When I first embarked on board the old ship, I shipped for the voyage. Having now deserted the ship for weighty reasons, of which I was not aware when embarking, I stand condemned as a runaway and covenant-breaker. It is true that I shipped for the voyage, confiding in the skill of the captain, (the pastor) as an able Navigator and safe guide, in things pertaining to the chart by which we were to shape our course; I also confided in the soundness of the ship, and unanimity of the crew. I embarked, and set sail with a propitious gale and flattering aspect. There was a general impression among the crew, that a long voyage was before us, and the port of destination a great way off, no one knew how far; and if sometimes, from curiosity, any of the crew, perchance, should hint at the question, how far we had to port, the captain would answer sometimes, that it was an immense distance off; and at other times that he did not know but we might arrive in port the next day, besides he would say, “it is not for you to know the times and seasons which the Father hath put in his own power.” This appeared to me strange logic, I must confess, but thinking that it might be owing to ignorance in me, and want of skill and understanding, I endeavored to quiet my fears by again reposing in my guide, resolving to do the part of duty assigned to me, blow high or low, sink or swim. One fine night, when we imagined great peace and safety, all hands slumbering and sleeping, the watch being barely awake, a swift sail hove alongside and hailed us; ship ahoy! The captain staggered on deck, rubbing his eyes, and so replied! Halloo! what of the night, and what do you mean disturbing the people? not knowing what he said, for his eyes were heavy with sleep. The stranger sail answered again with a loud voice, and much seeming anxiety: Awake from your slumber, behold the pilot cometh, and the land is almost in sight. But the captain, and some of the crew laughed him to scorn, and he seemed unto them as one that mocked; others being more charitable, said he is beside himself, and some few of the most watchful, who were withall desirous to get into port, pondered these things in their hearts. Our friendly sail then left us to shift for ourselves, and being rather swift on the keel, and steering straight for the port, because he knew the chart and landmarks, he soon was out of sight. I myself felt anxious to get into port, being tossed exceedingly, and began to inquire, are these things so? I had by this time lost much confidence in my captain, though I kept it to myself, for fear of an uproar among the crew, and having a chart myself, with a small degree of information in it, and an express command from the chief captain to search it, assured that I should do well if I took heed to it I ventured myself, in humble reliance on his help in whom I had believed, to ascertain what latitude and longitude we were in, and thus see if there was any foundation for the given alarm. I saw plainly that if this was the truth, the captain and crew must alter both course and duty; The crew must be fed differently, with meat in due season, and of such kind, too, as would make them fat and fair, seeing they would so soon have to stand in the presence of the great King. To my utter astonishment and heart-felt remorse, for having neglected my chart so long, and the gift that was in me, I perceived there was much cause for the given alarm; and as I continued searching and praying, conviction increased, until my mind was settled in the belief, that if I could rely on the correctness of the chart, the Port verily was nigh even at the doors, I thanked the God of heaven, who had sent his servant to give us the warning voice, who maketh foolish the wisdom of this world, and chooseth the weak ones of the crew, to confound human wisdom, hiding this from the wise and prudent, and revealing it unto babes. It was here the fiery trial began. I had covenanted to do my duty like a faithful tar, not only that which was inscribed on the articles when I signed, but also those which should be revealed when the Lord should afterward appear unto me, and I now felt it were better for me to die, than to act the part of a slothful servant. But, said the Prince of the air, wilt thou pretend to teach the captain and older crew? thou stripling, hadst better tarry at Jericho till thy beard be grown, before thou settest up thyself as a teacher. To him I gave place by subjection, no, not for an hour, for I was not ignorant of his devises, which no doubt were to have us all dashed upon the rocks, and be overtaken as a thief. I accordingly went to the captain with my chart, disclosing to him my views on it, and my serious impressions concerning the great question: the end of the voyage.—He was then in company with another captain of the Lord’s host, who both assumed much seeming pity towards me for having been led away by a false prophet, laboring with all their might to stifle my impressions, being, as they thought, entirely false. Why, said Capt. R. we have but just got started on the voyage, and how fallacious the idea of going into port now. I then pointed to the chart, and demanded if it did not plainly show that it was so, and if not, what it did show. Poh. said they, it is only those who have not learnt the science of Navigation, that believe so, and wrest the chart to their own destruction, the chart is very mysterious, and all the beacons, and landmarks laid down on it, and their distance from us, cannot be ascertained, until we have past them, and the sole duty of the crew is to make sail and attend to daily work; and as it is known neither to man or angels, but to God only when we shall get into port, leave that altogether with him. Such sophistry and vain jangling from two skillful Navigators and teachers in Israel did not satisfy me. This thought puts infidelity to blush, and I could not comprehend what made them reason thus, except it was, that they loved better to remain on the boisterous Ocean, than to get into port. I then withdrew myself from them, and went about my duty, without getting any light, but was much strengthed in my convictions, and again betaking myself to my chart, I inquired about the good old way. The crew now began to look upon me with suspicion, as a dangerous fellow, and having formerly been very intimate with me, they now, with the exception of a very few, entirely shunned my company, while at the same time they professed great love towards me. As we were drawing near the land, one day, I climbed up to the mast-head almost to Pisgah’s top, having looked a long time towards the desired spot, and knowing that my reckoning was almost up, I really thought I did discern Zion’s golden spires. I at once became uncommonly solicitous that the crew might be made sensible of the fact, and knowing how averse they would be to believe it, from their ignorance and prejudice, and the co-operation of the captain, I saw myself compelled to cry aloud, and spare not; and being exceedingly earnest in my appeal, I told them their ship was in danger of sinking, Captain and all, except they should awake. This was intolerable. Immediately the whole ship, lower, and aloft, was in confusion. The Captain solemnly declared I was mad, or soon would be, part of the crew said I was sincere, a part said nay, but he deceiveth the people, some saying, make him hold his peace, others said, let him quit the ship. After the uproar had subsided, a counsel was held, in order to take such measures as would best conduce to the safety of the ship, in which it was resolved to bear with me, and suffer me to remain in the ship, since I had committed nothing worthy of banishment, only they thought it expedient straitly to charge me henceforth to speak to no man any more on this point. The measure being presented to me, I refused to comply with it, considering myself a free man on board a free ship, whose crew had orders from the chief captain to speak what they believed to be the truth, and to cry land ho! when they firmly believed they saw it. So I declared I would not bow my neck to that yoke, but obey God rather than men, and leave the result with him. Just then hearing a voice saying, come out of her my people, that ye receive not of her plagues, I obeyed the call, put overboard my boat, and left the old wreck, with her crazy crew. I soon overtook the friendly sail with her noble homeward bound crew, who gladly took me on board, and am now among that band, who not only long to come to an anchor, but seeing we are shoaling our water daily, and getting the barque trim, with steady helm and fro-bent sail, to drop the hulk within the veil, vain world adieu, hailing every body as we go along, and am content to wait patiently until the pilot shall appear to conduct our shattered barque through the gates in to the city. F. F.HST March 1, 1843, page 185.2

Boston, Feb. 20, 1843.HST March 1, 1843, page 185.3

“Father Miller.”

JVHe

While we are not prepared to subscribe to the doctrine promulgated by this gentleman, we have been surprised at the means made use of by its opponents to put it down. Certainty all who have ever heard him lecture, or have read his works, must acknowledge that he is a sound reasoner, and as such is entitled to fair arguments from those who differ with him. Yet his opposers do not see fit to exert their reasoning powers, but content themselves by denouncing the old gentleman as a “fanatic,” a “liar,” “deluded old fool,” “specalator,” etc. etc. Mr. Miller is now, and has been for many years a resident of this county, and as a citizen, a man and a Christian, stands high in the estimation of all who know him, and we have been pained to hear the grey-headed, trembling old man denounced as a “speculating knave.” Speculating, forsooth. Why need he speculate? He has enough of the good things of this world to last him through the few days which at longest may be his on earth, without traveling from city to city, from town to village, laboring night and day, like a galley-slave, to add to a store which is already abundent. Who, that has witnessed his earnestness in the pulpit, and listened to the uncultivated eloquence of nature which falls in such rich profusion from his lips, dare say that he is an impostor? We answer, without fear of contradiction from any candid mind, none! We are not prepared to say how far the old man may be from correct, but one thing, we doubt not that he is sincere; and we do hope that some one of his many opponents will take the pains to investigate the subject, and if it be in their power, drive the old man from his position. It is certainly a subject worthy of investigation, and one fraught with momentous consequences, and no matter who the individual is that promulgates the doctrine, if he offers good reasons and sound argument, drawn from the word of God and history, we say he is entitled to his position until, by the same means, he is driven from it. Mr. Miller certainly goes to the fountain of knowledge, Revelation and history, for proof, and should not be answered with low, vulgar, and blasphemous witicisms.HST March 1, 1843, page 186.1

