The Advent Herald, and Signs of the Times Reporter [Himes], vol. 7
May 8, 1844
Vol. VII. No. 14. Boston, Whole No. 158
Joshua V. Himes
THE ADVENT HERALD,
AND SIGNS OF THE TIMES REPORTER.
BEHOLD! THE BRIDEGROOM COMETH!! GO YE OUT TO MEET HIM!!!
NEW SERIES VOL. VII. NO. 14. Boston, Wednesday, May 8, 1844. WHOLE NO. 158. HST May 8, 1844, page 105.1
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 May 8, 1844, page 105.2
Terms.—One Dollar per Volume, of 26 Numbers. Five Dollars for 6 Copies, Ten Dollars for 13 Copies. HST May 8, 1844, page 105.3
All communications for the Advent Herald, or orders for Books or remittances, should be directed to “J. V. Himes, Boston, Mass,” post paid. HST May 8, 1844, page 105.4
Post Masters are authorized by the Post Office Department to forward free of expense all orders for, or to discontinue publications, and also money to pay for the same HST May 8, 1844, page 105.5
Subscribers’ names with the State and Post Office should be distinctly given when money is forwarded. Where the Post Office is not given, we are liable to misdirect the paper, or credit to the wrong person, as there are often several of the same name, or several Post Offices in the same town. HST May 8, 1844, page 105.6
Dow & Jackson, Printers.
THE SECOND COMING OF CHRIST
by g. w. doane.
Yet once again thy sign shall be
Upon the Heavens displayed,
And earth and its inhabitants
Be terribly afraid:
For not in weakness clad thou comest,
Our woes, our sins to bear,
But girt with all thy Father’s might,
His vengeance to declare.
HST May 8, 1844, page 105.7
The terrors of that awful day,
Oh! who can understand?
Or who abide, when thou in wrath
Shall lift thy holy hand?
The earth shall quake, the sea shall roar,
The sun in heaven grow pale,
But thou hast sworn, and wilt not change,
Thy faithful shall not fail.
HST May 8, 1844, page 105.8
Then grant us, Savior, so to pass
Our time in trembling here,
That when upon the clouds of heaven
Thy glory shall appear,
Uplifting high our joyful heads,
In triumph we may rise,
And enter, with thine angel-train,
Thy palace in the skies!
HST May 8, 1844, page 105.9
Where are you now?
Is the oft repeated enquiry. To which I answer, we are still on this side Jordan; but the goodly land is just before us. O, how often does the momentous inquiry occur, am I ready to enter? Have I that faith which overcomes the world? or does the world in any measure overcome my faith? Have I faith which, like Abraham’s, lays all on the altar of God, and produces an unreserved obedience without regard to consequences? Have I that love which purifies the heart, and that holiness without which none shall see the Lord? These and similar queries touch every fibre of my soul. HST May 8, 1844, page 105.10
It appears, from examining the history of ancient Israel, that the greatest number of those who were destroyed in the wilderness at any one time, fell just on the borders of the promised land. And as they entered not in, because of unbelief, so I fear that many of us, who have set our faces Zion-ward, and have witnessed the wonders and signs which evince the power and coming of the Lord, will fall after the same example of unbelief, even though we have taken our lamps and gone forth to meet the Bridegroom. HST May 8, 1844, page 105.11
The doctrine, (or rather fable) of a temporal Millennium, has vanished like a phantom. And that of the restoration of the carnal Jews has shared the same fate; while both the Millennium and restoration, as promises to be shortly fulfilled in the restitution of all things, have become glorious realities; substantial, enduring, and as far surpassing the terrestrial paradise or millenium, as the Holy City, enlightened by the glory of God and the Lamb, excels the ancient city of Jerusalem with all its pomp and glitter. HST May 8, 1844, page 105.12
O, could we always come to the word of God with a full surrender of heart and soul, saying, speak Lord, for thy servant heareth; verify thy promise of the Spirit of truth to guide us into all truth; could we always thus come with faith and submission, at the same time yielding a hearty obedience, what a change would be made among the professed people of God. Contentions and divisions would cease, and those who love God would love one another with a pure heart fervently, without respect to denominational distinctions and party prejudices. The Lord has in some measure brought me thus to thirst after an understanding of his word, and a knowledge of his will. And in doing it he has abased my aspiring thoughts, and brought me to lay the advantages, promotions, and emoluments of the world, a willing sacrifice at my Savior’s feet. Yes, blessed be his name, “One smile, one blissful smile of thine, my dearest Lord, outweighs them all.” This was the condition on which I first embraced the Scripture doctrine of the Advent. I considered the cost, and not knowing what it might be, freely gave up all. And the Lord has ever since been testing my sincerity. One after another have I been called to relinquish the dearest objects, and long cherished attachments.—Home, the church, and with them the favor of almost every individual whose friendship I had heretofore valued, except the few who like myself, have become outcasts from the church and the world. In all these, I find with shame, and I hope contrition, how much I have idolized reputation. How pride, popularity, and all that is comprised in that love of the world which is enimity with God, have hitherto controlled my heart and life, even when professing to be a follower of the meek and lowly Jesus. O, if God’s word is true, Christ will not own those who are careful to run no risks, and make no sacrifices in his service. It is just as sure that a faith unlike Abraham’s in its fruits will not justify, as it is that all works which do not spring from the living principle are unavailing. HST May 8, 1844, page 105.13
But we are considered very uncharitable in not believing that others will be saved without that sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth which we believe to be essential to our own salvation; yes, and when they have plunged as much deeper in darkness and death, as rejecting the light and opposing the truth can sink them. HST May 8, 1844, page 105.14
And now, does any one say, will you not relinquish your belief in the immediate coming of our Savior? No, certainly, I cannot, till I can see it given up by God’s word; till it can be made to appear that the signs which betoken his near approach have not yet been given; that there are events in prophecy yet unfulfilled, which are to transpire before that glorious event, and that the prophetical periods do not terminate about the present time. But who can convince me that I have yet to look for the darkening of the sun and moon; the falling of the stars; perplexity of nations; the scoffs of the last days; and the revelry and reviling of the evil servants, who say in their heart, yea more, with their lips and pens, my Lord delayeth his coming; and thus, like the scribes and pharisees of old, are fulfilling what they would fain defeat. Who can show that the hour, day, month and year of Ottoman supremacy have not expired? or that when this second wo is past, the third will not come quickly? (Revelation 11:14.) Or who can convince me that the angel having the everlasting Gospel proclaiming the hour of his judgment is come, has not been fulfilling his commission, till the cry, behold the Bridegroom cometh, has nearly reached every nation, tongue and people? And this Angel, or Messenger, has not taken his commission from the schools of the prophets, nor from a heated imagination, speaking a vision out of his own heart, nor from any new revelation. But he has taken his credentials from the court of Heaven; and shown from the same high authority, even the authority of God, by the mouth of all his holy prophets, that the time of the restitution of all things is just at hand. When it can be proved that these prophecies and signals which were immediately to precede the coming of the Son of Man, together with the 1260 days, (Revelation 12:6, 14,) the 42 months, (13:5,) the time, times and a half, (Daniel 12:7,) and the 1290 days, (12:11,) when any one can show that these periods have not terminated, and also specify any portion of the 2300 days (Daniel 8:14,) and the 1335 days, (Daniel 12:12,) which are yet future, or from any part of God’s word can show that we are warranted in calculating on any time to come, then I will confess that until that time has elapsed, I am released from the obligation to watch for the coming of the Lord. I do most earnestly entreat any one, learned or unlearned, (who is able,) to point out a single one of the signs, prophecies, or prophetic periods, or any portion of them, to be yet in the future, previous to the coming of the Son of Man, the resurrection of the just, and destruction of the wicked. I ask in all sincerity of the watchmen who are set to recive the word from the mouth of Jehovah, and to give the people warning from him. Do not turn me off as some of you have done, with the reply, “I think I know nothing about it, I think you know nothing about it.” Your station is too responsible, your charge too solemn, thus to trifle. Souls are hanging upon you with a weight which will sink both you and them like a millstone, if you awake not to sound the alarm. Will you tell them any longer that the seventh trumpet (Revelation 11:15,) is to usher in the triumph of the gospel of peace? then tell them how it can be a wo to the inhabiters of the earth, as in Revelation 8:13, (9:12, and 11:14, 15,) and the mystery of God be finished as in Revelation 10:7, and the nations be angry; and the wrath of God come; and the time of the dead to be judged; the prophets rewarded, and the wicked destroyed, (as in Revelation 11:18.) HST May 8, 1844, page 105.15
O, that they would examine for themselves while you promise them peace, and see whether the Lord has spoken peace. Will you tell them, as one of you told me recently, that the angel having the everlasting gospel (Revelation 14:6, 7,) is to effect the world’s conversion; when his commission is, to proclaim “the hour of his judgment is come?” And when, instead of any intimation of the kind, the fall of Babylon, the harvest and vintage immediately follow. O, tell how you reconcile this with a thousand years of peace and prosperity to the church. Or could this be made to be its import, how could such a millennium be reconciled with the following declaration, “In the world ye shall have tribulation.” “All that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.” “I beheld, and the same horn made war with the saints and prevailed against them until the Ancient of days came,” and “the saints possessed the kingdom.” Or say, what position those favored saints who live during this reign of peace will occupy among that innumerable company who came out of great tribulation. Tell them not any longer that the first resurrection (Revelations 20. 4, 5, 6,) in which the blessed and holy have part, is a spiritual resurrection, and that their sitting on thrones and reigning with Christ is figurative and means something else. Until you can prove the same of Revelation 3:21, which is the same promise made by Christ to the disciples, Matthew 9:2, 28, which he said should be when he shall sit on the throne of his glory, and in Luke 22:29, 30, when they shall inherit the kingdom; and in the 25th of Matt. he tells us that this shall be when the Son of Man shall come in his glory and all the holy angels with him. HST May 8, 1844, page 106.1
Do not tell them that the Jews are promised a return, literally or spiritually, when Ezekiel 21:25, decides the one, and Isaiah 6:8, the other. While we are told in Galatians 3:16, 28, who are the heirs of this promise, in Hebrews 11:10, 2 Peter 3:13, and Revelation 5:10, the place where they will be fulfilled, and in Revelation 11:15, and Daniel 7th chapter particularly, v. 22, 27, the time when they will be fulfilled. You call upon us to retract our errors. So we will honestly in the fear of God, with all humility; when with the same spirit you will show us wherein we have erred. We have in the face of opposition sacrificed all for truth and duty, and God forbid that we should now shrink from any concession which justice demands. We have for months been looking for the appearing of our Savior; and though the vision tarry, we wait for it, assured that it will come, and not tarry. HST May 8, 1844, page 106.2
We believe that the kingdom of God is at hand, that the Judge standeth before the door; and we can find nothing in the word of God, compared with the present condition of the world, which indicates that there will be long delay. I feel that my greatest error has been, not standing more boldly in defence of the truth, and more faithfully and fearlessly warning an unbelieving world. And I now desire to make this late effort in the strength of God, to induce those who are set to watch for souls, to open their eyes to the evidences of the world’s speedy dissolution, as they beam from the sacred volume, blaze from the canopy of Heaven, and groan through animate and inanimate creation; and that thus, though at the 11th hour, they may be found giving meat in due season to souls entrusted to their care. HST May 8, 1844, page 106.3
C. Stowe.
Hillsborough, April 20th, 1844.
