Testing Pioneers Writings

The first angel's message from Revelation 14 was primarily given during the great Advent movement, specifically gaining momentum from the 1830s through to 1844EW 304.1+9.

This pivotal message was integral to a significant religious awakening, and its proclamation included several key aspects:

• Initiation and Fulfillment The prophecy of the first angel's message, as seen in Revelation 14:6, 7 found its fulfillment in the Advent movement of 1840-18444SP 222.1. God designed this message to arouse people and bring them to a testing point where they would decide for or against the truthEW 232.2. It was specifically linked to the proclamation of the expected advent of ChristHF 221.1+3.

• William Miller's Role William Miller and his co-laborers were divinely called to preach this warning in America, which became the center of this great Advent movementEW ix.1+1. They proclaimed the "definite time," particularly 1843, from charts detailing the prophecies of Daniel and RevelationEW 232.2+2. This mighty movement stirred the world, creating widespread interest in the Advent doctrineLELJB 304.2.

• The Message's Core The first angel's message, stating "Fear God, and give glory to Him; for the hour of His judgment is come," Revelation 14:7 announced the work of investigative judgment in heaven, which immediately precedes Christ's second comingHF 218.4+3. It was designed to separate the professed people of God from the corrupting influences of the world and to awaken them to their true condition of worldliness and backslidingHF 235.2+2.

• Historical Impact This message was preached with power, and many thousands embraced the truth, with some pioneers like Brother Foy hearing it in 1842ARSH February 26, 1861, page 119.17+1. It went forth to every missionary station in the world, demonstrating its universal reach Matthew 24:14GCB/GCDB 1893, page 152.10+4. While its proclamation as a leading message concluded with the end of the prophetic periods in 1844ARSH December 1850, page 14.8+2 the truths it unveiled continue to be vital and are integrated with the subsequent messages1888 804.3.

• Connection to Daniel The first angel's message is directly connected to the unsealing of Daniel's prophecies, particularly the 2300-day prophecy of Daniel 8-9 which culminated in 1844EW ix.1+4. This was the foundation of the judgment hour cryARSH December 1850, page 14.8.

Indeed, the first angel's message was a powerful and divinely appointed proclamation, marking a significant period in prophetic history and laying the groundwork for further truths to be revealed1SG 150.1+3.

The second angel's message from Revelation 14 was first preached in the summer of 1844, following the proclamation of the first angel's message 🕊️GC 389.2+5.

This significant message was a crucial development in the great Advent movement, with several important aspects:

• Initial Proclamation in 1844

  The second angel's message, declaring "Babylon is fallen, is fallen, because she made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication" Revelation 14:8 was initially sounded in the early summer of 1844GC 389.2+6. This message came to the professed churches of God after they had largely rejected the warning of the judgment from the first angel's messageCOOD 80.2+4.

• The Moral Fall of the Churches

  The proclamation was an announcement of the moral fall of the churches, which occurred in consequence of their refusal to accept the light of the advent messageGC 389.2+3. They were seen as following the example of the "mother church" (Rome) in opposing biblical truths with their creeds, thus becoming part of Babylon Revelation 17:5ARSH June 30, 1863, page 35.5+1.

• The Midnight Cry's Power

  The "midnight cry," with its urgent call, "Behold, the Bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet Him" Matthew 25:6 was given to empower the second angel's message1SG 140.2+3. This intense period immediately preceded October 22, 1844, when there was a climactic closing up of the second angel's messageEW 303.1.

• Call to Come Out of Babylon

  As a direct result of this message, many who held the "living testimony" within them, about fifty thousand people, withdrew from these fallen churches in the summer of 18444SP 232.1+1. The message included a distinct call: "Come out of her, My people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues" Revelation 18:410MR 315.2+14.

• Ongoing and Future Fulfillment

  While the message was first proclaimed in 1844, it did not reach its complete fulfillment at that timeGC 389.2. The second angel's message continues to be present truth and is destined to be repeated with increasing power, joining with the third angel's message as part of the "loud cry" just before the second advent of ChristMTC 61.1+5. This repetition includes the additional mention of corruptions that have continued to enter religious organizations since 1844GC 603.2+1.

