End Times in Words Page 2 | Presbyterian Historical Society

You are here

Home > History Online > Exhibits > End Times in Words Page 2
Prophecy and End Times in Words and Art

Writings on the Christian end times and debates over eschatology have appeared throughout Presbyterian history.

The Geneva Bible was completed in Switzerland in 1560 in the same city that provided refuge to influential Protestants such as John Calvin and John Knox. This image is from the Book of Revelation illustrating the beginning of the end times. Bible, Geneva Version (London: 1599)

Interest in biblical eschatology was spurred at the end of the eighteenth century by many who saw the American Revolution as a sign of Christ's return. The Millennium (1794) compiled essays and sermons by American ministers who wrote about the thousand-year reign of peace following the second coming of Jesus Christ. The book includes essays by David Austin (1760-1831), pastor at the First Presbyterian Church in Elizabethtown (now Elizabeth), New Jersey, and Jonathan Edwards, who would later become president of Princeton University.

"It seems no unnatural conclusion from ancient prophecy, and from present appearances, that in order to usher in the dominion of our glorious Immanuel…TWO GREAT REVOLUTIONS are to take place…the first is now taking place; its happy effects we, in this country, already enjoy. O that the Lord would graciously put it into the hearts of his ministers and churches….to begin the second revolution, that which is inward and spiritual."

David Austin, "The Downfall of Mystical Babylon," in The Millenium, ed. Joseph Bellamy (Elizabethtown: Shepard Kollock, 1794), 393.

Rev. Austin persisted in his millennial beliefs, insisting the thousand-year reign of peace would begin on May 15, 1796. Eventually, his congregation petitioned the Presbytery of New York for his removal. The presbytery granted the request in 1797, condemning Austin's beliefs as "delusions of Satan" that "mislead, deceive and destroy the souls of men."

Presbytery of New York Minutes, May 4, 1797. Click to read.

Five decades later, Reverend John Lillie (1812-1867) found himself defending his eschatological views before the Presbytery of New York. During his defense, he claimed that many of the ministers who helped create the catechisms and confessions at the Westminster Assembly of Divines (1643-1652) held pre-millennial beliefs. While the presbytery refused to admit him to membership in 1842, Lillie did find a Philadelphia printer to publish his statement in 1843. Millenarianism Tried by the Standards of the Westminster Assembly of Divines, by John Lillie (Philadelphia: Grigg & Elliot, 1843.) Click to read.

In this 1853 pamphlet, the anonymous author predicts that France will overthrow the Roman Papacy, Russia will conquer Turkey and Britain will return Palestine to the Jews within the next 15 years based on interpretation of biblical prophecy. The author believed these events would lead to the second coming of Christ. The Coming Struggle Among the Nations of the Earth (New York: John Moffet, 1853.) Click to read.
New & Noteworthy