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not of God, than is the presence of fanatics and deceivers in the
church in Paul’s or Luther’s day a sufficient excuse for discarding or
ridiculing their work. Let the people of God arouse out of sleep, and
begin in earnest the work of repentance and reformation, let them
search the Scriptures to learn the truth as it is in Jesus, let them make
an entire consecration to God, and evidence will not be wanting that
Satan is still active and vigilant. With all possible deception will
he manifest his power, calling to his aid all the fallen angels of his
realm.
It was not the proclamation of the Advent message that created
fanaticism and division. These appeared in the summer of 1844,
when Adventists were in a state of doubt and perplexity concerning
their real position. The preaching of the first message in 1843, and
of the midnight cry in 1844, tended directly to repress fanaticism
and dissension. Those who participated in these solemn movements
were in harmony; their hearts were filled with love for one another,
and for Jesus, whom they expected soon to see. The one faith,
the one blessed hope, lifted them above the control of any human
influence, and proved a shield against the assaults of Satan.
Chapter 17—The Midnight Cry
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“While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept. And
at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh;
go ye out to meet him. Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed
their lamps.” [Matthew 25:5-7.]
In the summer of 1844, Adventists discovered the mistake in
their former reckoning of the prophetic periods, and settled upon the
correct position. The 2300 days of Daniel 8:14, which all believed to extend to the second coming of Christ, had been thought to end in
the spring of 1844; but it was now seen that this period extended to
the autumn of the same year, [See Appendix, note 1.] and the minds of Adventists were fixed upon this point as the time for the Lord’s
appearing. The proclamation of this time message was another step
in the fulfillment of the parable of the marriage, whose application
to the experience of Adventists had already been clearly seen. As in
the parable the cry was raised at midnight a
of the bridegroom, so in the fulfillment, midway between the spring
of 1844, when it was first supposed that the 2300 days would close,
and the autumn of 1844, at which time it was afterward found that
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they were really to close, such a cry was raised, in the very words
of Scripture: “Behold, the Bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet
him.”
Like a tidal wave the movement swept over the land. From city
to city, from village to village, and into remote country places it
went, until the waiting people of God were fully aroused. Before
this proclamation, fanaticism disappeared, like early frost before
the rising sun. Believers once more found their position, and hope
and courage animated their hearts. The work was free from those
extremes which are ever manifested when there is human excitement
without the controlling influence of the word and Spirit of God. It
was similar in character to those seasons of humiliation and returning
unto the Lord which among ancient Israel followed messages of
reproof from his servants. It bore the characteristics which mark the
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work of God in every age. There was little ecstatic joy, but rather
deep searching of heart, confession of sin, and forsaking of the
world. A preparation to meet the Lord was the burden of agonizing
spirits. There was persevering prayer, and unreserved consecration
to God.
Said Wm. Miller, in describing that work: “There is no great
expression of joy; that is, as it were, suppressed for a future occasion,
when all Heaven and earth will rejoice together with joy unspeakable
and full of glory. There is no shouting; that, too, is reserved for the
shout from Heaven. The singers are silent; they are waiting to join
the angelic hosts, the choir from Heaven. No arguments are used
or needed; all seem convinced that they have the truth. There is no
clashing of sentiments; all are of one heart and of one mind.”
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Of all the great religious movements since the days of the apos-
tles, none have been more free from human imperfection and the
wiles of Satan than was that of the autumn of 1844. Even now,
after the lapse of forty years, all who shared in that movement and
who have stood firm upon the platform of truth, still feel the holy
influence of that blessed work, and bear witness that it was of God.
At the call, “The Bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him,” the
waiting ones “arose and trimmed their lamps;” they studied the word
of God with an intensity of interest before unknown. Angels were
sent from Heaven to arouse those who had become discouraged, and
prepare them to receive the message. The work did not stand in the
wisdom and learning of men, but in the power of God. It was not the
most talented, but the most humble and devoted, who were the first
to hear and obey the call. Farmers left their crops standing in the
fields, mechanics laid down their tools, and with tears and rejoicing
went out to give the warning. Those who had formerly led in the
cause were among the last to join in this movement. The churches
in general closed their doors against it, and a large company who
had the living testimony withdrew from their co
providence of God, this cry united with the second angel’s message,
and gave power to that work.
The midnight cry was not so much carried by argument, though
the Scripture proof was clear and conclusive. There went with it
an impelling power that moved the soul. There was no doubt, no
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questioning. Upon the occasion of Christ’s triumphal entry into
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Jerusalem, the people who were assembled from all parts of the land
to keep the feast, flocked to the Mount of Olives, and as they joined
the throng that were escorting Jesus, they caught the inspiration of
the hour, and helped to swell the shout, “Blessed is he that cometh
in the name of the Lord!” [Matthew 21:9.] In like ma
some merely to ridicule—feel the convincing power attending the
message, “Behold, the Bridegroom cometh!”
At that time there was faith that brought answers to prayer,—
faith that had respect to the recompense of reward. Like showers of
rain upon the thirsty earth, the Spirit of grace descended upon the
earnest seekers. Those who expected soon to stand face to face with
their Redeemer felt a solemn joy that was unutterable. The softening,