Joshua V. Himes
SIGNS OF THE TIMES
AND EXPOSITOR OF PROPHECY.
JVHe
“Then look up; lift up your heads, for your redemption draweth nigh.”—Christ. HST January 1, 1842, page 145.1
Loved of God, in sorrow mourning,
Bowed in sadness, drowned in tears,
Lift thy head; for lo! the morning,
Which shall end thy grief, appears;
Jesus Christ, my hope, will come,
Soon to call his people home. HST January 1, 1842, page 145.2
Dost thou weep, thy foes oppressing,
Are thine enemies too strong?
Hast thou doubts and fears distressing,
That thy Savior waits so long?
Soon by him from all set free,
Thou shalt sing of victory. HST January 1, 1842, page 145.3
Dost thou now in sorrow languish,
That the foes of God grow bold?
Is thine heart wrung deep with anguish,
That thine own love is so cold?
Loved of God, thy grief shall cease;
Quick thy Savior brings release. HST January 1, 1842, page 145.4
Hast thou long a watch been keeping,
Waiting for the promised day,
When full joy shall end thy weeping,
Chasing all thy fears away?
Then lift up thy head on high;
Thy redemption draweth nigh. HST January 1, 1842, page 145.5
Soon he’ll come, with shouts descending;
“Hear’st thou not the midnight cry?”
Thousands his descent attending!
Loud hosannas rend the sky!
Loved of God, lift up thy voice;
Shout aloud; aloud rejoice. HST January 1, 1842, page 145.6
Cambridge, Dec. 3rd, 1841. V. HST January 1, 1842, page 145.7
JVHe
BY A. J. WILLIAMSON.
Pure Spirit, in whose love I feel
A joy too wondrous for belief;
And in whose absence I reveal,
The hopelessness of grief:
Here as I run refresh my soul—
O, breathe, as I approach the goal! HST January 1, 1842, page 145.8
Surely the day is far, far, spent;
And Satan now so fierce and strong,
Shall soon have ceased to circumvent—
And glory in the wrong!
No flesh can live! the wrath and crime,
Can be but for a little time! HST January 1, 1842, page 145.9
Now, men of understanding fall,
To purify, and make them white;
But God with them is all in all,
And let his angel smite—
Slay if he will—shall they not shine?
Yea, glorious on his brow Divine! HST January 1, 1842, page 145.10
Oh! when I look upon my lot,—
My danger, my redemption pure;
In all remembered and forgot,
I see election sure!
For, only GOD would condescend,
As I have needed, to the end! HST January 1, 1842, page 145.11
Yes, hitherto, the Lord hath been,
My shadow from burning sun;
And he shall be my light serene,
Ev’n till the day is done—
A day of all redeeming grace—
When I shall see him face to face! HST January 1, 1842, page 145.12
He comes! the Son of Man! Delay
Becomes a point, ye weary ones,
And, as ye would efface it, pray—
Believe, and take your thrones!
Be clothed in him, and join the cry!
Believe him now—and never die! 43John 9:26. 1 Corinthians 15:51-57. HST January 1, 1842, page 145.13
JVHe
Expecting the Lord’s appearing, convened in Boston, 30th Nov., 1841. HST January 1, 1842, page 145.14
Brethren:—The objections commonly made to the hope of our Lord’s soon coming, rest for their support mainly on a few texts of scripture, of which among the foremost are:— HST January 1, 1842, page 145.15
Objection text 1st. “Upon this rock will I build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it:” understanding that the powers of darkness shall not defeat the conversion of the world to the church of Christ, Matthew 16:18. HST January 1, 1842, page 145.16
2nd. “Shall a nation be born at once?” Isaiah 66:8, understanding the affirmative; and the Sandwhich Islands, as an instance of the work of the Lord in converting to himself a nation at once, and a guarranty for the conversion of the whole world. HST January 1, 1842, page 145.17
3rd. “And they shall not teach every man his neighbor, and every man his brother, saying “Know the Lord: for all shall know me from the least to the greatest:” understanding the conversion of the world to the obedience of the gospel, Hebrews 8:11. HST January 1, 1842, page 145.18
4th. “The kingdoms of this World are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ: and he shall reign for ever and ever:” understanding the conversion of the whole world to the obedience of God.” Revelation 11:15. HST January 1, 1842, page 145.19
5th. “And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting Gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people;” understanding that all who hear, will also obey, or be cut off by divine judgments; Revelation 14:6. HST January 1, 1842, page 145.20
The above and similar texts are, by the objectors, supposed to promise a work of the Lord, to be done in this world before the end; and, therefore, that it is unreasonable to look for the Lord’s coming, until after the conversion of the world, certainly a long time. The following solution of the above texts may be taken for a sample of reply to all similar objections. HST January 1, 1842, page 145.21
Solution 1. “The gates of hell” do not mean the powers of darkness, or the gates of Gehenna; but they mean the gates of Hades, or the jaws of be grave. “Upon this rock will I build my church,” and death’s doors shall not prevail against it. Death’s gates shut upon the church; but they shall not always confine it; death itself shall be swallowed up in the resurrection of the dead, and Christ’s people shall go free. This is the literal meaning of the text, as bishop Horsley understands it. HST January 1, 1842, page 145.22
Solution 2nd. “Shall a nation be born at once?” Turning to this passage, Isaiah 66:8, we find the prophet exclaiming with wonder, surprise, and amazement, as follows:—“Who hath heard such a thing? Who hath seen such things? Shall the earth be made to bring forth in one day? Shall a nation be born at once? For as soon as Zion travailed, she brought forth her children?” HST January 1, 1842, page 145.23
This is a birth which astounds others besides the prophet. This a birth of nobler nature than the Sandwich Islands furnish. The earth shall be made to bring forth in one day,” even in the day of the Lord’s appearing: “the earth shall no more cover her slain”—“the earth shall cast out the dead”—a nation shall “be born at once”—“a chosen generation, royal priesthood, a holy nation, a peculiar people”—far superior to the Owhyheeans, or any other mortals. The earth shall be made to bring forth, in one day, an immortal race, in bodies like unto our Lord’s glorious body. This is a wonder worthy of all admiration; this is the nation that shall be born at once. HST January 1, 1842, page 145.24
Solution 3. “And they shall not teach every man his neighbor, and every man his brother,” etc. When shall they not?—Answer: When this old covenant of faith lasts, it is incumbent on the faithful to say to their neighbors: “Know the Lord.” But when this dispensation ends, and the Lord appears in his glory, every eye shall see him; every knee shall bow before him; no man shall need say to his brother; lo here, or lo there; “Know the Lord;” for all shall know me from the least to the greatest.” This vision is not of this world, but of the world to come. So long as the gospel stands, it must be preached; “Know the Lord;” and when the glorious appearing of the Lord puts an end to the gospel dispensation, all will know him without the aid of a teacher, or preacher, a coming in his kingdom. HST January 1, 1842, page 145.25
Solution 4th. “The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ, and he shall reign forever and ever.” For the explanation, we need only read on, as follows:—“And the four and twenty elders, which sat before God on their seats, fell upon their faces, and worshipped God, saying:—“We give thee thanks, O Lord God Almighty, which art and wast and art to come; because thou hast taken to thee thy great power, and hast reigned and the nations were angry, and thy wrath is come, and the time of the dead, that they should be judged, and that thou shouldst give reward unto thy servants, the prophets, and to the saints, and to them that fear thy name, small and great, and shouldst destroy them that destroy the earth.” Revelation 11:15 to 18. The whole passage perfectly explains itself. The kingdoms of this world become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ, not by the repentance of all living nations, but by his resurrection of the dead; “the times of the dead, that they should be judged.” And Christ’s reign “forever and ever” is not over his world of mortality; but over his servants, the prophets, saints, “and them that fear thy name, small and great,” in immortal bodies; and them that destroy the earth he will destroy. This scene, therefore, has for itself no place in this world; it belongs with all the preceding, to the great day of judgment, and to the resurrection of the dead. HST January 1, 1842, page 145.26
Solution 5th. “And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting Gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and every nation, and kindred, and tongue and people, saying, with a loud voice; Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment is come; and worship him that made heaven, earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters.” Revelation 14:6-7. This passage perfectly explains itself. The flying angel carries the Gospel to all nations, for a warning to them that dwell on the face of the earth. The angel does not say, “Give glory to God; for the time of this world’s conversion is come!”—although this is the idea the God of this world contrives to infuse into the hearts of the Lord’s people. The angel does not say, “Fear God, for christendom is now to be made co-extensive with the earth; the saints are to rule over all nations;” although such is the language men are ready to put into their mouths; and on it they build a frail hope of this world’s conversion. But this is the word of the flying angel, uttered with a loud voice, saying, “Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment is come!” HST January 1, 1842, page 145.27
Every one, therefore, of the above texts, commonly quoted to prove the conversion of the world is, when rightly understood, proof of quite another, thing to wit: the resurrection of the dead, and the hour of judgment, and the reign of Christ in glory. Where the texts added fifty instead of five, I think they might easily be explained in the same way. The explanation is made briefly, because the truth seems to shine out of few words, when a multitude of words would tire your patience. HST January 1, 1842, page 146.1
