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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
to distant lands. The testimony of the Scriptures pointing to the
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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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