Vol. V.—No. 11. Boston, Whole No. 107
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May 17, 1843
Vol. V.—No. 11. Boston, Whole No. 107
THE SIGNS OF THE TIMES,
AND EXPOSITOR OF PROPHECY.
Terms.—$1,00 per Vol. (24 Nos.) in advance Office No. 14 Devonshire Street, Boston.HST May 17, 1843, page 81.1
J. V. Himes, J. Litch, and S. Bliss, Editors
THE SIGNS OF THE TIMES
FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLES on which the SECOND ADVENT CAUSE IS BASED
I. The word of God teaches that this earth is to be regenerated, in the restitution of all things, restored to its Eden state as it came from the hand of its Maker before the fall, and is to be the eternal abode of the righteous in their resurrection state.HST May 17, 1843, page 81.2
II. The only Millenium found in the word of God is the eternal state of the righteous in the New Earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.HST May 17, 1843, page 81.3
III. The only restoration of Israel yet future, is the restoration of the saints to the New Earth, when the Lord my God shall come, and all his saints with him.HST May 17, 1843, page 81.4
IV. The signs which were to precede the coming of our Savior, have all been given; and the prophecies have all been fulfilled but those which relate to the coming of Christ, the end of this world, and the restitution of all things. AndHST May 17, 1843, page 81.5
V. There are none of the prophetic periods, as we understand them, that extend beyond the year 1843.HST May 17, 1843, page 81.6
The above we shall ever maintain as the immutable truths of the word of God, and therefore till our Lord come we shall ever look for his return as the next event in historical prophecy.HST May 17, 1843, page 81.7
Points of Difference between us and our opponents. 1. We hold that the prophetic days of Daniel and John, are years; as did Wesley, Scott, Clark, Fletcher, the learned Joseph Mede, Faber, Prideaux, Dr. Hales, Bishop Newton, and Sir Isaac Newton, with all the standard protestant commentators. Our opponents claim they are simply days, or half days!HST May 17, 1843, page 81.8
2. We claim that the prophecies of Daniel and John are historical prophecies, extending to the end of time, as all Christians have held, according to the undoubted testimony of historians, till our day. And we do not see that the end is brought to view at all if it is not in these prophecies.HST May 17, 1843, page 81.9
Our opponents, to say the least, leave us in doubt whether they have not all been fulfilled in the past.HST May 17, 1843, page 81.10
3. We claim that the ninth of Daniel is an appendix to the eighth, and that the seventy weeks and the 2300.days or years, commence together. Our opponents deny this.HST May 17, 1843, page 81.11
If the “EXCEEDING GREAT HORN” of Daniel 8. is ROME, as all standard protestant commentators admit, it follows that the 2300 days must be years. And as the 2300 days extend to the cleansing of the sanctuary, and the sanctuary is to be desolated to the end of the world; if they begin with the seventy weeks, it follows that we have approached the very consummation, and may look daily for the coming of the Son of God.HST May 17, 1843, page 81.12
The Prophecy of Moses
Deuteronomy 28:15: “But it shall come to pass, if thou wilt not hearken unto the voice of the Lord thy God, to observe to do his commandments and his statutes which I command thee this day; that All these curses shall come upon thee, and overtake thee,” (pursue thee so thou shalt not possibly escape them.)HST May 17, 1843, page 81.13
Here follow a list of curses to verse 32. And continues 32, “Thy sons and thy daughters shall be given unto another people, and thine eye shall look, and fail with longing for them all the day long: and there shall be no might in thine hand, (either to protect or rescue them from violence.) 33, “The fruit of thy land, and all thy labors, shall a nation which thou knowest not eat up; [this was verified when Salmaneser dispossessed the ten tribes, and Nebuchadnezzar carried the other two tribes away;] and thou shalt be only oppressed and crushed away.” 36, “The Lord shall bring thee, and thy king which thou shalt set over thee, unto a nation which neither thou nor thy fathers have known; [this was fulfilled when Jehoachim was carried captive to Babylon, and afterwards Zedekiah;] and there shalt thou serve other gods, wood and stone; [either following the example, or being compelled thereto by their tyrannical oppressors.] 37, “And thou shalt become an astonishment, a proverb, and a bye-word, among all nations whither the Lord shall lead thee; [so that when men would express one to be extremely vile, they shall say, he is a Jew.] The objector asks, “Were they scattered among all nations, before the destruction of Jerusalem?” [See Acts 2:6.] Verses 38 and 39 contain threatenings. Verse 40., “Thou shalt have olive trees throughout all thy coasts, but thou shalt not anoint thyself with the oil; for thine olive shall cast his fruit,” [being eaten with worms.]HST May 17, 1843, page 81.14
In this verse I understand their return from captivity expressed, “Thou shalt have olive trees in all THY COASTS.” 41, “Thou shalt beget sons and daughters, but thou shalt not enjoy them; for they shall go into captivity.” 42, “All thy trees and fruit of thy land shall the locust consume.” 43, “The stranger that is within thee shall get up above thee very high; and thou shalt come down very low,” [The Romans shall have increasing authority.” 45, “Moreover, all these curses shall come upon thee, and shall pursue thee, and overtake thee, until thou be DESTROYED; [these punishments shall follow one upon another till thou art brought to utter ruin;] because thou hearkenedst not unto the voice of the Lord thy God, to keep his commandments and his statutes which he commanded thee.” 46, “And they [the curses] shall be upon thee for a sign and for a wonder, and upon thy seed forever.” [That all men may take warning by thy disobedience] 47, “Because thou servedst not the Lord thy God with joyfulness, and with gladness of heart, for the abundance of all things; 48, Therefore thou shalt serve thine enemies, which the Lord shall send against thee, in hunger, and in thirst, and in nakedness, and in want of all things; and he shall put a yoke of iron upon thy neck, until he have destroyed thee. 49, The Lord shall bring a nation against thee from far, [the Romans,] from the end of the earth, as swift as the eagle flieth; [which they carried on their ensigns,] a nation whose tongue [whose language, Latin,] thou shalt not understand. 50, A nation of fierce countenance, which shall not regard the person of the old, nor shew favor to the young. 51, And he [the Roman nation] shall eat the fruit of thy cattle, and the fruit of thy land, until thou be destroyed; which also shall not leave thee either corn, wine or oil, or the increase of thy kine, or flocks of thy sheep, until he have destroyed thee.” [This is repeated to show the Israelites the desolation should be such, that nothing should remain for their support.] 52, “And he shall besiege thee in all thy gates, until thy high and fenced walls come, down, wherein thou trustedst, throughout all thy land;” [the country being wasted, the Jews fled into their fenced Cities where they had laid up provisions to enable them to hold out a siege,] and he shall besiege thee in all thy gates throughout all thy land, which the Lord thy God hath given thee. 53, And thou shall eat the fruit of thine own body, the flesh of thy sons and of thy daughters, which the Lord thy God hath given thee, in the siege [of Jerusalem] and in the straitness, wherewith thine enemies shall distress thee;” (Verses 54, 55, 56, and 57, contain a description of their sufferings during the siege of Jerusalem.) 58, “If thou wilt not observe to do all the words of this law that are written in this book, that thou mayest fear this glorious and fearful name, [the name of God is God Himself,] THE LORD THY GOD. 59, Then the Lord will make thy plagues wonderful. [Here follows a description of their plagues and sicknesses.] 61, “Also every sickness, and every plague, which is not written in the book of this law, them will the Lord bring upon thee, until thou be DESTROYED. 62, And ye shall be left few in number.” [Eleven hundred thousand were destroyed by pestilence, sword, and tamine, and ninety thousand carried away captive, at and after the siege of Jerusalem; since which the arm of destruction has been active against them.] 63, “And it shall come to pass, that as the Lord rejoiced over you to do you good, and to multiply you; so the Lord will rejoice over you to DESTROY you, and to bring you to naught; AND YE SHALL BE PLUCKED FROM OFF THE LAND whither ye go to possess it.” [The Romans passed a decree, that no Jew should go within sight of Judea, which caused them to be dispersed throughout the earth.] 64, “And the Lord shall scatter thee among all people,” etc. [Here follows their calamities, to verse 68. inclusive.] 68, “And the Lord shall bring thee into Egypt again,” [thou hadst come out of Egypt triumphant, thou shalt return as a slave,] “with ships,” [thou hadst walked through the sea at thy coming out, but thou shalt return in ships from which thou canst not escape,] by [or to] the way [the place] whereof I spake unto thee.” (Deuteronomy 17:16.) “THOU SHALT SEE IT [the land referred to above,] NO MORE AGAIN.” [Thou hast been restored once, but now punishments shall overtake them until they shall be destroyed,] “and there [in Egypt] ye shall be sold” [be offered for sale] “unto your enemies for bondmen and bonwomen, and no man shall buy you.” [These prophecies which were delivered three thousand years ago, are, as we see, fulfilling in the world at this very time.] E. PLUMMER.HST May 17, 1843, page 81.15
If, as our opponents say, the land of literal Canaan was given to Abraham, and yet he never possessed it, I pray how can they prove his seed after him will ever possess it again? If the promise was not literally fulfilled to Abraham, how can they show that it will ever be in possession of Abraham’s literal seed. Those of the Jews who did dwell there, literally, Paul tells us; Hebrews 11:39, “received NOT the promise.”HST May 17, 1843, page 81.16
New Works. A solemn appeal to the ministers and churches, especially those of the Baptist denomination, by J. B. Cook, is in a course of publication and will be out soon. Brother Hawley’s sermon on the opening of the Tabernacle, is also in the hands of the compositor.HST May 17, 1843, page 81.17
WHERE ARE
Some years ago, on Christmas eve—a cold and windy night—one of our noble ships (the R----, of N. P.) was bound home from Europe. In course of the evening, from some appearance on the surface of the ocean, it was judged on board the ship that she must be near the land, and a consultation of her officers was held to determine whether the ship should be kept on her course, or put about under easy sail to avoid falling in with the land during the night. When the decision, that the ship should be kept on her course, was made known, a rough old sailor, who had probably crossed the Atlantic not less than a score of times, and was acquainted with every mile of the coast of his native land from Florida to the Bay of Fundy, was heard to remark, “If the shop is kept on her course two hours longer (I think that was the time named) she will be on the back side of Cape Cod.” But he was nothing but a sailor, a rough brawny sailor; and what might have served to lessen the value of his opinion in the case, perhaps, was this,—his shipmates had, for some cause or other, given him the nickname of “Old Tilley.” Of course it would not become official wisdom to heed advice from such a source.HST May 17, 1843, page 82.1