The scriptures present certain mystic numbers as notes of time: and a solution of them has been made, well worthy of the candid attention of all readers: and a solution which convinces many members of this conference. I entertain a high respect for its author; and I desire to promote the labors of those who labor with him, not because I am convinced as to the time: but I am convinced, as to the fact, in the Lord’s time which is “nigh at hand.” In matters of faith it seems good to hold fast the truth in the form of sound words used by the Holy Spirit. The introduction of new terms, the better and the more accurately to express the mind of the spirit, is a fruitful source of contention among christians. The Bible pronounces in plain words all that a Protestant cares to regard, as an article of faith. The deductions of men from the Bible are conveniently expressed by new words; but it is not good to press the new words upon all Christians, or press the Lord’s word; and exhibit with all fulness the evidence for the deduction expressed by the new word; but do not insist on the new word; God’s own words are better. HST January 1, 1842, page 146.2
This is a difficult topic to entertain, because on the one handsome are so confident of the precise date, that they are ready to think those who doubt are little better than Jews, who read Moses, and the prophets, and yet are wilfully blind to the testimony of Jesus; they are tempted to think those who read the proof of the times must be timid, or blind; or else they would be convinced of the date of the Lord’s appearing; on the other hand, a deep sense of duty to my generation, and of accountability to the Judge over all, forbids me to stand in any measure responsible for maintaining a given date, except as a time near to come. Notwithstanding, I commend to all men to examine the calculations of those who have, with great labor, and singular precision, arrived at a conclusion clear to themselves and others, that the end will be in the well known year. It will injure no one to examine the subject; and if dogmatism is thereby rebuked, the examination will do good. HST January 1, 1842, page 146.3
I would not lay stumbling blocks in Israel’s way, but would carefully remove them. To those who gladly look for the coming of the Lord, but are offended with the date, we may point out the oath of the mighty angel coming down from heaven, clothed with a cloud, and a rainbow on his head, whose head was as it were the sun, and his feet as pillars of fire, and he lifted up his hand to heaven and sware by him that liveth forever and ever:—“That there should be time no longer, but in the days of the voice of the seventh angel, when he shall begin to sound, the mystery of God should be finished, as he hath declared to his servants the prophets.” Revelation 10:6, 7. Now for the space of twenty-five years no language has been more current in the religious world, than this:—“that the seventh angel is beginning to sound; the kingdoms of this world are becoming the Lord’s; the reign of sin will soon be finished:”—but the oath with uplifted hand by Him that liveth, is wholly overlooked, and instead of time being no longer after the seventh angel begins to sound, the religious world take for granted without an oath, that time will yet continue at least a thousand years, and may be a great while longer. HST January 1, 1842, page 146.4
It seems that every reader of the Bible ought to expect the coming of the Lord, when “time shall be no longer:” and yet the Christian public have been twenty years anticipating the sounding of the seventh trumpet, and the reign of Christ, without any idea of the resurrection the dead, and the Lord’s appearing! There a great fatuity among us somewhere. Either we who expect the coming of the Lord in the end of time; or they who expect the sound of the seventh and last trumpet, at this moment, without the Lord’s appearing, are under strong delusion. Consistency seems to require us to look for the events accompanying the sound of the last trumpet, and are enumerated under it: viz., that when it begins to sound, time shall be longer—the Lord Jesus will then take the kingdoms of this world, and dash them to atoms; and he will judge the dead, and reward the saints, and them that fear God, small and great, and he will destroy the wicked who destroy the earth. The Christian public for more than twenty years have been listening for the sound of the seventh trumpet; and, now, some are offended, if one tells them the events portended by that trumpet will be fulfilled two years from this date. They should look for it soon: by their own showing they expect every moment the sounding of that trumpet with whose first notes time shall be no longer, and the time of the dead is come that they should be judged. HST January 1, 1842, page 146.5
Again, some people are offended with expected the great day of the Lord to be near; while they have before their eyes the angel of the gospel flying in the midst of heaven, and with a loud voice proclaiming in the ears of all mankind; the hour of God’s judgment is come. They behold the angel’s flight with admiration; they cheer him on with hand and voice; they point to him for the notice of men with exultation. They see him in the Missionary, and Bible Societies, in the Tract and Religious enterprises of the age; and they ask us to add one plume to his, wings, that his swift course may quickly finished, and his heavenly ministry ay be the sooner accomplished. So let it be. We accept their interpretation of the winged messenger; we behold him as they point him out: we believe him to be as they declare, flying in the midst of heaven: we hear also his loud voice; we mark the words of his cry “Fear God, and give glory to him!” We treasure in our hearts the reason he argues, to enforce this duty: “For the hour of his judgment is come;” and we can bow ourselves, and respectfully ask of the men who see and hear and obey this angel, if they are at liberty to reject the doctrine of the judgment to come this hour? We hold them to their own interpretation, and beg them not to be offended with that. We hold them to their own conclusion, and hope they will not revolt from the plain declaration that all men ought to fear God, and give glory to him this moment, for the special reason that “the hour of his judgment is come!” HST January 1, 1842, page 146.6
A waiting posture is the posture of good servants; a watchful expectation is the emotions of a heart separated from the object of its love; a lively hope of her Lord’s return is the cherished hope of a lone wife. The wife whose husband has been long at sea, does not wait to hear that his ship is telegraphed or approaching the coast, or that his signal is flying at mast head in the bay; or that he will anchor in the port at such an hour, and will make his appearance to her some due time afterward: no wife calculates thus; but the desire of her heart overleaps all premonitory signs of his approach, and leads her to expect every time the door opens, to see him enter the parlor. She looks for his appearing at every moment. Not a step is heard in the hall, but she marks the sound, whether it be the well known step of her beloved: not a latch is lifted, but she looks up to see whether her Lord is come; and though her friends laugh at her pains, she gives constant heed to his appearing who has now been a long time on the sea. This is the true position of the church, I humbly think; not saying: “My Lord delayeth his coming;” or “My Lord cometh next week, or tomorrow, or next hour;” but, comes he not now, whom my soul loves? Is not that last trumpet the sound of his voice? Mark, do not the mountains sink? Do not the seas retire? The stars fall; the heavens light up with fire! HST January 1, 1842, page 146.7
With one or two remarks, I close. This is no time for disputing, bickering, challenging of motives, imputing of evil, or slacking in our work. “The time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God; and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God?” If we believe the end is in a few months: the remaining time is too short for dissension; if we believe it is when the seventh angel begins to sound, the time is too short for dissension; if we believe it is the voice of the flying angel we hear, crying aloud to all nations: “Fear God and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment is come;” the time is too short for dissension. Let all who love our Lord’s appearing walk together in love, as brethren; and by charity and patience not only with one another, but opposers, from the excellence of our faith, and the elevation of our hope, even by the purity of our life. We seek not reputation of men, to be held in honor of the mortal world; we rather abase ourselves in mortal eyes, while we uphold the truth of God. His fear will keep us from railing or offending against a fellow creature, seeing “the Judge standeth before the door,” and “we judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts; and then shall every man have praise of God.” 1 Corinthians 4:5. Some men are Roman Catholics, some are Protestants: let them be Catholics or Protestants, only looking for the coming of the Lord according to his word. Some expect the natural Jews to return in this life; others expect the Jews to return in the resurrection of the just; let be, while both expect the Lord will first come. Some look for the end of all things within a few months especially: others look for it continually without regard to a particular year. Both sides look for it. If it should occur according to the year, it will also occur according to the continual prayer and hope; and if it should not occur according to the year, the continual prayer and hope will yet remain. “Fear God and give glory to him,”—“The meek shall inherit the earth”—“The end of all things is at hand.”—But with great deference I recall to mind the Lord’s word to his own Apostles: “It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power.” With kind regards to all who love our Lord’s appearing, I am, “in the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ,” your fellow servant. HST January 1, 1842, page 146.8
HENRY DANA WARD.
