JOSIAH LITCH’S PROPHECY

BY: THEODORE JAMES TURNER

Newly updated November 5, 2018

 PREFACE TO THE NEWLY UPDATED VERSION
This study on the Trumpets of Revelation 8 and 9 was first given in the summer of 2015. Many of
the ideas that are presently employed in setting a date for the attack of Islam upon the USA on July 18,
2020 were first discovered then. That is, the use of the Gregorian and Julian calendars, or lack thereof,
by Litch is providential, as well as the fact that Litch has no event on July 27, 1449 from which to count
his 391 years and 15 days.
What is further understood is that the Tammuz 26 (26D 4M) can now be understood as being an
expression of July 27, in 1299, 1449 and 1840 – the former being Julian and the latter two Gregorian.
The 262D 4M is also July 18 in 1449 and 2020 - the former Julian and the later Gregorian.
At the time of the writing of the update, the prediction for July 18 2020 is only 3 days old, being
discovered on the morning of November 2, 2018. However, the idea that there is to be events marked by
July 18, 2020, was established by the prophecy of Ezekiel 4 and 20:1. In that prediction, it is that certain
of the “elders of Israel” will come to enquire of the LORD and sit before us. This is based upon the literal
lying on the left side by Ezekiel that points to the 10D 5M. What was not understood, until three days
ago, was why they would do this. It seems that this would be the fulfillment of our prediction.
If one is familiar with this material, one could go to the end of this paper, where the new material
is mainly added. We suggest however, that this paper should be studied. For one, the author welcomes
any criticisms or suggestions. These are always helpful. For another, there are many arguments that are
pertinent to understanding the significance of the prediction.
It is my prayer that all will be ready for this event.

Theodore James Turner

November 5, 2019
 AN INTRODUCTION
This series of three lectures on the first, second and third woes, as they exist in prophecy and their
chronological fulfillment in history, cannot be comprehended without an understanding of the historic
fulfilment of the seven trumpets of Revelation 8 and 9. I refer you to Uriah Smith’s Thoughts on
Revelation as a ready reference to this topic. It is the standard work that reflects Adventist
understanding on these prophecies. I do not depart from that understanding, though I add some
supporting arguments. Since his time, many new arguments have been brought against the pioneers’
understanding of the trumpets. Especially of concern is the attack upon Josiah Litch’s interpretation of
Revelation 9:15 that places the end of the second woe on August 11th, 1840.
An example of this attack can be found in the book by Heidi Heiks called Satan’s Counterfeit
Prophecy. This book contains a systematic attack upon this foundational prophecy and Sister White’s
endorsement of it. Various authors attack the trumpets is a variety of ways (some even while trying to
endorse traditional views), while many look for a future fulfilment of the trumpets.
Be that as it may, I will not be dealing with all of the errors but only with the attacks upon the
trumpets that affect our understanding of the first and second woe. My aim is to show that the
chronology of the first and second woe is sound. The unsealing of the seven thunders not only includes
an understanding of the history of the Millerite time period that is a figurative delineation of events that
to transpire under the proclamation of the first, second and third angels’ messages in our time but also
includes an increase of light upon the foundational prophecies that were only partly comprehended by
the Millerites. We are guided in our study of this increase of light by this statement of Sister White’s.

In every age there is a new development of truth, a message of God to the people of
that generation. The old truths are all essential; new truth is not independent of the old,
but an unfolding of it. It is only as the old truths are understood that we can comprehend
the new. When Christ desired to open to His disciples the truth of His resurrection, He
began "at Moses and all the prophets" and "expounded unto them in all the scriptures
the things concerning Himself." Luke 24:27. But it is the light which shines in the fresh
unfolding of truth that glorifies the old. He who rejects or neglects the new does not
really possess the old. For him it loses its vital power and becomes but a lifeless form.
Christ’s Object Lessons, 128.

Sister White’s support of Josiah Litch’s interpretation is unequivocal. Her statement in the Great
Controversy is not only a resounding endorsement of this prophecy, and the principles of prophetic
interpretation as understood by the Millerites, but declares that its fulfilment provided an needed
impetus to the Millerite movement in its proclamation of the first angel’s message. If Litch’s
interpretation was false, or as Heiks suggests is Satan’s counterfeit prophecy, we belong to a movement
based upon a false interpretation of prophecy and false principles. Here is her quote,

In the year 1840 another remarkable fulfillment of prophecy excited widespread

interest. Two years before, Josiah Litch, one of the leading ministers preaching the
second advent, published an exposition of Revelation 9, predicting the fall of the
Ottoman Empire. According to his calculations, this power was to be overthrown "in A.D.
1840, sometime in the month of August;" and only a few days previous to its
accomplishment he wrote: "Allowing the first period, 150 years, to have been exactly
fulfilled before Deacozes1 ascended the throne by permission of the Turks, and that the

1
In copying this quote over time, an error in spelling has occurred in regard to the name of Constantine XI. His full title is
Κωνσταντίνος ΙΑ' Δραγάσης Παλαιολόγος [transliteration. Konstantinos IX Dragases Palaiologos]. The original source that Litch was
referring to was from Hawkins, The History of the Turkish or Ottoman Empire, published in 1787. The original quote read, "John
Paleologus was dead without children, his brother, Constantine Dracozes, [not Deacozes] would not venture to ascend the throne,
without the permission of Amurath. He sent ambassadors to ask his consent, before he presumed to call himself sovereign.This
 391 years, fifteen days, commenced at the close of the first period, it will end on the 11th
of August, 1840, when the Ottoman power in Constantinople may be expected to be
broken. And this, I believe, will be found to be the case."--Josiah Litch, in Signs of the
Times, and Expositor of Prophecy, Aug. 1, 1840.
At the very time specified, Turkey, through her ambassadors, accepted the
protection of the allied powers of Europe, and thus placed herself under the control of
Christian nations. The event exactly fulfilled the prediction. (See Appendix.) When it
became known, multitudes were convinced of the correctness of the principles of
prophetic interpretation adopted by Miller and his associates, and a wonderful impetus
was given to the advent movement. Men of learning and position united with Miller, both
in preaching and in publishing his views, and from 1840 to 1844 the work rapidly
extended. The Great Controversy, 334-335.

Heiks pretends that this quote is merely stating the facts of history and cannot be construed as an
endorsement of Litch’s interpretation. I do not see how this is possible. Also, Heiks is critical of the
quote, as it stands in the 1888 edition of the Great Controversy, where Sister White says, “Two years
before, Josiah Litch, one of the leading ministers preaching the second advent, published an exposition
of Revelation 9, predicting the fall of the Ottoman empire, and specifying not only the year but the very
day on which this would take place.” The Great Controversy (1888), 334. Sister White, in simplifying
the story, conflates Litch’s prediction in 1838 with that of a few days prior to its fulfilment. Simply put,
he tries to discredit Sister White’s endorsement of Litch’s prediction, on the basis that she gets it wrong.
Of course, she clarifies the statement in the 1911 edition. This comes too late, however, for Heiks.
Of course, Heiks’ criticisms are not all we have to contend with. I hope to demonstrate that the
attacks on this prophecy, both within and without Adventism, are groundless. It is my hope that an
understanding of this prophecy will once again empower the message and secure our faith in God’s
messenger, as we approach the closing scenes of this world’s history.

shameful proceeding seemed to presage the approaching downfall of the empire. Ducas, the historian, counts John Paleologus for the
last Greek emperor, without doubt, because he did not consider as such, a prince who had not dared to reign without the permission of
his enemy." Sister White, in quoting Litch, quotes him correctly, mistake and all. Here is Litch, "But the time came, and the word of
God was confirmed by the event. "John Paleologus emperor of Constantinople, was dead, and his brother, Constantine Deacozes,
would not venture to ascend the throne without the permission of Amurath, the Turkish sultan. He sent ambassadors to ask his consent
before he presumed to call himself sovereign.This happened A. D. 1449. This shameful proceeding seemed to presage the approaching
downfall of the empire. Ducas, the historian, counts John Paleologus for the last Greek emperor, without doubt, because he did not
consider as such, a prince who had not dared to reign without the permission of his enemy." Hawkins' Otto. Emp. p. 113. Gibbon, an
infidel, is so struck with the singular accuracy of the record of the origin of this empire, that he attributes it to some foresight in the
historian, of the rapid growth of the monster. But would it not become Christians better, to attribute it to the superintending providence
of that Being who had set a bound for that and other empires, which they may not pass? who had given them power to harass and
torment the empire of Constantinople five months; and to kill or subject it to their own sway, an hour, a day, a mouth, and a year; the
whole being five hundred and forty-one years and fifteen days." Josiah Litch, The probability of the Second Coming of Christ about
the year A.D. 1843, 155.
 LECTURE 1: THE FIRST FOUR TRUMPETS

TRUMPETS ARE NOT THE SEVEN LAST PLAGUES

One of the objections to the seven trumpets being fulfilled in the past is this statement of Sister
White’s, "Trumpet after trumpet is to be sounded, vial after vial poured out one after the other upon the
inhabitants of the earth."2 The suggestion is that Sister White is placing the trumpets in the future and
that the trumpets and the plagues occur simultaneously. Here is the statement in full.