The remark of the old sailor passed away upon the wild night-winds, and the ship swept on her course:—in the time named she had struck, and the next morning the old sailor and two of his shipmates were the only survivors of that good ship’s company. Her officers, crew and passengers all slept beneath the rough icy waves of the ocean.HST May 17, 1843, page 82.2
In bearing to you our message of warning, we are not insensible that we occupy a position like that of the old sailor among his shipmates. But we beg of you, dear reader, to lose sight of those, around whom slander has thrown its odium, and look at the message. Remember, we may be as “ignorant” and “fanatical” or even as base as those who “love or make a lie” about us would have you believe, and yet the message may be true. We cannot stop now to vindicate our claims, on the score of integrity or intelligence, to your respect and confidence. We wish to direct your attention to the old neglected chart of the world’s history—the Bible.HST May 17, 1843, page 82.3
We will look at the second series of events in connection with which God has revealed to us the end of all things. It is given to us in the 7th of Daniel. We have here a kingdom brought to view which is to take the place of all earthly kingdoms, the principal of which are represented by four great beasts. Of this kingdom, which is to follow and take the place of all others, we are told—First, that it is to be an everlasting kingdom. vs. 14, 18, 27.HST May 17, 1843, page 82.4
Secondly, it is to be universal, v. 27.HST May 17, 1843, page 82.5
Thirdly, it is to be given to Christ and the saints, in connection with the judgment scene, and at the end of all earthly kingdoms. vs. 17, 18; 9, 10; 13, 14; 21, 22; 26, 27.HST May 17, 1843, page 82.6
Now if we can tell what kingdoms they are which are brought to view in the vision, and what he events in the fourth kingdom are, and how many of them have passed away, or taken place, of course we can tell what remains—how many of the great landmarks on the voyage we have passed, and when we have reason to look for its end.HST May 17, 1843, page 82.7
We will notice the different sections of the vision, their interpretation and application as we pass along.HST May 17, 1843, page 82.8
Daniel 7:1-3. In the first year of Belshazzar, king of Babylon, Daniel had a dream and visions of his head his upon his bed: then he wrote the dream, and told the sum of the matters. Daniel spake and said, I saw in my vision by night, and behold, the four winds of the heaven strove upon the great sea. And FOUR GREAT BEASTS came up from the sea, diverse one from another.HST May 17, 1843, page 82.9
677 538 331 168 476 538 1798 1843HST May 17, 1843, page 82.10
Verse 4.HST May 17, 1843, page 82.11
The first was like a lion, and had eagle’s wings; I beheld till the wings thereof were plucked, and it was lifted up from the earth, and made to stand upon the feet as a man, and a man’s heart was given to it.HST May 17, 1843, page 82.12
Verse 5.HST May 17, 1843, page 82.13
And behold another beast, a second, like to a bear, and it raised up itself on one side, and it had three ribs in the mouth of it between the teeth of it; and they said thus unto it, Arise, devour much flesh.HST May 17, 1843, page 82.14
Verse 6.HST May 17, 1843, page 82.15
After this, I beheld, and lo, another, like a leopard, which had upon the back of it four wings of a fowl; the beast had also four heads; and dominion was given to it.HST May 17, 1843, page 82.16
Verse 7.HST May 17, 1843, page 82.17
And after this I saw in the night visions, and behold a fourth beast, dreadful and terrible, and strong exceedingly; and it had great iron teeth; it devoured and brake in pieces, and stamped the residue with the feet of it: and it was diverse from all the beasts that were before it; and it had ten horns.HST May 17, 1843, page 82.18
Verse 8.HST May 17, 1843, page 82.19
I considered the horns, and behold, there came up among them another little horn, before whom there were three of the first horns plucked up by the roots; and behold, in this horn were eyes like the eyes of man, and a mouth speaking great things.HST May 17, 1843, page 82.20
Verse 9-12.HST May 17, 1843, page 82.21
I BEHELD TILL THE THRONES WERE CAST DOWN, AND THE ANCIENT OF DAYS DID SIT. whose garment was white as snow, and the hair of his head like the pure wool; his throne was like the fiery flame, and his wheels as burning fire. A fiery stream issued and came forth from before him; thousand thousands ministered unto him, and ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him: THE JUDGMENT WAS SET, and the BOOKS were OPENED. I beheld then because of the voice of the great words which the horn spake: I BEHELD EVEN TILL THE BEAST WAS SLAIN, AND HIS BODY DESTROYED, AND GIVEN TO THE BURNING FLAME. As concerning the rest of the beasts, they had their dominion taken away: yet their lives were prolonged for a season and time.HST May 17, 1843, page 82.22
Verses 13, 14.HST May 17, 1843, page 82.23
I SAW IN THE NIGHT VISIONS, AND BEHOLD, ONE LIKE THE SON OF MAN CAME WITH THE CLOUDS OF HEAVEN, AND CAME TO THE ANCIENT OF DAYS, AND THEY BROUGHT HIM NEAR BEFORE HIM. AND THERE WAS GIVEN HIM DOMINION AND GLORY, AND A KINGDOM, THAT ALL PEOPLE, NATIONS, AND LANGUAGES, SHOULD SERVE HIM;HST May 17, 1843, page 82.24
HIS DOMINION
is an
EVERLASTING DOMINION,
which
SHALL NOT PASS AWAY,
and
HIS KINGDOM
that which
SHALL NOT BE DESTROYED.
Verses 15, 16. I Daniel was grieved in my spirit in the midst of my body, and the visions of my head troubled me. I came near unto one of them that stood by, and asked him the truth of all this. So he told me, and made me know the interpretation of the things.HST May 17, 1843, page 82.25
17, 18. THESE GREAT BEASTS, WHICH ARE FOUR, ARE FOUR KINGS, WHICH SHALL ARISE OUT OF THE EARTH;HST May 17, 1843, page 82.26
19. Then I would know the truth of the fourth beast, which was diverse from all the others, exceeding dreadful, whose teeth were of iron, and his nails of brass; which devoured, brake in pieces, and stamped the residue with his feet; 20. And of the ten horns that were in his head, and of the other which came up, and before whom three fell; even of that horn that had eyes, and a mouth that spake very great things, whose look was more stout than his fellows. 21. I beheld, and the same horn made war with the saints, and prevailed against them; 22. Until the Ancient of days came, and judgement was given to the saints of the Most High; and the time came that the saints possessed the kingdom.HST May 17, 1843, page 82.27
23. Thus he said, the fourth beast shall be the fourth kingdom upon earth, which shall be diverse from all kingdoms, and shall devour the whole earth, and shall tread it down, and break it in pieces. 24. And the tens horns out of this kingdom are ten kings that shall arise; and another shall rise after them; and he shall be diverse from the first, and he shall subdue three kings. 25. And he shall speak great words against the most high, and shall wear out the saints of the Most High, and think to change times and laws; and they shall be given into his hand until a time and times and the dividing of time.HST May 17, 1843, page 82.28
BUT THE SAINTS OF THE MOST HIGH SHALL TAKE THE KINGDOM, AND POSSESS THE KINGDOM FOREVER, EVEN FOR EVER AND EVER.HST May 17, 1843, page 82.29
26. BUT THE JUDGMENT SHALL SIT, AND THEY SHALL TAKE AWAY HIS DOMINION TO CONSUME AND TO DESTROY IT UNTO THE END.HST May 17, 1843, page 82.30
27. AND THE KINGDOM, AND DOMINION, AND THE GREATNESS OF THE KINGDOM UNDER THE WHOLE HEAVEN, SHALL BE GIVEN TO THE PEOPLE OF THE SAINTS OF THE MOST HIGH, WHOSE KINGDOM IS AN EVER LASTING KINGDOM, AND ALL DOMINIONS SHALL SERVE AND OBEY HIM.HST May 17, 1843, page 82.31
remarks
The lion represents the first kingdom of the four. No other application is ever made of it but to Babylon, the same kingdom that is represented by the head of gold in the image. Its connection with the people of God commenced B. C. 677.HST May 17, 1843, page 82.32
The bear corresponds with the breast and arms of silver in the image, and represents the kingdom of the Medes and Persians. Persia superseded Babylon, and became connected with the people of God before Christ about 538.HST May 17, 1843, page 82.33
The leopard corresponds with the belly and thighs of brass in the image, and represents “the third” or Grecian kingdom. The four heads and wings denote the four parts into which the kingdom was divided after the death of Alexander. The Grecians conquered the Persians, and were connected with the people of God about 331 B. C.HST May 17, 1843, page 82.34
The monster, so dreadful and terrible that nothing could be found in the whole domain of nature to express its character, corresponds with the legs of iron in the image, and represents the fourth or Roman kingdom. The conquest of Macedonia, the first division of Greece conquered by the Romans, took place B. C. 168, a few years after which the Romans became connected with the people of God. The most generally received date for the division of the Roman Empire is A. D. 476.HST May 17, 1843, page 82.35
The dominion of the little horn, Popery, was taken away in 1798, when the time, times and half a time, or 1260 days, expired. It was, however, to make war and prevail against the saints, until he Ancient of Days came and judgment was given to the saints. In those countries which have formerly been the hotbeds of Popery it has been consuming since 1798; in some others it is now making war and prevailing. Both parts of the prophecy have been fulfilled. Its destruction comes at the end.HST May 17, 1843, page 82.36
It is now forty-five years since the dominion of Popery was taken away. “The end” is the next event to be looked for,—when the kingdoms of this world will become the kingdom of our Lord and his Christ, who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings and Lord of lords, and he shall reign forever and ever; and he will say to all the heirs, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world,—and they shall come from the east and west, north and south, and sit down with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob in the kingdom of God. Then the promise to Abraham that he should be the heir of the world (kosmou) shall be fulfilled, and all who are of faith shall be blessed with faithful Abraham.HST May 17, 1843, page 82.37
Before we inquire how much of this vision has been fulfilled, we would remark, that it corresponds in many important respects with the vision of Nebuchadnezzar. That contemplates the whole field of this world’s history in its relation to eternal things, so does this. That exhibits the destiny of the kingdoms of this world, and the prospects of the church of God, so does this. This differs from that,HST May 17, 1843, page 83.1
1st. In its imagery—the kingdoms represented by the different sections of the image are represented in this vision by great beasts.HST May 17, 1843, page 83.2
2nd. In the statement of the process which separates time from eternity. In that it is a smiting process. In this it is the judgment scene; perhaps the clearest view of it we have in the word of God, certainly the clearest in the Old Testament. He who could apply this to any other event might find little or no difficulty in blotting the doctrine of a future and general judgment from the Bible.HST May 17, 1843, page 83.3
