public worship.—Rev. J. Angell James. HST January 22, 1845, page 191.1
Effective Preaching
It is an inquiry of most solemn import why the gospel of the Son of God, as now preached from Sabbath to Sabbath, produces comparatively so little effect. The gospel is the power of God unto salvation. It was designed to be such to the end of the world. In apostolic and latter times the gospel excited its divine energy on the heart at once, whenever and wherever it was faithfully preached, and sinners in large numbers were converted the same day. Why does not the gospel produce the same effects now? We cannot tell. And yet there is a reason and a cause why it does not. Is this cause or hindrance to be found in God or in the gospel—In the preacher or in the obdurate hearts of men? Not in God, surely, nor in his sovereignty rightly understood, nor in the gospel of his grace. All things are ready on the part of God in respect to means and effective instrumentalities. Is the cause then to be sought in the hard hearts of men, and in their stout resistance of the truth? But before the power of the gospel stout hearts bow like the bull-rush. Is the cause of inefficiency in the truth, then, to be sought in the preacher himself, or in his application of it to the heart and conscience of his hearers? Does the preacher rightly divide the word of truth, and give to each his portion in due season? This is the solemn inquiry. We leave the solution of the question to the prayerful consideration of each one who feels its force and importance. We will only quote a passage from Dr. Dwight in illustration. In his theology, Ser. 55, after speaking of those who become penitent only by the immediate influence of the Divine Spirit upon the heart, and none others ever do, he says, “Of this number, few, very few, are ever awakened or convinced by the encouragements and promises of the gospel; but almost all by the denunciations of the law. The blessings of immortality, the glories of heaven, are usually, to say the least, preached with little efficacy to an assembly of sinners. I have been supprised to see how dull, inattentive, and sleepy, such an assembly has been, amidst the strongest representations of these divine subjects, combining the most vivid images with a vigorous style, and an impressive elocution.”—N. Y. Evangelist. HST January 22, 1845, page 191.2
Fairs! Fairs!!
It was fondly hoped that the churches of this city and elsewhere, after so long a time of spiritual death, as the long evenings commenced, would make one more effort to save themselves, and perishing sinners around them, from that destruction to which they are most rapidly hastening. But alas! instead of humbling themselves at the feet of the Lord, they have departed farther from him and sought a remedy for their poverty and leanness in the pleasures and sin of “eating and drinking with the drunken!” They have commenced their “fairs.” The Methodists and Presbyterians have just closed their fairs in this city. HST January 22, 1845, page 191.3
We had never attended one of these church festivals. And that we might see for ourselves the fallen condition of God’s once pure and holy people, we spent a few unhappy moments in these halls of revelry. And O, my God, what did we see? We saw, as we supposed, the reputed, holy minister of Jesus—the stewards of his house, deacons, elders, class leaders, and church members young and old; mingled with the thoughtless, gay and proud, the gambler, extortioner, licentious and vain; all, all hale fellows well met. All apparently equally happy, and interested in furthering the objects of their meeting. The church, yes the church presided over the festival. Its members, professedly sanctified and holy, dressed in all the coquetry of prostitute France, we suppose were the chief venders of the worthless articles spread upon their gambling boards. Money is the object—and the principle on which these polluted souls labor to get it is, by flattery, deception, and pious lying. HST January 22, 1845, page 191.4
But we must pause. Our soul is deeply pained at these things. And in view of them, and their awful end, we can well exclaim, “O that my head were waters and mine eyes a fountain of tears, that I might weep day and night for the slain of the daughter of thy people.” They “eat and drink with the drunken”—and are “lovers of pleasure more than God.” And who cannot see that they are most strictly, but painfully fulfilling one of the very last signs of the Lord’s coming. They cannot, they are blinded by the god of this world—are crying peace and safety, when sudden destruction is but a step before them. Oh, my God, have mercy upon their blindness; and save thy pure ones from these deceptive suares.—Voice of Truth. HST January 22, 1845, page 191.5
