The Advent Herald, and Signs of the Times Reporter [Himes], vol. 8
February 5, 1845
Vol. VIII. No. 26. Boston, Whole No.196
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. 26. Boston, Wednesday, February 5, 1845. WHOLE NO.196. HST February 5, 1845, page 201.1
THE ADVENT HERALD
IS PUBLISHED EVERY WEDNESDAY BY
J. V. HIMES,
AT NO. 14 DEVONSHIRE STREET, BOSTON.
HST February 5, 1845, page 201.2
J. V. Himes, S. Bliss, & A, Hale, Editors. HST February 5, 1845, page 201.3
Terms.—One Dollar per Volume, of 26 Numbers. Five Dollars for 6 Copies, Ten Dollars for 13 Copies. HST February 5, 1845, page 201.4
All communications for the Advent Herald, or orders for Books or remittances, should be directed to “J. V. Himes, Boston, Mass,” post paid. HST February 5, 1845, page 201.5
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 February 5, 1845, page 201.6
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DOW & JACKSON, PRINTERS.
THE LAST PRAYER
When the” warfare is o’er,” the favored time come,“
Then the people of God shall sigh for their home!
From mountains, and hills, and the isles of the sea,
From forests and caves, one petition shall be:—
Avenge, O avenge, thy people opprest,
And take them to thee, O Savior, to rest.
Almighty, majestic in terror descend,
The poor and forsaken with judgment defend,
The harvest is dried, let the reapers be seen
With sharp flaming sickles the vineyard to glean:
The grapes in thick clusters hang ripe for the press,
In anger and fury with shoutings opprest!—
Thy garments be-crimson with blood and with gore,
And trample the proud to be exalted no more;
Descend with thy kingdom, thy glory disclose,
Bring joy to thy friends, and pour shame on thy foes.
Creation doth groan—all nature’s in pain:
The “Valley of Vision” now teems with thy slain:
The tyrant grim Death thy redeemed now enslaves,
Their fetters melt off, rend the bars of the graves!
From hill-top and plain, and deep’s coral bed,
Awake, and bring up, the slumbering, just dead.
The ashes of martyrs restore from the gale,
Oe’r the rack, and the sword and the faggot prevail,
The free light of heaven burst the patriarch cell,
And Death and the Devil be banished to hell!
To fathers their children in gladness return,
And children to fathers in triumph be borne.
O restore to the meek their lot, their reward,
Grant Eden’s green fields to the loved of the Lord.
For the sake of thy truth, thy glory we pray,—
Dispel the dark night with the bright endless day.
f. g. h.
Worcester, Jan. 1843.
HST February 5, 1845, page 201.8
Eljah the prophet
Malachi 4:5, 6. “Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord: and he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers, lest I come and smite the earth with a curse.” HST February 5, 1845, page 201.9
At the present time the hopes of the true Israel of God are turned to look for their final deliverance, from their worse than Egyptian bondage,—not only from civil, but eccleastical usurpation and power, which is binding men’s consciencies to men-made creeds and constructions of the holy law of God, chaining their minds to the narrow and contracted dogmas of sectarian faith, teaching the philosophy of the heathen poets, and the tradition of the Mother of abominations, rather than the plain simple word of Jehovah, and thereby increasing, in a double ratio, the bigotry, superstition and tyranny, under which our fathers groaned, and pained to be delivered in the dark ages of Papal misrule. Is it not a fact that even now, before the scars of papal cruelty are fairly obliterated from the tortured limbs of our Protestant brethren, we begin to feel the tightened cords of the Protestant chains fastening us to the modern racks of sectarian cruelty? I know, and many of us know, by the best of testimony, that is, by experience, that no man can read and understand the Bible for himself, or worship God according to the dictates of his own conscience, without having many from the Protestant ranks upon him at once, misrepresenting his motives, slandering his acts, defaming his character, mobbing his sanctuary, and casting him out of their fellowship. This, too has been done for no other ostensible reason than because we indulge the blessed hope in the coming King. While then we look for deliverance from these things, let us not forget that we have the same tempting enemy, the same flattering world, and, I fear, the name selfish and deceitful hearts to contend against, as the fathers of these our protestant brethren had when they broke from under the yoke of a popular and tyranical ecclesiastical power; for if we do not turn our hearts wholly unto the testimony of God’s law, unless Christ come we shall soon be as far from God and brotherly love, as are those sects and churches which have cast us from them, for cherishing and loving this blessed hope. Even now, brethren, we have some among us who are trying to lead our minds off from the hope and faith once delivered to the saints. Among the many things, which are being taught to destroy the faith of any, it is said that Elijah must first come, before the great and notable day of the Lord can come. This will open a door for some designing and wicked men among us, if time should continue, to set himself up to be that Elijah and overthrow the faith of some, Permit me then to show you that the Eliajh alluded to in our text has already come, and in my opinion has accomplished the work which he was to perform before the burning day, or the things which are to take place at that day. HST February 5, 1845, page 201.10
Who is Elijah?
I answer, Elijah, in our text, means the Lord Jesus Christ. And my first proof is the name. Elijah, god the lord. Now we must all admit that in the new covenant, or covenant of grace, Christ is known by that appellation. Matthew 1:23. “Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a sort, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted, is, God with us.” John 20:28, “And Thomas answered and said unto him My Lord and my God.” Luke 2:11. “For unto you is born this day, in the city of David, a Savior, which is Christ the Lord.” Acts 10:36. “The word which God sent unto the children of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ: (he is the Lord of all:”) HST February 5, 1845, page 201.11
But you may ask, did not the prophet Elijah bear that name, and may not another man bear the same again? I answer, under the typical covenant, men that were types of Christ, bore his name; but under, the covenant of grace, or new covenant, he will not give his glory to another. “There is no other name under heaven.” Elijah the prophet was a very striking type of Christ in the covenant of shadows. Permit me to particularize a few things. The idolatry of the Israelites in the days of Elijah was exactly the same as in the days of Jesus Christ. The works of Elijah were similar to Christ’s. Elijah went in the wilderness forty days and nights without eating.—1 Kings 19:8-10. Christ, after his baptism, was led into the wilderness, to be tempted, and fasted forty days—Matthew 4:12, Elijah sustained the widow and her household through a famine of many days, by a handful of meal, and a little oil,—1 Kings 17:12-16. Christ fed five thousand men on five loaves and two fishes,—Matthew 14:15-21. Elijah raised the dead son of the widow to life.—1 Kings 17:18-24. Christ also raised the dead, and the widow’s son.—Luke 7:11-15. Again in the days of Elijah there was a famine and no rain, for three years and a half—Luke 4:25. Also in the days of the antitypical Elijah, there has been a great famine for the bread of life, in the kingdoms of the world, and no rain. of grace for three years and a half prophetic times.—Revelation 12:6. 11:6. Elijah was the means of turning the hearts of idolatrous Israel from the false prophets of Baal, to the true God.—1 Kings 18:21-39 So also was Jesus Christ, and those on whom his mantle has fallen, been the means of turning not only many of the Jews, but also of the Gentiles to turn and serve the living and true God. Acts 26:13; 3:26—Romans 11:26. The deliverer is to turn away ungodliness from Jacob, with the same spirit and power as Elijah. Again Elijah made a great sacrifice and fire came down from heaven and consumed it all—1 Kings 18:38. So will Christ when he shall finish his work Ezekiel 39:17-20. Revelation 19:16-18. Elijah called down fire from heaven, consumed the captains and their mighty men.—2 Kings 1:9-12. So will the Lord Jesus.—2 Thessalonians 2:1, 8. 2 Peter 3:7. Revelation 14:18-20. 19:11-16,—destroy the captains and mighty men by the fire of his wrath. Elijah caused all the false prophets to be slain who had been fed at Jezebel’s table. 1 Kings 18:40. So will Jesus Christ destroy those who have been fed at the table of human philosophy, made learning their God, and who will not have him to rule over them.—Luke 19:27. 2 Thessalonians 2:8. Elijah was caught up into heaven.—2 Kings 2:11. So was Jesus Christ,—Luke 24:51. Acts 1:9. When Elijah went up, his mantle fell on Eilsha. So when Christ had ascended, his Spirit fell on his followers, and all those who believed. Acts 2:4; Ephesians 4:8. And thus we learn that Christ was the “power and spirit of Elijah” and truly God the Lord. HST February 5, 1845, page 201.12
Let us turn to John’s evidence as to who Elijah is, John 1:19-27. This word which John gave when the priests and Levites came to him, and asked of him, saying, Art thou Elias? And he said, I am not. Art thou that prophet? (which Moses told them the Lord would raise up unto them.) And he answered, No. Then said they unto him. Who art thou? that we may give an answer to them that sent us. What sayest thou of thyself? He said, I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness, make straight the way of the Lord, as said the prophet Esaias. And he might have added, that he was the messenger sent to prepare the way before Elijah, or God the Lord. And they that were sent being of the sect of the Pharisees, enquired of him, Why he baptized, if he was not that Christ, nor God the Lord, nor the prophet, Moses had prophecied of, that they should hear in all things; why are you bringing in this new ordinance of baptism? for they well understood there would be a change of the law when Christ or Elijah or that prophet should come. HST February 5, 1845, page 202.1
