Signs of the Times and Expositor of Prophecy [Himes], vol. 5
June 28, 1843
Vol. V.—No. 17. Boston, Whole No. 113
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 June 28, 1843, page 129.1
J. V. Himes, J. Litch, and S. Bliss, Editors
FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLES on which the SECOND ADVENT CAUSE IS BASED
I. The word of God teaches that this earth is to be regenerated, in the restitution of all things restored to its Eden state as it came from the hand of its Maker before the fall, and is to be the eternal abode of the righteous in their resurrection state. HST June 28, 1843, page 129.2
II. The only Millenium found in the word of God is the eternal state of the righteous in the New Earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness. HST June 28, 1843, page 129.3
III. The only restoration of Israel yet future, is the restoration of the saints to the New Earth, when the Lord my God shall come, and all his saints with him. HST June 28, 1843, page 129.4
IV. The signs which were to precede the coming of our Savior, have all been given; and the prophecies have all been fulfilled but those which relate to the coming of Christ, the end of this world, and the restitution of all things. And HST June 28, 1843, page 129.5
V. There are none of the prophetic periods, as we understand them, that extend beyond the year 1843. HST June 28, 1843, page 129.6
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 June 28, 1843, page 129.7
Lectures on Prophecy
by james a. begg, of glasgow. HST June 28, 1843, page 129.8
The first number of these Lectures was published in the Signs of the Times, Vol. 3, Nos. 2, 3 and 4; and contained many excellent hints in relation to the study of the prophecies. The MS of this Lecture has been on hand for some time, and an apology is due for its not having an earlier publication. It has been thus delayed by a press of other matter and duties on other questions. HST June 28, 1843, page 129.9
With the first lecture we have no disagreement of opinion on any point of sufficient importance to remark upon; the present lecture enters upon a field where there is a radical difference of opinion between us, in relation to the intentions of God, respecting the Jewish nation. In this however there are no particular points of difference except in the inference which may be drawn as to God’s design in selecting Abraham and his seed. The history he gives of God’s dealing with the fathers of Israel is a clear and comprehensive view, and presents no difficulties to our mind. It brings us down to the possession of the land of Canaan by Israel, and there leaves them. Their future destiny is not here entered upon. HST June 28, 1843, page 129.10
The purpose of God in the original separation of the israelites as a people
“Now therefore, hearken, O Israel, unto the statutes and unto the judgments, which I teach you, for to do them, that ye may live, and go in and possess the land which the Lord God of your fathers giveth you. Ye shall not add unto the word which command you, neither shall ye diminish aught from it, that ye may keep the commandments of the Lord your God which I command you. Your eyes have seen what the Lord did because of Baal-peor, for all the men that followed Baal-peor, the Lord thy God hath destroyed them from among you. But ye that did cleave unto the Lord your God are alive everyone of you this day. Behold, I have taught you statutes and judgments, even as the Lord my God commanded me, that ye should do so in the land whither ye go to possess it. Keep therefore and do them; for this is your wisdom and your understanding in the sight of the nations, which shall hear all these statutes, and say; surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people. For what nation is there so great, who hath God so nigh unto them, as the Lord our God is in all things that we call upon him for? And what nation is there so great, that hath statutes and judgments so righteous as all this law, which I set before you this day Only take heed to thyself, and keep thy soul diligently, lest thou forget the things which thine eye have seen, and lest they depart from thy heart all the days of thy life; but teach them thy sons and thy son’s sons.”—Deuteronomy 4:1-9. HST June 28, 1843, page 129.11
My dear friends, there is no subject of sacred prophecy of greater prominence than the restoration of Israel 19 to the land of promise. HST June 28, 1843, page 129.12
To this subject, therefore, I purpose, in these lectures, fully to direct your attention. In order, however, to understand the divine predictions concerning the house of Israel, and their recall from present dispersion and captivity, it is necessary that we attend to the purpose for which they were originally separated as a people. A distinct perception of Heaven’s intention in this, sheds much light on the promises given in their favor; having respect to the future; yet there is reason to fear that that design is but ill understood, as the connection between the original purpose and its complete fulfilment, in the millennial age, is certainly little recognised. HST June 28, 1843, page 129.13
The call of Abraham, their great progenitor, is often regarded as a mere arbitrary proceeding on Jehovah’s part, without reference to the state in which that call found the father of the faithful, or observation of its bearing on the condition of others. It is, however, a most beautiful display of the divine love and care for our race, as well as of infinte wisdom, in the choice of most appropriate instrumentalities for effecting the gracious end. The separation of Abraham from his kindred, and from succession to the inheritance of his father’s house, in Ur of the Chaldees, and subsequent dealings with himself and his seed, were indeed designed of God to serve a very high purpose to the whole world. The divine intention, as declared in scripture, was no less than that of placing a band of faithful men in the; midst of the earth, whose example might serve to the instruction of others, and for their encouragement in seeking after the Lord; it was the establishment of a great depository of heavenly light concerning the character of Jehovah, as the friend of man, in a world that needed every help against the power of unbelief and the malice of a crafty foe. HST June 28, 1843, page 129.14
Sin very early introduced into the earth, spread over it as the human race multiplied, until in a few ages, instead of that fair scene which the Creator had originally contemplated with delight, and over which, when it came from His creating hand, he had pronounced “very good,” rebellion, wickedness, and violence, were spread on every side. The promised seed of the woman to bruise the head of the serpent, was unprized. “And God saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. And it repented the Lord that he had made man on the earth, and it grieved him at his heart. And the Lord said, I will destroy man whom I have created, from the face of the earth, both man and beast, and the creeping thing, and the fowls of the air, for it repenteth me that I have made them.”—Genesis 6:5-8. HST June 28, 1843, page 130.1
Noah, only, and his family, found grace in the eyes of the Lord, when the universal daring of man’s impiety rendered thus necessary the overwhelming judgment of Jehovah. And in this, as in every other case, when traced to the foundation, we may see the holiness mingled with the love of God. The Lord did not overthrow the righteous with the wicked, “He spared not the old world, but saved Noah, the eighth person, a preacher of righteousness.” 2 Peter 2:5. HST June 28, 1843, page 130.2
In this God had respect to the future prospects of our race. Long had this patriarch preached righteousuess, and borne testimony, to a world of unbelievers, who “knew not until the flood came and took them all away;” and when, now another effort of love is to be made, and a new world is to be reared, the family of Noah only is with himself, preserved from the waters of the flood. It is not enough that the survivors should have witnessed, in one universal scene of ruin, the awful fruits of the prevalence of sin. They are, also, all the nearest of kin to the preacher of righteouness. Thus nearly related to himself, Noah’s precepts and example, it might be hoped, would tell more powerfully upon those who were united to him by the ties of consanguinity, and to whom he had the readiest access; while again, every encouragement is given to continued and increasing love of Him by whom they had been preserved. The rainbow is set in the threatening cloud, the token of God’s covenant that all flesh should not again be cut off by the waters of a flood; and the divine benediction is again bestowed, and new privileges are conferred upon them and the generations to come. HST June 28, 1843, page 130.3
Soon, however, sin once more acquires a marked place in the new world. Noah himself was not long without a grevious fall; and one of the members of his family glories in his father’s shame. As the descendants of the patriarch multiplied, evil also progressed; and although the terrible catastrophe which, in a deluge of wrath had swept away earth’s inhabitants, could not but have been in solemn remembrance for a considerable time thereafter, its lessons did not long remain uneffaced. No example of righteous severity alone has ever indeed prevailed to keep the creature right. It is when touched with a sense of that love which longs for our real good, that the Creator is ever honored as he ought to be. The divine grace and long suffering however were still but little appreciated. Already, therefore, in the days of Abraham, although the longevity of that age filled up with but few lives the space between Noah and him, it is evident that what salutary fear the flood may have occasioned, had already, in a great measure, been obliterated, and personal living acquaintance with the God with whom Enoch walked, and by whom Noah had been preserved, was rapidly passing away. HST June 28, 1843, page 130.4
