Signs of the Times and Expositor of Prophecy [Himes], vol. 6
December 27, 1843
Vol. VI.—No. 19. Boston, Whole No. 139
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, and restored to its Eden state as it came from the hand of its Maker be fore the fall, and is to be the eternal abode of the righteous in their resurrection state. HST December 27, 1843, page 153.1
II.—The only Millenium found in the word of God, is the 1000 years which are to intervene between the first and second resurrections, as brought to view in the 20th of Revelations. And the various portions of Scripture which are adduced as evidence of such a period in time, are to have their fulfilment only in the New Earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness. HST December 27, 1843, page 153.2
III—The only restoration of Israel yet future, is the restoration of the Saints to the New Earth, when the Lord my God shnll come, and all his saints with him. HST December 27, 1843, page 153.3
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. HST December 27, 1843, page 153.4
V.—There are none of the prophetic periods, as we understand them, extending beyond the [Jewish] year 1843. HST December 27, 1843, page 153.5
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 December 27, 1843, page 153.6
Review of Isaac Taylor Hinton. No. 3
concluded
Of Professor Stuart’s application of the fourth beast to Antiochus Epiphanes, Mr. Hinton justly remarks, pp. 230—232.—“His work, recently published, is entitled,“Hints on the Interpretation of Prophecy.” The high character of its author in the department of biblical criticism, entitles his suggestions to great respect, although they are wholly subversive of the whole system of prophetic interpretation generally received among Protestant divines. Professor Stuart maintains, that all the principal symbols of the Revelations refer to the reign of Nero, as (in his opinion) those of Daniel apply to that of Antiochus. His main argument is founded on the assumption that the chief intention of the Revelations was, to afford the Christians, in the times of the apostle, sources of consolation under the persecutions they should suffer from that monster in human shape, who amused himself with playing the fiddle while Rome was in a mass of flames. HST December 27, 1843, page 153.7
We waive the objection that, in the opinion of most commentators, the Revelations were not written till after these events occurred.—Why the Christians in Nero’s time should be so favored, while those in the reign of Diocletian, more than two centuries afterwards, had no such consolation afforded; and still more, why the Albigenses, Waldenses, Hugonots and multitudes of others should be passed by in silence, the learned doctor does not make appear. That there must be points of resemblance between the powers of darkness—the cruel persecutor of all ages—is, indeed, very manifest; but that so much prophetic wisdom should be exhausted upon the reigns of Antiochus and Nero, and no detailed predictions be afforded respecting the far more extended and important occurrences between the Papal empire and hierarchy and the followers of Jesus, is, to say the least, highly improbable. HST December 27, 1843, page 153.8
The work of Dr. Stuart is, professedly, very incomplete; a hundred historic facts referred to in the symbols of Daniel and John, he has left unnoticed; and we apprehend he will, in the more complete work which he intimates will come from his pen, find a more arduous task to select their “mates” in the reigns of Antiochus and Nero, than his great learning and ingenuity will enable him satisfactorily to fulfil. Although as an individual we are very far from placing our abilities or opportunities on a level with those of the “Professor of Andover,” we do not think it presumptuos to prefer the scheme adopted by Mede, Sir Isaac and Bishop Newton, and other learned investigators of prophecy whose names are an honor to the past age, and whose labors exhibit, in our opinion, both greater extent of research, more thorough acquaintance with this particular department of biblical science, and above all, inconceivably greater soundness of judgment. than are evinced in the Professor of Andover’s “Hints on the Interpretation of Prophecy.” See p. 23. HST December 27, 1843, page 153.9
We think our leaders will concur with us, and with the great mass of writers on prophecy, that the “ten horns” on Daniel’s “fourth beast.” and the “beast rising up out of the sea, having seven heads,” of the Apocalyptic vision, refer to the ten kingdoms into which the Roman empire was divided. Of the identity of the ten-horned beasts of Daniel and of John there can be no reasonable doubt: and in the vision of the latter writer the application of the symbol to the Roman power is still more complete, by its including in it the symbols used by Daniel to depict the three previous empires—the “leopard,” the Grecian: the “bear,” the Persian; and the “lion” the Babylonian. Still, though the same beast, not without some variation: the “dragon,” pagan Rome, “gave him his power,” or armies, and “his seat,” or imperial throne; “the beast,” therefore, must be regarded as the successor of the idolatrous heathen Roman empire. That empire was not divided into ten kingdoms till after it became Christian; there is therefore no possibility, however desirable for some parties it might be, to escape the conclusion that the “little horn” is a power growing up out of the divided state of the Roman empire, after its overthrow by the Goths. HST December 27, 1843, page 153.10
For the rise of Papacy, Mr. Hinton gives the edict of Justinian and says p. 234— HST December 27, 1843, page 153.11
“The supremacy of the pope had by these mandates and edicts received the fullest sanction that could be given by the authority of the masters of the Roman world.” Again page 237,— HST December 27, 1843, page 153.12
“If any other events of history can be set forth and made to fill out all the particulars mentioned by Daniel and John, (and the predictions of the latter are clearly an amplification of those of the former,) we should be happy to see them stated; till then we shall believe the little horn rising up amidst the ten horns, and having three of them plucked up before it, to refer to the rise of the papacy in the midst of the kingdoms into which the Roman empire was divided in the sixth century. This view cannot fail to be confirmed when we come to contemplate the symbols which the inspired penmen make use of to illustrate the spiritual characteristics, and the unparalleled conduct of the “little horn.” HST December 27, 1843, page 153.13
We now come to a question, respecting which, we are at issue; he says pp. 303, 304. HST December 27, 1843, page 153.14
“The great outline of prophecy communicated through the dream of Nebuchadnezzer, has placed it beyond a doubt that the fourth empire will be overthrown, and in a manner different from that in which the previous empires had been subdued by their successors; for the “stone cut out of the mountain without hands,” is not only to break in pieces that empire, and all the remains of the previous kingdoms, but to grind them to powder, till they become like the “chaff of the summer threshing-floor,” and utterly disappear from the face of the earth; that itself may become “a great mountain and fill the whole earth.” HST December 27, 1843, page 153.15
“The judgment was set,” and the “books were opened;” the last judgments upon the apostate nations were commenced: and yet it would appear, from the following verse, that “the horn,” still continued “to speak great words” up to the very time that the beast which sustained him was “slain, and his body destroyed.” We shall presently see that these judgments have been for many years in progress; and yet it is manifest that the little horn of the papacy. though prostrated for a season, continues to “speak great words,” though with a more feeble voice and to a less attentive auditory. HST December 27, 1843, page 153.16
It will be seen from the above that the only argument he has in disproof of the coming of the Lord, at this time, is by taking the ground of the German Neologists, and making all the thrilling predictions of the word of God, mere shadows; and this is the only resort to which the church can flee. The argument is this: as the various parts of the image in the 2nd, and the four beasts in the 7th of Daniel, are symbols of the Babylonia, Medo-Persian, Grecian and Roman empires; therefore, the smiting of the image on the feet, the coming of the Ancient of Days, and one like the Son of Man, the casting down the thrones, the issuing of the stream of fire, the slaying the beast and giving his body to the burning flame, the ministering of thousands, and the ten thousand times ten thousand that stood before him, the Sitting of the judgment and the opening of the books, and the eternal kingdom are symbolical also; and therefore that the end of the world is not brought to view by them, but only a “providential judgment.” This result is arrived at by Mr. Hinton upon the principle, that in any vision when a part of the objects of sight are symbols, all the objects of sight in that vision must also be symbols.” As we before remarked, this rule is a correct one; and by it we will abide in the explanation of Daniel’s visions. HST December 27, 1843, page 153.17
We must never confound the inspired explanations of the symbols, with the symbols themselves, and we must always remember, that a greater is never used to symbolise a less. The things symbolised must always surpass the symbols. Keeping these principles in view, the visions of Daniel can never be made to signify anything less than the kingdoms of this world to the final judgment. In the 2nd of Daniel, the objects of sight are the various metals composing the image, and the stone cut out of the mountain, totally destroying the image, and becoming a great mountain and filling the whole earth. The explanation of these symbols defines the various metals of the image to be four great empires in this world, and the division of the last. The stone which destroys the image and fills the whole earth, is defined to be a kingdom which the God of heaven shall set up, which shall lever be destroyed, nor left to other people but shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and shall stand for ever. This is the inspired explanation of the symbol, and must decide what the objects of sight in Nebuchadnezzar’s dream denoted. In the 7th of Daniel the objects of sight are the four beasts with their appendages, and then Daniel says, 7:9-11, 13, 14. “I beheld till the thrones were cast down, and the Ancient of days did sit, whose garment was white as snow, and the hair of his head like the pure wool: his throne was like the fiery flame, and his wheels as burning fire. A fiery stream issued and came forth from before him: thousand thousands ministered unto him, and ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him: the judgment was set, and the books were opened. I beheld then because of the voice of the great words which the horn spake: I beheld even till the beast was slain, and his body destroyed, and given to the burning flame. I 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. And there was given him dominion, and glory, and a kingdom, that all people, nations and languages, should serve him: his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom, that which shall not be destroyed.” HST December 27, 1843, page 153.18