JVHe
Dear Brother:—Your article in the last “Signs of the Times” in opposition to the time, being a matter of revelation, has given me much sorrow and regret; not that you, or any other brother, have hot a perfect right to think or express your thoughts in the way or place that you may think best; but the great fear I have, that some poor soul just awakened to their danger, by reading it, may relapse into their former security, and so “that day come upon them unawares,” induces me to address a few words to you upon the subject. But before I begin, I am not only willing, but glad of an opportunity, to acknowledge great indebtedness to, and comfort, in all your writings that I have seen, until this, now under consideration. HST January 1, 1842, page 147.1
At the close of your first sentence, you say, “you refuse to receive the date of the Lord’s coming, at the hand of any man.” Now I was lot prepared to expect such a statement from brother H. D. Ward. You cannot but know, that not only Mr. Miller, but all our brethren, who have wrote upon the time, are constantly pointing men, to the 2nd, 7th and 8th chapters of Daniel, as containing the vision; the 2300 days, as the whole length of it; the interview of Gabriel with Daniel in the ninth chapter, as the explanation of it. Now for one, I am glad that you will not receive it from the hand of man; but I tremble when I think, that not only you, but the thousands of Israel, will not receive it at the hand of God. HST January 1, 1842, page 147.2
In your next paragraph you say, “the prophecies of Daniel were as well known then (in Christ’s time) as they are now; and if they could enable one to tell the precise date now, they could have then enabled both men and angels to tell when the time is.” How in the world so honest a brother as I have always taken you to be, could have written this, in plain view of the three following passages of holy writ, I am at a loss to know; First. Daniel 8th 26th “Wherefore SHUT thou up the vision, for it shall be for many days.” Second. Daniel 12th and 4th verse “But thou O Daniel, SHUT up the words, and SEAL the book, even to the time of the END” Third, and in the 9th verse, “and he said go thy way, Daniel: for the words are CLOSED up, and SEALED, till the time of the END.” In view of the dread realities of that stupenduous day, which, according to your own belief, may be upon a guilty world, and a sleeping church, even before 1843, I ask again, how could you have said, that “the vision” “the words” “the book” that is “closed,” “shut” and “scaled” by the express command of God, by the angel Gabriel, could as well be known and understood, 1800 years before the time came to break the seal and open the book, as it could be after the time of the end had come, the seal broke, and the book opened. HST January 1, 1842, page 147.3
And now in answer to the text, at the head of your article, and also the day and hour not known to any man. suffice it to say at this time, to make the most of it you can, what does it prove; why simply that God was the only being that knew when the day of judgment would come in the time of our Savior’s ministry; now to have this truth which we believe as much as our opponents perpetually throw in our faces, whenever we say that Daniel’s visions, now that “the time of the end,” hath broken the seal, gives us a clue to the year; is a most conclusive proof to my mind, that there is no sound argument to be found in the Bible, against it. HST January 1, 1842, page 147.4
And now, in concluding my brief remarks, I would simply say, that with the spirit, as well as many of the sentiments in your article, I am pleased, and as I did not take my feeble pen to review or critically to examine it, but merely to express my honest dissent with some things in it, I will wind up by saying, that your words about the middle of your last paragraph, “and to be instructed in any matter, on which I may seem to differ without reason,” encouraged me to his attempt. And now, “Blessed is he that waiteth, and cometh, to the thousand three hundred and five and thirty days.” HST January 1, 1842, page 147.5
LEWIS HERSEY.
67 Carver Street, Boston, Dec. 6, 1841.
JVHe
When the above was written, the result was in futurity, and was purely a matter of calculation; but now, however, the time is passed, and it is proper that we should inquire whether the event has answered the calculations. HST January 1, 1842, page 147.6
1. Has, then, the Ottoman supremacy in Constantinople been broken, or has it been lost? HST January 1, 1842, page 147.7
1st. Testimony. The London Morning Herald, after the capture of St. Jean d’Acre, speaking of the state of things in the Ottoman empire, says: “We (the allies) have conquered St. Jean d’Acre. We have dissipated into thin air the prestige that till lately invested as with a halo the name of Mehemet Ali. We have in all probability, destroyed forever the power of that hitherto successful ruler. But have we done aught to restore strength to the Ottoman Empire? We fear that the Sultan has been reduced to he rank of a puppet: and that the sources of the Turkish Empire’s strength are entirely destroyed.” HST January 1, 1842, page 147.8
“If the supremacy of the Sultan is hereafter to be maintained in Egypt, it must be maintained, we fear, by the unceasing intervention of England and Russia.” HST January 1, 1842, page 147.9
What the London Morning Herald last November feared has since been realized. The Sultan as been entirely, in all the great questions which have come up, under the dictation of the Christian kingdoms of Europe: and on them he has been dependent for support against Mehemet. HST January 1, 1842, page 147.10
2nd Testimony. The following is from Rev. Mr. Goodell, missionary of the American Board at Constantinople, addressed to the Board, and by them published in the Missionary Herald, for April, 1841, page 160:— HST January 1, 1842, page 147.11
“The power of Islamism is broken forever; and there is no concealing the fact, even from themselves. They exist now by mere sufferance. And though there is a mighty effort made by the Christian governments to sustain them, yet at every step they sink lower and lower with fearful velocity. And though there is a great endeavor made to graft the institutions of civilized and Christian countries upon the decayed trunk, yet the very root itself is fast wasting away by the venom of its own poison. How wonderful it is, that, when all Christendom combined together to check the progress of Mohamedan power, it waxed exceedingly great in spite of every opposition; and now, when all the mighty potentates of Christian Europe, who feel fully competent to settle all the quarrels,” and arrange all the affairs of the whole world, are leagued together for its protection and defence, down it comes, in spite of all their fostering care.” HST January 1, 1842, page 147.12
This, let it be remembered, is the clear, positive testimony of an eye-witness, a man who is on the spot, and who knows whereof he affirms. For truth and veracity, he has the confidence of the American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions, and they, in their official organ, have given publicity to the testimony. Reader, please review this witness’s testimony, and mark its point and strength. HST January 1, 1842, page 147.13
3rd. Testimony. The following is an extract from a London paper; the article is headed, “The waning of the Ottoman Empire.” It has seen copied into most of the leading journals of his country, without one word of dissent on the part of any. Thus the whole editorial corps in his country have given it their official sanction. HST January 1, 1842, page 147.14
The object of the writer is to show the relative condition of the Turkish and Christian powers of Europe. In former times the Turkish empire exceeded in power every kingdom in Europe. But the scene is changed; the Turks are weakened and the Christian nations strengthened. The article concludes thus: “The day they (the nations of Europe) counted their numbers was to be the last of Constantinople; and that day has every where come.” HST January 1, 1842, page 147.15
So, according to all our leading periodicals, he last of Constantinople has come. HST January 1, 1842, page 147.16
4th Testimony. Dr. Bond, editor of the Christian Advocate and Journal, New York, in one of the May numbers of that paper, concludes his account of Eastern affairs thus: “The Mahomedan nations are effectually in the hands and at the mercy of the Christian governments.” HST January 1, 1842, page 147.17
This is granting all we ask. Turkish supremacy is gone, and is in the hands of Christian towers. With these I shall close the testimony on this point; and proceed to inquire— HST January 1, 1842, page 147.18
2nd. When did the Ottoman Independence depart? HST January 1, 1842, page 147.19
Perhaps it may be said in reply, “it has been decaying for years.” True, it has. But if its power is broken forever, as Mr. Goodell declares, there must have been a point when it was broken. If it is dead, there was a moment when it ceased to be alive, and became dead. When was that crisis? To answer this question understandingly and clearly, it will be necessary to take a view of the Eastern difficulty, and the means adopted n its settlement. HST January 1, 1842, page 147.20
