Signs of the Times and Expositor of Prophecy [Himes], vol. 5
July 5, 1843
Vol. V.—No. 18. Boston, Whole No. 114
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 July 5, 1843, page 137.1
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 July 5, 1843, page 137.2
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 July 5, 1843, page 137.3
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 July 5, 1843, page 137.4
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 July 5, 1843, page 137.5
V. There are none of the prophetic periods, as we understand them, that extend beyond the year 1843. HST July 5, 1843, page 137.6
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 July 5, 1843, page 137.7
Lectures on Prophecy
by james a. begg, of glasgow. HST July 5, 1843, page 137.8
Continued from page 130. HST July 5, 1843, page 137.9
And in the days of Isaac, this same Abimelek, or another Philistine king of the same name, and succeeding to his throne, had occasion in like manner to rebuke that patriarch also, for deceit precisely of the same kind, with respect to Rebecca, “because she was fair to look upon;” while there was fear expressed on the part of the king, that this duplicity “might have brought guilt upon his head;” (Genesis 26:7-11.) from which we may infer not merely a fear of God’s present displeasure, but as implying also a more favorable state of moral purity prevailing there than we are usually apt to imagine. HST July 5, 1843, page 137.10
There was also a Melchizedek, king of Salem, “and he was the priest of the Most High God,” to whom Abraham gave tithes of the spoil taken in battle—and there must therefore have been a worshipping people, for whom he ministered in that capacity.—Genesis 14:18. What their numbers were, we are not privileged to know; but it is interesting to find that even at this early period, the future “City of the Great King” was already the seat of holy regal preisthood, and that thither numbers of the children of men already came to worship the Lord of hosts, and to be blessed in his name. HST July 5, 1843, page 137.11
Still, however, this knowledge of God, however pleasing and however valuable, was rapidly passing away, and the cup of the nations’ iniquity was fast filling up, though not yet full for a considerable time thereafter. But as the evil was still progressing, the Almighty mercifully interposed for the world’s rescue and its bliss, by the selection of one faithful man, through whom, and his seed there should be preserved, and again spread abroad the knowledge and glory of His name. Grieved concerning their evil state, their enmity and distrust, God would show to his creatures, now becoming ignorant of his love, how good and how blessed a thing it is to know and serve the Lord. He would not merely teach them by precept, but would also show them by men of like passions with themselves, and exposed to similar temptations, an Almighty arm ever extended in their behalf, and that it is no vain thing to serve the Lord—that taking hold of his strength, they will assuredly find the reality of his love manifested to them, and his joy over them, when walking in his ways. In the well-instructed family of faithful Abraham, as well as in the example of the patriarch himself, God would present a light in the sight of all upon the earth, guiding men to that righteousness which is by faith, through a race that did so trust him, and, in their own experience, proved the blessedness and peace of walking in fellowship with their God. He would not leave the nations in their idolatries and rejection of that which alone is true bliss, without using the very best means for persuading them to return; and for this important purpose he would elevate conspicuously those of their brethren who were truly acquainted with his character and who were submitting themselves to his guidance, as a light to those who were in darkness. HST July 5, 1843, page 137.12
Pre-eminent now, even among guilty nations, were the descendants of wicked Ham, the influence of whose personal example and perversion of parental training, may be read in the history of those devoted Canaanitish nations who now lived in the land the Israelites were afterwards to receive. The contrast was exhibited between Ham and his brethren, as well as between their children; and from the manner in which the curse was denounced by Noah against Canaan, at the time of his father’s transgression, we are led to believe that already the baneful lesson had been taught, and that, even on this humiliating occasion, the son of Ham had taken an active part. The evil influence of a godless parent upon his offspring, as well as the good influence of a godly parent upon his, seems thus apparent, and succeeding generations evinced to what a melancholy state a people under such an example and instruction as the children of Ham received, will speedily descend. HST July 5, 1843, page 137.13
Descended though Abraham was, of the seed of Shem, a more dutiful son than Ham had proved, we still find that at the period of which we speak, the land of Abraham’s nativity also was defiled with idolatry; and we read that his own father and immediate relatives “served other gods.” (Joshua 24:2.) “Now the Lord had said unto Abraham, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father’s house, unto a land that I will show thee; and I will make of thee a great nation; and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shall be a blessing; and I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee; and in thee shall all the families of the earth be blessed.” (Genesis 12:1-3.) It is not merely of Christ, the One Seed, this promise of blessing to the families of the earth is given; Abraham himself, and his seed generally as “a great nation,” are also contemplated as the means of blessing—an idea which, being afterwards more fully developed, will become more apparent, as we proceed in tracing the history of its fulfilment. HST July 5, 1843, page 137.14
Obedient to the heavenly call, Abraham proceeded on the required journey, and having reached Haran, they remained there till his father’s death, when he entered Canaan, enjoying the smile of divine favor, living there however, only a sojourner, pitching his tent wherever he came. While dwelling at Bethel, after his nephew, Lot, had departed from him, God again promised him a seed numerous as the dust of the earth, and to himself and them as a possesion forever, all the land which he then beheld, northward, and southward, and eastward, and westward.—Genesis 13:14-17. HST July 5, 1843, page 137.15
After the victory over the kings, and his re-receiving the blessing of Melchizedek, Abraham, whose faith in the promise of a seed, made to him ten years before, seems to have been severely tried, in answer to God’s express assurance of protection and reward, asks, “What will thou give me, seeing I go childless, and the steward of my house is this Eliezer of Damascus?—Genesis 15:1, 2. Divine encouragement is vouchsafed, by the renewed assurance of a seed numerous as the stars of heaven. “And he believed in the Lord; and He counted it to him for righteousness.”—ver. 5, 6. HST July 5, 1843, page 137.16
Still the faith and patience of the patriarch had yet to be farther tried, and farther strengthened through that trial. God having once more testified on the occasion just referred to, his purpose of giving to Abraham the land in which he now was, for an inheritance, the patriarch asked a sign or pledge, and Jehovah graciously covenanted in form with him. 21 And although he is told his seed were to be strangers in another land, and there to be afflicted 400 years, it is divinely promised that they should afterwards be brought out with great substance. “And in the same day the Lord made a covenant with Abram, saying, unto thy seed have I given this land, from the river of Egypt unto the great river, the river Euphrates” ver. 18. If the seed are to be numerous, so are the boundaries of a land sufficiently large for a very numerous people. But the seed from which they were to spring was not yet given; and Abram was still to exercise believing trust in the faithfulness of Him who had promised. HST July 5, 1843, page 137.17
“And when Abram was ninety years old and nine, the Lord appeared to Abram and said unto him, I am the Almighty God; walk before me and be thou perfect; and I will make my covenant between me and thee, and will multiply thee exceedingly.” Genesis 17:1, 2. An Almighty arm being thus again presented on which to lean, a demand of righteousness is made which that proffered strength fully justified, but, without which strength, compliance would have been impossible; and the assurance of a numerous seed is again given. On this interesting occasion, additional important circumstances are introduced;—God renews his covenant with Abraham, and it is now promised that he shall be “a father of many nations.” His own name is therefore changed from Abram (‘a high father’) to Abraham, (‘the father of a great multitude,’) for, “saith the Lord, a father of many nations have I made thee.” The name of his wife, also, was changed from Sarai, (‘my princess,’) to Sarah, (‘the princess;’) for, “she shall be a mother of nations; kings of people shall be of her” and their faith in the truth of the promises of which these new names are expressive, was required to be manifested by their present adoption of the change, while no time is yet specified as that of their fulfilment. Abraham is, however, to be the progenitor of “kings,” and Jehovah is pledged to be a God to him and to his seed, and to give to them “all the land of Canaan for an everlasting possession,” circumcision being enjoined as the token of the covenant. HST July 5, 1843, page 138.1
The day of Abraham’s joy at length draws near; for the Avenger, on his way to Sodom, the patriarch’s guest, now sets the time when the incredulous Sarah shall indeed give birth to the heir, in whom their seed is to be called. (Genesis 18.) And the Lord visited Sarah as he had said, and the Lord did unto Sarah as he had spoken. For Sarah conceived and bare Abraham a son in his old age, at the set time of which God had spoken to him. And Abraham called the name of his son, that was born unto him, whom Sarah bare to him, Isaac. And Abraham circumcised his son Isaac, being eight days old, as God had commanded him.—Genesis 21:1-4. Not yet, however, have the trials of Abraham ceased; for “it came to pass, after these things, that God did tempt Abraham, and said unto him, Abraham; and he said, Behold here I am. And He said, Take now thy son, thine only son, Isaac, whom thou lovest, and get thee into the land of Moriah; and offer him there for a burnt offering upon one of the mountains which I will tell thee of.”—Genesis 22:1, 2. Sad and doubtful mission to any but the father of the faithful; he, however, demands not the reason, nor questions its propriety. It is God that calls, and Abraham obeys with alacrity, and receives the high acknowledgment of divine approbation, for this the crowning act of a life, recorded at such length, in which true faith was throughout so conspicuous. HST July 5, 1843, page 138.2
The discipline to which Abraham was thus subjected, subsequent to his leaving his country, his kindred, and his father’s house; was eminently fitted to qualify him, physically, mentally, and spiritually, for the place he was intended to fill as the great instructor of men. His faith in God as his divine guide was, as we have seen, peculiarly tested; as it is the most important of all human acquirements. Dwelling originally in Ur of the Chaldees, the Lord had called him to go to a land which should be shown unto him; “and he went out, not knowing whither he went.” His wife old and childless, the Lord yet promised, “I will make of thee a great nation;” (Genesis 12:2.) “and he staggered not through unbelief.” All the land of Canaan was promised to him and to his seed, but he nevertheless beheld it to be still entirely occupied by fierce and numerous nations, not easily to be dispossessed. He walked indeed by divine direction, the length and breadth of this promised land; still, however, he was all the days of his life but a sojourner in it; so that although God had absolutely promised it to him as an everlasting possession, He “gave him none inheritance in it, no not so much as to set his foot on;” and Abraham’s faith continues even now in exercise, as he waits for the City which hath foundations. HST July 5, 1843, page 138.3