Pilate & Herod made Friends
By Miss E. C. Clemens.
Part II—Concluded
Elder White. I gravely consider, that the doctrine of the glorious intermediate state, quite dispenses with the resurrection, and the passage, “all those that sleep in Jesus,” means nothing at all. I am quite an admirer of the learned Prof. who denies the resurrection of the body—that turns to dust. It is irrational to believe such a doctrine. Shall the bodies of all those who have died, whose dust has become incorporated into a thounsand different substances, live again—reason tells us, it is absurd to think of it. And besides, as the brother has said, what would be gained by the resurrection! The saints in glory, in fullness of joy, must have their happiness interrupted by leaving heaven, and coming down to this miserable earth, and enter again the old cumbersome house of clay—the prison which was given it, during probation, for the sake of keeping it within proper bounds—absurd! incredible! There is not a word in the Bible to prove that the bodies of the saints will ever be raised! HST May 8, 1844, page 106.4
Bishop Black. I beg you will remember, my good brother, that the resurrection is an article of faith with our church, and regard my feelings in the case. I really must protest against your going quite so far, in your laudable zeal of proving that the Adventists are altogether wrong. HST May 8, 1844, page 106.5
Father O’Connor. Ay, let the resurrection alone. It is in our creed, and in the Bible too—and there are ways enough to turn, without uprooting that which the church has always received. HST May 8, 1844, page 106.6
Dr. Green. I feel myself called upon to vindicate the sentiments of my learned friend, Prof. Bush. If I recollect aright, he proves scientifically and incontrovertibly from known principles of the phenomenon of mind, that the soul cannot act without the body, hence at death the resurrection body is given, which is spiritual, in the highest sense of the term, and consequently admirably fitted for a residence “beyond the bounds of time and space.” This mortal state may very appropriately be called chrysalis state, and when we lay down in the grave, the clogs that have so long kept us from soaring to the height of immensity, above the throne of God and from star to star, pursuing our solitary flight—shall we again he fettered? Shall the butterfly again confine his wings to the chrysalis? incredible, absurd! Reason rejects it. HST May 8, 1844, page 106.7
Farmer C. “If the spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead, shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.” He that denies the resurrection of the just, at the last day, may as well deny that Christ had a resurrection, on the third day—one is just as true as the other, and he that denies one, to be consistent, must take the whole infidel ground, and deny both. For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. “For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ, shall all be made alive.” But every man in his own order. Christ the first fruits, afterwards they that are his at his coming. So that the resurrection, at the coming of Christ, will be confined to those who are his, and we find that the resurrection of those who are not his, is to be delayed 1000 years after. For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the Archangel, and with the trump of God, and the dead in Christ shall rise first. And from the twentieth of Revelation we learn, that the resurrection of the Blessed and Holy shall be 1000 years before the wicked, for “the rest of the dead lived not again until the 1000 years were finished.” HST May 8, 1844, page 106.8
Rev. Mr. Evans. You abuse the little intellect you have, most shamefully! You have lived in a Christian land long enough to have a better system of interpretation, than the miserable one you have taken up. I lose all patience when I listen to your horrid perversion. Are you so obtuse that you cannot perceive that the doctrine of the resurrection is to be spiritually understood? Can you not see that if Christ did rise from the dead he had a spiritual body, or how could he have vanished out of the disciples’ sight—answer me that, will you? (with an air of triumph.) HST May 8, 1844, page 106.9
Farmer C. How could he vanish if he had not a body? Besides he said to his disciples, “Handle me and see, a spirit hath not flesh and bone as ye see me have.” HST May 8, 1844, page 106.10
Rev. Mr. Evans. (In a moralizing way.) Same mental opacity which I have observed in all the Miller tribe, which leads us to remark that all who are simple enough to look for the Lord, are greatly out of repair in head quarters. HST May 8, 1844, page 106.11
Dr. Proudfit. But, farmer Cleaveland, you have brought us directly to Prof. Bush’s sixth reason, why the Advent faith encounters the rejection and opposition of so large a portion of intelligent Christians, viz.—That the doctrine of a two-fold resurrection, separated by the space of a thousand years, cannot be satisfactorily made out from a just application of the laws of prophetic interpretation. HST May 8, 1844, page 106.12
Rev. Mr. Evans. My sentiments precisely. I have always argued so, and agree with the Prof. entirely, that the resurrection is to be spiritually understood. Revelations twentieth, the only place where the fanatics get a particle of proof about the thousand years interval, is to be very figuratively expounded. It is another beautiful example of the skill of the Lord at dramatizing. He gets up a scenic description truly admirable, and expressly consoling to the heart of every true Christian. HST May 8, 1844, page 106.13
Dr. Green. Yes, in the light of our system of explanation, the temporal Millenium is beautifully brought to view. HST May 8, 1844, page 106.14
Prof. Brown. And the souls of the martyrs, in consideration of their great sufferings for Christ, are to come back and live over another life—godly in Christ, without persecutions, being exceptions to the general rule which the apostle forgot to mention, when he said all that live godly in Christ Jesus should suffer persecution. HST May 8, 1844, page 106.15
Bishop Black. Oh no—you slightly mistake. It is the spirit of the martyrs that is to have a resurrection, and not their very souls. People like the martyrs are to live on the earth, for the passage reads, (Revelation 20:4.) “And I saw thrones and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: And I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads or in their hands: and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years.” Nothing is more palpable, than that the spirit of the Martyrs is to have a figurative resurrection, and reign on the earth in a glorious temporal Millenium. HST May 8, 1844, page 106.16
Dr. Green. The intelligent who understand, find no difficulty in harmonizing this chapter so perverted by ignorant persons. They keep in view the Apocylypse is in the highest sense hyperbolical and allegorical, hence make due allowance in their interpretation for the ponderous imagery in which very trivial things are clothed. HST May 8, 1844, page 106.17
Rev. Mr. Evans. These are in accordance with the intelligent views of our best Universalist divines; but I think, brethren, we are a little in advance of you on one point, and simply, by adopting and following out your principles of interpretation. We begin to spiritualize with the first verse of the 20th chap. of Rev., and so preserve an admirable consistency throughout the connexion; for it is evident to the Bible student, that if we spiritualize the resurrection, the adjoining circumstances must share the same fate. “And I saw an angel come down from heaven having the key of the bottomless pit, and a great chain in his hand. And he laid hold on the dragon, that old serpent, which is the devil and satan, and bound him a thousand years.” The angel is Jesus, for he has the keys of hell and death—that is a spiritual angel, a scenic personification, and has the spiritual key of the spiritual bottomless pit, and a great spiritual chain in his spiritual hand. And he spiritually laid hold on the spiritual dragon, that spiritual old serpent, which is the spiritual Devil and spiritual satan, and spiritually bound him for a thousand spiritual years. And spiritually cast him into the spiritual bottomless pit, and spiritually shut him up and set a spiritual seal upon him, that he should spiritually deceive the spiritual nation no more: till the thousand spiritual years should be spiritually fulfilled, and after that he must be spiritually loosed, a spiritual little season. Then follows the spiritual account of the spiritual resurrection. Thus my friends, we see that that superstitious doctrine of a real Devil is conclusively disposed of—the name Devil and Satan etc. are merely figurative terms, used as a personification of evil. Thus, the intelligent with the spiritual principles of interpretation in attendance, can effectually metamorphose any stubborn passages of Scripture into the desirable shape. Satan is only an abstraction of evil, a figure of a figure. HST May 8, 1844, page 106.18
Dr. Green. Very ingenious reasoning truly, but I am afraid you are not quite orthodox. HST May 8, 1844, page 107.1
Rev. Mr. Evans. I only submit the passage to the principles of interpretation which we all agree in adopting. HST May 8, 1844, page 107.2
Prof. Brown. my private opinion is, that it is admirable. I never did fancy Satan as a destroying lion, or a serpent; I think he is decidedly more agreeable in his spiritual form. HST May 8, 1844, page 107.3
Elder White. Did not that old serpent, the Devil, literally tempt Eve. HST May 8, 1844, page 107.4
Rev. Mr. Evans. Why no, my dear Sir; according to our system of interpretation, the serpent there brought to view is only an evil desire, that lay coiled up in Eve’s heart, and which she was so foolish as to nourish, and then listened to its enticements. You must admit, that we are scarcely at all in advance of you on this point; we make Satan the figurative personification of evil, and you spiritualize “this same Jesus” which the angel said should “so come in like manner,” as he was seen to go into heaven. Our mode of exegesis is the same. HST May 8, 1844, page 107.5
Dr. Green. But what do you do with the temptation of Job and Christ? HST May 8, 1844, page 107.6
Rev. Mr. Evans. Spiritualize them, of course. Nothing easier. In those instances, as in this 20th of Revelations, the beautiful system of dramatizing is presented, as is the case whenever Satan is spoken of throughout the Bible—it is merely a harmless way of using the allegory which very much abounds in the Scriptures, and the intelligent discovered it long ago, and hence rejoiced in it—they know that the Lord rarely ever means as he says—he usually speaks hyperbolically, and when we divest his spiritual saying of their figurative dress, they mean very little to be sure; (aside, and your mode of interpretation legitimately followed out, would lead you to say that there was no hell, and I am chuckling that you are on the high road to that conclusion.) HST May 8, 1844, page 107.7
Prof. Brown. It strikes me, that your idea is not very far removed from the views of “the great religious lights of Germany.” It is like the learned Selmer’s system of accommodation, which I have attentively studied. HST May 8, 1844, page 107.8
