Signs of the Times and Expositor of Prophecy [Himes], vol. 6
October 11, 1843
Vol. VI.—No. 8. Boston, Whole No. 128
Joshua V. Himes
SIGNS OF THE TIMES
AND EXPOSITOR OF PROPHECY.
Terms.—$1,00 per Vol. (24 Nos.) in advance Office No. 14 devonshire Street, Boston.
J. V. Himes, J. Litch, and S. Bliss, Editors.
Dow & Jackson, Printers, Boston.
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, 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 October 11, 1843, page 57.1
II. The only Millenium found in the word of God is the eternal state of the righteous in the New Earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness. HST October 11, 1843, page 57.2
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 October 11, 1843, page 57.3
IV. The signs which were to precede the coming of our Savior, have all been given; and the prophecies have all been fulfilled out those which relate to the coming of Christ, the end of this world, and the restitution of all things. And HST October 11, 1843, page 57.4
V. There are none of the prophetic periods, as we understand them, that extend beyond the year 1843. HST October 11, 1843, page 57.5
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 October 11, 1843, page 57.6
The Lord Shall Come
1. Psalm 1:3, “Our God shall come, and shall not keep silence: a fire shall devour before him, and it shall be very tempestuous round about him.” HST October 11, 1843, page 57.7
2. Psalm 116:12, 13, “Let the field be joyful, and all that is therein: then shall all the trees of the wood rejoice before the Lord: for he cometh, for he cometh to judge the earth: he shall judge the world with righteousness, and the people with his truth.” HST October 11, 1843, page 57.8
3. Psalm 118:8, 9, “Let the floods clap their hands: let the hills be joyful together before the Lord; for he cometh to judge the earth: with righteousness shall he judge the world, and the people with equity.” HST October 11, 1843, page 57.9
4. Daniel 7:13, “I saw in the night visions, and, behold, one like the Son of man came with the clouds of heaven, and came to the Ancient of days, and they brought him near before him.” HST October 11, 1843, page 57.10
5. Zechariah 14:5, “The Lord my God shall come, and all the saints with thee.” HST October 11, 1843, page 57.11
6. The Gospels (Matthew 16:27; Mark 8:38; Luke 9:26.) “The Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels.” HST October 11, 1843, page 57.12
7. Matthew 24:30, “They shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.” HST October 11, 1843, page 57.13
8. John 14:2, 3, “I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.” HST October 11, 1843, page 57.14
9. 1 Thessalonians 4:16, “The Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God.” HST October 11, 1843, page 57.15
10. Jude, verse 14, 15. “Behold, the Lord cometh with ten thousand of his saints, to execute judgment upon all.” HST October 11, 1843, page 57.16
11. Revelation 1:7, “Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen.” HST October 11, 1843, page 57.17
12. Revelation 22:12, “Behold I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be.” verse 20, “He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly; Amen.” HST October 11, 1843, page 57.18
These passages instruct us, not only concerning the coming of the Lord, but also who it is that comes. “Our God”—“The Lord my God”—“The Son of man”—“Jesus”—“The Lord himself.” “It is the man Christ Jesus” (1 Timothy 2:5;) the seed of the woman, who shall bruise the head of the serpent, (Genesis 3:15;) the seed of Abraham, in whom all nations of the earth shall be blessed, (Genesis 22:18;) the seed of David, who shall occupy David’s throne, which is to be established for evermore, (Isaiah 9:7; Luke 1:32; 1 Chronicles 17:14;) the son of Mary, who was born in Bethlehem, lived in Judea, and was crucified on Calvary, (Matthew 2:5; 27:35.) HST October 11, 1843, page 57.19
It is Christ, “who in the days of his flesh, when he had offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears unto him that was able to save him from death, and was heard in that he feared; though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered; and being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him; called of God an high priest after the order of Melchisedec.” (Hebrews 5:7-10.) Who, being “once offered to bear the sins of many; unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation,” (Hebrews 9:28.) HST October 11, 1843, page 57.20
This is he who is to come: “And he that shall come will come, and will not tarry.” (Hebrews 10:37.) For. “The Lord is not slack concerning his promise (the promise of his coming,) as some men count slackness; but is long suffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance,” (2 Peter 3:9) And although the voice of the scoffer is now heard, saying, where is the promise of his coming 3; the Lord will speedily appear for the deliverance, and for the glory of those who wait for him—whose hearts have been directed into the love of God, and into the patient waiting for Christ (2 Thessalonians 3:5;) and who are willing to suffer with Christ now, knowing that, “If we suffer, we shall also reign with him,” (2 Timothy 2:12;) having “in heaven a better and an enduring substance,” (Hebrews 10:34;) and therefore, “look for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God.” Hebrews 11:10.) HST October 11, 1843, page 57.21
The Second Advent of our Lord has been the hope of the church from the earliest ages, is now, and will be, until he who is our life shall appear; for then shall we also appear with him in glory. “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.” (1 John 3:2.) “Our God shall come and shall not keep silence: a fire shall devour before him, and it shall be very tempestuous round about him. He shall call to the heavens from above, and to the earth that he may judge his people. Gather my saints together unto me, those that have made a covenant with me by sacrifice. And the heavens shall declare his righteousness, for God is judge himself.” (Psalm 1:3-6.) HST October 11, 1843, page 57.22
1. In the first place, then, we are called to be prepared for the coming of the Lord.”—“Prepare to meet thy God, O Israel.” (Amos 4:12.) HST October 11, 1843, page 57.23
“Prepare to meet thy God.” This is an express command to prepare to meet God; and surely brethren, if in any event preparation to meet God is required, that event of all others is the coming of the Lord, the meeting with the living God! For, when the Lord cometh, he cometh to give every man according as his work shall be; so that, in whatever state man is found in that day, so will he be rewarded or punished according to the judgment of him who judgeth not as man judgeth, but who judgeth righteous judgment. And hence it is written, “he that is unjust, let him be unjust still; and he which is filthy let him be filthy still; and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still; and he that is holy, let him be holy still. And behold, I come quickly, and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last.” (Revelation 22:11-13.) HST October 11, 1843, page 57.24
John the Baptist, the forerunner of our Lord, at his first advent, came preaching, and saying, “Repent ye, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” (Matthew 3:2.) And now the cry hath gone forth over the land, “Behold the Bridegroom cometh, go ye out to meet him.” (Matthew 25:6.) Which implies that there should be sympathy of mind between the Bridegroom and those who go out to meet him, (“let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus;”) otherwise the meeting could not be a joyful one, and consequently the virgins could not be received to the marriage supper of the Lamb. For those who are privileged to enter in are found ready; “they that were ready went in with him to the marriage, and the door was shut.” (Matthew 25:10.) HST October 11, 1843, page 57.25
Now, as two friends, who, after a long absence, have the near prospect of meeting each other, rejoice in, and anxiously wait the accomplishment of that which such a prospect inspires, so it is with the friends of Jesus. They earnestly desire and long for his coming, because they rejoice in hope for the grace that is to be brought unto them at the revelation of Jesus Christ. (1 Peter 1:13.) HST October 11, 1843, page 58.1
But those who are not the friends of Jesus, those who have despised the riches of his goodness, forbearance, and long-suffering, not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth to repentance, (Romans 2:4,) and, consequently, are of an opposite mind,—still living in enmity, and dead to all desire of being conformed to God’s image—these cannot desire the Lord’s coming. Never having tasted that the Lord is gracious, and knowing nothing of the blessedness of communion with the Father of their spirits, they have no wish to meet Jesus face to face, and therefore look not for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Savior Jesus Christ. (Titus 2:13.) HST October 11, 1843, page 58.2