For some years Mehemet Ali, Pacha of Egypt, ad manifested a disposition to throw off the Turkish yoke and maintain an independent government. He gradually increased in power, and extended his conquests, wresting one province after another from the Sultan, adding it to his own dominions. In 1839, a war broke out between Mehemet and the Sultan, in which the Snltan’s army were cut up, and his fleet taken by Mehemet and carried to Egypt, which he refused to surrender and return to the Sultan; threatening to burn it, if an attempt should be made to tike it. HST January 1, 1842, page 147.21
The following extracts from the translation of an official document which appeared in the “Moniteur Ottoman,” of Aug. 22, 1840, will show the turn of the affair at this juncture. HST January 1, 1842, page 148.1
“Subsequent to the occurrence of the disputes alluded to, and after the reverses experienced, as known to all the world, the ambassadors of the great powers at Constantinople, in a collective official note, declared, that their governments were unanimously agreed upon taking measures to arrange said differences, and the sublime Porte, with a view of putting a stop to the effusion of Mussulman blood, and to the various evils which would arise from a renewal of hostilities, accepted the intervention of the great powers. His excellency Shekih Effendi, the Bey likgis, was therefore despatched a plenipotentiary, to represent the sublime Porte, at the conference which took place in London, (July 15, 1840,) for the purpose in question.” HST January 1, 1842, page 148.2
The conference was composed of England, Russia, Austria, and Prussia, together with the Sultan’s ambassador. The following extract from the same official document above quoted, shows the decision of that conference. HST January 1, 1842, page 148.3
“It having been fell that all the zealous labors of the conferences of London in the settlement of the Pacha’s pretensions were useless, and that the only public way was to have recourse to coercive measures to reduce him to obedience in case he persisted in not listening to pacific overtures, the powers have, together with the Ottoman Plenipotentiary, drawn up and signed a treaty whereby the Sultan offers the Pacha the hereditary government of Egypt, and of all that part of Syria extending from the Gulf of Suez to the lake of Tiberias, together with the province of Acre, for life; the Pacha on his part, evacuating all other parts of the Sultan’s dominions now occupied by him, and returning the Ottoman fleet. A certain space of time has been granted him to accede to these terms, and as the proposals of the Sultan and his allies, the four powers, do not admit of any change or qualification, if the Pacha refuse to accede to them, it is evident that the evil consequences to fall upon him will be attributable solely to his own fault. His excellency Rifat Bey, Musteshar for foreign affairs, has been dispatched to Alexandria in a government steamer, to communicate their ultimatum to the Pacha.” HST January 1, 1842, page 148.4
The reason why the Sultan thus submitted the decision of the question to the Christian powers is intimated in a manifesto which he issued about the 20th of August, and caused to be read in the mosques, day after day. It was because he felt his weakness and the danger of his throne. HST January 1, 1842, page 148.5
“The Porte, in order to counteract this, (the pretensions of Mehemet,) has deemed it necessasary to publish a manifesto, laying before its subjects a statement of affairs from the commencement of the quarrel up to the present time, and proving to them, by the clearest arguments, that the Pacha himself is the enemy of their religion, and that the object he is aiming at is to dethrone the Sultan.”—
Corres. Lond. Morn. Chron. HST January 1, 1842, page 148.6
If we can place any confidence in the declaration of the Sultan, he did feel his throne to be in danger; and this was his reason for throwing himself on his allies for support. HST January 1, 1842, page 148.7
The ultimatum of the London conference, it seems, was put into the hands of the Sultan, to treat with Mehemet, and if possible settle the difficulty without the further intervention of his allies. But if Mehemet refused to accede to the terms, which admitted of no change or qualification, the great powers were pledged to use coercive measures. While, therefore, the Sultan held the ultimatum in his own hands, his independence was maintained; but the question once submitted to Mehemet, and it was beyond his control. True, if Mehemet accepted the ultimatum, the Ottoman independence would remain; but if he rejected it, there was no alternative but for the Christian powers to interpose and put him down. HST January 1, 1842, page 148.8
Rifat Bey left Constantinople for Egypt, with the ultimatum, August 5th 1840. HST January 1, 1842, page 148.9
“He arrived at Alexandria on the 11th of August, and was by Mehemet’s orders placed in quarantine until the 16th.” Thus on the 11th of August: the question of war or peace was taken from the Sultan’s hands and placed in Mehemet’s, so that the Sultan could no longer control the affair. HST January 1, 1842, page 148.10
The 541 years 15 days, commencing July 27th, 1299, would end on the 11th of August; just the day Kifat Bey arrived at Alexandria. HST January 1, 1842, page 148.11
On the 15th of August, Mehemet gave his answer to the Sultan in the following note:— HST January 1, 1842, page 148.12
“Wallah, hillah, tillah,” (an oath, by God.) “I will not yield a span of the land I possess, and if war is made against me, I will turn the empire upside down and be buried in its ruins.
Mehemet Ali.” HST January 1, 1842, page 148.13
This was the decisive stroke, and under it the Ottoman power was thrown into the hands of the Christian nations of Europe. And the very next day, the 16th, the consuls of the four powers look up the affair and remonstrated with him for his course, and threatened him if he did not submit. Since then the Sultan has been under the necessity of submitting to the dictation of the European powers in all the affairs of his empire. HST January 1, 1842, page 148.14
I am now entirely satisfied that on the 11th day of August, according to previous calculation, the end of 541 years 15 days, the Ottoman Supremacy departed; and that on the 15th of August, the control of the empire was thrown into Christian hands, from which it had departed 391 years 15 days before. Thus the Ottomans were loosed and prepared for an hour, a day, a month, and a year, to slay the third part of men. That time ended and their power was broken, and Christian power restored to Constantinople. HST January 1, 1842, page 148.15
After the prediction of the Turkish power, the Revelator continues, chap. 10th, and relates what he saw farther. He saw an angel stand upon the sea and upon the earth, who “lifted up his hand to heaven, and sware by him that liveth forever and ever, who created heaven and the things that therein are, and the earth, and the things that are therein, that there should be time no longer. But in the clays of the voice of the seventh angel, when he shall begin to sound, the mystery of God should be finished; as he hath declared to his servants the prophets.” HST January 1, 1842, page 148.16
The Revelator was here permitted to anticipate the sounding of the seventh angel, and the event of his sounding, but the way was not yet prepared for presenting in due form the sounding of the seventh trumpet. HST January 1, 1842, page 148.17
The history of the Greek church and their oppression by the Mohamedans was given in the 9th chapter, which brought us down to the ending of the second wo; but before the event of the third wo could be fully presented, another line of prophecy must be brought up to the same period. That line was to give the suffering and depressed condition of true religion in the west, and its triumph before the end. Litch’s Address. HST January 1, 1842, page 148.18
JVHe
BOSTON, JAN. 1, 1842.
The new-year.—An excellent article prepared by a friend, containing practical reflections for the new year was received to late for this number. It will appear in our next. In the mean time, we now wish our readers a happy new year. Let us all remember that ‘Time is short,’ and we would in the language of the poet, invite all to unite, and:— HST January 1, 1842, page 148.19
‘let us anew our journey pursue,
Roll round with the year,
And never stand still till the Master appear!
His adorable will let us gladly fulfill,
And our talents improve,
By the patience of hope and the labor of love. HST January 1, 1842, page 148.20
Our life as a dream, our time as a stream,
Glides swiftly away,
And the fugitive moment refuses to stay.
The arrow is flown, the moment is gone;
The millennial year
Rushes on to our view, and eternity’s here. HST January 1, 1842, page 148.21
O that each in the day of his coming may say,
“I have fought my way through;
I have finished the work thou didst give me to do!”
O that each from his Lord may receive the glad word,
“Well and faithfully done!
