22 . Prophecies Fulfilled
When the time passed at which the Lord ' s coming was first expected , --in the spring of 1844 , --those who had looked in faith for His appearing were for a season involved in doubt and uncertainty . While the world regarded them as having been utterly defeated and proved to have been cherishing a delusion , their source of consolation was still the word of God . 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 special blessing of the Lord , both in the conversion of sinners and the revival of spiritual life among Christians , had testified that the message was of Heaven . And though the believers could not explain their disappointment , they felt assured that God had led them in their past experience .
Interwoven with prophecies which they had regarded as applying to the time of the second advent was instruction specially adapted to their state of uncertainty and suspense , and encouraging them to wait patiently in the faith that what was now dark to their understanding would in due time be made plain . Among these prophecies was that of Habakkuk 2:1-4 : " I will stand upon my watch , and set me upon the tower , and will watch to see what He will say unto me , and what I shall answer when I am reproved . And the Lord answered me , and said , 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 . Behold , his soul which is lifted up is not upright in him : but the just shall live by his faith ."
As early as 1842 the direction given in this prophecy to " write the vision , and make it plain upon tables , that he may run that readeth it ," had suggested to Charles Fitch the preparation of a prophetic chart to illustrate the visions of Daniel and the Revelation . The publication of this chart was regarded as a fulfillment of the command given by Habakkuk . No one , however , then noticed than an apparent delay in the accomplishment of the vision--a tarrying time--is presented in the same prophecy . After the disappointment , this scripture appeared very significant : " 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 . . . . The just shall live by his faith ."
A portion of Ezekiel ' s prophecy also was a source of strength and comfort to believers : " The word of the Lord came unto me , saying , Son of man , what is that proverb that ye have in
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