Every part of this dealing with the patriarch, was well fitted, as it was designed of God, to be to him the means of yet increasing that strength of faith which had already enabled him to become a pilgrim. The promised seed was long delayed; yet Abraham was assured that no stranger should be his heir. Sarah, becoming impatient, gave Hager, her maid, to the bosom of her husband, and Ishmael is born; but still “The son of the bond woman shall not be heir with the son of the free woman.” (Galatians 4:30.) Sarah, ninety years old, at length conceives, and Isaac is born; but before he is grown to man’s estate, Abraham is called to take his son whom he loved, and in whom all his hopes are centred, and in the land of Moriah to offer him for a burnt offering to the Lord; yet, in the purpose of his heart, by faith, “he that had received the promises, offered up his only-begotten son, of whom it was said, that in Isaac shall thy seed be called, accounting that God was able to raise him up even from the dead from whence also he had received him in a figure,” for before the angel of the Lord interposed, he had taken the knife to slay his son. HST July 5, 1843, page 138.4
Besides typifying that wondrous transaction in prophetic prospect of which Abraham called the name of the mount, Jehovah-jireh, saying, “In this mount the Lord will appear,” (as his words are rendered by all good critics,) he was thus also in a remarkable manner trained most perfectly to trust in God, ever hoping against hope, by finding continually the faithfulness of Him in whom he believed, and on whom he leaned. We have at once exemplified in this history of the Father of the faithful, the power of faith, and taught to admire how the Lord, strengthening faith by its exercise, was thus qualifiing him to be a noble example, and, by his experience, giving to his family, and, through them, to all the earth, the highest encouragement thus to follow in the footsteps of their great progenitor. HST July 5, 1843, page 138.5
I know, indeed, nothing to compare with Abraham’s conduct in his last great trial, in the history of any other mere man that has ever lived upon the earth. Every circumstance connected with God’s demand, was so trying to flesh and blood, and these very circumstances dwelt upon by God, as if to aggravate the amount of suffering, to be inflicted upon Abraham, unless help had been brought in an unwonted manner. The man living by sense must have said, ‘an injunction to the commission of murder!—of murder the most unnatural, that of a father imbrueing his hands in the blood of his own son, and that son his only son, his beloved son.’ The youth to be put to death, not in anger, nor in haste, nor in tumult, but calmly and deliberately, with full time allowed for reflection upon the bloody deed, and all its alarming consequences—enjoined over-night to prepare, and in the morning with the necessary materials to proceed upon the mysterious journey—to converse by the way with the intended and unsuspecting victim, who himself, by his questioning about the needed lamb, allowed not his father’s thoughts to be diverted from the wondrous object of his journey—to build an alter, to arrange the fuel-wood, to bind his son and lay him on it, to stretch forth his hand to take the knife, apparently fatal to all the fond hopes he had cherished in his son, that son in whom alone his seed were called! What could nerve the parents arm for such a deed, in such a case? Faith could! yes, the faith of Abraham enabled him to yeild obedience even in this trying hour—the faith that the God by whom the sacrifice of Isaac had been demanded, was able to raise him again from the dead, although Abraham had never witnessed a resurrection, nor knew of one having been seen by others; for such a thing had not then been—although, like Job, he looked for one to come. This was indeed an amount of faith which rendered him a fit instructor of those who after him were to be the world’s monitors, as to what is pleasing to the Lord. HST July 5, 1843, page 138.6
My dear friends, as well directly as indirectly, we, who are not of the circumcision, are called to profit by the example of Abraham’s faith; for “he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith which he had, yet being uncircumcised; that he might be the father of all them that believe, though they be not circumcised; that righteousness might be inputed unto them also; and the father of circumcision to them who are not of the circumcision only, but who also walk in the steps of that faith of our father Abraham, which he had, being yet uncircumcised.”—Romans 4:11, 12. The trial of our faith is with God very precious, and therefore it is often subjected to the purifying—not that it should ever be found to fail, but that it may be mightily increased. Science lends us here a useful and appropriate illustration. When its disciples has imparted magnetic virtue to a bar of steel, and wishes to increase the power, he employs for this purpose, a method corresponding with that of the God of Abraham, in Abraham’s case, and in the case of all who note and profit by his teaching. Instead of allowing the newly-formed magnet to lie unused, as if it would thereby acquire additional strength, he causes it immediately to be loaded with the full weight it is found able to sustain, and gradually from day to day, he increases this its burden by very slight additions. This has been found the most effectual way in which the desired object can be accomplished; while magnets have thus been formed of such power as to be able to suspend two or three times the weight they could lift at first—thus increasing their capacity by the very process of adding to their task of burden-bearing. So God deals with us. According to our increasing capacity of sustaining trial, he often adds yet more, for the very purpose of strengthening the faith in which already he has pleasure; and at all times he is making demands upon the faith of the strong, which he lays not on the weak, seeing that the latter would thereby be destroyed, instead of being enlarged. This is beautifully illustrated in the case of Job. In the first testimony which we have of this patriarch, he is divinely declared to have been “perfect and upright, and one that feared God, and eschewed evil,”—“none like him in the earth.”—Job 1:1, 8. He is however, made to feel how little comparatively his faith had hitherto been brought into exercise (Job 6:5.) He had comforted others, and instructed them, (chap. 4:3-5.) and now he is to be better qualified for such heavenly work—and this by trials of the severest kind. And so it proved; for his manifold and varied calamities resulted in the remarkable confession, “I have heard of Thee by the hearing of the ear, but now mine eye seeth Thee Wherefore I abhor myself and repent in dust and ashes.”—Job 42:5, 6. And so it was in like manner with Abraham. By gradual increase of demand upon his faith, and that demand being uniformly justified by the fulfilment of the divine promises, he ultimately attains a degree of confidence in God, from which at the outset he may have been at a great distance, marked as his career is by repeat. ed failures, when put to trials much less severe. HST July 5, 1843, page 138.7
This view of God’s purpose in the call of Abraham and his seed, is well confirmed and illustrated in the divine communication to him when Sodom and Gomorrah were about to be destroyed for their wickedness. “And the Lord said, shall I hide from Abraham that thing which I do; seeing that Abraham shall surely become a great and mighty nation, and all the nations of the earth shad be blessed in him? For I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the Lord, to do justice and judgment.”—Genesis 18:17-19. Not only should his descendants be the people of whom as concerning the flesh Christ should come, but they themselves were nationally to be a blessing unto all other nations; for God knew Abraham’s faithfulness and diligence in instructing his children and his house, and he foresaw as the blessed result that they also should keep the way the Lord; while others when they knew God, glorified him not as God, neither were thankful, but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish hearts was darkened. (Romans 1:22.) Abraham was known of God as one who had not only tasted that the Lord is gracious, but who realizing the important place in which he stood as God’s witness, was training his children and domestics both by example and by precept to keep the way of the Lord, and to do justice and judgment. He was thus preparing a race of descendants who walking in the footsteps of their father’s faith, might serve as a light to enlighten the nations amid the darkness which brooded over them concerning the dealings and desires of the righteous Lord. HST July 5, 1843, page 139.1
Mindful still of his offspring, notwithstanding all their perversity, and ever contriving for their good, God was now organising a scheme for the instruction of men, through the house of him whom he condescended to call His “friend;” and, therefore, before inflicting vengeance on the guilty cities of the plain, he would explain to Abraham more fully and distinctly the principle of His righteous government, which rendered necessary the impending judgment—that as the patriarch would teach his family to keep the way of the Lord—and that as he would not only himself become a great and mighty nation, but that through him all the nations of the earth should be blessed, the righteous ruler would first expound to him the principle of his proceedure, in this intended act of awful overthrow. He would not hide this from Abraham, because of the patriarch’s desire to impart to others a knowledge of the way of the Lord; thus being the very reason assigned by the Most High, for his condescension upon this occasion—“for I know him that he will command his children and household after him, and they shall keep the way of the Lord, to do justice and judgment.” HST July 5, 1843, page 139.2
This truly paternal anxiety for the spiritual welfare of his family, divinely approved, in Abraham, is beautifully exhibited in the care he afterwards manifested that Isaac should not be united in marriage to any of the daughters of the grossly wicked and doomed nations of Canaan. And the happy result of the training of his household is no less conspicuous in the religious conduct of his steward Eleazer while on this delicate embassy. The birth of Isaac had marred the prospect which this faithful domestic had long enjoyed, of being himself his master’s heir. Yet still he is found the faithful, disinterested, devoted servant, to whom can best be entrusted this important charge. And while he exercises all due discretion, in the spirit of Abraham himself, he asks in prayer from God guidance and success in his mission, and ascribes to Him the praise when both were vouchsafed.—Genesis 24:12-27, 53. HST July 5, 1843, page 139.3
co ncluded in our next. HST July 5, 1843, page 139.4
Important Truths
What are the signs that the expected Millennium is approaching? Hear the New York Observer. Its leading editorial last week is a comment on the statement of the Unitarian paper in Boston: “The leaven of Unitarianism now working in the Calvinistic churches, is one of the most remarkable signs of our age.” HST July 5, 1843, page 139.5
On this, the editor of the leading Presbyterian paper in America says: HST July 5, 1843, page 139.6
“In those churches where preachers of late years, siezed with a mania for intellectual preaching as distinguished from spiritual, have been smitten with the soulless beauties of transcendentalism, and rising above the dull atmosphere of old and homely truths which have been from childhood their vital breath, now live and think, and preach in a world of thought all new to them, and all unknown and unintelligible to their hearers; in those churches ‘the leaven of Unitarianism is working,’ and bye, and bye, it may leaven the lump. HST July 5, 1843, page 139.7
