J. V. Himes: Dear Sir,—I have this day received yours, covering a note signed, “Many Inquirers,” dated last October, and addressed to you, respecting some interesting prophecies relative to the Jews, and I lose no time in responding to your request, as far as I am able, “to reply to above note.”HST April 12, 1843, page 41.3

1. The note purports to be an extract from some history of the Jews, as follows: “The scattered remnant of Judah and Israel are to return, and seek the Lord their God, and David—the Beloved—the Messiah—their king, and shall fear the Lord and his goodness in the latter days. And this was to take place, not after the seventy years’ captivity; for on their return from Babylon, they waxed worse and worse, and crucified the Lord of glory. But it shall take place after the children of Israel shall have been “many days without a king, without a prince, and without an ephod, and without a teraphim.” (See Hosea 3:4, 5.HST April 12, 1843, page 41.4

2. “Hence they shall be converted to the Lord Jesus Christ. This is fully established and illustrated by St. Paul, in the 11th chapter of his epistle to the Romans. “The withered branch will be lifted up, and grafted into the trunk.” It is also to be believed that the Jews will be restored to their own land, which was possessed by their fathers, and given by the covenant of Abraham to them forever. (See Genesis 13:14, 15.HST April 12, 1843, page 41.5

3. “The only plausible objection is, that those promises of Israel’s restoration are referable to their return from Babylon’s seventy years’ captivity. In Deuteronomy 29 and 30, we have the clearest demonstration, that their restoration is yet to come. They were to be gathered out of all nations under heaven. This cannot apply to the captivity of Babylon: they returned only from that single country. “If any of thine be driven out unto the utmost part of heaven, from thence will the Lord thy God gather thee and from thence fetch thee. And the Lord thy God will bring thee into the land, which thy fathers possessed, and thou shalt possess it.” (Deuteronomy 30:3, 4.)HST April 12, 1843, page 41.6

4. “And then when they are at home in their father’s land, they shall be converted to their Beloved, their David, the Messiah; for it is added: “And the Lord thy God will circumcise thy heart, and the heart of thy seed, to love thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, that thou mayest live.” (v. 6) Now we repeat it, this was not fulfilled after their short captivity; for instead of being made holy as a people, they waxed worse and worse, until they as a nation rejected their true Messiah. Hence it refers to what is yet to come, after the present long captivity. See Bishop Newton on this point, in his Dissertations on the Prophecies; Dr. Mede, in his reply to Dr. Swift’s Letter Fourth, and Mr. Frey’s Joseph and Benjamin, Vol. ii. Let. 3.”HST April 12, 1843, page 41.7

This ends the note which I have divided into sections, and numbered for convenience of reply.HST April 12, 1843, page 41.8

Reply to the Note.HST April 12, 1843, page 41.9

1. So shall they return, even the scattered remnant of Judah and Israel; and the prophecy remains to be even now fulfilled. The return from Babylon was but a type of it. But who constitute that scattered remnant? Is it the scattered ones, or their offspring of a single age? It may be either, or both together. If it be taken for those of a single age, then all previous ages have no part in the promise, which may seem hard, for the many ages past. If, on the other hand, it be taken for both those of a single age and of every age, then the dead must be raised, which the most renowned Jewish expositors expect, for the fulfillment of the promise; and this is a work the Lord will do, no less surely than he will restore the Jews. He will raise the dead, and judge them too; and the righteous shall inherit with Abraham not Palestine only, but the world to come. “For the promise that he should be the heir of the world, was not to Abraham or his seed, through the law,” (that is, by natural descent as Jews,) but through the righteousness of faith. (Romans 4:13.) The inheritance is by faith, and it belongs to the faithful, out of every kindred, tribe, and tongue under heaven. The faithful are “a scattered remnant” in every land. God will raise them from the dead. They will return and seek the Lord their God, and the Messiah, David, their king, and shall fear the Lord and his goodness in the latter days, when he shall sit upon “the throne of his father David, and he shall rule over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there shall be no end.” (Luke 1:32, 33.) These things are yet to come to pass, they will come to pass, and when they come, they seem to fulfil the measure of the prophecy according to the divine fulness in Christ; while the interpretation that limits the measure to the natural Israel, is worthy only of the circumcision of the flesh.HST April 12, 1843, page 41.10

2. The eleventh chapter of Romans contains matter, with all Scripture, to humble and confound the hasty commentator, and the confident expositor. It certainly seems to teach some special favor to the natural Israel, as distinguished from the Gentiles; and yet, if I am not greatly mistaken, that favor will be manifested in the resurrection of the dead, (Romans 11:15) when the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled and ended, Luke 21:24; Romans 11:25,) when the fulness of the Gentiles comes in, together with the second coming, “out of Zion the Deliverer,” who “shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob,” “and so ALL ISRAEL shall be saved.” (Romans 11:26.) Whether born of Abraham, or not, according to the flesh, they are of Christ: “And, if ye be Christ’s, then are ye Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.” (Galatians 3:29.) No Jew is a better son of Abraham than this; and when all Israel are saved, such will not be lost, or forsaken, or left out, although we have a Saxon father according to the flesh. And thus it is plain, that the receiving again of Israel, is, as the Apostle interrogatively asserts, nothing “but life from the dead;”(Romans 11:15,) which literally means nothing but the resurrection of the dead. And so the second head falls under the first head of this reply.HST April 12, 1843, page 41.11

3. From what has been said, it is plain, that a weightier objection to the interpretation favorable to the natural Israel, is found in giving the fulfilment of the promise to the resurrection of the dead, than to the return from Babylon. Were the question to lie, as the note supposes, between the fulfilment by the return from Babylon, or by a still future return, we should decide at once with the note, it is a future return. But when we inquire into the nature of that future return, we humbly think it belongs to the resurrection, and not to flesh and blood; which is a view of the subject which does not come into the eye of the note. Possibly if it had, the author of the note would have liked it even better than the notion of the Jews’ return and supremacy according to the flesh and blood. That “branch” is of all others most “withered,” which is dissolved into ashes, and to lift up and ingraft that “withered branch” into the trunk,” is a work of the resurrection which the Lord will certainly perform, whatever his pleasure is respecting the Jews. And then the passages from Deuteronomy 29 and 30, are demonstrative not only of the futurity of the return, but that every one of the scattered remnant of Israel, who has read and believed the sure word of the prophecy in every age, shall himself also be returned. As it is written: “If any of thine be driven out unto the utmost parts of heaven, from thence will the Lord thy God gather thee, and from thence fetch thee. And the Lord thy God will bring thee into the land which thy fathers possessed, and thou shalt possess it.” (Deuteronomy 30:4.) Now, multitudes have been thus scattered, and they lie scattered in all lands. They will ruturn, in new bodies, to the land which their fathers possessed, a land of the living and not of the dead, in the new earth wherein dwelleth righteousnes,” and not sin nor death.HST April 12, 1843, page 41.12

4. “And then, when they are at home, in their father’s land,” they will obey David, the Beloved, for it is witten; “And the Lord thy God will circumcise thy heart, and the heart of thy seed, to love the Lord thy God with all thy heart and with all thy soul, that thou mayest live.” (v. 6.) “This was not fulfilled after their short captivity:“in this world it cannot well be fulfilled; for when any heart is so far circumcised of God, as to love the Lord God with all the heart and soul, not only will that man live, but he will not die any more: he becomes sinless, according to the covenant when God takes away their sins. (Romans 11:27.) And after their sins are taken away, God is not unjust to pay them the wages of sin: death can have no more dominion over them. As it is written: “Repent ye, therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing (resuscitation) shall come from the presence of the Lord, and he shall send Jesus Christ, which before was preached unto you.” (Acts 3:19.) So it is plain that a time of blotting out of sins is coming, and also a time when ungodliness shall be turned away from Jacob: and these events occur at the same time, to wit: when out of Sion shall come the Deliverer, and God shall send Jesus Christ, which before was preached unto you. It occurs also at the same time with the resuscitation, which St. Chrysostem says means “the resurrection,” and the context requires it: and that falls in with the fulness of the times of the Gentiles, and of all time.HST April 12, 1843, page 41.13

So that I perfectly agree with the note in saying these promises “refer to what is yet to come after the present long captivity;” but I see a way to fulfil them that is not of this world. What the Lord will do with this world, he has told us: he reserves it, not for the Jews—no, no; but for the “fire, against the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men. (2 Peter 3:7.) Let no one be deceived; the times and the seasons are in the Father’s own power: with them I am not at liberty to intermeddle, only always to watch: but the purposes of God will stand, and though a thousand years elapse before the end, the Man of Sin may hate the dominion, but never the natural seed of Abraham. What promise they have is in, through, and with Abraham: and that promise was of a city that has foundations, and of a better country, even an heavenly, as the reader may find recorded in the 11th of Hebrews.HST April 12, 1843, page 41.14

In conclusion, I will only say that notwithstanding the promises are given to the children of Abraham, it is not the children of the bond-woman, which is Hager, answering to the Jerusalem that now is, and is in bondage with her children; but it is the children of the free-woman, answering to the Jerusalem above, which is the mother of us all, (Galatians 4:25, 26,) the people of God in Christ and heirs of Abraham’s promises. The promises are made to the seed of Abraham, “which is Christ.” (Galatians 3:16.) The natural seed are a sign of Scripture verity to the latest generation: and the Lord’s counsel respecting hem, that shall stand. Bishop Newton, Jos. Mede, and Mr. Frey are men of renown, mighty in the Scriptures. They hold the views of the Note.—Those views may be true, but it seems to me they are weak, partial, carnal; while the view taken in this reply is spiritual, powerful, comprehensive, Christian, not Jewish; neither temporal nor worldly; but celestial, like the promises, and eternal;HST April 12, 1843, page 41.15

“Glory to God in the Highest; peace on earth, [the new earth] and good will to men;” the children of God in Christ, whether born of the lions of Abraham or Japhet, manifested to be the sons of God “with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead.” Romans 1:4.HST April 12, 1843, page 42.1

H. D. W.HST April 12, 1843, page 42.2

P. S. As a shadow of good things to come, the carnal Jews may return, much Scripture favors it, but the substance is “Jesus and the resurrection;” from which let no shadows withdraw our devout attention.HST April 12, 1843, page 42.3