Aspect of the Times
There is something in the present aspects of the world, deeply interesting to a reflecting mind. A new era has come in the history of the world. Immense masses of human mind are rousing up from the slumber of ages. The moral elements are at work, with increasing and intense action. The press, with its tremendous power, is unfettered, and is letting loose on unsanctified mind an amount and kind of influence, which if unchecked or unguided by the salutary restraints of morals and religion, will ere long develope results disastrous to the best interests of man. The times are ominous. There are grounds of alarm. There are causes in operation, both civil and religious, which are adequate to the production of great changes in the moral aspects of the world. These changes may be beneficial or averse to the well-being of men. It would almost seem as if the aspect of things in entire Christendom was verging towards some grand crisis. It is as if the wheels of universal providence, having long moved slowly and languidly, had received a fresh and mighty impulse, and were now impelled with accelerated momentum, to develope important changes in the condition of men. The world never moved so fast before. It is no longer the march of mind, but the rush of mind, with which the eye of the moral observer can hardly keep pace. Never did men live so fast as now, and never did they so rapidly form and stamp their characters for eternal allotment. This world must of necessity, under its present influences, grow rapidly better, or ere long terribly worse. The human mind, under the pressure of great moral causes, will not stand still. Like a giant refreshed with wine and feeling his strength, it will execute with unrestrained energy its purposes, whether they be for good or evil, according as the power of truth or error preponderates. The Bible, that great embodiment of truth and purifier of the human mind, with books and tracts which breathe a kindred spirit, are being scattered broad cast over the land and world; and so are books and publications likewise scattered, whose influence is to corrupt and ruin the minds of men. The moral element of truth and error are to be in motion, and marshalling their forces for the conflict and for the mastery. HST January 22, 1845, page 191.6
The great Warterloo-battle between truth and error is yet to be fought, to the end that all on earth and all the principalities of heaven may know which is the strongest, and which is to prevail in the empire of Jehovah.—The conflict may be waged under the forms of Romanism and Protestantism—between formalism and false religion on the one hand, and the pure and spiritual religion of the gospel on the other. It may be, in a degree, the battle of the Reformation over again. For the prince of the power of the air has long chafed under his defeat and the loss of his dominion in that contest, nor will he rest till he has made one mighty effort to recover his lost possessions. Working in the children of disobedience, as he does, it would seem as if he had been of late trying experiments of his power over the human mind, in the developements of Mormonism, and Puseyism, and increasing Romanism, not to name others. He seems to be collecting and marshaling his forces, for a last desperate conflict. There are indications of growing wrath on the part of this arch-enemy of God and man, as if he knew he had but a short time. His mutterings are heard in the distance. He manifests increasing hostility to the Bible, and restiveness under opposition, and impatience of contradiction. As his plans develope, he grows more bold, and confident, and determined, as if eager to seize the prey. This is a just view of the matter, if the spirit of this prince works in the children of disobedience, as the Bible declares it does. All the movements in opposition to the truths of vital godliness, give evidence of one grand presiding spirit, who controls and combines the powers of darkness and the enemies of God, in their efforts to hinder the progress of his kingdom. HST January 22, 1845, page 191.7
