Signs of the Times and Expositor of Prophecy [Himes], vol. 6
November 8, 1843
Vol. VI.—No. 12. Boston, Whole No. 132
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 November 8, 1843, page 97.1
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 November 8, 1843, page 97.2
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 November 8, 1843, page 97.3
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. And HST November 8, 1843, page 97.4
V. There are none of the prophetic periods, as we understand them, that extend beyond the year 1843. HST November 8, 1843, page 97.5
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 November 8, 1843, page 97.6
Letter from Wm. Miller
Dear Brother Bliss:—It does seem that something ought to be done, if possible, to save from distraction and fanaticism, our dear brethren who are “looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of the Great God and our Savior Jesus Christ.” I know that our enemy will exult over us in part, if he can draw us into any improprieties of faith or practice. My heart was deeply pained during my tour east, to see in some few of my former friends, a proneness to the wild and foolish extremes of some vain delusions, such as working miracles, discerning of spirits, vague and loose views on sanctification, etc. As it respects the working of miracles, I have no faith in those who pretend before hand that they can work miracles. See Revelation 13:13, 14. “And he doeth great wonders, so that he maketh fire come down from heaven on the earth in the sight of men. And deceiveth them that dwell on the earth by the means of those miracles which he had power to do in the sight of the beast.” Whenever God has seen fit to work miracles, the instruments have seemingly been unconcious of having the power, until the work was done; they have in no instance, that I can recollect, proclaimed as with a trumpet, that they could, or would work a miracle. Moses and the apostles were more modest than the modern pretenders to this power. You may depend upon it, whosoever claims this power has the spirit of anti-christ. Revelation 16:14. “For they are the spirits of devils, working miracles, which go forth unto the kings of the earth, and of the whole world, to gather them to the battle of that great day of God Almighty.” I know they pretend to prove that men are to have this power unto the end of the world, by Mark 16:17. But take the whole passage together, and what does it prove? not that all believers can do these miracles; but that these miracles would follow those who believe. That is, those who believed in the record that God had given, would, in the apostolic age, have a confirmation of the truth of that word, by those miracles which would follow them. The word would be thus confirmed by miracles, performed by prophets and apostles who were inspired to write the Old and New Testament. I see no reason for the working of miracles in this age, “for if they believe not Moses and the Prophets, neither would they believe though one should arise from the dead.” Since the apostle’s day, none have worked miracles but the anti-christian beast. Therefore when I hear any pretend to this power, I am confident it is but a relic of the spirit of the Papal power. HST November 8, 1843, page 97.7
The discerning of spirits is, I fear, another fanatical movement, to draw off the adventists from the truth, and to lead men to depend on the feeling, exercise, and conceit of their own mind, more than on the word of God. It builds up a spirit of pride and self-righteousness, and thus loses sight of the humbling doctrine, to account others better than ourselves. If all Christians were to possess this gift, how should we live by faith? each would stand upon the spiritual gifts of his brother, and if possessed of the true spirit of God, could never err. Surely the devil has great power over the minds of some at the present day. And how shall we know what manner of spirit they are of? The Bible answers, “by their fruits shall ye know them.” Then it is not by the spirit, I think those who claim this power will soon manifest by their fruits that they have another rule than the Bible. I have observed that those persons who think that they have been baptized by the Holy Ghost, as they term it, become more sensitive of themselves, and very jealous for their own glory, less patient, and full of the denunciatory spirit against others who are not so fortunate as themselves. There are many spirits gone out into the world, and we are commanded to try the spirits; and the spirit that does not cause us to live soberly, righteously, and godly in this present world, is not the spirit of Christ. I am more and more convinced that Satan has much to do in these wild movements he has come down, having great wrath, knowing he hath but a short time, and will, if possible, deceive the very elect. HST November 8, 1843, page 97.8
On sanctification, I have but little at present to say. Sanctification has two prominent meanings in scripture: setting apart for holy purposes; and, being cleansed from all sin and pollution. Every soul converted to God, is sanctified in the first sense. He devotes himself to God, to love, serve and obey God forever. Every one who obtains complete redemption, body, soul and spirit, is sanctified in the second sense. The first kind is, or ought to be now enjoyed by every true believer in Christ. The other will never be accomplished until the resurrection of the just, when these vile bodies shall be changed. We are sanctified in the first sense, through faith, and a knowledge of the truth; and in my opinion, are not perfect, until we are perfect in faith and knowledge of the word of God. Yet many among us who pretend to be wholly sanctified, are following the traditions of men, and apparently, are as ignorant of truth, as others who make no such pretensions, and, not half as modest. I must confess they have to me an appearance of boasting. I would not judge harshly, but I cannot see any reason to believe them any more holy than many others who make no such claims. I would say nothing to prevent any man or woman from living holy; this is what we are all seeking after, and what I expect to attain when Christ shall come and blot out my sins, according to his promise. Acts 3:19. I think those with whom I have conversed, who pretend to have obtained this grace, instead of enjoying more than others, labor in their arguments to lower down the standard of holiness to their present capacity; and instead of looking for a blessed hope at the appearing of Jesus Christ who shall change our vile bodies, and raise our capacity to enjoy and adore him forever in an infinitely higher state of perfection, think they are actually enjoying all the promises now; and are not in actual need of any further work of grace being done upon them, to give them a right to the eternal inheritance of the saints. If this be so, and we are truly perfect, sanctified and prepared for our possession in heaven; then, every moment we are debared our rights of entering and taking possession of our inheritance, would be an illegal withholding of us from our just rights of participating in the enjoyment of the will of our blessed Master. But it is not so. We are minors, and subjects of chastisements. Proverbs 3:11-12. “My son, despise not the chastening of the Lord; neither be weary of his correction: For whom the Lord loveth he correcteth; even as a father the son in whom he deligheth.” Hebrews 12:5-9. “And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto children, My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him: For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth. If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons: for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not? But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons. Furthermore, we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected us, and we gave them reverence: shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live.” Therefore let us all be modest, unassuming and godlike, pressing on to the mark, let us not therefore judge one another any more: Romans 14:13. “But judge this rather, that no man put a stumbling-block, or an occasion to fall in his brother’s way.” 1 Corinthians 8:9-13. “But take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours become a stumbling-block to them that are weak. For if any man see thee, which hast knowledge, sit at meat in the idol’s temple, shall not the conscience of him which is weak be emboldened to eat those things which are offered to idols; And through thy knowledge shall the weak brother perish, for whom Christ died? But when ye sin so against the brethren, and wound their weak conscience, ye sin against Christ. Wherefore, if meat make my brother to offend, I will eat no flesh while the world standeth, lest I make my brother to offend.” If my brother is truly perfect in every good work, he will bear with me, and my weakness. Romans 15:1. “We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves.” 1 Corinthians 9:22. “To the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak: I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some.” I have not written thus, to condemn my perfect brother, or to call out a reply; he may call one thing perfect sanctification, and I another. If he is perfect, and strong, he can bear my weakness. If he wants contention, it will show he is not perfect, but contentious. I beg of my brethren, to let me follow on to know the Lord, and God forbid that I should call him back. I hope he will not boastingly exclude me from the path he would tread. May God sanctify and prepare us for his own use, and deliver us from the wrath to come. Yours in the blessed hope. Wm. Miller. HST November 8, 1843, page 97.9