The four beasts are explained to be four kings or kingdoms, the fourth beast was to be the fourth kingdom, the ten horns ten kings, and the little horn another that should rise after them: Mr. Hinton admits that the history of the world to the present time has been a fulfilment of these symbols; so that the only question now is, what are we to understand by what he beheld as described from the 9th to the 14th verses? The fulfilment of these must not only be greater than the symbols seen, but must be as much greater than the symbols, as the four mighty empires in history have been greater than the four beasts which symbolised them. Therefore the thrones cast down, and the Ancient of days whose garment was white as snow, and the hair of his head was like pure wool, whose throne was like a firey flame, and his wheels as burning fire, can symbolise nothing less than the Creator of the universe, and the final judgment; the firey stream which issued and came forth before him, can symbolise nothing less than the fires of the last day; the slaying of the beast—the Roman empire, destroying his body and giving it to the burning flame, can symbolise nothing less than the overturning of all the kingdoms of this world: the sitting of the judgment and opening of the books, can symbolize nothing less than the final adjustment of the affairs of all men, and the allotment of their eternal destiny; the thousand thousands that ministered unto him, and the ten thousand times ten thousand that stood before him, can symbolize nothing less than the general assembly of the church of the first born who are redeemed by the blood of Christ out of every nation and kindred and tongue and people, who will sing the song of Moses and the Lamb, and being made kings and priests will reign on the earth; the one like the Son of man can symbolize none but the Son of man, and the everlasting dominion which shall not pass away, the glory and the kingdom which shall not be destroyed, given to one like the Son of man, whom all people nations and languages should serve, can symbolize nothing less than God’s everlasting kingdom, when the kingdoms of this world become the kingdom of our Lord and his Christ: and the angel thus explains these symbols to Daniel. He says, Daniel 7:18, 27, “But the saints of the Most High shall take the kingdom, and possess the kingdom for ever, even for ever and ever. And the kingdom and dominion, and the greatness of the kingdom under the whole heaven, shall be given to the people of the saints of the Most High, whose kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and all dominions shall serve and obey him.” HST December 27, 1843, page 154.1
Again Mr. Hinton says, pp. 336—340. HST December 27, 1843, page 154.2
“The twentieth chapter of Rev. continues the description of the results of the seventh vial. Although the beast and the false prophet had been taken, the ‘dragon’ still remained; but an angel (the ever recurring personification of the power of God) descends and binds him for one thousand years. Thus imprisoned, he had power to deceive the nations no more till the thousand years are ended. The holy seer beheld that, during this period, thrones were set, “and judgment was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years,” (verse 4.) The organic power of Satan which yet remained, symbolized under the figure of the “dragon,” being bound by the power of God, the true and faithful disciples of Christ, the representatives of those who had been beheaded for the witness of Jesus, had not only peace, but ruled, by their influence and active exertions, over at least some of the nations of the earth. “But the rest of the dead,” the representatives of the persecutors of pagan or papal Rome, “lived not”—were not found in activity—“till the thousand years”—the period of repose and Christian activity already spoken of, “was ended, by the going forth again of Satanic power, to assail the saints. Awaking from this state of torpor, their adversaries joined themselves with Gog and Magog, (verse 8,) and gathered themselves to battle against the saints. But the combined assault only brought a final destruction on all these powers of Satan, for “fire came down from God out of heaven and devoured them. And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and false prophet are,” (verse 10.) We have already stated, that the “beast and false prophet” being symbols, the “lake of fire,” must be a symbol also. Let no one imagine from this that we would for a moment encourage the idea that there is no real place of punishment for the wicked in the eternal state—quite the reverse; all the symbols are taken from realities—are realities symbolically used—and the place of punishment of the wicked is proved to be real by the fact that it is here and elsewhere symbolically used to designate the providential wrath of God on the wicked organizations which exist on the earth. The same may be affirmed respecting the term “devil;” had be no real existence, his name would never have been used for the purpose of a symbol: symbols are not usually inventions of things which have no existence, but the application of real existences to an appropriate figurative use. HST December 27, 1843, page 154.3
We are perfectly aware that the view we have taken of this passage will surprise both Millenarians and Spiritualists. We have read most that has been written by the advocates of the personal reign of Christ on earth for a thousand years, and of those who contend for a spiritual reign for the same period; and can find full satisfaction in none of them. Whatever may be the merits of the respective theories, we apprehend they have both wholly mistake the true meaning of the chapter which has given rise to the term “Millennium.” It appears to us, that the idea of the kingdom of Christ existing in a triumphant state during one thousand years, then being subject to an assault of wicked men numerous as “the sands of the sea,” and immediately giving place to the eternal state, is utterly untenable: first, because it is absolutely opposed to all the other predictions; and secondly, because Gog and Magog are clearly asserted by Ezekiel to wage their war before the final establishment of Christ’s glorious kingdom. HST December 27, 1843, page 154.4
The language of Daniel and all the prophets, is very explicit—that when the last form of the Roman empire is overthrown, the “everlasting dominion” of Christ shall immediately succeed. By this phrase we understand, not the eternal state after the resurrection, but a state of the world in which Christ shall rule organically (whether personally or not is not material now to be discussed) for a period undefined as to its length, and coeval with the duration of the world in its present physical conformation, and therefore properly termed “everlasting.” HST December 27, 1843, page 154.5
This idea is also clearly entertained by the apostle John; for his description of this glorious kingdom is contained in the twenty-first and twenty-second chapters, not in the twentieth. It has been usual to refer these chapters to the heavenly—the eternal—the resurrection state; but that this application is incorrect, is manifest from the description of the trees growing beside the river, which, proceeding from the throne of God, flows through the midst of the city; the leaves of these trees being for the healing of the nations. How this process can be carried on after the day of judgment, when every man has literally and finally received according to his works, it would be difficult to make appear; but, believing as we do, that the conversion of the great mass of mankind will take place after the establishment of the organic authority of Christ, as symbolized by “the Holy City, New Jerusalem, coming down from God,” (a symbol in direct antithesis toth ‘great city that reigned over the king’s of the earth,”) the true church in power, as opposed to the apostate church in power, all appears plain and intelligible. If it be urged that the language of the apostle, in his closing chapters, is too heavenly to apply to an earthly state, the reply is manifest—that the scenery of heaven and hell have, in the book of Revelations, both been made use of to symbolize the events of earth, which, after all, are more intimately connected with these invisible states, than many have been apt to imagine. HST December 27, 1843, page 154.6
One clause, which may seem to suggest a great difficulty to the minds of some, has been passed over with the design of reserving it for separate consideration. “This is the first resurrection. Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years,” (ch. 20 v. 5, 6.) What is the first resurrection? A resurrection of some of the righteous before others? or a resurrection of the righteous before the wicked? Neither. The state of holy activity in which sincere Christians all delight—the resurrection from a “death in trespasses and sins,” is the first resurrection; on such the “second death” (they were once dead) hath no power. The servants of Christ need not fear hell; the malignant lord of that dark domain would not admit them. Those sons of the “first resurrection” who are living at the period of peace spoken of, representatives of all those redeemed from the first death of sin, shall reign with Christ as priests of God, continually engaged in extending the knowledge and influence of the sacrifice of the “Lamb of God that taketh away the sins of the world.” HST December 27, 1843, page 154.7
We apprehend the phrase,” thousand years,” to be general and indefinite: whatever its length be, however, it manifestly occurs between the overthrow of “the beast and false prophet,” or the destruction of the civil and spiritual despotism of Rome, and the casting “the devil” into “the take of fire, where the beast and false prophet are.” HST December 27, 1843, page 155.1
Our former argument is equally applicable to the above; all the objects of sight must symbolize something greater than themselves, or the object of the symbol is lost. But in this case we are in no doubt as to what is symbolized, for what John saw is expressly explained to be the first resurrection, says John, “this is the first resurrection; blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection, on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years.” It can therefore signify nothing less than the end of the world, for it is thus explained. HST December 27, 1843, page 155.2
Mr. Hinton’s objections to the trees in the new earth, show that he is not looking for the restitution of all things spoken of by the mouth of all the holy prophets since the world began. The nations spoken of above, are the nations that are saved: not those before the judgment. HST December 27, 1843, page 155.3
It seems from the following quotation on p. 370, that Mr. Hinton is not fully satisfied with his own explanation. He says,— HST December 27, 1843, page 155.4
“No solution as yet offered, appears to us satisfactory; and all that can be said, is, ‘what we know not now, we shall know hereafter.’” HST December 27, 1843, page 155.5
With regard to the reign of Christ on earth, he says, p. 363. HST December 27, 1843, page 155.6