"The agency of the Holy Spirit is to combine with human effort and all heaven is
engaged in the work of preparing a people to stand in these last days. The end is near
and we want to keep the future world in view. . . .
“In this last conflict the Captain of the Lord's host [Joshua 5:15] is leading on the
armies of heaven and mingling in the ranks and fighting our battles for us. We shall have
apostasies, we expect them. "They will go out from us because they were not of us" (see
1 John 2:19). "Every plant, which my heavenly Father hath not planted, shall be rooted
up" (Matthew 15:13).
“The angel, the mighty angel from heaven, is to lighten the earth with His glory
(Revelation 18:1), while he cries mightily with a loud voice, "Babylon the great is fallen,
is fallen" (verse 2). . . . We would lose faith and courage in the conflict, if we were not
sustained by the power of God. “Every form of evil is to spring into intense activity. Evil
angels unite their powers with evil men, and as they have been in constant conflict and
attained an experience in the best modes of deception and battle and have been
strengthening for centuries, they will not yield the last great final contest without a
desperate struggle and all the world will be on one side or the other of the question.
“The battle of Armageddon will be fought. And that day must find none of us
sleeping. Wide awake we must be, as wise virgins having oil in our vessels with our
lamps. The power of the Holy Ghost must be upon us and the Captain of the Lord's host
will stand at the head of the angels of heaven to direct the battle. Solemn events before
us are yet to transpire. Trumpet after trumpet is to be sounded; vial after vial poured out
one after another upon the inhabitants of the earth. Scenes of stupendous interest are
right upon us and these things will be sure indications of the presence of Him who has
directed in every aggressive movement, who has accompanied the march of His cause
through all the ages, and who has graciously pledged Himself to be with His people in all
their conflicts to the end of the world. He will vindicate His truth. He will cause it to
triumph. He is ready to supply His faithful ones with motives and power of purpose,
inspiring them with hope and courage and valor in increased activity as the time is at
hand. 3 Selected Messages, 425-426

There are two things to note, in the above quote. First, she is not declaring that the seven trumpets
are the seven last plagues. She is merely connecting trumpet warnings with the plagues. Second, the
warnings precede the plagues. If they occurred together, how would the warnings have any meaning?
Further, it should be noted that the seven trumpets and the seven last plagues do have parallels.
We propose that these are not evidence of their contemporaneity but as a pattern of design on the part
of God. The judgments against literal Rome parallel the judgments against spiritual Rome. Note the
parallels and differences listed below.

2
3 Selected Messages, 426.
 SIMILARITIES BETWEEN TRUMPETS AND PLAGUES3
TRUMPETS PLAGUES
1 Upon the earth Rev.8:7 Upon the earth Rev.16:2
2 Upon the sea Rev.8:8 Upon the sea Rev.16:3
3 Rivers & fountains of waters Rev.8:10 Rivers & fountains of waters Rev.16:4
4 Sun smitten Rev.8:12 Upon the sun Rev.16:8
5 Air darkened Rev.9:2 Darkness Rev.16:1
6 Great River Euphrates Rev.9:14 Great River Euphrates Rev.16:12
7 Mystery of God finished Rev.10:7 "It is done" Rev.16:17
8 Lightnings, voices, Rev.11:19 Voices, thunders, lightnings, Rev.16:1
thunderings, earthquake, great earthquake, hail
great hail

DIFFERENCES BETWEEN TRUMPETS AND PLAGUES

Trumpets
6 symbolic. 1 literal
1 Hail, fire & blood affects 1/3 trees, all grass
2 1/3 sea to blood, 1/3 creatures die
3 1/3 waters bitter
4 1/3 sun, moon, stars smitten, 1/3 day in
darkness
5 Smoke from pit darkness; locusts torment for 5
5 months
6 Angel (spirits) loosed from Euphrates;
myriads of horsemen kill 1/3 of men.
7 Cleansing of the sanctuary commences;
extends to close of probation.
Plagues
6 literal. 1 symbolic
1 'Noisome & grievous sore'
2 Sea as blood of dead man
3 All drinking water blood
4 Sun more active; men smitten with
fierce heat
Papal kingdom filled with darkness
6 Euphrates dried up & evil spirits unite
whole world against God.
7 Probation closes; events extend to
the coming of Christ.

If Ellen White was placing the trumpets as being in the future, this would contradict her statement
in the Great Controversy placing the fulfilment of the second woe (part of the sixth trumpet) as being in
the past. Some would argue for a repeat of the trumpets in our time. We are, however, in the seventh
trumpet. It has not yet finished sounding. Also, in a sense, the plagues are a repeat of that history
already. As noted above, these are judgments against spiritual Rome and spiritual Babylon.4
A further argument against the trumpets being future is that the sixth trumpet occurs while Christ

3
Taken from http://www.666man.net/Revelation_8_Trumpets_1_Through_4.html and modified by the author.
4
Both Babylon and Rome besieged and destroyed Jerusalem. These are prophesied in Leviticus 26 and Deuteronomy 28 and fulfilled
in 597 and 70 AD respectively - 666 years apart. A more detailed analysis can be found in Biblical Chronology – Arkansas Notes by
the author (Behold the Bridegroom Cometh notes for the Arkansas prophecy school held in the fall of 2014).
http://www.futureforamerica.org/media/notes/fall_2014/behold_the_bridegroom_cometh.pdf The video can be found on Future for
America’s You Tube channel and is entitled 9. Biblical Chronology and the Cycle of Sevens.
 is still ministering in the holy place of the heavenly sanctuary. This will be seen later when we look at
the first and second woes. Suffice it to say, no Seventh-day Adventist, at least, has any reason to place
the trumpets in the future. Yet somehow, we have adopted and adapted this notion from the protestant
Churches who, in turn, have inherited this from the counter-reformation teachings of the Catholic
Church.

A PROGRESSIVE DESTRUCTION OF WESTERN ROME

The eighth chapter of Revelation presents the first four trumpets showing the progressive
destruction of the Western Roman Empire.

And the seven angels which had the seven trumpets prepared themselves to sound.
The first angel sounded, and there followed hail and fire mingled with blood, and they
were cast upon the earth: and the third part of trees was burnt up, and all green grass
was burnt up. And the second angel sounded, and as it were a great mountain burning
with fire was cast into the sea: and the third part of the sea became blood; And the third
part of the creatures which were in the sea, and had life, died; and the third part of the
ships were destroyed. And the third angel sounded, and there fell a great star from
heaven, burning as it were a lamp, and it fell upon the third part of the rivers, and upon
the fountains of waters; And the name of the star is called Wormwood: and the third part
of the waters became wormwood; and many men died of the waters, because they were
made bitter. And the fourth angel sounded, and the third part of the sun was smitten, and
the third part of the moon, and the third part of the stars; so as the third part of them
was darkened, and the day shone not for a third part of it, and the night likewise.
(Revelation 8:6-12)

We see their fulfilment outlined below.

THE THREE PARTS OF ROME
What does the constant reference to “the third part” in Revelation 8 imply?

“The Roman Empire, after Constantine the Great, was divided into three parts.
Hence the frequent remark, "a third part of men," is an allusion to the third part of the
empire which was under the scourge. This division of the Roman kingdom was made at
the death of Constantine, among his three sons, Constantius, Constantine II, and
Constans. Constantius possessed the East, and fixed his residence at Constantinople, the
metropolis of the empire. Constantine II held Britain, Gaul, and Spain. Constans held
Illyricum, Africa, and Italy.” Uriah Smith, Thoughts on Daniel and Revelation, 473-474.