But on the other hand; with all the ample resources and munitions of spiritual warfare which God has provided, are not the sacramental host of God’s elect too inactive—too reluctant to make aggressive movements? Many are asleep at their posts. Many are sitting at ease in their tents. Many seem to take little interest in the success of that cause which God is defending and carrying on in the world. They turn their attention too much to other things. One goes to his farm, and another to his merchandise. This ought not so to be when the great Captain of this world’s salvation summons every friend and follower to his post.—N. Y. Evangelist. HST January 22, 1845, page 191.8
How different is the battle to be fought from that which the Evangelist supposes! It is to be the battle of Armageddon. HST January 22, 1845, page 192.1
A CONFESSION
Dear Bro. Bliss.—I sit down to write a confession which I little expected. Last evening I felt positively certain that the Jewish year 1843 had not expired, and that we had but just entered ‘44 of our vulgar, instead of ‘45. And I was determined to convince you by occular demonstration that I was right. I ruled off my paper in squares, putting the Julian Period and the year of our era, corresponding to it, in each square. I commenced with A. D. 1, and calculated to go through to 1843, and thus show you that it corresponded with J. P. 6557. I felt positive of this because there was but 1843 difference between 4714, the year of J. P. commencing and ending with the year A. D. 1, and J. P. 6557, the year which we have just passed. I proceeded on to the year A. D. 379, when the thought struck me that I had gone far enough to test my principle, so I substracted and found that in no case does the difference of the Julian Period for any two given years of our era, give the true number of years into one. To convince those brethren who still think we are in ‘44 instead of ‘45 of our era, let us just put down a few numbers— HST January 22, 1845, page 192.2
| J. P. 4714 | 4715 | 4716 | 4717 | 4718 | 4719 | 4720 |
| A. D. 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 |
Now J. P. 4714 commences and ends with A. D. 1. And 4715 with the year 2, etc. Well, let us substract. HST January 22, 1845, page 192.3
4715 HST January 22, 1845, page 192.4
4714 HST January 22, 1845, page 192.5
1 HST January 22, 1845, page 192.6
Here we see the difference is but one, and yet we find 2, corresponding to 4715. HST January 22, 1845, page 192.7
Let us take another. The J. P. for A. D. 7 is 4720. 4720—4714=only 6. So the difference between any two numbers. Hence I think each will see, though the difference between 6557, and 4714, is only 1843, the argument is fallacious. One must be added in every case to give the true year. I hope the “Voice of Truth,” will see this and correct the error into which some of us have fallen. Yours, etc. J Weston. HST January 22, 1845, page 192.8
New Ipswich, N. H. Jan. 8th, 1845. Incouraging Letter from Cabotville. HST January 22, 1845, page 192.9
Dear Bro. Bliss.—You will please to give the following an insertion in the Herald: it is the unanimous voice of the Conference. HST January 22, 1845, page 192.10
Whereas certain evil and entirely false reports have in this community been circulated by professed Christians and infidels, with a design expressly to destroy the character of our beloved brother, J. V. Himes, and, whereas, such reports have been copied into many of our religious and political Journals, and spread through the United States, and the Provinces, to the injury of his character and influence abroad; we deem it our duty as a Conference of brethren, now convened, to express our fellowship and entire confidence in the integrity and piety of our beloved brother Himes to preach the Gospel of the Kingdom, and to fill the important office of trust in the church of God to which he has been called; and that this, our expression be sent for publication to the office of the Advent Herald and Morning Watch for the good of the cause in which we are unitedly engaged. In behalf of the Conference, Hiram Munger, HST January 22, 1845, page 192.11
S. C. Chandler, HST January 22, 1845, page 192.12
Randolph E. Ladd. HST January 22, 1845, page 192.13
N. B. I wish just to add, the brethren feel that this Conference, though short, will result in much good. The ground of our faith and hope was reviewed, and we still found our feet standing on an immoveable basis, with God and the Bible on our side. And the last evening of the meeting, scoffing Church members and infidels declared plainly that they were not on our side, by uniting in spirit and action in a mob to break up the meeting, and to do violence to the persons of our ministering brethren. But the Lord delivered us out of the hands of these blood-thirsty persecutors. And as the devil, the churches and the world, are not on our side, it is pretty clear we are not on theirs. HST January 22, 1845, page 192.14