John then answers them, and informs them that the one they sought for had come, and was then standing among them, and that they knew him not. He evidently meant Christ. And Christ, speaking of Elias, says the same things. Matthew 17:12. “But I say unto you, that Elias is come already, and they knew him not.” Who did they not know? John says they did not know Christ, and Christ says they knew not Elias. Now how can we harmonize all these texts? We must conclude that John came in the spirit and power of Elias, but was not the real “God the Lord,” and only exercised the spirit and power of “God the Lord.” He went before Elias with his spirit, to begin the work of God the Lord. And Christ says the “law and the prophets were until John, since which time the kingdom of heaven is preached, etc.” Then the Elias (God the Lord) came and confirmed what John had done by his spirit, and has by his own spirit and power performed what the prophet Malachi said he would perform. “Turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and hearts of children to the fathers, lest I come and smite the earth with a curse.” HST February 5, 1845, page 202.2
The Work of Elijah
The work of the New Covenant, or gospel, which is the good news of the kingdom of heaven at hand,” is evidently a preparation for that event, and which requires a change of heart, being born of God the Lord. And this is only attainable by repetance and faith in the Elijah which was to come. Therefore, being created in Christ Jesus, we become heirs of the same promise with the fathers, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, who died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them and embraced them, and confessed they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. For they that confess or say such things, declare plainly that they seek a country; and now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: Wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city. And Jesus the true Elijah, says, I go to prepare a place for you. These promises were all revealed to the fathers, who had obtained a good report through faith, yet received not the fulfilment of the promise. God the Lord having provided some better thing for us, that they without us should not be made perfect. This then is the work of Elijah, to change our hearts, and give us regenerated hearts, to break down the partition walls, between Jew and Gentile, and make of two nations, one new nation; that is, to turn the hearts of fathers and children into one kingdom, lest all the inhabitants of the earth should be cursed and burned up, and Jesus find few or none to inhabit the new earth. This was the work that Malachi’s Elijah must perform before the burning day, or “great and dreadful day of the Lord” could come. Who then could perform this work? I answer, no one but God the Lord. And this is the Elijah that has already come, and the world knew him not. Why? Because he is not of the world. And the reason why the Savior must come, is made plain by Malachi. Let the reader read the whole of that prophecy, and he will find its theme is reproof to the Jews for their desertion of God’s laws, commands and ordinances, and their treacherous conduct towards God and the godly seed, which God by his Spirit was searching out from among them. He reproves the priests sharply for doing exactly what the priests of our nominal churches are doing at the present day. And were it not that the priests of our time were wilfully blind, as were the Levites in the days of the last prophet under the typical covenant, they would hear the voice of our antitypical Elijah crying unto them, “prepare ye the way of the Lord and make his paths straight:” for the Lord is coming out of his place to punish the inhabitants of the earth for their iniquity. HST February 5, 1845, page 202.3
One other work Elijah was to perform, according to Christ’s words, Matthew 17:11. Elias truly shall first come and restore all things.” If we can find out who will restore all things, then we can tell who the Elijah is, spoken of by Malachi 4:5. Let us consult Isaiah 1:26. “And I will restore thy judges as at the first, and thy counsellors as at the beginning: afterward thou shalt be called, The city of righteousness, the faithful city.” 49:6. “And he said, It is a light thing that thou shouldest be my servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob, and to restore the preserved of Israel: I will also give thee for a light to the Gentiles, that thou mayest be my salvation unto the end of the earth.” 58:12. “And they that shall be of thee shall build the old waste places: thou shalt raise up the foundations of many generations; and thou shalt be called The repairer of the breach, The restorer of paths to dwell in.” I think no one will dispute, according to these passages, but that the Lord is the restorer. Jeremiah 30:17. “For I will restore health unto thee, and I will heal thee of thy wounds, saith the Lord; because they called thee an Outcast, saying, This is Zion, whom no man seeketh after.” Joel 2:25. “And I will restore to you the years that the locust hath eaten, the canker-worm, and the catepillar, and the palmer-worm, my great army which I sent among you.” Also, Acts 3:21. “Whom the heaven must receive, until the times of restitution of all things which God hath spoken by the mouth of all his holy prophets, since the world began.” These texts, with many more which might be adduced, in which Christ is called the Redeemer, having precisely the same meaning as restorer, is to me a proof that Christ is the true Elijah spoken of in our text, “and whom the heavens must receive until the times of the restitution of all things, spoken of by the mouth of all the holy prophets, since the world began.” Let this suffice to show who Elijah is. And now what day is this which is spoken of in our text. It is HST February 5, 1845, page 202.4
The Great and Dreadful Day of the Lord
This day is evidently spoken of by the prophets in the 1, 2 and 3 verses of the chapter in which our text is found. In Malachi 3:17, 18, “And they shall be mine, saith the Lord of hosts, in that day when I make up my jewels; and I will spare them, as a man spareth his own son that serveth him. Then shall ye return and discern between the righteous and the wicked, between him that serveth God and him that serveth him not.” The judgment is well defined when he shall gather his precious fruit into his garner, and when he will separate the sheep from the goats. No language can better describe the scene of the judgment, than Christ himself has described it by parables. And 4:1. “For behold the day cometh, that shall burn as an oven; and all the proud, yea, and all that do wickedly, shall be as stubble: and the day that cometh shall burn them up, saith the Lord of hosts, that it shall leave them neither root nor branch.” He is the burning of the tares, and all who do iniquity, and the destruction of the wicked by fire, as described by the prophets in many places, as Psalm 1:3, 4. “Our God shall come, and shall not keep silence: a fire shall devour before him, and it shall be very tempestuous round about him. He shall call to the heavens from above, and to the earth, that he may judge his people.” 97:3. “A fire goeth before him, and burneth up his enemies round about him.” Daniel 7:10. “A fiery stream issued and came forth from before him: thousand thousands ministered unto him, and ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him: the judgment was set, and the books were opened.” 2 Peter 3:7, 10. “But the heavens and the earth, which are now, by the same word are kept in store, reserved unto fire against the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men. But 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.” And also by Christ himself, Matthew 13:39, 40. “The enemy that sowed them is the devil; the harvest is the end of the world; and the reapers are the angels. As therefore the tares are gathered and burned in the fire; so shall it be in the end of this world.” This is the dreadful day of which Malachi speaks, a day which will restore all things to their lawful owners, and every thing to its proper place, and fulfill all the law and the prophets have spoken. Oh that men would believe God. HST February 5, 1845, page 202.5
Malachi 4:2. “But unto you that fear my name, shall the Sun of righteousness arise with healing in his wings; and ye shall go forth, and grow up as calves for the stall.” In this verse we have the second coming of Elijah, when he will finish his work, and cut it short in righteousness, when the saints will meet their Redeemer in the air, and be forever with the Lord. Verse 3. “And ye shall tread down the wicked; for they shall be ashes under the soles of your feet in the day that I shall do this, saith the Lord of hosts.” Here we have a short and clear discription of Christ’s reign on the earth with his saints, after he has put all enemies under his feet. This is the time when Christ will possess the utmost parts of the earth, and his kingdom under the whole heaven, and when glory shall fill the earth as the waters do the sea, and when there will be nothing to hurt or destroy in all God’s holy mountain. For the stone will now have become a great mountain and fill the whole earth. There too the meek shall inherit the earth forever, when the wicked are cut off. There too the saints will receive their joint inheritance with Christ, and sit down in the kingdom of God, with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, to go no more out forever. At this time Abraham and the fathers will receive the promise, the better country, and beloved city, which they saw by faith afar off, yet died without having then received its promise. What a glorious day to those who are the children of faith! But how awful and dreadful must that day be to the unbelieving scoffer, who has no hope. Verse 4. “Remember ye the law of Moses my servant, which I commanded unto him in Horeb for all Israel, with the statutes and judgments.” In this verse a caution is given to remember the laws, statutes and judgments that were given to Moses on Mount Horeb for all Israel. These laws were many of them, if not all, typical of the restoration of all things which our anti-typical Elijah would restore to Mount Zion, the people and city of the living God, and to the whole house of the redeemed Israel out of all nations. And so long as they would keep the object and design of that law in remembrance, so long they would have an active faith, and be ready to believe in that Prophet whom Moses said God would raise up unto them, and in that Elijah whom Malachi said God would send unto them, before the great and dreadful day of the Lord. This Elijah has come, and the Jews have not only put to death his forerunner, John, but have, with the consent and assistance of Herod and Pontius Pilate, crucified the Elijah whom God sent into the world to turn our hearts, the hearts of our fathers, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just. “Blessed be the Lord God of Israel;” for he “God the Lord,” hath visited and redeemed his people, and hath raised up an horn for us of salvation in the house of his servant David, as he spake by the mouth of his holy prophets, which have been since the world began, that we should be saved from our enemies, and from the hand of all that hate us. To perform the mercy promised to our fathers, and to remember his holy covenant; the oath which he sware to our father Abraham, that he would grant unto us, that we being delivered out of the hand of our enemies might serve him without fear, in holiness and righteousness before him, all the days of our life.” But to John he saith, “And thou, child, shalt be called the prophet of the Highest; for thou shalt go before the face of the Lord [Elijah] to prepare his ways: to give knowledge of salvation unto his people by the remission of their sins, through the tender mercy of God; [Elijah,] whereby the branch from on high hath visited us, to give light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.” Luke 1:68-79. HST February 5, 1845, page 202.6