We like the following remarks, copied from an exchange in relation to this subject:—Sandy-Hill Herald.HST March 1, 1843, page 186.2

Millerism.—This is the term by which the opinions of those who oppose the idea of a millenium, and maintain that the end of the world will take place in 1843, is distinguished; and it is thus denominated because Mr. Miller first propagated it.HST March 1, 1843, page 186.3

We certainly are not a convert to the theory, but we feel bound in duty to lift our voice in reproof of, and enter our protest against the infidel scurrility, and blasphemous witicisms, with which some of our exchanges abound, and from which religious periodicals are not wholly exempt.HST March 1, 1843, page 186.4

If Mr. Miller is in error it is possible to prove him so, but not by vulgar and blasphemous witicisms and ribaldry; those are not arguments. And to treat a subject of such overwhelming majesty, and fearful consequences—a subject which has been made the theme of prophecy in both Testaments; the truth of which, occur when it will, God has sealed by his own unequivocal averments—we repeat it, to make puns and display vulgar wit upon this subject is not merely to sport with the feelings of its propagators and advocates, but is to make a jest of the day of Judgment, to scoff at the Deity himself, and contemn the terrors of his Judgment Bar.HST March 1, 1843, page 186.5

Mr. Miller and The Phrenologist

JVHe

The following authentic anecdote will be interesting to those who think Mr. Miller is a fanatic. We relate it because some are deterred from examining our views of prophecy, because religious papers call them “fanatical.”HST March 1, 1843, page 186.6

A man who had proclaimed his belief in Christ’s coming till he was called a “Millerite,” once took Mr. Miller to a phrenologist in Boston, with whom he was himself acquainted, but who had no suspicion whose head he was examining. He commenced by saying the person under examination had a large, well developed brain, and well-balanced head. While examining the moral, and intellectual organs, he said to Mr. Miller’s friend:HST March 1, 1843, page 186.7

“I tell you what it is, Mr. Miller could not easily make a convert of this man to his hair-brained theory He has too much good sense.”HST March 1, 1843, page 186.8

Thus he proceeded, making comparisons between the head he was examining, and the head of Mr. Miller, as he fancied it would be. “Oh, how I should like to examine Mr. Miller’s head,” said he; “I would give it one squeezing.”HST March 1, 1843, page 186.9

The phrenologist, knowing that the gentleman was a particular friend of Mr. Miller, spared no pains in going out of the way to make remarks upon him. Putting his hand upon the organ of fanaticism, as it is sometimes called, or the organ of marvellousness, he said, “There, I’ll bet you any thing that old Miller has got a bump on his head there as big as my fist,” at the same time doubling up his fist as a sample. Others laughed at the perfection of the joke, and he heartily joined them, supposing they were laughing at his dry jokes on Mr. Miller.HST March 1, 1843, page 186.10

“He laughed; ‘twas well. The tale applied
Soon made him laugh on ‘tother side”HST March 1, 1843, page 186.11

He got through, made out his chart, and politely asked Mr. Miller for his name. Mr. M. remarked, that it was of no consequence about putting his name upon the chart, but the phrenologist insisted. “Very well,” said Mr. M., “you may call it Miller, if you choose.”HST March 1, 1843, page 186.12

“Miller, Miller,” said he, “what is your first name?”HST March 1, 1843, page 186.13

“Well, they call me William Miller.”HST March 1, 1843, page 186.14

“What, the gentleman who is lecturing in Boston?”HST March 1, 1843, page 186.15

“Yes, sir, the same.”HST March 1, 1843, page 186.16

At this, the phrenologist, filled with astonishment and dismay, settled back into his chair, pale and trembling, and spake not a word while the company remained The reader may judge of the poor fellow’s feelings.HST March 1, 1843, page 186.17

Letter From Bro. Charles Fitch

JVHe

Dear Bro. Himes.—I have great reason to rejoice that I came to this country, for I have abundant reason for believing that God is using the truth which I preach for immense good. I have labored in the following places: Cleveland, Painesville, Norwalk, and Elyria, which are the county seats of as many counties, viz; Cuyahoga, Lake-Lorain, and Huron Counties, and all of them important places for exerting an influence on the surrounding region. Besides the above places, I have labored at Willoughby, Dover, Olmsted, Ridgville, and delivered three Lectures on the same day, at a neighborhood about four miles from Cleveland. This week I am preaching daily in Cleveland, and sinners are daily turning to the Lord. Indeed the revival here, which has been in progress for a good many weeks seems, to be continually increasing in interest. There are revivals also in a good many places in this region. The Lord is getting sinners ready for the glorious day. I have distributed nearly all the publications which were sent me. Very many of them gratuitously, and upon the proceeds of what have been sold I have been to some extent dependent. I have preached a good many more sermons than there have been days, since I came to this place the first week in November.HST March 1, 1843, page 186.18

We propose to print here, four thousand copies of a paper weekly, which can be accomplished for about $50 a week. Navigations being closed, it is impracticable to obtain publications from the east. So we will do what we can for ourselves. I wish some good New-England Brother, who has it, would forward us a few hundred dollars, as we could make it tell here in the spread of truth.HST March 1, 1843, page 186.19

Jan. 28th, yesterday I received a draft of twenty five dollars from Bro. ------, of Connecticut, on which I shall be able doubtless to obtain more. The Lord bless him; and let the name of the Lord be praised.HST March 1, 1843, page 186.20

Every day this week souls have been converted to Christ in our meetings, and the work is progressing in a very delightful manner. Calls for lectures are far more numerous than I can meet, and wherever I go the people crowd together as long as room can be found to receive them, coming, in some cases, 5, 10, and even as far as 15 miles, to listen to the word of the Lord.HST March 1, 1843, page 186.21

I see by the Midnight Cry that you are to have a conference next week at Philadelphia. How my heart would rejoice to be with you. But this cannot be. There is a vast difference between toiling on here alone, and standing shoulder to shoulder with the dear Brethren at the east. But the Lord is with me and makes me very prosperous, and this is enough. The Lord bless you, my Brethren, till we meet the Lord in peace.HST March 1, 1843, page 186.22

The work is progressing delightfully in Cleveland, and in very many places through this region. From all directions letters are sent me saying “come over and help us,” and I am endeavoring to do what I can; when I leave home again, I expect to go to Akron, about 40 miles south; but severe sickness in my family seems to present an obstacle.HST March 1, 1843, page 186.23

I do not find New-England railroads here to travel by. But the Lord has provided for me, by converting, the soul of a young man, who owns a first rate horse, and is ready at all times to carry me wherever I wish to go; so we drive it all weathers, mud up to the hubs, or any how, and the Lord is with us in all places, & makes known the savor of his name. I should exceedingly enjoy a six hours conversation with Bro. Himes, or some other fellow laborer at the east; but I can wait a little, as I soon expect we’ll meet to part no mo—o—ore on Canaan’s happy shore.HST March 1, 1843, page 186.24