Enter into my joy, and sit down on my throne.” HST January 1, 1842, page 148.22
JVHe
Mr. M. has recently given a course of 18 lectures in this city. The effect has been very powerful on all classes of the community. The church has been aroused to action. Multitudes are under deep conviction of the truth. A goodly number have turned to the Lord with purpose of heart, and are now rejoicing in hope. HST January 1, 1842, page 148.23
The great body of the clergy in this city affect to despise Mr. Miller for his ignorance, etc. But they lave been made to feel his power, and from their various pulpit preparations it would seem that they were perfectly aware that Mr. M. and his subject are of more importance than they are willing otherwise to admit. Some are preaching against it. Some few are favorable: Some are wise enough to avail themselves of the good influence produced, to build up their churches. HST January 1, 1842, page 148.24
Well, the subject is agitated, and we rejoice. Whether they oppose, or defend it, it will do its work, it cannot be suppressed, it will accomplish the object which God designed. It will prove a savor of life unto life, or of death unto death. HST January 1, 1842, page 148.25
JVHe
Elder Shaw of the “Christian Herald,” informs is numerous renders that he “discovers” strong indications of wavering and weakness among the professed believers in the theory of “Mr. Miller.” and that “the writings (on the Second Advent, we suppose he means) are loosing their strength, and multitudes who thought their faith was firm, appears to have strong suspisions that they might have been misguided.” He concludes by saying, “I sincerely hope that none will neglect to prepare to die, etc”! Such falsehood and cant are not worthy of man who professes to have preached the advent nigh for “twenty years past.” Any one with their yes open, can see, if they can see anything, that there never was such a movement on the public mind, on this subject as at the present time. There never was such a call for publications, and lecturers. The advocates of the cause were never stronger, or more numerous than now. Some men are capable of breeding a moral pestilence on this subject in their own neighborhoods; but they must not think that all the world is affected by it. HST January 1, 1842, page 148.26
Bro. James A. Begg.—We have received a letter from this esteemed brother, and expect a communication from him by the next boat, for our paper. HST January 1, 1842, page 149.1
Latest From Europe.—The steamship Columbia arrived on the 21st inst. Things in the East are in a very unsettled state. There is great dissatisfaction in Egypt, and there is an insurrection among the mountaineers, in Syria. HST January 1, 1842, page 149.2
Fitch’s Letter.—This book is out and for sale, at 14 Devonshire St. (up stairs.) $8 per hundred, $1, 20 per doz., 12 1-2 cts single. HST January 1, 1842, page 149.3
Address to the Clergy.—The address to the clergy by bro. Litch, found in another column, is taken from his recent address to the public, and the clergy, on the second coming of the Lord. It is a very valuable, and seasonable address at this time. We commend it to the attention of the ministers of Jesus. HST January 1, 1842, page 149.4
The fall of the ottoman power.—We invite the closest investigation of the article under this head, in another page. If Ottoman supremacy has departed, then we are without doubt upon the end of the world. Reader, prepare to meet thy God. HST January 1, 1842, page 149.5
New Work.—A new work by Mr. Miller, on Matthew 5:5. “The true inheritance of the saints.” And the 1260 days in Daniel and John explained. It will be out in a few weeks. HST January 1, 1842, page 149.6
President Beecher, Jacksonville, Ill. This worthy and learned gentleman is now in our city giving lectures on the prophesies. We have had no opportunity to hear him, or to learn definitely his views. A writer however in the ‘Boston Traveller,” has given some account of the three lectures recently, preached by him, in this city, of which we give the following extract. HST January 1, 1842, page 149.7
“His text on each occasion was from the 16th chapter of Revelation 17th, 18th, and 19th verses. The angel in this chapter is described as having poured out his seventh and last vial. The speaker contended that the signs of the times indicated that this vision which John saw in the Apocalypse was now being performed. He would not say that the world was to come to an end in 1843, but that we were living in the latter days was manifest from the grand movements all over the globe. The general wickedness which prevailed, the doctrines of the perfectionists, non-resistants, deists, atheists, and pantheists which are all those of false Christs; and above all, the wonderful growth and spread of the Catholic Church, which was throwing her arms around the globe: the subversion of law, government and order in the present time, was all foretold, in revelation, to occur, and immediately precede the consummation of all things. He made an arithmetical calculation of the last period of years which the apostle predicted should take place, 1260, and contended it had nearly expired.” HST January 1, 1842, page 149.8
Mr. Beecher, we learn, notwithstanding the above important view, (which in some respects agree with Mr. Miller,) has no sympathy with our movements. He thinks if, 43 passes, and Christ does not come, that we shall make many infidels, etc. This is all natural enough. Mr. B. would lose his reputation for sanity, should he give countenance to the movements of the advocates of the personal advent near. HST January 1, 1842, page 149.9
Conference on the Second Advent in Me.—Elder A. Bridge, informs us by letter, that at the request of brethren of different denominations a conference has teen appointed, to be held at Corina, Penobscot Co. Me commencing Jan. 18th, 1842. Brethren Miller, Litch, Sabine, and others are earnestly requested to attend, and lecture on the subject of the advent nigh at hand. HST January 1, 1842, page 149.10
We are truly glad to learn that there is so much interest on the subject in that state. But we fear that the brethren, which they have requested to visit them, will be unable to comply with their request. They will have the goodness to give early information on this point. HST January 1, 1842, page 149.11
General Conference, eighth Session. To be held in Sandy Hill, Washington Co. N. Y. Feb. 1st, 1842, and will continue several days. Ministers and brethren in that vicinity, interested in the cause, are requested to attend, and take part in the deliberations of the conference. HST January 1, 1842, page 149.12
General Conference,—Ninth Session, will be held in Colchester, Vt. Feb. 8th 1842, and will continue several days. Ministers and brethren interested are invited to attend, and take part in the services. HST January 1, 1842, page 149.13
It is expected that Mr. Miller, Litch, Fitch and others will attend these conferences. Let there be continual supplication among the brethren that the great head of the church may be with us, and bless our endeavors to promote his glorious cause. HST January 1, 1842, page 149.14
J. V. HIMES Sec’y. HST January 1, 1842, page 149.15
We learn from Bro. French, that there is a good revival in progress, in Eld. Plummer’s society in Haverill: Bro. F. has given several lectures to them with acceptance, and profit. The revival at Claramont, N. H. continues with unabated interest. The last intelligence we had, 200 were under deep wakening, and seventy had professed hope. Mr. Miller is earnestly requested to return; but he will not be able to at present. HST January 1, 1842, page 149.16
Bro. Green, of Colchester, Vt, writes, that the Baptist church, as a body, in that place, are looking for the coming of Christ at hand; and many are strong in the faith, that it will take place in 1843. He says the subject fills his heart with joy; and that he looks, and longs for the coming of the Lord. HST January 1, 1842, page 149.17
“How long dear Savior O how long,
Shall this bright hour delay,
Fly swift around ye wheels of time,
And bring the welcome day.” HST January 1, 1842, page 149.18
A. I. Willianson, of Toronto, U. C. has sent us several communications for which he will accept our thanks. The deep interest he takes in the “Signs of the Times.” and his offer to act as an agent for us is cordially and thankfully accepted. His name will be put among our list of agents. The friends in U. Canada can make remittances to him. HST January 1, 1842, page 149.19
Bro. L.C. Collins, of S. Glatenbury, Ct. writes: I am becoming deeply interested in the great subject of “Christ’s second comming;” and am trying do something to spread the glorious news. I am now making it a subject of my study and preaching. “Could not you and Bro. Litch visit us, and give a course of Lectures?” HST January 1, 1842, page 149.20
Bro. Peter Hough of Maniposa, U. Canada: writes that the cause of the second Advent is progressing in that place. As yet, however, no one openly preaches the doctrine but himself, in that vicinity. He wishes to know how we conduct our conference. We refer him to the proceedings of the conferences in the Signs of the Times. We hope our brother will be bold for God. HST January 1, 1842, page 149.21
Bro. E. H. Wilcox of New York, is our agent for that city. His office is at 126 Fulton st. All our publications may be obtained of him. HST January 1, 1842, page 149.22
Bro. Thos. Sutcliffe. We have rec’d an interesting letter from Bro. S. in which he informs us of the prosperity of the cause in Canada, and the North part of Vt. In several towns where he has lectured, the citizens interested in the doctrine of the advent nigh, determine to establish Second Advent libraries. Two ministers of the M. P. church, have recently come into the faith, and are now preaching it with power. They only regret that they did not enter the field earlier. HST January 1, 1842, page 149.23
Bro. Litch is now in Philadelphia. We learn by a letter dated Dec. 10th that he had given several lectures, and was to preach the next Sabbath in the First M. E. Church in that city. He will continue there until an interest is waked up on the subject, and the Watchmen wake up, and either deny, or receive, and preach the “midnight cry.” Who will give him $ 100, for this object? Send the order to this office, and the Books will be sent by Express. Let some rich man think of this. HST January 1, 1842, page 149.24
He wrote, Nov. 29, “The Lord has begun a great work in this place; (Newark, N. J.) sinners & backsliders are trembling on every hand. There is a very large number who embrace the doctrine, of various denominations, and they have taken hold of the subject like men, and are determined it shall go through the city.” The Lord give them the victory. HST January 1, 1842, page 149.25