Castleton, Oct. 12th. 1843. HST November 8, 1843, page 98.1
The Second Advent Ship—By a Sailor
Dear Brother Bliss.—It appears to me that this is a solemn and interesting moment. Everything appears to be perfectly calm and still on the part of the world and church; little is said by them on the subject of Christ’s coming. There appears to be a settled apathy and indifference manifested by them, as though it was a settled point that he would not come at present; and indeed it appears as though the Spirit of God had left striving with the poor scoffer, and that nothing more could be done for him. The Second Advent believers are in the situation of a ship, coming in from a long and stormy voyage. First, as she gets almost in sight of the port, it falls dead calm; the sails slat heavily against the masts, and she lies perfectly still on the bosom of the mighty ocean. But what is to be done? Will they give up their watch, and lay down to sleep? No, No. Let us suppose two ships arrive on the coast from a distant land, they have had a long and stormy passage, and are anxious to make the land; and indeed, they are every day expecting to, for their reckoning is almost up, and every appearance indicates a near approach to land. Both ships are ready to go into port in good trim, having got everything to rights in expectation of soon getting in. But now it falls dead calm; and both of them lie perfectly still on the water. Day after day passes away, and there is scarce a breath of air to cheer their hearts, or swell their sails. For some time both crews are vigilant and prompt in the discharge of all their duties, keeping a good lookout for any appearance of wind that may be seen, and standing ready to take advantage of the least breath of air. By and by, the crew of one of the ships begin to think that it is of no use to be at so much pains to go on with all their duties in a dead calm; and now you may see them lying about decks, some of them fast asleep, and others dozing; if you speak to them, they will scarcely answer you. Now it is night, and they have neglected to set a watch; the last one that was on deck reported that there was not a breath of air, nor any signs of any; and so they have all turned in, and are fast asleep. But look yonder! see that little cloud rising; it grows larger and larger, and as it rises higher, a breeze rises with it. The other ship’s crew are on the lookout; and as the breeze strikes them, they trim their sails to it, and they begin to move through the water. The breeze increases to a gale, and as it comes sweeping on after them, they seem to fly like a bird of the air. The gale increases to a huricane, and the elements are all in commotion; the thunders roar, the vivid lightnings flash, the sea that lately was so calm and smooth, is now lashed into fury, and as the giant surges come sweeping on after her, it seems as though her destruction was inevitable. But in the height of the storm, the watch gives the glad signal, light ho! and every heart leaps for joy at the sound, well knowing that it is the long looked for light that is to guide them to the desired haven; the ship is kept right for it, and soon the water grows smoother, a pilot boards them, takes charge of the ship, and in a short time she is at anchor, and the crew are safe in the bosom of their friends. But what has become of the other ship? When the breeze struck her, the crew were all asleep, and her sails all took aback. As the breeze increased she began to move slowly through the water; some of the crew awoke, ran on the deck, saw the change in the weather, and called for their shipmates; but with their eyes blinded by the lightning, they scarce knew, in the confusion and darkness, what to do; and before anything could be accomplished, the gale increased, her masts were carried away, and she left an unmanagable hulk; and at length was driven upon the rocks, and perished with all her crew. HST November 8, 1843, page 98.2
Here now is the advent ship; she has been a long time on her passage, and from time to time she has encountered bad weather; and in two or three gales which she has weathered, has lost some men, but at length has arrived almost in sight of the port, and is daily expecting to make the desired haven of rest. But where are we now? in a dead calm; our ship lies on the bosom of the treacherous ocean, and scarce a breath of air to swell her sails. From the appearance of things we have reason to fear that the elements are gathering together for an awful storm; and who shall say that it will not be the one that will carry us safe into the long looked for harbor, if we are only found on the look out, and ready to trim our sails to the breeze. But suppose that like the other ship’s crew, we give up our watch, and lay down to sleep; and this fearful storm comes upon us unawares? have we not reason to fear that while it conveys the watchful into port, that it will send us down to perdition? Is God’s word written in vain? When we are told so many times to watch, did the Savior speak in vain? oh then, let us be on the watch, let us stand, having our loins girt about with truth; and now having done the will of God, let us hope to the end, for the grace that is to be brought unto us at the revelation of Jesus Christ. If storms or persecutions arise and threaten to destroy us, let us endure to the end; for as it was with the disciples when they were crossing the sea, and a fearful storm came upon them, and they almost despaired of being saved; just as they were ready to give up, the blessed Savior stepped on board their boat, and immediately they were at the land whither they went. So will it be with us, perhaps, while an ungodly world are scoffing at and deriding us, and raising a storm of persecution against us, the blessed Lord will come, and then immediately we shall be at the long looked for haven of rest. For as the lightning cometh out of the east, and shineth even unto the west, so shall the coming of the Lord be. HST November 8, 1843, page 98.3
B. J.
Letter from brother A. Reinhart
My Dear Brother Bliss.—Although not personally acquainted with you, yet being (as I trust) a pilgrim bound for the same happy home, I have taken the liberty of addressing a few lines to you, to communicate a thought that occurred to me while reading the 24th of Matthew. Christ says in the 14th verse, And the gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations, and then shall the end come. I would like to ask what is it that has been usually preached; has it been the gospel of the kingdom? I answer no, it has been the gospel (or glad tidings) of salvation through Christ. I think that there is a difference between the gospel of salvation and the gospel of the kingdom; as a proof, I turn your attention to Collossians 1 chap. and 23 verse. “If ye continue in the faith, grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel which ye have heard, and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven, etc. Now I believe if Christ meant in the 14th verse of the 24th chapter of Matthew, the gospel of salvation that the end would have come in Paul’s days. Since all are aware that no such event has taken place, we must apply it to where I think it belongs, namely, to the preaching of the Second Advent at hand, which is truly glad tidings to all that are looking for their Savior. When the thought first struck my mind, I felt unspeakably happy to think that the glorious gospel of the kingdom is rapidly spreading over the length and breadth of the earth, that soon we shall hear the seventh angel sound, and we shall be able to cry, the kingdoms of this world are become the kingdom of our Lord and his Christ, and he shall reign forever and ever. HST November 8, 1843, page 98.4
Oh blessed and glorious thought. Even so, come Lord Jesus, come quickly, is my sincere prayer. HST November 8, 1843, page 98.5
My dear brother, if I may be allowed to use the expression, I bless God that he ever put it into the hearts of his dear children to come to this place and preach the glad tidings of the kingdom. I believe that it has been blessed to the good of my soul. I cannot look beyond next spring. If the view that I have taken of this verse meets with your approbation, I shall be glad to have it communicated through your paper. HST November 8, 1843, page 98.6
We have been greatly blessed in this city by the efficient labors of brother Mathias for the last two weeks, he leaves this place to day for Long Island. We had a glorious meeting last night, when some four or five got up and testified to the goodness of God in forgiving sins; Glory to God. Yours in the hope of the glorious gospel of the kingdom. HST November 8, 1843, page 98.7
Abram Reinhart. HST November 8, 1843, page 99.1
Albany, Oct. 16th, 1843. HST November 8, 1843, page 99.2
An Extract. HST November 8, 1843, page 99.3
Behold the Day Cometh
