I. The word of God teaches that this earth is to be regenerated, in the restitution of all things, restored to its Eden state as it came from the hand of its Maker before the fall, and is to be the eternal abode of the righteous in their resurrection state.HST October 4, 1843, page 49.1

II. The only Millenium found in the word of God is the eternal state of the righteous in the New Earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.HST October 4, 1843, page 49.2

III. The only restoration of Israel yet future, is the restoration of the saints to the New Earth, when the Lord my God shall come, and all his saints with him.HST October 4, 1843, page 49.3

IV. The signs which were to precede the coming of our Savior, have all been given; and the prophecies have all been fulfilled but those which relate to the coming of Christ, the end of this world, and the restitution of all things. AndHST October 4, 1843, page 49.4

V. There are none of the prophetic periods, as we understand them, that extend beyond the year 1843.HST October 4, 1843, page 49.5

The above we shall ever maintain as the immutable truths of the word of God, and therefore till our Lord come we shall ever look for his return as the next event in historical prophecy.HST October 4, 1843, page 49.6

The Fate of Unfaithful Pastors

JVHe

The Scriptures are so full of warnings against those who, being stationed on the walls of Zion, see visions of peace concerning her, when the Lord says there is no peace, that we will let the Bible speak for itself, in its own language, as the same passages may be equally applicable to those who cry peace and safety, when sudden destruction cometh in the consummation of all things. Let us listen to the words of the Lord, that we may escape all these things and stand before the Son of Man. Thus saith the Lord,—HST October 4, 1843, page 49.7

Isaiah 21:6, 11, 12,—“For thus hath the Lord said unto me, Go, set a watchman, let him declare what he seeth. The burden of Dumah: He calleth to me out of Seir, Watchman, what of the night? Watchman, what of the night? The watchman said, The morning cometh, and also the night: if ye will inquire, inquire ye: return, come.” 28:7, 10.—But they also have erred through wine and through strong drink are out of the way, the priest and the prophet have erred through strong drink, they are swallowed up of wine, they are out of the way through strong drink, they err in vision, they stumble in judgment. 29:10-14.—“For the Lord hath poured out upon you the spirit of deep sleep, and hath closed your eyes: the prophets and your rulers, the seers hath he covered. And the vision of all is become unto you as the words of a book that is sealed, which men deliver to one that is learned, saying, Read this, I pray thee: and he saith, I am not learned. Wherefore the Lord said, Forasmuch as this people draw near me with their mouth, and with their lips do honor me, but have removed their heart far from me, and their fear toward me is taught by the precept of men: Therefore, behold, I will proceed to do a marvellous work among this people, even a marvellous work and a wonder: for the wisdom of their wise men shall perish, and the understanding of their prudent men shall be hid.” 30:8-11. “Now go, write it before them in a table, and note it in a book, that it may be for the time to come, forever and ever: that this is a rebellious people, lying children, children that will not hear the law of the Lord: which say to the seers, See not; and to the prophets, Prophecy not unto us right things, speak unto us smooth things, prophesy deceits: get you out of the way, turn aside out of the path, cause the Holy One of Israel to cease from before us.” 42:1-20. “Hear, ye deaf; and look, ye blind, that ye may see. Who is blind, but my servant? or deaf, as my messenger that I sent? Who is blind as he that is perfect, and blind as the Lord’s servant? Seeing many things, but thou observest not; opening the ears, but he heareth not.” 56:10-12. “His watchmen are blind: they are all ignorant, they are all dumb dogs, they cannot bark; sleeping, lying down, loving to slumber. Yea, they are greedy dogs which can never have enough, and they are shepherds that cannot understand: they all look to their own way, every one for his gain, from his quarter. Come ye, say they, I will fetch wine, and we will fill ourselves with strong drink; and to-morrow shall be as this day and much more abundant.”HST October 4, 1843, page 49.8

Jeremiah 2:8. “The priests said not, Where is the Lord? and they that handle the law knew me not: the pastors also transgressed against me, and the prophets prophecied by Baal, and walked after things that do not profit.” 5:12, 13, 29-31. “They have belied the Lord, and said, It is not he; neither shall evil come upon us; neither shall we see sword nor famine: and the prophets shall become wind, and the word is not in them: thus shall it be done unto them. Shall I not visit for these things? saith the Lord: shall not my soul be avenged on such a nation as this? A wonderful and horrible thing is committed in the land; the prophets prophecy falsely, and the priests bear rule by their means; and my people love to have it so; and what will ye do in the end thereof?” 6:13-15. “For from the least of them even unto the greatest of them every one is given to covetousness; and from the prophet even unto the priest every one dealeth falsely. They have healed also the hurt of the daughter of my people slightly, saying, Peace, peace, when there is no peace. Were they ashamed when they had committed abomination? nay, they were not at all ashamed, neither could they blush; therefore they shall fall among them that fall: at the time that I visit them they shall be cast down, saith the Lord.” 8:8-12. “How do ye say, We are wise, and the law of the Lord is with us? Lo, certainly in vain made he it; the pen of the scribes is in vain. The wise men are ashamed, they are dismayed and taken; lo, they have rejected the word of the Lord; and what wisdom is in them? Therefore will I give their wives unto others, and their fields to them that shall inherit them: for every one, from the least even unto the greatest is given to covetousness, from the prophet even unto the priest, every one dealeth falsely. For they have healed the hurt of the daughter of my people slightly, saying, Peace, peace, when there is no peace. Were they ashamed when they had committed abomination? nay, they were not at all ashamed, neither could they blush: therefore shall they fall among them that fall; in the time of their visitation shall they be cast down, saith the Lord.” 9:23, 24. “Thus saith the Lord, Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might, let not the rich man glory in his riches: but let him that glorieth, glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me, that I am the Lord which exercise loving kindness, judgment and righteousness in the earth; for in these things I delight, saith the Lord.” 10:21. “For the pastors are become brutish, and have not sought the Lord: therefore they shall not prosper, and all their flocks shall be scattered.” 11:10, 11. “Many pastors have destroyed my vineyard, they have trodden my portion under foot, they have made my pleasant portion a desolate wilderness. They have made it desolate, and being desolate it mourneth unto me; the whole land is made desolate, because no man layeth it to heart.” 14:13-16. “Then said I, Ah Lord God! behold, the prophets say unto them, Ye shall not see the sword, neither shall ye have famine; but I will give you assured peace in this place. Then the Lord said unto me, The prophets prophecy lies in my name: I sent them not, neither have I commanded them, neither spake unto them: they prophecy unto you a false vision and divination, and a thing of nought, and the deceit of their heart. Therefore thus saith the Lord concerning the prophets that prophesy in my name, and I sent them not, yet they say, Sword and famine shall not be in this land; by sword and famine shall those prophets be consumed. And the people to whom they prophecy shall be cast out in the streets of Jerusalem, because of the famine, and the sword; and they shall have none to bury them, them, their wives, nor their sons, nor their daughters: for I will pour their wickedness upon them.” 17:5-7, 15-17. “Thus saith the Lord; Cursed be the man that trusteth in man, and maketh flesh his arm, and whose heart departeth from the Lord. For he shall be like the heath in the desert, and shall not see when good cometh; but shall inhabit the parched places in the wilderness, in a salt land and not inhabited. Blessed is the man that trusteth in the Lord, and whose hope the Lord is. Behold they say unto me, Where is the word of the Lord? let it come now. As for me, I have not hastened from being a pastor to follow thee: neither have I desired the woful day; thou knowest: that which came out of my lips was right before thee. Be not in terror unto me: thou art my hope in the day of evil.” 23:12, 13-19, 21, 22, 25, 26, 30. “Wherefore their ways shall be unto them as slippery ways in the darkness: they shall be driven on, and fall therein; for I will bring evil upon them, even the year of their visitation, saith the Lord. And I have seen folly in the prophets of Samaria; they prophecied in Baal, and caused my people Israel to err. I have seen also in the prophets of Jerusalem a horrible thing: they commit adultery, and walk in lies: they strengthen also the hand of evil-doers, that none doth return from his wickedness: they are all of them unto me as Sodom, and the inhabitants thereof as Gomorrah. Therefore thus saith the Lord of hosts concerning the prophets; Behold, I will feed them with wormwood, and make them drink the water of gall: for from the prophets of Jerusalem is profaneness gone forth into all the land. Thus saith the Lord of hosts, Hearken not unto the words of the prophets that prophecy unto you: they make you vain: they speak a vision of their own heart, and not out of the mouth of the Lord. They say still unto them that despise me, The Lord hath said, Ye shall have peace; and they say unto every one that walketh after the imagination of his own heart, No evil shall come upon you. For who hath stood in the council of the Lord, and hath perceived and heard his word? who hath marked his word and heard it? Behold, a whirlwind of the Lord is gone forth in fury, even a grievous whirlwind: it shall fall grievously upon the head of the wicked. I have not sent these prophets, yet they ran; I have not spoken to them, yet they prophecied. But if they had stood in my counsel, and had caused my people to hear my words, then they should have turned them from their evil way, and from the evil of their doings. I have heard what the prophets said, that prophesy lies in my name, saying, I have dreamed, I have dreamed. How long shall this be in the heart of the prophets that prophesy lies? yea, they are prophets of the deceit of their own heart; therefore behold, I am against the prophets, saith the Lord, that steal my words every one from his neighbor.” 26:7, 8, 11. “So the priests and the prophets and all the people heard Jeremiah speaking these words in the house of the Lord. Now it came to pass, when Jeremiah had made an end of speaking all that the Lord had commanded him to speak unto all the people, that the priests and the prophets and all the people took him, saying, Thou shalt surely die. Then spake the priests and the prophets unto the princes, and to all the people, saying, This man is worthy to die; for he hath prophecied against this city, as ye have heard with your ears.” 28:8, 9. “The prophets that have been before me and before thee of old, prophecied both against many countries, and against great kingdoms, of war, and of evil, and of pestilence. The prophet which prophesieth of peace, when the word of the prophet shall come to pass, then shall the prophet be known, that the Lord hath truly sent him.” 29:8, 9. “For thus saith the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel; Let not your prophets and your diviners, that be in the midst of you, deceive you, neither kearken to your dreams which ye cause to be dreamed. For they prophesy falsely unto you in my name: I have not sent them, saith the Lord.”HST October 4, 1843, page 49.9