Our Lord commanded his disciples to be ready for his coming; and, because they knew not the time, to take heed, to watch and pray, lest coming suddenly, he should find them sleeping. And what he said unto them, he says unto all, Watch. (Mark 13:35-37.) HST October 11, 1843, page 58.3
2. What is the preparation necessary to meet the Lord in peace in the day of his appearing? HST October 11, 1843, page 58.4
1. The testimony of the Lord Jesus is this, “watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man.” (Luke 21:36.) HST October 11, 1843, page 58.5
2. The testimony of the Spirit in St Paul is, “And the Lord make you to increase and abound in love one toward another, and toward all men, even as we do toward you; to the end he may stablish your hearts unblameable in holiness before God, even our Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all his saints.” (2 Thessalonians 3:12, 13.) HST October 11, 1843, page 58.6
3. Again, “Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. Quench not the Spirit. Despise not prophesyings. Prove all things, hold fast that which is good. Abstain from all appearance of evil. And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul, and body, be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-23.) HST October 11, 1843, page 58.7
4. And again, “The grace of God that bringeth salvation to all men hath appeared; teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world, looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Savior Jesus Christ.” (Titus 2:11-13.) HST October 11, 1843, page 58.8
5. The testimony of the Spirit in St. John is, “And now, little children, abide in him, that, when he shall appear we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming. If ye know that he is righteous, ye know that every one that doeth righteousness is born of him. Behold what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God, therefore the world knoweth us not because it knew him not. 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. And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.” (1 John 2:28, 29; 3:1-3.) HST October 11, 1843, page 58.9
6. The testimony of the Spirit in St. Peter is, “The day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night, in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burnt up. Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness, looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat? Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness. Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent, that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot and blameless.” (2 Peter 3:10-14.) HST October 11, 1843, page 58.10
The apostle thus prays,—“Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is well-pleasing in his sight through Jesus Christ.” (Hebrews 13:20, 21:) and he likewise says in the previous chapter, “Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord.” (Hebrews 12:14.) HST October 11, 1843, page 58.11
Holiness, therefore, brethren, is what is necessary. Holiness is the preparation for meeting the Lord in peace, and with a joyful welcome, (even so come, Lord Jesus;) for it is written, “that when he shall appear we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is.” (1 John 3:2.) HST October 11, 1843, page 58.12
3. The condition of those who are prepared for the coming of the Lord, what is their hope, and what blessedness awads them in the day of Christ’s appearing. HST October 11, 1843, page 58.13
1. Their condition. They have their lamps trimmed and have oil in their vessels with their lamps, and so are ready for the coming of the Bridegroom, (Matthew 25:10.) They have obeyed their Lord’s command. “Watch ye therefore and pray always.” (Luke 21:36.) Their hearts are established unblameable in holiness. (1 Thessalonians 3:13.) They are sanctified wholly in spirit, soul, and body, and so preserved blameless, (verse 23.) They live in the present world, soberly, righteously, and godly. (Titus 2:12.) They abide in Jesus, are born of him, and do righteousness; being sons of God, and having in them the hope of being like Christ, and seeing him as he is, they purify themselves even as he is pure. (1 John 2:28, 29; and 3:1-3.) Their conversation is in heaven, from whence they look for the Savior, (Philippians 3:20;) whom having not seen they love; in whom, though now they see him not, yet believing, they rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory; receiving the end of their faith, even the salvation of their souls. (1 Peter 1:8, 9.) HST October 11, 1843, page 58.14
2. Their hope. “Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Savior Jesus Christ.” (Titus 2:13.) “Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God”—and according to his promise “look for new heavens and a new earth.” (2 Peter 3:12, 13.) “Waiting for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (1 Corinthians 1:7.) “Looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.” (Jude 21.) This is their hope, the hope by which we are saved, as it is written.—“We are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for? But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it.” (Romans 8:24, 25.) “And patience worketh experience; and experience, hope: and hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.” (Romans 5:4, 5.) And this is the abiding in him of which we read in 1 John 2:28. “And now, little children, abide in him.” For what end? “That when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming.” Now, confidence before Christ at his coming can only be enjoyed by those who are purihed as he is pure, who are without blemish and without spot, whose hearts are stablished unblameable in holiness, who are born of God, and do not commit sin, (1 John 3:9;) and who therefore look for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God, Hebrews 11:10, even the New Jerusalem, and to the time when they shall enter in through the gates into the city, Revelation 22:14, when the tabernacle of God shall be 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. Revelation 21:3. HST October 11, 1843, page 58.15
3. The blessedness that awaits them in the day of Christ’s appearing. “When Christ who is their life shall appear, then shall they also appear with him in glory.” Colossians 3:4. “They shall be like him, for they shall see him as he is.” 1 John 3:2. They shall be like him, for they shall be changed into incorruptibility, their vile bodies shall be fashioned like unto his glorious body, and they shall see him face to face, and know even as they are known. 1 Corinthians 13:12. They shall enter into the joy of their Lord, Matthew 25:21, and be for ever with him. 1 Thessalonians 4:17. Yea, they shall reign with him, for he hath washed us from our sins in his own blood, and hast made us unto our God kings and priests, and we shall reign on the earth. Revelation 5:10. Then shall they behold the glory which the Father hath given unto his Son Jesus Christ, and be one with him, even as the Father and the Son are one. John 17:22, 24. HST October 11, 1843, page 58.16
4. The condition of those who are unprepared, their present hope, and future portion in the day of the Lord’s vengeance. HST October 11, 1843, page 58.17
1. Their present condition. All who are not in the condition of those we have described in the preceding enquiry, are of course unprepared to meet the Lord! Who then can say, I am prepared and ready to meet the Bridegroom, and to go in to the marriage supper? Ah! the majority of professing Christians are deceiving themselves with a false confidence, and a delusive hope! And the great mass of the people do not concern themselves at all about the matter! Men look forward in prospect of enjoying a death-bed, and say it will do then to prepare for what may follow! Now they make excuses for deferring the consideration of a subject, which they themselves are ready to admit, is a momentuous one to all; and vaguely hope that they will find mercy at the hand of God, at some other and future time: and if they are prepared for death, which they think they will surely have opportunity of doing, when they come to die, it will do, all will be well! Not considering, that, “the mighty God, even the Lord hath spoken, and called the earth from the rising of the sun unto the going down thereof,” and testifieth, that, “Our God shall come, and shall not keep silence.” Psalm 1:1, 3. HST October 11, 1843, page 58.18
2. Their hope. The hope which such a description of persons possess, is a vague and undefinable hope, which, in the estimation of God is no hope at all. It cannot be; for unless we know God, what can we hope for? The hope of a believer in God, rests upon the faithfulness of an unchanging and unchangeable omnipotent God; and therefore is “as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast:” but an unrighteous man hath no such foundation whereon to rest his hope, and consequently is removed from the only “sure and steadfast” hope, the “hope which maketh not ashamed,” and is therefore left “without hope in the world.” HST October 11, 1843, page 59.1
