Signs of the Times and Expositor of Prophecy [Himes], vol. 2
May 15, 1841
VOLUME II.—NO. 4. BOSTON, WHOLE NO. 28
Joshua V. Himes
SIGNS OF THE TIMES
AND EXPOSITOR OF PROPHECY.
THE SIGNS OF THE TIMES
Is published on the 1st and 15th of each month, at the Book More of MOSES A. DOW, 107 Hanover st. next door Hancock School House. HST May 15, 1841, page 25.1
Joshua v. Himes, editor.
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 May 15, 1841, page 25.2
SECOND COMING OF CHRIST
HOPE OF A GLORIONS RESURRECTION
BY REV. J. KEEBLE.
Job 19:23-27.
O that, with iron pen, on hardest rock,
My words were written, and for ever grav’d
Indelibly—that this my glorious hope,
So full of immortality and bliss,
And this bright prospect, which sustains my soul,
Under all toils and conflicts here below;
Which cheers my heart, and animates my breast,
E’en in affliction’s furnace, and which fills
With holy peace and confidence my mind—
That this unfailing source of all my joy,
To ages yet to come, might be made known;
And to God’s people, to the end of time.
Give hope and comfort, ‘midst their various woes—
I know that my Redeemer ever lives,
Enthroned in glorious majesty on high,
‘Midst cherubim and seraphs, veil’d around
In rapt amazement—bearing the scepter
Over all worlds—seated at God’s right hand,
The Son—the Lord—the heir of all dominion.
But, though exalted far above all praise,
In light, and power, and glory, unapproached
By highest angel, or conceived by man—
Yet “at the latter day” (long wish’d for morn!)
He’ll manifest his glory to his saints,
And “stand on earth,” and take his power and reign
On Zion’s hill, before his ancient ones
And shall I see that day, and see my God
“God in my flesh”—Immanuel—my Lord?
Yea, though my reins consume, and this vile flesh
Be food for worms; my body be destroy’d,
And, made of dust, to its own dust return—
Yet, by Almighty pow’r it shall be rais’d
A glorious body; fashion’d like my Lord’s,
Immortal, holy, heavenly, perfect, pure,
And incorruptible—and thus being rais’d
With all the company of his redeem’d,
I’ll meet him in the air, and come with him,
To share his glorious throne, as his joint-heir,
In that inheritance that fadeth not,
Is undefil’d, and ne’er shall pass away,
And which to the beloved Son of God
In the eternal covenant was given:—
There we shall see him face to face, and there,
Our sorrows ended, all our conflicts o,er,
Our tears all wiped away, our foes destroy’d:
On him we’ll fix our eyes, on him alone,
“And not another.”—Thus sung holy Job—
And the same hope still animates the saints
Of God on earth, whose bodies shall be rais’d
To meet the Lord. Then we shall see those hands,
Once pierced for sins on Calv’ry’s cross,
Holding the sceptre of a universe—
Those feet, once nail’d to the accursed tree,
Standing all glorious “on Mount Olivet,”—
And on that sacred head once crowned with thorns,
The Crown of all dominions shall be seen—
Nor shall that glorious crown be his alone,
But shared with all his people, in that day.—
O glorious prospect for the church of God,
To cheer her heart in this waste wilderness!
HST May 15, 1841, page 25.3
Evidence from Scripture and History of the Second Coming of Christ about they year, 1843, and of his personal reign of 1000 years, first published in 1833. By Wm. Miller. HST May 15, 1841, page 25.4
CHAPTER II
exposition of the vision of 2300 days
“Then I heard one saint speaking, and another saint said unto that certain saint which spake, How long shall be the vision concerning the daily sacrifice, and the transgression of desolation, to give both the host and the sanctuary to be trodden under foot. And he said unto me, unto two thousand and three hundred days; then shall the sanctuary be cleansed. Daniel 8:13, 14. HST May 15, 1841, page 25.5
We first learn in our text that saints might, and one did inquire into the length of the vision, which gives us the same right to search what “manner of time the spirit of Christ which was in them did signify, when it testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ, and the glory that should follow.” 1 Peter 1:11. HST May 15, 1841, page 25.6
In the next place we learn that the vision contained two important, things, the daily sacrifice, and transgression of desolation. The first referring to the completion of the typical priesthood, or seventy, weeks; the other to the sufferings of the people of God, under the abominations of the fourth kingdom, both pagan and papal, when they should be trodden underfoot, until Christ should be revealed in his glory. We learn also by the answer, that it would be 2300 days, and then the sanctuary (or church of the living God) would be cleansed, or, as it might be rendered, justified. HST May 15, 1841, page 25.7
The next inquiry it would be proper for us to make, would be to know what we must understand by days. We are taught in Numbers 14:34. “After the number of the days in which ye searched the land, even forty days, each day for a year, shall ye bear your iniquities, even forty years.” Like-Wise in Ezekiel 4:6. “I have appointed thee each day for a year.” Also from the fact of the accomplishment of the 70 weeks, which is a part of the vision which began 457 years before the birth of Christ, from the giving of the commandment to Ezra the scribe, by Artaxerxes, king of Persia, to so up to build Jerusalem or the walls thereof, (for the temple was built long before in the reign of Cyrus,) unto the suffering and death of Christ. This was 490 years, just seventy weeks. I have the testimony, also, of all the writers on the prophecies on his point. HST May 15, 1841, page 25.8
The next thing which I shall attempt to prove is, the time when these 2300 years began: for without this, we may search in vain for the end. At the time that Daniel had this vision, he says, Daniel 8:15. “And it came to pass, when I, even I Daniel, had seen the vision, and sought for the meaning, then, behold, there stood before me as the appearance of a man. And I heard a man’s voice between the banks of Ulai, which called and said, Gabriel, make this man to understand the vision. So he came near where I stood; and when he came, I was afraid, and fell upon my face: but he said unto me, understand, O son of man; for at the time of the end shall be the vision. Now, as he was speaking with me, I was in a deep sleep on my face toward the ground: but he touched me, and set me upright. And he said, behold, I will make thee know what shall be in the last end of the indignation, for at the time appointed the end shall be.” HST May 15, 1841, page 25.9
What may we learn from the foregoing texts? We learn, first, that Daniel was very anxious to understand the vision, and to know its meaning. And it will not be wrong for us, my kind reader, to understand and know too. HST May 15, 1841, page 25.10
In the second place we learn, that Gabriel was commanded to make Daniel understand the vision. We also learn that the vision carries us down to the end, and that in the vision, the time when the end of indignation shall be, is appointed. Thus far the whole subject seems to be clear and conclusive, but one thing remains yet to clear away all doubts. Daniel did not yet know when the vision began, or was to begin; and although the Angel was sent to instruct him, yet that part was left untold until about 15 years afterwards. In the first year of Darius the Mede, when Daniel made supplication by confession and prayer to his God, the same angel Gabriel was sent to instruct Daniel further into the vision which he was so anxious to understand. “Yea, while I was speaking in prayer, even the man Gabriel, whom I had seen in the vision at the beginning, being caused to fly swiftly, touched me about the time of the evening oblation. And he informed me, and talked with me, and said, O Daniel, I am now come forth to give thee skill and understanding. At the beginning of thy supplications the commandment came forth, and I am come to shew thee; for thou art greatly beloved: therefore understand the matter, and consider the vision.” Daniel 9:21-23. HST May 15, 1841, page 25.11
By these verses we learn that Gabriel was commanded to instruct Daniel further in the vision concerning the daily sacrifice, and the transgression of desolation; and here follows his instruction. “Seventy weeks are determined upon thy people, and upon thy holy city, 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 prophecy, and to anoint the Most Holy.” Daniel 9:24. In this verse Daniel is informed of the time that was determined in the counsel of God before the Lamb of God, the great antitype should take away sin by the sacrifice of himself, make reconciliation by his own blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins, to make sure the vision, and fulfill the prophecies concerning his first coming, and finally enter into the holy of holies once for all as a priest and advocate for his people. And if the angel had stopped here, and given Daniel no more instruction, still Daniel would have been at a loss whether to have begun the vision at the time he had it, either in the first or third year of Belshazzar, or fifteen years afterwards, in the first year of Darius, as Daniel had undoubtedly supposed, by his being so particular in giving us the exact dates of these events; but no, the wisdom of man is foolishness with God—almost 90 years from the first vision before the 70 weeks would begin to be numbered. And here we are taught one important lesson. That it is perfectly vain for us to calculate unless we have, “Thus saith the Lord.” HST May 15, 1841, page 25.12
But let us see what saith the angel. 25th. “Know therefore, and understand, that from the going forth of the commandment to restore and to build Jerusalem, unto Messiah the Prince, shall be seven weeks and three-score and two weeks; the street shall be built again, and the wall, even in troublous times.” In this verse Daniel is commanded to know and understand, that from a certain event, which event was yet hid in futurity, he might begin to reckon his 70 weeks, or as he reckons here, his seven and sixty-two weeks, making in all 69 weeks. And this event was a comnandment to restore and build the streets and walls of Jerusalem in troublous times; but yet who should give the command, and how long before this first event would happen, was in the dark with Daniel, and undoubtedly caused much anxiety in his mind; but Daniel must wait with patience, and so must we, my dear reader, to receive our instruction from God, by “here a little, and there a little.” 26th. “And after three-score and two weeks shall Messiah be cut off, but not for himself; and the people of the prince that shall come, shall destroy the city and the sanctuary; and the end thereof shall be with a flood, and to the end of the war desolations are determined.” Here we have a prophecy of the death of Christ, for his people, the destruction of Jerusalem and the temple, by Titus prince of the Romans, the dispersion and desolation of the Jews, or people of God, until all war shall cease and the kingdom of Christ shall fill the whole earth. 27th. “And he shall confirm the covenant with many for one week; and in the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease, and for the overspreading of abominations he shall make it desolate, even until the consummation, and that determined shall be poured upon the desolate.” The first thing noticed in this verse, is, the preaching of the gospel one week. John preached three years and a half: and Christ three years and n half, making in all seven years, or one week, and this week, with the seven and the sixty-two before mentioned, make up the whole 70 weeks mentioned in the 24th verse. The next thing is, that in the midst, or last half of the week, as it might be rendered, the sacrifice and oblation should cease, that is, Christ would fulfil the typical law, and nail to his cross the ceremonies of the Jewish ritual. The third thing noticed is the overspreading of abominations, and the desolation of the city and sanctuary, until the consummation, or end of the 2300 days, when the sanctuary will be justified. HST May 15, 1841, page 25.13