3rd. We have a most striking and particular description of one of the powers brought to view in this vision, and of its relation to God and his church; it is the “little horn” in which Daniel felt so much interest.HST May 17, 1843, page 83.4
And 4th. We have in this vision the first prophetic period, to be filled up in the history of the world, which is contained in the book of Daniel. It expresses the period during which the “little horn” should triumph over “the saints,” or rather that they should “be given into his hand.” He was to “prevail against them,” from the time he arose “until the time came that the saints possessed the kingdom;” but this period of bloody and blasphemous despotism would be broken before “the end.”HST May 17, 1843, page 83.5
Now we are prepared to inquire—Where are we? Have we the broad ocean before us, or should we be looking out for land, and preparing for a part in the “inheritance that is incorruptible, undefiled, and that fadeth not away?”HST May 17, 1843, page 83.6
How many parts or sections of this vision have been filled up by the events of history? That Babylon, Persia, and Greece, (represented by the lion, bear and leopard,) in their ancient forms, have risen and fallen, no one will deny. Their prophetic history is given in the 12th verse. That Rome, the 4th beast, was divided A. D. 476, and that ten kingdoms arose out of its fragments, is also admitted. But has the “little horn” come up and performed its part among these “first” kingdoms—have the saints been given into his hands during the time specified, and has his dominion been taken away?HST May 17, 1843, page 83.7
That Popery is the power denoted by this “little horn” is clear, inasmuch as the description of it will apply to no other power. No Daguerreotype likeness can agree better with the original than this description does with Popery. Nearly all Protestant writers on the prophecies (excepting a few who have recently written with the avowed design of opposing Mr. Miller’s calculations) agree in the opinion that Popery is intended by this power.HST May 17, 1843, page 83.8
To ascertain the commencement of the prophetic period named for the triumph of this “little horn,” we must take particular notice of the facts stated in the text upon its history prior to the saints being given into his hand.HST May 17, 1843, page 83.9
1. He was to rise “after” the ten.HST May 17, 1843, page 83.10
2. He was to “subdue” three “kings,” or kingdoms.HST May 17, 1843, page 83.11
3. These were to be “three of the first” kings, or kingdom. 7By comparing verses 37, 39 and 40 with verse 44 of the 2nd chapter, and verses 17, 18, 23 and 24 of the 7th chapter, the reader will perceive that the word “king” is frequently used to signify “kingdom” in the prophecy of Daniel.HST May 17, 1843, page 83.12
Before A. D. 483 the following ten kingdoms had risen in western Rome.HST May 17, 1843, page 83.13
1. The Huns, about A. D. 356.HST May 17, 1843, page 83.14
2. The Ostrogoths, 377.HST May 17, 1843, page 83.15
3. The Visigoths, 378.HST May 17, 1843, page 83.16
4. The Franks, 407.HST May 17, 1843, page 83.17
5. The Vandals, 407.HST May 17, 1843, page 83.18
6. The Sueves and Alans, 407.HST May 17, 1843, page 83.19
7. The Burgundians, 407.HST May 17, 1843, page 83.20
8. The Heruli and Turingi, 476.HST May 17, 1843, page 83.21
9. The Saxons, 476.HST May 17, 1843, page 83.22
10. Lombards in the north of Germany, 483, in Hungary, 526.HST May 17, 1843, page 83.23
Have we any account of three of these being “plucked up” (conquered) by, or in behalf of Popery? The wars in behalf of the Catholic faith (Popery) began early in the sixth century. The fall of the first of these kingdoms by the agency of Popery, and its date, is thus noticed by Du Pin, who was himself a Catholic. “Gaul was divided between the Burgundians and Franks. The Burgundians were Arians: the Franks were more happy, for most of the nation followed their king Clovis, who had embraced Christianity, and was baptized in 496. The power of Burgundians having been destroyed in 524, the Catholic religion flourished throughout France, under the kings of the first race.” Du Pin, vol. 2, p. 257, London, 1724.HST May 17, 1843, page 83.24
The kingdom of the Vandals in Africa, who were also Arians, fell A. D. 533 before the arms of Justinian, emperor of the east; a war which was from beginning to end avowedly a Catholic war. See Gibbon, Decline and Fall, vol. 7, p. 150.HST May 17, 1843, page 83.25
The war against the Ostrogoths, in Italy, commenced A. D. 534, by the same army which had conquered the Vandals, and in March, A. D. 538, the Pope was placed in quiet possession of the capital—Rome. See Gibbon, chapter 41. Here then we have the date of the fall of three of the first kingdoms, before the “little horn.” In connection with these military movements in behalf of Popery, Justinian also declared the Bishop of Rome “head of all the churches,” by the laws of the empire. Baronius, Cen. 6. Croly on Apoc. pp. 113—117. By this law the saints were given into the hand of Popery.HST May 17, 1843, page 83.26
The little horn then has come up—performed its part among the first ten kings, and the saints have been “given into his hand.” Has the period specified—“a time, times, and the dividing, or half a time,” expired?HST May 17, 1843, page 83.27
It is frequently asked—What does that period amount to? How do you know what “a time” is? And how many of them are meant in this period—two, three, a score, or how many—who knows? As God has explained what he means, let us see what light we have upon this question, which has puzzled so many. Turn to Revelation 12:6, 14. “And the woman fled into the wilderness, where she hath a place prepared of God, that they should feed her there a thousand two hundred and threescore days.” “And to the woman were given two wings of a great eagle, that she might fly into the wilderness, into her place, where she is nourished for a time, and times, and half a time, from the face of the serpent.”HST May 17, 1843, page 83.28
These texts refer to the same portion of history, and the period assigned to it is expressed in a manner to explain the period now under consideration. In “a time, times and a half a time” then, there are 1260 days; but will that period, understood literally, cover the long history of papal usurpation, blasphemy and blood? Why, everybody knows, who knows any thing of the history of the church, that it would not be time enough for even one of the wars against the saints, whom Popery has always called “heretics.” How then shall we understand it? The old Bible rule is, when a text cannot be understood literally, to apply it figuratively; and as days are used figuratively sometimes when years are meant, we should understand the period to signify 1260 years. Where will that bring us to? Let us see—538+1260=1798. And we find that the great change predicted to take place in the condition of the “little horn” occurred in that year. “They shall take away his dominion.” In 1798 Rome was conquered by the French army; the Pope and cardinals were made prisoners, and the papal independence was abolished. See Allison, Theirs, Croly.HST May 17, 1843, page 83.29
An extract from a work written by Edward King Esq. F. R. S. A. S., and published in London in 1798, we believe gives the true idea of the prophecy. The author cannot of course be suspected of any partiality to “Millerism.”HST May 17, 1843, page 83.30
“Is not the Papal power, at Rome, which was once so terrible, and so domineering, at an end?HST May 17, 1843, page 83.31
“But let us pause a little. Was not the end, in another part of the Holy Prophecies, foretold to be at the END of 1260 years? and was it not foretold, by Daniel, to be at the END of a time, times, and half a time? which computation amounts to the same period.HST May 17, 1843, page 83.32
“And now let us see; hear; and understand. THIS IS THE YEAR 1798.—And just 1260 years ago, in the very beginning of the year 538, Belisarius put an end to the empire and dominion of the Goths, at Rome.HST May 17, 1843, page 83.33
“He had entered the city on the 10th of the preceding December, in triumph, in the name of Justinian, Emperor of the East, and had soon after made it tributary to him; leaving thence-forward from A. D. 538, no power in Rome, that could be said to rule over the earth—excepting the ECCLESIASTICAL PONTIFICAL POWER.”HST May 17, 1843, page 83.34
“It is true, that after this entry of Belisarius, Rome was twice re-taken by Totila and the Goths. But instead of setting up any empire there, he, the first time, carried away all the Senate, and drove out all the inhabitants; and, the second time, he was himself soon defeated and killed, and Rome was recovered for Justinian, by Narses.HST May 17, 1843, page 83.35
“Still, however, no dominion, ‘no power ruling over the world, ever had any seat there, any more, except the Papal.’ For the Duke of Rome, appointed by Longinus, in 568, was no more than a subordinate civil officer; and even under the Exarch. Whilst the Exarch of Ravenna (at the same time that he was, in reality, no residing power at Rome) was, at most, himself only a subordinate officer under the Emperor of the East. And the dominion and power of the Emperor of the East was quite different and distinct from what could at all properly’ be called the Roman Power. For nothing could, by any means, fairly come under such a description, but either the dominion of the Western Emperor, or the dominion of the Kings of the Goths, or the Papal dominion.HST May 17, 1843, page 83.36
“We have reason to apprehend, then, that the 1260 years are now completed, and that we may venture to date the commencement of that period, not, as most commentators have hitherto done, either from Pepin’s giving the Pope Ravenna, or from Charlemagne’s determining and adjudging the Pope to be God’s Vicar on earth, but from the end of the Gothic power at Rome. Because both those other circumstances were only (like subsequent gifts, or acquisitions of territory and revenue,) mere augmentations of splendor, and confirmations of that state of Ecclesiastical Supremacy, in which the Papal Power had been left at Rome by Belisarius, on his driving out the Goths and ruining their kingdom.”HST May 17, 1843, page 83.37
‘By a very common error,’ says Mr. Croly, ‘it has been conceived that the close of the 1260 years was to be the extinction of the Papacy, but the prophet says no more than that it shall be the end of its power over the saints. Its end is predicted to be subsequent, and cotemporaneous with the great battle of God Almighty. At this moment, the Popedom, shaking off the sackcloth and dust of the French Revolution, is rising into a haughty stature and strength, ominous of the part it is yet to perform, and in the midst of which it shall be extinguished by the last avenging judgments of heaven.’HST May 17, 1843, page 83.38
Then we are living in that section of the vision which is to be closed up by the “casting down of the thrones”—the sitting “of the judgment”—the “coming of the Son of man in the clouds of heaven,” and the giving of the everlasting kingdom to Christ and “the saints of the Most High.”HST May 17, 1843, page 83.39
The great chart of the voyage, and all the landmarks, tell us we are near its end. Friend, if you are on the wrong course put the ship about, while there is time to clear the breakers, and secure a safe harbor before the storm shall break upon us!HST May 17, 1843, page 83.40
VISION OF THE JUDGMENT
Dark brood the heavens o’er thee!
