Signs of the Times and Expositor of Prophecy [Himes], vol. 3
June 1, 1842
Vol. III.—No. 9. Boston, Whole No. 57
Joshua V. Himes & Josiah Litch, Editors. Office No. 14 Devonshire Street, Boston
SIGNS OF THE TIMES
AND EXPOSITOR OF PROPHECY.
Return of the Jews
As what is usually termed the “Return of the Jews to the land of Palestine,” or ancient Canaan, as a nation, is yet confidently expected by many—and as the promise of their return, under some circumstances, might be urged as an objection to the views of the millennium adopted by me, I will bestow the present article to the consideration of that subject. The ground I assume is, That no return of the Jews, as a nation, to the land of Palestine, is promised in the Scriptures, other than what has already taken place. HST June 1, 1842, page 65.1
1. The first argument offered in proof of the ground assumed, is the opinion of Taylor, Rennell, and Calmet, that “the main body of the Jews were never deported from their own country; they that were carried away being only a small portion of them; and that when the Jews returned from Babylon, after the fall of the Chaldean or Assyrian empire those of the ten tribes who were pleased to, returned with the tribes of Judah and Benjamin; so that the ten tribes, as a distinct people, do not now exist.” Among the reasons offered for this opinion is the fact, that nearly a hundred years after the captivity of the ten tribes by Shalmaneser, Josiah, king of Judah, not only purged Judah and Jerusalem from idolatry, but went in person to the cities of Manasseh—west of Jordan—Ephraim, Simeon, and even to Naphtali, “through out all Israel,” and did the same great work; which he could not have done, had not these tribes been there, at least a part of them. And it may be seen, also, that when Zerubbabel returned, there are mentioned as going with him other tribes, than those of Benjamin and Judah. Also, under the Maccabees, and in the time of our Savior, Palestine was peopled by the Israelites of all the tribes indifferently. HST June 1, 1842, page 65.2
2. It should be recollected that all the prophets who have been supposed to predict the re turn of the Jews, lived and uttered their prophecies prior to the return of the Jews from Babylon; so that all the predictions referred to may have been fulfilled already, as far as they can be in an earthly sense. The return from Babylon took place B. C. 457; but Isaiah prophesied B. C. 760 to 706; Jeremiah from B. C. 629 to 588; Ezekiel, B. C. 595 to 574; Daniel, B. C. 606 to 534; Hosea, 785; Joel, 785; Amos, 787; Obadiah, 587; Jonah, 862; Micah, 720; Nahum, 720; Habakkuk, 626; Zephaniah, 630; Haggai, 520; Zechariah, 520; Malachi, 400; so that whatever Ezekiel may have said of the return of the Jews, or what any other prophet may have said—all may have been fulfilled when the Jews went from, Babylon and other places to their own country; for, it will he recollected, when Cyrus issued his decree, his kingdom was immense, and embraced Assyria. He testifies that “God had given him all the kingdoms of the earth.” And the dominions of Artaxerxes Longimanus, who issued the decree of liberty for the Jews, B. C, 457, were not less than the dominions of Cyrus. This is stated to show that the Jews, universally, had liberty to return, if they wished, wherever they may have been scattered. And they did actually return—vast numbers of them at least—built their temple again, and enjoyed more or less prosperity till Christ came, who was its glory and end. HST June 1, 1842, page 65.3
3. Does not the return of the Jews to Palestine, to build up again their temple, conflict with express declarations of the gospel, and otherwise appear absolutely absurd? Think of it. Prophets raised up, and prophecies uttered over two thousand years beforehand, that the nation of the Jews shall return to Palestine, and build up Jerusalem so that it shall equal in magnificence Boston, or New York, or even London!—with a wonderful temple, in its structure, gold and other appendages—for what? Why, to worship God in—to worship the true God—the meek and lowly Jesus. How does such a theory look beside the plain Quaker—Methodist—Moravian? How does it look to any Christian? Yet such an idea is entertained—entertained in face of the express sayings of our blessed Lord; “The hour cometh when ye shall neither in this mountain nor in Jerusalem worship the Father. And the hour now is when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the Father seeketh such to worship him.” And would not such a theory as we are contemplating—would not such a movement in the providence of God as the return of the Jews to their former land, accomplish the very thing which Christ came to destroy? He came to make both Jews and Gentiles one—to break down the middle wall of partition, and to make of the twain one new man. What conflicts with the plain testimony of the gospel cannot be true. HST June 1, 1842, page 65.4
4. The fourth argument I offer is, that the Jews have no more title to Palestine than have the Gentiles; because the original promise to Abraham was a general one, and given before circumcision; “In thee shall all nations of the earth be blessed.” It was given before circumcision, that he might be the father of the Gentiles; and circumcision was added that he might be father of the Jews also. But the promise was given to both Jew and Gentile, through faith; and they only which be of faith are blessed with faithful Abraham. And this covenant of faith in Christ, the law which was four hundred and thirty years after, could not disannul. 2. The promise was given to Abraham in person, and to his seed, which was Christ: unto thee and “to thy seed will I give the land,” which seed, the apostle says, was Christ: “not to seeds as of many, but to thy seed which is Christ.” But it will be recollected that neither Abraham nor Christ ever owned a foot of land in Canaan. Christ had not where to lay his head; and “to Abraham he gave none in heritance in it, no, not so much as to set his foot on; yet he promised he would give it to him for a possession, and to his seed after him.” But Abraham and others “died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth!” And “those things plainly declare that they sought another country”—one out of sight—whose builder and maker is God. For had they been mindful of that country from which they came out, they might have returned. But these things show plainly that what was promised to Abraham and to Christ, was a “heavenly kingdom,” shadowed out by Canaan. For Abraham and Christ both became heirs of the world. Had even Joshua given the Israelites the promised land or rest, God would not afterward have spoken of another rest. But there remaineth yet a rest or Sabbath to the people of God. Now, whosoever “have been baptized into Christ, and have put on Christ, are children of God by faith.” And if ye be Christ’s, then are ye Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise. I cannot illustrate the subject better than in the language of another, who has said the Bible speaks of “three habitable worlds.” The first was given to Adam; the second to Noah, for he became heir of the world through faith; the third, through a figure, was promised to Abraham. The first was before the flood; the second after the flood; the third is the new heaven and new earth wherein dwelleth righteousness, and to which all are heirs, joint-heirs, who have faith in Christ. HST June 1, 1842, page 65.5
I conclude, then, if the land of Palestine was promised to Abraham and to Christ, neither of whom ever possessed it, they must either come back again to inherit it as it now is, or they are to possess it in its new and purified form under the new heavens and earth; either of which implies a resurrection, and at once confutes our hope of the carnal Jew’s return, and establishes the truth that with the millennium there is connected the resurrection of the dead, and the presence of Abraham and Christ. Let me conclude, then, by asking the reader if he does not join me in saying, if it be probable that the ten tribes were not, as a general thing, deported from their own country as captives; if they were permitted to return after the fall of the Assyrian empire, by Cyrus and succeeding princes; if the prophets who have predicted their return, prophesied before their return from Babylon; and if at the time they were restored from all the tribes, indifferently, and built their temple, and flourished in Jerusalem; if Christ came to breakdown the middle wall of partition—to break up the division between the Jews and Gentiles as distinct nations; and if the original promise was never given to any but to Abraham and Christ, and to those who believe with Abraham; is it not probable that no restoration is intended in the Scriptures, other than what has already taken place, or maybe claimed equally by the Jew and Gentile? Thus I judge, and thus I think the prophets testify. HST June 1, 1842, page 65.6
G. F. Cox.
Portland, Me. Dec. 1841.