We have followed the instruction of the angel Gabriel to Daniel, thus far, and find he brings us down to the end of sublunary things invariably. He has told us how long the vision shall be, 2300 years; he has shown us that 70 weeks or 490 of those years would be accomplished at the crucifixion of Christ; he has told us when the 490 years would begin, at the going forth of the commandment to build the streets and walls of Jerusalem in troubleous times; he has given us an exact account of the destruction of Jerusalem, the death of Christ, etc. All may be plain to us, who live after almost all is fulfilled, for we can know when the decree went forth, we know that 490 years afterwards Christ was cut off and not for himself; we know Jerusalem has been destroyed, the Jews scattered, the church trodden under foot, by the abomination of desolation. We can take 490 years from 2300 years, and find the number of years after Christ’s death, before the vision will end, viz. 1810 years—we can add the age of Christ, 33 years, to 1810 and by this calculation find that A. D. 1843 the vision will be accomplished. But Daniel could not do all this for he had no instruction to tell him how much time would elapse before the commandment to build the walls would be given or who would issue that decree; therefore Daniel was not satisfied, and four years afterward the same angel Gabriel came to instruct Daniel in this one thing, who should issue this decree. Daniel 10:1. “In the third year of Cyrus, king of Persia, a thing was revealed unto Daniel whose name was called Belteshazzar and the thing was true, but the time appointed was long, and he understood the thing, and had understanding of the vision.” We see in this verse that Daniel lived, and received this visit and instruction under Cyrus, the first king in the Persian line of kings, and we further learn that the thing revealed to Daniel was true, and that it had reference to an appointed time, and that time was long, and that it was concerning this very vision of 2300 years, that being the longest time appointed. HST May 15, 1841, page 26.1
In the next place we are informed that Daniel had prayed and mourned three full weeks, and after this he beheld the glory of Christ in the form of a man, and after strentghening him, the angel Gabriel informs him, that he is come in answer to his prayers, and says, 13th verse, “But the prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me one and twenty days: but, lo, Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me; and I remained there with the kings of Persia.” What the angel meant by “one and twenty days,” being withstood by the prince of Persia, is to me as yet in the dark; but we may notice, that it is the same length of time Daniel mourned and prayed, and the angel seems to present this as an excuse why he did not come when Daniel began praying. HST May 15, 1841, page 26.2
We may also notice that it was 21 years from the time he had his first vision in the 7th chapter, until he received this last instruction in the three last chapters; and it teaches us that we ought not to give over praying, and searching for truth, although we might be twenty one days, or even as many years, before we obtain. Daniel 10:14. “Now I am come to make thee understand what shall befal thy people in the latter days, for yet the vision is for many days.” In this verse we learn that the Angel came to make Daniel understand the vision; which would concern the people of God in the last or latter day, for it would be many days yet to come. From the 15th to the 19th verses of the same chapter Daniel gives an account of the effect this visit had upon him, the manner of his being strengthened, in order that he might receive the instruction his heavenly visitor came to communicate, and then the angel begins his instructive lesson. 20th. “Then, said he, knowest thou wherefore I come unto thee? And now will I return to fight with the prince of Persia: and when I am gone forth, lo, the prince of Grecia shall come.” In the first place the angel asks a question of Daniel, whether he understood what he had come to instruct him into, and then before he received any reply, goes on to answer the question by refering Daniel to the “ram pushing,” which was explained to Daniel before to mean the kingdom of Persia; “now will I return to fight with the prince of Persia,” which was to show Daniel that God was now about to accomplish his designs with the kingdom of Persia, by giving that Kingdom strength to push west, north and south, agreeable to Daniel 8:4; and after that should be accomplished, which had been foretold, concerning Persia, “Lo, the prince of Grecia should come.” The next kingdom that Daniel saw in his vision, was called the “he goat.” 21st. “But I will shew thee that which is noted in the scripture of truth: and there is none that holdeth with me in these things but Michael your prince. We here learn that the things which the angel was about to reveal to Daniel had been before noticed in the Scriptures of truth, which plainly indicates, that it was to be an explanation of Nebuchadnezzar’s dream, and Daniel’s former vision, twenty-one years before, which Daniel had undoubtedly wrote at the time, and transcribed into the law of God, or book of the Law. See Daniel 9:10. And he further shows us in the same text, that although it had been noted in the Scripture, yet none, understood except Christ, here called “Michael your prince,” and the angel Gabriel. He next says, in the first verse of the 11th chapter, “Also I, in the first year of Darius the Mede, even I, stood to confirm and strengthen him.” In this passage the Angel has coupled this visit with the one where he revealed the seventy weeks. See Daniel 9:1, 2, which also connects it with the vision in the 8th chapter. See 9:23, and then goes on with his instruction to Daniel through, the 11th and 12th chapters.
To be Continued.
HST May 15, 1841, page 26.3
REVIEW OF BIBLE READER ON MILLER’S VIEWS OF THE MILLENNIUM. No. 2
I must dwell yet longer on Bible Reader first section. We shall make but little progress in our search after Bible truth, until the point already examined have been thoroughly investigated. Speaking of Miller’s view of the millennium, Bible Reader says, “This theory supposes that Christ and his saints shall reign upon the earth, while none others shall be living upon it but themselves—and as all those will the children of the resurrection, there will be no increase of people during that period, contrary Isaiah 65:18-25.” HST May 15, 1841, page 26.4
I conclude from this passage, that Bible Reader admits the text he has quoted, refers to, a predicts the millennium. This I also believe But what is the doctrine of the text and context 1. That God will “create new heavens and new earth: and the former shall not be remembered nor come into mind.” 2. That God was “create Jerusalem a rejoicing and her people joy.” 3. That “there shall be no more an infant of days nor an old man that hath not filled his days.” 4. The people of God are called upon to rejoice FOREVER in what God thus creates. Isaiah 65:17-20. HST May 15, 1841, page 26.5
When do the Scriptures authorize us to believe this new heavens and earth will appear? If there is any propriety in Bible Reader’s quoting the text to refute “Miller’s view of the millennium,” it must be at the commencement of that period. So he evidently understood it; and so also the Bible teaches. We are both agreed that Christ will personally come in the beginning of the millennium. But he will judge the quick and dead at his appearing and his kingdom. 2 Timothy 4:1. At the day of Judgment and perdition of ungodly men he will burn, dissolve, melt the heavens and earth which are now. And then “we, according to his promise, look for a new heavens and a new earth wherin dwelleth righteousness.” 2 Peter 3. HST May 15, 1841, page 26.6
“When the Lord Jesus is revealed in flaming fire taking vengeance on them who know not God and obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ, who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of his power.” 2 Thessalonians 1:7-19. I ask if there is any exception here made, in the favor of some of the best of the heathen, and of the whole Jewish nation who shall then be alive. None at all. But he will take vengeance on them that know not God, (the heathen,) and obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ the Jews. For the Jews certainly have not obeyed the gospel. If they have not, when Christ comes, they never will: for they shall the punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord. HST May 15, 1841, page 26.7
Again, Romans 2:3-16, the apostle assures us that in “the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God,” “in the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Christ Jesus,” he will, because there is no respect of persons with him, render to every soul of man who doeth evil, indignation and wrath, tribulation and anguish, TO THE JEW FIRST and then also to the Gentile. Is there any provision here for the safety of the Jews and the best of the heathen? None! But EVERY SOUL of man who doeth evil must endure the threatening. HST May 15, 1841, page 26.8
Once more: The world is to be burned in the day of judgment: and where will the wicked be then? Malachi answers, chapter 4:1, “For behold the day cometh that shall burn as an oven; and all the proud and all that do wickedly shall be stubble: and the day that cometh shall burn them up, saith the Lord of hosts, that is shall have them neither root nor branch. Will Bible Reader here find an exception of the proud Jews, and wicked unconverted heathen? No; all these will be burnt, root and branch. But when is this to take place? When the Lord makes up his jewels. Malachi 3:17. HST May 15, 1841, page 27.1
Bible Reader some how or other seems to be in the fog. He, by his quotation, admits that the new heavens and earth and Jerusalem of Isaiah 15. will be at the beginning of the millennium, and argues that there will be births and deaths, if I can understand him; and that in this new earth, a sixth part of Gog is to be left to multiply a thousand years. And at the end of that time, after having been ruled by the saints, they shall rebell, and fall beneath the vengeance of heaven and be burned up; and then another new heavens and earth, that of Revelation 21:1, will appear, in which there shall be no wicked left. But it so happens that the Lord calls on us to rejoice FOREVER in that he will create as predicted by Isaiah. But if it is to continue only a thousand years, our joy in it must cease at the end of that time, and be placed on that which John predicts. So the text in Isaiah should rather read, “Rejoice a thousand years in that which I create.” HST May 15, 1841, page 27.2
Isaiah also says, 65:19. of Jerusalem, “the voice of weeping thall be no more heard in her nor the voice of crying.” So likewise Revelation 21:4. “God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes.” There shall be “neither sorrow nor crying.” Isaiah says, “there shall be no more an infant of days, nor an old man that hath not filled his days.” Surely this must be immortality. Revelation 21:4, says also, “there shall be no more death.” The two states are most certainly identical, and must both be eternal. So that after all, Brother Miller is not so wide of the mark as Bible Reader imagined. For we have already shown that the wicked will be destroyed at Christ’s coming and we will only add one more text to show that when Zion, or Jerusalem as here predicted is made, “her people shall be all RIGHTEOUS.” Isaiah 60:21. HST May 15, 1841, page 27.3