3. Their future portion in the day of the Lord’s vengeance. “Behold the day cometh that shall burn as an oven; and all the proud, yea, and all that do wickedly, shall be stubble: and the day that cometh shall burn them up, saith the Lord of hosts, that it shall leave them neither root nor branch.” Malachi 4:1. “The great day of the Lord is near, it is near, and hasteth greatly, even the voice of the day of the Lord: the mighty man shall cry there bitterly. That day is a day of wrath, a day of trouble and distress, a day of wasteness and desolation, a day of darkness and gloominess, a day of clouds and thick darkness, a day of the trumpet and alarm against the fenced cities and against the high towers. And I will bring distress upon men, that they shall walk like blind men, because they have sinned against the Lord: and their blood shall be poured out as dust, and their flesh as the dung Neither their silver nor their gold shall be able to deliver them in the day of the Lord’s wrath; but the whole land shall be devoured by the fire of his jealousy; for he shall make even a speedy riddance of all them that dwell in the land.” Zephaniah 1:14-18. The Lord will thunder in the heavens, Psalm 18:13, and the adversaries of the Lord shall be broken to pieces; out of heaven shall he thunder upon them: the Lord shall judge the ends of the earth, 1 Samuel 2:10, and will destroy them that destroy the earth, Revelation 11:18, “God is jealous, and the Lord revengeth; the Lord revengeth and is furious; the Lord will take vengeance on his adversaries, and he reserveth wrath for his enemies. The mountains quake at him, and the hills melt, and the earth is burnt at his presence, yea, the world, and all that dwell therein. Who can stand before his indignation? and who can abide in the fierceness of his anger? his fury is poured out like fire, and the rocks are thrown down by him.” Nahum 1:2, 5, 6. HST October 11, 1843, page 59.2
Thus we see what will be the portion of the wicked in the day of the Lord’s vengeance, when he shall tread down the people in his anger, and trample them in his fury; “and their blood shall be sprinkled upon my garments, and I will stain all my raiment. For the day of vengeance is in mine heart, and the year of my redeemed is come.” Isaiah 63:3, 4. HST October 11, 1843, page 59.3
In conclusion, let me add, that the day of the Lord is at hand! “Behold, the Judge standeth before the door.” James 5:9. “Behold the Bridegroom cometh.” Matthew 25:6. “Behold, I come as a thief.” Revelation 16:15. “Behold, he cometh with clouds.” Revelation 1:7. “Behold I come quickly.” Revelation 3:11; 22:7, 12. Are our hearts replying, “Even so come, Lord Jesus?” Are we rejoicing in hope of the glory of God? Are we prepared to meet the Lord? If Christ should this night appear, are we prepared to welcome him? Would we be found among those who are ready, and who go in to the marriage supper of the Lamb? HST October 11, 1843, page 59.4
These momentous questions which arise out of the enquiry we have pursued, I leave with our consciences; and close, with praying the Lord to enable us all to commit our cause to Him, and that he would vouchsafe unto us the Holy Ghost, and preserve us blameless unto the coming of Jesus. So shall we be hid in the day of his fierce anger, and escape the fire of his wrath; and be enabled to rejoice with exceeding joy “before God and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and kingdom.” 2 Timothy 4:1. HST October 11, 1843, page 59.5
The Sign of the Son of man in Heaven
In the 24th of Matthew, it is recorded that the disciples asked our Savior, “What shall be the sign of thy coming and of the end of the world?” And his answer is, “the sun shall be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens shall be shaken: And then 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 one end of heaven to the other. Now learn a parable of the fig-tree; when his branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is nigh: So likewise ye, when ye shall see all these things, know that it is near, even at the doors.” HST October 11, 1843, page 59.6
The following are the historical events which show the fulfilment of this prediction—the very signs which were to precede Christ’s second coming. And he has assured us that this, or literally, the same generation (that shall see these things) shall not pass till all these things be fulfilled. HST October 11, 1843, page 59.7
The Dark Day
Hon. Wheeler Martin has favored the editor of the Providence Subaltern with the following recollections of the dark day in 1780. HST October 11, 1843, page 59.8
The dark day was on the 19th of May, 1780. Where I resided at that time, the darkness at 11 o’clock was so great, that a candle was lighted and placed upon the table;—the fowls went to roost;—the sheep all huddled around in a circle, with their heads inward. The grass, to look at it through the window, seemed of a yellow green; the same as to look through smoked glass upon green grass. HST October 11, 1843, page 59.9
I well remember, that the gentleman of the house read the following Scripture by candle light, to his numerous family: HST October 11, 1843, page 59.10
“The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before that great and notable day of the Lord’s coming.” HST October 11, 1843, page 59.11
The darkness was so great in the night time, that it was said by one Dr. Blackington, who resided near the north-east part of Rehoboth, who had occasion to be out among his sick patients that night, that he could not see his white pocket handkerehief placed before his eyes. The darkness was so thick that it could be felt. HST October 11, 1843, page 59.12
The year 1780 was celebrated for its many northern lights; they covered the whole horizon over;—they would flash like lightning and fill the air with the smell of sulphur. The lights were so red, that the flashes would bring warmth against the face. HST October 11, 1843, page 59.13
“The 19th May, 1780, was a remarkable dark day. Candles were lighted in many houses. The birds were silent and disappeared. The fowls retired to rest. It was the general opinion that the day of judgment was at hand. The legislature of Connecticut was in session at Hartford, but being unable to transact business adjourned. A motion for adjournment was before the Council; when the opinion of Col. Davenport, (of Stamford,) was requested, he replied,—‘I am against the adjournment. The day of judgment is either at hand or it is not, there is no cause for the adjournment; if it is, I wish to be found in the line of my duty. I wish, therefore, that candles may be brought.’”—President Dwight, in Ct. Hist. Collections. HST October 11, 1843, page 59.14
“Dark Day of May 19, 1780. The sun rose clear, and shone for several hours; at length, the sky became overcast with clouds, and by ten o’clock, A. M. the darkness was such as to occasion the farmers to leave their work in the field, and retire to their dwellings; fowls went to their roosts, and before noon, lights became necessary to the transaction of business within doors. The darkness continued through the day; and the night until near morning was as unusually dark as the day.”—Gage’s History of Rowley, Mass. HST October 11, 1843, page 59.15
“Anniversary of the Dark Day. The dark day, May 19, 1780, is thus described by Mr. Stone, in his History of Beverly:” HST October 11, 1843, page 59.16
“The sun rose clear, but soon assumed a brassy hue. About ten o’clock, A. M. it became unusually dark. The darkness continued to increase till about one o’clock, when it began to decrease. During this time candles became necessary. The birds disappeared and were silent, the fowls went to their roosts, the cocks crew as at daybreak, and every thing bore the appearance and gloom of night The alarm produced by this unusual aspect of the heavens, was great, and tradition has preserved many anecdotes of terror.—Portsmouth Journal, May 20, 1843. HST October 11, 1843, page 59.17
“In the dark day. May 19, 1780, the heavens were covered with a dense cloud for three or four hours. HST October 11, 1843, page 59.18
“During this time, the clouds were tinged with a yellowish or faint red, for hours, for which no satisfactory cause has been assigned. I stood and viewed the phenomenon, but had not any fear that the world was coming to an end.”—N. Webster, L. L. D. New Haven Daily Herald. HST October 11, 1843, page 59.19
Night after the Dark Day of 1780. “The darkness of the following evening was probably as gross as has ever been observed since the Almighty first gave birth to light. I could not help conceiving at the time, that if every luminous body in the universe had been shrouded in impenetrable darkness, or struck out of existence, the darkness could not have been more complete. A sheet of white paper held within a few inches of the eyes, was equally invisible with the blackest velvet.”—Rev. Mr. Tenny, of Ereter, N. H. quoted by Mr. Gage “to the Historical Society.” HST October 11, 1843, page 59.20
[For the fulfilment of the Falling Stars see page 62.] HST October 11, 1843, page 59.21
SIGNS OF THE TIMES
“The Lord is at Hand.”
Boston, October 11, 1843.