At this critical juncture, and in order to prevent the world’s return to idolatry, and to stem the torrent of iniquity, by setting before the eyes of men in visible form, a pattern of that living faith to which all are called, as also to exhibit the blessedness of such a state, God chose faithful Abraham, and his believing seed, that through them he might teach others, whose knowledge might in like manner descend to succeeding generations. HST June 28, 1843, page 130.5
But although fast sinking into the depth of darkness, the world had not yet lost all knowledge of the living and true God. At the time of the call of Abraham, there must have been many in whom the fear of the Lord was found, besides such as may have been of his father’s house. Whatever may be the value of that opinion which supposes the patriarch Job to have been coeval with Abraham, we know that after the command of God, in obedience to which the latter left Chaldea, Pharaoh, king of Egypt, reproved the Father of the faithful, for the deceit of calling her who was in truth his wife, his sister merely, when, besides being thus related, she had also, by another tie, become more closely united to him; for he who in filial trust in divine protection, had left the land of his nativity, and “went out not knowing whither he went,” was found faithless concerning God’s preserving care of his beauteous wife.—Genesis 12:10-20. HST June 28, 1843, page 130.6
There was, also, among the Philistines, an Abimelek, king of Gerar, (between Kadesh and Shur,) who was favored with a vision of the Lord, to avert the consequences of a second instance of Abraham’s duplicity, and who gave to the divine injunction, instant heed—a king who, besides pleading his own innocency in this matter, appealed to the Lord concerning his kingdom, “Wilt thou slay also a righteous nation?”—an expression of evident integrity, ageeably relieving the shade of human depravity then prevailing, of which it is the blessed contrast.—Genesis 20:4. HST June 28, 1843, page 130.7
(to be continued.) HST June 28, 1843, page 130.8
From Zion’s Herald and Weskyan Journal. HST June 28, 1843, page 130.9
Experience of Bro. G. F. Cox eighteen hundred forty-three
I think it was in 1837, when my father-in-law, Rev. Mr. Merrit, put into my hands a small pamphlet, written by brother Litch, containing a short synopsis of Mr. Miller’s views on Christ’s coming a second time, in 1843. He requested me to examine it, saying, at the same time, he was unable to attend to it. I was at that time Editor of the Maine Wesleyan Journal. I gave the pamphlet a cursory glance, and announced in the paper that Mr. Miller expected the end of the world at the time specified. Here the matter rested for one or two years. At length, inquiry becoming rife upon the subject, and finding I must give some answer, I was induced to turn to the prophecy of Daniel. I went to this prophet because, in the first place, his prophecies were in part fulfilled, and in the second place, he had appeared to me the plainest prophet in the Bible. Whenever, however, I turned to him, I did as I had generally done before, examined rather the opinions of other expositors, than the prophet himself. Their views were so diversified, that I invariably turned away with the idea, that I could know nothing about it. But this did not satisfy me. Coming in contact with so many, inquired of at every step—I felt restless for the truth. At length (1840) I said to myself, I am forty years of age. I have been in the ministry nearly twenty years. During that time I have made the Bible almost my exclusive study. I have no doubt God has called me, by his Spirit, to this great work. I have read the Bible somewhat in the original language, trifling to be sure, but to me to be valued at such an hour. I have studied to some extent history. And I now said, if I cannot understand the Bible for myself, without note or comment, is it a revelation to man? Is Papacy, or is Protestantism true? Must the Bible be expounded by one clergyman among ten thousand, or may we all read and judge for ourselves? Nay, may not the common people know something of these things, by the enlightening influences of God’s Spirit? I thought they might. I thought, peradventure, I might also. I laid aside my commentaries, excepting as a rare reference, for matters in history or customs of the ancient world. I betook myself to prayer, as I never did before, to ascertain truth. God has promised me his Spirit. This I sought with all my heart. My first object was to transcribe the prophetic parts of Daniel, that I might first get a birds-eye view of the whole ground or its outlines. I was surprised to see what force I often beheld in a single word, and that, too, a monosyllable. After looking over this remarkable prophet awhile, I deemed I saw the “consummation” of something not far off, and it looked like the end of the present dispensation. My next inquiry was, the character of the millennium. Of this the public know something of my views at the time. Suffice it to say, I became as satisfied as I well could be, that we can have no millennium in the present state, or as man and society are now organized. I mean, as the laws of nature are impressed upon man and beast, that a change, like “mortality being swallowed up of life,” must come upon all, or the same evils must prey upon man, that have preyed upon him from the begining. And a review of the subject has given me as strong, a conviction as I have of the being of a God, that no such thing is allotted to the church in this world, as a thousand years repose and triumph. It is not in the nature of man; it is not in the promises of the gospel. Tribulation belongs to the church here; glory hereafter. HST June 28, 1843, page 130.10
When I became satisfied that we could have no temporal millennium, I preached Christ at the door, perhaps then, perhaps within a year, or ten years, or a hundred or hundred and fifty, I knew not; perhaps others did or did not; it was not for me to say. But I was not yet satisfied. My mind was not at rest; yet I had peace in my soul. The question was so often put to me, “What do you think of Christ’s coming?” I could not well have put it out of my thoughts, and I would not if I could. It was one of too absorbing interest to my soul. I “loved his appearing,” and I loved to dwell upon it, as my preaching for the last ten or fifteen years proves. HST June 28, 1843, page 130.11
One day I called at a store in Portland, and a good brother came to me with deep anxiety, to know if Jesus were indeed coming in 1843. I replied to him, I did not know; it might be so; it might not. “Then,” said he, “you are non-committal, are you?” I believe he intended no disrespect, but the reply stung me to the heart. Here I am, I said to myself, as I leisurely walked from him, a minister of Christ, sent to preach his coming again; hundreds believe that the day is just upon us; but I know nothing of it; my trumpet hath in it no certain sound. Again I betook myself to the Bible and prayer. I thought, if the time were to be known, peradventure I might know it. I passed many an anxious day. I cried to God for help. A sweet, heavenly light stole upon my heart and upon the Bible, presenting clear views as to the termination of all prophetic periods. New views broke upon my mind from many passages in the New Testament, the dispensation of the “fullness of time,” the 24th and 25th chapters of Matthew, the Revelation of John, the two Epistles to the Thessalonians, the Epistles of Peter, the Prophecies of Isaiah, and finally the whole Bible became increasingly interesting to me. I saw, too, that some of the best minds that God ever created, some of the most learned that ever adorned any age, 20 had regarded it as an established mode of Biblical interpretation, that a day in some of the prophetic Scriptures meant a year, that in one instance in Daniel it certainly meant this. I looked upon his Prophecy as a testament on will, and the interpretation of one part in history, as a clue to the other. At length it appeared to me quite certain, that Christ would make his second advent in 1843, or within a few months of it. HST June 28, 1843, page 130.12
I paused and looked at it again and again. I prayed over the subject; I said it is a momentous question, and ought I to take it for granted, without having some divine evidence upon my heart of its truth? I knew that God had heard my prayer. He might do it on this great question. I wanted no sign, no vision, no dream. I knew my weakness too well, to believe, if I had such, that it would help me, unless of a remarkable character, and even then it seemed less certain than light from God’s Spirit. But all I gained was light. It appeared true. But my brethren thought differently. The whole church, nearly, was on the opposite side. While looking at the church, and some particular brethren for whom I had respect, and on their account hesitating to believe the truth, those sweet views faded partially from my heart, and I receded nearly to my former place, looking for Christ I knew not when. HST June 28, 1843, page 131.1
Finding these sweet views vanishing, I became somewhat alarmed. It appeared to me this might be truth. Christ, too, was truth; and if I hesitated to believe this through fear or reproach, or against the wisdom of man, or if I rejected this light, I rejected Christ. I humbled myself under his mighty hand, wept before him that any reproach should move me any way, that any thing should move me but God and truth. I then thought I would go over the ground again with care. I began to pray for truth, nothing but the truth, that God would seal this doctrine on my heart, if true, if not, let me see where truth was. I prayed thus in my family, in the public congregation, in private. And I can never convey to any one what a desire I had for many weeks for truth, nor how I longed and prayed that it should go through and through me till nothing was left in me but truth. HST June 28, 1843, page 131.2
