Signs of the Times and Expositor of Prophecy [Himes], vol. 2
June 1, 1841
VOLUME II.—NO. 5. BOSTON, WHOLE NO. 29
Joshua V. Himes
SIGNS OF THE TIMES
AND EXPOSITOR OF PROPHECY.
SECOND COMING OF CHRIST
THE MORNING STAR
The night is wearing fast away,
A streak of light is dawning,—
Sweet harbinger of that bright day,
The fair Millennial morning.
HST June 1, 1841, page 33.1
Gloomy and dark the night has been,
And long the way, and dreary;
And sad the weeping saints are seen,
And faint, and worn, and weary.
HST June 1, 1841, page 33.2
Ye mourning pilgrims! cease your fears,
And hush each sigh of sorrow;
The light of that bright morn appears—
The long Sabbattic morrow.
HST June 1, 1841, page 33.3
Lift up your heads—behold, from far,
A flood of splendor streaming!—
It is the bright and Morning Star,
In living lustre beaming.
HST June 1, 1841, page 33.4
And see that star-like host around
Of angel bands, attending;
Hark! hark! the trumpet’s glad’ning sound,
‘Mid shouts triumphant blending.
HST June 1, 1841, page 33.5
He comes—the Bridegroom promis’d long—
Go forth with joy to meet him;
And raise the new and nuptial song,
In cheerful strains to greet him.
HST June 1, 1841, page 33.6
Adorn thyself, the feast prepare,
While bridal strains are swelling;
He comes, with thee all joys to share
And make this earth His dwelling.
HST June 1, 1841, page 33.7
Evidence from Scripture and History of the Second Coming of Christ about the year 1843, and of his personal reign of 1000 years, first published in 1833. By Wm. Miller. HST June 1, 1841, page 33.8
CHAPTER II
Instruction of the Angel concerning the vision. Daniel 11:2
Concluded from page 26. HST June 1, 1841, page 33.9
“And now will I show you the truth. Behold, there shall stand up yet three kings in Persia; and the fourth shall be far richer than they all; and by his strength through his riches he shall stir up all against the realm of Grecia.” In this verse the Angel shows. Daniel that he is now about to explain the whole mystery of the vision, by giving him a clear account of some of the most important events that should happen at the time the vision should begin. “There shall be yet three kings in Persia,” signifying that four kings should pass from the stage of action, in the Persian line of kings, one then being on the throne, viz. Cyrus, before the king should arise, representing the ram pushing. The first of these kings, as I have before said, was Cyrus, Cambyses, Darius, Xerxes, or as the scripture calls the same, Ahasuerus. The fourth king from time being Artaxerxes, the same king that issued the decree to Ezra, which began the 70 weeks, and is the ram pushing, as the Angel more than intimates, by saving, “And the fourth [Artaxerxes] shall be far richer than they all; and by his strength through his riches he shall stir up all against the realm of Grecia.” This is a prophecy of the wars between the Persians and Grecians, and is the same as the ram pushing in the vision of the 8th chapter. And now Daniel understood, that after three more kings should reign in Persia, (to wit, Cambyses, Darius and Xerxes) then should stand up one (Artaxerxes) who should issue the commandment to Ezra to build Jerusalem, and there begin the 70 weeks, and by his strength through his riches, push southward westward and northward, and likewise begin his vision in the 8th chapter, which was to continue the 2300 years. This appears to me, to be the only fair construction that can be put upon this interesting passage of the Angel’s instruction in the commencement of Gabriel’s last visit to Daniel. He then goes on to prophecy of the succeeding events which would follow even down to the end of time; the resurrection. HST June 1, 1841, page 33.10
Daniel 11:3. “And a mighty king shall stand up, that shall rule with great dominion, and do according to his will.” This is the “he goat,” the Grecian kingdom under Alexander, who conquered the world, and did according to his will, and “waxed very great.” HST June 1, 1841, page 33.11
Daniel 11:4. “And when he shall stand up, his kingdom shall be broken, and shall be divided toward the four winds of heaven; and not to his posterity, nor according to his dominion which he ruled; for his kingdom shall be plucked up, even for others besides those.” This verse has been literally fulfilled, every word, in the history of Alexander, the Grecian monarch. At his death, the kingdom divided into four kingdoms, Egypt in the south, Macedonia in the west, Syria in the north, and Persia in the east, not given to his children, but to four of his generals. HST June 1, 1841, page 33.12
Daniel 11:5-13. “And the king of the south (Egypt) shall be strong, and one of his princes (Ptolemey) and he shall be strong above him, (of the north) and have dominion; his (Ptolmey’s dominion snail be a great dominion. And in the end of the years they shall join themselves together; for the kind’s daughter, of the south, shall come to the king of the north to make an agreement: but she shall not retain the power of the arm; neither shall he (the king of the south) stand, nor his arm; but she shall be given up and they that brought her and he that begat her, and he that strengthened her in these times. But out of a branch of her roots shall one stand up in his estate which shall come with an army, and shall enter into the fortress of the king of the north, and shall deal against them, and shall prevail: And shall also carry captives into Egypt their gods, with their princes and with their precious vessels of silver and gold; and he shall continue more years than the king of the north. So the king of the south shall come into his kingdom, and shall return into his own land. But his sons (of the north) shall be stirred up, and shall assemble a multitude of great forces; and one shall certainly come, and overflow, and pass through; then shall he return, and be stirred up even to his fortress. And the king of the south (Egypt) shall be moved with choler, and shall come forth and fight with him, even with the king of the north: (Syria) add he shall set forth a great multitude; but the multitude shall be given into his hand. And when he hath taken away the multitude, his heart shall he lifted up; and he shall cast down many ten thousands; but he shall not be strengthened by it. For the king of the north shall return, and shall set a multitude greater than the former, and shall certainly come after certain years with a great army and with much riches.” From the fifth to the thirteenth verses inclusive, we have a prophecy of the wars between the Syrians of the north, and the Egyptians of the south, the Antiochuses, and Ptolmies, which if the reader will be curious enough to compare, he will find the prophecy and history to exactly agree; he will find the history in 1 Macabees 1st chapter, Josephus Antiquities, and Rollin’s Ancient History. Almost the same words are used by the historians of that age, as are used by Gabriel to Daniel in this prophecy. Let the reader compare Daniel 11:11-13 with 1st. Macabees i. 16—20, and the foregoing verses and the prophecy of the third or Grecian kingdom. The remainder of the prophecy gives an account of the transaction? which have been; and will be fulfilled under the fourth, or Roman kingdom, until the stone cut out of the mountain without hands shall fill the whole earth. HST June 1, 1841, page 33.13
Daniel 11:14. “And in those times there shall many stand up against the king of the south; also the robbers of thy people shall exalt themselves to establish the vision; but they shall fall.” By the robbers of thy people, we can only understand the Romans, and now has come the time, when they must break in pieces the other kingdoms, and devour with their great iron teeth, and stamp the residue (or the people of God) with their feet, and when this kingdom was exalted, then one event more was accomplished which would establish, or make sure the vision. HST June 1, 1841, page 34.1
15. “So the, king of the north shall come, and cast up a mount, and take the most fenced cities; and the arms of the south shall not withstand, neither his chosen people, neither shall there be any strength to withstand.” This verse is a prophecy of what the Romans would do when they were exalted, they would attack distant nations, lay seiges, cast up mounts, and take the strong places. Neither Egypt, nor Jerusalem, nor any nation would be able to stand before the all conquering Romans. HST June 1, 1841, page 34.2
16. “But he that cometh against him, shall do according to his own will, and none shall stand before him; and he shall stand in the glorious land which by his hand shall be consumed.” This has its fulfilment in Pompey, the Roman general, who with a Roman army conquered Egypt, Syria and Palestine, and brought under the Roman yoke the eastern world. HST June 1, 1841, page 34.3
17. “He shall also set his face to enter with the strength of his whole kingdom, and upright ones with him; thus shall he do; and he shall give him the daughter of women, corrupting her; but she shall not stand on his side, not be for him.” While Pompey had been conquering in the east and south, Julius Cesar had been conquering the west, the Gauls and Britons, and they had by their success both of them become very popular generals among the Romans, and both aspiring to higher honors, soon became rivals, which led Julius Cesar to lead his army of western veterans into Egypt, to counteract Pompey. Here we see the whole strength of the Roman kingdom combined against Egypt, and upright oues, I suppose means republicans. Pompey dreading the power of Cesar, made peace with the Egyptians, and in order to unite the two contending parties in Egypt, Cleopatra was given to Ptolmey to wife, being his sister, “corrupting her,” but after Julius Cesar had subdued Pompey, then Cleopatra deserted the cause of Ptolmey, her husband and brother, and went over to Julius Cesar and became his mistress fulfilling, “but she shall not stand on his side nor be for him.” HST June 1, 1841, page 34.4
18. “After this shall he (Pompey) turn his face unto the isles (Grecian) and shall take many, but a prince (Cesar) for his own behalf, shall cause the reproach offered by him (Pompey) to cease; without his (Cesar’s) own reproach, he shall cause it to turn upon him.” That is upon Pompey, who was in the way of Cesar’s ambition for imperial honors. HST June 1, 1841, page 34.5
