Signs of the Times and Expositor of Prophecy [Himes], vol. 4
December 7, 1842
Vol. IV.—No. 12. Boston, Whole No. 84
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 December 7, 1842, page 89.1
THE SIGNS OF THE TIMES
J. V. Himes, Josiah Litch, and S. Bliss, Editors
BOSTON, DECEMBER 7, 1842.
Who would not Strive to hold Fast their Crown? “Behold I come quickly,” says our Savior; “hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown.” There is a crown of righteousness, which the apostle says the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give him in that day, and not him only, “but all those who love his appearing.” “He that overcometh” will receive that crown, and will be made “a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out.” “The Lord will be his strength, and song,” and will become his “salvation,” and will plant him in “a land flowing with milk and honey.” On such, God will have “everlasting kindness,” will have “mercy on them,” and will “gather them as wheat into his garner.” Those that love the Lord will be “as the sun when he goeth forth in his might.” They shall “shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father.” The “eternal God” will be their “refuge,” “and underneath are the everlasting arms.” They “shall dwell in safety.” They “shall inherit the earth and delight themselves in the abundance of peace.” Because of them “the wilderness and the solitary place shall be glad, and the desert shall rejoice and blossom as the rose.” “The lame man shall leap as an hart, and the tongue of the dumb sing. And the ransomed of the Lord shall return, and come to Zion with songs and everlasting joy upon their heads: they shall obtain joy, and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.” They will “arise and shine,” their light being come, and the glory of the Lord having risen upon them, they “shall be delivered every one that shall be found written in the book.” The Lord will be the refuge of his people.” “The Lord will turn to the people a pure language, that they may call upon the name of the Lord, to serve him with one consent: for they shall feed and lie down, and none to make them afraid. Sing O daughter of Zion; shout, O Israel; be glad and rejoice with all thy heart, O daughter of Jerusalem. The Lord hath taken away thy judgments; he hath cast out thine enemy: the King of Israel, even the Lord, is in the midst of thee, thou shalt not see evil any more.” Unto those that fear the Lord the sun of righteousness will “arise, with healing in his wings;” and they “shall go forth and grow up as calves of the stall.” “They will take the kingdom and possess the kingdom forever, even forever and ever.” “They will be caught up in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air.” They “shall rejoice” and “shall sing for joy of heart.” They will be “blessed and holy,” and on them “the second death will have no power.” “They shall be priests of God, and of Christ, and shall reign with him”—“heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ.” “They shall have right to the tree of life, and shall enter in through the gates into the city.” and “the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters.” “They will go forth with joy, and be led forth with peace.” God will make them “an eternal excellence.” Their “sun will no more go down neither will their moon withdraw itself;” and the “days” of their “mourning shall be ended.” They “also shall be all righteous: they shall inherit the land forever.” “The tabernacle of God will be with them,” and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God.” “God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain; for the former things are passed away.” God will give “reward unto his servants the prophets, and to the saints, and them that fear his name, small and great;” and they will do his will “on earth as it is done in heaven.” HST December 7, 1842, page 89.2
Then mortality will be laid aside: they will no longer inhabit “natural bodies,” “but spiritual bodies,”—not etherial bodies, for our vile bodies will be changed into the likeness of Christ’s glorified body; and we shall be like him, who was the “first fruits” of them that slept, and who told his disciples to handle him for he was not a spirit; for a spirit had not flesh and bones as his spiritual body had. Then every thing pertaining to decay being removed, the righteous “will mount up on wings as eagles, they will run and not be weary, will walk and not faint.” HST December 7, 1842, page 89.3
“The blessing of God will be upon his people.” “He will put gladness in their hearts,” and they “will lie down in peace.” They will “shout for joy” because God defendest them. They will be “a little lower than the angels,” and “crowned with glory and honor.” Their “lines” will be fallen in “pleasant places,” yea, they “will have a goodly heritage,” God will “choose their inheritance,” the excellency of Jacob whom he lovest. Such will be the state and such the condition, of those that hold fast, as that no man take their crown. With such promised joys to gain or lose, who can hesitate whether they will attempt to secure such a possession? Soon, ah soon the day will come, when all efforts will be in vain: for when once the Master of the house has risen up and shut too the door, then those who stand without, will knock in vain for admittance. O be wise before it is forever too late. HST December 7, 1842, page 89.4
Dr. Brownlee.—This gentleman it appears from the printed reports of his sermon, has again come out against the cause we advocate. HST December 7, 1842, page 89.5
Such productions cannot fail to be instrumental of good, for although they may serve to blind many who willingly are ignorant, and who delight in being deceived, yet the thinking and inquiring minds who investigate this subject, cannot fail to see that the resort to such arguments shows a want of sound objections; and that the positions assumed are entirely untenable. HST December 7, 1842, page 89.6
If the printed report of this discourse is correct, it contained some fearful sentiments and some false statements. He asserted that Mr. Miller “has fixed the year, the month and the day—the 24th of April, 1843. This assertion has been repeatedly denied, and in this instance it was contradicted by the reporter in his report of the sermon. HST December 7, 1842, page 89.7
The doctor’s argument seems to consist of mere assertions.—He preached from the first seven verses of Revelation 20th, and asserted that the first resurrection would not then take place as John has recorded. He asserted that the Jews will be restored in 1843—that the millennium will commence in 1866, (he does not believe in setting the time) and that it will continue one thousand or three hundred and sixty thousand years. He appeals to us “in the name of reason, science and philosophy, not to believe these false prophets.” Those who predict as he does, he probably does not consider in any danger of being “false prophets.” He also ventures to predict that “the world is not a going to end next year.” He says the ladies of Newark “need not be alarmed.” “I pledge my word that the world will not come to an end next year.” Presumptuous man! does he suppose that his word will take the precedence of a thus saith the Lord? He further says “no scholar in the world can believe that the world is coming to an end next April. It is utterly impossible! If it does, the ALMIGHTY has told the greatest LIES that were ever uttered. Now the world can’t come to an end till eastern and western anti-Christ are destroyed; and if father Miller is going to destroy them before next April, he will have to make quick work of it.” HST December 7, 1842, page 89.8
Such blasphemy needs no comment! Of all the opposition which the coming of Christ has elicited from infidels, universalists, cold-hearted professors, and others who do not “love his appearing,” we know of nothing that exceeds such language as the above, and we hopefor, the honor of the man, to say nothing of his Christian character, that the report of his discourse may be proved to be an exaggeration. How can he stand before his Judge with such language upon his lips? Or will he dare to repeat the above, in the presence of God, if his own predictions should prove false? There is nothing on record of the Pharisees of old, that is more reprobatory than the above. He says further, HST December 7, 1842, page 89.9
“We hold that he (Christ) will come bodily to Jerusalem. Now suppose that he should? What good would it do you here? You could not see him; and if you were to go to Jerusalem, when you got within five hundred miles of it there would be a perfect jam; and this would cause a pestilence first, and a famine afterwards!!!!” HST December 7, 1842, page 89.10
We fear that if Christ comes next year, that it will do no good to any “here,” or in other places, who can either utter or delight in hearing such sentiments. Does the doctor fear there will be a “jam” in heaven, or will it breed a “pestilence” or “famine” there? The doctor well knows that we believe that all who are with Christ will be in an immortal state, and his object, therefore, could only be to misrepresent our views or ridicule Christ’s coming. HST December 7, 1842, page 89.11
He virtually admits that the 2300 days will expire next year, and that the Jews will then be restored. Now let him read the apostle’s definition of a Jew—not he that is a Jew outwardly, and also his authority as to whom the promise was made—Christ, and who are the heirs of that promise—they that are Christ’s;—and he will see upon his own admissions the whole house of Israel must be restored next year, and in the very manner described by the prophet Ezekiel 37:11-14, “Then he said unto the Son of man, these bones are the whole house of Israel.” “Therefore prophecy and say unto them, thus saith the Lord God; behold O my people, I will open your graves, and cause you to come up out of your graves, and bring you into the land of Israel. And ye shall know that I am the Lord, when I have opened your graves, O my people, and brought you up out of your graves, and shall put my spirit in you and ye shall live, and I shall place you in your own land.” HST December 7, 1842, page 89.12
The Opposers of the coming of Christ are taking upon themselves a fearful responsibility. They hesitate not to say upon their own authority, that “the end is not yet;” that “my Lord delayeth his coming,” and predict “peace and safety,” contrary to the express declarations of the Bible. Such men as Stuart, Folsom, Pond, Brownlee, Dimmick, and others who stand high in the community, exert a tremendous influence over the minds of others, for weal or wo, and as their opinions are correct or otherwise, so will the opinions of multitudes be moulded by them. HST December 7, 1842, page 90.1