This pebble from out of the brook, the Lord send and direct, when it is most due.HST April 12, 1843, page 42.4

On the 24th of Matthew

JVHe

Dear Bro. Bliss—Before I speak of the above-named passage, I would gently reprove your typographer for a few mistakes in my last, which utterly destroy the meaning; such as exports for reports—all for we, etc., hoping that if I shall occasionally report myself in your paper, he will not be disposed to export me for it in future.HST April 12, 1843, page 42.5

There seems to be a little want of harmony of views among the advent brethren on the 24th of Matthew; and it strikes me that in these times when our opponents are as badly confounded in their opinions as the builders of Babel were in their language, we ought to guard ourselves against giving the slightest occasion for a similar charge.HST April 12, 1843, page 42.6

Allow me simply and concisely to give my views on the above portion of scripture, and if I am not correct I shall be happy to be set right.HST April 12, 1843, page 42.7

In 3rd verse two distinct questions are asked; the one, touching the desolation of Jerusalem, threatened by our Lord in the previous chapter 23:38: the other, the end of all things at his second personal coming. From this to the 14th verse inclusive, our Savior gives a synopsis of the events which must precede his coming; of which events he speaks more at large afterward, beginning with the destruction of Jerusalem and carrying us down to the end of time. In his synopsis or exordium, 4—14, he passes over the destruction of Jerusalem—the first thing mentioned is the appearing of false Christs, or those pretending to be Christs, come the second time, of which history gives account—24 in number, between the beginning of the 2nd and the end of the 17th century. He continues to speak of events in the order in which they were to appear. No false Christs appeared till after the commencement of the 2nd century. Next in order would appear “wars, and rumors of wars,” of which were none of any note prior to the siege of the Romans against Jerusalem; nor did our Savior probably allude to that at all, but to events of a later date: but the end would not be yet: for there should be, (7th verse,) great national commotions, famines, pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places. These were, (8th verse,) the beginning of those unparalleled, desolating, persecutions, which the church must experience under paganism and papacy, (9th and 10th verses:) during which period false prophets should arise, viz. Mahomedan and Romish priests, who would deceive many. Then, (14th v.,) he mentions the last great event in the catalogue, which should immediately precede his coming; the preaching of the gospel for a witness to all nations; then, says he, the end shall come.HST April 12, 1843, page 42.8

Now our Lord begins back, and gives his disciples a more explicit and minute account of those things of which he had just given them an outline. In the 15th verse he gives them signs by which they shall know when Jerusalem is about to be destroyed, that they may have time to escape. The 15th and 20th verses inclusive, relate to this event. A writer in the Signs of the Times not long since, attempted to show that this portion of this chapter had reference to the desolating persecutions of papacy against the church; but this view must be erroneous; see Luke 21:20, “And when ye shall see Jerusalem compassed with armies, then know that the desolation thereof is nigh.” It will not do for literalists to depart from their own rules of interpretation. This must be understood literally. It was to this that the angel referred, Daniel 9:27, from which the Savior quotes. Now, 21st verse, the subject of pagan and papal desolation is mentioned. “For tote, then, afterwards, after that, upon that, shall be great tribulation, such as never was, and such as never shall be. If this tribulation was that experienced by the wicked Jews, whom our Lord had denounced, then a contradiction would ensue between the words of the Savior and the angel, Daniel 12:1: “At that time, i. e. at the terminus of the before-mentioned events, Michael, i. e. Christ, shall stand up for the deliverance of his people; but upon the wicked there shall be a time of trouble, when the seven vials shall be poured out, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time. The 22nd verse corroborates this interpretation; for the elect’s sake those days were to be shortened. Who are the elect of God here? the wicked Jews, denounced, scattered, scathed, and cursed forever, unless they repented? Nay; they were given up to blindness, to believe a lie that their souls might be damned. Not so: these tribulations which must be shortened, were the whole series of persecutions experienced in the church by paganism and papacy. These were shortened that the gospel church might not become extinct. The 29th verse confirms this opinion; “eutheos, immediately, forthwith, instantly, at once, after the tribulation of those days, other great signs should appear; i. e. immediately after the greatest severity of the storm of persecution had passed, these signs should begin to appear. If these tribulations were experienced at the desolation of Jerusalem in A. D. 70, we could not say that the dark day of 1780 immediately followed them. Then, 23-26 verses inclusive, then, i. e. after these tribulations begin to appear, and onward, false Christs should appear, of which, (5th verse,) he had told them before. If it be said, “Behold, he is here, or there, believe it not; then a sign (27th verse,) is given by which the coming of our Lord shall be distinctly marked and recognized; this, it strikes me, may be the sign of the Son of man in heaven, mentioned in the 30th verse. Furthermore, “Wheresoever the King of glory shall be, when he comes, (28th verse,) there will his followers be gathered.” Glory be to his name, we shall not go into the desert or wilderness to find him then, but shall be caught up to meet him in the air.HST April 12, 1843, page 42.9

Yours in the bonds of Him that cometh quickly.
Lowell, April 10, 1843. L. B. Coles.

Proof from Opposers

JVHe

Dear Bro. Bliss—Our opponents are giving us proof in every movement that truth is on our side—that the event, the approach of which makes us rejoice, and the unprepared to fear and quake, is even at the doors. The ridicule of professors of religion, the sneers of ministers, and the scoffing of those who hate the appearing of Christ, all show us that they are entirely destitute of sound argument to base their opposition; and that they are conscious of their lameness: for they would never degrade themselves by the mean, puerile, ungenerous course they take to put an end to the doctrine of the immediate advent, if they were not driven into straits too narrow for them. I cannot but regard the unparalleled scoffing of the ungodly, as among the most striking fulfillments of prophecy concerning the last days. The unsanctified ingenuity of men and devils is tasked in this matter to the very uttermost. No doctrine that has ever excited the public mind, either on religious or secular matters, has ever probably, till now, drawn from its enemies such unrestrained, vulgar, blasphemous representations. We are distressed for the consequences which they must soon feel; but we are strengthened in our faith by their conduct. Their scoffing adds greatly to the testimony that we are in the last days, while their diabolical blasphemies prove conclusively that the ground occupied by the opponents of the second advent, is the devil’s ground, and not the Lord’s. If God saw we were in an error, he would of course be opposed to our doctrine; and the devil would be for us and try to drive us onward; but is it so? Nay; whether the Lord is on our side or not, one thing is certain—the devil is against us; and he musters all the help he can get: not only from the ranks of common opposers of religion, but from among its professed friends. He has a motley group of soldiers, from the famed D. D. down to the loafing vagabond. Popular, temporising orthodoxy, fatal errorisms and infidelity harmonize together to make war with their common foe. Evangelical backsliders, Universalists, Sabbath-breakers, swearers, blasphemers and Christian idolators, unite together, “hail fellows, well met,” under one common banner, and lovingly blend their influence, to bear down and trample in the dust those who are now looking for the appearing of their Lord. Is it difficult to decide whether the Lord or the devil is on their side of this subject? The flimsy objections, too, that are urged, show that if they had better timber for the construction of a shelter from the perils of the advent doctrine, they would never be seen building such cobwebs. The same fearful consequences, which are so much anticipated from a failure in our expectations, might be urged with equal propriety against vital godliness, from fear that religion would finally prove a delusion. We look for no evil consequences in either case. The truths of religion, and of the advent, are both written legibly in the word of God, and both indelibly imprinted on our hearts. We never shall doubt the reality of either till by actual demonstration it proves to be false. Such forebodings we cannot indulge, till we find a failure in the promises of God. If I harbor a doubt on this subject, it is wholly gratuitous—I know not an inch of ground on which I can base a single misgiving. The testimony, internal, external, written in the word of God, and in signs of the times, all goes on one side—all tells me, in accents too plain to be misunderstood, that my Lord is about to “make the place of his feet glorious.”HST April 12, 1843, page 42.10

Yours truly, L. B. Coles.
Lowell, April 1, 1843.

Letter from J. Weston

JVHe

Dear Bro. Himes—I have just finished a second week of lecturing at Athol, Mass. At the end of the first week I was obliged to return home in consequence of sickness in my family. But I returned as soon as I could, and the Lord was with us. Many of the dear brethren and sisters had from day to day a delightful foretaste of the heavenly Canaan.HST April 12, 1843, page 42.11

Many impenitent sinners from Athol and the neighboring towns, came to the meetings careless and indifferent, but went away rejoicing in hope of soon seeing that Savior who had pardoned their sins and sanctified their hearts.HST April 12, 1843, page 42.12

I preached my last discourse to show from Revelation 3:11: “Behold, I come quickly; hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown.” It was a delightful and refreshing season to all our hearts.HST April 12, 1843, page 42.13

I learned from a good brother who had been lecturing in a neighboring town that a Universalist minister the other Sabbath, went into his pulpit and told his people that he should not preach that day, but read Mr. Colver’s lectures to them, as they would do much good. Said the Universalist minister, “Mr. Colver and I do not think alike in some points, but he is a very good man, and I admire his lectures!!” Yours etc. J. Weston.HST April 12, 1843, page 42.14

New Ipswich, N. H., March 10, 1843.

The Cause in Washington

JVHe

Dear Bro. Himes—Your readers will perceive by Bro. Litch’s letter from this place, that I was to remain for a few days and continue, my lectures. I have been treated in the most cordial manner by the Rev. Daniel Collier, and the Society of which he has the charge, (viz. the Methodist Protestant Society,) they have exhibited a great desire to hear and examine the matter, and as is usual in such cases, the Lord has revived his work, many souls have been converted to God, and are looking for the speedy coming of the Lord. Many of the brethren are firm in the belief that he will come in 1843, and I think I can safely say that nearly all the church, besides many others, are convinced that the day is near, even at the doors, and that it is the next event spoken of in the prophetic word. Many who supposed that there would be a temporal millennium, and that the carnal Jews would return to Palestine before Christ could come, have given up their notions, and now say it can not be so.HST April 12, 1843, page 42.15

I have met with some opposition from those who profess to be the friends of Christ, but the Lord is with us, and the truth is gaining ground every day.HST April 12, 1843, page 43.1

The Rev. John C. Smith, a Presbyterian minister, in this city, a man of high standing, has commenced a course of lectures on the Second Advent of Christ. I am informed by a brother who was present at his first lecture, on Sunday morning, that he told his people to be ready, that the signs of the times indicated that some great event was at the door, and it was no time to cry peace and safety.HST April 12, 1843, page 43.2

The Bible has once more become the standard with many in this city, by which to lest the truth of any sentiment that may be advanced, and wherever this spirit prevails, the cause in which we are engaged must prosper.HST April 12, 1843, page 43.3

I feel that I can now leave this city with a degree of satisfaction that I did not feel when Bro. Litch left. I close my lectures in this city this evening. I expect to leave for Virginia to-morrow.HST April 12, 1843, page 43.4

Yours in the hope of the speedy coming of the Lord. John J. Porter.
Washington, March 27, 1843.

