Chapter 22—William Miller
I saw that God sent his angel to move upon the heart of a farmer
who had not believed the Bible, and led him to search the prophecies.
Angels of God repeatedly visited that chosen one, and guided his mind,
and opened his understanding to prophecies which had ever been dark
to God’s people. The commencement of the chain of truth was given
him, and he was led on to search for link after link, until he looked
with wonder and admiration upon the word of God. He saw there a
perfect chain of truth. That Word which he had regarded as uninspired,
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now opened before his vision with beauty and glory. He saw that
one portion of scripture explained another, and when one portion was
closed to his understanding, he found in another portion of the Word
that which explained it. He regarded the sacred word of God with joy,
and with the deepest respect and awe.
As he followed down the prophecies, he saw that the inhabitants of
earth were living in the closing scenes of this world’s history, and they
knew it not. He looked at the corruptions of the churches, and saw that
their love was taken from Jesus, and placed on the world, and that they
were seeking for worldly honor instead of that honor which cometh
from above; ambitious for worldly riches, instead of laying up their
treasure in heaven. Hypocrisy, darkness and death he could see every
where. His spirit was stirred within him. God called him to leave his
farm, as Elisha was called to leave his oxen and the field of his labor
to follow Elijah. With trembling, William Miller began to unfold the
mysteries of the kingdom of God to the people. He gained strength
with every effort. He carried the people down through the prophecies
to the second advent of Christ. As John the Baptist heralded the first
advent of Jesus, and prepared the way for his coming, so also, Wm.
Miller and those who joined him, proclaimed the second advent of the
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Son of God.
I was carried back to the days of the disciples, and was shown
the beloved John, that God had a special work for him to accomplish.
Satan was determined to hinder this work, and he led on his servants
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