The positions assumed by them tend directly to produce a want of respect for that holy and divine word which they interpret, confirm the sceptical in their scepticism, and give an impression to many an immortal soul that the prophecies are of but small account, and are unworthy of our attention. They thus dishonor the word of God, and by such dishonor are stumbling blocks in the way to the kingdom of heaven. HST December 7, 1842, page 90.2
The promulgation of such theology, as has appeared from such high sources within the last few years, shows a fearful tendency towards the theological sentiments of modern Germany, and which bids fair, if time was to continue, to entirely usurp the place of the approved theology of our puritan fathers in the church, and pave the way for an universal spread and triumph of the infidel principles, which our opponents pretend to fear will prevail, if the predictions in Daniel and John should not be consumated in 1843. HST December 7, 1842, page 90.3
The ground assumed by such distinguished opponents of Christ’s Second Advent, it would seem, cannot but open the eyes of those whose minds are not tinctured with modern neology, and convince them of the tendency of such teachings, so that they may, by those very writings, be led to examine this momentous question, which otherwise would not have been examined by them. HST December 7, 1842, page 90.4
Thus the wrath of man will praise the Lord, and the remainder of wrath he will restrain. HST December 7, 1842, page 90.5
How Awful to Meet an Angry God! When the Lord ariseth to shake terribly the earth, there will be an awful contrast between the condition of his friends and of his enemies. These last who would not have him to reign over them, will be brought and slain before his face. They will be devoured with the fire of his jealousy.” “Every one that is proud and lofty, and every one that is lifted up, will be brought low.” “The Son of man shall 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; there shall be weeping and wailing and gnashing of teeth.” Judgment then will be laid to the line, and “righteousness to the plumet, and the hail shall sweep away the refuge of lies.” “The Lord shall cause his glorious voice to be heard, and shall show the lighting down of his arm, with the indignation of his anger, and with the flame of devouring fire, with scattering and tempest and hailstones.” By these judgments, the enemies of the Lord will be “utterly destroyed and swept off from the earth.” “They shall look unto the earth; and behold trouble and darkness, dimness of anguish; and they shall be driven into darkness.” He “will render vengeance to his enemies and will reward them that hate him.” HST December 7, 1842, page 90.6
“The wicked shall be silent in darkness, the adversaries of the Lord shall be broken to pieces: out of heaven shall he thunder upon them.” He “will break them with a rod of iron, and dash them in pieces like a potters vessel;” “as the vessels of a potter shall they be broken to shivers.” “The Lord shall swallow them up in his wrath, and the fire shall devour them.” “Evil doers shall be cut off.” “The transgressors shall be destroyed together.” “In the hand of the Lord there is a cup, and the wine is red, it is full of mixture, and he poureth out the same; but the dregs thereof, all the wicked of the earth shall wring them out and drink them,” “Behold the day of the Lord cometh, cruel with wrath and fierce anger, to lay the earth desolate; and he shall destroy the sinners thereof out of it.” “The Lord will come with fire and with his chariots like a whirlwind, to render his anger with fury, and his rebuke with flames of fire; for with fire and sword will the Lord plead with all flesh.” “He shall give a shout as they that tread the grapes, against all the inhabitants of the earth. He will plead with all flesh; he will give them that are wicked to the sword, saith the Lord. 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, or buried; they shall be dung upon the ground.” “Behold the whirlwind of the Lord goeth forth with fury, a continual whirlwind, it shall fall with pain upon the head of the wicked. The fierce anger of the Lord shall not return until he have done it, and untill he have performed the intents of his heart” “And there shall be a time of trouble such as never was since there was a nation, even to that same time.” “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 leave them neither root nor branch.” “The earth shall reel to and fro like a drunkard, and shall be removed like a cottage, and the transgression thereof shall be heavy upon it, and it shall fall, and not rise again.” “For the indignation of the Lord is upon all nations, and his fury upon all armies; he hath utterly destroyed them, he hath delivered them to the slaughter.” “The whole earth shall be devoured with the fire of his jealousy.” Then the wicked “every one shall be salted with fire.” “Their flesh shall consume away while they stand upon their feet, and their eyes shall consume away in their holes, and their tongues shall consume away in their mouths.” HST December 7, 1842, page 90.7
Thus, the misery and punishment of the wicked is expressed in the most pointed and cutting language in which it is possible to be written. These threatenings are found interspersed with the promises to the faithful, in all parts of that holy word; and yet how few regard them, how few consider that they have been spoken by the mouth of the living God, who cannot lie; and who has sworn that though heaven and earth shall pass away, his words shall not pass away. And how many for their contempt of God’s holy word, must taste of the awful judgments whose infliction is there threatened. HST December 7, 1842, page 90.8
Men, in all ages of the world, have been prone to regard evil as at a distance, and to regard God as a being who is not strict to mark offences; but the sad result which has always followed a course of recklessness and sin, and the certainty with which the judgments of God have always followed the predictions of them, on ungodly nations, should satisfy the most casual observer, that God has not spoken in vain, and that he will not fail to execute all that he has promised. HST December 7, 1842, page 90.9
Notwithstnading God has ever been so strict to mark offences, and to bring down righteous judgment upon the heads of guilty and unrepenting man, yet the great mass still persevere in tempting him, and in grieving his holy spirit; and they will so continue until the door of mercy is shut, and their doom is sealed. Then, and not till then, when it is too late, they will see their folly. HST December 7, 1842, page 90.10
“Be wise to-day, ‘tis madness to defer.” HST December 7, 1842, page 90.11
The Lectures in New Haven closed on Saturday evening last. They were very fully attended during the entire course; and the interest manifested by the intelligent and candid portion of the community aflorded hope that our labors were not in vain in the Lord. HST December 7, 1842, page 90.12
The meeting continued seven days. Three meetings were held on each day. The morning was devoted to Bible Class;—the afternoon and evening to lectures. Some of the most important points of the doctrine of the Second Advent were taken up in the Bible Class, and examined. Light was elicited on the subjects of the “Two Resurrections,” the “Visions of Daniel,” the “Return of the Jews,” etc. Many of the students in that place were in attendance. Some of them took part in the exercises. Considering the nature of their studies and the fact, that they knew little or nothing of our real sentiments, their questions and criticisms were respectful, and we doubt not the discussions will result in good. We learn that many of the students are now examining the subject in good earnest, and mean to know the truth of the matter. We furnished them with a full library. HST December 7, 1842, page 90.13
The citizens attended very generally, notwithstanding they were warned to keep away by some of the newspapers and the pulpits. But few of the city clergymen attended. Many, however, came in from the neighboring towns; some of whom have embraced the faith, and intend to preach it. HST December 7, 1842, page 90.14
The newspapers, as usual, had considerable to say. Some of their articles were very fair and candid, but most of them consisted of a tissue of misrepresentations. HST December 7, 1842, page 90.15
Our meetings, as staled in a former number, were held in the Methodist church. Brother Law, the pastor in charge, with his people, received us, and treated us in the kindest manner. They are now looking at the subject candidly; and many are deeply interested in it. But the best of all is, that several backsliders were reclaimed, and a number of sinners converted to God. A most deep and solemn impression, we think, was made on the community at large on the necessity of being ready to meet Christ at his coming. HST December 7, 1842, page 90.16
A Quandary.—We are informed, from an authentic source, that the four congregational clergymen of Hartford, Ct. met a short time since, and appointed one of their number, the Rev. Mr. Sprague, to collect the evidence contained in the Bible in favor of a temporal millennium, and deliver the result in the form of a lecture. After examining the question for a week, he acknowledged that he could not find satisfactory evidence in the Bible to prove a temporal millennium; and Dr. Bushnell acknowledged that he came to the same conclusion a year ago. The question was then abandoned, and no lecture preached upon the subject. HST December 7, 1842, page 91.1
It is thus that this fable is abandoned upon investigation by those who have long given implicit confidence to the theory. But when it is thus found not to be contained in the word of God, why do not our ministers be honest with those who are relying upon their teachings, and undeceive them in that respect, that they may no longer flatter themselves that a long temporal millennium will intervene between the present time and the coming of Christ? And why will not all who are stationed as watchmen on the walls of Zion examine the Bible for themselves in reference to this question, that they may know the truth whereof they teach, and not depend on the traditions of others? Those who refuse thus to examine or hesitate in proclaiming their honest convictions of what they find to be the truth, incur a fearful responsibility; and souls are hanging upon their faithfulness in these respects. HST December 7, 1842, page 91.2