Lamentations 2:14. “Thy prophets have seen vain and foolish things for thee: and they have not discovered thine iniquity, to turn away thy captivity; but have seen for thee false burdens and causes of banishment.HST October 4, 1843, page 50.1

Ezekiel 3:17, 18. “Son of man, I have made thee a watchman unto the house of Israel: therefore hear the word at my mouth, and give them warning from me. When I say unto the wicked, Thou shalt surely die: and thou givest him not warning, nor speakest to warn the wicked from his wicked way, to save his life; the same wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood will I requird at thy hand. Son of man, what is that proverb that ye have in the land of Israel, saying, The days are prolonged, and every vision faileth? Again the word of the Lord came to me, saying, Son of man, behold, they of the house of Israel say, The vision that he seeth is for many days to come, and he prophesieth of the times that are far off. 13:3-10, 16, 22, 23. “Thus saith the Lord God, Wo unto the foolish prophets, that follow their own spirit, and have seen nothing! O Israel, thy prophets are like the foxes in the deserts. Ye have not gone up into the gaps, neither made up the hedge for the house of Israel to stand in the battle in the day of the Lord. They have seen vanity and lying divination, saying, The Lord saith: and the Lord hath not sent them: and they have made others to hope that they would confirm the word. Have ye not seen a vain vision, and have ye not spoken a lying divination, whereas ye say, The Lord saith it, albeit I have not spoken? Therefore thus saith the Lord God; Because ye have spoken vanity, and seen lies, therefore, behold, I am against you saith the Lord God. And my hand shall be upon the prophets that see vanity, and that divine lies: they shall not be in the assembly of my people, neither shall they be written in the writing of the house of Israel, neither shall they enter into the land of Israel; and ye shall know that I am the Lord God. Because, even because they have seduced my people, saying, Peace; and there was no peace; and one built up a wall, and lo, others daubed it with untempered mortar. To wit, the prophets of Israel which prophesy concerning Jerusalem, and which see visions of peace for her, and there is no peace, saith the Lord God. Because with lies ye have made the heart of the righteous sad, whom I have not made sad; and strengthened the hands of the wicked that he should not return from his wicked way, by promising him life; Therefore ye shall see no more vanity, nor divine divinations: for I will deliver my people out of your hand: and ye shall know that I am the Lord.” 14:2-5, 9. “And the word of the Lord came unto me, saying, Son of man, these men have set up their idols in their heart, and put the stumbling-block of their iniquity before their face: should I be inquired of at all by them? Therefore speak unto them, and say unto them, Thus saith the Lord God; Every man of the house of Israel that setteth up his idols in his heart, and putteth the stumbling block of his iniquity before his face, and cometh to the prophet; I the Lord will answer him that cometh according to the multitude of his idols; that I may take the house of Israel in their own heart, because they are all estranged from me through their idols. And if the prophet be deceived when he hath spoken a thing, I the Lord have deceived that prophet, and I will stretch out my hand upon him, and will destroy him from the midst of my people Israel.” 22:26, 31. “Her priests have violated my law, and have profaned my holy things: they have put no difference between the holy and profane, neither have they showed difference between the unclean and the clean, and have hid their eyes from my sabbaths, and I am profaned among them. Her princes in the midst thereof are like wolves ravening the prey, to shed blood, and to destroy souls, to get dishonest gain. And her prophets have daubed them with untempered mortar, seeing vanity, and divining lies unto them, saying, Thus saith the Lord God, when the Lord hath not spoken. The people of the land have used oppression, and exercised robbery, and have vexed the poor and needy: yea, they have oppressed the stranger wrongfully. And I sought for a man among them that should make up the hedge, and stand in the gap before me for the land, that I should not destroy it: but I found none. Therefore have I poured out my indignation upon them; I have consumed them with the fire of my wrath: their own way have I recompensed upon their heads, saith the Lord God.” 34:2-4. “Son of man, prophecy against the shepherds of Israel, prophesy, and say unto them, Thus saith the Lord God unto the Shepherds; Wo be to the shepherds of Israel that do feed themselves! should not the shepherds feed the flocks? Ye eat the fat, and ye clothe you with the wool, ye kill them that are fed, but ye feed not the flock. The diseased have ye not strengthened, neither have ye healed that which was sick, neither have ye bound up that which was broken, neither have ye brought again that which was driven away, neither have ye sought that which was lost; but with force and with cruelty have ye ruled them.”HST October 4, 1843, page 50.2

Hosea 4:5, 6. “Therefore shalt thou fall in the day, and the prophet also shall fall with thee in the night, and I will destroy thy mother. My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou has rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee, that thou shalt be no priest to me: seeing thou hast forgotten the law of thy God, I will also forget thy children.” 5:1. “Hear ye this, O priests; and hearken, ye house of Israel; and give ye ear, O house of the king; for judgment is towards you, because ye have been a snare on Mizpah, and a net spread upon Tabor. 9:7, 8. “The days of visitation are come, the days of recompence are come; Israel shall know it: the prophet is a fool, the spiritual man is mad, for the multitude of thine iniquity, and the great hatred. The watchman of Ephraim was with my God: but the prophet is a snare of the fowler in all his ways, and hatred in the house of his God.”HST October 4, 1843, page 50.3

Joel 1:3-15. Gird yourselves, and lament, ye priests: howl, ye ministers of the altar: come, lie all night in sackcloth, ye ministers of my God: for the meat-offering and the drink-offering is withholden from the house of your God. Sanctify ye a fast, call a solemn assembly, gather the elders and all the inhabitants of the land into the house of the Lord your God, and cry unto the Lord, Alas for the day! for the day of the Lord is at hand, and as a destruction from the Almighty shall it come.” 2:17. “Let the priests, the ministers of the Lord, weep between the porch and the altar, and let them say, Spare thy people, O Lord, and give not thy heritage to reproach, that the heathen should rule over them: wherefore should they say among the people, Where is their God?”HST October 4, 1843, page 50.4

Amos 6:1, 3, 4. “Wo to them that are at ease in Zion, and trust in the mountains of Samaria, which are named chief of the nations, to whom the house of Israel came! Ye that put far away the evil day, and cause the seat of violence to come near; that lie upon beds of ivory, and stretch themselves upon their couches, and eat the lambs out of the flock, and the calves out of the midst of the stall.”HST October 4, 1843, page 51.1