19. “Then he (Cesar) shall turn his face towards the fort of his own land (Rome) but he shall stumble and fall and shall not be found.” In this verse we have the fall of Cesar prophesied of more than 500 years before; who after his success over Pompey in Egypt, returned into Rome, and fell by the hands of Brutus, Cassius, and others, who slew Cesar to prevent him from being crowned Emperor of Rome. HST June 1, 1841, page 34.6
20. “There shall stand up in his estate, a raiser of taxes in the glory of his kingdom: but within a few days he shall be destroyed, neither in anger, nor in battle.” Octavius, afterwards called Augustus Cesar, who was nephew to Julius Cesar, did “stand up in his estate,” that is, successor to Julius Cesar, “a raiser of taxes” this was the Cesar that was Emperor over the Romans when Christ was born, and that taxed Jerusalem. Luke 2:1, 2. He died in his bed, “neither in anger nor in battle.” HST June 1, 1841, page 34.7
21. “And in his estate shall stand up a vile person, (Tiberus Cesar) to whom they shall not give the honor of the kingdom; but he shall come in peaceably, and obtain the kingdom by flatteries.” HST June 1, 1841, page 34.8
22. “And with the arms of a flood shall they be overflown from before him, and shall be broken; yea also the prince of the covenant.” The above is a true description of the character of Tiberius Cesar, he is noted in history as being a vile person, of obtaining the kingdom by flattery and deceit, also of dividing the land of Judea into fractions, and petty provinces, and under whose reign Christ was crucified, here called the “prince of the covenant,” which ends the 70 weeks of years, and establishes the vision of Daniel; because so much of said vision as relates to the 70 weeks had been fulfilled. HST June 1, 1841, page 34.9
23. “And after the league made with him he shall work decitfully; for he shall come up, and shall become strong with a small people.” The reader will now observe, that the angel Gabriel after carrying the prophet Daniel down to the crucifixion of Christ, and the end of the 70 weeks; goes back and begins the history of the Roman Government, when, and at the time the same became the fourth kingdom in the world. This will be evident, first; because it speaks of a “league made with him,” when he was a small (or republican) people. Secondly, this league must mean the first league made between the Romans and Jews. For I never was able to find any kingdom prohesied of in the Scriptures, until the kingdom became connected in some manner, with the people of God. Thirdly, as the angel has been describing individuals, rather than kingdoms, as the wars of Pompey—the fall of Cesar—the raising of taxes, and peaceful death of Octavius, the vile character, and deceit of Tiberius, and the crucifixion of Jesus Christ under him, so now he has gone back to the league made 150 years before Christ, to bring up the national character. This league the reader will find an account of in 1st of Macabees viii. and ix chapters, also, in Josephus Antiquities. This league took effect when Bachides the Grecian general left Jerusalem, by the command of the Romans and returned no more, to trouble the Jews, as Menalaus tells us. 1 Mac. ix. 72, 73. Thus the Grecians, or Daniel’s third kingdom ceased its power over the Jews, and the fourth or Roman kingdom began, while they were republicans, or a “small people.” The Romans did agree, that the Jews might enjoy their own laws, government and religion, “he shall work deceitfully.” Yet within one hundred years they were deprived of their laws, the appointment of their kings and their government reduced to a Roman province. How signally hath God visited the disobedience of the Jews; for making this league, which God had commanded them never to make with any nation round about them; by suffering this fourth kingdom, which was described as having great iron teeth, to break them in pieces, and finally scatter them among all nations, as a lasting monument of God’s displeasure against disobedience. By this league made 158 years before Christ, the Roman kingdom became connected with the people of God, and having “worked deceitfully,” soon obtained the power to “trample on,” ... break in pieces” and “devour” the Jews. Therefore I believe we shall be warranted in fixing the rise of this fourth kingdom on this period, (which is the apocalyptic Beast with seven heads and ten horns,) of time, “to wit” 158 years, before the birth of Christ, the history of which, together with the rise and fall of anti-christ will be the subject of our next chapter. HST June 1, 1841, page 34.10
the promises to abraham
The call of Abraham, and the promise of a possession to himself and his seed after him, is beautifully typical of the everlasting inheritance promised to Christ and the heirs of salvation in him. First, God calls him, and shews him the land of Canaan, Genesis 12:1. Then, by a covenant of promise, he gives that land to him, Genesis 13:17; afterwards to himself, and to his seed after him, for an everlasting possession; Genesis 17:8. Now, in all this, Abraham is reminded that he is a stranger in this promised land and covenanted possession: and thus does he spend all his days, dwelling in tents, with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise. HST June 1, 1841, page 34.11
He takes possession of the land by faith—of a land now in possession of others, for a seed which he had not, and which in all likelihood he should never have: and though to himself the promise of the possession was made, during his life he obtains not the breadth of his foot, and in that very land is obliged to purchase a grave. HST June 1, 1841, page 34.12
After looking over the history, we inquire, was the land of Canaan really the inheritance promised to Abraham and his seed? In one sense it was, in another it was not: and in this view we are borne out by the testimony of holy writ; wherein we are informed, that by faith he took possession of the land of Canaan, and sojourned as a stranger in that, which was given him by God’s unchanging covenant. Hebrews 11:9. “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” Hebrews 11:1. But if the land of Canaan was the real inheritance, and not the type, then, “what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for?” Romans 8:24. If Abraham had the inheritance eternal before his eyes, how could he be said to take possession thereof by faith? Or, if that were his country, why did he not build therein, instead of acknowledging himself a stranger, and “dwelling in tents, all his day?, with the heirs with him of the same promise?” The answer is evident, because he looked for a better country, that is an heavenly, and a city which hath foundations, whose builder and whose maker is God.” Hebrews 11:10. HST June 1, 1841, page 34.13
Abraham was the father of two families: of his seed according to the flesh, and of the heirs of promise, even of all believers. Romans 4:11-13, 16. Galatians 3:29. To the seed according to the flesh, certain promises, privileges, and immunities, were made in covenant; but all were carnal. They had a worldly sanctuary, and carnal ordinances, with an earthly inheritance, all of which were “the mere shadows of good things to come, and not the very image of the things themselves.” Hebrews 10:1. “The shadows” pertained to the natural seed, “the things themselves” to spiritual seed. And he, who, in the intended sacrifice of Isaac, saw the day of Christ, and rejoiced; in the land of Canaan saw the heavenly country, the inheritance incorruptible and undefiled, and that fadeth not away. Furthermore, when the appointed time arrived, to give the land of Canaan to Abraham’s descendants, according to the promise, Genesis 14:13, the Lord led them into the full possession thereof, by the hand of Joshua. Was this then the consummation of what God had promised to Abraham, his friend? No. For the spiritual seed did not yet obtain the inheritance that fadeth not away; accordingly, in the time of the prophet David, he spoke of the inheritance, as yet to be given: from which the apostle argues, that, “If Jesus, or Joshua, had given them the rest, God would not afterward have spoken of another day,” and from this concludes, that “the rest yet remaineth for the people of God.” Hebrews 4:7, 8. From which we see that the people of God, out of every country, and all the families of the earth, shall be blessed in Abraham, and that all they with him shall inherit the possession, given him in that covenant. HST June 1, 1841, page 34.14
The same view is given by Stephen in the seventh chapter of Acts, and may be nearly as offensive to some, who hold the same carnal view, as the Jewish people of that time did, and as it was to them. He first shews that a promise was made to Abraham of an everlasting possession; but that in the land of Canaan he had not so much as to set his foot on. After a lapse of four hundred years, their fathers were led into the possession of that country, before whom the Canaanites, its ancient inhabitants, were expelled; and there enjoyed privileges, that exalted them above all the nations of the earth. That, in the days of David and Solomon they reached the zenith of their glory, when the temple was built, the supposed habitation of the God of Jacob. But when he comes to shew that “the Most High dwelleth not in temples made with hands;” and consequently, that the house built by Solomon, was not the everlasting habitation, in which God would dwell; that the land of Canaan was not the possession promised to Abraham, but only the shadow of it; and proves that they were not the circumcision that would inherit that land, “being stiff-necked and uncircumcised in heart and ears,” and with the impressions on their minds of his former assertions, “that Jesus of Nazareth would destroy that place, and change the customs and ordinances that Moses delivered them,”—filled with wrath, they gnash upon him with their teeth and stone him to death. Can we attentively examine these records, without seeing that the ordinances of that dispensation were all carnal and were imposed upon them until the time of reformation. Hebrews 9:8-10. HST June 1, 1841, page 34.15
We have as good reason to believe the absurdity, that the Jewish ritual “taken away and nailed to the cross,” will be again restored; as that the land of Canaan will again revert to the natural posterity of Abraham. HST June 1, 1841, page 34.16
who are the israel, to whom the promise are made?