Opinions of Great Men.—Professor Stuart in his “Hints on Prophecy,” says, the Apocalypse was written by John, in the midst of a bitter and bloody persecution of the church; and the object of the writer was to guard, to guide to fortify, and to console Christians under such circumstances. HST December 7, 1842, page 91.3
James Gordon Bennett, Esq., says in his New York Herald, that the book of Daniel was written by Daniel, for the purpose of comforting the Jews while in captivity. HST December 7, 1842, page 91.4
Well may we say, that “great men will think alike,” as Dr. Hawes remarked when told that the Universalist minister had apologized to his people for taking the same grounds in opposition to the Second Advent, as the Doctor had previously done. HST December 7, 1842, page 91.5
Thus it is, no matter what are the religious opinions of the opponents of Christ’s coming, they all resort to the same arguments, and attempt to refute it by the same weapons. If the world could continue in its present condition, it would seem that, in a very short period, this question would form the dividing line, the theologians would form two great classes—the one looking for the coming of their Lord, and the other composed of all parties, and sects, arrayed in opposition to his coming. HST December 7, 1842, page 91.6
Newark.—On Friday and Saturday evenings, brother A. Hale lectured in the Fourth Presbyterian Church in Newark, with good success. On Sunday, not a church in the city could be obtained for lectures during the day. And but for the kindness of Captain E. Stewart, of the United States Hotel, no convenient place could probably have been had; but he generously opened his large saloon, and bid our friends welcome. This act of kindness is certainly a sharp rebuke upon the clergy of Newark. Surely we have fallen upon strange times, when we see churches shut against those brethren who proclaim the speedy return of our blessed Lord, and a dancing saloon opened for their reception. Yet such is the situation of things in that religious city. HST December 7, 1842, page 91.7
In the evening, the Fourth Presbyterian Church was again obtained, where a most interesting meeting was held. The audience hung upon the word with almost breathless silence. No doubt much good seed was sown. HST December 7, 1842, page 91.8
A Hoax.—An article intended to deceive the credulous, is going the round of the papers, and which announces that a change has taken place in the ecliptic of the earth since the last equinox, and anticipates still greater changes. It also speaks of changes in the appearance of the planets, their orbits, etc., and purports to come from some scientific man. It is however evidently a hoax, and is written by some one who has only a superficial knowledge of astronomy. It first appeared in the “Lynn Locomotive,” whereas if it was what it purports to be, it would have appeared in some scientific journal, and would not have been ashamed of the name of its author, to appear as it does anonymously. HST December 7, 1842, page 91.9
We expect this earth will move on in its wonted course until the time appointed, when the vision will speak and not lie; nor are we expecting any physical indications of its approach, other than those spoken of by Christ and the prophets, and which have already been seen. HST December 7, 1842, page 91.10
Millerisms in former times.—An article with the above title, from the “Charleston Observer,” is going the rounds of the papers in which the excesses of the temporal millenists, who attempted to set up the kingdom of Christ in this world before the resurrection in the time of Luther, in Germany is portrayed. HST December 7, 1842, page 91.11
Men must be hard pushed for arguments, to resort to the excesses and eccentricities of the early promulgation of the doctrine of a millennium in time, as an argument against us who are attempting to disprove that theory. HST December 7, 1842, page 91.12
Let it be remembered that Thomas Piffer, Thomas Munzer, John of Lyden, otherwise king John of Munster, and the fifth monarchy men, with other kindred spirits of the reformation, were all temporal millenists, and were in fact the founders of that belief which now prevails, and which was reduced to a system by Dr. Whitby. If therefore any arguments can be drawn from their conduct, they will only bear against those, who like them are looking for a millennium in time. HST December 7, 1842, page 91.13
To Correspondents.-We wish to say to all who write for our columns, that short articles, and to the point, are very acceptable. But long articles we are obliged often to lay aside for want of room to publish them. Brevity and kindness cannot be too much studied. HST December 7, 1842, page 91.14
“Men’s hearts failing them, for fear.”—The heart of the editor of the Norwich Aurora is so troubled for fear that Mr. Miller may be correct in his opinions, that he says if they do not prove true,” pursecution will mark him for her victim, and the bitter anger of those who have been troubled, and, it may be partially deceived by his preaching, will hunt him to death. On either hand there is a fearful risk. If Millerism be true, an impenitent world that has despised and laughed at it, will meet a dreadful doom. If, on the contrary it be false, the utmost punishment that human vengeance can pour forth, will be meted out to its author. HST December 7, 1842, page 91.15
Notice.—Bro. Tho. C. Kenworthy is desirous of devoting himself to the service of the Lord in giving the “midnight cry.” Those in want of a lecturer, might secure his services by writing to him, postage paid to Royalton, Vt. HST December 7, 1842, page 91.16
Bro. Hawley is giving a course of lectures on the Second Advent this week at the Marlboro’ Chapel, in this city. HST December 7, 1842, page 91.17
SECOND ADVENT LECTURES
By divine permission, a course of lectures on the second advent of our Lord in 1843, will be given by L. Kimball, in West Braintree, Vt., at the Meeting house on the branch, commeucing Dec. 8th., 6 o’clock P. M. HST December 7, 1842, page 91.18
Also. A course of second advent lectures in Canaan, N. H., commencing Friday Dec. 16th., at 6 P. M., by L. Kimball. All who love the appearing of our Lord, are invited to attend these lectures, and assist in forwarding the work of the Lord. HST December 7, 1842, page 91.19
Objections Answered
NO. I
Psalm 2:8., is frequently quoted in support of the doctrine of a temporal millennium—the conversion of the world. If we read the connection, we shall find that it teaches a very different doctrine from that of the world’s conversion. Commencing at the 6th verse, it leads, “Yet have I set my king upon my holy hill of Zion. (7) I will declare the decree; the Lord hath said unto me, Thou art my Son; this day have I begotten thee. (8) Ask of me, and I will give thee the heathen for thine inheritaece, and the uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession. (9) Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron; thou shalt dash them in pieces like a potter’s vessel.” HST December 7, 1842, page 91.20
Is this we ask, the conversion of the world? To be broken with a rod of iron, and dashed in pieces like a potter’s vessel, is a singular mode of administering the blessings of the gospel. Speaking of the same subject, the Revelation says, 19:15. “He shall smite the nations; and he shall rule them with a rod of iron; and he treadeth the wine press of the fierceness and wrath of the Almighty God.” The passage referred to in Psalms is one of the principal ones in support of the world’s conversion, in the place of which it rather teaches its destruction. HST December 7, 1842, page 91.21
DEPOTS OF SECOND ADVENT BOOKS
No. 14 Devonshire Street, Boston, up stairs. HST December 7, 1842, page 91.22
Address J. V. Himes. HST December 7, 1842, page 91.23
No. 36 Park Row, New York, up stairs, opposite the Park. Address J. V. Himes. HST December 7, 1842, page 91.24
No. 67 South Second Street, Philadelphia. HST December 7, 1842, page 91.25
Address Orrin Rogers. HST December 7, 1842, page 91.26
Any person wishing to obtain Books, Charts, ór Publications, can obtain them at either of the above depositories. For list of publications, see advertisements. J. V. HIMES. HST December 7, 1842, page 91.27
Boston, Dec. 7; 1842. HST December 7, 1842, page 91.28
CONFERENCE AND LECTURES
At Vergennes, Vt. Brn. Miller and Himes will commence a course of Lectures at Vergennes, Vt. on the evening of Dec. 15th, and will continue several days. Bro. Wines will make preparations. HST December 7, 1842, page 91.29
Signs of the Times
Is published weekly, at No. 14 Devonshire Street, Boston, by JOSHUA V. HIMES, to whom all letters and communications must be addressed. HST December 7, 1842, page 91.30
Terms,—One Dollar per Volume of 24 Nos. (6 months) HST December 7, 1842, page 91.31
dow & jackson, printers. HST December 7, 1842, page 91.32
LETTER II
Dear Brother Himes:—I am aware, if the professor was the only person I expected to benefit by my remarks, I should not trouble myself to write nor others to read what I have to present. If it was only to gain the mastery over Professor Stuart, I am not so visionary as to suppose, that, in the eyes of the world, I could have the most distant prospect of succeeding. It is a well known fact that the fashionable world do give to the men of letters what the ancients did to the priests of their idol gods—an implicit confidence in all they utter. The world, therefore, will laugh at my foolish daring, and my friends, if I have any, will stand aghast at my temerity in attacking this bearded lion in his den. HST December 7, 1842, page 92.1
I have nothing, therefore, to expect from the world; and, if I fall, to hope for from my friends. One thing I ask, and that I shall expect to have, the prayers of all, that truth may triumph in the earth, and error be exposed, however plausible it may appear. I will not have it said in the great day, that truth had no advocates in this day of tribulation, for fear of men. Therefore, my whole strength and dependence being put in God, I will try, by his assistance, to undo the awful effects of the doctrine of peace and safety by this learned author. HST December 7, 1842, page 92.2
And first, his views of the little horn in Daniel 7:25: “And he shall speak great words against the Most High, and shall wear out the saints of the Most High, and think to change times and laws: and they shall be given into his hand, until a time and times and the dividing of time.” Page 83: “The first passage in Daniel 7:25, is so clear as to leave no room for a reasonable doubt. In verse 24 the rise of Antiochus Epiphanes is described; for the fourth beast in Daniel 7:7, 8, 11, 19 to 26, as all must concede, is the divided Grecian dominion which succeeded the reign of Alexander the Great. From this dynasty springs Antiochus, verse 24, who is most graphically described, in verse 25, as one who shall speak great words against the Most High, and wear out the saints of the Most High, and think to change times and laws: and they shall be given into his hand, until a time and times and the dividing of time.” HST December 7, 1842, page 92.3