“Come over and help us.” “Give us light.” We are constantly receiving letters from—different parts of the country for lectures on the Advent nigh. We cannot supply one of fifty of the calls. What shall be done? Answer, Wake up the sleepy watchmen, and demand of them to do their duty. If this cannot be done, inundate their parishes with tracts on the subject; let the laymen also go to work—talk—tell the truth yourselves. HST January 1, 1842, page 149.26
Modern Prophets.—While most of the watchmen who are observers of the times in which we live, reject the prophetic times as given in the word of God, they are continually “prophesying out of their own hearts,” that “some great event is at hand.” They do not know what, but something they assure us is coming upon this world that is unusual. God says to all such, who thus prophecy out of their own hearts:—“Hear the word of the Lord.” Thus saith the Lord God, “Wo unto the foolish prophets that follow their own spirit and have seen nothing!” If any man have a dream, let him tell it as a dream, but if he have the word of God, let him declare it faithfully.” All the guessings of the modern prophets are vain, and foolish. They had better try to get a little moral courage so as to believe, and testify their faith in the things delivered by God’s ancient prophets, which will surely come to pass. HST January 1, 1842, page 149.27
Hymn Books. “Millennial Musings.—A choice selection of hymns designed for the use of second Advent Meetings.” By J. V. Himes and J. Litch. Price $ 2,40, per dozen, 20 cts single. HST January 1, 1842, page 149.28
A word to Agents, The first of this month we shall be obliged to settle with the printers, paper-makers, book binders, etc—and they all want their money. The agents of our publications we suppose have the means to help us. We have no means to meet our obligations, except the sale of publications. HST January 1, 1842, page 150.1
JVHe
Of the Sixth Session of the General Conference, held in Boston, at the Chardon Street Chapel. HST January 1, 1842, page 150.2
The Conference convened at 10 o’clock A. M. Nov. 30th, and was opened with prayer and singing. The objects of the Conference being stated by the Secretary: a solemn address was delivered by William Miller, on the duties, responsibilities, and prospects of the believers in the advent near at hand; when the morning session closed. HST January 1, 1842, page 150.3
In the afternoon, the services were conducted by the Rev. Charles Fitch, of Haverhill, Mass. After prayer and singing, he proceeded to give his reasons for embracing the doctrine of the second personal advent and reign of Christ with his saints on the earth, and the time of his coming to be in the year 1843. His views were presented in the form of a letter to Bro. J. Litch. The speaker was about two hours in delivering it, to a crowded and delighted audience. He gave the clearest and most perfect synopsis of the whole theory, that has yet been given. Its length forbids its publication entire, in our paper; we intend however to give copious extracts from it hereafter. HST January 1, 1842, page 150.4
The evening session was held at Boylston Hall, where Mr. Miller gave a lecture on the history of Bonaparte, and the papal power, to a crowded and solemn audience. HST January 1, 1842, page 150.5
Wednesday Morning Session, commenced at 9 o’clock, with exercises of mutual prayer and conference. At 10, the exercises were varied somewhat by remarks from J. V. Himes and Charles Fitch, who addressed the Conference on the practical duties of the faith. HST January 1, 1842, page 150.6
At this time, Mr. Nickerson, a Mormon preacher, arose and made some very excellent remarks, (in themselves) but with a design to deceive the unwary, get their confidence, and lead them off to the city of Nauvoo. The secretary knowing his object, timely exposed this Anti-Christian teacher and deceiver, which put an end to his operations in the Conference. HST January 1, 1842, page 150.7
The secretary then read an interesting and instructive letter from H. D. Ward, (which see in another page.) Mr. Fitch then read from Ephesians 3:14, 21, and made some instructive remarks, when the Conference adjourned. HST January 1, 1842, page 150.8
Afternoon session. 2 o’clock, met for prayer. At 3 o’clock, Bro. C. Fitch read and expounded Deuteronomy 33:27, 29. He was followed by Mr. Miller, who illustrated the beatitudes in the 5th chapter of Matthew. HST January 1, 1842, page 150.9
Evening session, at B. Hall. Lecture by Mr. Miller, on the two witnesses, Revelation 2:3. HST January 1, 1842, page 150.10
Thursday Morning, 9 o’clock, prayer and singing. At 10 o’clock, the members of the Conference went into a familiar and full examination of the visions of Daniel, by questions and answers between Mr. Miller and the audience. The object was to get at the time—the length of the vision—its date, and consequently its termination. HST January 1, 1842, page 150.11
The result was, that Daniel’s three visions were one, that the date of the 2300 day vision, commenced at the going forth of the commandment to restore and build Jerusalem, 457, B. C. that the seventy weeks were a part of the vision, and that they were accomplished in 490 years, and therefore of necessity they must close in 1843, from the birth of Christ. This was a most profitable and pleasant exercise. HST January 1, 1842, page 150.12
Afternoon session. The subject of distribution of publications was taken up. Remarks were made by Himes, Litch, Miller and others, whereupon a subscription of between 900, and 1000 dollars were raised for the purpose. HST January 1, 1842, page 150.13
Evening session at the B. Hall. Lecture by Bro. Miller from Isaiah 61:1-3. The Jubilees and Sabbaths. HST January 1, 1842, page 150.14
Friday session. 9 o’clock for prayer. At 10 o’clock, by request, the Conference went into the examination of the time of the setting up of the kingdom of God. Daniel 7:7-14 and 26, 2:27, was read. Also Matthew 13:40-44, and 48—50. After a full and free examination of the subject, it was agreed on all hands, that the kingdom was not set up in the days of the Cesars: and that it could not be set up until the ten kingdoms from the ruins of the Western empire, which did not fall till in the 5th century. The conclusion was that it would be set up at the appearing of Christ, the second time without sin unto salvation. HST January 1, 1842, page 150.15
Afternoon session. The committes on publications reported. Report in our next. HST January 1, 1842, page 150.16
On motion Bro. C. Fitch, was appointed to write a circular to the conference. HST January 1, 1842, page 150.17
One of the brethren proposed a plan for visiting every family in N. E. by agents. The subject was referred to a committee, who should correspond with others on the subject and report it a future meeting. HST January 1, 1842, page 150.18
The following persons were appointed to serve the Conference, as permanent officers.
Chairman.
WILLIAM MILLER.
Assistants.
John Kilton,
Charles Fitch,
Timothy Cole,
Richard Walker.
Committee of Correspondence.
Josiah Litch,
Henry Jones,
H. D. Ward,
Charles Fitch,
J. V. Himes.
Secretary.
J. V. Himes.
Treasurer.
William Clark.
Committee on Publications.
Dexter Dickerson,
William Clark,
J. V. Himes.
WM. MILLER, Chairman.
J. V. Himes, Sec’y.
JVHe
To the beloved brethren in Boston, who believe the glorious appearing of our Lord is nigh, assembled for prayer, and to comfort and strengthen one another in the faith, your brother and companion in the kingdom of Jesus Christ sendeth Christian salutation. HST January 1, 1842, page 150.19
Dear Brethren, believing that nothing will increase our confidence in God, like calling to mind the way in which he hath led us, to try and prove us, I will give you a short account of my labors since I met with you. HST January 1, 1842, page 150.20
Learning from a beloved friend who had spent a few weeks in Stoughton, that there were many there, who were anxious to hear on the subject of the advent near—I felt it duty to visit and ascertain if there was an open door. I left home on Saturday, 30th ult. not knowing what my reception would be; on arriving in S. I called on Brother F. pastor of the M. church, he was not at home. I then called on Brother C. pastor of the C. church. I did not find him quite so ready to every good work, as had been represented. I invited him to open his house for a lecture that evening; he found excuses sufficient to keep it shut, but advised me to apply for the Universalists house; I called on Mr. B. their preacher, made known my request, he had no objections to a lecture that evening, introduced me to the committee of the house; they at once said they would have their house opened and their bell rung, this was about sunset; our M. and C. friends gave notice to each other of the lecture, that they might know what the ringing of the bell meant; at seven o’clock, quite a number assembled of the three different societies, if I might be allowed to judge by the fruit, I should say, a part of my audience came expecting to hear their favorite theme, peace and safely to all men, but as I reasoned of a resurrection and a “judgment to come,” Acts 24:25, they soon gave evident tokens that they could not endure sound doctrine, for before I had spoken half an hour nearly half of my hearers had left the house, while those who came to hear of the advent near, remained quiet and attentive; this reminded me of my early days, that in winnowing wheat, the chaff always flew first and farthest. After the lecture, on consulting brother’s F. and C. they informed me it was the most unseasonable time in which I could have visited them to give lectures. Brother F’s people were to commence painting their house, and Brother C’s was to have a temperance lecture, and to preach himself one evening in the coming week; not finding an open door, duty was plain for me to depart. Before I left the place I called on a few friends who are interested in the subject, and were grieved that there was no opening for lectures. It is my prayer that a door in S. may yet be opened before ‘43, for I believe we shall need no doors opened to proclaim behold he cometh, but every eye on the earth will then see him. What a mountain of unbelief will be removed when the Savior comes; they will no longer doubt the Certainty, Nature, Manner, Object or Time of his appearing, but the faith of the wicked then will be, as the faith of devils was in the days of the Savior. They will believe and tremble, for Christ is coming to punish with everlasting destruction those who obey not his gospel. To rule them as with a rod of iron, and dash them in pieces like a potters vessel, Psalm 2:8. HST January 1, 1842, page 150.21
