Appendix
565
to show that the large number of eclipses by which its accuracy has
been repeatedly demonstrated, have not been correctly computed; and
such a result would unsettle every chronological date, and leave the
settlement of epochs and the adjustment of eras entirely at the mercy
of every dreamer, so that chronology would be of no more value than
mere guess-work. As the seventy weeks must terminate in A.D. 34,
unless the seventh of Artaxerxes is wrongly fixed, and as that cannot
be changed without some evidence to that effect, we inquire, what
evidence marked that termination? The time when the apostles turned
to the Gentiles harmonizes with that date better than any other which
has been named. And the crucifixion, in A.D. 31, in the midst of the
last week, is sustained by a mass of testimony which cannot be easily
invalidated.”
As the 70 weeks and the 2300 days have a common starting-point,
the calculation of Mr. Miller is verified at a glance by subtracting the
457 years B.C. From the 2300. Thus,
2300
457
——
1843 A.D.
The year 1843 was, however, regarded as extending to the spring
of 1844. The reason for this, briefly stated, is as follows: Anciently
the year did not commence in midwinter, as now, but at the first new
moon after the vernal equinox. Therefore, as the period of 2300 days
was begun in a year reckoned by the ancient method, it was considered
necessary to conform to that method to its close. Hence, 1843 was
counted as ending in the spring, and not in the winter.
But the 2300 days cannot be reckoned from the beginning of the
year 457 B.C.; For the decree of Artaxerxes—which is the starting-
point—did not go into effect until the autumn of that year. Conse-
quently the 2300 days, beginning in the autumn of 457 B.C., must
extend to the autumn of 1844 A.D. (See small diagram on plate
opposite page 328.)
[682]
This fact not being at first perceived by Mr. Miller and his asso-
ciates, they looked for the coming of Christ in 1843, or in the spring
of 1844; hence the first disappointment and the seeming delay. It was
the discovery of the correct time, in connection with other scripture
testimony, that led to the movement known as the “midnight cry” of