Black clouds are gath’ring fast;
In awful power thy God has come,
Thy days of mirth are past.HST May 17, 1843, page 83.41
Dark brood the heavens o’er thee!
Red flames are bursting round;
Bright lightnings flash, loud thunders roar,
How shakes the trembling ground!HST May 17, 1843, page 83.42
Dark brood the heavens o’er thee!
Behold, the Judge appears:
Unnumber’d millions throng around,
Rais’d from the dust of years.HST May 17, 1843, page 83.43
Dark brood the heavens o’er thee!
Sinner, behold thy doom;
Destruction opens wide for thee
Thy chosen, final home.HST May 17, 1843, page 83.44
Yet stay—the vision lingers;
Why, sinner, wilt thou die?
Dark brood the heav’ns, but mercy waits,
This hour to Jesus fly.HST May 17, 1843, page 83.45
SIGNS OF THE TIMES
“The Lord is at Hand.”
BOSTON, MAY 17, 1843.
Cochranism. We have received several communications of late, inquiring into the nature of the delusion known by the name at the head of this article.HST May 17, 1843, page 84.1
Cochranism takes its name from Jacob Cochran, and is a similar error to that of the Antinomians in England, and the Battle Axes in Pensylvania. The delusion of Jacob Cochran and his followers consisted, mainly, in considering themselves so holy and united to the Lord, that they were in a state of sinless perfection from which they could not fall. They supposed that they were no longer subject to sin or temptation, and that their warfare was accomplished. They supposed they were so holy, that they could only look to their own goodness; instead of pointing to the righteousness of Christ, they would boast of their own holiness, and urge others to imitate themselves. And to those who could not fall in with all their notions, they would in effect, say, stand by thyself, for I am holier than thou. They supposed they were so perfect and united to the Lord, that all their acts were done, necessarily in the Lord, and therefore could not be sinful, that their feelings were the direct unerring manifestations of the Holy Spirit, and a sufficient guide to truth and duty; and that whatever they did, was dictated by the Lord—their every act right, and nothing wrong. They fancied themselves pure, and claimed that to the pure all things are pure. Forgetting the righteousness of Christ, they went about to establish their own righteousness. They were so puffed up with their own attainments and with spiritual pride, as to look with scorn and contempt on all who would not also boast of their attainments.HST May 17, 1843, page 84.2
When they had reached that point, Satan had them in his grasp and led them captive at his will, and they rushed on blindfolded to destruction. They soon began to teach that the holy bond of matrimony was “an unholy alliance.” Then they instituted the kiss of charity, and soon began to run into excesses. If any attempted to check these, they were met with the ready response, that “you must not steady the ark,”—forgetting that when there is danger of its being taken by the Philistines, and we can rescue it, God has made us responsible for its safety. Under the plea that to the pure all things were pure, and that a sanctified person cannot sin, many of them ran into the most gross licentiousness and the wildest fanaticism—claiming that as they were sanctified and holy, an observance of the duties of religion and of life were no longer binding upon them.HST May 17, 1843, page 84.3
Such was the result of the teachings of Farnum and Cochran. And such always has, and always will be the result to those who leave the sure word of God, and are governed only by their fancies and impulses. The moment we begin to rely on our own wisdom, and extol our own righteousness, and feel that we cannot err, we have reached a dangerous point. “Let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall.” “There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.” There is no safety but in rigidly adhering to the word of God. That should be our chart and compass, a light to our feet and a lamp to our path. We should avoid the least departure from it, for if one begins to slide, there is no knowing where he will stop; they are driven with the wind and tossed. We should avoid those who teach for doctrine of the Lord, that which is only the commandment of men, or who teach contrary to the instructions of our Savior and his apostles. We have always a right to demand of those who would teach us, a “thus saith the Lord,” and if they are unable to prove their doctrine from the plain letter of that word, we should be careful how we receive it. If we hope to be kept in the right way, we should see to it that we do not take the first step out of that way. And we should ever look for guidance to that Being who alone can guide us aright.HST May 17, 1843, page 84.4
A Fitness for the Kingdom.—Without holiness no man can see the Lord. Except a man be born again he cannot see the kingdom of God. The road that leads to death is broad, and many walk therein; while the road to life is straight and narrow, and few find it. When one said unto our Savior “are there few that be saved?” he said unto them, “Strive to enter in at the strait gate, for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able. When once the Master of the house is risen up, and hath shut to the door, and ye begin to stand without, and to knock at the door, saying, Lord, Lord, open unto us; and he shall answer and say unto you, I know you not whence ye are; then shall ye begin to say, We have eaten and drunk in thy presence, and thou hast taught in our streets. But he shall say, I tell you, I know you not whence ye are; depart from me, all ye workers of iniquity.”HST May 17, 1843, page 84.5
If there is any belief that will search the heart of man, and penetrate the inmost recesses of his soul, it must be a conviction that we are soon, to enter the presence of the Lord—that the Judge standeth at the door. “He that hath this hope in him,” says the Apostle, “purifieth himself even as he is pure.” God is too holy a being to regard sin but with displeasure; and none can hope to enter his pure presence, who are in anywise defiled with it. How important it is, then, that we who hope soon to see our Savior, should see to it, that we do not deceive ourselves. We cannot serve two masters; neither can we gain a better world, while we set our affections on the things of this. We must feel to renounce all things for Christ, who left his Father’s glory, and died for us. If there is any tie which binds us to earth, it may retain us here when our Lord shall come. We therefore need to make a free and full surrender of our all into the hands of God, who alone can sustain us, who is our Creator, Preserver, and most bountiful Benefactor. God will accept no half way devotion, no divided affections; but if we will be accepted of him, we must be entirely and unreservedly devoted to him and his service. Doubtless many who are looking for the Lord, will find in that day, that they had idols in their hearts, that they had trusted more to their own righteousness than to the righteousness of Christ, and that they have come short at last of entering his everlasting kingdom. If we would be saved, we must love the Lord our God with all our heart, and soul, and mind, and strength, and our neighbor as ourself; we must walk soberly, and godly, and righteously in this present evil world; looking to Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; and trusting entirely to the righteousness of Christ, as our only hope of safety. We are to be washed in the blood of Christ, and cleansed from all sin. We are to forsake our sins by righteousness, and our iniquities by turning to the Lord. We are to cease to do evil, and learn to do well. We must be purified, and made white and tried; and we have the promise of the Lord that if we will repent, though our sins be as scarlet, they shall be white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.HST May 17, 1843, page 84.6
We should set our standard of Christian character high, and should avoid even the appearance of evil. If we are truly sanctified, we shall be found sitting at the feet of Jesus, willing that his will should be done in all things. If our righteousness does not exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, we can in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven. How important it is, then, that we should examine ourselves in the light of God’s word, and see to it that we possess that holiness without which no man can see the Lord, but which will be to us a wedding garment.HST May 17, 1843, page 84.7
The Cause in England. We have received another communication from our brother Robert Winter, of England, who was converted to our views at the East Kingston camp-meeting.HST May 17, 1843, page 84.8
He writes that he is preaching, and printing, and scattering abroad light upon this subject, and God has greatly blessed his labors. He has found many precious souls ready to receive the truth. Many who were living in their sins have turned to the Lord, and are waiting with joyful anticipations for his glorious appearing. He has a press in London, in operation, which supplies different book-sellers. He has printed 2000 of Miller’s Lectures 2000 Fleming’s Midnight Cry, 6000 Clue to the Time, 2000, Fitch’s Reasons, 3000 Evidences of Christ’s Second Coming; and many others which they have extracted from the “Signs of the Times.”HST May 17, 1843, page 84.9
He says, “We are at work all the time, and many preachers have received the truth by reading these works I preach about the street with my chart hoisted up on a pole. Another preacher and myself are passing all through the country. Others are proclaiming the cry. Methodists, Baptists, and Independent preachers have embraced the doctrine and are at work. We intended to hold a Second Advent Camp-meeting in May, if time continues; but if the Lord comes, we will hold it in the new earth. The way is now prepared for any of you to come over if the time is not too short. They will more readily receive this doctrine in England, than in America. I have preached about the streets of London, our books are flying about and are making quite a stir in this great city. Some have written against us, but have found themselves not competent to refute Mr. Miller’s arguments; and their writings against him have caused many to look in to it, embrace it, and then proclaim it.HST May 17, 1843, page 84.10
I have written to Mr Pratt, of Lowell, but received no answer; if you can, please tell him to write me a letter immediately. I have written to others but had no answer. One man who has embraced this truth, has expended 45 pounds in circulating publications. We are now raising a fund that we may circulate them freely all over England. Pray for us, and give my love to all the friends of the cause in America. I thank you for your goodness in conferring so many favors upon me; I also thank all my other friends for the help they gave me to come over here. The Lord will reward them. I believe I shall soon see you again in the new Jerusalem. Our friends want to see Mr. Miller here; they say he shall want for nothing if he will come. He would be a great blessing to England. Do Send us a good lecturer, although the time is short, yet the field is white for the harvest.”HST May 17, 1843, page 84.11
Spread of Papacy.—The little horn is still prevailing with rapid strides. We perceive by the May No. of the Miss. Herald, that from the latest reports from the Sandwich islands, the Papists are succeeding with their usual arts and wiles in prevailing against the protestants; and, if time were to continue, bid fair to obtain shortly the complete possessions of that Archipellago.HST May 17, 1843, page 85.1
