1867. Thurman writes in the Preface that having, through the light of astronomy, examined those unerring records of God's celestial calendar as given, for a declaration of times and a sign of the world (Ecclesiastics xliii. 6) and thus discovered the truth as to the correct chronology of our Bible, which removes the seal and opens the book of Daniel, my object in this work is to write the vision and make it plain upon tables (Hab.ii.2) to disclose that portion of the sure word of prophecy (2 Pet. i. 19) which was shut up and sealed till the time of the end (Dan.xii.4,9); and prepare a book of reference for the convenience of those who, calling no man father upon earth (Matt.xxiii.9), wish to act the more noble part in that they examine themselves and search the scriptures daily as to whether those things are so (Acts xvii.11).