Collected Writings of William Miller and Millerite Preachers, Vol. 2 Of 2

Book excerpt: William Miller, with the assistance of many preachers of many faiths, created a great religious awakening, in the early 1840s based on their belief that Bible prophesy predicted that Christ would return to this earth in 1843/1844 to initiate His eternal kingdom. No one, then or since, has been able to disprove their conclusions that Daniel's prophecy "Unto 2,300 days then shall the sanctuary be cleansed," did not end on October 22, 1844. Latter study confirms that the prophecy accurately predicted Christ's High Priestly initiation of the final cleansing of His spiritual and heavenly sanctuary-the Great Day of Atonement. This activity involves reviewing the lives of all of Christ's professed followers throughout history as to whether or not they have allowed the new birth experience to fit them for heaven. The purpose is to determine who are the true wise virgins that will be gathered into His eternal kingdom when He does return. The Revelation refers to this judgment event as the first angel's message: "And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people, Saying with a loud voice, Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment is come: and worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters." (Revelation 14:6-7 KJV) The reader of this two volume set will be greatly impressed by the depth and solidness of the study of William Miller and his supportive ministers. Only the more prominent of the Eastern United States are included in this collection;-there were many more, even in foreign lands, promoting the same messages. Volume 1 of this set includes all of the material by William Miller, and most of that by Samuel Bliss. Volume 2 contains a final book by Bliss and the material of the other ten featured authors. Sample titles are: Miller-Evidence from Scripture and History of the Second Coming of Christ Bliss- Analysis of Sacred Chronology Crosier-The Sanctuary Fitch-Come Out of Her, My People Foy-The Christian Experience of William E. Foy Hale-Herald of the Bridegroom Litch-An Address to the Public, and Especially the Clergy Preble-The Two Adams Snow-The True Midnight Cry, Storrs-The Rich Man and Lazarus Ward-History and Doctrine of the Millennium Whiting-Origin, Nature, and Influence of Neology Miller, William (1782-1849)-.Farmer, preacher, and author. Miller was born at Pittsfield, Massachusetts. His formal schooling consisted of only 18 months, but he became self-taught through his strong habit of reading. He also early began to write, composing poetry and keeping a diary. His reading exposed him to infidel authors who influenced him in the direction of deism. He became a justice of the peace in his late twenties, and fought in the War of 1812. Several experiences during this conflict turned his mind toward a personal God. By 1816 he was converted, and began Bible study in earnest. He wrote, "The Scriptures . . . became my delight, and in Jesus I found a friend." The initial expectation of the Advent believers was disappointed when the spring of 1844 passed without Christ's return. The seventh-month movement the following summer revived expectation with a focus on October 22 of that year. Miller accepted the validity of that date shortly before it came. But with this "passing of the time" the faith of all was sorely tested. Miller responded, "Although I have been twice disappointed, I am not yet cast down or discouraged. Although surrounded with enemies and scoffers, yet my mind is perfectly calm, and my hope in the coming of Christ is as strong as ever" (Letter, November 10, 1844 [Herald of the Midnight Cry, 107]).