Historical Department

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jul 30, 1867

Historical Department.

Prophecy is History in Advance.

THE SHORTENING OF THE DAYS,

And Typical Bearing of the Forty Years’ Sojourn of Israel in the Wilderness.

There are some who seem inclined to think that the forty years’ sojourn of ancient Israel in the wilderness, and what befel them during that sojourn, has a typical bearing on the history of the recovery of the remnant down this side of the ending of the prophetic periods in 1844, and hence think it possible for time to continue forty years this side of that point. With some, it seems that dating this generation, Matt. xxiv, 34, with the rise of the second-advent proclamation, gives full scope enough for such a view.

Now, my faith is, that the typical bearing of the history of the forty years’ sojourn is back of 1844, and not this side. And as some brethren seem troubled on this point, I venture to send a few thoughts on this subject.

By reading and comparing the following scriptures, the evidences seem to be of a character more than inferential, and the view to be more than plausible or probable, that the forty years’ sojourn of ancient Israel in the wilderness, and what befel them during that sojourn, has a typical bearing on the history of the recovery of the remnant in these last days. Read Isa. xi, 11–16; Eccl. i, 9, 10; Hosea ii, 14, 15. “Therefore, behold I will allure her and bring her into the wilderness, and speak comfortably unto her. And I will give her her vineyards from thence, and the valley of Achor for a door of hope: and she shall sing there as in the days of her youth, and as in the day when she came up out of the land of Egypt.” Micah vii, 14, 15. Verse 15 reads: “According to the days (plural) of thy coming out of the land of Egypt will I shew unto him marvelous things,” &c. Read also Ezekiel xx, 33–38. Paul in speaking of what befel ancient Israel in the time of their forty years’ sojourn in the wilderness says in 1 Cor. x, 11: “Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples (margin, types), and they are written for our admonition upon whom the ends of the world are come.” The bondage and recovery of the remnant is to be after the manner of the former recovery of Israel from Egypt. See Isa. x, 24–27; xi, 11–16; Micah vii, 15; Hosea ii, 14, 15. There was an appointed period for ancient Israel’s recovery from Egyptian bondage. See Gen. xv, 13, 14; Acts vii, 6, 7; Ex. xii, 41. So also there is an appointed time or period for the indignation to cease and the yoke to be broken off and the remnant to be recovered from under the indignation. Compare Lev. xxvi, 18–28; Isa. x, 5, 6, 12, 20–27; Dan. viii, 13, 19; xii, 6, 7; Isa. xi, 1. See margin.

If the period of the indignation extended to 1844, then the view is a plausible one, to say the least of it, that time may continue forty years this side of that point. But I understand the three and a half times of papal supremacy, Dan. vii, 25; xii, 7, to be the last end of the indignation, and that the indignation was accomplished at the downfall of the papal supremacy, 1798. To sustain this fact, we have the most positive inspired testimony. Let it here be borne in mind that the “daily,” or Paganism, and the transgression of desolation, or the Papacy, are the instruments to tread under foot the host, Dan. viii, 13, and accomplish the indignation. Paganism first, and Papacy last. Israel was sold, or given into the hands of their enemies to be chastised for their sins. They were sold or given into the hands of the Papacy for three and a half times, commencing 538, which expired by limitation in 1798.