Rev. Mr. Evans. You are correct; I study those authors attentively, as well as yourself. Selmer is truly great on Accommodation—he has made quite a science of it. He beautifully spiritualizes the Scripture account of the offering up of Isaac. And in the giving of the law on Sinai, he accounts on natural principles for the attending circumstances, so that there is no miracle about it; Moses he considers built a fire on the mount, and by chance there arose a thunder storm, and that good man had the tact to take advantage of it, to make a lasting impression on the people! Eichorn argues that the account of the creation and fall of man is merely a political philosophical speculation of some ingenious person, on the origin of the world and of evil; (aside, with whom I fully agree.) HST May 8, 1844, page 107.9
Farmer C. Why not go a step further and spiritualize the world and ourselves: say we are a bundle of impressions, spiritually dwelling on a figurative earth!! “It is surely more desirable (as one has said) in many points of view, that the authority of the Scriptures should at once be cast off, and its claims to divine inspiration rejected: than thus to take up with a system which will make the word of God speak against their obvious meaning whatever any party may desire.” HST May 8, 1844, page 107.10
Bishop Black. “Thou was altogether born in sin, and dost thou teach us?” HST May 8, 1844, page 107.11
Dr. Proudfit. (Aside to Bishop Black, do not notice him, he is a poor deluded Millerite, scarcely worthy of contempt! HST May 8, 1844, page 107.12
Elder White. I must confess I am perplexed. I hardly know what to believe and what not to believe. HST May 8, 1844, page 107.13
Rev. Mr. Evans. You are in a very hopeful state, let me tell you. Always make it a rule, never to make a personal application of Scripture or suppose that any part of the prophecies applies to your own time. The moment you violate that rule, you become presumptuous and uncharitable on the principle that no prophecy of Scripture is of any private interpretation, and that it is more blessed to give than to receive. When any prediction sounds personal, or as if it referred to this time, proceed immediately to give it to the Jews, of whom we make scape goats to bear away all the prophecies which belong to us, which we cannot readily do away by spiritualizing. Thus, my dear Sir, you will be a practical Christian philosopher. Your preaching being divested of all those superstitious representations of the Judgment, Resurrection, Coming of the Son of Man, etc., which address only the passions and excite the fears, you will most effectually press upon the conscience the great moral sanctions of religion. HST May 8, 1844, page 107.14
Prof. Brown. In the main you are correct. Prof. Bush has a singular sentiment in his seventh objection. And he further says, “that in consequence of the style of preaching of the Adventists, that under the influence of panic terrors, calm reflection is precluded, and the mind cannot soundly judge of the true nature of its emotion, or discriminate between the impulse of a wild enthusiasm and a pious zeal.” It is no wonder then, according to that great man, that in this feverish excitement, reason often loses its balance, and Lunatic Asylums share with Churches in the reception of those who have embraced the Advent doctrine. HST May 8, 1844, page 107.15
Rev. Mr. Evans. Just my sentiments. That’s why I entirely do away with the Judgment, Resurrection, Coming of Christ, etc., and all things calculated to make people crazy, and put the State Governments to unnecessary expense in fitting up asylums for their accommodation. My sound judgment teaches me that it is not judicious to preach such alarming doctrines; hence, I spiritualize them away, and preach peace and safety instead. And I am most happy that the Unitarian brother, from whose invaluable discourse, suggested by the Miller doctrine, I have already quoted, has the same enlighted sentiments—with the addition that he thinks that the Millenium is yet far distant, and consequently that the world is yet in its infancy.—That divine says that the Millenium is not very near, that period which is to be marked by universal and thorough religious knowledge, might be inferred from the spread and power of this “panic,” (same that the Prof. refers to;) and he goes on to discourse in a candid and moralizing way. “That sensible men and women could be persuaded to abandon their plain duties, and common avocations, mis-spend their time and money in building tabernacles, so soon, according to their own theory, to be destroyed; in purchasing ascension robes, which the disembodied spirits cannot possibly want, and prove utterly false to the obligations of the present hour, in order to prepare for the judgment, is, of itself, sufficient evidence that we are still far, very far, from that condition of religious knowledge which prophecy leads us to expect. Such a delusion could not be extensively propagated, were there not gross ignorance of the Scriptures, and a slender degree of knowledge, upon other subjects, among the mass of people. To me, there is nothing in the Scriptures, nor the present state of things, to lead me to apprehend the approach of the end of the world, but every thing against it. There is not a single appointed sign of the coming of the Son of man fulfilled, which we are taught, is to precede the close of the great drama of the world’s existence.” And thus, my brethren, he emphatically joins us in asking, “Where is the promise of his coming?” We have, all of us, minds sufficiently acute and penetrating to discern the signs of the times, and we all with one consent proclaim these indicative of a long period of peace and safety in the “far future.” HST May 8, 1844, page 107.16
Farmer Cleaveland. The objection to the style of preaching, might be brought with equal justice against the preaching of the Lord himself. He says “Wo unto you, ye blind guides. And the prophets said, wo unto them that call evil, good, and good, evil, and put darkness for light, and light for darkness: that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter. Wo unto them that are wise in their own eyes, and prudent in their own sight. Which justify the wicked for reward, and take away the righteousness of the righteous from him!! Therefore as the fire devoureth the stubble, and the flame consumeth the chaff, so their root shall be as rottenness, and their blossoms shall go up as dust.—Because they have cast away the law of the Lord of hosts, and despised the Word of the Holy One of Israel.” HST May 8, 1844, page 107.17
Rev Mr. Evans. The Prophet is to be understood in “great latitude of signification,” evidently a specimen of the scenic description before referred to, and so prevalent in the Scripture. HST May 8, 1844, page 107.18
Farmer Cleaveland. Does the style of preaching of those who are looking for the Lord present any motives that are not presented in the Scriptures?—We are commanded to declare the whole council of God. Are we at liberty to make what changes in it we will, and say, after it has been diluted by the interpretation of man’s wisdom, that it is still the word of the Lord? To say that the preaching of the near coming of the Son of man fills Lunatic Asylums, is to say that the Bible has that tendency, for the last words of the Savior to John were, “Behold I come quickly.” Admitting it does make some crazy, which is worse, to have a few minds, predisposed to insanity, go to the Lunatic Asylum by the preaching of truth, or have all in the broad road press on to perdition, in unobstructed course, by the withholding of the words of the Lord adapted to the times? What right have we to use expediency in the case? It is the infidel’s argument to urge against all religion, that it makes people crazy—and how can one, who has faith in God’s word, use it against the promulgation of any part of his truth? HST May 8, 1844, page 107.19
Dr. Proudfit. (Evidently displeased.) With your leave, farmer Cleaveland, we will give the summation or amount of Prof. Bush’s objections. It is, that the Advent theory regards, as certain and indisputable, the meaning of a multitude of prophetical texts, which reflecting minds consider as at least doubtful, and consequently cannot but condemn, as presumptuous, the terms of unqualified assurance, with which they are all proclaimed by Advent preachers. That is what I call an argument something conclusive. The Prof. has just expressed our united sentiments; has he not, brethren? HST May 8, 1844, page 107.20
All. We cheerfully subscribe to all he has advanced. HST May 8, 1844, page 107.21
Dr. Proudfit. So, farmer Cleaveland, you need give yourself no further trouble; the end wont come! we say so, and besides, we can show by spiritalizing that it has God’s negative. HST May 8, 1844, page 107.22
Farmer Cleaveland. I shall continue to lift up my head and rejoice, for I know that the coming of the Son of man is at the doors. I take the Bible as a perfect rule of faith and practice, and I use just the same common sense in understanding it, that I use in reading any other book. To talk about the principles of interpretation, is consummate folly. If such principles had been necessary, God would have marked them down, or have given a new Revelation in explanation of the old Revelation which, according to your reasoning, is no revelation at all. HST May 8, 1844, page 107.23
Elder White. My opposition to your sentiments is mainly concentrated on one point, viz., in the appointing a time for the Son of Man to be revealed. HST May 8, 1844, page 107.24
Dr. Green. Yes, yes; that is the point. As to the spiritualizing, far be it from me to use that system, if it really is not the best way to get along.—Come, Farmer Cleaveland, you give up that foolish and absurd stress upon the time, and I will agree not to spiritualize away the coming of the Son of man. So we will meet half-way. HST May 8, 1844, page 107.25
Prof. Brown. A very generous and liberal proposition, and one which I will approve of by adopting, and of course, farmer Cleaveland, in view of the great good that will result from giving up the time, will not still consider it important to retain. HST May 8, 1844, page 107.26
Bishop Black. Ah, farmer, give up the time, as these gentlemen recommend, and return to reason and duty. HST May 8, 1844, page 107.27
Father O’Connor. If you believe your Bible, you must give up the time; for it says no man knoweth the day or the hour; and how can an illiterate farmer be supposed to know any thing about the time. HST May 8, 1844, page 107.28
Rev. Mr. Evans. I must say that from the first I have ever considered definiteness, as to time, in the Advent cause, highly objectionable, and greatly to be deprecated. It is pre-eminently calculated to make infidels. HST May 8, 1844, page 107.29
Farmer C. I cannot do evil that good may come. Every reformation or enterprise has a point particularly objectionable to those who oppose it. All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable. Of what profit are they in prophecy, if we are not to know any thing about the time when the events are to take place? HST May 8, 1844, page 107.30