That shall burn as an oven, and all the proud, yea, and all that do wickedly shall be as stubble, and the day that cometh shall burn them saith the Lord of hosts, that it shall leave them neither root nor branch. While attending the meetings, I have become acquainted with a good many who are looking for their returning Lord. To them I would say, be patient, brethren and sisters, the coming of the Lord draws near. Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought we 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. O that holiness might be written on our hearts and our lives, that we might be prepared to stand the burning day. When at the sound of the mighty trumpet, the green turfy graveyards, and tombs of marble will give up their dead, and the earth will no more cover the slain; when Daniel will stand in his lot, and all that sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection, on such the second death hath no power. Yours in glorious hope. David Bates. HST November 8, 1843, page 99.4
Blanford, Oct. 9th, 1843. HST November 8, 1843, page 99.5
Bible Preaching.—The Christian Reflector bears the following testimony to facts which show how dangerous it is to follow the popular theology of the age. Commentators are taking the place of the Bible, and, in the words of an experienced theological Student, “they are doing what the rabbins did in the time of Christ, making void the commandments of God by their tradition.” But let us hear the Reflector: HST November 8, 1843, page 99.6
“We have in this age too little Bible preaching, and in its stead too many moral essays, philosophical disquisitions, and hortatory harangues. There is so little scriptural truth, of real gospel, in many sermons, delivered by men who doubtless intend well and desire to do good, that the conviction is forced upon us that the preachers themselves are quite unapprized of the exhaustless treasures which the Bible contains. They are so superficial in the presentation of its truths, they manifest so little interest or enthusiam in their weak attempts to expound and enforce them—or they have so much philosophy and metaphysics in their sermons. that did they not announce a text from the Bible, the hearer would hardly be reminded that such a book was in existence, or if so, that it was a book of any remarkable value. This is one reason, doubtless, why the Bible is so little read by Christians generally, and why their knowledge of its doctrines is so superficial. If they have made that word their ‘choice,’ and ‘lasting heritage,’ they certainly do not show that in this, their HST November 8, 1843, page 99.7
‘Noblest powers rejoice—
And warmest thoughts engage. ’
HST November 8, 1843, page 99.8
And are we not correct in saying that it is not the tendency of many of the sermons to which they listen, to lead them to that word, or to inspire them with a desire to search its hidden treasures, and drink from its living springs? HST November 8, 1843, page 99.9
“We are aware that a demand exists and prevails, indeed, to a wide extent, for preaching which is original, novel, exciting. Certain semi-infidel, ‘transcendental’ preachers, in this community, are said to be very popular. The simple word of life should satisfy the minister whose object is to honor God and prepare sinful men for a heaven of holiness; and it should not discourage him, or induce him to resort to unhallowed measures of any kind, because Bible preaching is unpalatable to the multitude. It is this only that will feed the Christian;—it is this only that will convert and save the soul.” HST November 8, 1843, page 99.10
Letter from Brother J. Turner
Dear Brother Bliss:—I have deferred giving the Advent brethren an account of myself until now, in hope that I might have something good to write: but alas! the storm gathers most rapidly, and I solemnly fear that there will be but few, if any more sinners saved. Every day’s observation shows us the last and striking token of the world’s harvest. The church and ministry are fast becoming lovers or haters of the blessed hope of the kingdom now, and thus the wheat is being prepared to be gathered to the barn, while the tares are being bundled for the fire. O may my Advent brother and sister see, that the Advent host is one, the opposition are in bundles, each sect according to their peculiarities oppose themselves in common opposition. May the Lord help you and others, that can write, to lay these things before the dear brethren. HST November 8, 1843, page 99.11
I wish to say, through the Signs of the Times, to those whose servant I am, that my address is South Paris, Me., and also to present my thanks to those dear brethren and sisters who have assisted me by their liberal aids. May we all meet in the new earth and be blest. HST November 8, 1843, page 99.12
To the brethren in Portsmouth I would say, should time continue, and the Lord permit, I will spend Sabbath the 5th of November with them, and the following Sabbath in Boston. HST November 8, 1843, page 99.13
Nov. 2, 1843. HST November 8, 1843, page 99.14
Keep aboard of the Old Ship
Brother Bliss:—This is what is said by many who are unfavorable to the Second Advent doctrine, and who are saying in their hearts “my Lord delayeth his coming;” who say they will keep on board of the old ship, meaning the church, if she goes down with all on board. Now I will not agree to this, but if I see the old ship sinking, I will jump on board the life boat, if she does bear another name. I have been on board of the old ship for a number of years, and when I first signed her articles of agreement, I thought her voyage was to be very long, until a man on board of another ship sailing with us, climbed up to the mast head and hallooed, land ho! which made me feel uneasy, and so I began to inquire who he was, when the reply that received was, that he was an old numb head, that sailed before the mast. But his voice made a visible stir on board of our ship, so some of our officers began to climb the shrouds and look eagerly for the land, when to their astonishment (for they did not have much confience in the man that first sounded the alarm) they saw the land all in sight, and immediately gave the alarm, and looking on the chart found they had passed the last light house. But their superior officers commanded them to desist, or they should dine for the future in the forecastle; but some continued to cry land, and went into the forecastle to get their bread. And the chief mate was turned out of office and lodged in the forecastle; and a few were weak enough to renounce the fact for the sake of getting into the cabin, for ease and pleasure. And some have taken the new life boat, and are sounding the cry to other ships. But I am so near to the land I think of staying on board of the ship till I get into port, unless I see she will go down, and when she begins to sink, I will leave her. But I do not know but they will throw me overboard, if I do not leave, for my noise by crying land exceedingly annoys some of the officers and crew; and not only that, but I have added one more article to the articles I signed when I went on board; and therefore I am considered a transgressor, and they think my ways will be hard. There were twenty five articles to the agreement which I signed, and I added this, “I believe we shall get into port this year,” and the very idea of getting in, pays me well for all the browbeating and scoffs I receive. The old ship leaks badly now, and I keep my life preserver buckled around me so to swim if she sinks. Look up, brother sailor, we are almost into port; we will soon furl our sails in that beautiful sheet of water, shut in by the mountains of glory. There we will greet our friends and neighbors, our parents and children, those loved ones that we have pressed to our bosoms, and saw them lay in the agonies of death; we have thought much about them, and we shall see them there. O happy thought! It is a “purchased possession.” The price it cost the purshaser, every one knows. Now having purchased it, he has gone to prepare it—to set it in order—to lay out his skill upon it. O what a place Jesus will make. Not only what is in heaven should attract us to it, but what is not there; and what is not there? There is no night, there is none of its darkness, its damps, its dreariness, and no moral night—no error—no misery—no sin. “The glory of God doth lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof.” No need have they of other light. This shines everywhere, on all. And “no more curse,” “no more death.” HST November 8, 1843, page 99.15
The last enemy is overcome at last. Each, as he enters the port shouts victoriously, “O death—O grave, where is thy victory.” Neither sorrow nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain, no expression of grief, for the former things are passed away; and what becomes of tears? Are they left to dry up? Nay, God wipes them away. And this is a sure sign they will never return. What is there, since there is no night? Day is there, and there is the blessing that maketh rich; and since no sorrow, joy, “fullness of joy.” “An exceeding and eternal weight of glory.” Dear friends, listen to the midnight cry which is sounding through the length and breadth of our land. Arise and trim your lamps, and see that you have a good supply of oil, for the Bridegroom will soon come, and may we all share a happy lot with the blest in heaven. Yours in the blessed hope. G. S. Davis. HST November 8, 1843, page 99.16
South Berwick, Me. Oct. 25th, 1843. HST November 8, 1843, page 99.17
SIGNS OF THE TIMES
“The Lord is at Hand.”
BOSTON, NOVEMBER 8, 1843.