“It has been our misfortune, occasionally, to be under the necessity of listening to a sermon from preachers of this stamp; men whose views are, in truth, of the transcendental school, or who affect the transcendental style; men, whose preaching meets precisely the Scotchman’s definition of metaphysics, ‘where the hearer does not know what the speaker means, and the speaker does not know what he means himself;’ and we have not been surprised that men become infidels under such preaching. He who professes to preach the gospel, professes to preach Christ and him crucified, and when a congregation of ungodly men hear from the pulpit nothing but the vapid essays of a transcendentalist, they must feel that he, who thus seeks to entertain and not to convert them, does not believe in the spirituality of the gospel, and if they soon learn to despise the orthodox faith, and love that which denies depravity, and atonement, and regeneration, and all that is distinctive in the gospel as a Christian system, the result is as natural from the cause, as winter after the summer’s sun has gone, or death when the spirit has been called away. HST July 5, 1843, page 139.8
“At the risk of being compelled to give the proof, we hazard the opinion that this soulless style of preaching is finding its way into our pulpits. HST July 5, 1843, page 139.9
“To arrest the progress of such an evil, to save our churches from sliding into error, and to bring sinners to repentance, the gospel must be preached in its purity, pointedness, and power. The truth is the instrument; the truth of God, and not the imaginings of conceited men. Fox in his Martyrology gives in these well chosen words, the sum and substance of the preaching of Bradford, one of those who went to heaven in a chariot of fire by the order of Bloody Mary. ‘Sharply he pointed out and reproved sin, sweetly he preached Christ crucified, pithily he impugned heresies and errors, earnestly he persuaded to godly life.’ HST July 5, 1843, page 139.10
“That was martyr preaching. If the fear of the faggot and flame is needed to rouse the ministry, if men will preach like that only when martyrdom is the reward set before them, we would almost pray, God send us persecution. Let the Romanists for a season have the power, and let the ministers of Christ be fired with apostolic and martyr zeal, and their lips, touched with living coals from the alter before the throne, shall be eloquent for the truth, and error confounded and affrighted shall flee away. But in days of peace and prosperity, the style of preaching degenerates; the spirit and the power fail; and in the very season when no danger is apparent, and gradual advancement in truth and righteousness is expected as a matter of course, then the enemy, by night, deposites in this pulpit and that, a little leaven of heresy, and while men sleep, the work goes on, like poison, that stupefies to destroy.” HST July 5, 1843, page 139.11
Religion.—How much religion have I? Just as much as you act out in practice.—Religion is not like bank stock, which can be locked except when needed for occasional use. Yet many persons seem to consider it as something, which can be kept in reserve, laid away in the heart, or only to be displayed on special occasions. What opinion should we form of the man who should inquire, “How much wisdom do I possess?” We should say just so much and no more as you exhibit in practice. But he replies, “I use but little, it is true. My plans and conduct do not denote much, if any; yet I have a supply for occasional use.” This would crown the evidence of his folly.—But religion is as unlikely to be locked up as wisdom. Then how much religion do you act out? That is all you have. HST July 5, 1843, page 139.12
SIGNS OF THE TIMES
“The Lord is at Hand.”
BOSTON, JULY 5, 1843.
The Decree in the seventh of Artixerxes Longimanus. The question is often asked why we date the seventy weeks from the date of this decree, when there are three other periods when decrees were given respecting Jerusalem? We answer, according to Daniel 7:25, the 70 weeks were to date “from the going forth of the commandment to restore and to build Jerusalem, and the walls were to be built in troublous times.” The decree in the first year of Cyrus, it will be seen by Ezra 1st. had reference only to the building a house at Jerusalem. HST July 5, 1843, page 140.1
Under this decree the foundation of the walls of the temple were laid, but they were troubled in building, and the work was made by force to cease. See Ezra 4th. The seventy weeks therefore could not be dated from this decree, as it had no respect to the restoring and rebuilding of Jerusalem. In the reign of Darius, the decree of Cyrus “was found at Achmetha, in the palace,” and was again renewed; and under this decree, the “house was finished on the third day of the month Adar, which was in the sixth year of the reign of Darius,” Ezra 6:15, 16, and the house was dedicated with joy. This being all the second decree had reference to, the seventy weeks could not date from it. HST July 5, 1843, page 140.2
The next decree is found in Ezra 7th, in the seventh year of the reign of Artixerxes Longimanus. This decree could not have reference to the building of the temple for that was finished and dedicated. Some contend that it only had reference to the purchasing of offerings for sacrifices at the temple. But it could not be limited to this, for the decree says, verse 18th, “And whatsoever shall seem good to thee and thy brethren to do with the rest of the silver and gold, that do after the will of your God.” 21st verse, “whatsoever Ezra the priest, the scribe of the law of the God of heaven shall require of you, it be done speedily.” It will be thus seen that unlimited power was given to Ezra to do according to his pleasure. Moreover we see by the prayer of Ezra 9:9, that he did consider it a decree to rebuild the wall of Jerusalem. “For we were bondmen; yet our God hath not forsaken us in our bondage, but hath extended mercy unto us in the sight of the kings of Persia, to give us a reviving, to set up the house of our God, and to repair the desolations thereof, and to give us a WALL in Judah and in Jerusalem.” Under this decree the wall was begun; and the decree in the 20th of Artixerxes, is evidently only a renewal of this same decree. See Nehemiah 2:7, 8, It consisted of only two letters, one to the governors beyond the river, that Nehemiah be carried safely over—and the other to Asaph the keeper of the kings forest, that timber be given for the wall, etc. “Moreover, I said unto the king, if it please the king, let letters be given me to the governors beyond the river, that they may convey me over till I come into Judah; and a letter unto Asaph the keeper of the king’s forest; that he may give me timber to make beams for the gates of the palace which appertained to the house, and for the wall of the city, and for the house that I shall enter into. And the king granted me, according to the good hand of my God upon me.” HST July 5, 1843, page 140.3
As no new decree was here made to rebuild Jerusalem, the seventy weeks can only be dated from the seventh of Artixerxes, B. C. 457. That that is the true time from which to date the seventy weeks is farther proved by the fact that the wall was rebuilt in seven weeks or 49 years in troublous times, being finished under Nehemiah. Also from that decree to Messiah the prince when he entered on his public ministry was seven weeks and threescore and two weeks or sixty-nine weeks. And the one week during which Christ confirmed the covenant with many, completes the seventy, and brings us down to A. D. 33, the end of the 70 weeks. It would therefore seem to be established past a doubt that the decree of the seventh year of Artixerxes, is the decree from which the seventy weeks and 2300 days are to be dated. HST July 5, 1843, page 140.4
“The Balm of Gilead,” (Universalist,) informs its readers that they have nothing to hope or fear from any future coming of Christ. Its editors claim that they “are already saved.” If so, if they are already saved in the full sense, then they have no salvation to hope for in the future, and if none in the future, they have all the heaven they expect to enjoy. If they are now saved, then the salvation of all men must be in this life, and as salvation here, does not make all men happy, it follows that all men with such a salvation will not be sure of happiness in the future state. HST July 5, 1843, page 140.5
The “Balm” says that “none but such as possess a spirit of demons could desire to witness such a scene as the advocates of Millerism have predicted will be witnessed the present year.” Now the editors of that paper know that we make no predictions whatever as to the events which will take place at Christ’s coming. We take the Bible and read what saith the Lord in passages like the following, and parallel Scriptures. Malachi 4:1, “For behold, the day cometh, that shall burn as an oven; and all the proud, yea, and all that do wickedly, shall be stubble: and the day that cometh shall burn them up, saith the Lord of hosts, that it shall leave them neither root nor branch.” Jeremiah 25:30-33, “Therefore prophesy thou against them all these words, and say unto them, The Lord shall roar from on high, and utter his voice from his holy habitation; he shall mightily roar upon his habitation; he shall give a shout, as they that tread the grapes, against all the inhabitants of the earth. A noise shall come even to the ends of the earth; for the Lord hath a controversy with the nations, he will plead with all flesh; he will give them that are wicked to the sword, saith the Lord. Thus saith the Lord of hosts, Behold, evil shall go forth from nation to nation, and a great whirlwind shall be raised up from the coasts of the earth. And the slain of the Lord shall be at that day from one end of the earth even unto the other end of the earth: they shall not be lamented, neither gathered nor buried; they shall be dung upon the ground.” Daniel 12:1-3, “And at that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince which standeth for the children of thy people: and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time: and at that time thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book. And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt. And they that be wise, shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness, as the stars for ever and ever.” Matthew 24:30, “And then shall appear the sign of the Sun of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.” HST July 5, 1843, page 140.6
If therefore Universalists believe no such predictions, then they do not believe the word of God. They attempt to evade the question by saying that such is figurative language. If it is figurative then it will be fulfilled figuratively, and the events at Christ’s coming, will only be in accordance with the true meaning of the words; and therefore such predictions do not cause the Universalists to oppose this doctrine. HST July 5, 1843, page 140.7
It is a singular fact that when we express our belief in the language of Scripture Universalists do not hesitate to say they disbelieve it, and yet when you show them the same language in the word of God, they reply it is figurative. HST July 5, 1843, page 140.8
Ask a Universalist if the word damned means future punishment, and he will reply no; but ask him if he believes that he that believeth not will be damned and he will also tell you no. HST July 5, 1843, page 140.9
The great secret of Universalists opposition to the doctrine that Christ will soon come again to this earth is, they fear that if he does come, it will prove true that that day will burn as an oven, and that all the proud and all that do wickedly will be stubble. HST July 5, 1843, page 140.10
Answer to the enquiries of “H.”
