“‘TO SECOND ADVENT BELIEVERS....
“‘Were I to live my life over again, with the same evidence that I then had, to be honest with God and man I should have to do as I have done. Although opposers said it would not come, they produced no weighty arguments. It was evidently guess-work with them; and I then thought, and do now, that their denial was based more on an unwillingness for the Lord to come than on any arguments leading to such a conclusion.
“‘I confess my error and acknowledge my disappointment; yet I still believe that the day of the Lord is near, even at the door; and I exhort you, my brethren, to be watchful, and not let that day come upon you unawares. The wicked, the proud, and the bigot, will exult over us. I will try to be patient. God will deliver the godly out of temptation, and will reserve the unjust to be punished at Christ’s appearing.
“‘I want you, my brethren, not to be drawn away from the truth. Do not, I pray you, neglect the Scriptures. They are able to make you wise unto eternal life. Let us be careful not to be drawn away from the manner and object of Christ’s coming; for the next attack of the adversary will be to induce unbelief respecting these. The manner of Christ’s coming has been well discussed.’
“Shortly after this he wrote the following lines respecting his disappointment:—
“‘How tedious and lonesome the hours,
While Jesus, my Saviour, delays!
I have sought him in solitude’s bowers,
And looked for him all the long days.
“‘Yet he lingers—I pray tell me why