Very soon, those sweet views and that cheering light returned. I wept for joy. Yet then was mingled with these exercises strong temptations to neglect the subject and turn from it; but my heart was on it. I finally came back to the place which I had left. I had a clear light on my soul, and not one objection from the Bible to the doctrine of Christ’s advent in 1843 And the question returned, “Will you believe it?” I again paused, although I did not falter. I said, shall I believe with no other evidence than the Bible, the Bible alone, as I understood it, and what light I could get from the Spirit of God by prayer. I reasoned thus: Do you require sinners to believe your testimony on experimental religion? I do. Do you require them to believe the Bible on its own testimony? I do. What would you do if you had another testimony? Must not the Bible be the ultimate standard? I answered, yes. Then why not believe it? I was then going to a Sabbath appointment. I was passing over CapeElizabeth bridge.—The prophetic periods were presented to me in a remarkably clear light, the 2300 days especially, as begining in the Medo Persian empire, and ending in 1843; and I said to myself, this appears to me to be the truth of God; offend whom I may, live or die, I will believe God’s truth and abide the result. At that moment, although entirely unexpected to me, when I said I will, God helping me, believe, a divine substance was put into my soul, “the substance of things hoped for, and the evidence of thing not seen,” giving me as clear a consciousness of this truth as I ever had of any spiritual truth whatever. It seemed certain it would be so.—Moreover, when I said, I will believe, my heart, as though moved by some other power, (and I know it was,) went out and seized upon this truth as is unexplainable. I could then look up and say with the certainty of sins forgiven, “Though all the world condemn me for believeing this truth, I know that God does not.” And it appeared to me certain that I then obtained the testimony that Enoch did that he pleased God. HST June 28, 1843, page 131.3
Moreover it inspired me with such meekness and willingness to suffer, and such courage to endure, that I felt as though, if required, I could have lain my head down upon burning faggots, and been burned to a crisp without changing a muscle in me, or as easily as I could have sat down to breakfast. I state it as it then appeared to me, as I then felt in my heart. And I now doubt not that then I could, though I know I could not have done it of myself. This state of mind remained with me about a week. I then began to reason with the tempter, and ere I was aware, this remarkable something had nearly faded away, although the conviction of the truth remained, and has remained to this day. I want it understood that this was not a sudden flow of joy, not an impression, not a presentiment. Joy I had before, and peace and love. Yet it was accompanied by sweet rest and peace. But it was, what I understood to be the testimony of the Spirit, sealing the truth on my heart, its direct witness. HST June 28, 1843, page 131.4
I experienced religion in 1820, but did not feel certain, doubted, believed, hoped, rejoiced, and again doubted: but after some months I obtained a witness that I never doubted more, no, not for one moment, for 23 years. Some months after experiencing religion, I experienced a deeper work of grace on my heart, knew not what to call it. I was praying for sanctification, but I doubted whether or not this was the blessing I had found I continued the pursuit about four years, but could only get at one spot, and questions would come to me, What more do you want? believe; but I doubted. When I did believe, the work was wrought, the fire would burn within me, but again I would doubt. At length, while meditating on the subject, and in silent prayer, a witness came, clear as the light of heaven, so that I have never doubted since but what God once sanctified my soul, although I have often doubted whether at specific periods since, I have enjoyed it. Yet I can come to no other conclusion than, with all my short comings and infirmities, that I have enjoyed generally and what we mean and what the Bible means by the term holiness and sanctification when applied to man, and that, too, for years.—This witness which followed my believing in the doctrine of Christ’s coming in ‘43, or the ending, then, of the prophetic periods, especially the 2300 days, reaching to the cleansing of the sanctuary, and embracing Christ’s second advent, gave me as clear a consciousness of their truth as did the other witnesses of my state in grace, and, if possible, clearer; although I have not always been able to see it with the same clearness that I then did. My faith however, I think, has never let go its hold, and I now trust it will not till the day of consummation. Thus things passed from March, 1842, till the following October, during which time I often felt it my duty to preach on the subject and on the time of Christ’s coming, moved by the same spirit and the same laws in the selection of my texts, that I trust I have been governed by for twenty years. And I resolved, on this subject, to proceed with great care, and hence I would rarely, if ever, preach on the subject unless I judged it a particular duty. I was often importuned to do so by my good brethren, but would not; judging, too, from reason, that as I was passing round a district, a single sermon on this subject would not meet the wants of the church. HST June 28, 1843, page 131.5
In October referred to above, we had a quarterly meeting in Orrington. At that time I preached on the subject of Christ’s immediate coming, but did not specify the time only at the door; and that we might know that it was at the door, after certain signs had occurred, as laid down in Mathew’s gospel, which I contended had come, or were now fulfilling before our eyes. The Presiding Elder made some remarks at the close against the doctrine. This threw many of the church into affliction. It gave me a heavy burden. My brethren in the ministry were nearly all against me. I said again, “Is it not possible, after all, that I am wrong?” Well, I thought, if it be so, I shall be glad to acknowledge it. It would really take from me a responsibility that at times seems difficult to bear. I passed three days in solitude. I saw no reason why I was wrong, only the judgment of my brethren and the scoffs of the world. On Thursday, while praying in my family, I had fall upon me a spirit of prayer; this I know. It was not the outbreak of my own feelings, for I almost doubted if it were right to ask God for any other evidence of the truth than what I had before received. But a spirit of prayer, to God the Almighty, through Jesus Christ, that he would now give me the truth, if it cost me my life, fell upon me, and I felt, while praying, that God would certainly grant that petition. I felt that he would do it. It was upon me, put into my heart to believe he would do it and do it quickly. I looked up to God during that day to settle the question. The next morning, while bowed with my family, the same spirit fell upon me again.—It came unexpectedly in both instances I know it was not my self, and I know it led me to God in a sense unusual in Christian experience. I continued looking to God at every turn till Sabbath evening, when, after my family had retired, I was engaged in secret prayer, when, of a sudden, my mind was carried to the prophetic periods of Daniel, and as quick as thought, every thing seemed demonstrated; and it looked so certain to me Christ would come in 1843, that it appeared impossible it should be otherwise, and that all my efforts must be directed to this point. Holiness must be urged upon the Church, and all that was done must be done to prepare her for the coming of Jesus. I arose satisfied and at rest. The next morning the same exercise nearly passed my mind while kneeling at my bedside in prayer. My soul now had rest. Although my faith, I believe, has not since been moved, yet like a prudent mariner whose reckoning is about up, within a few days I have gone over the ground again. I have returned with the same result. I am now satisfied if the truth can be obtained from the Bible, I have it. I think, without doubt, though not without temptation, I have the truth. I know I have, if I have the ability to obtain it. I am willing to abide the issue. I have given all for Christ and, may I not say, all for this one truth. Yes, Jesus will come in 1843. I reckon the solar year as did the Jews. But Jesus will come, find may the reader prepare for the blessed moment. HST June 28, 1843, page 131.6
The above, Mr. Editor, is but an item in my experience on the subject of Christ’s coming, near, for the last three years. I have read nearly every important thing that has been written against these views. My friends have been so kind to me as, that when an article in a newspaper appeared, or a work was published, if it did not come to me directly, it was forwarded by them. In this way, all that could be said against the subject, has been before me. But these works were read, in every instance, I believe, with an increased conviction of the truth as I first received it. This was especially true of Stuart, Folsom, and others of less weight. Neither has my experience been a solitary one. Many have been led in the same way, men of talent and learning, men of piety and sound minds. And, dear brethren, it appears to me, I say again, that we must have the truth as it is in Jesus. Oh, that the church and the world might see it and believe, and get ready for that coming day. A day of darkness as well as of light—a day of gloominess as well as of joy. But I weary, I fear, the patience of the reader. Go, reader, yourself to God; fall upon your knees, cry mightily, for you will meet with many opposing influences. Hold God at his word, that you may know of the doctrine, if it be of God, or if I teach it myself alone. If any man lack wisdom, let him ask of God, who giveth to all liberally, and it shall be given. Give up your reputation. This I had to do. Give up your foolish desire to please men; be willing to bear their reproach; choose the reproach of Christ, and count it greater riches than all the treasures in Egypt. God may bless you with a knowledge of this truth. At least he will prepare you for that day. HST June 28, 1843, page 132.1
“Now unto him that is able to keep us from falling and present as faultless before the presence of his glory, with exceeding joy, to the only wise God our Savior, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen. G. F. Cox. HST June 28, 1843, page 132.2
Orrington, Aprils 6, 1843. HST June 28, 1843, page 132.3
SIGNS OF THE TIMES
“The Lord is at Hand.”
