Basic HTML Version
First Angel’s Message
277
As he followed down the prophecies he saw that the inhabitants
of the earth were living in the closing scenes of this world’s history;
yet they knew it not. He looked at the churches, and saw that they
were corrupt; they had taken their affections from Jesus and placed
them on the world; they were seeking for worldly honor, instead of
that honor which cometh from above; grasping for worldly riches,
instead of laying up their treasure in heaven. He could see hypocrisy,
darkness, and death everywhere. His spirit was stirred within him.
God called him to leave his farm, as He called Elisha to leave his
oxen and the field of his labor to follow Elijah.
With trembling, William Miller began to unfold to the people
the mysteries of the kingdom of God, carrying his hearers down
through the prophecies to the second advent of Christ. The testimony
of the Scriptures pointing to the coming of Christ in 1843 awak-
ened widespread interest. Many were convinced that the arguments
from the prophetic periods were correct, and, sacrificing their pride
[358]
of opinion, they joyfully received the truth. Some ministers laid
aside their sectarian views and feelings, 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 mer-
chandise, 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 call men to repentance
unto salvation. Though opposed by Satan, the work went steadily
forward, and the advent truth was accepted by many thousands.
A Great Religious Revival
Everywhere was heard the searching testimony warning sinners,
both worldlings and church members, to flee from the wrath to come.
Like John the Baptist, the forerunner of Christ, the preachers laid
the ax at the root of the tree and urged all to bring forth fruit meet
for repentance. Their stirring appeals were in marked contrast to the