Dr. Grant also writes from Persia that a Roman bishop and priest have arrived among the Nestorians. He was not however favorably received.HST May 17, 1843, page 85.2
A Correspondent, asks if we believe all of God’s children will be looking for the coming of Christ when he comes.HST May 17, 1843, page 85.3
We believe all who are truly his, will love his appearing. Those who are unwilling that Christ should come to set up his kingdom, are unwilling he should reign over them, and he has himself told us what will be their fate. We also expect that when Christ comes, he will find the saints in a state of expectation. That all his children will see clearly the time, we do not know; but they will at least love to have the glorious King appear.HST May 17, 1843, page 85.4
“The Bible Examiner, containing various Prophetic Expositions.” By George Storrs, 14 Devonshire Street, 18 3-4 cts.HST May 17, 1843, page 85.5
The above is a pamphlet of 133 pages, containing all of brother Storrs’ expositions on the prophecies in connection with the doctrine of the advent in ‘43, and is a clear and forcible argument in favor of the truth.HST May 17, 1843, page 85.6
Holiness.—Several brethren from abroad have inquired if the senior editor of this paper was opposed to the doctrine of holiness; and also inform us that reports to that effect have been industriously circulated in several places.HST May 17, 1843, page 85.7
In the absence of the senior editor it gives us pleasure to say that such reports are most invidious, and are utterly false. They have doubtless originated in his discountenancing the excesses, and dependance on dreams, impressions, and private revelations, which some in this, as in every new cause, have made too prominent. Against such, and all self-righteousness, he has faithfully warned those who are looking for the coming of the Lord. But of the doctrine of holiness, as taught in the word of God, and as it manifests itself in the fruit of the Spirit,—in love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance; and in living soberly, godly, and righteously; in acts of mercy and charity; loving the Lord with all the heart; being entirely and fully consecrated to his service; trusting for salvation only in the righteousness of Christ, by repentance, and faith in his name, and in looking for and loving his appearing,—he is a most strenuous advocate.HST May 17, 1843, page 85.8
England.—It will be seen that brother Winter is doing what he can, in a humble way, to spread the cry in England. We have a strong desire that an effort should be made to arouse the old world. A mission was recommended, at the New York Conference; but the calls are so urgent from every part of our country, that we fear it will be impossible for any of our efficient lecturers to leave. The question will be decided at the Boston Conference.HST May 17, 1843, page 85.9
New York Conference
We lay before our readers some of the resolutions of this meeting, and if necessary the proceedings in full next week.HST May 17, 1843, page 85.10
RESOLUTIONS OF THE N. Y. CONFERENCE
cincinnati and vicinity
Believing the Second Advent of our Lord Jesus Christ is now “at the door,” and being fully award that we may have only time to resolve on doing, yet we deem it our duty to occupy till our Lord come, and to be found doing when he comes, thereforeHST May 17, 1843, page 85.11
Resolved, That, whereas the state of interest, on the subject of Christ’s speedy coming, and the calls for light on the subject, by way of lectures, etc. from Cincinnati and that region of the country are so pressing, and whereas, Bro. J. B. Cook, of the Baptist church, late of Middletown, Conn. is at liberty to travel abroad and preach the glad tidings of the Kingdom at hand, as he is acquainted in that part of the country, having preached for a time in that region some years since, and regarding him as a brother fitted in every respect to occupy successfully, in connection with brethren Caldwell, Pratt, and others, that important field, we would heartily recommend that Bro. Cook go to that section and unite with our brethren in giving the Midnight Cry. We would also recommend that Bro. Stevens, late of Yale College, accompany Bro. Cook To that important field.HST May 17, 1843, page 85.12
western new york
In consideration of the state of affairs, touching the subject, and the numerous and pressing calls in Central and Western New York, we would recommend that measures be taken to present the claims of Christ’s speedy coming, throughout that populous region; this we apprehend can be best accomplished by opening a book room, and commencing a weekly paper at some important point, by which means a flood of light may be diffused throughout that region. The city of Rochester, strikes us as the most eligible. We would suggest, also, that connected with these facilities, lecturers be enlisted to give the alarm throughout this whole field.HST May 17, 1843, page 85.13
the south
Whereas, there have been urgent and repeated solicitations from the South for lectures upon the Second Advent—and whereas, the existing prejudices and jealousies of the South on the subject of slavery, renders it difficult and next to impossible for us to meet these solicitationsHST May 17, 1843, page 85.14
Therefore, Resolved, That we heartily express our deep sympathy with our brethren there, who are interested on the subject, and are looking for the coming of the Lord; and we would most gladly go to their help could it be done; as it is, we earnestly pray the Lord of the harvest to raise up laborers among themselves against whom, those jealousies may not exist, and send them forth to give the Midnight Cry,—while we will most cheerfully do what we can for them by furnishing publications on the subject.HST May 17, 1843, page 85.15
Anniversary Week in this City.—We contemplate a large meeting of the friends of the Advent cause here, if time continue, on the above week. Meetings will be held at the Tabernacle, commencing on the evening of the 29th, and lectures will be continued every evening during the week. Meetings of conference will be held mornings at 9 o’clock A. M. and at 2 P. M. during the week, at Chardon Street Chapel. A large number of lecturers and laborers in the cause are expected to be present.HST May 17, 1843, page 85.16
Agents and subscribers will find the above a convenient opportunity to make remittances for the paper and publications.HST May 17, 1843, page 85.17
Agents for books will confer a favor at this time by remitting what money they have on hand. We are in special need of all that is due us to meet our bills. Let none neglect this request—send without delay.HST May 17, 1843, page 85.18
Agents and Subscribers to the “Signs of the Times,” will confer a special favor by making a prompt remitance of what is now due.HST May 17, 1843, page 85.19
Letter from Wm. Miller
Br. Himes.—My health is on the gain, as my folks would say. I have now only twenty-two biles, from the bigness of a grape to a walnut, on my shoulder, side, back and arms, I am truly afflicted like Job. And about as many comforters—only they do not come to see me as did Job’s, and their arguments are not near so rational. I want to see brother Bliss. I hope he is right about, the termination of the periods, but I think not. I will tell you why, if you will examine, you will find all the ceremonies of the typical law that were observed in the first month, or vernal equinox, had their fulfillment in Christ’s first advent and sufferings; but all the feasts and ceremonies in the seventh month or autumnal equinox can only have their fulfillment at his second advent. Let me notice some.HST May 17, 1843, page 85.20
1. “The ark rested on the seventh, month seventeenth day. This has an appearance of a type, the rest of the gospel ark at the judgment. Genesis 8:4.HST May 17, 1843, page 85.21
2. The sanctuary, and worshippers, and all appertaining to it, were cleansed on the seventh month tenth to seventeenth day, Leviticus 16:29-34, surely a type.HST May 17, 1843, page 85.22
3. The Israelites of God were to afflict their souls, from the evening of the ninth to the evening of the tenth day, seventh month. Leviticus 23:27-32, a type of the troubles, Daniel 12:1.HST May 17, 1843, page 85.23
4. The holy convocation all Israel, seventh month, 1—15th day, Leviticus 23:24; Numbers 29:1. A type of the gathering of the elect, Psalm 81:3-4; 98:6.HST May 17, 1843, page 85.24
5. The great feast, seventh month, fifteenth day, all Israel appeared before the Lord. Leviticus 23:34; 1 Kings 8:2.Type of the marriage supper. Hebrews 11:9, 10.HST May 17, 1843, page 85.25
6. The jubilee trump sounded, seventh month, tenth day, throughout all the land. Leviticus 25:9, 10. Type of final redemption. 1 Thessalonians 4:14-17.HST May 17, 1843, page 85.26
7. The time of release of all Hebrews in bondage, seventh month fifteenth day. Deuteronomy 15:1-15; 31:10, 11; Jeremiah 34:8-14, at the feast of tabernacles. This evidently is typical of the release of the Israel of God.HST May 17, 1843, page 85.27
8. The atonement was made on the tenth day seventh month, and this is certainly typical of the atonement Christ is now making for us. Leviticus 16:1-34, antitype. Hebrews 9:1-28.HST May 17, 1843, page 85.28
9. When the high priest came out of the holy of holies after making the atonement, he blessed the people. Leviticus 9:22, 23, 2 Samuel 6:18. So will our great High Priest. Hebrews 9:28. This was on the seventh month tenth day.HST May 17, 1843, page 85.29
10. This was in harvest time, the feast of harvest was kept in the seventh month, from the tenth day to the seventeenth. Leviticus 23:30. And the end of the world is compared to the harvest. Matthew 13:30. Christ says plain, in “harvest time.”HST May 17, 1843, page 85.30
11. Also in the feast of tabernacles, in the great day of the feast in the last day. John 7:2, 37. So in the last great day, Jesus’ voice will call forth the righteous dead. John 5:28, 29; 1 Thessalonians 4:16.HST May 17, 1843, page 85.31
Will you and brother Bliss examine and tell me what you think of my scribble on this point. If this should be true, we shall not see his glorious appearing until after the autumnal equinox. A few months more of trial and calumny, and then all will be over. I wish I could see you once more, but do not leave your work to gratify me; mine I expect is done. It is with great exertion I have written this. I am ashamed to write to any but you, brother Himes; you can and will pity the trembling hand ofHST May 17, 1843, page 85.32
Low Hampton, May 3rd, 1843.Wm. Miller.HST May 17, 1843, page 85.33
Remarks. We have examined the above and find considerable force in the ending of all the types; and it may be that these types may have a fulfilment in his second advent, as the sacrifices did in his first. We find that some have understood us as fixing on a day in our former article on the end of the prophetic periods. We however only intended to give the evidence which seemed to point with more force to particular times, but not to fix on days with any positiveness. There are so many different points within the year, that it would be impossible to fix positively on any one of them. We therefore only give the evidence that points to the different times; and agree with Mr. Miller, that the day must be left for the event to decide. In the mean time, we should all live with our loins girt about and lights burning, waiting for the Lord.HST May 17, 1843, page 85.34
Narrative of an Esteemed Friend