J. LITCH.
THE BRUISING OF THE SERPENT’S HEAD
The next thing that urges itself on our attention is the promise, that the seed of the woman shall bruise the serpent’s head, or the principal seat of his life: the head of the serpent thus importing the kingdom of satan. We inquire, has this promise been fulfilled? Has the kingdom of the devil been destroyed? Was his head bruised when Jesus arose from the dead? Then, indeed, did the Captain of salvation spoil principalities and powers, and load his chosen people captive, whom satan had led into captivity, Ephesians 4:8: but was his kingdom then destroyed, and his power utterly taken away? If so, what is meant by that wicked, who was to be revealed, and that kingdom, which was to rise under the mask of Christianity, by which millions would be led into destruction and perdition? 2 Thessalonians 2. Was not satan to be the grand mover of rebellion against the Lord and his Christ, in the christian dispensation apostacy, as he had been in all dispensations from the beginning? When the rise, progress, and reign of the man of sin is spoken of in the New Testament predictions, are not all represented as wrought by the power and subtlety of the old serpent? If his head was bruised, his power taken away, and his kingdom destroyed, how could he work “with all power, and signs, and lying wonders?” 2 Thessalonians 2:9, 10. All who have been saved, from the beginning, have been delivered from the snare of the devil, and released from his power and influence. “The prey has been taken from the mighty, and the lawful captive delivered, Isaiah 49:24. And, towards the close of his present career, there shall be a consumption of his kingdom, by the circulation of the Scriptures, and the spread of gospel light. Yet he shall be destroyed by the brightness of the coming of the Son of God, 2 Thessalonians 2:8. HST May 15, 1841, page 27.4
In every dispensation, the serpent has shewed his wisdom, in imitating the worship of God; ret in such a way as to blind the eyes of his deluded worshippers, lest the light of the glorious gospel should shine unto them. And the apostles, who were “not ignorant of his devices,” and who watched his workings, speak of him as clearing new ground, and taking another stand n the christian dispensation. He takes holy orders; and, instead of the old serpent, standing up for the mummeries of heathen superstitions, we have an angel of light, or a minister of the christian religion, 2 Corinthians 11:13-15. Not an angel of gospel light, and a witness for gospel truth; but a preacher of another gospel, a perverted gospel, Galatians 1:6, 7, destructive of the souls of men, Galatians 5:4 Not an angel of light. who submits to the Son of God, as head over all things to his church; but one who “opposes and exalts himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in he temple (church) of God,” and in his usurped throne, “shewing himself that he is God,” 2 Thessalonians 2:4. Not an apostle of Christ, bowing o his sceptre; but in the seat of Christ, delaring himself the prince of apostles, and giving commission to “false apostles, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ, whose end shall be according to their works.” HST May 15, 1841, page 27.5
If the serpent’s head is bruised, why is the church exhorted to be clothed in the armour of righteousness? Is the soldier of the cross one who beateth the air, having no enemy to contend with? No: “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against spiritual wickedness in high places,” Ephesians 6:12. Although satan is thus permitted to work, yet his time is limited; and the knoweth that he hath but a short time.” For, “The God of peace shall bruise satan under your feet shortly,” Romans 16:20. But when shall that be fulfilled, which was connected with the first promise of mercy? Even when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven. He shall destroy satan “by the brightness of his coming.” Then the stone, cut out without hands, shall break the great image (the kingdoms of satan,) to pieces, Daniel 2:34, 35. The rejected stone shall fall upon the empire of the prince of darkness, and grind it to powder. HST May 15, 1841, page 27.6
What is the bruising of the serpent’s head, but the destruction of all the ungodly with satan, when our Lord returns, Isaiah 63:1-6; Revelation 20:1. HST May 15, 1841, page 27.7
THE DAYS OF NOAH LIKE TO THE DAYS OF THE SON OF MAN
The history of Noah bears a strong resemblance to the day of Christ. For, “As it was in the days of Noah, so also shall the coming of the Son of man be.” Matthew 24:37. The earth at that time became so defiled with sin, that God thought fit to wash it by the waters of a flood; and the seed of the serpent became so perverse, that the Judge of all the earth pronounces upon them sentence of death. Previous, however, to the execution of the vengeance written, God sends a warning voice by Noah, and contrives at the same time for the preservation of the chosen few. By God’s command, “Noah prepared an ark to the saving of his house, by which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith.” Hebrews 2:17 He preached, warned, builded, and finished. “The world of the ungodly,” intent upon their pursuits, neglect the warning voice, and turn a deaf ear to the report of impending judgments: or, if they had observed the labors of the patriarch and prophet, it was with the smile of derision, at the undertakings of the fanatic. “They were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered into the ark, and knew not until the flood came, and took them all away: so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.” Matthew 24:38, 39. The Son of man, too, has prepared an ark of refuge, to the saving of his church; and, during his labor of love, “was despised and rejected of men,” He has sent out the invitation to sinners to fly to him, and be saved from the wrath to come. With his gospel sent into all nations, as a witness unto all, he hath sent out the warning voice—“But the heavens and the earth which are now, by the same word are kept in store, reserved unto fire against the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men.” 2 Peter 3:6, 7. Though warned by judgments, signs, and witnessess, the world shall be found as in the Java of Noah. “Nevertheless, when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?” Luke 18:8. HST May 15, 1841, page 27.8
When the appointed hour came, and all the guests were entered into the ark, the Lord shut them in. Then were the windows of heaven opened, and the fountains of the great deep broken up. The inhabitants of the earth perished; but Noah, in the ark, rode safely and securely on the top of the waves. So also, when the chosen people of God, whom he hath delivered from the wrath to come, are brought unto Christ, during the present dispensation the Lord shall shut them in, and make a display of his protecting and preserving power: for thus saith the Lord, “Come, my people, enter thou into thy chambers, and shut thy doors about thee: hide thyself as it were for a little moment, until the indignation be overpast. For, behold, the Lord cometh out of his place, to punish the inhabitants of the earth for their iniquity: the earth also shall disclose her blood, and shall no more cover her slain.” Isaiah 26:20, 21. “Behold, the day cometh, that shall burn as an oven; and all the proud, yea, and all that do wickedly, shall be stubble: and the day that cometh shall burn them up, saith the Lord of hosts, that it shall leave them neither root nor branch. But unto you that fear my name, shall the Sun of Righteousness arise, with healing in his wings.” Malachi 4:1, 2. To meet their coming Lord, shall all the church of God be caught up, both they who fell asleep from the beginning, and all who are alive and remain unto that day; and, under the shadow of his redeeming wings, they shall be preserved from the fiery deluge, which shall consume and sweep away all earth’s inhabitants. 1 Thessalonians 4:15-17; Isaiah 30:29, 30. HST May 15, 1841, page 27.9
