Signs of the Times and Expositor of Prophecy [Himes], vol. 5
Signs of the Times and Expositor of Prophecy [Himes], Vol. 5 (March 8 to August 16, 1843)
1843
March 8, 1843
Vol. V.-No. 1. Boston, Whole No.97
Joshua V. Himes
THE SIGNS OF THE TIMES,
AND EXPOSITOR OF PROPHECY.
Terms.—$1,00 per Vol. (24 Nos.) in advance Office No. 14 Devonshire Street, Boston. HST March 8, 1843, page 1.1
THE SIGNS OF THE TIMES
J. V. Himes, Josiah Litch, and S. Bliss, Editors
BOSTON. MARCH 8, 1843.
St. Paul’s Dissuasive from Consternation—considered and applied:”
By Rev. Asa Cummings.
This is the title of a discourse in the Portland Bulletin, to disprove the coming of Christ. The title alone proves that its author, although a Reverend, is not praying, “Come, Lord Jesus, come quickly;” that he is not loving his appearing; and that St. James’ exhortation to patience unto the coming of the Lord, would be thrown away upon him. No one who is longing for the coming of his Savior, would be filled with “consternation” at the thought of his coming. No faithful servant would be filled with consternation at his master’s appearing. No fond and devoted wife would need be dissuaded from consternation at her husband’s return. Nor would dutiful children have any consternation at their parent’s presence. The least hint at consternation on the return of a friend, a parent, a husband, or a master, would show that all was not right on the part of those possessed of such guilty fears. HST March 8, 1843, page 1.2
Throughout the Bible, the coming of Christ is spoken of as a most joyful event. Our Savior says, “Look up, and lift up your heads, for your redemption draweth nigh.” St. Paul says, of that event, “Wherefore, comfort one another with these words.” St. John prayed, “Come, Lord Jesus, come quickly,” and the apostle James was obliged to exhort the primitive church to patience for the time of that event. He says, 5:7, 8, “Be patient, therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. Behold, the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it, until he receive the early and latter rain. Be ye also patient; establish your hearts: for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh.” HST March 8, 1843, page 1.3
How a wife would dishonor her husband to hint at consternation at his coming! And how does a servant of the Lord dishonor his Master by any hint to dissuade from consternation his children at his return!! But should be reply, that, it is the enemies of Christ he is attempting to calm; then we have only to turn to the pages of inspiration and show that he has no such commission. The Bible gives no assurance of peace or safety to the wicked, and denounces woes upon those who shall dare so to teach. The unconverted man, who is in continual danger of death and the judgment, should be filled with the utmost consternation at his condition, and flee from the wrath to come. When, therefore, the professed ambassador of the Most High, instead of pointing such to the “ark of safety,” prostitutes his calling, and administers a quietus to their fears, there is danger of the blood of souls being found in his skirts to be required at his hand. Such unfaithful Watchmen can take either horn of the dilemma they please. If their object is to calm the wicked, they will bring upon themselves swift destruction. If their object is to dissuade from consternation the righteous, they are dishonoring their God and insulting the children of the Most High. HST March 8, 1843, page 1.4
So much for the TITLE of his discourse; and now for his TEXT. HST March 8, 1843, page 1.5
2 Thessalonians 2:1, 2, “Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto him, that ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand.” HST March 8, 1843, page 1.6
Here, as usual, with those on that side of the question, his text does not present the force of the connection. The whole connection shows why that event could not take place in Paul’s days. He says, 2 Thessalonians 2:1-3: “Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto him, that ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand. Let no man deceive you by any means; for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition; who opposeth and exaiteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he, as God, sitteth in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God. Remember ye not, that when I was yet with you, I told you these things? And now ye know what withholdeth that he might be revealed in his time. For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way. And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming.” HST March 8, 1843, page 1.7
According to the above, before Christ could come, there must be a falling away, and the man of sin be revealed. Mr. Cummings admits that this apostacy has taken place, and that the man of sin has been revealed, and yet quotes this very passage to show that Christ will not come now, when have been seen the very events which alone were to delay his coming. Such logic, if it prove anything, can only prove that Christ will never come. He has also gone into a long argument to show that because the coming of Christ was spoken of as near at hand 1800 years ago, that therefore, it cannot be near at hand. Now that also can only prove he will never come; for upon that principle the nearer we come to an event, the farther the event would be from us. Therefore he virtually makes the looking for the blessed hope of the glorious appearing of the great God and our Savior Jesus Christ like the pursuit of an “ignus fatuus.” HST March 8, 1843, page 1.8
As he has admitted the fulfillment of every thing which his text and context included, we will notice in short, his reasons why that day cannot now come. The first is, The man of sin has not yet been destroyed. If he had been destroyed, it would militate against the doctrine of his coming, for the apostle assures us that he shall be destroyed by the brightness of Christ’s coming. His destruction cannot therefore precede his coming, which will not be delayed by any such event. His argument about requiring time for that event, does not seem like the stone being cut out of the mountain without hands and smiting the image on the feet and dashing it to pieces. Would that require time? HST March 8, 1843, page 1.9
He says, 2. “It is affirmed in the sure Word of God, that the natural heavens and earth ‘shall wax old as doth a garment.’ Now what marks of age or decripitude can be discerned in the firmament, or on the surface of the ground? So far from this, a great part of the earth’s surface is, so to speak, in its native virginity, untouched by the hand of cultivation, and yet possessing a vigor of soil, and the sources of aliment to those products, which sustain animal life, which 50 generations of men could hardly exhaust. View this in connection with another inspired affirmation. It is said in the word of truth, that ‘God himself formed the earth and made it; that he established it, that he created it not in vain, that he formed it to be inhabited.’ Very strong language, an iteration of the expression, and of the idea, indicating the utmost certainty: He created it not in vain; he formed it to be inhabited. Now has this assurance been fulfilled, according to the import of the language? Who can believe it, while such immense tracts,—tracts too of boundless capabilities, remain untrodden by a human foot,—unless perchance some wandering savage may have, at distant intervals, pursued his game across it. But this is not to inhabit the earth, in any just meaning of the term. In the absence of all instruction on this point, it would be arrogance in us to assert that the earth was made in vain, even if the knell of its destruction should sound before it was overspread with human beings, dwelling in settled habitations; but since God affirms, that he formed it to be inhabited, we may be sure it will not rush to its catastrophe, till this design is accomplished. The earth has so many marks of youth, of freshness, and vigor, that it would contradict some of the most obvious analogies of God’s providence, to see it laid at once on the funeral pyre. This is, indeed, its ultimate doom, as I read the Scriptures; but other purposes of its creation are yet to be answered before the last conflagration. Reason teaches as much; Scripture makes it certain. HST March 8, 1843, page 1.10
“Then, there are inventions and discoveries of modern date, which promise to work a wonderful change in the state of the world, and by which it is not irreverent to believe that God intends to fulfill, in part, those assurances to which we have just alluded. Man has just acquired that power over the elements, by which he binds them to his service, and makes them transport his person and goods with the speed of the wind. What a facility is hence derived for peopling the earth, and bringing its remotest points into frequent correspondence. And this frequent intercourse can hardly fail to exert a most powerful influence instituting, or cherishing and perpetuating the relations of peace among the different branches of the human family. And when the sword shall cease to devour, and the arts of peace shall be universally cultivated, men will multiply beyond all former precedent, till at the end of a few generations, it will be demonstrated that God formed the earth to be inhabited.” HST March 8, 1843, page 1.11
Do the deserts of Asia and Africa, thousands of miles in extent,—all of which were fertile when the earth was Eden—show no signs of age? Do the countries of Arabia, Egypt, Idumea, Palestine, Persia, the worn-out hills of Europe, and the exhausted soil of the south, show no signs of age? Then again, was not that argument just as good before the flood? His agument with regard to the improvements of the age, would also have been equally valid before the flood, or the destruction of Sodom. HST March 8, 1843, page 2.1
If God made the earth to be inhabited, how can that be accomplished while man is only a pilgrim and stranger on the earth, and death cuts him asunder? The earth can never be inhabited until it is regenerated, and becomes the home of man. This will be when the wicked are cut off. Psalm 37:9-11, 22, 28, 29, 34: “For evil doers shall be cut off: but those that wait upon the Lord, they shall inherit the earth. For yet a little while, and the wicked shall not be: yea, thou shalt diligently consider his place, and it shall not be. But the meek shall inherit the earth; and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace. For such as be blessed of him shall inherit the earth; and they that be cursed of him shall be cut off. For the Lord loveth judgment, and forsaketh not his saints; they are preserved forever; but the seed of the wicked shall be cut off. The righteous shall inherit the land, and dwell therein forever. Wait on the Lord, and keep his way, and he shall exalt thee to inherit the land: when the wicked are cut off, thou shalt see it.” Proverbs 2:21, 22: “For the upright shall dwell in the land, and the perfect shall remain in it. But the wicked shall be cut off from the earth, and the transgressors shall be rooted out of it.” Proverbs 10:30: “The righteous shall never be removed: but the wicked shall not inhabit the earth.” Isaiah 60:21: “Thy people also shall be all righteous: they shall inherit the land forever, the branch of my planting, the work of my hands, that I may be glorified.” Matthew 5:5: “Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.” Revelation 5:10: “And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth.” HST March 8, 1843, page 2.2
His 3rd argument is that “God has promised, in his word, that the descendants of Abraham shall be restored to their standing in the church, and, as many believe for reasons not easily set aside, to Palestine, the country of their fathers.” HST March 8, 1843, page 2.3
Paul, however, says, Romans 2:28, 29. “For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly; neither is that circumcision, which is outward in the flesh: But he is a Jew which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God.” 4:13. “For the promise that he should be the heir of the world was not to Abraham, or to his seed, through the law, but through the righteousness of faith.” 9:6-3. “For they are not all Israel, which are of Israel: Neither, because they are the seed of Abraham, are they all children: but, In Isaac shall thy seed be called. That is, They which are the children of the flesh, these are not the children of God; but the children of the promise are counted for the seed.” 10:12. “For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him.” Galatians 3:16, 28, 29. “Now to Abraham and his seed were the promises made. He saith not, And to seeds, as of many; but as of one, And to thy seed, which is Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus. And if ye be Christ’s, then are ye Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.” HST March 8, 1843, page 2.4
To be continued.