Jesus our only Pattern.—God in his wisdom has given us for our example, the pattern of a perfect man. Jesus was tempted in all points like as we are, and yet without sin. He kept the law perfectly. We are therefore not left in the dark, with only fallible men for our guide. But we have one after whom it is safe at all times to follow, one who can never lead us out of the way, and whose example will always conduct us in the path of holiness. Had we been left with none but man for our example, we should be, in following such a guide, in continual danger of erring. The best of men have at times gone astray; it is not therefore safe to follow any man, only as such follow Christ. In following men, we cannot be always assured that we are right, only as we see that they follow our blessed Savior. It is therefore better to look directly to Christ and be guided by him alone. We are to see how he walked, and how he lived, and then we should go and do likewise. When he was reviled, he reviled not again: and returned good for evil; he went about doing good; his days were spent in acts of love, and his nights in prayer. It was said of him, “He shall not strive nor cry, neither shall any man hear his voice in the streets. A bruised reed shall he not break, and a smoking flax shall he not quench, till he send forth judgment unto victory.” Isaiah 53:2-12. “For he shall grow up before him as a tender plant, and as a root out of a dry ground: he hath no form nor comeliness; and when we shall see him, there is no beauty that we should desire him. He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not. Sure-he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the Lord hath laid on him the iniquity of us all. He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: he was brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he opened not his mouth. He was taken from prison and from judgment: and who shall declare his generation? for he was cut off out of the land of the living: for the transgression of my people was he stricken. And he made his grave with the wicked, and with the rich in his death; because he had done no violence, neither was any deceit in his mouth. Yet it pleased the Lord to bruise him; he hath put him to grief: when thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin, he shall see his seed, he shall prolong his days, and the pleasure of the Lord shall prosper in his hand. He shall see the travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied: by his knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many; for he shall bear their iniquities. Therefore will I divide him a portion with the great, and he shall divide the spoil with the strong; because he hath poured out his soul unto death: and he was numbered with the transgressors; and he bare the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors.” HST November 8, 1843, page 100.1
Such was the character and the example, of our Savior. If we walk in his footsteps we shall have an abundant entrance into his everlasting kingdom. But if we follow not Christ we can have no part or portion there. HST November 8, 1843, page 100.2
Come, now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord. The service of the Lord is a reasonable service, and commends itself to the reason and good sense of all the family of Adam. God requires nothing of his children without a reason, and tho’ we may not always be able to see it in this life, yet we may rest assured that Infinite wisdom will do nothing without a reason. We therefore find that God invites his children to exercise their reasoning powers, Isaiah 1:18-20, “Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool. If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land: But if ye refuse and rebel, ye shall be devoured with the sword: for the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it.” HST November 8, 1843, page 100.3
Samuel said to the children of Israel “Now there-there stand still that I may reason with you before the Lord, of all the righteous acts of the Lord which he did to you and to your fathers.” HST November 8, 1843, page 100.4
Isaiah says, 41:21-24, “Produce your cause, saith the Lord; bring forth your strong reasons, saith the king of Jacob. Let them bring them forth, and shew us what shall happen: let them shew the former things, what they be, that we may consider them, and know the latter end of them; or declare us things for to come. Shew the things that are to come hereafter, that we may know that ye are gods: yea, do good, or do evil, that we may be dismayed, and behold it together. Behold, ye are of nothing, and your work of nought: an abomination is he that chooseth you.” We are required also by the apostle 1 Peter 3:15, 16, 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. Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evil-doers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ.” HST November 8, 1843, page 100.5
We are however to be careful that we set not up the wisdom of this world in opposition to the requirements of God, for it is foolishness with him. God is mighty in strength and wisdom, and in wisdom has he created all his works. HST November 8, 1843, page 100.6
But the wisdom of the wise men shall perish; the understanding of the prudent shall be hid, Isaiah 29:15, 16, “Wo unto them that seek deep to hide their counsel from the Lord, and their works are in the dark, and they say, who seeth us? and who knoweth us? Surely your turning of things upside down shall be esteemed as the potter’s clay: for shall the work say of him that made it, He made me not? or shall the thing framed say of him that framed it, He had no understanding?” 1 Corinthians 1:19-29, “For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent. Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer of this world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world? For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe. For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom: but we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumbling-block, and unto the Greeks foolishness; But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God. Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men. For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble are called: but God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; and base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are: that no flesh should glory in his presence.” HST November 8, 1843, page 100.7
We are told that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. And we are commanded to look for that wisdom which cometh down from above, which is pure, peaceable, gentle, easy to be entreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy. If we are guided by that wisdom which is from above we shall be actuated by the dictates of true reason. We should therefore ever pray for an enlightened reason and that wisdom which God alone can give. HST November 8, 1843, page 100.8
Our Motives of action should always be right; but the correctness of our motives will not always be a sufficient excuse. Some seem to suppose that if our motives are honest it matters little what our actions are. We were astonished a short time since in conversing with a man for a violation of the Sabbath, to hear him excuse himself with the plea that his object was good. If the goodness of our motives were all that is required of us, it would follow that our motives would be a sufficient guide. God has however, in his wisdom, given us his word, which is a sufficient rule of faith and practice; and as God has given us that, we are bound to make ourselves acquainted with his will respecting us, and live accordingly. HST November 8, 1843, page 100.9
The downward tendency of Man. It has been correctly remarked that when nations become corrupt they never rise again. The whole history of the world without an exception, is an illustration of this truth. HST November 8, 1843, page 100.10
Individuals may again attain to moral excellence, but history does not furnish an example where a nation or community has once fallen and again attained the height of her previous glory. Thus Babylon, Persia, Grecia, and Rome, successively arose to power and greatness, by slow and steady steps; but on reaching the acme of their fame, they never remained stationary. Luxury led the way to effeminacy and immorality, they entered their downward course, and never rose again. And now their greatness is like a vision of the past. The kingdoms of Europe also, the toes of the image, are fast sinking in morals, again to heathenism. Even our own country has fallen far from the proud height which a short time since she occupied; and is sinking fast in the sins that hastened on the ruin of Sodom and Egypt. HST November 8, 1843, page 100.11
The religious world are not exceptions to the same truth. The 7 churches of Asia, which once shone as lights of the world, have long since had their candlesticks removed out of their places. Africa, once resplendent with the light of the gospel, has had her light long since extinguished. The brightness of Christianity in Europe, is also greatly dimmed. The church of Rome has manifested to the world her entire rottenness; and the church of England, our mother church is making rapid and fearful strides towards a union with the Church of Rome. The various dissenting denominations in Europe have lost the purity and piety they once possessed; Germany, the birth-place of the reformation, is again almost devoid of practical godliness, and is sunk into Rationalism, Socinianism, Transcendentalism, and German Neology. And even the church in Geneva, which once echoed to the voice of Calvin, has become a Socinian church. HST November 8, 1843, page 100.12
When we turn our eyes to the American churches, we find them fast following in the wake of the theology of the old world. Many of our most popular clergy boldly and openly doubt whether the body will ever be literally raised from the dead. They also deny a personal advent of Christ and literal burning of the world. They have made many and sad departures from the faith once delivered to the saints; and yet the churches are not alarmed, they still fold their arms in lazy lock, and slumber over the desolations of Zion. HST November 8, 1843, page 101.1
We thus find in taking a view of the whole field which is the world, that the tares are growing with the wheat in greater luxuriance and rankness than ever; that the nations of the earth and the churches have all attained their height of moral greatness, and are progressed far in the descending path, never to rise again. The field has also been all occupied, so that there are no nations to arise and take the places of those whose setting sun is now declining. Therefore, reasoning from the past, the moral indications of the world show us that we must be near that point when the kingdoms of this world will reach the end of their existence—when the stone cut out of the mountain without hands will smite the image on its feet and break it in pieces, that it may become like the chaff of the summer threshing-floor, and no place be found for them. Then will the God of heaven set up a kingdom which shall never be destroyed, but shall continue forever, even forever and ever. HST November 8, 1843, page 101.2