The world renovated and restored, was given to Noah and to them who were saved with him in the ark, and this by an unchangeable decree and covenant. From the ark in which they were saved, they came down to possess the gift of a merciful and benevolent Preserver, And to the redeemed of the Lord shall be given the new earth, which shall be raised out of the ruins of the present. “But the day of the Lord cometh as a thief in the night: in which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat; the earth also, and the works that are therein, shall be burnt up: nevertheless, we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.” 2 Peter 3:10, 13; Isaiah 65:17; 66:22. The earth is promised as an inheritance to Christ, and his saints. It was created by Christ, and for him, Colossians 1:16. Is it in the possession of Jesus and his redeemed at the present time? No. It is possessed by the usurper, and the seed of the serpent; but they shall be dispossessed. “The wicked shall be cut off from the earth, and the transgressors shall be rooted out of it.” Proverbs 2:22. And the heirs of promise shall inherit it. “For evil-doers shall be cut off; but those that wait upon the Lord, they shall inherit the earth.” “But the meek shall inherit the earth, and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace.” “The Lord knoweth the days of the righteous; and their inheritance shall be forever.” “For such as be blessed of him shall inherit the earth; and they that be cursed of him shall be cut off.” “Wait on the Lord, and keep his way, and he shall exalt thee to inherit the land: when the wicked are cut off, thon shall see it.” Psalm 37:9, 11, 18, 22, 34. “Blessed are the meek; for they shall inherit the earth.” Matthew 5:5. “Fear not, little flock; it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom. Luke 13:32. But what earth shall the saints inherit? Is it the present earth, defiled with sin under its inhabitants; groaning under the curse, and covered with the slime of the serpent? Would this be a habitation meet for the glorified church? No. The present earth shall be dissolved by fire; but “we, according to his promise, look for a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness”—an “earth filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea.” Hebrews 2:14. To this the holy city shall come down Revelation 21:1, 2. HST May 15, 1841, page 28.1
THE HOPE
The resurrection of the just, the coming of Lord Jesus in his own proper glorified person, and eternal life, constitute the real objects of the Christian’s hope. HST May 15, 1841, page 28.2
We are thus explicit on this subject because we have found many who say they “have got a hope that their sins are pardoned.” There neither is nor can be such a hope. Hope has always a future object; and pardon is never promised to sinners as an object future to those in the Christian state. What a person has, he cannot hope for. He that hath his sins forgiven cannot hope for forgiveness. The Christian’s hope for which he is commanded always to furnish a reason, or to be ready to do it, is not pardon nor justification, regeneration nor sanctification, but eternal life at the coming of the Lord.—Mill. Har. HST May 15, 1841, page 28.3
Romanism in England.—The pope has addressed a letter to “his beloved son the Earl of Shrewsbury,” in which he expresses the hope that the light of divine faith, i. e., popery, will again shine, as of old, upon the minds of the British people, and that the long lost sheep may come back into the fold of Christ. With this view his holiness has paternally divided the kingdom into eight apostolical vicarages, with a bishop to each. HST May 15, 1841, page 28.4
SIGNS OF THE TIMES
BOSTON, MAY 15, 1841.
Our Own Affairs. As every good cause is nescessarily connected with the character and conduct of its advocates, we deem it necessary once for all to make a few statements relative to the affairs of our paper, as connected with the glorious doctrine of the second advent of our Lord Jesus Christ. We will just notice a few of the HST May 15, 1841, page 28.5
FALSE STATEMENTS CIRCULATED AGAINTS US
Of speculation. Money making, without regard to, or faith in the subject advocated. This charge was circulated by two ministers of the gospel, as certain proof that our enterprize is all a humbug They found it upon a false report relative to our arrangement with Messrs. Dow and Jackson, our printers. They are excellent, and faithful men in their business. Neither of them profess the faith that we advocate. They are only the Printers. We are alone responsible for the paper, and its contents Our arrangements have been alike honorable, am satisfactory to each other. The following testimony will shut the mouths of calumniators. HST May 15, 1841, page 28.6
The subscribers, as an act of justice, wish to say to the friends and patrons of the ‘Signs of the Times, that in all our arrangements with the editor, we have found him prompt and honorable. HST May 15, 1841, page 28.7
Dow & Jackson.
May 5, 1841.
Money Making. We have devoted one year’s indefatigable effort to get up, and establish the “Signs of the Times.” Our accusers could not be hired to do the service that we have performed for $500. And yet we have not realized one penny. This is our speculation. Terrible, very terrible! HST May 15, 1841, page 28.8
We have now published four numbers of the 2nd volume. The prospect thus far, is, that we shall fare something as we did last year. The printers will be paid. The Agents will be paid. The Editor will make all the money there is left IF there is any. We hope there will be, for the sake of those who are dependent upon us for bread While our enemies are peeking to destroy us by slander, let our friends sustain us by their subscriptions. HST May 15, 1841, page 28.9
But, then, it is by the Books he speculates. Oh That is it! is it? Well; a word about the Books. We have prepared several books for the press, such as we believed would do the church and the world great good. As yet the sales have not been sufficient to meet the expense of publication. Our labor is unrewarded as in the editing of the paper. This is the way we make money on the books. HST May 15, 1841, page 28.10
But you will make money by future sales. Well, we hope to get something for our labor. Will you deny me the reward of honest industry? But what do you want money for, if the world is to come to an end in a few years hence? Why, we must live till that time, and as we are dependant for our daily bread, on our labors, we must look to the rewards of honest industry for it. Well, you don’t need any thing more than what is absolutely necessary. Very well: we do not ask for it. We have not got it. If we should be taken away from our wife and little ones, they would be left pennyless this very hour. HST May 15, 1841, page 28.11
We fear that our friends will think us in error for thus condescending to notice the cavilings and scoffings against us. We justify ourself only on the ground of saving the cause, (not ourself,) from injury. HST May 15, 1841, page 28.12
It would seem that most of our opponents have no means of meeting our arguments or reasons for the doctrine of the advent near. And so they slander and cavil. HST May 15, 1841, page 28.13
Mr. Miller don’t believe his doctrine. Why? O he wont gamble away his farm, and turn his family out of doors!! HST May 15, 1841, page 28.14
The Editor of the “Signs of the Times” does not believe it. Why? Oh! he has devoted himself to the advocacy of the cause between one and two years, under scoffs and contumely; without compensation!! HST May 15, 1841, page 28.15
There can be no honesty, no disinterestedness, no virtue, no love of truth; Why? Because they have none themselves! They judge out of their own hearts! HST May 15, 1841, page 28.16
AN OPPOSING ARGUMENT
The most weighty objection which has been usually urged in my hearing, against the doctrine of the second advent at hand, is the increase of infidelity or unbelief in the Scriptures, which it will naturally occasion at the passing away of the time, supposed by some of our number to be revealed for the coming of the event. HST May 15, 1841, page 28.17
To sustain this objection, it has been frequently reported that some who have given heed to the theory of its coming about “1843,” have threatened to “burn their Bibles,” should they witness the passing away of that period without seeing the event. HST May 15, 1841, page 28.18
Before answering this objection, it is proper to state the fact, that there is no knowledge of such a threat’s being uttered at all by any advocates of the advent near. The report of such a threat, is confidently asserted to have originated only with the opposers of this doctrine, and to have been propagated only by them. Its origin is said to have been as follows: An opponent of the doctrine, was invited to open a meeting by prayer, before a lecture on the above subject. In the prayer, was a petition that men might “not be left to burn their Bibles,” as the consequences of not witnessing the event at the time supposed by the speaker, to be foretold for its coming. On hearing this petition, it was somewhat natural to draw the inference, that the person praying had himself heard actually of some such case, or cases; and many being quite naturally willing to understand it so, it soon became quite natural that such a report arose. So it is quite natural to expect such things reported to oppose the doctrine, till, as the lightning, the Son of man shall be revealed, whether it be in 1843, before, or after this period. HST May 15, 1841, page 28.19