THE PROPHECY OF DANIEL, LITERALLY FULFILLED
Considered in three Lectures, by nathaniel colver, Pastor of the First Baptist Free Church, Boston. HST March 8, 1843, page 2.5
In the first of these three Lectures, Mr. Colver, after some common place in relation to the difficulty of his undertaking, submits to his readers, first, a synopsis of the book of Daniel. Subsequently to this general statement he proceeds to inquire whether the numbers dispersed throughout the several visions, as 2300, 1290, 1335, etc., are to be understood as days, or years, that is, grammatically, or symbolically. He concludes by affirming that they are to be taken for days, and understood grammatically. HST March 8, 1843, page 2.6
In his second sermon Mr. Colver imbeds Rollin’s interpretation of the Little horn of the 8 chapter; and with the historian and Josephus affirms that the times spoken of relative to the vision of the Ram, the He-goat, and the Little Horn were all exhausted and literally fulfilled in the personal history of Antiochus, one of the Selencida. HST March 8, 1843, page 2.7
In the third of these Lectures are embraced Mr. Colver’s views of the other Little Horn of Daniel—that of the 7 chapter “I considered the horns and behold there came up among them another little horn,” etc., Daniel 7:8. The literal exponent of this symbol Mr. Colver affirms to have been the 5th Emperor of the Romans—Nero. HST March 8, 1843, page 2.8
The whole of the discourse, therefore, is strictly speaking an exposition, a professed exposition, of the two Little horns of Daniel, and of the Times relating to them. HST March 8, 1843, page 2.9
On the whole performence we would say—Whether Mr. Colver possesses the genius, and gravity of learning necessary for what some persons in Latin-Germanic style would denominate an exegesis of the much litigated points he has signalised and chosen for discussion, may appear to the readers of his pamphlet somewhat doubtful, but that there is in the Reverend Gentleman a vein of humor—a gay sarcasm, which he represses with difficulty, cannot be denied. If never weighty, he is certainly sometimes witty. If he displays not his matter with the dignity of a scholar, or the reverence of a saint, he is at least fond of his point, and determined to make it at all hazards. Finally, if this gentleman’s views are correct, then any appeal to the prophecies of Daniel for the second “appearing and kingdom” of Christ will ever be made in vain. HST March 8, 1843, page 2.10
Let us attend briefly to the subject of his first discourse.—“Whether there is any law of prophetic interpretation, which will warrant us in understanding [days] as of so many years.” p. 11. HST March 8, 1843, page 2.11
After observing that his inquiry involves a point of no ordinary interst Mr. Colver proceeds as follows;—“From the time of Mede, it seems to have been pretty generally taken for granted, by the great body of commentators and expositors “that in the prophetic writings a day stands for a year. But we feel disposed to call in question this assumption,“etc. That Mr. Colver in this question should oppose himself to “the great body of commentators and expositors” in the Protestant world, is perfectly allowable, because, on this plain hypothesis, that the great body of it may be wrong, it might be neccassary for him to differ from them; but that he should “feel disposed” to do so, is not so amiable. We ought never to be “disposed,“but compelled only, to differ from such men as the two Newtons, Mede, and the other illustrious scholars who form the great body of commentators and expositors of prophecy; and it ought to have been only upon a rigid induction of consequences the most obvious, that Mr. Colver should have said, if he should have said it at all, that a rule of interpretation embraced by men of their profound erudition, “might evolve as many systems, from the book of Daniel or. Hosea as the celebrated Paganini could play tunes upon one string of his viol, and render them liable to as great a variety of extent as a gum-elastic rule.” p. 13. I know not what others may think of this comparison, but it is not impossible that the solemnity of those immortal minds, whose rules Mr. Colver opposes, might at a moment of reflection almost excelling human, have been seasonably broken in upon by it, and afforded a well merited moment of relaxation by the fact, for who can imagine that Newton or Mede could have done less than smiled to hear their rules compared to catouche, and the cat-gut of the celebrated Paganini, an Italian violin player?! HST March 8, 1843, page 2.12
The question which came before the mind of Mr. Colver in this lecture, was, strictly speaking, the following:—Is time symbolized in the writings of the prophets; It has been said that chronology and geography are the two handmaids of history; and therefore it would have been an approach to the settlement of this question—touching chronology—for the reverend gentlemen to have determined first, whether history and geography were symbolized in the writings of the prophets; but he has done neither the one nor the other: He has not even taken the difference between grammatical and symbolical prophecy; and yet this distinction forms the logical data of his question, without which it could neither be fairly argued nor originated. When the prophet foretold that God would on account of their unbelief detain Israel in the wilderness—and detain them forty years, the prophecy was delivered in grammatical style, and the history, and the chronology of the history were alike to be understood gramatically; and so of innumerable other prophecies; as that of the flood; that of Hezekiah who had 15 years added to his life; that touching the breaking of Ephraimin sixty-five years; that of the captivity in Babylon, for seventy years, and that of Jonah to Nineveh, etc. All which are in alphabetical and unsymbolized style, and to be understood both in their history and chronology accordingly. HST March 8, 1843, page 2.13
But again: let us look at Nebuchadnezzar’s image, the vision of the four wild beasts and that of the Ram etc, in Daniel; also the seven seals, the seven trumpets, and the seven vials,the woman clothed with the sun, the dragon, the beast, the harlot, the olive trees, and the witnesses, etc. in the book of the Revelations, and we see prophecy delivered in a very different style truly—not in common alphabetical language, but in the language of symbols—a language which addresses the eye rather than the understanding. Now many of these prophecies embody time. Thus—time, times and the dividing of time, 2300 days, 70 weeks, 1260, 1290, and 1335 days, 3 1-2 days, 42 months, 3 1-2 years, etc, etc. HST March 8, 1843, page 2.14
If now prophecy is expressed in Scripture both gramatically and symbolically, and the reader knows it is, the inquiry, whether time is expressed under the same double phasis, cannot easily, one would imagine, be deemed illegitimate. Is it more irrational to make a day represent a year, than a piece of metal a kingdom, or the destruction of a wild beast, a revolution in the empire? Certainly it is not. But we have said, what has often been said before, that chronology and geography are the two handmaids of history. Now if history and her one handmaid be symbolized, why may not history and her other handmaid be symbolized. That geography is symbolized in symbolic prophecy is susceptible of very plain proof. For instance; In Daniel 7th chapter. The civilized world is represented by “the great sea; In the Revelations, the western Roman empire by the “wilderness;” Papal geography by “the throne of the beast;” France by “the sun,” and Turkey by “the Euphrates,” etc. We hence conclude that there is no absurdity in the supposition that in symbolic prophecy time, as well as history and geography, may be symbolized. HST March 8, 1843, page 3.1