Dr. Green. What use? That may not be for you to know. I think it highly probable, however, that they may be for the use of the saints in glory. HST May 8, 1844, page 107.31
Farmer C. Then you suppose that we have no “sure word of prophecy, to which we do well to take heed, as to a light shining in a dark place;”—for the dark place certainly is not after the saints get to glory. The apostle says, take heed to it till the day dawn, and the day star arise in you hearts—while we are in this dark place, before the prophecy is fulfilled—until the resurrection morning. HST May 8, 1844, page 107.32
Prof. Brown. Fanciful, fanciful; too fanciful entirely. We have no business with the time, it is the height of presumption to mention the time. HST May 8, 1844, page 107.33
Farmer C. Yet the prophets ages ago “inquired and searched diligently:” searching what, or what manner of time, the spirit of Christ which was in them, did signify when it testified before hand, the sufferings of Christ, and the glory that should follow. Unto whom it was revealed, that not unto themselves, but unto us, they did minister these things, which the angels desire to look into.” 1 Peter 1.—The sufferings of Christ are not yet accomplished, for his children are suffering, some in bonds and afflictions; and he has said, inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it. unto me. The glory will follow when the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father, with all the holy angels: then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory. Where have we any record of the angels desiring to look into the prophets of salvation, in regard to what time, or what manner of time manifested in Daniel; and we are not authorized by the Word of God to condemn this diligent searching, for the spirit of Christ then in the prophets did signify a time, and that time is given; and all who have that spirit of Christ cannot avoid laying great stress upon the time. It is certainly more reasonable for us to search diligently for this time, than it was for the prophets, for we are nearer the time when the “glory” is to follow; and not unto themselves, but unto us did they minister. HST May 8, 1844, page 107.34
Dr. Proudfit. Are you so weak and foolish as to suppose that any thing definite can be known from the chronology we have? HST May 8, 1844, page 108.1
Farmer C. I am: and I beg you will remember for what purpose God hath chosen the weak and foolish; I do place implicit confidence in God’s word, dates, prophetic numbers and all. I do not believe that my Heavenly Father would state so expressly when the end of the indignation would be. Jesus and Gabriel both teach Daniel about the time, and then leave the keeping of Chronology with Satan, so that at the time of the end the wise could not understand, and his promise not be fulfilled. All the prophetic numbers centre in this period—and about this time—and if we do not make havoc of the word of God by spiritualizing, we shall see this clearly. The image represented in Daniel is clearly at the point and in the state described, when it is to be smitten and become chaff. The 2300 days (a day for a year, as all Protestant commentators have ever admitted, until lately some of them deny it, in order to disprove the Advent near,) must terminate very soon—one saint asks another (in the hearing of Daniel, to reveal time to him.) How long is the vision? The other saint and angel said unto Daniel, Daniel 8:14, “Unto two thousand and three hundred days; then shall the sanctuary be cleansed.” This was the vision that commenced with the Medo-Persian Empire. Daniel saw the vision and its duration had been given, yet he says he “sought for the meaning.” Peter expresses it, searching diligently, what or what manner of time; Daniel says further, “Then behold there stood before me, as the appearance of a man: and I heard a man’s voice between the banks Ulai, which called and said. Gabriel, make this man to understand the vision. (Inquiry respecting the time was not scoffed at by his heavenly interpreter.) So he came near where I stood; and when he came, I was afraid and fell upon my face: but he said unto me, Understand, O son of man, for for at the time of the end shall be the vision. Behold I will make thee know what shall be in the last end of the indignation; for at the time appointed the end shall be.” Then he described the three remaining of the kingdoms of the image, given in Chap. 2. viz. the Medo-Persian, Grecian, and Roman, and ends that interview by saying to Daniel, the vision of the evening and morning was told is true; for it shall be for many days,” i. e. 2300 days of years. But Daniel did not understand it, and having learned from the writings of Jeremiah, that God would accomplish seventy years in the desolations of Jerusalem (it seems the time was given to be known in that case) he humbled himself by prayer and fasting, and prayed unto God respecting the Sanctuary, and which Daniel says, while I was speaking in prayer even the man Gabriel, whom I had seen in the vision at the beginning, touched me about the time of the evening oblation. What vision? Evidently the one last mentioned, and which Daniel did not understand. And he informed me, and talked with me, and said, Oh Daniel, I am now come forth to give thee skill and understanding; thou art greatly beloved, understand the matter, and consider the vision. 24th ver. of chap. 9. Seventy weeks are determined, cut off, as the best Hebrew scholars render it. These, then, must be determined or cut off from something. Seventy weeks or 490 days of years is time, hence must be cut off from some time, before given in the vision—the 2300 days.—He is informed that the Messiah will come in 70 weeks of years, and the starting point is given from the going forth of the commandment to restore and build Jerusalem, which all agree was 457 B.C. Ezra seventh. That the 2300 and 490 have the same starting point, is evident, else Gabriel very inefficiently executed his mission, leaving some part of it unexplained. 2300—490=1810. the number of years which are now nearly fulfilled since the Savior offered himself as a sacrifice for sin; to this add the years of his life, 33, and we have the year 1843, about which time, reckoning in the Jewish manner, we believe the sanctuary will be cleansed—the end will be—for in the words of Gabriel, at the time appointed. the end shall be.” HST May 8, 1844, page 108.2
Dr. Proudfit. And you have faith to believe that there is no mistake, and that you can trust to dates. HST May 8, 1844, page 108.3
Dr Green. I do not believe in man’s appointing a time for God to accomplish his designs. HST May 8, 1844, page 108.4
Farmer C. I should be a skeptic if I could not believe all that the Lord hath spoken—and in prophecy the time when events are to take place is very important. HST May 8, 1844, page 108.5
Bishop Black. “The head and front of your expository” is believing in the time. HST May 8, 1844, page 108.6
Farmer C. I do not believe in man’s setting the time; but there is a woe against me if I despise the word of the Holy one of Israel. The prophetic numbers are God’s dates, and he has not given them to me to trample them with the feet, or laugh them to scorn. The time is the point you reject—look ye well to it—it may be the very point God requires you to receive. The Jews were held guilty for not understanding when the Messiah appeared, and what fearful destruction came upon them because they knew not the time of their visitation. They had not faith enough in the prophetic period to know that this was the time when the Messiah was to appear. They had the same vision to calculate from that we have. The 2300 days, for that brings to view the two Advents, and some waited for the consolation of Israel. The spirit of Christ which was in them signified of the time, in connection with the plain word of prophecy. You disbelievers find yourselves obliged to spiritualize the sacred word of God, to avoid the natural conclusion. Where it is prophesied that there shall appear the sign of the Son of Man in Heaven; and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of Heaven, with power and great glory. And he shall send his angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from the one end of heaven to the other. This, forsooth, is spiritualizing, that you may batter away the keystone of the arch of the Advent cause. HST May 8, 1844, page 108.7
Dr. Green. And very justly spiritualized. Many prophecies are to be fulfilled in a spirital sense. HST May 8, 1844, page 108.8
Farmer C. I challenge you to bring me one instance in the Bible where a prophecy respecting his first Advent of the Savior has been fulfilled spiritually, and if you cannot bring one, how dare you say that predictions relating to his second Advent will be fulfilled spiritually. HST May 8, 1844, page 108.9
It was prophesied first, that Jesus should be born of a virgin, and this was literally-fulfilled. In prophecy it was written, “When Israel was a child, then I loved him, and called my son out of Egypt. This was literally fulfilled. It was prophesied that he should be called a Nazarene, and that this might be literally fulfilled, he dwelt in a city called Nazareth. And thus, with all the events of his life.—The prophecy of his riding into Jerusalem, was literally fulfilled in all its circumstances. The buying of the Potter’s field for thirty pieces of silver, was a literal fulfiment of prophecy. They parted his garments, casting lots that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophets. And as Jesus opened the understanding of the disciples going to Emmaus, that they might understand the Scriptures, he said these are the words which I spake uuto you while I was yet with you—that all things must be fulfilled which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the Psalms concerning me. Thus it behooved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day. Now, if any part of these prophecies which related to the sufferings of Christ, had become fulfilled spiritually, it would have been no fulfillment at all; so it will be in the glory that is to follow every minute circumstance, will be literally fulfilled. Then away with this spiritualizing; it is unworthy of him who bears the name of Jesus—none but infidels and scoffers should spiritualize by way of accommodation. HST May 8, 1844, page 108.10
Bishop Black. When people attempt to preach without authority, they usually get into the dark.—Such absurd reasoning carries its condemnation with it—but the hour is late my parochial duties require my attention. HST May 8, 1844, page 108.11
Dr. Proudfit. Gentlemen, we have been highly benefitted, and I propose that we meet again to converse on these matters. HST May 8, 1844, page 108.12
All. It will afford us much pleasure. HST May 8, 1844, page 108.13
Dr. Green. I shall be most happy to have you meet at my house to-morrow evening, if agreeable. Farmer Cleaveland, we will try to set you right if you will come. Perhaps we may again refer to the writings of Prof. Stuart and other great champions against the Advent. HST May 8, 1844, page 108.14
(Exeunt omnes.) HST May 8, 1844, page 108.15
Advent Herald & Reporter
“The Lord is at Hand.”
BOSTON, MAY 8, 1844.
FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLES on which the SECOND ADVENT CAUSE IS BASED
I.—The word of God teaches that this earth is to be regenerated, in the restitution of all things, and restored to its Eden state as it came from the hand of its Maker before the fall, and is to be the eternal abode of the righteous in their resurrection state. HST May 8, 1844, page 108.16
II.—The only Millenium found in the word of God, is the 1000 years which are to intervene between the first and second resurrections as brought to view in the 20th of Revelations. And the various portions of Scripture which are adduced as evidence of such a period in time, are to have their fulfilment only in the New Earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness. HST May 8, 1844, page 108.17
III—The only restoration of Israel yet future, is the restoration of the Saints to the New Earth, when the Lord my God shall come, and all his saints with him. HST May 8, 1844, page 108.18
IV.—The signs which were to precede the coming of our Savior, have all been given; and the prophecies have all been fulfilled but those which relate to the coming of Christ, the end of this world, and the restitution of all things. HST May 8, 1844, page 108.19
V.—There are none of the prophetic periods, as we understand them, extending beyond the [Jewish] year 1843. HST May 8, 1844, page 108.20
The above we shall ever maintain as the immutable truths of the word of God, and therefore, till our Lord come, we shall ever look for his return as the next event in historical prophecy. HST May 8, 1844, page 108.21
Note.—The above was written in the Jewish year 1843, which has now expired. According to the best chronologers the captivity of Manasseh, the commencement of the seven times, or 2520 years of Levit. 26th. was B.C. 677; also the captivity of Jekoiakim. the comnencement of the Great Jubilee, or 2450 years, was B. C. 607; also the decree to rebuild Jerusalem in the seventh of Artaxerxes, the commencement of the 70 weeks and 2300 days, of Dan. 8th and 9th, was given B. C. 457; and also the taking away of Paganism in Rome, the commencement of the 1335 days of Dan. 12th. was about A. D. 508. Reckoning from those several dates, the respective periods can extend only to about the Jewish Year 1843. This being ended, our published time is now past; but as we can find no new dates for the events from which we have reckoned those periods, we cannot extend them beyond the time specified, which has been our only time; and yet our faith is as strong as ever, that at the end of those periods the Lord will surely come; while we can only wait for his coming such time as human chronology may have varied from the exact time,—continually looking for, and momentarily expecting his appearing. This we do in accordance with Habakkuk 2:3,—“For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end” [of the prophetic periods] “it shall speak and not lie; though it tarry,” [beyond their apparent termination] “wait for it; because” [when they are fulfilled] “it will surely come, it will not tarry,” HST May 8, 1844, page 108.22
The Doctrine of the Millenium
The glorious prospects of the Millenial glory in store for the church, has ever been the hope of Christians. When the promises which predict that day are fulfilled, we learn: HST May 8, 1844, page 108.23
1. That the kingdom of this earth will be the Lord’s. Obadiah 21. HST May 8, 1844, page 108.24
2. All the kingdoms of this world will be destroyed. Daniel 2:44, “And in the days of these kings shall the God of Heaven set up a kingdom, which shall never be destroyed: and the kingdom shall not be left to other people, but it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand forever.” Revelation 11:15, “And the seventh angel sounded: and there were great voices in Heaven, saying, the kingdoms of this world are become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ, and he shall reign for ever and ever.” HST May 8, 1844, page 108.25
3. The saints of the Most High will possess the kingdom, Daniel 7:14, 18, 27, “And there was given him dominion, and glory, and a kingdom, that all people, and nations, and languages, should serve him: and his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed. But the saints of the Most High shall take the kingdom and possess the kingdom for ever, even for ever and ever. And the kingdom and dominion, and the greatness of the kingdom under the whole heaven, shall be given to the people of the saints of the Most High, whose kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and all dominions shall serve and obey him. HST May 8, 1844, page 109.1
4. The inhabitants of the earth will then all he holy. Isaiah 60:21. “Thy people also shall be all righteous; they shall inherit the land forever, the branch of my planting, the work of my hands, that I may be glorified.” Jeremiah 31:33, 34, “But this shall be the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel; after those days, saith the Lord, I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts, and will be their God, and they shall be my people. And they shall teach no more every man his neighbor, and every man his brother, saying, know the Lord; for they shall all know me from the least of them unto the greatest of them, saith the Lord; for I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more.” HST May 8, 1844, page 109.2
5. This state of holiness and happiness will extend over the whole earth. Habakkuk 2:14, “For the earth shall be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea.” HST May 8, 1844, page 109.3
6. There will then be no pain, sickness, sorrow or death. Revelation 21:4, “And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes, and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain; for the former things are passed away.” HST May 8, 1844, page 109.4
That such a day is about being ushered in, all Christians admit. The only difference of opinion is whether it is to be a mortal or an immortal state: in other words, whether it is to be before or after the resurrection. That it will be after the resursection is evident from the following considerations:— HST May 8, 1844, page 109.5
1. As will be seen by the quotation above, there will be no death there. HST May 8, 1844, page 109.6
2. It cannot be so long as the little horn of Daniel 7th wars and prevails against the saints, which will be till the Lord 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.” HST May 8, 1844, page 109.7
3. It cannot be while the wicked one spoken of by Paul shall continue, which will be till the Savior is revealed. 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.” HST May 8, 1844, page 109.8
4. It cannot be while the tares and wheat grow together, which they will do to the end of the age. Matthew 13:30, 38, 39-43, “Let both grow together until the harvest, and in the time of the harvest I will say to the reapers, gather ye together first the tares, and bind them in bundles to burn them, but gather the wheat into my barn. The field is the world; the good seed are the children of the kingdom; but the tares are the children of the wicked one. The enemy that sowed them is the devil; the harvest is the end of the word; 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. The Son of man shall send forth his angels and they shall gather out of his kingdom all things that offend, and them which do iniquity; and shall cast them into a furnace of fire; there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth. Then shall the righteous shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Who hath ears to hear, let him hear.” HST May 8, 1844, page 109.9
5. Such a period before the resurrection is not alluded to by Christ, or the apostles. HST May 8, 1844, page 109.10
6. During probation all the righteous shall suffer tribulation which then, will be ended. 2 Timothy 3:12, “Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus, shall suffer persecution.” HST May 8, 1844, page 109.11
7. There can be no period in time when the road to heaven will be broad enough for all to walk therein. Luke 13:23, 24, “Then said one unto him, Lord, are there few that be saved? And he said unto them, Strive to enter in at the strait gate; for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in and shall not be able.” HST May 8, 1844, page 109.12
8. There will be no tribulation then; but in this world our Savior assures us that tribulation will continue. John 16:33, “These things have I spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation, but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” And Paul says, Acts 14:22. “We must through much tribulation, enter the kingdom of God.” HST May 8, 1844, page 109.13
9. John, speaking of the redeemed, says, “These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.” None are spoken of who came out of a period where there was no tribulation. HST May 8, 1844, page 109.14
10. It is to be in the New Earth. 2 Peter 3:13, “Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousnes.” Revelation 21:1-3, “And I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away, and there was no more sea. And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem coming down from God out of Heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a great voice out of Heaven saying, behold the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God.” Isaiah 65:17-19, “For behold I create new heavens and a new earth, and the former shall not be remembered, nor come into mind.—But be ye glad and rejoice forever in that which I create; for, behold I create Jerusalem a rejoicing, and her people a joy. And I will rejoice in Jerusalem, and joy in my people; and the voice of weeping shall be no more heard in her, nor the voice of crying. HST May 8, 1844, page 109.15
11. The dead saints will be raised and participate in the glory of that day. Ezekiel 37:12, “Therefore prophesy and say unto them, thus saith the Lord God, behold, O my people, I will open your graves, and cause you to come up out of your graves and bring you into the land of Israel.” Isaiah 25:8, “He will swallow up death in victory, and the Lord God will wipe away tears from off all faces, and the rebuke of his people shall he take away from off all the earth, for the Lord hath spoken it.” 26:19. “Thy dead men shall live; together with my dead body shall they arise. Awake and sing, ye that dwell in dust, for thy dew is as the dew of herbs, and the earth shall cast out the dead.” HST May 8, 1844, page 109.16
12. Christ will judge the world at the commencement of this Kingdom. 2 Timothy 4:1, “I charge thee therefore before God,and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom.” HST May 8, 1844, page 109.17
The Tabernaclk. It is being published in the papers that this building has been converted into a carpet warehouse; but it is sufficient to say that meetings are regularly held there three times on the Sabbath, and each evening during the week. HST May 8, 1844, page 109.18
Editorial Correspondence
Dear Bro. Bliss:—I had no time before leaving home, to give an account of my visits to several places in that vicinity for the comfort and encouragement of the brethren in the way of the Lord. I am now pleasantly situated in the east room of the Hampton farmer, where he wrote his lectures on the Second Coming of Christ. And, having a moment’s leisure, I will give you some account of things at home and abroad. HST May 8, 1844, page 109.19
Before my departure on the 21st ult. I visited Haverhill, Mass. I preached three times in the new house, just put up by the Adventists of that town. They have, till recently, met in the Christian church under the care of Eld. H. Plummer.—But circumstances have recently occurred, which led Eld. H. to close his labors with them. A portion of the church also being desirous to sustain the Advent meeting without strife, sent a letter to the church, resigning their membership. These, with others, from different churches in the town and vicinity, have united together as a church of Christ, and worship at the new house which they have erected, having Elder Plummer, “to their minister.” They are a most happy, united and devoted flock. HST May 8, 1844, page 109.20
Some hard things have been said about them, which they regard as slanderous: but they are willing to bear it in silence, knowing the innocence and justness of their course. It may be stated in this place, as a matter of justice, that instead of being a disorganizing band of comeouters, that they have a regular church after the primitive usage, and attend to the ordinances of the House of God regularly.—And they have among them many of the pious and useful members of the community, who are much respected in that place. The attempt to throw infamy upon them will fall back upon the accusers. HST May 8, 1844, page 109.21
On the eve of the 22nd, we gave a lecture to the Advent band in New-Bedford. We a good gathering of the tried and faithful ones. They have struggled hard, and have had but little help, yet they have held fast the faith, and done what they could. They meet in a convenient Hall, 19 Cheapside. Bro. Brown’s labors were valuable to them, and they have a desire for him to return as soon as his health will permit. HST May 8, 1844, page 109.22
Wednesday eve, the 23rd, I met the faithful band at the “House of Prayer,” at Albany, N. Y. The main body of the brethren are united, and as devoted as ever. But they have had some trials of late, by a “wolf” who came to them in “sheep’s clothing.” The Lord, however, has delivered them, and I trust they will be more guarded hereafter, and avoid this class of evils. Some men having nothing to lose, profess almost anything in these days, to raise a party to sustain them in their mischievous designs. Men that profess to be reformers, ought to have some semblance of moral character. HST May 8, 1844, page 109.23
I arrived here this evening. Bro. Miller and his family are well. They are looking ‘with deep interest for the coming of the Lord. Although disappointed, as the rest of us are, they do not think of “burning their bibles,” or “turning infidels.” But hold on to the faithful word, and are waiting patiently while the “vision tarries.” Bro. Miller will probably meet with us at our Anniversary meetings in New-York, Philadelphia, and Boston. HST May 8, 1844, page 109.24
The friends in this region are strong in the faith, and active in their efforts to promote the cause as ever. They think to have a large gathering the last of June, if time continue, somewhere in this vicinity, in a camp-meeting. HST May 8, 1844, page 109.25
I go to Meredith, N. H. on Monday next. HST May 8, 1844, page 109.26
J. V. Himes. HST May 8, 1844, page 109.27
Low-Hampton, N. Y. April 25, 1844. HST May 8, 1844, page 109.28
It is not possible for Christian piety to exist without the brilliant light of truth and the burning zeal of charity.—Fletcher. HST May 8, 1844, page 109.29
“I’M A TRAVELLER.” by n. billings
1. I’m a lonely trav’ler here, Weary, opprest; But my journey’s end is near—Soon I shall rest. Dark and dreary is the way, Toiling I’ve come;
Ask me not with you to stay—Yonder’s my home.