Yours in the faith, Charles Fitch.HST March 1, 1843, page 186.25

Letter from Thomas Atkinson

JVHe

Dear Brother—I have thought considerably lately on the 24th of Matthew. Bro. Storrs has thrown out views on this chapter, which I fully believe to be correct. I am satisfied that the exposition generally given, breaks the harmony of scripture, and might be made use of to show a palpable inconsistency in our system, and perhaps to overthrow it entirely. The signification of the abomination of desolation, seems to be a key to the whole. Was it papacy, or something that was set up in some part of Jerusalem at the time of its destruction by the Romans? Our Savior referred to it as spoken of by Daniel the Prophet. Of course then to find out what it means we must turn to where Daniel speaks of it. We find it mentioned in Daniel 11:31, and 12:11; in both places it is mentioned in connection with the daily, as something set up subsequently to the taking away of the daily. It is a part of our system that the daily was Paganism, and was taken away in A. D. 508. Some of us also suppose the abomination of desolation, to be something set up at the destruction of Jerusalem, about the year 70. Daniel 12:11, then would read from the time that the daily shall be taken away in A. D. 508, and the abomination that maketh desolate set up A. D. 70, there shall be 1290 days. How absurd! To preserve consistency we must either admit that the abomination of desolation was something set up after 508, in which case we will agree with Bro. Storrs on Matthew 24. or we must understand the daily to be something taken away before A. D. 70, in which case we must abandon our system entirely; for then Daniel would have stood in his lot about A. D. 1400. But it can be proved from Daniel 11th that the daily was something taken away after the distractions and dismemberment of the Roman empire. The setting up of the abomination of desolation was subsequent to the taking away of the daily. The next power that existed after the setting up of that abomination is described in Daniel 11:36. This description is evidently parallel to that contained in Daniel 7:25, and 2 Thessalonians 2:4. and exactly applies to the Pope. The abomination of desolation, then, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, was Papacy. It stood in the holy place, the Christian church, or, as St. Paul calls it, the temple of God. During the week of our Savior’s ministry he caused the sacrifice and oblation to cease; he introduced a new dispensation, and under that dispensation the holy place was the Christian church. It is a mistake to suppose that at the destruction of Jerusalem the temple therein was the holy place. Now whenever Daniel and Paul speak of the setting up of the abomination of desolation, they speak of it in connection with the taking away of the daily; this then is the harmony of scripture. This harmony I cannot believe our Savior broke in upon; I believe he preserved it and spoke of the establishment of Papacy in connection with the end of Paganism, the taking away of the daily. Previous to this event, the gospel had been preached in all the world, co-extensively with the bounds of the Roman empire which devoured the whole earth. Taking this view we see a beauty, a consistency, and a connection in Matthew 24. which no other exposition of the chapter can exhibit. We have a prediction of the persecutions in v. 9, the falling away in v. 12, the taking away of the daily, end of Paganism in v. 14th, the establishment of Papacy in v. 15th, the tribulations under the Pope, the flight of the Christians to the mountains of Piedmont, the mitigation of their troubles before the expiration of the 1260 days, and some of the errors of popery in pointing to hermitages and monastaries as the places where only Christ could be found and served, in verses 16-26, the signs imediately after those tribulations and prior to the coming of the Son, in v. 29, the resurrection of the just, in vs. 30, 31; we have also the design of the whole prophecy v. 33. Luke 21:20, is often adduced as parallel with and explanatory of Matthew 24:15. This I cannot admit. Certainly Jerusalem being encompassed with armies, indicating that the desolation thereof was nigh, was different from the abomination of desolation spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing in the holy place. The distress mentioned by Luke, came on tbe rebellious Jews; that mentioned by Matthew came as evidently on the elect; for on their account the days were shortened. Matthew puts no event, and but a little time, between the tribulation and the signs in the sun, moon, etc. Luke interposes the long period of the treading down of Jerusalem by the Gentiles, between the wrath on this people and the appearance of those signs. Again, Luke says nothing about the end before the compassing of Jerusalem with armies; the two chapters are certainly not parallel throughout. Matthew predicted the end of Paganism, the setting up of Papacy, and the appearance of the signs in the sun, etc. immediately after the overthrow of the Papal power. Luke predicted Jerusalem’s destruction, and its being trodden down of the Gentiles, until the Savior’s second coming. I have found great benefit from the above views in contending with Universalists. The proof adduced from Daniel that the abomination of desolation was Papacy, upsets them entirely. I am going to the Provinces sounding the midnight cry. There is a large field unoccupied; cannot you send some zealous labourer to occupy it. The time is short; what we do must be done quickly. Yours in the blessed hope,HST March 1, 1843, page 186.26

Thos. Atkinson.HST March 1, 1843, page 187.1

The Jew! The Jew!!—There is now a wonderful sympathy felt for the poor, unfortunate Jew. It is animating hearts that never before were warmed by a feeling of kindness for their fellow-men. Cold-hearted christians, who till now have looked with perfect indifference upon this dispersed race, and have ever been firm in the belief that there are no promises unfulfilled to them as a nation, are now wonderfully anxious and strenuous in their belief that the descendants of the crucifiers of our Lord are again to be restored to their ancient privileges, with a restoration of their ancient forms of worship, which have long since been abolished by Jehovah. This sympathy is not confined to such. Infidels and [original illegible] are equally anxious for the Jew.HST March 1, 1843, page 187.2

Such uncommon and so sudden a manifestation of an interest in this oppressed race, by minds which ordinarily could be unmoved by any appeal, cannot but excite our astonishment, and cause us to inquire the reason of such unlooked-for commisseration. The reason is, however, most obvious. So long as the unprepared had no fears that the Judge was standing before the door, they cared not for the Jew: but as soon as the evidence becomes so conclusive of his near approach that their guilty consciences are alarmed, they fly to the Jew as a covert from the approaching storm, and endeavor to interpose his restoration before the great and terrible day of the Lord. Multitudes are accordingly looking upon the Jew as their only safeguard, knowing that if he is not restored, their arguments must fail, and they will stand exposed to the pitiless storm that is about to come upon them. This accounts for the wonderful interest that is now awakened for this unfortunate sect.HST March 1, 1843, page 187.3

His Coming Again. “Thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and rise from the dead the third day, and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, begining Jerusalem.” “Ought not Christ to have suffered those things and to enter into his glory?” “So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many, and UNTO THEM THAT LOOK FOR HIM shall he appear the second time without sin UNTO SALVATION!”HST March 1, 1843, page 187.4

And who are they that “look for him to appear the second time,” not as a sacrifice for sin, but for the consummation of their full salvation from sin and all its consequences?—They are those who believe in him as having come the first time, an offering for their sin, receiving the atonement made in the offering of himself for them, by a faith that subdues the heart to the love of God and their neighbor, that conquers sin, sanctifies the soul, body and spirit. Such “look for him the second time”—and such only do really look for him. They “love his appearing”—and all others hate it. Reader, in which of these classes are you? Here is a test of your character. Apply it, and know your state and prospects. Lay hold on eternal life.—The Disciple.HST March 1, 1843, page 187.5

The Sects, or Professed Church.—The following testimony is from Harris’ celebrated book entitled “Mammon.”HST March 1, 1843, page 187.6

“The great majority of Christian professors may be seen, from age to age, pursuing their own ends as eagerly, and wasting their substance as selfishly, as the world around them. They seek their worldly prosperity. They know of nothing equal to that. Every thing is made to give way to that. The cause of Christ itself must wait for that; and is only held secondary to it. What! neglect any thing which tends to increase their gains!—they would deem themselves mad to think of it; even though the salvation of an immortal soul had to wait in consequence. And thus, while God has to complain of them as slothful in his service, Mammon can boast of them as among his most diligent and devoted servants.”HST March 1, 1843, page 187.7

The Last Hour of the False Prophet.—The signs of the speedy fulfillment of the predictions against Mohammedanism, are multiplying every day. At the present time, anarchy and confusion prevail throughout the Turkish empire, and the attempts of the European powers to support her, have hastened her ruin. An intelligent traveler thus writes of this country: “Turkey is in the agonies of dissolution, and will soon be a mere corpse. One of the provinces under her protection, Servia, has been lately revolutionized, and its reigning prince dethroned. The Government at Constantinople acquieses, because it is too feeble to oppose the revolution. In Syria is the same anarchy. The Druses and Christians of Mount Lebanon, are a prey to perpetual wars, and obey no superior authority. No law, no safety, no security for property in this unhappy country. What does the Sultan do? He promises to act against the rebels, but he does not. Is it not a sign that the last hour is come for the followers of Mohammed?”—N. Y. Evan.HST March 1, 1843, page 187.8

The Augsburg Gazette publishes a letter from Rome of the 22nd ult., announcing that the Holy See was about to send a vicar apostolical to China, at the request of the Catholics residing in China.HST March 1, 1843, page 187.9

SIGNS OF THE TIMES

JVHe

J.V. Himes, J. Litch, & S. Bliss, Editors.HST March 1, 1843, page 188.1

BOSTON, MARCH 1, 1843.

Close of the Volume

JVHe

This number closes the present volume. Some 1500 delinquent subscribers would confer a favor, as well as an act of justice, by making an immediate remittance. Some are indebted for one, some two, others for three volumes! If the above sums are not paid in promptly, the income of the paper will not meet its current expenses. We have spared no labor, or expense, to make the “Signs of the Times” an instructing and useful paper. The testimony of thousands has confirmed us that we have not labored in vain.HST March 1, 1843, page 188.2

Our opponents, on seeing statements like the above, are at a loss to know what we want of money, if indeed the “end of all things is at hand?” We answer, 1. That we make it our business first of all, to pay our paper-makers, printer, etc. This we cannot do, unless those who receive the value in paper and printing, shall pay for it. 2. We want others to pay their debts, as well as ourselves, for if it is a sin for us to neglect, or refuse to pay our just debts, it is the same for others. Therefore, we desire all our subscribers to be just, and not have the sin of injustice at their doors, on the approach of the Judge. “He that is unjust in the least, is unjust also in much.” Luke 16:10.HST March 1, 1843, page 188.3

In conclusion, we now say to all our subscribers who are indebted to us, and are poor, and unable to pay their subscription, that if they will certify this fact to us, we will cancel their account. We wish to settle up the entire account of the Signs of the Times, up to the close of the fourth volume.HST March 1, 1843, page 188.4