Micah 3:5-7, 11, 12. “Thus saith the Lord concerning the prophets that make my people err, that bite with their teeth, and cry, Peace; and he that putteth not into their mouths, they even prepare war against him: therefore night shall be unto you, that ye shall not have a vision; and it shall be dark unto you, that ye shall not divine; and the sun shall go down over the prophets, and the day shall be dark over them. Then shall the seers be ashamed, and the diviners confounded: yea, they shall all cover their lips; for there is no answer of God. The heads thereof judge for reward, and the priests thereof teach for hire, and the prophets thereof divine for money: yet will they lean upon the Lord, and say, is not the Lord among us? none evil can come upon us. Therefore shall Zion for your sake be ploughed as a field, and Jerusalem shall become heaps, and the mountain of the house as the high places of the forest.”HST October 4, 1843, page 51.2

Zephaniah 3:4 “Her prophets are light and treacherous persons: her priests have polluted the sanctuary, they have done violence to the law.”HST October 4, 1843, page 51.3

Zechariah 7:5, 6, 11, 12. “Speak unto all the people of the land, and to the priests, saying, When ye fasted and mourned in the fith and seventh month, even those seventy years, did ye at all fast unto me, even to me? And when ye did eat, and when ye did drink, did not ye eat for yourselves and drink for yourselves? But they refused to hearken, and pulled away the shoulder, and stopped their ears that they should not hear. Yea, they made their hearts as an adamant stone, lest they should hear the law, and the words which the Lord of hosts hath sent in his Spirit by the former prophets: therefore came a great wrath from the Lord of hosts.”HST October 4, 1843, page 51.4

Malachi 2:1, 2, 4, 7-9. “And now, O ye priests, this commandment is for you. If ye will not hear, and if ye will not lay it to heart, to give glory unto my name, saith the Lord of hosts, I will even send a curse upon you, and I will curse your blessings; yea, I have cursed them already, because ye do not lay it to heart. And ye shall know that I have sent this commandment unto you, that my covenant might be with Levi, saith the Lord of hosts. For the priest’s lips should keep knowledge, and they should seek the law at his mouth: for he is the messenger of the Lord of hosts. But ye are departed out of the way; ye have caused many to stumble at the law: ye have corrupted the covenant of Levi, saith the Lord of hosts. Therefore have I also made you contemptible and base before all the people, according as ye have not kept my ways, but have been partial in the law.”HST October 4, 1843, page 51.5

The above portions of Scripture show us that there is a fearful peril in preaching false doctrine, or in calming the fears of the wicked with visions of peace, when the Lord is warning them of coming judgments. We learn also by them, that if the Judge is at the very doors, as we believe, then those of the present day who are endeavoring to quiet the church and world, will come under the same condemnation.HST October 4, 1843, page 51.6

It has been a lamentable truth in all ages of ecclesiastical history that the great body of the prophets and religious teachers, have not been faithful, but have taught for hire, and divined for money. It was thus in the days of the prophets; it was thus in the days of Christ and his apostles; it was thus in the days of Luther and his companions; and why have we not reason to fear it is thus at the present time? There are, we believe, many faithful, pious, and devoted pastors, to such, these Scriptures do not apply; but when we see how full the world is of errors, how Puseyism, Romanism, Universalism, Neology, and Transcendentalism, with kindred heresies, abound, we have abundant cause to fear, that the present age is no more favored in the faithfulness of her religious teachers, than has been any age in the past. Also when we witness the sneers at Christ’s coming, from those we expected better things, from the professedly evangelical, with what scorn and contempt it is treated by such, how anxious they are to disprove, and to remove the fears of any who dread such an event, what an evil spirit they manifest towards those who are waiting for their Lord—the only hope of the church, and how unwilling they are to sit down calmly, and patiently investigate the Scripture evidence respecting these glorious truths, we can but fear that when the Lord shall come, he will find many such without the wedding garment; so that those who have trusted in their teachings, will be found to exclaim, Isaiah 24:17, “My leanness, my leanness, woe unto me, the treacherous dealers have dealt treacherously, yea, the treacherous dealers have dealt very treacherously.HST October 4, 1843, page 51.7

Letter from South Carolina

JVHe

Brother Himes.—When I heard of your paper as an exposition on the prophecies, I felt a desire to examine it, and to search the scriptures to see if these things be so. I have read it with interest; and I now feel not only instructed on the subject, but believe in a short time the second advent of Christ will be realized; then, O the joy of the Christian, and the terror of the wicked.HST October 4, 1843, page 51.8

According to the word of God, it must be so. Professors that oppose, because they are of the number that compare themselves with some that commend themselves, measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise, and do not understand. This I think is the reason a temporal millennium is looked for. Many dear brethren in Christ seem to oppose, because they I fear have not fully taken Paul’s advice in loving one another, that they may approve things that are excellent, that they be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ. That my brethren of the church in Hopewell, to which I belong might not be ignorant of my views, I send you the following address.HST October 4, 1843, page 51.9

To my brethren of Hopewell Church

JVHe

Dear Brethren.—From the commencement of this year to the present time, the great subject of the second advent of the Savior has been a subject of deep interest to me; and I have felt the necessity of examining for myself the scripture evidence on the subject. We have a more sure word of prophecy whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, is an injunction in direct reference to the prophecy of the second coming of Christ, and the blessing of the Savior is promised to him that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein, for the time is at hand. The more I searched the scriptures, the more absorbing became the question, and by searching the scriptures with help of ancient History, and the views of others, and with humble prayer I have become satisfied the glory of “the Lord is near to be revealed. Paul tells us that that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and the man of sin, or anti-christ be revealed, whom the Lord will destroy by the brightness of his coming, being the last enemy the church of Christ would have to encounter. By reading Daniel, I was convinced the chain of events to the second coming, the last event, is brought to view from Nebuchadnezzar the head of gold, to the feet and toes of the image which would trample under foot the people of God, is destroyed by Christ’s coming, and the kingdom is given to the people of the saints of the Most High, who will possess it forever and ever. I see no space for a thousand years temporal millennium. The answer was unto 2300 days, then the sanctuary shall be cleansed or delivered from the last kingdom in the vision. I understand that this period of time will reach to the end of the world, or the great Harvest. Gabriel was told to make Daniel understand this vision. Gabriel said to Daniel, I will make thee know what shall be in the last end of the indignation, for at the time appointed, the end shall be.” Now it is reasonable from this langauge of Gabriel, for Daniel fully to expect to understand the whole meaning of the vision. Gabriel explains all of the vision but the time which he said should be “for many days,” and left Daniel astonished at the vision, but none understood it.HST October 4, 1843, page 51.10

Commentators here drop the subject, where Gabriel leaves Daniel, when they should have read the 9th chapter as an appendix to the 8th, but as they have left it at this point, we may see why it has not been understood. In the 9th chapter, we see the subject continued. While Daniel was speaking in prayer, Gabriel was sent to finish the instruction to him. Daniel says it was “the man Gabriel, whom I had seen in the vision at the beginning,” and who said “O Daniel, I am now come to give thee skill and understanding, therefore understand the matter and consider the vision.HST October 4, 1843, page 51.11

Daniel now undoubtedly understands that 70 weeks, or 490 of the 2300 days would extend to the crucifixion, and would commence at the going forth of a commandment to restore and build Jerusalem. This would leave 1810 years after the crucifixion in 33, extending to A. D. 1843, to which time the overspreading of abominations would continue, even until the consummation, or end of the world, when the stone cut out without hands would smite the feet and toes, and fill the whole earth.HST October 4, 1843, page 51.12

Brethren, I write you these few lines, because some of you were hurt on account of my opinion of the Savior’s second advent. I love you all, and I hope I love Christ too, and if I believe he will soon come, from what I can gather from his word, I hope you will not be offended with me for that. I have stated to you my views on the subject, if you see where I have erred from the word, I hope you will show it to me in love. I have not made any calculation, but what appears to be made by Gabriel, and given to Daniel. I should not be honest with my convictions if I was not to look for the Savior every day. Amen, even so, come Lord Jesus. C. I. Kee. Chester District, S. C. Aug. 20th. 1843.HST October 4, 1843, page 51.13

SIGNS OF THE TIMES

No Authorcode

“The Lord is at Hand.”

Boston, October 4, 1843.