Exposition of Isaiah 11
Bro. Himes,—As there are various opinions on this very important portion of God’s word, one of which is, that it must require a temporal millennium for its fulfilment, and another that it proves a future return of the Jews; I believe it my duty to give briefly to the public, through your periodical, my views thereon. It is very essential, in order to a fair understanding, to find the correct starting point of the prophet, and then in following the thread of prophecy as drawn out to us, it will not be very difficult to give every expression its proper place and bearing. HST June 1, 1842, page 65.7
I will just state, before I proceed, that I understand the whole to apply to the gospel dispensation, and no part thereof to a millennial state. Isaiah saw God’s dear “Son given,” and stated what his name should be called, in chapter 9:6, 7; and then left the subject, and called it up in the commencement of this chapter. He now begins with the child in his infancy and juvenile years. “A branch,” (Christ) “shall grow,” etc. “And the spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding.” “When he was” but “twelve years old, all that heard him were astonished at his understanding and answers.” HST June 1, 1842, page 66.1
In 3—5 verses, he follows him into his public ministry: “He shall not judge after the sight of his eyes, neither reprove after the hearing of his ears.” He judged and reproved after their thoughts, and for what they were in heart. “He shall reprove with equity for the meek of the earth.” He reproved worldly-minded Martha, for a meek Mary’s sake. Then he predicts the death-striking woes, he would denounce upon the Scribe, Pharisee, hypocrite; saying, “He shall smile the earth with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips shall he slay the wicked.” Then to shew the effect of grace on those who would receive him and adhere to his heavenly messages, in the change of their disposition and course in future life, he has used, as his usual method was, highly figurative language. HST June 1, 1842, page 66.2
6. “The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb,” etc. Here the word, “also,” attaches these expressions to the foregoing, in Christ’s personal public ministry. “And a little child (convert) shall lead them.” How clearly these expressions were exemplified in the case of Saul of Tarsus. See the wolf, leaving for Damascus, to leap upon the “lambs of our Redeemer.” But, how shortly they were dwelling in safety together; and this “little child” of grace immediately led them: “And straight-way he preached Christ in the synagogues, that he is the Son of God.” HST June 1, 1842, page 66.3
7. “The lion shall eat straw like the ox.” He was once a fierce beast of prey, but now he is eating the proper food for oxen, (ministers; see Isaiah 7:25. 1 Corinthians 9:9, 10,) such things as are set before him, “asking no questions for conscience sake.” “He plougheth in hope,” breaking up “the fallow ground” of the heart, with the plough of divine truth. HST June 1, 1842, page 66.4
8. “The sucking child,” (nourished with the breasts of consolations”) “shall play” (combat) “on the hole of the asp:” throat and mouth of the wicked opened in debate to oppose the truth; see Romans 3:13, 14. “And the weaned child” (an apostle, weaned from the employment and love of this world) “shall put his hand” (denoting power) “on the cockatrice’s (serpents) den:” the heart possessed with devils, and they cast the serpent out, as did also their Divine Master. Yet the serpent was still so fond of a den, that in one instance, he sought for one in the “herd of swine;” “and he suffered them.” HST June 1, 1842, page 66.5
9. “They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain:” the gospel church at its commencement: “And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul,” “they had all things common.” HST June 1, 1842, page 66.6
“For the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord, as the waters cover the seas:” universal knowledge of the Lord by the reproofs of his Spirit from the time of Pentecost. HST June 1, 1842, page 66.7
10. This verse brings us down in the course of time to the period in which the gospel was first carried to the Gentiles, which proves the periods I have given to the preceding verses to be correct: “And in that day” (the same apostolic age) “there shall be a root of Jesse, which shall stand for an ensign of the people; to it (the gospel flag unfurled) shall the Gentiles seek: and his (the standard bearer’s) rest shall be glorious.” He saith, “Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” This rest is so blessed, that saints are at times constrained to exclaim, “Glory to God;” for the same; and to all the faithful in Christ Jesus, it will soon be eternally “glorious.” HST June 1, 1842, page 66.8
11. “And it shall come to pass in that day” (the same period, not a millennium state) “that the Lord shall set his hand again the second time, to recover the remnant of his people,” etc. HST June 1, 1842, page 66.9
Query. When was the first time the Lord gathered them? Answer. In the days of Ezra and Nehemiah, to Palestine. The second time is in the gospel day, to Christ: this assertion I will prove correct, by the testimony of the patriarch Jacob, Caiaphas the high priest, and the apostle Paul. “The sceptre shall not depart from Judah, nor a law-giver from between his feet until Shiloh (Christ) come; and unto him shall the gathering of the people be.” “But that also he should gather together in one the children of God that were scattered abroad.” “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:” see Genesis 49:10. John 11:51, 52. Ephesians 1:10. This and the remainder of the chapter I understand, therefore, to be spiritual, alluding to his regenerated children, whether Jew or Gentile, and I shall explain accordingly. In verse 13th, he shows that the church will not envy and vex each other, calling them Judah and Ephraim, as the church did in his day, then so called, for these two nations, the national church, slew of itself 500,000 in one action. HST June 1, 1842, page 66.10
14. “But they shall fly upon the shoulders of the Philistines toward the west:” when Peter went in unto Cornelius, and Paul went still farther west, and others, in the times of the apostles, planted the gospel in Britain: (Dr. Clark and Bishop Newton.) “They shall spoil them of the east together:” “as far east as Parthia and India.” (Dr. C.) “They shall lay their hand upon Edom and Moab; and the children of Ammon shall obey them.” Paul’s first tour was in these regions: Galatians 1:17; and many in their travels became “obedient to the faith.” HST June 1, 1842, page 66.11
15. And the Lord shall utterly destroy the tongue of the Egyptian (Red) sea; and with his mighty wind (Spirit) shall he shake his hand over the river, Jordan of death, not the Nile) and shall smite it in the seven streams, (a mystical number including the whole) and make men go over dry shod.” HST June 1, 1842, page 66.12
16. And there shall be a highway for the remnant of his people, (the true church,) which shall be left from Assyria, like as it was to Israel in the day that he came up out of the land of Egypt.” These two last verses very clearly teach us the experience of faithful Christians, even from the time they, under conviction, commence seeking salvation, deliverance from their spiritual Egyptian bondage. It appeared, while leaving, that the Red sea was directly before them; but while taking up the cross in earnestly seeking the Lord, it seemed to part; and they soon found themselves with their Great Deliverer safe on this side the sea. But in taking a retrospective view, they perceived there was in reality no sea there; nothing but a mist of moral darkness; and even that was now dispelled from their view, and nothing to prevent others from leaving Egypt too. They then pass on in the highway, beset with temptations on either hand, till they come to the river, and find it as they pass entirely dried up; “and they go over dry shod,” without a wave to overwhelm the peaceful happy soul into the heavenly Canaan: HST June 1, 1842, page 66.13
“Where generous fruits that never fail,
On trees immortal grow:
Where rocks and hills, and brooks, and vales
With milk and honey flow.”
HST June 1, 1842, page 66.14
Br. Ed. of the Morning Star, please copy.
Joel Spaulding
Belgrave, Me., May 16, 1842.