Dear Brethren.—My conversion to the Second Advent doctrine was effected by the united influence of the Word and Spirit—throwing such a flood of light on the mind as I could not resist; and I felt certain of its truth, from the effect produced on the mind, moulding it and the moral feelings to perfectly harmonize with the requirements of the gospel. I could not trifle with my convictions—it was choosing between life and death.—I felt willing the Word should be its own expositor; and I became satisfied of its import and truths, without leaning on the comments of others, as being a safe guide. The Bible now became a new book to me. Never before did its exhortations, admonitions, reproofs, corrections and instructions in righteousness, find their way to my conscience and moral feelings, with such force and power—holiness of heart and life—sanctification—a full and unreserved consecration of spirit, soul and body, and all I possessed, were the claims of the gospel on myself, and all who believe and professs to follow the Savior in the regeneration of the heart, to the same extent in these last days, as on those in the primitive ages, or commencement of the gospel. I saw and felt, and deeply felt, the absence of the teachings of the spirit and power of the Holy Ghost, in my past religious feelings and performances; and I thought I could plainly discover it to be the same case now in others. Well, I bless God for the glorious discovery—the re-conversion of my soul to revealed truths. Where had I been, and by what process in my religious course had I become so cold and unfeeling in religion? Well, I can satisfy myself by answering the enquiry. 1st. I have kept along in the religious community, under the prevailing belief of a spiritual reign of the Savior, 1,000 years on the earth, in its present physical state, to commence at some future period; and the scriptures generally possessed a concomitant mystical meaning; and of course myself and all Christians in these days are not required to live up to the literal import of scripture—baptism of the Holy Ghost; holiness, sanctification, perfect love, etc., were graces and qualifications peculiar to primitive Christians, not for us. Lord have mercy and purify the present generation of Laodecean professors and churches. 2nd. I had adopted in common with orthodox and evangelical professors, so called, the sentiment, that the Lord required his people to honor Him and his holy religion, by observing certain established rules and regulations in public and social worship, so far connected with the elements of the world, that preaching, exhorting, praying, singing, etc., must all partake more or less of blandishments alamode modern science, literature and fine arts, even to a profession. God save his people from putting on the habiliments of Babylon. 3rd. My religious performances, whatever at times I might otherwise feel, were tinctured with a man-pleasing spirit. It could not otherwise be, considering the religious atmosphere in which I allowed myself to move. Thus, Sampson like, were my locks shorn; it being very easy to lull in the lap of carnal security and worldly-mindedness, when the world, the flesh and the devil, the three great enemies of religion, have once shorn the believer of his strength. In short, I found God’s professed children and the world were coalesced, to enjoy mutual benefits and privileges as a matter of courtesy and good understanding—money, interest, and religion, completely united, as if woven into one web, the power and force human law excepted; and if time is protracted a few years, we shall see a second Constantine wielding the sceptre to sustain the union of church and state. But I bless the Lord, time is soon to wind up—the reign of the man of sin is short, and human oppression and butchery will cease forever.HST May 17, 1843, page 86.1
Under brother Miller’s lectures here in Nov. 4th, I became convinced of the correctness of his interpretation of the chronology of prophecy, but not of time—was convicted, it might be true; but which, after a few months, ended in a full and genuine conversion to the whole doctrine, as now hold by him and others. I could readily adopt the song of Moses at the red sea. “The Lord hath triumphed gloriously—and of Mary, “My soul doth magnify the Lord, my spirit doth rejoice in God my Savior; He hath helped his servant in remembrance of mercy; Praise God—I am not ashamed to shout his praise. Praise the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits.HST May 17, 1843, page 86.2
It would have been as easy for me in this case to have stifled and resisted conviction, as it is frequently done in the case of the impenitent when convicted of sin by the influence of the holy spirit. I am as cetrain there are many in this place, clergy and laity, and others, who were under strong convictions of the truth as exhibited by Mr. Miller, as I am of my own convictions. And notwithstanding a number of hard obstinate cases were overcome and ended in conversion during the lectures, and soon after Mr. Miller left, and the 150 or more conversions and reclaimed backsliders, the result of a protracted meeting of several weeks, commencing immediately after the lectures, which began to subside as the Clergy, (3 or 4 in number,) and some other influential characters began to smother conviction, and backslide in belief, which finally terminated in a denial, openly by some, that the Second Advent doctrine was not the means, nor did it exert any influence but a bad one, in the late revival; and thus to unbelief succeeded derision and contempt of the doctrine; and all this, without any proof or reasons offered from scripture or any other quarter, to disprove it, satisfactory to unbiased enquiring minds, desirous to understand revealed truths.HST May 17, 1843, page 86.3
Now if the Savior shall make his appearance in 1843 to raise the righteous dead, and translate the living, who are ready, and waiting, and watching, and love his appearing, what will become of those who are opposing the cry, “Behold the Bridegroom cometh, go ye out to meet him?” If such unbelieving professors are not the very characters described in Matthew 24:48 to 51, the passage to me is inexplicable. I tremble for the awful consequences of the present unbelief and opposing measures of ministers and people. But the scriptures must be fulfilled—and wo to those by whom offences come. I thank and praise God, that although a large majority of the learned and worldly-wise seem determined to close all the moral and intellectual avenues against the theory and practice of the Second Advent believers, there are not a few from the various churches and ranks in society, learned and unlearned, high and low, rich and poor, bond and free, who have obeyed the voice of God through his word and spirit, are having their “souls purified by obeying the truth”—standing on the Watch Tower of Faith and Love, ready and waiting for the appearance and arrival of their Lord.HST May 17, 1843, page 86.4
“O glorious hour, O blest abode, We shall be near and like our God.”HST May 17, 1843, page 86.5
Claremont, N. H. April 25th, 1843.HST May 17, 1843, page 86.6
The Jews—Romans 11
The 11th chapter of Romans is the strong hold of those who contend for the spiritual return of the Jews. And the conversion of the Jews is the strong hold of many who oppose the doctrine of the second advent this year. Let us examine this Scripture.HST May 17, 1843, page 86.7
In the 10th, the apostle had been speaking of the conduct of the Jews relative to the Messiah and the offer of salvation through him—their rejection of him and his gospel. He there inquires, 11:1, “Hath God cast away his people? i. e. has God utterly cast from him his ancient covenant people and shut the door of mercy against them forever? He answers, “God forbid;” or more literally, certainly not. “For if so, says he, then I had been cast off with them,” “I am by birth also a Jew.” Nay, “God hath not, 2—6, thrust from him his ancient people, whom he, proegno, was acquainted with aforetime, that none of them should be saved.” Nay; there is a remnant that will be saved,” kata eklogen charitos, through God’s chosen method of mercy: not by works, but by grace through faith—on the same principle as that on which the Gentile world may be saved. “For there is no difference (10:12, 13,) between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” “What then? (7—10) Israel hath not obtained what he seeketh for, i. e. salvation by the deeds of the law: (compare 10:2-4,) but God’s chosen method hath secured it to the believing remnant, and the rest were blinded and given up to hardness of heart and final destruction.” Their rejection of Christ then, (11) has not shut them out from the offer of mercy; but through that rejection, salvation is offered to the Gentiles, to stimulate them to emulation. “Now if the fall of them, (12) the word fall in this verse, and the second fall in the preceding one, is paraptoma; rendered in v. 15, 16, 17, 18, offence—not a fall that is irrecoverable, differing from the word, pesosi, fall i. e. to fall in battle—irrecoverably, in the first part of the eleventh verse. The apostle says there, “that if the offence of the Jews makes way for the riches of God’s grace toward the world, and etteoma, their degradation prepares the way for the riches of Christ among the Gentiles, how much more rich and glorious is the display of that Divine mercy which restores the rebellious Jews to the full privileges of the gospel. The word fulness, it appears to me, refers to the fulness and freeness of the offer of salvation to the Jews during the period of gospel probation; and not to the universal salvation of the Jewish nation. The 15th v. sustains this interpretation. (The 13th and 14th verses are parenthetical.) “For if, apobole, the casting aside of them prepares the way for the reconciliation of the world, what is proslepsis, the admission of them to the full and free offer of salvation, but, as it were, the resuscitation of a dead body.HST May 17, 1843, page 86.8
I cannot here agree with our brother Ward in the opinion that this passage speaks of a literal resurrection. Most evidently, to my mind, the expression, “life from the dead,” is figurative, and is perfectly coincident with the expression in the parable of the prodigal son; “This my son was dead and is alive.”HST May 17, 1843, page 86.9
There is no promise in all the Bible of any national salvation for the Jews. Nay, God told them by his prophet, that he would overturn, overturn, overturn them, till Christ should come and be crowned King in Zion. The salvation of the Jews stands on the same footing as that of the Gentiles. The salvation or condemnation of all, both Jews and Gentiles, is conditional. “If they will be wise, they will be wise for themselves; but if they scorn, they alone must bear it.’ They are moral agents, and must choose or refuse for themselves.HST May 17, 1843, page 86.10
If God would give to the Jews universal salvation, he must commence a new dispensation: he must change his mode of operation: a new principle must be instituted, differing essentially from that which he has hitherto pursued. The Bible no where intimates any such change: nay, the 29th verse forbids it. “For the benefits and invitations of God are unchangeable;” i. e. the principles on which God proposes to save sinners are uniform and immutable.HST May 17, 1843, page 86.11