SIGNS OF THE TIMES

JVHe

We intend to publish our paper as long as it is needed. The first number of the fifth volume will be issued on the 8th day of March, 1843. It will be published weekly, 24 numbers to make a volume: one dollar in advance.HST March 1, 1843, page 188.5

All persons who wish to discontinue their paper, can, on the receipt of number 1, vol. five, write on the margin, “Please discontinue.” Be particular, also, in every case, to give the name of the Post-office, and State.HST March 1, 1843, page 188.6

Lectures on the Second Advent in Boston.—We expect a course of lectures will be given in the city by Brn. Whiting, Storrs, Miller, and others, to commence soon. Bro. Whiting would have commenced immediately, but for sickness. We received a letter from him the 25th inst. We hope he will soon recover, and be able to visit us. His lectures will no doubt produce an immense influence.HST March 1, 1843, page 188.7

We shall now make immediate arrangements for a course of lectures, in some large and commodious building. Notice will be duly given of time, place, and the names of the lecturers.HST March 1, 1843, page 188.8

The Tabernacle.—As the expectation of our friends through the country has been raised, in relation to the new building, called the Tabernacle, for Second Advent lectures, we will now add a word to what was said last week, that all interested may know the facts in the case.HST March 1, 1843, page 188.9

The building is going on slowly, and may be finished by the first of April. But at present it is very doubtful whether it will be accepted by the committee. It is anything but such a building as is desired by the committee, or the contributors. But having no means of getting it into proper hands, without trouble, and having no time or desire for litigation, the Second Advent believers here, have unanimously resolved to go on unitedly, in promoting the cause by lectures in the city in other houses at present.HST March 1, 1843, page 188.10

Whenever anything of importance occurs, in relation to the matter, we shall give our friends abroad due notice. The thousand and one reports of the newspapers about it, which we have seen, are not correct. We hope our friends will not be humbugged by either the political or religious press.HST March 1, 1843, page 188.11

The work of God in Philadelphia, is going on in a glorious manner. Many of the churches, taking the advantage of the excitement and interest, awakened by Bro. Miller’s lectures, have appointed protracted meetings for the present week. Perhaps some may feel hurt at such an intimation, and doubt our authority for what we say. The authority is, that so many protracted meetings at one time are unusual, if not unknown, in the city; and the fact that great numbers are under deep awakening from the lectures.HST March 1, 1843, page 188.12

Will Mr. Colver get his Trunk?—Be patient, dear reader, and be not too importunate. Let Mr. Colver alone, he feels bad enough, we dare say. If there is any prospect of his getting his trunk, we will give you the earliest information; but we fear he will never recover it.HST March 1, 1843, page 188.13

This prospect is rendered the more dubious, by a more careful examination of his 1335 days. He says these days began six months before the 15th day of the month Casleu, in the hundred and forty and fifth, year. See page 34. To prove their end, he says, p. 37, that on the news of the death of Antiochus, as appears from 2 Mace, i, they sent a letter of congratulation on account of it, to their brethren in Egypt. But according to 2 Mace. i, 10, it will be seen that this letter was written “in the hundred four-score and eighth year” of the kingdom of the Grecians, or forty-three years after the hundred and forty-fifth of 1 Mac. i. 54.HST March 1, 1843, page 188.14

If therefore, Mr. Colver is correct, and the 13,35 days begin six months before the 145 years, and end with the writing of this letter, in the year 188, they must have continued 43 1-2 years or 15,888 days; which would be an excess of 14,553 days. So here we have for theHST March 1, 1843, page 188.15

Angel’s Tag Colver’s TallyHST March 1, 1843, page 188.16

1335 15,888HST March 1, 1843, page 188.17

We would inquire of Mr. Colver, whether this was an honest mistake?HST March 1, 1843, page 188.18

The Anti-Millerite.—This is a 3 1-2 by 5 1-2 inch sheet, put out by the opponents of the coming of Christ. It is published by the Universalists of Concord, N. H. Whether it is, or is not the organ of the Recorder, Universalist, Puritan, Investigator, and Olive Branch, we have not heard; but as it advocates the same views, we doubt not but that it will be patronized by all those sheets.HST March 1, 1843, page 188.19

We perceive that it takes the position in reference to Christ’s second coming, that all of that side of the question must take, viz. that “We have no authority for supposing that our Lord ever did, or ever will, make a second personal appearing on earth.”HST March 1, 1843, page 188.20

This is the ground towards which all the opposition are verging—the rock on which they will all split.HST March 1, 1843, page 188.21

The only point taken up by the first number, is the word aionos, rendered world in the New Testament, which the opposition claim is era or age. The use of the word, however, denotes an age that will reach to the resurrection, viz. Matthew 13:40-43, “As therefore the tares are gathered and burned in the fire; so shall it be in the end of this world. (aionos.) The son of man shall send forth his angels, and they shall gather out of his kingdom all things that offend, and them which do iniquity; and shall cast them into a furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth.”HST March 1, 1843, page 188.22

Matthew 28:20, “Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world, (aionos.) Amen.”HST March 1, 1843, page 188.23

Luke 20:34-36, “And Jesus answering said unto them, The children of this world (aionos) marry, and are given in marriage: but they which shall be accounted worthy to obtain that world, (aionos) and the resurrection from the dead, neither marry, nor are given in marriage: neither can they die any more: for they are equal unto the angels; and are the children of God, being the children of the resurrection.”HST March 1, 1843, page 188.24

An Infidel Reproving the “Olive Branch.”-Said an Infidel the other day “We are ashamed of your Christian papers, for they descend to the publishing of articles that an infidel paper would not disgrace its columns with. “Why,” says, he “just read that piece in the Olive Branch attacking private character; there is not an infidel paper in the land, that would publish such a scurrilous blackguard article.”HST March 1, 1843, page 188.25

We could only reply to the infidel that if he expected decency in the Olive Branch, he would be looking for grapes from brambles.HST March 1, 1843, page 188.26

We perceive that Norris has given the scavenger department of that nondescript sheet to the publisher. He will have more time himself to devote to the novel department. Its religious department of “about two columns,” since our exposure of it, is not entrusted to the care of “that same old coon,” over which signature the only religious article in that paper at one time, appeared.HST March 1, 1843, page 188.27

To a Virginia Correspondent

JVHe

Dear Brother:—Your communication is received. I am deeply impressed with many of its sentiments. But while I cherish a high regard for many of those who advocate the views of brother Campbell, in relation to the plan of salvation, as the only gospel plan, I am constrained, after a careful examination of the subject for many years, to dissent from them. Besides, my observation of the practical effects of the system, have not led me to give it prominence above the common views, in which revivals were advocatedHST March 1, 1843, page 188.28

The time also is so short that I do not think it justifiable to introduce a subject of controversy, that would divert attention from the coming of the Lord, and a readiness to meet him. My sentiment has been, and is now, that Christians of all denominations should wake up, and by every Christian means, endeavor to stir up to a preparation, all in their power, of both the wise and foolish virgins, to meet the Bridegroom; without reference to any of the peculiar sentiments of the sects.HST March 1, 1843, page 188.29

If our brother will admit that those who differ from him, may be Christians, then, it is not indispensable to salvation for them to embrace his views in order to be saved. Let our brethren, of all names, act according to their own conscientious views of the plan of salvation, and save all in their power, while now we have the opportunity.HST March 1, 1843, page 189.1

We are happy to know that there are a large number of the brethren in the South and West, holding sentiments in common with you, that are faithful and efficient advocates of the doctrine of the advent and kingdom at hand. We trust they will, in common with us, enforce the observance of all the commandments, in the way they understand them, in order to salvation, and thereby get themselves, and others, ready to meet the Bridegroom.HST March 1, 1843, page 189.2

Yours in the blessed hope.
Joshua V. Himes.