In this vision of Daniel’s we have brought into view, by the representation of four great beasts, four great kingdoms. Daniel 7:3: “And four great beasts came up from the sea, diverse from one another.” Now read Daniel 7:17: ‘These great beasts, which are four, are four kings, which shall arise out of the earth:” and verse 23: “Thus he said, The fourth beast shall be the fourth kingdom upon earth, which shall be diverse from all kingdoms and shall devour the whole earth, and shall tread it down, and break it in pieces.” Can it be possible that this learned man can call this fourth beast Antiochus? How can the Syrian kingdom be called “diverse from all kingdoms?” It arose in the same manner as the other three, out of Alexander’s kingdom. Antiochus never added either of the other three kingdoms to his; although he calculated to unite Egypt with his own; yet the Romans prevented it. [Rol., Book 18, chap. 2, sec. 2.] “And shall devour the whole earth, and shall tread it down, and shall break it in pieces.” HST December 7, 1842, page 92.4
Thus far, it is very certain we cannot apply this prophecy to Antiochus; and the professor knows that not one jot or tittle of God’s word will fail, and therefore he passed over this in perfect silence. Where was his ‘Bible exegesis’ then? It is very certain that Antiochus never came up among ten kings, neither did he have ten horns. If he, as the professor says, is the little horn of the fourth kingdom, then he must have come up among ten, and taken away three; this fact his exegesis treats in silence, and I say cannot be applied to Antiochus. HST December 7, 1842, page 92.5
Again: Daniel says, verses 9, 10: “I beheld till the thrones were cast down, and the Ancient of days did sit, whose garment was white as snow, and the hair of his head like the pure wool: his throne was like the fiery flame, and his wheels as burning fire. A fiery stream issued and came forth from before him: thousand thousands ministered unto him, and ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him: the judgment was set, and the books were opened;” and this too in the lifetime of the little horn; for verse 11,—“I beheld then, because of the voice of the great words which the horn spake; I beheld, even till the beast was slain, and his body destroyed, and given to the burning flame,” declares his death. “I beheld even till this beast was slain:” this was not true according to the professor’s own statement; for he says this beast died with the cholera, as the professor supposes. “His body destroyed.” Herein, too, Daniel was mistaken, for Rollin says his body was carried to Antioch, his capital, “and given to the burning flame.” It is all different from the history. How mistaken Daniel must have been! HST December 7, 1842, page 92.6
But this is not all. What else did Daniel see take place? Verse 13: “I saw in the night visions, and, behold one like the Son of man came with the clouds of heaven, and came to the Ancient of days, and they brought him near before him.” Can this be true? Did this all happen, and no history extant to give us an account—not even a tradition? Cannot our author contrive something to get us out of this difficulty? What do you say to a “Sybilline oracle,” as in the case of Nero, and so have Antiochus rise up and defile the temple, when Matthew 26:64—“Jesus saith unto him, Hereafter shall ye see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven”—shall come to pass? Again: Daniel 7:14: “And there was given him dominion, and glory, and a kingdom, that all people, nations, and languages, should serve him: his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed.” Can this mean the Jews? Were they called “all people, nations, languages?” also, “an everlasting kingdom, which shall not pass away?” And yet in less than two hundred years it was taken away from the saints. Acts 1:6: “When they therefore were come together, they asked of him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel?” I do not understand all these things. Why did not our good professor enlighten us? Why leave the whole of this chapter, from the 7th to the 27th verse, all in the dark? HST December 7, 1842, page 92.7
Now, sir, we will tell you what the rational, independent class of people believe about this vision: they believe that Daniel was a historical prophet; that he has given us a history of four great monarchies, which carries us to the end of all earthly powers, in the last of which (the Roman) they believe has arisen a power, combining in one blasphemous head (the pope) two pretended powers, civil and ecclesiastical, which by craft rule over kings, and pretend to have the power of God. They believe that his power is to continue three and a half times, forty-two months, or 1260 days. They know this power has come; they have felt its effects; they have suffered under its laws; they have heard, and do hear, its great blasphemous words. In this you cannot deceive them. HST December 7, 1842, page 92.8
They believe—for why should they not?—that Daniel has, in his vision, numbered the time; and if we should understand it literally, they know that this power has already exercised the same, 360 times its literal number. Then what shall we do? Shall we carry it back on to Antiochus? No. Why not? Because it will not apply to him, without making things figurative which God has not made figurative, and thus involve ourselves in darkness, and doubts, and inconsistencies. What then? Let us examine and see if time is not used in a figurative sense. If so, all may be harmonized. They examine and find, according to the professor’s own concessions, two places, Numbers 14:34 and Ezekiel 4:6, where a day was used as a figure of a year. They apply it then to Daniel, and first to the seventy weeks. It measures exactly. They now believe, for they remember that the seventy weeks were to seal up (prove, or make sure, as a man’s will is made sure, when the seal of the court is affixed) the vision and prophecy. This is common sense, that all can understand. We need not go to the schools of criticism and skepticism to learn to “doubt,” and “cavil,” and “wrest” God’s word, to understand it. HST December 7, 1842, page 92.9
But why, say you, did not God reveal these things in a plain, literal sense? Let Christ answer. Matthew 11:25: “At that time Jesus answered and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes.” Read the context: he is talking of the judgment day. Compare Luke 10:21; also Daniel 12:10; 1 Thessalonians 5:3, 4. But has God in all cases revealed the time, having reference to the end of the world, in types and figures? I answer yes. Why not then keep it from us? Because he has said, (Amos 3:7,) “Surely the Lord God will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants, the prophets.” And it is to be as it was in the days of Noah. Was it in a symbol, then? I answer, it was. See Genesis 6:3: “And the Lord said, My spirit shall not always strive with man, for that he also is flesh: yet his days shall be a hundred and twenty years.” HST December 7, 1842, page 92.10
Now we suppose Noah began to preach that God would destroy the world in one hundred and twenty years. The professors, skeptics, and critics come around him and say, where is your proof? He refers them to the word of God, which I have quoted. “Ah,” says the critic, “that does not say a word about drowning the world now; it only means that man’s life shall be shortened to one hundred and twenty years.” Noah replies to them as in Genesis 6:7: “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.” “O yes, we believe that: but God does not tell us how nor when, in this place.” Then he declares God’s purpose, verse 17: “And, behold, I, even I, do bring a flood of waters upon the earth, to destroy all flesh, Wherein is the breath of life, from under heaven; and everything that is in the earth shall die.” “Yes, we admit that: but he does not tell us when: not at least until he destroys the earth; as he himself has expressly declared: ‘The end of all flesh is come before me; for the earth is filled with violence through them: and, behold, I will destroy them with the earth.’ And we know God will not destroy the earth, until ‘the seed of the woman shall bruise the serpent’s head,’ and that is not done yet. And another argument, too; the world is in its infancy yet—not all inhabited. And we know God told our first parents to go forth and multiply, and replenish the earth. This command is not fulfilled. No danger; we understand our duty. Do you think, Noah, we can be scared by your humbugs? God has not revealed the time.” Yet he did reveal it, as Professor Stuart now acknowledges. But if that scene was now to be acted over again, do you think he would own it? Never. It is now acting again, and he wants to have it revealed in plain terms. HST December 7, 1842, page 92.11
When God sees best, for wise purposes, to reveal himself in parables, and dark sayings—Psalm 78:2: “I will open my mouth in a parable; I will utter dark sayings of old;” Luke 8:10: “And he said, Unto you it is given to know the mysteries of the kingdom of God; but to others in parables: that seeing they might not see, and hearing, they might not understand,”—we have no right to complain. The reason is obvious; if it had been revealed in plain terms, sinners would have more abused God’s mercies; and if it had been revealed any plainer than it is, how could scoffers say, “Where is the promise of his coming?” and at the same time be in the church? God’s word must and will be fulfilled. It is evident that he did mean we should know when it would be near, even at the door. Matthew 24:33: “So likewise ye, when ye shall see all these things, know that it is near, even at the door.” But it is just as evident that those who vainly imagine themselves to have the key of knowledge, and boast of their Hebrew, and Greek, and Scripture exegesis, will not understand Matthew 13:10-16, Mark 4:33, 34, Luke 11:52. HST December 7, 1842, page 93.1