BOSTON, JUNE 28, 1843.
Christian Courtesy
The advocates for Miller’s theory of the end of the world, are holding a Convention in our city, in the Chinese Museum. Among the delegates, we are sorry to hear of several Baptist ministers who have heretofore enjoyed the confidence of their brethren, who have been deluded by this false system of theology. The auditory is made op principally of skeptics, religious idlers, “itching ears, those who are apt to be carried about with diverse and strange doctrines,” and by false teachers, weak-minded professors, errorists, etc. etc. It would be far better if church-members would stay away from all such gatherings and remember the admonition of the apostle on this subject, and be governed accordingly. “Beware of false teachers,” and be not “carried about with strange doctrines.”—Baptist Advocate. HST June 28, 1843, page 132.4
This is the way those are reviled by so-called Christian newspapers, who are striving to live in accordance with our Savior’s command, Luke 12:35-43, “Let your loins be girded about, and your lights burning. And ye yourselves like unto men that wait for their Lord, when he will return from the wedding; that when he cometh and knocketh, they may open unto him immediately. Blessed are those servants, whom the Lord when he cometh shall find watching: verily I say unto you, that he shall gird himself, and make them to sit down to meat, and will come forth and serve them. And if he shall come in the second watch, or come in the third watch, and find them so, blessed are those servants. And this know, that if the good man of the house had known what hour the thief would come, he would have watched, and not have suffered his house to be broken through. Be ye therefore ready also: for the Son of man cometh at an hour when ye think not. Then Peter said unto him, Lord, speakest thou this parable unto us, or even to all? And the Lord said, Who then is that faithful and wise steward, whom his Lord shall make ruler over his household, to give them their portion of meat in due season? Blessed is that servant, whom his Lord when he cometh shall find so doing.” And who also said, “And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up and lilt up your heads for your redemption draweth nigh,” and “KNOW ye that the kingdom of God is nigh at hand.” We fear that those who have the spirit to pen such lines will subject themselves to the risk of being in the condition of those described by our Savior, Luke 12:45-47, “But and if that servant say in his, heart, My Lord delayeth his coming; and shall begin to beat the men-servants and maidens, and to eat and drink, and to be drunken; the Lord of that servant will come in a day when he looketh not for him, and at an hour when he is not aware, and will cut him in sunder, and will appoint him his portion with the unbelievers. And that servant which knew his Lord’s will, and prepared not himself, neither did according to his will, shall be beaten with many stripes.” HST June 28, 1843, page 132.5
We extract the following comments on the same article, from the “Vermont Telegraph,”—a paper not over friendly to the Advent doctrine. HST June 28, 1843, page 132.6
“What is here, from this sectarian organ, but scandal heaped on a large and most devout class of the party? In connection with such railing, these organs are continually exulting in revivals that are kindled up and carried on more under the auspices of the Miller movement, at the present time, than in any other way. Why do the churches allow their ranks to be filled up with what their organs set forth to be such rank heresy? But their hypocrisy is betrayed by opening their arms and spreading their hands to gather to themselves proselytes through the use of what they themselves denounce as fiction. The Millerites in general are the most honest and sincere part of the churches. There is no ground for doubt on this point. They have believed what has been professed by all the professors, that such an event as is looked for this year would come at some time. They have also believed what has been all along professed, for 1800 years, that” the time is at hand.” And believing these, it is not strange that they should fix on the time, by following indications that are consistent with those which have led them to embrace the other part of the theory. Millerism will yet make sad work for popular theology.” HST June 28, 1843, page 132.7
State Lunatic Hospital, at Worcester. The following table copied from the last Annual Report, will exhibit the various causes of the insanity of the patients of that institution, viz. HST June 28, 1843, page 132.8
| Intemperance, | 225 |
| Ill Health, | 244 |
| Masturbation, | 126 |
| Domestic Affliction, | 163 |
| Religious, | 120 |
| Property, | 83 |
| Disappointed Affection, | 60 |
| Disappointed Ambition, | 28 |
| Epilepsy, | 40 |
| Puerperal, | 41 |
| Wounds on the Head, | 18 |
| Abuse of Snuff and Tobacco, | 8 |
| Hereditary, or kindred, having insane ancestors | 405 |
| Periodical, | 308 |
| Homicidal, | 20 |
| Have committed homicides, | 15 |
| Suicidal, | 167 |
| Have committed suicide, | 7 |
| Have dark hair, eyes and complexion, | 481 |
| Have light hair, eyes and complexion, | 500 |
| Arising from physical causes, | 703 |
| Arising from moral causes, | 459 |
| Many not classed. |
It thus appears, that of 1557 cases of insanity that have been committed to the Hospital, 120 are from religious causes, or nearly ten per cent, and this, be it remembered, has been the proportion before the doctrine of the Advent was preached. It is therefore no new thing for insanity to be produced by religious excitement. HST June 28, 1843, page 132.9
The following remarks of Dr. Woodard are doubtless intended to apply to those who are endeavoring to induce their fellow-beings to prepare for the coming of Christ and secure an eternal inheritance, that they with JOY may look “for the blessed hope of the glorious appearing of the great God and our Savior Jesus Christ.” They however show that the Doctor entirely misapprehends what is believed in relation to the Advent and its effects on the mind. He says: HST June 28, 1843, page 132.10
“The Bible itself would rarely make a man, insane; its promises counterbalance its denunciations, and its plain and simple instruction shows more clearly the way to pardon and to peace. It is human dogmas and new-fangled doctrines, promulgated by the ignorant and misguided, which are at present distracting the public mind, loosening the cords which bind society together, and, without chart or compass, set mankind forth in search of a heavenly inheritance. When the settled principles of religious faith and hope are discarded, when fanaticism predominates, and the established forms of religious worship are abandoned, then it is that the minds of the weak and excitable are distracted and made insane; then it is that the effort to reach something indefinable and untangible, overpowers the intellect, and often breaks it down and destroys it.—This is not religion, but its counterfeit—a base moral currency, unsafe, and worse than useless in its influence, corrupting instead of reforming its victims, and levelling, rather than elevating the moral and religious standard of the community in which it circulates” HST June 28, 1843, page 132.11
The Doctor has probably never examined the doctrine of the Advent. His opinions are formed from newspaper squibs and the sneers of those who oppose us. No man is fully competent to decide on any question, until he has thoroughly examined both sides of that question. Most of our opponents, when closely driven, are obliged to admit that they never have thus examined this doctrine. They take it for granted that we are wrong, and perhaps give the doctrine a cursory examination, and go away confirmed in their prejudices. While if they would give it that study which is due to the sacred oracles, they might arrive at a very different result. HST June 28, 1843, page 133.1
There is nothing in the doctrine of the Advent as taught in the Bible that can make a Christian insane. Cold-hearted professors, and sinners, who are taught that the coming of Christ is a dreaded event, and fear that if he come they may get their just deserts, may perhaps be made crazy by this doctrine. And those who talk about such a result, show plainly that the coming of the Lord will be to them any thing but a joyful event, and that they do not love his appearing. But we feel confident that an instance cannot be shown where a person who has embraced the doctrine of the Advent, and loves the appearing of the Lord, has become insane by it, while several have been restored to sanity. It will therefore follow that if any cases of insanity have been produced, in connection with this doctrine, they have been caused by preaching in opposition to it, and filling the hearts of the people with fear respecting it, and not by the preaching of this “blessed hope,” and filling with joy, the heart of those who are looking for and loving the appearing of their Lord. HST June 28, 1843, page 133.2
“The Nations were angry, and thy wrath is come, and the time of the dead that they should be, judged.” HST June 28, 1843, page 133.3
Nothing is more evident than that at the coming of Christ, the nations will be angry. It is not necessary that they should be in actual combat, but in a state of intense and angry feelings. That they are fast reaching such a point, is evident from the signs of the times. We witness in England, millions of Chartists who have sued in vain for a redress of grievances, and are ready, at the first outbreak, to rise in a mass against the government under which they live. In Ireland, are also millions leagued together for the purpose of procuring a repeal of the union This movement the English government says must be put down by force, and they have accordingly introduced into Ireland, 25,000 stand of arms, and are fortifying all its strong points. The moment force is resorted to, that moment the revolution will commence. In France is a large war party at the head of whom is M. Theirs, anxious for a pretence of quarrel with England, and ready to join the Irish on the first outbreak. Russia is only waiting for a fit opportunity to extend her possessions into Turkey, and which opportunity she will find, when the attention of England is diverted from her grasping designs. HST June 28, 1843, page 133.4