Mr. Colver.—As Mr. Colver was never known to be a student of the prophecies, some may suppose by our reviewing, we thought his effort was likely to deceive the community. These were not our convictions. We never attached any importance either to his influence or lectures. For those who wish to be deceived, will be deceived by any thing, and that might serve the purpose as well as anything: but the enquirer after truth would at once see through the thinness of his sophistical work and arrive at the truth. We however considered it a favorable opportunity to present the truth, and show the absurdity of the whole class of such reasoners, and accordingly put out our review.HST March 1, 1843, page 189.3

The Meetings at the Museum, in Philadelphia

JVHe

The lectures of Mr. Miller at the Chinese Museum closed last Friday afternoon. As various reports are abroad respecting the disturbance which resulted in the conclusion of the lectures, we deem it important to make a full statement of the whole affair. Mr. Miller began his lectures on Friday, February 3rd, and lectured, generally, twice a day for a week. The interest and excitement gradually increased until Thursday evening, the 9th inst. At an early hour the house was filled and overflowed. When the lecture commenced, the crowd and confusion were so great as to render it almost impossible to hear the speaker, and it was thought best, after notifying the people what was to be done, and giving an opportunity to all who wished so to do, to go out, to close the doors and thus secure silence. This was done, and the speaker proceeded to his subject. For about half an hour there was a profound silence, and deep interest evinced on the part of the immense audience, with the exception of a few unruly boys. This would have undoubtedly continued, had it not been for the circumstance of a lady’s fainting, and it became necessary to open the doors for her to go out. When the door was opened, there was a rush of persons who stood outside for admittance. As soon as this was done, and a few had come into the room, an unruly boy raised the cry of fire, which threw the whole assembly into confusion, some crying one thing, and some another. There did not appear to be any disposition on the part of the multitude to disturb the meeting, but all came from the rush and cry. The daily papers have stated that ice and other things were thrown against the windows and broke the glass. This is altogether a mistake. No ice or other missiles were thrown; all the glass which was broken was done by persons inside the building, mostly by some boys who were sitting or standing in one of the windows. Some have said it was done by the Catholics. But we believe no such thing: nor do we believe that any one came there to disturb the meeting. The disorder arose more from the excited fears of the people than from any other cause. Order was again restored, and the speaker proceeded for a few moments, when another rush was made, and the excitement became so great within as to render it expedient to dismiss the meeting.HST March 1, 1843, page 189.4

The police of the city were willing to do what they could, but there was nothing for them to do—for they could not govern the excited nerves of the audience.HST March 1, 1843, page 189.5

About seven or eight panes of glass only were broken.HST March 1, 1843, page 189.6

Friday morning the multitude were again assembled at an early hour for service, and Brother Miller proceeded to answer numerous questions which had been proposed. A most profound attention was manifested until the meeting was about half through, when George Mundy arose and wished to propose some questions, and interrupted the order of the meeting. The committee of the meeting interposed to stop him, but not succeeding, they ordered him out; he attempted to go out, but was met by a party of men who determined on bringing him back to make a speech, and the meeting was again thrown into confusion. Mundy at length made his escape from the mob and got out, when Bro. Miller concluded his remarks.HST March 1, 1843, page 189.7

The owners became alarmed for the safety of the hall, and ordered the meetings closed after the afternoon services. Although this fact was unknown except by a few persons, yet the room was literally packed with a mass of living beings, who listened with breathless silence to Brother Miller’s last lecture in Philadelphia. The subject was, the fall of the Ottoman empire;—it was a most happy effort, and the effect produced by the conclusion to which he brought them was overwhelming. The gazing, eager crowd seemed to feel, as never before, that the Judge standeth before the door, and that the end of all things is at hand.HST March 1, 1843, page 189.8

The farewell was a scene not to be described. There had been no intimation given throughout of what had transpired to close the conference, until he came to bid them farewell. There were then bitter tears and strong sighs; the announcement of the fact came as unexpectedly as the lightning’s flash. The appeal was melting beyond expression. Probably more than a thousand persons arose to to testify their faith in the truth of the advent near, and three or four hundred unconverted to request an interest in his prayers.HST March 1, 1843, page 189.9

Bro. Henry Grew arose to express the thanks of the assembly for Brother Miller’s visit and lectures, which he expressed in a most feeling manner, and to it the immense concourse responded in a most hearty Amen.HST March 1, 1843, page 189.10

Bro. Miller closed the services by a most feeling and appropriate prayer and the benediction. The seed sown during his visit, we doubt not, will be found in an abundant harvest in the great day of eternity. We believe he has never accomplished more by any course of lectures he ever delivered, in removing prejudice, and awakening an interest in the study of the word of God, and seeking a preparation to meet him. He leaves our city with the most warm and hearty prayers of thousands for his success in the great work in which he is engaged.HST March 1, 1843, page 189.11

He had no sooner been excluded from the Museum, than he received an invitation from the Mayor of Trenton, N. J., to give some lectures in that city, where he has gone to spend the Sabbath. No blame is attached to the owners of the Museum for their course. They have done, and do still, manifest the kindest feelings towards us, and have treated us as gentlemen.HST March 1, 1843, page 189.12

An Incident.—It was on board of a canal packet between Whitehall and the city of Troy, New York, that the following scene occurred.HST March 1, 1843, page 189.13

An elderly lady attracted not a little attention, in relating to an eagerly listening group what she evidently would have her hearers regard as her personal knowledge of the character, manners, and personal appearance of Mr. William Miller. The gossip group eagerly inquired after his size, complexion, tone of voice, profile, etc. etc. etc. The old lady proceeded as follows: “He is about six feet high, a large bushy head, his hair as black as a crow, black eyes, dark complexion, large Roman nose, raw-boned, ugly and dreadful appearance, and a voice like a clap of thunder.” While the listeners were gazing upon the old narrator with their eyes and ears all open, with as much eagerness as though the portrait she had drawn would soon stand before them, as the ghost of Samuel did by the magic power of the witch of Endor, before Saul the son of Kish,—there sat by a lovely girl of sixteen or eighteen years of age, who had evidently been a hearer of very deep interest in the affair; though her interest was clearly of a different kind from that of the mass. As the old lady proceeded, there were emotions at work in the young listener’s heart, that kept swelling, and swelling, and SWELLING, till they broke out in utterance the most sweet and affectionate, yet conveying a most salutary rebuke to the heart of the old tattler. “Madam,” said the young lady, when she could endure the insult no longer, “Madam, I think you never could have seen my father!! for,” said she, pointing to a fine looking young man that stood by the cabin door, “they say my brother there looks just like him.” There was silence in that cabin for a full half hour!!! F.HST March 1, 1843, page 189.14

Obituary.—Died in this city, on the 13th ult. Oren Augustus Nichols, of North Reading, aged 19 years. This brother was a believer in the Second Advent this year, and had been quite interested and active in the spread of this glorious truth. He died after a short illness of only two days, with the blessed prospect of soon rising in the likeness of his Savior. He had been engaged in this office for a few weeks previous to his death, and proved himself faithful and conscientious in all the duties entrusted to him. He left the office on Thursday evening but little indisposed, and on Sunday morning we were called to his bedside and found him just bidding this world adieu. He died about twelve o’clock, and bore testimony that the prospect of so short a sleep in the grave, removed all its terrors. Soon he will be enabled to exclaim, O Death, where is thy sting? O Grave, where is thy victory? “Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: yea saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labors; and their works do follow them.”HST March 1, 1843, page 189.15

Br. J. Litch went to Washington, D.C.Feb.27, to give a course of Lectures in that city. We hope they may produce good results.HST March 1, 1843, page 189.16

LETTER OF DAVID BERNARD, (a baptist minister) on the second coming of christ

JVHe

Jan. 2nd, A. D., 1843.

Very Dear Friend.—It is with feelings of deep and overwhelming interest, that I address you on the subject of Christ’s second personal advent from Heaven. You, doubtless, profess to believe this important truth of Divine Revelation. It is there recorded in plain and explicit terms. But, with the great mass of men, you may have, until now, felt, “my Lord delayeth his coming.” With them, you may have supposed that God has given us no intimation in his word of the time when this event will happen. You may have been kept in ignorance of the truth, by a wrong apprehension of Christ’s words—“of that day and hour knoweth no man”—and the false opinion that “Prophecies are not to be understood until after their accomplishment.” If the words of Christ refer to the end of time, (which some doubt,) may they not accord with the event being made known to the People of God previous to the appearing of our Lord? Or is that day to come upon them unawares? There is a prediction in Daniel 12:4-9, which many believe refers to this event: the words (perhaps the import of them) were to “be shut up” (kept secret) and sealed, “until the time of the end.” Hence, at the time of the Savior’s incarnation the time of the event was not known—for the “time of the end” had not then come. But if the time of the end has now come, or in other words, if we are on the eve of the time when the Lord is to appear—though the “wicked will do wickedly and none of the wicked shall understand,” may it not be possible, as Daniel says, that the “wise shall understand?” (Daniel 12:10.) And does not the Apostle say, “but ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief?” Is it not possible, that there is a mistake concerning the time not being known? The wisest of uninspired men have erred on other subjects. May it not be possible that they have been in error on this subject also? And is it not strange, that those very persons, however wise, who contend that “we can know nothing about the time” and that “prophecies are not to be understood until after their accomplishment,” are perpetually, in their prayers, and sermons, and missionary publications, interpreting the prophecies! They predict, or say that the prophecies predict, a time of universal peace and prosperity in the church and in the world. How do they know this, if the prophecies are not to be understood until after their fulfilment? They say, moreover, that this universal peace and prosperity will continue for one thousand years, and that then there will be a declension by the influence of Satan, who will be “loosed out of his prison and go out to deceive the nations, (see Revelation 20.,) and that then will the end come. Now, do not those who entertain these views not only interpret the prophecies, but also declare that the time will be known? If this is to be the order of events, it will not be difficult, I think, to know the time. But is it certain that the Bible teaches this doctrine? Most of the ancient Fathers did not believe it. Martin Luther did not. He believed that the end would come before 1846. Dr. Gill did not believe it—nor did Cotton Mather. They thought that the end of all things was at hand! The scriptures, which, it is believed, inculcate the doctrine of a temporal millennium, I have carefully examined, and there is no evidence at all satisfactory to my mind, that they will admit of such an interpretation. It is true that the heathen are to be given to Christ for an inheritance, but the same scripture informs us that he will break them to pieces with a rod (sceptre) of iron—will dash them in pieces like a potter’s vessel, (Psalm 2:8, 9.) It is also true that the Gospel was to have been preached in all the world for a testimony to all nations before the end should come,” (Matthew 22:14.) But has not this been done already? Was it not “preached everywhere” to “every creature under heaven?” So says the Bible. That scripture had its literal accomplishment before the destruction of Jerusalem. And as it has a second accomplishment, (if that were necessary,) since that event; for it has been preached in the four quarters of the globe, for a witness to all nations, of the mercy and grace of God.HST March 1, 1843, page 190.1

