THE TIMES OF THE GENTILES,
By H. Edson
And the Deliverance and Restoration of the Remnant of Israel from the Seven Times, or 2520 years of Assyrian or Pagan and Papal Captivity considered.
BY H. EDSON.
(Continued)
Gabriel has now led Daniel down through the prophetic chain, and made him know what should be in the last end of the indignation; and shown him clearly the termination of the appointed time where the indignation should cease; and has set up way-marks and high heaps, to serve as light-houses, to shed a brilliant light upon the point of its termination: and from thence to the standing up or reign of Michael and the resurrection.
But a very important point, the main secret of the hidden wisdom yet remained to be unfolded. The key had not yet been given to unlock and reveal the manner of time contained in the appointed seven times. At this point, Daniel sees two heavenly ones; one of them said to the man clothed in linen, How long shall it be to the end of these wonders? And the man clothed in linen lifted up his hand to heaven and sware by him that liveth for ever, that it should be for a time, times, and an half, and when he shall have accomplished to scatter the power of the holy people, all these things shall be finished.
Here perhaps some may be ready to say, You are cornered at last; for the scattering of the power of the holy people, which is the indignation itself, is not accomplished till ALL THESE THINGS are finished, among which things is embraced the standing up of Michael, the time of trouble such as never was, and the resurrection. Well, let us lay aside our former views on this point and let Gabriel be his own interpreter, and he will make it plain, and harmonious with all his past testimony. But first permit me to ask a few simple questions. The standing up of Michael, signifies his reign. See Dan. xi, 2-4. Will Michael's reign be finished when the scattering of the power of the holy people is accomplished? Sober reason and inspiration answer in the negative. Once more, the second resurrection which is one thousand years later than the first, is as really embraced as in the first, in Dan. xii, 2. Will the second resurrection be finished and the everlasting shame and contempt of the wicked, and the shining of the saints as the brightness of the firmament, and as the stars for ever and ever, as predicted in verses 2 and 3, be finished when the scattering of the power of the holy people is accomplished? An enlightened conscience answers, No. "These things," is a definite expression, and must refer to its antecedent, and embraces no more than its antecedent expresses. The antecedent of "these things," is found in the previous verse, in the question "How long shall it be to the end of these wonders?" These things, in the answer, refer to these wonders in the question, and is equivalent to saying all these wonders shall be finished. It is only the avoiding of repetition. The next question that arises then is; how much is embraced in these wonders? From the above, we see that all of Gabriel's instruction to Daniel, is not embraced in these wonders. Wonder, signifies astonishment, and vice versa, astonishment signifies wonder. See Walker. We inquire then, What was the most astonishing portion of the vision of Chap. viii, and of its explanation? We answer that Daniel saw that the Roman power in its Papal form would wax great even to the host of heaven, and would cast down some of the host and of the stars to the ground, and stamp upon them. Verse 10. In verse 24, Gabriel informs Daniel that this power would destroy WONDERFULLY, and practice, and prosper, and destroy the mighty, and the holy people. The heart-sickening sight of the WONDERFUL martyrdom, and bloodshed that would befall Daniel's people, and brethren in the last end of the indignation, was too appalling for the prophet to endure, and being thus ASTONISHED at the vision, he fainted, and sickened at the sight, and was sick certain days. In Chap. xi, 31, the desolating power of Papacy is called the abomination that maketh desolate, (margin, that ASTONISHETH.) This same blood thirsty power, was shown to St. John while on the isle of Patmos, represented by the symbol of a woman, drunken with the blood of the saints, and with the blood of the martyrs of Jesus; and when John saw her, he also WONDERED with GREAT ADMIRATION, Rev. xvii, 6. The Papal beast, and his cruel persecution of the saints have been the wonder of the world. Rev. xiii, 3, 7. See also Deut. xxviii, 59. Is it any marvel that the ministering heavenly angel, should put forth the anxious, sympathizing question, "How LONG shall it be to the END of THESE WONDERS?" The martyrs under the opening of the fifth seal, reiterate with a loud voice, the anxious inquiry, "How LONG, O Lord, holy and true, dost thou not judge and avenge our BLOOD on them that dwell on the earth?" Rev. vi, 10. The important question, and its answer, now under consideration, is equivalent to saying, How long shall it be to the end of this wonderful bloodshed of martyrs, and casting the host down to the ground, and stamping upon them? And the answer given by the heavenly one under oath, is that it should be for (i. e., continue) three and a half times. And that the scattering of the power of the holy people, which is the indignation itself, should be accomplished when these wonders should be finished, which wonders, according to the oath, must end with the termination of the three and a half times; and we are thus strongly assured that the indignation was accomplished when the three and a half times of the Papal supremacy expired; which was in the year 1798. But