Vermont farmer. [volume] (Newport, Orleans County, Vt.) 1870-1877, 1875-04-30
How the "Tlmists" were Sold.

Elder Thurman, and "Thurman's chronol-
ogy," have a wide reputation, especially
among Advontists, and said chronology has
Nsen relied on in many calculation as to
tho date Of the second coming Of Christ.
Last week Monday was the day he had fixed
upon, and on that day about $50 persons. Of
both sexes and all ages, gathered at Chicago
to await the promised end Of all things.
All the preparations were made in accor-
dance with scriptual directions, including n
last supper, the washing Of each others feet,
prayer and singing. Whether the Rev. Jim
Wingate, the champion ieet-washer, was
present, deponent saith not Although I'M
lenvened bread formed part Of the repast, 1t
consisted largely of less sacred food, such rs
boiled mutton. cranberry pie, apples and
oranges, and included n supply of red wine.
Early In the evening the eXpectant believers
received II sign which greatly increased
their hopeiulness. Zaccheus and Matthew
had prophesied that the Lord would come
when 1.-THE light shall not be clear nor dark, q"
and "as the lightning cometh out OF the
east" Early in the evening the heavens
grew dark, and thunder storm burst over
the city. As Chicago time is seven hours
and half later than that of Jerusalem, the
leaders Of the sect ut once concluded that
the midnight at which the Lords coming
was expected was to be reckoned in Jorusa-
lem time, and they forthwith manifested the
livsliest Joy. The storm passed, however,
as storms generally do, and the anticipAtory
ceremonies were continued.
As the hour of midnight approached and
nature suffered no revolution, Elder Thur
man grew respondent, and while he ad-
ministered tho sacrament he said: 81 will
not despair to the rising sun, but how can
extend the prophetic dates longer than mid
night cannot see. 1t has been my study
Tor 80 years, and again and again, and yet
again, have examined all the prophecies to
SEQ whether there could be any mistake, but
could find none. And again, to-day, took
my Bible and tried TO see whether by any
possibility the prophecies might extend for a
day longer, but they all point to this day. II
there is mistake am unable to discover
1t. Whether Christ comes or not, feel that
my work is done. If Jesus does not come
lOl u LhONnbhh JpAioG ohill bunll ioJOiSO ehte'
did prove faithful took him at his word
AT the time appointed the end shall be-
cannot extend the dates. This is the APP
pointed time. Whether Christ appears OF
not, must still believe the dates end here
The same prophecies that show that Jesus
is indeed the Christ point to his second ad-
vent to. night. l am unable TO see how all
tho prophetic dates should end April 10, and
It be n chance business. If, Aftor all, | have
deceived you, will you forgive meP have
done the best could, God knows. / wanted
TO present you to Jesus. l can bear the
burden no more, l leave you in the hands Of
Cod When the miDute-hand Of the clock
struck l9, all hope Of the Lords visible
presence was abandoned, and the Assem-.
blage gave themselves up to weeping and
lamentations. Women wrung their hands
men groaned and wept, and the only impas
sive persons in the room were the babies
who long before had quietly gone to sleep
Some Of their sorrow had substantial four
dation. Elder Thurman, for instance, de
olared that his Journal could be published ne
longer, as all his calculations had gone
astray. Many others, because oftheir faith II
the approaching end of all things human
bad given away all their worldly goods, ant
had nothing whatever with which to con
tinue life during the days which they had
believed would never dawn.