“Men’s hearts failing them for fear.”

JVHe

Jesus Christ when on earth gave his disciples signs by which we who see them may know that his second coming is near, even at the doors. He told them there should be signs in the sun, moon, and stars; which would directly precede his glorious advent. These signs have been seen, and the hearts of the wicked are failing for fear. The awful conviction rests upon their minds that Christ will come. They are afraid that these things will come to pass. And they try with all their power to shake off this conviction, and scoff, and cry “peace and safety,” and “where is the promise of his coming.” And when they hear some evil servant preach “My Lord delayeth his coming,” they extol him to the clouds. But sudden destruction awaits them! The indignation of God will come like a whirlwind! His fierce wrath will soon be poured upon a wicked world! Their feasts will be turned into mourning, and their joy to lamentation! Their cries of peace will soon be changed to cries for mercy. O what a time of trouble that will be But the people of God will then be delivered, “every one that is found written in the Book.” Then will the sanctuary be cleansed from all unrighteousness, and all will he “Holiness unto the Lord.” Sin will then be swept off from the face of the earth. The stone cut out of the mountain without hands, will smite all earthly kingdoms and human governments upon their foundation, and they will be blown away like the chaff of the summer threshing floors, so that no place will be found for them: and the everlasting kingdom of God will be set up and the saints of the Most High, the meek and lowly followers of Jesus, will take the kingdom and possess it forever, even forever and ever. O ye slumbering virgins, if you would possess the kingdom awake, awake, trim your lamps and prepare to meet the Bridegroom!HST April 12, 1843, page 43.5

Yours in hope of speedy deliverance,
H. H.

Infidelity protesting against Christian intolerance

JVHe

One of the most striking features in the history of the times in which we live, is the virulent and vindictive spirit manifested by professed Christians against the doctrine of Christ’s speedy coming. Indeed, to such extremes do many of them carry their opposition, that even open and avowed infidels—those who are seeking if possible to extinguish the very name of Christianity—are obliged to pause, and to step aside from their usual employment, and from the innate principles of common justice and humanity to remonstrate against the wanton misrepresentations and malignant aspersions of those Christians who are persecuting their brethren for believing the Bible. We must believe that the better judgment of all candid men will be convinced, that that spirit which is sufficiently reckless and cruel in its persecution of Second Advent believers to oblige infidelity to cry out with astonishment, cannot be the Spirit of love. The following, from the Investigator of March 15, illustrates the propriety of the above remarks:—HST April 12, 1843, page 43.6

INCONSISTENCY OF CHRISTIANS

JVHe

The inconsistency of the preaching and the practice of Christians is an observation so true and so trite that it is almost idle to allude to it. But there is another kind of inconsistency in their character which is not so often considered. We allude to their propensity to condemn both the Infidel on the one hand, and the believer on the other hand who expects the present actual, fulfillment of the Christian prophecies. Just observe the scorn and hatred with which Christians in general regard Miller and his disciples, for no other reason in the world than because they have assigned a definite period for the Scriptural predictions to come to pass, and are expecting their fulfillment during the present age. The Christian clergy, in general, have too much of the subtlety of the devil, to place the time of the fulfillment of a Scriptural prophecy within a specified period, more especially during that period which the living generation would be likely to outlast. No; they are too cunning to put the Scriptures to any such dangerous test. And when a man arises, like the Rev. Mr. Miller, who ventures to give dates to the fulfillment of the prophecies,—dates, too, which most of his hearers will in all probability live to witness—lo! the Christian clergy immediately fall foul of him and persecute him with all the vengeance with which they pursue an infidel.HST April 12, 1843, page 43.7

They accuse Miller of bringing the Bible into contempt, and call him a hypocrite, an impostor, an Atheist! Yet, his doctrines are founded upon Scripture, and if they tend to bring the Bible into contempt, it is only by bringing it to a positive test. The clergy, however, are for the most part determined that the Bible shall not be brought to such a test. They know that the prophecies will never be fulfilled; and hence, the only orthodox interpreters of prophecy are those who prove that all have been fulfilled except those whose fulfillment must take place at some period at a very great distance in the future. All orthodox interpreters are, to use a political phrase, non-committal. They use the prophecies as humbugs; and those who, like Mr. Miller, consider them serious predictions which must have a literal fulfillment, are regarded as enemies of religion, who wish to bring the Bible into contempt!HST April 12, 1843, page 43.8

St. Thomas, Feb. 18, 1843.HST April 12, 1843, page 43.9

Messrs. Editors:—I send you a slight account of one of the most awful visitations which have as yet been enrolled in the pages of history.HST April 12, 1843, page 43.10

In the island of Gaudaloupe, it is well know, there has from time immemorial existed a volcano, which has been quiescent for a long period. However, on the 8th instant, at about half past 10 o’clock, when all nature appeared hushed in repose, it commenced—gently at first—and continued for about 15 seconds, when about one quarter of the city fell. But the final shock, which buried the whole city in ruins, no mortal can describe.HST April 12, 1843, page 43.11

As the buildings crumbled, subterraneous fires burst forth, and the devoted city was entirely consumed. By a miracle, of which I can give no account, I escaped with my son; and I believe that the whole of the inmates of the hotel where I was then breakfasting met with a miserable death. The earth opened and shut, discharging volumes of water. To estimate the total loss of life and property is impossible; but supposing the population to be 20,000, at least one half have perished.HST April 12, 1843, page 43.12

A furious fire broke out immediately after the earthquake, which raged for some days, adding greatly to the horrors of the scene. Some persons, after having been almost extricated from the rubbish, were necessarily abandoned to their fate, on account of the approach of fire. The cries of the people buried under the ruins were heard for several days, and a large number were dug out in a mutilated and suffering condition. The stench from sulphur, and from the decaying bodies, which had I been exposed for two days, was intolerable.HST April 12, 1843, page 43.13

Four thousand bodies had been dug out of the ruins by the sailors in the harbor, and taken out to sea in boats in order to prevent a pestilence.HST April 12, 1843, page 43.14

The American consul was buried in the ruins, and dug out with both legs shockingly injured—he underwent an amputation, but died immediately after. Of a regiment of soldiers, 800 strong, 70 only were left alive.HST April 12, 1843, page 43.15

The massive fortifications were a heap of ruins, and the mouth of the harbor, was completely choked up by rocks forced from the bottom of the sea. It was feared that the vessels in port would never be got out.—Ledger.HST April 12, 1843, page 43.16

Letter from Michigan

JVHe

Dear Brother Himes.—Permit me, although a stranger to you, to address you on a subject of all others the most interesting to me and important to a wicked world, The Second Advent of our Lord Jesus Christ. For a number of years my mind has been led to the subject as one of importance, and for the last year I have endeavored to give it that candid and prayerful attention which its importance demanded at my hand. I have read all within my reach pro and con on the subject, and am fully convinced that our Lord’s Second Advent is near even at the doors, and that we are now to expect him till be shall establish his kingdom and reign forever. With this view of the subject, I have as far as my ability would permit for a number of months past, where I have labored on the Sabbath, presented the subject to my congregation as one of the greatest importance, and invited examination as to its merits. Last Sabbath evening, by the politeness of brother Fitch, who kindly relinquished to me his right to the pulpit, I spoke for nearly two hours to a very large and attentive congregation, and endeavored to press its claims to their serious attention. I am promised the house again, and if the Lord will, shall improve it. Although I stand alone as its public advocate in this place, yet I rejoice that there are many who believe with me, and are waiting for their Lord. In other sections of the state there are several lecturing and preaching on the subject, and in all places I learn the Lord blesses their labors in the conversion of souls.HST April 12, 1843, page 43.17

I have like all others to contend with the prejudices and preconceived opinions of the people, and at every corner, have to meet the oft repeated objection that “No man knoweth the day nor the hour,” “My Lord delayeth his coming.” I however am fully resolved to sound the midnight cry until I am called home or see my Lord come. Yours in hope of a speedy and full salvation.HST April 12, 1843, page 43.18

S. B. Noble.HST April 12, 1843, page 43.19

Ann Arbor, Mich. March 11th, 1843.HST April 12, 1843, page 43.20

Joys of the Holy Ghost.—Never expect much of the joy of the Holy Ghost if your heart and mind be occupied in the enjoyment of sense. The joy of the Spirit is a delicate sacred deposit, and must be kept in a pure casket. An unholy breath will dim its lustre and fade its freshness. The joys of sense even the most lawful of them are agitating, tumultuous, and unsatisfactory. The joy of the Spirit is calming, modest, strengthening, elevating, and satisfying. The joys of sense, at the best, enervate, lower, and impoverish the soul. The joys of the spirit ennoble and enrich it.—Cecil.HST April 12, 1843, page 43.21

Vain Dream.—“They indulge themselves,” said a venerable and erudite man, “in a vain Dream, not to say insane, who think, pray and hope, contrary to the whole sacred Scripture and sound reason, the promised felicity of the Church on earth, will be before the Lord Jesus shall appear in his kingdom.” What a multitude of such dreams exist in these days!HST April 12, 1843, page 43.22

SIGNS OF THE TIMES

JVHe

J. V. Himes, J. Litch, and S. Bliss, Editors

BOSTON, APRIL 12, 1843.