But why should such fears of increased infidelity from this source, be indulged? So far as I can learn, and I have had considerable opportunity to know, all who have been led seriously to give heed to the doctrine of the coming of the Lord near, are actually looking out for it near; and will continue so to look for it, till it comes, whether it shall be in 1843, or not. Of course, they are not the persons to be made infidels by the heed they are giving to the expected near coming of their Lord to judge them in the presence of the assembled universe. And shall it be said that the propagation of the kingdom at hand, shall tend to the increased infidelity of others who give no heed to it? Surely the sober an investigating professed Christian, who affects to pit the weakness of others, considering the event near, will not be tempted to infidelity by witnessing the public exposure of the weakness of others at the close of 1843, should they live so long, any more than when witnessing such an exposure at any former period. And how shall unbelieving scoffers the advent near, who give only a scoffing heed to the doctrine, become any more such, should the live three years more without being called to stand before the Son of man? There have, heretofore, been periods passed by, at which certain persons had publicly taught that the Messiah would return to his people on earth, and we have not learned that infidelity was increased either with the believers or unbelievers of the fictitious theory, at its going by And does not the manifest weakness of this alleged strong objection, betray the weakness of the cause, or theory, which leans for support on a position so unfounded? J. HST May 15, 1841, page 28.20
Mr. Miller, the millenarian, continues to excite considerable interest by his new theory of the millennium, throughout New England. He meets with violent opposition, and has to suffer many hard sayings and biting reproaches from the clergy. Whether his theory be true or false, it can never be put down by such indiscriminate denunciation, as the haughty kingdom of the clergy continually pours out upon him. We lack confidence in the correctness of his views, but we admire his independence of mind, and the integrity of character which he evinces. HST May 15, 1841, page 29.1
Time will prove or disprove the truth of his theory in less than three years. 1843 will render up a judgment for or against him. He has a short race to run, which will terminate in sad disappointment or great glory. HST May 15, 1841, page 29.2
The “Signs of the Times,” published in Boston by Joshua V. Himes, abounds in articles from the pen of Mr. Miller and other correspondents, among whom, we recognize James A. Begs of Glasgw. Should the “Signs” fail to point infallibly to 1843, it will at least elicit much light, which will be turned to a useful account, by the thinking and practical. In all these speculations, however, there is danger of too much abstraction, followed by a neglect of the weightier matters of faith and practice.—Ch. Pub. HST May 15, 1841, page 29.3
We fully agree with the editor of the Publisher that there is great danger in following vain speculations, to the neglect of the weightier matters of faith and practice. But in making known the power and coming of the Lord, we do not follow “cunningly devised fables,” or “speculations.” We have the plain, practical testimony of Jesus and the apostles on this subject, which if we follow, will lead to all “holy conversation and godliness.” Ed. HST May 15, 1841, page 29.4
Union Among Christians.—“Behold how good and pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity.” How pleasent? For brethren of the same faith, to live in brotherly affection! How pleasant to see the ministers of Christ united in heart, and in all their labors and efforts to promote the general welfare of the Church of Christ! How pleasant, to see a Church united with their Pastor and happy in the blessings of Christian love! It is like the dew of Hermon that descended upon the mountains of Zion where the Lord commanded his blessing even life forever more. HST May 15, 1841, page 29.5
To Correspondents. Father Ward has sent us a communication of 23 pages, closely written; in reply to his namesake. We shall do the best we can to give him a hearing; but we must divide his article into several numbers if we publish it. A “Lover of Truth,” must give his name before we can publish his article. We have had several anonymous communications making requests—and presenting questions; but wish to assure all that we do not notice such, unless we are sure that they are sincere seekers of good. Those who write for publication, should be careful to avoid all ludicrous anecdotes, or illustrations. Some things have found their way into our paper through our correspondents, with which we are deeply mortified. It was, however, through mistake. They were to have been suppressed. It will be done in all cases in future. HST May 15, 1841, page 29.6
COMMUNICATIONS
A REVIEW OF ELDER LEVI HATHAWAY’S LETTER ON THE RETURN OF THE JEWS.
From the Christian Herald. HST May 15, 1841, page 29.7
CHRIST’S SECOND COMING
I have had a very deep exercise of mind, for a year and a half past, on the great and important subject of the second coming of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. And while I have been searching diligently the word of God, and also looking at the signs of the times, I am led to believe that the coming of the Son of God draweth nigh. I have felt a deep interest in all that I have read on this subject. But I am not prepared as yet, to fully subscribe to all that I find written on this great matter. I think that some of our modern writers have made a mistake in their application of the two last visions of Daniel. They have supposed that these visions are a prophetic history of the church. Now I am of the opinion, that the great burthen of that prophetic history has reference to the nation of the Jews. HST May 15, 1841, page 29.8
I find that many of my brethren have taken Daniel’s date of 2300 prophetic days to fix the day, and hour, when the Son of God shall come the second time. But brethren, this will not do; for Christ declared that of that day and hour, knoweth no man, nor angel, neither the Son. Now if the 2300 prophetic days in Daniel 8:14, refer to the second coming of Christ, surely the angel Gabriel did know the day and hour when the Son of God would come. But I believe that Gabriel was sent unto Daniel to give him a plain, simple history of what should befall his people, (the Jews) in the latter days. And he informed him, that from the going forth of the commandment to restore and to build Jerusalem, there should be 2300 days, or years, to the end of their national troubles in their captivity; and that then the Sanctuary, the holy mountain of Daniel’s God, or the old land of Canaan, should be cleansed, (see Exodus 15:17.) that is, taken from the Gentiles and given to the seed of Jacob to possess. HST May 15, 1841, page 29.9
Our Lord declared unto the Apostles that Jerusalem should be trodden down of the Gentiles until the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled. (Luke 21:24.) Then of course Jerusalem will be rebuilt. HST May 15, 1841, page 29.10
Again; Paul says, “I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, (lest ye should be wise in your own conceits) that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in. And so all Israel shall be saved; as it is written, there shall come out of Sion the Deliver, and turn away ungodliness from Jacob.” Romans 11:25, 26. HST May 15, 1841, page 29.11
If brothers Miller and Litch have fixed on the right starting point, then we may expect that in 1843 the proclamation will go forth from the Congress of Sovereigns of Europe, to the Jews to return to their own land. HST May 15, 1841, page 29.12
And soon after the Jews shall return to their own land, will commence such a time of trouble among the Gentile nations of the earth as the world has never witnessed. Then will the unclean spirits, like frogs, come out of the mouth of the dragon, (the pagan world) and out of the mouth of the beast, (the nominal Christian world) and out of the mouth of the false prophet, (the Mohammedan world.) Revelation 16:13. And these spirits of devils will quickly, gather together all nations, (or armies of the nations,) to that great day of God Almighty. HST May 15, 1841, page 29.13
Behold, therefore, the goodness and severity of God; on them which fell, severity; but towards thee, goodness, if thou continue in his goodness, otherwise thou also shalt be cut off.” Romans 11:22. When the Lord turned from the Jews, (as a nation,) to the Gentiles, he gave them up to madness; and so, when the Lord shall turn from the Gentiles to bless the Jews again, God will give up the Gentile nations, in like manner, to madness. And when these scenes of consternation and distress shall come upon the nations of the world,—O, then, ye saints of the Lord, lift up your heads, and rejoice, knowing that your redemption draweth nigh. Then, (in my humble opinion,) will such a day of bright glory burst upon this earth, as the world has never witnessed. Then will God’s oath be fulfilled, that he sware unto his servant Moses, saying, “as truly as I live, all the earth shall be filled with the glory of the Lord.” Numbers 14:21. HST May 15, 1841, page 29.14
LEVI HATHAWAY.
West Mendon, Monroe Co. N. Y.
March 26, 1841.