Blessed are the Meek
“Blessed are the meek,” says our Savior, “for they shall inherit the earth.” Says the Psalmist, “The meek shall inherit the earth, and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace.” HST October 11, 1843, page 60.1
Meekness is one of the loveliest traits of the Christian character; and if this is possessed, usually it is accompanied with all the fruits of the Spirit. Moses has been called the meekest man; it was said of him, “Now the man Moses was very meek above all the men which were upon the face of the earth.” He prophesied of our Savior, “The Lord thy God will raise up unto thee a prophet from the midst of thee, of thy brethren, like unto me, unto him shall ye hearken.” Our Savior was a perfect model of meekness, and “has left us an example that we should follow his steps, who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth; who when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not, but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously; who, his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we being dead to sin, should live unto righteousness.” HST October 11, 1843, page 60.2
We are commanded to seek meekness. Thus saith the Lord, “seek ye the Lord, all ye meek of the earth, which have wrought his judgment; seek righteousness, seek meekness; it may be ye shall be hid in the day of the Lord’s anger.” Paul besought the Corinthian church “by the meekness and gentleness of Christ.” And he assured the Galations that “the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance.” He also commanded them to forgive one another “in the spirit of meekness.” He besought the Ephesians to walk worthy of the vocation wherewith they were called, “with all lowliness and meekness, with long-suffering, forbearing one another in love, endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace;” also to put away “all bitterness, and wrath and anger, and clamor, and evil speaking,” “with all malice;” and to be kind one to another, tender hearted, forgiving one another even as God for Christ’s sake had forgiven them. The Colossians he besought to “put on as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, long-suffering, forbearing one another, and forgiving one another.” He exhorted Timothy to “follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness;” and in meekness to instruct those that oppose themselves. He exhorted Titus to put those he instructed, “in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work, to speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, but gentle, showing all meekness unto all men. James taught that we should “lay apart all filthiness, and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the ingrafted word which is able to save your souls;” and that they who are “wise and endued with knowledge,” should “show out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom.” And Peter taught us “to be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear.” James assures us that “where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work. But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle and easy to be entreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.” Peter admonishes us to give all diligence to “add to your faith, virtue; and to virtue knowledge; and to knowledge, temperance; and to temperance, patience; and to patience, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, charity;” for “he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins. Wherefore the rather, brethren, give dilligence to make your calling and election sure; for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall; for so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” Paul shows us that true religion consists in that charity that suffereth long and is kind, that envieth not, that vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil, rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth, beareth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things. Peter admonished the women that they adorn themselves with “the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price: for after this manner in the old time the holy women also who trusted in God, adorned themselves.” He also exhorted us all to be “of one mind, having compassion one of another; love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous, not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing; but contrariwise blessing.” And “whereas they speak against you as evil doers; they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation.” HST October 11, 1843, page 60.3
Great blessings are promised to the meek. The Psalmist says, “the meek shall eat and be satisfied.” “The meek will he guide in judgment, and the meek will he teach his way.” “The meek shall inherit the earth.” “The meek shall see this and be glad.” “God arose to judgment to save all the meek of the earth.” “The Lord lifteth up the meek; he casteth the wicked down to the ground,” etc. “The Lord will take pleasure in his people; he will beautify the meek with salvation.” Isaiah saith that the Lord will “reprove with equity for the meek of the earth.” “The meek also shall increase their joy in the Lord,” and “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because the Lord hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek.” Also our Savior hath said, “Blessed are the meek for they shall inherit the earth.” HST October 11, 1843, page 60.4
Meekness is of a kindred spirit with humility. The Lord has promised to save the humble person, and he forgetteth not to hear their cry. He that inhabiteth eternity hath promised to dwell with him that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the coutrite ones. Our Savior has said that whosoever shall humble himself as a little child, the same is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. The Lord resisteth the proud but giveth grace to the humble. Meekness and humility are so well pleasing in the sight of the Lord, that the prophet Micah inquires, “What doth the Lord require of thee but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God.” HST October 11, 1843, page 60.5
With such promises to the meek, and with such exhortations to meekness, it is evident that God is well pleased with none who are not thus meek. And those who have the most of the Spirit of the Lord, and are baptized the most effectually with the Holy Ghost, will have the most meekness and humility. When, therefore, a spirit the reverse of this is engendered, a spirit which is froward, and not easy to be entreated, which is full of contention and evil speaking, perverse and self-willed, filled with spiritual pride and with no resemblance to the loving and meek spirit which the Scriptures bring to view, we are to have no fellowship with it, for the Spirit of the Lord will manifest the fruits of the Spirit. By their fruits ye shall know them. If the fruits of any are the reverse of these, they preach a different gospel from that Paul preached; and he said, though he, or an angel from heaven preach any other gospel than that which he preached, let him be accursed. HST October 11, 1843, page 60.6
We have a sure word of prophecy, unto which we do well that we take heed; that we be not unmindful of that which was written for our learning; but avoiding every thing which is inconsistent with the fruits of the Spirit, seek righteousness and meekness: it may be we shall be hid in the day of the Lord’s anger: and if we are numbered with the truly meek we shall inherit the earth. HST October 11, 1843, page 60.7
They misused the Prophets.—We read that when the children of Israel did after the manner of the heathen: “The Lord God of their fathers sent to them by his messengers, rising up betimes and sending; because he had compassion on his people, and on his dwelling place: But they mocked the messengers of God, and despised his words, and misused his prophets, until the wrath of the Lord arose against his people, till there was no remedy.” Nehemiah also said, “Nevertheless, they were disobedient, and rebelled against thee; and cast thy law behind their backs, and slew thy prophets which testified against them to turn them to thee, and they wrought great provocations.” It was also written by the prophet Jeremiah, saying, “And now, because ye have done all these works, saith the Lord, and I spake unto you, rising up early and speaking, but ye heard not; and I called you but ye answered not. And I will cast you out of my sight, as I have cast out all your brethren, even the whole seed of Ephraim. Since the day that your fathers came forth out of the land of Egypt unto this day I have even sent unto you all my servants the prophets, daily rising up early and sending them: Yet they hearkened not unto me, nor inclined their ear, but hardened their neck; they did worse than their fathers.” HST October 11, 1843, page 60.8
We learn from the above how kind and good the Lord is, always to warn and entreat his people before he visits them in anger, that they may have an opportunity to turn again to him. Those who are true prophets never prophesy peace to any people; and therefore the people have always opposed the testimony of the Lord’s prophets, even as they said unto Jeremiah: “Now it came to pass, when Jeremiah had made an end of speaking all that the Lord had commanded him to speak unto all the people, that the priests and the prophets and all the people took him, saying, Thou shall surely die. Why hast thou prophesied in the name of the Lord, saying, This house shall be like Shiloh, and this city shall be desolate without an inhabitant? And all the people were gathered against Jeremiah in the house of the Lord. Then spake the priests and the prophets unto the princes and to all the people, saying, This man is worthy to die; for he hath prophesied against this city, as ye have heard with your ears.” HST October 11, 1843, page 60.9
Were Jeremiah alive at the preseat time there is no question but that all who oppose the Advent of Christ would unite in opposing him. It is remakable that all false prophets prophesied peace and were heard gladly by those whose ears were thus tickled. Even so is it at the present We also find that as they now endeavor to disprove the coming of Christ by showing that such things have been predicted before, even so did they of old endeavor to show that evil had been predicted by others before Jeremiah and failed. “Micah the Morasthite prophesied in the days of Hezekiah king of Judah, and spake to all the people of Judah, saying, Thus saith the Lord of hosts; Zion shall be ploughed like a field, and Jerusalem shall become heaps, and the mountain of the house as the high places of a forest. And there was also a man that prophesied in the name of the Lord, Urijah the son of Shemaiah of Kirjathjearim, who prophesied against this city and against this land according to all the works of Jeremiah. And when Jehoiakim the king with all his mighty men, and all the princes, heard his words, the king sought to put him to death: but when Urijah heard it, he was afraid, and fled, and went into Egypt.” HST October 11, 1843, page 61.1
The premillenium Advent, has been the belief of the Church in its purest and best ages: This is denied by none. So universal was this belief in the primitive church, that the memory of no man, nor the least fragment of any writing of any individual previous to the time of Origen, who believed in a resurrection of the dead, has come down to us, that taught a different doctrine. The personal coming of Christ to set up his kingdom on the earth has been the cherished hope and expectation of some of the most eminent saints of all ages since the Apostolical, the dark ages being alone excepted. Even the Westminster Assembly of divines adopted the following, which proves that the modern notion of a temporal millennium was not received by them. HST October 11, 1843, page 61.2