Throwing Away the Key.—The seventy weeks of Daniel 9:24 have been universally admitted, by commentators and students of prophecy, to have been prophetic weeks of years, and to have been fulfilled in 490 years from B.C. 457 to A.D. 33. So obvious and universal has been this interpretation of it among both Jews and Christians, that hardly a lisp has ever been heard against it. Even those expositors of these last days, who have departed from the universal opinion of most standard protestant commentators, and deny that the days of Daniel are, in prophecy, years, yet they have never dared to deny that the seventy weeks are weeks of years. The seventy weeks however have been so conclusively shown to be the key to the 2300 days, that the only way to avoid the conclusion of those days terminating in 1843, has been to show that “the key does not fit the lock.” Those who have thus labored have however been so unsuccessful in disconnecting the 8th and 9th of Daniel, that they have been tempted to throw away the seventy weeks.HST April 12, 1843, page 44.1

Professor Stuart found the seventy weeks in his way, when he wrote his “hints.” He there calls them a “locus vexatisimus,” and virtually admits that his own exposition is unsatisfactory to himself. Although scripture was given for our learning, and is profitable, yet if Professor Stuart is correct, this portion of scripture must be an exception, for he says it would require a large volume to establish an exegesis which can stand. “Hints” p. 104.HST April 12, 1843, page 44.2

The Christian Watchman, a paper that will not devote a column to give an argument in favor of the second coming of Christ, contains an article of nearly three columns, which attempts to prove that the time of Christ’s first coming is not contained in the Bible. The article in question was written by the Rev. Calvin Newton, whom the Watchman calls “a very sensible man and a ripe scholar.” The result of his sense and scholarship, is shown in this attempt to nulify one of the clearest prophecies in the word of God.HST April 12, 1843, page 44.3

According to Mr. Newton’s exposition, the seventy weeks are a very small affair. He says “the anointed PRINCE was Shesh-bazzar, or Zerubbabel, called the prince of Judah;” and that “from the time when Cyrus published his decree from the throne of Persia, before the Jews in Chaldea could rally under their prince Shesh-bazzar, it would necessarily be about seven literal weeks.” The sixty two weeks he supposes must have been the last sixty two weeks of the reign of Cyrus, which he think was a time of trouble, and which must therefore have been about eight years after the seven weeks. The MESSIAH that was cut off he says was Cyrus who died precisely at the end of the last sixty two weeks of his reign! The last week he claims was fulfilled some eight years after the sixty two weeks ended, and was a festival of seven days, at the close of which “a multitude chose themselves rulers, and went up to Jerusalem rejoicing.” “Thus” he says “one week confirmed a league with many.” And he says “in the midst of that week” every thing remained in confusion. “The abomination spoken of by Daniel the prophet,” he says, “means no more than an abomination of desolation like that spoken of by Jeremiah the prophet when Herod slew the infant children of Judea.” “The end thereof shall be with a flood,” he says was fulfilled when “Smerdias the Magian was wounded by his own sword and suddenly died.” The “anointing of the most holy,” he says was the holy of holies in the new temple.HST April 12, 1843, page 44.4

He thus makes the seventy weeks fulfilled in isolated parts, and scattered over a space of fifteen or twenty years. He says nothing about finishing the transgression, making an end of sins, making reconciliation for iniquity, sealing up the vision and prophecy, or bringing in everlasting righteousness; but yet, he trusts that his “view, though novel, will yet be considered as plausible, and worthy the attentive examination of the candid.”HST April 12, 1843, page 44.5

If “very sensible men and ripe scholar’s can only avoid the conclusions of Mr. Miller by such an exposition as the above, we may rejoice that God has raised up men “mighty in the scriptures” who make no pretensions to scholarship.HST April 12, 1843, page 44.6

Peace and Safety.—The Rev. Asa Cummings is again making an effort to prevent people from awaking to a preparation to meet their God. Worldly-minded editors are delighted to see ministers taking such soothing positions. The Portland Bulletin, in which paper Mr. Cummings’ articles appear, says of his last effort:HST April 12, 1843, page 44.7

“We give to-day a strong article from the Rev. Mr. Cummings, on the subject. This reverend gentleman, at least will not have it to reflect upon that he has been remiss, in this particular. As a warder on the walls of Zion he has sounded the trumpet long and loud to warn those who are sleeping on their arms, of the approach of the enemy—as a leader among the forces of the church militant, he has done manful and effective battle in the great cause—and his antagonists have learnt to fear and respect him.”HST April 12, 1843, page 44.8

Our Savior has given us for signs of his approach, the darkening of the sun, and moon, and the falling of the stars. Joel has also told us that before this day came there should be seen in the heavens, blood, fire, and pillars of smoke. And our Savior says, Luke 21:28: “And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads: for your redemption draweth nigh.” It is joy to the Christian to know that Christ is near. But how is it with Mr. Cummings? He calls upon Christians not to be dismayed, and quotes Jeremiah 10:2:—“Thus saith the Lord, Learn not the way of the heathen, and be not dismayed at the signs of heaven; for the heathen are dismayed at them.” Also Isaiah 47:13: “Let now the astrologers, the stargazers, the monthly prognosticators, stand up, and save thee from these things that shall come upon thee.” He then attempts to show that it is heathenish to be admonished by the signs that God has required us to observe, and scorns the idea that all things continue not as they were from creation.—As a specimen of his article we give the following extracts:HST April 12, 1843, page 44.9

“We should not be at all surprised to find, in the disclosures of a future day, that those are pre-eminent among transgressors, who shut God out of his own world, and ground their predictions of woe on the “signs of heaven;” and make these “signs” oracles of “dismay” to myriads on myriads of the human family. It is a ‘heathenish’ custom, as old as idolatry itself. Babylon of old had her astrologers and star-gazers,’ who as often as the moon changed, foretold from the phases it exhibited, the events of the month. But this kind of sorcery was not peculiar to the Babylonians. Most, it not all heathen nations, looked to the heavens for good and bad omens. They gazed at the heavenly bodies, not with joy and adoration, as exhibiting the handy works of God; but with slavish anxiety and trembling, as if the phenomena at which they looked, were big with their own fate, and the late of nations. An unpropitious omen put an end, for the time being, to all business; a meditated enterprise, however important, was delayed, or broken off, in the midst. Not sights only, but sounds, exerted a similar control over their conduct, and filled them with equal dismay. ‘If it did but thunder on their left hand, they were almost as if they were thunderstruck.’HST April 12, 1843, page 44.10

“It is ‘the way of modern heathen’ to be ‘dismayed at the signs of heaven.’ “HST April 12, 1843, page 44.11

“Let it be distinctly known and remembered, by all exposed to their influence, that these modern prognosticators, who deduce their auguries from the ‘signs of heaven,’ [given by the Savior himself,] are following ‘the way of heathen,’ and teaching their followers and adherents ‘the way of the heathen,’ which God himself expressly commands them not to do. It does not affect the claims of God, whether the world’s dissolution is to come next week, or five thousand years hence.”HST April 12, 1843, page 44.12

“We say further to our fellow men, be not afraid of any of their ‘tokens.’ Fear not comets, lurid lights, eclipses, fear not earthquakes, fires, or floods: and if any attempt to alarm your fears, by referring you to strange sights in the air, as boding ill to yourselves or the world, be not affected by so heathenish a motive, but keep in mind the solemn command of God.”HST April 12, 1843, page 44.13

Such articles as that from which the above are extracts, carry with them their own antidote, and among considerate and holy minds will do more good than hurt, but on the wicked will be deleterious.”HST April 12, 1843, page 44.14

Preparation for the Lord’s coming.—In the investigation of the great question of the time of the Advent, we are anxious to approach it in a calm, dispassionate manner. We wish to look at all the evidence on every side; and to trust alone in the evidence of the word of God. We place no dependence whatever in dreams, visions, or impressions.—These may seem realities to some of our brethren, but so many of them have been mistaken in their impressions, that we ought to be exceeding modest in the expression of our opinion. And as none can be more sanguine of their impressions being of God, than have been those who have given publicity to them and failed, we think none can be justified in giving more confidence to their impressions than to the word of God. Again there is such a diversity of argument among those who fancy they are thus taught of the Lord, that we know not which to believe, or which to reject. We believe that the word of God is a full and sufficient testimony, and that we should be careful how we add to it, or subtract from it.HST April 12, 1843, page 44.15

As far as prophecy, in connection with history, presents evidence that may point to any particular time, it is our duty to consider it faithfully, but we have no right to be dogmatical respecting it; and we should consider how fallible we are, and how liable we are to be deceived. We should therefore so live that we may be prepared for the earliest appearing of our Lord; and yet also so manage our affairs in connection with the business of life, that we may occupy till he come.HST April 12, 1843, page 44.16

Mr. Miller,—Convalescent.—He was so far restored to health that he was taken on his way home, by his son, on the 30th of March. We learn by a friend from Fort Ann, N. Y., that he dined in that place on the 31st, and that he stood his journey better than was expected. Strong hopes are now entertained that he will soon be in the field again. But God’s will be done.HST April 12, 1843, page 44.17

A clergyman of this vicinity made the following remarks in the presence of several other clergymen, to which the others responded, Amen. We give it as a specimen of the spirit that actuates many. It was noted down by a brother who was present at the time:HST April 12, 1843, page 45.1

“I consider any man that will be humbugged at this day by Millerism, half a dunce; and if the interpretation which Storrs gives of the Scriptures proves false, he ought to be rode on a rail through Washington street; and if Millerism proves true, I had as lief own Tom Paine’s Age of Reason, as the Bible, except for its morality.”HST April 12, 1843, page 45.2

Editorial Correspondence

JVHe

Brother Bliss—Brother Whiting is not yet recovered from his three weeks sickness, so as to endure the fatigues of a journey, and constant lecturing. He must take care of himself, and lecture moderately near home, till he is restored, which we hope will be soon, when he promises to come to Boston. J. V. Himes.HST April 12, 1843, page 45.3

New York, April 6th, 1843.HST April 12, 1843, page 45.4

Chronology.—A late work on Egyptian literature by Geo. R. Gliddon, late U. S. Consul at Cairo, gives the various periods which have been given by different chronologists as the length of time from creation to the birth of Christ. Among 120 different opinions he admits that the Hebrew Text gives us 4161 years.HST April 12, 1843, page 45.5