“Whether the theocracy of the King of kings shall be exercised through some intermediate arrangement whereby the will of the Divine Governor shall be made known without his presence being personally manifested, as was in measure the case with the Jewish theocracy, or whether the Redeemer of men shall exercise his kingly office in his glorified human form, may admit of a question, and can be determined only by attaching a correct meaning to the passages of sacred writ which relate to this subject. While we readily admit that the millenniarians (as the advocates of the personal reign are generally called) have referred some passages to the personal appearance of Christ, which relate only to his providential judgments, we think it will be found, on a careful examination, that there are other texts which cannot, with proper regard to sound laws of interpretation, be otherwise applied.” HST December 27, 1843, page 155.7
Again he says, pp. 365—368. HST December 27, 1843, page 155.8
“There is a perfect analogy between the errors of the Jews in that day, and that of perhaps the great majority of Christians in our own; those refused to interpret literally the Scriptures relating to the sufferings of the Messiah; these reject the literal signification of the passages relating to his glorious triumphs. A modern writer well observes: “The literal key is that which has hitherto opened the treasures of prophetic truth, as the facts recorded in the New Testament abundantly testify. The mystic key is a false key, made to fit every thing, but really fits nothing well, and, like other false keys, instead of opening, spoils the lock, so that those who would possess the secret treasures are hindered.” HST December 27, 1843, page 155.9
That the error of the Jews related to the time when the theocracy of Christ should be established, not to the fact itself, is evident from the parable in the nineteenth of Luke, and from the occasion of its being delivered, which is expressly stated, “because they thought the kingdom of God should immediately appear.” (Luke 19:2.) To rectify this error as to time, our Lord related, that “a certain nobteman went into a far country, to receive for himself a kingdom, and to return.” It will not be denied that the “nobleman” is designed to represent Christ; his journey “into a far country,” our Lord’s ascension to heaven; his waiting till he receives a kingdom, our Lord sitting at the right hand of his Father, till his enemies “are made his footstool;” his return, the second coming of Christ, to “take to himself his mighty power, and reign. HST December 27, 1843, page 155.10
One most important rule in interpretation is settled by the introduction to this parable, that the phrase, “the kingdom of God,” does not always apply to the spiritual kingdom. That kingdom was “immediately to appear,” and therefore could not be identical, in all respects, with that which was not “immediately to appear.” Nothing can possibly be more plain than that the spiritual kingdom commenced with the first coming of Christ, but that the temporal-spiritual kingdom was not to be established till his second appearance. There is certainly no need, because the Jews confounded the first and second comings of Christ, for Christians to do away with his second coming altogether, so far, at least, as a “reign on earth” is concerned. HST December 27, 1843, page 155.11
The chief argument urged against the personal reign of Christ on earth (and that it is one of great apparent weight must be admitted) is, that the “coming,” or “appearing,” of Christ is frequently associated in the Scriptures with the resurrection and the general judgment, and that therefore the doctrine of an earthly reign of Christ after his personal appearance must be untenable. But a similar difficulty attends the idea of a spiritual reign, for it is expressly affirmed, that the man of sin shall exist till he shall be destroyed by “the brightness of His coming.” (2 Thessalonians 2:8.) Yet there area a mass of predictions which testify that the “earth shall be filled with the knowledge of the Lord as the waters cover the great deep;” and that “the heathen shall be given” to Christ “as his possession, and the uttermost parts of the earth for his inheritance.” This must be after the destruction of the man of sin, and therefore after “the brightness of his (Christ’s coming.” HST December 27, 1843, page 155.12
It must also be admitted that the reward of the saints is frequently associated with the vengeance that Christ takes on his enemies then living on the earth. “Seeing it is a righteous thing with God to recompense tribulation to them that trouble you. And to you, who are troubled, rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels, in flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (2 Thessalonians 1:6, 7, 8.) HST December 27, 1843, page 155.13
It will be seen by the above, that his views are somewhat similar to those of the literalists of England. And that he is not looking for the conversion of the world by ordinary means; the following extracts will show, which close his work. pp. 371, 372, and 373—375. HST December 27, 1843, page 155.14
“Fifty years have already passed since the efforts of modern missions were first put forth; but while results of great moral glory have been produced—such as may well gladden the hearts of all who have participated in these truly Christ-like efforts, and fill their enemies with shame and confusion of face—yet no impression whatever has been made on any of the great organizations of Satan’s power, either Pagan, Mahometan, or Papal, by the diffusion of gospel truth. The light of the Crescent has indeed become dim; but it is the darkness which the providence of Christ has brought around it which extinguishes its feeble rays, and not the shining of the Sun of Righteousness that supersedes them. The Papal empire has been convulsed and shaken to its centre; but the truths of the gospel have had no part in those concussions. Amidst the Pagan nations, also, no impression has been as yet made upon governments of any power, by other agency than that of the providence of God. HST December 27, 1843, page 155.15
We would therefore cheer on the devoted missionary with this consolatory reflection, that the Lord will not leave the wretched despotisms which oppose so many hindrances to his labors to be melted down by the slow process of their influence; but that, after a few more years of trial of their faith and patience, he will destroy those which have so long destroyed the earth, and cause the truth to have “free course and run and be glorified.” And what if, in the closing scene of this contest with the powers of darkness, the “Captain of the Lord’s host” should himself appear, and in one moment decide the contest which for ages had appeared to hang in doubt, employing no earthly arm for the destruction of the hosts encamped against the saints; but darting from the right hand of his power the lightnings of his wrath, the devouring flames so often the object of the prophet’s song, now become a terrible reality! What if then should be fulfilled the predictions of Isaiah: “For I will tread them in mine anger, and trample them in my 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;)—of Ezekiel; “And it shall come to pass at the same time when Gog shall come against the land of Israel, saith the Lord God, that my fury shall come up in my face. And I will plead against him with pestilence and with blood; and I will rain upon him and upon his bands, and upon the many people that are with him, an overflowing rain and great hail-stones, fire and brimstone. Thus will I magnify myself, and sanctify myself; and I will be known in the eyes of many nations, and they shall know that I am the Lord.” (Ezekiel 38:18, 22, 23;)—of Daniel; “I beheld till the thrones were cast down, and the Ancient of days did sit, whose garment was while as snow, and the hair of his head was like the pure wool: his throne was like the fiery flame, and his wheels as burning fire. A fiery stream issued and came forth from before him;” (Daniel 7:9, 10;)—of Paul; “Whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and destroy with the brightness of his coming;” (2 Thessalonians 2:8;)—and of John; “And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the wine-press of the fierceness of the wrath of Almighty God. And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, King of kings, and Lord of lords;” (Revelation 19:15, 16;) and “they went up on the breadth of the earth, and compassed the camp of the saints about, and the beloved city, and fire came down from God out of heaven and devoured them.” (ch. 20. v. 9.) HST December 27, 1843, page 155.16
Glorious prospect! The earth redeemed from the grasp of its tyrants, shall soon be regenerated by the truth and power of God! The angelic song, “Peace on earth and good will among men,” shall then be verified; and when thus the oft-repeated prayer, “thy kingdom come,” has been fully answered, the will of God will be “done on earth as it is in heaven.” Nations shall be “born in a day;” and millions on millions of human beings, happy in the love and under the rule of their Savior, shall occupy the earth; civilization, virtue, and religion, being universal, the number of earth’s inhabitants shall be greatly enlarged, but on the altar of every heart shall burn the incense of thanksgiving, and from earth’s wide domain, arise one universal symphony of praise. HST December 27, 1843, page 155.17
Onward, then, with the work of mercy! Loud proclaim the glad tidings! the earth’s jubilee is at hand! Let the light shine amid the darkness of the nations; let the sound of Jesus’ name resound amid the rocks and vales of every clime; in every spot accessible to the soldier of the cross let the banner of redeeming love be planted! Let the pure and unadulterated word of God be given to all the human race. Be not discouraged, ye who are gone forth to prepare the way of the Lord, by the massive bulwarks of Satan’s power which darkly frown upon your efforts—their strength is gone; nor startle at the renewed activity of the legions of the enemy. It is true they did “make war with the saints and overcome them;” but rather than they shall again triumph—rather than the results of your devoted labors shall be crushed, even for a season, the Lord himself shall appear, and show that the year of his redeemed, the time of their final triumph, is come. HST December 27, 1843, page 155.18
Let all who love their Savior and their fellowmen, whether believers in the spiritual or in the personal reign of their common Lord, consecrate all their energies to this great work of communicating to a lost world the knowledge of the only Savior. ‘Blessed is that servant whom his Lord shall find so doing.’” HST December 27, 1843, page 155.19
We have thus gone through the ten numbers of his work, and noticed all the points which would be of interest to our readers, or which needed any particular reply to. On the whole, we are pleased to see such a work. It shows a love for Protestant principles of interpretation, which, if fully carried out, will bring us on advent ground, looking for the Lord at the doors. HST December 27, 1843, page 155.20
It is poor hearing, and poor reading, unless you mix faith and prayer with what you hear and what you read. HST December 27, 1843, page 155.21
SIGNS OF THE TIMES
“The Lord is at Hand.”
BOSTON, DECEMBER 27, 1843.