HST June 1, 1842, page 66.15
Extract from Fitch’s Sermons, No. 7
This time of trouble our Savior told us is to be short. “Except those days be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but, for the elect’s sake those days shall be shortened.” Daniel was then told to shut up the words and seal the book, even to the time of the end: for many, (it was said,) shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased. What has taken place during the last thirty years? Missionaries have gone abroad over the face of the whole earth, and the gospel has been published in nearly, if not quite, every language under heaven. And what said our Savior? “And this gospel of the kingdom shall first be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.” Look abroad, my hearers, and inquire after the nations in which the gospel has not been preached within the last thirty years, and then judge for yourselves whether the end is near. But the inquiry was made in the hearing of Daniel, Daniel 12:6, “How long shall it be to the end of these wonders?” “And I heard the man clothed in linen, which was upon the waters of the river, when he held up his right hand, and his left hand unto heaven, and swore by him that liveth forever and ever, that it shall be for a time, times, and an half; and when he shall have accomplished to scatter” or disseminate, “the power of the holy people, all these things shall be finished.” Then Daniel says, “I heard but I understood not: then said I, O my Lord, what shall be the end of these things? And he said, Go thy way Daniel, for the words are closed up and sealed to the time of the end. Many shall be purified and made white and tried; but the wicked will do wickedly, and none of the wicked shall understand; but the wise shall understand.” That is, none of the wicked shall understand when the end is to be. They will scoff at it as Peter tells us, and say, “Where is the promise of his coming?” “But the wise shall understand.” The heavenly messenger then goes on to say, “And from the time that the daily sacrifice shall be taken away and the abomination that maketh desolate set up, there shall be a thousand two hundred and ninety days. Blessed is he that waiteth and cometh to the thousand, three hundred and five and thirty days. But go thy way till the end, for thou shalt rest, and stand in thy lot at the end of the days.” Here Daniel seems to have the promise, that after resting in his grave, he should stand in his lot, or be raised from the dead at the end of these days. HST June 1, 1842, page 66.16
Now can any clue be found by which to ascertain the length of time denoted by the days? That they were not literally so many days is apparent. Can we ascertain for what length of time they were designed to stand? We find in the ninth chapter of Daniel, that he was told by his heavenly instructor, that from the time of the going forth of the commandment to restore and build Jerusalem, unto the Messiah the prince, who should come to finish the transgression and to make an end of sins, and to make reconciliation for iniquity, and to bring in everlasting righteousness, and to seal up the vision, and to anoint the Most Holy, there should be seventy weeks. In these seventy weeks, there would be four hundred and ninety days. Now it is capable of the fullest proof, that from the time of the going forth of that commandment to build Jerusalem B. C. 457, to the crucifixion of Christ was precisely four hundred and ninety years. A year for a day. Ezra 8:31. Four hundred and fifty-seven years before Christ’s birth on the twelfth day of the first month, Ezra and his company departed from the river Ahava to go to Jerusalem to rebuild it. Christ lived 33 years. 457 and 33 years are 490. Here then is an instance in this same book of Daniel in which each prophetic day is proved to denote a year. If then 490 days denote 490 years, how many years are denoted by 2300 days? Judge for yourselves, my hearers, whether it is consistent for us to believe that the heavenly messenger who instructed Daniel, meant by a day the same length of time in one case, as in the other, and that too when the avowed design was to make Daniel understand when the end should be, so that he might write it down for others to understand? The question was asked in Daniel’s hearing how long shall be the vision? And in reply to that inquiry, the numbers were given. If in one case days are proved to denote years—what shall we believe of the other? Judge for yourselves. HST June 1, 1842, page 67.1
Daniel also had other dates given him from which to reckon. The first date was the going forth of the commandment to build Jerusalem. 2300 days were given him and he was told, at the time appointed shall the end be. Calling those days years, and reckoning from that time, which was 457 before Christ, 2300 years will bring us to 1843. I state the simple fact, my hearers, and you can form your own conclusions. Again—In the last chapter of Daniel, we find that he was told that he should stand in his lot, at the end of 1335 days, from the time that the daily sacrifice should be taken away. When and what was meant by this daily sacrifice,and its being taken away? I will state a fact. The Roman nation which is so conspicuous in all these prophecies, was originally a Pagan nation, and offered daily sacrifices to idol gods, and in many instances, human sacrifices. After the kingdom was divided into ten and governed by ten kings, these kings were, one by one, converted, nominally, to the Christian faith. They professed to believe it and were baptized. Here the offering of daily sacrifices to idols ceased; and by degrees the Papal rites and ceremonies, which are evidently denoted by the abomination that maketh desolate set up. HST June 1, 1842, page 67.2
History informs us, that the first of these kings, Clovis of France, embraced the Christian faith in 496, and the remainder of the ten kings are believed to have embraced it soon after. So that by the year 508, when it is believed the last of these kings avowed belief in Christianity, the offering of Pagan sacrifices must have ceased. Reckoning then from the year 508, 1335 years, and we are brought again to the year 1843, the precise point to which we were brought by reckoning 2300 years from the going forth of the commandment to build Jerusalem. But what can be meant by the 1290 days? From the time that the daily sacrifice shall be taken away, and the abomination that maketh desolate set up, there shall be 1290 days. Blessed is he that waiteth and cometh to the 1335 days. From 508 when the daily sacrifice was taken away, 1290 years would bring us down to the year 1798. Again, Daniel was told in the explanation of his first vision that the saints of the Most High should be given into the hands of the last Roman power, for a time, and times, and dividing of time. Daniel 7:25. And in the twelfth chapter we are told that he who was clothed in linen on the waters of the river, swore by Him who liveth forever, that to the end of these things there should be time, times, and an half. Nebuchadnezzar, you remember, was banished from his kingdom until seven times passed over him. This was seven years in his case, after which time he was restored to his kingdom. three times and an half then would be three years and an half. Reduce that to days by the usual method of reckoning time, 30 days to a month, and we have 1290 days—or years. This time, times, and an half was to be the duration of the power of this Roman kingdom over the saints of the Most High. I wish now to turn your attention for a moment to John’s prophecies in the Revelation touching the same subject. In Revelation 11:3, it is said, “And I will give power unto my two witnesses,& they shall prophecy a thousand two hundred and three-score days, clothed in sackcloth. These are the two olive trees and the two candlesticks standing before the God of the earth.” Zechariah 4:1-6. Zechariah had the vision of the two olive trees and the two candlesticks—and he was told that that was the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel, etc. HST June 1, 1842, page 67.3
Extracts from Ben Ezra, No. 3
the new heavens and the new earth
On the coming of the Lord Jesus, in his glory and his majesty, the heavens and the earth which now are, being entirely destroyed, new heavens and a new earth shall begin to be, wherein righteousness shall henceforward dwell. “Nevertheless, we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness,” saith St. Peter, in the third chapter of his second epistle. And what meaneth he thereby? Doth he indeed mean that the heavens and earth, or the world which now is, shall then cease to be, or shall be annihilated, in order to make room for the creation of other heavens and another earth? Thus perhaps may it be imagined by one who readeth only one part of the text. There is no doubt that the whole of it looks obscure and difficult—partly by reason of the extraordinary conciseness of the expression; partly also by the collocation of his words. But, in the midst of this conciseness and apparent obscurity, any one may discover the proper and natural sense, if he will read with reflection. HST June 1, 1842, page 67.4
According (saith the apostle) as the heavens and the earth which were before the delnge, perished at the word of God by means of water;—in like manner the heaven or heavens and the earth which are now, shall also perish by the same word of God and by fire:—Now, I put this question: Of what sort were the heavens and the earth which perished by water in the times of Noah? were these haply those solid heavens which the Chaldeans, the Egyptians, the Greeks imagined, and which the Romans adopted from them? Or, were they those which on the present system are called heavens, that is, all the celestial bodies, sun, moon, planets, comets, and fixed stars? And, speaking of this globe of ours which we call earth, did the substance thereof haply perish by the deluge of water? It appears most certain, that neither did the one, nor the other so perish. For as to the heavenly bodies, the deluge of water could not reach nor touch them. And as concerneth our globe, the waters covered it as they covered it when God spake the words, “Let the waters under heaven be gathered together unto one place, and let the dry land appear.” Genesis 50:9. But its substance did not therefore perish. What then was it that perished by the water of the deluge, according to the expression of St. Peter? To this question I find no answer more natural, or more conformable to truth, than this simple one, that in the earth perished whatever was on its surface, all its inhabitants, men and beasts, excepting only the few of every species which were preserved in the ark of Noah: all the works which till that time men had wrought upon the earth, perished, of which no monument hath remained to us; all the beauty, all the fertility, the admirable disposition and order according to which God had created for man just and innocent, not for man ungrateful and sinful. HST June 1, 1842, page 67.5