If we omit all other testimony, of which there is a very great abundance, that the treading under foot was accomplished with the downfall of the Papal supremacy, this fact is clearly established by the quotation of one text only, viz., Dan. xi, 36. In verse 31 we have the account of taking away the daily (Paganism); and placing or setting up the abomination of desolation (the Papacy). Then follows the account of the tribulation or indignation under the reign of Papacy, namely, the saints falling by sword, by flame, by spoil, by captivity, many days. Then in verse 36 it is clearly stated that THE KING, that is, the Papal king, or king of the abomination of desolation thus set up, by whose power the saints fell by sword, by flame, by captivity and spoil many days, shall do according to his will, and he shall exalt himself and magnify himself above every god (that is to say, above every other monarch or king) and shall speak marvelous things against the God of gods, and shall prosper till the indignation be accomplished. This is a nail in a sure place, a clear and positive testimony. The dominion of this Papal king was taken away in 1798, to CONSUME and to destroy it unto the end; hence, from that point he ceased to prosper in doing according to his will, in exalting and magnifying himself above every god, or earthly monarch; hence the testimony is clear and positive that the indignation was then and there accomplished. The accomplishment of the indignation is called in Dan. xii, 6, 7, the accomplishment of the scattering of the power of the holy people. In verse 6, the question is asked, “How long shall it be to the end of these wonders?” and the answer is given under a solemn oath that it shall be for a time, times, and a half, and connects the accomplishment of the scattering of the power of the holy people with the end of these wonders.

The question may here arise, How much do “these wonders” which end with the three and a half times embrace? It should be borne in mind that Gabriel is here making Daniel know what shall be in the last end of the indignation; see Dan. viii, 19; or, as in the language of chap. x, 14, “Now I am come to make thee understand what shall befall thy people in the latter days; for yet the vision is for many days.” When Daniel saw Paganism and Papacy treading under foot the host, and especially the little horn, Rome, destroying wonderfully the mighty and the holy people, Daniel was astonished at the vision, and was sick certain days. The Papal form of the Roman kingdom is called the abomination that astonisheth. Margin. Astonishment signifies wonder, and, vice versa, wonder signifies astonishment. When St. John saw the wonderful martyrdom of the saints by the papal church, symbolized by a woman drunken with the blood of the saints and martyrs of Jesus, he wondered with great admiration. The Papal beast is the wonder of the world. See Rev. xvii, 6; xiii, 3.

From these considerations it is clear that the wonders to be finished at the end of the three and a half times, is the wonderful martyrdom of the saints; or, in other words, the indignation was then ended, or finished. The treading under foot the host, and the indignation, and scattering the power of the holy people, are synonymous terms, expressing identically one and the same thing. Hence, when the indignation is accomplished, the scattering of the power of the holy people is finished or accomplished at the same point. “These things” in the answer, embrace no more than “these wonders” in the question. Dan. xii, 6, 7. For a more extended argument on this subject, see Review, Vol. vii, Nos. 15, 16, pp. 113–115, 121–123.

Before the pride of Israel’s power was broken or scattered, so that they were no longer a people, or an independent nation, Israel, or the church, enjoyed independent nationality and power. They sat under their own vine and fig-tree; that is, under their own independent government. See 1 Kings iv, 25. Now I affirm that the indignation or scattering of the power of the holy people could not be accomplished as predicted, Dan. xi, 3, 6, and xii, 6, 7, until an independent government and nationality be established where the true Israel, or church of God, could be protected in the right of civil and religious liberty. Such a government is predicted to be established in the last days, Isa. ii and Micah iv, and must necessarily have been established in connection with, and when the scattering of the power of the holy people, or indignation, was accomplished; and there was no such government established harmonizing with that event, but the government of these United States of North America.

It is here worthy of remark, that the object of the first settlers of this American wilderness was that they might here establish a commonwealth, or government as near like that of the Jews as the difference of circumstances would admit. This fact is conspicuous upon the pages of history. The following is from Hale’s Premium History of the United States. On page 78 he says: “It is not un instructive to observe how early in some of the Colonies were sown the seeds of the American Revolution.” On pp. 11, 12, of his introduction, he says: “The religious wars which afflicted France in the sixteenth century induced that illustrious statesman, Jasper Coligni, the head of the Protestant sect, to project in 1502 a settlement in America, to which his brethren might retire from the persecution of the Catholics. Fitting out two ships, he sent them thither under command of John Rebaut, who landed at a place supposed to be within the limits of South Carolina. * This was the first attempt to plant a colony within the limits of the United States; and it is worthy of remark that to secure an asylum from religious persecution was the object in view.” On page 31 he says: “One great object of the Puritans in retiring to the unoccupied regions of New England, was the establishment of a religious commonwealth as nearly upon the model of that of the Jews as the difference of circumstances would admit. To accomplish this object they deemed it necessary, and at a general court held in 1631 they ordained, that none but those who had made a profession of religion, and had become members of some church, should be admitted members of the corporation, or enjoy the privilege of voting,” &c. Please read his further remarks on this point, also pages 61 and 62 of the same history.