The Post Master of South Reading, Ms. has sent back five Nos. of this paper directed to Steven Dow, or Dover, saying there is no such person in that place. We state this, as the paper is paid for in advance, and the one to whom they were directed, is probably disappointed in not receiving it. If we can be informed of the true address, the paper shall be forwarded forthwith. HST November 8, 1843, page 101.3
We also received seven papers returned the last week, and no clue as to the post office, or person from whom they are returned. We are forced to believe that many of our subscribers are disappointed in the receipt of their papers, because they are returned or diverted from their course by those who hate the doctrine. HST November 8, 1843, page 101.4
Dignified Contempt.—A few days since we gave one of brother Jacob’s papers to a clergyman in one of the Worcester cars. He looked at the title, “The Coming of Christ,” and then laid it on the seat before him, and rested his feet upon it. HST November 8, 1843, page 101.5
If I omit reading a portion of the Scriptures in the morning, nothing goes well with me during the day.—Sir Matthew Hale. HST November 8, 1843, page 101.6
From the Midnight Cry. HST November 8, 1843, page 101.7
The Home of Wm. Miller
Having occasion to pass from New York city to New Hampshire, I went by steamboat up the Hudson to Troy, and thence by the Champlain canal to Whitehall, a busy village at the southern extremity of Lake Champlain.—Brother Miller’s residence is in the north part of the town of Hampton, about six miles from Whitehall, and one mile from the Vermont line, on the road to Castleton and Rutland. He is thus, by neighborhood, as well as previous residence, linked to the Green Mountain State, more closely than to New York. It was Saturday forenoon, when we passed over the rough road, and stopped at a one story red house, where a Post Office is kept. It is the residence of Wm. F., oldest son of brother Miller, P. M., at the office, which, for distinction, is called Low Hampton. He was not at home, but one of his little daughters told us the residence of her grandfather was in sight on the hill. Without waiting for her to point it out, I easily recognized it—from previous description—among the good-looking farm-houses in sight. It was not the largest or handsomest. The back part of it only, which is painted red, could be seen. It is two stories high.—the northern front and ends are painted white. On the way we passed the small plain meeting-house of the Baptist church, to which brother M. belongs. At the gate of his hospital mansion, we met a young man in a wagon, with crutches by his side, whose round open countenance showed him to be a son of Wm. Miller. His name is Robbins, and he is the one who sometimes occupies the shoemaker’s bench. He gave us a cordial invitation to enter. Three visitors were already in the house, to whom myself, wife and child being added, made a number which we feared would be burdensome. We soon found ourselves perfectly at home, though we had never before seen one of the family but its venerable head. The next day five other visiters arrived, one of whom was a lady from Iowa, and three from Vergennes. The day was very stormy. We went to the place of worship and found a congregation consisting of fewer persons than we left at the house. The preacher, brother Increase Jones, gave us a plain, practical sermon on the text: “The end of all things is at hand; be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer.” In the afternoon we opened the Scriptures, and tried to pursue the Apostolic method in speaking of Jesus and the resurrection. HST November 8, 1843, page 101.8
On our way from meeting, after referring to the number of guests, we asked Robbins if they usually had as much company, “Pretty nigh,” said he; “I wish I had kept count of the number of visiters for the last six months.” HST November 8, 1843, page 101.9
“Did they come in such numbers, when brother Miller was sick?” we inquired, “It seemed to make but little difference,” he replied. We just then passed by the open carriage gate, into the spacious enclosure at the west end of the house. “It seemed the hardest task,” he proceeded, “to make friends understand that it was not friendly to visit a sick man in such numbers. I have had to stand here and keep people out of the house, and sometimes there were six asking admission at once.”—As it was, I have no doubt company added weeks to his sickness and dollars to the doctor’s bills. I afterwards learnt that the expenses of his sickness were $100. HST November 8, 1843, page 101.10
Our readers have now an idea of some of brother Miller’s expenses, when at home. Let us try to get a glimpse at his wealth and resources. Twelve years ago, he was the owner of about 200 acres of land, less than half of which was capable of cultivation, yielding a liberal return to hard labor. No one who knows with what energy, diligence, and firmness, brother Miller has prosecuted the labors he seems to have been raised up to perform, will need to be told that he is a man of industrious, temperate, and frugal habits. Such a man, in such a place, with a help meet for him, could not be poor and thriftless. Twenty-five years ago, he built his house. Other buildings were erected as they became necessary, but none within the last dozen years, except a bee-house and a small plain shed, or boiling-house, where food is prepared for his hogs. He showed us his home farm, consisting of ninety-six acres, ‘lying wholly on the south side of the road. There is some common wall upon it, but the moss-grown, weather-beaten stones unanimously contradict the foolish and malicious lies which have been told about its recent origin. He also owns a rough tract of fifty acres, north of the road, and twenty acres of interval, a little distance to the east. When he let out his farm to his son, he sold him $500 worth of stock, and has since sold seventy acres of land to his son-in-law. What he has thus realized, and $100 yearly for the use of his farm, have enabled him to meet the expenses of travelling, printing, and giving away books, company, sickness, etc. For six years, from 1831, he was lecturing a great portion of the time, and received nothing but two half dollars. Since then, his travelling expenses have usually, though not always, been paid. HST November 8, 1843, page 101.11
He has brought up eight children, two others having died in early life. His whole family, like Job’s, originally consisted of seven sons and three daughters. Four of them are now in the house with him, and two sons are at the West. As a specimen of the fertility of his farm, he showed us a potatoe weighing two pounds seven ounces. While contemplating this lovely family, and their plain, but comfortable dwelling-place, equally free from the marks of wasteful neglect, or extravagant expenditure, I saw as never before, the folly and malignity of those falsehoods which have been so industriously told about them. Look at them. HST November 8, 1843, page 101.12
A diligent student of the Bible tells us he finds prophetic periods reaching down to the resurrection, (which, we are divinely assured, is the second coming of Christ,) accompanied by the promise that the wise shall understand. “Nonesense,” cries one, who must stand at the judgment seat of Christ, “Mr. Miller is a man of property, and he holds on to it.” HST November 8, 1843, page 101.13
“But won’t you please to look in the Bible, and see the evidence that these periods are just running out?” HST November 8, 1843, page 101.14
“Humbug,” says another, who must give account for the manner in which he treats that message from heaven, “Mr. Miller is building a solid brick wall round his farm.” HST November 8, 1843, page 101.15
“But will you not consider and discern the signs of the times, which show that the kingdom of heaven is nigh, even at the doors?” HST November 8, 1843, page 101.16
“It is all a money-making scheme,” says a third, who must soon give up his stewardship, “Mr. Miller is putting up some large buildings in New Haven, and he has a barrel of jewels in his house, which have been given him where he has preached.” HST November 8, 1843, page 101.17
The amazing stupidity of these fictions, almost hides from view the malice which invented them. But when we look at his wife and daughters, to whom a husband’s and father’s reputation is as the apple of the eye, we begin to feel them as a personal injury, though they are nothing, in this view, in comparison with the public mischief they occasion. HST November 8, 1843, page 102.1
Brother Miller’s faith remains unwavering. He said he should be happy it he felt as sure of heaven as he did that he had the truth on the prophecies of Daniel. HST November 8, 1843, page 102.2
His eyesight is improved since his sickness, so that he now uses spectacles which he had laid aside as being too young several years ago. He reads the small Polyglott Bibles with the greatest ease. He is a diligent reader of Second Advent papers. After he has received one, he seldom lays it aside, till he has become acquainted with all its contents. The rest of his reading is nearly confined to the Scriptures. He is able to write freely, and it requires no small share of his time to attend to the numerous letters he receives. We hope the readers of the Cry will hear from him soon. HST November 8, 1843, page 102.3
He starts early next week (Providence permiting) on his way to Rochester, Lockport and Buffalo. It will be necessary for one of his sons to accompany him, as he is not strong enough to travel alone. HST November 8, 1843, page 102.4
We were interested in seeing his old family Bible, which cost $18, 50, and his quarto copy of Cruden’s Concordance, which was originally purchased in 1798, for $8. These two books were almost the only ones he looked at while preparing his lectures. A clergyman once called at his house in his absence, and being disappointed in not seeing him, wished the privilege of looking at his library. His daughter conducted the visiter into the north-east room, where he has sat so many hours at his ancient desk. Those two books, and no others, lay upon the table. “That is his library,” said she. The clergyman was amazed. Her remark was strictly true, as far as theological writings were concerned. He never had a commentary in his house, and did not remember reading any work upon the prophecies, except Newton and Faber, about thirty years ago. HST November 8, 1843, page 102.5
When we spoke to him about the stories in relation to his property in New Haven, he pleasantly remarked, that those who believed them could easily satisfy themselves, for he had sold to brother McDonald, of Williamsburgh, near New York city, all his property, real or personal, out of Whitehall, for $5, and the purchaser had offered to give half of it to any one who would find any. HST November 8, 1843, page 102.6
Monday afternoon, we reluctantly took leave of this peaceful spot, which had been our pleasant home for two days, rejoicing that calumny could there find no truthful basis on which to found its reckless and cruel assertions. N. Southard. HST November 8, 1843, page 102.7