And this leads me to the consideration and inquiry, who are the Israel, the seed of Abraham and Jacob, to whom the exceeding great and precious promises are made, in the Old and New Testament Scriptures? HST June 1, 1841, page 34.17
If the apostles of our Lord are allowed to be correct expositors of the Old Testament, it would be well to consult their writings upon this important investigation. If the New Testament contains the title-deeds of believers to such promises as I am about to mention, it is worthy of our most serious attention. “The eternal God is thy refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms; and he shall thrust out the enemy from before thee; and shall say destroy. Israel shall then dwell in safety alone, the fountain of Jacob shall be upon a land of corn and wine, also his heavens shall drop down dew. Happy art thou O Israel, who is like unto thee, O people, saved by the Lord, who is the sword of thy excellency! and thine enemies shall be found liars unto thee, and thou shall tread upon their high places.” Deuteronomy 33:27-29. HST June 1, 1841, page 34.18
First, then, we are assured, that “they are not all Israel, who are of Israel, neither because they are the seed of Abraham, are they all children, but in Isaac shall thy seed be called. That is, the children of the flesh, these are not the children of God; but the children of the promise are counted for the seed.” Romans 9:6-8. And again, “Now to Abraham and his seed were the promises made, he saith not, and to seeds, as of many; but as of one, and to thy seed, which is Christ.” Galatians 3:16. The promises were made to one, even to Christ, and to all believers, who are one in Christ, and one with him. “For there is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female, for ye are all one in Christ Jesus, and if ye be Christ’s, then are ye Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.” Galatians 3:28, 29. That the children of the flesh should not be the heirs of the promise, the Holy Spirit has farther set forth by an allegory; Galatians 4:22-31, by which it appears, that it should come to pass, that two sorts of sons, should have Abraham, a father common to both; but not with equal privileges, nor of the same kind. For as Abraham begat Ishmael, by the common course of nature, of Hagar, his bond-maid, and a stranger; and begat Isaac of Sarah, a free woman, by virtne of the promise, and of grace only: and the first was not only not the heir, but persecuted the heir: so there are two covenants, and as it were two sons, born unto Abraham of those two covenants, as of two mothers. The one was made in Sinai, without the land of promise; according to which, Abraham’s children according to the flesh are begotten, even all those who seek righteousness by the law: but they are not heirs of the promise, and shall be cast out. The other covenant was made in the heavenly Jerusalem, which begetteth children of promise, (believers) by the Gospel. And these, like Abraham, do rest in the free promise of life in Christ. They only, by the right of children, shall inherit the father’s possessions; but the others, how high soever their pretensions according to the flesh, shall be cast out. Whosoever follows the quotation from the prophet, verse 27, will see that the church of God should be made, and consist of, the children of barren Sarah, even of them who in the heavenly covenant, should be made Abraham’s children by faith, rather than of fruitful Hagar; even then foreshewing the casting away of the Jews, and the calling of the Gentiles. HST June 1, 1841, page 35.1
Ishmael was the first-born to Abraham, and by reason of the apparent delay in the fulfilment of the promise of a son by Sarah, was, to outward appearance, the heir: and as such remained in his family with Hagar, enjoying the privileges of a son, until Isaac was born, the seed to whom the promises were made. But what saith the Scripture upon the birth of Isaac? “Cast out the bond-woman and her son, for the son of the bond-woman shall not be heir with the son of the free woman.” Galatians 4:30. Even so it has happened to the old covenant, and the Jewish nation. They were accounted as the seed of Abraham, and by circumcision were distinguished as such, and enjoyed all the privileges of sons according to the flesh; Romans 9:4, 5, with an earthly inheritance. All these they enjoyed and boasted themselves of their privileges: and like Ishmael, looked down with an eye of scorn, upon the true heirs of an eternal inheritance—even upon Abraham’s spiritual seed. HST June 1, 1841, page 35.2
But when “the heir of all things” is born—“when the seed came, to whom the promises were made,” they proved themselves to be the sons of the bond-maid; saying among themselves, this is the heir; come, let us kill him, and let us seize on his inheritance, so they caught him, and cast him; out of the vineyard, and slew him.” Matthew 21:38, 39. HST June 1, 1841, page 35.3
But what saith the Scripture concerning them, “Cast out this bond-woman, and her sons.” “He will miserably destroy those wicked men, and will let out the vineyard unto others.” Matthew 21:41, 45. Accordingly the bond-woman, or the old covenant, was taken out of the way, and nailed to the cross, on which the heir of all things was suspended,—the inheritance was forfeited, and the glory departed from Israel after the flesh. HST June 1, 1841, page 35.4
The introduction of the Gospel dispensation by John the Baptist, shewed that “the seed was come, to whom the promise was made,” Galatians 3:19. Accordingly, he charges the Jewish people who came to his baptism, “not to begin to say within themselves, that they had Abraham to their father,” Matthew 3:7-9. Shewing that thenceforth the children of the flesh could not be accounted as Abraham’s children; but instead thereof, all who believe the Gospel, whether Jews or Gentiles. And, afterwards, when the Son of God reasoned with the Pharisees on certain subject; they urged their right to be called the children of God, because they had Abraham to their father. John 8:33. Jesus replied, know that ye are Abraham’s seed,” verse 37; but denied it, saying, “If ye were Abraham’s children, ye would do the works of Abraham,” verse 8:39. It is manifest, that by the expression, “I know ye are Abraham’s seed,” verse 37, he admits, that they were his seed according to the flesh. And, “If ye were Abraham’s children, ye would do the works of Abraham,” verse 39, he alludes to the spiritual children, who are believers rejoicing in Christ Jesus, resting on his imputed righteousness, and having no confidence in the flesh, Philippians 3:3. HST June 1, 1841, page 35.5
The same people, of whom he says, “I know that ye are Abraham’s seed,” verse 37, he declares afterwards, “Ye are of your father the devil,” verse 44. Now, the sense in which they were Abraham’s seed, while they were of their father the devil, must be after the flesh: even as the sense in which the believer in Jesus, though a Gentile in the flesh, has Abraham to his father, and has God also to his father, must be after the spirit, and as an heir according to the promise, Galatians 3:29. HST June 1, 1841, page 35.6
But this subject is farther illustrated in the ninth chapter of the Epistle to the Romans; in which he argues, that although Israel be cast off, the promise or covenant is not made void; for the promise to the patriarch was not to the natural progeny, but to the chosen seed. The first argument is taken from Abraham’s own house. Here, Isaac only was the seed, although Ismael was born of the same father, and circumcised before Isaac: notwithstanding all this, Isaac was the true son and heir of the blessing. Therefore the elect are born the chosen seed, and not first born, and then elected; for the promise is that which gives birth to the heirs of the inheritance. Romans 9:8, 9. HST June 1, 1841, page 35.7
The next proof is taken from Jacob and Esau: both born of the same Isaac, who was son and heir of the promise,—of one mother, and at one birth, and not at different times, as were Isaac and Ishmael; and yet Esau was cast off, and Jacob chosen, and that before their birth. Romans 9:10-13. As “the children of the flesh are not the children of God, but the children of the promise are counted for the seed”—we would inquire who are the children of promise? “Even us whom he hath called, not of the Jews only, but also of the Gentiles.” Romans 9:24. All such are the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus; and are joint-heirs with him, of an eternal inheritance. HST June 1, 1841, page 35.8
The next thing connected with this subject, which I shall notice, is, the casting off of the Jewish nation. And as I have remarked already, although Israel was cast off, the covenant was not made void. When the nation of Israel was cast off from their earthly privileges, there was not one of the chosen seed cast off from the hope of the Gospel. Of this the apostle declares himself a living witness. He hath cast down the Jewish nation from their high elevation, but hath not cast off one of the people which he foreknew, from the covenant of life. Romans 11:1, 2. And, in the Jewish nation, so cast off, there was a remnant at that time, according to the election of grace, as there had been in the lowest state of that nation, and so there will be to the end. Romans 11:3-5. HST June 1, 1841, page 35.9
So, the whole nation of Israel did not obtain that which they sought for, but the chosen of God, among them, obtained it, and the rest were blinded. Romans 11:7. HST June 1, 1841, page 35.10
