The Prophetic Faith of Our Fathers, vol. 4

VII. Hale-Stout Defender of the Advent Faith

APOLLOS HALE (fl. 1840-1844), able Methodist minister, became deeply interested in the Millerite premillennial advent teaching, and in 1842 decided to engage wholly in the preaching of the advent message. Scholarly, a deep thinker, and a careful and critical writer, he was equaled by few in this field. He was noted for his clarity and logic, and was a stout defender of the democracy of the church and liberty of speech. He assisted Josiah Litch in Philadelphia, having much success in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, and vicinity. He was secretary of the first Adventist camp meeting in the States, as well as many similar gatherings. For a number of years he was associate editor of the Signs of the Times, and later the Advent Herald. He wrote various pamphlets, and contributed many valuable articles on vital subjects. His Second Advent Manual cited the original authorities for the historical extracts and evidences upon which the prophetic periods and their fulfillment are based. PFF4 637.2

When formidable opposition arose he was usually called upon to help. He answered the attack in 1843 by Dr. Abel Stevens, editor of Zion’s Herald, upon Miller’s teaching and influence as a deterrent to foreign missions interest and activities. Hale defended Miller against the accusation, claiming that the religious indifference of the times was caused by the hostility of the churches to the truth of Christ’s return, and their consequent loss of its sanctifying, energizing power. Hale assisted Fitch in devising the famous “1843 Chart” on the visions of Daniel and Revelation. ²⁰ Author of several works, we shall hear more of him later. PFF4 638.1