Chapter 18—An American Reformer
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 specially chosen of God to lead out in the
proclamation 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. The members of
the family from which he sprung were characterized by an independent,
liberty-loving spirit, by capability of endurance, and ardent patriotism;
traits which were also prominent in his character. His father was a
captain in the army of the Revolution, and to the sacrifices which he
made in the struggles and sufferings of that stormy period, may be
traced the straitened circumstances of Miller’s early life.
He had a sound physical constitution, and even in childhood gave
evidence of more than ordinary intellectual strength. As he grew older,
this became more marked. His mind was active and well-developed,
and he had a keen thirst for knowledge. Though he did not enjoy 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 integrity, thrift, and benevolence. By dint of energy and application
he early acquired a competence, though his habits of study were still
maintained. He filled various civil and military offices with credit, and
the avenues to wealth and honor seemed wide open to him.
[318]
His mother was a woman of sterling piety, and in childhood he
had been subject to religious impressions. In early manhood, however,
he was thrown into the society of deists, whose influence was the
stronger from the fact that they were mostly good citizens, and men of
humane and benevolent disposition. Living, as they did, in the midst
of Christian institutions, their characters had been to some extent
moulded by their surroundings. For the excellencies which won them
respect and confidence they were indebted to the Bible; and yet these
263