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Chapter 13—William Miller
An upright, honest-hearted farmer, who had been led to doubt
the divine authority of the Scriptures, yet who sincerely desired to
know the truth, was the man chosen of God to proclaim the nearness
of Christ’s second coming. Like many other reformers, William
Miller had in early life battled with poverty, and had thus learned
the great lessons of energy and self-denial. His mind was active and
well-developed, and he had a keen thirst for knowledge. Though he
had not enjoyed the advantages of a collegiate education, his love
of study and a habit of careful thought and close criticism rendered
him a man of sound judgment and comprehensive views.
He possessed an irreproachable moral character and an enviable
reputation, being generally esteemed for his integrity, thrift, and
benevolence. In childhood he had been subject to religious impres-
sions; but in early manhood, being thrown almost exclusively into
the society of deists, he was led to adopt their sentiments, which he
continued to hold for about twelve years. At the age of thirty-four,
however, the Holy Spirit impressed his heart with a sense of his
condition as a sinner. He found in his former belief no assurance
of happiness beyond the grave. The future was dark and gloomy.
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Referring afterward to his feelings at this time, he said:—
“Annihilation was a cold and chilling thought, and accountability
was sure destruction to all. The heavens were as brass over my head,
and the earth as iron under my feet. Eternity—what was it? And
death—why was it? The more I reasoned, the further I was from
demonstration. The more I thought, the more scattered were my
conclusions. I tried to stop thinking; but my thoughts would not be
controlled. I was truly wretched, but did not understand the cause.
I murmured and complained, but knew not of whom. I knew that
there was a wrong, but knew not where or how to find the right. I
mourned, but without hope.”
In this state he continued for some months. “Suddenly,” he says,
“the character of a Saviour was vividly impressed upon my mind.
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