“I say, then, have they stumbled, that they should fall? God forbid: but through their fall salvation is come unto the Gentiles, for to provoke them to jealousy.” Now, if the fall of them be the riches of the world, and the diminishing of them the riches of the Gentiles; how much more their fulness! For I speak to you. Gentiles, inasmuch as I am the apostle of the Gentiles, I magnify mine office. If by any means I may provoke to emulation, them who are my flesh, and might save some of them. For, if the casting away of them be the reconciling of the world, what shall the receiving, but life from the dead? “Romans 11. The Jewish nation fell from their earthly privileges, and through that fall, salvation came to the Gentiles. Before that time, they were exalted above all the nations of the earth; but when their shadowy dispensation passed away before the light of the glorious Gospel, they came on an equality with the other nations of the world: and were declared to be so, by that Gospel, which testified, that henceforth “there was no difference between the Jew and the Greek; for the same Lord over all, was rich unto all that call upon him.” Romans 10:12. But though the Jew was brought on a level with the Gentile, he was not cast down below the Gentile. The Gentile world obtained riches in the fall of the Jewish nation from their outward privileges. Now, if the fall of the Jew, from his worldly sanctuary, was riches to the Gentile, in opening to him the door of faith,” how much greater privilege would it be, to be brought into the bond of the covenant, and thus obtain the “fulness” of the blessings of the Gospel of Christ. And ff the casting away of the Israel after the flesh, from his outward distinguished privileges, was the reconciling of the Gentile world, with the remnant according to the election of grace—what would we call the receiving of the Gentile world so reconciled, into the bosom of the church, but life from the dead; or the raising of a people from death into life? Instead of this argument of the apostle tending to lead the Jew to despair of mercy, as if he were cut off from every hope, by the diminuation of his outward privileges in the worldly sanctuary, he alleges that it would have the contrary tendency: nay, that it was designed to provoke him to emulate the Gentile in running for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. “The blessing of Abraham has come on the Gentiles, through Jesus Christ.” Galatians 3:14. Believers, whether Jew or Gentile, are one in Christ. “Now, therefore, ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow-citizens with the saints, and of the household of God.” And how comes it to pass, that the believing Gentile is fellow-heir of the same promise with the believing Jew? because Christ hath “abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace. Ephesians 2:15-19. HST June 1, 1841, page 35.11
Though blindness hath happened to Israel, it is but in part, they are not all blinded. The remnant according to the election of grace, are not blinded. This saying is also true of the Gentiles. And the Israel of God shall be made up of the remnant according to the election of grace, from among both Jews and Gentiles: and when these shall be gathered out of all nations, then shall the promise be fulfilled, in the salvation of all Israel. Romans 11:25, 26. The Israel of God does not embrace the gross number of any nation; but a remnant out of all nations, “even as many as the Lord our God shall call.” Acts 2:39. HST June 1, 1841, page 36.1
In Romans 4:9, the apostle asks, does the blessedness, of which Abraham was a partaker, and of which David spake, come upon the circumcision only, in which the Gentiles could have neither part nor lot? In explaining this subject, he inquires first, whether Abraham was declared righteous before God, in the imputed righteousness of him in whom he believed, before, or after he was circumcised? And after pointing out unto us, that Abraham was declared to be justified in uncircumcison, he proceeds to prove that he is the father of all believers, in this respect, whether they belong to the circumcised Jews, or uncircumcised Gentiles. “And he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith, which he had, yet being uncircumcised: that he might be the father of all them that believe, though they be not circumcised: that righteousness be imputed them also; and the father of circumcision to them who are not of the circumcision only, but who also walk in the steps of that faith of our father Abraham, which he had, being yet uncircumcised,” Romans 4:11, 12. HST June 1, 1841, page 36.2
When Abraham believed the gospel, he was circumcised in heart, as is every true son of Abraham; which circumcision is a seal of the righteousness by faith, because it is the work of that Spirit by which believers are sealed unto the day of redemption. Colossians 2:11; Ephesians 4:30. Being thus circumcised in heart, God gave him the sign, which was that circumcision that is outward in the flesh. And as he had the seal of the righteousness of faith, before he got the sign, namely, the outward circumcision, so he was the father of all the believing Gentiles. And he was the father of the circumcision, not of all who were circumcised, but of all who, among his circumcised children, walked in the steps of that faith which he had before he received the sign—in short, of all the Jews who, renouncing their own righteousness, submit themselves unto the righteousness of God. “For the promise, that he should be the heir of the world, was not to Abraham, or to his seed, through the law, but through the righteousness of faith.” Romans 4:13. HST June 1, 1841, page 36.3
God compares his church to a vine, which he brought out of Egypt, and planted in Palestine. Psalm 80:8; Isaiah 5:1, etc. The whole Jewish nation was looked upon, for ages, as being branches in this vine. When the Son of God came into the world, he said, when fulfilling his ministry, “I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman. Every branch in me that beareth not fruit, he taketh away; and every branch that heareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit.” John 15:1, 2. In this beautiful Scripture, Jesus declares himself to be the mystical tree, into which all believers are grafted, and the root from whence they derive life, grace, fruitfulness, and all good. HST June 1, 1841, page 36.4
Hitherto the whole Jewish people were professedly branches in this vine; but the time came, when it would be made manifest, that they were not all in him. The time arrived, when every mere professor would be lopped off, as a useless branch, and when all fruitless boughs would be severed from their acknowledged union with the stem, by the gospel; and when every Jew who partook of a real union therewith would be purged, and, in the light and liberty of the children of God, would bring forth more fruit then when under their carnal ordinances. The same idea is taken up by the apostle, in Romans 11. “For, if the first-fruit be holy, the lump is also holy: and if the root be holy, so are the branches. And if some of the branches be broken off, and thou, being a wild olive tree, wert grafted in among them, and with them partakest of the root and fatness of the olive tree; boast not against the branches. But if thou boast, thou bearest not the root, but the root thee.” Romans 11:16-18. From this it appears, that the whole Jewish nation was not cut off from this mystical tree; but that the remnant according to the election of grace was still reserved. And that the Gentiles, I who were grafted in by faith, were formerly as a wild olive tree, being aliens from the commonmealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise; but now in Christ Jesus were brought nigh, and, with the believing Jews, partook of the same promises and privileges, even the root and fatness of the olive tree. The casting away, than, and the fall, was the casting away and fall of the unfruitful branches. And, as the whole Gentile world was not grafted in, but only such as believed the gospel and stand by faith; so they, with the believing Jews, made up the one good olive tree, and became one in Christ Jesus. The union of the houses of Israel and Judah, and the union of the believing Jew and Gentile, all signify the same thing; that believers of every nation, country, and kindred amongst men, are made one in Christ Jesus, and in him become one household of faith. They are the true Israel of God, the seed of Abraham, and in Christ are heirs of promises exceeding great and precious. HST June 1, 1841, page 36.5
This same view is carried through all the New Testament Scriptures. And when treating of the promises made to the Jews, and Israel, and the seed of Abraham, God’s friend, we are reminded, that “he is not a Jew who is one outwardly, neither is that circumcision which is outward in the flesh; but that he is a Jew who is one inwardly, and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter, whose praise is not of men, but of God. Romans 2:28, 29. “That we are the circumcision, who worship God in the spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh.” Philippians 3:3. “Wherefore, henceforth, know we no man after the flesh: yea, though we have known Christ after the flesh, yet now henceforth know we him no more.” 2 Corinthians 5:16. “And as many as walk according to this rule, peace be on them, and mercy, and upon the Israel of God.” Galatians 6:16. In all the New Testament, there is not one promise to be found of earthly greatness made to any nation under heaven. There are promises of infinite value; but they are made to the household of faith, to them that are in Christ Jesus; and they are spiritual, heavenly, and glorious, and not one of them shall fail. They are sure to all the seed. The seed shall obtain their inheritance, their kingdom, and their crown, but not until their Lord shall come. Then all who are the blessed of the Father shall inherit the kingdom prepared; and, with their glorious King, shall enter into the joy of their Lord. HST June 1, 1841, page 36.6
SIGNS OF THE TIMES
BOSTON, JUNE 1, 1841.