All communications for the Signs of the Times, or orders for Books or remittances, should be directed to “J. V. Himes, Boston, Mass,” post paid. HST December 27, 1843, page 156.1
Post Masters are authorized by the Post Office Department to forward free of expense all orders for, or to discontinue publications, and also money to pay for the same HST December 27, 1843, page 156.2
Subscribers’ names with the State and Post Office should be distinctly given when money is forwarded. Where the Post Office is not given, we are liable to misdirect the paper, or credit to the wrong person, as there are often several of the same name, or several Post Offices in the same town. HST December 27, 1843, page 156.3
The Advent near at the door
To the Advent believers scattered abroad
This glorious and all important theme, gathers new interest as the termination of the time approaches. The idea that the interest is dying away is not true, or that the faith of Adventists is in any respect shaken. Accounts from all parts of the country show that they are lifting up their heads, and looking up, in the expectation of the nearness of their redemption. HST December 27, 1843, page 156.4
On a full view of the whole question relating to the manner and time of the Advent, we are more fully confirmed (if possible) that the “prophetic” periods end this Jewish year, and mat the Savior will come in all his glory. HST December 27, 1843, page 156.5
We have been greatly strengthened in this conclusion, by the utter failure of our opponents in their attempts to overthrow our faith; no two of them agree in the fundamental principles of prophetic interpretation. Messrs Stuart, Pond. Hinton, Dowling, etc, each, in their attempts to over-throw our faith, have effectually overthrown each other. The Rabbins of the kind have demonstrated to the world, that they have no settled faith among themselves; and what Dr. Breckenridge says of Mr. Dowling’s reply to Miller, is equally applicable to all our learned reviewers. He says: HST December 27, 1843, page 156.6
“As for the disquisition of Mr. Dowling, we may confidently say that it is hardly to be conceived that anything could be printed by Mr. Miller, or anybody else, more shallow, absurd, and worthless. There is hardly a point he touches, on which he has not managed to adopt the very idlest conjectures of past writers on the prophecies, and this so entirely without regard to any coherent system, that the only clear conviction a man of sense or reflection could draw from his pamphlet, if such a man could be supposed capable of believing it, would be that the prophecies themselves are a jumble of nonsense. Such answers as his can have no effect, we should suppose, except to bring the whole subject into ridicule, or to promote the cause he attacks.” HST December 27, 1843, page 156.7
Dr. B. has also referred to others, especially Dr. Weeks, who has attempted to reply to Mr. Miller’s Chronology. He says “what he (Mr. Miller) says might be positively disproved which we submit, has by no means been done; and it might be clearly shown that some other chronology is true, which no man has yet attempted, and which we sorrowfully admit, there are not five in America competent to discuss at this moment. Here is the great secret of the trouble; the profound and general ignorance which prevails on the whole subject, of which no greater evidence need be produced, than the fact that the pamphlet of Mr. Dowling has been extensively relied on, yea, preached, fits a sufficient answer to Miller.” HST December 27, 1843, page 156.8
Dr. Breckenridge, then, being judge, the sentiments we advocate stand unscathed; and the mighty superstructure of truth, as the dust of learned confusion is blown away, appears each time in more beautiful relief, confirming the Israel of God in their blessed and glorious hope. HST December 27, 1843, page 156.9
Under these circumstances, new obligations press upon us to publish the glad tidings of the kingdom at hand, with more zeal and diligence than ever. The hour of his judgment is come; the prophecies have been fulfilled, with the types and shadows, in all except the last event, the coming of Christ in glory. HST December 27, 1843, page 156.10
Mr. Cunningham of Scotland, in his disquisition on the prophecies, remarks, that, “if we who have watched every sign in the spiritual horizon, for a long series of years, were now asked, is any sign of this (Christ’s) coming yet accomplished? we should be constrained to answer, to our view not one sign remains unacomplished. If we were further asked; shall he come this year, our answer would be, we know not, but this much we do know and believe, that he is at hand, even at the doors.” Again he says, “amidst this commixture of dread and alarm, and these groanings of distressed nations, and fond whisperings of peace, peace, suddenly as the blaze of forked lightning, unexpectedly I as the fall of the trap upon the ensnared animal, and as the dark and concealed approach of the midnight thief, a voice like that of ten thousand thunders shall burst upon the ears of the astonished inhabitants of the earth; it is the voice of the archangel; it is the trump of God; it is the descent of the Son of God. He cometh, he cometh to ‘judge the earth. His dead saints spring from the dust—his living saints, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, are changed, and both together are rapt up far above the clouds to meet him, (1 Thessalonians 4:17,) long before he is seen by the inhabitants of the earth.” HST December 27, 1843, page 156.11
This I conceive is the great event that we are I to look for; so far as 1 can discern, no further signs are to be expected; as it seems to me we have entered into that last period of awful expectation, during which the church is likened to the ten virgins. We must hold our eyes waking—rouse up all the soul within us, to the work of preparation for the coming Bridegroom. Indifference now is in; the condition of the church demands energetic action for the rescue of all that can be aroused; a slumbering world demands the untiring efforts of all the faithful; so that if by any means we may save some. HST December 27, 1843, page 156.12
Lecturers should be multiplied; let every true believer who has a gift to teach, use that gift with the greatest industry and zeal. Let no one come down from the work; our work will not be done till the Master appears. HST December 27, 1843, page 156.13
Brethren and sisters should do all in their power, in their more private capacity, for the spread of light on the advent of the Lord. Most of all we should all live in hourly preparation for the event. Seeing we look for such things, what manner of persons ought we to be in all holy conversation and godliness. J. V. Himes. HST December 27, 1843, page 156.14
Boston. Dec. 18th, 1843. HST December 27, 1843, page 156.15
A Second Advent Conference will be held in Groton, if the Lord will, to commence the first Friday in Feb. and continue about a week. May the saints come full of faith. HST December 27, 1843, page 156.16
LETTER FROM BROTHER A. WARFIELD
Dear Brother;—The promises of our dear Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, are full of glory to such as are “looking for that blessed hope and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Savior Jesus Christ.” “For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: then we (who love His appearing, and are looking for it,) which are alive and remain, shall be caught up together with them, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.” These are the words with which we are to “comfort each other;” and in these perilous and trying times, we all need such comforting assurances “that the trial of our faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honor and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ.” Brethren, we “believe,” “let us therefore rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory:” “then shall we receive the end of our faith, even the salvation of our souls.” As was the faith of the apostles, primitive Christians, martyrs, reformers, and puritan fathers, so is ours. Let us not then be ashamed, but march boldly on, remembering that God is on our side, therefore we need not fear the scoffs of a wicked and ungodly world. “Let us not cast away our confidence, which hath great recompense of reward; but let us have patience, that when we have done the will of God we may receive the promise: for yet a little while, and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry.” “Let us hold last the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;) and let us consider one another, to provoke unto love and good works: not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another; and so much the more as we see the day approaching.” O my Second Advent brethren and sisters, listen not to the syren song of my Lord delayeth his coming.—Let us see to it that we be not deceived, lest we lose our part in the Kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Let us “hold fast that which we have, that no man take our crown,” so that in that j day, we may, with “the ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands, shout worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honor, and glory, and blessing.” Praise the Lord, O my soul! Praise the Lord all ye his saints! praise the Lord! O my brethren, cling to the Bible, remember it is God’s Word, and not one jot or tittle of it will in any wise fall. Believe not all the spirits that are abroad in the world, but try them by the unerring record of God. Live for Christ, and live for him alone. Watch for his coming. Keep your loins continually girt about with truth. Faint not in prayer. Then will you be able in that day to stand, clothed with Immortality, and to dwell in the presence of Him who died that we might live. Amen. HST December 27, 1843, page 156.17
Yours in the hope of soon seeing my Savior. HST December 27, 1843, page 156.18
Holliston, Nov. 25, 1943. HST December 27, 1843, page 156.19
How Universalists Read their Bibles!! The following is an extract from a communication in the Hartford “Universalist.” HST December 27, 1843, page 156.20
“I have partly been duped, and led into Millerism—to believe Universalists as Infidels, or something worse. But when in studying the Revelations of God, I find so much to overthrow Miller and his belief, I must come out and own a new conversion. I now give the 15th, 16th. and 17th verses of the eleventh chapter of Revelation. ‘And the seventh angel sounded; and there were great voices in heaven, saying, The Kingdoms of this world are become the Kingdoms of our Lord, and his Christ; and he shall reign forever and ever. And the four-and-twenty elders which sat before God on their seats, fell upon their faces, and worshipped God, saying, We give thee thanks, O Lord God Almighty, which art, and wast, and art to come, because thou hast taken to thee thy great pother, and hast reigned.’ I own my short-sighted and contracted views; my own ignorance and folly in letting others think and read for me. I now feel confident and able to defend the doctrine I once knew nothing of, which has spoken such consolation to my soul.” HST December 27, 1843, page 156.21
The editor of the Universalist, says that the writer of the above, remarked that he had been somewhat confused in his mind by too much reading, thinking and business. This confusion probably prevented his reading the two following verses of the same chapter. “And the nations were angry, and thy wrath is come, and the time of the dead, that they should be judged, and that thou shouldest give reward unto thy servants the prophets, and to the saints, and them that fear thy name, small and great; and shouldst destroy them which destroy the earth. And the temple of God was opened in heaven, and there was seen in his temple the ark of his testament: and there were lightnings, and voices, and thunderings, and an earthquake, and great hail.” HST December 27, 1843, page 157.1
Extract of a Letter from England
The Advent doctrine is chiefly the talk in this country now,—and the newspapers often contain sketches about the people in America, especially Mr. Miller. Various reports have been circulated about this country in reference to him,—some say he is in prison—some say he is dead—some say he has denied his doctrine, and altered his calculations—some say he and many others have turned infidels; and that America is in such a state as it never was before. But, bless God, none of these things move me—I am perfectly satisfied on the point myself, and all that is said and done against this doctrine goes to confirm the truth:—and those who are crying peace and safety, will soon have their reward, for I am certain sudden destruction will soon burst upon them, and they shall not escape. O! what an awful responsibility are those soul-destroying ministers under, who are rocking the church to sleep, and causing thousands to believe a he, and be damned! by this strong delusion of peace and safety—my Lord delayeth his coming—do not be alarmed, friends, there is no danger nigh—the world cannot be at an end yet for a number of years—the world is to be converted first, and the Jews are all to be gathered to their own land, and a great many more things are to be done yet, before that event will take place. This is the cry of many in this country, and more than that, they say they do not wish to have the Lord come yet, for they are not tired of the world; and beside, they say it would be cruel of God to destroy the world before it is converted, as so many would go to hell if the end should come now. Others think God will give them some particular notice of such an event as that, (the end of the world) and let them have time to prepare for it. Yes, I frequently hear ministers talk in this way,—the Lord have mercy on them, and open their eyes, and change their hearts, or they will meet an awful doom. Such kind of teachers, if they ever were converted, want converting over again before they can enter the kingdom. The Midnight Cry is sounding to nations far and wide—the Second Advent cause is doing well in this country—thousand are now looking for the coming of the Lord, and believe it is at the door—and preachers of all denominations are now giving the midnight cry. I have travelled into the Shires in many other counties, and many have turned to the Lord through hearing this doctrine preached. The Midnight Cry has produced such powerful effects in some parts of this country, that nearly whole villages have turned to the Lord. HST December 27, 1843, page 157.2
Our London mission is doing well,—the Lord has raised up several good laborers, and two or three are now lecturing on this subject in London in different chapels—and many of our friends are holding Bible meetings, and reading our Second Advent books to the people, and others are sending those books and papers about, and others are writing letters to their friends, and sending those books and papers about the country. So they are all at work in some way, and try to do the best they can to send the midnight cry through England. Many good holy men and women have embraced the doctrine of the Second Advent since I came to England. When I came to England I could not find one, who understood the time, and but very few the nature of this doctrine. Most of them believed in the return of the Jews, and many other things, which are contrary to our views and the Bible; but by our labor, and the reading of the writings of the American brethren, their views are altered, and they have examined our views and embraced them Our Norfolk mission is doing exceedingly well. Near 1000 have embraced this doctrine in Norfolk of late. We had one of the largest and most powerful camp-meetings at Litchar, of any in this country. I am now traveling in Norfolk, and the chapels are thrown open to me in many places; my friend, Mr. Burgess, is travelling with me, and several other ministers are travelling about and giving the Midnight Cry—we supply them with books and papers,—and they are scattering light and truth abroad through the breadth and length of the country. But we want more laborers, for the fields are white already it harvest. The people in this country are continually calling out for some of the lecturers from America,—and I did expect we should have seen some of them here before this time. I gave the people in this country some encouragement to expect some of your principal lecturers, according to the letter I received from the Boston Conference; but they are almost out of patience in looking for them now. But it does them good when I receive some intelligence from America, and read it to them, to hear how the work is going on in other parts of the world. All the papers and letters you and our brethren send to me, must be directed to “Dereham in Norfolk;” as this is our depot for Second Advent business. We have a depot in London; but if they are sent there, it will be sometime before I can get them, and the expense is more. I shall be glad to receive a letter from any of our brethren in America, and papers,—some that would be of service to assist me in lecturing on this subject, as I need help, and cannot get them (the papers) in any other way. Give my love to all the friends you may hear inquire for me. The friends in this country send their love to you. Yours in the blessed hope of soon seeing our Deliverer come to Zion. HST December 27, 1843, page 157.3
ROBERT WINTER.