Such movement on the part of the great powers of Europe, would necessarily involve the whole of Europe in war, if not the whole eastern world; and in the present aspect of affairs, we shall be prepared on any arrival, to learn that the contest has actually begun. The next breeze that sweeps across the Atlantic may bring to our ears the clash of contending arms. HST June 28, 1843, page 133.5
What then is the condition of our own country. For what purpose are held, week after week, meetings in favor of the Irish repeal, in every city and village of the land, most enthusiastically and numerously attended? At the meeting in this city on Monday night, the building was not only crammed full with five thousand human beings, but the street itself was almost impassable. Then for what purpose are the thousands of dollars raised which are subscribed for the repeal? HST June 28, 1843, page 133.6
Why are our judges, our senators, our ex-governors and sons of the President, taking so active a part in this movement? Such an accumulation of money, and enlistment of talent and influence, in this cause, in case of an outbreak, must involve this country in a war with England. We asked an Irishman a few days since, what the Irish in this country were expecting to do to advance the repeal. Said he, the moment a blow is struck in England, twenty thousand of us will march for Canada; and there the whole French population are waiting for a fit opportunity to rise against the mother country, and which, with the present withdrawal of the English troops, would be an easy task. Such a movement with respect to Canada, would embroil us in a war with England. And in case of such an event she has only to send an army in the Southern states to produce a negro rebellion through the entire south. Taking these things in connection with the state of things in Texas, in Mexico, in the whole of South America, in China and the Indies, who does not see that the whole world is but one great volcano, now smothered, but ready to burst forth at a moments notice? That it is one immense magazine which the least spark may at any time explode? Soon may be heard the twenty-four elders saying, Revelation 11:17, 18, “We give thee thanks, O Lord God Almighty, which art, and wast, and art to come; because thou hast taken to thee thy great power, and hast reigned. And the nations were angry, and thy wrath is come, and the time of the dead, that they should be judged, and that thou shouldst 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.” HST June 28, 1843, page 133.7
We learn from a correspondent in Hartford, that when Mr. Colver was in that city a short time since, he remarked to a very intelligent advent sister, that it was very immodest for ladies to be studying and explaining the prophecies. HST June 28, 1843, page 133.8
Reader,—Have you paid your subscription for this paper? It is necessary that we receive what is due from subscribers in order to defray the weekly expenses of this paper, purchase paper, pay the printer, etc. etc. All of you who can forward the amount of your subscriptions, will essentially aid us at this time. HST June 28, 1843, page 133.9
Remember that post masters will forward all such money, free of expense if application is made to them. They will also forward free of expense all names of subscribers, or requests for discontinuing the paper, which sometimes subject us to heavy postages. “A word to the wise is sufficient.” HST June 28, 1843, page 133.10
Deterioration of the Faith of the Church. The New York Evangelist, speaking of the New England Anniversaries says, “It is a solemn thought to contemplate the Congregational ministers coming into these Anniversaries. They are pastors of the churches which the pilgrim fathers planted, and should be the representatives of their principles. But how sad, how painful is the recollection that so many who once claimed the title, Congregationalist, have embraced the errors of Socinianism. We behold them grouping together to inculcate a system of doctrine very different from the vital truths proclaimed by the men who toiled and prayed here 200 years ago. HST June 28, 1843, page 133.11
The Cause in Rochester
Brother Bliss:—I take this occasion to advise you of the state and prospects of the good cause here. HST June 28, 1843, page 133.12
Brother Himes and myself arrived here on the 17th inst. and forthwith commenced preparations for proclaiming the good tidings of the kingdom at hand. The arrival of the Great Tent has created no little sensation in this city and vicinity. The object of Christ’s speedy coming has been partially presented in this city, by occasional lectures, but the mass of people have heard but little, except form our enemies. But we have now a fine prospect of laying the truth before them for ourselves, and the people, very many of them at least, evince a strong disposition to act the part of the noble Bereans, in hearing the word for themselves, that they may judge whether these things are so. HST June 28, 1843, page 133.13
The clergy and their coadjutors, may exercise their best endeavors to keep away the people, yet it will be in vain. The people, the common people will hear. This whole region is stirred by this great question, although we have not yet commenced opperations. Everything is working pleasantly, and to-morrow we expect to commence our meeting in the Tent. By the blessing of God, we expect hundreds, if not thousands will praise God for the influence of this meeting. It will undoubtedly be attended by an immense concourse of people. HST June 28, 1843, page 133.14
Our paper, the glad tidings of the kingdom at hand, the first No. of which goes to press to day, will, we trust, from this eligiable point, carry out the sound through a vast region of country, both in the States and the Canadas. HST June 28, 1843, page 133.15
God has thus far stood by this glorious enterprise, in a remarable manner, and in him we still trust. That it is of God, we are assured by his attending blessing. HST June 28, 1843, page 133.16
Nothwithstanding, the present prospect is, that the pecuniary expenses of our western enterprise will not be met, yet, such are the prospects for doing good in preparing the people for the great crisis which is at the door, that we feel encouraged to press on, trusting in the God who directs, to help us through. In haste. HST June 28, 1843, page 133.17
Yours in the blessed hope. HST June 28, 1843, page 133.18
L. D. Fleming. HST June 28, 1843, page 133.19
Rochester, June 22d, 1843. HST June 28, 1843, page 133.20
End of the Prophetic Periods
In my published exposition of the eighth chapter of Daniel, in saying that the seventy weeks, or 490 years, terminate exactly at the cross, I see that I am not sufficiently guarded. HST June 28, 1843, page 134.1
Our Lord was crucified in the 490th year; not at the close of it, as most of us have seemed to suppose, but in the commencement, or first part of the year. This is evident, from the fact that his crucifixion took place in our April; and in the first month of the Jewish year, and that it was in the year of our Lord that we call 33. The decree from which we reckon the 490 years, must have gone forth at the very commencement of the year 457 before Christ. Now you can see that it must take the whole of 457 and the whole of 33 to make 490; yet our Lord died in the very beginning of 33, and of course before the 490 years had closed, though it was in the 490th year. HST June 28, 1843, page 134.2
It was common with the Jews to put a part of a day for the whole: for example. Our Lord said, “Destroy this temple and in three days I will raise it again;” referring to his resurrection, and yet he was dead only a part of the first day, the whole of the second, and rose early the third, “while it was yet dark.” HST June 28, 1843, page 134.3
Thus, though he was in the tomb but a very small part of the third day, he is said to be three days in the grave. Thus, also, his death was not at the close of the 490th day, or year, but at the first dawn of it. Hence, on the same principle, the 1810 years remaining of the vision, after the crucifixion, should be reckoned not from the actual time within the year, or prophetic day that the death of our Lord occurred, but from the year itself; so that the 1810 years may terminate any time within the year 1843, but not necessarily till the entire Jewish year is closed, which will not be till after the spring equinox of 1844. HST June 28, 1843, page 134.4
The same remarks are applicaple to the 1290 days, in Daniel 12th chapter; they terminated in 1798, and in the early part of the year, it would seem, but they did not necessarily terminate till the close of that year, or till the spring of 1799. Hence, we are to reckon the difference between 1290 and 1335, viz. 45 years, not from the point in the year 1798 when the 1290 actually terminated, but from the year itself. As, however, the event spoken of, to occur at the close of the 1290 years seems to have occurred in the early part of 1798, we are warranted in looking daily for the consummation of the remaining 45 years, but they do not necessarily terminate till 1844, according to Jewish reckoning, is fully commenced. HST June 28, 1843, page 134.5