Daniel says, "I heard (this question and the answer) but I understood not." The thing was not yet revealed to Daniel: he did not yet understand the thing. See Chap. x, 1. What was the hidden thing which Daniel did not yet understand? Certainly Gabriel had made him know what should befall his people in the latter days, what should be in the last end of the indignation, and the point of its termination; and the angel had sworn that it should be for (continue) a time, times, and an half. But notwithstanding all this, Daniel says, "I understood not: then said I, O my lord, WHAT shall be the end of these things? (or these wonders?) The burden of Daniel's anxiety, in this his diligent inquiry, is couched in the little word "WHAT." Peter's comment on this word, will give us the light on this point. See 1 Pet. i, 10, 11. "The prophets have inquired and searched diligently, what, or what MANNER OF TIME," &c. Daniel's anxiety was now to understand the hidden wisdom, or the MANNER of time contained in the three and a half times, (which was the last half of the indignation,) which would also unlock the hidden wisdom or mystery of the seven times, which was the appointed time of the whole period of the indignation. The object of the angel, in testifying that the duration of the wonders, or the last end and half of the indignation should be for three and a half times, was designed to pave and open the way for the revealing of the hidden wisdom or manner of this time to Daniel. We have the inspired testimony in Chap. x, 1, that a thing was revealed to Daniel, and he understood the thing and had understanding of the vision. In Chap. xii, 8, Daniel testifies, "I understood not," and but four verses remain to complete the fulfillment of Gabriel's charge and the redemption of his pledge to Daniel, and then Daniel will understand the thing, and have understanding of the vision. Verse 9, Gabriel informs Daniel that the words (that is to say, the manner of the time which he is now about to reveal to Daniel) is closed up and sealed, (or hidden from all mankind except Daniel) till the time of the end. But Gabriel in answer to Daniel's inquiry, gives him in verse 11, the key which unlocks the manner of time contained in the three and a half times, by first referring him to a political event previously named in Chap. xi, 31, from which to reckon; and then a period in round numbers reaching from that event down to the end of the wonders; viz., "And from the time that the daily shall be taken away, (to set up. Heb., margin,) the abomination that astonisheth, there shall be a thousand two hundred and ninety days." Daniel having been previously informed that the time appointed was long, could now read122ly understand that the days must be prophetic days, 1290 years. He could then also readily see that each day contained in the three and a half times must symbolize so many years; and counting 12 months to the year, and 30 days to the month, would amount in all to 1260 days, each day for a year amounting in all to 1260 years as the duration of the wonders, or last end, and last half of the indignation; leaving 30 days or years to intervene between the abolition of Paganism, and the establishment of Papacy, which 30 years being added to the 1260, fill up the 1290 years. Daniel now understanding that the three and a half times contained 1260 years, could understand that the seven times, the whole period of the indignation, would be 2520 years. Daniel now having the manner of the time, and also the point clearly established where the indignation would cease, (this object being accomplished,) Gabriel next informs Daniel that a blessing would immediately succeed the indignation following the termination of the 1290 years, as follows: "Blessed is he that waiteth, and cometh to the thousand three hundred five and thirty days." It has generally been understood, that the blessing promised in this text, was to be realized at the close of the 1335 days. But this is evidently a mistaken view. By reading this text carefully, it will be seen that the waiting time is between the 1290 and the 1335 days, and also that the blessing is pronounced upon the waiting ones, DURING the waiting time, while waiting and coming to the 1335 days. By comparing the account of the indignation spoken of in Daniel with 2 Thess. ii, 3; Ps. lxxxix, 27-32; Isa. x, 5, 6; Lev. xxvi; Deut. xi, 26-28; xxviii, it will be seen that the 2520 years indignation was the Lord's great CURSE upon rebellious Israel. This curse ceases at the end of the 1290 days. At this point the galling yoke of their cruel and hard bondage was broken off, and Zion or Jacob is redeemed and ransomed from the hand of him that was stronger than he. Jer. xxxi, 10, 11. Jacob's captivity was then turned, and Jacob then rejoiced, and Israel was then glad. See Ps. xiv, 7. "When the Lord turned again the captivity of Zion we were like them that dream. Then was our mouth filled with laughter, and our tongue with singing; then said they among the heathen, the Lord hath done great things for them. The Lord hath done great things for us whereof we are glad." Ps. cxxvi, 1-3. The Bible has been brought out of its sackcloth covering by being translated into the different languages now in use, and has been circulated throughout the world; and the books of Daniel's and John's visions, have been unsealed and opened, and the light and knowledge of Bible truth has been increasing since the 1290 days ended. The blindness and darkness which happened to Israel till the fullness of the Gentiles were come in, has been dispersing as the light and knowledge of Bible truth has been