Now overlooking the necessary distinction which obtains in the language of prophecy, and the reasonableness of the inquiry, “Whether lime is symbolized,” Mr. Colver cites his readers to grammatical prophecies in which time is expressed literally—a day for a day, and a year for a year—and applying to these the rule which others apply only to time as found in symbolic prophecy, he very easily and felicitously gives an air of folly to the whole matter. For instance, God threatened, in plain alphabetical and unsymbolized style, that he would keep the Israelites 40 years in thewilderness—a prophecy belonging to a class wholly excluded by its very nature from this inquiry—when Mr. Colver, either ignorant of this, or regardless of it, very jocosely concludes as follows: HST March 8, 1843, page 3.2
“Had one of our modern expositors been there, to have applied the rule which we are combatting, and have exercised the same liberty in expounding this threatening, that is exercised in expounding the “time, times and a half” of Daniel and of the Apocalypse; he would have had the forty years, or times into days, counting “prophetic numbers,” a year for a day; and then the poor Israelites must have wandered fourteen thousand and six hundred years! Fortunate for the good Caleb and Joshua, that the “venerable Mede” did not live and write before them; or the poor men would have been as unbelieving as their brethren had been, about ever entering the promised land.” HST March 8, 1843, page 3.3
The time, times and a half above mentioned belong to a prophecy of a very different class from that in which the forty years are found. the prophecy of Isaiah touching the lengthening of king Hezekiah’s life for fifteen years more; that of Jonah, for the destruction of Nineveh in forty days, and the historic fact of Daniel’s fasting three whole weeks, are all forced into a question from which by their very nature they are excluded, and made to become the illigitimate exponents, of a rule by which they were never intended to be measured by “the great body of commentators and expositors of prophecy” to whom Mr. Colver chooses voluntarily to oppose himself. HST March 8, 1843, page 3.4
Mr. Colver says of the rule which he here combats, that it must be of “universal, or arbitrary application;” that is, it must either apply to all prophecy-grammatical, typical and symbolical, or it can apply to none of them except by some arbitrary theory. In accordance with this simple remark he cites the grammatical prophecy of God to Abraham that his family should be strangers in a land not their own for 400 years; and then with the felicity of a writer, who has overlooked the most obvious distinctions subsisting among the things of which he writes, adds that Abraham’s family according to this rule ought to have been strangers 146,000 years! HST March 8, 1843, page 3.5
But are rules only “universal or arbitrary?” Are they never special? Certainly they are. The rule then, that “In symbolic prophecy time like history and geography, is symbolic,” is a special rule, and extends only to prophecies of a particular class. And the fact that Mr. Colver was either ignorant of this or disregarded it, is a proof that he was unqualified to settle the question which he has in his first discourse undertaken to argue. HST March 8, 1843, page 3.6
In his first sermon Mr. Colver is witty not weighty, popular not profound, and writes evidently for the many, not the few, the ignorant rather than the learned; and whether or not he is well informed, it is certain he is not very well instructed, for he has mistaken ridicule for logic, and the creations of his own unchastened fancy for the very reasonable rules of those illustrious men to whom he is pleased voluntarily to oppose himself—Evan. HST March 8, 1843, page 3.7
The Cause in Vermont
Brother C. Morley writes us, dated Feb. 11, that he has lectured on the Second Advent with much success at Granville, Vt. At first, there was some opposition, but it soon gave way, so that on the seventh and last day, more than one hundred manifested their belief in the immediate coming of Christ, and many found the Savior precious to their souls. About one half of all the youth in that town over ten years, are hopefully pious, and many of the remainder are anxious. HST March 8, 1843, page 3.8
He gave three lectures at East Dorset, to solemn and attentive audiences. HST March 8, 1843, page 3.9
On his way to Vermont, he lectured on reaching S. Williamston, Ms. and distributed some books where the church had been very cold and dead, for ten or fifteen years. On his return, he found that a revival had commenced from the seed then sown. While lecturing there, on his return, he says: HST March 8, 1843, page 3.10
A Mr. Wade, a very profane and intemperate man was swearing in a most violent manner against the Second Advent doctrine, and against me for preaching it, a pious lady rebuked him for his wickedness; he then inquired of her if she believed that the end of the world was nigh; she replied that she believed that it was, he gazed at her in silent astonishment and trembled, he went home and paced his room in agony, he passed a sleepless night, and the next day asked Christians to pray for him, he was the first convert. Mrs. B., where I stayed, anxiously inquired of me what she should do to be saved; I pointed her to Christ; the next Sabbath morning she was rejoicing in Christ. At the usual prayer meeting on Sabbath evening, the room was full of weeping anxious sinners. The work is still progressing powerfully. HST March 8, 1843, page 3.11
The pastor of the Congregational church at Curtisville, Mass. requested me to spend the Sabbath with him and lecture in his church; but one of his deacons and a deist heard of it, and came to the minister and declared that there should be no lecture in the church on the Second Advent. The deacon and deist were made friends, Herod and Pilate like. The minister having the fear of man, then refused, to have me lecture on that subject, but requested me to take part in the exercises, I told him that I felt it my duty to decline, and I determined not to go where my Savior is not admitted; hence I did not go to the church. HST March 8, 1843, page 3.12
Albany, Feb. 11, 1843. HST March 8, 1843, page 3.13
Letter from J. W. Cheney
Dear Brother Himes:—Since brother Miller was here in Aug. last, the subject of the second advent has occupied no small share of the minds of this community, and the interest on this theme is by no means growing less, but it is increasing continually; there are some among us, who say, Mr. Miller ought to be confined in prison, and those who advocate this doctrine ought not to be permitted to hold meetings or speak on the subject. Should the enemy prevail, and brother Miller be given into his hands, and he cast into prison, he would no doubt make as great a mistake as he did when he cast John Bunyan into prison. HST March 8, 1843, page 3.14
Some say, if Christ should not come this year it will make infidels. Now, sir, I want to tell you what kind of infidels the preaching of this doctrine has made here among us. Since brother Miller lectured here, there has been, in the judgment of charity, a number who have embraced the Savior, they said if Christ is coming so soon, we are not prepared to meet him, and set about the work immediately; some of these have united with the church; I have been interested in the answers they gave in their examination before the church, for instance, if the Lord should not come this year, would you give up your hope, would your faith and confidence in the word of God fail; No, no, if he does not come this year, we will watch and wait till he does come. Now I ask, is the church in any danger from such persons, who manifest such a spirit of infidelity as this, let those answer who raise the cry, it will make infidels. HST March 8, 1843, page 3.15
Yours, in the blessed hope of the glorious appearing soon. Brandon, Feb. 14th, 1843. HST March 8, 1843, page 3.16
We bear our testimony against the ridicule—the nonsensical and wicked remarks which are made by the ungodly respecting Mr. Miller’s theory. Whether his views are true or false, they show their depravity in trifling with such solemn subjects. God pity them, and awaken them to their own danger!—John the Baptist. HST March 8, 1843, page 3.17
SIGNS OF THE TIMES
J. V. Himes, Josiah Litch, and S. Bliss, Editors
BOSTON, MARCH 8, 1843.