This is the sublime language that Zacharias, under the influence of the Holy Ghost used, when he described the Elijah that was then about to visit us, to save his people and the earth from the curse. All of which he has purchased by his death, being made a curse for us. So we see, brethren, that although Jews and Gentiles may conspire together to destroy the work of our Elijah, yet their own hands will but further the same: for he died by the hands of the combined ecclesiastical and civil powers, the greatest on earth. Yet he conquered; for he burst the bands of death, opened the prison doors of the tomb, became the first fruits of those who slept, and gave ample and competent testimony that he would raise all those, who trusted in him, to immortality and eternal life, and prepare a people made ready for the Lord, showing conclusively he is not a God of the dead, but of the living: and Elijah will come the second time to take this prepared people to himself. But we shall all know him then. He will not come then as a pilgrim, having no where to lay his head; nor as a stranger standing among us, no one knowing him. But he will come truly God the Lord, possessing all things. And with myriads of the heavenly host, the saints on earth will honor him; for they will say, “This is our God the Lord, we have waited for him.” The wicked will all know him, for they will cry to rocks and mountains to hide them from his face. HST February 5, 1845, page 203.1
But when will Elijah come to deliver those whom he has made ready? This is a natural question for all to ask who are looking for the blessed hope. And it is also a lawful one. And I insist upon it, it is a righteous question: because the holy angels have asked the question, “How long shall be the vision?” Daniel 8:12. Again, “How long shall it be to the end of those wonders?” Daniel 12:6. Departed and holy souls have asked the question, “How long, O Lord, holy and true, dost thou not judge and avenge our blood on them that dwell on the earth?” Revelation 6:10. Prophets and apostles have asked the question. “How long shall mine enemy be exalted over me?” David, Psalm 13:2. “O God, how long shall the adversary reproach?” Psalm 74:10. “Lord, how long shall the wicked triumph?” Psalm 94:3. Isaiah enquired, “How long?” Isaiah 6:11. The apostles enquired, “Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of thy coming and the end of the world?” Matthew 24:3. See also Acts 1:6. Peter corroborates this statement in his 1 Epistle, 1:10-13. Peter says the prophets enquired and searched diligently the time; and testified to the time. Then we are justified in asking the question. But whom shall we ask? God tells you to ask your watchman. See Isaiah 21:11, 12. “The burden of Dumah. He calleth me out of Sier, Watchman, what of the night? Watchman, what of the night? The watchman said, The morning cometh, and also the night; if ye will inquire, inquire ye: return, come.” We have, say you, and some of them say, “no man knoweth anything about the time.” But Christ says, “When ye see all these things, then know he is near, even at the door.” Some tell us we have no right to enquire. Isaiah says, “if ye will enquire, enquire ye.” Others tell us he will not come these thousand years yet. Our Savior said, the evil servant would say, “my Lord delayeth his coming.” And again they tell us there is no sign of his coming, and that these things which we call signs have always been. So Peter said scoffers would talk in the last days, and say “for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were.” Then let us appeal to the law and the prophets, and they will not deceive us. According to the best chronology we can get from the scriptures, we are living at the end of the 6000 years from the creation. We are living now in the last year of the seven prophetic years since the last remnant of Israel was carried away captive and the pride and power of Judah was broken. It is forty nine Jubilees since the tribes of Israel could keep a Jubilee, and the fiftieth must be the great Jubilee, or year of release to the people of God. The four kingdoms of Daniel’s vision have risen and fallen, as we are told by Daniel’s instructor they would, and to all human appearance the stone will soon dash the last to pieces. According to the best calculation which any man has been able to make, Daniel’s vision of the Ram, he goat and little horn, which was 2300 days, have reached their utmost limits, and the sanctuary must soon be cleansed. Daniel’s time, times and a half are about accomplished, and the power of the holy people scattered, which brings us to the end of these wonders. Daniel 12:7. The 1335 days of Daniel 12:12 are nearly run out, when Daniel will stand in his lot. The churches are evidently in their Laodicean state, and Christ will soon spue them out of his mouth. The sixth seal is surely opened, and the great day of his wrath follows, and who will be able to stand? The sixth trumpet has finished sounding, and when the seventh begins to sound, the mystery of God is finished. The second woe is past, and behold the third woe cometh quickly. The two witnesses are not now clothed in sackcloth; and the next, great voices in heaven will proclaim, “The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord and his Christ; and he shall reign forever and ever.” The church has come out of the wilderness state, and is using her talents and influence in combination with the political powers. She gives her strength and best powers to Ceasar, and sacrifices to God only the halt, the lame and the blind. A small remnant have recently left the churches, because they will have no fellowship with satanic kingdoms. And the political powers are angry and making war with this remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God and the testimony of Jesus Christ. Revelation 12:17. “For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.” Revelation 19:10. All others discard the prophecies, except those who keep the commandments of God, and those alone will receive persecution in the last age of the world. The signs which our Savior gave his disciples, are now matters of history, and thus we know he is near, even at the door. The moral signs given us by Paul, Peter and James, are every day occurrences, and we can be sure we are, in the last days. The impatience manifested by many of our dear brethren for Christ to come, shows clearly the need of the exhortation, “Be ye also patient; stablish your hearts; for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh.” We know by all these things, which I have only had time to allude to, that our antitypical Elijah will soon descend from heaven with his chariots of fire, and horsemen of Israel, and take up to himself his dear bride who is now waiting, and has long been praying for the chariots of Israel, and the horsemen thereof. Be patient then, brethren, grieve not one another, the Judge stands at the door. Amen. Wm. Miller. HST February 5, 1845, page 203.2
Doubtful Testimony.—It is highly important at this time to carefully examine the nature of the testimony on which our confident expectations rest for the coming of Christ at any definite time, in the future. We think we have the very best of evidence that his coming is nigh even at the door, and very good inferential testimony that it will be witnessed not far from the termination of this Jewish year. From the increasing confident manner that some have recently spoken on the supposed truth and fulfillment of the vision of the eagle in the second book of Esdras, we fear they are loosing sight of the wide difference between positive, divine testimony, and that which is human and inferential. Our past experience in mistakes and disappointments should make us exceeding cautious about giving undue weight to testimony. We have undeniable facts, about which there can be no doubt, sufficient to prove to any reasonable mind that the Lord will soon, very soon come in all his glory. On this kind of testimony we cannot be too positive, but on the other there is danger. Let us be “wise as serpents, but harmless as doves.” “Wisdom is profitable to direct.” Voice of Truth. HST February 5, 1845, page 203.3
A Pagan Moralist.—A pagan moralist hath represented the folly of an attachment to this world, almost as strongly as a Christian could express it. ‘Thou art a passenger,’ says he, ‘and thy ship hath put into a harbor for a few hours. The tide and the wind serve, and the pilot calls thee to depart, and thou art amusing thyself, and gathering shells and pebbles on the shore, till they sail without thee.’ So is every Christian, who being upon his voyage to a happy eternity, delays, and loiters, and thinks, and acts, as if he were to dwell here forever.—Sortin. HST February 5, 1845, page 203.4
As it was in Sodom.—The New York True Sun says—“The rage for dancing in this city may be understood by our readers at a distance, when we inform them that nine balls have taken place consecutively at Tammany Hall, and fifteen more are to succeed.” HST February 5, 1845, page 203.5
ADVENT HERALD & REPORTER
“The Lord is at Hand.”