The Christian Advocote and Journal contains a long article in which an attempt is made to show that Mr. Miller has made several mistakes, contrary to his statement that he has never found any mistake in summing up his calculations. This statement of Mr. Miller however only had reference to the result in 1843, and not that he had never found occasion to vary his opinion on any minor point: for while he was first investigating this question, new light was continually beaming upon his path until he saw the truth clearly. The article in question therefore is fitted to deceive and mislead by showing minor points respecting which he saw fit to vary his conclusions while discovering the true termination of the prophetic periods. But in the grand result he has never yet found an error, nor has an error ever yet been pointed out by his opponents; and where they have made such an effort the sophistry of their reasoning has been clearly unravelled.HST April 12, 1843, page 45.6

Labor Lost.—Our opponents are laboring very hard to point out the “Mistakes of Millerism.”—Well, suppose we were to admit, (which by the way we do not admit.) that they had fairly shown five hundred real mistakes in Bro. Miller’s calculations, still the grand result concerning the termination of “the vision” this year, is totally unaffected by the admission.HST April 12, 1843, page 45.7

“The vision” is declared by the word of God, (not Mr. Miller,) to be 2300 days long. Four hundred and ninety days were to be cut off from the 2300 for certain specified purposes. This also is declared by the word of God, (not Mr. Miller.) The most important event that has transpired since the creation of the world was named beforehand, as a distinctive mark to show when 490 of the 2300 had passed, to give a rule by which the length of the days should be measured, to set the seal of truth to the whole matter, and to guide the wayfaring man to a right understanding of his whereabouts en the prophetic voyage. All this the word of God has settled. That WORD makes no mistakes. Neither can men’s mistakes affect it. The word of God, then, (and not Mr. Miller,) must be shown by our opponents to be mistaken, or “the vision” will expire and Daniel stand in his lot this year. For it must be admitted that the word of God sets up the mile-stones on the great road of prophetic history. The word of God gives the precise number of stones thus set up. The word of God describes the spot where the first stone was set: i. e. at “the going forth of the commandment to restore and to build Jerusalem.” But, lest there should be dispute about the exact locality of that stone, it selects a most remarkable spot, familiar to all the world, removing all ground for dispute, and then says, at that very spot shall stand the 490th mile-stone! Does it require a very profound mathematician, or even a Doctor of Divinity, to calculate how many more stones we must pass ere we reach the last one, seeing there are but 2300 in all? The word of God states the sum, gives the rule by which it is to be worked, and than, that we may not mistake, works out the answer. And now we only wait for the very last figure of the proof to be added, to make the work complete. As our eye follows the heavenly Pencil, we are overwhelmed with admiration at the wonderful accuracy of the prophetic numbers, and at seeing them keep such exact and even pace with prophetic events! Faith looks, watches, and hopes. Patience suffers, endures, and waits; and when the last figure shall have been brought down, Victory will about, and Joy will sing! The “Mistakes of Millerism” affect not the truth of the living Word; and there is abundant proof in the latter to show the teachable spirit, and the lowly mind, the beginning, the middle, and the end of “the vision.” Yea, “he may run that readeth it.” O. S.HST April 12, 1843, page 45.8

Texts for the Times

JVHe

The prophet Ezekiel: “Son of man, What is that proverb that ye have in the land of Israel, saying, The days are prolonged, and every vision faileth?”—“Tell them therefore, Thus saith the Lord God, I will make this proverb to cease, and they shall no more use it as a proverb in Israel; but say unto them, The days are at hand, and the effect of every vision.” Ezekiel 12:22, 23.HST April 12, 1843, page 45.9

St. Peter: “There shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts, and saying where is the promise of his coming? for since the fathers fell asleep all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation.” 2 Peter 3:3, 4.HST April 12, 1843, page 45.10

Illustration of the above.—Parsons Cook: “well, the third day of April—the day fixed upon by many of the Millerites for the catastrophe of this world’s termination—has come and GONE, and ‘all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation.’”—N. E. Puritan.HST April 12, 1843, page 45.11

The “Boston Satirist” also unites with the Puritan in rejoicing that the 3rd of April is past, as does also the Herald, the organ of the Come-outers.HST April 12, 1843, page 45.12

Erratum.—We regret that a mistake was made in our last, which materially affected the sense of the first article in the paper, headed, “The end of the Prophetic Periods.” The first line on the 35th page should have been the first line on the 34th page. It will be seen by the reader to have been a typographical error.HST April 12, 1843, page 45.13

An Incident.—Dr. Sharp and Hosea Ballou met a few days since in front of the Tabernacle in Howard street, “Well,” said Dr. Sharp, “this won’t amount to much.” “No it won’t,” responded Mr. Ballou.HST April 12, 1843, page 45.14

To Correspondents.—We have received a lengthy communication from the Rev. J. Sabine. The Senior editor is now absent: on his return he will consider it.HST April 12, 1843, page 45.15

Watchman! What of the Night?—The watchman said The morning cometh and also the night: if ye will inquire, inquire ye: return, come.HST April 12, 1843, page 45.16

When the above question is put to one of our watchmen, what is the reply? They say we know nothing about it; you have no bnsiness to inquire about it; when the sun is risen you will know it; it will be time enough to awake then; so till then you need not disturb the sleep of any.HST April 12, 1843, page 45.17

We however believe that before the sun can rise, the day must dawn and the day star arise, so the faithful watchman may know when the day is near, Therefore, Watchman what of the NIGHT?HST April 12, 1843, page 45.18

Canada.—Brother Leonard Billing, of Claremont, N. H., contemplates visiting Canada, to aid brother Skinner, and other faithful laborers in that region. We hope he will be heartily received, and do much good among them.HST April 12, 1843, page 45.19

Depot of Second Advent Publications in Claremont, N. H.HST April 12, 1843, page 45.20

Brother A. M. Billings, has opened a depot, at Claremont, where all our publication may be obtained. Friends in that vicinity will call upon him.HST April 12, 1843, page 45.21

New Work.—“An Exposition of the 24th of Matthew, in which it is shown to be a historical prophecy, extending to the end of time, and literally fulfilled.” By S. Bliss. Boston, published by J. V. Himes, 14 Devonshire st.HST April 12, 1843, page 45.22

Letter from Brother Chittenden

JVHe

Dear Bro Bliss.—I received your letter while at Sharon; it did me muck good. I should have been very happy to have seen you, but thus it was not to be; my labors in Sharon and Salisbury were abundantly blessed while there, and I was informed this morning by a gentleman that a powerful revival is in progress in both places. God has blessed wonderfully my feeble exertions in various places, owing no doubt to the prayers of the brethren which have followed me. Brother Stevens a young man from Yale College, has been lecturing here with great acceptance. He has left College, and says all of the honors of old Yale at his feet would not induce him to go back. He with others gave their whole attention to the subject a number of weeks, and the result was as usual. They became convinced. In consequence of brother Litch’s letter in the Signs of the Times, I have concluded to go to Pittsburgh; I start this afternoon, not expecting to return in the flesh. Please direct me the Signs of the Times to that place until further notice. I have no time to write, as I have but a short time to prepare for my departure. I will try to keep you informed of my progress, until the Lord comes; but I am no hand to write letters, and consequently never promise, and never write without I am obliged to. Yours in the blessed hope. H. A. Chittenden.HST April 12, 1843, page 45.23

Hartford Ct. March 30th, 1843.HST April 12, 1843, page 45.24

We hope brother C. will not forget us, but will let us hear from him occasionally, and may God continue to bless his labors with abundant success.HST April 12, 1843, page 45.25

Unthankfulness—Perplexity

JVHe

In the last days men shall be unthankful. A political paper gives the following “chapter for the times:”HST April 12, 1843, page 46.1

Text.—In the midst of the greatest plenty that ever fell to the lot of any country, we are crying our eyes out for distress; and the National Cow with a swimming pail full of milk under her, seems determined to kick it all over—Coleman.HST April 12, 1843, page 46.2

Comment—When, where, and on what occasion, the above was spoken, does not now occur to us; but a truer saying was never uttered, especially as conveying to the mind an idea of the state and condition of things in this country at this time.HST April 12, 1843, page 46.3

Amidst the numberless blessings which an allwise Providence has seen fit to shower upon this ungrateful people, we are wont to listen to nought save bitter complaints and pitiful wailings as to the hardness of the times.HST April 12, 1843, page 46.4

The fields, from the shores of the Atlantic to the valleys of the Rocky Mountains, groan with superabundant “crops,” and yet, forsooth, no one appears satisfied, thankful or happy.HST April 12, 1843, page 46.5

Had there been a famine in the land, it could not, in this respect, have been much worse.HST April 12, 1843, page 46.6

But again: it is not many days since we read of a poor woman, in one of our populous cities, died from actual starvation! This, too, within the sight of overloaded storehouses, and snips full freighted with the products of the earth, begging for a market.HST April 12, 1843, page 46.7

It is difficult to reconcile these things satisfactorily to the mind: yet who doubts that they exist in the varied and strange inconsistencies in which we have represented them in this brief commentary?HST April 12, 1843, page 46.8

The ingratitude of man deserves to be often rebuked.HST April 12, 1843, page 46.9

The Great Oppressing the Small.—The Marquesas. France seem resolved to make sure work in the Pacific. Two armed vessels have been ordered to the Marquesas, to carry warlike stores, arms, artillery, and 600 soldiers to constitute a permanent garrison.HST April 12, 1843, page 46.10

Tahiti.—Letters have been received from the American Consul at Tahiti communicating the important information that the French Admiral, Dupetit Thouars, arrived there on the 8th of September, and demanded $10,000 in reparation for alleged abuses, and as a pledge of future good conduct. The surrender of the sovereignty was immediate negotiated. Nine chiefs acquiesced, and, although the queen at first opposed, it was supposed from appearances that she had yielded.HST April 12, 1843, page 46.11

Thus the Society Islands are following the example of the Marquesas, and becoming provinces of France. Great Britain on the one side, and France on the other, are roaming up and down the highway of nations and securing to themselves all the important points.HST April 12, 1843, page 46.12

The Baptist Advocate says this is a warfare of the strong upon the weak, and exposes the actors in it to “the just vengeance of the Mighty Ruler of Nations.”HST April 12, 1843, page 46.13

More Distress in Haiti.—At the last accounts there was an insurrection in the southern part of the island.—Four or five thousand men were under arms, and demanded a change of government. Business was generally suspended. The Evening Post says: “The last report represents the whole island to be in a state of civil war. It will be a bloody and brutal affair, whether the Government or the insurgents prevail.”HST April 12, 1843, page 46.14