MILLER’S REVIEW OF THE ABOVE LETTER
Dear Brother Himes:—I have safely arrived at home, after an absence of three months; worn down with fatigue, and almost exhausted with anxiety of mind. I feel unable to take up my pen, even in defence of the glorious truths which God has spoken of Zion. But when I read such sentiments as are thrown out to the world in the “Christian Herald,” of April 15, 1841, under the signature of Bro. Levi Hathaway, I must show his errors. He states first, “that some of the modern writers have made a mistake in their application of the two last visions of Daniel.” They suppose these visions apply to the church. “Now (he states) I am of opinion, that the great burthen of that prophetic history has reference to the nation of the Jews.” HST May 15, 1841, page 29.15
Now that Daniel 7:7 and 8th verses have reference to the Roman Government, all must agree. Verses 9, 10, have a particular reference to the “glorious appearing of the great God and the judgment of the saints.” See the Angel’s explanation, verse 22. HST May 15, 1841, page 29.16
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. HST May 15, 1841, page 29.17
The 11th verse is the destruction of the Roman kingdom, explained by verse 26. HST May 15, 1841, page 29.18
But the judgment shall sit, and they shall take away his dominion to consume and to destroy it unto the end. HST May 15, 1841, page 29.19
The 13th verse is the second coming of Christ, and the 14th is the kingdom given to the saints, out of all nations, not the Jews only, but all people, nations, and languages, should serve him; explained verse 27. HST May 15, 1841, page 29.20
And the kingdom and dominion, and the greatness of the kingdom under the whole heaven, shall he 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. HST May 15, 1841, page 30.1
The next vision is like unto this one; so Daniel says, 8:1, “after (or like unto) that which appeared unto me at the first.” The same fourth kingdom is spoken of in the 8th chapter, 9 to 12 verses inclusive, explained in the 24th verse. HST May 15, 1841, page 30.2
And his power shall be mighty, but not by his own power: and he shall destroy wonderfully, and shall prosper, and practice, and shall destroy the mighty and the holy people. HST May 15, 1841, page 30.3
Destroy the people of the holy ones, i. e. of God and of Christ. Now can this be the nation of the Jews? Read John 8:44, Acts 7:51. Can these be the people of God and of Christ? Again see Isaiah 65:15, Hosea 1:10, 2:23, 1 Peter 2:10, Romans 3:29. Surely brother Hathaway doth not understand the covenant of grace, revealed to Abraham, “in thee shall all the nations of the earth be blessed.” See also Daniel 11:32-35. Can these texts apply to the Jew? Do they know their God? Are they strong and do exploits? Do they instruct many? Are they tried, purged, and made white even to the time of the end? And what end? See also Daniel 12:1-3 HST May 15, 1841, page 30.4
And at that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince which standeth for the children of thy people: and there shall he a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time: and at that time thy people shall be delived, every one that shall be found written in the book. HST May 15, 1841, page 30.5
And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt. HST May 15, 1841, page 30.6
And they that be wise, shall shine as the brightness of the firmament: and they that turn many to righteousness, as the stars for ever and ever. HST May 15, 1841, page 30.7
Are the Jews, as a nation, written in the book? What book? Will those who sleep in the dust of the earth awake? Is the Jew to have the first resurrection? Revelation 20:6, 1 Corinthians 15:23. Then why did Paul try to convert the Jew? He is letter off in his unbelief, than we who believe. It is all Judaism, and I am really ashamed of Christian ministers who fall into this condemnation. They have not read Paul’s reasoning, Romans 2:28, 29, 4:9-17, 9:6-8. HST May 15, 1841, page 30.8
In his next paragraph, Bro. H. has misrepresented “many of his brethren,” by saying, they “have taken Daniel’s date of 2300 prophetic days to fix the day and hour when the Son of God shall come the second time.” None have pretended to tell the day and hour. I hope, therefore, he has the love of truth so much at heart as to confess this mistake. He then tells us what he believes. “That Gabriel was sent to tell Daniel what should befall his people (the Jews) in the latter days,” and “that then the sanctuary, the holy mountain of Daniel’s God, or the old land of Canaan should be cleansed,” and quotes (Exodus 15:17.) HST May 15, 1841, page 30.9
Now as it respects the people here meant, it cannot mean the carnal Jew for they are cut off are no more a people, neither a holy people, nor a people of God at all. And as it respects the text which Bro. H. has quoted in Exodus 15:17. It was all fulfilled, when Joshua led the children of Israel into Canaan. See Joshua 21:45. HST May 15, 1841, page 30.10
There failed not aught of any good thing which the Lord had spoken unto the house of Israel; all come to pass. HST May 15, 1841, page 30.11
Joshua 23:15. Therefore it shall come to pass that as all good things are come upon you, which the Lord your God promised you: so shall the Lord bring upon you all evil things, until he have destroyed you from off this good land which the Lord your God hath given you. HST May 15, 1841, page 30.12
His next paragraph contains a quotation from Luke 21:24. “And Jerusalem shall be trodden down of the Gentiles until the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled.” and then he draws a conclusion which is not warranted by the text or context, “Then, of course, Jerusalem will be rebuilt.” How does he know this fact? Does it follow? No. What then? I answer, “And then shall they see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory.” Now suppose I should say, “Jerusalem shall be trodden down of the Gentiles until the end of the world?” Would this argue that it would be built after the end of the world? No, by no means. I will then prove that the “times of the Gentiles,” is the end of the world. Matthew 24:14. “And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world (among all Gentiles) for a witness into all nations (Gentiles and Jews,) and then shall the end come.” See Matthew 28:19, 20. “Go ye therefore and teach all nations,” etc, make disciples or Christians of them, “and lo I am with you alway, even to the end of the world.” This then is the “time of the Gentiles” the end of the world. See also the parable of the tares and the wheat, Matthew 13:24-43. They are to grow together, good and bad, Jew and Gentile, until the harvest. And the harvest is the end of the world. Then instead of God turning from the Gentile, to bless the unbelieving Jew, contrary to every gospel promise, he will come to bless his people, and save them out of all nations wherein they have sinned. And then he will burn up the chuff with unquenchable fire. HST May 15, 1841, page 30.13
How inconsistent are our gospel teachers at the present day; the veil of Judaism is not taken away. It is but the policy of the arch foe, to keep the Jewish veil on the face of the Jew, and to prevent the Christian from “looking for the glorious appearing of the great God and our Savior Jesus Christ;” and so that day shall overtake them as a thief in the night. For surely if the typical priesthood is to be restored, after the more perfect Priest has entered into heaven for us; and if the ceremonial law is to be reared up again, after Christ blotted it out and nailed it to his cross; and if old Jerusalem is to be built again, after the new Jerusalem which is the mother of us all, Jew and Gentile, has been preparing more than 1800 years, John 14:2, 3, and if the old covenant promises are to be realized, Hebrews 8:13, after we have come to the Mediator of the new and better covenant, Hebrews 12:24: then our High Priest in heaven is not an everlasting priest, and the cross has not power to blot cut the law which was against us, and we have no warrant that it can blot out our sins. Then, too, we may look in vain for a new Jerusalem, while the old is yet standing. Then how can the gospel covenant be an everlasting and a better covenant, when the Jewish is to succeed the gospel, and afterwards be restored. HST May 15, 1841, page 30.14
These are some of the difficulties which Bro. Hathaway and all other judaizing teachers must and ought to meet fairly before they pretend to each others the things which we are to look for from heaven. Certainly they say, “my Lord delayeth his coming,” in consequence of the unfulfillment of the things which they assert must first come to pass. HST May 15, 1841, page 30.15
Be not deceived, brethren, Daniel’s people are a holy people, they are the people of God; in the latter days, Peter perceived that out of every nation, he that feareth God, and worketh righteousness is accepted with him. “God is no respecter of persons.” Be not led astray, my brethren, there is no difference between Jew or Gentile, Acts 15:9. HST May 15, 1841, page 30.16
And put no difference between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith. HST May 15, 1841, page 30.17
Romans 3:22. Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all, and upon all them that believe; for there is no difference. HST May 15, 1841, page 30.18
Romans 10:12. For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all, is rich unto all that call upon him. HST May 15, 1841, page 30.19
And when your Judaizing teachers tell you that God will turn again to the Jews as a nation; (for he has never turned away the gospel from them, for if they continue not in unbelief, they may be grafted hi with the Gentile.) follow them not, lest you too may be found with a veil of Jewish tradition when Christ shall come; “but ye, brethren, are not in darkness that that day should overtake you as a thief.” 1 Thessalonians 5:4. HST May 15, 1841, page 30.20
Low Hampton, April 21, 1841.
BIBLE CLASS LESSONS
LESSONS III
The Emblematic Representations of the vision.—Daniel 7. Part First. HST May 15, 1841, page 30.21
Ver. 1. At what time was this vision presented to Daniel? HST May 15, 1841, page 30.22
Ver. 2. On what did the four winds strive? HST May 15, 1841, page 30.23
Ver. 3. What came up from the sea? What did the four beasts represent? HST May 15, 1841, page 30.24
Ver. 4. What was the description of the first beast? The second? The third? The fourth! HST May 15, 1841, page 30.25
Ver. 7. How many horns had the fourth beast? HST May 15, 1841, page 30.26
Ver. 8. What come up among them? What happened to the other horns? What was the character of the little horn? What is described in the ninth and tenth verses? What is said of the horn and beast in verse 11th? What is related in verse twelfth? HST May 15, 1841, page 30.27
Ver. 13. What was given the Son of man when he thus came in the clouds of heaven? How long is his dominion to endure? Is it not clear that the kingdom of Christ was not set up at the time of his first advent? Should we look for it before his second and glorious appearing? Can there be any such thing as a reign of the saints without the presence of the King? Is not this whole vision utterly irreconcilable with the idea of a temporal millennium after the destruction of the beasts and before the second coming of Christ? HST May 15, 1841, page 30.28
Part Second. The divine interpretation of the emblems. HST May 15, 1841, page 30.29
Ver. 15. What effect did the vision produce on Daniel? HST May 15, 1841, page 30.30
Ver. 16. What did he ask? What was his success? HST May 15, 1841, page 30.31
Ver. 17. What did the divine messenger say the four beasts were? What do you understand by the term king in this place, one king, or a kingdom and dynasty of kings? (See verses 18, 23, 24.) Are these four kingdoms the same as those represented in the dream of the metalic image, chapter 2hap. 12. H. HST May 15, 1841, page 30.32
Ver. 18. Who shall finally take the kingdom Is the kingdom of the saints and the Son of man the same? What did Daniel ask in the 19th verse? What was the answer? (verse 23.) HST May 15, 1841, page 30.33
Ver. 20. What did he wish to know in this verse? What did the ten horns represent? (verse 24.) What was the character of the little horn? How many of the first ten were to be plucked up before him? HST May 15, 1841, page 30.34
Ver. 25. What was he to do? What was to be given into his hand? For how long a time? HST May 15, 1841, page 31.1
Ver. 26. What was to happen to the little horn, to mark the termination of the time, times and dividing of time? Was the power to be exterminated then or have a farther existence? For how long a time was it to be dying of consumption after the taking away the dominion? HST May 15, 1841, page 31.2
Ver. 27. What was to take place at the end spoken of verse 26? Does the vision thus far give us any intimation how long it would be from the taking away of the dominion of the little horn, to the end, when the saints will possess the kingdom? HST May 15, 1841, page 31.3
To be Continued.