increasing; and the Lord has been binding up the breach of his people, and healing the stroke of their wound as it is written. Isa. xxx, 26. "Moreover the light of the moon shall be as the light of the sun, and the light of the sun shall be seven fold as the light of seven days, in the day that the Lord bindeth up the breach of his people, and healeth the stroke of their wound." Compare with this text, Solomon's Songs vi, 10. Also Isa. lx, 1-3, is a parallel text and applies itself to the same space of time. "Arise, shine for thy light is come, and the GLORY of the Lord is risen upon thee. For behold the darkness (of Papal error) shall cover the earth and gross darkness the people, but the Lord shall arise upon thee, and his glory shall be seen upon thee, and the Gentiles shall come to thy light, and kings to the brightness of thy rising." Please turn and read Chap. lxi, 9, and Chap. lxii. Scripture quotations might be greatly multiplied on this point, but we forbear. In the rise and progress of the Protestant religion, Gentiles and kings have become its converts. The Bible was translated under the protection of king James of England, as defender of the Protestant faith. Other potentates of Europe have become converts to the Protestant religion. And thus Gentiles have come to the light, and kings to the brightness of Zion's rising in this latter-day glory. Reformation has succeeded reformation, during the 45 years waiting time between the 1290 and the 1335 years. Just call to mind the wonderful outpouring of the Holy Spirit, and the almost unparalleled reformations that swept over the land in the closing scenes of the 1335 days, while the first angel of Rev. xiv, 6, 7, was giving his message with a loud voice, which contained the healing balm that was capable of healing the breach and confusion of divisions and subdivisions among Protestant religionists; for it did heal all that embraced and lived out its holy truths, and united them in one body. But this healing balm, was by the great body of Protestants rejected, and they were not healed. The 1335 days ended in 1844, and O how sad the change which then came over the great body of Protestant religionists, themselves being judges. The following is from the Christian Palladium for May 15th, 1844, (just after the 1335 days ended.) "In every direction we hear the dolorous sound, wafting upon every breeze of heaven, chilling as the blasts from the icebergs of the north—settling like an incubus on the breasts of the timid, and drinking up the energies of the weak; that lukewarmness, division, anarchy, and desolation are distressing the borders of Zion. Perhaps it is so. What then? Do we well, like the howling women of ancient days, to rend our flesh—our hair, and fill the whole atmosphere with our wailings? It is but a few passing months since the whole extent of our widespread country, rang with triumphant peals of joy borne on the wings of numerous religious periodicals, and spontaneously overflowing from every christian heart. Not a lip but was shouting the victories of the cross, or joining in the triumphant songs of the REDEEMED. And is the whole scene now so CHANGED?" The above is but a sample of the many extracts which might be given from different religious periodicals, from articles in character like the above: headed DEPARTURE OR FAMINE OF THE SPIRIT; GREAT SPIRITUAL DEARTH, &c., &c. About that time proclamations of fasts, and seasons of prayer for the return of the Holy Spirit were sent out in religious papers. And were we now to put the question to the members and parties of the different Protestant churches, Are your churches in possession of that deep humility, and vital godliness which formerly characterized them? the ready answer would be in the negative, Nay, nay. And the fact is known, read, and admitted by all, that the blessing of the light and glory of the Lord which had arisen upon Protestants during the 45 years, between the 1290 and the 1335 days ending 1844, is now departed from them and Ichabod may be written upon her walls. Their sun has gone down at noon, and their light became darkness in a clear day. See Amos viii, 9, 10. During the 45 years of the latter-day glory, in the rise, triumph and prosperity of Zion, many were to be purified, made white and TRIED. The trial to the great cause came in the closing scenes of the 45 years. The unpopular doctrine of the speedy coming of our Lord, as given in the message of the first angel of Rev. xiv, 6, 7, proved to be the test and turning point with the great body of Protestants. Here their fidelity to their coming Master and His truth was tested and tried. And upon the few also who adhere to the present truth, is come the time of fiery trial which is to try them, and they have now need of patience that they may receive the promise. The tribulation is upon them that need patience, else the inspired witness would not have so emphatically declared. "HERE is the patience of the saints." Rev. xiv, 9-12. So that Dan. xii, 12, does not now apply to them. Hence from the above considerations, the fact must be apparent to all that the latter-day glory in the rise, triumph, and prosperity of Zion, and which constitutes the blessing predicted Dan. xii, 12, was realized during the 45 years between 1798 and 1844. Here then the prophetic pencil has traced the lines and set the bounds of the latter day glory. And every effort to remove them must prove ineffectual. The third angel of Rev. xiv, 9-12, is now announcing the last solemn warning. And the next link in this prophetic chain is the Son of man on the white cloud with his sharp sickle to reap the harvest of the