“As Christ would have us to be certainly persuaded that there shall be a day of judgment, both to deter all men from sin, and for the greater consolation of the godly in their adversity; so will He have that day unknown to men, that they may shake off all carnal security, and be always watchful, because they know not at what hour the Lord will come; and may be ever prepared to say, Come, Lord Jesus, come quickly. Amen.” HST October 11, 1843, page 61.3
The doctrine of a temporial millennium is not found in any creed, confession of faith, or formula of doctrine of the primitive Church; its great antiquity can only be traced to the last century. HST October 11, 1843, page 61.4
In the history of the Episcopal Church the doctrine, of the coming of Christ stands out prominently and is brought to view on each Lord’s day. It is there presented not only in the creed—“he shall come again with glory to judge both the quick and dead; whose kingdom shall have no end,” but as well as in many other places, in the anthem which closes with “for he cometh, for he cometh to judge the earth, and with righteousness to judge the world, and the people with his truth.” How strange it is that in these last days the Church should delude herself with the cry of peace and safety, when it is in opposition to the voice of all antiquity, as well as the express declarations of the Apostles and Prophets, and of Jesus Christ the chief corner stone. HST October 11, 1843, page 61.5
“When we are scorned as fools for our expectation of the Speedy Advent of the Lord as being something absolutely considered, premature for the disturbing of this sinful world in its youthful gaiety, we suffer it in company with men who can well bear a share of it. And, when we are moved to watchfulness, (the Lord grant we may be moved more!) rather by the prospect of the Coming of the Bridegroom, than by the Coming of Death, we are in the same spirit as those whose names shine the brightest in the annals of the Church. Is it not wonderful when we think of it, that Luther, instead of desiring that there should be a delay to see how the Reformation which he had been the means of originating should work, rejoiced in the hope of the Speedy Coming of the Judge? How different it is with those who in a manner crave delay till an experiment shall be made with Missionary Societies and Political Reform! HST October 11, 1843, page 61.6
Those who believe in a temporal millennium cannot pray “Come Lord Jesus, come quickly,” without praying for their millennium to be shortened. HST October 11, 1843, page 61.7
Be Sober and watch unto prayer.—There can be no question but that the object of our adversary in tempting the children of God to excess is two fold. In the first place he seeks to divert the minds of God’s children from the worship of God by his counterfeits: and in the second place, his aim is to produce dissensions among Christians. When he can substitute his counterfeit for the religion of the Bible, he brings reproach upon the cause of God, causes God’s enemies to scoff and mock, and it has a tendency to bring all experimental religion into disrepute. And while he is thus deluding some, he takes directly the opposite course with all who cannot be thus affected. He endeavors to drive them into formalism, and to fill them with opposition even to the common manifestations of God’s Spirit. He also endeavors to excite in them unholy feelings, under the plea of opposing all that is contrary to the glory of God. By this course, if the devil is successful, he will introduce dissension in the ranks of God’s children, will persuade both parties that they are right, and will cause them to look on the other as wrong. He thus drives each party to extremes, and accomplishes his end. We must see to it that Satan get no advantage over us, but have fervent charity among ourselves and in meekness instruct those that oppose themselves. HST October 11, 1843, page 61.8
The Exeter Camp Meeting closed on Tuesday morning, Oct. 3rd. The meeting throughout was characterized by good order, and freedom from fanaticism. The unhappy exhibitions which have, manifested themselves in some places, were received there with but little favor. The great proportion of the friends in this vicinity are so firmly grounded on the word of God, that when any endeavor to go counter to the letter and spirit of that word, they have to go alone. The Bible, the Bible, and that alone is the standard of our faith. HST October 11, 1843, page 61.9
Mr. Miller was on the ground Monday and Tuesday, and addressed the congregation. His health is much improved, and his faith firm. The meeting was conducted with great harmony, souls were converted, backsliders reclaimed, and many were brought to see and acknowledge the truth of the advent near, among whom were several ministers. We have great cause to praise God for this feast of tabernacles, and trust that the seed there sown may be blessed to many souls. HST October 11, 1843, page 61.10
The prophecy still sealed to the worldly wise.—When Daniel was told that the words were to be closed up and sealed till the time of the end, he was also assured that then while none of the wicked should understand, yet the wise, they who are to shine as the brightness of the firmament, shall understand. THE prophecy will therefore be unsealed to such. According to Isaiah it will be unsealed only to those who trust not in the wisdom of men. HST October 11, 1843, page 61.11
And the vision of all is become unto you as the words of a book that is sealed, which men deliver to one that is learned, saying, Read this, I pray thee: and he saith, I cannot; for it is sealed HST October 11, 1843, page 61.12
And the book is delivered to him that is not learned, saying, Read this, I pray thee: and he saith I am not learned. HST October 11, 1843, page 61.13
Wherefore the Lord said, Forasmuch as this people draw near me with their mouth, and their lips do honour me, but have removed their heart far from me and their fear toward me is taught by the precept of men: HST October 11, 1843, page 61.14
Therefore behold, I will proceed to do a marvellous work among this people, even a marvellous work and a wonder: for the wisdom of their wisemen shall perish, and the understanding of their prudent men shall be hid.—Isaiah 29:11-14. HST October 11, 1843, page 61.15
It is therefore evident that all whose fear of the Lord is taught by the precepts of men, will still continue in the same ignorance of God’s word; the the meek among men, and they who look to God for guidance, whether learned or ignorant, according to this world, will alone understand the full import of that which was closed up and sealed. HST October 11, 1843, page 61.16
The Planets. There are in the solar system 29 planets, including the primary and secondary planets with the asteroids. It is very probable that at creation all the planets commenced their course in conjunction. The return of them to the same position would therefore be a coincidence in astronomy. An exchange paper says, that “sixteen planetary orbs are now visible on the same side of the heavens. These are Mars, Juno, Jupiter, Saturn and Venus, with their respective satellites. They may be seen at about 8 o’clock in the evening, in the southern sky, near what are called the five zodiacal constellations.” HST October 11, 1843, page 61.17
The Little Horn Prevailin—We learn that the Romanists in St. Pie in Canada East, are wreaking their vengeance upon the Protestants of that place. The Franklin (Vt.) Messenger says:— HST October 11, 1843, page 61.18
“A friend who has visited that place the past week, informs us that one night, the Catholics, encouraged undoubtedly by the priests, made an attack upon the mission house, (Mr. Du Clos,’ we suppose,) and demolished the doors, windows, etc. Upon such demonstrations, the Protestants called on the magistrates of the village for protection, but received none. The mob, believing that the magistrates feared personal violence, or winked at the doings, were still more encouraged, and on Friday night last, set fire to the house, which was burnt, with all its contents. HST October 11, 1843, page 61.19
At this junction, the Protestants sent for a magistrate at Granby, Mr. Lyman, [who, by the way, is a good, substantial, six feet Yankee,] who immediately proceeded to the scene of action, called out a company of militia, and organized a body of special constables, and soon put an end to the disturbance, by arresting and sending 26 of the rioters to Montreal prison. No person was killed; one constable had his arm broken in attempting to arrest the ringleader, who with the assistance of his family, made his escape, though he was seriously wounded. He was, however, made prisoner at Little Yamaska, on Saturday forenoon. HST October 11, 1843, page 61.20
Romanism. The Pilot says that nearly sixty persons were admitted to the Catholic church in Hartford, Ct. the 24th ult. HST October 11, 1843, page 61.21
Signs in the Stars
When it is foretold that “stars shall fall from heaven unto the earth, even as a fig-tree casteth her untimely figs,” every common sense reader must perceive that this cannot relate to the fixed stars, which are much larger than the earth, and of course, would dash it in pieces if they should strike it. This language should be understood by us just as it would naturally be by those to whom it was first addressed. Thomas Burnet has no doubt judged rightly. In his “Theory of the Earth,” published in 1697, he says: HST October 11, 1843, page 62.1
“The last sign before the coming of Christ, is the falling stars.” HST October 11, 1843, page 62.2
He adds:— HST October 11, 1843, page 62.3
“No doubt there will be all sorts of fiery meteors at that time, and amongst others, those called falling stars, which though they are not considerable singly, yet if they were multiplied in great numbers, falling as the prophet says, as leaves from the vines, or figs from the fig-tree, they would make an astonishing sight.” HST October 11, 1843, page 62.4
Compare this reasonable opinion written nearly one hundred and fifty years ago, with a few modern testimonies, and what candid inquirer can deny that the prophecy has been fulfilled? HST October 11, 1843, page 62.5
The first was written by Henry Dana Ward, and published in the Journal of Commerce, of November 15th, 1833. HST October 11, 1843, page 62.6
“From the Journal of Commerce.” HST October 11, 1843, page 62.7
“The Falling Stars.”—In your paper this morning, some notice is taken of the phenomenon of yesterday. It comes so far short of the view taken of it by myself, and a number of friends who gazed upon it with me, that I send you the story of that eventful scene as we witnessed it. HST October 11, 1843, page 62.8