If, then, this fourth kingdom in Daniel 7:7, etc., is the Roman empire, then the little horn can only apply to papacy, and the 1260 days in this vision, or “time, times, and a half,” must be, of necessity, understood as symbolical days. We know that papacy has had “eyes like the eyes of man,” more than three years and a half. But we may inquire what the eyes mean? I answer, they are like man’s eyes. And what are man’s eyes? Proverbs 27:20: “Hell and destruction are never full; so the eyes of man are never satisfied.” Daniel had just told us about a “horn between two eyes,” which we all agree means the man Alexander. The eyes of Alexander were upon the kingdoms of the earth; he could not be satisfied until lie had conquered the whole world; and then wept because there was not another for him to conquer. So would this horn seek for, and not be satisfied, until it had obtained universal power over the earth. Herein we have a clue to know when this horn began; when the pope began to desire and to seek after universal power over the saints, or the church, as in verse 21: “I beheld, and the same horn made war with the saints, and prevailed against them.” “And a mouth speaking great things.” This is certainly as applicable to the pope as to any power ever known on earth, and has proved to a demonstration the prophecy of Daniel and of John to be of divine origin. HST December 7, 1842, page 93.2
Then, from the 9th to the 14th verse, is a description of the judgment day, the second advent of Christ, the reward of the righteous in the glorified kingdom of God forever and ever. How could the professor pass over all this grand and sublime description of the judgment, the glorious scenes of the revelation of the Ancient of days, (the great God,) and the Son of man coming with the clouds of heaven, (Jesus Christ,) and receiving a kingdom which will be eternal? How could he treat all this with perfect silence? Surely his conscience must have felt a little sting. I ask every candid reader, where have we any clearer description of a judgment than here? If this passage does not describe the last judgment, then no man by the Bible can prove one. “The judgment was set, and the books were opened.” Again: “Judgment was given to the saints of the Most High, and the time came that the saints possessed the kingdom.” HST December 7, 1842, page 93.3
Is not this the kingdom spoken of in Matthew 25:34: “Then shall the king say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world?” Surely this is an eternal kingdom,—“but the righteous into life eternal.” And in Daniel it is an everlasting kingdom. “But the saints of the most High shall take the kingdom, and possess the kingdom forever, even forever and ever;” 18th verse. Can it be possible that the Jews took possession of this kingdom in the days of Antiochus? Can there be two eternal kingdoms? I am convinced, that if our learned author understands Bible exegesis, and this is a sample of his explanation of Scripture, I shall forever have occasion to be thankful that I did not so learn to understand Christ. HST December 7, 1842, page 93.4
Again. He says (page 86): “Another parallel passage to Daniel 7:25, which we have just examined, is Daniel 12:7, where the same limitation occurs, and in connection (for this I cannot doubt) with the same individual, i. e. with Antiochus Epiphanes.” What evidence has he brought that this time was limited to Antiochus? I answer, none; or at least none satisfactory to my mind. He asserts that Daniel 11:21-45, and 12. wholly, are concerning Antiochus. All was fulfilled under this petty king of Syria, in about six years’ time. This is ah instruction of the angel Gabriel, who came to inform Daniel what should befall the people of God in the latter days; and the time appointed was long, so Daniel says, (Daniel 10:1, 14,) or for many days. It is very evident, by this expression of Daniel, that he did not even suppose that it would be accomplished in six years. And we do know that it was not. For instance. Daniel 12:1: “And at that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince which standeth for the children of thy people.” At what time? At the time when Antiochus came to his end, the professor must say, to be consistent. “And there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was nation even to that same time.” What! At the time when “Judas Maccabeus had become everywhere victorious; the sanctuary was now cleansed of its pollution, pure worship was restored, and the Hebrews had every prospect of independence and happiness?” as says our learned professor, page 92. Surely that cannot be true; but let us hear more: “And at that time thy people shall be delivered, every one of them that shall be found written in the book.” Is this to be understood of the Jews, and them only? Why say “every one written in the book?” What are they delivered from,—the tyrant’s power and captivity, slavery and bondage? Short time of trouble, methinks; only three and a half years! If slaves in America could have been liberated every three and a half years, many human beings would have suffered much less misery. I ask what book is this spoken of? Surely one of those spoken of, Daniel 7:10; and can mean no less than the Lamb’s book of life. But the angel himself has told us who they are that were delivered, from what, and whence they are. Daniel 12:2, 3: “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 forever and ever.” HST December 7, 1842, page 93.5
It is as evident as the light, to every unprejudiced mind, that the time of trouble here spoken of, is the destruction of the wicked at the coming of Christ, the deliverance of the saints, the resurrection from the grave unto immortality and eternal life, and their glorified state in the kingdom of God. We cannot be mistaken concerning this. But let us see what the learned professor says on this point. Pages 87, 88. ‘The only difficult question that will arise here for the interpreter is, whether Daniel 12:1-3 is to be interpreted so as to refer it to the troubles which Judea experienced shortly before the great victory under Judas Maccabeus, which ended in the restoration of liberty to the Hebrews, and also to the blessings consequent on their renewed liberty, thus making it parallel with Ezekiel 37:1-14; or whether the passage looks forward to the Messianic (why not say Messiah’s kingdom?) period and final resurrection. Into this question I cannot enter here; nor is it important to the object which I have in view.” But I say it is important; for if this has a direct reference to the judgment day, then it harmonizes with the 7th chapter of Daniel, has a strong bearing on the question and answer in Daniel 12:6, 7, and is a conclusive argument against the professor’s supposition, that Daniel 11:21-45, and 12. are a prophecy fulfilled under or by Antiochus, and shows that “people and saints,” spoken of in this prophecy, cannot apply to the Jews exclusively; but to all saints, whether Jews or Gentiles; and he has said there can be no double meaning in Scripture, and has admitted that this passage may apply to the resurrection, and has brought no proof that it can be applied to the time of Antiochus. I cannot see why, as an honest man, he ought not to yield the ground he has assumed. I have not time to go into the 11th chapter, and show that what he calls Antiochus is a prophetic history of the Roman kingdom, from the time of the “league” with the Jews to the end of the world. HST December 7, 1842, page 93.6
But now let us examine his text. Daniel 12:6, 7. The man standing upon the waters, clothed in linen, must be the Lord Jesus Christ, the same as is called Michael in verse 1. Compare Revelation 10:1-5. In both places it is the same person, and both represent the same time. In Daniel he designates the end of time by three and a half times, carrying us to the end of these wonders, i. e. the resurrection of the dead, and shows that the seven times twice three and a half (having given the other three and a half, chapter 7:25) will be finished, as prophesied of in Leviticus 26:24-35; Deuteronomy 4:27-30; 28:64. Jeremiah 15:4-7; 9:16; 10:21; Ezekiel 12:10-16. HST December 7, 1842, page 93.7
Many more texts might be brought to prove that the people of God were to be scattered and torn by the kingdoms of the world, until seven times of captivity should pass over them, and then his people would be delivered into the glorious liberty of the children of God. This doctrine is not only taught by prophecy; but is also made known in types and allegories; Deuteronomy 15:1; Jeremiah 34:8-14; Daniel 4:25. Also Colossians 2:16, 17. I know our learned professor and his coadjutors will laugh and sport at the idea of types and allegories; but it is their turn to laugh now, and mine to weep and mourn; but soon God will laugh at their calamity, and mock when their fear cometh. It must be so, or the allegory would not hold good. Daniel 4:6, 7. I have seen holy things turned to ridicule and reproach by these pretended servants of God. I expect them to employ ridicule where they cannot bring reason or truth. The people have, by their charity, raised up many a ‘viper’ to sting them, their benefactors, when they have been nourished and warmed in the bosom of their benevolence. And when these dominators over the minds, and thoughts, and tongues of their fellow-men, have served their turn with us, they turn and call us poor, ignorant fanatics, who never ought to think or speak until we have learned of them what their most excellent worshipfuls please to grant us, poor plebeians, to think or say. But, blessed be our heavenly Father, when we have passed the furnace of affliction, seven times hotter than it was wont to be heated, we shall come forth like gold seven times purified. When we shall have been seven years in bondage to the kings and kingdoms of this world, we shall come to the year of release; and when the great men of the earth shall be beating and bruising their fellow-beings, and promising themselves peace and safety a long while yet to come, and eating and drinking out of the vessels of the house of the Lord; then will be seen the fingers of a man’s hand (what a feeble instrument!) writing on the walls of the now kingdoms of the earth, “mene, mene tekel.” That will be the period of the “end of these wonders,” and not till that shall come. This must be evident to every Bible student who is humble enough to believe God’s word. HST December 7, 1842, page 93.8
You will ask me, where is my rule for understanding the word of God thus? I answer, Luke 8:10; Mark 4:10-13; 1 Corinthians 10:6, 11; 2 Peter 2:1-6. It is as plain that the time in Daniel 12:7, 13, carries us to the resurrection, as any truth revealed in the word of God. And when we see our teachers of theology wresting these plain passages of Scripture from their obvious meaning, it is high time for the church to awake out of sleep, and an evident token that God’s righteous judgment is at the door; and soon the angel will lift his hand and swear that “time shall be no longer,” and the mystery of God shall be finished as he hath declared to his servants, the prophets. Revelation 10:7. HST December 7, 1842, page 94.1