THREE DIVISIONS OF THE ROMAN EMPIRE5

We see then that the first four trumpets are judgments against the two western portions of the
Constantine’s divided empire. The first trumpet is fulfilled by the slaughter of the Goths that
encompassed the two-thirds of the empire. All green grass (people) was burnt up. The destruction is
likened unto hail mixed with fire and blood. This is an apt description of the slaughter that ensued from
395 to 410 under the leadership of Alaric. Only a third part of the trees (government of Rome) was
burnt up, as Alaric’s main war was waged against the city of Rome itself in a series of sieges (408, 409
and 410), with Rome being sacked in the final siege. The second trumpet is fulfilled by the invasion of
the Vandals, under the leadership of Genseric. The symbols employed have both a literal and spiritual
application. The territory conquered by Genseric encompasses the Mediterranean Sea. The third
trumpet is contemporaneous with the second and is fulfilled by the invasion of the Huns under the
leadership of Attila. The fourth trumpet is fulfilled by the Heruli invasion that ended with the fall of
Rome in 476.
I employ the following maps below to show the course these invasions took. We can see clearly
that they fulfill the conditions of the prophecy, as they relate to the “one-third”.

5
All maps, including this one are taken from http://www.666man.net/Revelation_8_Trumpets_1_Through_4.html
CONCLUSION
While various interpretations of the trumpets can be found in Adventism, we can find no reason to
abandon the basic understanding that the pioneers of Adventism bequeathed to us. Though there is
much they could not have understood, any new details must accord with what they taught and follow
the principles of prophetic interpretation they employed. Truth is unfolding and any “new light” must
make the old truths shine brighter. Attempts to have Sister White herself reject the pioneer
understanding are misguided and dangerous. We must study these truths for ourselves. The light of the
midnight cry is to shine all along the path to the celestial city. Let us follow it.

While praying at the family altar, the Holy Ghost fell on me, and I seemed to be
rising higher and higher, far above the dark world. I turned to look for the Advent people
in the world, but could not find them--when a voice said to me, "Look again, and look a
little higher." At this I raised my eyes and saw a straight and narrow path, [Matthew
7:14.] cast up high above the world. On this path the Advent people were travelling to the
City, which was at the farther end of the path. They had a bright light set up behind
them at the first end of the path, which an angel told me was the Midnight Cry.
[Matthew 25:6.] This light shone all along the path, and gave light for their feet so
they might not stumble. And if they kept their eyes fixed on Jesus, who was just before
them, leading them to the City, they were safe. But soon some grew weary, and they said
the City was a great way off, and they expected to have entered it before. Then Jesus
would encourage them by raising his glorious right arm, and from his arm came a
glorious light which waved over the Advent band, and they shouted Hallelujah! Others
rashly denied the light behind them, and said that it was not God that had led them
out so far. The light behind them went out leaving their feet in perfect darkness, and
they stumbled and got their eyes off the mark and lost sight of Jesus, and fell off the path
down in the dark and wicked world below. It was just as impossible for them to get on
the path again and go to the City, as all the wicked world which God had rejected. A Word
to the Little Flock, 14.
 LECTURE 2: THE FIFTH AND SIXTH TRUMPETS AND THE FIRST AND SECOND WOES
ISLAM AND THE FIFTH TRUMPET
The eighth chapter ends with the proclamation of an angel flying in the midst of heaven, “Woe,
woe, woe, to the inhabiters of the earth by reason of the other voices of the trumpet of the three angels,
which are yet to sound!” The first two of these three woes describe the history in connexion with the
judgments that fall upon the Eastern Roman Empire or the final “third part” of Rome that was relatively
untouched by the barbaric invasions.
Why are these final trumpets woes? It can be argued that the division of the western empire is
accomplished by barbaric tribes that, in the end, become Christian. The woes, on the other hand, are
accomplished by Islam, a satanic power (as will be shown). It is Islam that brings the whole world into
one great conflict.

And the fifth angel sounded, and I saw a star fall from heaven unto the earth
[Mohamed, after the manner of Satan]: and to him was given the key of the bottomless
pit [earth, in this case Arabia]. And he opened the bottomless pit [as opposed to closing
it as in Revelation 20:1]; and there arose a smoke out of the pit, as the smoke of a great
furnace [affliction; false teaching]; and the sun and the air [the gospel] were darkened
by reason of the smoke of the pit. And there came out of the smoke locusts upon the
earth [Muslim hordes]: and unto them was given power, as the scorpions of the earth
have power. And it was commanded them [by Abu-Bakr] that they should not hurt the
grass of the earth, neither any green thing, neither any tree; but only those men which
have not the seal of God in their foreheads [non-sabbathkeepers]. And to them it was
given that they should not kill them [end their authority], but that they should be
tormented five months [150 years]: and their torment was as the torment of a
scorpion, when he striketh a man. And in those days shall men seek death, and shall not
find it; and shall desire to die, and death shall flee from them. And the shapes of the
locusts were like unto horses prepared unto battle; and on their heads were as it were
crowns [turbans] like gold, and their faces were as the faces of men [they had beards].
And they had hair as the hair of women [Arabians did not cut their hair], and their
teeth were as the teeth of lions [persecuting power]. And they had breastplates, as it
were breastplates of iron [a reference to the military nature of Islam]; and the sound of
their wings was as the sound of chariots of many horses running to battle [Islam are
noted for their use of horses and chariots in battle with few footmen]. And they had
tails [teachings of Mohamed] like unto scorpions, and there were stings in their tails
[teachings of war]: and their power was to hurt men five months [150 years]. And
they had a king over them [Othman], which is the angel of the bottomless pit [Satan],
whose name in the Hebrew tongue is Abaddon, but in the Greek tongue hath his name
Apollyon [destroyer]. One woe is past; and, behold, there come two woes more
hereafter. (Revelation 9:1-11)

There is no doubt, in the reading of Revelation 9, that the woes are military in nature. The symbols
used to describe the characteristics of the instrument of war and destruction is an obvious reference to
Islam; locusts, scorpions, horses, chariots, etc. The description so readily depicts the invading armies of
Islam that it almost appears to be a literal description of history. The mode of warfare, the territory
covered, the period when the locusts thrive (5 months, May to September inclusive), the visual
description, etc. allow for no other interpretation. Further, the rise of Islam fits the time period exactly.
Pagan Rome has fallen and a new power has arisen from the ashes. It has converted the means of Pagan
Rome’s destruction to its religion. The Papacy has become a persecuting power, trampling down God’s
Church. It will continue for 1260 years in this work. Islam is a thorn it its side. Revelation 9 gives the
 framework of this history. The role and influence of Islam is instrumental in the tempering and final
removal of Rome’s ability to persecute God’s people. What we are concerned with here is the prophetic
periods connected with Islam and the significance of their fulfilment. Most commentators place the rise
of Islam in 629 AD, when, according to Wikipedia, “Muhammad, Islamic prophet, succeeds in unifying
all of the nomadic tribes of the Arabian Peninsula. He converts them to Islam and prepares an
expedition against the Jews.” (Wikipedia article 629 AD) It matters not whether one takes this date or
an earlier date in Mohamed’s conversion, since it is his death and the first Caliphate under Abu-Bakr in
632 AD that marks the first period of “five months” of “hurting”.
Also, as noted earlier, the language of the rise of Islam parallels that language used in reference to
Satan and his work. The references to the star falling from heaven, the bottomless pit, the smoke arising
from it, its obscuration of the sun and air, etc. are symbols of Satan that for some commentators
compels them to see the fulfilment as having to do with the work of Satan directly (or even the Papacy).
We recognise, however, that Islam (like France that is also represented with satanic imagery) is a power
that is directly opposed to the gospel and to Christianity. That is, Islam is a spiritualistic power. There
are some within Adventism who, in order to reach Muslims, down play the negative aspects of Islamic
religion and portray Islam in a sympathetic light. This is a great danger. Obviously we need to present
the gospel to Muslims but this should not be at the expense of truth. In fact, it is the truth that will help
Muslims to recognise the deception they are in and to embrace Christianity.

FIVE MONTHS
Many commentators have noted that the length of period under which Islam has power to “hurt
men” is the same length of period that the desert locusts are active (May through September). We will
see that this power is “given to them” as an attribute and does not refer to a single period. Also, the
territory that the locusts cover is almost identical to the territory of conquest of Islam.
Five months is mentioned in Revelation 9 twice and there are two periods to which this can
apply.6 We take these as periods of 150 years. The focus of the Millerites was the second period that
spans from 1299 to 1449. This period marks the end of the fifth trumpet. There is also a 150 year
period that marks the beginning of the fifth trumpet. This period is little known but is important in
establishing the beginning of the trumpet and distinguishing the period when Islam has no king (or
empire) over them from the period where they have a king (Othman and the Ottoman Empire). It is this
second period that is referred to as the first woe.
The first period of “five months is mentioned in Revelation 9:4-5, “And it was commanded them
that they should not hurt the grass of the earth, neither any green thing, neither any tree; but only those
men which have not the seal of God in their foreheads. And to them it was given that they should not kill
them, but that they should be tormented five months: and their torment was as the torment of a
scorpion, when he striketh a man.” This period of hurting is commences with the command of Abu-Bakr
who arose to power at the death of Mohamed in 632 BC, where the command of Abu-Bakr is obviously
that referred to by the fifth angel.