Thus, the second angel's message was a vital, time-sensitive proclamation that both revealed the moral decline of many churches in 1844 and continues to call God's people out of spiritual Babylon, preparing the way for the Lord's glorious return 🌟GC 389.2+3.

Daniel 11:40-45

40 And at the time of the end shall the king of the south push at him: and the king of the north shall come against him like a whirlwind, with chariots, and with horsemen, and with many ships; and he shall enter into the countries, and shall overflow and pass over.

41 He shall enter also into the glorious land, and many countries shall be overthrown: but these shall escape out of his hand, even Edom, and Moab, and the chief of the children of Ammon.

42 He shall stretch forth his hand also on the countries: and the land of Egypt shall not escape.

43 But he shall have power over the treasures of gold and of silver, and over all the precious things of Egypt: and the Libyans and the Ethiopians shall be at his steps.

44 But tidings out of the east and out of the north shall trouble him: therefore he shall go forth with great fury to destroy, and utterly to make away many.

45 And he shall plant the tabernacles of his palace between the seas in the glorious holy mountain; yet he shall come to his end, and none shall help him.

According to both Uriah Smith and A.T. Jones, the "king of the north" in Daniel 11:40-45 is consistently identified as the Ottoman (Turkish) Empire 🇹🇷DAR1909 302.3+8.

This identification is crucial for understanding the prophetic timeline, especially concerning events at the "time of the end."

Identifying the King of the North

• Geographical Principle The interpretation firmly establishes that the identity of the "king of the north" (and "king of the south") is determined by the territory they occupy, rather than a continuous dynastic lineDAR1909 249.2+1. Following the death of Alexander the Great, his empire was divided, and the territory north of Palestine (originally held by Lysimachus, encompassing Syria, Thrace, and Asia Minor) became known as the kingdom of the northDAR1909 249.2+1.

• Turkish Occupation For centuries leading up to the "time of the end," the territory that originally constituted the kingdom of the north has been entirely within the dominion of the Sultan of TurkeyDAR1909 302.3+5. Therefore, the power ruling from Constantinople, occupying this historical territory, is definitively the "king of the north" in these last daysEQ 11.1+5.

Events at the Time of the End Daniel 11:40-45

The prophecy in Daniel 11:40-45 describes specific events involving the king of the north, particularly at "the time of the end," which commenced in 1798DAR1909 302.3+20.

• Conflict with France Daniel 11:40

• King of the South (Egypt) Pushes: In 1798, a state of open hostility began between France and Egypt. Egypt made a comparatively feeble resistance, or "pushed," against FranceDAR1909 302.3+5.

• King of the North (Turkey) Comes Like a Whirlwind: In that same year, 1798, the Sultan of Turkey, agitated by French actions in Egypt (an Ottoman semi-dependency) and influenced by English ambassadors, declared war against FranceDAR1909 304.2+2. This onslaught was described as coming "like a whirlwind, with chariots, and with horsemen, and with many ships" Daniel 11:40. Napoleon's efforts to conquer the Turkish armies in Syria were thwarted, particularly at St. Jean d'Acre, where British and Russian vessels supported the Turkish garrison, forming the "many ships" of the king of the northDAR1909 304.2+2. This successful resistance by Turkey resulted in the French being driven back into Egypt, and the prophecy's burden shifted to the king of the north, Turkey, as the triumphant power that would "overflow and pass over" Daniel 11:40DAR1909 304.2+2.

• Entry into Countries Daniel 11:41-43

• The prophecy states that the king of the north "shall enter also into the glorious land, and many countries shall be overthrown: but these shall escape out of his hand, even Edom, and Moab, and the chief of the children of Ammon" Daniel 11:41. This indicates Turkey's dominion and influence over territories, even if some regions like Edom, Moab, and Ammon (areas now part of Jordan and Saudi Arabia) might retain a degree of autonomyWIEX 1.1. Turkey's historical control over vast areas of the Middle East and North Africa aligns with this description.