Brother Rufus Baker, and brother Randolph Ladd were ordained Elders in the Church of God, January 5, 1845, to administer the ordinances and preach the Gospel of the Kingdom. HST January 22, 1845, page 192.15
Cabotville, Jan. 6th, 1845. S. C. Chandler. HST January 22, 1845, page 192.16
From the Investigator. HST January 22, 1845, page 192.17
Letter from Mr. Mcmurray.—The letter of this gentleman, in reference to his cenversion from infidelity to Millerism, will be found on the first page. He writes like one who sincerely believes what he says, and hence we have no disposition to dispute any of his assertions, though several of them are new to us We are sorry he is so infatuated as to believe in Millerism, and hope the day is not far distant, when the scales that now blind his mental vision will fall off, and he will see the monstrous error into which he was plunged when he left the pleasent garden of Philosophy and Truth to wander in the cheerless desert of Fanaticism and Superstition. HST January 22, 1845, page 192.18
The following is the letter referred to. HST January 22, 1845, page 192.19
Mr. Editor:—I was a warm supporter of the views of Abner Kneeland, attended his Lectures and Protracted Dances, disbelieved in Divine Revelation and a Future Existence, and fully accorded with Mr. Kneeland’s views of Religion. Having read every work of note that I could obtain, and having heard many Lectures opposed to God and the Bible, I considered myself prepared to overthrow the Christian faith, and feared no argument that could be brought from the Bible. With these feelings, I attended a full course of Mr. Miller’s lectures. He gave his rules of interpretation, and pledged himself to prove his position. I approved of his rules—to which I refer you—and the result was, he established the fact, that the Bible is what it purports to be—(the Word of God)—to my mind, beyond a doubt; and I have taken it as the Man of my counsel. I notice your doubts of the truth of the statement in relation to hundreds of Infidels being converted under the preaching of Mr Miller. This may possibly be owing to your never having given Mr. Miller a candid and thorough hearing. He is a man mighty in the Scriptures, and has done terible execution in the ranks of the “King’s enemies,” with the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God. I am personally acquainted with nearly one hundred, who held to similar views with Abner Kneeland, who were converted under the preaching of Mr. Miller; and we did not yield the point without a struggle, nor without due consideration; each and every prop and refuge of Infidelity and unbelief were taken away from us, and our sandy foundation was swept by the truths of the Almighty as chaff is driven by the wind. Yet we parted with them much the same as a man parts with a diseased tooth: we tried to cure and keep it there, and when made to know that the root and foundation was rotten, it was painful to part with, but we rejoiced and felt better after the separation; for there is balm in Gilead—there is a physician there. HST January 22, 1845, page 192.20
I could give you the names of the individuals I have mentioned, but do not feel at liberty to do so, for it is with reluctance that I now step in as your witness; and I would not, did not the nature of the case seem to require it. You are, as you say, an entire stranger to Bro. Snow and Bro. McMurray; and appear to be “thunder-struck” to hear that “Bro. J. Q. Adams, formly the printer of the Investigator,” is now looking for the Lord, when “the last news you had of him, he was looking for the Wisconsin Territory.” I have not the pleasure of his acquaintance, but, like him, seven years ago I was looking for “relief from the West,” and had bought a farm there. And I find that a great proportion of those who hold the views of Mr. Kneeland, and future existence, are unsettled as to location. But I do thank God that the Bible points out a better country, and that I am now looking for that!—even a Heavenly country, where there will be no sorrow nor death. HST January 22, 1845, page 192.21