The Conversion of the World

JVHe

The last report of the Committee of the American Board of Missions, at Rochester, Sept. 13th, in speaking of the Missionaries, says, “That their return and support while in this country, form a heavy item of expense to which some speedy check should be administered. There seems to be a falling off of that high and devoted spirit of resolve with which the early missionaries seemed to be filled.” It speaks highly of their piety and self-denial, but says, “There may, however, be a lack of that determined zeal, and that devoted spirit of self-sacrifice in some cases which is desirable.”HST October 4, 1843, page 52.1

The Board are somewhat involved. The expense of publishing the “Missionary Herald” and “Day Spring” the past year, has exceeded their reciepts by $9020, of which $7820 is for the Herald alone. This is an enormous sum, to circulate gratuitously only 9000 No’s of a monthly periodical, when the heathen are perishing for lack of knowledge.HST October 4, 1843, page 52.2

Lack of piety, Rev. Mr. Pomeroy, of Bangor, in some remarks at the meeting of the Board, speaking of the wants of the board to convert the world, said, “Who does not know and feel, that there is not piety enough properly to supply them? Who will deny this? The doors are open every where. Every breeze bears a voice which calls for help. Heaven, earth and hell, are uttering voices. Voices are summoning us in every manner,—entreating, inviting, commanding. And why are they not answered? The difficulty is, there is not religion enough. The gospel has not sufficient hold of the heart of the church. No man will say there is not money enough in the church. No one will say there is a deficiency of men. But now is the mighty sacramental host marshalled for conquest, furnished with armor, endowed with resources, and ably officered, yet not possessing religion enough to go forward!!” He also said that “Death and destruction await us if we go not on.”HST October 4, 1843, page 52.3

Here then we have the melancholly picture of a great organization, all marshalled, armed, and officered for the accomplishment of that which God has asserted over and over again shall never be, and yet not possessing piety enough to go onward. They also present the singular spectacle of a religious body pretending to place implicit confidence in the word of God, and believing that he has set the time when the world will be converted, and yet claiming that such a glorious result rests on their exertions, and will be delayed if they are not more efficient. If God has promised to convert the world, at the time appointed, it will be done. And if he has said otherwise, all the officers, and armor, and men, and marshalling, that can be brought to bear on the subject will avail nought.HST October 4, 1843, page 52.4

Discontinuing Missions. “Dr. Hawes of Hartford, reported on the mission to Greece, Africa, and Turkey, approving of the discontinuance of the South African mission; removal of the Cape Palmers mission; and inquiring whether the mission to Greece might not profitably be abandoned.”HST October 4, 1843, page 52.5

Adverse influences. A Mr. Badger, brought up in the printing office of the board at Malta, but now a Puseyite, has coincided at Constantinople and Mosul, with the Papists, in opposition to the spread of evangelical religion. The Rev. H. Southgate, missionary of the Episcopal society in this country, also co-operated with Mr. Badger in oppposing the board, and coincided with the Papal Missionaries.HST October 4, 1843, page 52.6

The Millennium a failure unless the church bring it about. The general opinion among the churches, seems to be that God is unable to accomplish this end without their aid. The Rev. A. D. Eddy, of Newark, N. J., said that “the work of evangelizing the world will always be a toilsome, up-hill, heaven-ward work: we shall never be able to realize our desires, unless the deep-seated vis inertia of the church can be removed by stirring appeals, urgent motives, or by the pressure of responsibility so that it can not be thrown off. We always want an exigency.”HST October 4, 1843, page 52.7

The Judgment at hand Dr. Cox of Brooklyn remarked that “from the time when revolutionary blood first flowed in France, the angel of God having the everlasting gospel to preach, took his flight through the heavens.” By refering to Revelation 14:6, 7, we learn that this angel was to preach “the hour of his judgment is come.” If then according to this admonition this angel has been on the wing for 43 years, his mission must be nearly finished.HST October 4, 1843, page 52.8

Dr. Cox proceeded to make some remarks on prejudice, which were very applicable to their course respecting the doctrine of the advent. Said the Doctor, “A word as to prejudice. Let every man take care of this miserable enemy within him. It is astonishing that for the indulgence of a weak pride, men will run the hazard of committing an eternal suicide. I would say to every man, expel all prejudice from the mind. No matter how it came there. No matter, if you drank it in with the maternal milk—rather die than keep it. Give it up for the truth, which is infinitely better.HST October 4, 1843, page 52.9

And sectarianism too is awful. Is Christ divided? Was he crucified exclusively for you, or for me? Is there a monopoly of privileges for this or that limb of the body of Christ?”HST October 4, 1843, page 52.10

Conclusion. In view of the above it may be asked are you opposed to missions? We answer—No. We would say to all, “Go into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature;” do all you can to save souls till the Lord come. What we object to is this—viz, laying plans for the future by accumulating funds, when every cent is needed for immediate use,—erecting costly buildings to be used during the millennium when the money thus expended should have furnished the Bible for many heathen,—appropriating widows’ and orphans’ mites which are given in good faith for the heathen, to the amount of $9000 for the gratuitous circulations of publications at home—the holding out the evangelizing the world as the motive, when God has revealed the contrary—and looking upon such a measure as the work of the church, when they should look upon themselves only as instruments in God’s hand for God to work with according to his good pleasure.HST October 4, 1843, page 52.11

Editorial Correspondence

JVHe

Dear Brother Bliss: As I have not given an account of the state of the cause for some time, I will just say that we are still progressing in the Second Advent cause and extending the glorious news of the speedy coming of the Lord. We have had one campmeeting in Penn. and two or three in N. J. this summer and autumn. The result of them has been good, very good.HST October 4, 1843, page 52.12

The work in N. J. especially, is taking a wide and rapid spread, and many of the wise are opening their eyes to this great subject. The way is also opening into the states of Del. and Md. Brethren Allen and Osler from this city, have been laboring there for the last three or four months with great success. The door is now open for as many laborers to enter that field as can be obtained to go. I expect to leave for Salisbury, Md., Monday morning, in company with other friends, to hold a campmeeting in that vicinity.HST October 4, 1843, page 52.13

The brethren in this city are strong in the faith, looking for the speedy appearing of the Lord. Our congregations are large and attentive.HST October 4, 1843, page 52.14

We have not as yet heard from Bro. Himes since he left us for the west.HST October 4, 1843, page 52.15

The news from Europe is, as you will have perceived, of the most interesting character. Does it not look very much as if the ten kings were about to agree and give their power and strength to the beast, and reign as kings for one hour with the beast; and then to hate the whore, eat her flesh and burn her with fire? I confess it looks to me much like it. The meeting of the monarchs of Europe, England, France and Belgium, in France; the reception of the Regent of Spain in England, and the visit of M. Thiers in Germany, together with the toleration by Switzerland of the Convents, so that Meternich has withdrawn his support from them; all these events look to me much as if it would be but a short step to that union which the Revelator (chap. 17,) was told would take place. It may have taken place and have been accomplished ere this, so that they are now eating her flesh and burning her with fire. If this is a correct view of things, her burning is not far distant. And when that takes place the harvest of the earth is ripe and to be reaped. The Lord prepare us for the event. Yours in hope,HST October 4, 1843, page 52.16

Philadelphia, Sept. 23, 1843. J. Litch.HST October 4, 1843, page 52.17

St. Peter’s Advice

JVHe

“But the end of all things is at hand; be ye therefore sober and watch unto prayer.”—1 Peter 4:7.HST October 4, 1843, page 52.18

This is the advice of St. Peter, the most ardent of the apostles. Peter was not a cold and formal professor; his heart was full of love and joy, of peace and all the fruits of the spirit: yet in view of the end of the world, he warns us to be sober, and to watch unto prayer. This advice then must be peculiarly applicable to those who live in immediate expectation of that event; and this advice must have been given with particular reference to this day. We ought therefore to heed the admonition of the apostle, and not be dead, cold and formal, but be sober and watch unto prayer.HST October 4, 1843, page 52.19

The apostle continues his advice which is all equally applicable to this time, saying, “And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins.” While patiently looking for the Lord, we are to see to it that we lose not our love and charity for each other, and if any are departing from the word of God, we must exhort them in love to return to their first love, not love them any the less, but exhort them the more.HST October 4, 1843, page 52.20

The apostle adds, (verses 11-19,) “If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ; to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen. Beloved, think it not strange, concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: but rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy. If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you. On their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified. But let none of you suffer as a murderer, or as a thief, or as an evil-doer, or as a busybody in other men’s matters. Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf. For 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? And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear? Wherefore, let them that suffer according to the will of God, commit the keeping of their souls to him in well-doing, as unto a faithful Creator.”HST October 4, 1843, page 53.1