BOSTON, FEBRUARY 5, 1845.
Chronoloy
Bro Bliss,—Allow me to take my seat by your editorial chair, and ask you a few questions. You say our vulgar era commences with Jany. 1, of the Julian Period 4714. This, then, covers the 12, following months and ends where the J. P. 4715 begins, corresponding with A. D. 2. If this is so, as you say, I would ask you where the era of B. C. 1 begins? [1] Is that era, like the other, put down as ordinals on this same principle? [2] If you say yes, then that era must commence at J. P. 4713, and runs back to Jany. J. P. 4712 at B. C. 2, to cover the first 12 mouths of the B. C. 1. In doing this there are 12 months from J. P. 4713 to 4714 that are not counted in either era, and besides, in going back to the Creation you will only make 4303 years, according to the Usherian Chronology, instead of 4004. [3] If you make the B. C. 1 commence at Jany. 1, J. P. 4714, and cover the intervening months to J. P. 4713, why is this era constructed different from the A. D.? [4] If, as you say, that our A. D. is expressed by ordinals, and that we have only one complete year at Jany. 1, J. P. 4715 at the point where our chronology places A. D. 2, I ask why the era of A. M. is not also expressed in the same way? [5] I also ask if at the point J. P. 4715, A. D. 2, it had stood A. D. 1; would not the ordinal have been properly expressed by the term first year, commencing with any of the 12 months after Jany. 1, 4714: at the expiration of which, viz. at the commencement of Jany. 1, 4715, it would then have been proper to have had A. D. 1, as the numerical character and value of this era? [6] This would have been in accordance with the following eras. The B. C. the A. M., the J. P., the A. U. C. and Olympiads. HST February 5, 1845, page 204.1
If you had said our vulgar era should have commenced Jany. 1, 4714, it would be just where I think the truth lies; and which would have placed A. D. 1 where A. D. 2 now is; and we should not have fallen into so many errors as we have done;—just as I see you did, in the same paragraph, (Jany. 8th.) Where you say we had 1844 full years on the 1st day of January, J. P. 6558, A. D. 1845, to make which number, you see we have to commence the vulgar era at Jany. 1, J. P. 4713, instead of, as you say, Jany. 1, J. P. 4714. [7] HST February 5, 1845, page 204.2
I contend that the era B. C. 1, and A. D. 1, as our chronology is constructed, covers the same 12 months between J. P. 4713 and 4714. The two eras should commence at a point, when they begin to count in opposite directions. [8.] When I read your last article, (Jany. 8th,) I thought I would say no more. But I feel distressed, when I see the brethren at the east have got no time. Truth is what we should aim at, and what I desire to obtain, and that is my present object in writing to you. HST February 5, 1845, page 204.3
Hoping soon to meet with all the dear brethren in the kingdom of heaven, I am yours, etc. C. B. Hotchkiss. HST February 5, 1845, page 204.4
Auburn, Jany. 20th, 1845.
Answers to the Above
1. B. C. 1 begins with the beginning of A. J. P. 4713, and ends with the beginning of A. J. P. 4714. HST February 5, 1845, page 204.5
2. It is; and the ordinal spans the entire year of A. J. P. 4713,—the commencement of that year being the numeral 1 year, B. C. HST February 5, 1845, page 204.6
3. That would be the case if time progressed backwards; but as the end of that year is 12 full months after the beginning, if it begins with A. J. P. 4713, it must end with A. J. P. 4714. HST February 5, 1845, page 204.7
4. It is not constructed differently, only as we reckon each way from a common centre. HST February 5, 1845, page 204.8
5. It is. HST February 5, 1845, page 204.9
6. It would then have been 1 full year, and only the commencement of A. D. 2. HST February 5, 1845, page 204.10
7. O no, brother; If the era began with Jany. 1st, A. J. P. 4714, you will see that we must reckon the era from the end of A. J. P. 4713. Subtract that from the commencement of A. J. P. 6558, the first of this year, and we have 1844 full years, so that on the 1st of Jany. we commenced A. D. 1845. HST February 5, 1845, page 204.11
8. O no; They are thus expressed: HST February 5, 1845, page 204.12
| a. j. p. 4712 | a. j. p. 4713 | a. j. p. 4714 | a. j. p. 4715 |
| b. c. 2 | b. c. 1 | a. d. 1 | a. d. 2 |
| b. c. | b.c. | a.d. | 1 year | 2 years |
| 2 years. | 1 year. | 0 | from a.d. | from a. d. |
Thus it will be seen that while the ordinal spans an arch of one entire year, the numeral marks only the termination of each year from A. D., or the commencement of each year B. C. HST February 5, 1845, page 204.13
It will thus be seen that from the commencement of any year B. C. to the end of any year A. D. is a number of years equal to the sum of he two numbers. And from a given point in any year B. C. to the same point in any year A. D. is one year less than the sum of the two. Thus from Jan. 1st, B. C. 1 to Dec. 31st, A. D. 1, is two full years. But from April 1, B. C. 1 to April 1, A.D. 1, is only one full year. HST February 5, 1845, page 204.14
The following article was written some time since, but was laid aside from the belief that the question had been made so plain, that its insertion would be useless. But we find that many are still unable to see the principle upon which the vulgar era is adjusted. We therefore insert it, hoping that it will enable all to see that we are to reckon from the end of A. J. P. 4713; and that we are to subtract that number from any subsequent year of the Julian Period to give us the then current year from A. D.—the remainder being the full years, and the balance of a year being so much of the succeeding ordinal. This from 6558 gives 1844 years last Jany., and now we are one month into A. D. 1845, and in A. J. P. 6558. HST February 5, 1845, page 204.15
We trust that all who have written to us on this subject, will receive it as our answer to each; and we trust that all others will pardon its insertion, as our object is to relieve the perplexities of brethren on this point. The Julian Period. HST February 5, 1845, page 204.16
The Julian Period is entirely artificial, and is formed by the continued multiplication of the Cycles of the Sun 28 years, of the Moon 19 years, and of Indiction 15 years; whose product gives 7980. In its first year the Cycle of the Sun was 1, of the Moon 1, and of Indiction 1; but the three Cycles can never so correspond again until the end of it. Every intermediate year will be distinguished by different numbers of those Cycles, until the last year, 7980, when the division by the prime numbers 28, 19, and 15, respectively, will leave no remainders; the numbers then expressing the last years of each Cycle. HST February 5, 1845, page 204.17
Now the commencement of the Vulgar Era was at the termination of one year of the Julian Period, and the commencement of another. The year which has just closed was noted by the years of the current Cycle of the Sun 9, of the Moon 1, and of Indiction 3; while the year just commenced was noted by the years of the current Cycle of the Sun 10, of the Moon 2, and of Indiction 4; and from these characters the corresponding years of the Julian Period, between which the vulgar era dates, are found by finding such numbers as being divided by the three prime integral numbers, 28, 19, and 15, shall leave the given remainders, 9, 1, and 3, for the year which then expired; and 10, 2, and 4, for the year which then commenced. HST February 5, 1845, page 204.18
But as to find the unknown numbers which being thus respectively divided leave the given remainders, would be the result of a long algebraical demonstration of a compound problem, which our readers might not all understand, or be interested in, we will merely give Beverege’s rule, which is the result of Simpson’s ingenious and subtile analytical solution, viz.: HST February 5, 1845, page 204.19
“Multiply the given year of the Cycle of the Sun by 4845; of the Moon by 4200; and of Indiction by 6916; and divide the sum of the products by 7980; and the remainder will be the year of the Julian Period required.” Thus HST February 5, 1845, page 204.20
S. 9 X 4845=43605 HST February 5, 1845, page 204.21
M. 1 X 4200=4200 HST February 5, 1845, page 204.22
I. 3 X 6916=20748 HST February 5, 1845, page 204.23
It amounts to 68553. Divide this by 7980 and it is contained in it 8 times, with a remainder of 4713, the year of the Julian Period which dosed at the Vulgar Era. HST February 5, 1845, page 204.24