As soon as their numbers were complete, Abubeker [Abu-Bakr] ascended the hill,
reviewed the men, the horses, and the arms, and poured forth a fervent prayer for the
success of their undertaking. 'Remember', said the successor of the prophet, 'that you
are always in the presence of God, on the verge of death, in the assurance of judgement,
and the hope of paradise. Avoid injustice and oppression; consult with your brethren,
and study to preserve the love and confidence of your troops. When you fight the battles
of the lord, acquit yourselves like men, without turning your backs; but let not your
victory be stained with the blood of women or children. Destroy no palm trees, nor burn

6
I have not been the first to notice this. John C. Witcombe, in his book Jerusalem Caliphate and the Third Jihad, recognises two 150
year periods. However, he fails to apply a consistent interpretation (that of loosening and restraint) in commencing and ending these
prophetic periods. As a result, he incorrectly places the first 150 year period as reaching from 612 to 762 AD.
 any field of corn. Cut down no fruit trees, nor do any mischief to cattle, only such as you
kill to eat. When you make a covenant ... stand to it and be as good as your word. As you
go on, you will find some religious persons, who live retired in monasteries, and propose
to themselves to serve God that way: let them alone and neither kill them nor destroy
their monasteries. [These were Sabbath keepers and had the “seal of God on their
foreheads”.] And you will find another sort of people that belong to the synagogue of
Satan [these are the one who “have not the seal of God in their foreheads”], who have
shaven crowns; be sure you cleave their skulls, and give them no quarter, till they either
turn Mahometans or pay tribute. –Abu-Bakr's command; Edward Gibbon 'Decline & Fall'!,
Vol.V:489-490. [Words in brackets are mine.]

Five months - So far as the words

here are concerned this might be
taken literally, denoting five
months or one hundred and fifty
days; or as a prophetic reckoning,
where a day stands for a year. The
latter is undoubtedly the correct
interpretation here, for it is the
character of the book thus to
reckon time. If this be the true
method of reckoning here, then it
will be necessary to find some
events which will embrace about
the period of one hundred and
fifty years, during which this
distress and sorrow would
continue. The proper laws of
interpretation demand that one
or the other of these periods
should be found - either that of
five months literally, or that of
150 years. – Albert Barnes
Commentary on Revelation 9:5

According to Gibbon under in the first ten years of the Caliphate of Abu-Bakr’s successor Omar,
"The Saracens reduced 36,000 cities or castles, destroyed 4,000 churches and built 1,400 mosques”. 7 If
this first period of 150 years begins with the first Caliphate, its end must be seen in 782 AD with Treaty
of Constantinople. 8,9,10
Between the end of the first period of “five months” and the beginning of the second period are

7
Gibbon 'Decline & Fall!' Vol.V:474-475.
8
See Harold Hemenway’s 2007 book, European History Foretold, 60.
9
Of an interesting chronological note, the year 782 is twice 391 years. I will comment more on this number later.
10
See also Wikipedia article, Abbasid invasion of Asia Minor (782).
 517 years.11,12 According to Wikipedia, “Osman [Othman] announced the independence of his own
small principality from the Seljuk Sultanate of Rum in July 27, 1299, and was acclaimed the Khan of the
Kayihan tribe. The Ottoman principality was just one of many small Turkish principalities in Anatolia at
the time that emerged after the dissolution of the Seljuks, all of which the Ottomans would eventually
conquer to reunite Anatolia under Turkish rule. The westward drive of the Mongol invasions had
pushed scores of Muslims toward Osman's principality, a power base that Osman was quick to
consolidate. As the Byzantine Empire declined, the Ottoman Empire rose to take its place.”13 This
second period of 150 years that commences is on July 27th 1299 is what is commonly referred to as the
“first woe”. If it begins in 1299, it must therefore end in 1449. In proceeding further, we must take a look
at how the Bible marks the beginning and end of these prophetic periods.14

CHRONOLOGY OF THE FIFTH TRUMPET

THE LOOSING AND RESTRAINT OF ISLAM

Understanding the beginnings and endings of the prophetic periods, in connexion with the woes, is
instrumental in placing them correctly in time. One of the reasons those who object to (and
subsequently reject) the pioneer understanding of the seven trumpets (and the woes) is that they fail to
understand the reasoning used to mark their commencement and termination of these periods. These
periods are marked by either a restraint or loosening of Islam’s power to wage destructive force upon

11
This is equal to 126 plus 391 years. Again, I will comment more on this later.
12
It is during this intervening period that the crusades over the control of Jerusalem occur from 1095 - 1291
13
Wikipedia article, Osman I.
14
There is much detail here that I have left out. For one, as seen in the diagram, there are a period of 126 years and period of 391 years
that intervene the end of the first period of 150 years and the start of the second period of 150 years. The year 908 marks the accession
of Constantine VII on May 15 (9D 2M), in his coregency with Leo VI. There is also a failed coup on “December 17 (19D 9M), when
Husayn ibn Hamdan leads a revolt to depose the newly-appointed Abbasid Caliph Al-Muqtadir in Baghdad. He installs his uncle
Abdallah ibn al-Mu'tazz and kills vizier Al-Abbas ibn al-Hasan al-Jarjara'i, but fails to murder Al-Muqtadir. This leads, finally, to the
coup's collapse.” Wikipedia These events are 216 days apart and mark the end of a 126 year period.
 the eastern portion of the Roman Empire.
We noted that the first 150 year period begins with Abu-Bakr. The Bible describes this as the
locusts coming out of the smoke of the pit. This period (632 - 782) ended with a treaty that limited the
power of Islam to persecute. Likewise, the second period resumed persecution with the rise of Othman
uniting the Arab peoples in beginning once again destructive warfare upon the eastern portion of the
remnants of the Roman Empire. This power to “hurt” was tempered (restrained) during this 150 year
period. The second woe began where the first woe ended. This partial “restraint” of Islam was removed
when Constantine XI, the last "Christian" emperor, voluntarily refused to accept his throne without the
permission of the Turkish power, and thereby loosed the "four angels", the four leading Turkish Sultans
(these were situated at Aleppo, Iconium, Damascus, and Bagdad), who then invaded and conquered
Constantinople in 1453. It is this yielding of Constantine XI to the Sultan that marks the beginning of
this period (and thus the end of the first woe) and not the capture of the capital of the Eastern Empire,
as our minds would naturally assume. Again, it is the actions that lead to the loosening or restraint of
Islam’s destructive power that are important to note and not the destructive acts themselves.
We will see, as we look at the remaining verses of Revelation chapter 9 that this loosening and
restraining of Islam is clearly marked in the period of the second woe. The angel declares to John, “One
woe is past; and, behold, there come two woes more hereafter.” (Revelation 9:12) It is the beginning and
end of this second woe over which there is so much needless controversy.
In my final lecture I will address the events that mark the beginning and ending of the third woe.
Since we are in the midst of this fulfillment, there may be details that we have not yet seen. Like the
Millerites, we may be too close to the picture, caught up in the present details, to see the broader scope.
More importantly, it is in understanding the historic fulfillment of the first and second woe that will
allow us to discern the fulfillment of the third. This cannot be emphasized enough. Any new light is
merely an unfolding of old light. The modern interpretations of the trumpets that place these in the
future are bound to be misguided and subject to the whims and wishes of man. These are foundations
of sand. The pioneer understanding is a solid foundation upon which we can build our understanding.

LOOSED FOR AN HOUR A DAY A MONTH AND A YEAR

Revelation 9:14-15 declares. “Loose the four angels which are bound in the great river Euphrates.
And the four angels were loosed, which were prepared for an hour, and a day, and a month, and a year,
for to slay the third part of men.” As mentioned above, these “four angels” are loosed when Constantine
XI voluntarily yields to the power of the Turkish Sultans. The period under which these four angels are
to complete their work in the slaying of the “third-part” of men is reckoned as 391 years and 15 days. 15
The number of the horsemen that are to do this work is given as 200 million. It is probable that this
refers to the total number of horsemen involved in the destruction that spans this period. The use of
gunpowder (brimstone) is of particular note. As early as 1260 AD, the use of gunpowder was known to
be used by the Arabs in war. During this period the Muslim armies has become adept in the use of
firearms while riding their horses in battle. However, in spite of all this destruction, they repented not.