If we speak now of heaven or the heavens thus spoken of by St. Peter: “For this they willingly are ignorant of, that by the word of God the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of the water, and in the water: whereby the world that then was, being overflowed with water, perished; but the heavens and the earth which are now, etc.” Of this heaven or heavens we may say the same which we have just said of our earth, to wit, that in the deluge perished the heaven or heavens which had been before the epoch of that great event. And what heaven or heavens were these? Not different, nor other, (in my poor judgment) than all the atmosphere which surrounds our globe as an essential part of it, which atmosphere diversified into so many climes, is, according to the scriptural way of speaking, and also according to that of all nations, whether barbarians or civilized, called generally or universally, the heaven or heavens. HST June 1, 1842, page 67.6
Those climes and different parts of the atmosphere are doubtless, in my opinion, the heavens spoken of by St. Peter; for there are no other heavens of which it can be said with truth, that they perished in the deluge. Those of which we speak did truly perish in the deluge; but in that same sense in which the earth perished, that is to say, they were altered, deformed, deteriorated, and changed from being good, to become evil. Till the time of the universal deluge, it appeareth more than probable that our globe and all its atmosphere, and all which we call its nature, had continued in that same physical state in which they had proceeded from the hands of the Creator; because there doth not appear any great, extraordinary and universal event capable of altering in any remarkable manner any of these things; but we have on the contrary a positive foundation, to wit, the very long lives of men, to account for which no other reason appeareth, save the good disposition of the earth and its atmosphere. But this terrible epoch having arrived, it appears equally certain, that all was altered, earth, sea, and air. The surface of the earth and the sea was altered, the waters occupying ever since, to the present time, a great part of that which before was an united continent, as is to be seen in the islands, especially of the Archipelago; while that space which they occupied before remained free, as is proved by the infinite marine productions, which the curious every day meet with in countries far away from any sea. Likewise was changed, and by the same general cause, (which we shall set forth in due time) the whole atmosphere of the earth, all the climes or different regions thereof, passing from their benignity to rigor; from temperance to intemperance; from a quiet and peaceful uniformity, to an almost continual disturbance and alteration. HST June 1, 1842, page 67.7
Accordingly the apostle St. Peter spake in the most proper and natural terms, when he said, the earth and the heavens which were before the deluge, perished by the word of God and by water:—“the world that then was, being overflowed with water, perished.” He adds, that the heavens and earth which are now, (certainly inferior to the Antediluvian) shall likewise perish in their time, not, however, by water, but by fire. “But the heavens and the earth which are now, by the same word are kept in store, reserved unto fire:” 2 Peter 3:7, and in their room shall follow new heavens, which shall surpass in goodness and perfection, as well physical as moral, both the present and the past. “Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.” ver. 13. In sum, as those present heavens and earth, though in substance the same with those which were before the deluge, are nevertheless most widely different in respect of order, disposition, beauty, and effects; so the new heavens and the new earth which we look for, although they be in substance the same as at the present, shall be infinitely different in every thing besides. This appeareth to me to be the true understanding, and the only one that can be admitted of the text of St. Peter, which being allowed, we pass to another important observation. HST June 1, 1842, page 68.1
The new heavens and the new earth which we expect, (saith this chief of the apostles,) we expect according to the promise of God, “we according to his promise look for.” Now where doth this promise of God appear? If with care we search all the Holy Scriptures, we find in them no other passage than the 65th, chapter of Isaiah, and the 67th. where mention is again made of what was said in the preceding. It is true that in the 21st chapter of the Apocalypse of St. John, it is likewise magnificently spoken of those new heavens and that new earth; but St. Peter could not quote the Apocalypse, which was certainly written many years after his death; and St. John, according to his custom of continual allusions to all the scriptures, doth clearly refer to this passage of Isaiah. Now, as in all the scriptures, there is no other place where this promise of new heavens and a new earth expressly appeareth, save this 45th chapter of Isaiah, it is clear that to this passage St. Peter referreth us, and likewise St. John; and it is likewise very clear that to understand well the concise text of St. Peter, as also that of St. John, we ought to study first the text of Isaiah, where the promises of God, of which we at present treat, are found as in their proper fountain. They manifestly and evidently speak of fallen Jerusalem and the precious relics of the Jews, as is at once and easily seen and comprehended both by what precedes in this 65th chap. and by all which is said in the ten preceeding ones. Let us enter then to the attentive and impartial examination of this fundamental document for the promise of God. HST June 1, 1842, page 68.2
“For, behold, I create new heavens, and a new earth: and the former shall not be remembered, nor come into mind. But be you glad and rejoice forever (or in seculum seculi, for the age of the age, as Pagnini and Vatablo read it) in that which I create; for behold I create Jerusalem a rejoicing, and her people a joy. And I will rejoice in Jerusalem, and joy in my people: and the voice of weeping shall be no more heard in her, nor the voice of crying. There shall be no more thence an infant of days, nor an old man that hath not filled his days; for the child shall die an hundred years old; but the sinner being an hundred years old shall be accursed. And they shall build houses, and inhabit them; and they shall plant vineyards, and eat the fruit of them, (or as Pagnini, after the Seventy more clearly hath it, non egredictur inde ultra ad sepulchrum infans dicrum, sive immatuzus of senex qua non impleverit tempus suum, erit enim adolesceus ceutum annorum, etc. i. e. there shall not be any more carried out from thence to burial an infant of days, or a youth, or an old man who hath not filled his time, for the man of a hundred years shall be a youth, etc.) They shall not build, and another inhabit; they shall not plant, and another eat; for as the days of a tree, are the days of my people, and mine elect shall long enjoy the work of their hands. They shall not labor in vain, nor bring forth for trouble; (or, according to the Seventy, neque filios generabunt in maledictionem, i. e. nor shall they beget children for a curse:) for they are the seed of the blessed of the Lord, and their offspring with them. And it shall come to pass, that before they call, I will answer; and while they are yet speaking, I will hear. The wolf and the lamb shall feed together, and the lion shall eat straw like the bullock; and dust shall be the serpent’s meat. They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain, saith the Lord.” Isaiah 65:17-25. HST June 1, 1842, page 68.3
You see here the great and famous prophecy which St. Peter evidently cites when he says “Nevertheless, we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness:” and you likewise see here one of those prophecies which have put the finest minds to the greatest pain, and, as it were, to real torture. Upon their system they have imagined two methods of explaining it; or, to speak more correctly, of eluding it; which explanations, though widely different, do yet agree in this single and interesting point, of denying to this prophecy, as well as to many others, that proper and natural sense, which at once presents itself to every one who can read. HST June 1, 1842, page 68.4
The first explanation, or the first method of eluding it, declares that these new heavens and new earth, whereof Isaiah speaketh, and, after him St. Peter and St. John, are against a time posterior to the universal resurrection; when all things shall be renewed, when in respect to the blessed, “the former shall not be remembered, nor come into mind;” when, “the voice of weeping shall be no more heard in her, nor the voice of crying.”—This is all well; this is all true, as it is inapplicable and foreign to the present question. And what sense can be put upon so many other remarkable things which this wonderful prophecy expressly announceth? None at all; for they are all omitted, because it is not possible to explain them. HST June 1, 1842, page 68.5
THE SIGNS OF THE TIMES
BOSTON, JUNE 1, 1842.
Boston Second Advent Conference.—This convocation of the believers in the doctrine of Christ’s second coming at hand, has proved a season of unusual interest and importance. Although the great Anniversaries have all been held during the week, and the attractions have been very numerous, yet, at no time have we been without a full and interested audience, both day and evening. HST June 1, 1842, page 68.6
A large number of ministers of various denominations have been in attendance part or all the time. And impressions have been made, we doubt not, which will not wear off until they result in the deep and full conviction that the coming of the Lord is just upon us. HST June 1, 1842, page 68.7
It will be seen also by the resolutions which follow, that the conference as such have taken higher ground on the subject of the time of Christ’s coming than ever before. This they felt constrained to do because of the stupidity of the Church on the subject and the shortness of the time we have to work. HST June 1, 1842, page 68.8
The measures, also, adopted by the conference, were of a highly important character; especially the proposition for a series of Camp-meetings. These means have been eminently owned and blessed of God to the awakening and salvation of souls. Why, then, should we not seize upon them as one of the most efficient means of giving the midnight cry? We believe we should be criminally negligent not to do so. From the manner in which this proposition was received by the conference, we are fully warranted in the conclusion that it will be abundantly sustained by the friends of the cause. Let all our friends and coadjutors rally to our feasts of tabernacles; and we do hope that no worldly consideration will be permitted to prevent it. Come up, brethren, and bring your friends with you. It is contemplated to hold about three meetings during the coming season so as to accommodate our friends in various parts of New England. Notice of time and place will be given in due time. But let all the friends begin immediately to make their arrangements to attend. But we give way and introduce the proceedings. HST June 1, 1842, page 68.9
The following persons were chosen to serve the conference. HST June 1, 1842, page 68.10
Joseph Bates, Chairman.
J. V. Himes, Secretary.
Commitee on Business.
Charles Fitch.
J. S. White.
J. V Himes.
Wm. Miller.
Isaac Sawyer.
J. W. Atkins.
Daniel Russell.
Ezekiel Hale, Jr.
John Pearson.
Henry Plummer.
Apollos Hale.
M. Clement.
Committee on Finance, and the Roll.
Prescott Dickenson.
Anthony Palmer.
T. M. Preble.
Henry Flagg.
Josiah Litch.
Committee on Publications.
Wm. Clark.
Dexter Dickenson.