Castleton, (Vt.) Oct. 23, 1843. HST November 8, 1843, page 102.8
Death of Tutor Dwight
We have to-day to perform the melancholly duty of announcing the death of Mr. John Breed Dwight, a Tutor in Yale College, caused by one of those unfortunate freaks which agitate the younger members of Yale College after their admission to the institution. Immediately after the commencement of the present academic term, some young rowdies of the advancing classes were paying their respects to the Freshmen in a course of instruction prohibited by the rules of the institution, which Tutor Dwight with others attempted to suppress. In the performance of this duty, he seized a young man named Lewiss Fassitt, of Philadelphia, and was in the act of drawing him to the light in order to recognize him, when Fassitt drew a knife or dirk, of some kind, and gave him three successive stabs near the groin, and almost penetrating the femoral artery, which would have been instantly fatal. Tutor Dwight has been suffering ever since, and notwithstanding all the exertions of the Medical Faculty and the kindest assiduity or his family and friends, a fever ensued, which, after intense suffering, has terminated in death.—New Haven Herald. HST November 8, 1843, page 102.9
Public Morality has of late sustained such severe shocks by the occurrence of many crimes, of which some have never been traced to their authors, and others have never been punished, that anxiety may be justified at every appearance of indifference to the guilt of such enormities. HST November 8, 1843, page 102.10
Yale College, the glory of our State, and the first or second in general estimation amongst the literary institutions of our country, has been the scene of an act of wretched homicide, not to say of murder, in the dark. One of its officers, a descendant of its noblest ornament, is stabbed with three successive wounds in a part where each was likely to prove fatal. After lingering a short time, he dies; and the students of the College, young gentlemen from all parts of our land, the representatives of its best families, and the future occupants of its bar, its pulpits, and its seats of education, are met to express their judgment and their feelings. A committee is appointed, embracing members from the north, the south, the east and the west. After a short consultation they report a preamble and resolutions which are passed unanimously. HST November 8, 1843, page 102.11
“Whereas,” begins the preamble, “we are called in the all-wise Providence of God, to mourn the melancholly death of Mr. John B. Dwight, late Tutor in this Institution, and much esteemed both as a gentleman and a Christian.” A reference to the Supreme Providence is always just; but if ever it might have been omitted, or should have been accompanied by some explanatory addition, it was here. Is this all? A call of Providence only, like any other death? HST November 8, 1843, page 102.12
“And whereas,” proceeds the preamble, it is feared that his death may have been hastened by a wound inflicted upon his person, whilst in the discharge of his duty as an officer of the College.” It is feared! Could none of the students of Yale College form an opinion? a wound inflicted! There were three wounds in the groin, close by the femoral artery! His death may have been hastened! Were not these wounds the original sole cause of his sickness and his death? HST November 8, 1843, page 102.13
The first resolution is a proper expression of condolence; the third concerns the publication of the proceedings; but the second is as follows: HST November 8, 1843, page 102.14
“Resolved, That whether or not it shall hereafter appear that the death of Tutor Dwight was caused by a wound inflicted upon his person from a late member of College, we, as a body, do and will frown upon any individual of our number who shall be known to wear about his person a deadly weapon of any description.” HST November 8, 1843, page 102.15
This is the language of the regret and horror with which the students of Yale College are penetrated on this occasion. They know nothing of the fact. The cause of death may hereafter appear to be one thing or another. Whether the cause were the three wounds or not, the guilt of him who inflicted those wounds was precisely the same; and the transaction would lose none of its blackness, though neither of the wounds had been necessarily mortal: for each of them might have been. In language of such extreme caution, we may ever suspect a design in a deviation from the common use of prepositions in good English. What is “a wound inflicted from a late member of College” or any other ruffian? But the occasion is sufficiently met, in the judgment of the students of Yale College, by a declaration that they, as a body, do and will frown upon any individual of their number who shall be known to wear about his person a deadly weapon of any description.” No detestation of the crime! No shuddering at the scene of bloodshed! No thought of the honor of their institution! No pain at the follies which led to the homicide! No expression of pity for the offender! No, but they frown on him who wears a deadly weapon! The past use of it stirs up no feeling. But he who wears it hereafter will be frowned upon!—Hartford Courant. HST November 8, 1843, page 102.16
Obituary
Departed this life, in Acton, Me, Oct. 7th, Bro. Daniel Waldron, aged 45. The subject of this notice experienced religion when about twenty years of age; since which time he has been enabled to show forth the principles of pure religion, by a well ordered life and godly conversation. It seemed to be the main object of our departed brother, to build up the cause of his glorious Redeemer, and do good to his fellow men. Often have we heard his voice in the public congregation, while the tears were falling from his eyes, exhorting his brethren to be stedfast in the truth, and also inviting sinners to come to the Lord. But not only by precept did he proclaim the good of religion, but by his example before the world, in which he exhibited the sobriety and godly deportment, which so highly becomes the Christian character. His doors were ever open to receive the saints, and it seemed to be his delight to receive his preaching brethren, and supply their wants. For more than a year past he has been confirmed in the doctrine of the Second Advent of our blessed Savior this year, and has spared no pains to disseminate this glorious truth, and to wake up the church and the world, to the importance of being prepared for the solemn event; and no doubt but many will rejoice in eternity, that they were brought to the knowledge of the truth through his instrumentality. His last sickness was short and distressing, but that religion which he so often recommended to his friends and the world, supported him in the trying moment of dissolving nature, and he died in triumph of faith. He not only manifested a willingness to leave the world, but longed for the time of his departure to come; and said to his friends, that he could say, in the language of the poet, O quickly come, quickly come, I long to sing hosannah. On Friday evening, about half past ten, he appeared to be dying, and the family were called to his room, to see him, as we expected, breathe his last; and while we were looking upon him he broke the solemn silence with an exclamation of Glory to God! all is well, ye saints of the Most High! He continued to praise the Lord for a few minutes, so as to be heard in every part of the house. When asked in respect to his belief in the coming of the Lord this year, he answered that he was firm in the faith, and though we should be parted for the present, yet we should soon meet again in a better world. Those who were with him in his last moments could well say, let me die the death of the righteous, and let my last end be like his. The glory of God seemed to fill the room, and about half past twelve, Saturday, Oct. 7, his happy spirit took its flight from this world of pain and death, to join the ransomed around the throne of God. On Monday following, at his request, a discourse was preached by the writer, from 2 Timothy 4th. chap. 7th and 8th verses, to a large and solemn congregation. May the Lord prepare us all to meet him in the world of everlasting blessedness, Amen. Joseph Spinney. HST November 8, 1843, page 102.17
P. S. The Christian Herald will please copy. HST November 8, 1843, page 103.1
Obituary
Died in this town on the 10th inst., Maria, wife of Isaac Newton, and daughter of Ralph and Lavinia Rice, aged 23. She experienced religion at the age of eleven years, and for about one year she has been a believer in the Advent doctrine. During her last sickness, which was ten days, a considerable part of the time she was under clouds and darkness in regard to her acceptance with God; but the day before she died she was exceedingly happy, und said to the writer of this, “Now F. you may go and tell all my friends I am happy; I am going to heaven. Go and tell my brothers and sisters to prepare to meet me there. Be faithful and warn them from me; O how can I bear the awful thought that any of my brothers should be left out; and now you may go home; go to work, don’t build any more houses.” (the writer had been to work on a house for one of his neighbors) “O if, those who are building houses only knew that they were building them to be burned up, they would leave off and prepare for the coming of Christ. O don’t work any more for them, but work for God; sound the midnight cry; O prepare for the coming of the Lord! he will soon be here.” Such was her language till her strength failed; and we feel she has fallen asleep in Jesus; and we mourn not as those who mourn without hope, for we believe Jesus Christ will soon come, and those who sleep in Jesus, when he shall come, God will bring with him; and we feel our separation is very short. O what a consolation this blessed hope gives the mourner. Yours in the hope of 1843. Ralph Rice. HST November 8, 1843, page 103.2
Hubbardston, Oct. 23rd, 1843. HST November 8, 1843, page 103.3
Mr. Maffit, the celebrated Methodist Revivalist. On the 8th inst. we happened to be in Cincinnati, on business; and understanding that Mr. Maffit, the famous revivalist, was to preach at night in the Wesleyan Chapel, we attended. We expected to witness a rare specimen of oratory and gesticulation, if not of logical tact and Scriptural demonstration. But, oh! how we were disappointed. A few stale anecdotes, related with an air of levity, and accompanied by all the light, airy, and theatrical gestures of a modern stage player, made up the scenes of his platform (for he did not go into the pulpit) exhibitions. On casting our eyes around on the large mass of admiring spectators, we were forcibly reminded of the appropriate language of Pollok, HST November 8, 1843, page 103.4
“The honest seer, who spoke the truth of God
Plainly, was left with empty walls; and round
The frothy orator, busked his tales
In quackish pomp of noisy words, the ear
Tickling, but leaving still the heart unprobed,
The judgment uninformed,—numbers immense
Flocked, gaping wide, with passions high inflamed;
And on the way returning, heated, home,
Of eloquence, and not of truth, conversed—
Mean eloquence that wanted sacred truth.”
Xenia Reformer.