By observing this needful advice, we shall avoid every thing that is contrary to the lovely, the meek, the sober, the consistent, and the glorious religion of Jesus. It will cause us to avoid every thing that will bring reproach on the name of God; for we are commanded to so live and act, “that god in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ.”HST October 4, 1843, page 53.2

The Difference. An Advent brother informs us, that since he has embraced the religion of the Bible, and loved the appearing of Christ, his friends who are professers of religion, do not regard him with near that respect and kindness they did while he was a poor infidel.HST October 4, 1843, page 53.3

Looking Back

JVHe

Our Savior has said, “No man having put his hand to the plough and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.” He also cautioned us to remember the fate of Lot’s wife, who gave one longing look back upon the city she was commanded to leave behind.HST October 4, 1843, page 53.4

It has been worthy of notice that a few who have sometime regarded the doctrine of the advent with great favor, and been on the threshhold of embracing it, but who have been unable to overcome the opinions of this world and sacrifice their standing among their fellows—regarding the praise of men more than the favor of God, as they have relinquished their belief in the time of Christ’s coming, have lost their spiritual mindedness, and become cold and dead, and formal in their religious duties, have lost their religion. In several such instance this change has been most marked and pointed. Even some ministers who have thus turned their backs when almost in the doctrine, have become the most enimical and bitter towards it. We cannot but consider that such persons run a fearful risk.HST October 4, 1843, page 53.5

St. Paul, after assuring us that we have “in heaven a better and an enduring substance,” which Peter says is reserved for us ready to be revealed in the last time, and which John saw descend from God out of heaven—the new Jerusalem to the new earth—exhorts us in Hebrews 10:35, to “Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompense of reward.” and gives as a reason, 36th verse, “For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise.” Paul is evidently quoting from Habakkuk 2:1-4, where the prophet said, “I will stand upon my watch, and set me upon the tower, and will watch to see what he will say unto me, and what I shall answer when I am reproved. And the Lord answered me, and said, Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it. For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry. Behold, his soul which is lifted up, is not upright in him: but the just shall live by his faith.” Paul, in quoting this, calls the vision the Bridegroom, and says, 10:38, “For yet a little while, and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry.” That Paul is quoting Habbakkuk is evident, for he continued the quotation, 38th verse, “now the just shall live by faith.” The question then is, what is the doing the will of God to which the apostle referred? If he is quoting from this prophet, it is evident that he is referring to that which the prophet was commanded to do, when the Lord told him to “Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it.” And having made it thus “plain upon tables,” the apostle says “we have need of patience that after ye have done the will of God ye might receive the promise” of this “enduring substance,” the great recompense of reward.” Then as if seeing that some would not possess this patient waiting for the coming of the Lord, not being able to overcome the world, but would draw back from this blessed hope, he says, 38th verse, “Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him.” In another place, John says, 1 John 2:19, “They went out from us, but they were not of us, for if they had been of us, they would no doubt have continued with us: but they went out, that they might be made manifest that they were not all of us.”HST October 4, 1843, page 53.6

Those who have thus drawn back, have most strikingly fulfilled the Scriptures, which must be fulfilled in every jot and tittle. But those who have this patience of which he speaks, which enables them to take joyfully the spoiling of their goods, and the casting out their names as evil for Christ’s sake, have this encouragement, that “we are not of the number of those who draw back unto perdition, but of them that believe to the saving of the soul.” How unenviable must be the feelings of those in that day, who have drawn back, and then find that the Lord has no pleasure in them.HST October 4, 1843, page 53.7

“Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits, whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.—1 John 4:1.HST October 4, 1843, page 53.8

Every “Spirit” is not of God. We must therefore try the spirits, lest we be deceived thereby. There is nothing of God, but what the devil will try to counterfeit. When Aaron’s rod was turned into a serpent, the magicians did so with their rods: and when the plagues were brought upon the land of Egypt, the magicians did so with their enchantments. We also read that “when the sons of men came to present themselves before the Lord, and Satan came also among them;” and he came “from going to and fro in the earth, and from walking up and down in it.” He “goeth about as a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour,” and “we are not ignorant of his devices.” We are often put in mind of this arch deceiver, and are cautioned “lest Satan should get an advantage of us.”HST October 4, 1843, page 53.9

The devil is a perfect Jesuit, and becomes all things to all men. He is a shrewd observer of men and things, and conforms readily to the ways any, that he may lead them the more effectually. He seldom opposes any, and if we “resist” him “he will flee from us.” He therefore strives to win our favor, and endeavors to insinuate himself into our good opinions that we may follow his leadings. He strews the paths of death with flowers, that man may be tempted to walk therein. He joins the drunkard in his revels, and urges the blasphemer on to greater madness. But when he finds a man disposed to turn away from the vain follies of this world to God his Maker, he tempts him with all that can interest the carnal heart of the things of this world, and fills the way with obstacles to intimidate the soul and turn him back from duty. And when the devil finds that all his arts are vain and unheeded, and that his wished for victim is determined to press forward to the kingdom, he changes his mode of warfare, ceases to strive to draw him, and only seeks to lead him onward in a wrong direction. He seeks to puff him up with spiritual pride. He whispers in his ear that he is more holy than other men, and that there is no danger of his ever going astray from the path of holiness. If in this way the enemy of all good can make the Christian careless and unconcerned, and trust in his own righteousness, he accomplishes his desired end.HST October 4, 1843, page 53.10

We should therefore guard against danger on the right hand, as well as on the left, and should look alone to God to guide us that we may be saved from all the wiles of our adversary; and if we look to God aright, we have the promise that his grace shall be sufficient for us We are to be continually on the watch, that whether our enemy come disguised as an angel of light or in his own proper character, we may not be surprised at our posts.HST October 4, 1843, page 53.11

The Bible has not only told us to try the spirits, but it has given us rules by which to try them. Thus if any spirit professes to be guided by the Spirit of God, we are to see that it has the “fruit of the Spirit” which the Bible says is “love, joy, peace, long suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance; against such there is no law.” If all these are in a person and abound, then they will live in the Spirit, and also walk in the Spirit. But if any persons possess not these, whatever may be their professions, we are not to heed them. If instead of these, they give place to hatred, variance, emulation, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, envyings and such like, they are not the children of God, but are of their father the devil. Also if any possess that “wisdom that is from above,” they will be “first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be entreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocracy. And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace.” Colossians 3:13-16. “Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any, even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness. And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms, and hymns, and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.”HST October 4, 1843, page 53.12

God “will render to every man according to his deeds.” Romans 2:7-11. “To them who by patient continuance in well doing, seek for glory, and honor, and immortality; eternal life: But unto them that are contentious, and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness; indignation and wrath. Tribulation and anguish, upon every soul of man that doeth evil; of the Jew first, and also of the Gentile; For there is no respect of persons with God.HST October 4, 1843, page 54.1

The Spirit that is of God, will possess that charity that suffereth long and is kind, that envieth not, that vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil. 1 Corinthians 13:6, 7, “If a person is the reverse of these, he cannot be of God.HST October 4, 1843, page 54.2

We may therefore, by observing a few simple Bible rules, try the spirits, whether they are of God, and continuing steadfast in the faith, not be led away by any of the “false prophets which are gone out into the world.” If a man’s life accord not with his professions, if he does not live righteously, soberly and godly, if he is contentious and obey not the truth, but obey unrighteousness, he has no assurance of acceptance with God. He that is wise, must be wise for himself, and he that scorneth, alone must bear it.HST October 4, 1843, page 54.3

The Western Midnight Cry. We have received the first No. of this paper published at Cincinnati, Ohio. It is published by Bro. Himes, who proposes to issue 13 numbers, if time continue. There is evidently a great work being done at the west. People are anxious to hear, and there is a vast field for those who wish to labor in the vineyard of the Lord.HST October 4, 1843, page 54.4

Progress. Under this head the Universalists are, pointing to one and another of the orthodox faith who are making such rapid advancement in the progress towards universalism, as to give those of that denomination great joy. The last Hartford “Universalist,” has nearly four columns of rejoicing over the progress of Dr. Bushnell, of the North Congregational church in that city. We have marked the Doctor’s course for some time, and are not prepared to say but that he is rightly claimed.HST October 4, 1843, page 54.5