Great Flood—Loss of Life.—We learn from the New Orleans Picayune that there was a most extra-ordinary flood in the Brazos and Clororado rivers lately. Many lives were lost, great quantities of cattle and other property.HST April 12, 1843, page 46.15

Faith

JVHe

Yes, He will come, though Pharisee,
And learned doctors disagree;
Though many wise and great oppose,
And fearless rally with his foes.HST April 12, 1843, page 46.16

For it hath ever pleased the Lord
That such should stumble at his Word;
While babes and humble souls receive
His Spirit’s teachings, and believe.HST April 12, 1843, page 46.17

Then fear not; He will surely come,
And take his waiting servants home;
While those who hope his long delay,
Unwilling, shall believe that day.HST April 12, 1843, page 46.18

Then heed them not, though now awhile
The wavering soul they would beguile;
But closer to the Scriptures cling,
From which alone true faith can spring.HST April 12, 1843, page 46.19

The Bible, now what glories shine
In its unvarnished truths divine!
Though long in sackcloth shades concealed,
Its myst’ries are at length unsealed.HST April 12, 1843, page 46.20

And we rejoice, with joy untold,
To see its latest signs unfold;
For now we know the summons near,
And hail the glorious Advent here.HST April 12, 1843, page 46.21

The Rich are in Danger.—“Verily I say unto you, that a rich man shall hardly enter into the kingdom of heaven.” You who are laboring unremittingly to “join house to house, and lay field to field,” withont a thought or a desire beyond the attainment of these perishable possessions, learn from the lips of your Redeemer the true nature of the work in which you are engaged. You are merely assisting the great enemy of your souls, in forging those golden chains with which he binds you to his cruel service. Difficult as the work of salvation unquestionably is to every fallen child of Adam: to the rich, and to the man “hastening to be rich,” the difficulty is infinitely increased; with a profusion,of the gifts of God: the ungrateful heart of man becomes, in general, strangely alienated from the heavenly Giver; with an earnest desire after wealth, comes an increasing indifference to spiritual duties and spiritual privileges; with an attainment of wealth, comes frequently a sord d selfishness, deadness of heart to God, coldness to the brethren. Few Christians perish from the cutting winds of adversity, many wither and fall away beneath the burning sun of prosperity. Intimately ho was acquainted with the human heart, who looking around upon the splendid mansion of his friend, and remarking the exulting expression of his countenance, exclaimed,—“Ay, these are the things that make a death-bed terrible!”—Rev. Henry Blunt’s Lectures.HST April 12, 1843, page 46.22

Searching Query.—We put it, says Brooks, to the consciences of some pious persons in modern time, whether the apprehension of the labor of studying prophecy, has not so prevailed over them, as effectually to prejudice their minds against the subject?HST April 12, 1843, page 46.23

Signs.—The Millerites are well supplied with signs, such as earthquakes, comets, meteors,—and scoffers. The only drawback is, that these things have been of frequent, and some of them of constant occurrence, from time immemorial. How are they more significant now than they were 2000 years ago? The ancients had eclipses also to frighten them—These are now omitted from the catalogue of portents, thanks to the light of science, which not only shows their course, but reveals in advance, the dates of their occurrence.HST April 12, 1843, page 46.24

The weak and credulous, who stand gaping for prodigies and wonders, will be sure to find them.—What is lacking in reality, will be supplied by imagination.—N. Y. Jour, of Commerce.HST April 12, 1843, page 46.25

Good Effect.—An intelligent thinking man in Brooklynn, N. Y. recently called at the Second Advent office for publications. He said he had considered our views all delusion till he saw what great efforts Dr. Weeks made to oppose them, and he wished to examine for himself.HST April 12, 1843, page 46.26

Immense and Sudden Fortune.—The York, Pa. Press, says, that a “family, part of which resides in that borough, has fallen heir to property situated in a central part of London, valued at $10,000,000!”HST April 12, 1843, page 46.27

This fact has excited great interest, but we know of a richer inheritance offered to every one who will accept it. It is Daniel’s inheritance which he will enjoy at the end of the days. All earthly possessions would be too poor to buy it. No conquer. or can seize it—no intrigue can procure it, and it, will not come to you by chance, Submit to Jesus: take up the cross and follow him with your whole heart, and it shall be yours forever.HST April 12, 1843, page 46.28

Magnanimous.—The N. Y. Observer, after publishing that Mr. Shortridge had been made crazy by Millerism, and that it had resulted in his death, has acknowledged that he not only is living, but that he has been insane for years. It says:HST April 12, 1843, page 46.29

“A paragraph has been going the rounds of the, papers, stating that Mr. Shortridge had been killed by falling from a tree, to the top of which he had climbed, wearing a long white robe. Letters have been received from Portsmouth, N. H., (Mr. Short-ridge’s former residence,) which say—‘The report of Mr. Shortridge’s death is without foundation.” He has been insane for years, but the report of his death has been contradicted in the Portsmouth Journal, and has since been proved false by a letter from the man himself.”HST April 12, 1843, page 46.30

The following extract from a letter of G. W. Bates, is from Zion’s Herald. Mr. Bates is a clergyman of the Methodist church, and his father to whom he makes reference, is one of the oldest preachers of that denomination, and a man of influence with them:HST April 12, 1843, page 46.31

“Some of us are looking for and expecting Christ to make his second advent into this world in a few months; and it would be a satisfaction to me to have it recorded in Zion’s Herald, and published to the world, that I believe that all the scenes of the final Judgment will be past in a few months, and. the Millennium will be ushered in by the coming of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, and the raising of the saints. I lately received a letter from my father, in which he says, “I am satisfied there will be no millennium before Christ comes. I am sounding the midnight cry. It is past midnight, but I am too happy to sleep, and almost too happy to write. Glory to God in the highest.”HST April 12, 1843, page 46.32

2 Peter 3:3, 4: “Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts, and saying. Where is the promise of his coming? for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation.”HST April 12, 1843, page 46.33

The world moves on as it has for the last eighteen hundred years—the sea rolls in grandeur and majesty—the sun gives heat by day—the moon gives light by night, and the stars gem the sky as they did on the glorious morning when the sons of God shouted for joy.HST April 12, 1843, page 46.34

The man who can see signs in heaven and on earth, when every thing moves on so harmoniously, must have a distorted vision, a distempered brain, and a heart impregnated with the quintessence of fanaticism.—Portland Tribune.HST April 12, 1843, page 46.35

Mr. Editor.—It is painful to notice the entire want of honesty now manifested by editors whom we have heretofore supposed to be governed by principles of common integrity. In the wont of better arguments, they appear to seize upon any report, however groundless or absurd, to stigmatise with infamy the unoffending class of religious persons who honestly understand the scriptures to teach the coming of Christ this year. They seem to have found the direct cause of all insanity, suicide, and imbecility, in this belief, for every thing of the kind is now attributed to its influence. We have traced out several of these complaints, and have found them in every instance to be groundless.—Midnight Cry.HST April 12, 1843, page 46.36

Review

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Of Rev Dr. Weeks’ Lectures against the Chronology of Wm. Miller.HST April 12, 1843, page 47.1

by l. d. flemming.HST April 12, 1843, page 47.2

I have been induced to make a brief Review of Dr. Weeks’ Lectures, lately delivered in the Third Presbyterian Church in Newark, N. J. not from any substantial reasons which he has adduced against the arguments on Which are based the expectations of Christ’s speedy coining, but because many suppose that nil the Dr. says must be just so, because he is a I man of reputed learning; therefore they take for granted all he says, without examining the matter for themselves. But I must say, that I have seen no formal effort made to oppose the claims of the Advent doctrine, that possesses less point, or is more vulnerable, than the positions assumed by Dr. Weeks.HST April 12, 1843, page 47.3

Were it not entirely throwing away time, to no If useful end, I should here proceed to show that Dr. Weeks has made just as many men of straw, as he accuses Mr. Miller to have made mistakes, which, after he has reared them, he has gone to work to tear them to pieces. And O! how he has made the straw fly; but not a drop of blood; for Mr. Miller’s arguments remain untouched. The Dr. has laid down in the very commencement false premises, which have produced a tissue of blunders from beginning to end, I in his lectures on the chronology. This being the case, the work of a review will be short For if I can show that his premises are false, the issue must be false of course.HST April 12, 1843, page 47.4

The Doctor makes the following extract from the introduction of Mr. Miller’s Chronological Table, as I published in the Daily Midnight Cry, No. 5, from I which he lays down his premises, which premises are utterly false: “The world will be 6000 years old in 1843, if we reckon its age by the common chronology, except in the book of Judges; and for that time follow the plain reading of the book (of Judges) itself.” After making the above issolated extract, the Dr. says, “This implies that Mr. Miller has followed the common chronology, meaning the chronology printed in the margin of the common English Bible, except in the book of Judges. But it is not so. I have discovered several instances in which he differs from it.”HST April 12, 1843, page 47.5

It is proper to remark, that the little article from which selection is here made, was written by the junior editor, in the haste required for issuing a daily paper. In giving the substance of the article for the weekly paper of Jan. 27th, it was written thus, as it should have been originally:HST April 12, 1843, page 47.6

“The world will be six thousand years old in 1843, if we reckon its age mainly by the common chronology, except the time from the death of Moses to the building of the temple, and then follow the Bible in its plain reading.”HST April 12, 1843, page 47.7

The paper containing this corrected paragraph was sent to Dr. Weeks before he delivered his first lecture on chronology, and if he had noticed the insertion of the word “mainly,” which was carelessly left out when the paragraph was first written, he would have been saved the trouble of pointing out a great many unimportant things, which, to the deceiving of his readers, he has magnified into great mistakes. But let us look at the original paragraph, ‘and see if he was justified in trying Mr. Miller by Usher’s standard.HST April 12, 1843, page 47.8

“Bible Chronology.—Two things are generally impressed on the public mind: first, that the world is but 5,849 years old; and, second, that it must continue about 6000 years, in its present state. When this subject was suggested to Mr. Miller, in 1840, he felt that it was an argument against his view of the prophetic periods. He thought the matter over, and at length resolved to appeal FROM Archbishop Usher, (the great standard in chronology) TO the Bible.”HST April 12, 1843, page 47.9