J. V. Himes.
The Committee on the roll and finance beg leave to report, that in their opinion the time has come when the interests of the Church and the world require that the Midnight Cry should be made in unequivocal terms. Believing as we do, that God has revealed, not only the manner, but also the time Christ’s Second Advent, your committee are fully of opinion that the time has now come when the conference should distinctly avow this sentiment to the world, and urge it with double diligence upon all men. It seems to us, after long and careful observation of the effects produced by the presentation of the various parts of this doctrine, that no point, has been so eminently owned of God as the time of Christ’s coming. If God has and does thus bless it, what are we that we should resist God? We therefore recommend that a roll of the conference be taken, and that all persons who reject the doctrines of temporal millennium and the restoration of the Jews to Palestine, either before or after the Second Advent, and who believe the Second Advent of Christ and first resurrection to be the next great events of prophetic history, be invited to enroll their names as member of this conference. 28 HST June 1, 1842, page 69.1
RESOLUTIONS
Whereas, it is as readily and clearly determined that the visions of Daniel carry us down to the end of the world and the coming of Christ,—as thee meaning of any portion of the Old Testament can be determined by the New Testament; HST June 1, 1842, page 69.2
And whereas, it is the only fair conclusion at which we can arrive, that the periods contained in I these visions give the time of the accomplishment of these great events; HST June 1, 1842, page 69.3
And whereas, from the only date given for the commencement of those periods, no other termination can be found for them than 1843; HST June 1, 1842, page 69.4
And whereas, those who oppose this view of the question, do not pretend to give any other solution to these portions of prophecy; HST June 1, 1842, page 69.5
Therefore resolved, that in the opinion of this Conference, there are most serious and important reasons for believing that God has revealed the time of the end of the world and that that time is 1843; HST June 1, 1842, page 69.6
Resolved, That the time has fully come for those, who believe in the Second Advent of our Lord Jesus Christ in 1843, to show their faith by their works. HST June 1, 1842, page 69.7
Resolved, That we cannot discharge our duty to God and the souls of our fellow men, without doing our utmost to lay before the world as extensively as possible the truth of God on this subject as we find it in the Holy Scriptures. HST June 1, 1842, page 69.8
Resolved, That we are all called upon, loudly, and for the last time, to bring to this work the best employment of all the means we have at command. HST June 1, 1842, page 69.9
Resolved, That we are all bound to make this year such an one as we would wish should close our probation, and carry us to the judgment seat of Christ. HST June 1, 1842, page 69.10
Resolved, That we should keep it distinctly in mind, that we are this year to do our last praying, and make our last efforts, and shed our last tears for a perishing world. HST June 1, 1842, page 69.11
Resolved, That, as all those portions of prophecy which carry us down to the end of the world, exhibit to us the existence of widely extended political and ecclesiastical powers of iniquity, until the coming of Christ, by whom they are to be destroyed; and as it is impossible, in the nature of things, for the gospel to prevail universally, and the world to be converted during the existence of this state of things; therefore the theory of a 1000 years spiritual reign before the coming of Christ is without foundation in the word of God. HST June 1, 1842, page 69.12
Resolved, That we regard the notion of a Millennium previous to the coming of Christ, when all the world shall be converted, and sinners in great multitudes saved, as a fearful delusion, a cry of peace and safety, when sudden destruction is at the door, that will doubtless prove eternally fatal to thousands of souls—and that the nearer such a millennium is represented, the more dangerous is its tendency, because the more likely to encourage present impenitence, with the hope of future conversion to God. HST June 1, 1842, page 69.13
Resolved, That no portion of the New Testament scriptures give the most indirect intimation of the literal restoration of the Jews to old Jerusalem; we believe that the arguments drawn from the Old Testament prophecies are based on a mistaken view of those prophecies; and that they have been fulfilled in what the gospel has already done, or remain to be fulfilled in the gathering all the spiritual seed of Abraham into the New Jerusalem. HST June 1, 1842, page 69.14
Resolved, That we regard the notion of the return of the carnal Jews to Palestine either before or after the Second Advent, as a snare by which many will be lost forever. HST June 1, 1842, page 69.15
Resolved, That the notion of a probation after Christ’s coming, is a lure to destruction, entirely contradictory to the word of God, which positively teaches that when Christ comes the door is shut, and such as are not ready can never enter in. HST June 1, 1842, page 69.16
Resolved, That as our time for giving the Midnight Cry is short, it becomes us to avail ourselves of all wise and prudent means for the advancement of our work; and that as Campmeetings afford some facilities which we cannot otherwise avail ourselves of, we recommend to this Conference the adoption of these meetings, for the furtherance of our enterprize. HST June 1, 1842, page 69.17
Resolved, That a committee of three be chosen to make the necessary arrangements as to time and place of holding said meetings. HST June 1, 1842, page 69.18
Resolved, That our Brethren Ezekiel Hale, Henry Plummer and Timothy Cole be that committee. HST June 1, 1842, page 69.19
correspondence
Progress of the Truth
South Wilbraham, May 23rd, 1842. HST June 1, 1842, page 69.20
Dear Brothers Himes and Litch. For some weeks past, I have been out, sounding the Midnight Cry. The good Lord has been with me, and greatly blest my labors. I first gave a course of nine lectures at Cabotville, in the Methodist church. Fifty, or so, arose near the close of the meetings and professed their faith in the speedy coming of Christ. The last evening, an invitation was given, and fifteen persons, all adults, came forward to the altar for prayers; some of whom, if not all, have since found peace in believing. I next came to this place, almost worn out, and have been laboring four or five to weeks, and am now quite well, soul and body. I intend leaving to-morrow. When I came here there was scarce a breath of life in either of the churches. I endeavored to encourage some of the most devoted to look for a revival. But their language was, “I feel that it is the last place that we can expect one.” But before I had lectured one week, God poured out his Spirit upon the people, and souls presented themselves for prayer. Since then, the good work has gone forward gloriously, and between forty and fifty have professed to find the Savior; beside quite a number of back-sliders reclaimed. The good work still rolls on. Last evening, near thirty were at the altar for prayers; mostly young men, from sixteen to twenty-five years of age. Two of them arose and testified publicly, that God had blessed them. Thus we see that God does own and bless the preaching of the kingdom at hand, nigh even at the doors; this cannot be denied. Surely will it be said that Beelzebub is casting out devils! HST June 1, 1842, page 69.21
It would do your souls good, to see what a happy, faithful, persevering little army, the good Lord has raised up in our midst. All acknowledge, they never saw young converts so bright in their experience, and so bold for God. They grow rapidly in grace, and are becoming men and women in Christ; “looking for that blessed hope and glorious appearing of the great God and their Savior Jesus Christ. Such a gracious season of refreshing God never before granted to this little village. Glory be unto his name. Yes, all the glory. Hallelujah! HST June 1, 1842, page 69.22
The revival, thus far, has been exclusively confined to the Methodist church. Our Presbyterian friends did not choose to unite with us. Their pastor thought “it would be a sin” to go and hear the lectures. They have been holding meetings in their house about three weeks. My prayer is, that God would yet abundantly bless their labors, to save souls. HST June 1, 1842, page 69.23
We have here some warm friends, in the near coming of Christ. Brother Wilkie, preacher in charge, feels like going into the field, to sound the blessed soul-cheering truth. May the Lord thrust him out. If he should, his influence would be felt. “Many would see it, and fear, and turn to the Lord.” My faith is strong in the coming of Christ in ‘43. I make no calculations for any thing beyond, but it glory. Glory with the whole family of the redeemed. And oh, Brothers, will not that be glory? But with so short a time to awake the slumbering virgins, and save souls, we must work; work night and day. God has thrust us out in haste, to give the last invitation, and we must labor in earnest, and compel them to come in, that his house may be filled.” Why, I expect that God will shake the world with a moral earthquake, before the close of ‘43. Strong men in Israel are rallying to our help. The midnight cry must yet be made to ring, and ring through every valley and over every hill-top and plain. An awful trembling must yet seize upon sinners in Zion. A crisis must come, before the door of mercy is everlastingly shut against them. They must be made to feel that it is now or never. And they will. Yes, all, who are not resolved to shut their eyes to the light. Yes, men will tremble as ‘43 approaches, and their souls will quail when it shall begin to roll over their heads. And all who will be persuaded to repent and believe, even if one should rise from the dead, will; while against the incorrigible, the door of mercy will be closed, and the Savior in triumph be seen descending the skies. And are we ready? Hallelujah, praise the Lord. HST June 1, 1842, page 69.24
Yours, etc. L. C. Collins. HST June 1, 1842, page 69.25