The 2300 years, also, or long period of the vision, must include the whole of 457 before Christ, and the whole of 1843, after: so that, though we are now in the 2300th year, the whole period will not actually expire till after the spring equinox of 1844; but as we have seen the events during the other periods, take place within the last year of those periods, we may now look daily for the “consummation.” HST June 28, 1843, page 134.6
The rejoicing of our opponents, therefore, that the days have all gone by, as they suppose, and “every vision faileth,” is as premature as that of Belshazzar, who, tradition says, having himself reckoned the 70 years captivity of the Jews in Babylon, and finding, as he supposed, the time had passed, held a feast, as recorded in Daniel 5th chapter, where he profaned the sacred vessels of the house of God by drinking wine out of them, and praising “the gods of silver and gold,” etc. but in that same night the event that marked the termination of the 70 years, Belshazzar was slain and Babylon overturned. So also, most likely when our Lord makes his second advent the haters of his appearing will be found comforting themselves with the idea that the time is past, and all is safe. In that dreadful moment, as the lightning flash, the day will burst upon the world, and horror appal those who have been striving to suppress the fears of such as were unprepared for that day. HST June 28, 1843, page 134.7
One word to those who are looking for our coming Lord. Dear brethren, we have passed the last light-house on this tempestuous coast—we are to look for no more signs, nor for any more particular days—they are all past: the port, THE PORT, is what we are next to expect; and as we are in tin last year, let us keep “a good look out” every hour, for we know not the day nor the hour when the glorious Lord will appear. Till he does appear let us not slack our hand, but work while the day lasts. No time for idleness or mirth now. Let us be sober and watch unto prayer that we may be accounted worthy to escape all those things that are coming on this guilty world, and a still more guilty professing church. If a few more days or weeks are still alloted us here, let us redeem the time to get a more perfect conformity to the image of God’s dear son, and in plucking souls as brands from the burning. HST June 28, 1843, page 134.8
My own confidence in the coming of our Lord, now at the door, never was stronger and more unshaken. I can truly say, I see not the shadow of a reason to doubt it, and my prayer is, “Even so, come Lord Jesus, come quickly.” George Stores. HST June 28, 1843, page 134.9
Boston, June 12, 1843. HST June 28, 1843, page 134.10
Prophecy of the End of the World in 1843
A gentleman in Marshfield, Vermont, has in his possession a few old newspapers, and among them a Boston paper, printed in 1741, containing a notice of the prophecy of the end of the world in 1843. HST June 28, 1843, page 134.11
We find the above in one of our exchange papers, Perhaps the “Signs of the Times” can tell whether it is true. If it is, why then old Sol was right when he said there is nothing new in the sun. Even so verily,—Investigator. HST June 28, 1843, page 134.12
The Post Master of Marshfield replies to this paragraph as follows:— HST June 28, 1843, page 134.13
Marshfield, Vt. May 20, 1843. HST June 28, 1843, page 134.14
“The following is probably the article referred to. HST June 28, 1843, page 134.15
“THIS DAY PUBLISHED, and sold by Edes. Gill and Russell, at their printing office in Queen Street, (price half a pistareen,) the fifth edition of the prophetic numbers of Daniel and John, calculated in order to show the time when the day of judgment for the first age of the gospel is to be expected; and the setting up of the millennial kingdom of Jehovah and his Christ. He that hath ears to hear, let him hear. AMEN. In which is predicted the angel of God against the wicked, in the year 1759. God will be known by many in the year 1750, and this year will produce a great man. Asia, Africa, and America, will tremble in 1762. A great earthquake over the whole world in 1773. God will be universally known by all. Then general reformation and peace for ever, when the people shall learn war no more. Happy is the man that liveth to see this day. By Richard Clarke, minister of the gospel of Jesus Christ. HST June 28, 1843, page 134.16
Be assured this is a true verbatim copy of the original. Samuel Ainsworth. HST June 28, 1843, page 134.17
By comparing the fact with the announcement, it will be seen that erroneous statements on this subject seem to be manufactured with wonderful ease, and they spread with great rapidity. We believe the true harmonious application of all the prophetic numbers in Daniel, was never understood previous to 1798, when the “time of the end” begins, as marked in Daniel 11:40. Till that time the vision was shut up and sealed, as expressly stated in Daniel 8:26; 12:4, and 9. We believe that any one who will now patiently and honestly compare all the facts together, will see a complete harmony, which could not have been so clearly seen before. Therefore, all the blunders which have been formerly made, do not weigh a feather against the striking agreement of prophecy and fact which is now so manifest. HST June 28, 1843, page 134.18
Scoffers’s Department
To The Millerites.—“The earth is as fine a one as God could furnish us. I don’t believe the Clergy or the Legislature could better it—or our honester friends who are looking for the Prince of Peace to come with the torch of the incendiary and set it afire. I tell our conflagration friends, by the way, if Christ touches match to this glorious earth of ours, (which if He be God, He made to the best of His Almighty skill,) and burns it up—or burns a single human creature that sins and suffers on its surface, he is not the “Son of man” revealed in the New Testament. There is not a trait of character of him, delineated in the gospel, that such an act would not violate and outrage. No, let no such inflammatory scenes be anticipated. Would we burn the earth, and our miserable neighbors,—if we felt right towards them? No—nor if we felt right, should we ever expect God would do any such thing. It is only when we are wrong and wicked, ourselves, that we clothe our God with such an incendiary and revengeful disposition. Nero set Rome afire and played on the fiddle at sight of the conflagration. Nero would most naturally attribute to God a disposition he was then manifesting.” HST June 28, 1843, page 134.19
Herald of Freedom. HST June 28, 1843, page 134.20
But if the doctrine of Christ’s personal reign is true, if in 1843 he will appear to destroy the wicked, and to set aside all the ordinary means of converting and saving men, then surely the world will not be brought under his control by the power of the gospel, sustained and rendered efficacious by the accompanying operation of the Holy Spirit, and thus the mighty resources of Christianity to accomplish the conversion of mankind, will never be fully brought out and displayed in the sight of an intelligent universe. Thus it will be demonstrated that human depravity is too strong, and diabolical influence over the affairs of this world is too potent, to be overthrown by the process of preaching the Gospel, and the renewing and sanctifying operations of the Holy Spirit. HST June 28, 1843, page 134.21
Thus, too, will it be demonstrated that the beloved Son, who has offered a sacrifice of infinite value, sufficient to redeem the whole world, who has all the fulness of the Godhead, to whom is intrusted all power in heaven and earth, and into whose hands all things have been given, is driven to the necessity of relinquishing a plan of mercy, love and grace, for the subjugation of the human race, which he has heretofore maintained against all opposition, and is compelled to resort to such weapons as fire and violence to set up his everlasting kingdom, and fill the earth with the knowledge of the Lord, as the waters cover the seas. HST June 28, 1843, page 134.22
These are some of the conclusions to which the doctrine of the personal reign of Christ seems to lead.—Rev. H. Morris, Hartford, Ct. HST June 28, 1843, page 134.23
The end of Puseyism.—Mr. Newman, one of the heresiarchs of Oxford, has recently published a formal public recantation of all his severe language against the Romish church, or of any remarks which reflect upon the religious character of that church. The Puseyites have strenuously disavowed a preference for Rome, as they have urged for Catholicism. It will thus be seen how sincere their professions of Protestantism, and how naturally Puseyism advances towards downright Romanism. HST June 28, 1843, page 134.24
Logic.—“The Universalist” says that our “profession of belief in the future second advent of Christ to judgment, implies that “there has been a past second advent of Christ to judgment.” Sound Universalist criticism, to be sure! Certainly, no mind but that of a Universalist skilled in the serpentine art of reading crooked, would have made any such comment. He must have studied philolgy under Hosea Ballou.—Well, it seems that the language of the Bible is not the only language which Universalists can misconstrue and pervert. HST June 28, 1843, page 134.25
Chris. Sec. HST June 28, 1843, page 134.26
THE REST, THE HOPE, AND THE HOME OF THE CHRISTIAN LABORER
Andante. CHORUS. Three Treble Voices. HST June 28, 1843, page 135.1
1. See, brethren, see, how the day rolls on, Quickly will the Savior come; hark! hear the sound he will appear, Sweetly falls upon the ear. Then haste let us work till the
2. Come, brethren, come, let us all be free, Soon we shall the Savior see—For when our toil and labor’s o’er,We shall meet to part no more. Then haste, etc.