The angel who was seen flying in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach to them who dwell on the earth, to “every nation and tribe and tongue and people”—cried “fear God and give glory to him, for the hour of his judgment is come.” Is there not reason to believe that this angel is now fulfilling his commission? If so, the judgment is near!HST March 1, 1843, page 190.2

The Bible says, “the kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord and his Christ, and he will reign forever and ever.” But this is after the sounding of the seventh trumpet, (which is the last,) at which time “the nations are enraged, and the wrath of God is come, and the time of the dead that they should be judged, and that God should reward his servants, the prophets, and the saints, and those who fear him, both small and great, and should destroy those who destroy the earth.”—(Revelation 11:15-18.)HST March 1, 1843, page 190.3

There are other scriptures frequently adduced, like Is. ch. 25, to prove a temporal millennium. But it seems to me the language is too strong, and the blessings predicted too full and perfect for a temporal reign of Christ: for, while the prophet says, that God will make “unto all people a feast of fat things, and will destroy the veil that is cast over all nations”—he declares that he will swallow up death in victory—will wipe away the tears from all faces, and will take away the rebuke of his people from all the earth.” And at this time the sun will be confounded and the moon ashamed when the Lord dwelleth in Mount Zion before his ancients gloriously,” (See Is. ch. 24.) Will not such language apply with more propriety to a celestial than to a temporal reign of the Messiah?HST March 1, 1843, page 190.4

There are many who still cherish the idea that the Jews are to be restored to their national land; and others, that they will be converted. But I cannot entertain, for a moment, the faith, that God will restore Judaism, which he has long since abolished—nor that the Jews, as a nation, are to be converted. “All Israel will be saved.” “The Deliverer will turn away ungodliness from Jacob.” But Israel has not obtained that which they have sought—but the election has obtained it, and the rest are blinded.” “He is a Jew who is one inwardly and circumcision is of the heart.” “If we are Christ’s, then we are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.”HST March 1, 1843, page 190.5

The limits of this letter will not permit a full and thorough investigation of the whole subject. But I wish to say enough to induce you to examine it for yourself. If God has given us any intimations concerning the time of the world’s destruction, it is very important that we should understand them. He informed Noah, 120 years before the flood, when he would destroy the world. Our Lord informed his disciples of the approaching destruction which awaited Jerusalem—of the signs which should precede it, and that the event should not extend beyond that generation. And it is not contrary to reason, nor the character of God’s general government, nor revelation itself, for him to inform us when he will destroy the world by a deluge of fire. The only question is, has he done it? Let us examine the subject candidly, carefully, and prayerfully, and then judge.HST March 1, 1843, page 190.6

Please to read carefully the entire book of Daniel. You will learn that the “great image” of Nebuchadnezzar’s vision, as interpreted by Daniel, represents the four great monarchies which succeeded each other—which exercised universal empire, and are the Babylonian—the “Medo-Persian”—the Grecian and the Roman: That the vision of Daniel in the 7th ch., represents the same as that of Nebuchadnezzar: And that the one in the 8th ch., is nearly analogous to the other—with the exception, that in the last, the Babylonian kingdom is not represented.HST March 1, 1843, page 190.7

I wish you to observe, that the ‘great image,’ representing the four great monarchies, was dashed all to pieces by a stone, cut out without hands, which stone, (the kingdom of God,) “filled the whole earth.”HST March 1, 1843, page 190.8

And that the “little horn” (Daniel 7:8-11,) was succeeded by the coming of the “Ancient of days”—the slaying, destruction and burning of the Beast.HST March 1, 1843, page 190.9

And also, that that same “horn (7:21, 22,) “made war with the saints and prevailed against them until the Ancient of days came, and judgment was given to the saints of the Most High; and the time came that the saints possessed the kingdom.”HST March 1, 1843, page 190.10

How strikingly does all this accord with the account given by Paul, (2 Thessalonians ch. 2, of the “man of sin” and his destruction by the coming of Christ!HST March 1, 1843, page 190.11

In each and every instance, where the Roman power is spoken of, it is represented as being destroyed by the coming of the Lord!HST March 1, 1843, page 190.12

The “Man of Sin”—the “Papal power,” then, is to continue until the “end of the world.” How little does this accord with the doctrine of a “Temporal Millenninm!”HST March 1, 1843, page 190.13

It seems that Daniel had a strong desire to know something which had not been told him, concerning the vision. What was this? Every thing had been explained, except the time when the 2300 days commenced. It was on this point, then, he desired information. To instruct him, Gabriel was commissioned: “Understand the matter,” said he, “and consider the vision.” What matter? What vision? Certainly, the one which had already been the subject of his thoughts and desires. What follows, (Daniel 9:24-27,) is not a vision, but an explanation of the one already seen. In making all this plain, Gabriel gives him additional information, by which, also, the certainty of the vision and its end can be demonstrated.HST March 1, 1843, page 190.14

“Seventy weeks are determined, (cut off, it should be rendered, for the Hebrew will not only justify it, but requires it—so say some of our best Hebrew scholars,) on thy people,” etc.—The seventy weeks are 490 days. “Days,” in Daniel’s prophecies, says Newton, “are put for years.” These 490 years, then, are cut off from the 2300 years. And as these 490 years are a part of the 2300, being cut off from them, and commenced at the time of the Decree of Artaxerxes, King of Persia, to restore Jerusalem, (see Ezra,) which was 457 years before the birth of Christ—the 2300 years commenced at that time, (457 B. C. or 490 years before the death of Christ,) which will bring us down to 1843.HST March 1, 1843, page 190.15

In the year 1843, then, the “Sanctuary will be cleansed.” But what sanctuary is this, that is to be cleansed in 1843? A sanctuary is a place of worship. Under the Jewish dispensation, the Tabernacle, the Temple, and Jerusalem itself, were places of worship. Under the Christian dispensation, the place of worship is not restricted to any particular place—the world itself is the sanctuary of the Lord. And this is evident from Exodus 15:17. Hence the earth is to be purified. “The elements will melt with fervent heat,” and “we,” according to his promise “look for a new heaven and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.” (Sec 2 Peter, ch. 3.)HST March 1, 1843, page 191.1

The other numbers in Daniel seem to correspond with the above. The “time, times and dividing of time,” in Daniel 7:25, and the “time, times and a half,” in Daniel 12:7, doubtless refer to the same period spoken of in Revelation 11:2, 3. This is 1260 years—the reign of Antichrist. In other words, the time of the Papal supremacy commenced in 538, and ended in 1798, when the sceptre of the Pope was broken—he being taken captive and imprisoned by the French.HST March 1, 1843, page 191.2

The 1290 days in Daniel 12:11. may commence in 508, when Pagan Rome ended, by the conversion of the 10 Pagan Kings, and the commencement of the first Papal war.HST March 1, 1843, page 191.3

The Pagan Rites were then abolished, and the “abomination that maketh desolate,” or the Papal power, began with a strong hand to persecute the saints. The 1290 days end in 1798. “Blessed is he that waiteth and cometh to the 1335 days,” (Daniel 12:12. This period very naturally commences in 508, as no other time is given—and ends in 1843.HST March 1, 1843, page 191.4

At this time, at the end of the days, 1843, Daniel is to “stand in his lot,” Daniel 12:13.HST March 1, 1843, page 191.5

