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less infidelity now than it was in the days of infidel France; and yet
who does not know that these things are as common as pulpits and
presses are? And which of these questions are not publicly denied
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in our pulpits, and by the writers and editors of the public papers?
“Surely, we have fallen on strange times. I expected of course
the doctrine of Christ’s speedy coming would be opposed by infidels,
blasphemers, drunkards, gamblers, and the like; but I did not expect
that ministers of the gospel and professors of religion would unite
with characters of the above description, at stores and public places,
in ridiculing the solemn doctrine of the second advent. Many who
were not professors of religion have affirmed to me these facts, and
say they have seen them and have felt their blood chilled at the sight.
“These are some of the effects which are produced by preaching
this solemn and soul-stirring doctrine among our Pharisees of the
present day. Is it possible that such ministers and members are
obeying God, and watching and praying for his glorious appearing,
while they join these scoffers in their unholy and ungodly remarks?
William Miller
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If Christ does come, where must they appear? and what a dreadful
account they will meet in that tremendous hour!”
It is the lot of God’s servants to suffer opposition and reproach
from their contemporaries. Now, as in the time of our Saviour, men
build the sepulchers and sound the praises of the dead prophets,
while they persecute the living messengers of the Most High. Wm.
Miller was despised and hated by the ungodly and unbelieving; but
his influence and his labors were a blessing to the world. Under his
preaching, thousands of si
reclaimed, and multitudes were led to study the Scriptures and to
find in them a beauty and glory before unknown.
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Chapter 14—The First Angel’s Message
The prophecy of the first angel’s message, brought to view in
Revelation 14, found its fulfillment in the Advent movement of 1840-1844. In both Europe and America, men of faith and prayer
were deeply moved as their attention was called to the prophecies,
and, tracing down the inspired record, they saw convincing evidence
that the end of all things was at hand. The Spirit of God urged his
servants, to give the warning. Far and wide spread the message of
the everlasting gospel, “Fear God, and give glory to him; for the
hour of his Judgment is come.” [Revelation 14:7.]
Wherever missionaries had penetrated, were sent the glad tidings
of Christ’s speedy return. In different lands were found isolated
bodies of Christians, who, solely by the study of the Scriptures, had
arrived at the belief that the Saviour’s advent was near. In some
portions of Europe, where the laws were so oppressive as to forbid
the preaching of the Advent doctrine, little children were impelled
to declare it, and many listened to the solemn warning.
To Wm. Miller and his co-laborers it was given to preach the
message in America, and the light kindled by their labors shone out
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to distant lands. The testimony of the Scriptures pointing to the
coming of Christ in 1843, awakened wide-spread interest. Many
were convinced that the arguments from the prophetic periods were
correct, and, sacrificing their pride of opinion, they joyfully received
the truth. Some ministers laid aside their sectarian views and feel-
ings, left their salaries and their churches, and united in proclaiming
the coming of Jesus. There were but few ministers, however, who
would accept this message; therefore it was largely committed to
humble laymen. Farmers left their fields, mechanics their tools,
traders their merchandise, professional men their positions; and yet
the number of workers was small in comparison with the work to
be accomplished. The condition of an ungodly church and a world
lying in wickedness burdened the souls of the true watchmen, and
they willingly endured toil, privation, and suffering that they might
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First Angel’s Message
147
call men to repentance unto salvation. Though opposed by Satan,
the work went steadily forward, and the Advent truth was accepted
by many thousands.
Everywhere was heard the searching testimony warning si
both worldlings and church-members, to flee from the wrath to come.
Like John the Baptist, the foreru
the ax at the root of the tree, and urged all to bring forth fruit meet
for repentance. Their stirring appeals were in marked contrast to the
assurances of peace and safety that were heard from popular pulpits;
and wherever the message was given, it moved the people. The
simple, direct testimony of the Scriptures, set home by the power of
the Holy Spirit, brought a weight of conviction which few were able
wholly to resist. Professors of religion were roused from their false
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security. They saw their backslidings, their worldliness and unbelief,
their pride and selfishness. Many sought the Lord with repentance
and humiliation. The affections that had so long clung to earthly
things they now fixed upon Heaven. The Spirit of God rested upon
them, and with hearts softened and subdued they joined to sound the
cry, “Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his Judgment
is come.”
Si
Those whose lives had been marked with dishonesty were anxious
to make restitution. All who found peace in Christ longed to see
others share the blessing. The hearts of parents were turned to their
children, and the hearts of children to their parents. The barriers of
pride and reserve were swept away. Heartfelt confessions were made,
and the members of the household labored for the salvation of those
who were nearest and dearest. Often was heard the sound of earnest
intercession. Everywhere were souls in deep anguish, pleading with
God. Many wrestled all night in prayer for the assurance that their
own sins were pardoned, or for the conversion of their relatives or
neighbors. That earnest, determined faith gained its object. Had the
people of God continued to be thus importunate in prayer, pressing
their petitions at the mercy-seat, they would be in possession of a far
richer experience than they now have. There is too little prayer, too
little real conviction of sin; and the lack of living faith leaves many
destitute of the grace so richly provided by our gracious Redeemer.
All classes flocked to the Adventist meetings. Rich and poor,
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The Spirit of Prophecy, vol. 4
high and low, were, from various causes, anxious to hear for them-