To prove this, the 4713 must be divided by 28, 19, and 15, successively; and the quotients are 168, 248, 314,—the number of revolutions of each cycle, from the beginning of this period until that time; and the remainders are 9, 1, and 3, the years of the current cycles respectively. It is thus proved that the year which terminated at the vulgar era was A. J. P. 4713; and consequently the year which then commenced was A. J. P. 4714. This is also proved by dividing 4714 by 28, 19, and 15, successively, which gives the same quotients as above, with the remainders 10, 2, and 4, the years of the respective cycles which commenced at the same point. Consequently as we have but 4713 full years of the Julian Period at the vulgar era, to reach the commencement of the present year of that period, we must add 1844 full years. So that Jany. 1st commcened A. D. 1845. HST February 5, 1845, page 204.25
The year of the Julian Period corresponding to any other year, is found in the same manner as the above by the current years of these cycles. Thus the year A. D. 1845 is the year of the Solar cyle 6, of the Lunar 3, and of the Roman Indiction 3. We must, therefore, have just entered the Julian year 6558; because that number divided by 28, 19, and 15 successively, leaves for remainders 6, 3, and 3, corresponding to the years of the cycles as noted above. It will, therefore, be seen that the Julian Period is not dated from any given year before creation; but its commencement is extended back from the vulgar era 4713 years, by all chronologers. And they assign the year before creation for its commencement, earlier or later, just as the number of years are deficient, according to their respective chronologies, after deducting from 4713 the years they respectively allow from creation to the vulgar era. HST February 5, 1845, page 204.26
But it may be asked why not begin the Julian Period with creation? It is because it must commence at a point when the first year of each cycle would be respectively 1; and which cannot be oftener than once in 7980 years; and as the years of the cycles of the year ending at the era were respectively 9, 1, and 3, to begin at a time when they were all respectively 1, the period must be commenced just 4713 full years before that point. And consequently to complete 6557 of that period which terminated last Dec. 31st, we must add 1844 full years; which consequently must then have expired. Therefore A. D. 1845 and A. J. P. 6558 began with the first of last January, & will expire the 31st of next December. HST February 5, 1845, page 204.27
We have gone into this question so fully at this time, because we find that in many places the brethren have been perplexed respecting it; and we saw that to enable all to understand the matter, we must show the principle upon which the Julian Period is formed. We hope we have now made this question so plain, that all will see its true bearing, and save us from again adverting to it. HST February 5, 1845, page 204.28
As Bro. Marsh has gone into this question so extensively, and the above letter and reply covers the whole ground, he may see fit to publish it, or point out our mistake. HST February 5, 1845, page 204.29
Editorial Correspondence
Dear Bro Bliss.—I have been lecturing in this City and vicinity for the past week. The congregations have been full, and a good interest is prevailing. There is some diversity of views, but the mass of the brethren are firm in the great Advent principles. The coming of the Lord, as the true hope of his people, now at the door,—nigh at hand, is an event which still gladdens their hearts. HST February 5, 1845, page 205.1
There are three meetings in the City, and considering the circumstances into which we are now cast, they are well attended and have arranged to continue them permanently. They feel that a great responsibility rests upon them, in this important crisis, and that they are bound to keep the lamp of truth burning brightly, until the Sun of Righteousness shall arise. The same may be said of the brethren in Brooklyn, Williamsburgh, and Newark, N. J. I have given lectures in each place to good audiences. They are as a general thing united in the support of the great cause, and many of them are arousing themselves anew to the work of gathering souls to Christ. HST February 5, 1845, page 205.2
The idea that our work is done, prevails to some extent, which has prevented united and energetic labors for the spread of light and truth, for the salvation of those in the churches, who are yet in darkness on the Advent, and for the conversion of sinners. But this state of things was to be expected. I believe that when the brethren see their error, they will go into the field again, and to the work with all the heart. Let us be firm and patient. HST February 5, 1845, page 205.3
The variety of views now being promulgated cannot all be true. The great fundamental principles of the Advent can be relied upon. They have stood the rest of a fiery ordeal, unharmed. Here I rest my faith and hopes, both as to the nature of the Millenium and the time. The event is within the few years of disputed time among our standard chronologers. This view brings the advent before us as an event that may come today; yet lays us under obligation to labor for the good of mankind, until Christ shall come. All the views I have yet seen, of a speculative character, relating to the closing of our work, are forced, and fanciful. I cannot honestly embrace, or inculcate them. I am especially led to repudiate the recent use and interpretation of the Second book of Esdras, in proof of the Advent at hand. I have examined the authorities on this subject, and am astonished at the amount of evidence there is against its being any part of the word of God. It will be time enough to seek for light from Apocraphal books, when the undisputed word of the Lord fails to light up our pathway to the City of God. The result of our examination on this subject will be given in the “Watch,” and I doubt not our brethren from whom we differ, will appreciate it. HST February 5, 1845, page 205.4
I go to Philadelphia this evening. HST February 5, 1845, page 205.5
New York, Jan. 30, 1845. J. V. Himes. HST February 5, 1845, page 205.6
Meetings in New London, Ct
We found a small company of happy disciples in this place, who are still patiently waiting for the coming of the Lord. They obtained the Court House for a series of meetings, and fitted up seats accordingly to accommodate the public. I gave one lecture there on Saturday evening. We were then unceremoniously turned out of the house, by the professed fathers of the town, associated with a clique of bigots, most of whom, it is understood, were members of the Baptist society, of which Elder Swan is pastor. We understand that these men had no legal right to eject us from this public building, a place which has been occupied by all classes of men, and for almost all kinds of lectures and amusements, and even those of an immoral tendency. But these gentlemen were never troubled about the corrupting influence, of the performances of “Jim Crow,” etc., in their Town Hall. Oh no! It is the reading and expounding of the Bible in that consecrated place which is to defile it. This cannot be endured. It is a sin, to be punished by the Selectmen. Let it be remembered, also, that we were shut out of this public building in New London by professed church members!!! HST February 5, 1845, page 205.7
On Sunday morning the Temperance Hall was generously opened to us, what we worshipped through the day. We had a good attendance, and in the evening but a part of the people could find room. The remaining lectures were given in the Hall under the Universalist Meeting-house. HST February 5, 1845, page 205.8
Being driven from one place to another, we were not able to accomplish so much as we should have done had we been favored with a permanent place. As it was, much prejudice was done away, many were led to examine the question of the Advent with more interest than ever; and a large number of persons, who, before they heard, were prejudiced against me, “desired me to tarry certain days,” and give a full course of lectures. But this my engagements would not permit. HST February 5, 1845, page 205.9
From the developments made among saints and sinners, I am perfectly satisfied that two weeks’ labor in that place would produce all the legitimate fruits of the Advent doctrine, in waking up the Church, and in convicting and converting sinners. HST February 5, 1845, page 205.10