I left S. for Sharon, about five miles distant, called on Brother S. pastor of the B. church, he not wishing to have conversation on the subject of Christ’s second coming, excepting to tell me that Daniels 2300 days were literal and were fulfilled in Antiochus, and finding him thus willing to be ignorant, 1 Corinthians 14-38 and not “given to hospitality,” 1 Timothy 3:2. I left his dwelling and called on a lay brother near by; I learnt from him that the church in S. would probably be opposed to having lectures on the subject, he advised me to call on the B. church in Foxboro, five miles distant, I entered the meeting in F. in time to hear a sermon from “Cleanse thou me from secret faults,” a good practical discourse; after service, I invited the Bro. to open the house for a lecture in the evening, which they did with much kindness. The lecture was well attended, and some being desirous to hear again, they invited me to stay until Monday evening, on which they were to have a temperance lecture—they then would ascertain if an opening could be made for a full course on the second coming of Christ; but a trifle, even as small as the lighting of the house, turned the scale, so I left F. though with reluctance, having a desire that the friends in F. who wished, might have an opportunity to hear on this subject. Having friends in Providence, R. I. and vicinity, that I have long had a desire to visit, I left F. for P. On arriving at East Attleboro, I felt a strong inclination to call on Brother Cady, pastor of the Methodist church in North Attleboro, four miles out of my way to Providence; my desire to see him arose from the fact that I had more than once been informed that he was a candid man, and favorably inclined towards our views, etc. I found him at home; he had not been misrepresented to me. I proposed giving lectures, he said he should like to hear, and give his people an opportunity to hear and judge for themselves. I thanked God and took courage that I had found in him a brother who was willing to come to the light, and to have others hear and judge for themselves. But he added “if we have a course of lectures I should like to have my people unite with our B. brethren, and as their house is large, and they have a bell, let the lectures be in their house if they chose.” Brother C. wished me to call on brother Morey, pastor of the Baptist, church, and propose the subject to him, and as God would have it, the way was prepared. The Universalists were to dedicate their house on Wednesday 3rd inst. Brother M. and his people had set, the day for fasting and prayer, on that account, and as I was about to enter their house Br. M. and wife were converging on the subject of a revival in this place, and said they were willing that God should send and work by whom he would, only let him work at that moment. I a stranger, rapped at their door and was hospitably received and entertained. I introduced my business, the proposal of brother C. was accepted, an oppointment for a course of lectures made to commence on Saturday evening 6th inst. I could not doubt but God had directed me, though by mysterious ways to this place. After arrangements thus made with Br. C. and M. I continued my journey to Providence. I called on brother Lonsdale, I found him a pillar in the cause, he invited me to tarry with him. On Wednesday, A. M. I visited an esteemed brother with whom I had had a previous acquaintance, and who had often visited my home, and preached for our people, hoping he might be induced to investigate the subject, but I was obliged to leave him (much as I found him,) willing to follow in the wake of great and learned men, rather than take the time and pains to investigate and judge for himself. HST January 1, 1842, page 150.22
JVHe
Dearly Beloved Brethren,—Your station, and the relation you hold to society, invests you with a power over the minds of men, on all subjects connected with religion, such as no other class of men can possess. If truly called of God to the work in which you are engaged, you are placed as watchmen on the walls of Zion, to hear the word at the mouth of the Lord and warn the people from him. This relation to God and man rolls on you an immense weight of responsibility; to you the community look for warning when danger is near, for correction when they err, and instruction in the way of truth and righteousness. HST January 1, 1842, page 151.1
Hence, whenever any subject comes up for discussion, vitally affecting the spiritual and eternal interests of mankind, they instinctively look to their spiritual guide for counsel, and are disposed to rely on his decisions. But, unless the subject, in all its bearings and aspects, is famailiar to him, how can he give them the needful instruction? If he attempts to instruct at all, under such circumstances, he will be very likely to darken counsel by words without knoweldge. Thus, the blind leading the blind, both will be likely to fall into the ditch. It must, therefore, be the duty of every minister of the gospel to acquaint himself with such subjects, that he may act understandingly in relation to them. HST January 1, 1842, page 151.2
The subject named at the head of this address is of such a character. For, “if it is true, it is tremendously true.” It cannot be a matter of indifference whether the kingdom of God is a temporal or eternal kingdom, whether the time is near at hand or far distant. I am aware that it is often said, “it matters not when it comes, if we are only prepared for it.” Very true; but are all men prepared for it? It is this want of preparation which makes it important that the note of alarm should be sounded. Does it matter when men die, if they are but prepared for death? Certainly not. But where is the true minister of the Lord Jesus Christ, who does not think it important, frequently, to remind his hearers of death; and also to press on them its nearness? Yet the writers of the New Testament have not half as frequently, nor half as earnestly, pressed on us the nearness and certainty of death, as of the judgment. HST January 1, 1842, page 151.3
The question is now fairly before the Christian community;—“Does the Bible teach the near approach of the glorious, everlasting kingdom of God on earth?” And before the excitement on it can subside, it must be thoroughly investigated. HST January 1, 1842, page 151.4
And why should not every Christian minister come boldly up to the work, and take up the subject in a candid and unprejudiced manner? HST January 1, 1842, page 151.5
Will it be said, “There are some subjects which carry absurdity on their face, so legibly inscribed, as to render it necessary to examine them to draw inference concerning their merits; and that the subject in question is among the number?” Wherein does the absurdity consist? Is it in endeavoring to fix upon the nature of the kingdom of God on earth, as taught in the Bible? Or is it in endeavoring to find the time fixed for the commencement of the prophetic period of the Bible, the termination of which is to introduce that glorious state? It certainly cannot be n either of these; for each of them has occupied he minds of the greatest and best of men in all ages. HST January 1, 1842, page 151.6
Yet this is all that these pages profess to do; and a true answer to these two questions is all that is sought. HST January 1, 1842, page 151.7
Finally the question resolves itself into this. Is the millennium of the Scripture to be in a temporal, or an eternal state? If the former, then the theory advocated in these pages must all. But if in the latter, then the objection as o the time vanishes. For the warmest opponents of this theory admit the prophetic period, by which we arrive at the time, to begin and end at the same time contended for in these sheets. They believe the termination of the 2300 days of Daniel 8:14, will introduce a temporal milennium, and the literal restoration of the Jews; but here it is contended that no such events as these are to be looked for; but that the events is the establishment of a glorious and everlasting kingdom of God on earth, at the resurrection of the just. There can, therefore, be no more absurdity in saying that the glorious kingdom of God will be established at a given time, than there is in saying that the period will terminate at that time, but in another event. For the Scripture must decide what the event is; and it cannot be absurd to examine them in reference to this interesting and important question. Brethren, look at this subject. But there are some other objections which frequently come up, and exert an influence on the public mind. Some of them shall now be examined. HST January 1, 1842, page 151.8
1. It is asked.—Does not Christ say, Matthew 24:36, “But of that day and hour knoweth no man; no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only?” True, he does. But what has that text to do with the case in hand? I do not—nor have I ever done it—attempt to determine the day or the hour of the Son of Man’s coming. Let this point be distinctly understood. I believe the glorious appearing of the Savior will be between the fall of the Ottoman empire, which will probably take place this year, and the termination of 1843; and that by the end of that year all the scenes of judgment and trouble will be passed, and, in the expressive language of inspiration, “the sanctuary will be cleansed.” But at what point of time between these periods Christ will make his appearance, whether in 1841-2, or 3, I know not. The signs of the times, as foretold in the Bible, will indicate His near approach, but for the precise time we are commanded to watch. HST January 1, 1842, page 151.9
Let us, then, examine the above text in the light of these remarks. Christ had just uttered a prediction respecting his coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory, etc; also, he had related a great variety of signs, which should precede his coming and indicate his near approach. To illustrate his meaning, he related a parable of the fig tree. “When his branch is yet tender and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is nigh: so likewise ye, when ye shall see all these things, knew that it is near, even at the doors.” “But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, out my Father only.” Who cannot see, in this connection, that the Savior did intend to be understood, that although the precise time should not be known, its near approach, yea, its approach even to the doors, might be known? But how far from us is an event, when it is at the door? HST January 1, 1842, page 151.10
2. It is said, The parting instruction of the Savior, when he was about to ascend to heaven, is decidedly against the idea of knowing any thing respecting the time. Acts 1:6, 7. “Lord, wilt thou at this time restore the kingdom again to Israel? And he said unto them, it is not for you to know the times or the seasons which the Father hath put in his own power. HST January 1, 1842, page 151.11