“And when he shall have accomplished to scatter the power of the holy people, all these things shall be finished.” Can it be in the power of a sane mind to believe that God did accomplish and finish the scattering of the Jews in the days of Antiochus? They were scattered by the Romans, 270 years afterwards, and have never been a collected people since. It is self-evident that the scattering of the Jews,—or dashing of them, as he is pleased to translate it,—was not accomplished or finished then; and yet all these things were to be “finished.” For myself, I believe the “holy people” in this text means the Christian church, both Jews and Gentiles, who will all be gathered when the fulness of this time comes, and when the mystery of God is finished. Ephesians 1:9, 10: “Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure, which he hath purposed in himself: that in the dispensation of the fulness of times, he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth, even in him.” Also let the reader compare Ephesians 3:3-9 with Revelation 10:5-7, and Daniel 12:7. If I am not very much deceived, no unprejudiced mind can be at a loss one moment where to apply this text. Suppose Professor Stuart had been a believing Jew, and lived in the time of Antiochus, and had been of the same mind he is now, or says he is, and one of his brother Jews had come along and prophesied or preached that the Jews were to be a scattered and a peeled people, dashed and scattered among all nations, more than 2000 years, then to come; and suppose the professor had been then an expounder of the law and the prophets, and was called upon to explain this text as being then fulfilled,—what would he say to his brother Jew, the prophet? He would say, as any man must say by him: “Sir, you are a false prophet; for God has told us plainly, in this very text, that when this three and a half years are fulfilled under which we are now groaning, then our scattering or dashing will be accomplished—yes, and finished too. So says the word. Therefore do you keep away from my flock of Pharisees, for I do not want my people excited by your false, alarming doctrine. Do you not see that, at the end of 1335 days, Daniel will stand in his lot? And do you not see, sir, that his standing in his lot means the resurrection? Read the first three verses of this chapter.” “Ah,” says the prophet, “that does not mean the resurrection: but—” “But what?” says the professor. “O, I do not know—difficult to understand,” says the prophet. “I see,” says the professor, “you are a Sadducee: you do not understand either the Hebrew or the Chaldaic, or the exegesis of the Scriptures. How dare you prophesy evil of this nation, when God hath spoken peace after these days? I say you are a Sadducee; I will have no fellowship with you. You must not come into my synagogue.” Would not this be the natural result of such a case? I leave it for the reader to judge. HST December 7, 1842, page 94.2
Or if we suppose another case: that the professor was now in controversy with a Jew, a Sadducee, and was under the necessity of proving the doctrine of the resurrection by the Old Testament; would he not put into requisition this very text, and prove by the same a resurrection unto eternal life; and if he did not believe such plain and positive proofs as these texts would be, would he not consider him a poor, blinded Sadducee? Let us be careful that our own mouths do not condemn us. HST December 7, 1842, page 94.3
If then these days can only end with the resurrection, it is impossible that these Scriptures can apply to Antiochus. And as the rules which he has given us in his Hints, are the same in substance, which I was forced to adopt more than twenty years ago, I cannot believe that Antiochus Epiphanes is even hinted at from Daniel 11:14, to the end of the 12th chapter. And if the prophecy does not belong to Antiochus, then he must acknowledge that the little horn can apply only to the papal power; and must agree with nearly all protestant writers, that time, times and an half, are, together with the other numbers in this chapter, to be understood in a symbolical sense. And our question cannot be settled on any other basis so fair and conclusive as this, and with me it is a matter of unshaken faith. HST December 7, 1842, page 94.4
And now, my kind reader, you must judge; and I hope, for the benefit of your own soul, you will judge righteously. I know brother Stuart has much on his side: he has talent, learning, popularity, public opinion, and the carnal heart to uphold him; he will have all the Catholics, all the Universalists, all the skeptics, three-fourths of the Orthodox, nearly all of other sects, Mormons not excepted. He will no doubt claim all the learning, and wisdom of the men of this age. But he has not compared Scripture with Scripture, nor has he all of the arguments on the subject; nor has he made all men feel so much peace and safety as he desired. Men’s hearts are yet failing them for fear, and the midnight cry is yet being made. He may have made some few lay down their watch, and some scoffers to scoff louder; he may have some applause from the fearful and unbelieving: but he will hear dreadful imprecations in the day of retribution, if he is in an error. I hope, almost against hope, that he may see and renounce his errors, before it is forever too late. HST December 7, 1842, page 94.5
Yours, in the truth,
W. M.
LETTER III
Dear Br. Himes:—My time has been so much taken up of late, I have not been able to finish my remarks on Professor Stuart’s “Hints on Prophecy.” I will now examine him on Revelation. HST December 7, 1842, page 94.6
His first argument is, that this prophecy was all, or nearly all, fulfilled at the destruction of Jerusalem, from the first chapter to the 21st verse of the 19th chapter. The main and only proof he has produced is from the texts, Revelation 1:1, 3, and 12:7, 12, 20,—“Behold I come quickly;” and then says, page 106,—“The coming of Christ is the main subject of the book; so that the declaration here is, that what the book contains, will be speedily accomplished.” Yet he has not come, as the professor implies in his remarks on pages 137, 138. And now I ask, what shadow of evidence has he produced, that the things here spoken of were accomplished at Jerusalem? When the main subject of the book is the coming of Christ, and that yet future, I see no common sense, at least, in such arguments; and if the coming of Christ is prophesied of, as he says, then the time which intervenes between the prophecy and his coming, would naturally be filled up, as in other cases in Old Testament prophecies, and in the twenty-fourth of Matthew. HST December 7, 1842, page 94.7
Surely the writer must know that the evidence preponderates strongly in favor of this book being written more than twenty years after Jerusalem was destroyed; and if so, then his Hints ought to be taken as mere hints, not worth minding. His effort to destroy the figurative meaning of time in this book is like the mountain in labor; for, 1st, on the text Revelation 11:2,—“But the court which is without the temple, leave out, and measure it not; for it is given unto the Gentiles: and the holy city shall they tread under foot forty and two months,”—he has put this treading under foot of the holy city by the Gentiles, forty-two months, at the very time when the Jews held possession solely of the city of Jerusalem, until the last week of the time which he has specified, which, after all, lacked a number of weeks of fulfilling the time specified in the prophecy. But never mind that; prophecy had better bend or break than Professor Stuart lose his popularity. And he has provided an armor for self-defence in this case; for he says, page 142,—“But let him who interprets these passages remember well that they are poetry.” If this expression had come from any other quarter, standing in connexion as it does, in Professor S. ’s book, the whole Christian world would cry out, Shame on such an author! But we live in a strange time [original illegible] Bible can be changed to fiction, and fiction to reality. HST December 7, 1842, page 94.8
Again; the professor, at the same time he calls Jerusalem the “holy city,” has another [original illegible] transpire in which Jerusalem is called “spiritually Sodom and Egypt.” Here is a plain and palpable contradiction; and if a common man had made a blunder so visible and easy to be detected, the world would have called him in dotage or insane. How inconsistent are the views [original illegible] such writers as Professor S., at the same [original illegible] to call Jerusalem the holy city, and spiritually Sodom and Egypt! We know that the house of God and the city of Jerusalem had been made desolate by Jesus Christ more than thirty years before its destruction by the Romans Matthew 23:38: “Behold, your house is left unto you desolate.” We know, again, if Jerusalem is meant by the “holy city,” then the treading it down by the Gentiles is since its destruction, rather than before, and must continue to the end of the gospel dispensation. See Luke 21:24: “And they shall fall by the edge of the sword, and shall be led away captive into all nations: and Jerusalem shall be trodden down of the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled.” Now see the inconsistency of this writer; the forty-two months, or three and a half years, Revelation 11:2, is the time when the Romans besieged Jerusalem, and trod the holy city under foot, and persecuted the Jews, the holy people; when it is a well-known fact, that the Jews had possession of the city, and kept out the Romans during the time he has specified, except a few weeks, which he acknowledges is wanting to fill up the time. He then tries to prove that God is not very particular about time; if, in giving three and a half years, he comes within a few weeks, he does well! HST December 7, 1842, page 94.9
Then, Revelation 11:3, the 1260 days of the two witnesses prophesying, clothed in sackcloth, is at the same time. He intimates that these two witnesses are two Christians, who could not obey their Lord, and flee to Pella or the mountains, but staid in the city, and weré persecuted by the Jews. In this he is very unfortunate, having neither history, common sense, nor the resurrection of Nero to help him out of his difficulty; for, if the reader will notice, it is Nero coming up out of the abyss, which, according to Professor S., is to make war with the two witnesses, Revelation 11:7,—“And when they shall have finished their testimony, the beast that ascendeth out of the bottomless pit shall make war against them, and shall overcome them, and kill them;”—and, as he has failed to prove that Nero did come up out of the pit or abyss at the close of the siege of Jerusalem, his construction of this passage in Revelation must fall into the abyss of forgetfulness with his Nero, and remain only as a memento of the folly of our would-be great men, and the insanity of the wisdom of this world. HST December 7, 1842, page 95.1