The apostle now, (16—24) cautions the Romans against a spirit of boasting and self-exaltation, by supposing that they were elevated in respect to gospel privileges, above the Jews; then he adds, (25,) “For I would not have you ignorant of this mystery, lest ye claim to be wise above others, that partial blindness has happened unto Israel, until the day of Gentile probation, or day of full and free admission to the terms of salvation for the Gentile world be finished. The word pleroma, fulness, has evidently the same meaning in this passage, applied to the Gentiles, as in the 12th verse, applied to the Jews. Now the question is on the nature of this blindness. Perosis apo merous cannot mean blindness to a part, but, literally, blindness felt partly; i. e. partial blindness. This, of course, is not total blindness, which was threatened by David, and mentioned in the 9th and 10th verses; but a partial blindness found upon the “remnant.” This must probably mean blindness of head, and not of heart. It appears to me from all I learn of the present character of the Jews, that there are many devoted servants of God among them, who, though they reject the idea that the Messiah has already come, nevertheless receive, by faith prospective, the Savior, promised by the prophets—although blind in head on this subject, are yet professors of true godliness and heirs of salvation. Br. Henry Jones tells us in his Dissertation on the Jews, that some of the Jews in New York City seem to be pious; and from other sources of information, it would seem unquestionable, that, while in head they are blind, in heart the see Jesus, their salvation; not as already crucified, but as yet coming to deliver his people; and the pious Jews are confidently expecting the Messiah about this time. This partial blindness, called a mystery, will continue until the fulness of Gentile probation be finished, which will be accomplished when Christ shall leave the mediatorial seat, take upon him his kingly authority, and commence his reign on earth; then, when he shall appear in hi glory, the scales will fall from the mental vision of these Jews, who, (28) concerning the death of Christ the theme of the gospel, were reckoned as enemies by the faith of the Gentiles; but according to God’ chosen method of mercy, are regarded as beloved friends by the faith of the fathers—the patriarchs. “And so all Israel shall be saved.” All Israel cannot mean the whole nation of Israel, for some of them, we have been assured, would, through wilful blindness, be lost; nor can it mean all believers both Jews and Gentiles, for the term Israel is used in this chapter in contradistinction to the term Gentile; it means evidently that portion of the house of Israel which this same apostle would call the real Israel of God—the “remnant;” whether converts to the gospel or those who are partly blinded, till Christ shall come. “As it is written,” here the apostle quotes Isaiah 59:20, “The Redeemer shall corm to Zion, and unto them that turn from transgression in Jacob.” This, from the connexion, is evidently a promise relating to the second advent of our Savior. He will come as a deliverer to Zion. Zion sometimes denotes the gospel church, Psalm 87:2; Hebrews 12:22; Revelation 14:1; and this is probably the meaning here, in distinction from the Jews, here called Jacob. Christ will come not only as deliverer to Zion, but will deliver them also that have turned from iniquity among the Jews, even to them to whom blindness in part is happened, as well as those who have been converted to the gospel faith—who have obtained mercy (31) through the reciprocated favor of the Gentiles.HST May 17, 1843, page 86.12
To continue or enlarge now, on this subject, is impracticable. It must suffice, to add the apostle’s own words. “O the depth of the riches, both of the wisdom and knowledge of God. L. B. Coles.HST May 17, 1843, page 87.1
Lowell, April 15, 1843.HST May 17, 1843, page 87.2
From Central New York
Brother Himes.—It is nearly six year since I first made an entire dedication of all to God, and found the blood of Christ efficacious to cleanse the heart, and began to reckon myself dead unto sin and alive unto God, through Jesus Christ. Most of the time since, I have enjoyed the blessed witness of entire acceptance with God, and have felt to say, the will of the Lord be done, and a constant desire to glorify God in body and spirit, which are his. O! the delightful, heavenly, blissful communion am fellowship with God, my soul has enjoyed, eternity alone can tell. Many a silent grove, and closet, where Providence has placed me, could they speak, would tell the strong crying and tears poured forth to God; that he would glorify himself in making me as useful as possible in this world. Since Christ said, herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit, I have felt encouraged to plead like Bramwell, that I might be delivered from the bitterest of all cups, a useless life. From a child I have deeply felt that God had a great work for me to do, and consecrated myself to the missionary cause. A little less than three years since I joined the Methodist Missionary Board to go when or where Providence should direct, and am under great obligations to the Wesleyan Education Society, which under God has been instrumental in preparing me for usefulness. I am still willing and desirous to be a missionary wherever in the wide world God shall direct. But I feel assured, from the power of God’s everlasting truth set home to my heart by his spirit, that all the missionary work I do must be done quickly. And probably God has made me the humble instrument of saving more souls, within a few weeks past, by sounding the midnight cry, than most missionaries, at the east at least, have had as the fruits of their labors in many years. It is a little more than a year since my blind eyes were opened to see that the Bible forbid the idea of the world’s conversion, and a temporal millenium before Christ’s coming, that popery must prevail till his coming, and the wheat and tares must grow together till the harvest at the end of the world. I then began to inquire, is the time of Christ’s second coming revealed? I found the time plainly given in the eighth and twelfth chapters of Dan. which brings us to the last end of indignation, and to the resurrection.HST May 17, 1843, page 87.3
After prayerful examination, I believed that these definite numbers were given to reveal future events, for the special benefit of those who should live at the time when the midight cry “Behold the bridegroom cometh,” should be sounded, and when, according to Dan. “the wise shall understand.” I had the privilege of hearing Br. Miller deliver a course of lectures in Palmer, Mass., last June; and blessed be God, my prejudices were done away, what was once dark and sealed from my understanding, by God’s blessing on the word, became delightfully plain. Since about that time I have firmly believed, and fearlessly proclaimed that this blessed year 1843 is the one the Bible designates, for the closing up of this world’s history, and the deliverance of Captive Zion. The Bible looks like a new book. I can praise the Lord with all my heart that I ever heard the Midnight Cry, and fully believe it will be the means of my obtaining a brighter crown, and a richer treasure in glory, and a more abundant entrance into the everlasting kingdom of the great God and our Savior Jesus Christ. When I closed the school I was teaching at the time I believed this blessed doctrine, I could not conscientiously return to my studies in North Wilbraham, Mass., to prepare for future usefulness, when a few months at the longest must close not only my labors in this world, but those of all mankind. I was compelled by a solemn sense of duty, by the influences of the spirit, and the power of truth, to go and warn my fellow men to the extent of my ability, to prepare for Christ’s second coming, and the solemn scenes of Judgment I labored, I trust not in vain, to awake the people of my native place, Wilmington Vt., in reference to this subject. In the towns of Bethany and Prospect, Connecticut, the Lord more abundantly blessed me in reading from the Bible and the works of others on this subject, and in urging the importance of a speedy preparation to meet Christ at his coming”. Souls were converted and sanctified.—By the merciful Providence of God, I was next directed to this State, with a second advent company, where I have found such a field of labor, and my labors have met with such glorious results, that I have not doubted, and cannot doubt for a moment that I am in the path of duty; Soon after arriving in Oxford, I was solicited to tell about Christ’s coming, in a school house, two mlies from the village. I explained the chart, and spoke nine or ten times in the form of lectures, for the first time in my life. God attended the word, and during the week I spent in the place about thirty were hopefully converted. I was then convinced that the Lord had something more for me to do than to assist in prayer meetings. Since that time there are constantly four or five places calling for my labors at the same time. I have now labored in this way about nine weeks, in seven different places. The numbers of conversions have averaged about thirty five in a place, while I was with them, and in no place much, if any less than twenty, and the revivals are still in progress. In the town of McDonough, where I found them asleep in religion, as well as about the Lord’s coming, in two places, the village and a settlement five miles from it, powerful revivals commenced. Ninety or one hundred have been converted. The listening audiences consisted of from 1,000 to 1400 people. In the town of Smithville, the people have been awakened to seek a preparation to meet the Lord. In the east part more than fifty were converted while I labored with them, several expect to see Christ come in the clouds with power and great glory this year. In this town, including a revival in one neighborhood before I came here, more than one hundred have been converted. I have labored in two villages in the town of Greene; about forty were converted while I was there, seventy or eighty had been converted before under the labors of Br. Collins, and in the other meetings. The Lord is doing great things in this region, and preparing the people for his coming. I have lectured in meeting-houses in every place except the first. They have been filled often to overflowing. And people have left for want of room. I have been compelled to go into the desk, in order to be heard in the galleries and back parts of the house; and when there God has spoken through me by his spirit in a wonderful manner. I never had such liberty, energy, and power of the spirit before, and more attention, solemnity, and weeping in congregations I never saw. We have usually only to clear the seats, and they rush forward for prayers, as though in haste to set there before they were filled. One hundred and fifty presented themselves for prayers in McDonough village. In two other places, the body-slips have been filled with mourning souls; Universalists, Infidels, and in some places some of the most influential persons have been among the fruits of this work. And while God works in such power, and converts so many souls where I labor, I cannot, dare not stop, for the only reason that I am a sister. And though men may censure and condemn, I feel justified before God, and expect, with joy to render my account for thus warning my fellow beings, I am confident it is the Lord that is doing these marvelous things, and he shall have all the glory, in time and eternity. Surely God chooseth the weak things of this world to confound the mighty, and I have often felt those words applied, “it is not you that speak, but the spirit of your Father which speaketh in you.” The will of the Lord be done.HST May 17, 1843, page 87.4
Yours in the blessed hope of being changed in a moment in the twinkling of an eye, and seeing Jesus as he is, in 1843.HST May 17, 1843, page 87.5
Olive Maria Rice.
Smithville, March 18th. 1843.