And the number of the army of the horsemen were two hundred thousand
thousand: and I heard the number of them. And thus I saw the horses in the vision, and
them that sat on them, having breastplates of fire, and of jacinth, and brimstone: and the
heads of the horses were as the heads of lions; and out of their mouths issued fire and
smoke and brimstone. By these three was the third part of men killed, by the fire, and by
the smoke, and by the brimstone, which issued out of their mouths. For their power is in
their mouth, and in their tails: for their tails were like unto serpents, and had heads, and
with them they do hurt. And the rest of the men which were not killed by these plagues
yet repented not of the works of their hands, that they should not worship devils, and

15
An hour (1/24 of a prophetic year or 15 days), a day (one year), a month (30 years) and a year (360 years) equals 391 years and 15
days.
 idols of gold, and silver, and brass, and stone, and of wood: which neither can see, nor
hear, nor walk: Neither repented they of their murders, nor of their sorceries, nor of
their fornication, nor of their thefts. (Revelation 9:16-21)

JOSIAH LITCH’S PREDICTION

Heidi Heiks sums up, in a strong rhetorical manner, the position of Josiah Litch and the pioneers
quite well, in spite of his objections to their interpretation of Revelation chapter 9.

“The prophetic 391-plus-15 day-years claimed for the sixth trumpet had to
commence on July 27, 1449, as well, in order to precisely fulfill the total span allotted to
the prophecy of 541 years and 15 days. That is because William Miller, Josiah Litch and
the Millerites combined the two claimed prophetic time periods together as one
continuous whole. This then demanded that the prophecy be terminated not only in the
year of 1840, but also to the very day of August 11th, as Ellen White recounted of the
Millerites’ belief and teaching at that time.
“Unfortunately, Josiah Litch overlooked one very important point in his calculation
of the prophetic periods, as you well know. The Gregorian calendar by Pope Gregory XIII
replaced the Julian calendar by a papal bull signed into effect on February 24, 1582.
When introduced, it immediately omitted ten days in order to realign the calendar with
the spring equinox, which was tied by the Roman Catholic Church to the celebration of
Easter. The Millerites failed to take this ten-day discrepancy into account when they fixed
the date for the termination of the sixth trumpet on August 11, 1840.
“Many Seventh-day Adventists today do not remember or know that their history
has been falsely colored with numerous apologies and adjustments, until Josiah Litch’s
prophecy has become almost unrecognizable to the historian. It’s almost as if we
Adventists have picked and chosen what we want to keep and have disposed of what we
don’t. That is exactly what Treiyer blatantly does today, and it is all presented as fully
supportive of the historic position. Incredible!” Heidi Heiks, Response to Dr. Alberto R.
Treiyer (His Review Of Satan’s Counterfeit Prophecy), 4.
 We can see in the chart above that reckoned 541 years and 15 days from the rise of the
Ottoman Empire on July 27th 1299 to August 11th 1840. They did not look for an event in 1449 to
occur on July 27th to mark the end of the 150 years and the commencement of the 391 years and
15 days, as Heiks implies. Another point that Heiks fails to realise is that Litch provided the correct
date of August 11th, in spite of himself. He was unaware, as we now are, that July 27th 1299 and
July 27th 1840 are aligned on the Karaite calendar.16 This was not understood by the Millerites and
it was not until a couple of years later that they even discovered the Karaite calendar. This they
used in establishing the end of the Jewish year 1843 (April 18th 1844) and the setting of the date
for the cleansing of the sanctuary on October 22nd 1844 (the10th day of the 7th month on the
Karaite calendar).

Heiks uses further rhetoric in referring to what he calls, “numerous apologies and adjustments”.
This could be said of all of the teachings of Adventism, in that we were given more light in our
understanding of these prophecies after the disappointment. Also, many who are trying to support the
pioneer position have been influenced by the errors of prophetic and scriptural interpretation that is
used in the Protestant Churches. As we have looked closely into the pioneer understanding of the
trumpets, we find that there is much less that needs to be adjusted from the original understanding
than many suppose. Obviously, there were a few things that the Millerites could not have understood,
since they were looking for Christ’s coming so soon. For instance, the Millerites believed that the sixth
trumpet ended on August 11th 1840 and that the events of the seventh trumpet were to occur in the
intervening period to the second coming in 1843. Obviously, as to this point, they were wrong. We
understand that the seventh trumpet began to sound on October 22nd 1844. Even after the Adventists
came to understand that the sixth trumpet ceased sounding, while the seventh trumpet began to sound,
on that date, there was no clear teaching in regards to the commencement of the third woe.17 This fact,
and the lack of its use in evangelism, has led to the trumpets and woes being a neglected and
misunderstood teaching. This has made it ripe for the picking, by minds like Heiks’, to distort the
history of this teaching and discourage those from trusting in the pioneers’ position. These types of

16
It is now understood that the Millerites misunderstood the Karaite calendar. The author now employs a reconstructed biblical
calendar that created no contradictions with biblical dates.
17
J. N. Andrews taught that, “The seven plagues are poured out under the sounding of that angel; hence the plagues are future, and
constitute the third woe.” (The Three Angles of Revelation 14:6-12, 119.) Joseph Bates, on the other hand states, “We believe that the
seventh trumpet began to sound on the first day of the seventh month. Then the Mystery was finished, and the third woe came.” (Past
and Present Experience, 186.) “In 1844 the third woe began.” S. .N. Haskel: The Story of the Seer of Patmos, 205.
attacks merely insinuate doubts in the minds of Adventists and lead to the rejection of the gift of the
Spirit of Prophecy and Adventism’s foundational truths. Heading down this path leads to one end only,
the total rejection of Adventism.
Whatever criticisms we may have of the past, all should be approached with the greatest respect.
The LORD has led His church from the very beginning.

The warning has come: Nothing is to be allowed to come in that will disturb the
foundation of the faith upon which we have been building ever since the message came
in 1842, 1843, and 1844. I was in this message, and ever since I have been standing
before the world, true to the light that God has given us. We do not propose to take our
feet off the platform on which they were placed as day by day we sought the Lord with
earnest prayer, seeking for light. Do you think that I could give up the light that God has
given me? It is to be as the Rock of Ages. It has been guiding me ever since it was given.
Brethren and sisters, God lives and reigns and works today. His hand is on the wheel, and
in His providence He is turning the wheel in accordance with His own will. Let not men
fasten themselves to documents, saying what they will do and what they will not do. Let
them fasten themselves to the Lord God of heaven. Then the light of heaven will shine
into the soul-temple, and we shall see the salvation of God. General Conference Bulletin,
April 6, 1903.
 LECTURE 3: THE FIFTH AND SIXTH TRUMPETS AND THE FIRST AND SECOND WOES
ISLAM IN THE LAST DAYS

As we have seen, the understanding of the trumpets is not just an intellectual exercise. It is
instrumental in understanding where we are in history and in avoiding the false interpretations of
prophecy that involve Islam and current affairs.
It was God who led our pioneers to understand that the trumpets were an instrument used by Him
to punish both pagan and papal Rome. These trumpets are naturally separated between the first four
(which were judgments against Western Rome), and the last three (which were judgments against
Eastern Rome, Papal Rome and, at present, Modern Rome, which includes the entire world, see
Revelation 16:19-13). These three final trumpets are designated as "woes" (Rev. 8:13) because of their
severity and the satanic nature of Islam.
As we have seen, the first "woe" or fifth trumpet was Islam (Arab Saracen Turks). The second
"woe" or sixth trumpet was Islam (The Ottoman Turks). Therefore we should expect Islam to be
involved in the third "woe" (under the period of the seventh trumpet). Based upon the triple application
of prophecy, the characteristics of the first two woes should be combined in the third.18
We also need to consider the connexion between Islam and the sealing (“those men who have not
the seal of God in their foreheads”, Revelation 9:4). Notice also that they were commanded to not hurt
the grass of the earth, neither any green thing, neither any tree. Now go to Rev. 7:1-3, "And after these
things I saw four angels standing on the four corners of the earth, holding the four winds of the earth,
that the wind should not blow on the earth, nor on the sea, nor on any tree. And I saw another angel
ascending from the east, having the seal of the living God: and he cried with a loud voice to the four
angels, to whom it was given to hurt the earth and the sea, Saying, Hurt not the earth, neither the sea,
nor the trees, till we have sealed the servants of our God in their foreheads." We cannot help but see the
contextual connexion between these two passages; between Islam and the sealing of God's people.
Look at Isaiah 27:8; "he stayeth his rough wind in the day of the east wind." As we have read in
Revelation 7:1-3, angels are holding the four winds. These four winds are His rough wind but the
question arises; what is the east wind? Exodus 10:13 says, “And Moses stretched forth his rod over the
land of Egypt, and the LORD brought an east wind upon the land all that day, and all that night; and
when it was morning, the east wind brought the locusts.”
Genesis 41 provides us yet another example (type) where an "east wind" destroys the economy. In
that passage we are told that Pharaoh the ruler of Egypt (typifying the world) had a dream in which he
saw seven fat cattle devoured by seven thin ones who arose subsequently, and then for emphasis he
was next shown seven very good ears of corn that were devoured by seven thin ears blasted with the
east wind that came up after them. Joseph was used by God to avert disaster for His people as well as to
fulfill prophecy; however many of the Egyptians, after exhausting their funds had to sell their cattle,
their lands and finally themselves into slavery.
So the question arises; who or what is this east wind that God uses to destroy the economic
structure here at the end of this earth's history? Where can we find a connection to the east wind?