• "And the land of Egypt shall not escape" Daniel 11:42. Historically, Egypt eventually came under the control of the Ottoman Empire, aligning with this prophecyWIEX 1.1.

• "But he shall have power over the treasures of gold and of silver, and over all the precious things of Egypt: and the Libyans and the Ethiopians shall be at his steps" Daniel 11:43. This portrays Turkey's economic and political influence over these regionsWIEX 1.1.

• Tidings from the East and North Daniel 11:44

• "But tidings out of the east and out of the north shall trouble him: therefore he shall go forth with great fury to destroy, and utterly to make away many" Daniel 11:44. This part of the prophecy found a striking fulfillment in the Crimean War of 1853, when Russia (from the north and east) waged war against the Ottoman EmpireDAR1909 247+7. Turkey was preserved only through the intervention and support of major European powers like Great Britain and France, forming an "almost miraculous" allianceEQ 11.1+4.

• End of the King of the North Daniel 11:45

• "And he shall plant the tabernacles of his palace between the seas in the glorious holy mountain; yet he shall come to his end, and none shall help him" Daniel 11:45. This verse describes the final movements of the Turkish power, indicating its ultimate demise without external aidSYNPT 251.2+8. The expectation is that Turkey will be driven from Europe and hastily make Jerusalem its temporary seat of government, which will then signal its final end, immediately preceding the "standing up of Michael," or the beginning of Christ's reign Daniel 12:1DAR1909 319.2+2.

The consistent identification of the Ottoman Empire as the king of the north by these pioneers provides a clear and unified understanding of this significant portion of prophecy.

I don't have information from the provided references that directly states who Ellen White identifies as the "king of the north" in Daniel 11:40-45.

Yes, Ellen White very strongly and unequivocally endorsed Uriah Smith's book, "Thoughts on Daniel and the Revelation" (often referred to as "Daniel and the Revelation") ✨. She considered it to be of immense importance for God's people and for enlightening the world.

Here's a closer look at her endorsement:

• A Book for This Time

  She stated that "Daniel and the Revelation" should especially be brought before people as "the very book for this time" and that it contains "the message which all need to read and understand"1MR 60.4. This book was recognized for its power to enlighten the world, having already led many souls to a knowledge of the truth in places like Australia and New Zealand1MR 60.4+1.

• Containing Special Light from God

  Ellen White identified "Thoughts on Daniel and the Revelation," along with other key books like "Great Controversy" and "Patriarchs and Prophets," as containing "the very message the people must have, the special light God had given his people"PH079 7.1. She even referred to it as "God's helping hand," emphasizing that "no other book that can take the place of this one"16LtMs, Ms 76, 1901, par. 13.

• Urged for Wide Circulation

  She consistently called for the book to be given a wide circulation, emphasizing that "every effort should be made to get them before the people"CM 123.1+3. Young men were specifically encouraged to take up the work of canvassing for it with great earnestness, familiarizing themselves with its truths to share light with others1MR 63.3+1.

• Effectiveness in Leading to Truth

  The book proved effective in convicting people of truth. For instance, a school teacher and his family embraced the truth after reading "Thoughts on Daniel and Revelation" and "Great Controversy"9LtMs, Lt 1, 1894, par. 3 and a banker was "deeply convicted" and found its subjects "elevating, ennobling" after reading it9LtMs, Lt 129, 1894, par. 3.

• Essential for Understanding Prophecy

  She stressed the need for a closer study of the books of Daniel and Revelation, particularly now, as "Daniel is to stand out conspicuously with the Revelation given to John on the Isle of Patmos"SPCCSR 127.2+1. She stated that those who make light of the third angel's message do so because they know little of Daniel or Revelation, indicating the book's foundational role in understanding prophecy16LtMs, Ms 142, 1901, par. 10.

Ellen White clearly held Uriah Smith's "Thoughts on Daniel and the Revelation" in very high regard, seeing it as a divinely appointed tool for spreading present truth and preparing people for future events6LtMs, Ms 23, 1890, par. 10+1.

I don't have information from the provided references that directly states who James White identifies as the "king of the north" in Daniel 11:40-45.