I am more and more convinced that the door of salvation is open wide, and that we are to “preach the Gospel of the Kingdom to all the world,” in the faith that sinners may and will be converted, until the end comes. May God pour upon us the rich effusions of his Spirit, and prepare us for the remaining labors we have to perform for a perishing world. HST February 5, 1845, page 205.11
The brethren in this place intend to open a house of worship, where the truth may be proclaimed. They need help. A visit from Bro. Chittenden was spoken of with much interest. We trust God will light up a lamp that will burn brilliantly in that place, until the Sun of Righteousness shall arise. HST February 5, 1845, page 205.12
We gave lectures Sunday last at the corner of Christopher and Hudson-streets, in the a. m., in the p. m. at the Columbian Hall, N. Y., and in the evening at Brooklyn. We have full houses, and much interest was manifested. There is a rising influence, and appears to be a disposition to go at work again in good earnest. HST February 5, 1845, page 205.13
J. V. Himes. HST February 5, 1845, page 205.14
Farewell
Dear Readers of the “Morning Watch,” HST February 5, 1845, page 205.15
It is plain that Providence calls us to a brief separation. My health of body, which was never firm, has been wonderfully sustained amidst labor and cares, while the Lord had a work for me to do. I now feel a pleasing consciousness that the work which remains can be better performed by others. My own strength is not sufficient for it. HST February 5, 1845, page 205.16
If has long been my conviction that I must see retirement; and now I am admonished by brethren and physicians, in whose judgment I can confide, that it is an indispensable duty. With this number my responsibility as an editor ceases. HST February 5, 1845, page 205.17
I commend you to God, and the word of his grace. Let the spirit of the glorious Kingdom we are expecting reign constantly in our hearts. HST February 5, 1845, page 205.18
We have been disappointed, for a few days, in the expected advent of our Lord, but we know, by testimony which cannot fail, that the same Jesus, after whom the disciples gazed on the Mount of Olives, will “come again in like manner.” “But who may abide the day of his coming?” He, only, who has Christ formed in him the hope of glory. For this fitness, let us hourly, yea, momentarily, pray and strive. HST February 5, 1845, page 205.19
The great principles of prophetic interpretation, for which we have been contending, are daily confirmed by the signs of the times. The Man of Sin is speaking great words, indicating that the Terrible Beast is about to be given to the burning flame, that the Kingdom may be given to the people of the saints of the Most High. HST February 5, 1845, page 205.20
Those who shall be found among that happy, company, we know, will be those who were despised in this world, and who have come up from great tribulation. “But let us endure hardness as good soldiers, knowing that these light afflictions, which are but for a moment, work out for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory. “Let us examine ourselves, to see if our hearts are always ready to echo the prayer of the beloved disciple. “Even so, come Lord Jesus, come quickly.” HST February 5, 1845, page 205.21
This number goes to press in the absence of the editor. N. S. HST February 5, 1845, page 205.22
Resignation of the Resident Editor
It will be seen by the above note that our beloved brother Southard, who has so ably and faithfully conducted his department of this paper, is induced to discontinue editorial labors, by the advice of physicians. His efforts in the Advent cause have been untiring, and eminently useful. We deeply regret the loss of his valuable services for the brief space we have yet to continue in the field. May the blessings of the Coming One rest upon him. HST February 5, 1845, page 205.23
The paper will be continued, as usual, for the present, or so long as it shall be needed. We have made provision indoor absence, to have the paper conducted in such a manner as to make it both useful and acceptable to our readers HST February 5, 1845, page 205.24
J. V. Himes. HST February 5, 1845, page 205.25
Morn. Watch. New York, Jan. 30, 1845. HST February 5, 1845, page 205.26
Appointments for Canada
Arranged by bro. Hutchinson
Dear Bro. Himes.—I have just received yours of the second instant informing me of your intened visit to Canada. It has filled our hearts with joy. We have arranged the appointmenst as follows:— HST February 5, 1845, page 205.27
February 15th and 16th, Stanstead. HST February 5, 1845, page 205.28
“18th” 19th, Hatley. HST February 5, 1845, page 205.29
“20th” 21st, Melbourne. HST February 5, 1845, page 205.30
“22nd” 23rd, Shefford. HST February 5, 1845, page 205.31
“25th, Outlet. HST February 5, 1845, page 205.32
“26th, Bolton Centre. HST February 5, 1845, page 205.33
“28th, Odell Town. HST February 5, 1845, page 205.34
Match 1st, Champlain. HST February 5, 1845, page 205.35
Would G. W. consent to the publication of his articles over his own signature? How long a series do you propose, and on what questions? HST February 5, 1845, page 205.36
Bro. Shipman is informed that it will not be possible for me to meet with the brethren in North Springfield, until my return from Canada. HST February 5, 1845, page 205.37
J. V. H. HST February 5, 1845, page 205.38
Letters and Receipts to Feb. 1
B C Newhall $3 67c pd to end v 8; J Evans $3 24c pd to end v 8; Capt N Champlin by pm 1$ pd to end v8; A Damon by pm $1 pd to end v.8; Wm Twitchell by pm $1 pd to middle v 8; D H Warren by pm $1 pd to 220 in v 9; Luke Fosgate $1 pd to end v 8, J Kinney $1 pd to end v 8; J Clewly by pm $1 pd to end v 9; A Kiuney by pm 1$ pd to end v 9; C G Willey by pm $1 pd to end v 9; J King by pm $1 pd to end v 7; L Comstock by pm $1 pd to 189 in v 8; Horace Newton by pm $1 pd to end v 8; Mrs B J Bishop $1 pd to 185 in v 8; Theop Burgess by pm 35 cents pd to 205 in v 9; S Royce by pm 75c pd to 214 in v 9; J Fellows by pm 75c pd to 214 in v 9; W Davis by pm 75c pd to 214 in v 9; D Cabot by pm 75c pd to 214 in v 9; P Densmore by pm 75c pd to 214 in v 9; George W Smith 78c pd to mid v 9; L G Gould, by pm $1 pd to 216 in v 9; C W Mordough by pm $1 pd to end v 9; Jno Marston $1 pd to end v 9; Miss Mary Ross by pm $1 pd to end v 8, two copies; Thos Fish by pm 2$ pd to end v 10;R Harris by pm $1 pd to end v 8; R Phip, en by pm §1 pd to end v 8; E Holbrook $2 pd for Watch and Herald one v each; W Butterfield $1 pd to 220 in v 9; Samuel Butterfield $1 pd to 220 in v 9; Alvin Rogers by pm $1 pd to end v 7; J McWharton by pm $1 pd to end v 9; Joseph Brown by pm 50c pd to 208 in v 9; Sarah H Knight $1 pd to end v 9; R Baker $1 pd to end v 6; W Scott by pm $1 pd to end v 9; W Wright by pm 50c pd to 208 in v 9; Joseph Willson by pm $1 pd to 214 in v 9; Mrs Betsey Keith by pm $1 pd to end v 6; Amasa Gibbs by pm $2 pd to end v 8; Abel Wood jr by pm $1 pd to end v 9; E H Sherman by pm $1 pd to end v 6; J Knight by pm $1 pd to end v 8; Amos Eastman by pm $2 pd to 204 in v 9; Daniel Tuxbury by pm $1 pd to end v 6; Isaac [original illegbile] pd to middle v 9; Mark. Gile by pm $1 25c pd to 230 in v 9; C E Lobdell $2 pd to end v 8; D S Sherman $2 pd to end v 9; N Perkins by pm 36c pd to 233 in v 10; C Fuller by pm 61c pd to 186 in v 8; J Spear $1 pd to 190 in v 8; J Brick by pm $3 all paid up and $1 72c over; Henry Uttley by pm $3 pd to end v 7; George Rupp by pm 50c pd to 208 in v 9; J Hazlett by pm 50c pd to 208 in v 9; M O Pray by pm $1 pd to 208 in v 9; O M Wude by pm $1 pd to end v 8; Miss GA Churchill $1 pd to 220 in v 9; HST February 5, 1845, page 205.39
G S Miles; pm Low Hampton N Y; pm Rushville N Y; A Wakefield; J B Cook; L. Davis; J V Himes; R Stubbs; pm Bristol N H; R T Rust $9; F Washburn, we have marked your account pd to end t 8; Dan Kendall; pm E Westmoreland N H; pm Adams Mass books sent; L French; R Hickr: George Locke $3; J W Beck with all right; pm N Scituate R I; J Bates $6; J V Himes; W B Start and others; pm Lisbon N H; pm Chicago III; Luther Caldwell; pm Saco Me; M F Manter. HST February 5, 1845, page 205.40
Bibles and Concordances—A supply of Cruden’s Concordance, and a varity of Polyglot, and other Bibles may be found at our office, at reasonable prices. HST February 5, 1845, page 205.41
44 Earth and Heaven, 45 MILLENNIAL HARP
1. Earth is groaning, Earth is groaning,
For her Lord and King is longing, longing, longing, longing,
Earth is groaning, Lord deliverance bring,
Remove the curse, in triumph reign.