Review of the Past, with the present and future prospects of the cause
Four volumes of the Signs of the Times were completed, and three years expired with the publication of our last number. With the commencement of a new volume, it may not be inappropriate to give a brief review of the past, embracing a notice of the obstacles and embarrassments encountered at the outset, a rehearsal of the success which has attended our efforts to promulge the truth thus far,—and an avowal of our designs and expectations in regard to the future. HST March 8, 1843, page 4.1
With regard to the past, we have abundant reason to bless God for the signal marks of favor and approbation with which he has blessed our labors. We commenced the publication of this sheet in the midst of discouragements and opposition. Friends spake doubtingly, and foes ridiculed openly, the undertaking; and added to this we were without pecuniary resources. But having become fully persuaded that the cause we had espoused belonged to God, we felt assured of His gracious aid, and accordingly entered the field and drove our stakes, committing our all unto Him, regardless of the fears and misgivings of friends on the one hand, and the ridicule and contempt of foes on the other, by which our projected effort was universally assailed. HST March 8, 1843, page 4.2
The result has proved that our confidence was not misplaced; for God has indeed owned and blessed the truth we have endeavored to spread among the people, in a degree and manner exceeding greatly our most sanguine hopes. The soul thrilling doctrine of the Second Advent nigh, universally despised at first, in spite of all efforts to choke it, rapidly continued to gain for itself advocates and friends among the honest-hearted and the candid of all classes throughout the land. The progress of truth has been steadily onward; and thus the little cloud, not larger than “a man’s hand.” at the beginning, has increased in size and spread until the whole face of the moral heavens have been overcast, and abundant and fertilizing rains have descended to cheer the laborers and water the vineyard of the Lord. Revival has followed revival, wherever the glorious news of Christ’s speedy coming has been carried; and many from among the ministry, multitudes from all the evangelical orders, and scores from the ranks of infidelity and unbelief, have been constrained to yield to the almighty power of truth, and confess allegiance to our approaching King; all of whom are now patiently awaiting His “glorious appearing,” and praising God that their ears were ever blessed with the sound of the midnight cry. Thousands stand ready this day to testify to the truth of this statement. To God be all the glory. HST March 8, 1843, page 4.3
Although brother Miller had labored for many years in different States of the Union, his labors had been confined mostly to the country, and neither he, as a faithful watchman, or his message, were known or appreciated very extensively. But on embracing his views, we determined to aid him in visiting, as far as practicable, all the cities of the Union. HST March 8, 1843, page 4.4
The field and facilities for operating, at first chiefly confined to this city, have therefore been greatly extended; and laborers, though few and inefficient when brother Miller came first among us, have also been greatly multiplied. Numerous, able and devoted advocates have been raised up and endowed with grace and wisdom from above, and who have, under God, been instrumental of stirring up mightily the attention of the people to a consideration of this momentous question. The influence also exerted by our “tent-meetings,” in various parts of the country, has been by no means inconsiderable. Thousands of happy souls can now point to these meetings as the means by which their attention was aroused to the importance of investigating the prophecies for themselves, and by following the spirit of inquiry thus awakened in them, they have been led into that perfect liberty wherewith the truth maketh free. HST March 8, 1843, page 4.5
The effort to circulate publications, has likewise been greatly blessed of the Lord. Already have the publications issued from the Second Advent depot in Boston found their way not only into nearly every section and district of our own land, but are being read and believed in the islands of the sea, and at all the missionary stations, of which we have any knowledge, on the face of the globe. We have been enabled thus far, by the sums received for publications, together with the free offerings of the friends of the cause, to defray the expences of printing, binding, etc., as also to increase in amount and variety such publications as have a salutary bearing, upon the great truths we are labouring to inculcate and enforce. We have established, with the means thus afforded, a depot for the sale and circulation of these publications, in New York; in the vicinity of which, as well as the country surrounding it, the work of the Lord, through the agency of these means, in connection with the labors of the brethren, has recently received a new and important impulse. Bro. Litch and Hale, have been blessed in spreading the truth in Pennsylvania, and other portions of the South. Bro. Litch has established a depot at Philadelphia. Bro. Storrs, and others, have been equally successful and happy, in perceiving the hand of the Lord guiding and overruling their efforts, in New York, Albany, Utica, etc., while Bro. Fitch stands as a faithful sentinel at his post, in Ohio; and, through the blessing of God, is sounding the alarm and arousing the slumbering virgins of the west. In all this we recognize the finger of God; to whom we heartily ascribe all honor and glory. Our opponents, enraged at the manifest prosperity and success attending our efforts, have been aroused to the combat, and have been unceasingly employed, in hurling at us and the truths we advocate, the arrows of ridicule, misrepresentation, and falsehood; but their arrows have not reached the truth, at which they were aimed. Nearly every argument, written or published against us, that has fallen under our notice, we have never failed, candidly and fairly, to examine and weigh in the light of God’s truth; and we can most conscientiously and truthfully declare, that the result of every such examination has served to confirm our faith in the views previously cherished; and we cannot but think that similar results must have been produced in all candid minds. It can scarcely escape the notice of the most casual observer, that one general characteristic marks the sayings and writings of all who attempt to forge weapons against the doctrine of the immediate coming of the Lord; and that is, while they have everything to take away from our blessed hope, they have nothing to give in its stead. They decry our faith as vain, delusive, and false; but here they leave us, without telling us what is truth. They can impart no light to us, but they exert all their power in assaying to obscure our light. The Lord judge between us in this matter. HST March 8, 1843, page 4.6
In view of all that has now transpired, and the increased knowledge, that time, observation, study, prayer, and the spirit have taught us, we can most sincerely affirm, that our faith in the glorious Advent of the blessed Savior this year, is steadfast and unwavering, having become strengthened and enlarged by the experience of the past, the unequivocal indications of the present, and the joyous foretaste and blissful anticipations which the Lord gives us of the future. To all our brethren, far and near, enjoying like precious faith with us, we would simply add the encouragement and admonition, “Look up” and “be ready!” HST March 8, 1843, page 4.7
Who are making Disturbance? It is frequently said that the doctrine of the Second Advent is the cause of divisions in the churches. But who are the authors of such divisions? Surely not the Second Advent brethren. They do not close the doors of our churches, chapels, and vestries, against those of an opposite faith. Nor do they attempt to close the mouths of those of an opposite faith with themselves. Those who oppose this “blessed hope” are the ones who refuse to open the doors of their respective places of worship to the preaching of the kingdom at hand, and who are unwilling that the question should be broached in their social meetings by the believers in the speedy coming of Christ. They are the ones who would close the mouths of those who differ from them, and set the seal of silence upon their lips, and who, when the question is discussed, oppose and censure its advocates. HST March 8, 1843, page 4.8
The believers of the coming of Christ, as a general rule, consist of the most devoted and praying portion of the community. The cold hearted professor and worldly-minded Christian, are never found looking for the blessed hope of the glorious appearing of the great God and our Savior Jesus Christ, nor are they loving his appearing. HST March 8, 1843, page 4.9
The love of this world, is inconsistent with a perfect reconciliation to the will of God, and those whose affections are placed here, naturally feel opposed to the coming of Christ. This opposition to his coming is the sole cause of any difficulty on account of this belief. HST March 8, 1843, page 4.10