Uriah Smith's book, "Thoughts on Daniel and the Revelation," was developed from a broader base of ideas and was not solely composed of his original thoughts ✨.

Here's how its compilation and authorship are understood:

• Outgrowth of Lectures This volume originated from a series of lectures given at Biblical Institutes in various parts of the countrySYNPT 3.1. The substance of these lectures was later published in book form, initially titled "The Biblical Institute," before being thoroughly revised, rewritten, and expanded with many new subjects, leading to its new name, "Synopsis of the Present Truth" (which corresponds to "Thoughts on Daniel and the Revelation" in this context)SYNPT 3.1. This indicates it drew from a collective body of teachings and discussions within the Advent movement.

• Smith's Contributions Uriah Smith was a significant contributor to the work, writing several sections of the bookRECA 1. While he was the resident editor of publications like the Review and HeraldARSH November 13, 1856, page 9.1+5 and deeply involved in presenting prophetic understandingDAR1909 3.3+1 the book itself evolved from a collaborative teaching environment.

Therefore, while Uriah Smith was instrumental in writing and compiling the book, it emerged from a shared understanding and discourse presented in Biblical Institutes, rather than being exclusively a product of his individual ideasSYNPT 3.1.

Yes, according to both the pioneers and Ellen White, Jesus was most certainly begotten of God the Father 💖. They consistently affirm that He was not a created being, but uniquely brought forth from the Father's own essence before all worlds.

Here's a deeper look into this beautiful truth:

Begotten, Not Created

• Jesus is explicitly referred to as "the only begotten Son of God" John 3:16CHR 21.2. This signifies that His origin is fundamentally different from that of any other being in the universe, as He was begotten, not createdSITI July 7, 1887, page 407.3+6.

• The Scriptures nowhere speak of Christ as a created beingDAR1909 430.1. Angels, for example, were created by Christ, but Christ Himself was directly begotten of the FatherSH 6.3+1.

• This begetting occurred before all ages and all conceivable time, from the very essence and substance of the FatherARSH January 15, 1901, page 40.29+8. While the Father is unbegotten, Jesus proceeded forth and came from God, from the bosom of the Father, at a time so far back in eternity that to finite minds it is practically without beginning John 8:42+1CHR 21.2.

• This divine impulse or process, not creation, is known only to Omniscience and possible only to OmnipotenceLUJ 10.1.

Divine Nature and Equality

• As the only begotten Son of God, Jesus is of the very substance and nature of God, possessing by birth all the attributes of GodBEST October 1, 1889, page 298.2+2. He is the brightness of the Father's glory and the express image of His person Hebrews 1:38MR 280.2+10.

• The Father ordained that Christ should be equal with Himself, investing Him with authority and power the same as God HimselfST January 9, 1879, par. 2+3. This equality means that wherever the Son is present, it is as the Father's own presenceST January 9, 1879, par. 2.

• Jesus Himself declared, "I and My Father are one" John 10:301SAT 247.2+8. This oneness is not in being numerically a single person, but rather a perfect unity in mind, heart, holiness, justice, purity, and in the work of salvation1888 1142.2+23.

• He is the Word, through whom the divine will and power are made known, and by whom all things were created John 1:1-3+18MR 280.2+14.

The Father's Role and Christ's Beginning

• While both are of the same divine nature, the Father is "first in point of time" and "had no beginning," whereas Christ's personality "had a beginning"BEST October 1, 1889, page 298.2+2. This beginning, however, predates the entire work of creation, making Him joint Creator with GodDAR1909 430.1+3.

• The plan of redemption was arranged in councils between the Father and the Son, with Christ pledging to give His life as a ransom2Red 13.2+5. This immense sacrifice of the only begotten Son demonstrates God's infinite love for the world John 3:1617MR 197.2+76.

This understanding of Jesus as the begotten Son of God—divine, pre-existent, and one with the Father in purpose and power—is a cornerstone of their theology, providing the very foundation for our hope of salvation 🙏ATO 155.1+2.