How long wilt thou remain away?
How long wilt thou remain away?
Why doth thy ling’ring chariot stay,
How long wilt thou remain away?
Come, come,
To Israel bring the promis’d day.
HST February 5, 1845, page 206.1
2 Jesus is coming, Jesus is coming,
Lo the day star bright, is rising, rising, rising, rising!
Jesus is coming with the blazing crowns
For those who walk with him in white.
Oh there is glory, glory now,
Oh there is glory, glory now,
For lo! the heavens seem to bow;
Oh there is glory, glory now.
Lo, lo,
The shaking heavens begin to bow!
HST February 5, 1845, page 206.2
3 Oh the glory, Oh the glory,
Of the King of armies coming, coming, coming, coming,
Oh the glory of the King of kings
In triumph coming down to reign.
Seraphic legions marshalled now,
Seraphic legions marshalled now,
Behold the shaking heavens bow,
Seraphic legions marshalled now.
Lo, lo,
The brilliant glory of his train!
HST February 5, 1845, page 206.3
4 Hear the voices! hear the voices!
That proclaim the Savior coming, coming, coming, coming.
Hear the voices,—sweet angelic strains,
In Heaven th’ echo loud resounds;
Angelic harpings now in heaven,
Angelic harping now in heaven,
In sweeping melody are driven.
Angelic harpings now in heaven,
Sound, sound,
“Behold the King of glory comes!”
HST February 5, 1845, page 206.4
5 Heaven rejoices—Heaven rejoices,
For the King of kings is coming, coming; coming, coming,
Heaven rejoices, for the King of kings
In radiant glory comes to reign!
Oh Earth be glad, rejoice and sing!
Oh Earth be glad, rejoice and sing!
He comes to reign, thy rightful King!
Oh Earth be glad, rejoice and sing!
Shout, shout,
Glad tidings all the angels bring! e. c. c.
HST February 5, 1845, page 206.5
Our Duty
Every generation, from the time of man’s creation to the present, has given birth to a few godly men who have carried forward the purposes of God respecting his Church. By reviewing sacred history, we recognize the mysterious, glorious plan of salvation gradually developing itself; and also the progressive steps of the church towards that perfection which she will have gained on the morning of the resurrection. HST February 5, 1845, page 206.6
She was reared upon a single promise given to our common mother, Eve, “The seed of the woman shall bruise the serpent’s head.” Her second son, Abel, a man of God, brought offerings to God, and made sacrifices for his sins; but hunted by an envious brother, he was the first to lay his innocent blood upon the first altar of the church. Enoch, the 7th from Adam, lived a holy, spotless life, and was translated; but before he left the earth, he was first to prophesy that Jesus should come to earth with ten thousand of his saints. This has been a cheering promise to all his successors. Father Abraham, called out from his kindred to serve his God, Has ever been a model of faithfulness and faith in God—to him was entrusted the many rich promises to his seed, speedily to be fulfilled. The Patriarchs, each in their turn, served their day. Noah, living oh earth when all flesh had corrupted itself, preserved a life of purity, and bore an honorable testimony against the sins of the world, retained the light given to his fathers, and became himself a blessing to all succeeding ages. Moses, meek in spirit, yet filled with desire to save his people from slavery, became a great type of Him who was to come as the Deliverer of all who had or would believe God. God made him the repository of those laws which should govern the world; gave him the ceremonial laws, the precious shadow of good things to come. David was the poet of the church and inspired songs for her during her long history of joy and sorrow. Solomon built a temple to the Lord, and instituted the form of worship, and in the splendor and magnificence of his temple, typified the glorious temple of God in heaven. Job, enduring the extremes of suffering, became a model of patience to the dear people of God. Isaiah painted in glowing colors the final glory of the church, when her warfare is ended, and Jesus should come to dwell with her forever. Daniel in prophetic vision saw the time when all the trials of God’s people should end, and the glad morn of endless day arise upon the church; by prayer, too, he was able to draw the chart which should guide the church of God to their final rest. John the Baptist heralded the immediate coming of the Messiah. The Apostles proclaimed the gospel of Jesus Christ throughout the world, and left behind them writings of infinite importance to all who lived after them. The Martyrs of all ages have sealed the truth with their blood. Luther, Calvin and Huss rescued the church from her long season of superstition and apostacy. HST February 5, 1845, page 206.7
In our own day, since Anti-christ has unfurled her banner oh our shores, threatening ruin to the church, a few humble praying people are left to defend the truth, and prepare the church for her final rest. They stand amid contending elements, and cry to Zion, “Behold, thy salvation cometh!”—The midnight cry “Behold the Bridegroom cometh,” has gone on the wings of the wind throughout the land. As this sound is dying away, another arises from the bosom of the church, “avenge me of my adversary.” “Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is done in heaven, for thine is the kingdom, the power and the glory.” Here we stand to finish up the warfare of the church, and introduce the bright day, “when the morning stars sing together, and all the sons of God shout for joy.” How eventful these moments!—time ending: the destinies of all about sealed—the great promise, “then shall the sanctuary be cleansed” about being fulfilled—the sleeping saints about to quit their dusty beds and put on immortality—the blessed Jesus about to put on royalty, and come the eternal King of the whole earth! HST February 5, 1845, page 206.8
Will any who have thus far stood for truth, refuse to perform the present service by saying “The Lord will come in his own good time, whether we pray or not? “Have we not all cast in our votes and elected a King to reign over us? Has he not signified his willingness to come and reign, and his purpose to do so? And shall we refuse to prepare the way before him, on this his second coming, with importunate prayer? Shall He, the Heir of glory, ask of his Father the Heathen for an inheritance, and yet we reject the word that says, “I will be enquired of to do these things for them?” HST February 5, 1845, page 206.9
If we look over the Bible, we clearly see that all the promises of God given to his people, are conditional. In Leviticus 26., when God speaks of the seven times dispension of his people, he says, “If ye will return and confess your own sins, and the iniquities of your fathers, I will remember my covenant with Abraham, and with Isaac, and I will remember the land. In the prophecy respecting the seventy years captivity, God says, “After they are accomplished, then shall ye call upon me, and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you, and ye shall find me when ye search for me with all your heart!” Daniel understood God, and when the years were accomplished, he fasted, wept, and prayed that God would fulfil his promise. So also is it with us, great and precious promises are given to the church, the time for these promises to be fulfilled are about expiring, then what will the true church do? Why, certainly she will pour but importunate prayer, “Come, Lord Jesus, oh, come quickly,” according to thy word. Tear up the bowels of the earth, convulse the raging sea and bring thy children from the grave. “Melt the heavens and come down,” astonish thy foes with thy glory, cleanse the earth and cast the foe into the pit. The Holy Ghost indites all the prayers of those whose bodies are the temple for the Holy Ghost to dwell in. God cannot deny himself, so that, when the Spirit says come, and the bride says come, Jesus will surely come! When formal professors, an ungodly church, and a wicked world see the meek and humble incessantly praying Christ to come and fulfil his word, let them fear and quake: it is the last token of coming wrath and destruction from the Most High. S. H. B. HST February 5, 1845, page 207.1
LETTER FROM BROTHER R. HUTCHINSON
Dear Brother.—Persecution rages here. I have been shut out of three public buildings within a few days. But all tends to the furtherance of the gospel. Two weeks last evening, when the congregation were quietly seated in the Fort Village school-house, (a building which is preached in by all denominations) a mayor and a captain came at the head of an armed force, and drove us out. They were full of rage, and would hear no reason. On the following evening we assembled in a private house, when about thirty heavy guns were fired close to the window. But we sat “calm on tumult wheels.” Last evening the school house at West Shefford was closed against me. I have preached in it for two years more or less. The ostensible reason for not allowing it to be opened to my use last evening, was, the proprietors feared that it would be demolished by the mob. We took the congregation which was large, to a private house. After I had addressed the people, and brother Caldwell had delivered a short sermon, a mob of about 40 men came. Some rustled into the house with deadly weapons. Others threw stones, clubs etc., through the windows. Three windows were entirely smashed in. Some of the brethren were cut in the head, and some received blows. The head of the mob is a member of the church. Their object was to get me out, but the brethren were too strong for them. So that a hair of my head was not touched. HST February 5, 1845, page 207.2
We have just closed our Conference here. The labors of brother Kimball, Chandler, Caldwell, Stone and others, have been blessed. The little flock here are fearing not, knowing that it is their Father’s good pleasure to give them the kingdom. Your “companion in tribulation.” R. Hutchinson. HST February 5, 1845, page 207.3
Waterloo, C. E. Jan. 13th, 1844.