A Rebuke—The affair of the ascension robes of certain Millerites, communicated by “B.,” is hardly worth publishing, even if true, which we are somewhat inclined to doubt. To be sure,the Millerites are fair game for us Infidels; but then the poor fellows are laughed at so much already by their Christian brethren, and must get it so awfully after their Judgment day, that it is quite unnecesary for us to join in the laugh. Besides, we are unable to see why the Millerites should be ridiculed any more than other Christians. They are made what they are by trying, honestly, as we believe, to understand the Bible; therefore, if any Christians are to be laughed at, they deserve it most who differ from the Millerites, because they show by their conduct, that they don’t believe what they profess.—Investigator. HST March 8, 1843, page 4.11
The falsehood respecting the ascension robes has been going the rounds, of the so called, religious press. The Olive Branch, Puritan, Universalist, and Recorder, have been particularly eager to give circulation to it. When papers that make no pretension to religion, correct their errors when pointed out. it is expected that those papers that claim to be patterns of truth, would also alike contradict their mistakes. In this however we are disappointed; and it is reserved for them to be thus signally rebuked by the Investigator. HST March 8, 1843, page 4.12
Scoffing in High Places
Isaiah 28:22. “Now therefore be ye not mockers, lest your bands be made strong: for I have heard from the Lord God of hosts a consumption, even determined upon the whole earth.” HST March 8, 1843, page 5.1
The beast whose number is six hundred and sixty six, (Revelation 13:18,) has made some trouble among commentators, literal and illiterate, not so much from any intrinsic difficulty they have found in the matter, as from the great diversity of literal interpretation of which it is susceptible. This number has been held to refer to the word Lateinos the Latin empire; to apostates, apostate; and to a goodly array of distinguished individuals from Nero down to Napoleon. Mr. Kent refers it to apostates; we think, without his usual good tact and judgment. At any rate we have a later and better application, which we here propose for the first time;—promising only that the number must of course be made out from the numeral value of Greek letters; and that our diphthong ai is written by the Greeks with iota subscript and not used as a numeral. Our suggestion is as follows: HST March 8, 1843, page 5.2
Engl. Captain Miller. HST March 8, 1843, page 5.3
Value: 20 1 80 300 0 50 40 10 30 30 5 100=666! HST March 8, 1843, page 5.4
Greek: HST March 8, 1843, page 5.5
Here then is proof literal and positive, that Capt. Miller at the present day is the “beast that deceiveth them that dwell upon the earth!” And when we take into account Prof. Stuart’s suggestion, that there is probably an error in the calculation, and that Miller’s end of the world should be put down for the first of April instead of the 23rd, we think there is enough in these considerations to quiet every feeling of alarm. At least, the proof is quite so logical and conclusive, as any that Miller and most other literalists have to offer. N. Y. Obs. HST March 8, 1843, page 5.6
If the Reverend author of the above will furnish us the Greek letters of his name, and we could descend to such low and unchristian scoffing, we believe that we might produce some numerical result that would show him no distant relative of the Beast. But that not being our occupation, we leave such business to those whose cloth is akin to it. HST March 8, 1843, page 5.7
Puseyism.—The Rev. Mr. Oakley, of St. Margeret’s, Cavendish square, London, has just published a prayer book, in which the prayers are printed in English on one page and in Latin on the opposite one, each paragraph beginning with a red letter. The same reverend gentleman has been long known to have had the altar in his church fitted up in the style of an altar in the Catholic Church. HST March 8, 1843, page 5.8
The London Patriot says, we are getting on in ecclesiastical matters. Candles on the altar are become the order of the day, now that the Bishop of London’s sanction has been given to the practice; and great is the satisfaction of the candle makers with his lordship’s decision, which will certainly improve their trade. HST March 8, 1843, page 5.9
To what these things will grow, is impossible to foresee. The evangelical clergy of the metropolis have had private meetings, at which we understand, it was deemed the more prudent course to kiss the episcopal rod and submit to the rubric. Puseyism, finding nothing to check its progress within the Establishment, is assuming every day a bolder tone. Apart from its mumeries, it is essentially a struggle for power, and it now openly aspires to dictate to the state. HST March 8, 1843, page 5.10
LETTER TO N. COLVER
I have read your lectures, and am sorry to say they are calculated, and have had the effect, to make the heart of the enemies of the Lord to rejoice; and the opposite effect upon many of his dearest friends. When a man’s preaching pleases God, it will comfort all his children who have daily intercourse with him; when it pleases the devil, it will comfort all who are his Think of the wo Christ pronounces on those that offend one of his “little ones;” also the punishment of that servant who only “ate and drank with the drunken.” HST March 8, 1843, page 5.11
In your preliminaries is seen the cloven foot of popery, viz., that we, unlearned, cannot understand the Bible; but must depend upon the “correct knowledge of biblical Interpretation,” which you say may be “intelligible to the intelligent.” This would be sound logic if the “intelligent” agreed among themselves. While Stuart and Chase say the “little horn” of the 7th “is Antiochus, as all must agree,” you say it is Nero. Are you as well informed as they are in Hebrew and Chaldee? Dowling agrees with us, that it is Papacy. You and Stuart think the 2300 days are days, but can only make them about fit Antiochus; Dowling and Chase say they are half-days, and that is not quite long enough. Dowling and yourself admit the 4th empire is the Roman; while Stuart, Chase, and Folsom say it is the divided Greek. Why all this disagreement among the “intelligent,” if “a knowledge of correct biblical interpretation” is the one thing needful to understand the Bible? HST March 8, 1843, page 5.12
On your first page, you call the belief that the kingdom is not yet set up, “a vagary” If the kingdom is set up, where is the king? the subjects? the territory? Satan certainly continues to be the god of this world: the terrible “fourth beast,” with his seven original horns, and that other “little horn,” is not yet “destroyed and given to the burning flame;” the Son of Mary does “not yet sit on the throne of his father, David;” for an inspired apostle says, “We have such an HIGH PRIEST, who is set on the right hand of the throne of the majesty in the heavens.” Christians are yet “strangers and pilgrims on the earth;” and they must still through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God.” If his kingdom is set up, why did Christ command his disciples to obey the Cesars of this world? Why did he tell them “it was his Father’s good pleasure to give them the kingdom,” if they were then in possession of it? Why enjoin on them to pray, “thy kingdom come,” if it was set up? Why say, when sitting “on the throne of his glory.” “Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom,” if they had been in possession of it since they were converted? If the reign of grace in the heart is the kingdom, why look for an entrance that “shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ?” HST March 8, 1843, page 5.13
On page 8, you state your subject to be “not whether Christ will come in ‘43,” but “whether the 2300, 1290, or 1335 days, afford any clue to that event.” So, then, your lectures are not to prove Christ will not come this year, but merely to break in pieces the key-stone of the arch, so that “the whole superstructure shall fall.” You don’t want to have it go abroad that you are trying to prove that that event cannot come this year: you say that “is not a matter of revelation to the Son, to angels, or men.” This passage holds as good against Christ’s ever knowing the time, as it does against you or me. You don’t wish to have it appear that you are not looking for him; for you have read, “unto you that LOOK for him,” etc. Then again, you fear your love for his appearing will be doubted, for you have read, “And not to me only, but all them also that LOVE his appearing” A little “intelligence” will penetrate your flimsy veil. HST March 8, 1843, page 5.14
In your attempt to separate the 9th from the 8th of Daniel, you will find true “What God hath joined together, let no man put asunder.” Gabriel was not mentioned in the 7th of Daniel, but was in the 8th. “Make this man to understand the vision,” was not fulfilled when Daniel fainted with the soliloquy on his lips, “none understood it;” while of the 7th, Daniel says “he told me, and made me KNOW the interpretation of the things.” Therefore Gabriel comes in the 9th to finish what was unfinished in the 8th. The tenacity with which our opponents cling to the idea that the 9th is a vision of itself, proves the weakness of their cause. You have seen the weakness of that argument, and given it up, but have resorted to a worse one—that of appending it to the 7th. You had not noticed that Daniel understood that chapter, and therefore needed no “appendix” to it, but did need the 9th for a correct understanding of the 8th. HST March 8, 1843, page 5.15
While you were making merry with the “day-for-a-year expositors,” why did you not speak about the long ten days’ tribulation of the church at Smyrna?—of the long first wo of five months?—of the still longer second wo, of an hour, a day, a month, and a year?—and also rejoice with the church, that her stay in the wilderness was but 1260 days? Why? You knew it would not make so much fun of us, as it would to tell about running out doors 2520 years; and of Daniel’s fasting 21 years, when there is not a word about fasting in that chapter. HST March 8, 1843, page 5.16