The pioneers of the Advent movement viewed the "2520 prophecy" as a significant chronological period in biblical prophecy, and the accuracy of this and other prophetic periods was implicitly endorsed by Ellen White as part of the overall prophetic reckoning that was found to be correct in its timing, though not in the anticipated event ✨.

Understanding the 2520 Prophecy

This prophecy, often referred to as the "seven times" of punishment, is primarily derived from Leviticus 26 and further supported by principles of prophetic interpretation found in Daniel and other biblical books.

• Biblical Foundation: The prophecy stems from the warnings in Leviticus 26 where God declared that if His people continued in disobedience, He would punish them "seven times more for their sins" Leviticus 26:18+3.

• Prophetic Calculation: The pioneers understood "seven times" to represent seven prophetic "times." Based on the day-for-a-year principle, clearly taught in passages like Numbers 14:34 and Ezekiel 4:6 and exemplified by the 1260 prophetic days in Revelation 12:6+1 (which is three and a half "times"), one prophetic "time" equals 360 literal years. Therefore, "seven times" equals 2520 literal years (7 x 360 = 2520)MWV2 261.1+7.

• Commencement Point: The beginning of this period of punishment was consistently dated to B.C. 677, marked by the captivity of Manasseh, king of Judah, by the Assyrians 2 Chronicles 33:9-11+1. This event symbolized the breaking of the pride of Israel's power and their subjection to Gentile nationsHST October 2, 1844, page 70.6+7.

• Termination Point: Calculating 2520 years from B.C. 677 brings the prophecy to A.D. 1843 (2520 - 677 = 1843). However, careful adjustments for the precise starting point within the year B.C. 677 (specifically the autumn, as kings went forth to war in spring/summer, and Manasseh's captivity followed the removal of the ten tribes) extended the period to the autumn of A.D. 1844HST October 2, 1844, page 70.6+8.

• Significance: The 2520 years were understood as the duration of God's people being "among the beasts, or kings of the earth," signifying their punishment and Gentile domination. The end of this period was believed to herald the gathering of God's people and the establishment of His everlasting kingdomMWV2 261.1+2.

Endorsement and the Advent Movement

The 2520 prophecy was an integral part of the larger system of prophetic chronology proclaimed by William Miller and other Advent pioneers, which included the 2300 days of Daniel 8:14 and the 70 weeks of Daniel 9+3. These calculations were seen to converge around the year 1844.

• Pioneer Conviction: Pioneers like William Miller firmly believed in the chronological import of the "seven times" and diligently studied it alongside other prophetic periodsHST April 10, 1844, page 73.15+1. They saw the "seven times" as a "mighty bulwark immovable as the pillars of heaven," established by the oath of the AlmightyHST March 20, 1844, page 55.18.

• Ellen White's Stance: While Ellen White clarified that "God's hand covered a mistake in the reckoning of the prophetic periods"EW 235.3 she also specified that this "mistake had not been in the reckoning of the prophetic periods, but in the event to take place at the end of the 2300 days"CIHS 151.1+1. She affirmed that the "computation of the prophetic periods on which that message was based, placing the close of the 2300 days in the autumn of 1844, stands without impeachment"CIHS 171.1+1. Since the 2520 prophecy was a fundamental component of the overall "reckoning of the prophetic periods" that pointed to 1844, her statements confirm the validity of the calculations themselves, including the 2520, even though the expected event (Christ's second coming to earth) was misunderstood. The early Adventists, guided by the Spirit of God, "could detect no error in their reckoning of the prophetic periods" and refused to "renounce positions which had been reached through earnest, prayerful study of the Scriptures"GC 405.3+1.

• Integration with the Sanctuary Truth: The post-1844 understanding revealed that the true event at the end of these periods was Christ entering the Most Holy Place of the heavenly sanctuary, not His return to earthCIHS 151.1+1. This new light confirmed the correctness of the time calculations while redirecting the focus to Christ's present ministry in heaven.

Therefore, the 2520 prophecy was a cornerstone of the pioneer Advent faith, seen as a divinely revealed chronological truth that, though initially misunderstood regarding the event, proved accurate in its timing as part of God's prophetic plan for the last days 🙏.