BACKWARDNESS OF PASTORS ON THE SECOND ADVENT
Above all other classes, it would naturally seem that pastors of churches would be preaching unceasingly this doctrine of the kingdom at hand, if it be indeed scriptural. It would surely be their appropriate work, and standing at the very head of their high commission, “As ye go, preach, saying, the kingdom of heaven is at hand,” “Repent ye and believe the gospel.” And yet it is believed, that pastors as a class are now the most backward of all classes of evangelical believers, to lift up their voice in the promulgation of this blessed and most awakening and most comforting doctrine. While we are now very sanguine in their being wrong, and without a reasonable excuse for their frequent opposition, or backwardness in this matter, there are several facts, which if duly considered, should make us charitable, rather than severely censorious towards them, in all we have to do in our desired loud blowing the trump of alarm, “in all the holy mountain.” HST May 15, 1841, page 31.4
1. Several of us have heretofore, as pastors, done just as they are now doing in regard to this subject: and though perhaps none attempted to wake us to it, we should doubtless have treated it no better than they have; had it at first been presented and urged upon our minds, in all circumstances as it has upon theirs. HST May 15, 1841, page 31.5
2. As in our own case, they have been educated even under their best religious impressions to consider the doctrine of Christ’s near coming to judgment, to be most visionary, superstitious and unscriptural, verifying the old adage, “That which is bred in the bone, stays long in the flesh.” HST May 15, 1841, page 31.6
3. Most of them, especially those who have been considerable time in their office, have naturally done more in teaching the opposite doctrine of Christ’s coming to reign in this world a long time before the judgment, than any other class. Of course they have become more established in the opposite opinions by their own arguments, than others who have not thus felt themselves called to teach the opposite theory. So much of this has come under my own observation, in my travels, that I have long learnt to expect of the most aged and respectable pastor the greatest backwardness to give any heed to this now supposed heretical doctrine, as taught by Paul and others, of “Jesus and the resurrection.” HST May 15, 1841, page 31.7
4. There is in pastors, as well as in ourselves and others, a remaining root of pride, or something which naturally hinders their receiving and expressing that conviction of a gross mistake in a leading sentiment of their own theory which must precede their taking hold of this doctrine and cause. HST May 15, 1841, page 31.8
5. Our own convictions, feelings and labors on this subject, have been progressive and from small beginnings; and are, even now, by no means like those of the first Christians. Then why should we not be charitable and still reform ourselves, rather than denounce others, whom we would convince of errors which but recently we were holding ourselves, though now we consider them dangerously heretical? HST May 15, 1841, page 31.9
6. Pastors generally, who are sustained by their people, are so much thronged with the present multiplied duties of their office, that though they would, they seem to find almost no time to examine into the merits of this supposed new doctrine for themselves. Mr. C. an Episcopalian Pastor of Philadelphia, near three years ago, said to me,—“Laymen and ministers with out charges, must first give this matter a thorough searching out, since we who are pastors are constantly under such a pressure of parochial duties that we have no time for doing it.” HST May 15, 1841, page 31.10
7. Pastors who have recently become professedly and in full, convinced of the truth and importance of the doctrine of Christ and his kingdom at hand, as I have learned, in many cases, feel themselves incapable of profitably preaching it; for want of more study and a better understanding of it; as expressed by Mr. R. of Philadelphia, when I urged him to the work of faithfully presenting this blessed doctrine; he said, “You must allow me time for first studying and understanding it so that I can present it profitably when I undertake it.” HST May 15, 1841, page 31.11
8. Pastors are under the severest temptations, many times, to be slow in coming to this work, from the opposite views of some of their leading supporters, who would consider them visionary, weak, and unfit for pastors, should they advance this doctrine. In addition to some personal experience on this point, I saw a specimen of it recently, in New England, where I had preached the doctrine during a Sabbath and evening, apparently to the satisfaction of the experienced pastor; and, as he trusted, to the satisfaction of his people also; so that he had appointed for me three more lectures among his people. But before retiring to rest, one of his principal members came in upon us, so highly excited and so jealous toward myself, that he could not be appeased;—with which the pastor was broke of his rest during the night.—Next morning another leading brother sent him in the first copy, he ever saw, of the Signs of the Times containing our second advent Conference Proceedings, etc. which the pastor considered further ominous of disturbance. Perceiving his embarassment, I proposed leaving at once; for him to fulfil my appointments, and to settle the matter with his people in his own way. To this, he immediately assented, and then kindly helped me to a conveyance further on my way. HST May 15, 1841, page 31.12
9. Pastors generally are more ecclesiastically hedged up in their way of taking hold of this work, if they would, than any other class. They must belong to the Presbytery Association, Conference Classes, or some other such organization. These ecclesiastical bodies, though their creeds are with us, are supposed quite generally to consider a man as a heretic, and worthy to be treated as Mr. Miller has been, who shall teach that the apocalyptical millenium is to be personally with Christ, in the heavenly state, forever and ever. Under such circumstances, a pastor is severely tempted, either to discard the doctrine openly,—to think of it on secretly,—or attempt to forget it altogether, therefore, these ecclesiastical stumbling blocks could be removed, might we not, after all, anticipate the soon coming to this help of the Lord against the mighty, of a powerful phalanx of those whose way is yet hedged up, and seemingly with their ecclesiastical connexions? HST May 15, 1841, page 31.13
Of course, we should be far from despairing of the cordial and hearty co-operation of thousands of our pastors in due time. Though at present they, as a class, are slow to move in this great work, they have, many of them, certainly exhibited more self-denial, in going to, and continuing in their work, than any other class of literary men. And though they were, at first slow to move in certain other reform enterprises they have, in due time, moved efficiently; and if as humble fishermen, a few individuals as pioneers, shall truly follow the blessed Master’s example and directions, in preaching the kingdom at hand: there is apparently no doubt of their soon moving, and moving efficiently, in this cause also, though it be to the jeoparding of their lives, that they may win Christ, and “be found of him in peace, without spot and blameless:” HST May 15, 1841, page 31.14
As we need, ourselves, they also need martyr’s spirits, and then at once the grace of God will be sufficient, and every mountain of difficulty will be removed and cast into the sea. Let us, then, who profess to be already more free, and to have received increase of faith, be careful that in all things we show it by our increased well-directed labors, and most earnest prayers for the immediate preparing of the Lord’s way, that he and his kingdom may come quickly. J. HST May 15, 1841, page 31.15
CHRIST’S SECOND COMING
The Lord shall come! the earth shall quake;
The mountains to their centre shake;
And, withering from the vault of night,
The stars withdraw their feeble light.
HST May 15, 1841, page 31.16
The Lord shall come! but not the same
As once in lowly form he came;—
A silent Lamb before his foes,
A weary man, and full of woes.
HST May 15, 1841, page 31.17
The Lord shall come!, a dreadful form,
With rainbow wreath, and robes of storm;
On cherub wings, and wings of wind!
Appointed Judge of all mankind.
HST May 15, 1841, page 31.18
Can this be He who wont to stray,
As pilgrim, on the world’s highway;
Oppress’d by power, and mock’d by pride,
The Nazarene, the crucified?
HST May 15, 1841, page 31.19
While sinners, in despair, shall call,
“Rocks, hide us; mountains, on us fall!”
The saints, ascending from the tomb,
Shall joyfully sing, “The Lord is come.”
Heber
HST May 15, 1841, page 31.20
THE FIRST RESURRECTION
Revelation 20:5
Wake, wake, the cheerful harp and voice;
Let earth, and sea, and sky rejoice;
From mount to mount, let praises fly,
And the far echoing woods reply.
HST May 15, 1841, page 31.21
Rejoice all creatures on the earth,
And bless the hour which gave you birth:
Let hymns of praise to God ascend,
And every knee in homage bend.
HST May 15, 1841, page 31.22
The long expected hour hath come,
And Jesus brings the ransomed home;
Around his throne shall loved ones meet,
And fall and worship at his feet.
HST May 15, 1841, page 31.23
SIGNS OF THE TIMES
BOSTON, MAY 15, 1841.