IMPORTANT WORK
From Dublin, Ireland
“Thoughts on the Second Appearing and Kingdom of Christ.” We have given several articles from this work in the last two numbers of the Signs. We shall continue to publish extracts in future, until we have given our readers the best portion of the work. HST June 1, 1841, page 36.7
It was first published in Dublin, Ireland, in 1831. The author’s name is not known to us. It is, however, a work of great merit, and cannot fail to do good wherever it is read. HST June 1, 1841, page 36.8
It is well known to the students of prophecy that there are now two prominent theories advocated by the believers in the pre-millennial advent. The first teaches that the consummation will not take place till the close of the millennium. The second teaches that the consummation will take place at the commencement of the millennium. HST June 1, 1841, page 36.9
There is considerable difference between these theories; both agreeing however in the personal reign, and speedy coming of the Bridegroom; as yet, there is no disunion among their advocates. It is important, however, to our future, mutual co-operation in the cause, that we perfectly understand the leading traits of both theories. We here give them with some remarks. HST June 1, 1841, page 36.10
I. The theory teaching that the consummation will not take place till the close of the millennium. HST June 1, 1841, page 36.11
This is given in the works of James A. Begg, of Glasgow, Scotland; and may be stated in substance as follows: “The Jews shall return to their own land, and Jerusalem shall be rebuilt. The Lord will descend from heaven and dwell in Jerusalem. “Then the moon shall be confounded and the sun ashamed, when the Lord of Hosts shall reign in Mount Zion and in Jerusalem, and before his ancients gloriously.’ He will continue his personal presence on earth certainly 1000, and probably 365,000 years. The nations will go to see him, and to worship in Jerusalem, and keep the annual feasts. The Man of Sin shall be destroyed by the Lord in person or by the brightness of his coming, and the race of evil doers shall generally be cut off. A resurrection of the saints and martyred witnesses of Christ precedes the millennial reign. This is the first resurrection, and shall precede the second from 1000 to 365,000 years. The earth and the atmosphere will he changed. A more genial climate and a more fruitful soil will reward the labors of the husbandmen. Still the earth’s identity and its present localities shall continue; and ‘although it will be a period of unprecedented holiness and happiness, neither sin nor death will be wholly excluded.’ ‘The child shall die a hundred years old, and the sinner being a hundred years old shall be accursed.’ And, therefore, during the millennial dispensation, this world will be the abode of men in the flesh, who will have intercourse with the immortal men who are reigning with Christ. But of the nature of the employment of the reigning saints, and of their intercourse with mortal men, he has no knowledge. HST June 1, 1841, page 36.12
“A short apostacy will succeed the millennium. Satan will be set free from his captivity, but will ultimately be destroyed. Then comes the general resurrection of all that died during the millennium, and those who were not raised at its commencement, which will be followed with the general judgment and eternal rewards and punishments.” HST June 1, 1841, page 37.1
This theory is based upon an erroneous interpretation of the prophecies, particularly those which relate to the restoration of Israel. HST June 1, 1841, page 37.2
There are no promises to carnal Israel in the New Testament. “For the promise to Abraham that he should be the heir of the world, was not to HIM or to HIS SEED, through the law, but through a righteousness of faith.” It will be found, on a careful examination, if we follow out St. Paul’s exposition of the law, and the promises, in Romans and Galations, that all the prophecies relating to the Jewish restoration in the Old Testament will harmonize in the following manner:— HST June 1, 1841, page 37.3
1. All the predictions relative to the Jews’ return to their own land, were delivered previous to the Assyrian and Babylonish captivities, and must refer to those events. HST June 1, 1841, page 37.4
2. That the return of great numbers of the Jews to Judea, after the proclamation of Cyrus, was a literal fulfilment of those predictions, as far as they can be understood to relate to Israel in the flesh. It is quite clear that the prophets, at the time of the restoration of the Jews, so understood it. Not one of the prophets who flourished after their return from Babylon, ever mention their restoration, as did the prophets before them. Why? No such event was then in the future. HST June 1, 1841, page 37.5
3. Those prophecies relative to the restoration of Israel, which were not fulfilled literally in the return of the Jews from Babylon, will be fulfilled in the gathering of the true Israel to the spiritual and heavenly Canaan, or the new heavens and earth wherein dwelleth righteousness. “For he (Abraham) looked for a city which hath foundations whose builder and maker is God.” “For they that say such things declare plainly that they seek a country. And truly, if they had been mindful of that country from whence they came out, they might have had opportunity to have returned. But now they (the patriarchs and their descendents, the Jews, who are not blinded by Judaism) desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city.” 10 The only city that God hath prepared for his people is the “heavenly Jerusalem,” the “New Jerusalem.” 11 This is in the glorified state and after the consummation. HST June 1, 1841, page 37.6
Therefore the literal return of the Jews to then own land, as a national event, has already passed. This view of the prophecies under consideration, we think, is sustained by all the New Testament writers. And these principles being established, the whole theory of a “mortal” and “immortal reign” on earth before the consummation, falls to the ground. HST June 1, 1841, page 37.7
II. The second theory teaches that the consummation takes place at the appearing of Christ, in the beginning of the millennium. It is stated by Mr. Miller as follows: “I believe that the scriptures do reveal unto us, in plain language, that Jesus Christ will appear again on this earth, that he will come in the glory of God, in the clouds of heaven, with all his saints and angels: that he will raise the dead bodies of all his saints who have slept, change the bodies of all that are alive on the earth that are his, and both these living and raised saints will be caught up to meet the Lord in the air. There the saints will be judged and presented to the Father, without spot or wrinkle. Then the gospel kingdom will be given up to God the Father. Then will the Father give the bride to the Son Jesus Christ; and when the marriage takes place, the church will become the “New Jerusalem,” the “beloved city.” And while this is being done in the air, the earth will be cleansed by fire, the elements will melt with fervent heat, the works of men will be destroyed, the bodies of the wicked will be burned to ashes, the devil and all evil spirits, with the souls and spirits of those who have rejected the gospel, will be banished from the earth, shut up in the pit or place prepared for the devil and his angels, and will not be permitted to visit the earth again until 1000 years. This is the first resurrection, and first judgment. Then Christ and his people will come down from the heavens, or middle air, and live with his saints on the new earth in a new heaven, or dispensation, forever, even forever and ever. This will be the restitution of the right owners to the earth. HST June 1, 1841, page 37.8
Then will the promise of God, to his Son, be accomplished: “I will give him the heathen for his inheritance, and the utmost parts of the earth for his possession.” Then “the whole earth shall be full of his glory.” And then, will the holy people take possession of their joint heirship with Christ, and his promise be verified, “the meek shall inherit the earth,” and the kingdom of God will have come, and “his will be done in earth as in heaven.” After 1000 years shall have passed away, the saints will all be gathered and encamped in the beloved city. The sea, death and hell will give up their dead, which will rise up on the breadth of the earth, out of the city, a great company like the sand of the sea-shore. The devil will be let loose, to go out and deceive this wicked host. He will tell them of a battle against the saints, the beloved city; he will gather them to the battle around the camp of the saints. But there is no battle; the devil has deceived them. The saints will judge them, the justice of God will drive them from the earth into the lake of fire and brimstone, where they will be tormented day and night, forever and ever. “This is the second death.” After the second resurrection, second judgment, the righteous will then possess the earth forever.” Miller’s Views, p. 33—4. This theory is triumphantly sustained in the above named work. See articles in this paper headed “The promises to Abaaham,” “Who are the Israel to whom the Promises are made?” HST June 1, 1841, page 37.9
WHOLESALE SLANDER
“Thine enemies shall be found liars unto thee.” HST June 1, 1841, page 37.10
In the month of April last, the brethren who believe the advent near, in Georgetown, Mass., were severely attacked by the Baptist minister in that place, who attempted to review and refute Mr. Miller’s theory. It seems that the main argument which he urged against Mr. M. consisted of a tissue of misrepresentations and lies. We select one as a sample. It comes to us in the form of the following certificate, which, with various other slanders, were circulated with great industry at the time. HST June 1, 1841, page 37.11
Georgetown, April 9, 1841. HST June 1, 1841, page 37.12
This certifies that I attended a lecture in the month of May, 1839 in the First Methodist Meeting House in Lowell, delivered by Mr. Miller, in which he predicted that there would not be any more rain on the earth or marriages among men after the 23rd day of Sept. 1840.
(Signed) L. C. FLANDERS.
HST June 1, 1841, page 37.13
Mr. Flanders further stated to the brethren, that Rev. Mr. Blanchard, Ballard, and Cole were present, and heard the same. HST June 1, 1841, page 37.14
The facts in the case
1. Bro. Cole informs us that Mr. Miller, never gave a lecture in the Methodist Meeting House in Lowell. HST June 1, 1841, page 37.15
2. That neither Rev. Mr. Blanchard, or Ballard attended the lecture, referred to. HST June 1, 1841, page 37.16
3. That he (Bro. T. Cole) the pastor of the Christian Church (in whose Chapel Mr. Miller did lecture) did attend all the lectures—was with Mr. Miller all the time that he spent in Lowell; and that Mr. M. did not at any time, or in any lecture, make any such statement, as reported by Mr. Flanders. He pronounces it a base slander. HST June 1, 1841, page 37.17
4. Mr. Miller, in the following article, tells us what he did say: HST June 1, 1841, page 37.18
I can only say, I pity the young man, and wish he might repent. Some lying prophet has been tempting him. I never lectured in my life in any Methodist house in Lowell, as all our brethren of the Methodists can testify. I never predicted there would be no rain on earth, at any time or place since I have believed my Bible. For I do solemnly and firmly believe that when Christ comes, he will rain hail fire and brimstone upon all liars, and will sweep away the refuge of lies Isaiah 28:15-17. HST June 1, 1841, page 37.19
15. Because ye have said, We have made a covenant with death, and with hell are we at agreement: when the overflowing scourge shall pass through, it shall not come unto us: for we have made lies our refuge, and under falsehood have we hid ourselves: HST June 1, 1841, page 37.20