The Rhode Island War,—Has come to a close without blood-shed; and “Governor Dorr” has gone into dignified retirement. So say some, while others hold, that he has gone to New York to raise troops; that the war is not ended; that an armistice—a temporary suspension of hostilities only, has been agreed upon; that if a Convention for forming a constitution on liberal terms, be not speedily provided, the conflict will be renewed, and the “blood-stained sword” be again unsheathed with all its horrible effects! We hope these calamities will be averted, by a speedy provision for a liberal constitution, to which the people of Rhode Island are by law and justice entitled. Nobody seems to have approved of the rash, violent and crazy course of Dorr, while all acknowledge that a free constitution ought to be provided. D. HST June 1, 1842, page 69.26
Mr. Miller.—Bro. Miller commenced a course of lectures in Newburyport, on Saturday evening last; they will be continued till Friday next. He will then go to Portland, Me., where he will begin a course of lectures, to commence Saturday evening next. And HST June 1, 1842, page 70.1
A Conference, Will commence on Tuesday, June 7th, at 10 o’clock, A. M., and will continue several days, in connexion with the lectures. HST June 1, 1842, page 70.2
Let the faithful, and the people generally, rally to this meeting. It will probably be our last in Portland. HST June 1, 1842, page 70.3
Anniversaries.—Mr. Editor,—Some of your readers may like to hear a few words on the Anniversary meetings held in this city last week, besides what you have furnished them, on those of the second advent. HST June 1, 1842, page 70.4
The Temperance Societies of this city, and of many towns in different parts of the state, held a splendid meeting on the common, from whence they formed an imposing procession, with banners of various devices, and marched round the city with a band of music. HST June 1, 1842, page 70.5
The Peace Society held a Convention at the Marlboro’ Hotel. The salutary principles inculcated by this Society seem to be gradually finding their way into the hearts of the people far and near. HST June 1, 1842, page 70.6
A Convention for forming an Evangelical Anti-Slavery Society, was held at the Marlboro’ Hotel, apparently consisting chiefly of clergymen, at which Rev. Dr. Osgood of Springfield, presided, and which was addressed by Lewis Tappan and Wm. Goodale, Esqs. and by Rev. Geo. Allen, A. A. Phelps, St. Clair, Colver, and others. The Old Organization held their meetings at Chardon Street Chapel, and continued them three days. D. HST June 1, 1842, page 70.7
Mr. Shimeall.—We have received a letter from this gentleman explanatory of the position taken in his book, or Miller’s Chronology, as noticed in the Signs of the Times a few weeks since. We shall give it in our next. HST June 1, 1842, page 70.8
1260 days of Daniel and John
considered as one and the same period of time
The fulfilment of the prophetic periods of revelation may be regarded as one of the strongest arguments which prove the Second Advent of our dear Savior as near; and this strikes us with the more force, when the various periods of the same length are considered in connexion. HST June 1, 1842, page 70.9
Daniel informs us, 7:25, that the saints of the Most High were to be given into the hands of the Little Horn a “time, times and the dividing of time,” and 11:7, that these wonders were to continue for a “time, times and a half.” John informs us, Revelation 11:2 & 3, that the Gentiles should tread under foot the holy city “forty and two months,” and that the two witnesses were to testify 1260 days, clothed in sackcloth. The woman in Revelation 12. [6 had a place prepared for her in the wilderness 1260 days, and in the 14th. verse, she is said to be nourished there a “time, times and a half.” Also the Beast, Revelation 13:5, had power to continue forty and two months. HST June 1, 1842, page 70.10
It is admitted hat the several periods enumerated above are all of the same length of time, by the most approved commentators; and a many admit that they refer to the same periods of time. HST June 1, 1842, page 70.11
The characters of Daniel’s Little Horn, 8:25, and his abomination of desolation, 8:13—the Man of Sin spoken of by St.Paul, 2 Thessalonians 2, and the beast of John, Revelation 13:5, are so strikingly similar that few deny their being one and the same personage—the Pope of Rome. And a careful comparison of the various prophecies respecting these periods and the characters alluded to in history; and the events which were to precede and mark their termination, will strongly denote their fulfilment to have been between A. D. 508 and 1798. HST June 1, 1842, page 70.12
The Little Horn, Daniel 7:8, had eyes like the eyes of a man, and a mouth speaking great things, verse 20; his look was more stout than his fellows, verses 24, 25; he shall be diverse from the ten, and shall subdue three kings. And he shall speak great words against the Most High, and shall wear out the saints of the Most High, and shall seek to change times and laws, and they shall be given into his hand. HST June 1, 1842, page 70.13
In 11:32, 33, he says, And such as do wickedly against the holy covenant shall he corrupt by flatteries, but the people that do know their God shall be strong and do exploits. And they that understand among the people shall instruct many: yet they shall fall by the sword and by flame, by captivity and by spoil many days, verses 36-39. And the king shall do according to his will, and he shall exalt himself, and magnify himself above every god, and shall speak marvellous things against the God of gods, and shall prosper till the indignation be accomplished: for that that is determined shall be done. Neither shall he regard the God of his fathers, nor the desire of women, nor regard any god, for he shall magnify himself above all, but in his estate shall he honor the God of forces, and a God whom his fathers knew not shall he honor with gold and silver, and with precious stones and pleasant things. Thus shall he do in the most strong holds with a strange god, whom he shall acknowledge and increase with glory: and he shall cause them to rule over many, and shall divide the land for gain. HST June 1, 1842, page 70.14
St. Paul says, 2 Thessalonians 2:3, 4, Let no man deceive you by any means, for that day (the coming of Christ) shall not come except there come a falling away first, and that Man of Sin be revealed, the Son of perdition, who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped, so that he as God, sitteth in the temple of God showing himself that he is God, verses 9, [10, even him whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs, and lying wonders, and with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they receive not the truth that they might be saved. John says, Revelation 13:4-8, “And they worshipped the dragon which gave power unto the beast; and they worshipped the beast, saying. who is like unto the heast? who is able to make war with him? And there was given unto him a mouth speaking great things, and blasphemies; and power was given unto him to continue forty and two months. And he opened his mouth in blasphemy against God, to blaspheme his name and his tabernacle, and them that dwell in heaven. And it was given unto him to make war with the saints and to overcome them: and power was given him over all kindreds and tongues and nations. And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.” HST June 1, 1842, page 70.15
That the Popes of Rome are a personation of the above prophecies, and that history gives in them a complete fulfilment of every word here spoken, has been so fully shown by Mr. Miller in his lectures, that a repetition of the history here is unnecessary; and those who could deny this would doubtless deny the fulfilment of any prophecy, however decisive might be the evidence, if they could find it for their interest to do so. HST June 1, 1842, page 70.16
If the church was ever in the wilderness, and the two witnesses (the Old and New Testaments) ever testified clothed in sackcloth, and the holy city was ever trodden under foot, all must admit that it was during the days of popish supremacy,when the word of God was denied the common people, and could only be read in the dead languages, and when all who would not worship the beast, were persecuted and spoiled, and slain, and suffered, unheard of cruelties. This, then, with the fact, that all these periods are of the same length of time, is conclusive proof that but one and the same period of time is denoted by them. A careful examination, therefore, of events which were to mark their commencement and termination, will enable us to ascertain when they have been completed, and if so, in what period of time. We will, therefore, HST June 1, 1842, page 70.17
1st. Consider their commencement. HST June 1, 1842, page 70.18
Daniel 7:8. I considered the horns and behold there came up among them another little horn, before whom there were three of the first horns plucked up by the roots, verse 24th. And the ten horns out of this kingdom (the fourth a Roman) and ten kings that shall arise; and another shall rise after them and he shall be diverse from the first, and shall subdue three kings,” 11:31. And they shall pollute the sanctuary of strength, and shall take away the daily sacrifice, and they shall place the abomination that maketh desolate. St. Paul says, 2 Thessalonians 2:6-8. And now ye know what withholdeth that he might be revealed in his time. For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth (hindereth) will let until he be taken out of the way, and then shall that wicked be revealed, etc. HST June 1, 1842, page 70.19
John says, Revelation 13:3, 4, And I saw one of his heads as it were wounded to death; and his deadly wound was healed: and all the world wondered after the Beast. And they worshipped the dragon which gave power unto the Beast, verse 2. And the Beast which I saw was like unto a leopard, and his feet were as the feet of a bear, and his mouth as the mouth of a lion: and the dragon gave him his power, and seat, and great authority. 17:12, 13. And there are seven kings: five are fallen, and one is, and the other is not yet come, and when he cometh he must continue a short space. And the Beast that was and is not; even he is the eighth and is of the seven and goeth into perdition; and the ten horns which thou sawest are ten kings who have received no kingdom as yet: but receive power as kings one hour with the Beast. These have one mind and shall give their power and strength unto the Beast. HST June 1, 1842, page 70.20
