BRIEF REVIEW

OF

WILLIAM MILLER'S

DESTRUCTION OF THE WORLD.

BY REV. JOHN M. AUSTIN,

OF DANVERS, MASS.

BRIEF REVIEW.

the appeal

THE human mind is so constituted as to be easily excited by the wonderful and marvellous.— Whether the attention is arrested by some important discovery in the works of nature, or in the wise and perfect operation of nature's laws, or whether it is aroused by tricks of charlatanry, or the visionary dreamings of minds, swayed more by the imagination than by reason, is to the same quality of the mind, a love of the marvellous. But there is this distinction among men: While the sound-minded and enlightened, demand that to gain their credence, the marvel presented to their consideration, must have, at least, some foundation in reason and known facts, the ignorant and superstitious, are willing to adopt almost any hypothesis, however absurd, if it is but highly spiced with the mysterious and strange,-especially if it has the additional ingredient of alarm! These remarks are made in reference to a publication entitled, "Evidences from Scripture and History of the Second Coming of Christ, about the Year A. D. 1843, and of his Personal Reign of 1000 Years, By William Miller." It first made its appearance in pamphlet form in 1833, and was published in 1836 in a revised an 1 enlarged book.

This book is but an addition to the many efforts which have been made to alarm the credulous in regard to the near approach of the end of the world, and all the terrific events, which error and superstition have added thereto. There have not been wanting, in almost every age of the Christian era, those who were ready to stir up the apprehensions of the timid, upon this subject, and often from the most sinister motives. Numerous have been the dates set by self-made prophets, for the burning up of the world, which Time, the sure discloser of all events, has invariably proved false. A memorable instance of this kind took place, on the appearance of the great comet, in the 17th century. The wise ones, who suddenly found themselves inspired with the spirit of prophecy, declared that the comet was a certain prognostic of the end of the world, and the exact time was designated when the awful event should take place. As the awful period approached, the utmost alarm prevailed, - people abandoned all business and amusement, and the habitations and streets were filled with doleful lamentations. The Romish church, instead of allaying this excitement, as was their duty, rather magnified it. And the real secret why they favored the alarm leaks out, when we are told that they sold an immense number of pardons! The dreaded day at length arrived. But instead of clouds and darkness, instead of earthquakes and thunders and flames, the sun arose in its brightness and splendor, and poured its wonted smiles on the earth throughout the day, and all the wheels of nature continued their operations in their usual harmony. Several dates have been designated since that

time, for the coming of Christ and the dissolution of the world. One self-made prophet, Lorenzo Dow, placed it at 1810, I believe. Time proved its falsity, as it will of all like predictions. The earth still continues as it has been, and, for any thing that we can perceive in nature or in revelation, is destined to remain as it is, for thousands of years to come.

The publication above named, by Mr. Miller, is the latest of its kind. It evinces some research, and a familiarity with sacred and profane history. But when this has been said, nothing more can be added in its favor. The book appears to be the dreamings of a visionary mind. It is made up of bold assertions, and a fanciful assumption and arrangement of dates, for the purpose of producing a desired end. The author seems first to have formed his theory, and then went to work to turn the prophecies of the Scriptures into such shape, and attribute to them such dates, as should best comport with his scheme. Whether it was his object in preparing and publishing his book, to arouse the fears of the public, and turn them to a sectarian purpose, I cannot take it upon myself to determine, · but that it presents that appearance, is a construction which charity will not forbid us adopting. When an individual, to establish a favorite theory,. contends that the Scriptures have a double meaning, and that none but certain ones can understand their spiritual or true sense, we may be quite certain, he is endeavoring to establish doctrines at variance with reason and truth. The book would not be worthy the attention bestowed upon it, were it not that extracts from it have been circulated in community, and