On page 20, you betray gross ignorance, or something worse, when you say “the angel which gave all these numbers, 2300, 1290, 1335, to Daniel, says, (chap. 10:13.) But the prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me one and twenty days, etc.” Now the “unlearned” can see that it was the “wonderful numberer” that said “unto 2300 days:” then he appears again in the 10th, when “his eyes were as lamps of fire.” But the hand that lifted up Daniel, and the voice that spoke comfort, and the one the prince of Persia withstood, must be Gabriel’s. The glorious “man” described in the first verses, was “Michael, one of the chief princes,” who, Gabriel says, “came to help me” Then, again, in the last verse he says, “there is none that holdeth with me in these things, but Michael your prince:” so then, Christ and Gabriel were the “saints,” the “men,” that appear to instruct Daniel. The first gave all the “wonderful days” directly to him: the last “explained,” “lifted up,” or “strengthened him,” as he was ordered. The first appeared, and is described by Daniel in the 6th and 7th verses of his last chapter, where also he gives him the last two prophetic periods, at the end of the last of which Daniel is to stand in his lot. HST March 8, 1843, page 5.17
On page 33, you say, “It is not how long shall be the time for everything Daniel saw in the vision, but how long shall be the vision concerning the daily sacrifice? etc.” This looks like sheer deception; why did you not tell your renders the words “concerning” and “sacrifice” were the words of men, instead of placing such stress upon them? HST March 8, 1843, page 5.18
But you have kept “the very delirium of fanaticism” for the last sentence; and that is, “the Lord himself” sounding the “midnight cry.” saying, “GO ye out to meet the Bridegroom.” It seems to me, if the “trump of God” is to he that cry, it would have been, “Behold, the Bridegroom IS COME; COME ye out and meet him.” My column is full. Yours, in the daily expectation of hearing the “trump of GOD.” LEWIS HERSEY. HST March 8, 1843, page 5.19
Bro. Storrs has arrived in town, and commenced a course of Lectures at the Marlboro’ Chapel last eve. He will remain in the city a few weeks. HST March 8, 1843, page 5.20
Second Advent Melodies.—A collection of hymns adapted to the use of Conference and camp-meetings, containing, in addition to those which have been in common use heretofore, with sundry important corrections and alterations, several new hymns; comprising from 60 to 70 pages, and is designed to take the place of the little work heretofore published at this office under the title of “Second Advent Hymns;” the above work is now in press, and will be out within the ensuing fortnight. Price, $ 4 per hundred; 6 cts single. HST March 8, 1843, page 5.21
RECEIPTS FOR CANADA MISSION, FOR THE PAPER AND PUBLICATIONS
| Friend, N. Port, Mass. | $ 10,00 |
| ” Nashua, N. H. | 11,00 |
| D. Tewksbury, Salisbury, Mass. | 5,00 |
| A. Rugg, Groton. “ | 3,00 |
| D. H. Gould, Greenfield, N.H. | 5,00 |
| N. K. Drake, Northampton, Mass. | 2,00 |
| R. Plumer, Agent, N. Port, | 7,00 |
| J. Pierson, Portland, | 13,75 |
| D. Sawyer, Alton N. H. | 3,90 |
| Friend, | 6,00 |
| Ed Peyton, | 2,00 |
| Friend | 3,00 |
| S. Joy | 1,00 |
| L. Bruce. | 3,00 |
| I. S. Moore, Princeton, Mass, | 1,00 |
| D. Blood, Masonville. | 10,00 |
| Friend. | 2,00 |
| do Enfield, Ct. | 5,00 |
| S. Pollard, Weston, Vt. | 7,32 |
| T. R. Hinckley, Sandwich, | 1,00 |
| Mc Munister, Me. | 2,00 |
| By D. Macton, | 2,00 |
| J. S. Clarke, Munroe, Me. | 2,00 |
| E. Bemus, Burlington, Vt. | 5,00 |
| E. Mc Graths. | 1,00 |
| $ 113,97 |
Letters from post masters
Rec’d up to March 4th, 1843. Braintree, Vt; Birmingham, O; Springfield, Ms; Dexter, Me; Waterville, Vt; Blaisville, Ia; Bristol, Ct; Scituate, Ms; Industry, Me; Nankin, Mich; New Ipswich, N H; Gilford, N H; Essex, Vt; Townsend, Mass; Taxahaw, S C; Bowdoin, Me; Middletown, Ohio; Rehoboth Village, Ms; Monson Ms; North Hadley, Ms; Oberlin, O; Falmouth, Ms; Westford, Mass; Morvan, N C; Moose Meadows, Ct; Frankford O; Gorham, Me; Little York, N J; Middlebury, O; Vestal, N Y; N Newport, Me; Brimfield, Ms; Lowell, Ms; Greenville, N Y; E Falmouth, Ms; Truro, Mass; West Union, O; South Brerwick, Me; Raymond, Me; Woburn, Ms; Mason, N H; Jamestown, Green co. O; Springarbor, Mich. HST March 8, 1843, page 5.22
Individuals
Joel Spaulding; J D Johnson, 17 dollars, all right—T L Tullock; S Hawley; W H B Roberts, expect it is all right; Sarah C Rugg; P T Kenney; N Grant; L Kimball; Calvin French; D F Bisbee; G A Reed; S R Hathorn; J Weston; E Ellis; J Marsh; J Litch; E Farnsworth, $ 5; M Ames; L B Coles; H Lunt, Jr. and others; B D Haskell; James Morrill; Ed. Atkinson, $ 5; J Starkweather; G Higgins; E N Harris; B Foster, Jr; Jno S White; T J Wadley; L Anibal; Dr Crary; Am Barr; M M George; N Webb; W S Campbell; H and J C Iverson; Timothy Cole; H V Warren, Wyse & Co; Dr Baker; K Plumer, $15, uncertain as to Bro H’s coming; J P Kendall; W N Hawkins, $ 3; G W Whiting; Jacob Weston, check rec’d, bal., of account $ 114, 47 cents; Jno D Poor, & Ed Bronson; Jno Mc Murray; O B Philiips. HST March 8, 1843, page 5.23
Bundles Sent
I H Shipman, N Springfield, Vt; Box 36 Park Row, N Y; G W Peavy, Charlton, N Y; 2 boxes, J Litch, Philadelphia; L Kimball, Berlin, Vt; E Farnsworth, Groton, Ms; P T Kenny, N London, Ct; 1 box 36 Park Row, N Y; J S White, Wrentham, Ms; Jno Pierson, Portland, Me; E W Platt, Vestal, Broome, Co, N Y; Dr Z Baker, New Bedford, Ms. HST March 8, 1843, page 5.24
“Abomination of Desolation.”
Dear Brother Himes:—As far as my acquaintance extends, I find there are many who have difficulties in their minds in respect to “Abomination of Desolation,” noticed in the vision of Daniel, and quoted by Christ in giving instruction to his disciples respecting the destruction of Jerusalem. And the difficult is this;—it is supposed to be applied by believers in the Advent at hand, who have written on the subject, to Papacy, which arose, or was set up A. D. 538. With this application of it in the mind, the inquiry often comes up, how could it be said to “stand in the holy place,” at the time Jerusalem was destroyed, inasmuch as it did not arise for nearly five hundred years after that event. Now it seems to me there is a want of clearness in the illustration I have seen of the above passage. My impression is, that it has nothing to do with Papacy, considered in an abstract sense; but that it is the Roman Power—the Power by which Papacy is sustained and wielded, and not Papacy itself. Most certainly this is the “Abomination” that desolated the church and the sanctuary: and evidently this is the “Abomination” which Christ referred his disciples to as spoken of by the “Prophet Daniel.” If these views are not correct, will some one who understands it better, explain the above difficulties? But with this view, what are we to understand by its being “set up,” as recorded in Daniel 11:31, and 12:11. I understand by it, that the Roman Power was set up in its Ecclesiastical Authority, by which the Pope was constituted head of all the churches; and an edict passed and carried into effect, giving the Bishop of Rome power to establish courts for the purpose of putting to death all who should oppose him in his religious tenets, or mode of worship. Such an edict was passed by Justinian, the Roman Emperor, and carried into effect, A. D. 538. At this time the Roman Power or Kingdom, passed from its Pagan, to its Papal form. Thus the Power of Rome was “set up,” in the form of Papacy; since which time, Papacy has been wielded by that power in “destroying the mighty and the holy people.” Yet it should be kept in mind, if I am correct, that the “Abomination of Desolation spoken of,” is not the weapon itself, considered in an abstract sense, but the Power by which that weapon is wielded. With this view, the above difficulty is removed; for although it was not “up” in its Ecclesiastical Authority, for nearly 500 years after Jerusalem was desolated; yet it had an existence even before Christ, and it was this same “Abomination” which condemned and crucified the Lord of Glory. The Apostle Paul evidently refers to this same Power, or Abomination, in his 2nd Epistle to the Thess. He calls it the “Man of Sin,—Son of Perdition, and Mystery of Iniquity.” He says, “the Mystery of Iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth (hindereth) will let until he be taken out of the way.” That is, the Roman Power doth already work, and deceitfully, too, though it has not yet opposed and exalted itself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped—it has not yet come out and shown its colors, or been revealed in its worst and most deceitful form; nor can it be until its present form (Pagan) be taken out of the way. But then, when that is taken out of the way, or removed, “shall that Wicked,” or worst and more deceitful form, (Papal) “be revealed, or set up, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth,” etc. Thus we see that the Apostle might have referred to the same Abomination as that referred to by the Prophet Daniel, and yet that Abomination be the Power by which Papacy is sustained and wielded; and not Papacy itself, considered in an abstract sense. Your brother affectionately, in hope of the glorious appearing at hand. HST March 8, 1843, page 6.1
B. Brown.
Fort Ann, Feb. 15th, 1843.