I ask, does the above, “imply that Mr. Miller has followed the common chronology?” Dr. Weeks says so. But so far from it, it says, “He (Mr. Miller) resolved to appeal FROM Archbishop Usher,” etc Why did the Dr. thus misrepresent facts? Let him give us a solution, if he has one! Dr. Weeks says Mr. Miller has essayed to follow “the chronology found in the margin of the common English Bible, except in the book of Judges,” while the article from which he tries to prove it, says the very reverse of that. Mr. Miller appeals from the common chronology, to the Bible, but the Doctor tries him by the common, Usher’s chronology; and in every instance where Mr. Miller differs from Usher, the Dr. sets it down as a mistake. Thus the Dr. proceeds, comparing Mr. Miller with Usher, Josephus, Rollin, Jahn, Ferguson, etc., and whenever he finds a difference between them and Mr. Miller, he sets it down as a “mistake.”HST April 12, 1843, page 47.10

Now, that the reader may be prepared to judge of the true merits of the Doctor’s pretensions and arguments, it will be necessary to state Mr. Miller’s true position, on chronology. His chronology is gathered from the Bible, and out of more than 70 collected items, he has given the proof from the Bible in every instance but five. He has quoted Josephus once and Rollin four times. In every other instance he has given book, chapter and verse of the Bible. And Dr. Weeks in making out his sixty errors in Mr. Miller’s chronology, has pretended to find but few in relation to the Bible; one or two of which, perhaps, claim a passing notice.HST April 12, 1843, page 47.11

The fourteenth ERROR in the Doctor’s numerical order, is, that Mr. Miller “leaves out Samson altogether,” etc. Now did not the Dr. know, that Samson’s time is included in the forty years given to the Philistines? If he did know it, he is in fault for representing it otherwise; and if he did not know it, it is high time he learned it, as he might by reading the following verse: “and he judged Israel, in the days of the Philistines, twenty years,”—Judges 15:20. The days here mentioned are doubtless those forty years, (13:1,) in which the children of Israel were “delivered into the hands of the Philistines,” as the history of Samson clearly shows they were during his life.HST April 12, 1843, page 47.12

In error sixteen, the Dr. finds fault because Mr. Miller gives only five years to Jehoram, when it should have been eight, according to 2 Kings 8:17, where it is said, “He reigned eight years in Jerusalem.” Jehoram began his reign in the 5th year of Joram, king of Israel; Jehoshophat being still king of Judah, 2 Kings 8:16, Joram, king of Israel, began his reign in the eighteenth year of Jehoshaphat, 1 Kings 3:1. Jehoshophat’s whole reign was twenty-five years, and the fifth year of Joram must have been nearly three years before they ended. Jehoram, therefore, reigned but five years alone, and three with his father. The Doctor could not have been ignorant of this fact. Why, then, does he make an ERROR out of what he evidently knew to be CORRECT?!! But so it is.HST April 12, 1843, page 47.13

Error twenty-six is made from Mr. Miller’s giving to Joshua, twenty-five years, while Jahn gives but seventeen. Now, when Joshua came out of Egypt, he was a young man, Exodus 33:11; he could not have been more than forty-five, which would make him eighty-five when he entered Canaan, and one I hundred and ten when he died, leaving twenty-five years after entering Canaan. See Joshua 14:7 and 24, 29.HST April 12, 1843, page 47.14

Now we would very respectfully ask our reader, if they can imagine any smaller business for a D. D. than trying to prove Mr. Miller mistaken, because he does not agree with Jahn, when he does agree with the Bible? The chronology on the margin of all the Bibles we have consulted, gives Joshua twenty-four or twenty-five years. Thus Mr. Miller is right, according to the Doctor’s own standard, and yet ye sets up what he acknowledges a false standard, and because Mr. Miller does not agree with it, sets that down as an error.HST April 12, 1843, page 47.15

Respecting Jahn, we have only to remark, that as he had made Biblical antiquities his study, his authority stands high among theologians, on points where he had the means of getting authentic information. When, therefore, he says the Jews of China, who probably never heard of Paul’s testimony, (and would have given it no weight if they had heard it,) agree with Paul in making the period of the Judges longer than the common chronology, we consider that an important item of confirmatory testimony. But because we take Jahn’s testimony as to a fact, must we be compelled to take him every where in opposition to the Bible? Our remarks respecting him, as being “of the highest authority where the Bible leaves us in doubt,” were intended to refer to his standing among theological writers. We regard the authority of none of these rabbies, professors or doctors, when they merely give us their opinions. We appeal to the Bible, on all points where it gives us light.HST April 12, 1843, page 47.16

The following extract faom a letter received, a few days since, from Elder I. C. Goff, shows that other minds have arrived at a conclusion similar to brother Miller’s, that the world is six thousand years old.HST April 12, 1843, page 47.17

“One circumstance which I understand has contributed to an interest in the Lafayette College at Easton, it may not be amiss to mention. Some months since, the Chronology of the World by Mr. Miller was put into the hands of & student in that Institution, by his father. As the chronology is understood to be collateral evidence in the conclusions to which Mr. Miller and others arrive, in reference to the events of the present year—it was decided that it should pass through a rigid examination. Some days subsequently, I saw a letter from a gentleman connected with that Institution, stating that the chronology ‘did not suit them at all.’ Amongst other things, it was objected that Mr. Miller had made no account of fractions of time—which might make a difference of thirty or forty years or even more: he had no doubt a correct chronology could be made out—that is, within seven or eight months. This task undertaken, and resulted in a difference from the calculation’s of Mr. Miller, of three, years and seven months. Appended is a note, admitting that Samuel might have ruled some years longer than they gave him. hut not to exceed four. As their calculations fall short of Mr. Miller’s, their admission covers the whole ground.”HST April 12, 1843, page 47.18

This examination covers the ground of one of he Doctor’s strong objections—viz., on the fractions of years,—and still corroborates Mr. Miller’s chronolgy.HST April 12, 1843, page 47.19

It would be diverting to take notice of the Doctor’s mode of multiplying mistakes, which, in a number of instances, is done by repetition, if it were not for their evil tendency on those who regarded the number of items in his catalogue, instead of the nature of those items. For instance, “Mistakes” No 16, 26, 37, and 48, are all based upon what the Doctor calls a mistake of Mr. Miller, in giving Jehorarn five years instead of eight. Out of that one item the Doctor makes four mistakes.HST April 12, 1843, page 47.20

Mistakes 10 and 52, are the same thing, i. e., he makes two mistakes out of one item. Mistakes Nos. 17, 18, 19 28, 30, 43, and 45, are all made out of the one disputed passage in 1 Kings 6:1. Thus the reader will readily perceive how the Doctor has managed to beget such a progeny of “mistakes.”HST April 12, 1843, page 47.21

We might exhibit multiplied examples of the Doctor’s modus operandi, in this respect: but this is sufficient to give the reader a sample; and if any one has the curiosity to see the whole tribe of “mistakes,” of precisely this character, they will easily net a full view of them, by reading and comparing the reputed mistakes in the Doctor’s lectures with each other.HST April 12, 1843, page 47.22

By reading the first part of the Doctor’s second lecture, one would be led to suppose, that Mr. Miller had based his chronology almcst entirely on the testimony of Josephus. The use he there makes of Josephus, is just calculated to make such an impression; when the act is, Mr. Miller has quoted him but in one single instance. The course the Doctor has adopted, in reference to this author, to say the least, is calculated to give a wrong impression, and prejudice the minds of the people. A Professor of Theology has just called on us, who says he understood from Dr. Week’s articles that Mr. Miller alternated between Josephus and the Bible, for testimony, as it suited his convenience.HST April 12, 1843, page 47.23

“When the Jews said of Christ, ‘He hath a devil and is mad, why hear ye him?’ they did it to prejudice the people, and close their ears against him. When modern scribes called Mr. Miller an ignorant fanatic, it is for a similar reason. Dr. Weeks quotes Mr. Miller as referring to what ‘Maccabees tells us in his first book.’ This was written by Mr. Miller many years before he undertook to make out a chronology, but it is No. 41 of the 60 mistakes, and the only one which Rev. S. I. Prime, the editor of the Observer, refers to, as if that settled the question. Suppose, in the hurry of writing, I once quoted what Timothy tells us in his first epistle, it would be a great blunder, and prove Imetobe ignorant or careless, in that expression, for we have no epistle of Timothy on record. But it would not weaken the truth of the Scripture I might thus quote, nor would it be impossible for me ever afterwards, to quote Scripture correctly. But such is the tenor of the argument. There are certain historical books bound up in the Bible, called Maccabees, because they record the exploits of the family surnamed Maccabeus [the hammerers] but no such explanation is given in any part of the Bible and Mr. Miller made the above mistake in his language in referring to them. Some years afterwards He enquires what the Bible teaches about time, mentioning chapter and verse for almost every item, an referring to the best histories which record the facts not settled by the Bible, and among these authotities the books called the Maccabees are not mentioned. But the proofs are all nulified by the fact that Mr. Miller once made a mistake! We have ofter observed school-boys sneering at a companion’s mistakes, and have seldom failed to find the conceited boy soon making some gross blunder, but we did not expect to find such a glaring proof of ignorance as we perceive in Dr. Week’s first article.HST April 12, 1843, page 47.24

See our remarks above, on what Doctor Weeks calls mistake No. 1. The Doctor makes a display of correcting the style, and shows that he did not understand what he was about.HST April 12, 1843, page 48.1

“What if we should retort upon Dr. Weeks, in his own style? After telling a long story about Maccabees, he says:HST April 12, 1843, page 48.2

“This is a small matter to take notice of; and if Mr. Miller’s uncommon knowledge was pot trumpeted forth, and made the means of imposing upon the multitude, it might be passed over in silence. As the matter is, it seems important to show how utterly disqualified he is by his ignorance, to be an expounder of prophecy.”HST April 12, 1843, page 48.3

“Which is the worst mistake, gentle reader, one which has no connection with the time, or one which belongs to time exclusively? Have we not had a deafening blast of trumpets about Dr. Weeks’ “learned” articles, “demolishing Millerism,” to use the modest language of the Evangelist?”HST April 12, 1843, page 48.4