Now if we are not to expect a Temporal Millennium before the coming of Christ, and the four great kingdoms with their descendants are to be dashed to pieces and pass away, so that there will be found no place for them—and the stone, which is the kingdom of God, is to fill the whole earth, and to stand forever—and the termination of this vision is to be in 1843, is there not reason to expect immediately the coming of the Lord? The time of the cleansing of the Sanctuary—the time when Daniel will stand in his lot, seem to be the same, and all those are made blessed, who wait for, and attain it. What can all this mean but the end of the world—the resurrection of the dead—the coming of the Lord?HST March 1, 1843, page 191.6

But the “wicked will do wickedly, and none of the wicked shall understand—but the wise shall understand.” “Behold the Bridegroom cometh! go ye out to meet Him!”HST March 1, 1843, page 191.7

And now, my dear friend, are you and I ready for this event? We have heard of it from the pulpit—we have read of it in the Bible, and perhaps with some interest. But has not the feeling always been—“it is far distant?” Owing this sentiment, has not the impression been sight and transient as the morning cloud? But now if the “coming of the Lord draweth nigh”—it [original illegible] a few days—a few weeks at the longest—the end of all things will come, what an impression ought such truth to produce on the mind! God is to leave the mercy seat—Jesus to close the intercession—the Holy Spirit to be withdrawn—the Gospel proclaimed no more—prevailing prayer no more to be offered—the day of mercy and time of salvation to end, and the eternal destinies of all men both saint and sinner, fixed, and made known to an assembled universe!HST March 1, 1843, page 191.8

O! my dear friend, this subject deeply affects my heart. Though a professor of religion, I cannot contemplate the probability of this event being so very near, without the deepest anxiety on my own account! I have a hope in the mercy of God, in Christ Jesus. And this is all my hope of being able to stand in that day. “I am not mad.” But I think of this subject every moment—I cannot banish it from my mind—it is written as with a pen of iron on my soul. I have come solemnly to the determination, by the grace of God, to be ready, and to do all I can to induce others to prepare to meet the approaching God!! If the time should pass, and the sequel prove I am mistaken, I shall not be sorry for the trial nor for the preparation. For whether the last trumpet shall sound this year or the next—time with me and with all men will soon close! But should my expectations be realized—should the Lord indeed come, no language will be able to express my joy!!HST March 1, 1843, page 191.9

And now, my dear friend, will you not give heed to this warning? The time is short, to make up your mind and prepare for such events as the burning of the world—the judgment of all men—and the retribution of eternity!!! David Bernard.HST March 1, 1843, page 191.10

P. S. If we have made no mistake in our exposition of the Prophecies of Daniel, the Lord will come in 1843. Should there be a mistake—which is possible—still I believe, from the other prophecies, that the end of all things is at hand. I shall look for Him till He comes!!!HST March 1, 1843, page 191.11

INDEX TO VOLUME IV

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Address to Christians, by Ralph Merry, page 3 Arguments of Opponents, 7, 11, 74 A Drowning Man will catch at a straw, 25 A. strange thing, 28 Another False Alarm, 30 And in the Moon, 35 A. Short Sermon, 36 A New Move, 45 Aspect of the Old World, 45 An Awful Providence, 57 Arrival of the Caledonia, 61 An Appeal to Clergy, 71 A Quandary, 91 A Hoax, 91 A Story, 104 A Watchman Awake, 105 An Admission, 117 Appeal in behalf of Canada, 121 An Admission, 141 Answer to Correspondents, 144 A New Prophet, 150 An Honest confession, 154 A New Argument, 154 An Argument, A Mistake, 159 Another case of insanity cured, 170 Apostle’s Wisdom, vs. Modern Wisdom, 170 At Home Again, 181 Awful, Awful, 181 A Truism, 182 Bible Chronology, 22 Be Patient, 45 Benson Tent Meeting, 87 Bible Agents, vs., the Bible, 182 Brother R., of the Christian Herald, 182 Camp Meeting at Chicopee, 4, 5, 8 “ ” at Taunton, 5 “ ” Castine, 5, 22 “ ” Salem, 8, 13, 24, 28 “ ” Eaton L. C., 8 Campmeeting at Exeter Me., 8 “ ” Claremount N. H., 24 “ ” Newington, 28 Church of Rome Plans, etc., Newark, 29 Chiliasm—Modern, 13 Correction, 16, 24, 45 Crisis of the World come, 25 Conference Second Advent at Cornville Maine, 8 Circulation of the Bible, 39 Chardon street Chapel, 56 Camp Meeting at New Ipswich, 70 Chastening in love, 96 Close of the year 1842, 105 Colver’s Lectures, important admissions, 116 Croton Hall opened 156 Come over and help us, 174 Distress of Nations, 28 Dialogue between a scoffer and Christian, 27 Duffield on the Prophecies, 45 Dr. Pond’s Letter 45 Does the Bible shroud the coming of Christ in Darkness? 68 Dr. Brownlee, 89 Dowling’s Reply, 107 Darkness Visible. 142 Dr. West, 173 Extract from letter in N. Y. Luminary, 37 Erratum, 40 Exposition of Matthew 24th, 52 Editoriol Correspondence, 56, 69, 86, 124, 173, 177 Exposition of Math. 24th, 63, 85 Extract from Joseph Wolf, 75 Explanation of Rev., H. Jones, 111 Eighteen Hundred Forty Three, 125 Exposition of the 14th chapter of Zech., 139 Enquiry of J. Harrison, 159 Examination of the inconsistances of Colver’s literal fulfillment of Daniel’s Prophecy, 161 Fullness of the Gentiles, 19 From Texas, 72 False, False, False, 77 False Reports, 141 Frauds—Who is to be trusted? 156 Foreign News, 157 Fearful Sights, 174, 178 Fearful Watchmen, 173 Fruits of Millerism, 180 Foreign News, 184 Genius of Christianity, 18 God’s Peculiar Name, 39 Gardner Conference, 71 Gale at Cape of Good Hope, 103 Geological Deductions, 168 He must Reign, 23 His coming again 186 Hope’s Reason for her faith, 34 Hypocrisy unmasked, 37 Have any of the rulers believed? 68 How we may Know, 87 How Awful to meet an angry God, 90 Has the Pope’s dominion been taken away? 104 Has the Vision of the 2300 days been fulfilled? 114 How long shall be the vision, 115 Harmonious Testimony of the witnesses, 132 Human Learning, 159 How to be ready for Christ’s Coming, 175 How our Opponents Love each Other, 182 Inconsistency, 10 Is Antiochus Epiphanes the hero of Daniel’s Prophecy, 113 In a quandary, 156 If I am only ready, 175 Jesuitism—Spurious Liberality, 39 Light in the West, 32 Look at Facts, 34 Learn of the Heathen, 39 Literary Notice, 52 Love his Appearing, 60 Lectures in N. H., 90 Letter from Wm. Miller, 87 “ ” C. French, 37, 57, 131, 161 “ ” C. Morley, 6 “ ” T. M. Preble, 16, 59 “ ” T. R. Childs, 19 “ ” D. Sessions, 21, 51 “ ” the West, 21, 24 “ ” J Spaulding, 22, 32, 61, 103