It is very significantly asked, in view of this text, if we are to expect to know more on this subject than the inspired apostles? I answered Yes. For they lived in an age when it was not necessary that the times and seasons should be known. And, hence, it was said to them, “it is not for you to know,” etc. HST January 1, 1842, page 151.12
After the times and seasons were revealed to Daniel, he was commanded to “close up the words and seal the book even to the time of the end.” And again, when he would have known more of the matter, it was said to him, “the words are closed up and sealed even to the time of the end.” Until the “time of the end,” therefore, the times and the seasons were not to be known; but that time had not come in the apostolic age, but it now has come. HST January 1, 1842, page 151.13
Once more. Peter informs us, (1 Epistle 1:11, 12,) that the prophets who prophesied of the grace which should come unto us, searched diligently, “what, or what manner of time,” the Spirit of Christ which was in them did signify, when it testifieth beforehand the sufferings of Christ, and the glory that should follow.” But they were told that they had ministered not to themselves but to others. HST January 1, 1842, page 152.1
How striking an illustration is this of the case of Daniel. He desired to understand, he searched and inquired diligently, but was told that the matter was closed and sealed even to the time of the end. If, then, the time of the end has come, (and it has) we may expect to know more of the times and seasons now, than even the inspired penmen could in former years. They ministered not for themselves, but for us. HST January 1, 1842, page 152.2
These objections are all I have room to examine in this place. But I, as one of the least and most unworthy of the ministers of the Lord Jesus, entreat you, my brethren beloved, whatever may be your peculiar denominational views, to read with candor the following pages, and compare the sentiments with the word of God and matter of fact; then make up your judgment. Do not treat the subject lightly; by so doing, you may lull some souls to sleep in their sins, which would otherwise be led to the Lord Jesus Christ for refuge. If there is a great responsibility assumed by those who teach the near approach of the kingdom of God, and direct the community to read and search the Scriptures on this subject; how much greater is the responsibility of those who cry, Peace and safety; my Lord delayeth his coming. HST January 1, 1842, page 152.3
For two years this has been the subject of my study, and the result is, that every successive step brings out new truths in favor of the system, and increases my conviction of its immutability, when taken as a whole. That this work, or indeed any other on this subject, is free from error or imperfection, it is not pretended. That it is not only possible, but probable, that the exposition of some texts of Scripture remarked upon in this work is incorrect, and that I may hereafter see differently in relation to them, I freely admit. But that every point, materially and vitally affecting the system, is founded on the rock of truth, I firmly believe. HST January 1, 1842, page 152.4
In conclusion, permit me to say.—It is not a disposition to set myself up as a teacher, or because I feel myself wiser, or better, than my brethren, that I send abroad this little work. Far from it. No one can be more sensible of his incompetently for such a work, and of his unworthiness to address his fellow-ambassadors on a subject of such vast moment, than the writer. And most gladly would he sit at the feet of his brethren and receive instruction on the subject, could he see them awake to the work. And nothing but a solemn sense of duty to God and man could have induced this effort. But, with all its imperfections, it is now presented to the public. And if it shall prove instrumental in leading one soul to Christ and the kingdom of heaven, I shall feel myself a thousand times rewarded for all my labor, and the reproach I may bring on myself by the avowal of these sentiments. I am, dear brethren, your fellow-servant, in the gospel of Jesus Christ,
JOSIAH LITCH.
Millennial Grove, May 10, 1840. HST January 1, 1842, page 152.5
JVHe
A letter from Rev. P. T. Kenney, of Williamantic, Ct. HST January 1, 1842, page 152.6
He says, “I have been much blessed in making the speedy and glorious appearing of my Lord a prominent topic of conversation in my pastoal visits, and in making it a distinct theme in my pulpit exercises, and having made a confession of a good subject before many witnesses, I feel resolved that the trump shall not be taken from my month until the sound of the grand Jubilee shall be heard, and the King of nations shall appear, then will I lay it aside to take up the song, HST January 1, 1842, page 152.7
All hail the power of Jesus name
Let angels prostrate fall,
Bring forth the royal diamdem
And crown him Lord of all.” HST January 1, 1842, page 152.8
JVHe
Dear Br. Himes:—For some months past I have had it on my mind to write you my feelings on the great and important subject of the near approach of the Kingdom and coming of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. HST January 1, 1842, page 152.9
I have read your excellent sheet called the “Signs of the Times,” with delight; while reading, I have meditated and my soul has been filled with glory believing that Christ will soon come to redeem his people from this wicked world, and I often feel to say, come Lord Jesus, come quickly, hasten on the happy day, when I shall see my Savior face to face. I know my dear brother that you, and those who are associated with you, are sounding the “midnight cry,” “Behold the bridegroom cometh, go ye out to meet him: the wise are trimming their lamps to be ready to meet him when he comes, while the foolish virgins are still slumbering, saying “my Lord delayeth his coming,” and some are crying out the conversion of the world, and believe that there will be a millennium before Christ comes, when the scriptures teach us, that as it was in the days of Noah, so shall it be in the days of the coming of the Son of man. HST January 1, 1842, page 152.10
And we also read of the wicked’s waxing worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived, etc. And when is Christ coming to take vengeance on them that know not God and obey not the truths of the Gospel; if all on the earth has obeyed the Gospel before his coming, ‘For behold the day cometh, that they shall burn as an oven, and all the proud, yea, and all that do wickedly shall burn them up, saith the Lord of hosts, that it shall leave them neither root nor branch. HST January 1, 1842, page 152.11
And, now, I ask, why do those who profess to stand upon the walls of Zion, call the doctrine of the Second Coming near dangerous, for my own part I think it is the most heart-cheering doctrine that I ever heard advanced, and what account must such watchmen give in the day of judgment, who are saying, the Lord delayeth dis coming, and are lulling their flocks to sleep, by crying peace and safety, instead of preaching, as Christ taught his disciples, as ye do preach, saying:—“The Kingdom of Heaven is at hand.” When we ask our professed watchmen what of the night? they should tell us the morning cometh. HST January 1, 1842, page 152.12
Methinks the star is rising in the eastern sky, and soon very soon the day will break, and Christ will make his glorious appearance. But O, it grieves me to think that if the righteous are scarcely saved, where will the ungodly, and the sinner appear. It is to be feared that many who imagine themselves to be in the King’s high-way will be numbered with the ungodly. We read that in the last days there shall be scoffers, and I fear that many of them are in the church, for the church cannot bear to have the subject of the near approach of the Son of man spoken of. Their ears are turned from the truth, and are turned to the fables of men; and can we believe that such are prepared to meet the Savior when he comes,—No, not all that say, Lord, Lord, shall enter the Kingdom of Heaven but he who doth the will of my Father which is in Heaven. Lift up your heads ye saints and rejoice, for he will come, and will not tarry, and his reward will he bring with him, to give to every man according to his works. HST January 1, 1842, page 152.13
Whitefield N.H. Nov. 5th, 1841. HST January 1, 1842, page 152.14
Rev. Increase Mather.—A small volume of discourses from this long ago celebrated minister, of Boston. Mass., has lately fallen into my hands. The subject of the several discourses is the foretold “fearful sights, and great signs,” which were to be seen in the heavens, denoting the near-coming of the Lord to judgment. They are printed and spelt in the real old style, with the date of Boston, “1680,” being 161 years ago. From the faithful perusal of this work of antiquity, it appears that Mr. Mather, had then thoroughly searched the histories of all preceeding ages which were to be found on the subject, and that after all, he had not seen, nor even heard of the phenomena, since called the Northern Lights or Aurora Borealis. And yet he gives a very minute account of the “fearful sights,” etc., of the “Comets,” or “Blazing Stars,” which he learnt had appeared in all preceding ages, from the one just before the death of Methusaleh and the coming of the flood of Noah, to the period of his last discourse. This discourse he called “Heaven’s Alarm to the World” and delivered it during the appearance in the heaven’s of a “formidable blazing star,” which he spoke of as a prelude to the Lord” “corning down with a long besom of destruction to sweep away a world of sinners before it.” HST January 1, 1842, page 152.15
And thus it appears, from this whole work of Mr. Mather, that so far as he could extend his own knowledge on this subject, which was the most interesting to his inquiring mind, the doctrine of a millennium previous to the Lord “coming down,” etc., had not then gained popularity in America, especially among popular ministers; and also, that the Northern Lights, since so called, had not then commenced; and that of course, they are of more modern origin, actually admonishing us and the world, as foretold by many of the prophets, of Christ’s coming to judgment now specially high at hand. HST January 1, 1842, page 152.16
Sec. Ad. Wit.
JVHe
Is published on the 1st and 15th of each month No. 14 Devonshire Street. HST January 1, 1842, page 152.17
Joshua V. Himes, & Josiah Litch, Editors. HST January 1, 1842, page 152.18
Terms.—One Dollar a year, payable in advance Six copies for Five Dollar’s, Thirteen copies for Ten Dollars. All communications should be directed “J. V. Himes, Boston, Mass.” post paid. HST January 1, 1842, page 152.19
Dow & Jackson, Printers, 14 Devonshire Street. HST January 1, 1842, page 152.20