“The quotation which Dr. Weeks refers to on page 247 of Miller’s Lectures, is from Ferguson, the celebrated astronomer, who, by an astronomical calculation, has shown that Christ was crucified in the year 33 of the common era. We have recently heard of two astronomers, one in Connecticut, and one in New Jersey, who have revised the calculation and declare it to be accurate.”HST April 12, 1843, page 48.5

“Thus, we have an astronomical measuring-rod, reaching back 1810 years to the death of Christ, where his cross stands as a fixed monument, from which springs the prophetical arch of 70 weeks, covering all the uncertain space between Malachi and Christ, and extending back precisely to the commencement of the prophetic periods. Having these fixed points concerning all the important periods, why should we trouble ourselves in looking after Dr. Weeks, who has lost himself in a labyrinth, and sunk in a quagmire among the Kings and Judges beyond?”HST April 12, 1843, page 48.6

So much for Dr. Week’s Lectures on the Chronology. In the close of his second lecture, the Dr. says:HST April 12, 1843, page 48.7

“I have not thought it necessary to make out a chronology for myself, in order to determine in what year of the world is this present year, 1843. I think the Scriptures have purposely left it in uncertainty,” etc.HST April 12, 1843, page 48.8

Now, if the Doctor does not know what is the right computation, how, I ask, does he know what is wrong? This is certainly an anomaly. If a man accuses me of using false scales and weights, he cannot prove his assertion true, unless he has a perfect standard to try them by. And in just such a dilemma is the Rev. Dr. Weeks. He protests that Mr. Miller is wrong, and confesses that he himself does not know what is right.HST April 12, 1843, page 48.9

It certainly could not be expected that a man of the talents, learning and erudition of Dr. Weeks, would have been so perfectly vulnerable in all his positions, had his cause been a good one. Such are the feelings of many, who were opposed to Mr. Miller’s views, but since hearing Dr. Weeks, express themselves as constrained to think the claims of the Advent Doctrine are strong. God will even make “the wrath of man to praise Him.”HST April 12, 1843, page 48.10

Death of Bro. Chauncey E. Dutton, of Utica, N. Y

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Dear Bro. Himes—Our dear brother, Chauncey E. Dutton, “sleeps in Jesus” the “first resurrection.” He died on Sunday morning, the 19th inst., after an illness of about 48 hours. He had been long afflicted with a scrofula affection of the lungs and throat, which sometimes prostrated him, attended with violent pains of the head. The attack with which he died, was one of uncommon severity, and baffled all exertions to coun teract it. So extreme was his suffering, and so suddenly did he depart, that he said but little in his last hours.HST April 12, 1843, page 48.11

As it respects testimony to the truth and power of the religion of Christ, he had no need to speak on a death-bed; his life was a “living epistle, read and known of all men.” Br. Dutton was a man “full of faith and the Holy Ghost.” For about 10 years he was an experimental witness of the perfect love of God.HST April 12, 1843, page 48.12

A little more than a year ago, having had his attention directed to the Lord’s Advent nigh, he commenced, with his brother-in-law, H. Patten, the reading of William Miller’s Lectures. One Sabbath morning, while reading at their separate residences, and without each others’ knowledge, they both became impressed with the truth of the doctrine of the coming of Christ in 1843. Br. Dutton went immediately to the house of his brother Patten, and asked him what he thought of Mr. Miller’s argument. Br. P. then told him his exercises, and the convictions of its truth that had been wrought on his mind. Br. Dutton responded that his own mind had just undergone similar exercises and convictions; and they embraced the truth then and there together.HST April 12, 1843, page 48.13

Br. Dutton, however, did not come out in the advocacy of the time until the visit of Br. Storrs to this city last September. From that time he proclaimed the coming of the Lord in 1843, with great boldness and power, till he “ceased at once to work and live.” several weeks just previous to his death he was engaged in excessive labors, proclaiming the midnight cry, and winning souls to Christ. In the town of Floyd, through his and Br. Patten’s labors, it is believed that at least 150 souls were brought to the Savior, and the work has been going on, since they left, with great power.HST April 12, 1843, page 48.14

But a few days before his death he returned from a week’s hard labor in an adjoining village with his physical nature exhausted, which immediately sunk under the power of death in the manner already noticed.HST April 12, 1843, page 48.15

At the request of the friends, on Tuesday the 21st, the day of his burial, I delivered a discourse to a large audience, as appropriate to the death of a son of Abraham, on Hebrews 11:13: “These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth.” It was a season of deep solemnity to all, but especially of holy inspiration and joy to the dear disciples of Jesus, who are looking for their returning Lord to put them in possession of the Abrahamic inheritance with all the children of promise. We sorrow not, therefore, as those without hope, but are daily looking for the glorious consummation, when we expect to meet our brother in the New Jerusalem, where “there shall be no more death.”HST April 12, 1843, page 48.16

Yours in the Abrahamic faith,
David Plumb.
P. S. Midnight Cry please copy the above. D. P.

Obituary

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Departed this life, at Boston, on the 28th day of March, Mrs. Polly J.—consort of Dea. John Emerson, aged 36 years.HST April 12, 1843, page 48.17

Sister Emerson was born in Piermont, N. H., and was the eldest daughter of Nathan and Meriam Bean.—She experiencad religion about 12 years since; but did not make a public profession of religion till after she removed to this city: when she was baptized by Elder J. Y. Himes, and united with the Christian Church in Boston. She has ever adorned her profession with a Christian deportment; and her amiable and philanthrophic disposition has endeared her to all her friends and acquaintances, who universally feel deeply to mourn the loss of her society. But they sorrow not as they that have no hope.HST April 12, 1843, page 48.18

Her funeral was attended on the 30th ult., and on the Sabbath following a Sermon was preached on the occasion of her death by the writer.HST April 12, 1843, page 48.19

E. B. Rollins.HST April 12, 1843, page 48.20

Boston, April 3d, 1843.HST April 12, 1843, page 48.21

Brother John Pearson, of Portland, Maine, writes us that “we have great opposition here from the clergy; cold-hearted professors, and the most abandoned and profane characters all united against The coming of our Lord, but we are daily expecting that Daniel’s people will be delivered. The cause is advancing gloriously in the country Towns.HST April 12, 1843, page 48.22

A Correspondent suggests to the believers in the Second Advent, not to have their spirits stirred within them by the scoffing and malicious attacks of an unbelieving world, but continual prayer be offered; that each one may continue in that sweet and holy frame of mind which is necessary, that we may be found of him in peace, and fit us for that kingdom, where the meek only inherit.HST April 12, 1843, page 48.23

Notice.—The subscriber will attend to calls for lectures on the Second Advent of Christ, which may be sent to him at No. 14 Devonshire Street, Boston, in care of J. V. Himes. N. Billings.HST April 12, 1843, page 48.24

Answer to brother George W. Whiting. We suppose that Revelation 18:4 has reference to Papal Rome.HST April 12, 1843, page 48.25

Letters

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from post masters, to april 8, 1843

Lebanon, Me $1; W Newfield, Me; Middlebury, Vt; Pleasant Valley, N Y; New Providence, N J; Windham, Me; Flagg Creek, Ill; Rockford, Ill; Mattapoisette, Ms; Towndsendville, N Y; Detroit, Mich; Hydepark, Vt; W Millbury, Mass; Smith Ford, S C; Schenectady, N Y all right; Panton; Tariffville, Ct well, let it go; G S Davis, Middle-town, Ct $1 for J. Barnes; Holmes Hole, Ms; Masena, N Y; Greenwich, N Y; Cambridge, Vt all paid up; Pembroke, N H; Derby, Vt; Braintree, Vt; Blairsville, Ia; Marshfield, Vt; Gilford, N H; Bridgeton, Me; Monroe, Miss, books sent; Tullerville; North Chelmsford, Mass; Alton, N H; Dayton, Ill; W Newfield, Me; Great Falls, N H; Wakefield, N H; Pomfret, Ct; Rutland, Vt; W D Tuller; Chk; Essex, Vt; E Washington, N H; Claremont, N H; Culpepper, Va; West Hartford, Vt; Mattapoisette, Mass $1; Woodstock, Vt; Colebrook, N H; Vermont, N Y; Lebanon, Ct; Deerfield, N H; Smith’s Landing, N J; Middletown, Ct; 1 over, N H; Woods Hole, Mass; E Roxbury, Vt; Williamsport, O; Wolfboro, N H; Springvale, Me; East Berkshire, Vt; West Braintree, Vt; Sugar Hill, N H.HST April 12, 1843, page 48.26

individuals

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Saml E Brown, Portland, Me; J Pierson, $44; C Wines, $20; G S D; Jno Dudley; A C Woodworth; J Weston, $10, $30 March 13; J J Peters; W Lincoln; J Kimball, Ackworth, N H papers sent; E Shepherd; J F Randall; C Dubois; A Friend, Fort Ann, N Y; C Green, $64; Bal. due $62,20; A Way; J H Lonsdale; E Mitchell; T F Oakes; Wms Thayer, $5; J S White; Mary Dutton; R Montague; John Myers, $5 the bill was not receipted, but now stands charged to you; J Sabine; Cephas J Kee; A Ward; A Clapp; C Field, Jr, account balanced with books sent; Geo Storrs; S F Bradley; E C Ross; J Braley; H Palmer; D Burgess; G F Cox; L B Colles; S Haight and others; G W Bates; C A Anderson; Geo W Whiting; J C Forbush; A A Sawin, $4.HST April 12, 1843, page 48.27

Bundles Sent

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C Wines, Vergennes, Vt; Rev J Litch, Philadelphia, for H B Pratt; Jno Pearson, Portland, Me; F B McNamra, Shaftsbury, Allegany Co. Pa; Box 36 Park Row, N Y; Rev J Sabine, Bethel, Vt. (by mail;) C G Miller, Dayton, Ill; C Field, Jr. Ashfield, Mass.HST April 12, 1843, page 48.28

Signs of the Times

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Is published weekly, at No. 14 Devonshire Street, Boston, by JOSHUA V. HIMES, to whom all letters and communications must be addressed.HST April 12, 1843, page 48.29

Terms,—One Dollar per Volume of 24 Nos. (6 months.)HST April 12, 1843, page 48.30

Vol. V.—No. 5. Boston, Whole No. 101

Vol. V.—No. 7. Boston, Whole No. 103