HST November 8, 1843, page 103.5
The Fountain-head of Popery. What is the fountain-head of all the Roman Catholic system? Is it not human tradition? Is it not the assumption of the authority of God, by putting a controlling interpretation on his word? Does not “the man of sin, as God,” thus “sit in the temple of God?”—Is not the pope justly called “anti-Christ,” and popery, “anti-Christian?” because, holding the fundamental facts of redemption, he defeats and frustrates their true scope and purpose, just as the tractarians do; and that with such show of learning, such skill and under such fair names, that the world is made to believe that it is the doctrine of Christ? Yes, as Pagan Rome was Satan’s work constructed with the same materials, commixed and incorporated with the gospel of Christ.—What the tract writers are constructing now I need not say. Popery has only long carried out what they are beginning amongst us. The first principle of our authors, as of popery, is tradition, a joint rule of faith.—Bishop of Calcutta. HST November 8, 1843, page 103.6
Epitaph of Dr. Gale. This inscription is copied from a monument in the grave-yard of Killingworth, Ct. HST November 8, 1843, page 103.7
“In memory of Dr. Benjamin Gale, who, after a life of usefulness in his profession, and a laborious study of the prophecies, fell asleep May 6th, A. D. 1790, age 75, fully expecting to rise again under the Messiah, and to reign with him upon the earth........I know that my Redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth, and mine eyes shall behold him.” HST November 8, 1843, page 103.8
It appears by this inscription that Dr. Hale was a believer in the ancient doctrine of the Millennarians, a name given to those who believe that the second coming of Christ will precede the millennium, and that there will be a literal resurrection of the saints who will reign with Christ on earth a thousand years. This was the belief of pious persons, at the time of the first settlement of New England, even as late as the great earthquake, many Christians were looking for and expecting the second coming of Christ.—Ct. Historical Collection, p. 530. HST November 8, 1843, page 103.9
A Fourth party. A new paper, entitled the “New York Citizen,” has been started, advocating the formation of a new party, to be entitled American Republicans, with the special object of opposing the encroachments of Popery and other foreign influence. The Journal of Commerce appears to give it countenance. HST November 8, 1843, page 103.10
The Vatican. The Vatican, in the “Eternal City,” is more than 1,000 feet long, nearly 800 feet wide—contains eight grand staircases, and two hundred smaller ones, twenty courts, and 4,422 apartments, and a library of 387,000 printed volumes, and 23,000 manuscripts. So says a foreign correspondent of the New York Tribune. HST November 8, 1843, page 103.11
The Cause at the West
Dear Brother Bliss.—I have just returned from the West, and at the request of Bro. H. B. Skinner I write a line for him. Bro. S. has opened a “Second Advent” Book room at Buffalo, and the cause looks prosperous. I spent the Sabbath there with him, he preached in the M. P. Church to attentive congregations; in the evening several rose for prayers. HST November 8, 1843, page 103.12
I left Bro. Fitch in Cleveland; he had made arrangement to hold a series of meetings in Oberlin; the brethren in Cleveland and in that vicinity are strong in the faith looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our Savior. HST November 8, 1843, page 103.13
I have for the space of more than six months been preaching the kingdom of God at hand. I have traveled several thousand miles, and have reason to believe my labors have not been vain; to God be all the praise; I am still strong in the faith, glory be to God, my prayer is, come Lord Jesus, come quickly. HST November 8, 1843, page 103.14
Yours in the blessed hope,
Wocester, Sept. 28. 1843. Wm. E. Depser.
The Seven Times
“Jerusalem,” says our Lord, “shall be trodden down of the Gentiles until the (seven) times of the Gentiles be fulfilled.” There is a definite period fixed for Gentile rule, and the oppression of the Church of God. See Lev. chap. 26. God’s threatening is, that he would break the pride of his people, and that he would punish them seven times (in addition to all they should be punished prior to that long time, and before it should commence) for their sins. The punishment of Israel is four times repeated, to express the certainty of it. What are we to understand by “seven times?” One time (as is allowed) being 360 days, seven times will be 2520 days. As the nature of the subject will not admit of their being regarded literal days, the only alternative is that they are phrophetic days—that is, meaning so many years, according to the prophetic style of Daniel and the revelation of St. John—2520 years, But when must we commence this long period—the times of the Gentiles? The proper answer seems to be, when the independence of the kingdom departed from Israel, and the land of Canaan became tributary to the Gentile power; for, at the completion of the times of the Gentiles, “the Son of man” will be seen “coming in a cloud;” and the kingdom will be restored to the true Israel. The government of the kingdom of Israel was completely broken, for the first time, in the days of Manasseh, king of Judah, when the captains of the host of Assyria came to Jerusalem and took it; and took Manasseh among the thorns, and bound him with fetters, and carried him to Babylon. (2 Chronicles 33:11. See also Jeremiah 15:4.)—Previous to that Israel had sometimes been oppressed by her enemies, and sometimes Judah; but one or the other of the two kingdoms remained independent up to that time, when both were carried away captive, and the pride of their power was broken. Then began the formation of Nebuchadnezzar’s “image,” (Daniel chap. 2) and the developement of Daniel’s “four beasts,” (Daniel chap. 7;) both shadowing forth the seven times of the Gentiles. But the question may be propounded, Did not Manasseh return to his kingdom, and reign many years in Jerusalem after that? The answer is in the affirmative. But how did he return? and how did he reign? Tributary and dependent on the king of Assyria. And so did all the kings who succeeded him in Jerusalem. To this Nehemiah refers, when he says, “Let not all the trouble seem little before thee that hath come upon us, on our kings, on our princes, and on our priests, and on our prophets, and on all our fathers, and on all thy people, since the time of the kings of Assyria unto this day.” Nehemiah 9:32. Nehemiah, after rehearsing the whole history of the Church, the establishment of Israel in Canaan, their disobedience and their punishment, according to God’s threatening, then comes down to the great punishment, and records the desolation which had come upon them since the time of the kings of Assyria unto that day. In this passage he distinctly recognizes the captivity under the Assyrian kings as the great trouble, and testifies that it had contined to this day. And it continued ever since, and will continue “until He come whose right it is,” and the kingdom be restored to Israel. The captivity of Manasseh, according to all chronologers, took place 677 years B. C. Let the reader take that from the 2520 years, and he may form some idea as to when the times of the Gentiler will be fulfilled—when the “stone cut out of the mountain without hands” shall fall on “the feet” of the image—when one “like unto the Son of man” shall come “with the clouds of heaven”—and when “the saints of the Most High shall take the kingdom, and possess the kingdom forever, even forever and ever.”—Voice of Elijah. HST November 8, 1843, page 103.15
SIGNS OF THE TIMES
BOSTON, NOV. 8, 1843.