Allow one who has been on both sides of this question, to recommend to you the Bible. Give it a thorough and candid investigation, and particularly the “sure words of Prophecy,” and that without delay. After seven year’s thorough investigation of the Bible, I fully coincide with Mr. Miller’s views, and I bless God that I ever heard him; I believe that I have read all the arguments and every work against the views of Mr. Miller, from John Dowling, D D.’s “Millerism used up for a shilling,” to the learned Doct. Jarvis, who says that he could have found out the truth, if Mr. Miller had told him where to look. HST January 22, 1845, page 192.22
John G. Mcmurray. HST January 22, 1845, page 192.23
SISTER FITCH—This afflicted and bereaved sister was left destitute at the recent death of her beloved husband, and our beloved and much respected brother. I wish to call the attention of the friends, (of whom she has many) to this fact, and solicit in her behalf some aid in her present need. She resides in Cleaveland, Ohio, and donations for her may be addressed to brother T. C. Severance, in that place, to brother H. Tanner, Buffalo, N.Y. or to this office. J. V. Himes. HST January 22, 1845, page 192.24
Boston, Jan. 10, 1845. HST January 22, 1845, page 192.25
SECOND ADVENT CONFERENCE
The Advent brethren will hold a Conference, if time continue, at the Baptist meeting house in Orwell, about three miles north east of Orwell Village, to commence on Friday, the 7th of Feb. and hold over the Lord’s day. Bro. Miller is expected to be present, and other lecturers, and the brethren generally are invited to attend. HST January 22, 1845, page 192.26
CONFERENCE
A Conference is appointed to be holden next Wednesday and Thursday, 22nd and 23rd of Jan.; in Kensington, N, H. Brn. Jones, Cole and myself expect to be present. Yours etc., H. Plummer. HST January 22, 1845, page 192.27
Haverhill, Jan. 17th, 1845. HST January 22, 1845, page 192.28
Letters and Receipts to Jan. 18th
F Washburn by pm $1 pd to 179 in v 8; John Jenkins $1 pd to 201 in v 9; Daniel Bust pm 25c pd to 200 in v 9; E Stratton by pm $1 pd to end v 7; A Ellinwood by pm $2 pd to end v 8; F Dayton by pm $3 pd to 177 in v 8; J D Pickands $1 pd to 190 in v 8; Wm Nichols $1 pd to end v 9; Samuel Pratt $1 pd to 184 in v 9; N Slate by pm $1 pd to 177 in v 8; A Tarbox by pm $1 pd to end v 6; Rev B Tolman $1 pd to end v 8; B F Brown by pm $3 pd to end v 11; Mrs A C Abell by pm $2 pd to 215 in v 9; J Lincoln by pm $1 pd to end v 8; J B Bailey by pm 50c pd to middle v 8; C Barnes by pm 50c pd to middle v 9; A Barnes by pm 50c pd to middle v 9; Smith and Crane by pm 50c pd to end v 9; Mrs C Barker by pm $1 pd to 219 in v 9; Mrs Cunningham by pm 50 pd to 203 in v 9; Mrs E Havens by pm 50c pd to 206 in v 9; Mrs Dr Anderson by pm 50c pd to 206 in v 9; EC Fellows Esq by pm 50c pd to 203 in v 9; B Morgan by pm $1 pd to end v 9; L H Blackman by pm $1 pd to 189 in v 8, A H Brick by pm $1 pd to end v 8; John Neal by pm $1 pd to end v 7; D Hayes $1 pd to 216 in v 9; T P Hodgedon $1 pd to end v 8; J E Edgarly $1 pd to 219 in v 9; I Chesley 50 pd to 179 in v 8; H Kimball 50c pd to 181 in v 8; E Pike 40c pd to 188 in v 8; S S Gordon 50c pd to 191 in v 8; Eld M Clark $1 pd to 136 in v 5; A H Langley 50c pd to end v 8; N Clark $2 pd to end v 9; Amasa Morse by pm $1 pd to end v 8; Jason Bvgbee by pm $1 pd to end v 8; R Ventriss $1 pd to 205 in v 9; H B Squires 50c pd to 206 in v 9; Catharine Happish 50c pd to 178 in v 8; D Metzger $1 pd to 219 in v 9; J A Trobridge $1 pd to end v 7; C Norris by pm $2 pd to middle v 9; S Howland by pm $1 pd end v 8; W F Hunt by pm $1 pd to 188 in v 8; A W Mullikin by pm $2 pd to 184 in v 8; J L Towne by pm $2 pd to 166 in v 8; H Carpenter by pm $1 pd to 189 in v 8; Mrs H A Paul by pm $1 pd to end v 8; Rev J Holbrook by pm $1 pd to middle v 9; O Moody by pm $1 pd to end v 9; N B Perry by pm $1 pd to mid v 9; O R S Crosiers by pm $2 pd to mid v 10; E Hutchins by pm $1 pd t end v 9; Dr R Fernald by pm $1 pd to 219 in v 9; Widow L Woodworth by pm 2$ pd to end v 9; E Newton by pm $1 50c pd to mid v 8; S Davis 3rd by pm $1 pd to end v 6; R Graham by pm $1 pd to 211 in 9; P White by pm $2 pd to end v 10; J Webster by pm $1 pd to end v 9. HST January 22, 1845, page 192.29
F G Brown; T Sanborn; J H Shipman; G F Worrall; H Barlow; E J Austin; G S Miles $7; P Aldrich; pm Kennebunk Port Me; pm Freedom N Y; pm Centre Barnstead N H; G S Macomber; O Hewett; pm Haverhill N H; T L Tullock; W Munger $1; J P Weethee $5 A Merrill; J V Himes; pm Royalton Vt; E G Colby $2 books sent; J Hazleton; J Heminway $1 books sent; pm Danvers Ms; pm Riedsville N Y; N Field; R Hutchinson; pm York Me; E Burnham, books sent; C S Brown $10. HST January 22, 1845, page 192.30