HST May 8, 1844, page 110.1
2 I’m a weary trav’ler here,
I must go on,
For my journey’s end is near—
I must be gone.
Brighter joys than earth can give,
Win me away;
Pleasures that forever live—
I cannot stay.
HST May 8, 1844, page 110.2
3 I’m a trav’ler to a land
Where all is fair;
Where is seen no broken band—
All, all are there.
Where no tear shall ever fall,
Nor heart be sad;
Where the glory is for all,
And all are glad.
HST May 8, 1844, page 110.3
4 I’m a trav’ler, and I go
Where all is fair;
Farewell all I’ve loved below—
I must be there.
Worldly honors, hopes and pain,
All I resign;
Welcome sorrow, grief and pain,
If heaven be mine.
HST May 8, 1844, page 110.4
5 I’m a trav’ler—call me not—
Upward’s my way;
Yonder in my rest and lot,
I cannot stay.
Farewell earthly pleasures all,
Pilgrim I’ll roam;
Hail me not—in vain you call—
Yonder’s my home.
HST May 8, 1844, page 110.5
Answer to an Important Question
Has God revealed the time of the final judgment? HST May 8, 1844, page 110.6
I answer, he has. That he has appointed a day in which he will judge the world in righteousness, will not be contradicted by any honest believer in the Bible, and I need not spend time to prove what all concede. HST May 8, 1844, page 110.7
Acts 17:31, “Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness, by that man whom he hath ordained: whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead.” And this text proves that the judgment follows the resurrection of those who are to be judged; for the resurrection of the Savior is the assurance to us, that he will raise and judge, and execute judgment upon all men. John 5:26-29, “For as the Father hath life in himself; so hath he given to the Son to have life in himself; and hath given him authority to execute judgment also, because he is the Son of man. Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice, and shall come forth; they that have done good unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil unto the resurrection of damnation.” And this judgment day must begin at the coming of Jesus Christ in the clouds of heaven, Matthew 16:27, “For the Son of Man shall come in the glory of his Father, with his angels; and then he shall reward every man according to his works.” And the resurrection of those who are rewarded, must be at the coming of Christ. 1 Corinthians 15:20-23, “But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the first-fruits of them that slept. For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive. But every man in his own order: Christ the first-fruits; afterwards they that are Christ’s at his coming.” 1 Thessalonians 4:14-16, “For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first.” By these texts we have proved, in the most plain and positive declaration of holy writ, that the judgment day, the coming of Christ, and resurrection of the saints, are at one and the same time; and now if I can prove that God has revealed the time, when either or all of these things will be accomplished, then we shall have our question answered at the head of our article, to the satisfaction of Biblical students. HST May 8, 1844, page 110.8
The Time
1st. The wise man says, Ecclesiastes 3:17, “I said in my heart, God shall judge the righteous and the wicked: for there is a time there for every purpose and for every work;” now read Ecclesiastes 8:5, 6, “Whoso keepeth the commandment shall feel no evil thing: and a wise man’s heart discerneth both time and judgment. Because to every purpose there is time and judgment.” In these quotations we are positively assured of two things; one is, God has appointed a time for every purpose, and especially when he shall judge the righteous and wicked. The other is, the wise man’s heart discerneth both the time and judgment. If the wise man’s heart doth discern it, then it must be in the Scriptures, for Paul says, 2 Timothy 3:16, 17, “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness; That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.” Who then can be so bold and impudent as to say, that time is not revealed? HST May 8, 1844, page 110.9
We pass to the New Testament, and will give another strong testimony to this point. 1 Peter 1:9-13, “Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls. Of which salvation the prophets have inquired and searched diligently, who prophesied of the grace that should come unto you: Searching what or what manner of time the Spirit of Christ which was in them did signify. when it testified before-hand the sufferings of Christ, and the glory that should follow. Unto whom it was revealed, that not unto themselves, but unto us they did minister the things which are now reported unto you by them that have preached the gospel unto you, with the Holy Ghost sent down from heaven; which things the angels desire to look into. Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” In this passage Peter has plainly declared, the prophets have searched diligently and have enquired into the time, and the manner of time, not only when Christ should suffer, but the glory that should follow when Christ should appear, verse 7, “That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise, and honor, and glory, at the appearing of Jesus Christ;” also, Colossians 3:4, “When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.” 1 John 3:2, “Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.” But few will dispute the 70 weeks, Daniel 9:24-27, “Seventy weeks are determined upon thy people and upon thy holy city, to finish the transgression, and to make an end of sins, and to make reconciliation for iniquity, and to bring in everlasting righteousness, and to seal up the vision and prophecy, and to anoint the Most Holy. Know therefore and understand, that from the going forth of the commandment to restore and to build Jerusalem unto Messiah the Prince, shall be seven weeks, and threescore and two weeks: the streets shall be built again, and the wall, even in troubleous times. And after threescore and two weeks shall Messiah be cut off, but not for himself: and the people of the prince that shall come shall destroy the city and the sanctuary; and the end thereof shall be with a flood, and unto the end of the war desolations are determined. And he shall confirm the covenant with many for one week: and in the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease, and for the overspreading of abominations, he shall make it desolate, even until the consummation, and that determined shall be poured upon the desolate,” carry us to the sufferings of Christ. I may truly say, no one but Jews, and skeptics, who are worse than the Jews, ever did, or will deny this prophecy being fulfilled at Christ’s death and sufferings; and if Peter was correct in this declaration. we can show by incontestable evidence that he was correct in the latter; for the same vision of Daniel from which the 70 weeks are cut off, carry us down the stream of time to the end of the indignation, when the desolator will be destroyed, see Daniel 8:19, “And he said, Behold, I will make thee know what shall be in the last end of the indignation: for at the time appointed the end shall be;” and as Peter tells us that the angels desire to look into, as well as the prophets, we see proof in Daniel 8:13, 14: “Then I heard one saint speaking, and another saint said unto that certain saint which spake, How long shall be the vision concerning the daily sacrifice, and the transgression of desolation, to give both the sanctuary and the host to be trodden under foot? And he said unto me, Unto two thousand and three hundred days; then shall the sanctuary be cleansed.” In this passage we are made acquainted with the fact, that an angel desired to know the time of the end, when he enquired, “How long shall be the vision,” etc. And we see the answer given to the prophet Daniel, “Unto two thousand three hundred days.” Who can, consistently with these facts, deny that Peter had good ground to say, 1 Peter 1:12, “Unto whom it was revealed, that not unto themselves, but unto us they did minister the things which are now reported unto you by them that have preached the gospel unto you, with the Holy Ghost sent down from heaven; which things the angels desire to look into.” And when we read, Daniel 8:16, “And I heard a man’s voice between the banks of Ulai, which called, and said, Gabriel, make this man to understand the vision,” we are more confirmed in the declaration of Peter, “that not unto themselves but unto us did they minister,” etc. Again, in Daniel 12:6, 7, “And one said to the man clothed in linen, which was upon the waters of the river, How long shall it be to the end of these wonders? And I heard the man clothed in linen, which was upon the waters of the river, when he held up his right hand and his left hand unto heaven, and sware by him that liveth for ever, that it shall be for a time, times, and a half; and when he shall have accomplished to scatter the power of the holy people, all these things shall be finished.” We find another proof of the correctness of the apostle Peter’s remark: here an angel asks the question, “How long to the end of the wonders?” Meaning to the resurrection, and glorified state of the righteous, Daniel 12:2, 3, “And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt. And they that be wise, shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness, as the stars for ever and ever.” And again Daniel hears the answer and the time specified, under one of the most solemn oaths ever taken by mortal or immortal beings, “that it should be for a time, times, and a half.” Here is time revealed in the very same words Peter uses, “searching what time,” and the manner of time, is explained in Revelation 12:6 and 14: “And the woman fled into the wilderness, where she hath a place prepared of God, that they should feed her there a thousand two hundred and threescore days. And to the woman were given two wings of a great eagle, that she might fly into the wilderness, into her place, where she is nourished for a time, and times, and half a time, from the face of the serpent,” having been fulfilled in three instances. First, in the church in the wilderness 1260 years, The two witness clothed in sackcloth the same time, Revelation 11:3, “And I will give power unto my two witnesses and they shall prophesy a thousand two hundred and three score days, clothed in sackcloth,” and also the supremacy of the Papal power, Revelation 13:5, “And there was given unto him a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies; and power was given unto him to continue forty and two months.” All of these prophecies were fulfilled between the year A. D. 538 and 1798 or 9, as can be abundantly proved by the Bible, and history of the times, which proves Daniel a true propet, and Peter a firm believer. HST May 8, 1844, page 110.10
If these things are so, is it not becoming in us to search the Scriptures, as commanded by the blessed Savior, John 5:39, “Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: And they are they which testify of me.” And if the question we have presented at the head of our article, is answered in the affirmative, I ask where in the book of God can you find an answer, if it is not in the visions which have been presented from Daniel and John, by the Advent writers of the present day? And many of our opponents will acknowledge that if the times specified in the visions of Daniel and John, do not carry us down the stream of time to the judgment of the great day, then we must understand time in a figurative sense, and the calculation we have made must be correct, or nearly so. If so, then every good citizen may satisfy himself whether we are correct or not: for on this pivot the whole matter turns. Has God revealed the time of the Judgment? I therefore recommend to every man, to satisfy himself whether Peter has told us the truth, and the wise man has spoken plainiy, and whether these visions which God gave, and sent and signified to his servants Daniel and John, by his angel, are the revelation of the things which have been, are now, and which must shortly come to pass. And then let all act consistent to the faith of the gospel, and wait the event. HST May 8, 1844, page 111.1
Wm. Miller.