New Work. No. 38 of the Library. The Chronology of the Bible, showing from the scriptures, and undisputed authorities, that we are now near the end of six thousand years from creation. Also, the antiquity of the tradition of the earth’s existence to continue 6000 years in its present state,—showing that we are now standing on the very point of time to which all the honored names of antiquity were looking as the time of the Lord’s return. By S. Bliss. Price 6 cts.HST October 4, 1843, page 54.6

The opposers of the Advent troubled.—We found the following notes under our door—one, each of two successive mornings. This will give a specimen of the spirit which actuates the opposers of the Advent. We commend them to the Olive Branch and other organs on that side of the question.HST October 4, 1843, page 54.7

You had take down them abomnable maps in your windows if you dont I will tear them to atoms some of these nights Yours etcHST October 4, 1843, page 54.8

Devil’s Den. JusticeHST October 4, 1843, page 54.9

Are you going to take them maps down if you dont you will get the devil plade with your establishment there is but 30 of us. JusticeHST October 4, 1843, page 54.10

Devil’s Den.HST October 4, 1843, page 54.11

When will the wicked cease from troubling?—The above is the close of a paragraph in an exchange paper, on the evils of Millerism. If any are troubled at the thoughts of Christ’s coming they cannot be among the righteous. The above question reminds us of what Ahab asked Elijah, 1 Kings 18:17, 18. “Art thou he that troubleth Israel? And he answered, I have not troubled Israel; but thou, and thy father’s house, in that ye have forsaken the commandments of the Lord, and thou hast followed Baalim.”HST October 4, 1843, page 54.12

So these men who have forgotten the Lord and are troubled at the thoughts of Christ’s coming, are the ones that trouble Israel.HST October 4, 1843, page 54.13

Antiochus.—The learned Hengstenberg, in speaking of the prophecy of Daniel and its reference to Antiochus Epiphanes says. “This interpretation is liable to so many objections, we need not urge that this setting up of the statute is a pure fiction, and the whole reference of the prophecy to the time of Antiochus Epiphanes, is only an invention of that obstinate unbelief which mocks at all argument.”HST October 4, 1843, page 54.14

According to the Hartford Secretary the Advent meeting in that place, is composed of “Methodists, Baptists, Congregationalists, Episcopalians, and those who profess no particular creed.”HST October 4, 1843, page 54.15

The “Universalist,” in speaking of this, says, “Well, if these four sects, besides the nothingarians, can agree to worship together, they are in advance of many of the same denominations who still adhere to the far off second coming of Christ. If bringing that event near brings contending sects into fellowship, it may do good.”HST October 4, 1843, page 54.16

Notwithstanding Christians from these various denominations, can thus worship in harmony; yet Bro. Moore might have noticed that not a single Universalist is found among them. They must cease to be Universalists, before they can unite with other denominations.HST October 4, 1843, page 54.17

Near its End.—Our opponents say that the doctrine of the Advent is of the devil. Now there is no question but that the devil is exceeding mad against it. If then this doctrine is of the devil his kingdom is divided against itself; and we have the word of the Savior, that if it is thus divided it cannot stand; so that upon our opponents’ own showing, the man of sin is soon to be destroyed. But as our Saviour said, “If I by Beelzebub cast out devils by whom do your children cast them out?” So may we inquire if this glorious doctrine is of the devil, from whom is the doctrine of those who oppose the blessed Advent?HST October 4, 1843, page 54.18

The Liar’s Journal and Scoffers’ Looking Glass.—We have a mass of extracts on hand taken from irreligious papers with Rev. editors, and from nominally religious papers, as well as satirical, political, etc. etc, which we think of publishing in an extra sheet with the above title, so that those who have taken the side which opposes the coming of Christ may see the company with which they have connected themselves.HST October 4, 1843, page 54.19

We wish to obtain the name of the Post Office, to which papers are sent to the following persons, as we are unable to find their names on our book:—J. W. Marden, J. Schofell, O. Stoddard, Mrs. S. Rice, R. Atwood, S. Walker, C. D. Hampton, C. Leonard, C. S. Armstrong, T. Gay, C. T. Swan, Elijah White.HST October 4, 1843, page 54.20

Progress of Romanism.—According to the Catholic Expositor, two hundred and thirty persons, of whom eighty were converts from Protestantism, were confirmed in St. Mathew’s Church, Washington, D. C, on the 2nd of July last. Also in Georgetown, on the 15th of June, one hundred and thirteen were admitted to the same rite. The same paper states that they have flourishing congregations in almost every county in Ohio.HST October 4, 1843, page 54.21

An Old Work republished. “A sober inquiry; or Christ’s reign with his saints 1000 years modestly asserted from scripture; together with the answer of most of those objections which are usually urged to the contrary.” First published in England in 1660. It has been republished in N. York, by Rev. John Lillie. It takes the Judaising view of the question. It can be had at this office, price 37 1-2 cents.HST October 4, 1843, page 54.22

The Midnight Cry at the Sandwich Islands.—Last October, we sent some publications to a sister at the Sandwich Islands, and this is the first intelligence received from them. The following letter was written only a few days after the receipt of the publications; and although there had not been time for this glorious truth to be fully received, yet it will be seen that the seed was then sown, and had taken root, yea, and the blade had appeared; so that we are confident there is now full corn in the ear.HST October 4, 1843, page 54.23

We anticipate from this information, great results in those Islands. Mr. Burnham first went there in the employ of the Seamen’s Friend Society, about nine years since, and was subsequently employed by the American Board of Foreign Missions as a teacher. In this capacity he obtained a thorough knowledged of the Hawaiian language which is spoken in all those islands. Four years since, he came to this country, but returned again to take charge of a sugar plantation, which employs about fifty of the natives, and who have the greatest confidence in him. Thus situated he would proclaim the glad tidings to them. And they would sound the cry in every vale, and on every hill top in those distant isles of the ocean; and therefore we have reason to believe that there is a second advent band there, looking for that blessed hope and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Savior Jesus Christ. God knows how to bring about every result in his own appointed way.HST October 4, 1843, page 54.24

My Dear Brother.—I received your letters, one dated June 3rd, and two dated Oct. 24th, 1842, a few days since. The intelligence they contained, surprised us much. I had heard that there was a man in the United States, who prophesied that the world was coming to an end in 1843, but I supposed that it was nothing but a visionary idea, and gave it not a thought. But upon perusing the books you so kindly sent us, I find it is no new revelation, but that it is founded upon the word of God.HST October 4, 1843, page 54.25

We have read the books and are much interested in them. I cannot say that I fully believe in the doctrine, neither do I disbelieve it. How much I want to see and converse with you respecting it. I have not only read the books, but they have led me to search the scriptures and see whether these things are so. I must say that my former views are very much changed on the subject; still there are some objections that I cannot get over. If I fully believed in the second advent, I would rejoice in it. What a happy thought, that within a year I should be free from sin and sorrow, worldly care and anxiety, should meet all my dear friends, mingle in the society of angels and with the spirits of just men made perfect, and above all meet that blessed Savior who suffered and died that I might live. I feel sometimes that if I should hear the trump of the Archangel sound, it would not alarm me, for I do feel that I am a child of God. I feel that I can say “Jesus is mine, and I am his.” For a few days after I received your letters, this subject was on my mind almost constantly, night and day, and it has led me to examine my hope. It is said in Zephaniah 1:12. “And it shall come to pass at that time, that I will search Jerusalem with candles.” I think this belief has a tendency to lead all true Christians to examine their hopes, and see whether they have that hope which will not make them ashamed when they are called away by death, or when Christ comes to Judgment. I had felt rather low spirited for a few weeks past, until I received your letters; I had thought that something might happen to us, my husband might be taken from me, or I might not live, and what would become of my children, or we might become poor as respects this world’s goods; but now I feel that I can leave all in the hands of God, and that he will do all things well. This world seems very small in my estimation. How I pity those who have nothing but this world to depend upon for happiness. “There is an aching void this world can never fill.” When will Chistians live up to their high and holy privileges? When will they come out from the world and be separate, and so let their light shine, that others seeing their good works might be led to glorify their Father in heaven. If there is to be such a glorious time in this world as most Christians believe, why did not Christ or his apostles mention it? I see nothing in the 20th chapter of Revelations to found that belief upon. There are many promises in the Old Testament which I had always supposed to refer to that period, but which I now begin to understand differently. I have studied the Bible more within a fortnight past, than I have before, since I came to the Islands. I do not mean that I have read it more, but there is a difference between studying and reading it. The explanations of these books given to the Bible, seem to me clearer than any other commentary which I have ever read; still there are some things which I do not understand. But whether Christ is to come this year or not, the day of our death may come, and I feel that we need as much preparation for one, as the other; we ought to live every day as if it were our last. I feel that our time in this world is very short, that what we do must be done quickly.HST October 4, 1843, page 55.1