1st. If the Sanctuary is to be cleansed at the end of the 2300 days, must not that precede the coming of Christ? Ans. Christ will himself come to cleanse the sanctuary. If the Sanctuary is the church, we read, 2 Thessalonians 2. that the Man of Sin will sit in the temple of God until he is destroyed by the brightness of Christ’s coming. If the Sanctuary is the world, we read, Matthew 13. that “in the end of the world, the Son of Man will send forth his angels, and they shall gather out of his kingdom all things that offend, and them which do iniquity, and shall cast them into a furnace of fire.” HST July 5, 1843, page 140.11
2nd. “The Savior told his disciples that the wheat and tares should grow together till the harvest, and then he would send his angels and gather the tares together, first in bundles to burn them. Also in the parable of the “net and fishes.” He will send forth his angels, and gather out of his kingdom all things that offend.” Now if these events have not taken place, may not those who are looking for the Lord previous to these things, be mistaken?” Ans. Those things will not take place until the Lord comes, for we read, Matthew 25. that “When the Son of Man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory, and before him shall be gathered all nations. “Also in Matthew 24:30, 31, we read, “And they shall see the Son of Man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory, and he shall send his angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.” Christ must therefore come, and send forth the angels at his coming. Again, in the parable of the tares and wheat, the wicked are to be bound in bundles to be burned, first, before the wheat is gathered in the barn, i. e. into the new earth; and not first before the coming of Christ,or the gathering together of the elect at his coming. Those therefore who are expecting the Lord will delay his coming until other events are fulfilled, will be in danger of the Lord’s coming in a day when they look not for him, and in an hour that they are not aware of. “What I say unto you I say unto all, Watch.” HST July 5, 1843, page 140.12
Christian Courtesy
We can but notice how those of the religious press who have been the most enraged at the doctrine of the advent near, regard each other. HST July 5, 1843, page 141.1
If it is admitted that they speak the truth respecting themselves, we hope we shall be guilty of nothing that will call forth their approval. We copy the following from the Christian Reflector, in reference to some remarks that Parsons Cook made before the general Assembly of the Old School Presbyterian church, respecting the “sad havoc” made by “Millerism” in the Baptist and other churches. The Reflector says:— HST July 5, 1843, page 141.2
“It is not merely a slight mistake, a little exaggeration of the truth—it is a great and an unequivocal FALSEHOOD; and if it were not for using unseemly words, we should say, it is an infamous libel on the denomination.” HST July 5, 1843, page 141.3
Again:— HST July 5, 1843, page 141.4
“Mr. Cook is one of the editors of the New England Puritan, and if the religious press is to be conducted by men who, to gratify mere sectarian spleen, can exhibit such an entire recklessness of the truth—can make the most astounding mis-statements at hap-hazard, and declare them to be the result of “an actual examination of statistics,“alas! for the purity or the influence of that press, whose integrity and honor we are bound to preserve and maintain.” HST July 5, 1843, page 141.5
That there is more truth than poetry in those remarks of the Reflector, we are not prepared to deny; for some of Mr. Cooks “mis-statements at haphazard,” respecting the advent cause, put forth as truth, prove too well that he is open to such imputations. But we allude to this to show that while the Rev. H. A. Graves, the editor of the Reflector uses such language in reference to Mr. Cook, he admits articles into his own paper, respecting the advent, which makes his language applicable to himself. We quote the following from the same Reflector that contained the above references to Mr. Cook. HST July 5, 1843, page 141.6
“The advocates of the doctrine of the second advent in 1843, boast of having several different modes of calculating, from the prophecies of Daniel, all of which unite in fixing the event in the present year. This show of arrangement is quite imposing, and with many persons, comes with all the authority of demonstration. In addition to these numerous proofs from prophecy, chronology and history, many independent proofs have been announced from time to time, such as the reported mortality of the “sycamores,” alias, buttonwoods, last year, which Mr. Miller called in as a proof of his theory, but which, as if in mockery of his prophetic illumination, have since come to life; the earthquake at Cape Hatien, appearances in the sun and stars, and above all, the comet, which certainly was the lucifer match to burn up this world of ours.” HST July 5, 1843, page 141.7
That Mr. Miller ever called in any such proof as that, it will be necessary for Mr. Graves to bring forward some evidence, in order to avoid the application of his language to himself. HST July 5, 1843, page 141.8
Again we quote,— HST July 5, 1843, page 141.9
“It was reported to me by a clergyman who knew it to be a fact, and as it forms a new and independent proof of the truth of Millerism, the advocates of that doctrine must be gratified to see it inprint. A certain farmer was much tried in mind in regard to the truth of Millerism; till at last, after praying over it a great while, he concluded to submit it to the Lord, and to pray that the Lord would give him some sign, to settle the question for him. Soon after he went to market with a load of hay, and on weighing it off,—and lo! and behold!! his load of hay weighed exactly 1843 pounds!!! This settled the question with him. The world is to come to an end in 1843. And this is in fact the best proof which has yet appeared of Mr. Miller’s theory.” HST July 5, 1843, page 141.10
This last needs no comment.—A man who will give such foolish story as better proof of the advent than the word of God, needs no reply. HST July 5, 1843, page 141.11
Dr. Weeks, vs. Dr. Weeks
or the mistakes of Weeksism. HST July 5, 1843, page 141.12
In No. 6 of his mistakes of Millerism he begins as follows: HST July 5, 1843, page 141.13
“In my last number I pointed out some of the mistakes of Mr. Miller in relation to the downfall of Paganism in the Roman empire. To make his prophetic periods end in 1843, it is necessary that paganism should fall in 508. But I showed by extracts from historians of undisputed authority, that paganism fell in the Roman empire, long before that time, there being no pagan emperor after Julian, who died in 363, and all the emperors who followed him being professed Christians. After the governing power of the empire ceased to support paganism, and used its influence to support Christianity, the Roman empire was no longer pagan.” HST July 5, 1843, page 141.14
In the same article he has given it as Mr. Miller”s 140th mistake that paganism did not cease till long after 508. He says: HST July 5, 1843, page 141.15
“But the greatest mistake in relation to this matter is, to affirm that paganism ceased in 508. The Saxons in Britain, whom all reckon one of the ten kingdoms, had the gospel first introduced among them in the year 597, and did not cease to have pagan kings till about 666. The Lombards in Italy were pagans till the year 585. and the gospel did not prevail in Hungary before 989.” HST July 5, 1843, page 141.16
1st. Paganism could not have ceased in 508 because it ceased long before that. HST July 5, 1843, page 141.17
2nd. Another mistake, paganism did not cease in 508 because it existed long after that. Such is the logic that grave and reverend doctors of divinity are obliged to use, to disprove that the coming of the Lord draweth nigh. HST July 5, 1843, page 141.18
New Work
The “Millennial Harp,” part second will be out in a few days. It has been compiled with great care and will contain a choice collection of advent tunes, and songs of Zion, which, we trust will add to the interest of our social meetings, in being sung to the praise of the Lord. HST July 5, 1843, page 141.19
“Praise ye the Lord. Praise him with the sound of the trumpet: praise him with the psaltery and harp. Praise him with the timbrel and dance: praise him with stringed instruments and organs. Praise him upon the lould cymbals: praise him upon the high sounding cymbals. Let every thing that hath breath praise the Lord. Praise ye the Lord.” HST July 5, 1843, page 141.20
Evidence of returning Sanity
It is said that a Millerite went into a shop recently, and wished to obtain a new ascension robe, declaring that his old one had been made so long it was quite out of fashion. We don’t believe a word of it. HST July 5, 1843, page 141.21
Olive Branch. HST July 5, 1843, page 141.22
It seems from the above, that the editors of the Olive Branch have so far returned to a slate of moral sensibility, that they declare their disbelief of their own assertions. HST July 5, 1843, page 141.23
Hear what our Lord saith, Mark 8:38, “Whosoever therefore shall be ashamed of me, and of my words, in this adulterous and sinful generation; of him also shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he cometh in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.” HST July 5, 1843, page 141.24
High Handed measure of the New York Presbytery