3. Lift up your heads and rejoice in God, Shout his praises all abroad; Soon shall we hear the voice ‘tis done Child your Father calls come home. Then haste, etc.
4. Come, sinners, come, let us all awake,And the spirit’s truths partake; Soon will appear, and oh! how bright, Prayer to praise, and faith to sight. Then haste etc.
day-light is o’er, Our hearts filled with love as we row to the shore. Our earth-ly la-bor be-ing done, how sweet the christian’s welcome home. Home, home, home, the HST June 28, 1843, page 135.2
christian’s welcome home. Sweet, oh! sweet the christian’s welcome home. Welcome home, Welcome home, wel—come home.
5 Hark, brethren, hark, hear the sound so clear, Happy may you be this year—Now has commenced, you plainly see, Eighteen hundred forty-three. Chorus—Then haste, etc. HST June 28, 1843, page 135.3
6 Hail! brethren, hail! it’s the new-born year, Gabriel’s trump we soon shall hear—Then will the saints and angels sing, Glory be to Heaven’s King. Chorus—Then haste, etc. HST June 28, 1843, page 135.4
7 Come, sinners, come, and make no delay—Soon will come the judgment day; Get perfect love which casts out fear, Then you’ll happy be this year. Chorus—Then haste, etc. Claremont, N. H., January 1st, 1843. HST June 28, 1843, page 135.5
8 Hark! how the Gospel trumpet sounds, Holiness the echo bounds; Come, sinner, come, and holy be, Then the Lord in peace you’ll see. Chorus—Then haste, etc. HST June 28, 1843, page 135.6
9 Pray, brethren, pray, and believe in God, In one place with one accord, As on the day of Pentecost, And receive the Holy Ghost. Chorus—Then haste, etc. HST June 28, 1843, page 135.7
Foreign News
“Distress of Nations with Perplexity.” HST June 28, 1843, page 136.1
Ireland. This unhappy, oppressed and troddendown land, is evidently soon to be the theatre of a civil war. Says the “European Times:”— HST June 28, 1843, page 136.2
“Ireland absorbs at the present moment, the exclusive attention of the British Ministry and the British people. The Repeal movement continues to make the most gigantic strides, the whole country is in a fearful state of excitement, and Mr. O’Connel, after visiting Cork and various other parts of Ireland, has returned to Dublin. During his sojourn in the provinces, hundreds of thousands of his countrymen congregated at his beck, and his progress resembled a continuous ovation from his outset until his return. He addressed them, on every occasion, in the most inflammatory strain, condemnatory of the British connexion, while he poured out the most unmeasured vituperation and ridicule against Sir Robert Peel, the Duke of Wellington, and Lord Brougham. The great bulk of the Catholic clergy have thrown themselves headlong into the movement, the rent comes pouring in by thousands of pounds per week, and all classes seem to regard a crisis at hand. HST June 28, 1843, page 136.3
Troops are daily pouring into the country, government steamers are constantly engaged between the Tower of London and the Pigeon-house, Dublin, in carrying and landing arms, the Castle in the latter city is being placed in a state of defence, and every thing shows the Government anticipates an immediate outbreak. HST June 28, 1843, page 136.4
Some Roman Catholic Bishops are about to prepare a prayer for the safety of Daniel O’Connel. HST June 28, 1843, page 136.5
The troops stationed in Ireland, will amount, in June, to about 25,000 men. HST June 28, 1843, page 136.6
Almost every door in the city has chalked upon it, “Repeal or Blood!”—Cork Constitution. HST June 28, 1843, page 136.7
Mr. O’Connel will not leave Ireland to attend to his parliamentary duties before the 10th of June. HST June 28, 1843, page 136.8
All the Irish forts, castles and battlements, have been inspected by a government engineer, and ordered to be repaired and placed in a state of perfect utility. Indeed, the preparations of government are such as would indicate that a civil war is not far distant. HST June 28, 1843, page 136.9
All over the south and west of Ireland, the people are meeting in hundreds of thousands, and are addressed by O’Connel and his numerous friends, in speeches of the most violent and inflammatory character.” HST June 28, 1843, page 136.10
Over four thousand dollars were contributed in one week to the Irish Repeal Association. And twenty-five hundred were sent by the last steamer from New York, for the same cause, besides the sums sent from Baltimore, Philadelphia, and Boston. HST June 28, 1843, page 136.11
In the present condition of Europe, it is evident that a resort to arms between England and Ireland must result in the most disastrous consequences. The sympathy which must be felt for Ireland by the Chartists of England, and the Republicans of France, and this country, will render it no easy task to reduce the 8,000,000 of Irish to submission. And the shedding of blood in Ireland may not unlikely light a flame in Europe that will embroil the whole civilized world in war. HST June 28, 1843, page 136.12
When the wrath of the Lord shall come it will find the nations angry. Who can say but they are now being gathered together to the battle of the great day of the Lord God Almighty. We shall wait for farther intelligence with much interest. HST June 28, 1843, page 136.13
Puseyism. On Sunday week, Dr. Pusey preached a sermon in Christ Church Cathedral, Oxford, in which he avowed his belief in transubstantiation and the doctrine of the mass. A copy of the sermon has been demanded by the University authorities. Dr. Pusey has given it to them, and a good deal of anxiety is evinced to know what steps the college heads will take in consequence. HST June 28, 1843, page 136.14
Scotland. Scotland has been the scene of a religious movement, the most important in its consequences, the most extended in its ramifications, which has taken place since the time of the reformation. Nearly 500 ministers—the heart’s blood of the church, embracing all that are most distinguished for learning, talent, and energy—have seceded from the Kirk, and thrown themselves upon the voluntary principle, rather than submit to an interference in matters of discipline with the civil power. HST June 28, 1843, page 136.15
Troubles in Wales. The little principality of Wales has been giving some uneasiness of late to the “powers that be.” The southern portion more especially, has been the scene of a series of emeutes, which show an unhealthy tone of feeling amongst the peasantry. Hitherto their depredations have been confined to midnight crusades against toll-bars and toll-keepers, by bands of confederated laborers yclept “Rebecca and her daughters;” but recently their boldness has become more audacious, and the magistrates have in contemplation to place the disturbed districts under military surveilance. HST June 28, 1843, page 136.16