Washington, Feb. 22, 1844.
From the London Non-Conformist.
Italy
The insurrection in this unhappy country is assuming a really formidable aspect. An extensive conspiracy has for some time past existed, and seems to have been generally known. The London Times supplies the following important information on the subject. HST May 8, 1844, page 111.2
Within the Italian States the liveliest apprehensions are entertained by the minor governments;—and in the foreign countries to which the political refugees have been driven by former revolutions, as well as in those more contiguous positions, such as Malta and Corsica, to which they have access, the greatest activity has for some time past prevailed amongst: the disaffected. A central committee of the secret political society, known under the name of the Giovane Italia, has long been established in London; and an Italian school, frequented by adults as well as by children, has existed for some years, under the direct management of several of the most ardent leaders of the democratic party in Greville-st. HST May 8, 1844, page 111.3
Measures have been taken by the members of this society, acting in conjunction with their exiled countrymen in Paris, to kindle a fresh and extensive insurrection in the Italian States. We learn from Corsica, that one of their agents, whose name is in our possession, has even collected or engaged a considerable body of men, who are to be conveyed to the Italian coast at the first signal. Several of the revolutionary leaders are already near the scene of action, in the neighboring islands both of the Adriatic and Mediterranean. In the interior of Italy the liberal party and the agents of the secret societies are on the alert. Their plan is said to be to kindle simultaneous local insurrections in Bologna, Perugia; Ancona, and in Naples, whence each revolutionary detachment is to march upon Rome, where a democratic government would be forthwith proclaimed. The troops, both in Rome and Naples have been tampered with, and the Swiss corps, whose bravery and fidelity can alone be relied on, have been marked out to the special hatred of the people. The Cardinal Legate who held the government of Bologna, has returned to Rome with the most alarming account from that district. A slight disturbance has already taken place in Calabria.—In Sicily, several of the revolutionary leaders are known to be concealed and ready for action; and the cabinet of Vienna has for some weeks anticipated the demand for assistance, which has at length been addressed to it by the terrified princes of southern Italy. HST May 8, 1844, page 111.4
The fact that such a scheme should be made public, and that it should not have been known for some time past to the cabinets most interested in the result, with a variety of names and details which we abstain from giving, will perhaps interfere with the execution of the conspiracy, but we have before as certain evidence of its existence. HST May 8, 1844, page 111.5
The statement of the Times that the insurrection has been brought about by intrigues in London, is denied by the Chronicle. The latter journal says, with much force: “The present disturbed state of the Roman and Neopolitan states proceeds from no clubs, no great republican or revolutionary system, but from local discontent, occasioned by the wretched administration of those countries.” The Times recommends Austrian intervention, and, if need be, occupation. The Chronicle, the intervention of England, France and Austria, unitedly. The correspondent of the former says, that the papal government must be secularized. “It is the view taken of it by all the statesmen of Europe. The government of catholic Austria, for example, has been long and deeply impressed with that conviction, and has made several attempts to induce the Holy See to listen to the complaints of, and conciliate its people—the most wretched, perhaps, in Europe—but in vain; and revolts and insurrections will occur over and over again in Italy. One immediate effect of any decided success on the part of the malcontents, would be the march of the Austrians to the relief of the government most menaced; and then, as I stated in a late letter, the war party would call for a new expedition to Ancona, more probably Civita Veechia, which the present ministry could not resist, and must either acquiesce in or retire.” HST May 8, 1844, page 111.6
The accounts of what has already taken place in Italy are exceedingly vague and unsatisfactory.—And no wonder, since almost every avenue for the escape of intelligence is carefully guarded by the petty despots of the peninsula. HST May 8, 1844, page 111.7
At Naples, several persons of station and family have been arrested on a charge of sedition. A movement has also taken place at Cocenza, in Calabria. The people attacked the residence of the prafect and the soldiers’ barracks. In making the attack, their cry was, “Down with the government!” Three poor men were killed on the side of the people, and a great number wounded. Of the troops, upwards of thirty were killed, among whom were Captain Galluppi and an under officer, besides a great many wounded. The government has taken active measures to put down these disturbances, and great bodies of troops are now marching to Calabria. HST May 8, 1844, page 111.8
Tending to Universalism
We have before this called the attention of our readers to the facts referred to in the following paragraph from the “Connecticut Universalist.” HST May 8, 1844, page 111.9
PROFESSORS STUART AND BUSH
It is well known to most if not all of our readers, that the gentlemen whose names we have placed at the head of this short article, stand deservedly high in the respective Theological Institutions to which they are attached, as profound scholars, and Biblical critics—the former in Andover, Mass., the latter in New York City. Both of these gentlemen have recently given to the world their views in regard to the meaning of those portions of the scriptures on which the Miller theory of the end of the world is built. The “New York Evangelist,” which by the way may be regarded as the organ of orthodoxy in the United States, in speaking of the views of Professors Stuart and Bush, says, “The tendency of these views is to destroy the scripture evidence of the doctrine of any real end of the world, any day of final judgment, or general resurrection of the body. The style of interpretation, we assert, tends fearfully to Universalism. This tendency we are prepared to prove. HST May 8, 1844, page 111.10
Here we have the facts in a small compass.—Millerism prevails; it has made some havoc in the Orthodox churches; by necessity therefore Profs. Stuart and Bush have come out against it. But how do they combat it? Answer, with Universalist weapons. They are obliged to adopt the same interpretations of scripture which the Universalists in times past have adopted. There is no other way to combat this popular superstition. The “New York Evangelist,” the leading Orthodox journal in the United States, is alarmed; and declares to all the world, that “the style of interpretation tends fearfully to Universalism.” This reminds us of what we read in the prophesy of Isaiah, “The sinners in Zion are afraid, fearfulness hath surprised the hypocrites.” We do not say that Isaiah had reference to any people in these times; but merely that the language of the New York Evangelist brought up the passage in Isaiah to our mind.—Trumpet. HST May 8, 1844, page 111.11
Letter from England
Dear Bro. Himes:—I am sure it will give you pleasure to hear that our dear Bro. Winter has visited Bristol, and has been wonderfully successful in giving the Midnight Cry.—Hundreds will rejoice that the Lord has sent him to this city. Mr. F. Gunner has been with him, and they have lectured to a number of very large audiences: and so great was the anxiety that some hundreds of persons could not gain admittanee. They have, so far, delivered fourteen lectures, and we hope they will be allowed by the Lord to speak many times yet, to the inhabitants of Bristol, if time continues. The Lord does wonderfully support and bless our dear bro. Winter amidst great opposition; the Lord is indeed with him. He and bro, Gunner intend to lecture in all the places around Bristol. They have commenced a course of lectures at Weston Super Mine, and I have no doubt but great good will there be done. They are most devoted to this, their work; and all who are privileged to meet with, see clearly the Lord is with them. HST May 8, 1844, page 111.12
I sincerely believe this is the Lord’s work; and if so, it will, and it does prosper. I trust the Lord will keep us faithful, so that when he comes we may meet him with joy. This precious truth makes us all feel to love those who are looking for our Lord’s appearing. HST May 8, 1844, page 111.13
Bro. Winter has lately publishod some Tracts, and a weekly paper called the “Second Advent Harbinger,” and established a regular Depot for publications at Bristol. He would be glad if you would send him any papers or information concerning the glorious work. HST May 8, 1844, page 111.14
They have been the means of making many trim their lamps to meet the Bridegroom. The Lord alone is to be praised for this, and they are anxious that the honor should be given to the Lord. My brother, Henry Tanner, and sister Elizabeth Tanner, unite with me in kindest love to the lovers of the Savior’s soon appearing, and beg to subscribe myself, yours very respectfully, Ellen Tanner. HST May 8, 1844, page 111.15
No. 2 Paul-st., Kingsdown, Bristol, March 25, 1844. HST May 8, 1844, page 111.16
Please to tell all the friends that wish to write, to direct to Mr. Winter, or Mr. Gunner, at Mr. Tanner’s, No. 2, Paul-st., Kingsdown, Bristol. HST May 8, 1844, page 111.17
Bristol contains 140,000 inhabitants. HST May 8, 1844, page 111.18
THE ADVENT HERALD
BOSTON, MAY 8, 1844.
Editorial Correspondence
Dear Bro. Bliss:—Our meeting at Low-Hampton was closed on Sabbath last. The notice was short yet we had a goodly number from the neighboring towns. The brethren in that place are strong in the faith, and well united, and engaged in the cause. Father Miller and all his family are full in the faith, looking for the blessed hope. Although the exact time has passed, they do not give up the Bible, nor the hope of Christ’s appearing, as the next event,—and that it may now be looked for as specially nigh, and may come at any moment. The active members of the church in that place, with the pastor, Eld. Jones, are decided Adventists, and are doing all they can to sustain the cause. HST May 8, 1844, page 112.1
Reports of the state of the cause were given by the brethren from different towns in the vicinity.—Fort Ann, Benson, Orwell, Castleton, and others were heard from, and in every case, the most encouraging account was given of the faith hope and interest of the Advent believers in those places. HST May 8, 1844, page 112.2
The brethren propose to have large camp-meeting about the last of June, if time is delayed, somewhere in the vicinity of Adison, or Orwell, Vt. I trust it may be attended with great good to the cause of God. HST May 8, 1844, page 112.3
I gave a lecture in Benson, to a good audience, on Sabbath evening. The church in that place, with their pastor, Bro. W. Williamson, are united and strong in the Advent faith. HST May 8, 1844, page 112.4
I find but little scoffing, or opposition compared to what we had to encounter a year ago. Some few ministers have preached against it, but in every case, they have given great dissatisfaction to their friends. And we are indebted to them for stirring up an interest in the community to read our publications; the result of which is, that more or less are brought into the faith at this late period. HST May 8, 1844, page 112.5
I lecture in this town to-night. We have a few choice spirits here, who stand fast in the faith, and are actively promoting the cause. HST May 8, 1844, page 112.6
I leave in the morning for Meredith. Yours, HST May 8, 1844, page 112.7
J. V. Himes.
Castleton, Vt. April 29, 1844.