In November last, the Rev. John Lillie, presented to that presbytery a regular certificate of dismission, and recommendation from the classes of N. York, which is under the care of an ecclesiastical body in correspondance with that presbytery. Mr. Lillie submitted to an examination in compliance with the rules of the Presbytery, which examination was entirely satisfactory, and he declared himself willing sincerely, and cordialy to receive and adopt the Confession of Faith of that church, as the confession of his faith, and to answer in the affirmative all the questions proposed to the candidates for the ministry. Then the Presbytery proceeded to question him on subjects not named in the public standards of that church, which had always been regarded as matters of opinion and private judgment, a new test of ministerial communion. HST July 5, 1843, page 141.25
In this examination he avowed his belief in a personal pre-millennial Advent of Christ, and that he will reign with his risen and changed saints at least 1000 years. For this cause alone the Presbytery rejected him, but refused to assign or record the reason of his rejection. HST July 5, 1843, page 141.26
He denied any connection with the doctrine of the Advent in 1843, but merely Believed in the pre-millennial Advent, as millions in all ages have believed it. This result shows the growing disposition there is in the church, to erase from its connection all traces of this holy and ancient doctrine. HST July 5, 1843, page 141.27
Among other protests presented to the spring session of that Presbytery, was one from Rev. John M. Knobs, from which we quote the following. HST July 5, 1843, page 141.28
“The undersigned believes that the views avowed by Mr. Lillie relate to points and details on which the standards assert nothing; that they are at least, as reconciliable with the declarations of the standards as the views which the majority are supposed by the undersigned;to prefer; that at the worst, they can be considered only as fanciful expositions of the passages of scripture on which they are founded; that they are sustained apparently by the literal language of those scriptures; that such views have always been admitted to be, if not correct, at least such as are to be safely allowed, as being in themselves innocent; that in the present state of our knowledge respecting unfulfilled prophecy, there is a call for mutual forbearance; and that these particular views are at this moment held and published by ministers of the Presbyterian Church without censure. HST July 5, 1843, page 141.29
The majority, arguendo, attributed to Mr. Lillie, views which he not only did not avow, but from which—when it was insinuated that he held, but concealed them, or the apprehension was expressed that he might fall into them!—he expressed his dissent and abhorence: e. g. the views of the Fifth monarchy men—and those which are attributed to the recent sect of the Millerites—whose leading and distinctive tenets are utterly inconsistent with those avowed by Mr. Lillie. HST July 5, 1843, page 141.30
The majority also drew certain reprobated conclusions from his avowed views, which Mr. Lillie I would not admit, and which the undersigned deems to have been illogically inferred. HST July 5, 1843, page 141.31
The majority refused to adopt a motion for recording the ground, and so far as the undersigned remembers the only reason which they specified and urged in their argument against the reception of Mr. Lillie, which reason manifestly governed the decision. One of the majority, distinctly avowed, that his vote for the reception of Mr. Lillie was arrested by the developement of his views on the subject of the Millennium, and of the coming of Christ; and others spoke to the same purpose. HST July 5, 1843, page 141.32
The undersigned by no means intends to take the ground that the Presbytery is bound in every case to record at length their reasons for a decision. For perhaps it would be impracticable to do so, in some cases; as when different individuals have been governed by separate and independent motives—and some of these not expressed at all; and in other cases, an allowable discretion would suggest to record a simple decision without specifying reasons provided no great principle be involved, and no right be invaded.” HST July 5, 1843, page 141.33
The following letter from Vermont shows that the same principle is there at work. HST July 5, 1843, page 142.1
The cause in Vermont
Dear Brother.—I have delayed writing for some time in hopes that some more able hand would inform you of the state of things in this part of Vermont. During the winter brother Green lectured with excellent effect, in most of the towns in this region, but the work of grace seems to be finished about here. I am forcibly reminded of the state of things just before Christ finished his mission. So many became offended with the plain truth that nothing could be done. Opposers of the Advent near, seem to be banded—pledged together that nothing more shall be done, the most deadly opposition is made by the Pastors and principle of the flock—so we can see the force of the awful warning of Jeremiah in the last verse of 25. chapter. HST July 5, 1843, page 142.2
The Association of Congregational ministers with which I am connected—(which too is called the most liberal in the State,) have passed a resolve that will exclude all further teaching in this name—for it is enacted that no Congregational minister shall preach or lecture in any town where the minister is opposed if “all the church and people do wish to hear.” HST July 5, 1843, page 142.3
This seems like the words of the prophet Ezekiel 3:25-27. “But thou, O son of man, behold, they shall put bands up on thee, and shall bind thee with them, and thou shalt not go out among them: And I will make thy tongue cleave to the roof of thy mouth, that thou shah be dumb, and shalt not be to them a reprover: for they are a rebellious house. But when I speak with thee, I will open thy mouth, and thou shalt say unto them, Thus saith the Lord God; He that heareth, let him hear; and he that forbeareth, let him forbear; for they are a rebellious house” HST July 5, 1843, page 142.4
Now we have pitied the poor Methodists and others under Episcopacy, and boasted of the democracy of our broad and liberal platform. In many towns, the larger portion of the church (common people) are willing, and even anxious to hear on the subject, but some two or three of the more popular and mighty ones, will manage to overrule the whole, and such men of course do not want to see Jesus. HST July 5, 1843, page 142.5
One thing seems astonishing to me. Our clergy pretend to believe that Christ will come; and that according to the apostle, we ought to love his appearing—now why do they not sometimes preach these doctrines, and so keep out of the hands of the infidels? Now in this region the Universalists are better pleased with the” Orthodox” preaching, than their own—pay liberally—and in many cases bless the ministers, even with profane lips—for, an oath—and a promise to pay such a man for preaching, “my Lord delayeth his coming,” is very common. The work seems to be done—for poor souls in this region: those who are looking for their Lord are strong in their faith—while the bands of the scoffer and the evil servant seem to be made strong. For four years past I have encountered many trials, while holding to this glorious doctrine—but I have a hope that is truly an anchor to the soul—the year of my Redeemer is come. HST July 5, 1843, page 142.6
How much better will the child of God feel, if, (I use it with reverence,) he should love his Savior and his appearing, so as to take too little evidence, and be deceived in regard to the times: then he would on the ground of the infidel and scoffer, treating the whole subject with bitterness and wrath. HST July 5, 1843, page 142.7
Now I would most solemnly entreat my brethren in the ministry, and members of Zion generally to pause, look around you, and see who are your friends! How can it be that you can feel right in regard to this doctrine, and feel just as the Deist, the Universalist, the drunken and the vile do, and still be a separate, peculiar people? Now can we apply the words of Christ in Luke 21:28, or of Paul in 1 Thessalonians 4:18, or, of the apostle to Timothy 2 epistle 2 Timothy 4:8: and as ministers, drive from “their pulpits!” all those brethren who would give a reason for their hope, or as members of Christ’s body, prefer the preaching even of Universalits, that their Savior is never to come to the once glorious hope, Israel concerning Israel’s God? HST July 5, 1843, page 142.8
Brethren we are on the very borders of the Judgment, it is time for us to be separate from those who know not God, if we would escape the destruction mentioned by Paul in 2 Thessalonians 1 chapter. HST July 5, 1843, page 142.9
My hope is strong, and so is my faith in this blessed cause. Yours truly. HST July 5, 1843, page 142.10
Lymen Lovewell. HST July 5, 1843, page 142.11
Richmond, June 7th, 1843. HST July 5, 1843, page 142.12
Thoughts on the closing Year of Time
Dear Brother,—We have gained the last yielding sands of time! this year, like a convergeing glass, collects all the prophetical rays into a briliant focus, and shows our feet to be just on the verge of the circle of eternal years. To this year has the eye of every prophet turned, whose vision has extended to the consummation, while searching what, or what manner of time the Spirit of Christ which was in him did signify, when it testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ, and the glory that should follow. What scenes are in the circle of twelve months from this time! The desolations of the seven last plagues, paleness on every cheek, every eye glassy, every lip trembling, every knee smiting its fellow knee, the nations angry, the wicked blaspheming God because of their sores, groping their way in more than Egyptian darkness, gnashing their teeth for very anguish, coming up out of the pit and falling into the snare, or avoiding the snare and falling into the pit, crying even unto God, but he will not hear them, wailing, and saying, “The harvest is past the summer is ended and we are not saved,” we have sowed unto the flesh and must reap corruption, while the earth shall roar, and heave, and quiver and reel, and “old ocean” boil with internal convulsions until the slain of the Lord shall fill the earth from one end of it, even unto the other end of it; and “ruin drive her ploughshare over creation.” “Then shall there be such a time of trouble as never was since there was a nation even to that same time, and at that time shall thy people be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book. HST July 5, 1843, page 142.13