N. B. The communication from our paper a few weeks since, over the signature of D. Brown, was so printed by mistake. It should have been B. Brown. HST March 8, 1843, page 6.2
Brother R. Arey may find his questions on this chapter answered in the above article. The Abomination of Desolation, in the 15th of this chapter, we believe to be the same spoken of by Daniel the prophet in Daniel 9:27, which was to begin at the destruction of Jerusalem by the Romans, and desolate till the consummation, and that determined shall be poured upon the desolate; which was also predicted in the 25 of Jeremiah, and was to begin at Jerusalem, and extend to all the nations of the earth, when the slain of the Lord shall be from one end of the earth to the other; and the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled. HST March 8, 1843, page 6.3
We also believe that the tribulation in Matthew 24:21, was to be during the continuance of the abominations which should desolate Jerusalem till the consummation, but which was to be shortened, and not continue till the end of the 7 times, and which were shortened in the last century, when the persecution of the church ceased, immediately after which were seen the signs that were to precede the coming of Christ. HST March 8, 1843, page 6.4
We shall give our views in full on this chapter, in a few days, in a No. of the Second Advent Library. HST March 8, 1843, page 6.5
Trouble at the Last Day
Brother Himes:—Much has been written on the text found in the 12 of Daniel: “And there shall be a time of trouble, etc;” yet I have seen nothing answering to my understanding of that prediction. Many are looking for its accomplishment previous to the advent of Christ: but I do not so understand it. For though it stands in order, on prophetic record, before the deliverance of the people of God, and the resurrection of the just, yet this is not evident in proof of that position, inasmuch as he object of the angel was not to show a succession of events; but to show that these several events would take place at a certain time, without giving their successive order. He merely asserts what will be found true; that when this trouble comes, “all whose names are written in the Book of Life, will be delivered,” or “caught up to meet the Lord in the air.” It is evident, however, to my mind, that the resurrection of the just, and the deliverance of all the righteous, will take place immediately previous, or at the time this trouble commences. HST March 8, 1843, page 6.6
But in what will this trouble consist? Probably no inconsiderable source will be disappointed hope. Those on whom it will come, have heard the Midnight Cry, “Behold the Bridegroom cometh;” but like the inhabitants the old world, when warned by Noah, are full of unbelief—they hope it will not be so. How great then must be their disappointment and trouble when they see the reality of all they have heard, and they unprepared. Nor will it any trifling source of trouble, to see their pious friends separated from them, and taken up to meet the Lord, while they are left to consume away in a burning world. For we are told, “one shall be taken and the other left.” Husbands from wives; parents from children; brothers from sisters; and friends from friends, then will part, no more to meet. “One will be taken and the other left.” And how will it wring the very soul of that husband who finds himself left, as his much-loved wife assends the clouds of heaven. Or that youth, standing beside his affectionate mother, sees her arise on angel’s wings, and pass beyond his vision to meet the Lord in glory. She perhaps stands weeping over him, and entreating him to fly to Christ; when in a moment she is gone. And O what bitter anguish and keen remorse, will fill his soul as he thinks of her last words, and flowing tears. He calls, but there is none to answer—hope is gone, forever gone; and “the wrath of God abideth upon him.” Who will not say, “My punishment is greater than I can bear!” Again, the thought of slighted mercy in Jesus Christ, will prove a more than scorpion sting. HST March 8, 1843, page 6.7
But to come more to the sense of the text: all will be wild, and mad confusion. The world will be on fire. Not, however, like the fires of a burning city before a mighty wind; but, in slower progress—volcano-like. The earth rocks—she reels to and fro; and from her very bowels, heaves up on every side her burning flames;—she throws her fires of melted lava up to the cloud-top height, and pours them forth, in furious madness, on cities, villages, and the affrighted people, too, who flee in frantic wildness. HST March 8, 1843, page 6.8
Thus, progressively the work goes on, until the earth is pure;—perhaps for forty days; (the length of time the world was being destroyed by flood;) during which, many will torment and torture those they hate, as predicted, Zechariah 14:13. And will ministers be there? Some, I fear, who lead their flocks in unbelief, who say “the Lord delays his coming,” or in any way give their influence against his Advent near. I fear for such, yet many such there are. And will their people love them, when they find themselves deceived—when hope is gone forever? Ah no; I seem to see them rise in demon madness, and hunt with fury those who taught them, even unto death. Thus, “there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation, even to that same time.” Who, then, “among us shall dwell with the devouring fire? who among us shall dwell with everlasting burnings?” Sinners, flee to the mercy seat. Ministers and people, “trim your lamps and have them burning;” for “Behold the Bridegroom cometh;” he is even at the door. Your brother in hope of the speedy Advent. HST March 8, 1843, page 6.9
B. Brown.
Fort Ann, New York, Feb. 16th, 1843.
Letter from Calvin French
Dear Brother Himes:—Since I saw you I have spent ten days in the city of Providence. On the Sabbath, 11th inst., I gave two lectures in the Pautuxet street Church. I lectured four days in the Bethel, our meetings were then removed to Mechanic’s hall; I closed my labors on Monday evening. Brother Barry lectured on Tuesday evening; all our meetings were very solemn, notwithstanding there were scoffers present who fired their crackers in the meeting, to quite a number; yet such was the faith in God, and the power of prayer by the Church, that every thing was kept quiet; the scene did remind us of those days in which some mocked, others said, we will hear more of this subject. The result of the Lectures was blessed, believers were much strengthened, many became confirmed beyond a doubt that this is the year of Jubilee, and not a few were awakened to examine the subject. Backsliders were reclaimed, some were led to give their hearts to Christ, and are now rejoicing in hope of his soon coming. HST March 8, 1843, page 6.10
By the invitation of the Free-will Baptist brethren in North Scituate, R. I. I came to this place on Tuesday, and commenced a course of lectures; the interest in them is increasingly great, the Holy Spirit has been felt by all more or less, who have attended, our meetings have been very quiet, but you will not be surprised that they are, as I can with pleasure inform you, that brother Kenber Allen, the pastor of the church, is an honest enquirer for the truth, and has been forward several times with many of his people to ask God to show it to them; last evening he exhorted them to examine the subject for themselves, and to be ready for the day. Brother Quimby, principal of the Smithville seminary, and brother M. W. Burlingame gave exhortations to the same point. What would have been the result of our advent lectures through the land had ALL the pastors and public laborers done likewise? the day of judgment will tell! HST March 8, 1843, page 7.1
After the lecture last evening, the congregation was dismissed; those who wished, remained for prayers. The body slips were filled with enquirers for truth and salvation, alter the above exhortations, some wept aloud and begged for mercy themselves, and found it, praised be the name of the Lord. I expect to continue here over the Sabbath; it is a populous region. I trust hundreds will be ready for Christ’s coming, for which I feel fully prepared, and am daily looking. Yours in the fullness of joy, peace and love. HST March 8, 1843, page 7.2
Calvin French.
North Scituate, R. I. Feb. 25th, 1843.
Letter from Joshua Goodwin, Jr
Brother Himes:—Since I last wrote for your paper, I have given a course of public lectures on the Second Coming of Christ, in each of the following places, viz. at the Factory village in Nelson, in the Baptist meeting house, and in the Baptist meeting house at Acworth and Unity. At the first mentioned place we met with much opposition from the Universalists which came from an adjacent town for the express purpose of disturbing our meetings. But the Lord was pleased to pour out his spirit graciously and revive his work in that place. Professors became revived in the Spirit, and nerved up to new engagedness in the cause of Christ, and many of them solemnly convicted of the truth of Christ’s coming this year, and a number of impenitent sinners were convicted and hopefully converted to God, during our meeting, notwithstanding the inveterate persecution we met with from the adversary. Glory to God on high, his truth must and will prevail, in spite of wicked men or devils. In the two last mentioned places where I lectured, we had very good seasons, saints were revived and sanctified, and began to lift up their heads and rejoice that the redemption of the purchased possesion is so nigh at hand, and sinners were hopefully converted to God and rejoiced in hope of a glorious immortality beyond this vale of tears. In a word the good work of the Lord is progressing gloriously in this hilly country. And to God shall be all the glory. HST March 8, 1843, page 7.3
Yours, in the blessed hope.
Washington, N. H. Feb. 6th, 1843.
