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Chapter 16—The Tarrying Time
When the year 1843 [
See appendix, note 4.
] entirely passed
away unmarked by the advent of Jesus, those who had looked in
faith for his appearing were for a time left in doubt and perplexity.
But notwithstanding their disappointment, many continued to search
the Scriptures, examining anew the evidences of their faith, and
carefully studying the prophecies to obtain further light. The Bible
testimony in support of their position seemed clear and conclusive.
Signs which could not be mistaken pointed to the coming of Christ
as near. The believers could not explain their disappointment; yet
they felt assured that God had led them in their past experience.
Their faith was greatly strengthened by the direct and forcible
application of those scriptures which set forth a tarrying time. As
early as 1842, the Spirit of God had moved upon Charles Fitch to
devise the prophetic chart, which was generally regarded by Adven-
tists as a fulfillment of the command given by the prophet Habakkuk,
“to write the vision and make it plain upon tables.” No one, however,
then saw the tarrying time, which was brought to view in the same
prophecy. After the disappointment, the full meaning of this scrip-
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ture became apparent. Thus speaks the prophet: “Write the vision,
and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it. For
the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak,
and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come,
it will not tarry.” [
Habakkuk 2:2, 3
.]
A portion of Ezekiel’s prophecy also was a source of much
strength and comfort to believers: “And the word of the Lord came
unto me, saying, Son of man, what is that proverb that ye have
in the land of Israel, saying, The days are prolonged, and every
vision faileth? Tell them therefore, Thus saith the Lord God:” “The
days are at hand, and the effect of every vision.” “I will speak, and
the word that I shall speak shall come to pass; it shall be no more
prolonged.” “They of the house of Israel say, The vision that he seeth
is for many days to come, and he prophesieth of the times that are
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