What terror and glory joined in their extremes! HST July 5, 1843, page 142.14
Our God in grandeur, and the world on fire! HST July 5, 1843, page 142.15
But ye saints of God, who now are persecuted for righteousness sake, for living godly in Christ Jesus, whose faith is like gold tried in the fire, though it is now despised it shall be found unto praise, honor, and glory, at the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ! Your “deliverance” is at hand! Oh my brethren, are these events within the round of a few short months at most! Are we indeed to behold that loved and lovely Savior of whom we have read, heard, and thought so much, in whose name we have asked and received so many blessings? Yes, He that is to come will come and will not tarry. The glory that will cover his head will surpass that of as many suns as there were thorns in the wreath which once encircled it, and clothed with a radiant robe of stars, shall be seated upon the throne of his glory, those hands which were once nailed to the cross shall wave the sceptre of boundless, infinite, eternal dominion, and tip the bolts of final wrath upon his enemies, those feet which were nailed to the accursed tree, while mocking rebels were insulting his pretensions to power, shall stand on Mount Olivet, and it shall cleave in the midst thereof toward the east and toward the west, and there shall be a very great valley; and half of the mountain shall remove toward the north, and half of it toward the south; and the valley of the mountains shall reach unto Azal. HST July 5, 1843, page 142.16
He shall be attended by countless troops of angels, so awfully glorious, that the presence of one of them overcame Daniel, which he shall disperse to the four winds as rays of light, to gather his saints of every age from one end of heaven to the other. Thrice blessed day! Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob shall be there, Moses, Elias, Daniel and all the prophets; the apostles of the Lamb, the martyrs, and all the saints of every age and land, from Abel to the last saint sealed in 1843. O may I have some humble place in “that band,” and join in swelling the long, loud, harmonious hallelujah, the sound of which John described as being “like the sound of many waters, like the voice of mighty thunderings.” HST July 5, 1843, page 142.17
Tell, then, my brethren, no longer of crosses, but of crowns, of persecutions, but of glory, for his reward is with him, and his work before him. Yes, we are strewing our last tears, and offering the last prayers that will ever be put into the golden censor, and be borne with acceptance before the Father by our High Priest, before he cometh out of his place (the mediatorial seat,) to punish all the inhabitants of the earth for their iniquity; preaching and hearing our last sermons, enduring our last persecutions; for soon will the hail sweep away the refuge of lies; making our last sacrifices, and enduring self-denial, and confessing the Savior for the last time; and finally, are closing up our whole probation for eternity! A point of time, a moment’s space, removes us to yon heavenly place or shuts us up in hell. We have already gained the rapids, and the roar of the leaping cataract, is thickening upon our ears. HST July 5, 1843, page 142.18
Knowing the time, that now it is high time to awaken out of sleep, for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed. The night is far spent, the day is at hand; let us therefore cast off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light, let us walk honestly as in the day, not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying. But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ and make no provision for the flesh, to fulfill the lust thereof. Mark 13:37, “And what I say unto you I say unto all WATCH!” HST July 5, 1843, page 142.19
J. E. J. HST July 5, 1843, page 142.20
Extract from Letter of G. W. Barnes
Dear Brother Himes,—The first that inclined me to think the advent doctrine might be true, was the unchristian remarks about brother Miller, which often appeared in political papers. For as God has said to his disciples, “if ye were of the world, the world would love his own,” 1 thought the hatred of the world to Mr. Miller and his doctrine, was one evidence that it was of God. This made me desirous of seeing Mr. Miller’s Lectures, remembering that the wise man has said he that answereth a matter before he heareth it, it is folly and shame unto him. HST July 5, 1843, page 142.21
I accordingly obtained them, and read them with great interest; and I found them altogether different from what I expected. It seemed to me he had the Bible for his guide, and the Holy Spirit for his teacher, that the Spirit and word did agree, and that therefore it must be the truth of God; and never, from that time, could I raise one objection against the time being revealed. Never before did I see such a harmony in the blessed Bible. The prophecies which were once dark and mysterious, now seemed clear. My interest in reading the Bible has now greatly increased. Probably I have read it more within sixteen months, than in four or five years before. I feel truly grateful that I live in the days of the sounding of the midnight cry, when my Savior is soon to be revealed, to be glorified in his saints, and to be admired in all them that believe. But notwithstanding the peace of mind that I enjoy, my heart is truly pained when I realize the awful judgments which are about to be poured out upon those who know not God and obey not the gospel; and especially to hear many who profess to teach the way of God in truth, crying peace and safety when sudden destruction awaiteth them. I feel that while they profess to be a guide to the blind, they have need that one teach them even the first principles of the oracles of God. O that the fruits of the Spirit as described 2 Peter 1:5-7, might dwell richly in their souls, that they may be no longer barren nor unfruitful in the work of the Lord, but rightly dividing the word, might be enabled to give every one a portion in due season, that when the chief Shepherd shall appear, they may receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away. I am firm and unwavering in my belief that soon the clouds will reveal my blessed” Lord. And I am daily striving to hold myself in readiness to meet him, that I may be admitted to the marriage supper of the Lamb. I feel that it will be a joyful meeting. O glorious day, O blessed hope. My soul rejoices in the thought. Then “The meek shall inherit the earth, and delight themselves in the abundance of peace.” Then “the redeemed of the Lord shall return to Zion; everlasting joy shall be upon their heads, and sorrow and mourning shall flee away.” Never, till of late did I feel the force of the expression of the apostle, when he exhorted his brethren to be patient unto the coming of Christ. But how does this exhortation apply to those who have need of patience even to hear about it without getting angry, instead of its affording them any consolation. I have seen many of this last named class during the past winter, and have not to seek far to find enough of them at the present time. I know they say they love the appearing of Christ. But it seems to me, that in works they deny it: and faith without works is dead. I have been, and still am, truly in perils amongst false brethren. Out of 160 members belonging with myself to the church in E. Washington, I know not of more than a dozen who profess to believe we can know any thing about the time when Jesus shall appear; or seem to understand any thing about the midnight cry; though I trust there are more than this number who are well meaning, and whom God will deliver out of the hands of those who are trying to ease their consciences by telling them all is well. The 13th chapter of Ezekiel I have often read, and it appears to me that there is hope in their case. HST July 5, 1843, page 142.22
In the west part of Hillsborough, where I reside, there has been a precious revival this past winter, under the labors of brother Weston, many of the impenitent have been awakened, and brought to submit to Jesus; and with many Christians who were also quickened, are rejoicing in, and looking for the appearing of Christ. We do not forsake the assembling of ourselves together, but exhort one another daily, and so much the more as we see the day approaching. Perhaps there are few who believe in Christ’s speedy coming who have more slander and abuse heaped upon them than myself. Yet none of these things move me. I am endeavoring by all means to attain unto the resurrection of the just, and to do my blessed Master’s will; that when he shall appear I may be like him, and appear with him in glory. I feel that it is enough for the servant that he be as his Master, who said, “if they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you.” “If you be reproached for the name of Christ happy are ye.” “If we suffer we shall also reign with him.” I feel that these blessed promises applied to my heart, more than compensate me for all 1 have yet suffered. HST July 5, 1843, page 143.1
It is my ardent desire that all who believe in Christ’s speedy coming, may purify themselves even as he is pure. That we may even be enabled to overcome evil with good. That none of us may suffer as an evil doer, but that if we suffer, it may be for righteousness sake. HST July 5, 1843, page 143.2