We learn from the above texts that the little horn of popery would not arise until the Roman empire should have been divided into ten parts, and three of those parts or kingdoms were subverted—that the Sanctuary of strength (Rome) must have been polluted, and the daily (Pagan) sacrifice taken away, also that it would arise soon after the mystery of iniquity which worked in Paul’s day (Paganism) and which hindered its developement, should be taken out of the way, and the first head (Paganism) was wounded to death. It was also to be the eighth form of the Roman power, and of the seventh, after that had continued a short space. The dragon (Roman emperor) was to give him his power, and seat and great authority; and he was to receive power of the kings. The fulfilment of these events mark its rise about the year A. D. 538, that being the year when the last of three of the first ten kingdoms fell into the hands of Justinian the emperor of the eastern division of the Roman empire, and who made the Bishop of Rome univeral Bishop, and gave him his power and, seat (Rome) and great authority. This was also but thirty years after Pagansm, which hindered its rise, had ceased in Rome, and its daily sacrifices had been taken out of the way: and when the kings were of one mind, having been converted to Christianity. There is no other point of time which would so nearly coincide with all these events prophecied of its commencement. HST June 1, 1842, page 70.21
2. The events which were to mark the termination of these Periods. Daniel 7:11. 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, verses 21, 22. I beheld and the same horn made war with the saints,and prevailed against them until the Ancient of days came, and judgment was given to the saints of the Most High; and the time came that the saints possessed the kingdom, verses 26, 27. But they shall take away his dominion to consume and to destroy it unto the end. And the kingdom and dominion and the greatness of the kingdom, under the whole heaven shall be given to the people of the saints of the Most High, whose kingdom is an everlasting kingdom and all dominions shall serve and obey him, 11:36, and shall prosper till the indignation be accomplished, 2 Thessalonians 2:8. And then shall that wicked be revealed whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and destroy by the brightness of his coming, Revelation 11:7-13. And when they (the two witnesses) have finished their testimony (in sackcloth) the beast that ascendeth out of the bottomless pit shall make war against them, and shall overcome them and kill them. And their dead bodies shall lie in the street of the great city which spiritually is called Sodom and Egypt, where also our Lord was crucified. And they of the people, and kindred, and tongues, and nations shall see their dead bodies three days and a half, and shall not suffer their dead bodies to be put in graves. And they that dwell upon the earth shall rejoice over them and make merry, and shall send gifts one to another, because these two prophets tormented them that dwelt on the earth. And after three days and a half, the Spirit of life from God entered into them, and they stood upon their feet, and great fear fell upon them which saw them. And they heard a great voice from heaven saying unto them, Come up hither. HST June 1, 1842, page 71.1
And they ascended up to heaven in a cloud, and their enemies beheld them. And the same hour was there a great earthquake, and the tenth part of the city fell, and in the earthquake were slain of men seven thousand, and the remnant were affrighted and gave glory to the God of heaven. 13:10-15. He that leadeth into captivity shall go into captivity: he that killeth with the sword must be killed with the sword. Here is the faith and patience of the saints. And I beheld another beast coming up out of the earth, and he had two horns like a lamb, and he spake as a dragon. And he exerciseth all the power of the first beast before him, and causeth the earth and them which dwell therein to worship the first beast whose deadly wound was healed. And he doeth great wonders so that he maketh fire come down from heaven in the sight of men, and deceiveth them that dwell on the face of the earth by the means of those miracles which he had power to do in the sight of the beast; saying to them that dwell on the earth that they should make an image to the beast which had the wound by a sword and did live. And he had power to give life unto the image of the beast that the image of the Beast should both speak and cause that as many as would not worship the image of the Beast should be killed, 17:16, 17, And the horns which thou sawest upon the Beast, these shall hate the whore and shall make her desolate and naked and shall eat her flesh and burn her with fire. For God hath put into their hearts to fulfil his will and to agree and give their kingdom unto the Beast until the words of God shall be fulfilled. HST June 1, 1842, page 71.2
These predictions have been fulfilled in so remarkable a manner that seemingly none who are willing to be convinced need fail of being so. They teach us that popery must continue till the Ancient of Days comes and the saints possess the kingdom, when it will be destroyed by the brightness of Christ’s coming and its body given to the burning flames; but that previous to this its great power must be broken by being conquered with the sword and led into captivity; that the power which conquered it would restore it or make an image like it and give it the power of the first Beast and cause people to worship it; but it was to prevail against the saints and yet be consumed till the end. They also teach us that the two witnesses are to be slain three and a half days, when they have finished their testimony in sack-cloth, and by a Beast that should ascend out of the bottomless pit, at a time when there should be a great revolution in which one of the ten kingdoms should be subverted and seven thousand names of men (as it reads in the margin) destroyed, that alter they were slain those who dwelt on the earth should rejoice over them and send gifts to each other; but after three and a half days (or years) the spirit of life would enter into them, and in obedience to a voice from heaven they would ascend thither in clouds. HST June 1, 1842, page 71.3
History informs us that in March, 1798, by authority of Buonaparte, the Pope was conquerd by the sword and led into captivity, where he died, that Buonaparte declared Italy a republic, destroyed the inquisition, and granted free toleration to religion—that in Egypt he deceived the Mahometans by pretending to have power to bring fire from heaven—that he placed a new Pope in the chair of St. Peter with powers like those previously possessed by the Popes, but the inquisition has not been revived nor the lives of the saints since then been in the hands of the Pope neither has he had the power to suppress the protestant church which has since then been in Rome. The Pope has however not been idle, and has been very successful in some parts of the world in extending the Catholic faith and prevailing against the saints; but still his power has been growing weaker and weaker, the kings have stripped him of many of his prerogatives—sequestered the property of the church, and harassed and perplexed him to the vexation of his soul; and now there is an open rupture between him and many of his late regal supporters. HST June 1, 1842, page 71.4
History also informs us that deism a—beast from the bottomless pit, made war against the two witnesses (the Old and New Testaments) and that France passed a decree prohibiting the Bible, and many of them were collected in piles in Paris and burnt amid the rejoicings of the populace, who made merry and sent gifts to each other on the occasion. In three years and a half afterwards France repealed that decree, and granted free toleration to religion; since which the bible has been translated into 150 different languages, and circulated in clouds all over the world. This suppression of the bible occurred during the French revolution in which seven thousand titles of the nobility were abolished. History informs us that the prevailing sins of France were licentiousness and contempt of Christ, it being a spiritual Sodom; and Christ was there crucified anew in the slaughter of 50,000 protestants in one night. HST June 1, 1842, page 71.5
So signal a fulfilment of all the events at the same time which were to mark the completion of these periods, conclusively proves that they all refer reel to one and the same period of time, and that terminated in 1798, in just 1260 years from the rise of Popery in 538, and thus proving that to have been the time from which to date the rise of the little horn. The events which followed the termination of the 1260 years in the restoration of Popery has made the proof more clear, so that what difficulty commentators might have found in dating the period of its rise before witnessing the events which have attended their fulfilment, is now entirely removed. The close of these periods in 1798 was also just 1290 years from the taking away of the daily sacrifice: sec Daniel 12:11-13, and in 1335 years from the same time Daniel must stand in his lot a glorified saint. HST June 1, 1842, page 71.6
The termination of the Turkish power in 1840, on the day that was previously predicted, was the last of the periods which were to be completed previous to the end; and terminated the sixth vial and the sounding of the sixth angel. All the prophecies therefore of which we are to expect a fulfilment of previous to the end; is the “time of trouble” spoken of by Daniel 12:1, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time—the gathering of guests for the supper (Matthew 22:9,) from the highways which may be said to be being fulfilled by the Washingtonian reformation—the midnight cry (Matthew 25:6.) which is now being made—the angering of the nations Revelation 11:17, when the wrath of God is come at the sounding of the seventh angel, and the silence which will be in heaven on the opening of the seventh seal, Revelation 8:1, for about the space of half an hour (seven days corresponding to the seven days previous to the flood, when God closed the door of the ark) when the foolish virgins, who now have no faith in the predictions of the bible, stop their ears to the midnight cry, and close their eyes that they may not see all the signs of the Advent near, which God has given us in his mercy, will stand without and cry, Lord, Lord, open unto us, and find to their everlasting dismay that the door of mercy is forever closed upon them. May all who shall read this be among the wise who shall understand, and whose lamps will be trimmed and burning, ready to meet the Bridegroom when he cometh, and who will be among that happy number who will be caught up to meet our Lord in the air, and will receive a crown of righteousness which is laid up for all those who love His appearing. HST June 1, 1842, page 71.7
Another Sign
“Men’s hearts failing them for fear.”