News from the District of Columbia
Brother H. B. Pratt writes us, that brother Hale, Jr. and himself, have arrived at the District of Columbia, have visited various places, and in all been most kindly received, He writes: HST March 8, 1843, page 7.4
We have held meetings in Alexandria, and though but two hours notice of our first was given, yet the meeting house was filled to overflowing, and at every succeeding one. Last Sabbath I spoke to an immense crowd of peopeople in the Market Square. The result of the meetings have been to awaken the entire city to inquire are these things so. The common people hear gladly, and the clergy are in trouble on that account, and are saying my Lord delayeth his coming. The Methodist presiding elder has given notice that he will put the matter to rest next Sabbath; but the people have got the antidote, and his opposition will only confirm them. The Prot. Methodist minister is a very godly man, and will, I doubt not embrace and proclaim the truth. We arrived at Frederickburg on Monday of this week, and have held several most solemn meetings. The people hear as for their lives, and we have had constant calls from some of the most respectable citizens of the city, among whom were the Mayor, Doctors, Lawyers. Most of them are not professors of religion, but from hearing and reading have become deeply interested in the question. From what we have seen and heard, we believe that the time has come for this truth to be proclaimed throughout the entire South. Yours, in the blessed hope. HST March 8, 1843, page 7.5
Fredericksburg, Feb. 17, 1843. HST March 8, 1843, page 7.6
God has called none into his vineyard to be idle. He has provided work for all, and has commanded all to work with all their might. Friend, art thou diligently engaged?—Morning Star. HST March 8, 1843, page 7.7
The Pope Expected in England.—One of our London papers contains the following report to which we attach little importance. HST March 8, 1843, page 7.8
“It is rumored, that within a few days a letter has been received by Her Majesty from the King of the French, strongly recommending the recognition of the Pope as the head of the Church, stating, as a reason for such extraordinary counsel, the universal peace at present prevailing throughout the world. As might have been expected, it is said to have created a great sensation in the Palace. We have also heard that the Pope is expected to consecrate in person, of course with unusual splendor, the Romish Cathedral now erecting in the neighbourhood of Westminster Abbey:” HST March 8, 1843, page 7.9
This is quite improbable but should it turn out to be true perhaps the Pope may be induced to extend his tour and visit the flourishing provinces of his empire in the New World. If he does, our Roman Catholic neighbours may be able to learn directly his will in relation to the kind of books suitable to be used in our common schools. There was an adjourned question on this subject referred to him for decision, and we have never yet heard his answer. HST March 8, 1843, page 7.10
N. Y. Observer.
TO PROF. STUART, DR. BROWNLEE,
And other ‘eminent’ opposers of the Advent near. HST March 8, 1843, page 7.11
Ye Rulers of the Synagogue!
Ye Rabbis of the land!
Who, in the people’s confidence,
On the walls of Zion stand;
Ye men of lofty intellect,
In deep things deeply read,
From whom the blaze of truth should be
In full reflection shed,
HST March 8, 1843, page 7.12
How can ye prostitute your powers,
To prosper Satan’s sway,
And lead the humble and sincere
In Error’s paths astray?
How can ye raise the syren song
Of Peace and Safety, when
Dark clouds are gathering in the skies,
Portentous unto men?
HST March 8, 1843, page 7.13
How dare ye, in a time like this,
(To please the scoffing crowd,)
Torture the hallowed Word of Life,
And its beams in darkness shroud!
Does Satan’s service please you more
Than the service of the Lord?
That thus, with all your art, ye strive
To invalidate his Word?
HST March 8, 1843, page 7.14
Shame! Shame! Herod and Pilate friends!
With infidels ye stood,
And scoffers at the Sacred Word,
Claim ye among their bands,
Shame! shame! recreant to God and Truth!
Angels might weep to see,
Even among the race of men,
Such base apostacy!
HST March 8, 1843, page 7.15
And hope ye, with your puny arm,
To stay the onward car,
That ‘gainst Rebellion’s vaunted hosts,
Heaven urges to the war!
Shall not the truth of God prevail?
Can Devils’ rage and might
Succeed against the Son of God,
His purposes to blight?
HST March 8, 1843, page 7.16
But ye claim to love the truth (!)—have ye
Weighed prayerfully your word,
Fearful, lest haply ye be found
To fight against the Lord?—
Away! I cannot calmly think
On teachers such as ye,
Who, round the plainest texts, would weave
A web of mystery.
HST March 8, 1843, page 7.17
Save, save your souls! ye sons of men,
Nor yield yourselves to be,
By these blind leaders of the blind,
Engulphed in misery.
“God is his own interpreter,“
For his assistance pray,
And he shall lead your anxious minds
In the true and living way.
HST March 8, 1843, page 7.18
Do not be taught, when God has spoken
Man cannot learn his lore,
But take this simple rule, and turn
The Sacred Volume o’er:
Where there is harmony, there’s truth—
Truth will with truth agree;
And they whose souls the truth concerns,
That truth can always see.
Charlotte, Me. I. G. Blanchard.
HST March 8, 1843, page 7.19
Notice!—Several of our friends have responded to our request, to send us No. 22 of the “Signs of the Times,” and we are abundantly supplied; they will please accept our thanks. Office Agents. HST March 8, 1843, page 7.20
Signs of the Times
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When it is more convenient, address “J. V. HIMES, 36 Park Row, New York,” or to “JOSIAH LITCH, 40 & 41 Arcade, Philedelphia,” at which places all the Second Advent Publications can be had on the same terms, at wholesale or retail. HST March 8, 1843, page 8.5
MILLER ON THE SECOND COMING OF CHRIST
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MILLER’S LIFE AND VIEWS
In one volume. This work contains a Sketch of Mr. Miller’s Life, his Chronology, the Chart and Exposition, eleven new Lectures, Reviews, Letters, etc. Price 50 cts. HST March 8, 1843, page 8.7
BIBLE STUDENT’S MANUAL
This work is compiled from Mr. Miller’s works, designed for a Pocket Note-Book and Manual. It contains the Chart, Rules of Interpretation etc., with blank paper, for notes. Price 25 cts. HST March 8, 1843, page 8.8
AN ADDRESS TO THE PUBLIC,
and especially the Clergy, on the near approach of the Glorious, Everlasting Kingdom of God on Earth. By Rev. Josiah Litch. Price 25 cts. HST March 8, 1843, page 8.9
FIRST REPORT OF GENERAL CONFERENCE,
held in Boston, October 14th and 15th, 1840. This is a very able and important document: it contains discourses on the Second Advent by Messrs. Litch, Miller, Henry Jones, and H. D. Ward. 174 octavo pages Price 37 cents in boards, and 25 cts. in pamphlet. HST March 8, 1843, page 8.10
SECOND REPORT OF GENERAL CONFERENCE,
held in Lowell, June 15th, 16th, and 17th, 1841. This is a very able and important document; it contains the Proceedings of the Conference, Circular Address, Dissertations by Rev. Henry Jones, and Rev. Josiah Litch. Price $20 per hundred, and 25 cents single. HST March 8, 1843, page 8.11
THE PRESENT CRISIS
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MILLER’S COMPLETE WORKS
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MILLENNIAL HARP
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MILLENNIAL MUSINGS
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SECOND ADVENT HYMNS
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TRUE INHERITANCE OF THE SAINTS,
and the 1260 days in Daniel and John. With an Address to the Low Hampton Conference. By William Miller. 12 1-2 cts. HST March 8, 1843, page 8.17
LETTER TO REV. JOSIAH. LITCH
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SPAULDING’S LECTURES
Sentiments concerning the coming and kingdom of Christ, collected from the Bible, and from the writings of many ancient, and some modern believers. In nine lectures; with an appendix. By Joshua Spaulding, minister of the Gospel at the Tabernacle in Salem. To which is added a Preface, containing a brief sketch of the recent rise and progress of the doctrine of the Second Advent near. By J. V. Himes and J. Litch. 50 cts. HST March 8, 1843, page 8.19
MILLER’S EXPOSITION OF Matthew 24
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CLEANSING OF THE SANCTUARY,
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THE MIDNIGHT CRY
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GLORY OF GOD IN THE EARTH
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A WONDERFUL AND HORRIBLE THING
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INCONSISTENCIES OF COLVER,
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JUDAISM OVERTHROWN,
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EXPOSITION OF Matthew 24
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NEW HEAVENS AND NEW EARTH,
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