earth. From the ground we have gone over in Daniel's visions, it may be seen that from verse 15 of Chap. viii, to the last verse of Chap. xii, if we except Daniel's prayer, and Gabriel's introductory and preparatory remarks, is but the explanation of the vision recorded in the first 14 verses of Chap. viii. Therefore all prophetic periods found in this explanation, the 70 weeks not excepted, must necessary be parts and divisions of the great period in the vision explained. And hence a connection of the whole is unavoidable: each period forming a link in the one great prophetic chain. The manner in which this vision is explained, forms a key which unlocks the mystery of the manner of time contained in the seven times. The seven prophetic times of Gentile dominion over the people of God, and the prophetic periods of Daniel's visions, are alike connected with the treading underfoot indignation, forming but one prophetic chain, which cannot be disconnected. Hence the dates of each period must necessarily harmonize with the dates of all the rest, so that any effort to fix the date of either one or more of these periods which will not harmonize with the dates of all the rest, can have no foundation in truth, or weight of argument in its favor. And from the fact of the existence of this harmony, it must appear that if the date of any one of these periods can be correctly ascertained, it will harmonize with the correct dates of all the rest; so that all of the uninvalidated evidences that establish the correct date of either one of these periods, will bear with equal weight upon the correct harmonious dates all of the rest. For example: The 70 weeks and 2300 days date from the seventh year of the reign of Artaxerxes Longimanus. "The commencement of his reign was B. C. 464. This is demonstrated by the agreement of above twenty eclipses which have been repeatedly calculated, and have been found to fall in the time specified. Before it can be shown that his reign is wrongly fixed, it must first be shown that those eclipses have been wrongly calculated. This no one has or ever will venture to do; consequently the commencement of his reign cannot be removed from that point." This argument will bear with equal weight upon the correct harmonious dates of all this connected chain of prophetic periods; so that the date of either one of the connected periods cannot be removed without first invalidating all the evidences bearing upon the date of each period. Again, when Daniel could not understand the answer to the question, how long shall it be to the end of these wonders, which was the end of the indignation, Gabriel made him understand how long by telling him it should be 1290 days from a given point. And now suppose we take the amount of evidence I have already adduced in this article, that the whole period of the indignation ended in 1798, all of which demonstrate the end of the 1290 days in 1798, and I have yet more very strong evidence to present on this point, then if we run down on the last link of 45 years in this prophetic chain, dating from the end of the 1290, the given point, which 45 years is the time of the end of the 2300 days vision, and reveals the end of the 2300 days independent of their beginning or connection with the 70 weeks; we may then run back 2300 days from the clearly ascertained point of their termination, and find their beginning to correspond with the date of the 70 weeks, and thus call to our aid this additional evidence of their connection which some have denied. The number seven is a perfect number in the Bible. The seven prophetic times complete the fullness of prophetic times given in the inspired volume. A prophetic time symbolizes 360 years. There is not another prophetic time given or named in the Bible to be fulfilled after the seven prophetic times expire; hence the seven times complete the fullness of times given us in the inspired volume, and hence the seven prophetic times is the appointed period which brings us to, and ushers in, the dispensation of the fullness of times, in which is to be gathered together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth. From this text we learn that the dispensation of the fullness of times is the GATHERING dispensation. The seven times was emphatically the scattering time, in which God's people were dispersed among123all nations; and we have before clearly proved that at the end of the seven times, was the appointed time for God to set his hand again, the second time, to recover the remnant of his people, and to assemble the outcasts of Israel and gather together the dispersed of Judah from the four corners of the earth; and that the yoke of their cruel and hard bondage was then broken off, and their captivity was then turned, and the latter-day glory was then ushered in, and we shall hereafter prove that the gathering has been going on from that time to the present. The gathering together of all which are in heaven and on earth, will be consummated when Christ shall come and ALL the holy angels with him, and the righteous are all caught up to meet him. Then the gathering dispensation, which is the dispensation of the fullness of times, will be ended. Hence the dispensation of the fullness of times was ushered in, in 1798, and will close at the second advent of Christ. Joseph Marsh commences this dispensation of the fullness of times after the second advent; but it will then be among the things that are in the past. He identifies it as the glorious probationary age to come after the second advent; but will he find it there? Nay, verily. See his Pamphlet. Title page, Age to come, pp. 1, 98, 125.