May we blend the wisdom of the serpent with the harmlessness of the dove, that our efforts may be effectual in winning souls to Christ, and that while we suffer according to the will of God we may commit the keeping of our souls to him in well-doing as unto a faithful Creator. I pray God that our whole soul, body and spirit, may he preserved blameless unto the coining of our Lord Jesus Christ. HST July 5, 1843, page 143.3
Yours in the joyful prospect of this blessed consummation. Hillsborough June 13, 1843. HST July 5, 1843, page 143.4
Be not ashamed to serve others for the love of Jesus Christ; nor to be esteemed poor in this world. HST July 5, 1843, page 143.5
The Prophecies
The zeal of Moses Stuart, D. D. of Andover, against “Millerism,” has betrayed him into admissions and assertions, which if true, not only break down the principal barriers between Popery and Protestantism, but also nearly all the defences of Orthodoxy against Universalism. If I were satisfied that his prophetic expositions were correct, I should at once despair of meeting the Universalists and the Roman Catholics with any scriptural logic worth the name. Why, Professor Stuart says that the entice book of Daniel’s Prophecy was fulfilled 1800 years ago! The book of Revelation excepting the two or three last chapters, have also long since been fulfilled!! The 24th and 25th chapters of Matthew were fulfilled completely, at the destruction of Jerusalem by the Romans!!! As for Prophetic Chronology,” Mr. Stuart sweeps away with one dash of his pen the general, nay, universal belief of the Protestant Church. With quiet dogmatism such as few beside himself can use, he throws back into the darkness of the middle ages, all the best fruits of the Reformation, and all the best directed researches of expositors since the immortal Luther first asserted and maintained the right of private judgment. HST July 5, 1843, page 143.6
The Doctor is determined to prove that the world is to be converted and the Jews restored to their native land. But, if his exposition be true, he ought in consistency, to enlist himself under the banner of the Pope, and with the weapons of an infallible Church, go forth conquering and to conquer. Nay more—he ought to extend his benevolence backward, as well as his exertions forward, and include in his boundless plan of salvation, the generations who have passed away, together with those who are to come. It is a striking fact, that the organ of the Universalists, published in New York city, hails the appearance of Prof. Stuart’s Book, as one of the most prominent movements of Orthodoxy towards Universalism, that has been seen during the present century. No wonder. Only say that the Prophetic parts of Daniel, Matthew and John have no reference to a future Judgment, and the Universalist finds it easy work to spiritualize and accommodate the rest of scripture, so as to include all mankind in the plan of salvation, and to nullify all our hopes and fears in the judgment and the resurrection of the dead. I assert, without fear of successful contradiction, that the Doctor’s expositions leave Protestantism no better designation than that of heretical non-conformity with the true Catholic Church, and give Universalism at least as good ground to stand on, as any other sect out of the pale of the true indivisible, universal, infallible Church of Rome. HST July 5, 1843, page 143.7
I am astonished and grieved beyond measure, to see what shifts and quibbles are resorted to by the opponents of William Miller, to disprove what the Apostle’s taught, “that the coming of the Lord draweth nigh.” There can be no question that the same infidelity of the German Theology, had a most disastrous influence over our learned men in the Church. From Eichorn, a distinguished German neologist, professor Stuart gets the principal parts of his singular notions respecting prophecy. What a guide that man must be who denies the plenary inspirations of the Scriptures, and the authority of the Old Testament, my readers may judge. HST July 5, 1843, page 143.8
The truth is, the doctrine of the first coming of Christ in humility, and His second coming in glory, is the cardinal doctrine of the Holy Scriptures. At His first coming, He “brought in everlasting righteousness”—broke down the middle wall of partition between Jew and Gentile—and permitted the Gospel—the good news—of His future kingdom to go on the wings of the wind to all nations. At His second coming will be realized all the hopes of the good, and all the fears of the bad. In that great event, are concentrated the promises to Abraham and his “seed, which is Christ”—all the “glorious things” spoken of Zion, and all the tremendious threatenings thundered against the wicked. His coming in glory is foretold by David, Isaiah, Daniel, and all the prophets and apostles, in “thoughts that breathe, and words that burn.” He will come at the sound of the seventh and last trump to destroy the man of sin, to raise his children of all generations from their graves, to break to pieces the kingdoms of this world—to take from the earth physical nature—the curse, by the agency of fire; and to sit up His everlasting kingdom “upon the renewed and renovated earth. All this and more, is foretold by inspiration, as contemporaneous with the coming of our Lord. HST July 5, 1843, page 143.9
When shall this stupendous event happen? After the lapse of a thousands years triumph of the Church? After the Jews have been restored to Palestine, and the world has been converted? Not so. The wheat and tares grow together till the harvest and the harvest is the end of the world. St. Paul once had an excellent opportunity of explaining the millennium, if any such state were to exist any where save in the heated fancy of ignorant zealots, or the semi-infidelity of learned Professors. He tells the Church of Thessalonica not to be troubled about the question, whether the coming of Christ would happen in their day, because, said he, a most important event must happen first. What is this event? The complete triumph of the Gospel? No! The Millennium? No, no!! The restoration of the Jews? No, no! no!!! What then? The mystery of iniquities then working, was to be put out of the way, and “that wicked,” “the man of sin,” “the son of perdition,” was to be revealed, who was to be consumed by the spirit of His mouth, and DESTROYED by the brightness of His coming! Some thing, or some person, opposing God—sitting in the temple of God—calling himself God, and yet very wicked, shall continue even to the coming of Christ in the clouds of Heaven. How does this comport with the common notions of the conversion of all men to Christianity? HST July 5, 1843, page 143.10
Reader, be not deceived. Your interest in this important subject is as great as mine. Look well to the Prophetic Scriptures, and then tell me, if you dare to postpone the coming of Christ to Judgment a single day. I dare not, for my life. HST July 5, 1843, page 143.11
Cato, the Elder, was accustomed to close all his speeches in the Roman Senate with these words, Delenda est Carthago—Carthage must be destroyed. HST July 5, 1843, page 143.12
The intelligent Christian at the present day has a better warrant for warning his fellow men to prepare to meet Christ at his coming, than the stern old Roman had to predict ruin on the devoted city of Carthage.—Patriot and Eagle. HST July 5, 1843, page 143.13
Reports of the Committee
ap pointed anniversary week, to examine the financial affairs of the advent cause. HST July 5, 1843, page 143.14
The Committee appointed at the Second Advent Conference held in Boston anniversary week, commencing May 29th, to investigate and report concerning the financial affairs of the publication department of the advent cause, and the disposition made of the contributions for, and the avails of the same, present the following report. HST July 5, 1843, page 143.15
We have attended to the duty assigned us, as far and fully as practicable under the circumstances, and we find that those connected with this department have faithfully applied the donations made to the cause, and also a very large proportion of the profits of the works sold, for the advancement of the same, by sustaining our well known general operations. HST July 5, 1843, page 143.16
We are fully satisfied that brother Himes considers the cause the Lord’s, and he only a steward who must soon give an account of his stewardship, and that his determination is to be found faithful unto the end. HST July 5, 1843, page 143.17
We find that the reports respecting this department, as a “speculation” which are so industriously circulated, are entirely without foundation, on the contrary, it appears he has devoted his earnings as freely as his energies, to the giving of the Midnight Cry, we feel that we can give the strongest assurance to those who may wish to aid the cause, that their wishes will be fully carried out in any assistance they can render it, and which is now greatly needed in continuing its operation. Why should the work cease? ought we not to double our diligence as we see the end drawing near. HST July 5, 1843, page 143.18
The following statement of the accounts as exhibited by the books will suffice we think to justfy the above. HST July 5, 1843, page 143.19
| Amount paid for general expenses since January, 1843, including balance paid to Committee on general expenses 1842. | 781,50 |
| Excess of expenses of the Great Tent, over and above the receipts 1842—3. | 200,85 |
| Excess of “Gratuitous Distribution,” account kept by clerk over and above donations received. | 1508,97 |
| 2491,32 |
We find the concern in debt to the amount of only about $800, to meet which, we find sufficient stock of books on hand, and a considerable amount trusted out, having been begun and carried on upon the principle of doing just as much and fast as the means would permit without resorting to credit. HST July 5, 1843, page 144.1
THOMAS W. HASK1NS,
EZEKIEL HALE, Jr.