And the children of Israel did evil in the sight of the LORD: and the LORD delivered
them into the hand of Midian seven years…. And so it was, when Israel had sown, that
the Midianites (from Arabia) came up, and the Amalekites (from Arabia), and the
children of the east, even they came up against them; And they encamped against them,
and destroyed the increase of the earth, till thou come unto Gaza, and left no sustenance
for Israel, neither sheep, nor ox, nor ass. For they came up with their cattle and their
tents, and they came as grasshoppers for multitude; for both they and their camels were
18
The first woe is noted for its suddenness and unexpectedness. The second woe is noted for the use of explosives. These two
characteristics are combined in the attacks on 9/11.
 without number: and they entered into the land to destroy it. And Israel was greatly
impoverished because of the Midianites; and the children of Israel cried unto the LORD."
Judges 6:1, 3-6.

We see above, the children of the east along with the Amalekites and the Midianites (peoples
occupying the Arabian Peninsula east of the Jordan) along with their camels are portrayed as
grasshoppers in number. We can see this connexion with Revelation 9:3, "And there came out of the
smoke locusts upon the earth."
Consider the following, "Angels are holding the four winds, represented as an angry horse seeking
to break loose and rush over the face of the whole earth, bearing destruction and death in its path." 20
Manuscript Releases, 216-217. This passage is also referencing the sealing of the 144,000 found in
Revelation 7:1-3. Not only is Islam portrayed as an "angry horse", or war-horse, on both the 1843 and
1850 charts but that is also exactly how they are represented in Rev. 9:7. "And the shapes of the locusts
were like unto horses prepared unto battle." These are clear references to Islam and its connection with
Revelation 7:3 or the sealing of God's people. We must conclude that the message concerning Islam is
designed by God to awaken, and seal, His Laodicean people.

9/11 AND THE RESTRAINT OF ISLAM

Revelation 9:11 states that, "And they had a king over them, which is the angel of the bottomless
pit, whose name in the Hebrew tongue is Abaddon, but in the Greek tongue hath his name Apollyon."
Both Abaddon and Apollyon are defined as "destroyer" and as such are a reference not only to Satan but
Mahomed as well.
Let us now look at Testimonies volume 9 in the chapter entitled "The Last Crisis" beginning on
page 11,

"We are living in the time of the end. The fast-fulfilling signs of the times declare
that the coming of Christ is near at hand. The days in which we live are solemn and
important. The Spirit of God is gradually but surely being withdrawn from the earth.
Plagues and judgment are already falling upon the despisers of the grace of God…. On
one occasion, when in New York City, I was in the night season called upon to behold
buildings rising story after story toward heaven. These buildings were warranted to be
fireproof, and they were erected to glorify their owners and builders…. The scene that
next passed before me was an alarm of fire. Men looked at the lofty and supposedly fire-
proof buildings and said: "They are perfectly safe." But these buildings were consumed
as if made of pitch. The fire engines could do nothing to stay the destruction. The
firemen were unable to operate the engines." 9 Testimonies 11-13.

"How comes the word that I have declared that New York is to be swept away by a
tidal wave? This I have never said. I have said, as I looked at the great buildings going up
there, story after story, 'What terrible scenes will take place when the Lord shall arise to
shake terribly the earth! Then the words of Revelation 18:1-3 will be fulfilled.' The whole
of the eighteenth chapter of Revelation is a warning of what is coming on the earth. But I
have no light in particular in regard to what is coming on New York, only that I know that
one day the great buildings there will be thrown down by the turning and overturning of
God's power. From the light given me, I know that destruction is in the world. One word
from the Lord, one touch of his mighty power, and these massive structures will fall.
Scenes will take place the fearfulness of which we can not imagine." Review and Herald
July 5, 1906.

Anyone having seen a before and after 9/11, 2001 image of the skyline of New York City will know
for a certainty what "great buildings" these two passages are referencing. The whole world was
 shocked on 9/11 when those two planes controlled by radical Islamists, directed by their Imams ("the
prophet that teacheth lies"--Isa. 9:15) flew into the twin towers (the economic center of the US/ false
prophet) causing economic ripples throughout the world. However George W. Bush, the president of the
United States announced to the world that "you are either with us or against us" and threw all of the
America's political, economic and military strength against Al Qaida. In this act, Islam was restrained.
Momentarily, the four winds are now being held in check.
In the chart below, I have outlined the three woes chronologically. The date for the loosing of Islam
can be debated. It is not connected to a time prophecy. There is no doubt that the fall of the Soviet Union
in 1989 led to the conflicts between the United States and the Islamic states. We could also see the final
woe chiastically, with the restraint commencing the third woe and the close of probation (the letting
loose of the four winds) ending it, as occurs in the first woe.

MILLERITE HISTORY REPEATED

Of course, many of you who are reading this paper are familiar with the reformatory lines. An
analysis of the second and third woe cannot be addressed without reference to it. That is, we see that
the empowerment of the message on the time of the Millerites occurred in connexion with the restraint
of Islam on August 11, 1840. In our time period, the empowerment of the message occurred on
September 11, 2001. Ellen White speaks of these parallels, “The work of God in the earth presents, from
age to age, a striking similarity in every great reformation or religious movement. The principles of
God's dealing with men are ever the same. The important movements of the present have their parallel
in those of the past, and the experience of the church in former ages has lessons of great value for our
own time.”19 She speaks of this further in specific reference to the giving of the first and second angels’
messages that will be repeated in our time. “After these seven thunders uttered their voices, the
injunction comes to John as to Daniel in regard to the little book: "Seal up those things which the seven
thunders uttered." These relate to future events which will be disclosed in their order. Daniel shall stand
in his lot at the end of the days. John sees the little book unsealed. Then Daniel's prophecies have their
proper place in the first, second, and third angels' messages to be given to the world. The unsealing of
the little book was the message in relation to time.” 20 “The first and second messages were given in
1843 and 1844, and we are now under the proclamation of the third; but all three of the messages are
still to be proclaimed. It is just as essential now as ever before that they shall be repeated to those who
are seeking for the truth. By pen and voice we are to sound the proclamation, showing their order, and
the application of the prophecies that bring us to the third angel's message. There cannot be a third
without the first and second. These messages we are to give to the world in publications, in discourses,

19
The Great Controversy, 343.
20
7 Bible Commentary, 971.
 showing in the line of prophetic history the things that have been and the things that will be.”21

The chart below is an older one (and may be hard to read) but covers the main lines quite well.

21
1 Manuscript Releases, 43.
"How comes the word that I have
declared that New York is to be swept
away by a tidal wave? This I have never
said. I have said, as I looked at the great
buildings going up there, story after
story, 'What terrible scenes will take
place when the Lord shall arise to shake
terribly the earth! Then the words of
Revelation 18:1-3 will be fulfilled.' …. I
have no light in particular in regard to
what is coming on New York, only that I
know that one day the great buildings
there will be thrown down by the
turning and overturning of God's power.
From the light given me, I know that
destruction is in the world. One word
from the Lord, one touch of his mighty
power, and these massive structures will
fall. Scenes will take place the
fearfulness of which we can not
imagine." Review and Herald, July 5,
1906.
 IN DECLARING A CALIPHATE, ISIS NOW CLAIMS TO LEAD ALL MUSLIMS
A caliphate is an Islamic state ruled by a 'caliph' - in this case Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi - who is seen
as the successor to Prophet Mohammed by those swearing allegiance. In much the same way as the
Pope is considered the head of the Catholic church, a caliph would consider themselves leader of the
world's Muslims. They would hold themselves responsible for establishing policy - based strictly on the
Quran - for all Muslims and territories. One of the first things ISIS did after announcing a caliphate was
to declare all emirates and sultanates illegal. Therefore anybody swearing oath to the new Islamic state
would simultaneously be declaring that they no longer recognise either the borders, laws or authority
of current Muslim-led states. On announcing the Islamic state, the militants repeatedly described it as
being 'restored'. This is a reference to the last widely-acknowledged caliphate - which existed under the
Ottoman Empire and effectively ended with the founding of Turkey in 1923. Many Islamists - including
ISIS - blame this collapse on the geographical carving-up of the Ottoman Empire by Allied Forces after
the First World War. In declaring a caliphate, ISIS now claims to partly 'corrected' the century-old
dispute. (www.dailymail.co.uk, July 1, 2014.)

Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi (Arabic: ‫ال ب غدادي ب كر أب و‬, ʾabū bakri l-baḡdādī) is the ringleader of the
Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL), an Islamic extremist group in western Iraq, Libya, northeast
Nigeria and Syria self-styled as the "Islamic State". It is believed that he has been proclaimed by his
followers to be a Caliph.
On 29 June 2014, ISIL announced the establishment of a worldwide caliphate. Al-Baghdadi was
named its caliph, to be known as "Caliph Ibrahim", and the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant was
renamed the "Islamic State" (IS).
In an audiotaped message, al-Baghdadi announced that ISIL would march on "Rome"—generally
interpreted to mean the West—in its quest to establish an Islamic State from the Middle East across
Europe. He said that he would conquer both Rome and Spain in this endeavor and urged Muslims
across the world to immigrate to the new Islamic State. (from Wikipedia article Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi)

EZEKIEL’S CONNEXION TO LITCH’S PROPHECY

We can now turn to the present and the future. As noted in the preface, we are expecting an attack
upon the USA by Islam on July 18, 2020. As noted, Islam was restrained at 9/11. It is yet to be loosed.
The prediction regarding Islam was made several years ago, as to its inevitable loosing, but it is only
now that we can say when that will be. To demonstrate this, we need to take a little time in
understanding the line of Litch’s prophecy in connexion with Ezekiel and the chronology of the kings of
Judah. This can be seen in the length of the prophecy and the length of the period of the kings of Judah,
as well as by the association of the names of Josiah Litch and king Josiah. Moreover, there is a similarity
of structure that bears witness to this connexion as well.
The prophecy of Ezekiel 4:4-6 is based upon the prophecy of Josiah as given in 1 Kings 13:1-5. This
prophecy is fulfilled in 2 Kings 23:15-18. That is, on November 22, 977 BC, on the Heshvan 15 (15D 8M)
“there came a man of God out of Judah by the word of the LORD unto Bethel: and Jeroboam stood by the
altar to burn incense. And he cried against the altar in the word of the LORD, and said, O altar, altar, thus
saith the LORD; Behold, a child shall be born unto the house of David, Josiah by name; and upon thee
shall he offer the priests of the high places that burn incense upon thee, and men's bones shall be burnt
upon thee.” (1 Kings 13:1-2) In the thirteenth year of Josiah, the year that Jeremiah‘s ministry
commences, when Josiah is in Bethel removing the pagan altars he “turned himself” and “spied the
sepulchres that were there in the mount, and sent, and took the bones out of the sepulchres, and
burned them upon the altar, and polluted it, according to the word of the LORD which the man of God
proclaimed, who proclaimed these words. Then he said, What title is that that I see? And the men of the
city told him, It is the sepulchre of the man of God, which came from Judah, and proclaimed these things
that thou hast done against the altar of Bethel. And he said, Let him alone; let no man move his bones.
So they let his bones alone, with the bones of the prophet that came out of Samaria.” (2 Kings 23:16-18)
 The prophecy is given to Ezekiel on the fifth day of the fourth month in 592 BC. Ezekiel is told to lie
on his left side to bear the iniquity of the house of Israel for 390 days and then to lie on his right side to
bear the iniquity of the house of Judah forty days.22 The prophecy is said to be “each day for a year”,
quoting Numbers 14:34.23 The starting point for the 390 years and the 40 years commence with the
giving of the prophecy in 977 and its fulfillment in 627, respectively. While , one may, at first glance see
that 390 is close to 391 years, it is even more remarkable, when we realise that the 390 years end with
the siege and the there is still a year and an half to the destruction of the city and the temple. That is,
the reigns of the kings of Judah, from the dividing of the kingdom to its end, is almost exactly 391 years
and six months. This is found by a simple totaling of the years of the reigns of each of the kings of
Judah.24
The diagram below shows the dates that apply to the prophecy of Ezekiel 4 and some of the
scriptural references. The date for the destruction of Jerusalem is given in Jeremiah 52:12, where it is
said that ‘in the fifth month, in the tenth day of the month, which was the nineteenth year of
Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon, came Nebuzaradan, captain of the guard, which served the king of
Babylon, into Jerusalem.” Some might argue that this is a contradiction if 2 Kings 25:8 where it reads,
“in the fifth month, on the seventh day of the month, which is the nineteenth year of king
Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon, came Nebuzaradan, captain of the guard, a servant of the king of
Babylon, unto Jerusalem.” Though it reads almost identically, in Kings, it is reference when Nebuzaradan
came unto Jerusalem, while in Jeremiah is says that the tenth day is when he came into Jerusalem. The
difference is not one of translation, for it exists also in the Hebrew. Nebuzaradan came unto Jerusalem
on the seventh day but into the city on the tenth day to do his destructive work. The escapee, is
prophesied and fulfilled in Ezekiel 24:26-27 and 33:21-22, respectively.25 The Passover of Josiah occurs
in his eighteenth year of reign.26

22
Lie thou also upon thy left side, and lay the iniquity of the house of Israel upon it: according to the number of the days that thou
shalt lie upon it thou shalt bear their iniquity. For I have laid upon thee the years of their iniquity, according to the number of the days,
three hundred and ninety days: so shalt thou bear the iniquity of the house of Israel. And when thou hast accomplished them, lie again
on thy right side, and thou shalt bear the iniquity of the house of Judah forty days: I have appointed thee each day for a year.
(Ezekiel 4:4-6)
23
After the number of the days in which ye searched the land, even forty days, each day for a year [day to a year, a day to a year], shall
ye bear your iniquities, even forty years, and ye shall know my breach of promise. (Numbers 14:34)
24
Rehoboam 17; Abijah 3; Asa 41; Jehoshaphat 25; Jehoram 8 (minus 2 year coregency); Ahaziah 1; Athaliah 6; Joash 40; Amaziah
29; Azariah (Uzziah) 52; Jotham 16; Ahaz 16; Hezekiah 29; Manasseh 55; Amon 2; Josiah 31; Jehoahaz 3m; Jehoiakim 11; Jehoiachin
3m; Zedekiah 11 = 391y 6m. Of course, this can also be confirmed in many other ways.
25
That he that escapeth in that day shall come unto thee, to cause thee to hear it with thine ears? In that day shall thy mouth be opened
to him which is escaped, and thou shalt speak, and be no more dumb: and thou shalt be a sign unto them; and they shall know that I
am the LORD. (Ezekiel 24: 26-27) And it came to pass in the twelfth year of our captivity, in the tenth month, in the fifth day of the
month, that one that had escaped out of Jerusalem came unto me, saying, The city is smitten. Now the hand of the LORD was upon me
in the evening, afore he that was escaped came; and had opened my mouth, until he came to me in the morning; and my mouth was
opened, and I was no more dumb. (Ezekiel 33:21-22)
26
But in the eighteenth year of king Josiah, wherein this passover was holden to the LORD in Jerusalem. (2 Kings 23:23)
THE KINGS OF JUDAH
Since the reigns of the kings of Judah, from the dividing of the kingdom is 391 years and 6 months,
we can also consider the 120 years of the united kingdom of Israel as part of the structure. There are
some differences (150 years compared to 120, for instance) but the similarities are striking. Further,
the 15 days is half of a month, while the 6 months is half of a year.