GENERAL CONFERENCE
Of Christians expecting the Second Advent of our Lord Je us 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 second time, to bring with him the resurrection of 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 May 15, 1841, page 32.1
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 May 15, 1841, page 32.2
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 May 15, 1841, page 32.3
WILLIAM MILLER,
JOSIAH LITCH,
JOSHUA V. HIMES,
HENRY JONES,
H. D. WARD,
Com. of the Gen. Conference.
Literary Notice And Providential Rescue
A voice to Britain and America: In a Scriptural statement of the second coming of our Lord and Savior, which we daily pray for;—“Thy kingdom come—Thy will be done in earth as it is in heaven. Matthew 6:10. By Capt. A. Landers. Liverpool, 1839. HST May 15, 1841, page 32.4
The above is a tract of 15 small quarto pages, of solid scripture passages, well selected and arranged, fortelling and describing the great events of Christ’s coming to judgment, both from the Old and New Testaments. From a perusal of this Tract, and a previous acquaintance with its general contents, understood as by this author, I consider it eminently calculated to assist the mind of inquirers, in understanding the prophecies generally, on this momentous and all absorbing subject. HST May 15, 1841, page 32.5
1200 copies of this tract have recently been rescued from oblivion in this city, in a manner very providential. It appears that some friend or friends of this doctrine in England, sent these tracts to America, as “A voice to America,” probably for gratuitous distribution. But no person appearing to pay duties on them, they were sold at the Custom House, after nine months, and for a mere trifle at auction; to pay duties on the bundle. So great was the need of this “voice” to wake up Americans, that there were none at the auction already awake to the subject. Of course, they were bid off, only as waste paper. Soon after sale, one of these tracts was picked up from under foot, besmeared with dirt, by a gentleman present, who, on seeing its title, and hearing of the bundle sold, carried it immediately to an acquaintance whom he knew to be interested in its doctrine. The tract was then examined, and its admonitory voice was heard. Inquiry was then made at the Custom House for the person who had purchased the bundle and providentially his name and place of residence were thus found, and the whole were purchased of him and are now being distributed among those who before, had scarcely even heard such a “voice,” or “cry at midnight”—“Behold the Bridegroom cometh,” etc. HST May 15, 1841, page 32.6
Mr. B. who rescued them, authorizes me to say, that a quantity of them has been forwarded to 107 Hanover St. Boston, where they may be had single, at 6 cts a copy. Surely the manner of the coming of this “Voice,” from England to “America,” seems like casting “bread upon the” rich “waters,” to be found “after many days.” J. HST May 15, 1841, page 32.7
Genius Of Christianity. This is the title of a new paper, published at Salem, Mass., by Elder JA. G. Comings. It is open to the free discussion of moral and doctrinal questions. The editor, in relation to Baptism, Christian Union etc., defends the doctrine of the connection of remission of sins with the act of baptism, and that no union can be justly denominated Christian Union, unless upon the plan of Christianity as begun by the Apostles. In these particulars he has the sympathies of Bro. A. Cambell of Va. We hail every laudable effort for the increase of scriptural knowledge, and experimental and practical piety; but we dissent from the theory of Baptism for the remission of sins. With us “neither circumcision,” or Baptism “availeth any thing, but a new creature.” “Prove all things, and hold fast that which is good.” HST May 15, 1841, page 32.8
$1,00 a year in advance. Address A. G. Comings, Salem Mass. HST May 15, 1841, page 32.9
Youth’s Cabinet is the name of a small unpretending weekly newspaper, adapted as its name imports, to youthful readers particularly, but designed for families and schools, and edited by N. Southard, a young man whose excellent principles and amiable deportment, united with talents of a peculiar kind, eminently qualify him for such extensive usefulness. It blends instruction with entertainment. It ought to be in every school and every family. The price is only one dollar per year, in advance, or five dollars for six copies. It is published at No. 25 Cornhill, Boston, and No. 9 Spruce street, New York.—Lynn Record. HST May 15, 1841, page 32.10
NEWS FROM EUROPE
Eastern Affairs. The affairs in the East do not seem to be permanently settled; there are evidently remaining the seeds of discord, perhaps of war. Mehemet Ali evinces no promptness in acceeding to all the terms of the treaty—and will probably seize the first opportunity to re-establish his power. HST May 15, 1841, page 32.11
Advices from Constantinople to the 29th of March stated that general consternation prevailed in that capital in consequence of several couriers having arrived there with despatches announcing that the whole country about Diarbekir was in a state of insurrection. The militia had been disarmed, the civil and military authorities put to death, and the dissolution of the Osman monarchy proclaimed by the rebel tribes.—Mer. Jour. HST May 15, 1841, page 32.12
SIGNS OF THE TIMES
and expositor of prophesy
The objects of this paper are, HST May 15, 1841, page 32.13
1. To promote, by free dispassionate inquiry, a more perfect knowledge among Christians with prophecy in general. HST May 15, 1841, page 32.14
2. To make a record of proceeding and facts having a bearing upon the subjects proposed for investigation; to review publications on Prophecy and to be a medium of general information thereon. HST May 15, 1841, page 32.15
The Signs of the Times, is not pledged to uphold any particular views: but is conducted on the broad principle of publishing, impartially, the opinions of all, on the great questions of prophetic interpretation; providing they are written with moderate ability, and in a right spirit. HST May 15, 1841, page 32.16
The following resolutions were passed by the General Conference of Christians, expecting the advent of the Lord. Holden in Boston Oct. 14, 1840. HST May 15, 1841, page 32.17
recommendation of the “signs of the tinks.”
Resolved, That we heartily approve of the establishment of the paper in Boston, Mass., called “The Signs of the Times,” edited by Joshua V. Himes, for the dissemination of light on the subject of the near approach of the glorious kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ; and we believe it calculated to do immense good to the souls of men, by leading them to a more diligent study of the Holy Scriptures, and awakening in them a more earnest desire and effort to be prepared for the great and glorious event. HST May 15, 1841, page 32.18
Resolved, That we earnestly recommend that all our friends, believers in the kingdom near, exert themselves to increase its circulation, by obtaining subscribers among their acquaintances, and thus assist in extending the knowledge of the coming of the Lord, and leading men to a preparation to meet him. HST May 15, 1841, page 32.19
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 May 15, 1841, page 32.20
MILLER’S LIFE AND VIEWS, in one volume. This work contains a Sketch of Mr. Miller’s life, his Chronology, the Charts and Expositions, eleven new Lectures, Reviews, Letters,—with a Likeness. Price 62 cts. HST May 15, 1841, page 32.21
BIBLE STUDENT’S MANUAL. This is a little work compiled from Mr. Miller’s other works; designed for a Pocket Note Book and Manual. It contains the Chart, Rules of Interpretation, etc. with 32 pages of blank paper, for notes, etc. Price 25 cents. HST May 15, 1841, page 32.22
SIGNS OF THE TIMES, Vol. I.—This work is neatly bound, with a likeness of Mr. Miller. It contains a history of the rise and progress of the doctrine of the Advent near in the United States, and in other parts of the world. It is a very important work for all interested in this cause. A few copies for sale at this office. Price 1,50. HST May 15, 1841, page 32.23
MILLER’S REVIEW OF DOWLING, in two Letters, in a tract. 50 cts per hundred. HST May 15, 1841, page 32.24
LITCH’S ADDRESS TO THE CLERGY, on the Second Advent. This is a very good work. Price 17 cts. HST May 15, 1841, page 32.25
WARD ON THE MILLENNIAM,—a pamphlet of 74 pages. This is the best work now published on this subject. Price $6 per hundred. HST May 15, 1841, page 32.26
CONFERENCE REPORT. This is a very able and important document. It contains two discourses from Mr. Litch on the Second Advent—Chronology of Prophecy. One from Rev. Henry Jones, on the Restoration of Israel. Two from Mr. Miller on the chronology of the prophetic periods—Judgment. One Discourse, in three parts, by H. D. Ward, on the Millennium. 174 pages. Price 37 cts—$25 pr hundred. HST May 15, 1841, page 32.27
GLAD TIDINGS, by H. D. Ward.—This is an excellent work, and deserves to be better known and read.—Price 62 cents. HST May 15, 1841, page 32.28
SCRIPTURE SEARCHER.—By Rev. Henry Jones. This is truly an evangelical work; and will be read with profit. Price 62 cents. HST May 15, 1841, page 32.29
PRESENT CRISIS. This is a valuable little work, by Rev. John Hooper, of England. 2nd American edition. Price $5 per hundred, 10 cts single HST May 15, 1841, page 32.30
Various other works on the Second Advent, may be bad as above. Also BLANK BOOKS, PAPER, SCHOOL BOOKS, Steel Pens, and every article usually kept in a Stationer’s Warehouse. HST May 15, 1841, page 32.31
MOSES A. DOW.