Camp Meetings
Brother Bliss,—I wish to say a few words to you through the Signs of the Times, about camp meetings. Myself and others are called upon almost every day to attend camp meetings that have been appointed by individuals in different places, without proper arrangements or provision and when we attend, often find that our labor is lost or worse than lost for want of proper efforts and pains in getting up the meeting. Brother Hale, with myself and others, concluded last fall that we should not attend these appointments unless they were sanctioned by the regular committee, whose experience has fitted them to act with greater discretion in these matters than those who think that all which is necessary, is to barely say there will be a meeting and let it go at that. One thing more, I think that our camp meetings should not hold over the Sabbath, for two reasons, it takes too many preachers from their congregations, and also, it brings together many that have no interest in the meeting, who make more disturbance than they get good, etc. Our brethren and friends who lecture and are interested in the advent cause, are requested to meet at Haverhill on Wednesday evening, 28th inst. to make such arrangements as they think proper, in regard to camp-meetings. HST June 28, 1843, page 136.17
For the Committee, Timothy Cole. HST June 28, 1843, page 136.18
Lowell, June 22. 1843. HST June 28, 1843, page 136.19
THE GLAD TIDINGS, OF THE KINGDOM AT HAND
A paper by the above name, will be commenced in the city of Rochester, N. Y. about the 20th of June, 1843. Thirteen weekly numbers will be published (if time continue) for fifty cents. HST June 28, 1843, page 136.20
It will be sent by mail to any part of the country desired. HST June 28, 1843, page 136.21
Seven copies to one address for $3, thirteen copies for $5. J. V. HIMES, Editor and Publisher, HST June 28, 1843, page 136.22
Boston, June 3, 1843. HST June 28, 1843, page 136.23
Advent Depot at Rochester, N. Y
Will be opened about the 20th of June, where Books on the Advent in 1843 may be obtained, written by Messrs. Miller, Litch, Fitch, Storrs, and others, together with Hymn Books, Papers, Tracts, Charts, etc. All letters, or orders, should be directed (post paid) to J. V. HIMES, Rochester, N. Y. HST June 28, 1843, page 136.24
CAMPMEETING AT FRANCONIA, N. H
There will be a campmeeting at the above place, commencing July 5th. Lecturers are requested to be present, and the public generally. A. WELLS. HST June 28, 1843, page 136.25
CAMP MEETING
There will be a grove meeting about one quarter of a mile from Pittsfield Village, N. H. commencing July 2nd, and continuing over the fourth and perhaps over the Sabbath following. Brethren J. Hazletine, of Derry, and T. Cole, of Lowell, are earnestly invited to attend, with all others who may be disposed to. In behalf of the Committee, J. E. JONES. HST June 28, 1843, page 136.26
SECOND ADVENT CAMPMEETING
There will be an Advent Campmeeting held in Sennett, New York, about six miles east of Auburn, and about half a mile north of the rail-road, one mile east of Sennett village, on the farm of Judge Sennett, in the grove called the “Pine Woods,” to commence on Saturday, July 1st, and continue till July 11th; All those who love the appearing of our Lord are requested to come and bring their tents with them, (those who have them.) Those that, cannot bring tents can be provided for on the ground at the rate of $1,50 per week, or one shilling per meal. HST June 28, 1843, page 136.27
GEO. W. PEAVY. HST June 28, 1843, page 136.28
AN ADVENT CAMPMEETING,
In Ashby, Mass, will commence, (should time continue,) on Wednesday, the 28th inst. in the grove in the rear of the Unitarian meeting house, to continue over the Sabbath. It is expected that Brn. Preble, Storrs, and Heath, will be present on the occasion. All necessary provisions will be had on the ground. For the committee, HST June 28, 1843, page 136.29
W. D. WALKER, HST June 28, 1843, page 136.30
J. W. SPALDING. HST June 28, 1843, page 136.31
SECOND ADVENT CAMP MEETING
Will be held, if time continues, near the line beween Cato and Lysander, Cayuga co. New York about one mile west of the Christian Chapel, at Plainville, to commence Saturday, June 24, and continue till July 3. Some of our efficient lecturers of the East are earnestly solicited to attend, and ministers and brethren in general. G. W. PEAVEY. HST June 28, 1843, page 136.32
Prentis, N. Y., May 30, 1843. HST June 28, 1843, page 136.33
A SECOND ADVENT CAMP MEETING
Will be held in the town of Warrensville, about ten miles from Cleaveland, Ohio, commencing the 28th of June, to continue one week, and as much longer as the Lord may direct. HST June 28, 1843, page 136.34
The Junior editor of this paper on application, will lecture on the advent, in this immediate vicinity, but will not be able to respond personally to calls from any distance. Lecturers can be obtained for distant fields on application at this office. HST June 28, 1843, page 136.35
Letters from post-masters, to June 23, 1843
Manchester, NH; Providence RI; S Berwick Me; Walpole Ms; Colchester, Ct; Albany NY; Gadsden, SC; E Calais Vt $1; Stockton NY: Greenville NY; Hartland Vt; Meluin Village NC $1; Ashburnham, Ms; S New Durham, NH $1; Wrentham Ms; W Woodstock Ct; Portsmouth, NH; Homes’ Hole Ms; Fairhaven Ms; Athol Ms; Essex, Vt $1; Amoskeag, NH; Derry NH $1; Nolensville; Northfield, Ms; Fredericksburg Va; Pawtucket RI; Sugar Hill NH; Byron Me; Bellmont, Miss, money rec’d; Danville Ky; St Albans Vt; Coneus, N Y; E Bridgwater Ms; No Bridgwater Ms; Walpole, Ms; Garland, Me; Derby Line Vt; Little Falls NY; Leominster Ms; Acton Corner Me; Wilson NH; No. Dighton, Me; Wareham.Ms; Fall River Ms; N Yalt; Littleton, Ms $1; Geneseo NY $3; Hamilton, Ms; West Strafford Ct $2; Galaway, N Y; Wales Ms $1; Frankfort Mills, Me; Londonderry, Vt $1. HST June 28, 1843, page 136.36
Individuals
Aaron Clapp $10; D Goodnough $2; M Flint $4; Joseph C Small $1; G P Martin, H Patten, B H Albee, T L Tullock, G W Peavey, L Lovewell; R. Stubbs, B F Carter, G T Stacey; Hartford Ct; W Bridge, Ala; O Irish, $1; E Sprowl, $3.50; L Liffenwell, 56cts; S G Mathewson, Mary Everett, R Lyman, J D Vorr, Chs Barnes, W B Schemerhorn, $2; I E Jones, A C White, G W Burns, S Atwood, M Chandler, Lucy Carren, N Billings, C Swartwout, Jno Billings, 50 cts; D Tripp, ‘H.’ J Weston $1; J Roberts, Aaron Clapp, C H $1, Geo Gerry, $1 for Mrs Adams, all right; E Jones. HST June 28, 1843, page 136.37
Bundles Sent
Aaron Clapp, Hartford, Ct; 36 Park Row, N Y; H. Patten, Utica, N Y; Chs Greene, 40 Arcade, Phila.; 36 Park Row, N Y; R Lyman, Northfield, Ms; G Rawcliffer, Wrentham Ms; Jacob Weston, New Ipswich, NH. HST June 28, 1843, page 136.38