Editorial Correspondence
Dear Bro. Bliss:—I arrived at this place this morning. We commenced our meeting this afternoon. A goodly number of brethren and sisters were present, and we had a refreshing time. We have a prospect of a good meeting. I find no faltering among the faithful. They are looking for the blessed hope with increased interest. HST May 8, 1844, page 112.8
I observe the last “Christian Herald” continues No. 5, of a “series of articles,” by Elder Shaw, on the rise, progress, and character of the Advent cause. He begins to show the real state of his mind towards the Advent cause. Policy would not permit him to develope it before. I have no time to enter into an examination of his “articles,” now, and as I am looking for my king, who will judge with a righteous judgment soon, I hope to have no occasion to make any defence. I shall leave the matter for the present, in the hands of the “Judge of all the earth, who will do right.” I find, however, that the cause of truth at this time, demands that I should say to my Christian brethren, and all concerned, that the “articles” above referred to, are replete with deceptive representations of me, as to my sentiments, actions, and motives. And that the facts he has stated are distorted, and present any thing but the truth to the candid reader. Many of the statements are unaccountable. Hundreds of witnesses can testify to their incorrectness relating to Mr. Miller’s labors and influence in New England. But I will not say more at this time, nor shall I hereafter encumber our paper with a controversy of this nature. If circumstances should seem to demand it, I shall make such a thorough exposure of “that series of articles,” as will place this whole question in its true light. I ask, therefore, that the brethren with whom I have been associated, will not condemn me finally, without a hearing. I only wish that justice may be done for the sake of the cause of God. If I am a wicked and designing man, as he would represent. I do not wish the cause of God to suffer on account of it. I shall show my innocence, or I will confess my guilt. HST May 8, 1844, page 112.9
While on this point, I might as well add, that the articles in the same paper, signed “R.” in many respects, are equally unjust. For several months past, his articles relating to myself and society, and the Advent cause generally, have contained much gossip, and have not given a correct view of things which he has attempted to describe to the public. I have taken no notice of them on this account. There are two sides to these questions. It would take too much of my time to correct them if I should attempt it. I cannot leave my work for such an object. Those who know me will not be effected by them. With others I must suffer for a while. HST May 8, 1844, page 112.10
The secret of all this bustle and noise about myself and the course I am pursuing, is simply this. I have not deemed it my duty to abandon the Advent cause, and go back and devote my energies exclusively to build up the Christian Connexion, of which I have been, and still am a member. I stand on the same ground, cherishing the same general views, and hold to the Bible as the rule of faith and duty, and to the institutions of the church and Ministry. I stand as much opposed to a disorganizing spirit and practice, as my accusers do. But this, it seems, is not sectarian enough for them. If they therefore see fit to make it necessary for me to show that they have left the Bible ground, and for this reason, withdraw, as I intimated a few weeks since, I shall not shrink from my duty. Yours, still fighting for the cross and crown. J. V. Himes. HST May 8, 1844, page 112.11
Meredith, N. H. May 2, 1844.
The Advent Message
This work is designed to advance the Advent cause among the women of our land. Something of this kind seemed to be needed. If it should be wanted in future we may continue it. We wish all who receive it would take an interest in its circulation. It will be seen that it is conducted by Sister C. S. Minor, of Philadelphia, Pa., who is favorably known by her writings in the “Midnight Cry,” for the past year. HST May 8, 1844, page 112.12
We shall take no subscription. Single copies 10 cents. One dollar sent by mail or otherwise, will secure 12 numbers. Companies can unite in this way, and receive by mail. Or they can be obtained at 14 Devonshire-st., Boston, 9 Spruce-st., N. Y., 41, Arcade, Philadelphia. HST May 8, 1844, page 112.13
The Second Advent.—The day pointed to, on which it was believed the prophetic periods relative to the second advent of our Lord would expire, viz: the 21st of March, 1844, has passed; and yet this wicked world is standing, undestroyed. This, doubtless, causes the world at large great joy; and gives the opponents to the “Millerites,” as they are termed, some room to lay on their censure plenteously, for what is called their presumption to knowing the secret things of God. Even many, who inclined to the belief of Mr. Miller, a year ago, will probably turn upon him with persecution. But let it be remembered, that the time of danger is not yet over, has not yet passed by. Besides the fact, that Mr. Miller alledges, that there is a difficulty in the calculation, growing out of a difference of from one to five years in the Jewish computation of time, which still forbids as to say that his calculations have failed; the bible forbids us to put far off Christ’s coming the second time. We are all commanded to watch, with the warning annexed, that in such an hour as we think not, the Son of man cometh. Let christians, then, not mock at the advent brethren, who have failed in their first calculations; but let us arrive at the only proper conclusion, viz: the day is now nearer than ever! Out of regard to the good that was done during the few past years, by preaching the advent near, we ought to be induced to say nothing against the propagators of the Miller views nor those who privately hold them. Let every one be persuaded in his own mind, relative to this matter; and all live in a state of preparation for the end.—Gos. Miss. HST May 8, 1844, page 112.14
To Correspondents.—Bro. O. Herwick will perceive by reading the book of Ezra, that the temple had been built and dedicated before the commission to Ezra was given him. Consequently his commission could not have been for the construction of the temple. The termination of the seventy weeks, about A. D, 33, proves that the balance of the 2300 days—1810 years, could not be extended to twelve years in the future. HST May 8, 1844, page 112.15
We should be happy to publish the lines from Bro. L. C. C., but we do not believe the sentiments to be scriptural. The souls of the departed which John saw, were anxiously a waiting their crowns, which they will receive in the day of the Lord Jesus. To speak of them as receiving their crown and being crowned at death with the “chaplet of the cherubim,” etc., seems to exclipse the glory of the resurrection. Truth lies between extremes HST May 8, 1844, page 112.16
CAMPMEETING
If the Lord will, there will be a campmeeting held in N. Wilbraham, one mile north of the W Rail Road, on the land of Charles T. Potter, to commence on Wednesday, May 22, and continue over the sabbath. The cars will stop at a place called Sodom, 12 miles east of Springfield, and conveyance can be had from thence to the ground at 6 1-4 cts each, where all who may wish to attend will find good accommodations and board on the ground at reasonable terms. Brother S. Hawley. jr. and other able preachers of the gospel of the Everlasting Kingdom, are expected to be present. Brethren Miller and Storrs are requested to attend, if convenient. We hope there will be a general rallying of the friends of Christ, with their tents, to this least of tabernacles, and show to the world that while waiting for the vision we are not asleep, or become infidels, as was prophecied of us, but mean to labor for the salvation of souls until the Lord comes. HST May 8, 1844, page 112.17
R. E. Ladd, E.M. Smith, O.Powell, H.Monger, W.Ordway. HST May 8, 1844, page 112.18
Elijah Macomber having removed to New Bedford, wishes all communications directed to him at that place. HST May 8, 1844, page 112.19
Anniversary Week in New York
Providence permuting, there will be a general conference of believers in the speedy personal advent of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, at the church, corner of Christie and Delancy Streets, in the evenings, and at Franklin Hall, Chatham Square, through the day. Lectures each day at 2 1-2 and 7 1-2 P. M. Conference and Bible Class at 10 A. M., to commence on Monday, May 6, and continue through the week. HST May 8, 1844, page 112.20
Bro. Miller, Galusha, and those of the Advent lecturers who can attend, are expected to be present. HST May 8, 1844, page 112.21
N. B.—Meetings will be held in Philadelphia and Boston the two following weeks. Particular notice hereafter. HST May 8, 1844, page 112.22
Letters received to May 4, 1844
Charles Moore by pm $1.50; A Pars as by pm $1; Samuel Fellows by pm $1; T J Reed by pm $1; D T Carbon $2; L C Gunn; G S Miles; B W Prescott $1; pm S. Orrington, Ms; L Armstrong $2; pm Union Mills N Y; J C Gillingham by pm $3; P D Lawrence $5; B F Brown by pm $2; R Severence by pm $1; pm Milwaukee W T; O Woodruff, postage 25 cts; pm Little Falls N Y; E Macomber; S Joy jr. $2; Jno F Chamberlain by pm $1; A A Stevens; J V Himes; E Elms $2; J Chillis $1, all right; E Winchester; N Edgerton; pm St Clair, Ga; D W Read by pm $1; pm Mansfield Ms; pm Lynn Ms; Chapin by pm $1; Sarah Risley; John Clay $1; Charles Church by pm $1; D Plumb; J W Beckwith; pm Andover, Mich; pm Rottand vt; pm New Dorham N H; H S Gurney by pm $2; A H Brick; B Lerned; L Bird $2; J V Himes; R Butchinson; pm Nickolville N Y; Miss B Wooley by pm $1; R W Vane; N G Howard; pm Mason N H $1; A M Osgood; pm Machias Me; Capt L Fisher by pm $1; W C Stone; E Williams and W Cutter $1 each; N Hervey $1; J V Himes; Chas. Greene pm Springfield Vt; T L Tullock; Juliet Moody $1; A Warfield; J Litch. S A Chaplin $1; 1 Stocton $1. HST May 8, 1844, page 112.23
Packages Sent
D T Carbon Detroit Mich; J Litch Philadelphia, 41 Arcade; J V Himes 9 Spruce St N Y; G S Miles 67 Green St. Albany N Y; P D Lawrence Falmouth Ms; Elizabeth Lloyd 21 Parker’s Terace Nicenger Road, Bonanaday London; E C Galusha Rochester N Y; N Hervey Providence R I. HST May 8, 1844, page 112.24