Letter from C. Wines
Dear Brother Himes:—The cause of truth is progressing in this region. Since you were here, up to this time, there has been a continual outpouring of the Holy Spirit, in this city and region. There has been added to the Methodist Episcopal church in this place, sixty or seventy members, and more to be abmitted next Sabbath. In Panton there has a number united with the Baptist church, and quite a number of hopeful converts, that have not united with any church. Br. Truman Grandy of Panton, soon after you were here, commenced a school there, and at the same time commenced talking in that place and others, of the second coming of our Lord in 1843, and the Lord has blessed him in his efforts. Barely in his school district, there have been some fifteen or twenty, hopeful converts; and among them was a man in that neighborhood, a confirmed drunkard, and one that had been so for ten or fifteen years; emphatically a gutter drunkard, that had been given up by the greatest part of the community, although his father’s family was among the most respectable in the community, and himself too, with the exception of this vice, has by some means or other been clothed, and appears really to be in his right mind; and it may truly be said of him “behold he prayeth.”HST May 17, 1843, page 87.6
The Lord be praised forever and ever for this.HST May 17, 1843, page 88.1
But while we in this place have so much cause for joy and thanksgiving, we also have to regret that there are among us those that say my Lord delayeth his coming; there are those that say, where is the promise of that coming; there are those that say, the coming as believed by us is an error; and among these are the professed followers of Jesus, yes, preachers of the gospel too.HST May 17, 1843, page 88.2
I have been thinking whether I should say any thing to you with respect to the society in this place, that shut their doors against us and you. I believe God has rewarded them according to their works; for after you left here some four or five weeks, that society commenced a series of meetings under the superintendence of the Rev. N. Day, of Louisburgh, who started with the assertion that the doctrine of the second coming of Christ, as preached and believed by the brethren, was erroneous, and he could prove it so from the Bible. The Lord has rewarded them according to their works, I verily believe; for after over three weeks of hard labor, of visiting and drumming, and sending their teams about the city and region to procure an audience, they did not got it; and as far as I have been able to learn, I have not heard of one single convert. Painful, yet true. Pray for the pastor, pray for the church.HST May 17, 1843, page 88.3
Yours truly in the blessed hope. C. Wines
Vergennes, March 28, 1843.
Scoffer’s Corner
Last Sunday was the to be eventful day—the day when ascension robes were to be put in requisition, and a considerable dust was to be kicked up generally. In this village the exhibition was a decided failure: whether it was postponed by the managers, or put out by the rain, we have not heard. Some people thought a new arrangement had been made in the performances, and that we were to have a flood instead of a conflagration. This may have been the case, and the drizzle which we had may be attributable to a want of time on the part of the Millerites to set up anything better.HST May 17, 1843, page 88.4
It appears that they had better luck in Boston. The following paragraph from last Monday’s Daily Advertiser of that city contains all the particulars which we have received:HST May 17, 1843, page 88.5
April 23d.—The destruction of the world went off yesterday as quietly as could possibly have been expected. We must wait for the next number of the “Midnight Yell,” before we can give a detailed account to our readers.HST May 17, 1843, page 88.6
The Daily Advertiser undoubtedly means the “Midnight Cry.” The “Midnight Cry,” the “Noonday Yell,” and “The Vial of Wrath and Junk Bottle of Destruction,” are the principal, if not the only, Milierite organs. We understand that another is to be started as soon as a “beast” with a sufficient number of “heads” and “tails” can be manufactured out of a pine block, that it is to be called the “Evening Howl and the Hideous Grinner,” and that it is to be edited by a man with a green bag.—Pautucket Gazette.HST May 17, 1843, page 88.7
Scoffers again rebuked by an Infidel
In reading the following extract from an article in the last “Olive Branch” a Protestant Methodist paper, we were forcibly reminded of an old couplet, which the writer may be profited by remembering.—HST May 17, 1843, page 88.8
“Turn, Pharisee, thine eyes within, Nor longer look abroad for sin!”HST May 17, 1843, page 88.9
If the gross personal abuse, and barefaced bigotry and intolerance, here displayed by a professed Christian minister toward one of his Christian brethren, merely for a difference of opinion, be the legitimate spirit of Christianity, we are truly thankful that we are Infidels. We would not treat a dog so:—Investigator.HST May 17, 1843, page 88.10
“The amount of poverty and misery produced by such fellows as Himes, and his tools, can only be known in the last great day. They have assumed a fearful responsibility; the filthy lucre, and illomened notoriety they I have obtained, can be but a sorry compensation for the ultimate odium which shall be affixed to their names, and the weight of Heaven’s curse, which shall fall upon their devoted heads; for if there are in Heaven’s magazines any bolts red with uncommon wrath, they must be reserved for such as have thus deluded and tormented society. We must speak out, and we will; these men are the worst enemies of God, and vampyres sucking the life-blood of society—gorging and fattening on what they extort from the fears, or pious contributions, of those whom they dupe. We know it is an unthankful task, to expose the hypocrite, and the wrong-doer, but we will not shrink from our duty. These sinners will call us a scoffer. Good Heavens! a scoffer, because we honor God and reverence his words, instead of the stale, flat, and contradictory nonsense of these impious perverters of divine truth. Every religious maniac and wicked imposter, whose dogmas have been rejected by the sober sense of mankind, have screened themselves in the same way. How preposterous, that these men should compare themselves to Christ and his Apostles, and the opposition honestly made to their incoherent dreams, to the malicious, fiend-like opposition of the Jews to Christ and his Apostles.—O impiety! blasphemy!—These sinful, erring, selfish and passionate men claim honors, which we, as Christians, can pay to none but the Son of God, and those whom he has immediately inspired. We might extend our remarks on the Pharisaic impiety and blasphemy of these vain pretenders, who make the welkin ring, because we choose not to pay honors to them, which belong only to Christ and his inspired Apostles.—This will do for the present. We hope all men will remember that these ignorant pretenders are selfish, weak men, who have given no vouchers from Heaven to prove their authority, to force upon us their stupid dogmas, and any clodpate or bushwhacker, knows just as much about what these men teach, as they do themselves.”HST May 17, 1843, page 88.11
Obituary
Died, at Worcester, April 16th, 1843, Emeline Matilda, daughter of Henry and Matilda Parker, aged 14 years.HST May 17, 1843, page 88.12
Perhaps it would be interesting to your readers, especially those who are looking for the Advent of our Savior as near, to know something of the state of her mind for two or three months previous, and during her last sickness, which was very sudden and unexpected. Although of pious parents, who had endeavored faithfully to watch over and guide her youthful steps, and, habituated to family worship, with the benefits of Sabbath school instruction, and other means of grace, usually enjoyed; yet nothing was remarkably apparent in her character from other young girls of her age, until within three or four months of her decease, when she became very much interested in attending the Second Advent meetings; so much so, that she would meekly endure the taunts and ridicule of her school-mates, for Christ’s sake, if she could be prepared for his coming and kingdom. It is the testimony of her parents, that if she was prepared for death, (which they do not for a moment doubt,) it was through the influence of the Second Advent doctrine. She was violently attacked with a disease that in 27 hours laid her in the arms of death; during which time she retained her senses; and appeared perfectly calm and composed in view of death, when told by her parents that they feared she would soon leave them. Her mother asked her if she should pray that she might get well? She replied, “Pray that God’s will may be done”—if she was willing to die? “she hoped so”—if she loved her Savior?—“yes.” She died in anticipation of soon hearing that last loud trump that shall awake and summon her to the abode of the saints in glory.HST May 17, 1843, page 88.13
A little diary that she kept, was found after her death, which will show the state of her mind previous. It commences with a prayer:HST May 17, 1843, page 88.14
“O Lord, I pray thee to forgive all my sins, and make me humble and penitent, and that thou wilt give me more faith and grace; O that I may be one of thy chosen children, and that thou would take possession of my heart and keep it free from sin, and every thing that is unholy and unclean. Lord, have mercy upon sinners, and bring more into the light of the glorious appearing of our Savior this year. And now, O Lord, be pleased to hear my prayer, and at last bring me, together with my brothers and sisters, to dwell with thee in heaven above, forever. Amen.”HST May 17, 1843, page 88.15
Various interesting extracts from her diary accompanied the above, but were omitted for want of room.HST May 17, 1843, page 88.16
Letters
from post masters, to may 13, 1843
Massachusetts.—Shelburne Falls, Bedford, Springfield, $1, East Whateley, $1, Ashfield.HST May 17, 1843, page 88.17
Maine.—Jay, Bangor, Palmyra, Camden.HST May 17, 1843, page 88.18
New Hampshire.—East Plainfield, Manchester, $1, North Hampton, Bradford, $1, Walpole, Centre Ossipee, $1, North Barnstead, $1.HST May 17, 1843, page 88.19
Vermont.—Walcott, Weybridge, Thetford, $1, Montpelier, $1, Peacharn, $1, Northfield, $1, Stow, $1.HST May 17, 1843, page 88.20
Connecticut.—Norwich Town, Berlin, Glastenbury, $2, Weslford, $1.HST May 17, 1843, page 88.21
N. York.—Charlton, $1, Perington, $1, Warsaw.HST May 17, 1843, page 88.22
Rhode Island.—No. Scituate. S. Carolina.—Chester. Maryland.—Cliaptico. Michigan.—Homer.HST May 17, 1843, page 88.23
individuals
W. B. Start, $10;—($25 not rec’d yet.) James Gordon—H B Skinner—Edwin Grant—O Parker—Wm Miller—J J Webb $1—W H Peyton $1—Moses Chandler $1—L F Allen $1—C Green—J B Cook—Elizabeth Pratt—S Sutton, $2—Miss Pilsbury, $1—Henry F J Scribner—Polly Lee, $2—James Shannon.HST May 17, 1843, page 88.24
Bundles Sent
W B Start, Camden, Me.—36 Park Row, N York—R E Ladd, Cabotville, Mass.—Box and Bundle 36 Park Row, N. Y.HST May 17, 1843, page 88.25