16. Therefore thus saith the Lord God, Behold I lay in Zion for a foundation a stone, a tried stone, a precious corner stone, a sure foundation: he that believeth shall not make haste. HST June 1, 1841, page 37.21
17. Judgment also will I lay to the line, and righteousness to the plumet: and the waters shall overflow the hiding place. HST June 1, 1841, page 37.22
Ezekiel 13:8-14. Therefore thus saith the Lord God, Because ye have spoken vanity and seen lies, therefore, behold, I am against you, saith the Lord God. HST June 1, 1841, page 37.23
9. And my hand shall be upon the prophets that see vanity, and that divine lies: they shall not be in the assembly of my people, neither shall they be written in the writing of the house of Israel, neither shall they enter into the land of Israel; and ye shall know that I am the Lord God. HST June 1, 1841, page 37.24
10. Because, even because they have seduced my people, saying, Peace; and there was no peace; and one built up a wall, and lo, others daubed it with untempered mortar: HST June 1, 1841, page 37.25
11. Say unto them which daub it with untempered mortar, that it shall fall: there shall be an overflowing shower; and ye, O great hailstones, shall fall; and a stormy wind shall rend it. HST June 1, 1841, page 37.26
12. Lo, when the wall is fallen, shall it not be said unto you, Where is the daubing wherewith ye have daubed it? HST June 1, 1841, page 38.1
13. Therefore thus saith the Lord God; I will even rend it with a stormy wind in my fury; and there shall be an overflowing shower in mine anger, and great hailstones in my fury to consume it. HST June 1, 1841, page 38.2
14. So will I break down the wall that ye have daubed with untempered mortar, and bring it down to the ground, so that the foundation thereof shall be discovered, and it shall fall, and ye shall be consumed in the midst thereof: and ye. shall know that I am the Lord. HST June 1, 1841, page 38.3
Ezekiel 38:22. And I will plead against him with pestilence and with blood; and I will rain upon him, and upon his bands, and upon the many people that are with him, an overflowing rain, and great hailstones, fire, and brimstone. HST June 1, 1841, page 38.4
I have never said or predicted, that there would be no marriages after any time before Christ’s coming: and as to fixing a day or month when Christ would come, I certainly have never done it. For they will be married and given in marriage until Christ comes. HST June 1, 1841, page 38.5
If people will believe the lies of the children of the devil, I cannot help it. They are fulfilling the Scriptures. 1 Timothy 4:2. HST June 1, 1841, page 38.6
Speaking lies in hypocricy, having their consciences seared with a hot iron. HST June 1, 1841, page 38.7
Jude 10-13. But these speak evil of those things which they know not; but what they know naturally, as brute beasts, in those thing’s they corrupt themselves. HST June 1, 1841, page 38.8
11. Wo unto them! for they have gone in the way of Cain, and ran greedily after the error of Balaam for reward, and perished in the gainsaying of Core. HST June 1, 1841, page 38.9
12. These are spots in your feasts of charity, when they feast with you, feeding themselves without fear: clouds they are without water, carried about of winds; trees whose fruit withereth, without fruit twice dead, plucked up by the roots; HST June 1, 1841, page 38.10
13. Raging waves of the sea, foaming out their own shame; wandering stars, to whom is reserved the blackness of darkness for ever. HST June 1, 1841, page 38.11
Surely my brethren if the doctrine of Christ’s second advent needed confirmation, we have it plainly demonstrated in the conduct of these lying and evil servants, “who say my Lord delays his coming.” It shows conclusively that they can get no good argument against the doctrine, for if they could, they would never invent such foolish and wicked lies, in order to turn the subject into ridicule. All, yes every one, who has come out by the pulpit or press against this glorious truth, have either invented some foolish lie, or misrepresented my views, in order to overthrow a doctrine which the Bible, history and signs, confirm. You may inquire, How professed Christians or Gospel Ministers can take such a course, and not fall from grace? I answer, it is evident to me at least, that they never had grace: for if they loved the Lord Jesus Christ, they would love his appearing, and would not be very apt to lie against those who proclaim him near, or the doctrine which teaches us that his approach is at hand. HST June 1, 1841, page 38.12
Perhaps the editor of the “Watchman” will be for inserting in his paper the certificate of this said Flanders as a rarity, and a foundation for a mighty argument against the old farmer. I look for nothing better from such a source. HST June 1, 1841, page 38.13
But let them go on, a few more lies, a few more scoffs, a few more trials, and we shall have done with these things, God will avenge his elect, and that speedily.” Mark that young man, if God has spoken by me, he will not long go unpunished. Better for him that a mill stone were hung about his neck and he was drowned in the depth of the sea.” I have no wish to injure him; but I know he must of necessity, in the sight of God, be a perjured man. HST June 1, 1841, page 38.14
How foolish must a person be to suppose that his story was true? Can any man suppose that Bro. Cole, Blanchard, or any other minister would hear such declarations from me and not expose them at once? Where they could so easily be confuted by Scripture. HST June 1, 1841, page 38.15
Surely the young man must be not only wicked, but a great novice. And whosoever puts any credit in his foolish story must be as destitute of common sense as himself. I will therefore leave him in the hand of our righteous Judge. And hope the devil will be foiled in this attempt to deceive souls. HST June 1, 1841, page 38.16
I remain, as ever, yours in Christian bonds,
Wm. Miller. 12
REVIEW OF “BIBLE READER” ON MILLER’S VIEW OF THE MILLENIUM. NO. III
Bro. Himes,—Bible Reader continues, “The saints, according to this (Miller’s) theory, shall also exchange heaven to dwell a thousand years on earth for no real cause that would seem worthy of a God, as they shall reign kings and priests without subjects. Will this bear the test of Mr. Miller’s first rule, or these plain Scriptures, “Do ye not know that the saints shall judge the world? Know ye not that we shall judge angels?” 1 Corinthians 6. “If we suffer with him we shall reign with him,” and “He must reign until he hath put all enemies under his feet, and the last enemy that shall be destroyed is death,” 1 Corinthians 15. and which the Bible reveals, is after the thousand years are finished. Revelation 20. “Rule thou in the midst of thine enemies.” Psalm 110. HST June 1, 1841, page 38.17
The objection of Bible Reader amounts to this, That if the saints reign with Christ they must have subjects. But if there are none on earth but saints, and they all reign with Christ, then there can be no subjects. Therefore for the saints to reign, the wicked must, part of them at least, be left, during the thousand years as the subjects of the glorified saints. But Mr. Miller’s theory does not admit that there will be any wicked left on earth during the thousand years for them to rule: which will violate his first rule, by not understanding the Scriptures quoted above by Bible Reader as literally as we can and make good sense. HST June 1, 1841, page 38.18
We will therefore examine each text, and see if we can with Mr. Miller’s theory, understand them as literally as the passages will admit and make good sense. “Do ye not know that the saints shall judge the world? Know ye not that we shall judge angels?” 1 Corinthians 6. HST June 1, 1841, page 38.19
Does Bible Reader think this judgment of the world and angels, is to reign over them in the “characters of kings and priests a thousand years? If so he had better READ HIS BIBLE AGAIN. The apostle is speaking, as even a cursory perusal of the chapter will show, of cases of litigation between brethren; and inquires if such is your dignity that you shall sit as judges of the world and of angels, are you, any of you unable or unworthy to judge the smallest matters in things pertaining to this life. Must you carry your difficulties before the world, into their courts? Such a judgment as that to which the apostle here refers will be held at the appearing of Jesus Christ the Lord. Jude 14, 15. “Behold the Lord cometh with ten thousand of his saints.” But for what purpose? To rule a thousand years, the wicked nations? No: but “to execute judgment upon all,” The saints then are coming with the Lord for the purpose of executing judgment upon all that are ungodly. And to convince or convict them of their ungodly deeds and hard speeches, But there is nothing intimated here or in 1 Corinthians 9 that the saints will judge, in the sense of governing as kings. And such judgment as Jude describes is all that we can understand the text to teach, “and make good sense.” To understand it otherwise is a gross insult to common sense. HST June 1, 1841, page 38.20
2. But a second text opposes Miller’s views, according to Bible Reader. “If we suffer, we shall also reign with him.” 2 Timothy 2:12, “He must reign-till he hath put all enemies under his feet, and the last enemy that shall be destroyed is death,” 1 Corinthians 15. and which the Bible reveals, is after the thousand years are finished. Revelation 20. HST June 1, 1841, page 38.21
The difficulty is, over whom or what are Christ and the saints to reign, if none but immortal saints live on the earth? Christ will “reign on David’s throne over the house of Jacob forever.” Luke 1:32, 33. “One like the Son of man came with the clouds of heaven,” etc. “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.” Daniel 7:13, 14. Also, verse 18 “But the saints of the Most High shall take the kingdom and possess the kingdom forever am ever.” If these texts mean any thing they mean that Christ and his saints will, after the termination of the fourth monarchy possess all the do minions of earth and set up a dominion that shall never terminate: shall be everlasting: for ever and ever. This dominion then cannot end with the thousand years, nor yet with the termination of the millennium let it be what it may “The saints shall take the kingdom and posses the kingdom forever, even forever and ever. The eternity of their reign can not be asserted any more strongly than it is here. If then they can have no subjects during the thousand years unless men in the flesh and unconverted are left in the earth; then such men must remain in the earth ETERNALLY, or forever and ever to furnish them with subjects. If such subjects are not provided the saints according to Bible Reader shall exchange heaven to dwell eternally on earth “for no real cause that would seem worthy of a GOD.” for they shall possess all the dominations of the earth “and reign” without subjects. HST June 1, 1841, page 38.22
But what is the world to be subject to Christ It is “the world to come.” Or literally “the habitable earth to come.” Hebrews 2. The new earth. HST June 1, 1841, page 38.23
To what kingdom will the saints be admitted when the Lord Jesus sits upon the throne of his glory? Why, “The kingdom prepared for them from the foundation of the world.” Matthew 25:34. But what dominion was given man then? Genesis 1:26-30 “And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness; and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth. So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them. And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth and subdue it: and have dominion
[Concluded on page 40.]