Foreign News
The arrival of the Brittania has brought intelligence from Liverpool 16 days later, to the 19th ult. The most important item of intelligence is the arrest of O’Connell, his son, and several others of the leaders in the repeal movements, on the 14th ult. They are liberated on bail, to answer the first of the present month on a charge of conspiracy against the government. HST November 8, 1843, page 104.1
The government and Mr. O’connell are now fairly at issue, and a short time will show who is the victor. At present, his chief anxiety is to keep the country quiet. He has issued two addresses, in which obedience to the law is the only theme dilated upon. If they keep within the law, he promises them Repeal, but the violation of the law, he contends, would upset everything, and peril all his projects. The proceedings against O’Connell put the temper of the Irish people to a severe test; but although the country is on the verge of rebellion—ripe for revolt—burning with the most intense hatred of the Saxon—and ready at the holding up of O’Connell’s finger to rush upon death—yet such is his command over them, such is the confidence they have in his talents and honesty, that the people will obey his bidding, and be quiet as long as he desires it. HST November 8, 1843, page 104.2
A monster meeting was to have been held at Clontarf, to be the last of that series; but late in the afternoon on the day previous, the goverment issued their proclamation prohibiting the assembling of the people; and also occupied the ground with military, and artillery loaded, with mussles pointing towards Dublin, and matches fissing, that they might carry out their intentions. These manouvres evidently showed a disposition on the part of government to court a collision with the people, and which would have been disastrous in the extreme. O’Connell, however, by a counter movement, prevailed on the Irish to submit, and thus defeated the result which it would appear was intended by England. The people were quiet to the sailing of the steamer, but nothing else was talked of but these movements of the government. We shall look to the next arrival for important developments. HST November 8, 1843, page 104.3
In Scotland, the state of things is still unsettled, and in Wales riots continue. HST November 8, 1843, page 104.4
We cut the following from the revolution in Greece, contained in “Wilmurs (Liverpool) News Letter.” HST November 8, 1843, page 104.5
Greece. A bloodless revolution has just been accomplished in this country. It has been for some time in contemplation, and the recent measures of the ministry, among which was the establishment of a military tribunal to take cognizance of offences against the state, hastened its completion. HST November 8, 1843, page 104.6
At two o’clock, on the night of the 14th ult. a few shots fired in the air announced the assembling of the people of Athens. Soon afterwards, the inhabitants, accompanied by the garrison, surrounded the palace, with cries of “the constitution for ever!” The king shortly appeared at a low window, and assured the people that he would take their demands into consideration, after consulting his ministers, the council of state, and the representatives of foreign powers. But M. Calergi, the military commander, informed his Majesty that the ministry were no longer recognized, and that the council of state was then in deliberation. HST November 8, 1843, page 104.7
While the king was reading the proposition of the council of state, the representatives of the foreign powers presented themselves at the palace, and were told by M. Calergi that they could not be admitted, as his majesty was then engaged with a deputation from the council of state. HST November 8, 1843, page 104.8
Similar movements took place at Chalsis and Nauplia. HST November 8, 1843, page 104.9
It is said that the king yielded with a very bad grace, and only when he found that resistance would be entirely unavailing. It was 11 o’clock A. M. before his obstinacy was subdued. The military hands were then playing the Marseillaise and the Parrisienne, which gave him cause to suppose that affairs might proceed to unpleasant extremities. HST November 8, 1843, page 104.10
The king continues to present himself among his master-subjects, and the queen, however alarmed, has stood by her husbands side from the first. All foreigners who hold offices under government are to be dismissed, with the exception of a few veteran Philhellenes. HST November 8, 1843, page 104.11
NOTICE
A second Advent Conference is appointed to be holden at the Stetson Hall, in Randolph, Mass. to commence on Tuesday, Nov. 14, at half past six o’clock P. M. to continue several days. HST November 8, 1843, page 104.12
Elders T. Cole and J. Taylor, are expected to preach; and other ministers brethren and friends in the vicinity are respectfully invited to attend the meeting. Arrangements will be made for the accommodation of those who may need entertainment on reasonable terms, and for preachers free of expense. Chairman, Zacheus Thayer. HST November 8, 1843, page 104.13
Randolph, Nov. 4, 1843. HST November 8, 1843, page 104.14
CONFERENCE
Providence permitting, a second advent conference will be held at Middletown, Ct to commence on Wednesday, Nov. 15th, at 2 o’clock P. M. and continue some three days. Able lecturers have been invited, and are expected to attend. A cordial invitation is here extended to all; and we do earnestly bespeak for Middletown a general attendance of our brethren and friends from abroad. The door is now especially open fordoing good in this part of the field. Come up then dear brethren and let us comfort and instruct one another till the Master appears. In behalf of the committee. L. C. Collins. HST November 8, 1843, page 104.15
Notice. To those who may wish to hold Conferences in this part of New England, we would say, that Bro. Cole of Lowell, and Br. I. II. Shipman, of Vermont, have concluded to labor together awhile, if the Lord will, in holding meetings of from 2 to 4 days length, where they are needed. Brethen can Address Br. Cole, Lowell, Ms. HST November 8, 1843, page 104.16
CLINTON COUNTY SECOND ADVENT CONFERENCE
At a meeting held at Houses Point, Oct 19, by the friends of the advent near, on motion of brother Adrian, it was resolved (the Lord willing) to hold a series of advent conferences in this section. HST November 8, 1843, page 104.17
Voted, That E. S. Loomis, E. Brisben, A. Loomis, and E. Thurber, be a committee of arrangement to carry the same into effect. HST November 8, 1843, page 104.18
Resolved, That the first conference be held at Perry’s Mills, Friday, the 10th day of Nov. next, at 1-2 past 10 o, clock A. M. The friends of the advent near, in this vicinity, and others who may feel disposed, are cordially invited to attend. The following brethren are earnestly solicited to attend and assist in the exercises, viz. brother Blackman, of Malone, N. Y. brother Wyath, of Bangor, N. Y. brother Martin, of Masena, N. Y. brother Dudley, of Moore’s N. Y. brother Hutchinson, of Montreal, brother Ballard, of Georgia, Vt. brother Stone, of Berkshire, Vt. HST November 8, 1843, page 104.19
To Correspondents John Wesley’s sermon on the text, Revelation 21:5, “Behold I make all things new” or the “New Creation,” is the Sermon 69, vol. 2. B. Waugh and J. Mason, Conference Office, 1835. HST November 8, 1843, page 104.20
Letters received to Oct. 29, 1843
From Post-masters
Centreville RI; Sedgwick Buy Me 1; Shelburne Falls 1; W Stafford Ct 1; North Fairfax 1; Bennington, Vt; Braintree Vt 5; Stow Ms; S Bradford NH; Greenville NY, paper is mailed regularly; Kennebunk Me; Fort Ann N Y; Mt Vernonville Me 1; Livermore Centre Me 1; Jericho Vt; Fisherville, Ct 1; Ware Ms; Montgomery Vt; Cincinnati O; Richmond Vt 1; Ipswich Ms; Corinna Me 2:2,50 now due; Fairhaven Ms 1; Littleton Ms 2; N W Bridgwater; Brookline Mass; Concord N H; Hydepark Vt 1; Johnson Vt l; Garland Me 1; Guilford NH; Centre Ossipee NH 1; Feltonville NY 1; N Scituate R1 I; Hartford, Ct 1; E Randolph Vt. HST November 8, 1843, page 104.21
Individuals
S Bradford; L J B; S K Baldwin 10; T L Tullock; G S Miles 10; M Tewksbury 2; S A Stratton 1; J Marsh 1; A Crocker 1, pd to end of Vol 6; N H Whiting; L Bolles 1; A Clapp; D Crary; A Thompson 3; Heman Durkee 2; N Field; S Hawley; J H Lonsdale 1; J G Smith 1; C Green 1; L C Collins. HST November 8, 1843, page 104.22
Bundles Sent
Eld T Cole Lowell Ms; R Hutchinson, care of E Brisbin, Champlain Village, Clinton co N Y; G S Miles, Albany N Y; T M Preble, Concord N H. HST November 8, 1843, page 104.23
SECOND ADVENT DEPOTS
Boston, Mass.—No. 16 Devonshire Street. HST November 8, 1843, page 104.24
Address J. V. HIMES. HST November 8, 1843, page 104.25
New York City—No. 9 Spruce Street. HST November 8, 1843, page 104.26
Address J. V. HIMES. HST November 8, 1843, page 104.27
Albany, N.Y.—(Agent please give st. and number. HST November 8, 1843, page 104.28
Address S MILES. HST November 8, 1843, page 104.29
Rochester, N. Y.—No. 17 Arcade Buildings. HST November 8, 1843, page 104.30
Address E. C. GALUSHA. HST November 8, 1843, page 104.31
Buffalo, N. Y.—No. 8 Niagara Street. HST November 8, 1843, page 104.32
Address H. B. SKINNER. HST November 8, 1843, page 104.33
Utica, N. Y.—(Agent please give street and No. HST November 8, 1843, page 104.34
Address HORACE PATTEN. HST November 8, 1843, page 104.35
Philadelphia, Pa.—Nos. 40 & 41 Arcade, HST November 8, 1843, page 104.36
Address J. LITCH. HST November 8, 1843, page 104.37
Cincinnati, Ohio—Third Street, few doors east of Walnut, south side, add. GEO. STORRS. HST November 8, 1843, page 104.38
St. Louis, Mo.—No. 88 Market Street. HST November 8, 1843, page 104.39
Address H. A. CHITTENDEN. HST November 8, 1843, page 104.40
Louisville, Ky.—Jefferson House. HST November 8, 1843, page 104.41
Address Dr. NATH’L FIELD. HST November 8, 1843, page 104.42
Montreal, C. W.—No. 158 Notre Dame Street. HST November 8, 1843, page 104.43
Adress R. HUTCHINSON. HST November 8, 1843, page 104.44
Portland, Me.—Casco St.—address J. PEARSON. HST November 8, 1843, page 104.45
Persons wishing for books will please call at the nearest depot HST November 8, 1843, page 104.46