AN HOUR, AND A DAY, AND A MONTH, AND A YEAR

The expression of Litch’s prophecy is also intriguing. For one, this is the usual expression for
refereeing to a specific time and not what one would expect to be a period of time. Each element of
measuring time is used. This is a clue to the flexible nature of this prophecy and to its specificity – an
odd combination.
We also see very specific dates given (hinted at) in Ezekiel’s prophecy. When we take into account
that Ezekiel 4:4-6 is given on the fifth day of the fourth month;27 we cannot help but recognise that the
390 days ends on a specific date. This has, until recently, been hidden from us but its revelation yields
remarkable results. An understanding of the biblical calendar allows us to see that Ezekiel begins his
prophesying on the 5D 4M in 592 BC. This date is, on the Julian calendar, July 21. It matches the date in
1844 where Samuel Snow first proclaimed the midnight Cry in Boston. If we are to count the period of
390 days this would end on August 15, 591 BC. This date is the date in Millerite history where Samuel
Snow presented the midnight cry at Exeter. This can hardly seem to be mere coincidence. Of even
greater significance is the fact that this date, if counted on the biblical calendar is the tenth day of the
fifth month and exactly five years before the destruction of the temple on that date in 586 BC. That the
tenth day of the fifth month is also the date for the destruction of the temple in 70 AD makes this even
more significant. Further, Ezekiel 20:128 marks this date in 590 BC, one year to the day after Ezekiel
27
Some people question whether or not Ezekiel is given the prophecy of chapter four on that date or seven days later, since there is a
period of seven days mentioned in 3:15 that many believe must be added to the July 21 date. “So the spirit lifted me up, and took me
away, and I went in bitterness, in the heat of my spirit; but the hand of the LORD was strong upon me. Then I came to them of the
captivity at Telabib, that dwelt by the river of Chebar, and I sat where they sat, and remained there astonished among them seven
days.” (Ezekiel 3:14-15) The observation here is that Ezekiel only goes to Tel Aviv (in Babylon) in vision and not in reality. We find
this other places in Ezekiel where the spirit lifts him up. “And he put forth the form of an hand, and took me by a lock of mine head;
and the spirit lifted me up between the earth and the heaven, and brought me in the visions of God to Jerusalem, to the door of the
inner gate that looketh toward the north; where was the seat of the image of jealousy, which provoketh to jealousy.” (Ezekiel 8:3)
“Moreover the spirit lifted me up, and brought me unto the east gate of the LORD'S house, which looketh eastward: and behold at the
door of the gate five and twenty men; among whom I saw Jaazaniah the son of Azur, and Pelatiah the son of Benaiah, princes of the
people.” (Ezekiel 11:1) It is pretty obvious that in these places that Ezekiel is only in vision. The objection is further urged in that it is
said, “And it came to pass at the end of seven days, that the word of the LORD came unto me, saying… (Ezekiel 3:16), suggesting, to
some, that the vision actually occupied a period of seven literal days. We counter by saying that each of the dates are given for a
reason. The fact that 390 days ends with the tenth day of the fifth month, cannot be coincidence. The dates of Ezekiel are specific. It
seems odd to ignore this, based upon a supposition.
28
And it came to pass in the seventh year, in the fifth month, the tenth day of the month, that certain of the elders of Israel came to
enquire of the LORD, and sat before me. (Ezekiel 20:1)
 completes his 390 days of lying on his left side. On that date certain of the elders of Israel come to
enquire of the LORD and sit before Ezekiel. His response is a series of prophecies against Jerusalem that
explicitly lay out its inevitable destruction. These continue unit Ezekiel 24:1,29 where he is told that the
siege has begun, just as he had prophesied.
We lay out Ezekiel’s literal 390 and 40 days below, with the various dates. What we see is a line
starting at midnight (July 21) and leading to the midnight cry,30 which marks the date for the
destruction of Jerusalem. The dates are all Julian, except where indicated. Also, while Jerusalem is
destroyed on August 18, 586 BC, if we use the Rabbinic calendar, the date is July 18.

What is clearly seen is that Ezekiel marks the date for the destruction of the temple, in his literal
line of 390 and 40 and in the vision of Ezekiel 20. The 390 days and 40 days point to the date of the
destruction of the temple, while the periods of 390 and 40 years end with the siege that leads to its
destruction.
Further, we have made an application of Ezekiel 20:1, based upon the suggestion of seeing what
Julian date the 10D 5M would reveal, if laid upon the year 2020. This idea was suggestion by the fact
that the date 10D 5M is only explicitly mentioned in Ezekiel in 20:1 and that famous verses Ezekiel
20:20 and 20:12, suggest that these years (2020 and 2012) are prophetic markers.31 When this was
done, remarkable results followed. The date of July 18 is the date of Samuel Snow’s last letter, prior to
July 21, 1844. When we applied the structure of the November 9, 2019 prediction to this date, we found
that it revealed the structure of Samuel Snow’s letters, something that had been hidden to us. Without
all of the explanations, we lay these lines out below. First, Samuel Snow’s letters with the Gregorian
dates.

29
Again in the ninth year, in the tenth month, in the tenth day of the month, the word of the LORD came unto me, saying, Son of man,
write thee the name of the day, even of this same day: the king of Babylon set himself against Jerusalem this same day. (Ezekiel 24:1-
2)
30
A more detailed study of this can be found other places. However, we note that July 21 is exactly half way between April 19 (1D
1M) and October 22, 1844 (10D 7M). The date for the midnight cry being empowered at Exeter is the 1D 5M (August 15, 1844),
while midnight, or “midway between the time when it had been first thought that the 2300 days would end, and the autumn of the
same year, to which it was afterward found that they extended, the message was proclaimed in the very words of Scripture: “Behold,
the Bridegroom cometh!”” { GC 398.3}
31
The first “time setting” done by this movement was in 2012, where using the shekels of Daniel 5, it was suggested that a “Sunday
law” would occur in 2014. It was recognised later that this is what occurred, though not in the way we imagined.
 The writing and publishing dates of Samuel Snow’s letters are:
1. Dear Bro. Southard – February 16, 1844; MC, Feb 22, 1844; HST April 3, 1844
2. Dear Brethren of the Advent Faith – MC, May 2, 1844
3. Dear Bro. Southard – June 22, 1844; MC June 27, 1844
4. Confirming the Covenant – June 29, 1844; MC July 18, 1844

The line of the perdition for the close of probation for the priests on November 9, 2019 was
discover while making a calculation at noon on October 13, 2018, to see how many days it would be to
November 9, a date predicted by Tess Lambert for the close of probation for this movement. This
calculation was done during a sermon where the prediction that the midnight cry would be given at
Lambert Church on October 13 was discussed. This date was predicted on July 27, 2018, based upon
126 days (ordinal counting) intervening from the end of the international campmeeting in Italy on June
10, 2018. The details of this prophecy can be found elsewhere.32

When we lay the Julian dates of this structure, using July 18, 2020, the parallels are impossibly
consistent with Snow’s letters in 1844.

391 YEARS AND 6 MONTHS

While Litch’s prophecy terminates with the Turkish Sultan yielding to the protection of the four
Christian powers, it also ends with the final calculation of 15 days from July 27, to August 11, 1840. WE
have noted earlier that the Julian date of July 27 in 1299 is never adjusted by Lich in 1840 to
compensate for the change of calendars. We have also noted that the biblical date matches with July 27
on the Julian calendar and the Gregorian calendar in 1299 and 1840 respectively. It was only recently
that it was noticed that this also applies for 1449. More specifically, July 27 on the Gregorian calendar
aligns with the 26 D 4M on the biblical calendar in 1449. That is, it was noticed that the Julian date of
July 18 had aligned with the 26D 4M but the author had never considered the Gregorian date.
It was then suggested that six months be added to the date of July 27, 1840, rather than the 15
days. These months would be added prophetically. That is, we would apply a day for a year to the six
months. The result was that we arrived at 2020 by adding 180 years (six months) to 1840. This may
seem a stretch to some, though it is hard to argue with the results. First the date that was arrived at,
when we looked at the biblical date of 26D 4M in 2020 was July 18. This is a date we already had in

32
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QncD4twR8aw&t=3392s
 2020, though in Julian and not Gregorian, based upon Ezekiel 4:4-6. It was further noticed that there
were 252 days from November 9, 2019 to July 18, 2020. More significantly, it gave us the reason that the
elders of Israel will come to enquire of the LORD and sit before us. They will just have witnessed the
fulfillment of a prediction made by us.33
We will also notice some interesting structural characteristics of this line. For one, there is a
symmetry, the five months end with the 26D 4M being July 18 (Julian) while the 6 months end with the
26D 4M marking July 18 Gregorian. July 27 1449 uses the Gregorian date, to match in 1840. The 150
years and the 180 years add to the total of years from the giving of the prophecy of Josiah in 977 to its
fulfilment in 627.

There are just too many coincidences to ignore this prediction. In Millerite history, the date of
Samuel Snow’s last letter of the prediction before midnight is July 18, 1840. The prediction that we are
making is July18, 2020. We have been saying for several years that the prediction would be in regard to
Islam striking America. It seems that this prediction is finally set in place.

33
It is hard to know whether or not the Julian date of July 18 (July 31, Gregorian) is literal or that it is used as a symbol for the literal
date that Islam will strike. That is, why would they wait for 13 days, prior to coming to enquire?