“One of the family arose at five o’clock, A. M., to prepare for leaving the city in the seven o’clock boat. He threw up the window to see whether the dawn had come; and behold the east was lighted up, and the heavens were apparently falling. He rubbed his eyes, first in doubt, but seeing on every side the starry firmament, as if it were broken up, and falling like the flakes of snow and whitening the skies, he aroused the whole family. At the cry, “Look out of the window,” I sprang from a deep sleep, and with wonder saw the east lighted up with the dawn and Meteors. The zenith, the north, and the west, all showed the falling stars, in the very image of one thing, and of only one, I ever heard of I called to my wife to behold; and while robing, she exclaimed; “See how the stars fall!” I replied, “that is the wonder;” and we felt in our hearts, that it was a sign of the last days. For truly “the stars of heaven fell unto the earth, even as a fig-tree casteth her untimely figs, when she is shaken of a mighty wind.” Revelation 6:13. This language of the prophet has always been received as metaphorical. Yesterday it was literally fulfilled. The ancients understood by aster in Greek, and stella in Latin, the smaller lights of heaven. The refinement of modern astronomy has made the distinction between stars of heaven and meteors of heaven. Therefore, the idea of the prophet, as it is expressed in the original Greek, was literally fulfilled in the phenomenon of yesterday, so as no man before yesterday had conceived to be possible that it should be fulfilled. The immense size and distance of the planets and fixed stars forbid the idea of their falling unto the earth. Larger bodies cannot fall in myriads unto a smaller body; but most of the planets and all the fixed stars are many times larger than our earth. They cannot fall unto the earth; but these fell toward the earth. HST October 11, 1843, page 62.9
“And how did they fall?” Neither myself, nor one of the family, heard any report; and were I to hunt through nature for a simile, I could not find one so apt to illustrate the appearance of the heavens, as that which St. John uses in the prophecy here quoted. “It rained fire!” says one—another, “It was like a shower of fire!” Another, “It was like the large flakes of falling snow, before a coming storm, or large drops of rain before a shower.”—I admit the fitness of these for common accuracy; but they come far short of the accuracy of the figure used by the prophet. “The stars of heaven fell unto the earth:” they were not sheets, or flakes, or drops of fire; but they were what the world understands by “falling stars,” and one speaking to his fellow, in the midst of the scene, would say, “See how the stars fall! And he who heard would not pause to correct the astronomy of the speaker, any more than he would reply, “the sun does not move,” to one who should tell him “the sun is rising.” The stars fell “even as a fig-tree casteth her untimely figs, when she is shaken of a mighty wind.” Here is the exactness of the prophet. The falling stars did not come as from several trees shaken, but from one—those which appeared in the cast, fell toward the east; those which appeared in the north, fell toward the north; those which appeared in the west fell toward the west; and those which appeared in the south (for I went out of my residence into the Park) fell toward the south. And they fell not as the ripe fruit falls. Far from it; but they flew, they were cast like the unripe fruit, which at first refuses to leave the branch; and when under a violent pressure it does break its hold, it flies swiftly, straight off, descending—and in the multitude I falling, some cross the track of others, as they are thrown with more or less force, but each one falls on its own side of the tree. Such was the appearance of the above phenomenon to the inmates of my house. I walked into the Park with two gentlemen of Pearl street, feeling and confessing that this scene had never been figured to our minds by any book or mortal, save only the prophet. What should be next we were at a loss to conceive, consistent with the usual course of events. We asked the watchman how long this had been—he said, “About four o’clock it was thickest.” HST October 11, 1843, page 62.10
“We gazed until the rising sun put out the lesser falling stars with the lesser fixed stars, and until the morning star stood alone in the east, to introduce the bright orb of day. I here take the remark of one of my friends in mercantile life, who is as well informed in polite learning as most intelligent merchants of our city, who have not made science their study. Sitting down to breakfast, we spoke of the scene, and he said, “I kept my eyes fixed on the morning star. I thought while that stood firm we were safe; but I feared every moment that would go, and all would go with it.” Be assured, Messrs. Editors, this was the language of nature, in full flow of feeling, just after an hour’s watch of the magnificent scene, and was met with an open response of approbation from other intelligent eye-witnesses. The reader will see that this remark proceeded from an almost irresistible impression of intelligent eye-witnesses, that the firmament had given way—that the whole hosts of stars had broken up—yet hope clung to the morning star, which never shone more glorious. HST October 11, 1843, page 62.11
“In this narrative, I have spoken not of causes, but of appearances, and the appearances according to the impressions they made on men. I know not how to convey a more accurate notion of them, and yet some will say, “It is fanciful.” Such may know my opinion, that no fancy is adequate to realize with any description, the solemn interest of the scene; and that it required no fancy to heighten the picture, but a sound, well-informed, and enlightened reason, to check the fancy, and to restrain it from running headlong into the idea of the thing which this scene is made in prophecy to prognosticate. Men will say, “Where is the promise of his coming, for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation.”—2 Peter 3:4. “But the day of the Lord will come,” and although with him a thousand years are as one day, and one day as a thousand years, it is wise to learn from the teachings of his providence, as well as of his word. No philosopher or scholar has told or recorded an event (I suppose) like that of yesterday morning. A prophet of 1800 years ago foretold it exactly, if we will be at the trouble of understanding stars falling, to mean falling stars: or “hoi asteres tou ouranou epesan teen geen,” in the only sense in which it is possible to be literally true. Would I stop all business? No. “Be diligent in business,” is the apostle’s word, and that must stand.” HST October 11, 1843, page 62.12
Mr. Ward, on present inquiry, has furnished the following additional remarks on the phenomenon. HST October 11, 1843, page 62.13
“This scene astounded men from two o’clock, A. M., until half past six, A M., and yet no alarm was made, no public notice was given.—It is often asked, “Why did they not arouse the city?” I reply, the overwhelming interest of the scene was such, that the man who went out of doors to wake his neighbors, forgot his purpose, in mute astonishment at the sight: and one who would extend his hand toward a bell knob, might be drawn from the reach of his design by the shower of stars that on every side alike caught his attention, and threatened his head, and seemed to fall around him. HST October 11, 1843, page 62.14
“Many witnesses did affirm in the midst of the scene and after, that they saw the, stars fall to the ground; but questioned closely, the fall was behind the houses, or over the fences, and proved so far, an optical illusion. HST October 11, 1843, page 62.15
“The dawn was a full hour that morning earlier than usual, and the whole eastern sky was transparent like molten glass, so as I never witnessed before or since. An open arch of brilliant light arose from the east, above which arch stood the morning star, inexpressibly glorious for its brilliance and firmness on the face of the dark, transparent, and bursting firmament. HST October 11, 1843, page 62.16
“It is now nine years since the foregoing commuuication was furnished for the Journal of Commerce. Not a word of the description seems to be overdrawn—many things might be added to fill it up; but it is better for it to remain the honest and candid impression of the mind the day after the scene, than to be diluted with subsequent reflections. The description is right, whatever instruction it may convey to the reader’s mind: but the writer’s mind is disposed to receive it as in the beginning. The impressions were irresistible, and are abiding. HST October 11, 1843, page 63.1
“New York, Dec. 7th, 1842.” HST October 11, 1843, page 63.2
From “The Chris. Adv. and Journal,” Dec, 13th, 1833. HST October 11, 1843, page 63.3
“The meteoric phenomenon which occurred on the morning of the 13th of November last, was of so extraordinary and interesting a character, as to be entitled to more than a mere passing notice..... The lively and graphic descriptions which have appeared in the various public journals, do not exceed the reality. No language, indeed, can come up to the splendor of that magnificent display; and I hesitate not to say, that no one who did not witness it, can form an adequate conception of its glory. It seemed as if the whole starry heavens had congregated at one point, near the zenith, and were simultaneously shooting forth, with the velocity of lightning, to every part of the horizon; and yet they were not exhausted—thousands swiftly followed in the tracks of thousands, as if created for the occasion, and illuminated the firmament with lines of irradiating light. Some corruscated in their course, and thus connected themselves with others by lateral paths of brightness; while many sped their way in straight and even lines, and left luminous streaks behind them, which continued some seconds after the meteors were lost in the distance, or extinguished in the density of our atmosphere. They differed both in magnitude and velocity, some appearing as mere points, and others of the size of Venus and Jupiter.” HST October 11, 1843, page 63.4
(Signed.) F. Reed. HST October 11, 1843, page 63.5
“The Connecticut Observer, of Nov. 25, 1833, copied from the Old Countryman, reads as follows:—“We pronounce the raining of fire, which we saw on Wednesday morning last, an awful type, a sure forerunner, a merciful sign of that great and dreadful day, which the inhabitants of the earth will witness when the sixth seal shall be opened. The time is just at hand, described, not only in the New Testament, but in the Old. A more correct picture of a fig-tree casting its leaves when blown by a mighty wind, it is not possible to behold.” HST October 11, 1843, page 63.6
From the Baltimore Patriot. HST October 11, 1843, page 63.7
“Mr. Munroe,—Being up this morning, (November 13, 1833.) I witnessed one of the most grand and alarming spectacles which ever beamed upon the eye of man. The light in my room was so great, that I could see the hour of the morning by my watch, which hung over my mantel; and supposing that there was a fire near at hand, probably on my own premises, I sprang to the window, and behold the stars, or some other bodies presenting a fiery appearance, were descending in torrents as rapid and as numerous as ever I saw flakes of snow, or drops of rain in the midst of a storm. Occasionally a large body of apparent fire would be hurled through the atmosphere, which, without noise, exploded; when millions of fiery particles would be cast through the surrounding air. To the eye it presented the appearance of what might be called a raining of fire, for I can compare it to nothing else. Its continuance, according to my time, from the moment when I discovered it, was twenty minutes; but a friend, whose lady was up, says it commenced at half past four; that she was watching the sick bed of a relative, and therefore can speak positively as to the hour of its commencement. If, then, our time was correct, it rained fire fifty minutes. The shed in the yard adjoining my own, was covered with stars, as I supposed, during the whole time. HST October 11, 1843, page 63.8