But perhaps the reader will here be ready to remark that the government of these United States was established before the 1260 years of Papal supremacy ended, before the last end of the indignation or scattering of the power of the holy people was accomplished, and hence that there is not a harmony in the ending of the indignation in 1798, and the establishment of our government. To this I reply, that our Saviour has testified, Matt. xxiv, that except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved, but for the elect’s sake those days should be shortened. Now if the three and a half times or 1260 years of Papal tribulation, which is the last end of the indignation, be shortened, it would be a shortening also of the indignation, or of the tribulation of that period. To show the correctness of our Saviour’s testimony that the days should be shortened, I will here introduce a few extracts from history. The following is from a pamphlet entitled, Historical Extracts, by F. K. B. On pages 48 to 50 under the heading of “Events from 1776–1781,” is the following:

“From the dictates of his own natural disposition, however, Louis effected much partial good. He made reforms in the administration, abolished various feudal exactions, and the practice of torture. He also extended freedom of worship to the Protestants.” White’s History, p. 444.

“In Austria, Maria Theresa made very important improvements for the benefit of her wide domains. In 1776 she abolished the torture in the hereditary States; and from 1774 to 1778, her attention was occupied with the establishment of a general system of popular education. Various salutary regulations were enforced touching the temporalities of the clergy, and in Italy the arbitrary power of the Inquisition was circumscribed within narrow limits.” White’s History, p. 458.

“Joseph declared the Roman Catholic the dominant religion; but, at the same time, diminished the exorbitant authority of the Pope; he forbade the Bishops to carry any bull into execution, unless confirmed by government; subjected monastic establishments to the jurisdiction of their respective dioceses, and exempted them from all obedience to their chiefs resident at Rome,” &c. Coxe’s House of Austria*, pp. 490, 491.

“In 1781, this same emperor, to carry into effect more fully these principles of reform introduced by his mother just before her death, published the following edict of toleration: “By this edict he granted to all members of the Protestant and Greek churches, under the denomination of Acatholics or Noncatholics, the free exercise of their religion. He declared all Christians of every denomination equally citizens, and capable of holding all charges and offices in every department of State, &c. * He ordered a new

translation of the Bible to be made in the German tongue. On the Jews he also conferred many liberal privileges,” &c. Coxe’s House of Austria, Vol. iii, pp. 491–493. England had also previously broken with the Papacy.

The Pope was made head of all of the holy churches, and the effective corrector of heretics by the decree of Justinian, 538. His mode of correcting heretics was by torture and execution. From the above historical extracts we learn the fact that in 1776 the practice of torture was abolished and the exorbitant authority of the Pope diminished, and his bulls forbidden to be carried into execution, and in Italy the arbitrary power of the Inquisition was circumscribed within narrow limits, and freedom was extended to Protestants. They had the free rights of their religion, and they were declared equally citizens and capable of holding all charges and offices in every department of State. And American Independence was also declared in that memorable year 1776, declaring that all men were created free and equal, and endowed by the Creator with certain inalienable rights, among which are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness; and the constitution framed upon this declaration guaranteed the right of civil and religious liberty. And thus the ensign was set up for the nations, and many people of all nations have been flowing into it. Compare Isa. xviii, 3; xi, 12; ii, 2, 3; Micah iv, 1, 2, 6. The civil and religious liberty guaranteed by the constitution of these United States of America has drawn a tide of emigration to this country unparalleled in the annals of history.