Letter from Brother Caldwell
Dear Brother Himes:—It seems to me that our brethren praying for the gifts, etc., are working themselves into a kind of a feeling for something they know not what. Are not we, who are praying for faith to do such great things, doing it to exalt ourselves, and to show that we are something great? If we pray for things to consume them on our lusts, we shall pray in vain. If we keep our vessels clean, and right side up, when the Lord wants to restore their gifts, we need not fear, but that we shall receive the grace. Some are praying for “translating faith;” well, bless the Lord, I have obtained it. Not that I am translated; but I have faith, which gives me a hope to wait “to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto me at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” If any have not this faith, I hope they will not cease till they obtain it, for it in-inspires within us a “blessed hope.” Brother Himes, is it not the most proper way, if we wish to have stronger faith, to obtain it by searching the word of God, as well as to pray? For myself I am satisfied, if I can keep my mind stirred up to be mindful of the words which have been spoken before by the Holy Prophets, and of the commands of the apostles of the Lord and Savior. When my faith embraces them I feel rich, for I have a treasure laid up in heaven. And I preach these words to all, both saint and sinner, and if they will not believe them, neither would they believe though one rose from the dead. If I have faith, I believe, if I ask according to the will of God, that the sick can be healed, or sinners converted to Jesus; but let us be led by the spirit which agrees with the word, and then we shall not go contrary to the will of God. If I should leave my work of preaching to sinners, and comforting God’s people; to settle down some where, and pray the Lord to give me the apostolic gifts, and the Lord should come, I should not be “giving meat in due season.” Yours in hope. Luther Caldwell. HST February 5, 1845, page 207.4
Derby Line, Vt., Jan. 3d, 1845.
The Present Work
Let it be suggested whether one of our most common errors heretofore has not been that of directing our attention too exclusively to a single point of doctrine or duty. When we have had “time,” is it not possible that we have magnified its importance sufficiently, while some other doctrines or duties may not have their due estimate.—At present there is not a unity of opinion as to what is the present truth and present service of the disciples of Christ. Since “the tenth,” it has been said by some, that it is our duty to wait quietly and patiently for the Lord: by some that we must now in this spell of breathing time before he Lord shall come, attend more particularly to the full cultivation and development of all the Christian graces, and reduce the gospel to practice. Others have said, now is the time to lift up importunate prayer to God to reap the harvest of the earth. Others again, this is the compelling time, when we should feel and labor for sinners, and gather them in from the highways and hedges, etc. One messenger will probably bring us the first named proposition; another the second, and so on; each feels perhaps that his message is the message. Now this method is calculated to keep our hearers dodging from one truth or duty to another—backward and forward, and forward and backward. I notice, bless God, that the saints love all these truths and duties; though the last they happen to hear seems to be a little the best! Let me therefore enquire, whether all of the above propositions be not true, and whether they should not be united and considered as one service: my own soul sympathises in them all: let them all be observed. It is the waiting, the patient time; so is it the working time: it is the time for preparation, so is it the time of prayer, earnest, day and night prayer. I believe as I have for more than a year, from the parable of the importunate widow and numerous other Scripture texts, that Jesus when he comes will find his people in an attitude of humble imploring prayer. But can you pray unless you are fully persuaded that “the periods “have all expired? Certainly. Prayer is demanded irrespective of the question, whether the close of the periods is yet in sight or out of our sight. Daniel prayed as though the fulfillment of God’s word depended solely on his prayers: so let us all pray. And while we pray we will not forget all other truths and duties which may relate to our own and the good of others. Indeed, how can we be truly qualified to pray effectually, unless we are waiting, and patient before the Lord, unless we are continually purifying ourselves and are cherishing the pity of Jesus for poor sinners? Some think the periods have expired: others, not. Some that we are yet to have time again or another Watch: and some think not. But is it not better to be on the safe ground, and labor to-day as though Jesus might come before this sun shall set. We are united in the sweetest bonds: let us all occupy till the Master shall come. F. G. Brown. HST February 5, 1845, page 207.5
Worcester, Jan. 22, 1845.
Letter from Bro. N. Field
Dear Bro. Himes.—The Adventists here are still firm in the belief that the coming of the Lord is nigh, even at the doors. There have been no apostacies; at least I have heard of none. Those who believed before the passing by of the definite time, believe yet that it is the next important event in prophecy. They know that it was a matter of prophecy that the Savior should come the first time at the beginning of the fourth universal kingdom; and that it is equally certain he will come the second time at the end of it. These are plain truths, and all the scoffing, and derision, and abuse that the world can heap upon them cannot change their convictions. How long the fourth kingdom is yet to continue is the question. Dr. Wilson of Cincinnati, a learned Presbyterian, says it will end in 1847. Alexander Campbell says that at that time the sanctuary will be cleansed; and this cleansing will be the extirpation of every antichristian abomination. If I understand him correctly, Rome will fall in 1847. HST February 5, 1845, page 207.6
Samuel McCorcle of Missourie, who has written a great deal on the coming of the Lord, says that he will come in 1847. This has been his faith for many years. All of these gentlemen calculated the 2300 days as Bro. Miller does, except the 70 weeks, which they believe ended with the calling of the Gentiles, three and a half years after the crucifixion. So, then, according to their computation of time, and that of many others equally learned in the prophecies, we are in the circle of disputed time, in which the vision of the 2300 will expire. It is an interesting and momentous period. A little more than two years will bring us to the end of the fourth kingdom, according to these gentlemen.—Two of them I know have condemned Father Miller in no very modest or unsparing terms for fixing the time at 1843. All who coincided with him, in the judgment of these gentlemen, have justly destroyed their reputation as scholars; and are no longer worthy to be trusted as expositors of Scripture. If, then, the events for which they are looking do not transpire in 1847, they share the same fate of the Millerites, themselves being judges. HST February 5, 1845, page 207.7
But I trust the Lord will come before that time, and not only save their reputation, but all his waiting people. The lukewarmness of the Churches in this part of the world seems to be increasing. Their carnality and deadness are truly deplorable. HST February 5, 1845, page 207.8
I rejoice to learn that the Herald is likely to be sustained. It was reasonable to expect a falling off in its patronage after the failure of our time. But the declension has been much less than I expected. I do sincerely desire to see it sustained, and not only sustained but widely circulated and read. We must have such a paper; and every Adventist should labor to increase its subscription list. I send you another subscriber. Yours in the blessed hope, N. Field. HST February 5, 1845, page 207.9
Jeffersonville, Ind. Jan. 10th, 1845. HST February 5, 1845, page 207.10
The priests victorious. We apprised our readers at the time, of a quarrel between some of the Roman Catholic Laity of New Orleans and their Bishop, respecting the ownership of the Cathedral; the Bishops in this country, in the name and behalf of the Pope of Rome, claiming the ownership of all church property; and now we have to state that the Priests have triumphed, as they did also in Buffalo, and as they always must. In the above case, the triumph was celebrated by a procession of priests on the Sabbath, and by high mass and Te Deum. HST February 5, 1845, page 207.11
Mr Hoar.—The Biblical recorder, a southern religious paper, thus speaks of the treatment Mr. Hoar received in South Carolina: HST February 5, 1845, page 207.12
“It is quite clear to our mind, however, that the Hon. Mr. Hoar received just about the treatment which he deserved. Such barefaced and obtrusive insolence, ought to be decisively rebuked; and in such cases, gnerally nothing less than a ‘Paddy’s hint will suffice.” HST February 5, 1845, page 207.13
INDEX TO VOL. VIII
| Page | |
| A Magnificent Festival | 3 |
| A Voice from the Patriarchs | 19 |
| A Strange Test | 29 |
| Awake ye Awake | 36 |
| A Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing | 43 |
| All things made New | 68 |
| Address to our Readers | 88 |
| A Confession | 98, 192 |
| Address to the Public | 108 |
| Address to Adventists | 116 |
| Astonishing Ignorance of the Millerites | 124 |
| Address to the Opposers of our Hope | 129 |
| A General Statement | 156 |