Again, the church in the wilderness, Revelation 12:6-14: “And the woman fled into the wilderness, where she hath a place prepared of God, that they should feed her there a thousand two hundred and threescore days. And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon: and the dragon fought and his angels, and prevailed not; neither was their place found any more in heaven. And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him. And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down which accused them before our God day and night. And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death. Therefore rejoice, ye heavens, and ye that dwell in them. Wo to the inhabiters of the earth, and of the sea! for the devil is come down unto you, having great wrath, because he knoweth that he hath but a short time. And when the dragon saw that he was cast unto the earth, he persecuted the woman which brought forth the man-child. And to the woman were given two wings of a great eagle, that she might fly into the wilderness, into her place, where she is nourished for a time, and times, and half a time, from the face of the serpent.” This was fulfilled at the siege of the city of Jerusalem. The Christians fleeing to the mountains is the church in the wilderness; but who is the dragon making war with the church? Not the Jews, for their persecution of the church ceased, as the professor says, when they left Jerusalem. Did the Romans cast out water as a flood, after those few Christians who fled from Jerusalem? There is no account of such a war. Verse 17: “And the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.” And the professor, instead of giving us facts on which to build his theory, is forced to bring in his vain and foolish traditions, and to suppose cases which history has not given, to give any color to his exposition of these texts; and when he has done all he can do, he evidently leaves himself and us in total darkness, and with this impression,—that Christ, who gave this revelation, and John, who wrote it, for fear of being prosecuted for treason, made use of old wives’ fables to represent facts which were coming upon the earth, and which facts never did exist, nor ever will; for Nero’s head never was healed nor ever will be, before the three and a half years, as he applies it, are fulfilled. HST December 7, 1842, page 95.2
The reader must perceive that the beast in Revelation 13:3-5, is the beast with the deadly wound healed; and, according to Professor S., the forty-two months were all fulfilled before the beast (Nero) was wounded to death. Therefore, what the author of this new theory has said in his book concerning the forty-two months in this chapter, is too silly to need a serious reply. No man can, or will, for a moment believe his exposition of the text. HST December 7, 1842, page 95.3
All that Professor Stuart can or will claim, if he is honest, will be, a cardinal’s cap, as defender of the Roman faith, from the pope. His writings partake strongly of Puseyism, and he seems to be opening the door for a reconciliation to the mother church. I would therefore advise him to go home, and no longer deceive the public with his Protestant profession. If papacy is not the head healed, and is not the woman sitting on the scarlet-colored beast, then is the Roman Catholic church the only true church on earth. HST December 7, 1842, page 95.4
As it respects the author’s Messianic or Millennium day of which he speaks, pages 130—133, he has not pretended to bring a single proof from the Bible, neither can he bring any. He has blasphemously forbidden the Godhead, the dying love of Jesus, and the precious promises, to have anything but his millennium. He has told us that the close of this world will be a period of great prosperity and glory to the church, in plain contradiction to our Savior’s own words, Matthew 13:40-42, 24:38, 39. How inconsistent it is to suppose, that, after Christ has taken possession of the whole earth, after he has thoroughly purged his floor, conquered death and him that has the power of death, dashed the kingdoms of this world to pieces, and carried them away, that no place is found for them, set up a kingdom under the whole heaven, which shall fill the earth, and that an everlasting kingdom, the subjects to be the same forever, never given to another people, and his tabernacle to be with men, his dwelling with them, and they made kings and priests to God and Christ, and reign on the earth with him—then, after all this, these temporal millennium advocates say that the world is to be burned up, consumed, and annihilated! This, to me, is both inconsistent and absurd, taught neither by Scripture nor reason. I believe the world must be cleansed, purged from the curse, from sin and sinners, before Christ will take possession and set up his glorified kingdom on the earth. I believe this will be done by fire. As the earth was once destroyed by water, so it is reserved to be destroyed by fire, and in like manner. And this is to be when Christ shall descend from heaven in flaming fire; and then he will make all things new, a new heaven and new earth. Can it be supposed that God will annihilate all the material heavens and earth, and make an entirely new work? No, by no means; for if this was the case, then man must be annihilated too; for man must be made new, for he is one of the things that is to inherit the new heaven and earth. Then, before the kingdom of God can be set up on the earth, the same must be made new, as man must be made new before he can be admitted into the kingdom of God; for flesh and blood, in this imperfect state, cannot inherit the kingdom of God. So must the earth be purified by fire; and every man’s work must be tried, so as by fire. As the earth was once baptized by water, so it is reserved to be immersed in fire; and then the glory of God will be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together. HST December 7, 1842, page 95.5
I am truly astonished at the ignorance of the word of God manifested by our great men. I find among our common citizens more common sense, intelligence, much more, than in the higher ranks of our learned men. Why is it so? I cannot tell, without the same cause exists now as did when Christ used the words of Isaiah. See Matthew 13:14, 15, Isaiah 6:9-11. I have come to this conclusion, that in nine cases out of ten our learned men have made the wisdom of this world their god, and they forget their dependence on God and his word; they learn to criticise, and cavil, but not to believe and obey. HST December 7, 1842, page 95.6
There is one evidence which they all give. In all their writings not a particle of truth do they admit is furnished by second advent writers. No credit whatever; they oppose every sentiment, however plain, like the judgment, and coming of the Son of man in the clouds, and the kingdom given to him, Daniel 7:9-14; or the resurrection, in Daniel 12:2, 13. This is a strong evidence, that the God of this world has blinded their eyes. Many of them are denying the resurrection of the body and a judgment day. These things are strong evidences that there is some blindness on their part, at least among common-sense minds. The learned class, as they call themselves, may puff each other, but this only serves to sink them lower in the minds of all honest thinking people. If Professor S. had only given his rules of interpretation, and there left his cause, he would have done much good; but when he comes to put in practice his own rules, he has shown his object to be, not to get truth, but to darken it by a multiplicity of words without knowledge. Now let any man read his explanation of the little horn in Daniel 7:8, 11, 21-25, and if this writer has got the truth, then I will, and must, acknowledge, that there is no rule binding in the Scriptures; for a greater departure, from the plain, simple meaning of words was never seen. HST December 7, 1842, page 95.7
Again, his explanation of Matthew 24:15,—also of the wounded head healed in Revelation 13:3-7,—all these passages, with many more which might be shown, prove that the writer is hard pressed for arguments to support a theory of so feeble a texture that the illiterate and unlearned can demolish it at a blow. HST December 7, 1842, page 95.8
Let the Professor beware, lest he puts into the hands of his enemies a weapon which will, if used against his orthodoxy, as he has used it against the figurative meaning of time, sweep his creed and church by the board. But in my mind, he has confirmed me more and more in the principle that God has, for wise purposes, revealed the end of the world by figures in a symbolical sense; and that for the very reason which Christ has given, Matthew 11:25: “At that time Jesus answered and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes.” Therefore let us all be careful that we are ready, and no harm can befall us. WM. MILLER. HST December 7, 1842, page 95.9
Letter from Brother Shipman
Brother Himes:—The work of God has spread gloriously since I last wrote you. It has spread all around this hill country. Probably four hundred or more have found peace in believing; since brother French first visited this region, the work is still going on, many are waiting for the coming of their Lord at hand. I have just returned from Shrewsbury, where brother French has been lecturing, they have had a glorious time, a goodly number found peace, the last evening of the lectures; the body slips of the house were all filled with the anxious. There is considerable faith in that region, in the near approach of the Son Man. One brother said his real estate had fell 50 per cent since the commencement of this meeting. It is an awful truth dear brother, that too many professors are too much bound up in the things of this world, and hardly realize it until they are convinced that they are about to part with the business of earth and stand before the Judgment Seat of Christ. The time is at hand when the stumbling blocks with the wicked will be consumed out of the earth. Yours in hope of eternal life. HST December 7, 1842, page 96.1
Isaiah H. Shipman.
North Springfield, Oct. 21st. 1842.