East Dereham, Norfolk, Nov. 6, 1843.
LETTER FROM ENGLAND
Beloved Brethren.—Although I am a stranger to you, yet not so to your interesting publications. I acknowledge the kindness that has been manifested by you, in sending so many of the works relating to the the Second Advent of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ; and were it in my power, I would feel very great pleasure in helping, in a pecuniary way, the friends who are spreading to the ends of the earth the glad and glorious tidings of the great salvation, and of the near approach of the Son of man. I am an unworthy member of a portion of the Redeemer’s Church, who meet simply in his dear name, and who, for the most part, are believers in the coming of Jesus. I doubt not but that you will be rejoiced to know that for the last three years I, together with my dear brethren, who preach, have been declaring to thousands in this town, both in the open air and in our meeting rooms, the speedy end of all things, the coming of the Lord, and the reign of the saints. We, generally, agree with what dear brother William Miller and the other friends have declared and circulated. Perhaps I may say that I received the first volume ever seen or read in England, of Miller’s Lectures. I received them from a Capt. Blanchard, of the “Calisto,” and have since then been endeavoring to extend to all around the doctrines contained in that book. Many are persuaded here that some important event is about to take place. We, as a nation, are placed in a very serious situation; and indeed we do expect most awful circumstances to occur. Surely all things spoken of by Jesus and his holy apostles and prophets, are about to be fulfilled. O, that we may be found of him in peace. O, that we may be ready when the Savior comes. I am looking for him before the termination of 1843, as declared by your exposition of the 2300 days. I am asked, by some,—If the Lord does not come according to the time you have specified, what will you do? Why, if he does not appear this year, I will wait until he does come; but O, should he burst upon an unprepared world before twelve months expire, how unexpectedly will he appear. Let us pray and watch, and be found doing our Master’s will, so that we may be received of him with joy, and be crowned with glory. Suffer a word of exportation from your unknown brother. Don’t be in the least terrified by the adversaries—still sound the alarm to the camp.—proclaim the holy gospel, be “instant in season and out of season, look forward to the recompence of reward. And may the blessing of God rest upon your labors, and may we meet in the city of the King Amen. I am, dearly beloved brethren, yours in the blessed hope of soon seeing the King in his beauty. HST December 27, 1843, page 157.4
JOSEPH CURRY.
Princes Place, Flat St. Liverpool, Nov. 7th, 1813.
Letter from Sister R. Dudley
Brother Bliss:—Not receiving your paper weekly for some time past, induces me to adress a few lines to you to ascertain the cause. We have received but three numbers the last eight weeks. We highly prize the paper, nor do we know how to be deprived the privilege of reading it weekly. It is our spiritual food in this thirsty land, where we hear so little about our coming King. It rejoices our hearts to hear through your columns of the prosperity of the Second Advent cause, and encourages us to hold on by faith a little longer. Our numbers here are few but firm. Through the labors of our beloved brother Collins last fall and winter, many were brought to believe in the coming of our Savior at hand. And a little band was then raised up, who have dared to stem the torrent of opposition, and are still looking for our Savior. Our names are cast out as evil, and our brethren look upon us as objects of pity; but thank the Lord we have become willing to be called fools for Christ’s sake. Yes, we trust we glory in the cross, and from our very souls we pity those who seem to have so great a share of pity for us. We have not heard a lecture since brother Collins left us last spring. But we expect to praise the Lord through time and eternity, that his steps were ever directed to this place. We hold prayer meetings once a week and our souls are blessed. As time advances, our faith grows strong, and we expect soon to see our Savior and praise him where there will be no opposers, for he will set all right. How it would rejoice our hearts to have a lecturer come this way; we should not mind going ten or fifteen miles to hear one. We will just say, if one will come, they will find more than one welcome home. Yours in the blessed hope. HST December 27, 1843, page 157.5
Oxford N. Y. Dec. 7th 1843.
Note. We cannot account for the non-receipt of the paper; we mail it regularly.
Brother David Plumb writes from Utica, Dec. 7
The fruit of your and brother Miller’s labors here last winter is manifest in a goodly number who are joyfully looking for the speedy coming of their blessed Lord. The church with which I labor are believers more or less strongly in the divine principles of the Advent, and are becoming more and more intelligently confirmed in his sublime view of the plan of God. This is a thrilling theme with us, either directly or indirectly, in all our meetings, and we imply it in urging forward every branch of truth and reform. Bro. Beach has lately been with us and gave us two or three Lectures, to the great comfort and satisfaction of the brethren. I have been giving two lectures a week for several weeks, and our meetings are becoming more interesting, and the truth is gradually extending. Practical Bible holiness is increasing among us, thus demonstrating that “he that hath this hope in him, purifieth himself, even as he is pure.” HST December 27, 1843, page 157.6
Bro. Miller stopped two or three hours in the city; he was nearly recovered, and in some respects his sickness, he informed us, had left him radically improved. Should his health and strength hold out, we expect he will spend a little time with us when he returns. His labors have had a blessed effect in Rochester. HST December 27, 1843, page 157.7
I feel thankful to God for the hallowed effect this truth has made upon my heart. I feel that “I am crucified to the world, and the world crucified to me.” I rejoice in the prospect of the speedy establishment of the “kingdom of our God and His Christ.” Not a Musselman’s Paradise, as the “Oberlin Evangelist” has lately intimated our heaven to be, but an immortal rest in the “New Heavens and New Earth, wherein dwelleth RIGHTEOUSNESS.” Fraternally yours in the faith, HST December 27, 1843, page 157.8
David Plumb.
NOTICE
It may be expected that a Second Advent Conference will commence at New Bedford, Jan. I, 1844, Providence permitting. HST December 27, 1843, page 157.9
Brethren Himes, Hervey, Porter, and others, will probably be present. HST December 27, 1843, page 157.10
NOTICE
An Advent Conference will be held at Chicopee Falls, commencing, if time continues, on Wednesday, Jan 9th, at 8o’clock in the evening, to continue over the Sabbath. Lecturers and other brethren are invited to be present. HST December 27, 1843, page 157.11
Notice. An Advent Conference will commence at Dover, the 10th of January, if time continues. Bro. Timothy Cole and others will attend. It is intended to be continued through the week. If practicable Bro. Himes will be present. HST December 27, 1843, page 157.12
“Influence of Millerism.”