HST June 1, 1841, page 38.24
EXPLANATION OF THE ABOVE DIAGRAM
a h is the length of the vision, 2300 days. Daniel 8:14 HST June 1, 1841, page 39.1
a b is from the commencement of the vision to the league between the Jews and Romans, a period of 299 years, during which time the Persian and Grecian kingdoms exercised their power over the Jews successively. The Jews enter into this league with the Romans that they may be saved from the power of the Grecians, 158 years B. C. 1 Mac. viii. Daniel 11:23. Here commences the history of the fourth or Roman kingdom, Daniel 7:7, 8, as a persecuting power under its different forms; 1st. Pagan Rome, 666 years. 2nd. Christian Rome, or the ten kings, who have their power one hour with the beast, Revelation 17:12, which we shall prove is 30 years. 3rd. Papal Rome, or the union of the civil and ecclesiastical powers of Rome, to the time of the end, or taking away of the civil power, 1260 years. Daniel 7:25, 12:7; Revelation 11:2, 13:5. 4th. From the taking away the civil power to the final destruction of Daniel’s fourth kingdom, with the brightness of the coming of Christ, 2 Thessalonians 2:8, a period of 45 years. HST June 1, 1841, page 39.2
b c is from the league to the birth of Christ, 158 years. HST June 1, 1841, page 39.3
c d is the life of Christ, 33 years. HST June 1, 1841, page 39.4
d is the death of Christ, which seals or establishes the vision at which seventy weeks of years of the vision are accomplished. Daniel 9:24. HST June 1, 1841, page 39.5
The question may be asked, how are we to know the seventy weeks, equal to 490 days, were fulfilled in years, each day a representative for a year? HST June 1, 1841, page 39.6
Ans. The seventy weeks are divided into three parts. Daniel 9:25-27. Know therefore and understand, that from the going forth of the commandment to restore and build Jerusalem unto the Messiah the Prince shall be seven weeks and sixty-two weeks, and he shall confirm the covenant with many for one week, 27. HST June 1, 1841, page 39.7
1st. The 7 weeks of yrs.=49 yrs. was literally accomplished under Ezra and Nehemiah, who were governors over Jerusalem 49 years, in which time the walls were rebuilt. HST June 1, 1841, page 39.8
2nd. The 62 weeks of yrs.=434 yrs., brings us down to 26 years after Christ’s birth, and to the 15th year of the reign of Tiberius Casar, Luke 3:1. and to the beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Mark 1:1. HST June 1, 1841, page 39.9
3rd. 1 week of yrs.=7 yrs. The ministry of John and Christ, 31 years each. HST June 1, 1841, page 39.10
70 490 years. HST June 1, 1841, page 39.11
Here then we have 70 weeks of the vision, or 490 days, fulfilled in years, which brings us down from its, commencement to the death of Christ, which establishes the vision, and gives the length of a prophetic day. HST June 1, 1841, page 39.12
“As further proof,” says a late writer, “let any one examine the chronology, as given by Rollin or Josephus, from the 7th year of Artaxerxes to the 22nd year of Tiberius Casar, which was the year our Lord was crucified, and he will find it was 490 years.” HST June 1, 1841, page 39.13
It is the opinion of some, that Christ was born four years before the commencement of our Christian era. But admitting this a fact, it does not alter the seal of the vision; it only makes Christ four years older at his death, which some of the learned suppose was the fact: HST June 1, 1841, page 39.14
Let it be distinctly understood, that “the vision” which foretels the death of Christ, fortels his second coming, and his death, not his birth, seals “the vision;” hence we reckon back from d to a 490 years, and from d to h forward to his second coming, which includes the whole vision, 2300 years. HST June 1, 1841, page 39.15
Now from Daniel 8:14, 2300 days or years, as has HST June 1, 1841, page 39.16
been proved, take” 9:24, 490”” “ HST June 1, 1841, page 39.17
and we ascertain that 1810 years from the death of Christ, his second coming and the first resurrection take place. HST June 1, 1841, page 39.18
d e is from the death of Christ to the taking away of the daily sacrifice or pagan worship, a period of 475 years, which we obtain from the numbers given in Daniel 12:11, 12, represented by e g, 1290 days, and e h, 1335. That the 1335 days end at the first resurrection, is evident from Daniel 12:13, for Daniel was to rest, that is, to die, and stand in his lot at the end of the days, that is, at the resurrection. HST June 1, 1841, page 39.19
It has been ascertained that the line d h, that is, from the death of Christ to the resurrection, is 1810 years. The careful reader will observe that the lines d h and e h end at the resurrection, or at the end of the vision. Now to ascertain when the daily sacrifice was taken away and the abomination that maketh desolate set up, HST June 1, 1841, page 39.20
| Daniel 12:11, from d h | 1810 years, |
| take eh | 1335 ” |
| We find d e to be | 475 years. To d e add c d, |
| Christ’s age, | 33 |
| and we find that in a. d. 508 the daily sacrifice was taken away. See Daniel 8:11; 11:31; Revelation 17:16, 17. | |
In the A. D. 476, the Western empire fell, and before A. D. 490, ten kings had arisen upon its ruins, Daniel 7:7. and formed ten separate kingdoms; France was the principal. These kingdoms were all governed by Pagan kings; and we are informed by history, that in the city of Rome and other places in the empire, these Pagan conquerors sacrificed men, women, and children to their supposed deities; and that in A. D. 496, Clovis, king of France, was converted and baptized into the Christian faith; and that the remainder of these kings embraced the religion of Christ shortly after, the last of which was christianized A. D. 508; since which Christianity has been the religion of Rome. At this period commences Christian Rome, or the ten kings, who have their power one hour with the beast. See Revelation 17:12. At this period the abomination that maketh desolate is set up for 1290 days, which, from Christ’s quotation, (see Matthew 24:15, and Luke 21:20,) we learn to be the Roman armies or civil power of Rome, and when these ten kings give their kingdom of power unto the beast, Revelation 17:13-17, then commences the reign of the little horn or papal power, (see Daniel 7:8-24,) whose age we find to be 1260 days. See Daniel 7:25; 12:7; Revelation 11:2; 13:5. HST June 1, 1841, page 39.21
Now from e g=290 days, the time that the abomination that maketh desolate is set up, take f g=1260 the reign or age of papal Rome, and we have e f, the age 30 days, each day a year, of Christian Rome. Add c e=508 and we have c f=538, the A. D. that the papal power was established A. D. 534, Justinian, the Greek emperor, constituted the Bishop of Rome head of all the churches, and 538 conquered Rome and established the pope in his see. We are now brought down to g, or end of the civil power of Rome, Daniel 7:26. A. D. 1798, the pope of Rome lost his civil power. On the fifteenth of February, Berthier, a French general, entered Rome with a French army, deposed the pope, abolished the papal government, and erected the republic of Italy. The pope was taken prisoner, was carried by them a prisoner first to Lienna in Tuscany, from thence to Florence, afterwards to Grenoble, then to Valence, in France, where he died, on the nineteenth of August, 1799; since which time the pope of Rome has exercised no power over any of the kings in Europe, or the Protestant church. HST June 1, 1841, page 39.22
We are now brought to g, the commencement of the time of the end, (see Daniel 12:9,) or taking away of the civil power of the pope. HST June 1, 1841, page 39.23
| Now | from e h = 1335 days |
| take e g = 1290 ” |
and we have g h = 45 years, or time of the end from the taking away of the civil power to the resurrection. As a part of the vision from its commencement to the death of Christ was fulfilled in years, each day a year, it proves that all of it is to be fulfilled in years, therefore I shall use years in recapitulating our reckoning of the vision.
| Years. | ||||
| Line | a b | = | 299. | From the commencement of the vision to the league, Daniel 11:23. |
| “ | b c | “ | 158. | From the league to the birth of Christ. |
| “ | c d | “ | 33. | Christ’s age. |
| “ | d e | “ | 475. | From Christ’s death to taking away daily sacrifice. |
| “ | e f | “ | 30. | Christian Rome. |
| “ | f g | “ | 1260. | Papal Rome. |
| “ | g h | “ | 45. | The time of the end. |
| “ | a h | = | 2300 | years, the length of the vision. |
Let us now prefix the date to the several letters.
| a | 457 | B. C. |
| b | 158 | ” ” |
| c | Christ’s birth. | |
| d | 33 | A. D. Christ’s death. |
| e | 508 | Daily sacrifice taken away. |
| f | 538 | Papal power set up. |
| g | 1798 | Civil power of the pope taken away. |
| h | 1843 | End of the vision, or Second Coming of Christ. |
Note.—And now, dear reader, do you believe that Christ will appear personally again on this earth, to raise his dead saints, change his living to immortality, receive them to the marriage supper of the Lamb, and by his angels gather everything out of his kingdom which offends, and them which do iniquity, that the righteous may shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father, that he may be glorified in his saints, and admired in all them that believe? HST June 1, 1841, page 39.24
Are you willing to believe that in little more than two years, these awful and glorious events will take place according to promise and prophecy? HST June 1, 1841, page 39.25
If you are, then lift up your heads and rejoice, for your redemption is nigh. See to it that your lamp is burning, that your faith is active, that your loins are girt with truth, that you are established in the truths of God’s word. For the vision is yet for an appointed time; but at the end it shall speak and not lie. HST June 1, 1841, page 39.26