“A friend at my elbow, who also witnessed it, in whose veracity I can place the most implicit reliance, confirms my own observations of the phenomenon, and adds that the fiery particles which fell south, descended in a southern direction, and those north took a north direction. He thinks it commenced earlier than the period at which I first witnessed it, and that it lasted longer; that when his clock chimed six, there was still occasional descents of stars. I have stated facts as they presented themselves to my mind. I leave it to the philosophers to account for the phenomenon. Yours. B.” HST October 11, 1843, page 63.9
The following extracts from “Observations on Meteors,” by Prof. Olmstead, of Yale College, will show the nature and extent of this wonderful phenomenon:— HST October 11, 1843, page 63.10
“The extent of the shower of 1833 was such as to cover no inconsiderable part of the earth’s surface, from the middle of the Atlantic on the east, to the Pacific on the west; and from the northern coast of South America, to undefined regions among the British possessions on the north, the exhibition of shooting stars was not only visible, but every where presented nearly one and the same appearance. HST October 11, 1843, page 63.11
“The duration and maximum, or period of greatest display, were characterized by a similar uniformity. In nearly all places, the meteors began to attract notice by their unusual frequency as early as eleven o’clock, and increased in numbers and splendor until about four o’clock, from which time they gradually declined, but were visible until lost in the light of day. The meteors did not fly at random over all parts of the sky, but appeared to emanate from a point in the constellation Leo, near a star called Gamma Leonis, in the bend of the sickle. HST October 11, 1843, page 63.12
“A similar phenomenon was witnessed on the 12th of Nov., 1799, and at the same season of the year in 1830, 1831, and 1832. The meteoric shower was repeated on the morning of Nov. 13th or 14th, for several years, but on a scale constantly diminishing until 1838, since which period the exhibitions have been too little remarkable to be worthy of particular notice. HST October 11, 1843, page 63.13
“I feel assured that this is no atmospheric or terrestrial phenomenon, but that these fiery meteors come to us from the regions of space, and reveal to us the existence of worlds of a nebulous or cometary nature, existing in the solar system, and forming constituent parts of that system. Nor are these conclusions built on mere hypothesis, but are necessary inferences frem certain facts. HST October 11, 1843, page 63.14
“Those who were so fortunate as to witness the exhibition of shooting stars on the morning of Nov. 13th, 1833, probably saw the greatest display of celestial fire-works that has ever been seen since the creation of the world, or at least within the annals covered by the pages of history.” HST October 11, 1843, page 63.15
“This is no longer to be regarded as a terrestrial, but as a celestial phenomenon; and shooting stars are now to be no more viewed as casual productions of the upper regions of the atmosphere, but as visitants from other worlds, or from the planetary voids.” HST October 11, 1843, page 63.16
“Subsequent inquiries have led me to the belief, that the body was so distant as hardly to exhibit any apparent parallax, but was projected on very nearly the same part of the sky by all observers. This fact at once shows that the source of the meteors was far beyond the atmosphere, and confirms the preceding conclusion that it was wholly independent of the earth.” HST October 11, 1843, page 63.17
A brother who witnessed this wonderful phenomenon says, that the scene was so real that he could not dispossess himself of the impression that every star in the firmament was falling to the earth, and this impression increased as the morning dawn rendered the fixed stars and planets, and the smaller meteors invisible; and when the morning star alone was seen, he fixed his eye on it, feeling that if that should fall all would be gone. When that also disappeared in the light of day the feeling left on his mind, was that the stars had forever ceased to shine; and the following eve he could hardly feel that a star would appear; and the illusion was only dispelled by their appearance. HST October 11, 1843, page 63.18
That this shower of falling stars was just such a display as ancient writers expected to witness, in the fulfillment of this prophecy, is proved by the following quotation from Thomas Burnet’s “Theory of the Earth,” printed in London, A. D. 1697. Speaking of the signs which will precede the coming of Christ, he quotes Matthew 24:29, and after speaking of the darkening of the sun and moon, he says, “the last sign we shall take notice of, is that of the falling stars. “And the stars shall fall from heaven, says our Savior.” He then shows that the fixed stars can never fall, neither the planets; and that the only stars which will ever fall, will be meteoric, or shooting stars, and adds, “No doubt there will be all sorts of fiery meteors at that time; and amongst others those called falling stars, which, though they are not considerable, singly, yet if they were multiplied in great numbers, falling, as the prophet says, as leaves from the vine, or figs from the fig-tree, they would make an astonishing sight.” He says that “we need not look upon these things as hyperbolical and poetic strains, but as barefaced prophecies, and things that will literally come to pass;” and that “we are not to recede from the literal sense without necessity, or where the nature of the subject will admit of a literal interpretation.” HST October 11, 1843, page 63.19
If it be objected that meteors are not stars, I ask whether the objector thinks that the star which went before the wise men of the east to the place where the infant Savior lay, was a fixed star? Or does he think that when the “stars fall from heaven to the earth, as the fig-tree casteth her untimely figs, when shaken of a mighty wind,” (Revelation 6.,) they will be those fixed stars; one of which would drown our globe in a sea of fire? If not, they must be just what we have witnessed; and the text has been fulfilled. HST October 11, 1843, page 63.20
The Sixth Seal
Revelation 6:12-17, “And I beheld when he had opened the sixth seal, and lo, there was a great earthquake; and the sun became black as sackcloth of hair, and the moon became as blood: And the stars of heaven fell unto the earth, even as a fig-tree casteth her untimely figs, when she is shaken of a mighty wind. And the heaven departed as a scroll when it is rolled together; and every mountain and island were moved out of their places. And the kings of the earth, and the great men, and the rich men, and the chief captains, and the mighty-men, and every bond-man, and every free-man, hid themselves in the dens and in the rocks of the mountains; and said to the mountains and rocks, Fall on us, and hide us from the face of him that sitteth on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb: for the great day of his wrath is come; and who shall be able to stand.” HST October 11, 1843, page 63.21
The signs given by our Savior to precede his coming, synchronize with the events under the sixth seal. On the opening of this seal there was a great earthquake. The greatest earthquake of which we have an account in modern history, occurred on the 1st of November, 1755, and extended to every quarter of the globe. It was felt in Europe, Asia, Africa, and America—from Greenland on the north, to the extreme south. In the single city of Lisbon in Spain, 30,000 lives were lost, every church and convent in the city, and almost all the public buildings, with about one fourth of the house were destroyed; after which, fires broke out and raged for nearly three days, so that the city was completely desolated. This event would seem then to mark the opening of the sixth seal. HST October 11, 1843, page 63.22
After the earthquake John saw the darkening of the sun and moon and falling of the stars as recorded above, and then the winding up of all the affairs of this world; so that the sixth seal carries us to the end of time. HST October 11, 1843, page 63.23
On the opening of the seventh seal there was silence in heaven about the space of half an hour. Here the subject closed, and the events under this seal are not recoored; so that what transpires under it, must be in the eternal world. HST October 11, 1843, page 63.24
The Windsor Camp-meeting.—At this meeting the Worcester tent had the reputation of being the seat of the peculiar exercises which were there exhibited. The brethren of Worcester have therefore a right to be heard on this subject. We accordingly comply with their request in publishing the following from the friends in that place. The effect of these things is now so clearly seen, that we hope there will be no more such exhibitions. HST October 11, 1843, page 63.25
Dear Bro. Bliss,—At a meeting of Second Advent believers in this town, the 25th inst., Bro. F. R. Mayers being called to the chair, the following preamble and resolutions were adopted, and ordered to be published in your paper. HST October 11, 1843, page 63.26
Preamble
Whereas, We have reason to believe the Second Advent cause, and the cause of God in general, suffers exceedingly from the late wild and fanatical proceedings at the Windsor Camp Meeting; and whereas, the Worcester tent remained on the ground after the meeting closed, and those proceedings had an intimate connection with that tent from their beginning; and whereas, we have no fellowship for such proceedings, nor lot or part in such a matter; therefore, HST October 11, 1843, page 63.27
Resolved, 1. That we most deeply deplore the existence of the fanatical spirit and movements of some brethren connected with the Worcester tent at the Windsor Camp-meeting. HST October 11, 1843, page 63.28
Resolved, 2. That the Second Advent believers in this town solemnly protest against all such sentiments and proceedings, whether seen at that meeting or any other. HST October 11, 1843, page 63.29
Resolved, 3. That this state of things arose, in the first place, from individuals getting the idea that they are inspired, and that God teaches them independently of the Bible; and secondly, from the neglect of all wholesome regulations for preserving order. HST October 11, 1843, page 63.30
Resolved, 4. That the spirit by which such persons are governed at such times is of the Devil, and evil and only evil, and that continually. HST October 11, 1843, page 63.31
Resolved, 5. That these views and operations are not the result of Second Advent doctrines or meetings, nor have they any necessary connection with them. HST October 11, 1843, page 63.32
Resolved, 6. That the notion of discerning spirits, as held by these persons, is anti-scriptural and absurd, and we are fully set against it. HST October 11, 1843, page 63.33
I would just say that I regard the above as a correct expression of the feeling of Adventists here. We have but little to apprehend from this spirit in future; but the cause with us is deeply wounded. Several of the friends, who partially drunk into the strange spirit, have seen their error, and regret the whole affair. With only two or three exceptions, we are all right on this subject. HST October 11, 1843, page 63.34