Bro. Stephens of “Zion’s Herald,” in speaking of the causes of the embarrasment of their missionary operations, says: HST December 27, 1843, page 158.1
A fifth cause is the prevalence of heterodoxical opinions respecting the mission of the church. They who limit the influence of Millerism to those who have adopted its chronology, form a very inadequate estimate of its effects. It has affected the whole public mind of New England. Novel opinions, and especialy wrong opinions, have an indirect as well as direct influence. While the few may openly avow them, the sentiments of the many are more or less modified by them. At the beginning, while yet but few decidedly received Mr. Miller’s predictions, the whole public mind was interested in them. Those who would not hazard a word in their favor, still feared they might be true. This vague anxiety showed itself in a general interest in religion. But now that the time is passing away, we behold a universal reaction. During fifteen years past there has not been another period of equal indifference in religion—While this apprehention existed, vague as it was, it still neutralized the public interest in most matters affecting the future labors of the church, and now that it is subsiding, the reaction produces an apathy equally fatal. It would be useless to enter here into arguments against the chronological position of Millerism. Christianity required 4000 years for its introduction, and has not yet been in operation 2000. Strange as it may seem, that God in writing the book of time should make the preface twice as long as the main record itself, yet we know that no consideration can shake the confidence of those who with sincere hearts, though mistaken minds, are looking for the immediate appearing of their Lord. We can only pray that they may have grace to resist what must be the natural if not inevitable effects of their disappointment. HST December 27, 1843, page 158.2
While with many who have not fully received the chronology of Mr. Miller, the vague apprehension of its truth has had the effect mentioned, a larger class who have no respect for his chronology, have nevertheless received some of his collateral views, that cannot but dampen all missionary enterprise, and are the more pernicious because they will not pass away with the explosion of the rest of the theory. Many, contrary to the most obvious evidence, do not believe in the actual improvement of our race, have no confidence in the restoration of the Jews, no hopes of the future whatever; but look to the destruction of the world as the only relief to its sins and miseries.—Alas! what a view of the providence of God and the mission of Christianity, is this! And how slight the motives that remain with such for the great plans of modern Christianity? They find meanings for the prophecies relating to the Jews which the theologians of the last two centuries (the ablest since St. Paul) never dreamed of; and this, too, without the discovery of any lost historical evidence, or any new axiom in Biblical critcism, but by mere conjectural constructions. The dispersion and miraculous distinctness of that race in all climes and through long ages,—wonderful as drops in the ocean which should not blend with the mass of waters—a distinctness preserved more strictly than that of any other people, not excepting the African with his peculiar conformation and peculiar color, and which, so far as their discrimination from others is concerned, fits them at any moment to be gathered to their promised land, this perpetual miracle, suspending the strongest affinities of human nature, and the strongest tendencies of human society, is to them but a strange accident. We confess, that after all the new speculations on these and kindred subjects, we return to the old clear headed theologians of the Protestant church with unwavering confidence. We still believe in the predicted triumphs of Christian truth, and lament the recent novelties in opinion, not only as theological errors, but as obstacles to the success of the church.—Ministerial brethren, we must revise these studies, and remove from the public mind errors which thus strike at some of the strongest evidences as well as strongest motives of our religion. HST December 27, 1843, page 158.3
We believe the above to be one of the most effectual causes of decline in our missionary interests in the North. In respect to the first effect of it, time will soon come to our relief, and the second we hope will be corrected in the leisure of subsequent inquiries. HST December 27, 1843, page 158.4
Brother Litch sent the following reply to the editor, which he refused to publish. HST December 27, 1843, page 158.5
To the Editor of Zion’s Herald
Brother Stevens. I see in your paper of Nov. 22nd, in your editorial on “our missionary funds,” that among the “causes of deficiency” you have given the prevalence of “Millerism” a place. You say, “it has affected the whole public mind of New England” This is true. You say that even a “vague anxiety showed itself in a general interest in religion.” All this is true. But it is more true that the direct efforts of those who have lectured and preached, and spread light on this subject have been the humble instruments of awakening thousands to a sense of sin, and led them to Christ. I ask, then, if that is a bad tree which produces this fruit? But it is not this interest of which you complain, but “this apprehension of Christ’s coming, vague as it was, still neutralizes the public interest in most matters affecting the future labors of the church,” etc. I will not deny this. But I ask if it has neutralized their efforts for the present salvation of sinners? Have they not been as zealous and successful in heir efforts, as willing to make sacrifices, as free from the love of this world, and as eager after a heavenly inheritance, as their fellow Christians. Can you name instruments which have produced a greater effect on infidels, startled backsliders, aroused sinners, quickened the lukewarm, and exposed popery more successfully than the adventists, with the advent doctrine? Did any doctrine ever produce more careful and diligent study of the Bible, than this same doctrine? O, no. It is not any of these effects we deplore; but”—But what? “But it affects the future labors of he church!” Ah, that is the secret. It has exposed the heartlessness of the fable of a one thousand years of universal peace to the church before the Lord comes. HST December 27, 1843, page 158.6
That is a great concession you make, when you say, “ministerial brethren, we must revise these studies, and remove from the public mind, errors which strike at some of the strongest evidences as well as some of the strongest motives of our religion.” Is it so, that after all your labors, all the efforts of Doctors of Divinity, Doctors of medicine, Theological Professors, and collegiate professors, learned ministers and learned editors? Is it so, that these studies must be revised? That they are all yet so loose and uncouth, that they must be revised before they are fit to be presented to the people? Yes, it is so. HST December 27, 1843, page 158.7
But, brother Stevens, I hope in this revision, the first point to which you will turn your attention, will be the solution of the following problem.—“If, with all the causes of death which have been operating ever since the flood, to lessen and keep back the increase of the population of the earth, that population has actually increased in 4131 years, (the vulgar reckoning) from eight souls, to 900,000,000, now on earth? following the same ratio, what will be the number of the earth’s inhabitants at the end of a 1000 years from now? How many persons would it be necessary to place on each square foot of the globe’s surface, in order for them to have a place here? HST December 27, 1843, page 158.8
Now don’t run around this without looking it in the face. It is a simple problem, but it will show you a physical impossibility that we shall ever have a millennium on this earth while men are born and die. All the men and learning in the world cannot prove a millennium of the stamp which has so ardently been expected. The Lord’s coming is our only hope of deliverance from the curse under which creation groans; and it is the joy of my heart that his blessed word assures us that coming is near, even at the door. And I most fully believe that word teaches that he will come this year. Don’t then, my dear brother, don’t lull a poor sinful world to sleep with the hope of the future, while the Judge stands at the door. Our faith, as adventists, is in God’s word, and was never more strong than now. And if your confession to me is true, as I doubt not it is, you have had good reason to be silent; that is, you know nothing of the subject. What a concession for God’s minister and Zion’s Herald! HST December 27, 1843, page 158.9
Yours, affectionately. J. Litch. HST December 27, 1843, page 158.10
The First and Second Coming of Christ.—The Jews came up to the first coming of Christ in a most irreligious slate of mind.—They seem to have regarded and treated it as a political event merely; they approached it not “as it were by faith,” but ambition. They wanted a king, who both could and would avenge them of their enemies. They rushed upon the most religious and solemn occurrence in the history of the world—an occurrence which cost the Son of God his life—as a horse rusheth into the battle; and fell victims to their own ungodliness and presumption, as the ox falls before the hammer. HST December 27, 1843, page 158.11
Now, it is most undeniable that Christians are approaching the second coming of the Lord with a disposition of soul and a state of mind blind and hardened in nature, identical with that of the Jews at his first appearing.—They are not anxious for it; or having some impressions that they may be in the vicinity of the great period, they are not careful to regard it as they ought—a great, solemn, and eternally weighty religious event—the appearing of the great God and our Savior Jesus Christ. HST December 27, 1843, page 158.12
Had the Jews approached the first appearing of the Son of God with faith in God; had they been the subjects of a purifying religious hope; had they really possessed the love of God in their hearts, and by these principles in full operation waited for the Messiah; they would have been saved every man of them.—But it was all trade, commerce, politics and law. They were the children of Abraham, the elect people, and had never, they said, been in bondage to any man. Earthly, sensual, and demoniac, they stumbled, fell, were broken, and scattered to the four winds of heaven, a hissing and a proverb. Now, will it be better with Christians? It cannot be half so well. Many will not even look at the second coming in any point of view. Others say “We are ready.” And so they are, if the event were not a religious, but purely a political change, like our own revolution of ‘76. But are such people prepared for this most holy, solemn, and awful event, by a careful and prayerful self-examination? No, no. The stamp of its greatness, pomp and holiness, is not seen in their lives. They are treating the most extraordinary event as an ordinary one, and are approaching it with ordinary views and ordinary feelings. Our teachers are all treacherous as an ancle out of joint, or a broken reed. They feel that a word on the subject would involve their popularity and their living, and they are exasperated by the fact. They even advise their brethren to have nothing to do with it, and are utterly reprobate in their mind touching the proximity of the event. They must have a Millennium at all hazards. What then is to be the fate of such traitors to the souls of their countrymen and their fellow-citizens in the kingdom of God? The fear of man has ensnared them; the love of money and of popularity has blinded their eyes, hardened their heart, and palsied their tongue. HST December 27, 1843, page 158.13
Let me warn my readers against approaching the solemn crisis of the coming of Christ in an ordinary state of mind. Treat it not as a political event. Remember the great God and Savior is in it, and prepare for it accordingly. W. S. HST December 27, 1843, page 159.1
[From Belknaps Collection of Hymns.] HST December 27, 1843, page 159.2
“THE MARRIAGE OF THE LAMB.”
“All ye who faithful servants are
Of our Almighty King,
Both high and low, and small and great,
His praise devoutly sing.
HST December 27, 1843, page 159.3
“Let us rejoice! and render thanks
To his most holy name!
Rejoice! rejoice! for now is come
The marriage of the Lamb.
HST December 27, 1843, page 159.4
“His bride herself has ready made,
How pure and white her dress!
This is the Saint’s integrity,
And spotless holiness.
HST December 27, 1843, page 159.5
“How happy, then, is every one
Who to the marriage feast,
And holy supper of the Lamb,
Is called—a welcome guest.”