B. IRISH. Com.
In pursuance of a vote passed at the Second Advent Conference, held in Boston anniversary week, commencing May 29th, 1843. HST July 5, 1843, page 144.2
I have investigated the affairs of J. V. Himes, as connected with the office of the Midnight Cry, published in the city of New York, and would respectfully submit the following report. HST July 5, 1843, page 144.3
I find that the books have been correctly kept, being in double entry, they readily exhibit the slate and condition of the office. I am pleased to say that the affairs appear to have been judiciously managed, both in the editorial and business departments, the former, under the charge of brother N. Southard, the latter, under brother T. L. Tullock, and much good has been accomplished with the means had to operate on. HST July 5, 1843, page 144.4
The office was established on the individual responsibility of brother J. V. Himes of Boston, on the 17th of November last past, and designed at that time, as only temporary, for the express purpose of expending only a few hundred dollars in the publication of a daily paper for a limited period, for the purpose of presenting the great truths of the scriptures on the doctrine of Christ’s Second Coming, and disabusing the public mind in relation to the sentiments, the Adventists cherish, and arousing them if possible to a consideration of the momentous crisis which we believe so near. It has exceeded the most sanguine expectations of its friends, having been more extensive, and continued longer than was at first anticipated. HST July 5, 1843, page 144.5
It appears from letters now numbered, and on file that 2000 letters have been received from every section of the country, also from bills on file, that upwards of one million: of second advent papers have been published and scattered far and wide. HST July 5, 1843, page 144.6
To every Post Office in this country, publications have been gratuitously mailed, and to many, a considerable quantity. England, the Canadas and other countries have not been neglected. Clergymen have been liberally supplied, and great quantities have been furnished to individuals in different sections of the Union for gratuitous circulation. HST July 5, 1843, page 144.7
The office has received in cash $8627,83, and business has been done to a much larger amount, the monies have been faithfully expended, and judiciously appropriated. The amount received and credited to donations is $1863,41. HST July 5, 1843, page 144.8
The amount of books, etc. gratuitously distributed, $1005,48, and the Midnight Cry upwards of $4000. HST July 5, 1843, page 144.9
This has been accomplished by receipts as donations, profit or subscription, and sale of the papers and on books. The concern is, however, largely indebted to brother Himes for the use of stereotype plates furnished from Boston and paid for there, (of which no account is made) which has enabled the concern to distribute thus profusely. I would further, state that the office is unencumbered by debt, excepting an amount due J. V. Himes, Boston, on account, he having furnished from the depository there, most of the books received and sold, The amount of cash on hand is about $100, which amount will be inadequate to meet the expenses weekly incurred, without an increase of receipts. HST July 5, 1843, page 144.10
Also the concern has due it on account $1000, a very small portion of which can be estimated as of any value. HST July 5, 1843, page 144.11
The stock on hand is inconsiderable, and only valuable as sales can be made. HST July 5, 1843, page 144.12
The Midnight Cry has now reached the sixteenth number of Vol. 4. When 26 are issued, the volume is completed, (if time continue.) HST July 5, 1843, page 144.13
The question now presents itself, shall the paper (which has been such a valuable auxiliary in the cause of truth) be sustained, or shall it cease to be published. HST July 5, 1843, page 144.14
If it is deemed practicable to continue the paper till the Lord comes, it will be incumbent on the dear brethren scattered abroad, to renew their subscription, increase its circulation, and also by voluntary contributions to sustain the enterprise. HST July 5, 1843, page 144.15
The work is prosecuted on this principle, to do all that can be done with the means on hand without involving the concern in debt. If little is received its circulation will of course be limited, if generously supported its influence will be increased accordingly. JOSEPH J. SANGER, Com. HST July 5, 1843, page 144.16
New York City, June 27, 1843. HST July 5, 1843, page 144.17
Doings of campmeeting Committee
The committee met agreeable to appointment at Haverhill 28th inst., and were perfectly agreed in the following. That there was not a seeming demand for more than two camp-meetings of the Second Advent brethren in the vicinity of eighty miles around Lowell, and those are the only two that have been seasonably requested. The first, about the middle of August, in or near Groton Mass., which will accommodate Haverhill, Boston, Lowell, Carlile, Westford, Acton, Littleton, Ashby, New Ipswich, Mason, Nashua, and Manchester N. H., and other towns within that circle. There will be a meeting of the committee on the last Wednesday in July, at ten o’clock at Mr Benjamin Hall’s in Groton, to select the ground, and appoint the time for the meeting to commence, should time continue. All the friends of the cause that can conveniently, are requested to meet then for consultation. HST July 5, 1843, page 144.18
The second meeting, to be held in the vicinity of Tuftonborough N. H., to commence about the first of September, which will convene Merideth. Gilford, Gilmanton, Ashton, Dover, New Market, Wakefield, Wolfborough, Osipee, Moltonborough, Sandwich and Holderness. HST July 5, 1843, page 144.19
The meeting of the committee, with the friends interested, will be the first Wednesday in August, at the Christian Meeting House in Tuftonborough, or at such place as Eld. Colby and Thompson shall designate. We hope that our friends in those places, and others, will take these meetings into prayerful consideration; and although their personal wishes, or sectional feelings may not be gratified with these appointments, we must act for the glory of God. Loud and ardent are the calls for lecturers and preachers on the Advent, and we cannot warrent them able lecturers, even if time should continue, to attend the calls for campmeetings in every neighborhood. Several of our able men engaged, and others we hope will attend these two meetings. Should the committee see fit they may hereafter make other appointments. HST July 5, 1843, page 144.20
The committee are unanimous in the opinion that our campmeetings should not hold over the sabbath, unless the work of the Lord should otherwise direct. HST July 5, 1843, page 144.21
Haverhill Mass. June 29.1843.
HENRY PLUMMER.
EZEKIEL HALE.
APOLLOS HALE.
TIMOTHY COLE. Com.
“Glad Tidings of the Kingdom at Hand.”—The first number of this paper, has been received. We trust it will be made the instrument of a blessed work in Western New York. It is conducted by Brn. Himes and Fleming, and is well filled. A letter it contains from Geneseo, says: “We hail with joy the announcement that the Glad Tidings is to be established at Rochester. We trust it will be a fellow laborer with the Midnight Cry and Signs of the times, and other kindred messengers of light.” HST July 5, 1843, page 144.22
The cause in Rochester
We have received no direct information respecting the meeting there. A report has been current in the papers that the tent was injured by the storm on the 24th inst. The Rochester Evening Post of the 26th has the following. HST July 5, 1843, page 144.23
The misfortune which befel the great Miller Tent on Saturday, has awakened the active benevolence of many of our most respected citizens, who have determined that the tent shall once more arise, and our citizens beneath the shelter of its shade hear the doctrines of Millerism fairly expounded. This is as it should be. We ought at all events to listen, and calmly and dispassionately balance in the mind, the arguments adduced hi support of their peculiar points of doctrine. HST July 5, 1843, page 144.24
All mankind do not think alike—nor reason alike—and it is difficult to ascertain whose opinion is correct, particularly on mysterious subjects connected with religion. The professors of the Miller interpretation of the Scriptures, are evidently gentlemen well versed in the subject—thoroughly conversant with theology—have given deep study to this particular branch, and collected the opinions of the most learned commentators on Scriptural prophecy. All these things cannot fail to render their lectures of peculiar, and great interest. HST July 5, 1843, page 144.25
The Tent, it will be perceived will be raised in North Fitzhugh Street, a central and commodius situation. And should a storm equal in violence to that on Saturday, again take place, it will be too well protected to entertain any fear of the ropes again giving way. HST July 5, 1843, page 144.26
We have heard strong suspicions exist, that the fastenings had been wilfully injured, as a party of rowdies “went to the tent at a late hour on the night of its erection. A careful watch will be kept in future, day and night. HST July 5, 1843, page 144.27
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 July 5, 1843, page 144.28
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 July 5, 1843, page 144.29
Advent Books, can be obtained of G. S. Miles, No. 67 Green St., Albany. HST July 5, 1843, page 144.30
Letters from post-masters, to july 1, 1843
Great Falls, N H; Chepachet, R I, $1; Springfield, Ms. S1; Fall River, Ms. $2; Derry, N H. $1; Chester, N H; South Woodstock, Vt. $1; Moose Meadow, $5; Palmer Depot, Ms. $1; Glasgow, Ky; Upper Middletown, Ct. $1; Southampton, Ms. 50; Mulbury, Ohio, $1; Kennebunk Port, Me; Derby Line, Vt; Glastenbury, Ct. $1; Middletown, Ct. $2; S. Bradford, N H; Brooklyn, Ct; S N Durham, N H; Mechanicsville, Vt; Bakersfield, Vt; Glenville, N Y; Ashtabula, Pa; Royal Oak, Michigan, $1; Peterboro’, N H; Morristown, Vt, $1; E. Bethel, Vt. $1; Ashburnham, N H; Easton, Ms. $1; Kingfield, Me; Epping, N H. $1; Saco, Me. $1; Jericho, Vt. HST July 5, 1843, page 144.31
Individuals
J. Mudjett; W. L. Brown; T. Cole; J. C. Park; N. Bruonus; L. D. Flemming; J. W. Spaulding; A. S. Randall; T. L. Tullock; A. Way; G. S. Miles, $10; J. D. Marsh, $3; Jno. Percival, $1; Dr. Baker; P. M. Shaw; T. Cole; L. B. Colles. HST July 5, 1843, page 144.32
Bundles Sent
W. L. Brown, Plainfield, Ct; Deacon Richard Montague, Bernardstown, Mass; T. M. Preble, Nashua, N. H. 2 boxes J. V. Himes, 9 Spruce St. N. Y; G. S. Miles, Albany, N. Y; Timothy Cole, Lowell, Mass. HST July 5, 1843, page 144.33