C. FRENCH.
[Concluded from page 38.] HST June 1, 1841, page 40.1
over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth up on the earth. And God said, Behold, I have given you every herb bearing seed, which is upon the face of all the earth, and every tree, in the which is the fruit of a tree yielding seed; to you it shall be for meat. And to every beast of the earth, and to every fowl of the air, and to every thing that creepeth upon the earth, wherein there is life, I have given every green herb for meat: and it was so.” HST June 1, 1841, page 40.2
In this kingly commission God cave man universal dominion over all he had made, except over his fellow man. But no such grant of power as dominion over their fellows is contained in the CHARTER. This dominion is not yet possessed; but it will be “in the world” or “habitable earth to come” Perhaps, however, the idea of reigning over the inferior creation by glorified saints, may seem, by some, too gross and carnal. If it should, Bible Reader has helped us to a solution of the difficulty; for he says “As to the risen saints reigning when the kingdoms of this world have become the Lord’s,’ faith sees no difficulty. Did an angel reign in the den, when the lions’ mouths were shut, that Daniel should not be hurt? I answer, Yes, So here we agree, brother Bible Reader. HST June 1, 1841, page 40.3
The saints in glory, may, in faith’s eye, reign as man was originally designed to do, over all God’s works, without any derogation of his character. And so the prophet teaches. Isaiah 11:9. “The wolf shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall live down with the kid; and the calf, and young lion, and the falling together; and A LITTLE CHILD shall lead them:” etc. The dominion of the saints is a restitution to original dominion which was forfeited by disobedience. Thus we have subjects, without wicked nations, over whom the saints will reign or have dominion. That Christ will select some of the saints and confer on them special offices in his kingdom we have no reason to doubt. He has already promised the twelve disciples, “ye shall sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel,” (Matthew 19:28) But to all who have followed him he has promised eternal life. HST June 1, 1841, page 40.4
One text more Bible Reader, has quoted as an insuperable objection to Miller’s theory “Rule thou in the midst of thine enemies,” (Psalm 110.) It seems by this quotation that Bible Reader supposes Christ’s enemies must remain a thousand years for him to reign over them. But Christ gives us to understand, Luke 19:27, that when he comes in his kingdom, the way he will rule in the midst of his enemies will be to command them to be brought and slain before him. See also Psalm 2:29, where break should be read rule; and also Revelation 2:26, 27. His saints will rule them with a rod of iron, and break them in pieces as a potter’s vessel; as Christ has received of his Father, Psalm 2:9. Read also the ex. Ps. and the same work of destruction of all the wicked is there predicted. HST June 1, 1841, page 40.5
J. LITCH.
SIGNS OF THE TIMES
BOSTON, JUNE 1, 1841.
GENERAL CONFERENCE
Of Christians expecting the Second Advent of our Lord Jesus Christ
The followers of the Lord and his apostles, who entertain the blessed hope of the glorious appearing of the Great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ, the dead in Christ, and the everlasting reign of righteousness in the new creation which he will make, are respectfully notified that a meeting will be held in the city of LOWELL, Mass. June 15th, at 10 o’clock, A. M. HST June 1, 1841, page 40.6
The object of the meeting is to prepare the way of the Lord; to comfort one another with the promises of his coming; to call up the attention of the church to the riches of her inheritance, not in this world, but in the world to come, not in a carnal Jerusalem, but in the new Jerusalem, which comes down from above, which has mansions for all, whether Jews or Greeks, Europeans or Americans, who are by faith the children of Abraham. HST June 1, 1841, page 40.7
The Conference will not be a place for controversy, or party strife, or sectarian display; and least of all, a place for assailing the great pillar of holy truth, the church, its ministry, its ordinances, or its Sabbaths; but a season of refreshing to the pilgrims of the desert and of the wilderness, with the promise and prospect of the holy land and heavenly kingdom of everlasting peace and blessedness, to which our Joshua will triumphantly lead all his people beyond the swellings of Jordan. HST June 1, 1841, page 40.8
WILLIAM MILLER,
JOSIAH LITCH,
JOSHUA V. HIMES,
HENRY JONES,
H. D. WARD,
Com. of the Gen. Conference.
IS THERE ANY EVIL IN THE LAND, AND MILLER NOT DONE IT?
From the Republican Herald, Providence R. I. HST June 1, 1841, page 40.9
HORRIBLE TRAGEDY
The Portland Advertiser gives an account of a horrid occurrence at Sumner. Maine.—Mr. Moses Butterfield, a highly respectable citizen, murdered his wife and two of his children a few days since. He had been subject to fits of insanity, and it is said that, in a fit of religious frenzy he committed, this horrid deed, “to save his family from eternal ruin, at the approaching end of the world.” This, we presume, is another fruit of the Miller humbug. If the public, and especially sensible people, will countenance such a quack pretender in his efforts to excite the minds of ignorant, superstitious, and sensitive people, they, as well as he, should bear the responsibility. His labors, we venture to say, will inflict an evil on society, and on the cause of religion, which will not be speedily removed. The saying is common among his followers, “If Miller’s calculations are not true, then the Scriptures are not true.” Thousands will take these calculations as their criterion; and when they find they have been deceived, they will cast the fault on the Bible and reject it.—Such is human nature, and such is the pride of opinion. HST June 1, 1841, page 40.10
This, we presume, is another fruit of the Miller humbug.” Dont you know certain, Mr. Editor? Dare you only presume that this “horrible tragedy”, was the “fruit of the Miller humbug.” This sagacious editor ought to have known, that no murders, or any dreadful evils could take place without Mr. Miller’s aid. He should have known that the above is only a solitary instance: while in the United States, during the last year, there have been about two hundred murders or “horrible tragedies,” All “WE PRESUME” were the fruit of the “Miller Humbug.” Besides the United States bank has failed, and this no doubt is a legitimate fruit of the Miller humbug. Any sensible man, who looks at these things candidly, can but say, in the language of the person who sent us the paper, “too true.” HST June 1, 1841, page 40.11
To Subscribers. This is the fifth number of volume 2. You have all decided ere this, either to take the paper and comply with the terms, or to return it. The one will therefore send their subscription; the other will notify us of their wish to discontinue. Will they please attend to this NOW? HST June 1, 1841, page 40.12
Some have sent back their papers, out without their Post Office address. We must trouble them to send again, with their name and Post Office, when all will be made right. HST June 1, 1841, page 40.13
The Conference. The time of the Conference at Lowell draws near. We expect their will be a great gathering. Let the faithful, of every name, come up with prayerful hearts; with a determination to further the cause. HST June 1, 1841, page 40.14
Friends from abroad will have the opportunity of furnishing themselves with books on the second advent of all kinds, American and English, at the Conference, with the Report of the first Conference, held in Boston. HST June 1, 1841, page 40.15
AGENTS FOR “SIGNS OF THE TIMES”
Massachusetts
BOSTON—Moses A. Dow, General Agent. 107 Hanover Street.
| Fairhaven | Joseph Bates |
| Assonnett | James Taylor |
| Fall River | P. R. Russell |
| New Bedford | J. H. Smith |
| Mattapoisett | A. H. Averill |
| Lowell | M. M. George |
| Salem | A. G. Comings |
| Salisbury Point | Warren Lincoln |
| Haverhill | Henry Plummer |
| Worcester | Elihu Ellis |
Maine
| Portland | John Pearson |
New Hampshire
| Exeter | George T. Stacy |
| Portsmouth | Richard Walker |
| Newtown | Oliver Tuckerman |
Rhode Island
| Providence | John H. Lonsdale |
| Portsmouth | Samuel Clark |
New York
| Low Hampton, Washington Co. | Wm. S. Miller |
| New York City | Henry Jones. General Agent |
| Union Mills, Fulton Co. | Joseph Marsh P. M. |
Pennsylvania
| Philadelphia | John J. Porter |
North Carolina
| Charlotte, Meclinburg Co. | J. M. Thomas, General Agent. |
Lower Canada
| Stanstead | Dr. James Lull |
The above list is imperfect. It will be perfected by the addition of other names, as soon as responsible persons shall be found who will act as agents in the different parts of the country. HST June 1, 1841, page 40.16
N. B. Post Masters and Ministers of the Gospel friendly, to the objects of this paper, will pleased act as agents. HST June 1, 1841, page 40.17
AGENTS will be allowed every sixth copy, and in the same proportion for a less number. HST June 1, 1841, page 40.18
Important Works on the Second Advent
For Sale At This Office, 107 Hanover St
MILLER ON THE SECOND COMING OF Christ, in one volume, nineteen Lectures; to which is added a supplement, containing a chronological Chart of the prophetic periods, with an explanation. Price 62 cts. HST June 1, 1841, page 40.19
LITCH’S ADDRESS TO THE CLERGY, on the Second Advent. This is a very good work. Price 17 cts. HST June 1, 1841, page 40.20
Various other works on the Second Advent, may be had as above. Also BLANK BOOKS, PAPER, SCHOOL BOOKS, Steel Pens, and every article usually kept in a Stationer’s Warehouse. HST June 1, 1841, page 40.21
MOSES A. DOW. HST June 1, 1841, page 40.22
THE SIGNS OF THE TIMES
Is published on the 1st and 15th of each month, at the Bookstore of MOSES A. DOW, 107 Hanover st. next door to Hancock School House.
Joshua V. Himes, Editor.
HST June 1, 1841, page 40.23
Terms,—One Dollar a year, payable in advance, 6 copies for five dollars, 13 copies for ten dollars. All communications should be directed to the Editor, post paid. HST June 1, 1841, page 40.24