Yours, in hope,
W. S. Campbell.
Worcester, Sept. 27.
Mr. Miller. Mr. Miller arrived in Boston on Saturday, Nov. 30. On Monday he visited the camp meeting and addressed the congregation that day, and also delivered a parting address before the adjournment on Tuesday morning. The same day he returned to Lowell, and arrived in this city on Thursday evening. On Friday evening he lectured in the Tabernacle and on the Sabbath. On Monday left for Low Hampton. HST October 11, 1843, page 63.35
Foreign News
The Accadia arrived from Liverpool at this port the 3rd inst. The intelligence received is of the same unsettled, and gloomy character as by the previous arrivals. The internal state of England is like a vast volcano that may at any time explode. HST October 11, 1843, page 63.36
Mr. O’Connell keeps the ball of agitation moving with undiminished vigor, notwithstanding the prorogation of Parliament. HST October 11, 1843, page 63.37
The outrages in South Wales, so far from showing symptoms of diminution, are on the increase. Blood has been shed, the Rebeccaites daily becoming more bold and daring, while the veil in which the people of that isolated district have been so long enshrouded from their fellow-subjects in England, having been drawn aside by the sturdy vigor of the press, discloses a state of society, generating “treason, stratagems, and spoils.” HST October 11, 1843, page 63.38
Letters from Tunis confirm the late rumors of a misunderstanding between the Bey and the French government. It is said to have arisen from the French troops having pursued some Arab tribes into the Tunissian territory, whither they had fled for protection. HST October 11, 1843, page 63.39
Spain. A Telegraph Despatch from Perpignan, says,—that on the 3rd inst. the Captain-General of Catalonia was shut up with 5,000 men in the Citadel of Barcelonia, and that Gen. Prim was equally inactive at La Gracia. Such of the journals as comment upon this communication infer from its tenor that the insurrection continued as formiddable as ever, at the above mentioned date. HST October 11, 1843, page 63.40
The inhabitants of Valais in Switzerland, the one party speaking the French tongue, and inhabiting the lower province, and the other speaking German and residing in the upper Valais, have come to serious hostilities, which will require the mediation of the Diet, and perhaps the separation of the provinces. The parties are exceedingly bitter, and there have been several cases of blood-shed. HST October 11, 1843, page 63.41
The accounts from Italy represent that still further disturbances had taken place at Bologna. They are attributed to the influence of certain French demagogues, who are scattered all over Italy. Several of the supposed ringleaders have been arrested. HST October 11, 1843, page 63.42
A French merchant vessel, proceeding to the coast of Ireland, laden with fire-arms, had been seized by the British revenue cutter Cyclops, and carried into Sheerness. HST October 11, 1843, page 63.43
The Steam Ship Missouri was entirely destroyed by fire at Gibralter on the 3rd inst. HST October 11, 1843, page 63.44
SECOND ADVENT CONFERENCE
at westminster, mass.
To commence on Thursday the 12th of Oct. in the Town Hall, (if the Lord will.) Let the saints come full of faith and the Holy Ghost. It may be expected to continue one week. Wm. Wiswall. HST October 11, 1843, page 63.45
Oct. 7. 1843. HST October 11, 1843, page 63.46
VERMONT SECOND ADVENT CONFERENCE
By previous arrangement the brethren in the vicinity of West Haven, Vt. met in said place on the 19th inst., and organized by choosing bro. Jones, Chairman, and A. G. W. Smith, Secretary. HST October 11, 1843, page 63.47
Voted, That we believe it will advance the cause of the Redeemer and the interests of his kingdom to hold a Second Advent Conference in this vicinity. HST October 11, 1843, page 63.48
Voted, That said meeting be held in the village of Castleton, commencing Oct. 12th. HST October 11, 1843, page 63.49
Arrangements have been made to secure the services of Brn. Miller, Cole, and Jones, and it is confidently hoped that Br. Himes and others will be present. HST October 11, 1843, page 63.50
Per order of Com. A.W. SMITH, Sec. HST October 11, 1843, page 63.51
Scriptural view of the doctrine of Sanctification, by N. Hervey. For sale at this office, price eight cents single, six cents by the dozen. HST October 11, 1843, page 63.52
Letters received to Oct. 7, 1843
P. M. Sterling, Ms. $1 paid to end of Vol. 5; Deerfield, N. H. $1; North Fairfax, $1; Vermont, N. Y. $2; Shelburne Falls, $5; Panton, Vt; Sharon, Vt; Eden, Vt. $2; Mechanicsville, Vt. $3; Spring Arbor, Mich. $1; Fort Ann, N. Y. $5; No. Attleboro’, Ms; Brimfield, Ms. $1; So. Hero, Vt. $1; W. Boro, Mass. $1; Prescott, U. C; Gilford, N. H. $1; Colchester, Ct. $1; Lebanon, N. Y. $1; Shrewsbury, Ms. $1; New Castle, la. $1; Sloanesville, $1; Goffstown, N. H. $1; Athol, Ms. 50 cts; Erving, Ms. $1; Williamantic, Ct. $1; Buckland Corner, Ct. $5; Dexter, Me. $1; Mexico, Mo. East Rumford, $5: Low Hampton; Peterboro, N. H; Ashby, Ms. $1; Fitchburg, Ms; Derby Line, Vt; E. Poultney, Vt; Palmer Depot, $1; South Dover, Me; Lowell, Ms; So. Coventry, Ct. $2; Amoskeag, N. H. $1; W. Charlotte, Vt; E. Bradford, Ms. HST October 11, 1843, page 64.1
Individuals
W. H. J. Wilson; C. S. Brown, $6; Hiram Shipman; J. S. White; L. M. Christee, $2; Nathaniel, Cavis. $2; R. Garland, $1; John Willson, Jr. $1, end of Vol. 6; Wm. Barrow, $1; A Friend, $1: Stephen Everett; J. Past, $1, for Vol. 6; T. M. Preble, $3; E. Sawtell; A. M. Laughlin; Hosea Healy $1; J. Weston; Henry V. Davis, $1, if you send to brother Storrs it will be all right; Bradford E. Cross, books sent, can’t supply No. 28; O. M Ward, Monson, 3,00; W. Daniels; L. Slayton, 5,00; S. W. Rhodes, 2,00; Dr. A. Warfield. HST October 11, 1843, page 64.2
Bundles Sent
J. V. Himes, Cincinnati, O. care of J. Eshelby, by Transportation Company. HST October 11, 1843, page 64.3