HST December 27, 1843, page 159.6
Prejudice.—Doubtless a great reason why so many reject the Bible doctrine of the Advent is because they will not examine both sides of the question for themselves. The following extracts, illustrative of this, we cut from the Hartford Universalist:— HST December 27, 1843, page 159.7
“A few days since, I was travelling in the stage coach with several individuals. As we passed a beautiful! grove, one of the passengers observed that during the past season the believers in the Second Advent had held a camp meeting in it. ‘Of all humbugs,’ replied another, ‘Millerism is the greatest.’ ‘Allow me to ask,’ said the former, ‘whether you have read their expositions of the prophecies; or have you examined the prophecies with reference to the second coming of Christ?’ ‘I have done neither,’ replied the other. ‘I consider him who would spend his time in that manner but a fool or fanatic.’ ‘But,’ continued he, ‘you are one of Miller’s disciples, are you?’ ‘By no means,’ answered the other, ‘and perhaps for this simple reason, I have had no opportunity to examine the evidences and proofs that have led Mr. Miller to his present conclusions. How absurd for me, who have neither studied nor reflected upon the subject, to say his views are all a humbug. Before I can decide upon the truth or falsity of a subject, I must understand the subject.’ The other made no reply. After listening to the foregoing conversation, I was led to reflect upon the condemnatory spirit of the age in which we live. Any thing that squares not with our ignorance, our preconceived notions or opinions, is a humbug—is false, ridiculous, or absurd. Galileo’s discoveries—the revolution of the earth around the sun—the sattelites of Jupiter, etc. etc, why these were not only humbugs to the poor unthinking clods about him, but sins,—which he atoned for by a public recantation, and twelve years’ imprisonment in a dungeon. HST December 27, 1843, page 159.8
“Perhaps I may say, that the clergy are less inclined to examine both sides of a question or doctrine, than almost any other class. They seem to take it for granted, that all who differ from them are in error. And instead of examining their doctrines or opinions, they denounce them as visionaries, heretics, or infidels. HST December 27, 1843, page 159.9
“Reports are not always to be relied on. Often they are put in circulation by enemies, for unholy purposes. Suppose a stranger from Gaul had visited Jerusalem in the time or our Savior, and listened to the Pharisees’ report of the Son of God—how much truth would he have obtained? For myself, I never decide in regard to the doctrines of any sect, until I understand them as the sect understands and believes them. And before I condemn them, I strive to put myself in their place, to see, as it were, with their eyes, to hear with their ears, and to think with their minds. HST December 27, 1843, page 159.10
“But in conclusion let me say, I admire the man who patiently and calmly examines every doctrine, theory or opinion, before he decides upon its merits. Give me the man who seeks for the truth in religion, in politics, in science, in every thing. Such an one denounces nothing, condemns nothing, until he sees it as it is.” HST December 27, 1843, page 159.11
DIES IRA
[Composed by Thomas De Colcno, who was a Monk of the Twelfth Century. Translated by Andrew Dickenson.] HST December 27, 1843, page 159.12
That day of wrath—tremendous day!
(So David and the Sybil say,)
With whirlwind fires the world shall burn!
O then! what trembling will there be,
When Christ descends in majesty,
Upon the resurrection morn!
HST December 27, 1843, page 159.13
With wondrous power the trump shall sound!
Death and the Dead it shall astound.
And rend the tombs of every land!
The whole creation shall arise
To meet th’ Almighty in the skies,
And at his dread tribunal stand!
HST December 27, 1843, page 159.14
The mountains cleave! volcanoes wreath
Strange fires, disgorg’d from earth beneath,
That in conflicting flames are flung;
Affrighted Ocean heaves amain!
Creation travaileth in pain!
Heaven is with ruin overhung!
HST December 27, 1843, page 159.15
Lo! in mid-heavens that great white throne!
Nature convulsive heaves a groan
The Nations look in dread amaze!
Guilt shall behold, with anguish dire,
His eyes like fiercely flaming fire,
And shrink from the oppressive blaze!
HST December 27, 1843, page 159.16
‘Tis Heaven’s great King! tremendous Pow’r!
Where wilt thou fly at this dread hour?
Where seek relief from thy distress?
For lo! the Crucified is come
To fix thy everlasting doom.
And judge the world in righteousness!
HST December 27, 1843, page 159.17
Earthquakes and thunders now prevail,
While trembling sinners weep and wail,
To see the Book of Doom display’d:
O dread Remembrancer of Thought.
Whence every sin to light is brought,
To make the guilty soul afraid.
HST December 27, 1843, page 159.18
O kind Redeemer! hear my prayer:
Save me that day from black despair,
Thou, who had’st pity on the thief:
Thou, who did’st Mary’s sins forgive,
Be merciful, and let me live,
Though I of sinners am the chief.
HST December 27, 1843, page 159.19
Thou, who sat’st wearied on the well;
Who toil’d to save lost sons from hell;
Let not such travail be in vain:
Thou, who for me hast borne the cross,
And hung thereon, (a bleeding curse,)
O save me from eternal pain!
HST December 27, 1843, page 159.20
A suppliant at thy holy throne,
My guilt and worthlessness I own,
And only plead that Jesus bled:
Receive me, O thou Crucified,
Because for sinners thou hast died,
Eternal Judge of Quick and Dead!
HST December 27, 1843, page 159.21
Me absolution thou hast given;
Faith to my soul hath open’d Heaven,
And Mercy whispereth of grace:
Eternal King! at that great day,
When earth and heaven shall pass away,
Among thy sheep give me a place!
HST December 27, 1843, page 159.22
When wrapp’d in flame this rolling world
Is in one fiery ruin hurl’d
And there is no more earth and sea;
When to thy Kingdom Thou shalt come,
And guilty souls receive their doom,
O, then! my God! remember me!
HST December 27, 1843, page 159.23
Prof. Stuart.—When we see such men as Professor Stuart, forced by the power of truth, to abandon the old, antiquated, erroneneous notions concerning the Apocalypse, we are inspired with hope. In his zeal to overthrow Millerism, the Professor has involved himself in a dilemma, from which he will find it no easy matter to retreat. In his ‘Hints on the Interpretation of Prophecy’ he confutes Miller’s views of the second coming of Christ, by taking Universalist ground, and limiting the fulfilment of the predictions of the Revelator, to a time not far distant from that in which they were made. The utterance of such doctrine by Moses Stuart is a new thing under the sun. It tends, as we are told by a Presbyterian paper of repute the opinions of Prof. Bush do, fearfully to Universalism. HST December 27, 1843, page 159.24
Professors Stuart and Bush are liberalizing the minds, and enlightening the understandings of the ‘Calvinistic party’ by administering small doses of Universalism as remedies for the popular tumults and excitements.—Hartford Universalist. HST December 27, 1843, page 159.25
Apostacies.—The New Englander states that within the last five and twenty years no less than three clergymen of the Episcopal church in Connecticut have become Papists; viz: Dr. Kewley, of Middletown, Mr. Barber of Waterbury, and Mr. White of Kerby. HST December 27, 1843, page 159.26
SIGNS OF THE TIMES
BOSTON, DEC. 27, 1843.