Mr. Burnham wishes me to say to you, that he designed writing you till there now remains but two or three hours to the sailing of the vessel, and he will not have time. He commenced a long letter to you previous to his receiving yours, but it was so filled up with worldly business, that he concluded not to send it. His belief in the Second Advent is about the same as mine, he wants evidence that the gospel has been preached to all nations. He says if he had heard of this doctrine two or three years ago, he should have been a firm believer in it; he thinks the time is at hand. Our family are in usual health. Much love, etc. If we do not meet in this world, may we meet in a purer and better, where we shall be separated no more forever. Aflectionately your sister. O. S. Burnham.HST October 4, 1843, page 55.2

Koloa Isle of Kauai Sandwich Islands, Apr. 6. 1843.HST October 4, 1843, page 55.3

Varioloid Papacy. “The general movements of portions of the Protestant Episcopal Church, has for years past been gradually and noiselessly, but surely tending towards the Church of Rome. The avowed object of a numerous and potent body in the church has been to unprotestantize that church. They have been dissatisfied with the reformation and with the very events which gave independence, freedom, and purity to the church. In their anxiety to produce this result, every form of Protestantism has been regarded as error not to be tolerated, while the most enlarged and Christian charity has been daily inculcated towards Papistic heresies. If a churchman falls into this path, it is well; but if he holds back and questions its soundness and justice, alas! he is exercising the ungodly, Protestant, schismatical privilege of private judgment; he is to be denounced as opposing his Bishop; he is no better than a non-conformist; and is held up in the most offensive terms to ridicule and reproach.”HST October 4, 1843, page 55.4

Protestant Churchman.HST October 4, 1843, page 55.5

An Exchange paper says that the most aged inhabitants cannot recollect as much profanity in any former age. Outrageous prostitution and debauchery rages ten-fold to what it ever did before. Let us turn over the pages of a political paper and our eyes will be greeted with “HORRID MURDER!” “seduction extraordinary,” and perhaps clergymen engaged therein. Perchance an awful robbery, or some other desperate affair will follow. Thus one after the other, in almost every column of our political papers, sin reigns religiously and profanely to a great extent, and in no age since the first organization of our federal government has political sin reigned as now.HST October 4, 1843, page 55.6

Letter Bro. A. Clapp

JVHe

Dear Bro. Bliss.—I have received your kind letter by hand of Bro. White, and have read it with interest; I thank you for your good advice. Our Second Advent meetings in this city are well attended and deeply interesting, and have been increasingly so for several weeks. Last evening the meeting was the most deeply solemn that I ever attended; the hall was filled. The doctrines of annihilation, ultra perfectionism, and the power of doing miracles, etc. is not advocated by any individual in our meetings, as you saw falsely represented by the Christian Secretary, which says “these are the consequences of a separate Advent meeting being set up,” and which you know is not the case.HST October 4, 1843, page 55.7

O my brother, this day is one of the most blessed days of my life. I never was more happy; my soul is filled with glory, and the love of Jesus flows into my soul. Praise the Lord, O my soul. The boundless love of Jesus is fathomless; it flows freely, it is gentle, it is peaceful, it is joyful. The speedy coming of Jesus is a glorious doctrine; to anticipate the joys that lie just before the Christian, cuts loose our affections from the world; we drink into the spirit, and have a foretaste of it now. O that all Christians might enjoy its full blessing.HST October 4, 1843, page 55.8

I have attended the three campmeetings that have recently been held in Connecticut. I have seen a great deal of God’s power and grace there displayed, and I have seen another power that has been very painful to my soul. God has worked mysteriously and gloriously; and another spirit works mysteriously and wonderfully. Many of God’s children were wonderfully blessed; and many backsliders were restored to the love of God, and repented of their backslidings, and many sinners were converted. The meeting at Windsor went on pleasantly, and with God’s power, until Monday afternoon, when the same spirit was seen as in Stepney; but to a greater extent. The meeting was in great confusion for an hour or more. My soul, and many of the Second Advent friends, were exceedingly tried. The individuals would not be reasoned with, nor receive any advice, but grew worse and worse. What to do, we did not know. The evil spirit seemed to have power over a large portion of the people; not that they were under the influence of it, but desired to see and hear what was done and said. Many of the friends retired a few rods from the stand, and bowed down before the great God in solemn prayer, for direction and wisdom; the Lord heard and answered. It was solemn as eternity, and awful on account of the presence of God. A few of us went to the individuals on the stand, who complied with our request, left the stand, and went to their tents.HST October 4, 1843, page 55.9

All day Tuesday, and Wednesday morning, the meeting was very interesting and solemn, with no disturbance. I must say that Wednesday morning was the most melting, refreshing, and comforting season to Christiaus, that I ever saw in my life.HST October 4, 1843, page 55.10

Now, my brother, I will tell you what I think this evil spirit is; the Spirit of God is mild, meek, gentle, long-suffering, easily to be entreated, yet all-powerful. The evil spirit which we saw there, was a rebellious, denunciatory spirit, sending good Christians to eternal damnation. God was at work with great power, and the evil spirit rose up against him. I believe this evil spirit is what is spoken of in Revelation 16:13-4. If you read, you will see it is in immediate connection after the tall of the Ottoman empire, and the great river Euphrates being dried up. I believe the same unclean Spirit is now rising up in the land, and have seen its operation at these campmeetings. The dear brethren and sisters thus afflicted are very pious, warm-hearted devoted Christians and of excellent spirit, but when filled with the power and spirit, until nature is overcome, the evil spirit takes advantage and pushes them on to excess.HST October 4, 1843, page 55.11

I believe these campmeetings will produce great and good results; these things ought to alarm the people. O that the people would hear the voice of God and take warning, and arise and prepare to meet him. This from your friend, who is strong in the faith of seeing Jesus Christ come in the clouds of heaven this year. Amen. Aaron Clapp.HST October 4, 1843, page 55.12

Hartford, Sept. 21, 1843.HST October 4, 1843, page 55.13

Millerism.—The numerous errors connected with the belief of the destruction of the world in 1843, as promulgated by Wm. Miller, have, undoubtedly, produced a prejudice in the mind of the religious community very unfavorable to that gentleman. A clergyman who has had every opportunity to know the facts in the case, assures us that the only prominent difference of opinion between Mr. Miller and the evangelical churches generally, is, the belief on his part of the second advent of Christ sometime during the present year. Mr. Miller is a member in good standing of the Babtist church in Low Hampton, N. Y., to which church he has been united for a number of years, and has always sustained the character of a consistent follower of Christ, maintaining all the fundamental principles which distinguish Baptists from other denominations. The errors which have sprung up among the Millerites are not of his planting; and we learn that he continued, as long as his health permitted him to lecture on the subject, to exhort his discipbes to continue their relationship and influence in the churches with which they were already connected. The heresies which have had such a rapid growth in some places among the advocates of the 1843 doctrine, have been a source of much pain to Mr. Miller, and if his health would permit, we are told he would employ all his energies in counteracting them.HST October 4, 1843, page 55.14

We were further informed that those churches in the northern part of Massachusetts, Vermont, and Western New York, which have embraced the doctrine of the Second Advent near, do not sympathize with any of the other errors which have met with too favorable a reception in some places. A Baptist church in Massachusetts was named to us as having embraced the fundamental principles of Millerism, viz: that the second advent was near, yet without designating the year in which the event would take place, has contributed more for missionry purposes within a year past, than ever it had before in any one year since its organization.HST October 4, 1843, page 56.1

Hartfort Secretary.HST October 4, 1843, page 56.2

SIGNS OF THE TIMES

No Authorcode

BOSTON, OCT. 4, 1843.