Letter from C. Green, 29 “ ” Mrs. E. Moore, 29 “ ” A. Muzzey, 30 “ ” O Pier, 32 “ ” E. Ladd, 32 “ ” E. Anderson, 38 “ ” J. F. Ruggles, 38 “ ” C. Stephens, 39 “ ” of Dr. Pond, 40, 49, 57, 65, 97, 108 “ ” Wm. Miller, 56 “ ” Wm. H. Brewster, 56 “ ” J. S. 61 “ ” the South, 60 Letter from Ira Fancher, 70 “ ” S. S. Snow, 70,;96 “ ” Ohio, 78 “ ” the West, 78 “ ” R. Garland, 78 “ ” J. D. Marsh, 86 “ ” C. Field, Jr. 87 “ ” I. H. Shipman, 96 “ ” G. W. Peavey, 102 “ ” J. Baxter, 102 “ ” Canada, 102 “ ” S. R. S. 103 “ ” C. Fitch, 112 “ ” N. Colver, 119 “ ” H. D. Skinner, 128 “ ” L. B. Coles, 130 “ ” D. C. 130 “ ” to Moses; Stuart, 134 “ ” C. French, 142 “ ” from a Hale, 143 “ ” S. Hawley, 143 “ ” W. L. Carthon, 143 “ ” L. Caldwell, 143 “ ” W. H. Peyton, 143 “ ” H. Gaylord, 150 “ ” J. Marsh, 161 “ ” J. R. Gates, 159 Letters from Omega, 154 “ ” D. Brown, 154 “ ” N. Hervey, 158 “ ” J. Goodwin, 158 “ ” D. F. Reed, 158 “ ” J. Pearson, 159 Letters from L. Lovel, 175 “ ” G. Atkinson, 175 “ ” A. Clapp, 172 “ ” L. C. Collins, 172 “ ” J. V. Himes, 173 “ ” J. Litch, 173 “ ” Wm. Miller, 173 “ ” J. S. White, 170 “ ” E. W. Groff, 171 “ ” G. Prince, 171 “ ” L. D. Flemming, 177 “ ” A. Hale, 178 “ ” W. H. Ireland, 183 “ ” C. Wines, 183 “ ” J. S. White, 183 “ ” J. Hamilton, 183 “ ” T. M. Preble, 183 Lying Prints, 101 Lectures at the Marlboro Chapel, 104 Lunatic Department, 133 Liars Department, 157 Mr. Miller and the Phrenologist, 186 Mission to the South, 13 Millerism, 159 Music—The Heavenly Zion, 14 “ ” Judgment Anthem, 126 Millerism, 16 Made Friends, 20 More Praise, 39 More Trouble and Distress, 60 Martyrs, 72 Millerism in former times, 91 Mens hearts failing them, 91 Millerism Exploded, 140 Millerism Again, 124 Miller’s New Years Address, 150 Mr. Colver, 189 Meeting at Chinese Musuem, Phil. 189 Notice—Particular, 8 “ Explanation of, 13 “ of Pictorial chart, 56 New Castle, Me., 13 New Hampshire Sentinel, 36 New Ipswich Camp Meeting, 38 New Editor, 60 Newark Tent Meeting, 77 Newark, 91 Objections Reversed, 69 Our Duty, 86 Opinions of Great Men, 91 Objections Answered, 105 Obituary 144 Occupy till I come, 180 Our Opponents dissatisfied with each other, 181 Poetry—Behold the Bridegroom cometh, 7 “ Behold He Cometh, 79 “ The Better land, 96 “ Shall I be there, 143 “ Midnight Cry, 182 Progress of the cause, 13 Popish Miracles, 22 Perservation of the Scriptures, 27 Prof. Stuart verging towards Universalism, 103 Prophetic time, 116 Prof’s Stuarts and Bush, 144 Present Religious appearances, 162 Public Morals, 173 Questions Answered, 38 Review of Stuarts Hints by S. Bliss, 5, 9, 17, 25, 32, 46, 50, 62, 100, 105 “ by Wm. Miller, 81, 92, 134 “ of Millers Views, 18 “ of Dr. Brownlee, 73 “ of Stuart’s Hints 79 “ of the “Time of the end uncertain,” 117, 122, 129, 137, 163 Remarks on the 2nd chapter of Isa. 110 Return of the Jews, 24 Reply to S. of the Christian Herald, 71 Robert Winter—Cause in London, 158 Remarks on Revelation 13: 11, 170 Success of the cause in Maine, 7 St. Albans, Vt. 21 Seventy Weeks, 28 Signs in the Stars, 28 Second Coming of Christ, 31 Second Advent—its results in Atkinson, Me. 32 Setting of the Time, 34 S. A. Conference in Prospectville—its results, 38 Salem Camp Meeting, 44 Stuarts Hints, 53 Scriptures Investigated, 57 Subscribers to Second Advent Witness, 87 Sea and Waves Roaring, 163 Scoffers, 110 Scoffers shall Arise, 179 Some books are lies, from end to end, 181 The Parting, 12 “ Tendency, 12 “ Time, 12 “ Coming glory, 16 “ Day Star, 27 “ Pope sustained by Austrian bayonets, 39 “ Rev. J. Blanchard, 39 “ Dark Day, 44 “ Seven Times, 45 Truly the harvest is great, 36 True Yoke Fellows, 53 The Way to convince, 53 “ Starting point for the 2300 days, 58 “ Gospel in Africa, 59 “ Great Day of the Lord, 60 Tent Meeting at Benson, 60 The Midnight Cry, 77, 104 The Morning Cometh, 78 The Spirit of Inquiry, 88 The Opposers, 90 The Wise shall understand, 99 Testimony of a Martyr in 1651, 103 The Time of the End, 103 To Agents, 104 To Subscribers, 104 Things in England, 107 The 9th of Dan.,—an explanation of the 8th, 115 The Seventy weeks, 116 The Little Horn, 116 The Wrath of man, 117 The Bible, 121 The Time of the End, 121 Tabernacle, 133 The experience of a sailor, 185 The Anti-Millerite, 188 The work of God in Philadelphia, 188 To a Virginia Correspondent, 188 The two Days of Hosea and Luke, 138 To Subscribers, 162 To Correspondents, 162 The cry in Ilimois, 174 Tell the people they must die, 175 The Second Advent, 173 The Great Question, 170 The Scoffer at the Ark, 171 The 1260 years of Papal Triumph, 177 The work to be done in China, 182 The Puritan, 182 The Cause in Nashua, 182 The ninth Commandment, 182 The Boston Recorder, Aghast, 184 Volume—close of, 4 188 “ the present, ib “ Our New, ib Warning to Scoffers, 3 Word to Agents, 13 Why do they not know, 20 What I would do, 24 What if it don’t come, 36 What the Scriptures teach, 40, 47 Who would not strive to hold fast their Crown, 89 Will Colver get his trunk. 188 Wm. Miller, 111 Who shall decide when Doctors Disagree, 117 Watch Meetting, 133 Work while the day lasts, 142

Letters from post masters

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Rec’d up to Feb. 25, 1843. West Prospect, Me; Mystic Bridge, Ct; Pawtucket, RI; Suncook, N H; Springarbor, Mich; Rockford, Ia; Bennington, Vt; Elgin, Ia; Newark, N J; Danville, Ky; Conesus, N Y; Union Bridge, Ind; Gold Mine, S C; Greensburg, Ind; Wolfboro, N H; E Monmouth; Me; Willoughby Lake, Ohio; Burnington. Vt; Swanville, Weybridge, Vt; Gayhead, South Wellfleet, Ms; never received an order for subscribers before from Westfleet; New Lebanon Springs, N Y; New Market, N H; Wickford, R I; Centre Lebanon, Me; Washington, D C; Ashtabula, O; Lisbon, Me; Saco, Me; Green River, Vt; Brookville, N Y; Jackson, Mich; Pitsfield, N H; N P Hathaway; Berlin, Ct; Derry, N H; Williamsville, Vt; Groton, Mass; Hillsboro’ N H; Lewisville, S C; $ 1,00; Berlin, Ct; W Bloomfield, N Y; Pleasant Hill, Ind; E Poultney, Vt; Cheshire, Ct; Gay Head, N. Y; Wendall, Ms;HST March 1, 1843, page 192.1

individuals

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J H Hall, Albany, bun. rc’d. H Frost; W B Start, $20; W. W Ingham, $ 8; A Prince, books sent; J Spaulding; S B Sturgess, draft; C Wines, draft, $ 25—15, 10, before; W Cheney; E Furgerson; J C Ambrose; P Hathaway; L C Collins; B Brown; W S Miller, books sent; P Hawkes; A J Williamson; R E Ladd, books sent; E H Weeks, (answered;) A M Lackay, 51 North 8th street Philadelphia; 18 3-4 cts, postage to stop his paper! R E Ladd, $ 10; J B Woodard, C C M; S Ruggles; John Wood, $ 50; R Plumer; T S Tullech, with package; James W Shepherd, $ 10 in letter, Dec 23rd, and $ 10 received, 10th Jan; T R Henry; H B Pratt; J V Himes, Jr; C Hatch; Justus Harlow, matter all right; D. A. Green; Geo Needham; John Pearsons, $ 25—$ 30 rec’d 5th Jan; H Kenney, papers sent as desired; Wm Thayer; T J Wellman; J H Lonsdale; N N Whiting; Amos Fox; Israel Taft; S G Hiler; Jno C Himes; Columbus Greene, $ 100 rec’d, and bundles sent; R Lyman.HST March 1, 1843, page 192.2

Bundles Sent

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C W Dow, N Hampton, N H; Bundle, 36 Park Row, N Y; Box ditto; C Wines, Vergennes Vt; P Hawkes, Greenfield, Mass; G W Phillips, Worcester, Ms; L C Collins, Oxford, N Y; John Wood, Montpelier, Vt; J V Himes, Jr, Durham, N H; Rev Jno Stark weather; J V Himes, 36 Park Row N Y; box and bundle, Jno H Lonsdale Providence, R I; Wm Wiswall, Westminster, Mass; J V Himes, 36 Park Row, N Y; A Fox, Derby Line, Vt.HST March 1, 1843, page 192.3

Vol. IV.—No. 23. Boston, Whole No. 95