Letter from S. S. Snow
Dear Bro. Himes—In Hosea, chapter 12. verses 9 and 10, we read, “And I that am the Lord thy God from the land of Egypt, will yet make thee to dwell in tabernacles as in the days of the solemn feasts. I have also spoken by the prophets, and I have multiplied visions and used similitudes by the ministry of the prophets.” In the 10th verse the verb is in the past tense, “I have also spoken” etc., but in the marginal reading, where a literal rendering is given, it is in the future tense. Therefore a literal reading would be, “I will also speak by the prophets, and I will multiply visions, and use similitudes by the ministry of prophets.” It seems to me very evident, that this should be the rendering, from the fact that this verse is by the word “also” connected back with the preceding verse, which is in the future tense; so that both these verses may be considered as referring to future time. HST December 7, 1842, page 96.2
Now have any events transpired since the days of Hosea, that can be considered a complete fulfillment of those predictions? A reference is unquestionably made in the 9th verse to the journey of the Israelites from Egypt to the land of Canaan; and the idea is sustained more fully in the 10th, where the great “tabernacle of the congregation” is evidently alluded to, in which during their passage through the wilderness, the people were assembled for their religious services, “in the days of the solemn feasts.” Have the people of God ever dwelt in tabernacles in the same manner and circumstances as did the Hebrews in the wilderness, until the “Miller fanatics” in these last days reared their great tent? I think not. It is true, there have been camp-meeting in which tents or tabernacles were dwelt in; but never before have God’s people been assembled in a great “tabernacle of the congregation” “as in the days of the solemn feasts.” Let us apply in this place Micah 7:15, “According to the days of thy coming out of the land of Egypt, will I show unto him marvellous things.” Praise be to God, “the time is fulfilled and the kingdom of heaven is at hand!” HST December 7, 1842, page 96.3
Let us now look at the 10th verse. “I will also speak by the prophets, and will multiply visions, and use similitudes by the ministry of the prophets.” Compare what is here said, concerning the multiplying of visions, with the prediction in the 2nd chapter of Joel, where God says that in the last days he will pour out his spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy; and your old men shall dream dreams, and your young men shall see visions. It is plain that this prediction, although applied by Peter to the day of Pentecost, did not then receive its ultimate and complete fulfillment; for it is connected with the signs in the heavens and in the earth of “blood, fire, and pillars of smoke,” which are to be seen as precursors of the “great and terrible day of the Lord.” But this prediction in Joel seems to harmonize perfectly with the text in Hosea, which is under consideration; and both are now receiving their complete accomplishment. HST December 7, 1842, page 96.4
But God says he will also “use similitudes by the ministry of the prophets.” Now let us compare this with Habakkuk 2nd chapter 2nd verse. “And the Lord answered me and said, Write the vision and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it.” What do these scriptures mean? I think those who have seen the various charts and diagrams, that are used in these last days, to illustrate the prophecies, by those servants of God who are going through the “wilderness” in the “spirit and power of Elijah,” preparing the way of the Lord, and crying “Repent ye, for the kingdom of God is at hand,” need not be at a loss to decide what these passages of the word of God mean. The Lord is truly now “using similitudes,” and the vision is made “plain upon tables” before all eyes; and woe to him that does not read and understand! “For the vision is for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak and not lie.—It will surely come, it will not tarry.” HST December 7, 1842, page 96.5
Samuel S. Snow.
Brooklyn, Nov. 22, 1842.
The Better Land
I have heard of a land where there is no night,
Where friends never change, nor fade from our sight;
I have seen gentle spirits who thither have gone,
To meet them again my spirit doth long.
HST December 7, 1842, page 96.6
I have heard that there flowers are ever in bloom,
And always send forth the richest perfume;
I’ve heard that no sickness or death will be there,
No sin to molest, or fill with despair.
HST December 7, 1842, page 96.7
I’ve heard that the spirits on that happy shore
Will never be hungry or thirst any more.
The light of the city which sweetly hath shone,
Proceeds from the Lamb, who sits on the Throne.
HST December 7, 1842, page 96.8
I’ve heard there are pleasures unspeakably sweet,
And tones of affection both holy and deep.
I’ve heard that all tears will be wiped from the eye,
For that “better land” my spirit doth sigh.
S. B. S.
HST December 7, 1842, page 96.9
Chastening in Love.—How delightul it is to trace the tenderness and loving-kindness of our God to his people, and to recognise in it the truth of his own remarkable declaration, when speaking of punishmsnt, he calls it, “His work;” “His strange work,” “His act,” “His strange act;” acknowledging, indeed, that it is his doing, but, at the same time, his most unwelcome occupation reluctantly forced on him by the sins of his creatures, but cheerfully suspended, or withdrawn the moment its absolute need is over. We should love to contemplate God in this character, to feel, under our severest chastenings, that “he does not willingly afflict or grieve” us; and that we cannot rejoice more sincerely, in the removal of any trial, than he does in giving the word for its departure. How strongly does this view draw out the heart in greatful love to God; how powerfully do we feel in every change, whether it be the increase or the decrease of a trial. This is God’s word. This comes from the hand of one who loves me. This will surely be sanctified in me. Yes; he who sends the chastening, will never leave it to accident or chance to produce its effect, will himself engage that this light affliction, which is but for a moment, shall work for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory.—Blunt on the Pentateuch. HST December 7, 1842, page 96.10
CHEAP LIBRARY
The following Works are printed in the following cheap periodical form, with paper covers, so that they can be sent to any part of the country, or to Europe, by mail. HST December 7, 1842, page 96.11
The following Nos. comprise the Library. HST December 7, 1842, page 96.12
1. Miller’s Life and Views.—37 1-2 cts. HST December 7, 1842, page 96.13
2. Lectures on the Second Coming of Christ 37 l-2cts. HST December 7, 1842, page 96.14
3. Exposition of 24th of Matt. and [original illegible] 18 3-4 cts. HST December 7, 1842, page 96.15
4. Spaulding’s Lectures on the Second Coming of Christ.—37 1-2 cts. HST December 7, 1842, page 96.16
5. Litch’s Address to the clergy on the Second Advent.—18 1-4 cts. HST December 7, 1842, page 96.17
6. Miller on the true inheritance of the saints, and the twelve hundred and sixty days of Daniel and John.—12 1-2 cts. HST December 7, 1842, page 96.18
7. Fitch’s Letter, on the Advent in 1843.—12 1-2 cts. HST December 7, 1842, page 96.19
8. The present Crisis, by Rev. John Hooper, of England—10 cts. HST December 7, 1842, page 96.20
9. Miller on the cleansing of the sanctuary.—6 cts. HST December 7, 1842, page 96.21
10. Letter to every body, by an English author, “Behold I come quickly.”—6 cts. HST December 7, 1842, page 96.22
11. Refutation of “Dowling’s Reply to Miller,” by J. Litch.—15 cts. HST December 7, 1842, page 96.23
12. The “Midnight Cry.” By L. D. Fleming. 12 1-2 HST December 7, 1842, page 96.24
13. Miller’s review of Dimmick’s discourse, “The End not Yet.”—10 cts. HST December 7, 1842, page 96.25
14. Miller, on the Typical Sabbaths, and great Jubilee.—10 cts. HST December 7, 1842, page 96.26
15. The glory of God in the Earth. By C. Fitch.—10 cts. HST December 7, 1842, page 96.27
16. A Wonderful and Horrible Thing. By Charles Fitch. 6 1-4 cts. HST December 7, 1842, page 96.28
17. Cox’s Letters on the Second Coming of Christ.—18 3-4 cts. HST December 7, 1842, page 96.29
18. The Appearing and Kingdom of our Lord Jesus Christ. By J. Sabine. 12 1-2 cts. HST December 7, 1842, page 96.30
19. Prophetic Expositions. By J. Litch. Vol. I. 31 cts. HST December 7, 1842, page 96.31
20, “ ” “ ” Vol. II. 37 1-2 cts. HST December 7, 1842, page 96.32
21. The Kingdom of God. By Wm. Miller. 6 1-4 cts. HST December 7, 1842, page 96.33
This Library will be enlarged from time to time, by the addition of new works. HST December 7, 1842, page 96.34
Letters
Received up to Dec. 3. From P. M. Nolensville, Ten. Fitchburg, Mass. Portland, Me. New Market, N. H. North Granville, N. Y. Vergennes, Vt. Sandy Hill, N. Y. [original illegible], N. Y. Palmyra, Me. West Prospect, Me. 4 Mile Branch, S. C. Middletown, N. Y. Barton, Vt. Brainard’s Bridge, N. Y. Addison, N. Y. South Alton, N. H. New Ipswich, N. H. Strafford, Corner, N. H. West Randolph, Vt. Braintree, Vt. Holmes Hole, Mass. Mason, N. H. New Gloucester, Me. HST December 7, 1842, page 96.35
From S. Coobledge, Joel Spaulding, Ingalsby, Bolsseaul & Co. J. L. Green, E. Martin, Chs. Fitch. Francis Whitton, $5,00 S. Whitney, A. D. Low, H. P. Stebbins, L. Kimball, S. K. 8weetman. HST December 7, 1842, page 96.36
Books Sent
One bundle to A. B. Huntington, Sunderland, Ms.
One to Daniel M. Trickey, Portsmouth, N. H.
One to E. Martin, Benson, Vt.
One to Wms. Thayer, Pomfret Depot, Ct.
One to E. C. Warner, Greenfield, Mass.
One to C. Green, Colchester, Vt.
One to Wm. Freeman, Philadelphia, Pa.
One to H. A. Chittenden, Hartford, Ct.
HST December 7, 1842, page 96.37
SECOND ADVENT CONFERENCE
And Lectures in New Market, L. River, N. H. Br. Jonathan Hazelton, of Derry, will by divine permission commence a course of Lectures in the F. Baptist meeting house on Saturday evening December 10, 1842, at 6 o’clock. The conference will commence on Monday the 12th, at 10 o’clock A. M., and continue through the week. HST December 7, 1842, page 96.38
Preachers and brethren (of all names) are invited to attend and labor for the salvation of sinners. Brn. Thomas F. Barry, Daniel P. Cilley and H. Stevens, are invited to attend. HST December 7, 1842, page 96.39
Charles Churchill,
John S. Folsom,
Edson Hill.