TABERNACLE
Lectures at the Tabernacle every Sunday at 10 o’clock, A. M. at half past 2 P. M. and at half past 6 in the evening. SEATS FREE- The public generally are respectfully invited to attend. HST December 27, 1843, page 160.1
Advent Meetings during the week
Tuesday and Thursday evenings, Lectures and Conference at the Tabernacle at 7 o’clock. HST December 27, 1843, page 160.2
Monday, Wednesday and Friday evenings, at Advent Saloon over Boylston Market, entrance on Boylston St. HST December 27, 1843, page 160.3
Advent brethren and sisters in the city and vicinity, are respectfully invited to attend. HST December 27, 1843, page 160.4
FOREIGN NEWS
The Hibernia arrived from Liverpool the 19th inst., yet brings but little news of any interest. The state trials in Ireland are postponed to the middle of January, and every thing continues quiet. HST December 27, 1843, page 160.5
Advices from Constantinople, states that the Porte begins to entertain serious apprehensions as to the result of the late movement in Greece. These movements have also given great offence to the Emperor of Russia. HST December 27, 1843, page 160.6
In Italy there is still disaffection. Letters from Leghorn of the 11th inst, say, that the people of Naples were in a state of great excitement, expecting some sudden movement; and that the insurgents in the Papal states were not entirely dispersed. The inhabitants of Messina were in a constant state of alarm, at the last accounts, from the repeated shocks of earthquakes. Mount Etna was in a state of unusual commotion. HST December 27, 1843, page 160.7
From an official report it appears that the Roman Catholics have in India, China, and the rest of Asia, sixty-nine bishops, twenty coadjutors, 1856 priests, and 2, 211, 000 members HST December 27, 1843, page 160.8
Turkey and Egypt.—The French journals announce the receipt of letters, containing the important intelligence, that Achmet-Pacha, governor of Senaar, after having disobeyed the often repeated summons of Mehemet-Ali, commanding him to repair to Cairo to receive instructions respecting the government of his province, had declared himself independent of the Viceroy, and had advised the latter of arrangements recently concluded with the Sultan, investing him with an independent administratration in consideration of the payment of a stipulated annuity. HST December 27, 1843, page 160.9
Great Catholic Movement.—Intelligence has been received from the head quarters of Romanism, which indicate new and extensive plans for the subjugation of this country to the Papal power. It is announced that nine new Catholic bishops have been appointed, principally for the West, who, of course, are to go forth as apostles of Popery in that new and forming region. So if Protestantism does not see the importance of securing the West, Popery does. The names of these worthies are as follows: Rt. Rev. Mr. O’Conner, D. D., Bishop of Pittsburg; Rt. Rev. Wm. Quarters, D. D., Bishop of Chicago; Rt. Rev. Andw. Byrnes, D. D., Bishop of Arkansas; Rt. Rev. John McClusky, D. D., Assistant Bishop of New York; Rt. Rev. Mr. Henrie, D. D., Bishop of Milwaukie; Rt. Rev. Mr. Blanchet, D. D., Bishop of Oregon; Rt. Rev. John Fitzpatrick, D. D., Assistant Bishop of Boston; Rt. Rev. Mr. Tyler, D. D., Bishop of Hartford; Rt. Rev. Mr. Reynolds, D. D., Bishop of Charleston. HST December 27, 1843, page 160.10
We perfectly accord with the editors of the N. Y. Evangelist, who say,—there is something in this rapid increase of Popery, which must strike every Protestant who loves the Bible or the freedom and salvation which it procures, most painfully. It is becoming a serious question, whether the heritage of our fathers is to be taken from us. Most vigorous exertions are making to do it; and these are aided by the enemies of spiritual religion and freedom at home. There is no charm in our free institutions by which such assaults can be repelled without effort; and sure we may be, that without an amount of prayer and effort on the part of the friends of religion vastly exceeding any previous outlay, these schemes will be successful, and the present generation may live to sing the dirge of liberty. These are no times for indifference or slumber.—N. E. Puritan. HST December 27, 1843, page 160.11
Errata. We are sorry to see that our printer admitted several errors into brother Hawley’s last article. On 1st page 2nd col. 20 lines from top, “should be relinquished,” was printed “should relinquished;” same col. 19 lines from bottom, “objection” was given in the plural form. “Sustained” on p. 2, col. 3, and 22 lines from top, should read “retained.” “Time,” on 3rd page 3rd column and 6 lines from the top, should read line. In the table from Rollin, the reign of Alexander I of 26 years, was left out entirely. The table from Prideaux was also so disarranged that we re-insert it corrected. There were farther some unimportant errors in punctuation and orthography, which the reader will see are typographical. HST December 27, 1843, page 160.12
| Succession. | Years. | References. |
| 1. Joiada. | 35 13 | Neh xii 10 Pried’s vol i p 433. |
| 2. Johanan, (Jonathan,) | 32 | “ ” 11 “ 265 to 290 |
| 3. Jaddua, | 20 | “ ” 11 “ 290 ” 350 |
| 4. Onias, I. | 21 | Prid vol. ii. 350 “ 395 |
| 5. Simon the just, | 9 | “ ” 395 “ 411 |
| 6. Elenzer, | 15 | “ ” 411 |
| 7. Manesseh, | 26 | “ vol. iii. 113 ” 225 |
| 8. Onias II. | 33 | “ ” 113 ” 154 |
| 9. Simon II. | 22 | “ ” 154 “ 185 |
| 10. Onanias III, | 27 | “ ” 183 “ 215 |
| 11. Jason, | “ ” 215 “ 220 | |
| 12. Manelaus, | “ ” 220 “ 299 |
Princes of Judea
| 1. Judas Maccabeus, | 6 | “ ” 252 “ 335 |
| 2. Jonathan, | 17 | “ ” 335 “ 375 |
| 3. Simon, | 8 | “ ” 375 “ 395 |
| 4. John Hyrcanus, | 29 | “ ” 895 iv 7 |
Kings of Judea
| 1. Ariatobulus, I., | 1 | “ vol. iv. 7 to 13 | |
| 2. Alex. Jannaeus, | 27 | “ ” 13 to 43 | |
| 3. Alexandra, | 9 | “ ” 43 “ 62 | |
| 4. Aristobulus II., | 6 | “ ” “ 62 ” 99 | |
| 5. Hyrcanus, II., | 24 | “ ” 99 “ 193 | |
| 6. Antigonus, | 2 | “ ” 193 “ 204 | |
| 7. Herod The Gr’t, 33 | “ ” 359 “ 362 | ||
| Christ born in his 33rd year, Herod’s last yr. 1 | “ ” 368 “ 370 | ||
| 8. Archaelaus, | 10 | “ ” 371 “ 373 | |
| 9. Augustus, | 6 14 | “ ” 373 “ 379 | |
| 10. Tiberius, | 15 | “ ” 379 “ 384 | |
| ‘63 wks of Daniel 9:26, 434 | Ezra 13 Ezra 7:11-do. | ||
| Add ‘7 wks.’ Daniel 9:25, 49 | Nehemiah 1 2:13, 15. 190. | ||
| First commis. | Nehemiah 2:1-6. | ||
| Ch’ts min’y 3yrs. 6 mo | second do. 11 | “ v. 6. Prid | |
| conver. of Con., 3yr 6m 7 | 7 his return | ii. 146-151 | |
| make 1 or last wk. Daniel 9:27 | to Persia, 5 | “ v. 14; 2:6, | |
| Third com. 19 | “ ii 151. xiii | ||
| to close of the | “ 6, 7. do ii 190. | ||
| Old Test. Canon. | “ 7-22. do ii. | ||
| __ | 208-225 | ||
| Total | 49 | 490 | |
A London paper says that the estimate usually adopted of the proportion of Christians to the Jews is, that there are in the world 2,500,000 Jews, and 200,000,000 Christians. The Mahomedans are calculated to reach 140, 000, 000, and those whole follow neither the Jewish, Christian, nor Mahomedan faith, about 650, 000, 000. HST December 27, 1843, page 160.13
Brother I. E. Jones writes,— HST December 27, 1843, page 160.14
“My faith has become almost a reality; my mind has no anxiety respecting the Lord’s speedy coming, but to be ready. How is it that so many are complaining that they do not realize the event as much as formerly? I cannot solve this doubt. Eternity surely hangs over us.” HST December 27, 1843, page 160.15
To Correspondents.—The book of Esdras having never been received as inspired by the Jews or Gentiles in any age, and having always regarded as apocryphal, we should not feel justified in refering to it in proof of the doctrine of the advent.—Without its aid, we have abundant and conclusive proof of our position; and it would only weaken the evidence we have, in the minds of many, by refering to that which is doubtful, as they would suppose we were dependent on such an argument. HST December 27, 1843, page 160.16
The ten kingdoms of Rome now existing are according to E. Irwin: France, Britain, Spain, Portugal, Naples, Tuscany, Austria, Lombardy, Rome, Ravenna. (See Miller’s Lectures, p. 36). The ancient Chaldee is now included within Turkey in Asia. HST December 27, 1843, page 160.17
Letters received to Dec. 23, 1843
Mary Atherton, by P. M. $1; R. W. S.; Springfield; N. Southard; T. F. Barry; R. W. Stearns, $1; do. $6 donation; E. W. Underhill; J. Marsh; M Stoddard; G. S. Miles, $10; R, Hutchinson; P. M. Quincy, Mass; J. Craig; J. Wolfstonholme; Orington $5; H Robbins, by P. M. $1; Alvah Brackett, by P. M. $1; D. E. Goodnough; H. B. Skinner; J. Weston; L. Caldwell; P. M. Fort Hamilton, N. Y; P. Hawkes; J. Hazleton; J. P. Richmond; Brethren at Westboro’; E. B. Gibbs, $2; L. F. Ailen, by P. M. SI; Hiram Clark, by P. M. $1; Dr. Baker by P. M $1; S. S. Snow; J. B. Payne, by P, M. $1; J. P. Jewett, $1, for Mrs. Litch; D. Churchill and J. Harvey; J. E. Jones; E. Lloyd; N. Dutton, $10; H. N. Drake, $3; M. D. Walker, $1; Mrs. R. Murphy, 50, and C. Burgess, 50, by P. M; G. Wyman, by P. M. $1; E. M. Alden; J. M. Shultz, $1 each, by P. M; H. W. Butterfield and S. Fuller, $1 each, by P. M; P. M. Moose Meadow, $5; P. M. Hillsboro’ N. H; Rev. P. C. Richmond, by P. M. $2; Elder Hamlin, by P. M. $1; L. Boutell; T. M. Preble; Elder J. Bowles, by P. M. $2; P. M. Derby Line; Jno. Fitts; Alden Sherwin, by P. M. $2; S. Jackson, by P. M. $1; J. Cushing and S. Smith, by P. M. $3, 1, 25 to credit of S. Smith; Henry Mellen, by P. M. $1; G. S. Miles; Hannah C. Brown; J. M. Dewey, $5; C. Wines, $10; P. M. Somersett, Ms; C. W. Mordough, by P. M. $1; F. G. Brown; P. M. Pittsburg, Pa; P. M. Augusta, III; Addison Warfield $1; A. B. Reed, by P. M. $1; J. Prior, R. Avery and S. Terry, by P. M. $1 each; A. Ferguson, J. Caw and A. B. Hamblin, by P. M. $1 each; Joshua Purington, by P. M. $1; H. Reynolds, by P. M. $5; P. M. Sharon, Vt; T. L. Tullock; J. A. Mellen, by P. M. $1; J. Marsh; Chs. Greene; N Bennett by P. M. $1. HST December 27, 1843, page 160.18
Packages Sent
R. W. Stearns, Springfield, Mass; Dr. Z. Baker, N. Bedford, Ms; G. S. Miles, Albany, N. Y; J. V. Himes, 9 Spruce St. N. Y; Elder J. Morse, Bradford, N. H; D. N. Trickey, Portsmouth, N. H; Churchill and Harvey, Woodstock N. B. to be left at the stage office, Holton, Me; F. G. Brown, N. Bedford, Ms; A. Sherwin, Grafton, Vt; J. M. Dewey, Milton, Vt; Henry Flagg, Worcester, Ms.; J Weston New Ipswich N. H. HST December 27, 1843, page 160.19