From the above items in history we learn the perfect and very clear fulfillment of our Lord’s testimony and prediction that those days of tribulation or indignation were shortened, and also an admirable harmony existing between the shortening of those days and the declaration of our American Independence. It was also immediately after those days were thus shortened as above in 1776, that the sun and moon were darkened, May 19, 1780, as a token and sign to the inhabitants of earth that the second coming of Christ and the establishment of his kingdom was nigh, and to be fulfilled before the present generation should pass. From the above items in history it will also further be seen that the Papal beast who had led the saints into captivity was now in 1776 himself beginning to be effectually led into captivity. And the two-horned beast at the very same date began effectually to arise or to come up out of the earth. But the deadly wound of the Papal beast was not complete, or, in other words, his captivity was not fully consummated till the Papal government was abolished in 1798, and the Pope was led a captive to France. Neither had the two-horned beast at this point, 1776, when its first declaration of independence was made, fully arisen or fully come up. It was not then fully established in the top of the mountains, and exalted above the hills, as predicted in Isa. ii, 2, 3, and Micah iv, 1, 2. It could not be thus fully established until the indignation, or the scattering of the power of the holy people was accomplished, and the captivity of the first or Papal beast was consummated, as was the case in 1798, when the Papal government was abolished and the Pope was led a captive to France, where he died in exile. This will appear from the following considerations:—

The French government was the first to acknowledge our American Independence; the other nations of the earth soon followed, but at the same time when France nominally acknowledged our independence, a treaty of alliance was formed between France and the United States, and neither of the contracting parties were to make war or peace without the formal consent of the other. Here, then, was a connecting link between the United States and France, so that the government of these United States could not act free and independent without the dictation or formal consent of the old Roman government. This connecting link held the United States under the formal dictation of the French government in the greatest of all national acts, viz., making war or peace, until the indignation, or scattering of the power of the holy people was accomplished, at which point this connecting link was severed. It is also a fact here worthy of notice, that when the treaty of peace was concluded between the United States and Great Britain, it had to be effected at the court of France; and France labored secretly to secure the future dependence of her allies, the United States, upon herself; and upon another occasion she boldly contended that in the friendship of France alone could America look for safety, and money was demanded by the French government by way of tribute, in explicit terms, of the United States; and the French government finally refused to receive another minister from the United States until a redress of grievances; in other words, until their demand of tribute was complied with. But the principle and desire for freedom had become too deeply rooted in the breasts of Americans to submit. They revolted against this tributary demand, and the shout resounded from every quarter of the Union, millions for defence; not a cent for tribute. And the President issued his proclamation to convene Congress the 15th day of July, 1798; and in his speech on that occasion, having stated the indignity offered the United States by the French in refusing to receive her minister, &c., the President in the tone of a high minded and independent American, urged Congress to repel this indignity of the French government, by a course which should convince that government and the world, that we are not a degraded people, humiliated under a colonial spirit of fear, and a sense of inferiority, fitted to be the miserable instruments of foreign influence, and regardless of national honor, character, and interest. And the treaty of alliance with France, was declared by Congress to be no longer in force. Authority was then given for capturing armed French vessels, and preparations were made for war with France. Compare Hale’s History, pages 216, 235, 258; Goodrich’s History, pages 267–8, 370–3; Russel’s History, pages 217–18. And thus the last connecting link which held the United States under the dictation of France was broken in the memorable year 1798, and from that time the United States stood out before the world a free and independent government, upon their own basis, at liberty to perform the great national act of making war or peace without the dictation or consent of any portion of the Roman or ten-horned kingdom. It is here worthy of remark that this was at a time when the French nation held the leading or controlling influence in the Roman government. In February previous they abolished the Papal government, and proclaimed the Roman Republic. It is also worthy of remark that the Franks or French are the only people of Europe who can deduce a perpetual succession from the conquerors of the Western Empire. See Milman’s Gibbon, page 589. With Bonaparte at the head of the French nation, who claimed to be the inheritor of Caesar’s throne, a treaty of peace was concluded between France and the United States in the year 1800.

(Concluded next week.)