Editorial Correspondence

JVHe

The West.—Cincinnati.—We arrived in this city in safety, on the 13th inst. We found the friends here prepared for the meeting, and ready to co-operate to the extent of their ability to sustain the proposed campaign. There is a goodly number of believers raised here through the labors of brethren Caldwell, Cook, Pratt and others. Bat as yet the city has not been aroused; nor the clergy, as a general thing, called out. Most of them stand upon their dignity, and contemptuously imagine, “what do these feeble Jews?” The present movement, in connexion with the valuable labors of the brethren before, it is hoped, by the blessing of God, will wake up this whole region to the examination of the great question.HST October 4, 1843, page 56.3

Our meeting was to have commenced this day; but we are visited with heavy rains, and shall be unable to raise the tent for several days. In the mean time, College Hall has been secured, and we have commenced our regular meetings, and shall continue till we are able to pitch our tent.HST October 4, 1843, page 56.4

We shall start our new paper next week. We give it the appropriate name of the “Western Midnight Cry.” We have secured the valuable services of Brother Storrs to conduct it. We design to give only one or two pages of original matter for the present, as our object will be first of all, to lay before this community the reasons of our hope, in the clear and full illustrations of the time of the Advent, which have already appeared in the “Midnight Cry” and “Signs of the Times.” To publish the same things, is important to those who are seeking a knowledge of the first principles of the prophetic portion of the oracles of God.HST October 4, 1843, page 56.5

We have opened a general depot for the west in Fifth street, a few doors west of Maine street. A full supply of books and papers will be kept for this part of the country. These will be scattered according to our ability. As yet, little or nothing has been received for publications.HST October 4, 1843, page 56.6

Joshua V. Himes.

Cincinnati, Sept. 15th, 1843.HST October 4, 1843, page 56.7

Dear Bro. Bliss: Since my last our meetings have been thronged day and night, to hear the glad tidings of the kingdom at hand. The weather has been extremely fine, so that not one meeting as yet has been interrupted. Although we have had among our hearers the Judges, Lawyers, Mayor, etc. yet, here, as elsewhere the “common people hear us gladly.” All, however, who hear candidly the reasons of our hope, give us credit for strength of argument not to be found among our opponents. A large number have come out oppenly and professed their faith in the Advent near, and have given up their old millennium and the Jews’ return. Many have embraced the time.HST October 4, 1843, page 56.8

It is what would be called a low time here, in religion. But there is a glorious reviving among the children of God—a coming up to the help of the Lord in our meetings. Some have confessed their desire for salvation. The signs of a glorious harvest to the fold of Christ, are abundant. Our meeting bids fair to be as successful as any we ever had in the east.HST October 4, 1843, page 56.9

“The Western Midnight Cry,” is out. Twenty-five hundred copies of the first No. are printed, and scattered. I think it will be sustained.HST October 4, 1843, page 56.10

I go to Louisville, the 30th inst. An effectual door being opened in that place. I shall then visit St. Louis, and give the cry. You may expect me in Boston, sometime in the latter part of October. Bro. Storrs will remain in Cincinnati.HST October 4, 1843, page 56.11

J. V. Himes.HST October 4, 1843, page 56.12

Cincinnati, Sept. 21, 1843.HST October 4, 1843, page 56.13

P. S. I have just received the “Midnight Cry,” containing bro. Litch’s “Protest.” I heartily join in it. J. V. H.HST October 4, 1843, page 56.14

The Exeter Campmeeting. This feast of tabernacles commenced on Tuesday of last week. We are not able to give full particulars, but up to the time of our paper’s going to press, the meeting had gone on prosperously, and without the excesses that have appeared in some places. There was a large collection of Adventists, who were firm in the faith of the Lord’s coming this year. The doctrine of the Advent has gone down—but it has gone down into their hearts, and they are patiently waiting for the coming of the Lord. There were a large number of lecturers present, among whom were Miller, Cox, Churchill, Atkins, Greeley, Hervey, Hale, Osgood, Bliss, Hazelton, Jones, Morley, Starkweather, Martin, Turner, W. Burnham, E. Burnham, Padman, Preble, Harvey, Heath, Allen, Cole, Plumer, Tullock, Snow, Shipman, Piper, Brown, Reed and others, whose names we did not get.HST October 4, 1843, page 56.15

The speakers kept close to the word of the Lord. There seemed to be a conviction prevailing that the word of the Lord must do its appointed work, and it was listened to with great solemnity. We trust the seed there sown will be gathered in an abundant harvest in the great day of the Lord.HST October 4, 1843, page 56.16

CAMPMEETINGS

JVHe

SECOND ADVENT TENT MEETING

There will be a Second Advent Tent Meeting, if time continues, in Londonderry, N. H. about ten miles from Nashua, and two from Derry village, a few rods south of the road leading from Nashua to Derry, and about l1 miles from Plummer’s tavern, on the land of Br. Rapha Nevens. There will be a tent sufficiently large to hold the congregation, connected with the dwelling house and barn, with stoves and other accommodations to suit the weather. It. is expected that our brethren will bring their provisions, beds and cooking utensils. There will be board provided for those who cannot bring any with them, on reasonable terms. Brethren Hazelton, Eastman, Jones, and Preble, are particularly requested to be present, and all other lecturer are invited to attend. Meeting to commence Oct. 10th, and continue one week. Per order of com.HST October 4, 1843, page 56.17

JOHN CRAIG, Chairman.
Londonderry, Sept. 15, 1843.

VERMONT SECOND ADVENT CONFERENCE

JVHe

By previous arrangement the brethren in the vicinity of West Haven, Vt. met in said place on the 19th inst., and organized by choosing bro. Jones, Chairman, and A. G. W. Smith, Secretary.HST October 4, 1843, page 56.18

Voted, That we believe it will advance the cause of the Redeemer and the interests of his hingdom to hold a Second Advent Conference in this vicinity.HST October 4, 1843, page 56.19

Voted, That said meeting be held in the village of Castleton, commencing Oct. 12th.HST October 4, 1843, page 56.20

Arrangements have been made to secure the services of Brn. Miller, Cole, and Jones, and it is confidently hoped that Br. Himes and others pill be present.HST October 4, 1843, page 56.21

Per order of Com. A. W. SMITH, Sec.HST October 4, 1843, page 56.22

SECOND ADVENT CONFERENCE

JVHe

There will be a Second Advent Conference, if the Lord Will, in Kingston, Mass. to commence Oct. 5, and continue one week. The meeting will commence on Thursday, at 10 o’clock A. M. in a suitable place in the village. The brethren and friends in the neighboring towns are invited to attend.HST October 4, 1843, page 56.23

J. S. WHITE.
North Wrentham, Sept. 21, 1843.

Letters received to Sept. 30

JVHe

Note.—Post Masters are authorized to send money for publications gratuitously; also to order and stop papers. Subscriber’s names, with the State and Post Office, should be distinctly given, when papers are ordered or discontinued.HST October 4, 1843, page 56.24

We find that some of our subscribers suppose our terms are $1 per year. They are $1 for a volume of 24 numbers, (6 months.)HST October 4, 1843, page 56.25

From Post-masters

JVHe

Deer Isle Me; Waldo Me 2; Bristol Ct 1; Smith’s Landing N Y 2, correct; Taunton Ms; Coleraine Ms; Greenwich Ms; So Glastenbury Ct 1; New Bedford Ms; Albany N Y; W Randolph Vt; Springfield Ms; Bristol Ct 2; Proctorsville Vt 1; Delta N Y; Hartford Ct; Londonderry Vt; Saratoga Springs 1; Ware Ms 1; Johnstown N Y; So Tarnworth; Lewisville N C; Stanstead L C; Greensbury O 1; Ware Ms 1; Warehouse Pt 1; Hartford Vt 2; Dover N H; Addison Vt 2; Ashburnham Ms 1; Dover N H; Dover Vt 2; Dover N H; Fluvanna N Y 1; Dedham Ms; East Hartford 2; Eden Me; N Haven Mills Vt 5; Vernon Vt 1; North Troy Vt 2; Acton Corner Me; Flag Creek Ill 1; Sugar Hill N H 3; Braintree Vt 50 cts; W Becket Ms 2.HST October 4, 1843, page 56.26

Individuals

JVHe

E Brisbin 1; A White; S E Selving; S B Sturges; I. Good; Sith Mum 1; D Crary, the $2 was received, cannot see why the paper does not go regularly; M W Burtingame 3; J Wheeler; D Daniels; J B Pretchard; Wm E Despen; Dr Ellsworth; John Pierson 12; J V Himes 2 letters.HST October 4, 1843, page 56.27

Bundles Sent

JVHe

J V Himes 9 Spruce St N Y 2.HST October 4, 1843, page 56.28

Vol. VI.—No. 6. Boston, Whole No. 126

Vol. VI.—No. 8. Boston, Whole No. 128