In a letter from Mr. Frances Benham, of Chancery Lane, inserted in yesterday’s Times, he thus explains the cause of predicted destruction of London by earthquake being assigned to the present year: HST June 1, 1842, page 72.1
“Not to recite the various hoaxes that have been palmed on the public by way of explanation of this phenomenon, let us mention a few of those authorities in its favor which may seem at first sight more respectable. The religionists who quote scripture to sanction their timidity on this occasion, and bring chapter and verse to prove that half London will be destroyed by earthquake in 1842, reason as follows: HST June 1, 1842, page 72.2
“Dating with Prideaux the beginning of Daniel’s 70 weeks about the year B. C. 456, they added A. D. 32,and counting thence l,810 years (the remainder of the 2,300 years), it will give the same ending—A.D. 1842. During the claim of infallibility by Pope Pelagius, A. D. 582, and counting thence 1,260 years, they also end in the year 1842. This calculation is given in the Christian Observer, November, 1810, page 663, but is made to apply, not to this year, but the next. To this period, (termed the time of the resurrection of the witnesses), it is stated by the advocates for this opinion that we should apply the following text of the Apocalypse:—“At the same hour was a great earthquake, and a tenth of the city fell, and there were slain in the earthquake 7000 men. Dr. Hales, in his Analysis of Chronology, vol. iii. p. 642, states it as his opinion that this awful prophecy is specifically levelled against London. “To England (says he) the tenth, as the only remaining asylum of the witnesses, we are compelled to look for the scene of their last persecution, and principally to her street or most populous region; and the street, by way of eminence, may chiefly denote the metropolis of the British empire, London and its environs, the greatest seminary of religion and virtue,as well as of irreligion and vice. In London (continues Hales) we verily believe there are to be found more inteligent and enlightened witnesses to suffer persecution than in all the rest of the world, and a multitude of bigots, infidels, and fanatics to inflict it. The resemblance indeed is so striking in all the parts, that though we shudder thereat and deprecate the catastrophe, we are forced most reluctantly to confess and maintain it.” HST June 1, 1842, page 72.3
“As a Londoner, and by no means wishing to witness so portentous a tragedy, I sincerely hope that Dr. Hales has made as palpable a blunder in his construction of this apocalyptic vision, as any yet perpetrated by its luminous expositors.”—London Times. HST June 1, 1842, page 72.4
What has London to do with the 23,00 days in Daniel’s vision, any more than Paris or Lisbon? He refers to the “cleansing of the sanctuary,” and the era of “the New Heavens” and New Earth.”—Eds. HST June 1, 1842, page 72.5
Ten Thousand Lives Lost
tremendous earthquake in the island of st. domingo
[From the New York Express.] HST June 1, 1842, page 72.6
By the politeness of Captain Morris, of the brig Wm. Neilson, from Port au Prince, we have “Le Patriote” of the 11th May, published at that place, which gives an account of a terrible earthquake that occurred in that Island on the 7th of May, at five o’clock in the evening. HST June 1, 1842, page 72.7
The principal destruction of life, of which we have an account, was at Cape Haytian, which town was entirely destroyed. It contained about 15,000 inhabitants, two thirds of whom are thought to be dead. HST June 1, 1842, page 72.8
Saint Marc. A letter from this town, says that the earthquake was felt there with violence. Many houses were seriously damaged, and some destroyed,—but no loss of life is mentioned. HST June 1, 1842, page 72.9
At Goannives the shocks were yet more serious. The greater part of the houses were overthrown. A fire broke out at the same time and there was not a drop of water in town. All the houses that were not burnt suffered from the earthquake. HST June 1, 1842, page 72.10
In addition to the above disastrous intelligence from the Cape, a Courier arrived from the city a few hours previous to the departure of Captain Morris, who stated that a fire broke out after the earthquake, which on Monday the 9th, destroyed the Powder Magazine, and with it the miserable remnant of the inhabitants who had escaped the earthquake. The towns of St. Nicholas and Port Paix are also said to be destroyed. Other parts of the Island had not been heard from when Captain Morris left; but it is conjectured that all the towns of the north are a mass of ruins. HST June 1, 1842, page 72.11
RUSSIA
We are told that the Emperor of Russia, having resolved to liberate, in one sweeping act, the immense population of his empire born in a state of servitude, lately called together his Council of State, for the purpose of making his intentions known. HST June 1, 1842, page 72.12
The proposition was received by the subservient portion of the council with satisfaction, but the old and powerful nobility, present, declared that such an act was tantamount to a revolution—that it endangered their lives and properties, and that, in honor and conscience they could not adopt it. HST June 1, 1842, page 72.13
The North Eastern Boundary.—which has been so long the vexed question between this country and England, and caused so much agitation on our Eastern frontier, bids fair soon to be amicably adjusted, at least the movement on the part of England looks like a bona fide attempt to bring this part of the dispute to a speedy close. Lord Ashburton, it is said, has come with full powers to arrange all matters for a final settlement. But as the States of Maine and Massachusetts have both a special interest at stake, the former in the land and in the territorial jurisdiction, and the latter in the land, it is thought right that they should have a voice in the negotiation, and each has accordingly been notified, through their respective Governors. that they may have an opportunity to call their several legislatures together, and to appoint Commissioners, if they see fit, to consult and take part in this important negotiation, and to transact any other business relating thereto which may be deemed just and proper. Gov. Fairfield has accordingly notified the legislature of Maine to meet together this month. We have the impression that Gov. Davis was clothed with some special power relating to this business, by our legislature, before their last adjournment HST June 1, 1842, page 72.14
It is supposed by some that a Conventional line will be agreed upon between the high contracting parties, and that the land in dispute, for a liberal sum of money which Lord Ashburton is prepared to offer, will be thrown upon the British side. The land would be comparatively of little value to Maine or Massachusetts, still less to the United States while the money to he former at this time, would be quite convenient. D. HST June 1, 1842, page 72.15
Notice. We have on hand, copies of the 2nd volume of the Signs of the Times, both bound and in sheets. Price $1,00 in sheets. 1,50 bound. HST June 1, 1842, page 72.16
Letter from C. French
Dear Brother Himes,—One word about the Conference in Pittsfield. It has been a most harmonious and devotional one. God’s presence hath been sensibly felt. And as the evidence of Christ’s second coming in ‘43, has been presented from day to day through the Conference, by different brethren who have lectured and addressed the meetings, a most deep conviction has tested on saints and sinners that “the end of all things is at hand;” some backsliders have confessed their sins “for the last time,” and now hope through Christ, to be faithful unto the end. Many have been blessed in attending our meetings, and are rejoicing that their redemption draweth nigh, while others have been led to say, “What shall I do to be saved?” The number who have attended the Conference has been large, many from neighboring towns, and some from distant places, and I am happy to say, most of them appear to be Bereans, and say, “Let us know the truth, if Christ is coming in 1843, I want to know it.” WHO DOES NOT? HST June 1, 1842, page 72.17
We have had but little opposition, except from a “certain lawyer,” who informed the Conference that the fifth kingdom in Daniel’s vision, “is the kingdom of Intellect” that will destroy all other kingdoms and rule forever. He further said, he understood the time, times, and dividing of time, Daniel 7:26, to be three and a half literal years, and were fulfilled at the destruction of Jerusalem. HST June 1, 1842, page 72.18
This time, times, and dividing, is the period of time during which the saints, not the carnal Jews, were to be given into the little horn’s power, which our opponent acknowledged to be Papacy, and which no one can prove did arise until 538 or 468 years after Jerusalem was destroyed. HST June 1, 1842, page 72.19
Query! How could the little horn, or papacy, destroy Jerusalem 468 years before it arose? Yours in love. HST June 1, 1842, page 72.20
The following paragraph is taken from the “Polynesian,” published at Honolulu, Sandwich Islands: HST June 1, 1842, page 72.21
More Earthquakes. On the 11th inst. two earthquakes were felt at Kailua Hawaii—the first shock occurred 15 minutes before 10 o’clock, P. M. The second about half an hour later. Rev. Mr. Thurston states that they were the strongest that he has ever felt there. At Kealakeakua much rock was thrown down from the pali. When these occurred, an unusual light was observed in the direction of the volcano. HST June 1, 1842, page 72.22
Conference in New Market, N. H
A Second Advent Conference of believers in the personal appearing of the Lord Jesus Christ to reign with his saints in the immortal state, will commence in the old Baptist Meeting House in New-Market, L. River, on Monday June 6, 1842. at 10 o’clock A. M. Brethren and friends, who love that appearing, are invited to attend and unite in its solemnities. HST June 1, 1842, page 72.23
Bro. Calvin French, will commence a course of lectures at the above named place, on Saturday, June 4, at half past 7 P. M. HST June 1, 1842, page 72.24
Letters
Received up to May 28.—From P.M. Doorvillage, Laport Co. Ind.—Busti, N. Y.—Charlestown, Mass,—Cherry Valley, N. Y.—Springarbor, N. Y.—Four Mile Brunch P. O. Barnwell Dist. S. C.—Snow’s Store.Vt.—Franklin, Me.—Plymouth, Me.—S.China, Me.—Swanton, Vt.—Greenville C.H., S. C. 2—Claremont, N. H.—Templeton, Mass.—Great Falls, N.H. HST June 1, 1842, page 72.25
From N. G. Howard, O. H. Seabury, Mersey Ann Hill, A. Wight, Geo. W. Thompson, L. C. Collins,D. C. HST June 1, 1842, page 72.26
Books Sent
One bundle to D. Burgess, Hartford, Ct., via Springfield, Mass. HST June 1, 1842, page 72.27
Signs of the Times
Is published weekly, at No. 14 Devonshire Street, Boston, by JOSHUA V. HIMES, to whom all letters and communication must be addressed. HST June 1, 1842, page 72.28
Terms,—0ne Dollar per Volume of 24 Nos. (6 month)
dow & jackson, printers.
HST June 1, 1842, page 72.29